NationStates Jolt Archive

That's right ...

Your resident Pagan Jew went and embraced Islam.

I spoke the words and declared that there is no god, save Allah, and that Muhammed (pbuh) is his messenger.

So, from now on, Keruvalia is Muslim. I have much to learn, but this is the path I have chosen.

If there are any Muslim brothers among us, please TG me now.

Well hey, congratulations! In all seriousness, good for you! I'm sorry we lost somebody but, like I've always said, Judaism isn't the end-all-be-all of religion. If you truly believe in Islam then I wish you the best in your new faith.

Hey, well done! Although I personally believe no religon (cept a few that just seem way off) is wrong, I think you've made a great choice joining us!

No, that did not mean to sound like an advertisement.

Your resident Pagan Jew went and embraced Islam.
I didn't know there were any pagan Jews. Excepting the oddball Jews, like "Jews for Jesus". They're just weird though. And congradulations on your new religion! Expect the U.S. government to come to your house in 7-8 business days to arrest and beat you to a bloody pulp, then send you to Guantanamo.

DOH JEAH


ALLAHU ACKBAH!

Well hey, congratulations! In all seriousness, good for you! I'm sorry we lost somebody but, like I've always said, Judaism isn't the end-all-be-all of religion. If you truly believe in Islam then I wish you the best in your new faith.

It's not a matter of belief in Islam, but more a matter of accepting that Allah is the ... hrmmm ... overseer. No go between (Christian) ... no Law (Judaism) .. just me and god (Allah).

It's not a matter of belief in Islam, but more a matter of accepting that Allah is the ... hrmmm ... overseer. No go between (Christian) ... no Law (Judaism) .. just me and god (Allah).
Good show! Even though I'm an agnostic deist, I've always thought that was much more sensible than having go-betweens. Otherwise God is denied to all but a few.

That's right ...

Your resident Pagan Jew went and embraced Islam.

I spoke the words and declared that there is no god, save Allah, and that Muhammed (pbuh) is his messenger.

So, from now on, Keruvalia is Muslim. I have much to learn, but this is the path I have chosen.

If there are any Muslim brothers among us, please TG me now.

tsk, tsk, have you not been reading your Jack Chick tract (http://www.chick.com/reading/tracts/1054/1054_01.asp)s?

But in all serioudness, I hope you enjoy your life and I commend you on following your heart (btw, are you adopting a new name a la Yusuf Islam?)

Expect the U.S. government to come to your house in 7-8 business days to arrest and beat you to a bloody pulp, then send you to Guantanamo.

Ahhh crap .... welll ... they're not here yet! ... But, then, being the hippie communist freak that I am ... shit ... wait ... what's that knock on the door? ... be right back .....

:D

tsk, tsk, have you not been reading your Jack Chick tract (http://www.chick.com/reading/tracts/1054/1054_01.asp)s?

But in all serioudness, I hope you enjoy your life and I commend you on following your heart (btw, are you adopting a new name a la Yusuf Islam?)


Actually ... my name is now Abdul-Asalaam ... (Servant of the Peace).

I think I'll stick with 'Keruvalia'

Actually ... my name is now Abdul-Asalaam ... (Servant of the Peace).
Is that becoming official, or will you not bother with that?

(sorry if I come across as prying, but I am finding this very interesting for some reason)

I think I'll stick with 'Keruvalia'

Rofl ... well ... my RL name is "James" ... so the whole idea of "Keruvalia" is just made up anyway.

Is that becoming official, or will you not bother with that?


Nope ... that's official ... I am casting off my birth name.

Nope ... that's official ... I am casting off my birth name.
Have you tried selling it on eBay?

Out of interest what attracted you to Islam to the extent that you converted?

"Doh Jeah" means just what it sounds like, an expression of elated excitement so profound, of such glory that "oh yeah!" sputters and cannot be properly enunciated.

In other words, congratulations on your new religion~! Abdul Asalaam!!!!

Have you tried selling it on eBay?

Would you buy it? ;)

Out of interest what attracted you to Islam to the extent that you converted?

I wish I could explain. It's something that exists beyond explanation. However, since it is such a personal thing, there really is no way to explain it.

Make sense?

That's right ...

Your resident Pagan Jew went and embraced Islam.

I spoke the words and declared that there is no god, save Allah, and that Muhammed (pbuh) is his messenger.

So, from now on, Keruvalia is Muslim. I have much to learn, but this is the path I have chosen.

If there are any Muslim brothers among us, please TG me now.

Interesting. Well, congratulations on your new faith! Are you going to be starting to read the Qur'an now?

Would you buy it? ;)

Depends how much for.

I wish I could explain. It's something that exists beyond explanation. However, since it is such a personal thing, there really is no way to explain it.

Make sense?
I think it does

That's right ...

Your resident Pagan Jew went and embraced Islam.

I spoke the words and declared that there is no god, save Allah, and that Muhammed (pbuh) is his messenger.

So, from now on, Keruvalia is Muslim. I have much to learn, but this is the path I have chosen.

If there are any Muslim brothers among us, please TG me now.

Well you have to swear off alcohol and pray 5 times a day but you can have 4 wives so I guess you might just break even.

Interesting. Well, congratulations on your new faith! Are you going to be starting to read the Qur'an now?

Of course. Actually, I have been invited to a thing next weekend where after Isha (evening prayer) on Thursday, I can go see what it's like living a 100% muslim life.

I had actually read Qur'an in English before ... unfortunately that's not good enough for me. It's like my Jewish life ... reading Torah in English was just stupid.

I can only hope that people will learn to see what a peace loving, welcoming way, Islam is before they accept the whole Taliban, airplane bomb loving, destroy the world craziness Fox News idiocy wants people to believe Islam is about.

I had actually read Qur'an in English before ... unfortunately that's not good enough for me. It's like my Jewish life ... reading Torah in English was just stupid.

I wouldn't say it was stupid, but there is definitely something lost even in excellent translations.

I can only hope that people will learn to see what a peace loving, welcoming way, Islam is before they accept the whole Taliban, airplane bomb loving, destroy the world craziness Fox News idiocy wants people to believe Islam is about.

Fortunately, I grew up in Houston where there are a fair amount of Muslims and had good experiences with my Muslim neighbors and friends. My impression from talking with my Muslim friends is that Islam is a religion of community, peace, and humility.

Well you have to swear off alcohol and pray 5 times a day but you can have 4 wives so I guess you might just break even.


Wow ... that is so untrue it's unreal ...

The only time the Prophet (pbuh) said anything about 4 wives was when he told a convert, who had 11 wives, to divorce all but 4.

The only reason a Muslim man is allowed to have more than 1 wife is because his first wife allows it. Yes, that's right, Muslim men have to actually listen to their wives!

So, if a Muslim man has a wife and his wife says, "Sorry, babe, you can only have me" then that Muslim man is obligated to respect his wife. If she says, "Hey! Why not? Let's have another wife!" Then the Muslim man has been given permission ... and, well ... more power to him!

Wow ... that is so untrue it's unreal ...

The only time the Prophet (pbuh) said anything about 4 wives was when he told a convert, who had 11 wives, to divorce all but 4.

The only reason a Muslim man is allowed to have more than 1 wife is because his first wife allows it. Yes, that's right, Muslim men have to actually listen to their wives!

So, if a Muslim man has a wife and his wife says, "Sorry, babe, you can only have me" then that Muslim man is obligated to respect his wife. If she says, "Hey! Why not? Let's have another wife!" Then the Muslim man has been given permission ... and, well ... more power to him!

That is interesting. I thought the rule was you can have up to four provided that you were wealthy enough to provide for them all, I never heard anything about him having to get permission. Please excuse my tasteless "humor" I am an idiot.

Amazing Keruvalia, I've been a Muslim ever since I understood the concept of God and you've just converted and your probably a better Muslim than me.

Then again, it's a matter of personal interpertation. I have free will, I excercise my God given power to expose myself to the world, learn all I can, be all I can, and still come out saying that Allah is great. I think that's a true Muslim right there.

I like the direct relationship with Allah aspect, it's refreshing. I have a direct relationship with my own concept of God, and when I've chatted with muslims, they've been as keen to listen to my ideas as I've been open to their belief-structure. I just adapted what I learned from the Unitarians.

I've herd it suggested the original Unitarians (Anti-Trinitarians, according to Rome) may have been influenced by the Moors, or some other Arab groups, at or shortly after the time of the Crusades, and that's where the idea of a true monotheism came from. I don't know for sure, I was never a divinity student. But I've felt I had more in common with Islam than either Christianity or Judaism for many years.

I'm not about to join up, however. I'm quite happy with my own path, and God is, too. That's good enough for the both of us, I guess. Congratulations on your decision, Keruvalia.

All Dobbs Town salutes you with a 21-pipe salute!

Awesome, man. I hope your new faith brings you true inner-peace and the greatest love of all.

As-salaam Alaikum.

Good Luck to you.

I think we all interpret religions differently. I personally follow my own way, which does have a lot of Muslim, a fair bit of Christian and dashes of Jedahisim and Buddisim for spice (not allways for convienience).

I think there should only be one rule, Peace.

Hey, now you don't have to chop your son's knob off!

Good luck mate.

I think that Islam doesn't exist anymore than any other religion, but if it helps you become a better person and gives you peace then I'm all for it.

Be sure to make your reservations in our Cuban resort. I think there are still some "cabins" left.

Three meals a day, and your cabin is open to the warm tropical breeze. We'll also give you a complimentary orange suit so that you won't feel outdressed by the other resort attendees.

Best of all, it's free of charge. Well, maybe not. :rolleyes:

I wish I could explain. It's something that exists beyond explanation. However, since it is such a personal thing, there really is no way to explain it.

Make sense?

No offense, but not really. People who are 'born' into a religion rarely question it, and become 'culturally' religious (meaning not necessarily devout, but aware of all the specific religious expectations). People who convert generally do so for a reason, and with anyone I've met who has converted to ANY religion, there was a lot of thought behind it. Why Islam? Why not Christianity or Buddhism or Hinduism or Jainism etc etc etc? Was it because you like the fact that in our society, Islam is a much-maligned 'underdog' religion right now? Are their principles of belief within the Islamic tradition that you felt weren't dealt with in your former belief systems? Normally I wouldn't pry, but since you've put your conversion out there for all to see, I say, hey why not:) I am deeply atheist, though I 'experimented' with religion a number of times. I always thought that if I DID adhere to a faith, it would be Islam, but I am ashamed to admit that a lot of that was due to the 'exotic' nature of a Native-Irish Canadian joining a non-traditional religion (non-traditional for my background). So, what propelled you towards this route? What was your faith before? (You identify yourself as a Pagan Jew, does that mean you were a polytheistic monotheist? hehehehehe) How did you go about your conversion? Who helped you and what was involved? This is all out of interest...

Good luck with your new direction but I'm sure the local Zionists here will be less than happy.

(Not Jewish)

Wow ... that is so untrue it's unreal ...

The only time the Prophet (pbuh) said anything about 4 wives was when he told a convert, who had 11 wives, to divorce all but 4.

The only reason a Muslim man is allowed to have more than 1 wife is because his first wife allows it. Yes, that's right, Muslim men have to actually listen to their wives!

So, if a Muslim man has a wife and his wife says, "Sorry, babe, you can only have me" then that Muslim man is obligated to respect his wife. If she says, "Hey! Why not? Let's have another wife!" Then the Muslim man has been given permission ... and, well ... more power to him!

I'm glad to see you can devide the actual teachings of Islam from the traditions that have become attached to it. I feel much better about the safety of your daughters' clitori now. ;)

And I hope that you heed the words that Mohammed gave in his last public speach, to disregard as heresey the words of anyone who would add his human "wisdom" to Mohammed's message... such as the Hadith.

Someone noted how nuts the "Jews for Jesus" are. I have dealt with them and I find them much wiser than most Christians. For one, they regard Jesus as the Messiah but NOT as an "Avatar"... not as G-d in human flesh. In keeping with Judaism, they hold G-d as unique and indivisible and unapproachable and inexpressable, much as Muslims do. And in keeping with Jesus' own words, they test the NT against the OT, rather than taking all of Jerome's edition as being straight from the mouth of G-d.

But then, I would ask you as a Muslim, if "the Book" is an older dispensation from G-d, and in it Jesus says that he is the promised Messiah, why do Muslims regard him as "only" a prophet? I would prefer to hear only from the Q'ran on this, although post-q'ranic traditions would be interesting to hear.

May G-d bless you in your ways, and may your end be in His favour grace and presence. :)

Good job. I hope your new faith suits you well. I've been reading into it (in school) and it's quite an interesting religion.

Mashallah brother mashallah. (for some reason I thought you were female before this)

Hope your new religion brings you a lot af happiness and peace!

The Christian God, the Jewish God, and the Islamic God is the same God.

The Christian God, the Jewish God, and the Islamic God is the same God.
Not exactly … Christians believe in the trinity … which can only be achieved with Jesus’ presence in the trinity …. So not exactly

The Christian God, the Jewish God, and the Islamic God is the same God.

Close but not quite. Some say that Mohammad was a Catholic though, because he had a catholic wife at one point.

Ouch.. I was packing my suitcase and I dropped it on my right foot when I read your first post..

Congratulations, Keruvalia! Remember, we're all here for you!

[TG ;) ]

And, to clear up a common misconception, yes, the Christian, Jewish, and Muslim Gods are all the same entity. The Muslim version of the story is that:

1] Moses received Torah from Allah (YHWH, God.. whatever you want to call Him).
2] Moses delivered the message faithfully.
3] Certain Jews changed the tennants of the religion.
4] Allah sent Isa (Jesus) to restore His message.
5] Christians perverted Bible.
6] Allah sent Muhammad.

I didn't know there were any pagan Jews. Excepting the oddball Jews, like "Jews for Jesus". They're just weird though. And congradulations on your new religion! Expect the U.S. government to come to your house in 7-8 business days to arrest and beat you to a bloody pulp, then send you to Guantanamo. Jews for Jesus isn't weird. The disciples were Jews for Jesus. So was the man himself I understand.

But I have a Theological question. Muslims regard Jesus as a prophet, yes? But was he also a blasphemer for saying that he was the Son of God - and therefore not a true prophet?

Unless I'm mistaken Jesus never once said he was the Son of God. It is only his followers, long after he was dead, that elevated him to that level.

I have read one phrase where Jesus says he's the son of God.. but we (Muslims) regard that as a fictious phrase.

I have read one phrase where Jesus says he's the son of God.. but we (Muslims) regard that as a fictious phrase. We don't. Result - Standoff.

Hey, now you don't have to chop your son's knob off!

I confess my ignorance in this matter, but I've been reading a lot about the Hindu/Muslim riots in India before and directly after the partition...and a lot of Hindus pulled down the pants of their intended victims to make sure they were Muslims...I'm assuming that means that Muslims in India at least were circumcised? Is this a practice amongst Muslims?

EDIT: the same was done by Muslims to prove their victimes were Hindus.

All the best to you on your path! I am glad you have found peace within yourself and a religion that best suits you.

Just as a point of reference: Luke 22:70 "They all asked, 'Are you then the Son of God?' He replied, 'You are right in saying I am.'"

Just as a point of reference: Luke 22:70 "They all asked, 'Are you then the Son of God?' He replied, 'You are right in saying I am.'"



Indeed, but is that in the Koran?

Recall, muslims believe that the Koran, and not the nicean catholic bible is god's message to man.

Just as a point of reference: Luke 22:70 "They all asked, 'Are you then the Son of God?' He replied, 'You are right in saying I am.'"

Yes, and Jesus also said, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the Sons of God" (Matthew 5:9).

Jesus was saying there that he was a peacemaker, not the one and only son of god.

Hey Keruvalia, when do you start learning to pilot planes into buildings?

There is no God and Mohammed was a loony!

Not exactly … Christians believe in the trinity … which can only be achieved with Jesus’ presence in the trinity …. So not exactly

Pauline Christians, and by extension biblical literalists, believe that. Not all Christians do, such as, as I have mentioned, Jews for Jesus.

I have read one phrase where Jesus says he's the son of God.. but we (Muslims) regard that as a fictious phrase.

So is "the Book", which is in the Q'ran the basis of the covenents between G-d and the Jews and Christians, a book of falsehoods? And if so, is this supported by q'ranic references? And if so, what are they?

Hey Keruvalia, when do you start learning to pilot planes into buildings?

Tomorrow. What was your address again?

I used to be Jewish, but I decided God doesn't exist and didn't do the things he did.

But at this point people begin pointing fingers and asking, "Then who created the Universe? Hmmm?" My answer to that question is that the Bible depicts god as a human-like being who does this and that to humanity, created humans and watches over them (*snort*). After some consideration, I decided that if some divine being did exist, he/she/it made the universe and that was that. Nothing else. He/she/it made atoms and that was pretty much it. He/she/it did nothing else. He/she/it may have even died (a vague word, considering this being that I speak of created matter. Maybe it just disappeared or went away). After all, regardless of whether or not we understand the universe, humans are simply irrelevant. If it was proven that God exists or that he doesn't exist, would it really matter? Would humanity change forever? I think all that would happen is a bunch of gloating and then the boredom of the human race.

I used to be Jewish, but I decided God doesn't exist and didn't do the things he did.


You're entitled to that belief. Anyone who tells you otherwise is a Christian or trying to sell you something .... or both.

Keruvalia, I congratulate you on your descision.

A note on why I'm so happy for you:
I am "officially" Jewish, but shortly after my Bar Mitzvah, I decided that I just couldn't believe in it. I honestly don't know why.
As a note, I really tried to believe, but I just couldn't do it (this made me very depressed for a while).
And I can't tell my parents, because they want me to believe. A lot.
I'm happy for anyone who can sift through all the corruption in religion.

How very interesting, Keruvalia

Hey Keruvalia, when do you start learning to pilot planes into buildings?

You don't have to be a Muslim, I do it all the time. It's actually pretty fun.

I didn't know there were any pagan Jews. Excepting the oddball Jews, like "Jews for Jesus". They're just weird though. And congradulations on your new religion! Expect the U.S. government to come to your house in 7-8 business days to arrest and beat you to a bloody pulp, then send you to Guantanamo.

Funny thing about "Jews for Jesus" -

1) Jesus wasn't the Messiahs name
2) The Modern Jews are not the same people as mentioned in the Torah - the Israelites are a different people. Yahsha came to the Israelites which is why the Jews never accepted him, he came not to them

I confess my ignorance in this matter, but I've been reading a lot about the Hindu/Muslim riots in India before and directly after the partition...and a lot of Hindus pulled down the pants of their intended victims to make sure they were Muslims...I'm assuming that means that Muslims in India at least were circumcised? Is this a practice amongst Muslims?

EDIT: the same was done by Muslims to prove their victimes were Hindus.

As far as I know...

Hindus are not circumcised...they like to call Muslims 'snip-dicks' or something (at least the ones I work with do). No love loss between those two groups.

Hindus are not circumcised...they like to call Muslims 'snip-dicks' or something (at least the ones I work with do). No love loss between those two groups.

I've heard that as well. But, then, I suppose that's the difference between the US and other places. I have Hindu friends who were quite happy to hear of my embracing Islam. But, then, I live in a country that has a wonderful veil called the First Ammendment.

As far as the circumcision question, yes, it is required among Muslims. It started with Abraham(pbuh) and is still part of Allah's way. I, and my son, already had our brit milah at 8 days old, so that's been done and over with.

If I recall correctly, an 'adult' adherant of Islam need not be circumcised if he fears that the process will be painful. New-borns are regularly circumcised though.

There is no God and Mohammed was a loony!

Yay!! What a brilliant conclusion! How about you use that as the title for your PhD thesis, mmmkay?? :)

If I recall correctly, an 'adult' adherant of Islam need not be circumcised if he fears that the process will be painful. New-borns are regularly circumcised though.

Nod ... that's true. Adult converts to Judaism who are uncircumsized do have to endure a pin prick to draw a drop of blood, though. I've seen it happen a few times while sitting on beis din and it just doesn't look comfortable.