I just posted this on Facebook - you're welcome to comment on Facebook if you want
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1658774761024013&id=100006745147497************************
Yes I AM a Muslim!!
I believe; "There is no god but God and Muhammad is his messenger!"
I was born a Muslim and spent half a century (I'm 56) as a devout Muslim. I went through a serious crisis of faith a few years ago, but have rediscovered my faith recently and still identify with Islam. It is the spiritual tradition I grew up in and know well. I love and feel comfortable amongst Muslims and in prayer, du'a, fasting and many other Islamic practices.
Having said that my views did change during my crisis of faith. Nevertheless I decided that rather than excommunicate myself because my views differed to many of the traditional beliefs, I would continue to label myself Muslim as I believe God gave me the ability to think and decide for myself and it is up to him to judge what is in my heart.
I also decided to be very open and up front about my views and anyone reading my Facebook Page can see that. I believe in God but at the same time I am Agnostic. Belief and knowledge are two different things. I believe - and hope - that there is a God, but I don't know for certain there is one. In fact I believe that 'certainty' about such metaphysical matters does not exist. It is impossible to either prove nor disprove the existence of God with 100% certainty.
I also believe Muhammad was inspired by God to utter the words of the Qur'an. But I believe this inspiration came through the mind and person of Muhammad and that it was he who interpreted this inspiration according to his time, culture and personality. He composed the words and phrased the sentences. As a result I believe that while the Qur'an contains a great deal of wisdom, it is inextricably tied to it's context and environment and most important of all; it is fallible NOT infallible! This means that while the Qur'an will always be a source of inspiration for me - it must be subject to human reason and not the other way round. It has been 1400 years since Muhammad received the Qur'an and the world has changed. Circumstances have changed. Relationships between men and women have changed. Man himself has changed. I believe strongly that we must look at the Qur'an with a fresh set of eyes - one that recognises it's "human" origin and one that applies our own 'human' reason in light of our present context and circumstances.
I strongly support ex-Muslims who wish to leave Islam if they want to and I am keen to break the taboo that prevents them from doing so. I support everyones right to believe or not believe in what they want without fear of threats, abuse, or sanctions. I support human rights, equality, pluralism & secular democracy, (I recognise it is flawed - but everything human is flawed - including the Qur'an!)
When I told an Ex-Muslim friend of mine my position and that I was going to be open and public about it he supported me 100% but said you know you will get attacked by BOTH sides. He was right.
I am writing this because I have had a great many comments, messages and emails from Muslims telling me "You are not a Muslim" and ironically from some ex-Muslims and liberals telling me"You are not a Muslim".
Well I AM a Muslim. This is what I believe. Deal with it
Peace & love to you all xx
Topic: Yes I AM a Muslim!!