“A Kuwaiti, a Saudi and one from Qatar”.
I knew what I’m about to hear was not good at all.
That’s how the conversation with the bus driver started as we were waiting at the first stop.
I didn’t hold my breath for what’s about to come next. Because by now I’m used to it, it has become a familiar pattern. Not a pattern for Muslims, but the pattern of what Non-Muslims remember about Muslims.
“He started drinking beer and I told him are you supposed to do that!! and he replied well it is different I’m in UK now”
WTH! This is a new religion all together. A religion that is bounded by geographical location apparently.
I for one do have a change in behaviour when I’m abroad, less self concious and more out going, I can put on my trainings and go for a run and not have to deal with stupid remarks and comments.
But that is an extreme …
That dude should’ve said: “Well it’s not allowed but I’m an ignorant self centred dumb ass who doesn’t know the first thing about Islam, so please consider this my doing and not a reflection of my religion”.
People remember the ODD and they also remember what they like to believe!
Down the corridor, there are a group of Muslim guys, who drink and laugh like maniacs at night and cook and eat in the mornings of Ramadan.
As a person who’s aware of what Islam is, I know they are acting out on their own accord.
To outsiders who have a negative view about Islam, it’s a rebellious act against a dark religion which oppresses the youth and starves them out of food and water forbidding them from enjoying life.
To outsiders who have a positive view about Islam, it’s just boys drinking and eating and it has nothing to do with Islam.
I met a girl a few days ago, she’s just embraced Islam, it was so beautiful how she summed up deciding to become a Muslim “AHA, now it makes sense”.
I wished I can see through her eyes and feel what she is feeling and then I thought to myself, maybe I need a journey of my own, a journey to rediscover Islam.
#1 by Haider on September 3, 2010 - 9:40 PM
Interesting post.
I think it’s important for Muslims to consider the following scenario: If you were a non-believer during the Prophet’s time, would you have embraced Islam? What would make you do so, and what obstacles might prevent you from doing so?
Since we’re born Muslim, we don’t realize that we possess the same qualities the non-believers possessed and, sadly, we haven’t gotten rid of them. We treat new ideas as false, simply because they’re new (which is what the non-believers did). We have too much pride to admit when we’re wrong (which is what the non-believers did). We judge based on tradition [= 3adat ou taqaleed] (which is what the non-believers did).
The early Muslims had to: think for themselves, be willing to take a critical look at their beliefs and customs, be open-minded, and refine their thinking apparatus, to adjust to a new worldview that was being presented to them.
I use this scenario as a reference point for what character I wish to possess, and what character I wish to avoid. Although the Salaf talk a lot about following in the footsteps of the early Muslims, but beneath the short dishdasha, they’re a lot like the non-believers of the Prophet’s time.
I’ve gone through several iterations (to throw in a programming term!
) of discovering Islam for myself, and have changed my opinions several times along the way.
It’s not always a pleasant experience, and it’s not usually welcomed by others, but it makes me feel more connected with the early Muslims, and it’s a healthier approach to life than any other approach.
#2 by Bloggylife on September 24, 2010 - 7:42 PM
I like how you put it “we don’t realize that we possess the same qualities the non-believers possess”.
It’s because most of us a raised to NOT question and some do that and loose sight.
But I do thank GOD I was born a Muslim, no guarantees I’ll find my way, and I have to becareful or I’ll loose it. Two way street I guess!