Complexities of my religion
It is inevitable that sometimes we question the faith that we believe in, to ask whether what we believe in is the truth. Most religions are a way of life than just a religion itself. It is a culture in itself, passed down from generation to generation of believers.
Having faith is considered good. The body of the faith gives a sense of belonging and acceptance to the people. It makes them feel a part of something higher, bigger and divine. The belief in an afterlife entrenches fear of sin and wrongdoing into people, ensuring a more civil society.
The reason that i question my faith is not because i do not want to believe in it. It is more of wanting to be able to understand it, its reasonings and the theory behind its multitude of laws to be able to embrace it.
Islam is not an easy religion. Muslims are required to know the Syahadat, pray 5 times a day, fast during Ramadan, donate a percentage of their wealth to the poor and to make a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their life.
They are not allowed to eat certain animals such as donkey and pig, drink alcohol and to come into physical contact with the opposite sex as the basic rules.
In an increasingly globalised world, such prohibited activities are becoming less and less relevant by the generation Y. Youngsters from secular and multi racial societies have increasingly set aside the seemingly oppressive yokes of Islam and engaged in activities that just a few years ago would have evoked massive outrage in the Islamic community.
Religious scholars have been quick to condemn activities that cross the religious threshold. Islamic groups condemn drinking. Catholic groups condemn birth control. And so forth.
One interesting argument is a comparison between a atheist who observes kindness and care and a religious man who cares only about his own soul.
The atheist who perform good deeds,takes pity and provides for the poor and sick throughout his life. In the eyes of God, does that still make him inferior to a man who sits at home or in a religious building and pray for self redemption everyday? Does kindness to the fellow man not warrant a ticket to redemption in the afterlife?
I am trying to believe whole heartedly and to place faith in a religion that has been mired in bad press throughout the world. Islam allows little room for the excesses of the modernised world, which unfortunately i am used to for a long while now.
So am i a bad person to question my faith? to drink on occasion? to kiss a woman i love? Am i a sinner? Islam would think so.
