I am 18 years old and have been raised as an Arab-Christian. My father is Orthodox and my mother is Catholic. Both sides of my family are very old fashioned and strict. I am very conservative and have old fashion morals myself. All of my friends are Arabic, some of them being Christian and some of them being Muslim. Lately, I have been thinking about converting. I think I am valid in saying that I want to convert because I see the difference between Christian and Muslim families. Not to say that Arab-Christian families can't be strict, but I feel like my morals and values lean more towards the Muslim side. I don't mean this as far the religion goes, just the morals and values that go along with it however. If that makes any sense? I feel like religion is just something that you are born into and I feel like people should get to chose their religion. I do have some family that is Muslim and I have talked to them about this and they support it because they think I am doing it for the right reasons. My father however is a very strong Christian and I am afraid that he would be very angry with me and not talk to me. I'm scared of what my Christian side of the family and my Christian friends will think. Please give me as much advice as you have.

First, I think you need to do some more research. The morals and values of Islam are pretty much the same as Christianity. Both are based on the Ten Commandments and what's referred to as the Judeo-Christian ethic. Some Islamic extremists aside, moraly and ethicly, there is not much difference.

The major difference between the three major religions is the rules that govern their daily lives and how they worship. As far as I know, Islam is the strictest of the three. It requires greater control of what one can eat and drink. How and when one worships. How it deals with many other issues. For example, I was reading recently that Muslims cannot borrow money. Therefore they cannot be come home owners unless they save enough to pay cash. This also means they can't use credit cards etc.

So I suggest you need to learn more about what you would be letting yourself in for.

If you feel that religion is just something you are born into, trust me, you are not a Christian. You may call yourself one, but you are not. So instead of kidding yourself further, maybe just call yourself a muslim. Religion isn't the issue, its personal relationship with God. Without that everything else is meaningless.

You're correct that religion is about your personal relation with God. But I don't know where you get the rest of that garbage.

What part was garbage? Was it garbage or just a truth you don't want to acknowledge. The two are different things.

I was referring to your statement about what being a Christian means. I think he's correct that religion is something you are born into. Whether you decide that its for you or not should be a personal choice. But being a Christian involves believing in a set of values, and believing in the people who set those values. Those are things that are taught to us from our families who practice their religion. But it should be clear that were ARE born into our religions.

Well you might be born into a religious family, that is a family who does some religious things, but that doesn't make you a Christian. And you can choose a religion to "practice" but "practising" a religion is meaningless as far as salvation is concerned. Only the one true God through His only Son Jesus can save you, and not because of your family or your practising of some religion or adhering to some rules, it is, as Scripture clearly says, "...by faith alone, and that not of yourself less anyone should boast."

Religion is completely something you are born into and I think that it should be a personal choice. And don't judge me and say that I am not a Christian or that I have no personal relationship with God. It's just that I am in a culture where I can clearly see both sides of both religions and basically whatever religion you are born into, is what you believe. But that's always been a weird thought to me because I don't feel like one of them is the "wrong" religion. I don't think that all Muslim people are going to hell because they aren't Christian or vise versa. Religion is a weird thing to me, but I feel like regardless of anything, it is a personal choice. And as far as I can see things, the difference between the families that I grew up with is that Islam is much more strict. I just feel like my conservative ways are more associated with Islam then Christianity.

Yes inaz4sun, you are a Christian and you believe there is no other way to happiness besides through Lord Jesus Christ, but how do you explain someone who is truly truly happy but is Muslim? I feel like if you grew up seeing things both ways like I did, you would be curious too.

Whether you feel more akin to Islam than Christianity or vice versa, is up to you. The problem I have with your initial post, that your reasons for feeling closer don't make a lot of sense.

Religion is completely something you are born into and I think that it should be a personal choice.Um, isn't that contradictory?


basically whatever religion you are born into, is what you believeNot necessarily. I, for instance, do not have the same beliefs as my parents and it does not affect our great relationship in any way.


But thats always been a weird thought to me because I don't feel like one of them is the "wrong" religion. That's very healthy actually - we need more people like that in this world. :)

I was born into very vigorous atheism (a "religion" of its own even if its "science-based" LOL). Rejected that and looked into a great number of religions, came close to converting to Judaism, then completed the Rites to Christian Initiation, was baptised but left the Catholic Church to find my own spiritual path. Now when asked what I am (religion-wise) I am tempted to say "one of everything!" :p

I am with NK - more religious humility and tolerance is needed in the world!

I think you misunderstood me when I said "Religion is someothing that you're born into and I think it should be a personal choice." I was just trying to say that most of the time, or what I've seen growing up anyway, is that you believe whatever religion you are born into, but that it SHOULD be a personal choice. I just think that my Christian side of the family may feel a little betrayed and may even disown me.

How did you tell your parents that you believed differently then they did? My father is very strict and I don't think he will take it easily.


ScottGem, I feel I am more closer to Islam not because of their beliefs, on Mohammad being the profit or that people should pray to the East 5 times a day. I feel like that is what people are TOLD to do by their parents or family members that are of their religion. But what I FEEL I am more closer to in Islam is for example the conservativeness that women are supossed to portray and the fact that the women's lives are their husbands and their children. I have talked to my friends about this before and not ONE of my girlfriends doesn't want to be a mom and have a family. I feel that this is a woman's instinct and we are BORN with the desire to have chlidren and families and be mothers. Not that I don't want to have a small job and make some what of a living on my own when the children get older, but I do feel like it is the husbands responsibility to bring in the pay check. As I feel it is the women's responsibility to take care of the husband, the cleaning and the cooking. Maybe not ALL women feel this way, especially feminist woman or whatever, but in my culture that's how we are raised, to think this way. And Muslim families do this WAY more so then Christian families. From my experience anways. So this is how I see it, if women are so inclined and feel the need of this, then why fight it I guess? But again I am 18 and I'm afraid that I only see things like this because I am young.

Sorry Mahlia, I did misunderstand the comment, sorry about that - thanks for setting me straight.

I assume our parents are quite different people. My father was not very strict in that sense. He allowed enough rope to explore the world. I went to mass once in a while but after I got my own place I was independent of my parents and free to do as I wish.

I still (even more) say you need to do more research. I believe that most woman, but not all, do have the instinct to bear and raise children. But I definitely do not see that a woman has to make that her total focus. Frankly I think that the way Islam regulates and forces a woman into a subservient role is one of the most wrong things about it.

As my daughter was growing up, my wife stayed home and took care of her and the home. But not solely. I had a very active role in both. As she got older and didn't need more care, my wife was able to go back to work to have something of her own life outside the home. Something I have no objection to, in fact, I encourage.

The point is Islam doesn't give you the choice. And I am all about personal choice. There is nothing in Christianity that says you can't love your husband and family and spend your time taking care of them. But at least that is your choice, not dictated to you.

I think that one may be born into a certain Religion, but when they are a certain age they definitely reaffirm their faith (as in becoming born-again).

I think if one is perfectly happy being a Muslim, that is the reason why they remain so. It is when someone is not completely happy that they search for something else.

My parents did all the sacraments for us when we were children, but they weren't very strict about being Catholic. As I got into my teens, we slipped further away( from going to church,etc.) My parents died when I was 18, and I never knew(until much later that I had a Comforter there to help me-for the asking) But God is faithful. He knows who are His.

So, subjected to the opinions of man (the world) instead of the Glory of the Lord, I spent some 12 yrs. Working extra hard for treasure that bore little fruit.

When I became born-again at 30, pregnant, and yes, even underwent an exorcism ( don't ask) Well, everything changed, from the inside out, & vice-versa if you will!

Ever since I made Jesus Lord and Savior of my life- the Holy Spirit did the rest.(I don't mean I sat back ildly-if you know what I mean)

I'm sorry for the TESTIMONY, but it's basically there to give you an example of my personal relationship with the Lord. I feel I don't just pray to the Lord. I feel He keeps me company wherever I go. It's not so restrictive as some other Faiths. I found it to be really liberating.

Hope you can understand how I feel about my faith from this post.

I agree that [most] Christians and Moslems stand side by side on moral issues. In fact, many other faith groups are also similar.

I also partially agree on the "born into" issue: That is, that because one practices like he's been taught since he was born does not make him a Christian or Moslem, etc. It IS about how you view God and what group you believe holds the fullest truths that God has revealed to Man by special revelation... which for me is all about history and facts.

Don't change the faith group you follow based on their moral positions. Keep reading and researching. With which one do you find the facts of the founder to be more believable?

... now, I've deleted and repasted and deleted and repasted several times... and will just go with it. Certainly I have not done the subject justice, as volumes and volumes have been written on it... but enough blabbering I suppose :o

How did you tell your parents that you believed differently then they did? My father is very strict and I don't think he will take it easily.
To be more responsible about what I posted, I have to admit to having had a very permissive family compared to you Mahlia. And yet, I would like to add that while family influence and cultural pressures are not inherently bad, it is important for each person to explore and discover their way in life, including choosing what kind of life and faith to follow. I want you to know I see you doing a beautiful job of that here, especially for someone your age. :)

I also partially agree on the "born into" issue: That is, that because one practices like he's been taught since he was born does not make him a Christian or Moslem, etc. It IS about how you view God and what group you believe holds the fullest truths that God has revealed to Man by special revelation...which for me is all about history and facts.

Don't change the faith group you follow based on their moral positions. Keep reading and researching. With which one do you find the facts of the founder to be more believable?
:o

I feel like I can't base it on history and facts. Because I don't know who to believe! I feel like I have no other choice, but to base my religion on its morals and values rather then the history of it. I think that saying, "I chose to be this religion because the facts of the founder are more believable," is not a good way, for me anyway, to chose my religion. I have no idea who to believe or who is right. I don't think either is "the right" one based on history and facts or not. That's the part that confuses me. I guess I am just searching for something desperately to believe in, but I'm not one to rule out other options or religions and I don't see how other people can do that either.

I will definitely do more research on this, but I feel like there is no ending answer. I have read books about Muslims converting to Christians and Christians converting to Muslims. It's just different I guess and even though I will Definitely keep reading and researching about this, I guess it's just solely up to me and what I believe in my heart is the right thing to do FOR ME.

but to base my religion on its morals and values rather then the history of it. I think that saying, "I chose to be this religion because the facts of the founder are more believable," is not a good way,

The problem here is that most major religions have the SAME morals and mostly the same values. One of the major differences is in the way each treats women. Islam relagates women to second class status. They are considered more as property. They are considered only good for bearing children and taking care of the home. Sure, some Muslim men may hold their women in higher regard, but generally not in public.

I feel like I can't base it on history and facts. Because I don't know who to believe! I feel like I have no other choice, but to base my religion on its morals and values rather then the history of it. I think that saying, "I chose to be this religion because the facts of the founder are more believable," is not a good way, for me anyways, to chose my religion. I have no idea who to believe or who is right. I don't think either is "the right" one based on history and facts or not. That's the part that confuses me. I guess I am just searching for something desperately to believe in, but I'm not one to rule out other options or religions and I don't see how other people can do that either.

I will definetly do more research on this, but I feel like there is no ending answer. I have read books about Muslims converting to Christians and Christians converting to Muslims. It's just different I guess and even though I will DEFINETLY keep reading and researching about this, I guess it's just soley up to me and what I believe in my heart is the right thing to do FOR ME.
If I may, since you are a reader, please consider reading a book I just finished called The Spiral Staircase by Karen Amrstrong. It may help in your journey to find your true faith. I am not attempting to sway you in any directions at all. There are no sides to this debate for me.

I understand what you're saying, but trust me that's SUCH a stereotype! In Americanized-Muslim families the men RESPECT their wives completely! If you find a good guy anyway. My Muslim uncles have never treated their wives badly and hold a high respect for them because they do take care of them and the children. Sorry, I don't mean to be caddy, but that really bothers me when people hold that stereo type against Muslim men. They don't beat there wives either.

Then there's that whole issue about leaving Islam that I didn't face.

http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/Satellite?pagename=IslamOnline-English-Ask_Scholar/FatwaE/FatwaE&cid=1119503544134

I understand what you're saying, but trust me thats SUCH a stereotype!! In Americanized-Muslim families the men RESPECT their wives completely!! If you find a good guy anyways. My Muslim uncles have never treated their wives badly and hold a high respect for them because they do take care of them and the children. Sorry, I don't mean to be caddy, but that really bothers me when people hold that stereo type against Muslim men. They don't beat there wives either.


Oh yes they do beat their wives! That especially if they are westernized. My 1st husband was Muslim. He tried to" break my hard head" for wearing shorts & enraging his jealousy of other men looking at me. That's beyond possessive! That's sick.
Not to say that any other men don't beat on their wives for different things, but it's all abnormal.

If the main reason for preferring to be a Muslim rather than some other religion is so that you like the way the women behave, then I feel sorry for that.
Most of us just try to find someone compatible to love & share their life without restrictions & stereotyping.

I understand what you're saying, but trust me thats SUCH a stereotype!! In Americanized-Muslim families the men RESPECT their wives completely!! If you find a good guy anyways. My Muslim uncles have never treated their wives badly and hold a high respect for them because they do take care of them and the children. Sorry, I don't mean to be caddy, but that really bothers me when people hold that stereo type against Muslim men. They don't beat there wives either.

I'm afraid its NOT a sterotype. It's a precept of the religion. I don't dispute that not all Muslim men, especially westernized ones treat their wives that way. But if they don't, they are not following the teachings of Islam that closely.

I think your experience is the exception. Again, you need to do a LOT more research.

Well I'm sorry to hear that you're first husband beat you or whatever, but half of my family is Muslim and most of my uncles came to America when they were 18! They would never lay a hand on their wives!! Muslim men who do beat their wives just make us look bad, but it also depends on what ethnicity the man is. I am Lebanese and that has never happened in my family! Yemens or other ethnicites may beat their wives, but they just make us Lebanese look bad! They should not be compared to each other! Lebanese is a completely different thing then Yemen or Palestinian, etc. That is SUCH a stereo type! And I really am sorry that you had that experience but trust me no good Arabic Muslim guy beats there wife.

Well, he came from Lebanon in his early 20's and not 18. So that's a relief that he isn't one of your uncles! Just kidding!
I meant the women were westernized. You may be limited to Muslim women only though. Even so, in America, they may want more freedom than what they have... one day!

It is taking me forever to drop my former faith... they just won't let me go... I wrote letters only to have them return... I made phone calls.. they tell me... I am just going through the change... what I found more interesting and supporting are those of my family that are Muslims and Lutheran faith... there seemed to less arguments about other faith... this will be your life at the end... you will have to live forever with that final decision... your father... if he is a true christian will and should not hate you for your new direction... open minds are and should be the trait of most true faith... the reaction of the fruit from the christian faith will be challenged in your decision and again no one should be disassociating you and wishing your death... when you make the choice... it is your heart condition that you should follow... now if you are underage then you will truly have to follow the direction of the father and mother... when you leave the house... if being a muslim is still within you... then that is what you should believe... these are challenging times and evil is working hard to collect his masses... do not hate the faith... just dis-like rotten fruit...

do not hate the faith...just dis-like rotten fruit...

in response to Mahlia513's original question:

I can agree with the above quote, though the rest of what she said is hard to grasp without reading the rest of the thread history.

I would challenge you to read the Bible, and what Jesus said about himself, his purpose, and how we as humans fit into the whole big picture. These things will compel you to make a choice. There is no ambiguity, no wishy washy new age spirituality there.

Obviously you must make your own decision for what you will believe, and it will affect you for eternity. Whatever examples of any religion you see exhibited in other humans, take it/them with a grain of salt, because we're all imperfect. In other words, don't let someones' interpretations of morals and values override the much more important absolute values that the God of the Old and New Testaments represents.

Jesus made many clear statements that require a clear acceptance or rejection of Him and His claims. His deeds also impacted history in an undeniable and irreversible fashion, which also has to be reckoned with by each individual.

So, read both the Quran and the Bible, and ask Him to help you see the Truth.

May you quickly see the Light!

I am 18 years old and have been raised as an Arab-Christian. My father is Orthodox and my mother is Catholic. Both sides of my family are very old fashioned and strict. I am very conservative and have old fashion morals myself. All of my friends are Arabic, some of them being Christian and some of them being Muslim. Lately, I have been thinking about converting. I think I am valid in saying that I want to convert because I see the difference between Christian and Muslim families. Not to say that Arab-Christian families can't be strict, but I feel like my morals and values lean more towards the Muslim side. I don't mean this as far the religion goes, just the morals and values that go along with it however. If that makes any sense?? I feel like religion is just something that you are born into and I feel like people should get to chose their religion. I do have some family that is Muslim and I have talked to them about this and they support it because they think I am doing it for the right reasons. My father however is a very strong Christian and I am afraid that he would be very angry with me and not talk to me. I'm scared of what my Christian side of the family and my Christian friends will think. Please give me as much advice as you have.
Hi Don't make enemies in choosing what you want, keep as you are you get both sides of a argument and god knows what you feel, You don't gain any medals by choosing one or the other I would think god would prefer someone who knows both sides of a story than just knowing one. CARL.

I feel like I can't base it on history and facts. Because I don't know who to believe! I feel like I have no other choice, but to base my religion on its morals and values rather then the history of it. I think that saying, "I chose to be this religion because the facts of the founder are more believable," is not a good way, for me anyways, to chose my religion. I have no idea who to believe or who is right. I don't think either is "the right" one based on history and facts or not. That's the part that confuses me. I guess I am just searching for something desperately to believe in, but I'm not one to rule out other options or religions and I don't see how other people can do that either.

I will definetly do more research on this, but I feel like there is no ending answer. I have read books about Muslims converting to Christians and Christians converting to Muslims. It's just different I guess and even though I will DEFINETLY keep reading and researching about this, I guess it's just soley up to me and what I believe in my heart is the right thing to do FOR ME.

As I see it, you are very fortunate to have been born into such a diverse family, and you are wise beyond your years in questioning the claims of the various religions to be the only right one. My own experience was limited to a single fundamentalist Christian denomination until I was older than you are now. It was a years-long struggle for me to break free of these narrow minded rigid views and find a larger perspective on the life of the spirit. I know it may be tempting to pick just one religion and limit your belief and experience as required by the teachers of that faith. But I would urge you to see each religious tradition as a different facet of the complex jewel of spiritual life and experience. Take the best of each, but give your exclusive moral allegiance to none. Those who rigidly adhere to one or the other of these religions will have trouble accepting your choice if it is anything other than the one they hold, and they may well reject or shun you for it. But if they truly love you they will come around eventually. Far better to follow the light of your own conscience wherever that leads you than to choose only out of fear of being ostracised. This may not lead you to the easiest life you could have, but I sense that you are far too intelligent and honest to be satisfied for long with a rigid orthodoxy of any kind.

I'm afraid its NOT a sterotype. It's a precept of the religion. I don't dispute that not all Muslim men, especially westernized ones treat their wives that way. But if they don't, they are not following the teachings of Islam that closely.


I totally disagree with you scotgem. I am sure you know there is a huge difference between cultures and religion, you can not put them on the same spot. If so called muslim men beat their wives, they are doing totally against the Islamic religion. Islam doesn't give permission to anyone to beat up one's wife.

I would say those who do these kind of acts don't know about Islam because having a name like muslim or born in muslim family don't make you a muslim. To be a muslim one has to practice, I believe not just in Islam but in any other religion one do have to practice the religion to be a good follower of... and once one start practicing it becomes hard for one to hurt anybody.



Check out the following links, about the women in Islam.

http://islamqa.com/special/index.php?ref=21010&subsite=16&ln=eng

http://www.irf.net/irf/faqonislam/index.htm

I totally disagree with you scotgem. I am sure you know there is a huge difference between cultures and religion, you can not put them on the same spot. If so called muslim men beat their wives, they are doing totally against the Islamic religion. Islam doesnt give permission to anyone to beat up one's wife.

I would say those who do these kind of acts don't know about Islam because having a name like muslim or born in muslim family don't make u a muslim. To be a muslim one has to practice, i believe not just in Islam but in any other religion one do have to practice the religion to be a good follower of .... and once one start practicing it becomes hard for one to hurt anybody.



check out the following links, about the women in Islam.

http://islamqa.com/special/index.php?ref=21010&subsite=16&ln=eng

http://www.irf.net/irf/faqonislam/index.htm


WHOA! You need to go back and read what I said. I never said anything about Muslim men beating their wives. You seened to have picked up on a throwaway comment by the OP that I responded to and totally misinterpeted what I actually said.

What I have said in this thread that the Muslim culture generally holds women as second class citizens. Women have a place in the home and little more. I agreed that it was not true of all Muslims, but it is something taught in the culture.

... Not to say that Arab-Christian families can't be strict, but I feel like my morals and values lean more towards the Muslim side. I don't mean this as far the religion goes, just the morals and values that go along with it however. If that makes any sense?

You have to be more specific in order for us to know what you are referring to. What morals and what values? A true Christian is honest, peaceful, loving, kind. So I don't see where you can find flaw with the Christian morals unless you are mistaking apostate Christian morality with true Christian morality. So perhaps what you really should be doing is seeking a Christian denomination that truly adheres to the Christian morals as outlined in the Bible instead of casting Jesus' Ransom Sacrifice aside as if it were of no value.



I feel like religion is just something that you are born into and I feel like people should get to chose their religion. I do have some family that is Muslim and I have talked to them about this and they support it because they think I am doing it for the right reasons.

If you speak to a Christian member of your family he will tell you that you are making a grave mistake.


My father however is a very strong Christian and I am afraid that he would be very angry with me and not talk to me. I'm scared of what my Christian side of the family and my Christian friends will think. Please give me as much advice as you have.

Your religious decisions shouldn't be based on what others think about you.

I apologize, if I misunderstood. Correct me if I am wrong, I don't know the religion of Islam much but I have learnt a bit about it by searching around and meeting with people.

When you said
It's a precept of the religion., don't u think "its a precept of the culture" make more sense then the religion. As u said it is something taught in the culture, or uneducated background but not a religion,

I didn't mean that exactly you said about beating the women's, misbehaving with them.


Could u explain a bit more what you mean by "I don't dispute that not all Muslim men, especially westernized ones treat their wives that way. But if they don't, they are not following the teachings of Islam that closely. "

Thanks

Its hard to separate the religion of Islam from the culture. I read the site you linked to that listed excerpts that seem to show Islam does hold women in high esteem. But I look at the culture in Islamic/Muslim countries where women are required to cover up completely, walk behind men in public, where they are usually not invited to participate in decisions that are held as the province of the male.

If one does a WEB search on oppression of islamic women they will find several articles that deal with the issue on both sides.

Though it is hard to separte religion and culture from each other, but in reality they are separate.
"Culture is the shared knowledge and schemes created by a set of people for perceiving, interpreting, expressing, and responding to the social realities around them" (p. 9). By Lederach, J.P. (1995). Preparing for peace: Conflict transformation across cultures. Syracuse, NY: Syracuse University Press

"Religion: Relation of human beings to God or the gods or to whatever they consider sacred or, in some cases, merely supernatural."
—Britannica Concise Encyclopedia (online, 2006)

We can not judge or give openios about religion by some culture.

Let say Americans and asians or africans have the same religion chritianity, budism, islam or any other, but do they share the same culture, I don't think so. I have spent a bit of my life in a islamic country, where I would say there are about 10% or so of the people are christian, where as the major religion is Islam in the country, do those 10% peole share their religion because they are living in a country that has 90% muslims, no, do they share culture of course yeah.

So culture and religion are different from each other.

If one is searching around about a specific religion or culture, he/she need to make sure, who has written about the topic. If I am searching about a christianity, I would have to ask somebody who is christian, a muslim or a budist won't talk all positive about christianity or v.vrsa. We need to know whome we are asking to, from where we are getting the information.

If in a culture women walk behind the men in public .etc, might ask somebody from that culture why, what is the reason behind it, why women have to cover up.


Thanks for the info.

I realize that culture and religion are different, but with Islam, the lines are much more blurred then with other religions.

but with Islam, the lines are much more blurred then with other religions.


May I ask what lines?

Please don't mind, I do know about chritianity a bit, but trying to learn about Islam a bit also.

Thanks

In most other religions the practice of that religion doesn't govern one's daily lives to extent Islam does. In most Christian sects, the practice of the religion centers around going to church on Sundays. Yes Christians are exorted to lead a "christian" life, but that's mostly about being moral and ethical. In Judiasm, there are a few more rules, especially about eating and the way one dresses and certain daily rituals. But those are more observed by the orthodox and not as much my other sects.

But in Islam the rules govern a much greater portion of daily life. What one eats and drinks. How one dresses. How they do so many things. I spoke earlier that Islamic people aren't allowed to borrow money. When the religion dictates so much of one's life, it blurs the lines between religion and culture.

Mahlia's concerns seem more about what her parents may think of her than any other issue. Most,(not all), religions have a good moral code, so it is probably safe to say that almost any religion will do to live by. Just put the major ones in a hat and draw one. Having said that, it is quite another thing to choose a faith to die by. Our hereafter is much longer and more important than our here and now. Put a lot of sincere prayer into your search.

I am an Eastern Orthodox Christian. If you are thinking of joining Islam for the subordinance and apparent piety of Muslim women, I believe you should reconsider. You can have it all as an Orthodox Christian. My mother and grandmother exist solely for their children and husbands. They are both very dedicated to their family and hardly has "lives of their own". They are not forced to but they enjoy this role and though culture plays a role in it, they accept it. My grandmother, whose husband passed away 6 years ago, still hold Qurbana (mass) for him every year. She also prays at least twice a day, everyday.
If you have other main concerns for converting to Islam, please tell me and if I have assumed something please correct me.

Islam the rules govern a much greater portion of daily life. What one eats and drinks. How one dresses. How they do so many things.

Hi scott I understand that in islam the rules govern grater portion of daily life. I believe if Gos has given us so many things, big thing is this life we are living is given by God right? so why can't we obey him, why do we have to pray once a week, or month or year, why not every day, at least once a day and be thankful to him what he has given us.


Let's walk step by step and see why certain things are forbidden in Islam. Why muslims can't eat pork.

"Why is the eating of pork forbidden in Islam?

Answer:

The fact that consumption of pork is prohibited in Islam is well known. The following points explain various aspects of this prohibition:


1. Pork prohibited in Qur’an



The Qur’an prohibits the consumption of pork in no less than 4 different places. It is prohibited in 2:173, 5:3, 6:145 and 16:115.

"Forbidden to you (for food) are: dead meat, blood, the flesh of swine, and that on which hath been invoked the name of other than Allah." [Al-Qur’an 5:3]

The above verses of the Holy Qur’an are sufficient to satisfy a Muslim as to why pork is forbidden.


2. Pork prohibited in the Bible



The Christian is likely to be convinced by his religious scriptures. The Bible prohibits the consumption of pork, in the book of Leviticus

"And the swine, though he divide the hoof, and be cloven footed, yet he cheweth not the cud; he is unclean to you".

"Of their flesh shall ye not eat, and their carcass shall ye not touch, they are unclean to you."
[Leviticus 11:7-8]

Pork is also prohibited in the Bible in the book of Deuteronomy

"And the swine, because it divideth the hoof, yet cheweth not the cud, it is unclean unto you. Ye shall not eat of their flesh, nor touch their dead carcass."
[Deuteronomy 14:8]

A similar prohibition is repeated in the Bible in the book of Isaiah chapter 65 verse 2-5.


3. Consumption of pork causes several diseases



The other non-Muslims and atheists will agree only if convinced through reason, logic and science. Eating of pork can cause no less than seventy different types of diseases. A person can have various helminthes like roundworm, pinworm, hookworm, etc. One of the most dangerous is Taenia Solium, which is in lay man’s terminology called tapeworm. It harbours in the intestine and is very long. Its ova i.e. eggs, enter the blood stream and can reach almost all the organs of the body. If it enters the brain it can cause memory loss. If it enters the heart it can cause heart attack, if it enters the eye it can cause blindness, if it enters the liver it can cause liver damage. It can damage almost all the organs of the body.

Another dangerous helminthes is Trichura Tichurasis. A common misconception about pork is that if it is cooked well, these ova die. In a research project undertaken in America, it was found that out of twenty-four people suffering from Trichura Tichurasis, twenty two had cooked the pork very well. This indicates that the ova present in the pork do not die under normal cooking temperature.


4. Pork has fat building material

Pork has very little muscle building material and contains excess of fat. This fat gets deposited in the vessels and can cause hypertension and heart attack. It is not surprising that over 50% of Americans suffer from hypertension.


5. Pig is one of the filthiest animals on earth


The pig is one of the filthiest animals on earth. It lives and thrives on muck, faeces and dirt. It is the best scavenger that I know that God has produced. In the villages they don’t have modern toilets and the villagers excrete in the open air. Very often excreta is cleared by pigs.

Some may argue that in advanced countries like Australia, pigs are bred in very clean and hygienic conditions. Even in these hygienic conditions the pigs are kept together in sties. No matter how hard you try to keep them clean they are filthy by nature. They eat and enjoy their own as well as their neighbour’s excreta."

Question answered by Dr. Zakir Naik.

"Why is the consumption of alcohol prohibited in Islam?"

Answer:

Alcohol has been the scourge of human society since time immemorial. It continues to cost countless human lives, and causes terrible misery to millions throughout the world. Alcohol is the root cause of several problems facing society. The statistics of soaring crime rates, increasing instances of mental illnesses and millions of broken homes throughout the world bear mute testimony to the destructive power of alcohol.


1. Prohibition of alcohol in the Qur’an

The Glorious Qur’an prohibits the consumption of alcohol in the following verse:

"O ye who believe!
Intoxicants and Gambling,
(Dedication of) stones,
And (divination by) arrows,
Are an Abomination –
Of Satan’s handiwork;
Eschew such (abomination),
That ye may prosper."
[Al-Qur’an 5:90]


2. Prohibition of alcohol in the Bible

The Bible prohibits the consumption of alcohol in the following verses:

"Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging; and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise."
[Proverbs 20:1]

"And be not drunk with wine."
[Ephesians 5:18]


3. Alcohol inhibits the inhibitory centre
The human beings possess an inhibitory centre in their brains. This inhibitory centre prevents the person from doing things that he considers wrong. For instance a person does not normally use abusive language while addressing his parents or elders. If he has to answer the call of nature, his inhibitory centre will prevent him from doing so in public. Therefore he uses the toilet.

When a person consumes alcohol, the inhibitory centre itself is inhibited. That is precisely the reason that an inebriated person is often found to be indulging in behaviour that is completely uncharacteristic of him. For instance the intoxicated person is found to use abusive and foul language and does not realize his mistake even if he is addressing his parents. Many even urinate in their clothes. Neither do they talk nor walk properly. They even misbehave.


4. Cases of adultery, rape, incest and AIDS are found more among alcoholics
According to National Crime Victimization Survey Bureau of Justice (U.S. Department of Justice) in the year 1996 alone everyday on an average 2,713 rapes took place. The statistics tell us that the majority of the rapists, were intoxicated while committing the crime. The same is true in cases of molestation.

According to statistics, 8% of Americans commit incest i.e. one in every twelve to thirteen persons in America is involved in incest. Almost all the cases of incest are due to intoxication of one or both the persons involved.

One of the major factors associated with the spread of AIDS, the most dreaded disease, is alcoholism.


5. Every alcoholic was initially a social drinker
Many may argue in favour of liquor by calling themselves ‘social drinkers’. They claim that they only have one or two pegs and they have self-control and so never get intoxicated. Investigations reveal that every alcoholic started as a social drinker. Not a single alcoholic or drunkard initially starts drinking with the intention of becoming an alcoholic or a drunkard. No social drinker can say that I have been having alcohol for several years and that I have so much self-control that I have never been intoxicated even a single time.


6. If a person is intoxicated just once and commits something shameful, it will remain with him for a lifetime.
Suppose a ‘social drinker’ loses his self-control just once. In a state of intoxication he commits rape or incest. Even if the act is later regretted, a normal human being is likely to carry the guilt throughout his life. Both the perpetrator and the victim are irreparably and irreversibly damaged.


7. Alcohol is prohibited in the Hadith
The Prophet of Islam Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

In Sunan Ibn-I-Majah Volume 3, Book of Intoxicants, Chapter 30 Hadith No. 3371.

"Alcohol is the mother of all evils and it is the most shameful of evils."

In Sunan Ibn-I-Majah Volume 3, Book of Intoxicants, Chapter 30 Hadith No. 3392

"Anything which intoxicates in a large quantity, is prohibited even in a small quantity."

Thus there is no excuse for a nip or a tot.

Not only those who drink alcohol are cursed but also those who deal with them directly or indirectly are cursed by Allah.

According to Sunan Ibn-I-Majah Volume 3, Book of Intoxicants, Chapter 30 Hadith No. 3380.

It was reported by Anas (may Allah be pleased with him), that Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said:

"God’s curse falls on ten groups of people who deal with alcohol. The one who distills it, the one for whom it has been distilled, the one who drinks it, the one who transports it, the one to who it has been brought, the one whom serves it, the one who sells it, the one who utilizes money from it, the one who buys it and the one who buys it for someone else."


8. Diseases associated with alcoholism
There are several scientific reasons for the prohibition of consumption of intoxicants i.e. alcohol. The maximum number of deaths in the world related to any one particular cause is due to the consumption of alcohol. Millions of people die every year only because of intake of alcohol. I need not go into the details of all the ill-effects of alcohol since most of them are commonly known. Below is a simple list of few of the alcohol related illnesses:

Cirrhosis of Liver is the most well known alcohol associated disease.

Others are Cancer of Oesophagus, Cancer of Head and Neck, Cancer of Liver (Hepatoma), Cancer of Bowel, etc.

Oesophagitis, Gastritis, Pancreatitis and Hepatitis are linked with alcohol consumption.

Cardiomyopathy, Hypertension, Coronary Artherosclerosis, Angina and Heart Attacks are linked with heavy alcohol intakes.

Strokes, Apoplexy, Fits and different types of Paralysis are linked with alcohol intake.

Peripheral Neuropathy, Cortical Atrophy, Cerebellar Atrophy are well-known syndromes caused by alcohol consumption.

Wernicke – Korsakoff syndrome with amnesia of recent events, confabulations and retainment of memory to old events with different types of paralysis are mainly due to thiamine deficiency due to excessive alcohol intake.

Beriberi and other deficiencies are not uncommon among alcoholics. Even Pellagra occurs in alcoholics.

Delerium Tremens is a serious complication that may occur during recurrent infection of alcoholics or post operatively. It also occurs during abstention as a sign of withdrawal effect. It is quite serious and may cause death even if treated in well equipped centres.

Numerous Endocrine Disorders have been associated with alcoholism ranging from Myxodema to Hyperthyroidism and Florid Cushing Syndrome.

Hematological ill effects are long and variable. Folic acid deficiency, however, is the most common manifestation of alcoholic abuse resulting in Macrocytic Anemia. Zeive’s syndrome is a triad of Hemolytic Anemia, Jaundice and Hyperlipaedemia that follows alcoholic binges.

Thrombocytopenia and other platelet abnormalities are not rare in alcoholics.

The commonly used tablet metronidazole (flagyl) interacts badly with alcohol.

Recurrent infection is very common among chronic alcoholics. The resistance to disease and the immunological defense system are compromised by alcohol intake.

Chest infections are notorious in alcoholics. Pneumonia, Lung Abcess, Emphysema and Pulmonary Tuberculosis are all common in alcoholics.

During acute alcoholic intoxication, the drunk person usually vomits, the cough reflexes which are protective are paralysed. The vomitus thus easily pass to the lung causing Pneumonia or Lung Abscess. Occasionally it may even cause suffocation and death.

The ill effects of alcohol consumption on women deserves special mention. Females are more vulnerable to alcohol-related Cirrhosis than men. During pregnancy alcohol consumption has a severe detrimental effect on the foetus. Foetal Alcohol Syndrome is being recognised more and more in the medical profession.

Skin diseases are also related to alcohol indulgence.

Eczema, Alopecia, Nail Dystrophy, Paronychia (infection around the nails) and Angular Stomatitis (inflammation of the angle of the mouth) are common diseases among alcoholics.


9. Alcoholism is a ‘disease’
Medical doctors have now turned liberal towards alcoholics and call alcoholism a disease rather than an addiction.

The Islamic Research Foundation has published a pamphlet that says:

If alcohol is a disease, it is the only disease that:

- Is sold in bottles

- Is advertised in newspapers, magazines, on radio and television

- Has licensed outlets to spread it

- Produces revenue for the government

- Brings violent deaths on the highways

- Destroys family life and increases crime

- Has no germs or viral cause

ALCOHOLISM IS NOT A DISEASE – IT IS SATAN’S HANDIWORK

Allah (swt) in His Infinite Wisdom has warned us against this snare of Satan. Islam is called the "Deen-ul-Fitrah" or the natural religion of Man. All its injunctions are aimed at preserving the natural state of man. Alcohol is a deviation from this natural state, for the individual as well as for society. It degrades man to a level below that of the beasts he claims to be superior to. Hence the consumption of alcohol is prohibited in Islam"


Answered by Dr.Zakir Naik

Each person must be free to choose whatever religion their conscience guides him or her towards. There is no difference between the moral values and teachings of Islam and those of Christianity.

Experience teaches us that there are some in both traditions who do not adhere to the letter and spirit of the moral law that informs the two faiths, but that is not to be considered a fault with the religion itself, but an insight into the individual vagaries and weaknesses of those experiencing the human condition.

Fathers in each religion can be stern if that is their nature, but fear is not a good reason to walk a path through life that you wish to reject. Perhaps when you are older you will discover that your father is not the tyrant you presently consider him to be.

Comments on this postfirmbeliever (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/members/firmbeliever.html) disagrees: muslims can borrow money but must have a written document signed by witnesses in case it is needed at a later date for either party to confirm the borrowed details!
According to what I have read Islam prohibits the paying or receiving of interest on money. This makes it kind of hard to borrow money. EVERY loan requires signed documents. Its called a promissory note.
Negative comments should only be given when an answer is factually incorrect. Mine wasn't.

The problem here is that most major religions have the SAME morals and mostly the same values. One of the major differences is in the way each treats women. Islam relagates women to second class status. They are considered more as property. They are considered only good for bearing children and taking care of the home. Sure, some Muslim men may hold their women in higher regard, but generally not in public.

Quran chapter 004 verse135
"O ye who believe! stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah, even as against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, and whether it be (against) rich or poor: for Allah can best protect both. Follow not the lusts (of your hearts), lest ye swerve, and if ye distort (justice) or decline to do justice, verily Allah is well-acquainted with all that ye do."

Quran chapter 048 verse005
"That He may admit the men and women who believe, to Gardens beneath which rivers flow, to dwell therein for aye, and remove their ills from them;- and that is, in the sight of Allah, the highest achievement"


As a muslim, I would like to clear a misconception about muslims and muslim women in general.

Firstly please do not assume that muslim women feel oppressed by the religion of Islam, if any live near you ask them yourself... and then decide if they are really oppressed or liberated.

In Islam the women are not forced into subservient roles, but the women are freed from the obligation of earning financially for the upkeep of the family, it is the mens duty to provide financial assistance.
This leaves the women to be free from the headache of providing for the family, but if they wish they could have all their time to spend with their family,rearing children in a healthy environment where the children find no lack of support from both parents and the mother being home is able to help the children with a balanced childhood (in today's age we find so many children finding themselves fighting for the attention of their parents as both work and have little or no time for the kids)

The women have a choice of whether working or nor working for their own satisfaction, they can own businesses and run them too.
I know that many hijab (all covered except the face and hands) and niqab (all covered except the eyes) women do work and earn their own living even if the husband provides for them.

The women are to be respected as mothers and sisters, wives and daughters and should not be harmed in anyway or form.Those who do beat the women or punish them to their own liking are not doing it as prescribed by Islam,but to their own misguided views.

Women are no different from men in Islam that both are rewarded by the Almighty for their piety...

Covering of the women is a command from Allah the Almighty and those women who cover for the sake of Allah do so without pressure from anyone,it is seen as obeying Allah and no one else and the women expect a reward from the Almighty on the day of Resurrection for obeying Allah and no reward from anyone else.

When women are divorced there is also a prescribed period for the man to look after her in order to confirm whether she is pregnant or not and if she is the husband must provide for the mother until the child is born and after.

Quran chapter 004 verse128
"If a wife fears cruelty or desertion on her husband's part, there is no blame on them if they arrange an amicable settlement between themselves; and such settlement is best; even though men's souls are swayed by greed. But if ye do good and practise self-restraint, Allah is well-acquainted with all that ye do."

When the women are getting married, they can either reject or accept the man in question
As it is not right to force a women to marry against her wishes in Islam.


Some links to the best women in the history of Islam.
Please do not judge the religion just by looking at the followers, go to the roots of the religion itself and learn for yourself the right way and then choose.

http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/history/biographies/sahaabah/bio.AISHAH_BINT_ABI_BAKR.html
http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/history/biographies/sahaabah/bio.BARAKAH.html
http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/history/biographies/sahaabah/bio.ASMAA_BINT_ABU_BAKR.html
http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/history/biographies/sahaabah/bio.RAMLAH_BINT_ABI_SUFYAN.html