Only logged in members can reply and interact with the post.
Join SimilarWorlds for FREE »

I Respect Different Beliefs and Values

I take the time to learn about and respect your beliefs so why can't you do the same for me?
I find it really horrible when people take a bash at Muslim beliefs cause most of these people haven't even read the Qur'an or the Hadith. They have no basis of where they're getting their knowledge from and are basically going by what the media and the people around them are saying. It's ridiculous.
It is my duty to learn and respect the beliefs of others but it's not because I may want to, but because this is what Islam teaches us. Didn't know that? Yeah.
I'm sick and tired of this. It's almost as if I should feel bad for being a Muslim or be like, trying to appease people because of what I believe. That's so wrong.
I'm not stupid, you know. I am educated. I do have a mind and I can think. If I'm a Muslim, it's for a reason so if you think you can talk down to me or degrade me because of this, you've sooo got another thing coming mate.
It's like, have you never heard of critical thinking before? Or how about checking the validity of your knowledge and sources? I guess it's easy for me to say, since I live in the UK and religious education is compulsory here. As well we that, I've been taught to think critically and check the validity of my sources, studying history and philosophy. I still think this is something that other people should do. Don't take things on face value and don't automatically assume the same opinion as the people around you - think instead!
And, of course, there is respect. I try to be as respectful as I can towards people and I never try to offend anyone, even if I disagree with them. Respect and understanding are so important in today's society but I'm seeing worryingly little of it. It's like, I don't even know what to do anymore.
How can you treat me so differently to how I treat you? Is this an indirect way of you telling me that you want me to bash your beliefs too? Freedom of speech is valid of course but there is a line, and offence definitely crosses it, especially as I am personally so tolerant to everyone's beliefs.
Also, I'm sorry if this doesn't apply to you. I just feel quite angry right now and I just think this needs to be said.
bijouxbroussard
I look at things like the fact that our First Lady was soundly criticised for not wearing a head covering when she and our president visited Saudi Arabia. She was criticized for shaking hands with men (even though the MEN extended their hands first). WHY ? Barack and Michelle Obama are NOT Muslims. Where was the tolerance then ? She was spoken of quite harshly, and I was outraged by that. But I don't want anyone KILLED over it.
I understand the nature of prejudice and bigotry, and have spoken out in the past when people wanted to hold ALL Muslims responsible for the actions of extremists. As a black person I also know very well what it's like to be held responsible and judged for the misdeeds of others. But when I see supposedly good people making excuses for those misdeeds it annoys me a bit. Freedom of speech IS a big deal and sometimes hate speech should be censured. But no one deserves to die over something they've merely said, or a cartoon, no matter how offensive. That cannot be justified.
bijouxbroussard
You must know he is NOT. His father was one, his mother and grandparents (who raised him) were Christians. He actually belongs to Church of Christ.
EarthlingWise
Yes, he knows. ;)
bijouxbroussard
Just to clarify: the occurrence was in Saudi Arabia. Mrs Obama was criticized by Muslims worldwide.
pegasus12162
As a pagan minister I understand the repression and misunderstood feelings of many people. For many years people assumed paganism was about devil worship when in reality we believe in God and Goddess and evil but not the " devil " per-say...
so much of the time the fear if the unknown cause people to make up graphics about something for which they have no clue.
The Muslim people have been around just about as long as Pagans have. In this people should be more educated in something before they start judgment upon it.
People need to understand it is not the Muslims who are the problem but the people who kill others in the name of Muslims...
Good post. Thanks.
Thank you! And thank you for the awesome comment. I have friends who are pagans and I understand it to be more of a religion more about the importance of nature and acceptance than anything else. I agree that people should be more accepting and educated on all kinds of religions. My satanists friends have the same problem. It's so sad that all these misunderstandings exist because my satanist friends are actually quite moral but no one would believe it. People definitely shouldn't stereotype or judge things based on minorities.
EarthlingWise
"but it's not because I may want to, but because this is what Islam teaches us."

That's quite sad. Isn't curiosity natural?

"Freedom of speech is valid of course but there is a line, and offence definitely crosses it,"

Your religion actually teaches you to have no tolerance for criticism towards your own rules and your deified master.

I have a feeling you don't acccept any form of criticism, so there is no line really, it's a no-no and you don't bother looking into the reasons for or legitimacy of the criticism.
Will you at least well me where you got the impression that I supported the massacres of the cartoonists?
EarthlingWise
Ok. I am not saying you supported it. But by calling their work an 'offence' and by saying the massacre wouldn't have happened if they had behaved ( by the way those cartoons were always respectful of believers and were actually making fun of fanatics and the way they used their master's name to kill), you are condoning the gesture.
Hmm okay O.o still don't quite get it but thank you.
diggler
and this is a good place to start.After all,this is a public forum,and people say what they want to say all the time.Why should it be any different in your case? Some people would have us believe that it's different because it was YOU....you muslims that did this terrible thing.Of course,those people would be wrong,and they are no better than any other racist. They are judging an entire faith,based on the actions of some extremists. We have painted ourselves into a corner and now we need a scapegoat to sacrifice and get us the heck out of here. That's how I see it anyway,and I'm sure not everyone will agree,but that's o.k.I'm excersising my freedom of speech,as we all should from time to time,so it doesn't get all flabby and out of shape.;)

I've just learned something new about you,which is great,and it opens up a dialogue I think. I have a few questions that I would like to ask, that maybe you can answer. I don't want to turn this into a whole" thing", so I''l ask you in private instead. ;)
Fishfearme33
I was reading your profile experiences and literally laughed so hard at
"I know the truth about billy Madison"
So funny;)
Anyway, thanks for the morning chuckle;)
An Internet troll is someone who likes to start arguments or deliberately wants to upset people by evoking like a passionate response from them online. Billy Madison is one on EP
Fishfearme33
Hmmm.
Guess I'm new to this.
Don't know all the terms and things.
Anyway:)
If you ever want to chat, in always a good listener:)
Nice speaking to you ^.^
Enlightener
Yup Yup..I feel you. .I faced such things?Stereotyping,Judgement,Snide Comments
few times and they felt HORRIBLE..
I can only imagine how you feel.
You are very strong ..Keep it up dear.
Thank you. You too :)
vjoev
There are good and bad people in all religions. The religion does not dictate a person's behavior.
1alwaysdreaming
Exactly. This is very well-written
Thank you! I'm glad you liked it :)
Pseudo69isback
I'm with you :)
Thanks :)
slivereyes
I agree to that

 
Post Comment