I know we have so many intellectuals and scholars on this website. This Ayyah of Holy Qu¡¯ran make me think again on this thing that I was asked by a person once. That what is his/her fault if he/she was born in a Christian family or Jews or Hindu or any other and why you are lucky people born in a Muslim family or what is your skill or ability in it. ¡°Aap ka kia karnama hai ke aap Muslim gher mein paida hoay. Meree kia ghalatee hai ager mein apnay parents ke batay hoay raastay per chalta/chaltee hoon¡± I thought if I were him/her would I be able to change my culture religion? Would I be able to learn about a new religion in my life after I was 20 or 25 ? could I have change it ? The answer I got, I would be HONEST with you was¡¦¡¦.probably NO Please comment. I am confused .i am sorry if this question hurts any of you.
This is something that i have been asking myself a couple of times. In my opinion, being born muslim doesnt really mean that i am a muslim...unfortunately thats what the misconception is with most of the muslims (born muslims). You have to build up a faith yourself and that you can do only by practicing, and not just by calling yourself a muslim.
At the same time, i would also like to add that being a born muslim, one has an edge over the others...if he is forunate, he has greater exposure to Islamic rituals as opposed to one who was born in a non-muslim family. But again, this is where the concept of da'wa comes in...its your duty being a muslim to spread Islam as much as you can. I am not going to discuss how da'wa should be practised...but one can not ignore the importance of inviting others to a right path.
Dear Uff! You are right in a way. Here I want to share few core concepts with you.
In the holy Quran ALLAH has said "ALLAH is the creator and owner of all that exists in HIS world, universe and in the heavens and that it is HIS power (noor) that has given life and/or characteristic to every thing that exists.
In the holy Quran ALLAH has said, "When ever HE decides to do something HE only orders (Ku'n) and it happens" This highlights Allah's status that HE does not do things by himself but gives orders.
In the holy Quran ALLAH has said, "ALLAH does not help people until they change what is in their hearts - nea'at".
In the holy Quran ALLAH has said, "On whom the hell is destined, ALLAH make their evil doings look good to them. And at another instance, "HE says O'Muhammad do not be impressed with the abundance of children and wealth that is given to the people of hell, for ALLAH has given all this to them so that when they die they die ignorant of their sins and ALLAH will put them in the hell"
In the Hadiath of Muhammad SAW it is stated that, "ALLAH has already written every action and its fate, and the ink has been dried"
In another Hadiat of Muhammad SAW it is stated that, "All actions are based on nea'at".
Some manifestations of the above:
That ALLAH already knows what is in every person's heart (nea'at) before hand.
That destiny of every thing that exists or will come into existence has been ascribed accordingly at the very onset.
That destiny has two dimensions: fate and behaviors.
That ALLAH bless righteous path to those who are destined to success and impose evil
path on those destined to end up in hell.
That what ever we do is by the order of ALLAH i.e. what ever He has destined upon us in accordance with his pre-hand knowledge of our nea'at.
That what ever we accomplish in our lives is the immediate outcome of our plans and actions which ALLAH has ordered upon us (and not that we do by the choice or our
intellect or physical strengths), and at the core all accomplishments is our fate that ALLAH has decided for us.
That we are accountable to our nea'at rest is controlled by ALLAH.
That only "True Prayers and Repentance" could change ALLAH's curse into blessings.
That one born to a Muslim parents is a blessing in it self and is also a part of one's destiny.
Though it is difficult to accept the concept especially in today's technological age but not if one tries to see it with a mind open to acceptance and subordination. Denying the reality does not change it. Just foucus on one thing that only thing that is in your control is your Nea'at for which you shall be judged upon.
You see, one thing is, I can live with doubt and uncertainty and
not knowing. I think it's much more interesting to live not knowing
than to have answers which might be wrong.
I don't feel frightened not knowing things, by being lost in a
mysterious universe without any purpose, which is the way it really is as far as I can tell. It doesn't frighten me.