Karina, the prior thread that you opened in response to Robby’s original one was closed so I decided to answer here by commencing a new topic of discussion among guppies.
Firstly, you feel that Buddhism helps you grow as a person which prompted you to choose it over Hinduism. You also mentioned that at least in Hinduism, unlike in Islam let’s say, you can tweak the religion to your preference which is an appealing feature in your eyes. You hit the nail on the head here because this is exactly why Hinduism is not a “religion” to begin with as I have argued time and again. Hinduism as a “religion” is a misnomer for the very reason you speak of in your thread (that it can easily be altered to the believer’s preferences). There are no set guidelines. This attitude is also evident in the many Hindu tribes, factions, and castes that exist within India. In addition, just as you feel that Buddhism let’s you grow, so does Islam in the same way except that it seems to be thriving as the number of Muslims in the world grow exponentially. It is no secret that Islam is the fastest growing religion and this is definitely not by luck.
Secondly, you had posted that Islam is inherently rigid in belief and ideology. Let me enlighten you and others to the fact that Islam is an organized religion (of ONE God) however factions do exist even though there are a small number of them. Furthermore, even though these factions such as Sunni, Shia, Wahabi, etc. present their own slightly altered views, the standard underlying theme of Islam and its key components is quite evident in each faction. Muslim scholars from the time of the inception of Islam until now constantly debate issues from the Koran and the Hadiths even though the intention is never to significantly alter key factors of the religion. This is the reason why Islam is so popular. It is consistent and not one single letter in the original Arabic of the Koran has been changed to this day. This is the beauty of Islam, setting it apart from all monotheistic and non-monotheistic ideologies of the world.
I studied the three monotheistic religions at university (to a limited degree of course) and Islam is the only faith that actually makes any sense to me.
I honestly believe that one can only truly appreciate their religion if they are willing to open their horizons and objectively study other religions too without allowing pre-conceived notions to cloud their judgment. Only when you can compare and contrast the differences between various faiths (without bashing or insulting other religions) can a person see what their religion is truly about. This does not apply only to Islam. Any person, Hindu, Buddist, Christian can apply this practice to their religion .... study various religions simply for enlightenment purposes. :)
I completely disagree. Islam as a message is just like any other relgion. The literal interpretation is quite anachronistic and that is what is mostly followed.
This entire concept of the word not being changed as some kind of meritous asset of islam is quite silly. 5/6th of humanity considers that word to be untrue. So by not changing it you might actually be followng the wrong word.
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*Originally posted by Matsui: *
I completely disagree. Islam as a message is just like any other relgion. The literal interpretation is quite anachronistic and that is what is mostly followed.
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well whether or not it makes sense to U is a different story. but the fact is Islam is one of the fastest growing religion in the world. i am sure not everyone is being converted at the gunpoint. And ppl are following the same words all over the world blindly, there has to be some thing in the meanings of those words that make them think and accept it.
I have also taken courses in the major ideologies back in college and to me as well, Islam makes the most sense. The fact of the words, spelling, etc. not having been changed in the Koran through the centuries is not about the religion remaining archaic, it's about consistency and continuity. As I mentioned earlier, Islamic scholars continually debate issues just as scholars of any other religion might.
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*Originally posted by suroor_ca02: *
fact is Islam is one of the fastest growing religion in the world.
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Suroor - That's not a valid logic. Islam is probably the fastest growing religion but have you ever tried to figur out how ? Do you know any educated Individual who has converted to ISLAM just because he or she likes it or accepts it ? Well I have not seen anyone so far. Have you ever tried to figure out the population explosion in Third World Countries?
Islam is growing in America and one simple reason for that is American Muslim birth rate is 4.5 as compared to 1.9 overall. Some other reasons for that is many Muslim have immigrated to North America from other places .
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*Originally posted by Asif_k: *
Suroor - That's not a valid logic. Islam is probably the fastest growing religion but have you ever tried to figur out how ? Do you know any educated Individual who has converted to ISLAM just because he or she likes it or accepts it ?...
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I don't know where you live, but I have seen at least 10. Does it prove something to you or you were saying for the heck of it?
^ I find it hard to believe. Even if It is true, It still doesn't prove anything because the major reason for Islam's growth is the Birth Rate in the third world countries **not **Conversions.
If you want to prove me wrong, Go ahead and make my day.
This whole discussion of 'My religion better than yours' is simply stupid.
Suroor - That's not a valid logic. Islam is probably the fastest growing religion but have you ever tried to figur out how ? Do you know any educated Individual who has converted to ISLAM just because he or she likes it or accepts it ? Well I have not seen anyone so far. Have you ever tried to figure out the population explosion in Third World Countries?
Islam is growing in America and one simple reason for that is American Muslim birth rate is 4.5 as compared to 1.9 overall. Some other reasons for that is many Muslim have immigrated to North America from other places .
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ppl are converting to islam more then to any other religion........we have more white muslims in america then ever ...compare it with any other religion............
may be the point was raisd to prove their patriotism with hiduvita?
^ Perhaps you have not read Faisal's post yet. Anyways, your personal attacks aren't going to change the facts. I would appreciate If you can backup your claim (without any personal insults)
Asif, you must live in a very sheltered, secluded area because here where I live (NJ, USA) religious conversions at the masjid near me (it's an Arab-run masjid) are the norm and every weekend there are 3-4 people of other religions converting to Islam in front of other muslims and in the presence of witnesses that they bring with them to the masjid. It's wonderful to see the extent of power our faith has all across the globe.
Three white formerly-Christian childhood friends have converted to Islam a few years ago, in my neighbourhood. I'm sure this story has been repeated many times across Europe and the US.
To say the increase is mainly due to birth rate is facile.
Karina/Matsui,
I’m glad Buddhism’s working out for you, but if for any reason you’re still left wanting Islam will welcome you with open arms, only one pair though unlike Devi.
