Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Joan of Arc Quote

Hello and Happy Wednesday!

Today's quote is brought to you by Joan of Arc:

One life is all we have and we live it as we believe in living it. But to sacrifice what you are and to live without belief, that is a fate more terrible than dying.


There's a new interview coming up on Saturday so be sure to check back!

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Harry (Buddhist name: Hanrei Banzan)

Hello and Happy Saturday!

First up I wish to thank Joel Holopainen for his wonderful interview last week. I learned much from you and I thank you for that. Thanks Joel!

Today we have a new interview so please welcome Harry (Buddhist name: Hanrei Banzan).
Harry is a Buddhist and I know you'll enjoy his interview as well!

Here Is Harry's Introduction:


I'm a Zen Buddhist practitioner based in Ireland. I received the Bodhisattva Precepts from my teacher a few years ago here in Ireland and was given the Buddhist name 'Hanrei Banzan'. I practice zazen (seated meditation) specifically 'shikantaza' ('just thoroughly sitting'), sometimes referred to as the 'method-less method' of Zen. Part of the practice is integrating the wide open view of zazen into our daily life. I study the teachings of Zen Master Dogen, a gifted 13th Century monk and teacher, and also the wider Chinese and Japanese Zen literature including koans and sutras.

My main blog is: http://bodhiarmour.blogspot.com/


1) What religion do you practice?
I practice Buddhism. More specifically I practice the 'Dharma', as the Buddha did not intend to start a 'cult of Buddha' but sought to teach the 'Dharma', which is a word that predates Buddhism. 'Dharma' is, in a sense, a complex word. In Buddhism it can refer to the Buddhist teachings themselves, but in the most direct sense it means the 'law-of-thusness', or 'things-as-they-are'. It's not a law confined to a principle or just one philosophical outlook or world view; it's the law of 'how every thing is' that we become familiar with intuitively through our own zazen practice.

2) Are you a convert/revert or were you raised within this religion? If you converted, what did you need to do to convert? And what did you practice prior to converting?
I wasn't raised a Buddhist, but I don't really feel that I 'converted' as such as Buddhism essentially doesn't require people to adopt or reject personal beliefs. I consider taking the Buddhist Precepts as an expression of intention to practice Buddhism, but it's often considered that one formally becomes a Buddhist when one takes the Precepts. Personally I think that one is a Buddhist, or, even more to the point, a buddha, when one practices as a buddha (and people everywhere of all faiths or none do this all the time).

3)Within your religion are there degrees of observance (ie. Orthodox,conservative, moderate, liberal)? What are the defining differences between the degrees of observance?
Yes, there are different degrees of observance within Buddhism. I think that is fair to say. There are a lot of different schools and sects in Buddhism; some cater for people who want to actually practice what the Buddha is said to have practiced, and some are for people who feel devotion to the Buddha and who like to more casually venerate the Buddha and/or various Buddhist figures, for example. This distinction becomes blurred in instances though, and so it's not a hard-and-fast division.

Within Zen there are those whom are drawn to the more institutionalised, formal, and/or traditional expressions of practice (with more detailed ceremony, insistence on robes, correct protocol, hierarchy etc), while there are those who prefer to practice more independently in less formal groups or on their own. It really caters for all, and all these perceived differences are only provisional as, for example, some people can realise a great freedom of expression in the seemingly fixed 'traditional' forms, or they can practice devotional practices very sincerely in the same manner as others may practice zazen/ meditation.

4)Within your religion what degree of observance are you ((ie. Orthodox,conservative, moderate, liberal) ? Why did you choose this degree of observance?
I tend to be quite independent in my practice and in my thinking about what Buddhism is. This is partly because I don't belong to a particular group as such. I practice with various Zen groups. There are no groups active in my locality, so I have to travel to practice with others. Also, I tend to feel that my own practice, particularly zazen, is the pivotal matter, and that can be done anywhere at any time. I don't see that it requires me to be part of a group, and I tend to be wary of some of the dynamics that I've seen come to the fore in groups, particularly in religious groups. I think 'group think' and competition can quickly be contrary to the original intention of Buddhism and other religions.

5)What is the Afterlife within your religion? For example: what happens when a person dies? Are there places for reward/punishment? (such as a Heaven/Hell concept)
Buddhism has traditionally had heaven realms and hell realms. Interestingly, being born in a heavenly realm is traditionally considered to be inferior to being born a human as it is easier to practice and realise the Dharma as a human. More recently 'heaven' and 'hell' in Buddhism has been rationalised to explain the various states of mind that we create for ourselves (a particularly bad 'hell realm' is associated with anger, for example). It's not something I think of much. It seems better to me to worry about this life here-and-now than to worry about the next one! Buddhism says that we're born and die in a sense many times every moment... it also says that, essentially, we are not born and we don't die as we are already that which is much, much bigger than what we tend to think we are .

6) In your opinion, does everyone make it into heaven/paradise? If they do not, why?
I don't know about heaven, but if people are not happy (people, that is, who have a reasonably stable life and who are not being abused by others or otherwise sorely persecuted etc) then it may be that they themselves are the reason for their own unhappiness. Buddhism generally puts a lot of responsibility for our situation squarely onto us ourselves.

7) What makes your religion a good fit for you?
It's practical and, at it's best (at it's core), it is not bullshitty. It also (again, when it's at its best) puts the responsibility of becoming 'saved' or 'redeemed' or whatever squarely on me and my own efforts. I think that is very sensible and realistic.

8) What are your holy days and what do you do to celebrate them?
There are days like the Buddha's birthday, and the celebration of his final passing etc. But they differ from country to country in the Buddhist world. I don't observe them much unless I'm at a sesshin (zazen retreat) which happens to coincide with a holiday in which case I'll be involved in the ceremonies like everyone else.

9) Do you consider people of other faiths to be your friends?
Yes... until they prove me wrong at least! :-)

10) Would you ever join people of another faith to celebrate one of their holy days? Please explain why?
Yes, I would consider it if it was appropriate. I wouldn't want to just 'go through the motions' of some ceremony if I thought it made a mockery of other traditions, but if it was an expression of mutual respect and understanding then I would have no trouble in participating. I think that all genuine religion, when it is practiced sincerely and when it leads us beyond our small notions of our selves and of each other, aspires to the same thing.

11) What are your thoughts on the burka, and Shariah Law?
I don't know much about it really, but I tend towards a secular model for our Western societies. I feel that a secular model, where no religion is promoted in public buildings/spaces, is better for societies that are increasingly diverse. A secular society can be respectful of people's religious observances, it needn't disrespect them, it can promote acceptance and respect in other ways. At the same time, people have to take responsibility for their own personal beliefs, and the consequences of them, in wider society. I acknowledge that other cultures and societies have different observances about this. When different cultures/societies meet, there will have to be some sort of discussion and resolution. That process will be different every time I think as the situation will be different every time. I hope that I keep an open mind on the subject.

Islam has gotten a lot of 'bad press' recently. I think that is a shame. Certain sections of the media, certain politicians, and certain 'religious' people have been very irresponsible in their portrayal of Islam. They have simplified the situation in some very emotive ways. We need more sincere dialogue with Islam in the West, and more accurate portrayals of the diversity within Islam, so as to dispel the myths and assumptions that have been created. There are different interpretations of Shariah Law within Islam, for example, but how often do we hear the voice of Islam moderates on our TVs?


12) Are women allowed to hold religious office (priest, minister, rabbi, iman etc) in your religion and how do you feel about it?
Yes, women can be Zen nuns, teachers, Roshis, etc etc. Traditionally it was male dominated. I'm glad it's changing, because I think women are generally more sensible than men in many regards (at least, they generally seem more sensible than me!) I think they may be hardwired to be more emotionally evolved.

13) Does your place of worship segregate? If yes, how does this make you feel?
When we are on sesshin (Zen retreat) generally the men and women sleep in different dorms. This makes me sad because I have to sleep in a room filled with men: Men snore more... and women smell better!!!

14) How much does your religion affect your daily life and how much thought do you give it when making a decision? Does it affect in any way your decision on abortion, gay marriage, etc?
Zen practice does affect the way I think in some indirect ways... more in my reactions to my thinking than my thinking itself maybe. I don't take my own views and opinions as seriously as I used to. Practicing zazen tends to give us a broader viewpoint on our own views/opinions. In relation to abortion I would say that it is a very complex situation where I hope we can work towards supporting women before making, and after making, their choice. I think women who are presented with this choice (regardless of what I think of the choice) are at all sorts of risks. That should be a big concern. A lot of the ''Pro-Life" campaigns seem so concerned for the life of the unborn foetus and not concerned at all with the life of the mother: The 'moral question' seems to dominate. As to gay marriage; I think it's fine and should be an option if it makes people more content and fulfilled... Marriage, of course, doesn't always do that!

15) How would you react/feel if your child wished to marry outside your religion?
No problem. Religion would likely be the last thing I'd worry about. If the potential spouse was a zealot of ANY religion I'd be very vocally worried though.

16) In your opinion, if someone is not of your faith, will they go to hell?
No.

17) Who do you think is not a practicing ----- in your religion and why? ie who in the public domain claims to speak for your religion? Do you agree with them or not?
I prefer to think of it in terms of all the 'infidels' who are unwittingly practicing the Dharma! ...When we're totally disarmed by the wonder or terror of life; when we're caused to see outside the little bubble of our own thoughts and feelings; when some aspect of our life is so engaging that it swallows us up whole in its Big Embrace; when we unknowingly thrust out a hand of assistance to some stranger...

18) Have you ever been the target of a hate crime? Please explain.
No.

19) Do you ever feel like your religion devalues you?
Yes, but it's generally just my own 'stuff'. Sometimes I feel like I'm owed something more, more, more... but, without fail, it's due to my own faulty thoughts and feelings.

20) Does your religion give you peace of mind?
Yes. The practice of Zen is peace of mind, even within the chaos of our selves and the world. My mind isn't always peaceful though, accepting that is a big part of the practice.

21) Do you believe in reincarnation? Why or why not?
This is a sticky one in Buddhism. A lot of Buddhist argue about this. If reincarnation is real then it doesn't matter if I believe in it or not! Buddhism posits that there is no 'self' to reincarnate; that is, there is nothing that I usually identify as 'me' that survives death. At the same time, in Buddhist practice, we identify with everything, with that which was never born, and that never dies... so, in a sense, belief in this or that is a sort of trivial sideshow.

Life is the truth, death is the truth and the truth never starts and never ceases. The head of the lineage I ordained in, Gudo Nishijima Sensei, a grand older Japanese Gentleman of 91 years, says that he is very happy because every day he is living in God.

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Jim Carrey Quote

Hello and Happy Wednesday!

Today's quote is brought to you by Jim Carrey:


If you aren't in the moment, you are either looking forward to uncertainty, or back to pain and regret.



There's a new interview coming up on Saturday so be sure to check back!

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Elton John Quote

Hello and Happy Thursday!

Today's quote is brought to you by Elton John:


Live for each second without hesitation




New interview coming Saturday so be sure to check back!

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Big Thanks!

Hello and Happy Tuesday!

I wish to give a huge thanks to YMR participants:

Monica Chase, Bill Jiryu Webb, Adam, Jenny, Justin Whitaker, Musa Talib and Umm Salihah.

Thank you all so much for sharing your faith journeys with us. I found each to be unique and interesting and enjoyed reading and learning from each of you.
Thanks so much for sharing!

Saturday, September 10, 2011

Umm Salihah

Hello and Happy Saturday!

First up I wish to thank Musa Talib for sharing his very interesting faith journey with us last week.
Thanks so much for sharing Musa!

This week we have a new interview so please welcome Umm Salihah. Umm Salihah is a Muslim and I know you'll enjoy her interview as well!

Here Is Umm Salihah's Introduction:


Hi, I’m Umm Salihah and I am mum to three dirty-faced angels (Little Lady - 8, Little Man - 6, Gorgeous – now 4 years). I write for www.happymuslimah.com which I began in order to share my experiences as a Muslimah working mother and to learn from other women about how they manage the different aspects of their lives without compromising their faith. I also blog at www.positivemuslimah.com because I believe we need to share more of our positive stories.

I read Psychology at university and then went on to work for the public sector for the next 10 years, first in central government and now in local government because I wanted to contribute to the community I had grown up in. My passions include crafts (cards and jewellery), books, bargain-hunting, writing, blogging, Islam, and did I mention books?


1) What religion do you practice?
Islam

2) Are you a convert/revert or were you raised within this religion? If you converted, what did you need to do to convert? And what did you practice prior to converting?
I was raised by religious Muslim parents, but I believe that being born into Islam doesn’t necessarily make you a Muslim, it’s a conscious decision that requires living in a very conscientious, measured way. I think every Muslim, whether born or not has their moment when they decide this is the faith for them and this is their “conversion” in a way.

3)Within your religion are there degrees of observance (ie. Orthodox,conservative, moderate, liberal)? What are the defining differences between the degrees of observance?
I think people like to label Muslims as moderate, traditional, extreme and this goes against the grain of what Islam is about. To call one a moderate Muslim is to assume the others are intolerant, to say one is mainstream, is to say the views of another are “fringe” or not as relevant in some way. I believe that it is a characteristic of Islam to have balance in all things and to follow what we call the “middle way”

I am also not keen on the labels of “practising” or “not practising”. By definition, to be a Muslim is to practice the faith. I don’t feel that my faith is abstract or something that is put aside and then brought out to philosophise about sometimes. It is a practical guide to living – from the time we wake in the morning and get dressed to the time we sleep, we infuse every act with thoughtfulness and aim to make it an act of worship, even something like putting on our shoes! The same with the milestones in our life – birth, marriage, death, business, for each of them we have guidance from our faith about the best way. So for me, to be a Muslim, you have to be practising. You may not be able to include every element in your life – hijab, diet etc, but you will still aspire to.

4) Within your religion what degree of observance are you (ie. Orthodox,conservative, moderate, liberal) ? Why did you choose this degree of observance?
Considering the above, I would call myself a traditional, practising Muslim. I feel that I find a sense of balance with this. There is a hadith, or tradition from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) that says:

"My Community shall never agree upon misguidance, therefore, if you see divergences, you must follow the greater mass or larger group." (source: Ibn Majah)

I take this as meaning that majority, mainstream, traditional Islam is the middle way and the way of consensus that the largest number of Muslims can follow.

5)What is the Afterlife within your religion? For example: what happens when a person dies? Are there places for reward/punishment? (such as a Heaven/Hell concept)
Muslims believe that for everything we do as sane adults we will be held to account – every word we say, every penny we spend, every morsel that passes our lips, the clothes we wear, for our health, our youth and our free time – we will be asked by Allah “How did you use all of these?”

The way we spent our time in this life will determine the answer to this question and the outcome will be a good place of reward – heaven or a painful place of punishment – the fire of hell. I love the description in the Quran of those who remember Allah often, walking into paradise smiling and being greeted with the greeting of paradise: “Salaam!” Peace!

We believe that this life is a like a station on a journey. We stop here for a while, do the best we can with the best of intentions and then earn a place in a final destination that lasts forever.

6) In your opinion, does everyone make it into heaven/paradise? If they do not, why?
No my faith and my natural inclination towards a desire for justice as a human being tell me not. I don’t believe that the person who makes an effort to spend a life in the service of others and remembering their creator at every turn will have the same fate as the one who hurts every person in his or her path and is ungrateful for every single good thing he or she comes across. I believe that Allah is just and that each of us earn what we work towards.

7) What makes your religion a good fit for you?
I love the idea that every single act I do can be an act of worship. They are things I have to do anyway – bathing, eating, raising my children, being my husbands soulmate, but done in the way my faith guides me, with the right intention and with a level of thought and care they become acts of worship. In this way no action in life has to be wasteful. You might be making dinner, but making it with care and attention, within the prescribed requirements of my faith and with a thought for the needs and preferences for my family, cooking becomes worship.

The other thing I love about Islam is the way that it gives every person their rights – in particular the vulnerable. Women have the right to an education, to work and own property or run a business. We have the right to choose who we marry and the right to divorce. Children have the right to be cared for and protected, the right to be educated and also to be loved and nurtured. Parents have the right to be respected and cared for in their old age. Neighbours have rights over each other as do the poor and orphaned in a community. At the same time we are encouraged to put the rights of others over our own and to fulfil our responsibilities towards all those around us.

Finally I love the closeness to my Creator. We are told in the Quran that “We are nearer to him than his jugular vein.” (Quran 5:16). We have no church, no hierarchy, no clergy, it is simply me and my Lord.

8) What are your holy days and what do you do to celebrate them?
We celebrate the two Eids, or celebration days. Eid-ul-Fitr comes after a month of fasting and Eid-ul-Adha comes during the days of Haj or pilgrimage. I absolutely love Eid, it is a big deal in my house and a great part of my childhood. We tend to go for short Eid prayers in the morning and then dressed in our best we spend the day feasting, visiting, sharing gifts and generally feeling rather blissed out.

9) Do you consider people of other faiths to be your friends?
Yes. I have friends of all faiths and none. Islam tells us to serve our communities – it doesn’t say just Muslim communities. I think regardless of faith there are some people with the most amazing good hearts and wonderful nature, I am lucky enough to have some of these beautiful souls as friends. Saying this, there is a Prophetic tradition that says “A person is likely to follow the faith of his friend, so look whom you befriend.” (Tirmidhi).

10) Would you ever join people of another faith to celebrate one of their holy days? Please explain why?
Much as I have wanted to at times, I would refrain. There is a Prophetic tradition that says: “Whoever imitates a people is from them.” I take this to mean that we should not copy the religious festivals and customs of a different religion.

I grew up wanting to take part in Christmas but not being allowed to by my Dad, it all seemed so wonderful. As an adult and parent, I see his perspective, although I don’t necessarily share his method. My rule with my children is that if I take something away I must replace it with something equivalent or better. So we are not allowed to celebrate Christmas, we must make a big deal of Eid and make it a really special day for our children

11) What are your thoughts on the burka, and Shariah Law?
I believe that it should be a matter of choice. I wear the hijab and follow Islamic law where possible in my private Life (i.e. I don’t take interest on money, I eat halal food,

I think both things have been much maligned through lack of understanding. Shariah has been taken as a threat to existing law in both the US and the UK, when in actual fact it is mostly consistent with the law and practised voluntary. Shariah courts in the UK work in much the same as arbitration does and adherence to their rulings is voluntary and not enforceable by law. Shariah means a clear straight path, basically the easiest path to the resolution for a problem. Often a Shariah court is the only avenue for a woman to get a divorce or try to get some of the other rights she is due under Islam (i.e. alimony and child maintenance) when the man cannot be made to provide these under a countries law.

Similarly hijab is often misunderstood. It is not just a piece of material, but a concept – the idea of being modest and undertaking your public duties from a position of purity – dealing with people on the basis of your intelligence and character and not the way you look. I don’t think it should be forced on any women, similarly I don’t believe it should be banned – both positions take the choice away from the woman and disempower her.

12) Are women allowed to hold religious office (priest, minister, rabbi, iman etc) in your religion and how do you feel about it?
Women can lead other women in prayer, but not men. There is a tradition of female imam’s in places like China in particular. I know a number of female scholars and their role is less to lead prayers and more to teach children and women. Many of our role models are female scholars and this is something I aspire to for me and my daughter. I think having knowledge of your faith is incredibly empowering within the Muslim community. We have a saying that a man brings faith to the door, the woman brings it inside the house. When women have knowledge of the faith, they pass it to their families and communities and particularly their children.

13) Does your place of worship segregate? If yes, how does this make you feel?
Yes, and I am not happy about the way this is done. I don’t have a problem with segregation itself. I value the space Muslim women have without men, where we bond and share as sisters. However, I have seen too many mosques not providing adequate space for women or where the women’s section is not as nice as the main part of the mosque. This is something that needs to be addressed as mosques are built in the West and Muslim women become more engaged with their places of worship.

14) How much does your religion affect your daily life and how much thought do you give it when making a decision? Does it affect in any way your decision on abortion, gay marriage, etc?
My religion shapes my daily life and decision making entirely. There are five daily prayers which are obligatory for Muslims and I basically organise my day around them. I wake for the dawn one, so get an early start to the day and at work, I have to make arrangements for the midday one at work, I have to get home for the afternoon one, I have to get dinner before or after the evening one and I need to fit the night prayer in before I sleep. Many Muslims will run their lives along the same pattern. In some places the day is the same all year round, but here the length of day and night varies greatly in summer and winter and so therefore do our prayer times. This means our routine has to adapt accordingly. It is a nice rhythm and I feel it keeps me in touch with the seasons and the changing in daylight hours through the years. I also feel like it is a nice, gentle routine for my family to be guided by. It also affects us in other ways. If I want to go shopping, I factor in the time till the next prayer and whether I can get home to pray in time. If I want to travel for a few hours, I will factor in whether there will be somewhere to pray on the way or when we get there, will there be halal food there?

In terms of decisions, my faith is a massive influence, perhaps moreso over the years. There are many things I may have questioned in the past, that have become clearer to me over time. For instance, I believe that a women’s body is her own and previously thought that abortion was a private matter despite my faith saying it was wrong. Now as a mother of three and having miscarriaged twice as well as having shared the journey of a number of friends who have struggled to conceive, I am vehemently against abortion. In other matters too my faith guides me – decisions regarding raising my children, running my household, my relationships with extended family and career decisions.

15) How would you react/feel if your child wished to marry outside your religion?
I would be disappointed. I wouldn’t mind my children marrying outside of their race or culture, but in marrying outside of their faith, I would fear that it means that they would miss out on some of the sweetest aspects of an Islamic marriage: marriage as worship, a spouse as a comfort and protection and a partner in raising a Muslim family.

Also, Muslim’s raise their children as Muslims and I feel it would be tougher if one of the parents is not Muslim. Saying that having two religious Muslim parents is no guarantee of a strong Muslim or even of a good person. Also, Islam allows Muslim men to marry Christian and Jewish women, so if my sons insisted, I would support them. Most of all I would hope they find spouses who have good character and kind hearts – no religion guarantees this.

16) In your opinion, if someone is not of your faith, will they go to hell?
My general understanding is that all of those people who followed the message and teachings of Abraham, Moses and Jesus and spent their lives doing good will go to heaven. Muslims believe that with the coming of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) the message originally brought by Abaraham, Moses and Jesus and countless other Prophets (peace be upon all of them) was completed. So from the time of Prophet Muhammad only those who believe that “There is no deity worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah” will go to heaven.

Islam is strictly against any form of polytheism. To deny the omnipotence of your Creator is considered tyranny in Islam and the height of ungratefulness. So yes, those not on pure Islamic monotheism would be considered as heading towards hell.

17) Who do you think is not a practicing ----- in your religion and why? ie who in the public domain claims to speak for your religion? Do you agree with them or not?
I don’t think any person has the right to judge another as practising or not. I have met women who wear the headscarf because it is part of their culture, but then not to practise any aspect of Islam. I have met people who don’t wear hijab but are very conscientious of the way they practise their faith. I think that it is Allah’s job to know what is in a person’s heart, their intentions and sincerity and their “takwah” or God-consciousness. These things are not outwardly visible.

I don’t feel that anyone speaks for me in the public domain. Every now and again, someone will come along and profess to speak for the Muslim community. Too often I have cringed when in the next breath they have expounded some extreme, barely logical philosophy. Even worse are the apologists who will deny almost every part of the faith to appear what they consider “normal” or just the same as everyone else. These people make me the most cross.

18) Have you ever been the target of a hate crime? Please explain.
Thankfully no. London is a very cosmopolitan city and I love the fact that you can be a white Rastafarian or a Muslim punk (or Muslim teenage goth at one point in my case) and no-one bats an eye-lid. I live close to Essex also however, and there I often find a different story – not so much physical abuse, but the way people talk to you. I had a lady shout out to someone the other day “Go back to your c***ting country and see what you get there”. I was not pleased!! I spoke to her nicely, but made her realise I had understood what she had said to the other person, she soon looked very shame-faced. I had one or two people spit at me or swear after 9/11, but generally I have not had any problems.

19) Do you ever feel like your religion devalues you?
No, I feel it empowers me as a woman, a mother, a daughter and a wife. It places massive responsibility on me and has great expectations of me. It pushes to be better and try harder all of the time.

20) Does your religion give you peace of mind?
Definitely, I am currently facing redundancy, but I feel a lot calmer than I probably should. It is my belief as a Muslim that everything happens for a reason, that Allah tests those he loves and that every tests raises our rank in the next life if we hold fast to our faith. Muslims also believe that all sustenance comes from Allah and we will get what is due to us. Just this thought – that my managers or my company will not decide my fate but that Allah will, puts me at ease. Islam promises that Allah never burdens a person with more than they can bear and that after every difficulty comes ease. The knowledge that every good thing in my life is a bounty from Allah and that every hardship is a source of forgiveness for my mistakes and a source of reward for my patience is a great comfort to me.

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Joan Rivers Quote

Hello and Happy Thursday!

Today's quote is brought to you by Joan Rivers:

Don't follow any advice, no matter how good, until you feel as deeply in your spirit as you think in your mind that the counsel is wise.


There's a new interview coming up Saturday so be sure to check back!

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

October Interviews

Hello and Happy Tuesday!

Here's what YMR has in store for you for the October Interviews:

We'll hear from Dalyn Robert Montgomery who is a Mormon, Louise Rogers who is a Unitarian, Adrian Worsfold who is a Unitarian, Christina who is a Pagan and Elinor Predota who is a Pagan.

All great interviews you're not going to want to miss!

Saturday, September 3, 2011

Musa Talib

Hello and Happy Saturday!

I wish to thank Justin Whitaker for his interesting and insightful interview last week. Thanks so much for sharing your journey with us Justin!

Today we have a new interview so please welcome Musa Talib. Musa was raised Jewish but converted to Islam and I know you'll enjoy his interview as well!

Here Is Musa Talib's Introduction:


Hello, my name is Musa, and I converted to Islam some years ago. I now live as a university student in New York City. I am likely going to be majoring in religious studies, and would eventually like to travel to the Middle East or North Africa to gain a traditional Islamic education. I grew up in a Jewish community, and spent much time studying various religions on my own. With all the rhetoric and controversies surrounding Islam, I decided to look into the religion for myself. I found it to be a beautiful religion with the potential to cure many of the current social ills. I wish nothing more than to please my creator, in part, by being a good Muslim and thereby reflecting the beauty of Islam onto the larger society.

musa.talib@hotmail.com

1) What religion do you practice?
I adhere to the tenets of Islam – a word that literally takes on several meanings, including “submission” and “peace.” We believe that peace is gained through submission to God. That submission mandates not only how we worship, but also how we interact with one another.


2) Are you a convert/revert or were you raised within this religion? If you converted, what did you need to do to convert? And what did you practice prior to converting?
I was previously Jewish, and attended an Orthodox Jewish High School. I converted to Islam after realizing that many of the issues I found within Judaism were resolved within Islam. Conversion starts in the heart, and one who believes in his heart is indeed a believer in Islam. However, it is common practice that one recites the testimony of faith (known as 'Shahadah') in both Arabic and their native language ("I testify that there is no deity worthy of worship except God, and I testify that Muhammad is his last and final messenger") in front of witnesses.

3)Within your religion are there degrees of observance (ie. Orthodox,conservative, moderate, liberal)? What are the defining differences between the degrees of observance?
There are certainly sects within Islam, and like any practice, there certainly exists variation in the degree of practice. However, the commonalities and shared practices outweigh the differences and divisions among many sects. When we gather to pray, we all stand next to one another facing the Lord, regardless of sect, race, ethnicity, nationality, or anything else that may distinguish us from one another. Unfortunately, sectarianism has caused much strife in recent decades. But I do believe that religion is meant to break down the barriers between man.

4)Within your religion what degree of observance are you ((ie. Orthodox,conservative, moderate, liberal) ? Why did you choose this degree of observance?
I would consider myself Muslim first and foremost - and I shy away from sectarianism. I'm just a Muslim who has a lot of room for improvement. As Muslims, we believe that worship is not only in regards to prayer and fasting, but also in how we deal with our fellow human beings and the community around us. Worship is in following that which God has mandated to be good and abstaining from that which he has proclaimed to be bad. Being a 'good Muslim' boils down to two key elements: sincerity to the creator, and service to His creation. While I do pray five times a day, fast for the entire month of Ramadan, and attend the Mosque on a daily basis, (of course with human imperfection, I do sometimes grow lazy and lose sight of my priorities) I do have a lot of room for improvement in regards to living a truly and wholly God-mandated and pure life.

5)What is the Afterlife within your religion? For example: what happens when a person dies? Are there places for reward/punishment? (such as a Heaven/Hell concept)
This is a large topic that cannot possibly be covered in a short paragraph or two. But we do certainly believe that humans will ultimately be held accountable and judged according to what they did in this life. God says in the Qur'an that "anyone who has done even an atom's weight of good will see it; and anyone who does an atoms weight of evil shall see it." The Qur'an describes heaven as a garden wherein "rivers flow beneath." It is elaborated upon by our Prophet as a place where all of a human's wants are fulfilled. But in reality, we recognize that these are simply ways to help us understand the afterlife, whereas it is known that there will be aspects that are unfamiliar and unknown to us here on earth. Part of the beauty of paradise is being in the proximity of God.

Furthermore, those who do evil (elaborated upon in question #6) are warned of a fire whose fuel is man. Islam portrays hell in stark contrast to heaven, a place wherein no one would like to spend their afterlife – a place for those who disobey God's commands and fail to fulfill their purpose of existence due to their own failings, arrogance, stubbornness, and evil.

6) In your opinion, does everyone make it into heaven/paradise? If they do not, why?
God is referred to hundreds of times throughout the Qur'an as "the most merciful" and "the most forgiving." God does not expect those to believe who the message has not yet reached, for it says: "We do not punish people until we send them a messenger." In other words, humans are held accountable only for that which they have been made aware of. However, those who are condemned to hell in the Qur'an are largely those who have seen the signs and proofs of Islam, yet have stubbornly or arrogantly rejected them. Furthermore, evil-doers and oppressors will face punishment if they have not repented. In the hereafter, they will have to face the ugliness of their own soul and their own actions - a torment that they cannot escape, for it is within their own selves.

But God continually reminds us of his mercy and forgiveness: “Despair not for the mercy of Allah! Verily Allah forgives all sins. Truly he is oft forgiving, most merciful.”

7) What makes your religion a good fit for you?
I believe Islam to be a rational religion – a religion that does not find conflict in reason and science, but rather finds confirmation therein. Furthermore, it is a religion that promotes social justice and critical thought. It provides a straight path and a direct line to God without any intercessors, interruptions, or strings attached. It is a religion that I have found to contain balance (despite popular belief to the contrary) and offers true inner-peace. I feel spiritually and internally healthy.

Aside from the doctrinal aspects of the faith, the practicing community is largely quite friendly and welcoming. It took quite awhile for me to fully find my place in the Islamic Community where I live. But now that I have, I can truly say that I am in one of the happiest phases of my life, with a true passion to seek more knowledge and work to repair the image of Islam, through practicing the true teachings of the religion.

8) What are your holy days and what do you do to celebrate them?
Friday (Jumu'ah) is considered a particularly important day of the week for Muslims. All males must attend the Mosque, and attendance is optional (some may say recommended) upon females. Jumu'ah prayer is different from the regular prayers, as it is preceded by a sermon. Jumu'ah often becomes a communal event, as friends greet one another and often go out to lunch after the prayers.

Furthermore, we have two celebratory holidays:

Eid Ul-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, and lasts for three days. It is highly recommended, and some would say obligatory, for Muslims to attend a gathering in which there is a sermon and prayers, particular to Eid Ul-Fitr. The event is often held either in a large hall, an open field, or in the Mosque. Many Mosques celebrate it, with some sort of activity for families. People regularly give gifts to friends and family members.

Eid Al-Adha commemorates Abraham's willingness to follow through with God's command and sacrifice his son, before God spared him by replacing the child with a ram. For this holiday, which also lasts three days, Muslims once again attend prayers, a sermon, and then sacrifice a lamb, either individually or on behalf of the community. Traditionally, one third is offered to the poor, another third to neighbors, and the other third is consumed by the family.

9) Do you consider people of other faiths to be your friends?
Many of my friends are of other faiths. God commands us in the Qur'an to find shared similarities between each other, and rather than to argue about matters of religion, we are told to bring each other to common terms, such as the belief in One God.

10) Would you ever join people of another faith to celebrate one of their holy days? Please explain why?
I would not participate in any actions that would constitute sinful, disbelief or idolatry according to Islam, such as kissing a cross, praying to Jesus (who we believe to be a Prophet, though not divine), drinking alcohol, etc.. I would participate in the social aspects of other religions such as Shabbat lunches or dinners.

11) What are your thoughts on the burka, and Shariah Law?
I think Shariah is a terribly misunderstood and misused terminology. First of all, there is Islamic Law as implemented by the state (and not truly implemented anywhere in the modern world), but then also that which is simply implemented in an individual's life, such as the mandated means of worship. On the legal level, it is meant to encompass a set of moral principles to which I think most could agree upon, such as: the right to practice religion (minorities are protected under this as well), the preservation of life, the protection of property, the right to retain honor and dignity, and so on. It is not necessarily one clear and set in stone system, but encompasses a variety of interpretations. Furthermore, the laws themselves do not, and never have, applied to non-Muslims. But I do not think Shariah should be implemented in non-Muslim led societies, such as the United States.

Furthermore, while it is often focused on in the West for its penal code, Shariah's moral compass is often ignored. It promotes fair economics (with or without it being implemented on the state level), speaking up for justice, and many more honorable values.

I know many women who have chosen to wear the Niqaab (covers face, but unlike the Burqa, not the eyes). I do not personally find it to be necessary, but it is their right. For many women, it has become an empowering symbol of their identity in the West. The Qur'an does command modesty (though maybe Burqa is excessive) in order for a woman to retain respect, and not be judged according to her appearance. The Qur'an specifically says that women shall cover themselves modestly so that they will “not be harassed.” Many women find it empowering to be judged by their inner being as opposed to their appearance.

12) Are women allowed to hold religious office (priest, minister, rabbi, iman etc) in your religion and how do you feel about it?
Islam upholds women and men as equal, but not the same. There are physical and biological differences between women and men. Females may become Islamic scholars, teachers, and lecturers. Some of our most famous female figures were scholars and even warriors. But admittedly, I have much critique for the patriarchal structure that exists amongst many Muslim cultures. However, women should not lead other males in prayer according to most legitimate and scholarly opinions. One reason some say for this is that prayer involves bowing and prostrating, in which case it would not be appropriate for males to be standing behind the woman (and looking at her backside). Most Muslim women would feel uncomfortable revealing themselves in that way.

13) Does your place of worship segregate? If yes, how does this make you feel?
It does, and I think it is a means of clearing the mind. Especially in our college years, gender interaction and attraction can dominate social life. It can be extremely purifying to refrain from such thoughts and focus purely on God.

14) How much does your religion affect your daily life and how much thought do you give it when making a decision? Does it affect in any way your decision on abortion, gay marriage, etc?
I would say it effects every realm of my life, as it makes up my moral compass and dictates much of my day. Some issues do not dictate my politics, as I believe Islamic rulings in most cases apply only to Muslims. Islam accepts the diversity in laws amongst different peoples.

15) How would you react/feel if your child wished to marry outside your religion?
Muslim males are permitted to marry females from amongst practicing Jews or Christians. I feel a bit young to be thinking so far ahead, seeing as I am not even married yet, but I would obviously prefer my children to marry Muslims. I hope that would be a want from their own choice, and I hope to present Islam positively and instill a love of Islam within them, simply by being a good Muslim myself and raising them as such.

16) Who do you think is not a practicing ----- in your religion and why? ie who in the public domain claims to speak for your religion? Do you agree with them or not?
Islam is a non-hierarchical tradition. Because there is no unified Islamic leadership (as there was in the past), there is a void of an official spokesperson or voice for Islam, such as the Pope. Many do not know who to listen to and are unsure of who presents a proper view of Islam. I would suggest those interested in the religion to investigate scholars and Islamic leaders such as Shaykh Hamza Yusuf, Imam Zaid Shakir and Shaykh Yasir Qadhi, who are all widely listened to Western leaders.

17) Have you ever been the target of a hate crime? Please explain.
Not in the traditional sense, but as a Muslim, we hear prejudiced statements coming from the media, fellow citizens, and the Government on quite a regular basis. Islam has been a very difficult religion for me to make public, due to the current animosity towards Islam in much of the western world.

18) Do you ever feel like your religion devalues you?
Not at all. My religion gives me value. It teaches me not to care about what others think, and not to reach for material gain, but rather for eternal happiness that can only be achieved through focusing on doing good and working to improve my inner-self. I do not feel the need to please any human, or reach for material success – which is a force that causes many to feel devalued and despaired. I feel truly sorry for those who spend their whole life seeking monetary or hedonistic happiness, only to find that that sort of happiness does not exist.

19) Does your religion give you peace of mind?
My religion is ABOUT peace of mind.