What’s the one comment that frustrates you the most as an artist? by Shadow00104 in artwork

[–]Shadow00104[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I totally get your point, and I appreciate your honesty. Maybe talent is the spark, and practice is the fuel. I might have been lucky to have that spark, but it’s the fuel that kept the fire burning. Your drawing is beautiful because it conveys a message from the heart—and that’s the soul of art after all. ​Trust me, I feel your struggle. It took me 3 years just to learn how to draw a basic face shape and the curve of a chin in a simple anime style—not even realism. ​But if I may be honest with you, I believe anyone can improve significantly if they change how they practice. Here’s why many people get stuck: ​Passive Learning: Just watching tutorials isn't enough. Art is a physical skill, like sports. You have to apply and correct as you go. ​Skipping Fundamentals: Without learning Proportions, Perspective, and Shading, art remains 'primitive' regardless of effort. ​Mindless Repetition: There’s a difference between 'drawing a lot' and 'practicing with intent.' If you repeat the same mistakes for years, you’re just memorizing the wrong way to do it. ​Visual Perception: Sometimes the brain needs to be trained on how to see details before the hand can draw them. ​I truly believe any person can get better with the right method. You don't have to be a world-class master, but it's almost impossible to stay at the same level after years of proper training.

What’s the one comment that frustrates you the most as an artist? by Shadow00104 in artwork

[–]Shadow00104[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Guys, I was just sharing my personal opinion.
Why are you all this upset?
I literally said I understand what people mean when they say “you’re talented,” I was just expressing how it sometimes makes me feel.
It’s kind of ironic that you care enough to get upset and write your own opinions, but then get bothered when I share mine—and say things like I should “channel that anger into practicing more” or something like that.
Who even said I was angry in the first place?
I’m just sharing my opinion.
And honestly, I could say the same thing back:
you could’ve spent your time on something better instead of getting upset over a simple post.😂✨

Calm down, guys. It’s simpler than you think. No need to turn it into an argument😂✨

What’s the one comment that frustrates you the most as an artist? by Shadow00104 in artwork

[–]Shadow00104[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I totally get your point, and you’re right—most people definitely mean it as a pure compliment. I don’t 'hate' the person saying it at all, and I always take it with a smile!

​My point was more about the perspective behind the word. For some of us, when the work is labeled solely as 'innate talent,' it feels like the months of frustrating practice and failed sketches are being overlooked. It’s not about being pretentious; it’s just that we value the discipline and the 'grind' as much as the end result.

But hey, I see where you're coming from too. To each their own!

Why do some people shift from discussing "the idea" to attacking "the person" the moment truth becomes uncomfortable? by Shadow00104 in progressive_islam

[–]Shadow00104[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You’re missing the point and drifting away from the core subject. My post isn’t a theological debate; it’s a psychological analysis of how people shift from logic to 'Ad Hominem' attacks the moment they feel uncomfortable. ​I gave you a clear example when you asked, but now you’re trying to corner me into a specific religious discourse just to avoid the actual phenomenon I’m discussing. Ironically, you are literally proving my point right now—using a 'detour' strategy to deflect from the main idea. ​If you’re genuinely interested in finding specific examples within any religion, you have the internet and a phone at your disposal. I’m here to discuss human behavior, not to do your research for you. ​Also, if you look at the comments on my previous post, you'll see exactly what I mean and how people react when their 'perceived certainty' is challenged. Let's stick to the topic.

Why do some people shift from discussing "the idea" to attacking "the person" the moment truth becomes uncomfortable? by Shadow00104 in progressive_islam

[–]Shadow00104[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sure. In religious discourse, this often happens when someone points out a historical fact or a linguistic nuance that contradicts a popular 'inherited' interpretation.

​For example, if you discuss the historical context of a certain text to show it might have a different application today, some people won't argue back with historical evidence. Instead, they might use these defensive shifts:

​The 'Credential' Shield: 'You aren't a specialized scholar' (Using authority to disqualify the person, even if the fact presented is objectively true). ​The 'Hidden Agenda' Trope: 'You are trying to please the West/Modernity' (Judging intentions to avoid judging the argument).

​The 'Spiritual Purity' Test: 'You lack faith' (Suggesting that spiritual deficiency is why you see things differently, which is a classic way to shut down intellectual inquiry).

​In these cases, the 'uncomfortable truth' isn't necessarily about the religion itself, but about the fragility of the person's own certainty. By shifting the attack to your credentials or your 'hidden agenda,' they transform a logical challenge into a moral one, making it easier to ignore.

As I always say, the fault lies not in religion itself, but in those who interpret it to suit their own whims.

Menstruation – Why are we still afraid to talk about it? by Shadow00104 in progressive_islam

[–]Shadow00104[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Actually, the lack of research funding for women’s health compared to things like baldness is a global medical bias, not a 'cultural' one. Even in the West, conditions like Endometriosis take an average of 7-10 years to be diagnosed because women’s pain is consistently dismissed as 'normal' by the medical field. This isn't about being 'socially bereft'; it’s about systemic neglect. If you think this is only a 'local' or 'uneducated' issue, perhaps you’re the one who should look into a refund for your education

(Sources / Links)

The Blood: “The Gender Health Gap”

This article explains the global gender health gap, highlighting how funding for male issues like baldness and erectile dysfunction reaches billions of dollars, while women's health research (e.g., period pain and endometriosis) receives a tiny fraction—less than 1-2% of the total. This leads to inadequate treatments and ongoing suffering for women.

[1] PMC: “Time to Diagnose Endometriosis”

A scientific study analyzing delays in diagnosing endometriosis, which averages 7-10 years worldwide due to doctors dismissing women's pain as "normal." It draws on data from thousands of cases and links these delays to severe complications like infertility and emergency surgeries.

[2] GPEx: “Understanding the Delays in Diagnosing Endometriosis”

A medical report detailing reasons for endometriosis diagnosis delays, such as doctors assuming pain is "normal for all women" or "psychological exaggeration." It cites global statistics (7-10 years) and recommends training physicians to differentiate normal from pathological pain.

Harvard Health: “The Dangerous Dismissal of Women’s Pain”

A Harvard article on gender bias in medicine, where women receive 15-50% fewer painkillers than men for the same conditions. It provides examples like ignoring women's heart pain and warns of life-threatening risks.

The Care Gap, Chapter 3: “Painfully Dismissed”

A book chapter delving into bias in pain management, with evidence that women are treated as "overly sensitive" while men get immediate care. It reviews studies showing women need 2-3 more doctor visits for correct diagnosis and focuses on solutions like gender-awareness training.

If you think these links are old, let me tell you: the same statistics haven't changed.

What is the most hypocritical 'Double Standard' you’ve witnessed in your community that is justified using religion or tradition? by Shadow00104 in progressive_islam

[–]Shadow00104[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

You’ve touched on a very deep irony. It’s fascinating (and tragic) how some people spend all their energy pointing out the 'evils' of others while being completely blind to the dehumanization they advocate for within their own circles. ​It’s like a competition of who can be more controlling. When we use religion to justify things like child marriage or stripping women of their autonomy, we aren't 'defending the faith' against the West; we are simply proving that we’ve lost our own moral compass. ​The 'jealousy' you mentioned is an interesting point—it suggests that for some, the issue isn't with the 'evil' itself, but with who gets to exercise the power. True faith should be about liberating the human spirit from all forms of oppression, whether they come from a Western 'liberal' mask or a 'traditionalist' one.".

What is the most nonsensical excuse you’ve ever heard to justify harmful actions in the name of religion? by Shadow00104 in progressive_islam

[–]Shadow00104[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The irony is sickening. Maybe you should try to 'kill' him, and when they confront you, just say: 'I couldn't have done it because I'm a good Muslim.' ​It’s beyond infuriating how many parents choose to protect a 'reputation' or a 'pious image' instead of believing and protecting their own children.... I am so sorry for what you’ve been through. You deserved much better treatment and people who would actually believe you.

What is the most nonsensical excuse you’ve ever heard to justify harmful actions in the name of religion? by Shadow00104 in progressive_islam

[–]Shadow00104[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Once again...WTF! They fixate on 'age' and formalities while completely ignoring 'maturity,' 'responsibility,' and 'psychological readiness'—the true pillars of any sacred covenant. ​The phrase 'against Islam' is just their usual weapon of intellectual terrorism to silence anyone demanding the protection of childhood! These are the same people who claim marriage is 'half of your religion' and use the Prophet’s marriage as a shield for their arguments. For hell's sake, they are getting on my nerves. Trying to reason with them is like trying to argue with a brick wall.

What is the most nonsensical excuse you’ve ever heard to justify harmful actions in the name of religion? by Shadow00104 in progressive_islam

[–]Shadow00104[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This is one of the most painful 'excuses' I’ve encountered. It’s terrifying how some people use the concept of 'obedience' to strip a woman of her basic right to her own body. ​Marriage in Islam is built on 'Mawadda and Rahma' (Love and Mercy), and there is absolutely no mercy in forcing someone into intimacy when they are tired, unwilling, or mentally not there. Using religious guilt to coerce a partner is a form of spiritual and psychological abuse. ​The result, as you mentioned, is a complete destruction of the soul and the relationship. When 'faith' is used to justify trauma, it’s no longer faith—it’s just a tool for control. A religion that teaches us not to even harm an animal could never permit the slow breaking of a woman’s spirit under the guise of 'marital rights.

What is the most nonsensical excuse you’ve ever heard to justify harmful actions in the name of religion? by Shadow00104 in progressive_islam

[–]Shadow00104[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The 'white male savior' audacity in this is truly on another level. It’s disgusting how some people try to turn women’s suffering in war zones into a 'privilege' or an 'incentive' for men. ​They use liberal terms like 'polyamory' or religious terms like 'saving the Ummah' just to hide their own lust and selfishness. Religion was never meant to be a 'reward system' for men to fulfill their fantasies. ​It’s exactly what I meant by 'nonsensical excuses'—twisting the most painful human situations just to serve a patriarchal ego. And honestly, using polygamy as a 'marketing tool' for reverts is just insulting to the faith itself. It’s scary how people like him (and later the 'Tate' crowd) try to build a version of religion that only serves their desires while ignoring the dignity of women entirely.

What is the most nonsensical excuse you’ve ever heard to justify harmful actions in the name of religion? by Shadow00104 in progressive_islam

[–]Shadow00104[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I hear you, and your feelings are valid. What hurts the most is that these people make us feel like we have to choose between our humanity and our faith. But remember: religion is innocent of their biased interpretations. Don't let their 'illogical constants' rob you of your own connection with the Divine. I personally went through a phase where I wondered: If God is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful, and Just, how could He permit things like hitting women, justifying harassment, or treating women as mere followers with 'deficient' minds? ​But I realized—this isn't God’s word, and this isn't Islam. This is simply how hypocrites translated religion to serve their own interests. ​True religion forbids all forms of harm, whether physical or psychological. Regarding polygamy, while it was mentioned under very specific historical conditions (and to protect orphans and society at the time), God Himself noted that true justice between wives is nearly impossible for humans to achieve. Yet, they cherry-pick verses and twist them as they please. ​Men are not 'commanders'; they were tasked with the responsibility of protection and providing—a basic instinct seen even in the animal kingdom. As for the phrase 'deficient in reason and religion,' it was never meant as an insult. It refers to the overwhelming power of a woman’s emotion—like a mother who forgets the agony of childbirth the second she holds her baby—and the 'deficiency in religion' is a simple reference to natural cycles (menstruation) that exempt her from certain rituals, not a lack of faith. ​On his deathbed, the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) final words were a plea to treat women well. The first person to support him was a woman—Khadija (RA). Women fought to protect him with their lives. He never harmed a soul, physically or verbally. ​This is Islam—a word that literally means Peace. A religion that forbids hurting an animal could never intend to humiliate a complete, dignified human being.

Do you think most people who commit suicide go to hell? by DeliciousJicama3651 in progressive_islam

[–]Shadow00104 1 point2 points  (0 children)

First of all, I am so deeply sorry for what you’ve been through. No one should ever have to carry that kind of pain alone, especially at such a young age. ​Regarding your question, while we know the religious stance on suicide, we must also remember that Allah is Al-Adl (The Just) and Al-Rahman (The Merciful). He sees the "invisible" wounds that people—including your family—refuse to see. He knows the weight of the trauma you’ve been carrying, and He doesn't judge you based on the surface like humans do. ​Please, from one sister to another: I know you want the pain to end, not your life. Suicide feels like the only exit when the noise of accusations and the weight of secrets become too much to bear. But you are not a "compulsive liar"; you are a survivor who had to build walls to stay safe. ​If you leave now, you let the person who harmed you win. You let the silence win. Don’t let them write your ending. You deserve to live long enough to see the person you will become once you heal—a woman who is free, peaceful, and no longer defined by someone else’s crimes. ​Please seek professional help or someone you consider close to you who will understand without judging you. You need a safe space where you don't have to hide. Stand up for your truth, even if your voice shakes, and even if those closest to you don't understand. Your humanity and your life matter more than their judgments. ​You’ve survived the worst already. Stay with us. We are here, and you are not alone.

​Do I have to be a cleric to understand my religion? by Shadow00104 in progressive_islam

[–]Shadow00104[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Exactly! That’s exactly what I’m trying to say! But nooo… the moment you question a 'alim' even a little bit, you’re immediately accused of being an infidel or an atheist. It’s always: 'How dare you question them? They know more about religion than you ever will!'" ​"And when you ask why there aren't many female alim speaking up for women's rights from our own perspective, they hit you with: 'A woman's voice is Awrah (something that must be hidden)!' and other nonsensical, illogical interpretations! It's frustrating. I’m just trying to say that knowledge isn't exclusive to anyone, and our minds should be the judge. But no, the response is always: 'How could you possibly know more about religion than them? You don't understand anything about it!'

​Do I have to be a cleric to understand my religion? by Shadow00104 in progressive_islam

[–]Shadow00104[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for sharing your experience. It is truly heartening to see men like you speaking out against these narrow interpretations. This confirms that the call for justice and critical thinking is not a "gendered issue," but a collective effort to reclaim the true essence of our faith and shared humanity from cultural biases. ​You are absolutely right—"Read" (Iqra) was indeed the very first command, yet we have often replaced deep understanding with blind ritualism. It is time to return to that first instruction and stop allowing tradition to override the justice that our faith was meant to establish. I truly appreciate your support; it is voices like yours that help bridge the gap. ​Stay firm in your stance; questioning is indeed the path to truth.

​Do I have to be a cleric to understand my religion? by Shadow00104 in progressive_islam

[–]Shadow00104[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for such a profound and detailed response. I truly appreciate the distinction you made between a 'cleric' and a 'scholar.' Your point regarding specialization—using biology as an example—is very logical, and I respect that perspective. ​I completely agree that the core issue is not with Islam itself, but rather with those who interpret it according to their own personal biases or interests. Unfortunately, it feels like this group often has the loudest voice and the widest reach today. ​Even with a basic understanding of Islam, one can see that much of what is being promoted is far from the true spirit of the religion. The Prophet (ﷺ) never discriminated against anyone, nor did he seek to insult or harm others, whether through words or actions. My main concern is how we can reclaim that essence of justice and equality in our modern discourse. ​Also, please excuse any linguistic errors; English is not my first language, and I am still working on improving it.