diwana
November 16, 2009, 8:03pm
16
I was born and raised gori, parents of european descent, lutheran (protestant) families. Growing up-, pork was just another type of meat as normal as chicken or beef. And my dad would have a nightly scotch and sometimes my mom would join him and have a cocktail. It was normal and acceptable behavior and we saw no ill effects of either.
The big divide has more to do with misunderstanding the whys and wherefores of this whole thing. A Muslim person is forbidden to drink alcohol and to eat pork because Allah forbade it. End of story. I think many times, the gori/goras dont understand that particular aspect of Islaam. I didnt. It took time and GS, getting to know Muslim people. In my ignorance, I used to think that Muslims frowned upon alcohol because they’d instantly turn into alcoholics which is SO very far from the truth. But that doesnt matter because it is forbidden to them. Allah does not ask much, He asks for prayer, for alcohol abstinence and not to eat pork so you must comply whether pork is healthy or not and whether the occasional beer is OK or not. THAT took me a long time to understand.
I think Muslims can help non-muslims understand these things better when this is explained. And when tolerance is practiced. I mean, alcohol is forbidden to Muslims but that doesnt mean you have to avoid any gathering where its served, you just cannot partake of it for yourself. But its not a big deal to just drink soda,juice or water and let the others do what they do. Refusing to attend at all makes for a rather confrontational situation yeah?
Yes!
Just when you said above pork is allowed in Christianity and Judaism (people of religion other than muslims) as a general comment that’s where there is some confusion.
Judaism does not allow pork. Some Christianity sects do not believe in eating pork, like the 7th day Adventists.
Regarding consuming alcohol there is also seems to be divide in Christianity. Not sure of Judaism. Need to check.
Even in Islamic early days alcohol was not prohibited till some time later.
