Reverse: Humanity before Religion

So in my post : Blame Humanity Not Religion everyone seems to agree that it is perfectly fine to leave a religion due to the community. That if the community has completely betrayed or turned you off leaving is justifiable.

But what about the other way around. What if you join a religion because of the community? Is that acceptable and justifiable?

Most will say a flat out no. Its not. So why does it work the other way around? If someone truly loves a particular community why should that not justify their conversion? This could even apply to those who convert to marry. If you love the community, love the worship, love the people, love the way of life then it seems plausible to me that converting will make you very happy. So why is it then that if someone converts for these things its considered to be in poor taste?

I'm actually not sure myself. The more I study the more I think community can be a good reason to convert. Community is religion is some senses. One of the main reasons a person chooses an organized religion is because they want to belong to a community. Otherwise we would all go on our marry own ways. They want to belong to something. So community should have a huge impact on conversion. And since the only absolute truth is God it should not matter what you choose. So if it makes you truly happy, brings you closer to God, then what is so wrong with choosing based on a community?

Thoughts?

Blame Humanity, Not Religion

It bothers me every time I see a comment or a post bashing a religion saying how awful it is. Usually the person belonged to the religion previously and got so disenchanted with it they left. I always read them looking to see if their complaints have anything to do with the actual religion. Nine times out of Ten they have nothing to do with the actual religion. They will be complaints about priests molesting children, corrupt mosque owners, caddy women, verses that bring women down, corrupt governments etc. Thing is this:

None of these things have anything to do with the actual religions.

I have to admit I was like this once. I use to bash Catholicism because I got so disenchanted with it. I use to say that the Bible degrades women, bringing us to a lower level. That I can't associate with a religion who's clergy abuses children. I would be appalled by the church's use of its money, building yet another bigger house for the priest or buying a high tech moving light up sign instead of feeding the poor. The corrupt clergy of the past and present pulling scheme after scheme to get money for themselves. The priests who boycott funerals, condemning homosexuals saying "Matthew Shepard deserved to die a horrible death" or the ones that say people deserve natural disasters like in Haiti. The Crusades were the worst, they turned me off the most. I just couldn't believe how the church manipulated its people into fighting a war like that. It was disgusting.

It took me up until 2 years ago when studying Islam to realize none of these things are the fault of the religion. I was afraid of Islam like most Westerners. All we hear about is how the war is in Afghanistan and what the Taliban does. I thought these wars were part of the religion. I thought hatred for women was part of the religion. I thought Muhammad condoned these things. Then I came to learn it is one small group that does these things. One group. And most muslims do not even consider these people, these Wahabis, muslims.

When you get disenchanted its hard to see through all the red tape, all the hurt you've been through. You've been jaded and all you see is the scars that have been left from years and years of looking at your own religion without rose colored glasses. Its painful to be sure and understandable when one holds a grudge. But we have to remember that these things are not part of the religion. They are the fault of humanity. It is humanity that is corrupt, dishonest, and manipulative. Not religion. That is the problem and the blessing of organized religions: they involve humanity and all the interpretations that come with it.

Robin Hood Ep 5

BBCs Robin Hood, Ep 5 of season 1 involves a bunch of Turkish slaves that get caught in the middle of a battle over the Sherif's mines. In that, a new character is introduced called Djaq (pronounced like Jack) who is an intelligent "son" of a doctor and brings a bunch of new inventions into the mix, helping Robin to destroy the mines. Djaq turns out to be a woman in disguise. She is my favorite character next to Marion.

Robin Hood has a very interesting quote in this episode. He quotes the Qur'an, I do not know what verse. But it is about man striving for righteousness. They ask him if it is the Bible he quoted he says no the Qur'an. Much calls it the Turkish Bible then asks him why he read it.

He said to see what they were fighting. And that is when you realize why Robin has an issue with the Crusades. He saw no reason to fight people who believed the same thing.

Alhumdulilah!

Its a great show, campy, but great. And there are a few crossings with muslims, mostly positive. Check out Marion's wardrobe its fantastic! I want all her clothes...why don't we dress that way anymore? :(

You can look up the ep HERE

Belief O Meter

Belief O Meter

Take it. Its highly entertaining. Its a quiz that breaks down what percent of a religion you are. Although I disagree with my top one being Reformed Judaism as I think Jesus is a prophet, the rest make sense.

Am I really more Mormon than Catholic?!!! Ok, it has a few screws loose but its all in good fun.

. 1	Reform Judaism (100%)
2.	Baha'i Faith (93%)
3.	Orthodox Judaism (92%)
4.	Islam (88%)
5.	Liberal Quakers (87%)
6.	Sikhism (85%)
7.	Jainism (81%)
8.	Unitarian Universalism (80%)
9.	Mainline to Liberal Christian Protestants (71%)
10.	Mahayana Buddhism (69%)
11.	Hinduism (68%)
12.	Orthodox Quaker (68%)
13.	Neo-Pagan (64%)
14.	Theravada Buddhism (57%)
15.	New Age (55%)
16.	Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons) (52%)
17.	Seventh Day Adventist (50%)
18.	Scientology (47%)
19.	Mainline to Conservative Christian/Protestant (46%)
20.	Secular Humanism (46%)
21.	Jehovah's Witness (46%)
22.	New Thought (43%)
23.	Christian Science (Church of Christ, Scientist) (39%)
24.	Eastern Orthodox (37%)
25.	Roman Catholic (37%)
26.	Taoism (36%)
27.	Nontheist (27%)

Book on Unitarian Christianity and Universalism?

Anyone know a good book on Unitarian Christianity (as in how it developed and how it works today) and one on the Universalist outlook on religion?

7 Things About Me

Hijab Chic challenged me to a 7 things about me.

The challenge is to tell 7 things about yourself and then challenge 7 people and link to them and the one who challenged you.

7 things about me:
1) I am a geek through and through. I know more about Star Wars then a lot of men I know and can hold my own at any comic book convention. If I could get a job working in a comic book shop that actually paid me what I need to live I would never leave. And I LOVE BBC.
2) I have an obsession with scarves that dates back to junior high. I own an absurd amount of them. Really, my walls are covered with them hanging from thumb tacks.
3) My first love is art, particularly drawing. Life would loose so much meaning without it.
4) I am incredibly fond of all things Japanese. Particularly Anime, manga, and their delicious candy. Mochi!!!!
5) I love Rock Band. LOVE IT. I can't get enough of the game which is why I don't own it. But soon, soon I shall.
6) I read young adult novels. Lots of fantasy young adult novels. Its those or Philosophy/Theology books. Weird combination but they all live together on one shelf. Twilight does indeed hang out with Nietzsche.
7) I was never a girl who had a lot of female friends, always boys. Up until now i never fit in with girls but muslim girls I seem to get along with quite well. Or religious, intellectual women in general.

Ok I challenge Sarah (Wrestling with Religion), Liz, Ellen (Steadily Emerging with Grace), Banana Anne, Achelois, Susanne, and Cairo Lusaka Amsterdam

10 Common Muslim Issues

I've been really sick so I will answer comments in a few days. Stupid sushi.

Anywho someone emailed this to me and I thought I would share. Its funny, yet informative.

Following is a list of ten very common issues that most of us seem to falter when it comes to our Islamic obligations.

1.Telling the Truth

Avoiding unwanted telephone calls ("Tell them I'm not home!") and trying to obtain undeserved discounts from inexperienced young staff at the local butcher ("Yeah, yeah, your boss knows me, he always gives me a 25 percent discount!") is, well, dishonest and un-Islamic. Small lies, big lies, and even white lies should be avoided at all times. As good believers, we should always be telling the truth!

2.Praying on Time

One of the major inconveniences of our favorite TV shows it that they are always broadcast at Maghrib time. Despite having seen every episode half a dozen times over the span of our childhood, we can't help but gamble every time over whom we love more: Allah or Homer Simpson? And for those of us who are smart enough to know that our Creator's importance is greater than Matt Groening's creation, the Morning Prayer is a whole other battle. I'm not too sure why most of us "don't have the energy" for Fajr, because even at 4 in the morning, the minute someone plugs in the PS3 or suggests a movie marathon, it's as though we've consumed a dozen energy drinks and three shots of espresso. Narrations reveal that Fajr is the most beneficial of the daily prayers; however, Satan whispers otherwise.

3.Minding Our Language

I understand that the recommended daily Ziyarat Ashura recitation summons an amazing adrenaline rush upon cursing the tyrants; however, extending this "curse allowance" to regular use of profanities in everyday life is certainly uncalled for! These days most Muhammads and Hussains and Zainabs and Fatimas seem to be partaking in the who-can-swear-the-most competitions with the non-Muslims. If anyone feels as though this statement is grossly unfair, please find proof by visiting the local Islamic school during lunch time.

4.Refraining from Backbiting

To those individuals who feel compelled to commit Gheebat, justifying it as "a collective attempt to rectify faltering individuals" by informing each and every person of someone else's shortcomings and not-so-ethical behavior, we quote the Holy Qur'an: "And spy not, neither backbite one another. Would one of you love to eat the flesh of his dead brother?" (49:12) Either everyone these days is practicing cannibalism on their own free will, or we have run out of new and interesting meats to try. I'm not too sure about your brother's, but mine's flesh certainly does not seem too appetizing.

5.Paying Religious Dues

The only difference between shortchanging the IRS and shortchanging on Khums is that the former will land you in jail, whereas the latter will put you in hell. Ideally we would like to avoid both, but if we had to choose one, we would definitely take jail time over hell time. And we sincerely hope our fellow brothers and sisters have the same preference. One way to avoid hell time is to pay our religious dues on time and share our wealth with the poor. We assure you the benefits are countless. The most appealing (second only to earning Allah's pleasure, of course) benefit of taking your wealth and giving it to the poor? You get to feel like Robin Hood!

6.Observing Proper Hijab

Although it's usually the intelligence of beings possessing the Y chromosome which is questioned, sometimes we can't help but think it's the double X which has a few loose screws. Why exactly a Hijabi woman would intentionally falter when it comes to observing proper Hijab is beyond our understanding. If you've got the headscarf and "modest dress" going on, than we're yet to fully comprehend the benefit of exposing those pink toenails and wrists for the sake of showing off our gladiator sandals and fake Gucci watches. Please book an appointment with X-Men character Dust for a few Hijab pointers. (The Niqab is optional.) For God's sake, sisters, cover up everything that's not for the world to see, and that means not just your hair!

7.Avoiding Inappropriate Movies and Television Programs

Either I've remained completely oblivious about the MPAA merging with the Islamic seminary in Qom, or Muslims are mistaking the bold large print of "Rated R for coarse language and nudity" with "This movie is suitable for viewing by Muslims." My dear brother, we are aware that the Imam of Our Time (may Allah hasten his reappearance) is always present among us. Keep that in mind the next time you watch a movie with girls in bikinis in it. And sisters, being a girl doesn't justify your obsession for those romance films which lead to those secret collages and shrines with topless pictures of Edward Cullen making out with Bella. Sorry to break this to you, brothers and sisters, but your husbands and wives will not look like those Photoshopped movie stars, so it's best to stop drooling over them now.

8.Sporting a Beard

According to several traditions, a shaved face was commonly sported by the munafiqeen of Islam, such as Muawiya and Yazid. Today, however, it is a common sight to see the followers of the bearded nobles, Prophet Muhammad and his Progeny (peace be upon them), resembling the followers of the enemies of Islam. I've never seen South Korean soldiers dress up like the North Korean soldiers, so I'm not too sure what is going on with a growing number of brothers today. Instead of desperately chasing Fiqhi loopholes to justify shaving the beard, just ask yourself one question: WWAD? (What Would [Imam] Ali Do?)

9.Keeping Proper Friends

We all love to be the best friends possible, but that shouldn't be at the expense of us not being the best Muslim friends possible! Many a times we find it hard to control that energetic spirit within which chants Amr Bil Maroof, and in an attempt to show our friends the Right Path, we decide to do whatever it takes to "fit in" and subsequently let our own faith slip. As a wise person once said, "A man is known by the friends he keeps." Surely hanging with friends who have a tendency to engage in haram activities cannot help us do more halal and less haram. If anyone thinks otherwise, the Prophet of Allah responded to your objection already: "A good friend is one whose presence should always remind you of your Lord."

10. Making Up Missed Prayers and Fasts

It's great fun to fall sick in Ramadan, because while everyone else is fasting, you're one of the lucky few who can eat! Victory! But for those of us who don't like being in debt to our bank or credit cards, maybe it's a wise idea to be debt-free in the eyes of Allah as well. Fasting on days other than in Ramadan does seem excruciating, but perhaps some of us should have thought about this before we decided to forego our Islamic duties for minor excuses. And if you're among the lucky few who do not have any missed fasts, take account and find out if you have any prayers from the past (that were missed or performed incorrectly) that must be made up.