Did I Commit Shirk???
-
Peace all
I'd like to know what the general stance is on a situation I've recently encountered. Since this forum is fairly anonymous and generally in agreement with the beliefs I hold, i feel safe and confident that I'd get some good advice and feedback.There has been an issue that's weighed extremely heavily on my heart these past few days.
I feel discriminated against at my work place because I am of Middle Eastern descent and Muslim. When colleagues and upper-level management realize my ethnicity and my knowledge of Arabic, they begin to automatically talk about world politics and terrorism. Then they immediately make a link to Islam, which is understandable coming from people who are ignorant of real Islam. They only see the mainstream corrupted kind which has led to an extreme group of mofsidun (mischief makers). Many times I have gotten into casual conversations which led down a road of discrimination and even persecution.
I am humble in nature and would rather choose the road of peaceful relations between myself and others, rather than conflict, rudeness and clashes - especially when speaking to people who know nothing about what they claim to know.
What has weighed heavily on my heart was my reaction a few days ago. Many in upper-level management and others have been targeting me many times in passing comments linking my heritage to terrorism. Then I was questioned whether I was Muslim or Christian by one person. Out of fear of further persecution and possibly losing the position I just received I replied Christian. His tone and demeanor was so much warmer and softer to me after that. But from that moment, I feel horrible that I did that. I don't believe in Christianity so I feel that its my beliefs that would constitute shirk, not if I just say I'm Christian to protect myself. But at the same time something inside me is worried that I committed the greatest sin of all! One that will never be forgiven...
I've never felt so discriminated against and never felt so weak before. In the past, I've proudly proclaimed my identity to whoever wants or doesn't want to know because I consider myself good PR for my faith and my ethnicity. This time I felt so intimidated, that my pride diminished... especially since these people have no idea what they're talking about half the time and have created a really uncomfortable and hostile environment for me.
I know the least I've done was deny this man the opportunity to understand from me what Islam is really about. Many ingorant people in the West imagine young Muslim women to be the weakest and have the least freedoms and rights. They are covered from head to toe as dictated by men, and speak when spoken to - and only when it is in agreement with her father, husband, brother would her opinion be respected. I could have been a positive example for him and I think I've forever ruined that chance, at least with him. This is the least of what I've done.
At the same time, the consequences of my proclaiming that I'm Muslim may have been grave with respect to my job. Considering I do not associate myself with the mainstream "muslims" who follow blind dogma, I would be grouping myself in a wrong category anyway.
I don't know ... I'm very confused and worried. I feel extremely guilty and scared.
I would love to hear others' views on my predicament... if I really did commit a sin, if so to what extent. Is there any way to fix my mistake, specifically with God and secondly with my colleagues. Did I really commit shirk when I replied that I'm Christian? This is a serious matter to me so I'd appreciate it if people choose their words carefully before posting. I haven't been sleeping for days over this.
Thanks in advance to all who'll help!
Peace -
Peace,
The only allowance give for a person to openly reject God without sin is if that person is under duress/force.
Whoever rejects God after having believed; except for one who is forced while his heart is still content with belief; and has opened his chest to rejection, then they will have a wrath from God and they will have a great retribution.(16106)You are the best person to judge whether you fit into that context or not...
However, beware that people who claim to walk the path of submission/islam are subjected to tests of faith by the Almighty...Your situation (especially reading how confident a PR person you were of the faith ) sounds like the latter.
Realizing the mistake is the first act to taking corrective action.
-
Peace upon you,
"muslim" is not an english word, it is an arabic one. So if you speak english at your work place, why don't you translate "muslim" to english?
It is better to convey the meanings of the words we use in the language we use, if not it will become meaningless labels.
And don't forget that the god is the most mercifull
--
-
Peace all,
The word Believe is a wrong translation and wrong conception of Quranic meaning of AMANOO (attainment of FAITH).
SHIRK is an act of HEART and not a mere sound coming out of our lips. LIP SERVICE does not suffice either way. SHIRK and FAITH in ONENESS is a motion within SOUL.PEACE,
-
Peace soul2squeeze,
Some good points raised by other members. IMHO 16106 as posted by Layth answers your question. Telling people what they want to hear comes with a price. Whether it's getting a job, or making friends. But at the end of the day, it's all between you and your Lord. Don't worry too much about that person (who didn't come off as a sincere person to begin with, from what you said)... definitely not worth losing sleep over.
Would you care what a racist thinks about you? ignore
-
peace brother
I believe you did nothing wrong. You have to remember God is the most just, The most Compassionate, The Most Kind. And A Layth points in that verse, in distress we can hide belief. Take care, and I hope things get better for you, God willing.
Also completely agree w/ alpha97, I like to call religion 'a state of being something'.
God belss
-
Salam S2S,
(106
Of course Allah does not wish to the believers to be subjected to abuse. If there is a way for you to escape the harrassment, that of any sort, then go ahead and use it. Why should you suffer? To prove your faith? Allah knows what is in your heart and also Allah wants you to protect yourself. If a label would bring you so much trouble then change it. It is just a label. It cannot identify who you really are. Do whatever would help you to avoid confrontation. You are responsible for your own safety. And just pray for Allah's guidance. Allah will give you the answer you are waiting for as well as support you with the strength and i6me'nan you need. Trust that. -
Peace
Layth I 100% agree with you that it was a test. I felt it inside me that God put this in my path to test whether I'm suited to be at the next level in my journey to Him. I know I miserably failed. Let me just add that when I say I always took pride in my identity does not equate an air of arrogance on my part. I am rejoiceful and humble with what God has allowed for me (my belief in One God) but not ever at the expense of others or put others down. Many times when I do get discriminatory comments it has been in a situation where they can neither harm me nor help me. But this time it was a situation where they can do major harm in my future, as far as my career is concerned. This is why I feel it was a degree higher in my test. That being said, does my failing of this test constitute shirk? As far as the aya you mentioned is concerned, I always took that to be extreme force - as in life or death force. They certainly did not threaten my life in any way...but i was intimidated alot. My heart is unconditionally pure of idol worship, i am 100% certain in that.
So Alpha You would suggest that no matter what label I put on myself in any situation wouldn't matter it is what is in my heart that counts? If that's the case I almost agree with you. I do believe part of choosing to be a Muslim to God is choosing to live a certain way and interact with humanity in a certain way. If I were to never proclaim my faith, others may come to the conclusion that I'm a good person, but never that my deen has anything to do with it. I believe its mandatory for the system, the way of life to receive the credit and not myself or any individual. Since I don't believe in lecturing someone to "convert" I believe this is the only way others should come to know of Islam. However, I would definitely agree with you that on questions of faith, God will judge what's in my heart and not lip service. I just think actions are part and parcel of that.. which would again mean I sinned I guess...
Someone I like your idea. I think you're absolutely right. Perhaps that would open a more fruitful dialogue and questions when I state that I am a Submitter to the One God. I will use this next time a situation like this arises. Then I wouldn't have to worry about incorrect labels you're absolutely right. Thanks so much for reminding me of how merciful God is... I'm just afraid that I may have committed the one unforgivable sin...
I sense Someone and Layth believe I did commit a sin. (Yes/no?) How can I rectify this situation? Do you think it would be considered shirk which can never be fixed?
Peace -
oops as I was posting i realized others replied!
Zenje You point is exactly what I've been tackling in my mind... the idea that I said something for a cheap price. Nothing is worth God's wrath. I know it is what is in my heart that counts but I'm also afraid I sold myself too cheap, that I should've taken the heat, even if it cost me my career - does that sound too crazy? As for him, I'm not too concerned with whether he likes me or not, I'm more concerned of whether I sinned or not. You're right he's not a sincere person at all... amazing how quickly he changed from being intimidating to this sweet gentle person who drops by to joke around
IK Thanks bro. I really hope you're right and I really did do nothing wrong! I've always known shirk to be the only unforgiveable sin... I guess my question is to what extent of distress constitutes hiding one's beliefs?
TAJ Thanks so much for these kind words. I felt so relieved from this aya you posted that I cried! Jazaky Allah kheir, sis.
Peace -
Salaam,
I suspect this problem is not going to go away. I suggest you collect and record details of what is being said, when and by whom. The way you dealt with it has not left you in peace hence you need to find a way of dealing with it which leaves you in peace. For example, there are ways and means of asserting their illusions without being confrontational.
You can tell them that you don't share their views and appreciate it that they stop airing their prejudices which is not condusive to a productive workplace. If they don't stop you can take it through informal or formal grieviance procedures.
What you are suffering is bullying and what amounts to constructive dismissal.
Salaam
-
Peace soul2squeeze,
Just because you told someone you are a Christian does not make you a mushrik. Someone can be a Christian and still have nothing to fear as per the following verses
262 Surely those who believe, and those who are Jewish, and the Christians, and the Sabiens; any one of them who believes in God and the Last Day, and does good work, they will have their reward with their Lord, with no fear over them, nor will they grieve.
569 "Those who believe, and those who are Jewish, and the Sabiens, and the Christians; whoever of them believes in God and the Last Day and does good works, then they will have nothing to fear nor will they grieve."
Someone could be a Christian and believe in Allah, and the last day, and do good deeds and will be rewarded by Allah. The following verse actually makes a distinction between the mushrikeen and the Christians, thereby implying that the TRUE CHRISTIANS (those who follow the the true original revelations sent to Jesus and the true original teachings of Jesus) are not mushrikeen, because the word Christians is used separate from those who "ashrakoo"
2217 Those who believe, and the Jews, and the Sabiens, and the Christian, and the Majoos, and those who have set up partners; God will separate between them on the Day of Resurrection. For God is witness over all things.
When people ask me, I tell them that I am a submitter to The God only, The God of Abraham, The God of Moses, The God of Jesus, The God of Muhammad, it is the same God. I tell them that if following the true teachings of Jesus is Christianity then I am a Christian, and if following the true teachings of Moses is Judaism, then I am a Jew; or that my religion is the religion of Abraham, the religion of Moses, the religion of Jesus, the religion of Muhammad, because they all had the same religion and they all followed the same God only and the same deen/obligation/way of life/system and thus they were all submitters (muslims with a small m).
What one will be accountable for is what is in one's heart, and not what one's so called title is, and only Allah knows what is in one's heart, and only Allah can be the true judge.
Peace,
Tanveer
-
"muslim" is not an english word, it is an arabic one. So if you speak english at your work place, why don't you translate "muslim" to english?
It is better to convey the meanings of the words we use in the language we use, if not it will become meaningless labels.
well said, someone
peace
-
Peace Tanveer,
Just because you told someone you are a Christian does not make you a mushrik. Someone can be a Christian and still have nothing to fear as per the following verses
Actually, identifying onesself with Christianity makes one a
Kafiirnot aMushrik.The verses you have quoted have no
Christianin them...They speak of theNassarawhich isNazarinesin the closest translation I can see...Christianity is a pagan religion which identifies Jesus as the son of God as well as being hismelf God as well as the concept of the trinity.Peace Soul,
I sense Someone and Layth believe I did commit a sin. (Yes/no?) How can I rectify this situation? Do you think it would be considered shirk which can never be fixed?
As I mentioned, you are better aware of your situation to be the judge...In all cases, as long as you have realized the error and have made amends, then you should have nothing to worry about.
-
Salam Soul2squeeze, all,
I understand your situation and may God the All-Mighty strentghen your fait and protect you. But please allow me to make few comments and it is not with the intention to hurt however I am ready for any shooting on this forum-) I just want to share my understanding of this issue in the light of the Quran.
............
Out of fear of further persecution and possibly losing the position I just received I replied Christian. His tone and demeanor was so much warmer and softer to me after that........At the same time, the consequences of my proclaiming that I'm Muslim may have been grave with respect to my job. .......
The fear to lose a job or an income makes a lot of people willing to compromise on their basic rights and to the extent of denying their true faith. This is the result of lack of faith in the All-Mighty that HE is indeed the ONLY AND ULTIMATE BESTOWER and not the company for whom we may work, or the government or the private business we may have, see verses 3037, 3436, 3952, 4212, 1326, 1730, 2962 and many many other verses. There is also a lot of wisdom in the story of Qarun and the reaction of people who were tempted to think that God wasn't the bestower in 2882. Also, we often forget that "ina ma3a al-3ussri yussra" (with difficulty ALWAYS comes ease) (945 and 946) and that God the All-Mighty will make our task easy if we really mean we put trust in HIM when facing a dilemma (188.
My point is if you feel persecuted, ask God the All-Mighty to help you find another job and move to another place, this is the wisdom in Quran in verses 497. Quran also provides you with some guidance as to how you should be talking to the christians or people of the book in general in verses 3.64 and 2946.
I know it may be difficult to apply verse 4133 but God the All-Mighty always protect the true believers and make it easy on them when they put trust in HIM and HIM only.
One way to erase what you may think was an unappropriate reaction from your part is to do good because in Quran, we are told "ina al hassanat yuth'hib'na al-saye2att) (literally something like "the good deeds get rid of or erase the bad deeds), so give some charity or offer help to someone in need of it or anything else that would make you think will please the All-Mighty. May God the All-Mighty guide us and forgive us. HE knows best.
Peae. Myr. -
Peace be upon you,
While it may matter little what everyone else believes about your dilemma it is clear that you are an articulate and intelligent person. You might have considered answering in a way which did not compromise your inner peace of mind.
In the same situation I would reply something like -
"I believe in God, but reject organised religions and dogmatic belief systems."
When faced with an answer like that, the questioner must decide whether to explore any further, at which time you can decide whether to say more or say that it would take some time to explain and another time might be more suitable.
I would leave what is done in the past since you have considered it much already. My impression is that your belief wasn't compromised by the exchange, and remains intact so the verse given to you above has little relevance to your situation.
Learn from the experience and answer differently if it comes up again.
Regards.
-
Salam soul2squeeze,
No, you didn't commit shirk. Read this verse
16106 Whoever rejects God after having believed; except for one who is forced while his heart is still content with belief; and has opened his chest to rejection, then they will have a wrath from God and they will have a great retribution.
You have been forced to disbelieve yet your heart is content with belief.
God looks at the heart.
-
salam alaykum
i myslef have been in many situations where people are talking about the bad things"muslims" do really sunnis and shias etc i dont want to group myself with them....
i although am white if i dont wear a allah necklace or somehting no one knows im muslim and assumes im christian they usually never ask since im white american and dont wear hijab i can not imagine being in the brothers istuation since im not arab
sometimes im directly asked if im christian and i dont say im christian sometimes its a rough situation to explain your beleifs versus sunni shia etc so sometimes its impler to say i was raised christian but i dont go to church anymore
which is true but not a clear lie but not a clear explanation
other times it is safer to say im a monotheist it is much easier for americans since if your not looking arab popele assume things
i too have felt the discrimination of being a muslim wearing a hijab and upon takin the hijab the discrimination has faded
sometimes muslims ask are oyu muslim i say yes
then they start with the questions
are you sunni ahia
i say neither then what r u they say
i say muslimthey like how do oyu pray
im like why
they still wanna group you
it is human nature
other times i do tell people
im muslim but i dont follow the hadith books of culture that the arabs follow which has nothing to do with religion
to me it depends on the situation
there is a test you never know brother maybe god was testing you to say your faith and maybe if you said it they would have discirminated afainst you and would have lost oyur job but allahu ellem you never know you could sue them and become rich off there ignorance maybe the lawsuit would have been gods reward for passin the test
so allahu ellem
you never know
amanda
