Salam,

i am a girl who used to love her deen to death. Crying while praying, always trying to be the best. I have gone trough bad times, decided to get more connected to my religion. And thats where it went down hill. I came across every wahabi and salafi interpretation. Every bad hadith. I studied the deen intensly for months trying to understand whats Allahs real stance towards women. I also deal with anxiety and adhd, so the topics are always on my mind. Moreover men always make me hate my religion to deah.

My problem are topics about women. Not in the ahadith, my research showed every weird hadith is weak. But in the Quran itself. How is it divine? All rules are tied to 7th century of arabia. Such as polygamy, inheritence, testimony, hijab and much more. I cannot see anything divine?

Example: testimony. It was tied to a very specific context. I know in fikh there are scholars who say it does not have to be this way.

But why did allah write it in the holy book?

Another example: 33:59, why does allah indirecly say slaves can get harassed!?

I literally cry everyday. Just how do you fall back in love. Inshallah someone can help me. I cannot hold any longer

Hi. I am curious because I am learning about Islam in school, and, like many other religious beliefs, I am interested in different interpretations and forms and different groups within religions. I don't want to be political about anything, so please, don't bring up politics. I am just asking because I do not exactly know what progressive Islam is and I am interested in learning more.

Hi I (female non-Muslim) have fallen for my male Muslim friend. I think he might like me back based on things he has said to me over the last few weeks.
I’m not sure what to do, he knows I like him (not love) and I do want to be with him but he is a practicing Muslim and is very strong with his religion.
I have considered doing more research into reverting to Islam and have considered actually doing it in the past (before I knew him) but I don’t want to bring that up and sound like I’m doing it just for him.

I’m really not sure what to do because I don’t want to put a wedge in our friendship and risk it and I don’t want to put a wedge between him and his religion especially as he has been struggling with the ‘desires’ part of things recently. What do I do?

Source: https://www.facebook.com/100064626491667/posts/1516697153827820/

According to this post the detailed lecture will be available on Youtube very soon.

You know, I just wish to see a similar seminar where all the progressive minded speakers will come together. Just imagine how amazing would it be.

I've only people smashing their heads over fiqh and political nature of Muslim countries on social media. It is time we reject the distorted image of Islam all over the media and work through the core messages of Islam. So what is your favourite thing about Islam, mine is a very absurd thing.

Whoever would love to be delivered from Hellfire and admitted into Paradise, let him meet his end with faith in Allah and the Last Day, and let him treat people as he would love to be treated.

Source: Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 1844

A simple thing as treat people as you want to be treated.

hello everyone, im 18 years old (f) and for as long as i can remember i have struggled with islam. i believe in it but i have always had a difficult relationship with the religion and haven’t been the best at following it. my parents are originally from iraq and they moved to the west while the war was happening for a better life. as i grew up, my parents never forced me to wear hijab, pray, etc. i did have a little period last year where i was really locked in on changing and i fell in love with islam again. sadly i went back to my old ways. however one thing that my father constantly does is using the quran when it benefits him despite not being the most religious himself. he’d mix up our culture with it as well. i also felt very sheltered growing up and i really feel it when im around both non-muslim and my muslim peers.

recently i asked him about moving out as i get older and since im in my second year of college. it was more so of a question because i was just curious but my dad took it personally and started getting angry. talking about how in islam women aren’t ever allowed to live by themselves, that if they do it means they want to date and do bad things, etc. why would a woman want to be independent and what that even means and so on. he further went on to say that in iraqi culture women live with their families if they aren’t married. i asked what if im 50 and still not married and he said then you still live with us. if i choose to move out, that not only would he disown me but so would the rest of my relatives. he said i was brainwashed by the west and that i had disappointed him. when he said that i just started crying hysterically. it hurt so bad.

idk if im in the wrong but this is just one of many instances. every time my dad brings up the quran or religion like this it just makes me hate being a muslim. i just can’t stand a lot of muslim men honestly. dawah bros online don’t help either. they make me question everything but at the same time i do believe in it. im constantly questioning the religion and it is super stressful. what should i do? any advice?

“The junior secondary-school history curriculum contains three topics. . . . Sundiata is mentioned in the topic on the kingdom of Mali and he is referred to in a sub-topic on ‘the contributions of Sundiata Keita to the emergence of Mali’. Abraham Lincoln appears under the topic ‘The Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade’, specifically in the sub-topic on ‘the contributions of the leading personalities in the abolition of slave trade in the USA’. The absence of visual images of these historical characters in the textbooks studied shows a lack of ingenuity on the part of the authors and publishers. . . . these texts were written, as has often been the case in countries around the world, from a dominant point of view which largely features the historical experiences of powerful people in society. . . . Furthermore, the paradigms that were used in the production of historical knowledge in the early phases of historiography were mainly elitist, nationalist and political. Hence there was a focus on political leaders and states. . . . The data in Table 2.2 show that each Book 1 contained only one topic, entitled ‘Mali Kingdom’, that mentioned a historical character with a disability, namely, Sundiata. This translates into 8% for Munama’s Book 1 and 9% for Beza’s Book 1. Neither Book 2 included any topic. . . . Therefore, [they] are marginally represented in the content topics included in the junior secondary history textbooks studied.” (Chiponda, A. F. (2020). The representation of people with disabilities in Malawian junior secondary school history textbooks. In D. Bentrovato & J. Wassermann (Eds.), Teaching African History in Schools: Experiences and Perspectives from Africa and Beyond (p. 54). Verlag Ferdinand Schöningh).

u/Melwood786

Title is the question.

“The khedive is past the meridian of life, under medium height, compactly built; dark-brown hair, swarthy complexion and keen black eyes, whose penetrating glances shoot from under half-closed lids. When in repose and his eye is partly shut, no man has a more sphinx-like expression; but the strongly marked face conceals behind it constant thought and indicates that the cares of state weigh heavily upon him. Habitual slowness of speech gives him the air of great self-possession, and he impresses everyone as a man of strong convictions. In his hours of ease his conversation is very agreeable, Speaking French slowly and deliberately, with a finely modulated voice and a countenance lit up with the characteristic smile of his family, he gives one the impression that he would make a good boon-companion. His large family and the great numbers of people who have served under him bear willing testimony to his kindly heart. After his accession, when all the terrible punishments and confiscations of his predecessor had ceased, numerous instances of arbitrary and unjust outrage of which I was informed came to his knowledge, and his interference was immediate. The use of the kourbash without the authority of law was severely punished. He made carnest endeavors to abolish slavery in his dominions, and, notwithstanding statements to the contrary, he was anxious to do this in the harems themselves, where every woman is a slave. One of his means to that end was the education of women. If there was nothing else to be placed to his credit, he has erected for himself, in the education of women and in the abolition of slavery, a monument which will endure after all the errors of his administration have faded out of history.” (Coppée, Henry, editor. The Classic and the Beautiful from the Literature of Three Thousand Years. Vol. 3, Carson & Simpson, 1893, p. 427).

u/Melwood786

Hi.

Currently, I believe in a God. To me, it never seemed illogical not to, it is in human nature to automatically assume there is a reason, a causation behind everything. To not think otherwise is as much as a faith leap as most atheists like to admit. A creator to me sounds logical, a conscious one would explain the inexplainable concept of consciousness and the dilemma of determinism, and to me it sounds the most reassuring.

I have trouble, however, believing in Religion. To me, Islam sounds the most probable, although there are still concepts which are hard to believe. Many story of previous Prophets (Peace be upon them) sound inspiring but also unlikely. The stories were all during the time where humans made little record and thus are hard to verify. While I do think Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) could have existed, I have trouble accepting he was a direct prophet from Allah himself. I have studied the morality of Islam rather more than the content inside of it, which might be a factor, but for example Safinat Nuh and such are hard to grasp and fully believe in. I could try having faith they might be real, but it feels like rather having a wish for something to be true than being certain something is true without immediate proof.

I do not want to go to Jahannam, if it exists, and do not want to keep playing a secret in fromt of my devoted parents. I want to start believing in such miracles, in such stories.

What will my faith be? Will I go to hell despite my intentions of trying to? What it I can never believe ENOUGH in it? Please enlighten me and may Allah bless you for your efforts.

i would like explanations with quran verses please and possibly (sahih) ahadith if you like

I (21F) have been wearing the hijab since I was 12. I wasn't exactly forced, but more so pressured into wearing it. I was a kid who saw my mom and older sisters put it on around that age, so it was expected that I would too. But I was also just 12 and not the same person I am today, I hate that I'm still living with some decision I made 10 years ago.

I’ve never once in my life actually liked wearing the hijab. It’s never felt comfortable or spiritual for me. I don't even wear it for modesty I just wear it for the sake of wearing it. I hate how I’m put into a box when I wear it, and how people automatically assume I’m super religious or hold certain beliefs that I don't.

I want to take it off so bad, but I don't know how. My mom is extremely overbearing. She makes me wear a scarf around my neck even if I'm wearing a loose shirt when my cousins are over. She constantly polices what I wear and comments that my hijab isn't "proper" to the point where I'm so sick of it I just want to rip it off. I feel like I cant even be comfortable in my own home. A couple months ago, I had an epiphany, that I could actually just take it off and I'd be so much happier. But I’m so scared. I don't know how to tell my mom, and I feel like she’ll hate me.

The past few months, I’ve felt so suffocated in it. I can't stand wearing it or dealing with all her side comments anymore. I love my mom, but when it comes to modesty in Islam, she makes me hate being born a woman. It's to the point where I feel like I'm getting hypersexualized and she sees me as some object whose sole purpose is to be overly covered up. I can be wearing the loosest shirt ever that shows no shape, and she'll still tell me to wear a cardigan over it. What's modest to me isn't modest to her and I can't deal with it anymore.

My mom won't do anything if I take it off, my sister also took hers off 6 years ago and she got over it, but deep down I know shes going to think I've gone out of control. Anytime my sister comes to visit my mom is still constantly making her wear a scarf just around her neck. I know if I tell her I want to take it off her comments will get worse and she'll start being even stricter with me.

I hate representing something I barely believe in myself, and I hate being visibly Muslim. Because I’ve worn it for so long, I’m scared it’s become a part of my identity and that people will look at me differently if I take it off. I’ll be graduating next year and starting full-time work soon after. My plan is to move out once I start working and take it off then, but that’s still a year away, and I don't know what to do until then.

Many people believe in Evil eye and Dark magic as it's mentioned in many places in Quran. Specially in Surah Falaq when it says —

and from the evil of those ˹witches casting spells by˺ blowing onto knots,

and from the evil of an envier when they envy.” (113:4, 113:5)

Many people around me believe in Evil eye and feel overly hesitant to share good news or life updates with even their closest people.

I wonder how does most people interpret this verse? As it is (literally) or this could mean something more than what's just plainly written?

ive been getting into the game. its a nice way to relax. however the game does feature devil deals, pentagrams, satanic bibles and stuff.. it has absolutely zero influence over my thoughts and it doesnt corrupt my mind. i dont miss on my prayers to play this game. is it found proplematic or haram by islam? much appreciated.

Hi! I’ve been getting really curious about Islam lately and I’ve started reading the Quran on my own. I’m still very new to it, so I’m honestly trying to understand things rather than make assumptions.

There are things I’ve read so far that really resonate with me and feel right in my heart, but there are also things that clash quite strongly with how I understand feminism, equality, and the role of women. I’ve also noticed that, at least from what I’ve read so far, a lot of the Quran seems to address men directly, which has made me wonder how Muslim women understand their place within the religion.

I’d really like some guidance, especially from Muslim women who have been through this process themselves. I’m European, so naturally some cultural and religious concepts feel very different from what I grew up with, and I don’t always know what is actually Islam versus what is culture.

I also know basically nothing about practicing yet 😭 I don’t know how to pray, what I’m supposed to do, or where to even start. I’m just curious and genuinely trying to learn, so I’d really appreciate hearing different perspectives without judgment.

I’ve seen so much content about marriage and the roles each partner “should” take.

It seems that when you get married as a muslim women you lose.

You are supposed to:
- obey your husband
- have intimacy with him when HE wants

With some interpretations/people saying your husband can strike you, it seems as though getting married opens the door to more rules and harm.

Not saying all muslim men would make their wives obey them, have sex with them without their consent, or hit them but the idea that some men genuinely believe this is their right as husbands is terrifying.

I can’t imagine myself obeying a man and if I don’t will I be committing a sin? I don’t want to put myself in a position to where I could be displeasing Allah by being myself/doing what I want and not what my husband wants.

I don’t know. It feels like muslim women are expected to go from the control of their fathers into the control of their husbands and there is punishment with displeasing either side. When can a muslim woman be themselves?

Many of our conservative brethren love to claim that the hijab is 100% choice of a woman, while at the same time demeaning women who do not wear it. How is it a choice if you are going to be reprimanded for not wearing it? And why do only women choose to wear it, and not men?

The traditional male Arab cloak and headgear looks quite similar to the hijab and abaya of women.

But nobody bats an eye if a man doesn’t wear this, even in the Gulf countries. Many men in the gulf countries wear western outfits (especially when going out after evening after the sun goes down). But if a woman doesn’t wear hijab, be it in the UK or Malaysia or Egypt, she will face judgemental looks or rude comments from many conservative Muslims (and exhijabis are treated way more harshly than the never hijabis). How is it a woman's choice then?

Checkmate?

My point is due to difference in upbringing we all have different ways of understanding life and the world. So, Islam will necessarily not click for everyone, some may not ever be ready to consider it as the Truth. But that does not automatically make them "destined for hell".

Though irrespective of faith or even the absence of it, I believe we as humans should harbor and strive for some basic values that have been instilled in our essence of being. I think those who are righteous will unanimously agree on these values.

As a Muslim man, I have noticed a disturbing trend, especially online. When a non-hijabi Muslim woman creates and posts any content online, there are always a bunch of Muslim men insulting her and lecturing her condescendingly in the comments section.

Some of these comments have pretty extreme language.

I have noticed that even if a woman is wearing normal decent modest clothes, still some people find a way to insult her for not being "modest enough".

According to them, a non-hijabi muslim woman either lacks faith or she is totally ignorant of Islam or she is an agent of Western powers tasked to spread fitna in the Muslim world.

Unfortunately, modern muslim minds are incapable of dealing with diversity and complexities of life and reality.

How to solve this problem?

Lately, I've been seeing a lot of hate towards Quranists/hadith rejectors on social media.

I was scrolling on Instagram and saw an ad for "wudu-friendly" nails. Basically, the ad was saying, "Don't be a hadith rejector to justify wearing nails. Wear our nails instead." I found it very weird to specifically call out a group of people over nails, of all things.

Now, I am not a Quranist. I think it is a bit extreme to reject all hadith. But I am definitely skeptical of hadith, and I can understand where Quranists are coming from.

And the hate isn't just directed towards Quranists. It's also towards progressives, non-orthodox Muslims, lgbtq+ muslims, women who take off hijab, etc.... Basically anyone who doesn't fully adhere to mainstream Islam.

I genuinely don't get it. Why can't we live and let live? Why can't we accept that people might live and believe differently from us? Especially when their choices aren't harming anyone.

I swear, some of these people seem to hate Quranists and progressives more than they hate actual oppressors and abusers.

At the end of the day, we're all just people on a floating rock in space 😭

​

عمر كه بى عشق رفت هيج حسابش مكير

Omr ke bi eshgh raft, hich hesäbash magir

Life that passed without love, do not count it at all

آب حياتست عشق در دل و جانش پذير

Ab-e hayätast eshgh, dar del-o jänash pazir

Love is the water of life, accept it in your heart and soul

عشق جو بكشاد رخت سبز شود هر درخت

Eshgh cho bogshad rakht, sabz shavad har derakht

When love spreads its garment (unveils itself), every tree becomes green

برك جوان بردمد هر نفس از شاخ يير

Barg-e javan bar damad, har nafas az shakh-e pir

New leaves sprout forth, every breath from the old branch

هركه شود صيد عشق كى شود او صيد مركً

Har ke shavad seyd-e eshgh, key shavad u seyd-e marg

Whoever becomes the prey of love, how can they become the prey of death?

جون سپرش مه بود كى رسدش زخم تير

Chon separash mah bovad, key resadash zakhm-e tir

When their shield is the moon, how can the wound of an arrow reach them?

جملة جان هاى پاك كشته اسيران خالى

Jomleh-ye jän-ha-ye pak, gashteh asiran-e khăk

All pure souls have become prisoners of the earth

عشق فروريخت زر تا برهاند اسير

Eshgh foru rikht zar, tā berahanad asir

Love poured down gold, to free the prisoner

From: Divan-e Shams - Ghazal Shomareh 1129

Every Quran is just a book with some printed pages, there's nothing special about a book, only the content matters. In fact, in ancient times, Qurans were held in living memories. So does it not feel like idolatry to treat one printed book more special than others?

Also,

Why are prayers invalid when women are on their period? What's the connection between periods and being considered unholy?