Interested in Islam?

[loversrock]

Ok so I'm interested in looking into Islam. I think I believe in god but I wouldn't say I'm religious at all. I know little bits about Islam but I'm not full of knowledge. I'm quite a factual person so need something to 'blow my mind' to believe if that makes sense? Any reverts here that could point me in the right direction? Also what made you revert did you suddenly become a believer or did it take time to read and look into it? Thanks :)

[Fekko]

I think I saw a dummies guide in the stores. That would give you the nuts and bolts. Also look up the BBC study guides as there's a section on there.

I do find the term 'revert' a bit odd though. The assumption that you were thus before is a bit presumptive!

Don't google though - like all religions and philosophies, there are some pretty extreme ideas put there.

[Ttbb]

Islam is abut of a difficult one. Read the Koran I guess-that's the best place to start (not least of because that is where it's supposed to end). TBH if you are looking for spiritual revelations you'd be better off with sonething more modern. If you just want a feeling of community/ritualised faith then get move involved with whatever it is your family does (I assume given the use of the word revert). It's probably best to decide exactly what is it that you are loooking for and then asking where you can find it.

[Adviceplease360]

Read the Qur'an, it's the best place to start and ask Allah to guide you on the right path. Really pray for guidance x

[PeaceAndLove1]

Meditate, quieten the mind and look inwards, it's all there, no need for all the dogma.

[zippey]

Surely factual and religion should not be in the same sentence? Religion is all about faith.

I'd say forget religion, but read the Coran, Bible, L Ron Hubbard books out the interest.

[Fekko]

Or Consolations of Philosophy by Alain de Botton. That's a good read.

[hmmwhatatodo]

I think if you are going to read the Quran then get one with a translation alongside the surahs. I have a good one (paperback but quite heavy I'm afraid) which I will look at and post the details of later. There are a couple of Islamic channels you can watch over the internet - British Muslim tv and Islam channel that often have interesting discussions on. There is also a good female speaker (whose name I cannot remember but again will try to remember).

I think choosing an area that interests you and looking into it is a helpful starting point. And taking your time to watch it fall into place rather than expeomind blowing revelations is also probably a good idea.

PS. It's not a cult! What a random thing for a poster to have added.

[CardinalSin]

The only difference between a religion and a cult is the number of followers...

[Dadddi]

Sorry, I don't mean to offend but it is a cult. It's a belief in something that cannot be proven to be true.

If it wasn't a cult then children born into Religious families would be free to choose their own way but I'd suggest that far more often than not, they aren't.

[loversrock]

I don't know, I see it more of a way of life than a religion. I guess sometimes I just think it must be nice to have that belief and dedication it just seems very peaceful. But I do agree on children born into it how it is forced on them but I guess that's the same with all religions Christianity, Judaism etc ...

[Dadddi]

It's certainly the same with all religions, after all, when you break it down they are all just cults. Again, I mean no offence by this, this is my opinion and your belief in a unproven deity shouldn't out rank my belief in it not existing.

I'll be frank, you could find what you really seek without having to be told how to think or act by a set of rules.

You're far more powerful than you realise, LR.

[Fekko]

Why Islam in particular OP? Why not Quakerism (is that the word) or Buddhism? Or even good old c of e?

[hmmwhatatodo]

I'm not interested in getting into a debate in the difference between a religion and a cult. I think it's normal for parents of whatever set of beliefs to want to bring their children up to follow the same path. Would seem odd if you believed it was the truth and yet didn't share it with your children.

Anyway op, the Quran I have is by Ali Unal. You can still find it on Amazon and it has a beige cover. The speaker is called Yasmin Mogahed. There are lots of interesting speakers out there and also a magazine called Sisters (I think) that has articles you can read online.

Hope that helps a little?

[hungrytillater]

I converted about 12 years ago. DONT GOOGLE! There's a website called //www.seekershub.com which has excellent free courses, some of which are aimed at people looking into Islam. Their next term starts on October 2nd but you can browse courses now. Islam really did blow my mind when I found out what it really was. I can't imagine not being Muslim now. Happy to speak more privately but not willing to say much more on here as threads about Islam don't go well!

[Dadddi]

I'm not interested in getting into a debate in the difference between a religion and a cult

Well you wouldn't as there isn't a difference. Good luck you to you though.

[hungrytillater]

Oops sorry it's //www.seekershub.org

[Fekko]

Why convert? I'm always curious about people who have been one thing or nothing and find something that is quite different to what they were probably brought up with. And yes I realise the irony of Christianity originating in the ME!

I know people who have rediscovered their Muslimism after they have had kids or settled down with a Muslim woman after having a wild youth (not the other way around though)!

Where I worked before I would come across quite a few converts and born agains but couldn't really ask them.

[FaFoutis]

I see it more of a way of life than a religion
Doesn't everyone say this about their religion? Does it mean other religions are not?

[Sunbitternx]

Why Islam?

Would you consider Christianity? Much more freedom involved for women who follow Christ. No need to cover your face, dont need to submit to your husband, you can be a high powered successful woman even. There's lots of female pastors and speakers.

Let me know if you're interested

[farfarawayfromhome]

I live in a Muslim country and it's a beautiful religion. I'm watching this with interest.

[Fekko]

A muslim relative explained it to me as like a rule book for society written in a time when it was pretty lawless and unstable.

So it didn't only focus on the 'thereafter' but also on living peacefully, helping the poor, even eating well (pork and prawns not being particularly hygienic in a hot climate, booze being a bad idea if folks get drunk and aggressive).

[Dadddi]

So it didn't only focus on the 'thereafter' but also on living peacefully, helping the poor, even eating well (pork and prawns not being particularly hygienic in a hot climate, booze being a bad idea if folks get drunk and aggressive)

One would suggest you could do that quite easily without submitting to religious/cult instructions.

[hungrytillater]

sun I'm a well paid career woman, dh does the school runs

[Fekko]

But imagine you are living in a violent and unstable society and really want to hear how it can be made peaceful and safe. Who would you listen to - some nice guy (who might just want to be king) or a guy who says he is getting instruction from The Big Man himself?