While most discourses on religion focus on the positive aspects of ones own religion please share with us positive aspects of other religions. What have you learnt from them? What aspects of that religion would you like to co- opt in your life?
Re: Share your positive thoughts on other religions
are you talking about religion or culture which is often time misunderstood and the term is used interchangeably. right?
Re: Share your positive thoughts on other religions
I think mainstream Muslim jamats could do well by learning community fellowship from christian and jewish congregations. They are so well organzied and devout in the upkeep of their churches & synogogues, as well us their community outreach, fundraising and such. It's pitiful how lax we Muslims are on these things. Any masjid I've been too here in my city, no matter how big or small, has the same problems: wild kids running around while theirm moms yap away about the next dawat...water flowing away in the Wudhu areas because no one has sense enough to keep the area clean...paper towels clogging toilets because someone insists on flushing them down the commode...
Also, it's like pulling teeth to get anyone to volunteer or devote their time and effort to supporting our masjid activitees.
I am always in awe of the Ismaili community for this reason. The sheer dedication and furvor that they put into their Jamatkhanas is mind boggling. No matter where in the world...US/Canada, Europe, Africa or Indo/Pak...their Jamatkhanas are run like precision clockwork and their community really pours their heart and souls into building the community structure and supporting it's causes.
I'm not sure if that is what you meant by this thread Southie Uncle. I kind of see KKF's point about culture vs religion. I don't know that I can think of a particular tenant of another religion that I would admire, but I sure can think of alot of culture practices I wish Islam would adapt!
Re: Share your positive thoughts on other religions
Ok scope expanded to include difqferent culture also.
Re: Share your positive thoughts on other religions
Love love love the Sikh community! Their hospitality, simplicity, vivacity, and how close they are to each other! I don't know if that's got anything to with religion though, mostly social and cultural factors apply here. One religious practice in particular comes to mind. I asked my Sikhni friend what was the purpose of the little karaa/bangle thing I've seen on both men and women in her family, even babies! I can't remember what it was called but she said it's a reminder to do good and refrain from doing bad deeds with your hands. I thought that was really nice.
Re: Share your positive thoughts on other religions
I like the importance Buddhism gives to peace/harmony vs political and ritualistic nonsense.
Re: Share your positive thoughts on other religions
Buddhist Kung Fu monks 
Love them!!!
Re: Share your positive thoughts on other religions
I like the importance Buddhism gives to peace/harmony vs political and ritualistic nonsense.
This.
Re: Share your positive thoughts on other religions
Decades ago the wife was an equal opportunity food free loader eating dosaidli at Hindu household and biryani at a Muslim house! The Muslim jaunty would feed the poor off the same silverware rest of the household used. Now that is humanity at its best.
Re: Share your positive thoughts on other religions
I like the importance Buddhism gives to peace/harmony vs political and ritualistic nonsense.
Such teachings are very appreciative but highly impractical and disastrous for its adherents.
Remember, there is no justice in this world.
Re: Share your positive thoughts on other religions
Sikhs are the most generous givers and servers. We, the muslims, could learn a lot from them.
Re: Share your positive thoughts on other religions
I asked an American friend what was "Thanks Giving" day? He told me what it was and I really liked the concept behind it. He said It is a day in which families get together and to be thankful for what they have, memories of what they have lost and hope for a better future.
Nice, i like.
Re: Share your positive thoughts on other religions
I asked an American friend what was "Thanks Giving" day? He told me what it was and I really liked the concept behind it. He said It is a day in which families get together and to be thankful for what they have, memories of what they have lost and hope for a better future.
Nice, i like.
But Thanksgiving has nothing to do with religion. This may be the reason how that family celebrates the day but actually the reason it is celebrated is different. It looks like that American friend did not tell the story about Thanksgiving Day and its connection with Indians.
Re: Share your positive thoughts on other religions
There are no Sikh Beggars. That is probably the best thing I like about that religion. Says a lot about there self esteem.
Re: Share your positive thoughts on other religions
But Thanksgiving has nothing to do with religion. This may be the reason how that family celebrates the day but actually the reason it is celebrated is different. It looks like that American friend did not tell the story about Thanksgiving Day and its connection with Indians.
i know it has nothing to do with religion, he said it was pure US thing but now it has crossed the boarders. so anyone can celebrate it. No didnt tell me story of indians :-|
Re: Share your positive thoughts on other religions
There are no Sikh Beggars. That is probably the best thing I like about that religion. Says a lot about there self esteem.
Are you implying that Granth puts more emphasis on Charity "Infaq" than Islam, are you not confusing a community practice with religion?
Re: Share your positive thoughts on other religions
I am not implying anything. I am just sharing my observation.
I also heard that there are not pathan beggars either, and that is why I respect that quom so much.
Re: Share your positive thoughts on other religions
Jains carry do no harm to another level- cover their nose and mouth to avoid injesting small insects. They sweep the road in front of their foot to avoid stepping on small living beings such as ants.
Share your positive thoughts on other religions
I love the one-ness the jewish community possess. I love how they observe Sabbath and are internally disciplined when it comes to following the rules. We stayed in a hotel and there was some sort of a religious get together and it was also the day of Sabbath and not one of the little children took or had the desire to take elevators or touch the computer that was for public use or even head towards the tv lounge.
Re: Share your positive thoughts on other religions
I like the way African Americans celebrate in the church. High energy enthusiastic raise the roof singing