Ask a Muslim anything

[Lesschubtolove]

Another thread on a Quran being kicked about has brought up some pretty ugly stereotypes on Muslims and a perception that we all want blasphemy laws and death threats are part of our religion and that a Quran only matters in Arabic. None are true but it dawned on me actually that there are a lot of mistruths and Misconceptions about what Muslims believe, think or do.

Well ask away… the questions you maybe wanted to know but thought you might get in trouble for or would be frowned upon

Well that’s if it is the sole reason for hijab but it’s not, it’s so that they may be recognised as believing women

but yes men must dress modestly too but it has different meanings for men and women

My children are very very young so it’s too soon for that conversation and what I’d say as white appearing too

I always remove my shoes when I go into my Muslim friends house. I just noted others did and she had slippers on. Is this a cultural norm? I don't mind as she has carpets 😊

Can I ask what is most important festival to you where would give gifts ?
My little girl has two lovely muslim girls in her year at school and at Christmas came round with their mum and gave us lovely gift of chocolates. I would like to take a gift round for them when they are celebrating their most significant holiday but not sure if Eid or when gifts would normally be exchanged.

Thanks

In the Christian faith there are very different sets of beliefs underneath that umbrella - everything from Evangelical to very traditional Catholic or Greek/Russian orthodox. Are there very different strands in Islam or do most branches tend to have the same beliefs?

Yes definitely, I’d say so especially in communities where it’s not acceptable to say you don’t believe

Do you think non Muslims are really gross and unhygienic ?

We have a very close Muslim friend who refuses to eat anything we prepare for her ( even if it's not meat / pork ).

I just feel like she thinks we are generally gross and it upsets me.

I’ve always done it hahah! It’s definitely an Indian subcontinent thing, Sikhs and Hindus do the same. I imagine It has to do with cleanliness

That is a really good point actually, although I'm sure your school will be labelled racist if it dared to question or push back against those parents

That’s so lovely! So either eid Al fitr at the end of Ramadan or eid Al adha after hajj, adha is commonly referred to as ‘big eid’. Gifts and money are exchanged on both, here it seems to be money but a gift would be warmly
received I’m sure

I find it really difficult to understand and respect face coverings. I understand covering your hair as it’s almost universally adopted by Muslim women and other cultures, Jewish married women cover their hair too. Hair coverings don’t stop communication, facial expressions, smiles.
Covering your face seems rude to me, like they want to block out any social interaction with anyone outside their family.

There are two main sects sunni and shia and then there’s subsects of each sect, just like Christianity. There are offshoots too like Christianity has Mormonism Islam has ahmediyas (overly simplistic but similar)

Thanks for that, I have muslim friends who I adore and I’m asian myself but not muslim and it can feel like a really bloody uncomfortable question and I don’t want anyone to think it’s about current day political dynamics because it’s not and it’s not about religion really, I’m an atheist so I’m not fussed.

I guess I wondered if any Muslim people thought that the reason they may be Muslim, something you may hold very dear is because you were a colonised people. Much like many modern day Christians across the world. Anyone I spoke to always seemed to identify with the “invader” rather than their original ethnic group. I suppose if the belief is that your ancestors converted from a genuine belief rather than coercion or pressure then you would identify with the people bringing enlightenment rather than your original group. Sorry rambling! I really do appreciate your thoughts on this.

Do you allow singing of children's songs in your family?

Why is music with a melody haram? I had no idea that it was until this thread.

Even vegetarian things? That seems odd and that’s not an Islamic thing? So no I don’t, and I don’t have such issues as you friend

If you could vote for elements of sharia law to be included in British law, would you? if so which ones? if not, why not?

Probably because decorating an egg or wearing a certain uniform doesn’t impact the education which is why the child was sent to the school.

Yes I do,

it’s quite complicated and it’s heavily debated but it’s the over all debate on music and musical instruments being haram, except for this drum thing, the taff or duff I can’t remember the name (that’s going to drive me potty lol)

Would I vote for it? Guess it depends what elements as most Islamic law is quite socialist but overall you must obey the law of the land that you are in, unless it commands you to do haram like kill people (outside of war of course)

I had no idea singing and dancing wasn’t allowed! How come?

Sorry, I don't quite follow. What is the debate about music being bad? What do strict Muslims think it does to people that is bad?

i Think there is a perception that Islam came in peace and a lot of people claim lineage to the prophet too so as if they were part of the original Muslims. I’m not too clear in this part of history but I know forced conversion is haram so people converted willingly, now how much of a free choice this was can of course be debated but I think it’s complicated for sure, and more than I know

I’m going to put my kids to bed but I’ll come back to this

What is the difference between sunni and shia?
Do they hate each other, if so, why? (I know some people dislike and are suspicious and of those who don't share their beliefs but most generally rub along.)

Have you performed Hajj?