The Islamic Bulletin Volume X IX No. 24 Page 2 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Dear Editor, Assalamu Alaikum, I just wanted to thank the writers of the Islamic Bulletin for publishing a beautiful and uplifting newsletter. I read the Ramadan issue and Alhamdulillah, as always, I learn something new every time. The articles provide plenty of interesting and informative topics that keep both young and old very satisfied. Although I enjoy every section of the Islamic Bulletin, my favorites are always “Why I Embraced Islam” and “Cook’s Corner.” I have read every single one of your issues since they first were produced in 1991. I read my first issue of the Islamic Bulletin at the Masjid in San Francisco. I was a young student at the time and SubanAllah, now 18 years later, I am a mother and have a wonderful family. The Islamic Bulletin continues to grow with me as I get older. Inshallah, I hope to see more issues of the Islamic Bulletin so I can share and pass them along with my children as they are growing up. Asma El Ghasseyn, Santa Clara, California Dear friend in Islam, It is very kind of you to write to me and reply also with the resources mentioned. I will also carefully read these. My wife and I talked more about Islam this evening. Sometimes when I care for our cats, I think of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), for I’ve read he loved animals and had a cat of his own. Had I know him, I think I would have loved him as a friend and brother. See responses in italics by Imam Taher I was raised Christian and went to Christian High School in USA. Am now 44 years old, and worked previously as a Christian radio announcer. Also lived in Christian and Messianic-Jewish type communal groups, seeking to more closely follow what is recorded of the teachings of Isa/ Jesus. I have been greatly troubled by some of the teachings of Isa , such as giving up everything to follow him and forsaking family and friends, even children, to obey him. I have friends in a communal group called the Twelve Tribes who believe this way, but I am not totally convinced about their life in seeking to be New Israel or what they feel Christianity should have been etc. It’s a long story. I find when I follow Christianity or a hybrid form of it, I have a tendency to pray and talk with Isa/Jesus, but I have always questioned this. Some people think he is God, I think this is false and agree with Islam that Allah is One and only One. Others think he is not God, yet still pray to him. Very very much confusion. Troubling. And for many Christians they feel much guilt to even question these matters. It also troubles me that after reading the Bible for years, I sense the Roman Christians may have edited heavily and censored. I cannot prove this, but something in me says yes, the whole story is not told, and Isa’s childhood and teenage years is mostly missing. For a time, I also prayed to a Heavenly Father and Mother, who are two but one. Have since stopped. So, Islam seems to want people to carefully question and examine to find Truth, and this seems good. I feel Islam can answer many of societies problems and abuses. It has something to say about government, and banking, and taking care of one’s family. I stand firmly with what I understand in Islam against the sale of drugs and alcohol and it is completely Satanic that pornography is allowed to flow to homes through the Internet. I also greatly respect the modesty in clothing by sincere Muslim women. Is Islam firm about the above matters? Islam is quite firm about such things, and has many teachings in each of these areas. On a personal spiritual prayer level, the daily prayer times seem very honorable to the Creator. No religion I have known does this, except some monastic groups. Very important, I feel idolatry is in most other religions. Very troubling. Islam takes special precautions it would seem to keep it out. But these concerns I also have. I realize you may be very busy. But if you wish to answer/comment, anything you say is very valuable to me: -It seems a daunting task for me to learn the language of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Does Allah accept prayers in English? Should I walk the Muslim path, I think I could very gradually learn with help, but it would be a challenge. Allah accepts prayers in ANY language. You will only be required to learn the (small) prayers done in ritual prayer (Salat), but you can take your time learning them. -I find it hard to know if the shedding of animal, or Isa’s blood is required by Allah so that human sins can be forgiven. Very troubling. I am not sure I understand. The only thing REQUIRED for forgiveness for ones sins, is to ask God (in any language), and we believe He forgives. -I have no real Muslim friends, and I wonder if in general, are Muslim men kind and loving to their wives, and are the women happy and live lives of meaning in Islam. Muslim men and women are generally very happy people. Of course, like all others, there are some troubled cases, but it is not even close to what the media portrays. Islam places great emphasis on good treatment of ones spouses (wives and husbands), so you’d be surprised how happy Muslim families are. -Human slavery concerns me, and I’ve heard in some Muslim countries that people buy and sell other humans. It doesn’t seem like the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) or Allah would want this to go on. Human slavery still exists in America and the west in many forms. In the pre-Islamic days, slaves were bought/sold and had NO rights. Islam came and gave them rights. The right to eat, religion, fair treatment, fair wage, etc. - Islam also encouraged the freeing of slaves, hence you will read that the companions of the Prophet bought and freed hundreds, if not thousands of slaves. - Gradually, slavery was eradicated. - Allah and the Prophet do NOT encourage slavery. Just placed rules for fair treatment. -I also wonder if I became Muslim if I would be accepted in other countries by Muslim men since I am American and becuse of what happened with Iraq. There are so many (white) American/British Muslim men who live,
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTUxNjQ1