I love Islam

[Muslimwoman]

Originally Posted by InLove

Salaam aleykum, Muslimwoman (and everyone here)

I have been enjoying your posts. I share many of your interests, and this caught my eye:



I'd like to try and address this question the best way I know how. I have a Christian background, and so my answer is necessarily coming from this, but I am not answering this way in order to argue, but hopefully to contribute something helpful, because I believe that we are all connected in Allah/G!D/ and the Wisdom of His Love. I believe in sincere and compassionate communication toward the goal of understanding and peace. So I have tried to pick a Scripture passage to cite that might contribute to the discussion and hopefully not offend here on the Islam message board:

The man who eats everything must not look down on him who does not, and the man who does not eat everything must not condemn the man who does, for God has accepted him. Who are you to judge someone else's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.--Romans 14:3-4, NIV

One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. --Romans 14:5, KJV

For anyone interested, the entire chapter of Romans 14 expounds on the very question you have asked. It might help to explain how a concerned Christian would see things. Perhaps it is similar to the views of a compassionate and peaceful Muslim, as well. There are other passages I can give along these lines, if you like, and will be happy to do so either here or in private.

InPeace,
InLove

wa aleykum salaam InLove & all who read this post

Thankyou for your kind words, I hope my posts add a little something every now and again to discussions. I have little knowledge but I enjoy spending time considering other people's views and beliefs.

I sincerely hope you do not think I was 'looking down' on Christians for eating pork? I believe each religion was given their own Book and therefore their own 'rules' to follow, so I would never look down on anyone for following their own Book.

I seem to be making a complete mess of putting my question across, I will try again using different example. I was trying to ask if Baha'i followers believe in all the Books or follow all the Books. I can understand belief in all the Books (ie they were all sent/inspired by G-d to guide the followers of each Book) but I would be confused if the Baha'i followers 'follow' all the Books. Example, if you read the Quran alcohol is haraam (forbidden) but in the Bible it is not haraam. So how could anyone know which part of which Book to follow? Am I making myself clearer? And if they do not follow all the Books then what do they follow?

After reading your post I read Romans and was truly moved by the following passage:

Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way.

Isn't that inspiring

I have a question from reading romans 14 InLove

If your brother is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love.

What does this mean? Does it mean if I come to your house for dinner you should not eat pork or drink alcohol because it will distress me?

I look forward to your next post.

[InLove]

Hi Muslimwoman--I hope you will forgive me, as I am not as well educated in the beautiful progressions that are made in Arabic and Islamic greetings and replies as I would like to be. (I am still learning)!

Originally Posted by Muslimwoman

I sincerely hope you do not think I was 'looking down' on Christians for eating pork? I believe each religion was given their own Book and therefore their own 'rules' to follow, so I would never look down on anyone for following their own Book.

No, I did not think you were doing that at all. On the contrary, I figured you believed just as you have said. And I do realize that you were asking mainly of other viewpoints besides a Christian one. But I also realized that my answer might be of some help anyway. I admire your openness and I guess I saw an opportunity to connect.

Originally Posted by Muslimwoman

After reading your post I read Romans and was truly moved by the following passage:

Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way.

Isn't that inspiring

I have a question from reading romans 14 InLove

If your brother is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love.

What does this mean? Does it mean if I come to your house for dinner you should not eat pork or drink alcohol because it will distress me?

I look forward to your next post.

Well, I think the answer would vary between individual Christians, but in my view, I would say that if I knew that someone was coming to my house and did not eat or drink the way I did, I would probably try to accomodate and act accordingly for their sake. I guess if I did not know, and they showed up during dinner, then if they were distressed, it would not be because of my actions. If I invite someone to dinner, then I would ask what they like and don't like first, and try to serve accordingly, as long as it did not violate any of my own convictions. A little common sense, and a lot of Love and compassion usually works out well for everyone.

Originally Posted by Muslimwoman

I seem to be making a complete mess of putting my question across, I will try again using different example. I was trying to ask if Baha'i followers believe in all the Books or follow all the Books. I can understand belief in all the Books (ie they were all sent/inspired by G-d to guide the followers of each Book) but I would be confused if the Baha'i followers 'follow' all the Books. Example, if you read the Quran alcohol is haraam (forbidden) but in the Bible it is not haraam. So how could anyone know which part of which Book to follow? Am I making myself clearer? And if they do not follow all the Books then what do they follow?

I don't think you are making a mess of asking your questions at all. And I quoted this part of your post last so that maybe someone who knows more about Baha'i practices will have a better chance of seeing and responding. I look forward to thoughtful answers, as the Baha'i contributors that I have met here seem very kind and helpful. I will be reading along, too.

InPeace,
InLove

[lunamoth]

Originally Posted by Muslimwoman

I seem to be making a complete mess of putting my question across, I will try again using different example. I was trying to ask if Baha'i followers believe in all the Books or follow all the Books. I can understand belief in all the Books (ie they were all sent/inspired by G-d to guide the followers of each Book) but I would be confused if the Baha'i followers 'follow' all the Books. Example, if you read the Quran alcohol is haraam (forbidden) but in the Bible it is not haraam. So how could anyone know which part of which Book to follow? Am I making myself clearer? And if they do not follow all the Books then what do they follow?

Hi Muslimwoman,

I was a Baha'i for five years so I hope it's OK if I answer your question.

Baha'is believe all of the Scriptures of the major world religions are revealed by a Divine Source (by God via His Messengers). However they have their own book of Revealed Law (the Kitab-i-Aqdas) which they follow. There also many volumes of Scripture revealed by Baha'u'llah, His son Abdul Baha, and the Guardian of the Faith, Shoghi Effendi which give further guidance and explanations to assist the development of Baha'i life and community.

Also, I agree with your observation taht we all have our paths to travel, and the more that we can do with love and respect, the closer we we be to God's kingdom on earth.

luna

[Muslimwoman]

Salaam aleykum sisters and thanks for your wonderful replies.

InLove please consider yourself connected now - whether you like it or not

Lunamoth I am fascinated thankyou, can I look the Baha'i teachings up on the internet?

May I ask why you stopped being a Baha'i (obviously a very personal question and will fully understand if you dont want to answer). If you dont mind answering may I also ask which religion if any you follow now?

May Allah protect and guide you both.

[lunamoth]

Originally Posted by Muslimwoman

Lunamoth I am fascinated thankyou, can I look the Baha'i teachings up on the internet?

May I ask why you stopped being a Baha'i (obviously a very personal question and will fully understand if you dont want to answer). If you dont mind answering may I also ask which religion if any you follow now?

Hi Muslimwoman,

Yes, much of the Baha'i teachings can be found online at Baha'i Faith and the Baha'is also sponser a wonderful program called Ocean which can be downloaded from this link: Ocean.

Downloading Ocean is very worthwhile as they not only have all the Baha'i Writings in a searchable format, but also the Bible, the Quran, and the scriptures from many other religions.

As for why I left the Baha'i Faith, it would be rather difficult to explain fully to someone not familiar with the Baha'i Faith, but for a number of reasons I came to doubt Baha'u'llah's claim to be Christ returned. I loved being a Baha'i for many reasons and I love my Baha'i friends, and I especially love the Baha'i message of peace between different peoples and religions.

May Allah protect and guide you both.

And you as well.

luna

[Muslimwoman]

Originally Posted by lunamoth

Hi Muslimwoman,

Yes, much of the Baha'i teachings can be found online at Baha'i Faith and the Baha'is also sponser a wonderful program called Ocean which can be downloaded from this link: Ocean.

Downloading Ocean is very worthwhile as they not only have all the Baha'i Writings in a searchable format, but also the Bible, the Quran, and the scriptures from many other religions.

As for why I left the Baha'i Faith, it would be rather difficult to explain fully to someone not familiar with the Baha'i Faith, but for a number of reasons I came to doubt Baha'u'llah's claim to be Christ returned. I loved being a Baha'i for many reasons and I love my Baha'i friends, and I especially love the Baha'i message of peace between different peoples and religions.

And you as well.

luna

Thank you for your honest reply.

Not sure I can thank you for the links because I probably won't sleep for a week now No really thankyou, it is always a joy to see life from someone else's perspective.

Salaam

[17th Angel]

Originally Posted by Seeker_of_truth

and I can't help but be awed and humbled. I never knew Islam was so beautiful.

Beauty can be found anywhere... You just need the time to, stop. And look.

[arthra]

I couldn't help eavesdropping in on your conversation and offering a post...normally I wouldn't intrude on an Islamic board...

Muslimwoman asked earlier:

I was trying to ask if Baha'i followers believe in all the Books or follow all the Books. I can understand belief in all the Books (ie they were all sent/inspired by G-d to guide the followers of each Book) but I would be confused if the Baha'i followers 'follow' all the Books. Example, if you read the Quran alcohol is haraam (forbidden) but in the Bible it is not haraam. So how could anyone know which part of which Book to follow? Am I making myself clearer? And if they do not follow all the Books then what do they follow?

My repsonse:

Baha'is do accept the laws that were revealed through Baha'u'llah in the Kitab-i-Aqdas (The Most Holy Book) and this book has most of the ordinances we Baha'is follow... such as obligatory prayers, abstaining from alcohol, marriage, sanctions.

Many of these laws abrogate the ordinances of previous dispensations suchas the Babi dispensation and Islamic laws as well...

We Baha'is regard previous religions as being from one Divine Source and respect the Holy Books of them. The Bible is accepetd as inspired and the Qur'an is regarding as an authenticate respository of the Divine Revelation.

We are unsure however about the authenticity of scriptures of Zoroastrianism, Buddhism and Hinduism...that is, we think maybe the origianl teachings have been lost.

You will find references to the Qur'an, the Bible and some Hadiths in Baha'i Writings but generally we are not guided by Hadiths. "Ocean" is an excelllent source of information.

- Art

[Muslimwoman]

Originally Posted by arthra

I couldn't help eavesdropping in on your conversation and offering a post...normally I wouldn't intrude on an Islamic board...

Muslimwoman asked earlier:

I was trying to ask if Baha'i followers believe in all the Books or follow all the Books. I can understand belief in all the Books (ie they were all sent/inspired by G-d to guide the followers of each Book) but I would be confused if the Baha'i followers 'follow' all the Books. Example, if you read the Quran alcohol is haraam (forbidden) but in the Bible it is not haraam. So how could anyone know which part of which Book to follow? Am I making myself clearer? And if they do not follow all the Books then what do they follow?

My repsonse:

Baha'is do accept the laws that were revealed through Baha'u'llah in the Kitab-i-Aqdas (The Most Holy Book) and this book has most of the ordinances we Baha'is follow... such as obligatory prayers, abstaining from alcohol, marriage, sanctions.

Many of these laws abrogate the ordinances of previous dispensations suchas the Babi dispensation and Islamic laws as well...

We Baha'is regard previous religions as being from one Divine Source and respect the Holy Books of them. The Bible is accepetd as inspired and the Qur'an is regarding as an authenticate respository of the Divine Revelation.

We are unsure however about the authenticity of scriptures of Zoroastrianism, Buddhism and Hinduism...that is, we think maybe the origianl teachings have been lost.

You will find references to the Qur'an, the Bible and some Hadiths in Baha'i Writings but generally we are not guided by Hadiths. "Ocean" is an excelllent source of information.

- Art

As salaam aleykum Art

Thankyou for your post, it was most informative and helped me to understand.

I am curious and a little worried as to why you say you wouldnt normally intrude on an Islamic board. Why? Surely we all join a comparative religion forum so we can exchange ideas, teachings, etc. How can we learn and accept if we don't communicate. Are we (Muslims) so hard to talk to or as I am a new member have I misunderstood the purpose of the different boards?

I hope you will free to communicate with me whenever you want about any subject you want.

Salaam

[arthra]

Originally Posted by Muslimwoman

As salaam aleykum Art

Thankyou for your post, it was most informative and helped me to understand.

I am curious and a little worried as to why you say you wouldnt normally intrude on an Islamic board. Why? Surely we all join a comparative religion forum so we can exchange ideas, teachings, etc. How can we learn and accept if we don't communicate. Are we (Muslims) so hard to talk to or as I am a new member have I misunderstood the purpose of the different boards?

I hope you will free to communicate with me whenever you want about any subject you want.

Salaam

Well the issue has been one on this Comparative Religion Forum where some have been very condecsending toward other religions and attacked them and a few Muslims and Christians have done this on our Baha'i Faith board. So I wanted to be sure that no one misunderstood my motives by posting here.

But you are also most welcome to post any queries on the Baha'i Faith board at CR as well!

- Art

[Muslimwoman]

Originally Posted by arthra

Well the issue has been one on this Comparative Religion Forum where some have been very condecsending toward other religions and attacked them and a few Muslims and Christians have done this on our Baha'i Faith board. So I wanted to be sure that no one misunderstood my motives by posting here.

But you are also most welcome to post any queries on the Baha'i Faith board at CR as well!

- Art

As salaam aleykum Art

Thankyou, I shall check out the Baha'i board tomorrow (getting too late now), there is much I want to learn from you.

Please remember that some brothers and sisters on these boards are very young and I think we are all more 'emotional' about such subjects when we are young. Age tends to teach us patience in all things including discussion, that is not to insult the intelligence of younger people, I just remember how 'emotional' I felt about things when I was young and how easily I felt insulted. As far as I am concerned, even as a new member, you are welcome here anytime.

Salaam

[cyberpi]

Originally Posted by Muslimwoman

I was trying to ask if Baha'i followers believe in all the Books or follow all the Books.

Are you denoting a difference between believe and follow? I find that it is fairly firm in Islam that a person who believes will also follow. That does hilite the point that there is more than one book for a follower of the Qur'an to believe and follow.

[Muslimwoman]

Originally Posted by cyberpi

Are you denoting a difference between believe and follow? I find that it is fairly firm in Islam that a person who believes will also follow. That does hilite the point that there is more than one book for a follower of the Qur'an to believe and follow.

For some reason I just can't put this question in the right words. Perhaps it's because I can't get my head around the idea that someone could bellieve that there is onlly one G-d and it is a sin to associate partners with Him, whilst also believing that Jesus (pbuh) is the son of G-d. Also that it's ok to drink wine and eat pork but it is also forbidden to eat pork and drink wine. Sorry i just don't get it.

[wil]

Originally Posted by Muslimwoman

For some reason I just can't put this question in the right words. Perhaps it's because I can't get my head around the idea that someone could bellieve that there is onlly one G-d and it is a sin to associate partners with Him, whilst also believing that Jesus (pbuh) is the son of G-d. Also that it's ok to drink wine and eat pork but it is also forbidden to eat pork and drink wine. Sorry i just don't get it.

Reminds me of the priest who found the ancient translation and said...."It says CELEBRATE, not celibate!"

The dance regarding the boards is a tricky one. One may not be able to completely answer on the Islam board as their response may be considered disrespectful by some. In the comparative studies or belief and spirituality section, one may discuss more openly but saying I am right and you are wrong is frowned upon over there...

So on the Islam board the Quran rules, in Christianity the Bible, Judaism the Torah...etc. We are open to discuss, but not pull the rug out from under anyone...does that make sense?

BTW, your comments, concerns and informative nature are thoroughly appreciated!

[Prober]

Originally Posted by Muslimwoman

For some reason I just can't put this question in the right words. Perhaps it's because I can't get my head around the idea that someone could bellieve that there is onlly one G-d and it is a sin to associate partners with Him, whilst also believing that Jesus (pbuh) is the son of G-d. Also that it's ok to drink wine and eat pork but it is also forbidden to eat pork and drink wine. Sorry i just don't get it.

I think that all of these things are true.

There is only one G-d. Jesus (pbuh) is His son as we are His sons and daughters. It's not a good thing to drink wine or eat pork, but you would to save your life, knowing that G-d made both. It is what comes out of a man that makes him unclean.