Bismillah Ir'Rahman Ir'Rahim
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As'Salaam,
My introduction to the "tradition" of Islam was a black nationalist group called the Five Percent Nation of Islam (now known as the Nation of Gods and Earths) an offshoot of the Nation of Islam. As I look back it is obvious to me that Allah truly gives to each of us according to our ability to understand and at that point in my life this was the only form of Islam I would be willing to receive, as I was totally against religion in ANY form.
As I continued to study Islam I realized that the racist aspects of this "sect" of Islam denied the reality of Allah's Oneness, but still being a baby in my understanding of allah and Islam I threw out the baby with the bath water, thus turning my back on Islam.
I began to practice the Yoruba tradition of West Africa and through the grace of Allah I was introduced to ritual, the act of inviting the Sacred into one's life. Once again the sectarianism of religion reared it's ugly head and I left this tradition as well, but I held on to the "practice" of spontaneous ritual, of inviting the Most High into my life, paying attention to it's "presence".
I began to read and write poetry, became familiar with Jellaludin Rumi and Sufism. The more I read Rumi and the writings of other Sufi scholars (Ibn'Arabi, Al-Ghazzali, Rabia al'Basra) the more my ego began to recede and my heart became the instrument through which I perceived Allah. Using my heart as the instrument of measure it became very obvious to me that the divisions and schisms in Islam were all man-made, I began to look for the reason why. Having practiced different traditions and finding the same result I realized that the problem was "tradition"... the practice of trying to formalize/organize truth. Truth is a never-ending, spontaneous, ever-evolving manifestation of Allah's will. How do you organize this? How do you make a "formula" to transmit or teach this to others? It is like building a damn in a free-flowing river... eventually the obstruction to the flow of truth (from Allah to humanity) causes a stagnation. The river/truth having it's flow blocked loses the ability to renew or refresh itself and the water becomes less pure. This is how I see the "tradition" of Islam.
However, I also began to see a distinct difference in the tradition of Islam and Islam as it is described in the Qur'an.
The Qur'an states quite clearly that Islam existed before the "tradition". The tradition was made (in the words of Marx) as an opiate of the masses, to foster and control a man-made way of living, so I turned my back on all traditions and allowed my heart to follow Allah as Hu is revealed in the Qur'an and throughout Hu's creation.
Since the Qur'an makes it clear that I will stand before Allah and be judged according to MY actions I fast and pray Allah will guide me on the straight path. I look for no man or woman to support my understanding of Allah, only for Allah to support me in my efforts to become closer to Hu's Compassion and Mercy, and I extend the Love Hu has showered upon me to my brothers and sisters, in fact, to ALL of Hu's creation because anything less would be a denial of the reality of Allah's Oneness.
Now EVERYTHING is a ritual... an invitation... an opening of my self to Allah's Beneficence and Mercy, so that everywhere I turn I see the face of Allah... accepting everything that comes my way because nothing happens except through the will of Allah and surely Allah is the best of planners. I'm simply submitting to Hu's will, serving Hu's creation, and loving it all!Ma'Salaam,
Olusanya -
Peace be with you Olusanya,
and welcome to the forum. Thanks for sharing your story with us, you have some interesting points. )
Although, I'm a bit lost on the 'Hu' part. oops
As'Salaam Zenje,
Thank you for your warm welcome! D
I don't like to refer to Allah as a "he", because Allah is beyond gender, so I prefer Hu as the third person pronoun. A very wise man taught me that it represents the "essence of Allah's oneness that exists in everything". -
I began to read and write poetry, became familiar with Jellaludin Rumi and Sufism. The more I read Rumi and the writings of other Sufi scholars (Ibn'Arabi, Al-Ghazzali, Rabia al'Basra) the more my ego began to recede and my heart became the instrument through which I perceived Allah.
Do you know what kind of site this is? Those people you have mentioned are sunni's. I guess you did knew that right?
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As'Salaam Ansar,
I do not look at people as Sunni, Shia, or any of those sects or schisms. I look for the "essence" of Allah that exists in everything and respond according to that, so that I may operate according to the reality of Allah's Oneness, not the divisions of men.
Ma'Salaam,
Olusanya -
As'Salaam Ansar,
I do not look at people as Sunni, Shia, or any of those sects or schisms. I look for the "essence" of Allah that exists in everything and respond according to that, so that I may operate according to the reality of Allah's Oneness, not the divisions of men.
Ma'Salaam,
OlusanyaOfcourse the basic aspect of islam is the same. But you have to realize, there is more than only the essence of Allah. There is also something called the shariah in islam which every muslim must follow. And those people you just mentioned did follow the islamic law.
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As'Salaam Ansar,
Ofcourse the basic aspect of islam is the same. But you have to realize, there is more than only the essence of Allah. There is also something called the shariah in islam which every muslim must follow. And those people you just mentioned did follow the islamic law.
Ansar... what exists 'outside' of Allah's essential being?
The laws of Allah existed before the Qur'an, before shariah. The universe could not operate if not for the laws of Allah. It is these laws that govern the movements of the heavenly bodies, the currents of oceans, flight of birds, the bodies of men and women. Shariah is man-made law according to their understanding of the Qur'an (and this to is governed by and exists within Allah's essence).
I have found it easier and less confusing to follow nature's laws.
I do not condemn those who choose to follow shariah, especially if it brings them closer to the unity of Allah, but it is not my 'practice'.Ma'Salaam,
Olusanya -
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As'Salaam Ansar,
Ofcourse the basic aspect of islam is the same. But you have to realize, there is more than only the essence of Allah. There is also something called the shariah in islam which every muslim must follow. And those people you just mentioned did follow the islamic law.
Ansar... what exists 'outside' of Allah's essential being?
The laws of Allah existed before the Qur'an, before shariah. The universe could not operate if not for the laws of Allah. It is these laws that govern the movements of the heavenly bodies, the currents of oceans, flight of birds, the bodies of men and women. Shariah is man-made law according to their understanding of the Qur'an (and this to is governed by and exists within Allah's essence).
I have found it easier and less confusing to follow nature's laws.
I do not condemn those who choose to follow shariah, especially if it brings them closer to the unity of Allah, but it is not my 'practice'.Ma'Salaam,
OlusanyaWe all know that the basic idea of islam is the unity of Allah. The prophet peace be upon him preached that for a number of years.
Have you ever tried to look up the quran? Allah says you must do dhikr, dua and read the quran, pray, give zakat, make hadj, abide by the rules of inheritance, divorce, punishments, avoid alcohol, obey the prophet, give salam to the prophet etc.
Its logical that you must do whatever the quran says. If you deny this, you are comitting straight up kufr. Look at the history of the islam and dont make up rulings by yourself so you can follow your lusts.
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As'Salaam Ansar,
Ofcourse the basic aspect of islam is the same. But you have to realize, there is more than only the essence of Allah. There is also something called the shariah in islam which every muslim must follow. And those people you just mentioned did follow the islamic law.
Ansar... what exists 'outside' of Allah's essential being?
The laws of Allah existed before the Qur'an, before shariah. The universe could not operate if not for the laws of Allah. It is these laws that govern the movements of the heavenly bodies, the currents of oceans, flight of birds, the bodies of men and women. Shariah is man-made law according to their understanding of the Qur'an (and this to is governed by and exists within Allah's essence).
I have found it easier and less confusing to follow nature's laws.
I do not condemn those who choose to follow shariah, especially if it brings them closer to the unity of Allah, but it is not my 'practice'.Ma'Salaam,
OlusanyaWe all know that the basic idea of islam is the unity of Allah. The prophet peace be upon him preached that for a number of years.
Have you ever tried to look up the quran? Allah says you must do dhikr, dua and read the quran, pray, give zakat, make hadj, abide by the rules of inheritance, divorce, punishments, avoid alcohol, obey the prophet, give salam to the prophet etc.
Its logical that you must do whatever the quran says. If you deny this, you are comitting straight up kufr. Look at the history of the islam and dont make up rulings by yourself so you can follow your lusts.
Ansar,
You demonstrate my point very well! Where did you see me write that I make up my own rulings? Where did it say in my post that I do not read the Qur'an, pray or do dhikr? Again... if we are to communicate it must be based upon what is being said, not internal dialogues where one sees and hears only what one wants to hear. You seek to put words in my mouth so you will feel justified in your disagreement. You do not have to agree with what I choose to write or practice, because you will not be beside me when I stand before Allah, nor will I be beside you. Your words and actions are exactly why I do not follow the Sunni or Shia traditions... there is way too much emotionalism and not enough striving to practice UNITY. You give it lip-service, but your words and actions are divisive in nature.
Please refrain from putting words in my mouth. I speak and write very deliberately and you will only demonstrate that a closed-mind and open-heart are diametrically opposed to each other.Ma'Salaam,
Olusanya -
As'Salaam Alaikum Wakas,
Shukran for your welcoming words, and that reference to the Qur'an! Although I did not have it in mind, my words do have it's energy! Does this fall into the category... "surely these are sign for those with understanding"? lol
Ma'Salaam, Olusanya
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Ansar,
You demonstrate my point very well! Where did you see me write that I make up my own rulings? Where did it say in my post that I do not read the Qur'an, pray or do dhikr? Again... if we are to communicate it must be based upon what is being said, not internal dialogues where one sees and hears only what one wants to hear. You seek to put words in my mouth so you will feel justified in your disagreement. You do not have to agree with what I choose to write or practice, because you will not be beside me when I stand before Allah, nor will I be beside you. Your words and actions are exactly why I do not follow the Sunni or Shia traditions... there is way too much emotionalism and not enough striving to practice UNITY. You give it lip-service, but your words and actions are divisive in nature.
Please refrain from putting words in my mouth. I speak and write very deliberately and you will only demonstrate that a closed-mind and open-heart are diametrically opposed to each other.Ma'Salaam,
OlusanyaI'm not putting words in your mouth. I'm just replying against your deviant posting. This is what you said
I have found it easier and less confusing to follow nature's laws.
I do not condemn those who choose to follow shariah, especially if it brings them closer to the unity of Allah, but it is not my 'practice'.Strange that you follow sufism, and praise those people, while they have refuted people like you. Especially imam ghazali. Ibnul Arabi even has a book on hadith qudsi. These people where straight up orthodox and if you lived in their periods, they would have declared you kafir. Same counts for other sufi scholars. (the entire sufi ulema were in fact sunni)
Please study sufism a bit more. Begin with these books
http//store.yahoo.com/islamicbookstore-com/b5036.html
http//store.yahoo.com/islamicbookstore-com/b4920.htmlAnd please, do not repeat that you want unity. You are promoting sectarism which is against the quran.
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I'm not putting words in your mouth. I'm just replying against your deviant posting. This is what you said
I have found it easier and less confusing to follow nature's laws.
I do not condemn those who choose to follow shariah, especially if it brings them closer to the unity of Allah, but it is not my 'practice'.-
Once again... you listen to the words of your inner dialogue, demonstrating that a closed mind cannot grasp the meaning of a simple statement. What is the nature of Allah? What are the laws of nature? If you are as intelligent as you think you are please demonstarte how those words show that I do not live according to the Qur'an, via a post, not inner dialogue that only you can hear.
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I do not follow Sufism, in fact, I do not follow any man or woman. That is why I can think for myself, needing no man to guide me, free to follow the guidance of Allah.
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Was Abraham a deviant? Did the Qur'an exist during Abraham's time? Why does Allah command Mohammed to follow the religion of Abraham, what was the name of that religion?
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Again... if you choose to follow these men, then please do so. If my choice to follow the Qur'an alone (avoiding man-made sayings) gives you a feeling of superiority and that makes you happy... I am happy for you. Go ahead, do your thing!
You obviously look to others for acceptance and verification of your truth... I do not feel such a need.
Look at this thread from beginning to end. I shared my path to the Qur'an alone, introducing myself at the same time. I was greeted with warm words of welcome by many, but you instead immediately looked for something to challenge. That is your "tradition" in a nutshell... division and self-glorification... seeking to condemn those who do not agree with you.
109.1 Qul y ayyuh alkfiroon(a)
Say O ye that reject Faith!109.2 L aAAbudu m taAAbudoon(a)
I serve not that which ye serve,109.3 Wal antum AAbidoona m aAAbud(u)
Nor will ye serve that which I serve.109.4 Wal an AAbidun m AAabadtum
And I will not serve that which ye have been wont to serve,109.5 Wal antum AAbidoona m aAAbud(u)
Nor will ye serve that which I serve.109.6 Lakum deenukum waliya deen(i)
To you be your Way, and to me mine.Who's who? Understand this clearly! I am not seeking your approval. You are just a man... like myself. My faith is strong, I do not fear the day I stand before Allah as a witness to my deeds.
Ma'Salaam,
Olusanya -
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Salaam Olusanya,
Look at this thread from beginning to end. I shared my path to the Qur'an alone, introducing myself at the same time. I was greeted with warm words of welcome by many, but you instead immediately looked for something to challenge. That is your "tradition" in a nutshell... division and self-glorification... seeking to condemn those who do not agree with you.
If you take a note on all threads in this section, Ansar feels it is his duty to attack anyone sharing their story... roll
It's like a timed automated predictable response everytime. wink
Just FYI
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Once again... you listen to the words of your inner dialogue, demonstrating that a closed mind cannot grasp the meaning of a simple statement. What is the nature of Allah? What are the laws of nature? If you are as intelligent as you think you are please demonstarte how those words show that I do not live according to the Qur'an, via a post, not inner dialogue that only you can hear.
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I do not follow Sufism, in fact, I do not follow any man or woman. That is why I can think for myself, needing no man to guide me, free to follow the guidance of Allah.
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Was Abraham a deviant? Did the Qur'an exist during Abraham's time? Why does Allah command Mohammed to follow the religion of Abraham, what was the name of that religion?
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Again... if you choose to follow these men, then please do so. If my choice to follow the Qur'an alone (avoiding man-made sayings) gives you a feeling of superiority and that makes you happy... I am happy for you. Go ahead, do your thing!
You obviously look to others for acceptance and verification of your truth... I do not feel such a need.
Look at this thread from beginning to end. I shared my path to the Qur'an alone, introducing myself at the same time. I was greeted with warm words of welcome by many, but you instead immediately looked for something to challenge. That is your "tradition" in a nutshell... division and self-glorification... seeking to condemn those who do not agree with you.
Who's who? Understand this clearly! I am not seeking your approval. You are just a man... like myself. My faith is strong, I do not fear the day I stand before Allah as a witness to my deeds.
Ma'Salaam,
Olusanyaits seems to be you have little knowledge about islam. Abrahab alayhis salaam was a muslim. So where all other prophets. But prophet muhammad peace be upon him came for mankind and his shariah is to be followed today.
Thats what the quran says. Look up the rules given in it. If we take your argument i could marry a mushrik while the quran says something different.
Ps. You are following men. Check your sayings again about certain persons and this site.
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Once again... you listen to the words of your inner dialogue, demonstrating that a closed mind cannot grasp the meaning of a simple statement. What is the nature of Allah? What are the laws of nature? If you are as intelligent as you think you are please demonstarte how those words show that I do not live according to the Qur'an, via a post, not inner dialogue that only you can hear.
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I do not follow Sufism, in fact, I do not follow any man or woman. That is why I can think for myself, needing no man to guide me, free to follow the guidance of Allah.
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Was Abraham a deviant? Did the Qur'an exist during Abraham's time? Why does Allah command Mohammed to follow the religion of Abraham, what was the name of that religion?
-
Again... if you choose to follow these men, then please do so. If my choice to follow the Qur'an alone (avoiding man-made sayings) gives you a feeling of superiority and that makes you happy... I am happy for you. Go ahead, do your thing!
You obviously look to others for acceptance and verification of your truth... I do not feel such a need.
Look at this thread from beginning to end. I shared my path to the Qur'an alone, introducing myself at the same time. I was greeted with warm words of welcome by many, but you instead immediately looked for something to challenge. That is your "tradition" in a nutshell... division and self-glorification... seeking to condemn those who do not agree with you.
Who's who? Understand this clearly! I am not seeking your approval. You are just a man... like myself. My faith is strong, I do not fear the day I stand before Allah as a witness to my deeds.
Ma'Salaam,
Olusanyaits seems to be you have little knowledge about islam. Abrahab alayhis salaam was a muslim. So where all other prophets. But prophet muhammad peace be upon him came for mankind and his shariah is to be followed today.
Thats what the quran says. Look up the rules given in it. If we take your argument i could marry a mushrik while the quran says something different.
Ps. You are following men. Check your sayings again about certain persons and this site.
As'Salaam Alaikum Ansar,
I fail to see your point because all you do is continue to make unfounded statements while failing to answer any questions presented to you.
I know a great deal about Islam, that's why I asked you about Abraham (by the way there's nothing wrong with checking your spelling before you post... it helps to get your point across if people can read what you have written). Yes! Abraham was a Prophet! Did the Qur'an exist in his day? Why was Muhammed given the command to follow the religion of Ibrahim?
2278 Wajhidoo fee Allhi aqqa jihdihi huwa ijtabkum wam jaAAala AAalaykum fee a(l)ddeeni min arajin millata abeekum ibrheema huwa sammkumu almuslimeena min qablu wafee h liyakoona a(l)rrasoolu shaheedan AAalaykum watakoonoo shuhada AAal a(l)nnsi faaqeemoo a(l)alta watoo a(l)zzakta wa(i)AAtaimoo bi(A)llhi huwa mawlkum faniAAma almawl waniAAma a(l)nnaeer(u)
And strive in His cause as ye ought to strive, (with sincerity and under discipline). He has chosen you, and has imposed no difficulties on you in religion; it is the religion of your father Abraham. It is He Who has named you Muslims, both before and in this (Revelation); that the Messenger may be a witness for you, and ye be witnesses for mankind! So establish Salaat,Zakat, and hold fast to Allah! He is your Protector - the Best to protect and the Best to help!
Al-Qur'an, 22078 (Al-Hajj )
Why does the Qur'an say, "both before and in this (Revelation)"?
I don't have an argument. You are looking for one, so that you can feel justified in your disagreement with me. You created this dialogue by looking for error where there is none, by acting like you understand where I am coming from when you have no idea of who I am or what is within my heart.
If you would like to continue this dialogue then please answer my questions, so I know that your at least reading the posts presented to you.
Ma'Salaam,
Olusanya -
