We Shouldn't Call Ourselves Muslims
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or anything else for that matter.
This is part of my post addressed to RezaThebelieverAm I a muslim?
It's not up to me (or you for that matter) to decide, is it?
I prefer not to call myself anything. God will name me what God sees fit. God is the best judge.
I can certainly claim to be muslim, just like billions of others do, but will that make me one?
Will I submit to God just because I say I do? of course not.
I like to avoid meaningless labels. -
The issue of label is not related with God who knows what is in ones mind. But how can I know about your Ideology, if you do not claim or express in words? It is your responsibility to submit yourself to God alone and it should also be your responsibility to call others to submit to God alone. All prophets did this. When you engage in this mission, you actually engage yourself in social spheres where labels, names, descriptions, claims in linguistic form become necessary. If there were only one individual human being on Earth, he would go on without a name. But when he lives in a society he requires one.
For any ideological stance, it may be a single-word name or a multiple-sentence description.
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Perhaps these verses might be of help?
Chapter 6
14. Say ?Shall I take other than God as an ally; the initiator of heavens and Earth; while He feeds and is not fed!? Say ?I have been commanded to be the first who surrenders.? And do not be of those who set up partners.- Say ?My contact-method, and my offerings, and my life, and my death, are all to God the Lord of the worlds.?
- ?He has no partner, and it is to this that I was commanded, and I am the first of those who have surrendered.?
Peace
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Peace all,
I have it this way
"muslim" = a peaceable individual; someone inclined to the peace, not contentious or quarrelsome, quietly behaved and balanced.
"mushrik" = a schizophrenic individual, someone mixing the truth with falsehood unknowingly . A person suffering from a psychotic disorder characterized by loss of contact with the environment, by noticeable deterioration in the level of functioning in everyday life, and by disintegration of personality expressed as disorder of feeling, thought (as delusions), perception (as hallucinations), and a contradictory behavior.
"kafir" = a mad person, disordered in mind, completely unrestrained by reason and judgment, carried away by intense anger, marked by intense and often chaotic activity, furious.
Those are simply descriptions of the psyche of individuals, not labels.
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When Jesus found Unbelief on their part He said "Who will be My helpers to (the work of) God?" Said the disciples "We are God's helpers We believe in God, and do thou bear witness that we are Muslims.
...Al-awryna Nanu 'Anru Allhi 'mann Billhi Wa Ash/had Bi'ann Muslimna
Say "O People of the Book! come to common terms as between us and you That we worship none but God; that we associate no partners with him; that we erect not, from among ourselves, Lords and patrons other than God." If then they turn back, say ye "Bear witness that we are Muslims.
...Ba`an 'Arbban Min Dni Allhi Fa'in Tawallaw Faql Ash/had Bi'ann Muslimna
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 cult of your father Abraham. It is He Who has named you Muslims, both before and in this (Revelation); that the Apostle may be a witness for you, and ye be witnesses for mankind! So establish regular Prayer, give regular Charity, and hold fast to God! He is your Protector - the Best to protect and the Best to help!
...Al-Muslimyna Min Qablu Wa F Hdh Liyakna
For Muslim men and women,- for believing men and women, for devout men and women, for true men and women, for men and women who are patient and constant, for men and women who humble themselves, for men and women who give in Charity, for men and women who fast (and deny themselves), for men and women who guard their chastity, and for men and women who engage much in God's praise,- for them has God prepared forgiveness and great reward.
....'Inna Al-Muslimna Wa Al-Muslimti Wa
Why is it a meaningless? Why do you even go by your name? Why does anyone use ANY name? Why anything? Why do we call the president, the president. It's just a label. Why are Christians called Christians? Why not nothing? Why do we call the computer a computer? Why do we need names at all?
Why the name? Quran tells you to.
Done.Wa salam.
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"I have it this way
"Muslim" = a peaceable individual; someone inclined to the peace, not contentious or quarrelsome, quietly behaved and balanced."
No. A moslem is someone who submits his will. Logically, to Allah.
Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary defines Muslim
Muslim
3 entries found for muslim.
To select an entry, click on it.Main Entry Mus?lim
Pronunciation 'm&z-l&m, 'mus-, 'muz-
Function noun
Etymology Arabic muslim, literally, one who submits (to God)
1 an adherent of Islam
2 BLACK MUSLIM- Muslim adjective
What you are doing is describing what COULD be a Muslim. The description you wrote could go for anyone. Even a Satanist, or an atheist or whatever. I know Moslems who are not inclined to peace, I know Moslems who are not balanced and I know Christians who are. The same goes for the rest of your description. Hitler was a Christian, was he following Jesus when he killed all the jews? yes?
""mushrik" = a schizophrenic individual, someone mixing the truth with falsehood unknowingly . A person suffering from a psychotic disorder characterized by loss of contact with the environment, by noticeable deterioration in the level of functioning in everyday life, and by disintegration of personality expressed as disorder of feeling, thought (as delusions), perception (as hallucinations), and a contradictory behavior."
Wrong. A mushrik is a polytheist, one who associates others in worship with Allah.
""kafir" = a mad person, disordered in mind, completely unrestrained by reason and judgment, carried away by intense anger, marked by intense and often chaotic activity, furious."
No, not at all. Kafir signifies one who denies or rejects the truth, i.e. who disbelieves in the message of the Prophets. Since the advent of Muhammad (SAW), anyone who rejects his Message is a kafir. You can be a kafir and be sound of mind or intensely angered.
Dictionary.com defines Muslim as - Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.0.1) - Cite This Source
Muslim /mzlm, mz-, ms-/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation adjective, noun, plural -lims, -lim.
adjective- of or pertaining to the religion, law, or civilization of Islam.
noun - an adherent of Islam.
- Black Muslim.
Also, Moslem, Muslem (for defs. 1, 2).
http//muttaqun.com/dictionary3.html Defines Mushrikun
Mushrik?n Polytheists, pagans, idolaters, disbelievers in the ONeness of Allah, those who worship others along with Allah, and also those who set up rivals with (or partners to) Allah, swt, etc. 1620, 619
http//muttaqun.com/dictionary3.html Defines Kafarah and Kafirun.
Kafarah Disbelievers in Allah in His Oneness and in His Messenger Muhammad May Allah's peace and praise be on him 8142
K?fir?n Disbelievers in Allah, in His Oneness, in His Angels, in His Books, in His Messengers, in the Day of Resurrection, in Al-Qadar (Divine Preordainments, good or bad), etc. Surah 109
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Why is it a meaningless? Why do you even go by your name? Why does anyone use ANY name? Why anything? Why do we call the president, the president. It's just a label. Why are Christians called Christians? Why not nothing? Why do we call the computer a computer? Why do we need names at all?
Peace Reza,
The title, like all other titles, is meaningless because a Muslim can be a bad person.
I go by my name because it's a way of identifying. It's a way people identify me.
My name literally means "new born" but I wasn't born yesterday. My name is a meaningless label.
We need names so we can identify things. But it doesn't mean all names accurately describe the thing or person."muslim" is just a description. It means someone who submits.
Calling ourselves Muslims (The ones who submit) is like my friends and I calling ourselves "The Smartest people on earth." That wouldn't actually make us the smartest people on earth, would it?
Just because I say I am right doesn't make me so, does it?
Isn't it arrogant to call ourselves Muslims?
The Quran says that God names us muslims. Then why not leave it to God?I don't agree with Someone's descriptions of Mushrik and Kafir, but I don't agree with your's either.
I'll post my idea of Shirk in a new thread. -
Wa Salam
Peace Reza,
The title, like all other titles, is meaningless because a Muslim can be a bad person.
I go by my name because it's a way of identifying. It's a way people identify me.
My name literally means "new born" but I wasn't born yesterday. My name is a meaningless label.
We need names so we can identify things. But it doesn't mean all names accurately describe the thing or person.Yes, we need names to identify things, like the word Muslim for whose who follow the Quran and submit their will to Allah, etc, and etc. Just because that names aren't an accurate description doesn't mean we shouldn't use them, your getting to technical.
Christians aren't really christians, because they dont follow Christ, they follow Paul. I see what you mean, but its all very abstract. You are pretty much disagreeing with reality in saying names of meaningless or lables are meaningless.
"muslim" is just a description. It means someone who submits.
yeah, and...?
Calling ourselves Muslims (The ones who submit) is like my friends and I calling ourselves "The Smartest people on earth." That wouldn't actually make us the smartest people on earth, would it?
What does this have anything to do with anything...
Just because I say I am right doesn't make me so, does it?
I agree. Especially when saying Quran has changed and that we shouldn't call ourselves moslems
Isn't it arrogant to call ourselves Muslims?
No.
The Quran says that God names us muslims. Then why not leave it to God?
Yeah, Allah did call us moslems. What you propose bares no meaning behind it. It makes sense, why not leave it up to Allah, but what difference does it make? To say "lets not call ourseles moslem" is to say "Thanks but no thanks Allah, I rather go by something else that I feel better with, even though you know everything, and that there is a reason why you call us Moslems"
I don't agree with Someone's descriptions of Mushrik and Kafir, but I don't agree with your's either.
Thats what it is used as. The definitions I gave is how the word is used, and how it is defined today.
I'll post my idea of Shirk in a new thread.
Your idea may not be correct as your idea may not reflect the word as it is used in language today.
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I am not a Sunni or Shiite Muslim, but I am a muslim, a monotheist muslim, and I follow the following divine recommendation
4133 And who is better in saying than one who invites to God, and does good works, and says "I am one of those who have surrendered/submitted (MUSLIM)."
I do also believe that if you do not call yourself a muslim, you do not deserve to be a muslim, that is a person who peacefully surrenders to God alone.
I am not among those who feel guilty and embarrassed because of the bloody Crusader's diabolic and hypocritical propaganda against muslim world, or because some mushrik fanatics are abusing such a descriptive name chosen by God.
I am a human, though I disagree with many who call themselves as such.
I am pro-freedom, though some abuse it.
I am an author, though I disagree with many authors.
I am a muslim, though I do not consider most of those who use that title really fitting such a title.Thus, I consider those who promote the idea of not calling "ourselves" muslims or submitters or surrenderers belonging to one of the following categories
- Those who wrongly, yet with good intention try to distinguish themselves from Sunni or Shiite fanatic mushriks.
- Those who have inferiority complex and are heavily influenced by the current propaganda of Tenth Crusaders.
- Those who are the disguised agents of Catholic Church or Evangelical Crusaders.
Peace,
Edip -
I am not a Sunni or Shiite Muslim, but I am a muslim, a monotheist muslim, and I follow the following divine recommendation
I do also believe that if you do not call yourself a muslim, you do not deserve to be a muslim, that is a person who peacefully surrenders to God alone.
I am not among those who feel guilty and embarrassed because of the bloody Crusader's diabolic and hypocritical propaganda against muslim world, or because some mushrik fanatics are abusing such a descriptive name chosen by God.
I am a human, though I disagree with many who call themselves as such.
I am pro-freedom, though some abuse it.
I am an author, though I disagree with many authors.
I am a muslim, though I do not consider most of those who use that title really fitting such a title.Thus, I consider those who promote the idea of not calling "ourselves" muslims or submitters or surrenderers belonging to one of the following categories
- Those who wrongly, yet with good intention try to distinguish themselves from Sunni or Shiite fanatic mushriks.
- Those who have inferiority complex and are heavily influenced by the current propaganda of Tenth Crusaders.
- Those who are the disguised agents of Catholic Church or Evangelical Crusaders.
Peace,
EdipMashaAllah brother. MashaAllah.
"3. Those who are the disguised agents of Catholic Church or Evangelical Crusaders." BEEEEAAAAUUTIFUL. Check out my signature and you can see I agree.
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Peace Reza
My name is PHOENIX. But that doesn't mean that I am a mythical bird. It is a meaningless label. Just like the Title Muslim. It is meaningless. A person called Muslim can be anything!
Yes, we need names to identify things, like the word Muslim for whose who follow the Quran and submit their will to Allah, etc, and etc. Just because that names aren't an accurate description doesn't mean we shouldn't use them, your getting to technical.
Sometimes, we need to use names. For example to recognize others. But sometimes, labels/titles/names become problems. Like the label Muslim.
If there is a group that calls themselves Muslim, that means the rest are what? Kafir? Who are you to decide who is what?
By calling yourself Muslim, you are dividing God's people into two groups. And you are claiming to be the Better one. By calling yourself Muslim, you are being self righteous. That, to me, is arrogant.Surely those who believe, and those who are Jewish, and the Nazarenes, 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.
ANYONE who believes and does good works is a believer, not just people who claim to be believers.God describes us as muslim. Not us, but GOD. That was my point. We don't do what only God is supposed to do.
And my example, about my friends and I calling ourselves the smartest people on earth, has to do everything with what we are talking about.
Just because I say I am right doesn't make me so, does it?
I agree. Especially when saying Quran has changed and that we shouldn't call ourselves moslems
Then why don't you agree that calling ourselves Muslim doesn't make us one?
what do you call a Muslim who doesn't submit to God?Peace Edip
I do also believe that if you do not call yourself a muslim, you do not deserve to be a muslim, that is a person who peacefully surrenders to God alone.
What?
See, words are just words. It's what they represent that counts. Titles represent nothing.
If I refuse to call myself smart, does that mean I can't be smart?
We are supposed to say that we believe, and we submit, but it is all meaningless unless we back it up.I have nothing against people saying, "I submit to God alone." Because anyone can say that, a jew, a christian, a muslim, an agnostic even. They can all say that and they can all be right, and they can all be wrong.
What I do not like is the untranslated title MUSLIM.
1.it's not a title as used in the quran
2. why not translate it? And I think if you translate it, it doesn't make much sense as a title. Much more sense as a description.I am a human, though I disagree with many who call themselves as such.
I am pro-freedom, though some abuse it.
I am an author, though I disagree with many authors.
I am a muslim, though I do not consider most of those who use that title really fitting such a title.Let's say we all divide ourselves into two groups. Humans and Non Humans.
The Humans are given special priviledges, but the only real difference between Humans and Non-Humans is that the Non-Humans do not call themselves Humans. Otherwise, they are the same.
Why do we judge people based on what they call themselves? why not not call ourselves anything? Why not avoid meaningless labels?There is a difference between saying "I believe in God" and "I am a Muslim."
Thus, I consider those who promote the idea of not calling "ourselves" muslims or submitters or surrenderers belonging to one of the following categories
- Those who wrongly, yet with good intention try to distinguish themselves from Sunni or Shiite fanatic mushriks.
- Those who have inferiority complex and are heavily influenced by the current propaganda of Tenth Crusaders.
- Those who are the disguised agents of Catholic Church or Evangelical Crusaders.
You love judging others and assuming things don't you?
Since when did you become God?
See, I don't like sunni or shia fanatics, but I'm not one. I don't call myself an Anti-Sunni, do I?
I don't even know what the **** the tenth crusaders are, so I won't comment. But I don't have an inferiority complex. I don't have a superiority complex either.
Yes, you hit the nail on the head with the 3rd one. It's all an Evangelical conspiracy to wipe out all Muslims on Teegeeak. Right now we're only spying on you. Next, we'll put you in volcanoes and nuke you. -
Peace all,
Reza, you stated (or quoted)
Kafarah Disbelievers in Allah in His Oneness and in His Messenger Muhammad May Allah's peace and praise be on him 8142
K?fir?n Disbelievers in Allah, in His Oneness, in His Angels, in His Books, in His Messengers, in the Day of Resurrection, in Al-Qadar (Divine Preordainments, good or bad), etc. Surah 109First, there is no such thing as 8142
Second, kafir is not about disbelief but about rejection of guidance. It is clearly describing people who receive and understand the guidance, yet still reject it. We must be careful in our qur'anic definitions. This is explained quite eloquently in 289...
And when a Scripture came to them from God, authenticating what is with them; while before that they were mocking those who rejected; so when what they knew came to them, they rejected it! God's curse be upon the rejecters.
Getting back on topic, I agree that we shouldn't call oursleves Muslims, but muslims, atleast if we're speaking Arabic.
I disagree, Phoenix, that it's not up to you to decide. It is up to you. That's what free-will is for. If you decide to submit to the will of God, to the fact that you are just a humble ant-fart in God's infinite grandeur, then you are, by definition, a muslim (atleast if we're speaking Arabic )
Peace,
Tay -
Getting back on topic, I agree that we shouldn't call oursleves Muslims, but muslims, atleast if we're speaking Arabic.
I disagree, Phoenix, that it's not up to you to decide. It is up to you. That's what free-will is for. If you decide to submit to the will of God, to the fact that you are just a humble ant-fart in God's infinite grandeur, then you are, by definition, a muslim (atleast if we're speaking Arabic Wink )
peace Tay,
agree. But why call ourselves muslim? When we are talking in english, we can say that we submit to God.
My point is that there is no group called MUSLIMS that are given special previleges by God.that's why I said, there is a difference between saying that we believe in God, and saying that we are Muslims.
But if we say it, it doesn't make it so, does it? So in the end, it's not up to us to decide at all.
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Wa Salam
First off brother, its Allah, not God. God is very vauge and can be changed into anything, like Godess, Godson, Godfather, Demi-God. There is no word such as Allah-son, or Allahess, or Allahfather. What do you have against using the word Allah?
Now to the meat.
Sometimes, we need to use names. For example to recognize others. But sometimes, labels/titles/names become problems. Like the label Muslim. If there is a group that calls themselves Muslim, that means the rest are what? Kafir? Who are you to decide who is what?
You are making massive assumptions on the Kafir thing. No one here ever said everyone else is kafir and anyone who says that doesn't understand that judgement lie with Allah.
By calling yourself Muslim, you are dividing God's people into two groups.
Actually, your are uniting ALL believers and submitters of will to Allah under one banner. Moslem. You are dividing, yes. VERY correct. Into two groups, those who submit those who don't.
And you are claiming to be the Better one. By calling yourself Muslim, you are being self righteous. That, to me, is arrogant.
Since when, who said, and when did they say it? Again, you are making assumptions. No one said they are better than anyone, if they did, they aren't reading Quran. Yes, to you its arrogant because of your assumptions. You have 1000+ posts, and you are a "advanced truth seeker" (whatever the hell that means). You are therefore arrogant because I am not an "advanced truth seeker". You call youself pheonix1, that is self righteous and that is arrogant because you have a 1 next to your name and you are saying you are the best. These are the assumptions your making, ridiculous and baseless assumptions and accusations.
God describes us as muslim. Not us, but GOD. That was my point. We don't do what only God is supposed to do.
Allah named us Moslems. Why not go by it? He's not naming us moslems just so we dont go by it. You wanna be called a monothiest, someone esle wasn't to be called an Godist, Tom wants to be called a Qurani, Dick wants to be called a Submiter, and Harry wants to be called The Only Ones Who Are Going To Heaven. Being named Moslem UNITES us, not divides.
Then why don't you agree that calling ourselves Muslim doesn't make us one?
what do you call a Muslim who doesn't submit to God?The quoted thing you are replying was a joke, hence the winkie at the end. You didn't understand what I said, so instead of explaining it, I'll tell you what it meant. It meant I disagree with you on this and the Quran issue as well.
as for, "what do you call a Muslim who doesn't submit to God?"
When did I call someone a Muslim who doesn't submit to ALLAH? Or when didn't I. Is this a personal question? If so, your making yet again another assumption, this time, on me. Which is even MORE baseless. If not, your making another baseless assumption.Because anyone can say that, a jew, a christian, a muslim, an agnostic even.
No, for not ALL can say that. Christians believe Jesus is god, we know he's not. Agnostics could have a totally backwards cocept of their "god" or even an image.
I don't even know what the **** the tenth crusaders are, so I won't comment. But I don't have an inferiority complex.
Uhhh...recall to mind, "Invite all to the way of your Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching.
And argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious . . ."No need for cursing.
I dont think you'll ever understand why we shouldn't just rip ourselves from the name given to us by Allah. So your judgement is with your Lord, ALLAH, the ONLY God, who was not begotten, nor does He beget, and my judgement is with Allah as well.
Btw, Pheonix1, have you ever read the Quran. I mean, entirely?
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You love judging others and assuming things don't you?
Dear Phoenix
Did I judge you? Did I claim that you belong to this or that group? No. I just listed possible motives behind such a suggestion. You could belong to either group. I do not know you, let alone your real motive. I am not sure which group you belong, and in fact, I do not care much. I only listed some possibilities. If I forgot a fourth one please let me know.
But, as it seems, you have judged my judgment wrongly. Is it okay to judge others for judging others? Is it okay to judge others falsely for judging others ;D Think on it and do not shoot yourself in the foot again.
Since you have problem with someone saying "I am a muslim," because you think that it does not really guarantee that he or she is indeed a muslim, then what about, "I am trying to be a muslim or a submitter to God"? If you have no problem with such a statement, then your real argument is this "None can know whether they have submitted to God," which is a judgment on behalf of every person.
So, by inviting us not to call ourselves muslims, you are judging all those who claim to be muslims as liars or nonsense talkers. If this is not a judgment then what else is judgment? Listing logical or practical possibilities?
So, my dear friend I never claimed that I do not judge people based on their words and deeds. It is perhaps your claim. I do not and cannot judge for people's eternal lives and their ultimate destiny. But, I can make a subjective and conditional judgement for my own sake.
Here is my judgment about you
You are a little angry young man.* Oops, I forgot to include this among the possible categories! Thank you for reminding me.
*PS the adjective "little" describes "angry" not the "young man."
Peace,
Edip -
peace Reza,
First off brother, its Allah, not God. God is very vauge and can be changed into anything, like Godess, Godson, Godfather, Demi-God. There is no word such as Allah-son, or Allahess, or Allahfather. What do you have against using the word Allah?
Why not translate Allah? I don't get it. We all know what I mean by God. When I say God, no one is stupid enough to think I'm talking about a godess or godfather or demi-god.
You are making massive assumptions on the Kafir thing. No one here ever said everyone else is kafir and anyone who says that doesn't understand that judgement lie with Allah.
I didn't make any assumptions, I was only asking. If we are the Muslims, what are the rest?
Since when, who said, and when did they say it? Again, you are making assumptions. No one said they are better than anyone, if they did, they aren't reading Quran. Yes, to you its arrogant because of your assumptions. You have 1000+ posts, and you are a "advanced truth seeker" (whatever the hell that means). You are therefore arrogant because I am not an "advanced truth seeker". You call youself pheonix1, that is self righteous and that is arrogant because you have a 1 next to your name and you are saying you are the best. These are the assumptions your making, ridiculous and baseless assumptions and accusations.
The word muslim means "submits to god" when you say I am a Muslim, anyone who doesn't call themselves that is automatically a bad person. Someone who doesn't use the word Allah, or reads the Quran. Am I right?
Allah named us Moslems. Why not go by it? He's not naming us moslems just so we dont go by it. You wanna be called a monothiest, someone esle wasn't to be called an Godist, Tom wants to be called a Qurani, Dick wants to be called a Submiter, and Harry wants to be called The Only Ones Who Are Going To Heaven. Being named Moslem UNITES us, not divides.
God named who muslim? think about it. Did God name you muslim before you were born? what about the people who don't call themselves muslim? did God name them at all?
It unites a certain group of people, but it certainly divides the whole.as for, "what do you call a Muslim who doesn't submit to God?"
When did I call someone a Muslim who doesn't submit to ALLAH? Or when didn't I. Is this a personal question? If so, your making yet again another assumption, this time, on me. Which is even MORE baseless. If not, your making another baseless assumption.I meant that what if someone calls themselves a Muslim, but is drunk all the time, steals from people, beats his children, etc. What do you call him?
peace Edip,
Did I judge you? Did I claim that you belong to this or that group? No. I just listed possible motives behind such a suggestion. You could belong to either group. I do not know you, let alone your real motive. I am not sure which group you belong, and in fact, I do not care much. I only listed some possibilities. If I forgot a fourth one please let me know.
Yes. You assumed that I was wrong and I was only saying this because I had some agenda. Well, I don't.
But maybe you didn't mean to. So everything's cool.Since you have problem with someone saying "I am a muslim," because you think that it does not really guarantee that he or she is indeed a muslim, then what about, "I am trying to be a muslim or a submitter to God"? If you have no problem with such a statement, then your real argument is this "None can know whether they have submitted to God," which is a judgment on behalf of every person.
Yes, none can really know if they are submitting to God or not. It is only God who REALLY knows.
But my real point is that Muslim is not a title that we give to people just because.
I don't see Islam as a religion. A group that you can join by doing something.
I think reaching God is an individual process and can be done in different ways.
Everyone can say "i submit to God." But not everyone can say "I am a Muslim." To do that, you have to do something to join that certain group. Or be born into that group.
Everyone can say "I am human." But not everyone can say that "I am an American, or Turkish."You are a little angry young man.* Oops, I forgot to include this among the possible categories! Thank you for reminding me.
I am young (and possibly wrong), but not angry. )
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Peace
We could write a book or more on the subject raised by phoenix1.
I like to simplify, not that my life is simple.
The words are just pointing to the reality.
If your label is muslim, but your reality is not then you are not.
I gave much thoughts to this, years.
And I agree with phoenix1, and I agree with Edip, and I disagree with both too, in fact I look at it as a false issue.
If someone is a true submitter to The God, let him call himself a muslim, if she is made to understand what exactly the word muslim means. I am sure she won't mind.
Of course we have all the nonsense that has been done and still being done in the name of Islam. This is a test, and it is important to make a distinction between what it means to be a muslim, and what muslims sometimes do (which is not condoned by Allah).
Do not blame the Creator but the creature...