Bismillah
As Salam alaikum
This is a nice explanation for those who really actually care about finding out about "the story of goddesses" as some call it. It is equivalent to a few pages of text, so one must actually care. One nonmuslim member had a responce posted to one of his questions and said, "You actually think I'm going to read all that?" This clearly exposed his reason for being on the board. I apologize if this excerpt is too long but I feel it supplements what muslimah is saying and may break down any language problems.
http://www.witness-pioneer.org/vil/Books/M...e_goddesses.htm
Let me know about the link. I can tell people how to get to it via a google search as well.
When discussing issues with a member, I had to explain something which I readily admit that I misspoke. I am human and do not always check my writing critically beyond just grammar. Lesson learned. I will read what I write more critically from now on, Insha'Allah.
I asked if he wanted me to "fess up" publicly on the board because he felt what I had said privately was hypocritical of what I was saying on the board. After explaining myself, I was told that it was not necessary. Well since it looks like I am being quoted and quite frequently, I would like to explain publicly what I said privately.
"Yes although i know muslims who have a system of filtering out genuine hadith that don't sound like they fit with the Prophets character or they are embaressed of. Some have said to me "if it doesnt sound like the Prophet would have done that then i ignore it" some Muslims i prayed with and follow Islam in every way have said this to me. However my Imam said to me once if it's in authentic Hadith we must belive it. At least he was honest."
I admit that I said this statement that I would ignore something if I did not understand it. What I left out (due to my own fault) was that it would be ignored until I found someone to answer my question. I have never just not believed something was part of Islam when it has been proven to be so because I did not like it. We are warned about people who do this in the Qur'an. I search for answers. Yet, we live in a time where we as muslims must be cautious about where we get our information. I have trusted sources but they are not readily available, so delays result.
As been said, other "muslims who have a system of filtering" might have said similar statements. I just wanted to publicly distance myself from the meaning of this statement. I do believe in authentic hadith. I also believe in my limited knowledge of this religion which I am working to expand in efforts to further understand this deen.
The Qur'an admits to be revealed in stages. Revelations would occur during appropriate times. I see the revelation for the blindman being revealed when necessary. The blind man got to voice his desire to go out for jihad but then being exempted from it by Allah. Allah allowed a devotee to express his love and then told the man not to worry about it. Has not any of us expressed to a loved one how we would buy them something if only we had the funds? That person then says they do not need it but they understand our desires. Does it not feel good to express such emotions to someone even though we know that it is not possible? If blind people were immediately excused then the blind man would not have gotten the chance to voice his devotion to Allah.
Of course this is my viewpoint, just as the disbelievers have thier viewpoint and will use what knowledge they have to present thier arguments.
The Qur'an also states, "It is He Who has appointed the stars for you so you might be guided by them in the darkness for the land and sea. We have made the Signs clear for people who have knowledge" (6:97). So the stars can serve two purposes, just as a mouth can talk and chew and the nose can detect scents and breathe. So to say that muslims believe that the stars are only for warding off the shayateen is not the truth.
It amazes me that humanity believes that it knows everything right now. "We can't see it so it does not exist." Nothing used to be smaller than the atom. Whoops. The nothing was smaller than proton, nuetrons, and electrons. Whoops again. We all know of many examples of this occurring through history.
"As for those who reject Our Signs and are arrogant regarding them, they are the Companions of the Fire, remanining in it timelessly, forever" (7:36)
"I will divert from my Signs all those who are arrogant in the earth without any right, they will not believe in it. If they see the way of right guidance, they will not take it as a way. But if they see the way of error, they will take that as a way. That is because they denied Our signs and paid no attention to them" (7:146).
As Salam alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatu