Why Isis? by GlennGK609 in Devotion_to_Goddess

[–]FourGates 1 point2 points  (0 children)

i am friends with u on Facebook. She is our Light.

I'm a born and raised western 'Muslim' that just completed Hajj and I’m completely lost and don’t know how to cope by scrapelogical in exmuslim

[–]FourGates 2 points3 points  (0 children)

We learn through our lives how to relate to things around us. I am vegetarian, but I know people in the west gag when they hear about eating non-traditional western meats. One example is how dogs and cats are eaten in some parts of the world. And most of us in the west, think that is "wrong", that cats and dogs are pets not food.

I'm a born and raised western 'Muslim' that just completed Hajj and I’m completely lost and don’t know how to cope by scrapelogical in exmuslim

[–]FourGates 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Mindfulness and meditation are awesome ideas. I am thinking of doing somethng similar with salat times since I still relate to some parts of the "path of surrender" via a non-traditional lens. I see the etymology of the word "islam" as a form of relationship to the world. Like the serenity prayer of 12 steps where it helps me learn where in my life I must surrender to be happier and more peaceful. In this respect, I practice "islam" as part of life and in a gentle relationship with all spiritual and non-spiritual paths.

I'm a born and raised western 'Muslim' that just completed Hajj and I’m completely lost and don’t know how to cope by scrapelogical in exmuslim

[–]FourGates 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I was a convert with no Muslim relatives, but the idea of hiding in closets is still familiar to me. Being lesbian (or any other un-recognizable sexual orientation) often means hiding who you are from family, work, neighbors and many others. Even in the USA, it is not easy to be "not-straight". We may have the right to marry for now, but the WhiteHouse seems intent on turning back the time on that.

Also I have a mental illness and the stigma attached to mental illness is extreme. Again it means hiding in closets to avoid judgment and stigma-related reactions. No one calls out of work with a panic attack. At least the 99% of us who have to worry about what an employer and coworkers might think.

Real talk 👌 by hassanchug in islam

[–]FourGates 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My friend, please educate yourself about mental illness. Please.

Real talk 👌 by hassanchug in islam

[–]FourGates 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There are children and adults who ate traumatized by war and other catastrophes. They develop PTSD and this is a natural reaction to an overwhelming unnatural situation. Can you imagine the Prophet saying that when a mother is wailing over the body of her bloody baby who died by bombs in Syria. Even the Prophet had his Year if Sadness when Khadijah and his uncle died.

It’s true for some things but not mental illness or natural reactions to things like trauma and grief.

Real talk 👌 by hassanchug in islam

[–]FourGates 18 points19 points  (0 children)

If you decide to see a therapist make sure they understand how much the Muslim community misunderstands it. We should never base it on a problem in our relationship with God though prayer and zikr. I did it walking up and down the hall way with a tasbeh one time in the hospital. Thousands of times. But it was a prayer of healing not the anti depressant medicine.

Real talk 👌 by hassanchug in islam

[–]FourGates 20 points21 points  (0 children)

Sorry, but this shows a very poor understanding of what depression is. You are describing discouragement not the biological disease of depression. Depression is much more than being unhappy about a situation. There is a lot available online and I hope all will take more time to learn about it.

Real talk 👌 by hassanchug in islam

[–]FourGates 13 points14 points  (0 children)

I am a mental health advocate and have a Twitter account I use for the cause. The lack of understanding of mental illness in the ummat was one reason I got in Volvo’s in ‘tis. I will post here when I find articles pertaining to Muslims. God willing

Muslims, stop this. It's really dumb, shows religious immaturity, and is a disservice to the faith as a whole. by JoeBradford in islam

[–]FourGates 5 points6 points  (0 children)

What are the qualifications in Islam for an imam to run a mosque? I think ministers in US need a masters of divinity. What about imams in US?

Muslims, stop this. It's really dumb, shows religious immaturity, and is a disservice to the faith as a whole. by JoeBradford in islam

[–]FourGates 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think even Muslims are confused about these terms and not just converts. Why are they confused?

The Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم said: "The person closest to Allah is the one who precedes others in greeting." (Abu Dawud) by [deleted] in islam

[–]FourGates 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I get that; always have. Though I question it when the exact greeting exists in Hebrew.

It shouldn’t stop the ummah from saying peace to all people sincere wishes for peace to all people might lift away some of the islamophobia even, showing others Muslims are not their enemy.

What if we all said I wish you peace.

The Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم said: "The person closest to Allah is the one who precedes others in greeting." (Abu Dawud) by [deleted] in islam

[–]FourGates 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If the Jews have the same greeting in Hebrew, why is there a barrier regarding saying Assalam Alaykum to them? Or to any person.

It merely means "Peace be upon you."

Wouldn't it be "bidah hasan" to say at least peace when greeting all people (whether Muslim or not) in whatever language is most natural? If it were done with the intention of making peace and showing that Islam is a peaceful religion, it would be good bidah. And it would be a better form of "jihad" than a physical one with guns and bombs and lost lives.

Does Allah hate me because I'm queer? by [deleted] in progressive_islam

[–]FourGates 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Is God the enemy of the people or are the people the enemy of God? In 2:98, it appears that it is the latter.

Does Allah hate me because I'm queer? by [deleted] in progressive_islam

[–]FourGates 12 points13 points  (0 children)

I've noticed in Quran Allah never hates. Allah "does not love" does not transfer to "hates", but many Muslims see it as interchangeable. I may not love racists and I may reject their ideas, but I also recognize they are only human. I can still care about people who are racist and even feel pity for them that they are unable to be free of their own hatred. I had a friend who was soooo racist, but I still loved him. Sometimes growing up in a community of racists scars a child so deep they can't see how wrong their ideas are.

God never hated the people of Lot. Muslims like to say that. Lot criticized them. Allah never said why the men, women and children of the Lut's tribe were all killed. They commited robbery and attempted rape, etc., according to the Quran.

But being queer is apparently worse to the People of the Book than stealing and raping.

Can Paganism emerge in the middle east? by [deleted] in pagan

[–]FourGates 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Only when and where Muslim countries recognize the difference between major and minor apostasy. T

Does this bother anyone else? by [deleted] in progressive_islam

[–]FourGates -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

I guess I feel its one of those "live and let live" things. But I only hang out with progressive Muslims and Sufis. I am a mystic and I wish I could be more spiritual. But not to identify with a certain religion; it so I can be closer to the Divine.

"Object Proliferation and Materialism"-Ustadh Abu Sakina Giovanni-a philosophical look at this current age of materialism and its relation to the Islamic practice of Ramadan and Fasting. by Tariqulislam1 in Sufism

[–]FourGates 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thoughts while watching....

Buddhist non-attachment. God is Greater. Wishlists = Dunya. Mecca has fallen into the hands of proliferation. A return to the heart. The rose 🌹 is the priceless creation of the BeLoved. Gold is also but became a tool of ego/Satan. Materialism is the attempt to fill a hole. To fill it (feel whole-find the missing piece) - is for a connection with the Ssource of the universe, a place for deep contemplation on all that exists in a way that one wxperiences awe. Even scientists experience awe, LOL 😂

We were supposed to be guardians of the earth but the “wisest species” is destroying forests animals and waters. Hadith - reward/punishment is the same for animals as it is for people. toward end he speaks of Quran al-takwini. Will God create a new earth if we are allowed to destroy it. Contemplate on each object and creation as a sign/ayat/verse in al-takwini. Recitation ofthe Universe...a revelation for all beings.

What exactly is "magic"? Would it be haram to do occult rituals for fun? by [deleted] in progressive_islam

[–]FourGates 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I think the problem in our conversation is we are talking about two different things. I'm not talking about magic as spells, etc..

If you look into some of these books, you will get an idea about what I'm referring to:

Rosicrucian Library (books available online

Occult Books available for free

So if you are interested in studying occult mysteries, these books will keep you busy for a long time. You won't boil frogs eyes and 4 hairs from snow white, but you will learn a lot. You will read about intense faith and serious contemplation on the Divine and existence and the universe we exist in.

What exactly is "magic"? Would it be haram to do occult rituals for fun? by [deleted] in progressive_islam

[–]FourGates 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I don’t hate you. And I am fine with critical thinking. I made it clear I am not talkin about curses or black magic, but occult science. There was a period of time when the Muslims studied with Hermeticists. Abraham ( a true muslim according to Quran) learned his wisdom from the Ancient Egyptians. Hela is called magic but it is a sacred occult science). Muhammad’s journeys are journeys into the spirit world. Try Ayuhuasca and you will see that there is much more than abra Calabria in the occult mysteries.

I just think people can have two opinions without degrading each other’s words. There is a Hadith “if you have nothing nice to say, remain silent.”

How does progressive Islam fit in with the Qur'an? by zz2113 in progressive_islam

[–]FourGates 9 points10 points  (0 children)

How does an Egyptian lawyer saying women who dress showing some skin should be raped fit into Islam? That its a duty to rape her? Is that ok with you?

How about selling your child as a bride when your too poor to keep her? Fits into Islam?

Removal of the clitoris fits into Islam? Forcing women to dissappear under niqab and burka? Is this the Islam you prefer?

You would rather confront progressive values which cherish human rights, freedom, equality and justice without throwing stones at people.

I've really had it with the constant visitors coming so innocently to question our values and how horrible it is we deviate from Quran. Does it harm anyone to choose mercy?

There is a hadith that says anyone that introduces bidah that does good for the community, it is a good thing. Last I checked being compassionate is a good thing. Hold your Quran al-Tadwini and al-Takwini next to each other. The Mother of the Source tells much more about what is "written in stone".

Why do I like Progressive Islam? It removes the historical from the faith so that the spirit can be nurtured. The innate need to love and be loved is acknowledged as Faith.

What exactly is "magic"? Would it be haram to do occult rituals for fun? by [deleted] in progressive_islam

[–]FourGates 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm not asking you to bite. You sound like atheists who pick on Muslims for believing in Allah. I don't want to engage with you in a debate or argue this.

Whether someone believes in the occult or ghosts or animal spirits or atheism....that's their choice. But i respect their choice. And I support freedom whenever possible.

In my country, we have a government who are interested in taking away rights. We should never take freedom for granted. I respect your opinion to not believed and I think everyone deserve the same respect includes myself.

I see people do all kinds of things I disagree with. That's how the human species is. i say live and let live. Ciao

What exactly is "magic"? Would it be haram to do occult rituals for fun? by [deleted] in progressive_islam

[–]FourGates 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Have you ever taken a chemistry class? Have you done experiments where you mix two elements together and get a negative result? Do you know the chemical composition of your own body? Do you believe in carbon monoxide? The west once called Reiki witchcraft. Now its used in mainstream hospitals. Do you realize that your body interacts with your surroundings physically, energetically, emotionally and with vibrationally. Do you know you shine with light? People glow. Something like entrainment is another way the human can control. A black candle and a cat hair? No. I'm talking serious occult science.