Is there a Ghetto in Paradise?

[toor sirraj]

        In 1976 I entered  into the realm of Islam. There were two witnesses as I declared myself Muslim. These two believers were Sudanese men dressed in what I can only describe as Bedouin attire. They wore veils and all I could see was the whites of there eyes. I could not tell you if they were Sunnis or Shias. What I do remember and still cherish about this first step is that these men declared that their names were unimportant and to give them no more thought than if they were the fog, the wind or the misting rain because God was the True Witness and the only One that mattered. I was twenty then and hungry to solve the mystery of God who I believed was guiding me to the straight path. At 55 I still believe that God is still guiding me though sometimes I have strayed and way become circular at times. As I have said I entered the realm of Islam but never really gained access to the 'brotherhood'. Persona's have always adulterated that part of Islam for me. Someone was always intimating that my beatific vision was only correct when it agreed with theirs. I needed to bathe this way, behave that way and even pray in a way already prescribed. Imams declared the only way to know Islam is from the teachers and enlightened scholars. It was in this way that Islam was ruined for me at different intervals as I found myself cut off from God by this type of imitating and deferring. I had traded a Living, Mysterious and Miraculous God for mere routine and reliance on others rather than myself and the Almighty. In my pre as well as post brotherhood days I found the the only prerequisite for contact is sincerity, not intellect, costume, birth right or automaton behavior. I endeavor not to understand God but to understand myself. In fact, I freely admit to having no understanding of the Absolute but through seeking to know God's will I have learned something of who I am.

[Shumali]

nice intro

[UmAlawi]

 

[Rev.John]

   May God continue to lead you and be with you always.

[Meteora]

I'll read that after iftar but....I will say there is not poverty in Paradise. That's like saying you can have anything you want in the current life.

[Alen]

Peace,
Respectfully.

to the forum, brother and read The Quran to see what God wants you to do, forget what humans want you to do. Humans have their own agendas and those are often weird.

God has given you more freedom and humans are trying to steal some of it. Don't let them.

6:114 ?Shall I seek other than God as a judge when He has sent down to you the Book fully detailed?? Those to whom We have given the Book know it is sent down from your Lord with the truth; so do not be of those who have doubt.

The Quran is a fully detailed Book. I'm sure that if you read it carefully, God willing, you'll find what you're looking for. God willing.

God bless you,
Peace.

[toor sirraj]

      Looking over a few responses to my question. I see there is a need to clarify what I meant and to that which I referred. Specifically, I am referring to the elitism, racism,class ism and misogyny that permeates Islam. This stratification is in complete contradiction to the Message. Yet, these practices seem to be institutional, even in the United States where I have had my Islamic interactions and experiences. One responder asked,'am I trying to get everything I wish for in this life?' According to the Message equality is a central theme. So to that responder I say no, I am not after everything I desire in this life, but rather, that which I am promised. I have expected to see a loving, caring and fostering Deen accepting of all who embraced the faith, instead I have found rank prejudice, marginalization and nonacceptance. I grew up in the southern United States and know the segregation experience firsthand and therefore feel adequately qualified to recognize those types of barriers when I see them. I have witnessed the, 'we are really the true Muslims' attitude almost on a daily basis as if belief was based on seniority or geography. Are you aware of how many Muslims are stuck in places like the Salvation Army and how many more ask Christians for help on a daily basis because no help is forthcoming from the Muslim community. Muslims don't seem to really care about the lives of other Muslims, which seems especially true of the attitude of immigrant Muslims (better educated and wealthier)

[MUNZIR ALI]

        In 1976 I entered  into the realm of Islam. There were two witnesses as I declared myself Muslim. These two believers were Sudanese men dressed in what I can only describe as Bedouin attire. They wore veils and all I could see was the whites of there eyes. I could not tell you if they were Sunnis or Shias. What I do remember and still cherish about this first step is that these men declared that their names were unimportant and to give them no more thought than if they were the fog, the wind or the misting rain because God was the True Witness and the only One that mattered. I was twenty then and hungry to solve the mystery of God who I believed was guiding me to the straight path. At 55 I still believe that God is still guiding me though sometimes I have strayed and way become circular at times. As I have said I entered the realm of Islam but never really gained access to the 'brotherhood'. Persona's have always adulterated that part of Islam for me. Someone was always intimating that my beatific vision was only correct when it agreed with theirs. I needed to bathe this way, behave that way and even pray in a way already prescribed. Imams declared the only way to know Islam is from the teachers and enlightened scholars. It was in this way that Islam was ruined for me at different intervals as I found myself cut off from God by this type of imitating and deferring. I had traded a Living, Mysterious and Miraculous God for mere routine and reliance on others rather than myself and the Almighty. In my pre as well as post brotherhood days I found the the only prerequisite for contact is sincerity, not intellect, costume, birth right or automaton behavior. I endeavor not to understand God but to understand myself. In fact, I freely admit to having no understanding of the Absolute but through seeking to know God's will I have learned something of who I am.

its great to read to your story. 

[Zees]

      Looking over a few responses to my question. I see there is a need to clarify what I meant and to that which I referred. Specifically, I am referring to the elitism, racism,class ism and misogyny that permeates Islam. This stratification is in complete contradiction to the Message. Yet, these practices seem to be institutional, even in the United States where I have had my Islamic interactions and experiences. One responder asked,'am I trying to get everything I wish for in this life?' According to the Message equality is a central theme. So to that responder I say no, I am not after everything I desire in this life, but rather, that which I am promised. I have expected to see a loving, caring and fostering Deen accepting of all who embraced the faith, instead I have found rank prejudice, marginalization and nonacceptance. I grew up in the southern United States and know the segregation experience firsthand and therefore feel adequately qualified to recognize those types of barriers when I see them. I have witnessed the, 'we are really the true Muslims' attitude almost on a daily basis as if belief was based on seniority or geography. Are you aware of how many Muslims are stuck in places like the Salvation Army and how many more ask Christians for help on a daily basis because no help is forthcoming from the Muslim community. Muslims don't seem to really care about the lives of other Muslims, which seems especially true of the attitude of immigrant Muslims (better educated and wealthier)

It is a pity that the true spirit has been lost. Reform is long due in Islam.

[sarah_bd_gemini]

 
I like what you wrote in this intro, before I discovered God-alone, I didn't see the point of reflection as much, as so little made sense.
That was a very thoughtful post, and I wish you a warm welcome.

Peace,

Sarah