Perception

@deenaly (162)
Malaysia
January 24, 2010 4:40am CST
I believe that to really know one's religion, we must study it not from observing people but from authentic sources that teach us about the religion. The reason for this is because in the world nowadays most people have become more materialistic and are only submitted to religion because of heritage or tradition. They believe religion is a part of tradition. I once read from a newspaper about a statement from a Bollywood actor who is born Muslim. In one of his statements he said that he only wants his children to feel the feelings of having a God. Those who really practise their religion would reject this kind of statement, because there is no point of having a religion if there is no submission to the religion.
2 people like this
5 responses
@Harley009 (1416)
• India
25 Jan 10
One just born to Muslim parents doesn't became a Muslim always. Islam considers all babies born to anyone are born innocent and born ready to follow the guidance of God, it is their parents changing them to some other beliefs. If some have some Islamic names or Arabic names like Mohammad, , Suleiman, dawood, yusuf, etc won't make him a Muslim as well. A Muslim is the one who follow the guidance of God and traditions of Prophet Mohammad. Peace.
@Harley009 (1416)
• India
25 Jan 10
@deenaly (162)
• Malaysia
25 Jan 10
Precisely.
1 person likes this
• United States
24 Jan 10
I totally agree with you. But who was the actor? It is definitely a wrong idea to learn about a religion by seeing its people. Unfortunately, many just see the people and think that it is what their religion is. Interestingly, many people do not even know what is in their religion and kind of goes for the groupthink according to which whatever a specific group follows is right. Such people do not even take a look into their holy books. I have seen this problem in Muslims, Hindus, Christians as well as Buddhists. I remember once curiously I asked a Buddhist girl whether Lord Buddha was taken as God. Her answer was yes and the funniest thing was that she was a regular visitor of the Buddhist temple. My boyfriend is catholic, but he did not even know the whole story of Jesus. Moreover, he believed that John Paul was still the Pope in Vetican city. Some days ago I corrected him. And in Muslim community many don't even know that hijab has nothing to do hair, but arab culture! So bottom line is that it is wrong for us to judge a religion by seeing its people. At least now it is quite silly to do it.
@deenaly (162)
• Malaysia
25 Jan 10
The power to freely express ourselves are in our hands. However, with regards of respects for personal private information, I cannot reveal the name of the actor so openly. If you are dying to know who the character was, you can give me a private message.
@deenaly (162)
• Malaysia
25 Jan 10
A lot of people actually misunderstood of the hijab, so I can explain what I know. It is actually the commandment of God to cover some parts of your body we call 'aurah' from being seen by other people especially the person you can get married to. From here on I use the term 'aurah' for the parts of body that should be covered. A man's aurah is from the bellybutton/navel to the lower parts of the knee. A woman's aurah is all the parts of the body except for their palm (including the wrist) and their faces. There are other versions of the restrictions regarding the parts of closure, but one thing for certain, this commandment is actually applies to all men and women in the world, regardless of religion. There is wisdom behind the commandment. The commandment actually teaches us to treasure our beauty by keeping it and to reveal it to the person who is really suitable. If a person displays all of the treasures that the person has, the value of the treasure will drop. Now for the hijab. Hijab is a way for a woman to obey the commandment from God. Hijab mainly used to cover the hair, neck and chest. There are several designs of hijab. The hijab without veil is common in Eastern Asia. The hijab with veil is common in the Middle East. The round type hijab that looks fashionable comes from africa, and are available in US. Conclusively, the wearing of hijab is a means for every woman on this planet to obey the commandment of God. What makes it become traditional is the type of hijab their used to cover their aurah.
• United States
24 Jan 10
Wisdom and truth must be the quest of anyone truly devoted to a higher spiritual life, and it often requires much sacrifice and patience to attain even small steps toward being more enlightened. The wise person knows what is true at the soul level... If they would follow the truth, they will inevitably find the path that is right. We are guided to what is best for us, and submission comes easily and willingly to the person seeking wisdom and truth. Religion is secondary. Truth is truth. It came first.
@deenaly (162)
• Malaysia
25 Jan 10
Truth comes first before religion... As I perceive it, you are finding a religion which exhibit the true nature of the world, the spiritual world and higher spiritual life? I hope you find yours. As for where I'm standing right now, I believe a religion which means submission is really all I need in this world.
• Philippines
25 Jan 10
In my own opinion, observing its people is just one factor of knowing one's religion. Of course we have to study first its doctrines and practices, then its people if they are following or doing it with all their heart. The teachings and doctrines of a religion should match with what people are practicing. If not, then i can say they are fake!! why? obviously they are not doing of what they are saying they should do. they are not honest in their doctrines.
@PastorP (1170)
• United States
24 Jan 10
Hi deenaly. That last statement was fabulous---there is no point of having a religion if there is no submission to the religion. In essence, their religion becomes a matter of convenience for some--it's there when they want it but most times they can do without its precepts. I have a relative like that. I won't say what religion she is in so there is no "free for all on here." Sometime back I made a discovery that there is a great difference between religion and a relationship with God. Many times religion keeps us from the Truth of God and consequently denying true spiritual satisfaction.
@deenaly (162)
• Malaysia
25 Jan 10
The religion I am with right now does not separate material life in this world and the spiritual life one person lives in. However, since many of people having this religion because they were born with it, they do not understand the real essence of this religion and finally believe that religion and the worldly life is separated. The phrase you quote was actually intended to remind these people of this religion that they should be ashamed of themselves because there are people reverting* to this religion and they understand this religion better than those people are and that makes them really submitted to the religion. The ambiguity of the phrase is understandable. Some religions actually cut off the need to survive, and yes, we can live without these religions. *I would say reverting not converting because we believe that every newborn child is of our religion until the parents make him/her into the religion of theirs. So when they converted to our religion, then they are merely going beck to their religion.