Malaysian lesbian: Am I a practicing Muslim?
By ANA A.
I spent last weekend with some friends in San Francisco. We took three energetic dogs to two different parks, watched cute girls pass us by as we ate lunch at Tartine’s – fabulous bakery on Guerrero and 18th. I had just met one of the girls in our group that day. She and my other friends apparently haven’t seen each other in a while.
In one of our conversations as we were playing chase with the dogs, she mentioned nonchalantly that she believes that all religions are a hoax and that she no longer believes in god. She punctuated her statement by adding she had bacon for breakfast the morning before.
To give you more of a context, the new friend is an ex-Muslim. I stopped petting my friend’s fluffy Chow as I contemplated the news she just broke.
She had asked me if I was a practicing Muslim. I had a hard time answering her.
Though I never miss fasting and paying Zakat (the Muslim tithe), avoid pork, drinking alcohol, smoking and using drugs, I pray sporadically as opposed to five times a day, own a dog with my girlfriend and am open about my homosexuality.
Does being a dog-loving lesbian make me any less of a Muslim?
I try to be a conscientious employee, a devoted and loyal girlfriend, a filial daughter (that’s Confucianism, isn’t it?) and a caring friend. I contribute to society by volunteering and donating every month, educate myself and educate others on what I know best, organize and take part in participatory sports, pay taxes, recycle and abide by communal and governmental laws.
I am sure my apostate friend is as equally devoted at being an exemplary citizen in her community.
When I was coming out as a lesbian almost a decade ago, the conflict between my lifestyle choice and my religion seemed irreconcilable.
Can I be who I am and still keep my religion?
Anecdotally speaking, many gay folks I know still can’t resolve the inherently difficult issue. Many choose to go opposite extremes. On one extreme, I have witnessed individuals who choose to devote themselves to religion. They pledge their lives, love and soul to Jesus or Allah - Chrisbians, Mosbians as my friends would call them – denying themselves of the love of their lives with same sex partners. At the other end of the spectrum, I have seen a complete discard of religion to substantiate their lifestyle.
Being dismissive or regarding any deviant lifestyle as intolerable is just too simplistic.
I like to think I took the middle ground. I am able to balance both my homosexuality and religion by bearing in mind the fundamental principles of religion and leading a life focusing on these components to shape myself to my own definition of a well-balanced individual.
Ultimately, the thing that matters the most is that I am at peace with who I am and with my relationship with god and my girlfriend. As religion is and should remain a personal conviction, I hope that all the Chrisbians, Mosbians, apostates as well as gay and non-gay Muslims can co-exist happily.
As a result, the answer I finally settled on was that I was indeed a practicing Muslim. I believe that religion is a personal conviction.
In my opinion, the fundamental concept of any religion is to serve as a guideline for practitioners on personal, social and spiritual conduct. Many would disagree I am sure, but I don’t consider my lifestyle a deviation from my religion. Rather than looking at religion to define who I am, I use religion to understand how I live my life.
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ANA A. is a contributing writer for theCICAK.
Ana enjoys Silicon Valley as much as her fulfilling and satisfying relationship with her girlfriend. Love you, CCM. Ana is planning on tackling same-sex marriage rights next!
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Part 1: Creating a new manifesto for Malaysia
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How far would you go if your lover cheated on you? Be honest.
Comment of the week
I defend my right as a Malaysian to talk about anything that concerns Malaysia.
Hi. My name is Al and I’m Malaysian and I’m a self confessed sexual predator. And oh I’m a Muslim. I was having a walk somewhere in town with my friend another self confessed sexual predator. One day out of the blue while surfing the net with my friend for child porn he asked me “are you a practicing Muslim?”
You see my friend was an ex-Muslim and I hard time answering him.
Though I never miss fasting and paying Zakat (the Muslim tithe), avoid pork, drinking alcohol, smoking and using drugs, I pray sporadically as opposed to five times a day, I’m very much a child molesting pervert.
Does being a child molesting pervert make me any less of a Muslim?
I try to be a conscientious employee, a devoted and loyal friend, and a caring friend. I contribute to society by volunteering and donating every month, educate myself and educate others on what I know best, organize and take part in participatory sports, pay taxes, recycle and abide by communal and governmental laws.
I am sure my apostate friend is as equally devoted at being an exemplary citizen in his community.
Can I be who I am and still keep my religion
Ok, ok. If anyone reading this hasn’t realized it yet I’m just trying to prove a point here to ANA. A and talk a bit about her article Malaysian lesbian: Am I a practicing Muslim?
Dear ANA.A, I too am a Muslim and have spent many years overseas as a student and have been to San Fran a couple of times and just to let some of the readers in, SF is quite notably known for being a really “colourful” state. During my time there I’ve had the chance to meet many, many people of different race, religion and sexual orientation. My experiences have shown me that what makes a person good or bad is not bound to their race, religion or sexual orientation. The only problem that I do have with your article is that you are trying very hard to justify who you are to others. If you truly have faith in GOD and believe that the life that you have chosen is right then my question to you is why are questioning if you can still keep your religion? If religions as you have said is not what defines you but how you understand your life then your question as to whether you’re a “practicing Muslim” is moot. It really doesn’t matter does it?
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i believe she is merely writing on the account of her lifestyle, and though she mentioned that she is comfortable with her practice of Islam, at times she is alike other human being, who eventually will be influenced by how the society practice the same religion. pressure! then again she did end with “I believe that religion is a personal conviction.” so i kinda doubt she is in any way confused or uncertain.
the article is honestly put, seeing that we haven’t heard much of being lesbian and muslim. it is interesting to finally have a piece that expressed how the preconceive idea of strong believer of a certain faith is a good citizen, as well as being in love with same-sex is so distinct in any religion.
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I just want to ask you a question which have been bugging me.
Now, I do respect your decision. As a muslim, I think its important for people to have a thinking mind of their own instead of following blindly whatever the society tells you.
I think we all know that almost all religions reject homosexualism. The books clearly stated its stand on that. So you said you balance your life with your religion and sexuality. Does that mean, you ignore the homophobic part in the Quran ? How exactly you justify that? Is it like ‘take the good, leave the bad’ kind of thing?
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Syafiq
I think the most important thing here is that she is not harming anyone or put anyone in danger. We are living in the 21st century and the bible did says that god created the world 2000 years ago. Does the Christians really believe in that? Well, I dare say a lot of Christians may ignore that side of the Bible.
You said “As a muslim, I think its important for people to have a thinking mind of their own instead of following blindly whatever the society tells you”. This is a very good advise indeed, a bit contradictory to your last paragraph but nevertheless good advise. You are basically telling her to have her own mind instead of asking her to follow blindly what society or the Quran tells her to do.
What also bothers me is that nowadays, certain religious protest will say something like “We are not a violent religion but if you offend us we will murder you, slay you etc etc”…
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You’re no less Muslim than about a 1.6 billion others….
Here’s the thing. Islam preaches a lot of things. No drinking, no homosexual acts, no eating pork are all minor in comparison to these.
1. Praying
2. Donating to the poor
3. Taking care of orphans
These three are mentioned in every chapter of the Koran in comparison to no gay sex, no sex without marriage, no drinking, no pork, etc.
Personally, I think being a Muslim was determined for an individual before they reached puberty. Heck, most were born into the religion without an actual say.
So I believe that one should decide. If you wish to be a Muslim by name, you already are. If you are capable of more, then do good deeds. And if such is still not a burden, then adhere by the laws dictated by Allah in his book and submit to Him, because that is the greatest burden any individual can bear.
Personally, though, being a Muslim is between you and God, and if anyone tells you otherwise, let them know that being hypocritical is the worst of all sins in God’s book.
That’s mentioned in every chapter of the Koran as well.
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ANA said:”Ultimately, the thing that matters the most is that I am at peace with who I am and with my relationship with god and my girlfriend.”
just got me thinking: by what or whose standard do we come to conclude what ‘matters most’? How many of us would agree with what ‘mattered most’ to Hitler?
While ANA may be at peace with ‘her lifestyle’, if we are to pursue any religion that believes in a God who will judge us, isn’t what matters most is what HE thinks of our lifestyle. If God says He hates homosexuality less frequently than instructions to do good, does it mean he ‘wasn’t serious’ about homosexuality?
While repetition does indicate stress, the lack of it doesn’t diminish its authority.
I can’t imagine telling God at Judgement Day,” umm, God, I went on with being gay because I thought you’d be cool with it. After all, you only mentioned it a couple of times…”
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First of all, I think this an article worth reading to understand the differences and the similarities humans have. You and me, we’re both muslims. But you’re a lesbian, and i’m not.
However, back to how Muslim a person is..
We can claim to be following whatever religion we want. I wouldn’t say somebody is a non-muslim when he/she claims she is.
But in the end, it is God who decides whether we are His followers or not.
Here’s a thought though-
Islam - a way of life, not just a belief.
Muslim - a person who lives the Islamic way of life.
We can all claim to be Muslims. But if we are not living life as the Quran has told us, on what basis can we claim we are Muslims?
It’s like this.
If I say I’m a vegetarian, that means I only eat vegetables.
There is no such thing as “I’m a vegetarian but I eat meat”
Same goes for being a Muslim. You’re either one, or you’re not. There is no such thing as a Muslim happily and openly confessing practising something that is clearly against what the religion preaches. Again, Islam is not just a belief in the one God. It is a way of life.
Why do I say Islam is a way of life? Because if we really have faith in God, then we would have faith in what He tells us to do and not do because we believe that He knows what is best for us. How can we claim that we believe in God but then reject His teachings? It just doesn’t make sense to me.
But anyhow, whether someone’s a Muslim or not, that’s not for me or anyone else to decide. we all have sins. In the end, it is only God that can judge us based on our intentions and our actions.
Whichever way it is, I pray that we are all guided to the path that will lead us to be recognised as a Muslim in front of Allah - not a Muslim self-proclaimed.
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I agree with Nur’s comment wholeheartedly though I am a Christian as many of the statements she made applies to my religion as well. I don’t mean to be judgemental but I really dun think it’s possible to embrace both homosexuality and your religion if your religion is against homosexuality. It’s like telling someone that you are embracing 2 conflicting philosophies. It’s like the breed of christians in US who openly declare that it’s ok to be gay and christian at the same time and have now set up a gay church and have chosen to ignore the part of the bible that clearly states that God is against homosexuality.
The point I’m making is that if you really want to embrace something, then it should be done wholeheartedly….not by accepting some parts of it and discarding those you don’t fancy. I just feel that to do that, you aren’t really being honest to yourself. In the end, it doesn’t really matter how much of it you discard.
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God created truth…man created religion…
Tunku Abdul Rahman..our dear ‘Bapa Kemerdekaan’..many times had said that it is for he himself to deal with God when he’s at the gates of heaven when asked on his fondness for a shot of the finest whiskey..
And Ana..I think you and Tunku have something in common then… = )..
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This only goes to show why religion is bullshit.
You’re not supposed to be a homosexual when you’re a muslim right? Then why are you still muslim/a homosexual?
If God asks you to follow these rules, but you only follow some, and do not follow the rest - then why follow that religion in the first place? Are you not disobeying God by not following what he intends you to follow? I really don’t understand religion nor people who follow them.
But I especially can’t understand those who say/strive to follow religion, but maintain some rules but do not follow the rest. Are you so special that you can manipulate (couldnt find a better word) your religion to follow what benefits you, and what doesn’t? Isn’t not following some rules akin to disobeying God? And when you disobey God, doesn’t that make him angry? So in reality, are you not disobeying God and making him angry?
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In regards to your title “Am I a Muslim?”, your religion is founded on the belief of a God who will judge us on our death. The ultimate pursuit then is really not what we think or feel/think about ourselves, but what our creator thinks about us.
The religions of the book (Judaism, Islam, Christianity), fronts the idea of an absolute God. He loves this, hates that, do this, don’t do that. Though many positions are not explicitly stated in the Holy books and are thus open to interpretation (Eg. Drugs use), unfortunately in your case, assuming the common interpretation is right, it is clear in the books that a homosexual lifestyle is something that is abhorrent to the Muslim God.
All choices going forward can be distilled into these 3 options:
1) I turn against my faith (Hope that Islam is man-made)
2) I turn against my lifestyle (Believe that my Muslim God exists & my choice honors God)
3) I continue in ignorance of the conflict between my lifestyle and my faith / Rebel against God with my eyes wide open (Hope that the Muslim God does not exist, failing which, hope that he is compassionate to still judge me as a sinful Muslim, instead of an infidel)
Regardless what you will choose in your life journey, know that many people are walking this same path. I personally empathize.
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In response to Jeremy:
“This only goes to show why religion is bullshit.”
So religion is bullshit because of 1 person’s struggles, right? Or is it that religion bullshit because you “… really don’t understand religion nor people who follow them” ?
Are you familiar with the concept of degrees of commitment?
Not many people can lay claim to living fully in compliance to the complete teachings/regulations of major religions. Many live according to what little that they know of their religion and compromise on it according to their own conscience. In absolute terms (TRUE/FALSE), does this make them “NOT” an adherent?
They themselves can’t tell (God judges), but you seem to be so sure.
You’re probably a Malaysian and have sworn the Rukun Negara (Malaysian pledge of allegiance). The first pledge is that of a “Belief in God”.
Now let me ask you. Since you likely do not believe in God, going by your own logic, are you or are you not a Malaysian?
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Fazly- Haha funny, no really it was really funny.
Guna- Very insightful point.
And yes people, it is all very easy for us to judge and point our fingers at people and their ’sins’. However, do any of you dare to walk a mile in the shoes of someone other than yourself? If your not a lesbian or gay or a transexual, how can you say it is easy to make a choice of NOT following your sexuality? If being heterosexual was a minority and seen taboo and wrong, would any of you give it up? While yes, the Quran and the Bible says a lot of things and yes, it is a way of life to be in these religions as in any other. The Bible says after your defecate or if a woman has her period, anywhere that person sit on will remain unclean for 7 days or something, I am not sure that applies anymore, what with advanced pad technology and bidets, heck even a lowly shower is sufficient. The Bible and Quran was written a long time ago, while it may be inspired by God, it was still written by people and I don’t know about you, but if people now are prejudiced, bias, and racist, I am sure 2000 years ago, people were also prejudiced, bias, racist, and probably smell a lot more.
Religion IS a personal conviction. I choose to believe that God is merciful. If He were not, Hell would be in sore lack of space. No one is perfect, everyone sins, from lying to your mother to cheating on your taxes. And I also believe that God has a sense of humour, look at the crazy antics of animals, look at our own ability to laugh at both ourselves and at other people. My God is not a condemning God, if you choose to believe that yours is, then that is YOUR conviction!
If Ana says that she believes that she has found a balance for her religious beliefs and her sexuality, then kudos to her. For the other people who have chosen one extreme or the other, I also say kudos, having conviction in your own beliefs are a strength, overcoming our own weakness is another. Who is to say what is right and wrong in the discussion of sexuality? As long as no one is harmed, people would do well to be understanding and accepting of the differences that makes each and everyone of us so unique.
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To METAL
1.) It is because of varying degrees of commitment that I think religion is bullshit. That was the essence of my comment. If religion can afford such varying degrees of commitment, why have laws in the first place? Laws are meant to be followed no?
2.) Your little snippet on not many people can claim to live in compliance with their religion etc. etc. is exactly why religion is bullshit. If you don’t live in compliance with the laws that religion sets, why have those laws in the first place? You’re not an adherent if you don’t follow these laws completely. Then you have all these people changing the actual definition of religion itself. What is religion anyway? If everyone can manipulate it and it’s definition to however they want to suit their needs, what is the point of sustaining the concept of religion anyway? This is why I think it is all bullshit.
3.) a. What makes me a Malaysian is the fact that I was born on Malaysian soil (Lex soli, or whatever) - Not swearing on the Rukun Negara. Sure you can say it makes me less Malaysian, whatever. I really don’t care.
b. I never said I didn’t believe in God. I only said religion is bullshit. Organized religion, whatever-religion etc. Religion and God should not be interchangeable, I feel.
c. The last question was fallacious anyway. Try again.
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Hey Jeremy chill out man, here’s the deal:
Speaking as a Muslim I know there is one fact that is certain, God is perfect and man is not. God created man and he knows that we capable of doing good and doing bad.
Religion provides us with the guide in which to live our lives in serving Him and we serve Him first by worshiping Him and secondly by doing good to our fellow man. As I said as human beings we WILL make mistakes and we will more often than not do more mistakes in life but what is important is that we learn from those mistakes. Man in not infallible only God is.
I respect your believe to not believe in religion but please refrain from insulting others who choose to.
About laws then. Can u honestly say you haven’t a single law or rule in your life? Never got parking or speeding ticket? Never lied to someone? Cheat on your taxes? Ever skip class?
Once again man take a chill pill. Enjoy life. Go have have a smoke or have a cold one. Might do ya some good. G’day mate
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W/ apologies to Ana for going off track. This will be my final say on the matter.
@ Jeremy:
Karate practitioner gets beat down by Judo practitioner
Logical conclusion: Karate practitioner was lousier than Judo practitioner
Or would you be inclined to conclude that that the Karate system is rubbish?
“The last question was fallacious anyway. Try again.”
The question highlighting the suspect logic behind your conclusions stands. Perhaps it is your comprehension that is wanting?
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To Fazly
My dear man. I am cool as the proverbial cucumber. I do not know what gives the impression that I need to take a (yet again, proverbial) ‘chill pill’
I have been feeling guilty about calling religion bullshit. Perhaps its too harsh a word? But they are exactly my sentiments and I have to stick to it.
The laws that I break are the ones I am subjected to. I never had the choice of submitting to those laws in the first place. I was a born a citizen of Malaysia, and thereby, have to follow those laws mentioned in the constitution whether I like it or not. Where am I to go if I choose to leave this country and it’s laws? Another country with laws is my only other option. So I really can’t escape secular law.
My beef with religion is that you choose to subject yourself to these laws, have the choice of leaving but don’t and don’t follow the laws. Why follow the religion when you don’t follow the laws? Why use religion as a guide? Atheists/agnostics function without religion as a ‘guide’, and can be still considered ‘good’ people. Why drink when you know God said don’t drink? Is it not better then to drink without the guilty conscience of God being angry at you?
That’s why I believe the crux of religion is in it’s following of laws. What else do you have if you do not follow these laws? I respect a person trying to follow all these laws, but since no one is perfect, as you said, and cannot follow every single law - what is the point of having these laws in the first place?
It is because of these reasons that I think it is bullshit. But the irony lies in the fact that, I do see a point in having religion around. I have never said that religion should be abolished. I believe there is a sociological need for religion. I don’t reject the fact that we need religion. But I only reject the reason of why we need religion from those who practice religion (and think it’s bullshit).
So essentially my point is that religion is bullshit. We need it, but nevertheless, it’s still bullshit. And once again, apologies to those who I have insulted. But oh well.
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I have met many’ holier than thou’ people in my life, and in time, found many of them wanting. In America, you have anti-gay governors and legislators who are later found out to be gay. Well, even a well-known tele-evangelist was found out to be gay. It is good that his church forgave him. It is my experience that those who have skeletons in their cupboards will be those who will vehemently condemn that particular sin. Psychologists will say that they are trying to distance themselves and trying to shift the spotlight from themselves. Often when someone starts to condemn gays, I’ll stand back and think, “Methinks he doth protest too much!”
The Holy Bible or the Holy Quran forbids homosexuality. So, logic goes, if you’re a gay, you’re not a Christian or a Moslim. As someone gave the analogy of a vegetarian cannot being ne if he eats meat. Well the holy books also forbid deceit, infidelity, avariciousness, telling lies, harming others due to one’s own greed and also murder. So logically anyone who habitually and knowingly does any of the above is not Christian or Muslim. Then logically, we can conclude that THERE ARE NO MUSLIMS OR CHRISTIANS IN THE MALAYSIAN CABINET.
Whose fault is it that we sin? Remember we’re created by God and everything that happens is God’s Will. To deny that is trying to say that God has no control of some things.
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To METAL
“Karate practitioner gets beat down by Judo practitioner
Logical conclusion: Karate practitioner was lousier than Judo practitioner
Or would you be inclined to conclude that that the Karate system is rubbish?”
I do not see where you are getting at with this. But no, I would not conclude that the Karate system is rubbish because that would be a fallacy of composition. I, for one, try not to commit fallacies. Also, the ‘logical conclusion’ that judo dude is better than karate dude would only be logical if said judo dude was *indeed* better than karate dude. At this point, you have only mentioned the results of one fight. It would be hasty generalization if I were to say that judo dude was better than karate dude at this point.
2.) IF you are trying question my logic, than use true statements. The fact that I spotted your question as being fallacious only means that the inherent structure of your question in the first place was flawed. It would be unflawed if you used true statements.
Good day to you, sir/madam.
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Jeremy, i find you stupid.
after metal try to eleborate things to you, you then play the “English game”
what a kid struck mentality.
I’ll say it again, you are stupid.
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Sorry, i am just as direct as you are.
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For me it depends in the environment where you live in. I am a muslim and following the way of Islam. I am currently studying in UK and finding it interesting, that i realised that i appreciate more about Islam having been living in a non Islamic country. People change and will try to adapt with the environment. A good person can turn in to a bad person if he/she is living with a bad person and follows that bad way of living. A bad person will eventually turn good with an environment that helps he/she in being good. I try to avoid the bad influence that comes. But still im not perfect
I too am a musician and musician are always related to alcohol, drugs and sex. So what i try to do is mix around with people. And most of the people i know that i would call them friends dont mind me not drinking, not smoking, not taking drugs and not having random sex. If somebody try to ask me and push me to do ‘bad things’ i’ll try my best to stay away from him/her and true friends wont do that to you if they really cares about you. Also it is you who make the decision on what happens to you and your body.
Finally, Ana. A you wont be asking yourself if you are a practicing Muslim or not if you dont have any guilt what so ever in your heart about what you do innit. Try being in a differrent environment and see what happens..
peace!
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I seriously do not know why everyone is pointing all the fingers at poor ANA A.
Aiman - Musician are NOT always related to alcohol, drugs and sex. I am a musician myself and although I drink quite a lot (I am actually a bit piss as I type this), not all of them are like that. They are being more exposed to the media because they are famous. So if lots of lawyers have random sex, are you saying lawyers are related to random sex? Get real, alcohol, drugs and sex is a addiction problem. In my book however it is okay to have moderate amount of alcohol and sex but drugs are a definite NO NO. At the end of the day who is worst? Her or some people at London preaching how they should kill all the non-believers. Since you live in UK you should know what I am on about.
Jeremy - Religion is NOT bullshit. I totally understand your point that “Follow completely or dont follow at all”. I think people have the freedom to choose what they want to do with their life(as long as they are not harming others or “seriously” breaking the secular law) and at the same time have a religion. Religion meant to be there to guide our way of life to ensure we live an ethical life. I for one drink lots of alcohol (without it I cannot get my degree) but still practice a religion. At the end of the day who comes out better, an alcholic like me or another person that follows every single rule in such a detail that this person will kill all the non-believers as being told by their god.
At the end of the day my point is this, ANA should be allow to do what she wants as long as no one(including herself) is harmed in anyway. Having too much of anything will harm us. Eating an apple a day is good for our health but eating 100 apples a day will make you ill.
Hope this make sense but then again I just returned from the pub…..A toast to everyone
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I think I have overstayed my welcome on this comment board. I will make this my last comment.
To Tony;
If your God says no drinking, why do you drink then? Are you not disobeying Him (her) then? What is the point, then, in following a religion? What is the main purpose - to serve your God or to use religion as a guide?
If religion is your guide, fine. That’s cool. But what about the God aspect? You use His teachings as a guide but yet you still disobey him by breaking his rules. Isn’t it hypocrisy? It is because of this hypocrisy that I find religion bullshit. If it weren’t for this hypocrisy, I’d be less critical about religion.
Do reply this. I am in interested in hearing what you say.
To Ana;
Yes, you are a practicing Muslim. You practice the rituals of Islam, and believe - so you are a Muslim. Even if you are homosexual, I would consider your a Muslim. The end. All the best.
That’s it. I’m done.
God bless.
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Hey Ana,
A friend told me about your story, and as i went home i immediately log on and searched for ur article at this website. On the contrary im straight, i have a boyfriend, and im a definite Muslim.
As we all know, Prophet Hud’s followers were Cursed by The Al-Mighty for practising homesexual qualities in their community back then. It clearly states that Allah loathe Homosexuals, and that is one of the main reason humans hav two sexes, and Marriage is one of the Islamic demands,
In my opinion, being a dog-loving lesbian is one of the challenges in life that He gives you. There must be a 1001 reasons of you getting out of the closet. Maybe its in your genes or maybe it your environment. I’m quite astonished seeing that you’ve not converted to other religions that’s best suit your interest and lifestyle. Like your friend.
But a word of advise, paying Zakat, fasting or praying 5 times daily doesnt make you a Muslim, if you’re still a lesbian which is one of the 7 Biggest Sins. You’re just practising Muslim way of life. Not a real muslim. Not that i’m a perfect exemplary as a Muslim, but being a Lesbian and admitting as a Muslim. bragging about not drinking beer and eating pork, that’s way overated and an embarassment to the Muslims around the world. It’s asthough you’re trying to say that ISLAM ALLOWS PEOPLE TO BE HOMOS, IF YOU PRACTISE RUKUN IMAM AND ISLAM ONLY. Which is totally wrong and a disgrace to us.
So if you are a Lesbian, please be shameful to say that ur a Muslim. There’s not a word in Al-Quran saying that you are solemly a Muslim, if u practise paying Zakat, WHILE BEING A LESBIAN. In a way, your article might be an encouragement to young readers LIKE ME, to do the same like you. I can just say, that i’ve Raped a girl, but i still pray 5 times daily. If You dont have respect for what God has made you, its fine with me, As you say RELIGION IS A PERSONAL CONVICTION. But, please respect Islamic Values and dont mis-interprete them. It’s already enough, that nowadays Islam is known for it’s TERRORISM ACTIVITIES. Dont add on homosexualities either. THANK YOU.
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To Tony and I quote “Eating an apple a day is good for our health but eating 100 apples a day will make you ill.” an Ana A a day is not gonna be a problem but 100 of Ana A a day will make the society ill (not just the religion).
Ana A - I respect your intelegence but it will be such a waste if that your intelegence cannot be reproduced in the future. You are wasting your good genes. If all intelegent people refused to reproduced then the world is doomed! to understand what i am saying pls watch the movie “IDIOCRACY”
no offence though…..
tony you can watch that movie too!
safe!
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You really should read the whole Koran.
Then, be judgemental, judge yourself.
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Aiman
Yes, eating 100 apples tend to make you sick. But does that rule really apply to Ana’s situation?
From her article, I didn’t see any harm that she could have done to the society –well, except if you think touching dogs and being gay accounts as being a threat. To me though, Ana is in no way a threat.
She said she is at peace with herself and tried (still is, I hope) to be a good human being and unlike some other people, she is not out there bombing houses and killing people.
And Aiman, as far as religions are concerned, the world has always been doomed.
p/s: Man, I thought that movie was supposed to be funny..Well, if it is, pardon me for not getting the humour.
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Hi,
I just wanna say that people who talks openly about doing things that is wrong and they even know that it is wrong in the first place and proud of doing it is harming itself. It is insulting to the religion and in this case Islam! It is harmful i say, because i dont want in the future my kids to be reading this kind of articles saying, oh its okay to be drinking alcohol or being a homosexual and still practice their religion. NO its NOT okay and it will NEVER be!
U say that the world has always been doomed, that is why we are here sitting and discussing on this matter. We need to change, to make it a better place innit! Change people!
To Ana i am sorry if i offended u but u offended our religion!
p/s: pls people watch the movie!
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Hey M,
Get off your high horse before you judge someone. Who are you to judge? I may not have read the Quran, but if its anything like the Bible (which I suspect is), the the only person who can judge anyone is God! And you cannot use an example like “if you rape a woman and still pray 5 times a day and still be considered Muslim” as an argument as that is ILLEGAL even by secular laws! It is NOT an offense in many countries to be a lesbian, and yes thats even in Singapore our very conservative neighbours. Being a lesbian means you actually have a consenting partner, a very big difference from rape. Perhaps you are doing this because you are a closet homosexual in denial I don’t know, but it would be nice if you worked out some of those hostile issues before posting and condemning someone in public.
And also resorting to name calling i.e. calling Jeremy stupid, now THAT is what I call immature. We are here to have an intelligent conversation, we will all have different ideas and opinions and that is what makes us unique as humans and this is how we were created by our Creator, just because Jeremy does not agree with metal or anyone for that matter does NOT give you the right to call him stupid. There is good in being direct and straightforward, but it is redundant when it is just insults that are being thrown around as opposed to constructive criticisms.
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Well my best friend over here just recently came out two weeks ago that he wa a bisexual (although these days he’s more gay than both, since he only really checks out guys everytime we hang out when before we used to only check out girls. sigh the good ol’ days!). He is a Catholic and firm believer in God. He even tried to convert his ex-girlfriend who was an atheist because he thought that belief in God was the right way to go. In general I would say he is a good human being, kind, compassionate and good to everyone around him.
Yet Catholicism also claims that homosexuality is wrong. So I was asking him the same question Ana is asking. His point of view is that God loves everyone regardless of how they are. Despite saying this, he does struggle a little bit because he admits he doesn’t know if that’s really true in the end but he does believe that it is. For him it wasn’t a choice to be bi/gay. He had girlfriends before but just couldn’t feel the same way for girls that he does for guys.
I kinda agree with his take on God though. Because if God is the creator and there is never to be any homosexuality in our world because it’s outright wrong, then there wouldn’t be any homosexuality in our world since God didn’t have to create homosexuality. Because why would God create homosexuals so they could be hated upon by God and the rest of society? And as far as I understand it, isn’t the central message of almost all religions, is to love and show kindness and compassion to your fellow human being? How can it be possible to love when you have to hate as well?
I think what Ana wrote is great, in that it at least helps those who aren’t in her shoes to understand a bit better the internal and external conflicts/issues that those who are homosexual have to go through in life. And I don’t think there’s anything wrong with kids reading stuff like this (at least for teenager and above). After all, if kids are educated properly enough, I’m sure they would know how to think for themselves.
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What’s wrong with kids reading this article? In my opinion, it is very honest and it doesn’t have that condescending tone that is usually present in articles like this.
As Edmund said, if kids are properly educated, there wouldn’t be anything to worry about. Its not like they will be gay or anti-gay after reading this. This kind of article will usually make them think. Heck, it even made us think. Isn’t that what we want out of our students?
Anyway, I’ve seen an episode of Brothers and Sisters where a girl asked her uncle why he is not married. The uncle then said ‘That’s because I am gay and this state doesn’t allow gay marriages”. The girl then said ‘That’s not fair”…
Well, the dialogue didn’t actually went that way, but you get the point. Yes, you might want to say that this is environmental or cultural. US are not Malaysia. But is it wrong, that kind of thinking?
If you think being gay is wrong, then by all means, be straight. Don’t go around condemning others and saying ‘gay is wrong’ to people. Why? Because they aren’t disturbing or hurting anybody.
In my opinion, if you don’t hurt anybody in life, you’re doing great.
And another thing, if Islam were somehow to be associated with homosexuality, I don’t think it will insulted. Instead, in today’s world it will be recognized for its ‘tolerance’. Why do you think Christians never mention that ’stone gays to death thing’?
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You lot watch to much MTV!!!
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I just need to continue to flame here so everyone can see the answer to this question.
Dear AnA,
being lesbian is not wrong,
but you definitely are not a Muslim.
Trying not to be a lesbian makes you a Muslim.
You wrote so many questions that are mind blogging you, stating that you understand many things that was against your religion and you still insist on doing in your way, crushing you in between your awareness and your personal conviction.
why not you let go one?? if its not your lifestyle, is your religion.
to keep both is just to turn back to where i start to flame.
Trying to practice and be a lesbian will not make you a Muslim.
I will not mention about those stating lying with open eyes, defying people with open eyes. That will be a complete different sin and a level of discussion.
Practicing homesexual is damaging to the young minds/younger minds. I would think is just like sex. It is not wrong, it is science, but it should not openly discuss, practice and apply.
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Dear M,
“Practicing homesexual is damaging to the young minds/younger minds. I would think is just like sex. It is not wrong, it is science, but it should not openly discuss, practice and apply.”
What are you talking about? So its ok for an old person to practice homosexuality? If you say that it is just ’sex’ and ’science’ why do you then say that it should not be openly discussed? Do we not see science at work everyday? The fact that we can even have this online discussion is the direct result of people discussing science publicly.
I understand that you are not tolerant of the homosexual lifestyle, but please keep your judgemental self righteous bigotry to perhaps a more religous forum. Ana did not write the article so some prophetess on her high horse can judge her. Who is to say if Ana is a true muslim or not, you are neither a judge or God for that matter. Would it not be better if you supported Ana, despite your differences of opinion and prayed that she finds the way to Allah, whatever that way may be?
You may think that you are right in this matter, but there is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ in this disussion. We will all find that out only at the end. All we can do now is make the best use of what we can and do the best we can. And i think that is essentially the core of any and every religion.
Thank you and have a nice day.
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Al, you ought to be shot dead!!!!! You shud just die!! Stay away from kids you pervert!! A person like you destroy an innocent life forever and it is painful and a miserable life bastard! Children should be protected, they are helpless and innocent…don’t you have a heart? What kind of parents raised you that you become such a horrible person???? you are worst than the devil….You don’t deserve to live because you are so sick! No God will accept you..you belong to the devil. You are so weak!! STAY AWAY FROM KIDS!!!!!I I curse you!!! BAD LUCK AFTER BADLUCK….suicide will be the only way out for you!!!!!
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If anybody don’t get what i mean by damaging the younger minds/young minds i will not know how to explain and not bothered to actually. Wait untill you become a parent or there’s kid around you.
That is why I say everything goes back to where I flame. Is an opinion.
A person who never trust religion, will never knows how religion works and its problem.
A person who quitted religion knows how religion works and the reason it failed.
A person who is in religion will know how to defend religion and how to work out its religion.
Ana, i was hoping to hear response from you, cause i understand the damage to you when many opinions are against you.
You did started this topic with a question and a cool conclusion :
“Rather than looking at religion to define who I am, I use religion to understand how I live my life”
and by that I would just think it won’t matter if you’re call a Muslim? but you just want to live the Muslim way of life. Right?
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Dear M,
I see nothing wrong with educating children about the world. It is better to send them out there armed with knowledge than to keep them in cages. They will find out about it, they will talk to their friends about it, and if they so choose, they WILL experiment, whether its sex, drugs or whatever you can think of. I would rather my kids, be educated about the pros and cons of doing anything, at my house than for them to find out from someone else with possibly the wrong information, i.e. in forums where people have social intolerance.
Also M, by your last posting, you can claim in one sweeping statement that the people who do not share the same opinion as you, have no religion and are ‘infidels’? I think there are lots of people who have replied here have some idea of how religion works, whether they choose to follow the preconceived ideas of how religion works or they develop a more personal relationship with God in their own way, again I ask you M, who are you to judge? Religion means many things for different people, it is not so much religion that is important but rather the relationship a person develops with his/her own God. Religion and faith are all personal convictions. Can you honestly say that you do not do anything wrong? Anything that is against the Muslim faith? If you can do that and be without sin, then I congratulate you on being a modern day saint.
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Haha, you really are funny and ****** Derrick, lol.
An opinion and a comment is always write based on judgemental decisions and personal conviction. Teach me how to write a non-judgemental comments. and Haha, you wrote a whole lot crap about me judging, then why are you judging me?? haha. lol. Funny people.
and you still don’t get the whole lot thing about the kids and the religion thing. I don’t care to explain to you either.
man, wasn’t planning to reply but just can’t help it. and yah, i do hope everyone remember this topic was about Ana and her problems. Let’s give the spotlight back to her. I shall reply no more if some Mr - smart then think i have problems and wanna write me back. They are funny. Haha.
Ana, if can, write back soon.
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Dear M,
Indeed, the spotlight for me is you. I do not tolerate ‘holier than thou’ people, and I guess I fell into the trap when you came along. Oh well, I am sure MY God will forgive me.
And yes, there are many ways you can make comments without ‘judging’. A couple of example “I do not agree with your thoery on this, however I find it really brave that you should have come up with it, I would like to discuss this further” or maybe “hey that is an interesting idea, i don’t agree because I am not a homosexual myself, but I can empathize, I realise it must be difficult trying to struggle with your sexuality and religion, as I am lucky to be born a heterosexual and have no idea what it is like to be a homosexual.”
I do understand about the kids and educating them about religion as well as the ways of the world. I believe it is you who do not understand and no I do not care to explain it to you either.
And also I somehow feel superior to you, this is from ‘judging’ the way you write. I am sorry, I cannot help it but I just do. Darn, I hate being a ‘holier than thou’, but wow it is fun when it is someone like you!
Thank you so much for attempting to reply. I realise it must be taxing on you. I really appreciate it.
Have a great day.
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i am a muslim and a lesbian too. i live in kl, work just like every other malaysians who pays their taxes and take care of my parents and schooling siblings.
does being a lesbian makes me a lesser human being?
nobody but God knows the turbulence in my heart. judgements made by people who have no inkling of what its like, such as M, is not only ignorant but is really harmful to us. its not like we dont struggle daily to come to terms with this, but no, everybody have to add their unwelcome opinions like they are God and knows everything in this world.
ignorant ppl are a harm to the population. especially to me. to my relationship with my gf who daily struggles about being gay and wanting to stay true to God.
M, if you dont have to deal with your bf telling you he cant have sex with you because he is afraid of God, then just give your judgment a rest. you dont know what its like. period.
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Dear Ana,
It’s clear that you dont know anything about Islam. FYI Being a Lesbian IS ILLEGAL IN ISLAMIC LAW. No matter which country you are staying, as long as you “claim” you’re an Islam, it’s illegal. According to The islamic teaching, for lesbian, and gays, you’re suppose to be locked out in your house until u’ve remorsed or DIED. That is the “death sentence” they give you, Really you should start doing research on Islam, before you claim to be one.
Btw, im not judging you. It’s a comment. You post your article, i comment. As simple as that. Btw, i think you should be a little more open in discussions and take other people’s “comment” into consideration. You were the one who brought up the big question? “am i a practising muslim” And i will say a definite NO-NO. You’re just practising a muslim way of life.
have a nice day.
ps: Why is someone impersonating me as “M”
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Just pray to god and do what is right for god has no religion. It is we who have made religions and holy books as well as the so called laws of various gods. If we dig deeper into homosexuality we will find that no religious intellectual will be able to clarify as to why some of us prefer mates of the same sex. Surely everyone wants to be normal but some of us are not. time will come that such practices will be regarded as acceptable. But till then just bear with it.
For those homophobic folks out there while upholding your various religious teachings on homosexuality please be reminded that homosexuals have made great contributions to various aspects of ourlives. Even some of the great leaders and warriors of the past who have shaped our world today practised homosexuality. So if you believe so strongly that its wrong then please try not to make use of their contributions ….rmemeber that the pink ringgit is a strong contributer to various businesses . to those who are in business are you willing to turn away a gay client since its wrong to be gay?
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Dear Hisham,
I really need to have a beef with u especially with regards to your last point in which u said “So if you believe so strongly that its wrong then please try not to make use of their contributions ….rmemeber that the pink ringgit is a strong contributer to various businesses . to those who are in business are you willing to turn away a gay client since its wrong to be gay?”
No one here has ever said anything to the effect of alienating gays. We might disagree but certainly none of of us are consciously choosing to discriminate against them. Also by your argument then if some one for example disagrees with being a vegetarian he should at all cost avoid contact with them? What nonsense is this? People will disagree and we all just deal with it but don’t make it as if you’re the only one who is right.
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Assalamu’alaikum / Peace be onto you Ana A
Let’s try this way.
A football match
Rules: Offsides, handballs, no brutal tackles, throw ins, penalties.
Situation: Raju suddenly grabs the ball and says ‘Hey, hands are totally allowed’, then scores and celebrates wtih a superb summersault.
Question: Is that goal valid?
Answer: Red card. Transfer list.
Lets try another one.
Operating theatre
Rules: wear gloves, mask, use scalpel, surgeon treats patient.
Situation: Ah Chong the surgeon wears gloves and mask, lights up a cigarette and then performs surgery with a tablespoon.
Question: Success?
Answer: Patient’s death. Ah Chong sacked.
And another
Marriage.
Rules: husband provides food and shelter, money, husband loves wife, wife loves husband, mom and dad look after children, no cheating, loyalty,
Situation: Ahmad takes care of his pregnant wife, does the laundry for her, feeds his 3-year old son. Ahmad then goes out for a date with his girlfriend.
Question: Happy family?
Answer: Divorce. Custody battle.
So what can we learn from these 3 situations? Everything has its own system, and if we’re involved in one, we’re automatically responsible to observe the rules the system consitutes, unreservedly. The rules are there for a reason. Changing or denying them will result nothing but chaos.
For instance the football match, just how to play the game when some use their feet and some their hands? The captain will surely say ‘Hey Raju, are you sure you know how to play football?’. It does not make any sense if Raju still claims to be a footballer when he clearly uses his hands to play. He just created a new game. Foothandball maybe?
Similarly for Ahmad: ‘What kind of husband are you?’ the wife says. Well I don’t know if there’s a marriage where the husband can have affairs. Still, it does not make sense either for Ahmad to claim that he’s a ‘practicing’ husband.
And for Ah Chong the surgeon: ‘Tablespoon??’
Keyword: System, Rules, Respect, Responsibilty, Observe
And now, let’s try this
Islam
Rules: monotheism, submit, surrender, acknowledge the Qur’an, pray 5 times a day, zakat (annual tithe), no shirk, no booze, no gambling, no homosex, no fornication, no killing.
Situation: Read article.
Question: Is Ana a PRACTICING Muslim?
Definition of Practicing:
1. Avail oneself to
2. Engage in or perform
Definition of Muslim:
1. One who submits, surrenders to Allah (The One True God)
2. One who follows the teachings of Islam
Answer: NO
Question: Is Ana still a Muslim?
Answer: Allah knows best.
I apologize unreservedly if my reply offends you or appears judgmental but I can’t help not pointing out how it is illogical to claim to be a person who submits to a system, and at the same time breaks its rule. And please bear in mind we’re referring to a Divine Law/System here and not a man-made law which can be easily changed, denied or perverted when we feel convenient.
Alhamdulillah (all praise due to Allah) it’s good to know that you still pay zakat, pray to Him (even sporadically, that shows you try), being a good citizen, pay taxes, as all of these are required in Islam. And you deserve a credit for not discarding Islam completely as some have as you mentioned. But unfortunately Ana, there’s no such thing as being balanced in both homosexuality and practicing Islam. It’s either one. It’s your choice Ana. But I do pray and hope to Allah that you choose the latter inshaAllah (God willing) If not now, then later.
Assalamu’alaikum
p/s: Nama-nama yang digunakan seperti Ahmad, Raju dan Ah Chong tiada kena-mengena dengan orang yang masih hidup atau yang sudah meninggal dunia.
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hi Fazly
My point is directed to those who see it as such. No need to get upset if your are not one of them right? Did I mention me being right or wrong?
I have no problem with gays, I do have a few friends who are .Good people who practice their respective religions. Yes I do stay away from businesses that discriminate against them. Also businesses that discriminate against race etc etc. You just have to look at the situation from a different view rather than shuning a vegetarian.
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dear fahmy,
while you raise some interesting point about observing rules and laws. If one were to say hypothetically follow every law and rule in the Quran or the Bible to each and every letter, where would we place this person in our society today? Can a human being actually follow every single law in the Quran and Bible and still progress as a society? In our world of techonological wonders and advancement… do many if truly any of these laws apply? Do muslims not fornicate, not lust, not love, not feel, not think, not steal, not dream? Does one who drink occasionally for both pleasure and health any less of a muslim than one who does not? Does a muslim who loves his wife dearly any lesser than one who marries four or more? Would we now cut someone’s hands off for stealing a loaf of bread because he was hungry? Or stone a woman to death because she was raped? I really wonder… evolution of society or de-evolution?
Derrick
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I came to find this article rather interesting!
Well, we all can’t judge people unless we’re in their same shoes.
There are 2 theories as to what gives your sexual orientation. Either you’re born with it, or it’s your surroundings. Unless you’re in the 1940s stuck on a ship for months and months on end with same-sex people, i’d prefer to believe the former theory.
On freedom of speech, it’s also the surroundings that actually make people come out of their closet….telling their big secret. Let’s say you’re in strict Muslim country, it’d be harder - but in a more open-minded society where homosexuality is not so much of a taboo, it is easier for the homosexuals to break open.
I’m currently studying law in Manchester now, and it’s a city known for it’s open gay/lesbian society. There’s even one whole street called ‘Canal Street’ (take away the ‘C’, and see the coincidence? haha) where it’s full of lively gay clubs. I see many people of different religions, and at first it was a bit surprising - but you get used to it after a while. Of course, these gay men and women that I talk to (while I was working a few nights ago - yes, i AM straight thankyouverymuch) are sometimes a bit shush shush about their sexual orientation (if i recognized them). But then again, since when has it been easy on homosexuals, OR transsexuals?
In my hall that I live in, 2 of my muslim friends are gay. BUT they are still hush hush about it - but it’s so blatantly obvious that they are. Yes, so one of them tells me to crop her out of a picture I put of her on facebook just because she isn’t wearing a tudung - and I go +_+ at her. But I still crop her head out, because I respect her.
I was doing a case analysis on R v North West Lancashire Health Authority, about transsexuals, and my research led me to various journals and articles about ‘being stuck in the wrong body’. Just as much as homosexuals differ from homosexuals, it all boils down to just one fact:
Ana just wants to tell you HER STORY.
Respect that. And respect her bravery.
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Tony,
People neglecting certain verses in Bible is understandable since some parts of it is flawed. Even some priests agrees that some part of the Bible are actually latter additions, hence the continous revisions. Therefore, your comparing Bible to Quran argument does not stand.
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[…] the rest is here […]
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Dear Derrick,
Thank you for asking about my religion. Judging from your questions, it’s understandably you’re quite ill-informed about Islam, both fundamentally and historically. You made a HUGE mistake by taking Islam as a ‘another religion’ and clearly you viewed Islam through the Christian or Western lens. However, this is not something novel, and believe me you’re one of the billions. So it is my duty as a Muslim to clear this misconception.
So you’ve mentioned ’society’ and ‘progress’. Presumably you were referring to the Dark Ages in Europe? Now I’m not going to discuss how the Catholic Church ruled and what it did to the society, or why Martin Luther saw a need to reform the church. Point being, the society has experienced life under the church and started to feel the need to separate religion from the state in order to progress. So they did, and reached the enlightenment age. They have my admiration. But the point here is, this perception that the Europeans have towards religion is deeply rooted in their history, from the reformation to this very day. ‘Been there, done that’. Or a ‘Trauma’ if you might.
Now, shifting from Europe to Arabia, I present you this link.
http://youtube. com/watch?v=CisfV42nWpg
Historically, Muslims didn’t experience what Europeans had. There was no ‘trauma’ under Sharia Law, in fact, Muslims even progressed. Chemistry, medicine, surgery, engineering, mathematics, you name it, all built upon the Faith to God. For this very reason, you can’t view Islam the same way you view Christianity. The claim of Islam is a backward religion is baseless. And I hope your ‘evolution or de evolution’ is answered here as well.
And for your information, Islam is not just about the relationship between man and God. Muslims have a far-reaching pledge to the One True God (Allah) i.e. to observe his/her relationships with Him, with herself/himself, and with the society (government).
And thanks to the biased media, Sharia Law is deemed as barbaric laws, ‘iron age’ laws etc. However, in reality, Sharia Law is not only about punishments. It is a body of rules relate to all aspects of human life, whether regarding ritual worships, manners and morals, economics, political, governmental, social, judicial and international affairs, aim at protecting the society in which they are implemented.
‘Protecting?? By cutting off hands??’ you might ask. Well Derrick, you got that right in Hadud (punishment) there’s in fact the cutting off the hands. But how much do you know about the conditions to be fulfilled before a case can reach the point of execution? I have a feeling that you don’t. You’ve given a good case here. The answer to that is No. The court will first investigate the value of the goods, the place of storage, and the reason behind theft. Say if that man claims ‘I was hungry and I had no money, my children haven’t eaten the whole day’, the Emir (leader) of the society can be dragged for questioning to explain why is that man so poor, what happened to the zakat, why hasn’t the money reached that man. If the court finds it was the Emir’s fault, he will be held responsible for the case. That’s Sharia Law for you. JUSTICE.
As for economic, take oil for example. In Islam, there’s no such thing as a man, a company, or a group owning the oil. It belongs to Allah, and everyone should have access to it. Bottom line is, Islam prohibits the ownership of any uncountable minerals so that not only a group or company can benefit, while others suffer, facing the ‘hardships’ of life. That’s Sharia Law for you. JUSTICE.
Say, if you’re the CEO or a bigwig of Shell, Schlumberger, or BP, do you see Islam as a threat? Doesn’t take a genius to figure this one out eh? This is one of the many many reasons why Muslims worldwide call for Sharia Law, and this is also what the West can’t stand, so they play the ‘propaganda’ card.
Look, I can go on and on about Islam but this is obviously not the place for it. If you think something’s wrong with its laws, then something must be wrong with its fundamental belief right? The correct question you should be asking is What is the core of the Islamic teachings? Why do Muslims claim Islam is the True Religion? If Islam is a religion of terror, advocates hateful ideas and ‘barbaric’ laws, then why is it Islam still gain converts? Rationally, with all the media hype on Islam, shouldn’t they shun themselves away? And what is exactly Sharia Law? Is the West in a position to criticise Sharia Law? Or why do Muslims in Indonesia feel for Muslims in Palestine, or Muslims in Xin Jiang feel for Muslims in Sudan and Somalia?
This, is my humble invitation to you and others to discover the True Islam.
http://thedeenshow. com/show.php
http://www.islamreligion. com/
I hope my reply contains the substance which is satisfactory to your intellectual capacity. If it’s not, then it’s my failure to explain Islam decently and you have my apology. And I also hope it has shed some light on why Islam is different from other religions.
Whomsoever Allah has guided, none can misguide. And whomsoever Allah has misguided, none can guide.
Secebis nasihat buat semua:
Tepuk dada tanya selera. Terpulang kalau hendak jadi katak bawah tempurung, atau buka minda yang terkurung. Apakah Dia memberi nyawa dan akal untuk mencari Dia, atau mencari dunia yang sementara? Pilihlah wahai sang manusia. Pilih…
Si hamba pada Sang Pencinta
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[…] Read the full article at: thecicak.com […]
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With The Name Of Allah The Most Gracious The Most Merciful
Assalamualaikum w.b.t
Dear Ana, let me repeat what It Starts With M says :
“FYI Being a Lesbian IS ILLEGAL IN ISLAMIC LAW. No matter which country you are staying, as long as you “claim” you’re an Islam, it’s illegal”
Being a lesbian are just not a sin, it also one of the 7 biggest sin. But do you know how serious this crime is and just how despicable it is in the sight of Allah Ta’ala? Just imagine that when it is against the very nature of man, nay even of animals, what is the position of the person who indulges in it! Is such a person unaware that Allah Ta’ala — in all His Grandeur, Might and Power — is watching him while he indulges in this haram act? Is he not aware that Allah Ta’ala has the power to send down upon him a swift and severe punishment or even seize him while he is involved in it? What will his position be when he appears before his Rabb (Sustainer) on the Day of Qiyaamah (resurrection)?
” And such is the grasp of your Rabb when He seizes a community while it transgresses! Certainly His grasp is very painful.” (Surah Hood, verse 102)
THE WAY TO SALVATION!
Practicing complete Islam is certainly the key to our success in this world and the Hereafter. Islam has provided us with the solution to problems in every sphere of our lives. Without doubt, the road to saving ourselves is simple and as clear as daylight — and it is to keep us far away from this grievous sin.
The following are some means that will help you to do this:
1. Do towbah (i.e. repent sincerely) to Allah and turn to Him.
2. Stay away from the company of evil people or friends who glamorize and glorify those deeds and things that are sinful and make them appeal to you. The company that the youth keep plays the greatest role in either reforming or corrupting them. Therefore, choose for yourself the company of righteous people who will be of help and benefit to you in the matters of your Deen (Religion) and your dunya (worldly affairs)
4. Make every effort to get married in order to remain pure and chaste and respond to the call of our beloved Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) who has said, ‘O Assembly of Youth! Those of you, who have the means to get married, should do so. And whoever is unable to do so, must observe fasting. For this is certainly a protection for him.’ (Bukhaari, Muslim)
5. Fasting frequently in order to suppress the carnal desires/passions. Our prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) has said,’ Certainly shaitaan (Satan) flows in (the body of) man like the flowing of blood. So, subdue him by frequent fasting.’ (Sahih Bukhaari: vol.1 p.273 Book of Fasting)
6. Spend your spare time in those activities that will benefit you because the mind of an idle person becomes the target of sinful thoughts whispered by shaitaan and your nafs (the self which commands a person to do evil).
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