Is It Possible As A Muslim To Deceive Myself With My Religion?

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   Author Samposted 8 years ago

   Is It Possible As A Muslim To Deceive Myself With My Religion?
   
   If One Want To Know if he has been deceived with religion, as a Muslim how can one know?

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2. 94

   Pollyanna Jonesposted 8 years ago

   I want to say before anything, that I respect people having a religion (or not), and am not biased against any religion. If used for good, faith can be a wonderful thing.
   
   I let my conscience guide me before anything else. I try to conduct myself with courage, to be truthful, kind, and act in a way that when I die, I can look my ancestors in the eye and be proud that I did my best.
   
   If a religion told me to act in any other way; for example made an excuse to justify what I see as bad behaviour (i.e. harming others, lying, taking rights or freedoms off others, or treating others as lesser beings, etc), then I would feel that that particular religion is deceiving against the path of being a good human being, that I am trying to follow.
   
   Always try to think for yourself, and find the right answer in your heart. I'm sure you're familiar with the sayings of Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi. If not, I'd recommend picking up some books with his philosophy and poetry in there. He was a Sufi, and the beauty of his words speaks to us all, no matter whether we follow Islam or another path. Here are some examples:
   
   
   "This being human is a guest house.
   Every morning a new arrival.
   A joy, a depression, a meanness,
   some momentary awareness comes
   as an unexpected visitor.
   Welcome and entertain all!
   Even if they're a crowd of sorrows,
   who violently sweep your house
   empty of its furniture,
   still, treat each guest honorably.
   He may be clearing you out
   for some new delight.
   The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
   meet them at the door laughing,
   and invite them in.
   Be grateful for whomever comes,
   because each has been sent
   as a guide from beyond."
   
   
   "People of the world don't look at themselves, and so they blame one another."
   
   
   "That which is false troubles the heart, but truth brings joyous tranquility."
   
   
   "Christian, Jew, Muslim, shaman, Zoroastrian, stone, ground, mountain, river, each has a secret way of being with the mystery, unique and not to be judged."

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   1. 55

      Author Samposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you/ But can you tell how you as a person might have been deceiving yourself with your religion as either a christion or Muslim?

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3. 65

   Jay C OBrienposted 8 years ago

   Follow the teachings of Jesus and you cannot go wrong:  love one another, love your enemy, sheath your sword, condemn not, judge not, forgive to be forgiven, etc.
   A Poem
   The divine mind is at rest, peaceful
   Not so human beings
   The divine mind has no thought of violence
   Humans have anger
   The divine mind is not jealous or cruel
   Humans envy and hurt
   The divine mind does not condemn or punish
   Condemnation is human, not divine
   Know the divine will never condemn or punish you
   All negativity is a projection of self, not the divine
   Decide to become more like the divine
   No criticism, punishment or guilt, at peace
   To state otherwise is blasphemy.
   Decide to have a peaceful mind.

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   1. 55

      Author Samposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks for your answer. But I need you to tell me how that is possible, How do you know that what you thinks it the teaching of Jesus is really his teachings? What of those teachings that are also attributed to him which you as a person rejects?

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      Jay C OBrienposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      It does not matter where the teachings come from (Jesus, Buddha or Mohammed) examine the principles themselves.  Note, Mohammed also followed Jesus and called him The Christ.  Even an atheist could agree to the psychological  principles.

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   Terrexposted 8 years ago

   It is possible to deceive yourself with any religion, cult or even with atheism.
   Based on my experiences of having lived in many countries over many years, I would say that you should ask yourself this:
   1. Are individuals allowed to openly question the tenets of your religion/atheism?
   2. What happens to those who openly question the tenets of atheism/your religion?
   3. Have you ever been afraid to voice your doubts about atheism/your religion for fear of violence/being ridiculed in school or society?
   
   Honest answers to those questions will allow people of any religion, and atheists, to realize if they are deceiving themselves.

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      Author Samposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you. But if all the above 3 point have their answer as yes or no. Does that mean my Islamic religion or any other is right?

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      Terrexposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      You seem like an intelligent individual, and one who is capable of rational thoughts and conclusions. Based on your 3 answers, you will have the answer to your original question.
      Whether you want to publicly declare your conclusion is up to you.

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