NationStates Jolt Archive

I'm interested in learning about Islam. I've googled and Wikied, but there is no substitute for corresponding with a living person.

If possible, I'd like to hear from an adult, practicing Muslim. Formal religious education would be a plus, but any knowledge would be helpful.

I can promise I will approach this with an open mind, and I am not looking to attack or dispute anyone's religion. I just want to know more about Islam.

While I'm glad to hear anything about its history, I am primarily interested in its doctrines and daily practice in a contemporary context.

Thanks for anybody who can throw in.

I strongly suggest you enroll in a world religions course at the college level. It can be dangerous learning about an institution--especially a religious one-- from an individual. Discovering a religion is a matter of personal perspective based on your idealogical value system. It is possible, even likely, you may encounter a party with a perverted and skewed idealogical value system regarding Islam on a posting. Comparing and contrasting, and learning about various religions is an excellent beginning. Another positive resource would be a local Mosque. Do make sure it is respectable and legitimate. This is the pool from which you can draw logical and reasonable conclusions regarding faith. Good luck!

I think there's a couple Muslims here, but really, there are probably many religon forums that might be more helpful.

I strongly suggest you enroll in a world religions course at the college level. It can be dangerous learning about an institution--especially a religious one-- from an individual. Discovering a religion is a matter of personal perspective based on your idealogical value system. It is possible, even likely, you may encounter a party with a perverted and skewed idealogical value system regarding Islam on a posting. Comparing and contrasting, and learning about various religions is an excellent beginning. Another positive resource would be a local Mosque. Do make sure it is respectable and legitimate. This is the pool from which you can draw logical and reasonable conclusions regarding faith. Good luck!

That sounds reasonable. Unfortunately, my current courseload has little room for addition, so the Mosque might be the better option for me right now.

How does one evaluate a Mosque as "legitimate"? Is there a ratifying or accrediting body for this kind of thing?

I think there's a couple Muslims here, but really, there are probably many religon forums that might be more helpful.

I've found a few and gotten a little information, but I've generally gotten a great sample of different countries and cultures on Nationstates (I've been on in one form or another for a few years and found that the global cross section, while not perfect, is better than a lot of other boards).

I've found a few and gotten a little information, but I've generally gotten a great sample of different countries and cultures on Nationstates (I've been on in one form or another for a few years and found that the global cross section, while not perfect, is better than a lot of other boards).

Okay then. You might find some good info here. I just didn't know if you'd gone other places first. :)

You can contact the Harvard Islamic Society in Cambridge, Massachusetts U.S.A. Telephone # (617) 496-8084.

Also, visit: http://islamicity.com

Okay then. You might find some good info here. I just didn't know if you'd gone other places first. :)

Cool, yeah. I'm going to try to find a Mosque or something, too, and see if they have a person who fields questions.

I suggest you follow this one :

I strongly suggest you enroll in a world religions course at the college level. It can be dangerous learning about an institution--especially a religious one-- from an individual. Discovering a religion is a matter of personal perspective based on your idealogical value system. It is possible, even likely, you may encounter a party with a perverted and skewed idealogical value system regarding Islam on a posting. Comparing and contrasting, and learning about various religions is an excellent beginning. Another positive resource would be a local Mosque. Do make sure it
is respectable and legitimate. This is the pool from which you can draw logical and reasonable conclusions regarding faith. Good luck!

Furthermore, explaining about Islam? Islam (like any religion) is part doctrine, culture and history,... too large to be explained in a single post.

Unless you have a specific question about something that is relatively general to ask, that is.

Islam is not that diferent from Christianism...

Anyway, your best bet is to go to a mosque and speak with people there. I did it with buddhism and induhism and it was a very good experience.

I suggest you follow this one :



Furthermore, explaining about Islam? Islam (like any religion) is part doctrine, culture and history,... too large to be explained in a single post.

Unless you have a specific question about something that is relatively general to ask, that is.

Sorry, I didn't mean to imply I that I was looking for one all-inclusive post. I'm actually looking for somebody interested in an ongoing dialogue that would consist of more specific questions.

As I explained earlier, my present course load doesn't really have room for expansion, so the Mosque idea works better for me right now, but I'd like to supplement that with views from Muslims in other countries.

So far, I'm having trouble finding out if there are particular qualifications that would make a given Mosque more reputable than another, so if you've heard anything about that, that would be cool.

I'm not Muslim, but I know a lot about Islam, if you want, you can pm and ask me whatever you want, and Ill answer you, InshAllah. ;)

How does one evaluate a Mosque as "legitimate"?Hammurab, what is your religion?

Hammurab, what is your religion?

At this time, I have none.

I'd like to find someone, (or several people in a number of places), that can share with me the Muslim beliefs in a less "FAQ" and more interactive way.

I'd like to find someone, (or several people in a number of places), that can share with me the Muslim beliefs in a less "FAQ" and more interactive way.I see, you are looking for a Forum with at least a dozen Muslims.
well.. I think we have one or two here, and they are not logged.

we have quite a few Jewish players here.. and they do have knowledge about Islam.. and we have one from India (he is not muslim) who is a walking enciclopedia..

I see, you are looking for a Forum with at least a dozen Muslims.
well.. I think we have one or two here, and they are not logged.

we have quite a few Jewish players here.. and they do have knowledge about Islam.. and we have one from India (he is not muslim) who is a walking enciclopedia..

I'm on a few forums with an Islamic religious focus, but over the years I've found nationstates to have a good cross section of beliefs. I've cast a fairly wide net on a number of boards; I was hoping to find somebody on at least one of them.

Any of the people you describe would be cool to hear from, although I'm also interested in hearing about first-hand experience of the daily practice of Islam.

I'm on a few forums with an Islamic religious focus, but over the years I've found nationstates to have a good cross section of beliefs. I've cast a fairly wide net on a number of boards; I was hoping to find somebody on at least one of them.

Any of the people you describe would be cool to hear from, although I'm also interested in hearing about first-hand experience of the daily practice of Islam.

Hey you have a pm :)

Not really. It seems to me that most of the people here who claim to be Muslim are trolling. Tread carefully. ;)

I strongly suggest you enroll in a world religions course at the college level. It can be dangerous learning about an institution--especially a religious one-- from an individual. Discovering a religion is a matter of personal perspective based on your idealogical value system. It is possible, even likely, you may encounter a party with a perverted and skewed idealogical value system regarding Islam on a posting. Comparing and contrasting, and learning about various religions is an excellent beginning. Another positive resource would be a local Mosque. Do make sure it is respectable and legitimate. This is the pool from which you can draw logical and reasonable conclusions regarding faith. Good luck!

academic teaching of religions is often no less biased than individual accounts. to show my bias, I'm a white quaker, but I've often been appalled at how incredibly poor and blatantly biased the teaching of Hinduism is in western schools. they use books written by white missionaries and give completely warped and deliberately unflattering descriptions of it. the huge overemphasis of the caste system (which is theologically insignificant) is one example - the simplistic idea of the Trimurthi as some sort of parallel christian trinity is another (...there are two temples in india devoted to brahma, who world religions courses tout as one of the three major deities in india...he is comparatively minor) - when religion is taught by unapologetic atheists its not surprising that they assume it's all backwards superstition and don't bother to check their sources for inaccuracies. atheism is not a neutral position for academic the teaching of religion - universalism is. teaching of Islam is not nearly as biased since politics has forced a closer investigation of Muslim beliefs - might I suggest The Institute of Ismaili Studies (http://www.iis.ac.uk/home.asp?l=en) as a good starting point for research on Islam? they're believers, but they tend to be very familiar with western culture and historically have been non-dogmatic and as such offer a safe, un-fundamentalist view of the rest of muslim history (Though take their teachings about their own small sect with a grain of salt - I haven't seen anything too outrageous though). the institute's website lists a great many publications that offer both an insider's view (one not tainted by elitist western biases) and an academically rigorous and accurate discussion, that might be useful to you.

I might also recommend looking into Sufism, it's an extremely beautiful manifestation of Islam.

I'm interested in learning about Islam. I've googled and Wikied, but there is no substitute for corresponding with a living person.

If possible, I'd like to hear from an adult, practicing Muslim. Formal religious education would be a plus, but any knowledge would be helpful.

I can promise I will approach this with an open mind, and I am not looking to attack or dispute anyone's religion. I just want to know more about Islam.

While I'm glad to hear anything about its history, I am primarily interested in its doctrines and daily practice in a contemporary context.

Thanks for anybody who can throw in.

I am not a muslim. But I studied in a muslim school for 3 years and I grew up with quite a few muslims around me. If you have specific questions, I can answer them. I simply don't have the time to do a write up on the things that you asked.

For that you can try shiachat.com, I found some members very knowledgeable (but you have to be careful in avoiding the riff-raffs). Also they are very biased towards shiaism (duh). I have not found a sunni forum that I can recommend you to.

If you are planning to go to a local mosque, please avoid it if they got Tablighi Jamaat groups dominating the place.

They are like the pestering pyramid scheme type people with religiousity. Avoid them like plague. :p

and we have one from India (he is not muslim) who is a walking enciclopedia..
Any of the people you describe would be cool to hear from..Ok,
allow me to present Mr Aryavartha. (the poster above)^

Ask "the Sadisco Room" he/she is muslim...:p

Not really. It seems to me that most of the people here who claim to be Muslim are trolling. Tread carefully. ;)

Ask "the Sadisco Room" he/she is muslim...:p

Hush, I have warned this one already. Your nefarious plans will not succeed. :p

Ask "the Sadisco Room" he/she is muslim...i think he is not logged..

Ok,
allow me to present Mr Aryavartha. (the poster above)^

lol. I am just an one-eyed man among the blind. ;)

Well Hammurab, what sort of things would you like to know about Islam? As people have already posted, it is difficult to explain an entire religion in a post. I would be happy to answer any questions (although i hope they are a little more specific) you have about Islam.

I'm interested in learning about Islam. I've googled and Wikied, but there is no substitute for corresponding with a living person.

If possible, I'd like to hear from an adult, practicing Muslim. Formal religious education would be a plus, but any knowledge would be helpful.

I can promise I will approach this with an open mind, and I am not looking to attack or dispute anyone's religion. I just want to know more about Islam.

While I'm glad to hear anything about its history, I am primarily interested in its doctrines and daily practice in a contemporary context.

Thanks for anybody who can throw in.

I'm a devout Muslim and would be happy to answer any questions you have. Just send me a telegram.

I'm a devout Muslim and would be happy to answer any questions you have. Just send me a telegram.

Do you have a beard grown out?

Do you have a beard grown out?

It is not necessary to have a beard, it does not make one a better muslim.

It is not necessary to have a beard, it does not make one a better muslim.

Oh? That's not what i've been told.

In fact, this site (http://al-huda.al-khoei.org/news/124/ARTICLE/1171/2006-11-05.html)says unless you have a shari'i excuse, then it is haraam to shave one's beard.

Oh? That's not what i've been told.

In fact, this site (http://al-huda.al-khoei.org/news/124/ARTICLE/1171/2006-11-05.html)says unless you have a shari'i excuse, then it is haraam to shave one's beard.

I think it is rather foolish to claim that God shall send a man to hell for shaving his beard. Would not God look at a man's character, his actions good and bad? If I am punished by God for something, I doubt that it shall be the shaving of my beard. The people that claim it is wrong to shave one's beard are those that think that it is wrong because you are being vain and those that do it to follow tradition. I personally do not see it as vain, but rather I am doing it to fit in better with society.

I personally do not see it as vain, but rather I am doing it to fit in better with society.

with kufr society ? ;)

:p

with kufr society ? ;)

:p

Better to fit in than to be discriminated against for not fitting in no?

I think it is rather foolish to claim that God shall send a man to hell for shaving his beard. Would not God look at a man's character, his actions good and bad? If I am punished by God for something, I doubt that it shall be the shaving of my beard. The people that claim it is wrong to shave one's beard are those that think that it is wrong because you are being vain and those that do it to follow tradition. I personally do not see it as vain, but rather I am doing it to fit in better with society.

Okay perhaps we are going about this in the wrong. Let me re-word. A devout muslim is some one that submits to Allah ta-ala and his words, right? And he said that men should grow out beards, now i guess you won't necessarily go to hell for that, because Allah (swt) is merciful, and will look at your other deeds and see your heart and intentions. Also, why would you want to fit into society? You have dawah to give to the kufir, but how will you shine to them if try to be in the dark(fit in) like them?

(this is coming from a christian, so take my words at what you will)

Okay perhaps we are going about this in the wrong. Let me re-word. A devout muslim is some one that submits to Allah ta-ala and his words, right? And he said that men should grow out beards, now i guess you won't necessarily go to hell for that, because Allah (swt) is merciful, and will look at your other deeds and see your heart and intentions. Also, why would you want to fit into society? You have dawah to give to the kufir, but how will you shine to them if try to be in the dark(fit in) like them?

(this is coming from a christian, so take my words at what you will)

But I do shine!
:)

I do my best to be a good person, to help others, to struggle for what is right, and so I shine. Anyone who knows me knows that I am a Muslim, and by living the way I live, I personally hope that I can fix the negative perceptions that many people have of Islam. There are so many things that people think about Muslims that are just untrue, and I do my best to dispel these myths. I am open about my faith, and I do not accept ideas blindly. Because I may be the only Muslim that some of these people truly meet in their lives, it is my duty to be a good example.

But I do shine!
:)

I do my best to be a good person, to help others, to struggle for what is right, and so I shine. Anyone who knows me knows that I am a Muslim, and by living the way I live, I personally hope that I can fix the negative perceptions that many people have of Islam. There are so many things that people think about Muslims that are just untrue, and I do my best to dispel these myths. I am open about my faith, and I do not accept ideas blindly. Because I may be the only Muslim that some of these people truly meet in their lives, it is my duty to be a good example.

Mash'Allah then, my friend. I have...misjudged you. Forgive me, and continue on shinning! :D

I am happy that we have reached understanding.
:)

Better to fit in than to be discriminated against for not fitting in no?

I was just being cheeky.

I believe in Gandhi's words "There are as many religions as there are humans". Religion is a personal relationship between you and your maker. Nobody has a say in it...unless what you do affects them.

Although, if you truly believe that beard is mandated as part of your religious beliefs, you should not shave because of fear of discrimination.

Keshadari Sikhs keep their beard and turban despite being mistaken for "Arab terrorists"...

I was just being cheeky.

I believe in Gandhi's words "There are as many religions as there are humans". Religion is a personal relationship between you and your maker. Nobody has a say in it...unless what you do affects them.

Although, if you truly believe that beard is mandated as part of your religious beliefs, you should not shave because of fear of discrimination.

Keshadari Sikhs keep their beard and turban despite being mistaken for "Arab terrorists"...

I understand what you are saying, but I simply feel that having a beard is not an important part of Islam. There is plenty of room to argue over whether it is necessary or not, and I follow the thinking that it should be a man's choice whether he has a beard or not. I personally do not think that having a beard would make me a better Muslim, it does not strengthen my character so from a religious point of view, I see it as unnecessary. Of course, if I was in a country where everyone else had a beard, it would have some practical benefits, so I might decide to grow one.

Here's a specific question.

On one of the other boards, some people have mentioned that Islam employs corporal punishment. In particular, they've claimed that women who have premarital sex are flogged.

Is this true?

I'm not sure I can be on board with using violence as a means to teach or enforce chastity. If it is true, can anyone give me the internal perspective on it?

Here's a specific question.

On one of the other boards, some people have mentioned that Islam employs corporal punishment. In particular, they've claimed that women who have premarital sex are flogged.

Is this true?

I'm not sure I can be on board with using violence as a means to teach or enforce chastity. If it is true, can anyone give me the internal perspective on it?

In Islam pre-marital sex is certainly looked down upon, and there are places(Saudi Arabia) where women have probably been flogged for it. However, I do not think that the Quran actually tells us to flog people for having pre-marital sex, it just says that we should not do it.

Here's a specific question.

On one of the other boards, some people have mentioned that Islam employs corporal punishment. In particular, they've claimed that women who have premarital sex are flogged.

Is this true?

I'm not sure I can be on board with using violence as a means to teach or enforce chastity. If it is true, can anyone give me the internal perspective on it?

Well, The Qu'ran only said "no" to adultery (or pre-marital sex, whatever), the flogging, well, it's probably something Arabic (i.e. not something all Muslim practices).

The wit, the corporeal punishments itself was based in the Shariah, which in turn based on the Qur'an (holy book of Islam), hadith (sayings of Muhammad), and centuries of debate, interpretation and precedent. In which, the Shariah itself is open for change, since the only dogma base here is the Qu'ran. Contrary to most other people of different faiths(or non-faith, whichever), the Hadith is also open for debate, since the words came from a man (albeit the prophet).

I'm not sure I can be on board with... wait,
what do you mean "be on board" ?

are you considering to become a Sunni, a Shia or another religion?
are you planning to abandon your Atheism and adopt a religion?

I can answer some of your questions if you like. I would also suggest a mosque in your local area. Typically they are very helpful and you should be able to get some literature from them to help you along.

Here's a specific question.

On one of the other boards, some people have mentioned that Islam employs corporal punishment. In particular, they've claimed that women who have premarital sex are flogged.

Is this true?

I'm not sure I can be on board with using violence as a means to teach or enforce chastity. If it is true, can anyone give me the internal perspective on it?

I have never known of writings that say such a thing. I believe it depends on the area one is in. Typically what happens is the person is disgraced in some manner. Maybe not a flogging but verbally and possible some physical reaction from the family.

Here's a specific question.

On one of the other boards, some people have mentioned that Islam employs corporal punishment. In particular, they've claimed that women who have premarital sex are flogged.

Is this true?

In most Sharia systems, pre-marital or extra-marital sex is called Zina and is a punishable offense.

In fact, a muslim woman cannot marry a non-muslim man (even ahl-e-kitab - Jews and Christians). So it is quite possible that a sharia court can find a muslim woman married to a non-muslim as guilty of zina.

Cool, yeah. I'm going to try to find a Mosque or something, too, and see if they have a person who fields questions.Just stay away from the Nation of Islam mosque if you live in the Chicago area.

Well I would encourage people to read the OT, it is just as bad, if not worst, than any extreme things in the Koran(sp).

wait,
what do you mean "be on board" ?

are you considering to become a Sunni, a Shia or another religion?
are you planning to abandon your Atheism and adopt a religion?

Considering is a fair way to describe it, I guess.

I do not consider it impossible at this time that I will choose to practice some religion.

@Zayun, Vandal-Unknown, Marrakech II
Thank you for replying. So, I read this as there is some variation in corporal punishment? If any here are practicing Muslims, does your sect or interpretation call for flogging?

I guess my issue is this: If I were a practicing Muslim, and my examination of the Koran (sic?) and my prayers lead me to the sincere belief that flogging is not ordered by God, would I be permitted to abstain from that practice or would I be thrown out for not supporting it?

Well I would encourage people to read the OT, it is just as bad, if not worst, than any extreme things in the Koran(sp).

I hope I'm not coming off as saying that Muslims are bad people. I'm just trying to clarify what things are actual doctrine from as many sources as possible.

In most Sharia systems, pre-marital or extra-marital sex is called Zina and is a punishable offense.

In fact, a muslim woman cannot marry a non-muslim man (even ahl-e-kitab - Jews and Christians). So it is quite possible that a sharia court can find a muslim woman married to a non-muslim as guilty of zina.

Punishable by violence?

I hope I'm not coming off as saying that Muslims are bad people. I'm just trying to clarify what things are actual doctrine from as many sources as possible.

No I am just pointing out that all the Abrahamic texts are extremely bigoted and intolerant by today's standards, that doesn't mean their followers are like that.

No I am just pointing out that all the Abrahamic texts are extremely bigoted and intolerant by today's standards, that doesn't mean their followers are like that.

Do contemporary Jews ascribe the same legal, political, social, and judicial power to their scripture that the Muslims do? (I'm asking because I honestly don't know, the only Jewish friends I have are very sparse in their observance of Judaism, by their own description).

Part of my concern is, if I were to become a Muslim, I would have to agree to its practices in their entirety. If this includes watching some girl beaten for a non-violent crime, I want to understand why.

For example, if the Old Testament said hookers had to be stoned to death but Israel no longer does that, I'd want to know which scripture had been discontinued and why, who decides, etc.

I think you should read the Quran, and Hadith first and it'd help if you learnt Arabic as well if you had the time to spare. If you ask Muslims they'll probably be biased in favor of Islam, similarly if you ask someone whose not Muslim they'll have their own strong opinions as well. Much better to do your own research.

Do contemporary Jews ascribe the same legal, political, social, and judicial power to their scripture that the Muslims do? (I'm asking because I honestly don't know, the only Jewish friends I have are very sparse in their observance of Judaism, by their own description).

Part of my concern is, if I were to become a Muslim, I would have to agree to its practices in their entirety. If this includes watching some girl beaten for a non-violent crime, I want to understand why.

For example, if the Old Testament said hookers had to be stoned to death but Israel no longer does that, I'd want to know which scripture had been discontinued and why, who decides, etc.

Well, many things that go on in Islamic countries are open for debate (such as whether it is right to punish a person for pre-marital sex and to punish them with flogging), and in most countries I don't believe that other Muslims would just throw you out for not believing in some practice they think is right, but of course there are exceptions. There would also be certain regions in countries where people are more likely to do such things, such as in a small village.

But basically to be a Muslim, you have to believe that there is one God, and Muhammed is his messenger. You must give money/aid to the poor, say the prayers (5 of them) each day, fast in Ramadan(unless certain conditions prevent you from doing so), and make a pilgrimage to Mecca if you are able. If you do all of these things, then you are a Muslim.

I think you should read the Quran, and Hadith first and it'd help if you learnt Arabic as well if you had the time to spare. If you ask Muslims they'll probably be biased in favor of Islam, similarly if you ask someone whose not Muslim they'll have their own strong opinions as well. Much better to do your own research.

Actually, I want views from both sides, although I am engaged in my own examination of the written doctrines.

However, in the end, words are only as powerful as the community that interprets and carries them out. If I thought the words were great but the execution was completely different, there would be no point in joining the organization. So, I actually want to hear form people who have daily experiences different from my own, and to know in whose company I would stand if I joined.

Well, many things that go on in Islamic countries are open for debate (such as whether it is right to punish a person for pre-marital sex and to punish them with flogging), and in most countries I don't believe that other Muslims would just throw you out for not believing in some practice they think is right, but of course there are exceptions. There would also be certain regions in countries where people are more likely to do such things, such as in a small village.

But basically to be a Muslim, you have to believe that there is one God, and Muhammed is his messenger. You must give money/aid to the poor, say the prayers (5 of them) each day, fast in Ramadan(unless certain conditions prevent you from doing so), and make a pilgrimage to Mecca if you are able. If you do all of these things, then you are a Muslim.

Would you say that most practicing Muslims and clergy (I'm of course asking for a rough guess here) would agree with your second paragraph?

Would you say that most practicing Muslims and clergy (I'm of course asking for a rough guess here) would agree with your second paragraph?

Well yes, I think most Muslims would agree with that, but I cannot speak for over a billion people. As well, Shias have three other principles, but basically those are jihad, to do good deeds, and avoid doing bad deeds(these are all kind of inter-related). And I think most Sunnis would agree that those are good principles as well.

I'm interested in learning about Islam. I've googled and Wikied, but there is no substitute for corresponding with a living person.

If possible, I'd like to hear from an adult, practicing Muslim. Formal religious education would be a plus, but any knowledge would be helpful.

I can promise I will approach this with an open mind, and I am not looking to attack or dispute anyone's religion. I just want to know more about Islam.

While I'm glad to hear anything about its history, I am primarily interested in its doctrines and daily practice in a contemporary context.

Thanks for anybody who can throw in.

If, your willing to bend a little bit on the corresponding part. I suggest the following book as a good place to start on learning about Islam. "No god but God (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/No_god_but_God_%28book%29) by Reza Aslan (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reza_Aslan)

While, the book mostly talks about the history of Islam it also goes into it's doctrines, daily practices and more. I found the book quite good and enlighting.

One point that no one seems to have mentioned: If you wish to learn about Islam, the first thing you should do is read the Koran (something I have yet to do myself).

One point that no one seems to have mentioned: If you wish to learn about Islam, the first thing you should do is read the Koran (something I have yet to do myself).

Of course one could do that. However as in reading the Bible it is a long read. If a person was interested I would say first go to a mosque and read some of the literature that they provide because it gives some basics on the religion and a broad overview of the Qur'an itself. After reading some of that type of information and possibly interacting with a teacher from the mosque one could start in on the Qur'an itself if interested.

Punishable by violence?

Again it is determined by where that woman is. Most of what you see as violence attached to punishment is carried out by people with an old Islamic mindset. The more progressive Muslims would not seek violence to punish. As you know there are many ways to punish someone without resorting to violence. The biggest punishment as I already stated in an earlier post is to be disgraced by your family and friends. That is the normal punishment I have seen in these types of cases. Even that however is very seldom done. The drastic cases you may have seen are done by ignorant and barbaric people. Money doesn't seem to matter but it is more to do with the mindset of the people committing the violence. This is the main cause of today's problems. Just plain ignorance is to blame. With the spotlight on Muslims and Islam in general now hopefully the progressives will prevail over the course of the religion. As of now I believe there is a lot of work to be done.

I'm interested in learning about Islam. I've googled and Wikied, but there is no substitute for corresponding with a living person.

If possible, I'd like to hear from an adult, practicing Muslim. Formal religious education would be a plus, but any knowledge would be helpful.

I can promise I will approach this with an open mind, and I am not looking to attack or dispute anyone's religion. I just want to know more about Islam.

While I'm glad to hear anything about its history, I am primarily interested in its doctrines and daily practice in a contemporary context.

Thanks for anybody who can throw in.

For the love of god, wait five years. Islam in the western world is quickly being delegated into the realm of a fad religion as wave after wave of 'rebellious' teenagers jump ship from Wicca, since terrorists scare their parents and old ladies more than witches do these days.

Punishable by violence?

Yes. Depends on the area though. Deobandis in Pakistan/Afghanistan would lash a woman for doing that (taliban were mainly deobandis). Deobandis in India (Deoband itself is a place in India, from where the sect originated) cannot carry out violent punishment because they are a minority amongst the hindus and there will be a outrage if they do these kinds of things in public. So instead of corporal punishment, it is banishment from society or some such thing.

To be a muslim, it is not required to follow Sharia. I know many such people. So you can skip these parts.

Why do you need recognition as a muslim from other muslim, anyways?

If you believe you are muslim, then you are one. There ends the matter.

I think you should read the Quran, and Hadith first and it'd help if you learnt Arabic as well if you had the time to spare. If you ask Muslims they'll probably be biased in favor of Islam, similarly if you ask someone whose not Muslim they'll have their own strong opinions as well. Much better to do your own research.

Well said.

Read the translation of the primary source. Anything else would be like investigating Marxism by reading Che Guavara.

BAM. Explanation of Islam:

http://www.zipperfish.net/free/yaafm12.php

(Yes, I understand this isn't the case for all muslims. I'm sure some minority aren't like this).

Ok, now I am looking rather troll-ish. It wasn't intended, but I might as well go all the way and put in some gun smilies :mp5::mp5::mp5::mp5::mp5::mp5:

Just make sure that you don't publish your research on Islam, unless it is faithful to Islamic doctorine.

Thanks for everybody's input, I've decided to take Islam off my list.

I'm not saying Muslims are "bad" or "wrong", but from the information I've gotten here as well as on Islamic forums, its just not for me. I've also looked at parts of the Qur'an (referred to me by practicing Muslims) as well as the fatwahs cited and referenced.

The reason I wanted interaction with practicing Muslims, rather than just relying on academic research or examination of written scripture, is fairly straightforward.

If I wanted to move to the U.S., I would of course read the Constitution, but I would also talk to Americans to see how they interpret and carry out the constitution. If the Constitution was a great document, but the people were executing it in a way inconsistent with what it says, I wouldn't go.

Religion is, of course, different, but the premise is the same.

Again, thanks for everyone's help.

well it was started during or after the life/death of the "prophet" Mohhamed. e was like Jesus but he wasnt the son of god. More like David, Samuel, Job etc(christian prophets) It is Monotheistic, one god, the same god as the christians and modern day islamists accept that Jesus was a prophet. Christianity doesn't accept Mohhamed tho. After Mohhamed's death (570 Makka- June 8, 632 CE Madina) it was spread around the world by the people who believed in him. Then these people met with the christians and got into a series of wars over who was better. (against both religions views) after that they became what they are today, feared.

Wish I could help you out but fact is I'm just learning about Islam too so I'm no expert on it >.>

Though I do have this funny story about walking to a Mosque here for Friday prayer..