New member, first post

[Indiana]

Salaam everyone. I am really new, just learning, and am rather confused. I hope to learn more about Islam without all the culture and traditions added in, which make things very hard. I'm not saying I'm against culture and traditions, but when people believe their tradition is religion, then things become confusing. Then I end up not knowing what to believe.

[Bender]

Salaam and welcome to the forum 

Somewhere in your confusions there is a bright light, my advice is to follow that light, it will take you out of darkness inshaAllah.

Salaam,
Bender

[Indiana]

Thank you Bender. I have been told different things by different people. I was attending classes for awhile but the teacher believes in a constant stream of things to say all day long...say this 100 times, say that when you go in the bathroom, say something else when you do this or that, repeat over and over again, count on your fingers if you need, but get them all said in a day. It's all in Arabic! I can't remember what it means, much less how to say it. I got discouraged and dropped out. My husband, who is every easy going told me not to go anymore if I don't like it. But he has his own ways from the way he was raised in the Balkans. I don't know who to talk to.

[Bender]

Thank you Bender. I have been told different things by different people. I was attending classes for awhile but the teacher believes in a constant stream of things to say all day long...say this 100 times, say that when you go in the bathroom, say something else when you do this or that, repeat over and over again, count on your fingers if you need, but get them all said in a day. It's all in Arabic! I can't remember what it means, much less how to say it. I got discouraged and dropped out. My husband, who is every easy going told me not to go anymore if I don't like it. But he has his own ways from the way he was raised in the Balkans. I don't know who to talk to.

Salaam,

I don't see any harm in parroting some words but I also do not see any benefit. A lot of people think that words from The Quran (and some sayings) are some magic words, thus they think by repeating them a couple of times somehow they will erase their sins or grant them a higher status or to praise Allah. Those words, if they are from The Quran, where used for a purpose and that purpose is imo not to parrot them but to ponder about them.
Well, of course this is just a different view from a different person 

Salaam,
Bender

[Indiana]

"Higher status", that's exactly what she was teaching, how to attain a higher status and she was giving us examples of what she does every day.

[Scribbler]

As-salam alaykum.


Welcome to the forum, sister

[JavaLatte]

Welcome to the forum. 

Welcome


Salām. 

[Man of Faith]

Peace,

What God wants from you is not particularly hard. Welcome to the forum.

God bless you

[Bender]

Peace,

What God wants from you is not particularly hard. Welcome to the forum.

God bless you

Salaam,

agreed, and what Allah wants from you is also best for you.

Salaam,
Bender

[JavaLatte]

what Allah wants from you is also best for you.

Agreed. 


Salām.

[Existential1]

Welcome, Indiana!

I too had problems with the 189738972398 supplications I was told to say when I reverted.  Now, I don't really say any of them, but I see their purpose.  I think they're supposed to keep you mindful of Allah in all that you do.  But if you can do that w/out saying a specific pattern of words, I don't see the issue.  That's how I feel about it anyway.