Same person ?
Reply #3 - January 10, 2016, 09:26 PM
If we're really talking about practicing Muslims, you'll inevitably be accused of having become a "different person" because to them you are. You no longer pray, nor fast, nor believe in the same things (thus, being able to relate when topics of faith, the hereafter and other related issues come up for discussion). All those things are practices you do together in a community, group activities more or less. The social aspect of Islam can be gold, but it can also be an immense burden that imprisons the individual.
So yes, on one hand I'm really the same person. I've always had the interests I've had. At least now, I can fulfill them all and continue trying out new things. I've always more or less had the same or similar values, I've just broaden my perspectives with age. But the core values, my core personality, is exactly the same.
But imagine this scenario:
A woman in niqab, very faithful with strong belief. She spends all her time memorizing, learning, and teaching the Quran and the religion. She spends all her time with other Muslim women with children. She starts having lectures in the masjid. You can't really do much except certain child activities because that's not halal, or it's not OK for us women because of this or that. All her friends are Muslims. She might engage in intellectual conversations about theology, science or social issues. Very well, she might not hold opinions that most would assume a Muslim would. Even dares calling herself a feminist, questioning bits and pieces of the patriarchy that literally beats her down everyday... But she tries really hard to stay within the circle of Islam. Because, you know. She doesn't want to step out of the fold of Islam. What if someone calls her a mubtadi?
Then all of a sudden, like lightning from the sky.
She doesn't want to wear the niqab, she wants to take it off. She even gives hints that the hijab itself is becoming a burden. She criticizes and questions Islam, in all possible ways. She expresses opinions about science and theology that are way out of Islam's comfort zone. She even makes fun of the fundamentalists; is that humour she uses when parodying the mujahideen? Astaghfirullah! She stops hanging out with her Muslim friends, says she wants to make new friends. What's up with stopping reciting the Quran, ukhtee why you not memorize the verses of Allah? Hey, I haven't seen her pray in a very long time. Does she really pray when she's in her room? Why you not pray in group no more, ukhtee? When's the last time you opened your fiqh or hadeeth books, ukhtee?
BAM!
She ain't Muslim no more.
She dresses like everyone else, actually spends a lot on her wardrobe and shoes. Geez, what obsession with dunya. Is that a designer bag? She wears skimpy clothes, hangs out with men. She drinks, she even eats khanzeer for crying out loud. She has more ambitions than just being a mother. Ehrmergaaahd she does sports! A guy's sports, nonetheless! She doesn't even believe in god, she went from a pious niqabi mother and wife, seeker of knowledge... to an atheist, single mom, who thinks Islam is pretty shitty, and who even drinks and has sex outside marriage.
Hasbiallah wa ni'mal wakeel. Ukhtee, you really changed. You're not my ukhtee anymore. You are the enemy of Allah.
"The healthiest people I know are those who are the first to label themselves fucked up." - three
Topic: Same person ?