Islam....

[Amica]

Salaam,

Start with the Holy Qur'an first. But be cautious--do read verses a few times, look at the context of the verse chapter and use your reason. People are very quick to judge the Qur'an,but what it is really asking us to do is to think about its verses, not just read them.

Second, I would read Muslim commentaries about Islamic practices. Read both the western and easter resources to find objective perspectives on the Muslim communities.

Be cautious about people who have certain ideas in mind, weather muslim or non-muslim sources.

Peace.

[wil]

Now look at that conversion technique!

Talk about your soft sell.

[Muslimwoman]

Originally Posted by bananabrain

my advice: check out whose interpretation is being pushed. that link that seattlegal posted appears to link to a translation with "the introduction of syed abu-ala' maududi",

Thank you so much BB, very good adivice.

17th please do me a favour and read the Ed Husain book BB gave you a link to first - it is brilliant, a must read for every Muslim and non Muslim. I am hoping if you read that it will show the way NOT to go.

17th if you start reading Mawdudi I shall be a very unhappy person.

I would like to put you in touch with a young friend of mine (he is about your age, has a wealth of knowledge and his brother studied hadith for a number of years). I shall check with him first and if OK I shall PM you his email. I have learnt to trust him and the reading materials he recommends.

I have spoken to my friend, I will PM his Yahoo address for chats and also he would like you to join his forum. It has so many resources for learning Arabic, learning about Islam etc - you will love it but you are not allowed to forget about us. I have asked him to walk you through everything and I know BB would approve of his views (just soBB doesn't think I am luring you to your doom). I am also a member there so shall be keeping an eye on you!!!!

Salaam
MW

[Muslimwoman]

Originally Posted by wil

Now look at that conversion technique!

Talk about your soft sell.

I thought the same as you - very erm, unusual

[17th Angel]

'as-salāmu calaykum,

Quite worried about me then MW? lol.... Relax, I have seen from many references I have been looking at, from those that have been kindly given to me on here, and from those I have found myself that yes there seems to be a different attitude that differs between them...... Avoid Mawdudi... Got it lol. I will obviously ask those of a more middle ground what they think such as you or Amir.... To find if certain actions are too extreme, I have noticed so far that this is a very loving religion, and the stereotypical idea of a Muslim who abuses his wife for example is far from the truth there are so many laws to help/support/protect the women... And much of Muhammad (pbuh) teachings show you must look after them.... There are quite a few misunderstandings that are common with Islam, which I have found to be wrong. Yes my thanks for the contact I will wait with baited breath to hear from him.

maca salāma

[17th Angel]

Originally Posted by Amica

Salaam,

Start with the Holy Qur'an first. But be cautious--do read verses a few times, look at the context of the verse chapter and use your reason. People are very quick to judge the Qur'an,but what it is really asking us to do is to think about its verses, not just read them.

Second, I would read Muslim commentaries about Islamic practices. Read both the western and easter resources to find objective perspectives on the Muslim communities.

Be cautious about people who have certain ideas in mind, weather muslim or non-muslim sources.

Peace.

Jazak Allah khair,

Your advice is much apreciated... I have joined another forum that seems to be over flowing with information and resources, and indeed the Qur'an meanings are short but much is said in that short area, seems like an internal and external meaning... That a photo of yourself? That is some amazing jilbab?(I bet I got that wrong.... lol)

maca salāma

[Muslimwoman]

wa aleykum salaam

Of course I am worried about you, one thing I have learnt the hard way is to be careful what you read and trace everything back to the Quran - if you can't then ask yourself why. If someone gives you information, myself included, check it - there is much misinformation out there from outside and within the Ummah.

Yes alhamdolillah Islam is a peaceful and loving religion. However, Muslims are not always peaceful and loving people, some do beat their wives, some do kill, etc but they are astray. The vision non Muslims tend to see is the bad stuff, as that is always magnified in the media and because of cultural issues but Islam itself was set up to be fair, kind and yes loving.

salaam