Fellow Human,
Re: "On another occasion, I was asked to leave the mosque, but that is another story altogether"

Can you tell us about this incident also.
It all relates to the subject- Moslem academics speaking out -and its enlightening to listen to

Hi Horus,

Sounds you find these matters entertaining!
I had many encounters and the one I was asked to leave when I went into the mosque wearing the surfing gear (ie knee short and sleeveless shirt). I was approached by someone who introduced himself as the imam and said I can't pray when I am dressed in this attire according to the sunnah.

I smiled and asked him to refer me to the hadith or reference. He got worried when i quoted him a genuine hadith that men can pray as long as they have covered between the belly button and knee (he didn't know that). He wasn't also aware that hair and beard are not sunnah related as I quoted him references where our prophet (pbuh) kept his hair at shoulder length.

He couldn't comment and asked me to leave. I didn't leave highlighting that nobody have the right to order a muslim out of a mosque (in our faith we believe a Mosque is a house of God so visitors are guests of God sort of speak). He stared at me with disbelief, mumbled and left angrily.

I had enough religious encounters with imams and missionaries to write a book. Hey, maybe its a good idea but noone will buy it.

Enjoy the weekend,

Peace

Hello Fellow Human,
I congratulate you on your independence at the Mosques and measured persistance with the postings.
Perhaps you could write an e-book . I am sure there would be plenty of budding Muslims ,Christians , Jews ,Budhists and the always curious Athieostics that would appreciate your experiences .

I hope you don't fall into their trap, Fellow Human.

Your courage, in confronting the bigotry that some religious leaders show in imposing their own personal standards under the guise of their faith, is commendable.

But please do not expect any similar responses from the anti-Islam brigade here. They will undoubtedly gloat over your ability to confront what they see as evil, but it will be on their terms, not yours.

You and I can see that they would have a far healthier view of the universe if they used the same questioning process on their own faith, and particularly the manner in which it is administered. But I can assure you (I suspect I have been around the traps a little longer; if I went into a church in board shorts I would be asked to leave on entirely non-religious grounds...) that they jealously guard their narrow-mindedness.

Keep fighting on the solid ground of logic and compassion. Keep the personal anecdotes to a minimum - remember, you don't have to justify yourself to anyone.

Especially those who clearly see you as the enemy.

Fellow Human
It been nice hearing your experiences.
I can assure you from my perspective there was no “trap” just genuine interest.

Peace!

Pericles
I don’t know who this THEY group is that has so ruffled your feathers… .
( that’s the danger of trying to play the Buck Cluck of OLO-you may get your feathers ruffled!)
But my advice is to forgive & forget -the old scars will heal…
And it seems to me that you yourself might be lacking a little compassion & understanding re this mysterious they group.
The world is not all black or white.
Have nice day

Hi Pericles,

Many muslims I know go through these experiences and soon these kind of scholars will find out that they have either to innovate and address the logic and the times we live in or face extinction. The thing is many of them are used to the 'one way lecturing' quoting 11th and 12th century interpretations rather than debate and discussion but I follow many of the new scholars and I can see the light.

There was times when Islamic scholars interpretation and teachings lead to Islamic enlightment and innovation in architecture, finance, health, medical, science, legal and social systems. Its a duty of todays' scholars to innovate and re-interpret for the 21 century and come up with how to restore our positive contribution to humanity in today's language and parameters. Its as important for average muslims to do what I do: stand up for the old obsolete and encourage the new and innovative.

I don't worry much about the anti-muslim 'fellowship of the ring' they always existed since Islam appeared on the earth.

Hi Horus,

Thanks for your comment and I know the world is not black and white.
When I started on these forums I realised its hard to be an Australian muslim but I found out that its is harder to be a non-muslim in australia because of the self inflcited fear non-muslims live in.

I admire what you did and that you asked me direct questions. I wish many non-muslims will do what you did: ie asking and talking to Muslims rather than wrapping themselves in fear, anger and hate. I can only promise you thruthful answers to the best of my knowledge and how I practice. That is the only way we can build a better society and live in harmony.

My favourite quote:
'The only way to conquer imaginary enemies is to reach out and turn them into good friends'

Peace