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Why Islam?...It's the truth - Khadijah Potter - 07-11-2003
Assalaamu Alaikum Waramatullah Wabarkatuh Muslimeen, Greetings of Peace to others.
First question in mind, if indeed being a Muslimah is a symbol of oppression, then why is it that many woman {especially in the West} are converting/reverting to Islam nowadays? "Why", asked many puzzled "FREEMEN" of a society where Islam is an alienated word.
What makes an inquiry mind think that a Muslimah [Muslim woman] leaves her Freedom of Life just because she reverted to Islam?
This is one grandiose misconception that None Muslims have about a Muslimah and one favorite target of the media to spread rumors that "We" are oppressed covered little creatures. It is however, convenient for them to label "us" oppressed and subservient women in order to cover up their very own mask of deceptions.
The Qur'an and the Sunnah [traditions] of our beloved Prophet Muhammad Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him has taught women how to be a woman and not a man. Since the word "RESTRICTION" is a flashy little word used to define Islam, I will give you exactly what it means from one who enjoys the word "Restrictions". Restriction in this sense means the essence of guidelines, which of course oppose to the Freedom of the West.
[b:b92a868e63]What is the so-called "FREEDOM" that the West has to offer me? Allow me to enumerate just a few...[/b:b92a868e63]
[b:b92a868e63]*[/b:b92a868e63]The West has given me the choice to wear skinless clothing and even allows me to bare it all where both men and lesbians just could not wait to get their hands on me.
[b:b92a868e63]*[/b:b92a868e63]The West allows me to tease, be playful with men, and raped me with consent and file charges afterwards.
[b:b92a868e63]*[/b:b92a868e63]The West offers me a position where I am compelled to compete with man in all angles of domination where my status as a woman makes me a provider rather than an individual who deserves to be cared for and treasured.
[b:b92a868e63]*[/b:b92a868e63]The West allows me to take my marriage for granted. Divorce, infidelity, and promiscuity are just but a norm of the society.
[b:b92a868e63]*[/b:b92a868e63]The West allows me to wake up one day and be a homosexual pervert, wife/husband swapping, and adulterous bestial drunkard person.
[b:b92a868e63]*[/b:b92a868e63]The West allows me to be a liar, murderers, scoundrels, and thieves and be able to get away with it "freely".
[b:b92a868e63]*[/b:b92a868e63]The West allows women to be abused, battered, disrespected, exploited, and use my state of consciousness as part of their charitable affairs.
[b:b92a868e63]*[/b:b92a868e63]The West allows me to dumped my children when they reached certain age of maturity in order for me to free myself from any further burdens and responsibilities.
[b:b92a868e63]*[/b:b92a868e63]The West allows me to disrespect my parents and teaches me how to sue them however and whenever suits my purpose.
[b:b92a868e63]*[/b:b92a868e63]The West teaches my children at school that "safe sex" even outside marriage is perfectly justifiable which is a deliberate act that teens pride among themselves nowadays.
These are just some of the choices on the table for me. These are the choices that I do not wish to be readily available for me. Simply because it contradicts building the kind of society that I see Islam provides, which is MORAL JUSTICE.
[b:b92a868e63]What does Islam teaches me?[/b:b92a868e63]
[b:b92a868e63]*[/b:b92a868e63]Islam teaches me not to live in a backward mode. Islam teaches me to move forward and use my given freewill in an intellectual and rational manner where it pleases my Allah [God] primarily.
[b:b92a868e63]*[/b:b92a868e63]Islam teaches me how to live with dignity, act gracefully, modest and simple.
[b:b92a868e63]*[/b:b92a868e63]Islam teaches me how to live healthy.
[b:b92a868e63]*[/b:b92a868e63]Islam teaches me what it means to be content with the things that I have and the things I do not or cannot have.
[b:b92a868e63]*[/b:b92a868e63]Islam teaches me to learn and seek knowledge that will please my Allah, the Merciful.
[b:b92a868e63]*[/b:b92a868e63]Islam teaches me why it is important to respect my parents and care for them when they are no longer able for themselves.
[b:b92a868e63]*[/b:b92a868e63]Islam teaches me that the bounty of this world is not my property but Allah the Most Gracious and that I should share and use these favors sparingly.
[b:b92a868e63]*[/b:b92a868e63]Islam teaches me how to counter these oppressive life made by humans who acts like animals in order to make my life miserable.
[b:b92a868e63]*[/b:b92a868e63]Islam teaches me to be soft and strong at the same time whenever there is a need to apply neither one.
[b:b92a868e63]*[/b:b92a868e63]Islam teaches me that I am not superior to anyone except only by ways of my worship of God that excels my status from any others.
[b:b92a868e63]*[/b:b92a868e63]Islam teaches me self-esteem, a badge that I am proud to wear as a Muslimah.
[b:b92a868e63]*[/b:b92a868e63]Islam teaches me the definition of equality defined as role rather than competition.
[b:b92a868e63]*[/b:b92a868e63]Islam allows me to take part in political and social affairs of my community.
[b:b92a868e63]*[/b:b92a868e63]Islam teaches me how to be a leader and a model [not Cindy Crawford ways by any means] that would make me an example for all others to shape and reform an ill society.
[b:b92a868e63]*[/b:b92a868e63]Islam teaches me that I can be a progressive individual where my profession and talents can be an asset to the moral society. However,
[b:b92a868e63]*[/b:b92a868e63]Islam teaches me how to be a honorable mother first, where my priorities and concerns lies within my household. What this means, Islam teaches me not to be subservient to my husband rather Islam teaches me how to respect the rights of my husband and be loyal committed partner in all of our joint affairs as a family unit. Islam shows me what it is like to be treated as a queen and not a piece of object disposable at given time or that of a slave where I am strictly confined to household duties. Islam teaches me to be the teacher of my children so they can be better teachers and leaders of tomorrow.
What Islam provides both men and woman is not a matter of choices. It is a gift, an irreplaceable value in this life and in the Hereafter. The Freedom that the West has to offer me is all temporary illusions, which does not provide any security both present and future. Nevertheless, of course Freedom thinkers care only what appears to be the present and that the present is the object of "REALITY". This is not in the case of the Muslims.
My testimony of faith, why I converted to Islam maybe vaguely viewed as one who has decided to drop her wits from the reality of this world. It is of course perfectly all right for one who has not experienced the concept of renewal to say the least that I had chosen to be obtuse. Bear in mind that being a Muslimah does not come in cheap nor think that there is no inconvenience because there is. Islam challenges you to come out "Clean". Therefore, I took advantage of the "Freedom to choose" that Islam is rightfully my choice. I would think you ought to try it unless the fear of trying undermines your form of security.
In the end, do not complain for being called a "Looser".
Khadijah Potter
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Why Islam?...It's the truth - MichelleSeeking - 07-21-2003
Dear Khadijah Potter,
You make a lot of good points about the views and actions of Western society, as portrayed on TV and in the media. You are right: many women are not as free as they think they are when they are looked upon and used as lustful sexual objects. I get a knot in my stomach every time I see a scantily clad woman or girl strutting down the street or parading around on TV. I feel so sorry for them as they put themselves on display or give themselves to men under the false banner of "freedom" and "women's liberation".
However, please don't forget that there are thousands upon thousands of good moral God-fearing Christians and non-Christians in the West that live with deep moral convictions and beliefs in this sex-soaked society. Using the lable "The West" can obliterate the good people that dwell amongst the immoral. Christians come under attack here as their morals and teachings are trampled on and disregarded in the workplace, on television, and worse of all: in the public schools where pornographic and disgusting "sex education" is taught in great and careful detail while children fail math and reading in droves. Those of us who avoid drinking, pre-marital sex, and immodest dress are treated like simple minded idiots and tend to lead very lonely lives. (unless we are lucky enough to live with family, peers, or in a supportive community that accepts our beliefs.)
We Christians, like you Muslims, are doing are very best to live [i:96d096aea8]only for God[/i:96d096aea8] in tough circumstances.
Please don't judge all people in "The West" by the actions of those whom are seen on TV and in the media. The same TV and media that focuses on one slice of a big pie totally ignores the good, hard-working, modestly dressed, moral Christians and non-Christians. We are not a minority - we are plenty! - but the media coverage is few and far between. What you see on TV, in the movies, in the magazines, and hear in the music is just a tiny slice of a huge pie filled with interesting and unique cultures and beliefes in "The West".
Yours in God's love,
-Michelle