A Muslim Female in UK Questiontime

[WhoevenamIinlife]

To help those who need educating. Fire away.

How much racism do you experience, and how does it manifest?

I've read a little about Islam and it seems to me that the extremists that give it a bad name actually aren't Muslims, they're just terrorists. The Koran says that killing is a sin, I've heard. Is that right? Is Islam actually a peaceable religion?

Have you read the Koran? What's it like? Is it beautiful? What are its three main teachings?

Do you ever wish you were part of the UK's mainstream religion (Christianity) just for an easier life? Is it hard not being part of the over-arching culture that you live in?

Well, you did say you had some time! 🤭

I used to wear the veil - then yes I experienced racism open blatant racism. The typical one being assumed you can't speak English when in most cases I was more fluent than the one making the assumption. Often I used to let them speak down to me before responding.

Killing one person is like killing the whole of mankind. Islam means peace and yes if you practice how it's meant to be practiced we wouldn't even need to have this convo.

I read the Quran in English, often we will randomly pick a quote as a family and analyse it and apply it to ourselves in today's context. Through the quran and prayer I have found peace in the darkest of darkest times.

I am more than happy in my faith. Never would I change religion for an easy life. I love the meaning religion brings to my life.

@WhoevenamIinlife Thank you for such a lovely reply.

I'm sorry you experienced racism while wearing the veil. That's just awful.

Did you like wearing it? How did it feel? I can see how it might be nice not to have men leering at your body. Was it also great not to have to bother about your hairdo??

Oh - and why did you stop wearing it?

I believed I was starting to do a disservice to it and I would put it back in when my faith was stronger. I loved wearing it when I wore it but then when I felt like I wasn't representing the religion how I should I took it off. I didn't miss doing my hair because I would do it for parties events dos anyway.
I hope to wear it again soon and represent Islam through the character as it should be done.

Would you be upset if your children were gay?

And why do you feel that you're not a good enough Muslim right now to wear it? What would you need to do to show that character?

On another topic, what is Muslim food like?

@ThisFluentBiscuit
"Muslim food" 🙄
That question shows exactly why the OP feels the need for this thread.
It's food.

thats not what I would want for my children for an easy life.
It's not easy for most gay people - throw culture and religion into it and it's crazy.

Wait did I say Muslim food? I meant to write frozen food.

Last year my workplace ran a voluntary initiative for colleagues to join our Muslim colleagues in fasting for a day or a week or more if we like to appreciate what it was like for them during Ramadan. The emails went out explaining the usual rules such as not drinking during daylight hours. I didn't join in but I'm aware several other non-Muslims did the odd day or two.

I found the whole idea quite awkward, because it felt like it was taking a spiritual/ religious thing and potentially making it into a bit of a personal challenge or endurance test for people whilst missing the point of what the fast is for.

Do you think it was a nice idea or misguided? Do you think you'd feel supported or a bit patronised if your workplace did this? I've no idea if they are planning to bring it back again this year or not.

When my colleagues have done this fasting challenge, I don't get asked 'not even water' anymore and actually I found it's another way to bond as food brings everyone together.

This is probably a silly question and I have a feeling it’s more cultural than religious but when I’m walking my dogs very many of the Muslim people I meet seem to have quite a heightened response to them. Is this cultural or religious?. I’m just curious. My dogs are always on the lead and under control btw.

Why is Jerusalem important to Muslims?

It's literally upbringing. I am scared of animals - cats especially as I was attacked by a cat when younger.
my children just follow my fear and react the way I do because they don't know any better? My youngest has been brought up around a cat and as a result she is more confident around animals including dogs than I am.

nothing to do with religion.

I believe it's where Muslims believe the prophet ascended into Heaven.

I'm sorry to hear you experienced discrimination wearing the veil, but a little confused you called it racism as you didn't change race, the veil covered your face, and Islam isn't a race.

You don't know? It seems pretty important to Muslims.

My friend lives in Pakistan. There was a furore about a rape case . Young girl was abducted by 3 or 4 men in a car. She was driven away and raped. Both her mother and a neighbour saw the whole thing but could not get to her in time. As I recall, they did not report the incident because there was no chance of her being believed because her testimony did not carry the weight of multiple men, nor did her mother's or the neighbour's combined.
Unfortunately the girl was made pregnant and she had to tell the story or be charged with something like adultery. She had no acceptable defence.because her word was worth much less than the men's. She was given the death penalty.
The authorities would not execute her while she was pregnant which gave women's groups the time to campaign, both in Pakistan and abroad. The authorities caved in and commuted her punishment to life in prison. I don't know what happened then.

You should read my disclaimer. But please feel to educate me ...

Do you have days where you don't think about religion, the Quran and being muslim and just live your day, or do you think about it all the time?

What do you think of someone who values science and technology over religion?

Would it be difficult for your children to remain a part of your religion and culture if they turned out to be gay?

What disclaimer, where?

Thanks, that’s interesting. We often have people crossing the road to avoid us which is totally their choice. We have occasionally had people scream and run away which seemed a bit odd … what does Islam say about animals?

That's awful, is that sharia law?