Why Me ?

SPEED
By SPEED

 

Arthur Ashe, the legendary Wimbledon player was dying of AIDS which he got due to infected blood he received during a heart surgery in 1983.

From world over, he received letters from his fans, one of which conveyed:

"Why does GOD have to select you for such a bad disease"?

To this Arthur Ashe replied: "The world over -- 50 million children start playing tennis, 5 million learn to play tennis, 500,000 learn professional tennis, 50,000 come to the circuit, 5000 reach the grand slam, 50 reach Wimbledon, 4 to semi final, 2 to the finals, when I was holding a cup I never asked GOD 'Why Me?'. And today in pain I should not be asking GOD 'Why Me?' "

Happiness keeps you Sweet,
Trials keep you Strong,
Sorrow keeps you Human,
Failure keeps you humble and

Success keeps you glowing,

but only Faith & Attitude Keeps you going...

Speed Comments:

I received this thru email today, just thought to share the same with you.

Do you think Faith and Attitude keeps you going !!! 

 

By princess habibah• 19 Apr 2008 16:09
princess habibah

Mr. Paul,

 

the reasoning I have been answered with on one of my many interogations with scholars and those more knowledgable then me is the concept of Free Will.

 

The story reads that God created Angels who muslims believe did not have a choice in being obedient to him. When he created mankind the angels asked him why he created something that would cause bloodshed and hurt each other. And God said, I have knowledge that you do not have.

 

Later, this was explained to be because the fact that we believe and love God although we do not see him and obey him despite our preoccupation with this world is more beloved to him then the angel who has no choice but obedience. And when God commanded all the angels and jinn to bow down to humans they all obeyed accept Satan who rejected the command of God because of his arrogance. 

 

Now for Satan to see and acknowledge Gods glory and then to reject him is of the most heinous of sins.. hence the deepest part of hell fire is meant for him.

 

In order to give mankind Free Will God allows us to make our own decisions which is why we have the concept of punishment and reward. Because we must be responsible for our actions that we freely choose to do.

And the Quran states that affliction is only by what our own hands have earned. I.e. All the poverty, injustice in the world you see today is because of our own actions. Which God has promised he will be the swiftest in reward and perfect punishment for those who have caused such oppression.

 

He also makes it clear that we have the option to make this world a better place and that because we are weak and make mistakes he is willing to guide us to that which will be better in this life and the next.

 

It is said that he took every person out of Adams rib at the beginning of creation, allowed them to see his glory and asked them if they would like such a Holy challange and each and everyone of us accepted with the promise that we would not reject his Lordship. (in awe of his glory at this time).

 

In order to pass the test, He has also made this life full of hardships/ lessons for the believers which will increase them upon good and understanding and strengthen their resolve towards what is right.  And he has also promised to help those who ask it of him whether they be non muslims or muslims because when a person is oppressed and prays to him it is with perfect belief in his heart at that time.

 

Furthermore, those who have never had the right guidance will still be considered believers depending on their heart on the judgement day. And God knows best what is in our hearts.

 

And the person who has suffered the worst of this life will be dipped in Heaven and God will ask him if anything bad had happened to him in this world.

And the person will apply.. nothing bad has happened to me.

 

And he will dip the most pampered person in this life and he will say he had nothing of good in this life.

 

Another aspect we must remember when contemplating all of this is how fast life goes by. While we are suffering it can sometimes seem like life is going so slowly and the pain dragging on forever. But in reality life goes by so quickly. This life is just a short journey to our real destination which is in Allah's presence inshAllah ameen where we can experience his perfect love and happiness. That will never be existant in the persecuted and offended earth.

 

Sorry I have not explained this very well and jumping here and there. Just trying to put all I know and have learned on paper for you. I am probably not the best person to answer such questions. But I hope it gives you an idea of what Islam preaches. InshAllah ameen.

 

Anything which I have said that is wrong is from myself and anything right is from Allah ar-razaaq. May he forgive us and guide us to righteousness.

 

 

 

 

 

  

Maryum : Umm Hasan bint Abdullah Alshabrawishi

By Ragnarock Raider• 19 Apr 2008 15:34
Ragnarock Raider

But also, can you ask about the older religions than the "modern" ones....I mean the ones we have now relegrated to "mythology"....don't forget that the ancient chinese, japanese, aztec, mayan, greek, roman, babylonian, assyrian, norse, egyptian, african, amerindian, pacific islnaders, etc, etc, etc,...all had their own prophets and religions too (which modern monotheism dismisses as rubbish paganism and idolatry).

 

Stay safe.

  

Perfection does not exist. The question therefore, is: what level of imperfection are we willing to settle for?

By princess habibah• 19 Apr 2008 15:26
princess habibah

I think if you relooked at some of those religions one would find them sects from a religion that started with something similar to what you call "abrahamic" religions.  The fact is that we have very little evidence accept that these religions existed.

 

And it really is upon us to see the point of orgin of these religions came from very much like words in our vocabulary that change and adapt to a persons use of them throughout the years. In particular, one theory I have heard on hinduism is that it originated by jews who worshiped the cow under the leadership of moses to the promised land.

 

Yes you are right to point out that it does seem rather strange why particularly Zorastorian, Judaism, christianity, and Islam came from the same geographical area of the world and not anywhere else. And no other books are mentioned in the Quran as well.

 

This is a very good question and if I may I would like to ask a scholar what he thinks about this.  And my husband if he has any more knowledge then me in this area.

 

 

 

 

Maryum : Umm Hasan bint Abdullah Alshabrawishi

By anonymous• 19 Apr 2008 15:15
anonymous

Its an open forum...

 

 

[img_assist|nid=89096|title=.|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=|height=0]

 

 

By Ragnarock Raider• 19 Apr 2008 15:14
Ragnarock Raider

The historical facts are that so many prophets have come preaching so many different religions that you do not know who to believe. Considering that SO many different religions existed before islam....to claim that they are all false but that THIS one is right....to your statistical model, you have to say that it is very imrpobable at the very least.

 

Also, when you think about it, why would he send all his prophets to such a tiny goeraphical area? were the ancient chinese and mayans not worthy of his meesage? how come only the middle east received abrahamic prophets and not any other continents, and why only 2000 years ago? Surely you can see how he did not send so many prophets all preaching the same thing, since before that no one had heard of the concept....to be blunt....god hadn't been invented yet.

 

Stay safe.

 

Perfection does not exist. The question therefore, is: what level of imperfection are we willing to settle for?

By princess habibah• 19 Apr 2008 15:09
princess habibah

hiya

mr. paul who are you directing your question towards?

 

regards

 

Maryum : Umm Hasan bint Abdullah Alshabrawishi

By anonymous• 19 Apr 2008 15:03
Rating: 2/5
anonymous

Ok, if there is a God or whatever you choose to call him, if he made all men equal, how come there are rich, poor, perverts, drug users.War, famine, crime,  etc etc.

If hes supposed to be so fantastic, why doesnt  everybody have exactly the same.... houses, riches and so on .....

 

 The fact is, we have no fate except what we make for ourselves....

 

 

[img_assist|nid=89096|title=.|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=|height=0]

 

 

By princess habibah• 19 Apr 2008 14:50
princess habibah

I think you have to remember that islam or "Gods religion" has been brought to earth many many times by thousands of prophets. Each one of them preaching exactly the same thing.  Noah spent 950 years just preaching God is most deserving of worship to his people and he was here before Moses.

 

Islams claim is that these preachings have been changed. And this claim does hold alot of weight using the scientific concept of probability. Analytically looking at historical proof says this could have a ring of truth.

 So it is no surprise that aspects of the same code exists throughout the ages to a muslim.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maryum : Umm Hasan bint Abdullah Alshabrawishi

By Ragnarock Raider• 19 Apr 2008 14:33
Ragnarock Raider

Maybe the tought of a divine being who is never wrong judging everything is comforting to some, but there is no evidence of this; and the fact that the so called proof is in religious texts which plagiarise man made laws is evidence that there is no such thing as divine law.

 

I don't know how much clearer it needs to be....the fact that the ten commandements (which are supposedly the cornerstone of god's laws) are taken from Hamurabi's code proves that its all man made....I still don't understand how "believers" can be in denial about this.

 

Stay safe all. 

 

Perfection does not exist. The question therefore, is: what level of imperfection are we willing to settle for?

By princess habibah• 19 Apr 2008 14:10
princess habibah

Very interesting point jasscat...

 

In many ways I actually agree with you. As people we do have the tendancy to be selfish. And sometimes our actions are representative of our greed.

 

What ever happened being a good person because good is the right thing to do. Unfortunately that doesn' give us much of an explanation I suppose.

 

SPEED

I like what you said about doubt. Without doubt then we would not grow in our religion. As Oryx mentioned it is because atheists are open to theology that they learn more.  And I think when we open our minds by reading and experiencing different perspectives (which is usually because we have doubt about our own perspective) then it can consolidate our beliefs or change them for the better hopefully.

 

Although I have heard from scholars that we should tread carefully in this area with sound knowledge and understanding first.

 

Ragnarock I disagree on the hope of seeing societies develop for the better. As the progress is extremely limited and somewhat of a red herring in order to disguise that problems are still inherit in any man made system. And most people, such as yourself, are few in the battle towards good ( or don't get it right). Parents could be great people but our children may be despicable and horrible persons.

We have had thousands and thousands of years to develop what is right. The fact of life that greed, selfishness and evil exist in our world including existing with those making the legislation means it will always be imperfect. WE as humans are imperfect intellectually and no matter how hard we try will always remain in this condition despite the technological advances made.

 

This is where I believe that Islam must be from God because the rules are for all times and all generations. They work! And are based on human nature which will best ensure a system on earth. The only downside being human mistake and judgements that will always ensure justice will never be perfect on earth.

 

Hence the idea that God is the ONLY one who ensures perfect justice and guidance. And this life is a journey rather then the destination in order to test our resolve and battle through the hard times and desirable good times in life that can cloud our judgement of the true reality. (i.e. that God, the creator, deserves all worship).  With the promise that if we follow his guidance we will ensure the best justice system possible on earth and have perfect justice in the hereafter.  Because he is always right and never wrong and nothing good happens to us without his guidance.

 

 

 

Maryum : Umm Hasan bint Abdullah Alshabrawishi

By Ragnarock Raider• 19 Apr 2008 14:01
Ragnarock Raider

How was your weekend buddy?

 

Yeah I know what you mean by one topic at a time, but they are all so interrelated lol.

 

For me its not just a question of doubt....of belief in what cannot be proven (ie what you must take on "faith"), but what makes sense (and what doesn't).....with all due respect, religion just does dot make sense to me...and knowing humans propensity to make stuff up....it just doesn't make sense that TODAY's montheistic and polytheistic religions are true when all the past ones were bolony (again with all due respect to pagans and polytheists).

 

Stay safe all.

 

Perfection does not exist. The question therefore, is: what level of imperfection are we willing to settle for?

By SPEED• 19 Apr 2008 13:33
SPEED

RR ... welcome back bro.

 

Well it not the conclusion its just a start ... i always perfer to stick to one topic only so that the purpose is solved. Coz each topic needs lots of discussions may be it can days ... but if we skip to other topic the purpose will never reach its conclusion !

Did you go thru the concept of doubt ? coz I believe that main reason people never reach to the point.

I will come the the Body Soul and Spirit since it's very long discussion ! 

 

 

[img_assist|nid=53652|title=|desc=|link=none|align=center|width=|height=0]

 

He who purifies his heart from doubt is a believer - Imam Ali (AS)

By Ragnarock Raider• 19 Apr 2008 13:20
Ragnarock Raider

But may I ask what you are basing all this on? Is there any proof of this (besides religious texts)? I'm just  curious how you came to this conclusion.

 

Stay safe all.

 

Perfection does not exist. The question therefore, is: what level of imperfection are we willing to settle for?

By SPEED• 19 Apr 2008 13:10
SPEED

Sorry for late reply ! i went out to buy something for home ....

Well I can tell you one thing unless until you don't clear your doubts you will never understand the concepts ... as i mentione above to RR that doubt are of 2 types  ... for details you may read above again so that to concept is clear to you before we proceede to discuss soul.

 

Human being are made of three parts: 1) Body 2) Soul and 3) Spirit

to understand this i can give you simple example:

Body is an executive tool to carry out soul will such a computer hardware, it exist in physical domain only.

The soul is the self and has desire and anger and has been given the reasoning power to differentiate between good and evil. soul exist in both spritiual and physical domains but not at once and moves between them freely, it is like a sofware to a computer.

and Spirit this is something bit complicate since only God know what it really is! but to short the description spirit keeps us alive by channelling God's energy to our soul and body ... it is like a power to the computer..

 This is how the system works .... so when the soul depart from the body the spirit also  leaves this in only in case of death. But when a person is sleeping the soul departs for time being and spirit remains in the body to keep the body active ....

as far heart is concern its function is to pumps the blood and keep the circulation moving .. heart pumps due to soul and spirit !

 

 

[img_assist|nid=53652|title=|desc=|link=none|align=center|width=|height=0]

 

He who purifies his heart from doubt is a believer - Imam Ali (AS)

By anonymous• 19 Apr 2008 11:09
anonymous

As for the soul..What is the soul, and who can define it.

And whos to say the soul goes up  or down to these so called places, after all, no ones ever been to heaven or hell, and returned to tell the tale.

 

[img_assist|nid=89096|title=.|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=|height=0]

 

 

By SPEED• 19 Apr 2008 11:04
SPEED

It's your belief only ! but for 1 sec. give a thought to your body what is it ? nothing once you die it will merge in the sand .. so what is that thing which is keep you alive ? It's a soul in our body .....  once a person dies the soul departs .. do you agree with this concept ?

 

[img_assist|nid=53652|title=|desc=|link=none|align=center|width=|height=0]

 

He who purifies his heart from doubt is a believer - Imam Ali (AS)

By anonymous• 19 Apr 2008 11:01
anonymous

As far as im concerned, you die and thats it, no heaven, no hell..Nothing !

 

But like i say, my beliefs only...

 

 

and im not arguing, just disscussing...

 

[img_assist|nid=89096|title=.|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=|height=0]

 

 

By SPEED• 19 Apr 2008 10:57
SPEED

 I respect your view, it's not argument just discussion !

Well when you say Born, Live and Die and there is no higher ... so mean to say you dont' believe in life after death ? 

 

[img_assist|nid=53652|title=|desc=|link=none|align=center|width=|height=0]

 

He who purifies his heart from doubt is a believer - Imam Ali (AS)

By SPEED• 19 Apr 2008 10:54
SPEED

Even religion does not stop you to study or do research openly if it is in terms of research and to gain knowledge !! You have mental freedom in religion too ... 

 

[img_assist|nid=53652|title=|desc=|link=none|align=center|width=|height=0]

 

He who purifies his heart from doubt is a believer - Imam Ali (AS)

By anonymous• 19 Apr 2008 10:54
anonymous

I beleive there is no higher being, thats my view only. You can follow any beliefs you choose, thats called freedom of choice...

 

 

 

[img_assist|nid=89096|title=.|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=|height=0]

 

 

By Oryx• 19 Apr 2008 09:46
Oryx

I would being an atheist can lead to greater curiousity sometimes because you are more open to reading and learning about different theories and points of view.

It can be mental freedom it doesn't necessarily imply mental apathy.

I think you have to see if the person is an atheist out of choice or apathy.

By SPEED• 19 Apr 2008 09:39
SPEED

how will you clarify your doubts without doing any research ? If you don't believe in Past then am sorry you will never see future too !

 

[img_assist|nid=53652|title=|desc=|link=none|align=center|width=|height=0]

 

He who purifies his heart from doubt is a believer - Imam Ali (AS)

By anonymous• 19 Apr 2008 06:41
anonymous

We are living in the 21st century.

 

 

[img_assist|nid=89096|title=.|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=|height=0]

 

 

By anonymous• 18 Apr 2008 18:03
anonymous

" Most people have a very skewed view of atheists... ...

And I don't mean you specifically PH....but for some reason people

assume that if we don't believe in the divine, then we must all be

immoral sobs!" 

 

 Like has already been said on here, i do what i do cos its morally the right thing to do.

 

[img_assist|nid=89096|title=.|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=|height=0]

 

 

By SPEED• 18 Apr 2008 16:51
SPEED

I agree with you, that if doing someone a favor for getting a benefit out of it   (from that person) does not fit in the word "help" but with the intention to please Allah (GOD) and with the fear of God is definately a reward from Allah (GOD) .. this is the point !!

 

[img_assist|nid=53652|title=|desc=|link=none|align=center|width=|height=0]

 

He who purifies his heart from doubt is a believer - Imam Ali (AS)

By dreamandsmile• 18 Apr 2008 06:20
dreamandsmile

Hello everyone,

When something goes wrong, I try to fix it.  But if the problem is unmanageable that's when I let my faith take control.  Plus having an optimistic attitude makes a huge difference because regardless of how complexed your problems are there's always hope that things will get better.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

 

 

By jassKat• 18 Apr 2008 05:06
jassKat

 

be patient Mr. Speed :P

 

 

tra la la

By SPEED• 18 Apr 2008 05:02
SPEED

 

[img_assist|nid=53652|title=|desc=|link=none|align=center|width=|height=0]

 

He who purifies his heart from doubt is a believer - Imam Ali (AS)

By jassKat• 18 Apr 2008 04:59
jassKat

 

better have faith that I will dump you :P

Hope you have your bathing suit :D

 

 

tra la la

By SPEED• 18 Apr 2008 04:57
SPEED

but my discussion is purely based on FAITH !!! 

 

[img_assist|nid=53652|title=|desc=|link=none|align=center|width=|height=0]

 

He who purifies his heart from doubt is a believer - Imam Ali (AS)

By SPEED• 18 Apr 2008 04:55
SPEED

when i say that it means that it's not one expecting reward from others except from God which He has promised to give .... on the day of judgement  each person will answer for his deeds ... based on his deeds (good or bad) then God will decided who goes to hell n who goes to heaven ...

Ofcourse this has to do with doing good on Earth helping needy, praying to God, being honest, loyal and sincere with others and with God all these qualities are counted as good .... bad i don't need to tell ... yea someone has bad intentions to dump me in the nitro liquid and see my body scattered

 

[img_assist|nid=53652|title=|desc=|link=none|align=center|width=|height=0]

 

He who purifies his heart from doubt is a believer - Imam Ali (AS)

By jassKat• 18 Apr 2008 04:38
jassKat

 

Well I work hard because it is my responsibility and I want to show that I am good at what I do not because I want a raise or monetary reward. In fact, most days I end up work way past my shift with no monetary reward since I am on salary. I do it because I want to get the work done, and help the patients!

 

I am just a little confused what you say :" helping others has nothing to do with rewards .... it's a God's promise

that he will reward you if you help others specailly needy people !"

sounds like a reward system to me..."God will reward you if you help others"! Do you think a lot of people would help others if there was no promise of an afterlife reward? I ont think they would. My point is, people who dont believe in heaven yet still do their best to help others are truly the generous ones. 

 

 

tra la la

By SPEED• 18 Apr 2008 04:32
SPEED

helping others has nothing to do with rewards .... it's a God's promise that he will reward you if you help others specailly needy people !

Same goes with something to do at work !! why do you work hard ? why do you work with honesty ? why ? ofcourse to get reward in shape of promotion/ salary increase/ monetary reward/ bonus/ excellent apprisal etc...

Do you call this selfish ! 

 

[img_assist|nid=53652|title=|desc=|link=none|align=center|width=|height=0]

 

He who purifies his heart from doubt is a believer - Imam Ali (AS)

By jassKat• 18 Apr 2008 04:19
jassKat

 

 

guess I see it a little differently speed... 

In my eyes people who only help others so they theselves can be rewarded is pretty selfish. That said, I know most people doent act that way...well at least I hope they dont!  

tra la la

By ANAS1• 18 Apr 2008 04:14
Rating: 4/5
ANAS1

yes , wondeful and great message

By SPEED• 18 Apr 2008 03:51
SPEED

Try to understand the Doubt and clear them from your heart then you will know where you stand !

 

[img_assist|nid=53652|title=|desc=|link=none|align=center|width=|height=0]

 

He who purifies his heart from doubt is a believer - Imam Ali (AS)

By SPEED• 18 Apr 2008 03:49
SPEED

Hell n Heaven are created by God .... this life is Temporary and we are in a Temp world ... God has created us and wanted to see who are his good people and who are bad ...  everything is infornt of our eye and choice is ours ! 

 

[img_assist|nid=53652|title=|desc=|link=none|align=center|width=|height=0]

 

He who purifies his heart from doubt is a believer - Imam Ali (AS)

By jassKat• 18 Apr 2008 01:45
jassKat

 

I believe that those who do good, not because they think they will be rewarded in the afterlife, but because they really want others to succeed are far better people at the core then those who do good just so they will get to heaven. To me, those people are shelfish.

 

tra la la

By SPEED• 18 Apr 2008 01:33
SPEED

lol ... i know you are not one of them ! i meant for those whose doubts are dark and they never accept the truth are living in dark world..

 

[img_assist|nid=53652|title=|desc=|link=none|align=center|width=|height=0]

 

He who purifies his heart from doubt is a believer - Imam Ali (AS)

By Ragnarock Raider• 17 Apr 2008 15:14
Ragnarock Raider

And I like how you use doubt to reinforce your faith...but what makes you say that without "checking it" it becomes self defeat or cynicism? I have doubts and i'm not a depressed suicidal arrogant self-defeatist...at least I hope I'm not lol.

 

Can't wait to read more...keep 'em coming please Speed! 

 

Stay safe all.

 

Perfection does not exist. The question therefore, is: what level of imperfection are we willing to settle for?

By SPEED• 17 Apr 2008 14:49
SPEED

First of all let me be very specific that I am in no intention to convert you to Any religion... my pure intention is to clarify what Faith is as per my little knowledge, i am not a scholar but I am a student and still in the stage of learning:

 

I will start with DOUBT:

Doubt is not not always bad, somtimes it is essential and doubt is analogous to pain, and when you have pain it tells us something nearby or within us dangerous to our body and thus it is a call for attention and action... same goes with doubt which tell us something in us such as concept, idea or framework of thinking and deserve attention which could be harmful, imbalance or false !

There is also self destructive kind of doubt (darkside) that only lead to depression and spritual self-sabotage, likt sensitivity is a wonderful gift, and anger is a necessary emotion, but sensitivity or anger out of control can lead to depression. Doubt is the same way... Out of control, it becomes unbelief, a hard heart, an arrogant or defeatist cynicism. But in balance, it is our Geiger counter for error. Without it .. we would be gullible, naive and not great spiritual qualities!!!

So fist thing we should clean our heart with doubts and if we don't have any doubt we are asleep. Your faith in God or not but doubts keeps us awake and moving ... this clearing of doubt is Faith ! Once we have faith in our heatrs we can feel the power , something that there is some power or source which is controlling this Universe, the Earth, the Solar System etc... once we find out who is that who is creator of this Universe and still controlling ,, we are on the right path...

 

Opps... it's time to to go home will continue from there !

 

[img_assist|nid=53652|title=|desc=|link=none|align=center|width=|height=0]

He who purifies his heart from doubt is a believer - Imam Ali (AS)

By Ragnarock Raider• 17 Apr 2008 11:38
Ragnarock Raider

I look forward to reading your input when you get the time bro.

 

Have a great day.

 

Stay safe.

 

Perfection does not exist. The question therefore, is: what level of imperfection are we willing to settle for?

By SPEED• 17 Apr 2008 11:35
SPEED

No worries, any type of PEACEFUL discussions are welcome. Am bit busy at work but for sure I will join you soon .... Yes it is fascinating discussion. I respect your views and would like to share mine too ! but not now later once am free since these discussions need Peace of mind and free time ...

 

 

[img_assist|nid=53652|title=|desc=|link=none|align=center|width=|height=0]

By Ragnarock Raider• 17 Apr 2008 10:03
Ragnarock Raider

Not every human can agree on what is right or wrong......just as not all religions can agree on what is a sin or not....and that the problem of why religion cannot be a UNIFYING code....because we do not all share the same superstitions....which religion is to be our guide? what crtiteria do we go by? and do all religions serve all people's needs?

 

But that is precisely why they have always been fabricated by humans since the dawn of time.

 

Why they are so different depending on the era, culture and even georaphical region they emerged from....did you know for instance that in the Inuit belief system "hell" is the coldest place imaginable??? Fascinating stuff....doesn't seem so crazy when compared to the desert religions that descibe "hell" as the hottests place imaginable lol. 

 

As a believer in ONE religion, you are already an atheist in all the other gods that your own religion will tell you are man made...so why is yours any different? That is the fundamental arrogance of religion in decrying all others as fake except its own!

 

But again from a species standpoint, religion is not strictly necessary to promote rules that lead to a more harmonious existence. We are after all social creatures, and our societies need structure and order....that has never changed, only the form has shifted...but laws can do just that without the additional packaged nonsense....as societies develop, old religions falls by the wayside and are replaced with new ones.....lets just hope we eventually can progress intellectually to a point where these fabrications are no longer necessary.  

 

Stay safe. 

 

Perfection does not exist. The question therefore, is: what level of imperfection are we willing to settle for?

 

P.S. Very sorry to have highjacked your thread SPEED...but this is a fascinating discussion (to me at least).

By mallrat• 17 Apr 2008 09:52
mallrat

Faith and good attitude will keep you  going.

 

Never go younger by a month, a hard bod is no substitute for wisdom.

By syamsat• 17 Apr 2008 09:51
syamsat

true..When god selects us for a fortune, we don't ask why me..but for bad, we do ask. 

By princess habibah• 17 Apr 2008 09:51
Rating: 3/5
princess habibah

lol ragnarock

 

without hijacking this thread anymore.

 

May I just say

 

Yes we do have both aspects you are very right.

We use the Quran as a guide to what is right and wrong because as you know not everyone human would agree with you on what is right and wrong.  So it only goes to show that the good existant from the beginning of time has not been practiced as it is only from our own hands that have caused the affliction. 

 

Religion, if nothing else, is a way of unifying a persons belief and by placing faith and the promise of paradise in their heart and this commits them to doing those natural acts of good inherited since the beginning of time.  

 

 All actions commanded in the Quran is in order to create a system of unity and agreement between the people in order to establish justice on earth. Not so that it will be perfect but better then before which would give the best possibility towards ensuring everyones rights (on earth)

 

So it is the execution and understanding of good that we differ. Not on the goal of that good or some aspects of it.

 

The other aspect, as you have mentioned, is that we believe a God exists and deserves all our worship. And it is the belief in him, what he has sent as guidance, and that all good comes from him that the promise of paradise refer too.

 

 

 

Maryum : Umm Hasan bint Abdullah Alshabrawishi

By paul• 17 Apr 2008 09:43
paul

Good Message

By Ragnarock Raider• 17 Apr 2008 09:30
Rating: 4/5
Ragnarock Raider

Because these rules...and yes they are necessary for harmony and happiness of the species....came about LONG before religion....and though religion TRIES to claim them as its own invention....anyone who has access to a history book would know otherwise....and by the way the two are not so intertwined that you cannot have one without the other.....again atheists are moral but not religious.

 

And the prospect of a better FUTURE is hardly a "reward" for us, since we will be dead...its a "reward" for our children....pretty selfless  of us atheists....whereas heaven is a selfish reward for the souls of the faithful themselves.

 

So upon closer inspection we can see that while the outcome is the same, the motivation of "believers" (to me at least) seems very selfish indeed....but as long as they do not harm others or force their beliefs, then I can live with that.

 

Stay safe all.

 

Perfection does not exist. The question therefore, is: what level of imperfection are we willing to settle for?

By princess habibah• 17 Apr 2008 09:23
princess habibah

 I also do it despite the existance of a reward. And may I add that it bothers me when people try to entice the selfishness in other.  

 

LIke you said, some things are just the right thing to do. And I think most people would like good for themselves and the rest of the world.

 

But we cannot deny that by doing good we are, in fact, rewarding ourselves with a better life for everyone on earth. (or trying to at the very least).

 

In fact the whole purpose of all the rules of our religion is setting the yardstick (besides prayer and belief) as to what is right and wrong so we can make the world a better place for ourselves, family, and friends.

 

Many atheists have commented on the ingenuity of our laws in this regard.

 

Maryum : Umm Hasan bint Abdullah Alshabrawishi

By Ragnarock Raider• 17 Apr 2008 09:12
Rating: 2/5
Ragnarock Raider

But our motivations are different.....you do it (presumably) to avoid hellfire and receive a reward from your god....I do it despite the non existence of such things....that's not to say that you love your kids any less.....but even at some subconcious level you are expecting a reward for your "good" deeds.

 

Stay safe.

 

Perfection does not exist. The question therefore, is: what level of imperfection are we willing to settle for?

By Ragnarock Raider• 17 Apr 2008 09:10
Ragnarock Raider

And I don't mean you specifically PH....but for some reason people assume that if we don't believe in the divine, then we must all be immoral sobs!

 

I say again that moraility supercedes religion! The ten commandements were written by a MAN centuries before moses' burning bush.

 

Stay safe all.

 

Perfection does not exist. The question therefore, is: what level of imperfection are we willing to settle for?

By Ragnarock Raider• 17 Apr 2008 09:08
Ragnarock Raider

The journey of life (for me at least) begins with my birth and ends with my death....I don't believe in anything after that...does that mean I shouldn't live my life to the fullest? try my best to help others when I can? provide for my loved ones? contribute meaningfully to the betterment of all humanity?

 

Of course i'll strive for all those things, because its the right thing to do....not because of a paradise that awaits me if i'm "good"!

 

Stay safe all.

 

Perfection does not exist. The question therefore, is: what level of imperfection are we willing to settle for?

By princess habibah• 17 Apr 2008 09:07
princess habibah

So you strive on for the love of your daughter?

 

p.s. don't know if I'll succeed or not but i'm still going to try as well.

 

Maryum : Umm Hasan bint Abdullah Alshabrawishi

By princess habibah• 17 Apr 2008 09:05
princess habibah

Out of curiousity,

 

What keeps a person going or living through adversity if they have no destination?

 

Maryum : Umm Hasan bint Abdullah Alshabrawishi

By Ragnarock Raider• 17 Apr 2008 09:04
Rating: 3/5
Ragnarock Raider

My goal is to secure a future for my daughter and i do it reagrless of wether I will succed or not...so i'm not doing it for the reward....because I may not succeed, but I do it anyways because its the right thing to do.

 

Stay safe.

 

Perfection does not exist. The question therefore, is: what level of imperfection are we willing to settle for?

By Ragnarock Raider• 17 Apr 2008 09:02
Ragnarock Raider

To me "faith" is such a nebulous concept and seems to be too arbitrary....I mean I have "faith" in gravity, does that make me spiritual in any way?

 

No, I was talking about the belief in the supernatural or divine....religion (wether formal and structired or not) in other words....and not everyone has that or needs/wants it.

 

Stay safe.

 

Perfection does not exist. The question therefore, is: what level of imperfection are we willing to settle for?

By princess habibah• 17 Apr 2008 09:02
Rating: 3/5
princess habibah

 

 Ahh but they do have a reward..

 

They were able to secure a place in this world for themselves that was better than the last place they held.

 

So they have faith in themselves that all good comes to them by their own actions.

 

 

Maryum : Umm Hasan bint Abdullah Alshabrawishi

By princess habibah• 17 Apr 2008 09:00
princess habibah

 

 Ragnarock,

 

Whats your explanation for all the trials and tribulations that afflict mankind?

 

Maryum : Umm Hasan bint Abdullah Alshabrawishi

By Ragnarock Raider• 17 Apr 2008 09:00
Ragnarock Raider

But just remember that its not universal.....there are those who have tasted adversity and suffered, and still went on to give their best to secure a future for themselves and their family WITHOUT "faith"....they never quit and never expected a "reward" either....to me personally, THOSE are the true heroes of the world!

 

Stay safe all.

 

Perfection does not exist. The question therefore, is: what level of imperfection are we willing to settle for?

By LAMBORJEEPNEY• 17 Apr 2008 08:58
LAMBORJEEPNEY

reading your post speed.

 

"Fascinated with Supercars but can’t afford it yet, so I settle down for a humble Jeepney. Proud Noypi!"

By princess habibah• 17 Apr 2008 08:53
Rating: 2/5
princess habibah

 

 I do! If it wasn't for my faith I would have quit a long time ago.

If it wasn't for my hope and realization that with every hardship comes ease!

If it wasn't for my frame of mind (attitude) I would have lost the plot of my faith.

I am trying to do the best I can in what little time I have. And praying I don't miss the mark.

 

And the insight in this email could only have been written by someone the world humbled with oppression.  Someone who has been made to realize that the lessons of life are taught through our trials and tribulations.  

 

 

 

Maryum : Umm Hasan bint Abdullah Alshabrawishi

By anonymous• 17 Apr 2008 08:51
Rating: 2/5
anonymous

      got tears in my eyez after reading this...

  [img_assist|nid=13716|title=|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=|height=0]

[img_assist|nid=26062|title=|desc=|link=none|align=center|width=|height=0]  

   "Imagination is more important than knowledge"

By Ragnarock Raider• 17 Apr 2008 08:45
Rating: 3/5
Ragnarock Raider

The only effect it has is: it might help you deal with the hardships if you think its for a purpose....and for most people, that's the PRIMARY function of a belief system.

 

Others don't relly need that kind of mental crutch.

 

Whatever works for you is just fine....as long as you don't hurt others or insist on trying to force your system of beliefs on others.

 

Stay safe all.

 

Perfection does not exist. The question therefore, is: what level of imperfection are we willing to settle for?

By JaYTeR• 17 Apr 2008 08:40
Rating: 3/5
JaYTeR

nice one... enlightening...

Live and Die with DIGNITY!

 

-JaYTeR-

 

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