Stereotyped | Teen Ink

Stereotyped

November 21, 2009
By Anonymous

Recently, I read an article about atheism by Sarah M. Titled "My Religion", I would urge everyone to read it, as it gives an insight into an atheist's mind, one that is not often seen. While I was reading it, I was thinking; 'wait. I barely knew her religion, yet I rejected it. Have people done the same to mine?'

I've moved from Saudi Arabia to Canada. As anyone with a basic knowledge of geography and culture knows, that is about the biggest culture shock a person can get. In Saudi Arabia, modesty was valued. In Canada, modesty is but a word. In Saudi Arabia, I felt at home, among fellow Muslims. No-one questioned me or my principles; they were generally accepted and understood to be true. When I came here, I thought, unreasonably, that it would be the same. I thought that people would have a general, basic knowledge of something that was my whole world. I was so sure of God, and Islam, and all of the ideals that came along with it. I thought that others, too, would be drawn by the light.

I was wrong.

Canada is a very tolerant place. Anyone will tell you that it is a multicultural quilt. The people are polite and respectful. They are wonderfully open-minded. But they, unfortunately, have concluded that as Christianity is not for them, neither is any other religion in the world. Chrisitianity, a religion which they are familiar with, is their base for judging other religions.

I am, of course, generalising here. But not much. It is what I have seen and observed. Undoubtedly, not everyone thinks like this. But the people whom I have met--nice and honest to the core--are blissful in their ignorance. And it kills me, because they don't see what they're missing out on.

Islam is not violent. It is not oppressive or cruel or any other stereotype. It is, quite honestly, what is true. Every time I read the Quran (the holy book), I know that it is true. The most beautiful poetry fills my ears and heart. It's as if some empty part of me is content. This is faith.

But for some, faith is not enough. They need scientific reasoning. They need facts. And, because Christianity does not give them these, they think that Islam does not either. It is perfectly normal. But I would urge anyone who feels this way to read "Allah's Miracles in the Quran" by Harun Yahya. It is one of the most in-depth and enlightening books on the subject. Science, through and through. Order it off Amazon or eBay. It's not that difficult.

Every single time I hang out with my new Canadian friends, there's always a little thorn in my heart, saying, 'What will happen to them after they die?'. It hurts so much to know that someone you care about is misguided. That is why believers of all religions always try to get non-believers to convert--they care. They cannot stand the idea of you or I burning. They want to help. I want to help.

I realise that I am getting a bit desperate here, but if I manage to convince even one person, it will be worth it.


The author's comments:
If anyone wants more info on Islam, just post a comment. :) Thanks.

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This article has 50 comments.


on Jan. 15 2010 at 10:16 am
kindyxkandy BRONZE, Richmond, Virginia
3 articles 0 photos 31 comments

Favorite Quote:
"You have to suck before you get to success. It's about the journey."

I agree, it really had me interested until it turned into another biased bible(Quran) pushing article.

on Jan. 9 2010 at 1:31 am
writer-in-pearls GOLD, San Diego, California
10 articles 0 photos 42 comments
This is an interesting article. I don't know what religion I agree with but would be interested in knowing more:)

The author said...
on Dec. 30 2009 at 3:07 am
I really don't see how that's an opinion.

Jessica3 said...
on Dec. 5 2009 at 11:19 pm
I liked this article up until the point where the auther began saying (this is just what it appeared to me) that if you do not have religion, or do not believe in God, you will burn in  Hell ...But does anyone really know that? I just thinkk that people (everyone) should stop talking like their opinions are what is true..especially in religious areas.

evie428 BRONZE said...
on Dec. 5 2009 at 6:10 pm
evie428 BRONZE, Ontario, Other
4 articles 1 photo 88 comments

Favorite Quote:
"Writing a novel is not merely going on a shopping expedition across the border to an unreal land: it is hours and years spent in the factories, the streets, the cathedrals of the imagination."

Thanks! No, I am not  Muslim , but am Christadelphian. :) We beleive that God wrote the Bible through different people (Moses, Joshua, Samuel ect.)

on Dec. 3 2009 at 11:07 pm
Destinee BRONZE, Oakville, Other
3 articles 0 photos 303 comments

Favorite Quote:
Blegh. - Abraham Lincoln

Well, if you're a Muslim , the Quran is the word of God, revealed to the Prophet Muhammed. He was illiterate and his companions, along with himself, memorised the Quran thoroughly. Some of the few who were literate (as very few people were literate in Arabia at the time) wrote it down on stones and other objects. Later, after Muhammad's (peace and blessings be upon him) death, they were compiled and, many times, revised through recitations, comparisons, etc.
However, if you're not a Muslim , you'd a have to believe that Muhammad, an illiterate man, made up the Quran himself. The fact that it was compiled later cannot be denied, though.

evie428 BRONZE said...
on Dec. 3 2009 at 9:24 pm
evie428 BRONZE, Ontario, Other
4 articles 1 photo 88 comments

Favorite Quote:
"Writing a novel is not merely going on a shopping expedition across the border to an unreal land: it is hours and years spent in the factories, the streets, the cathedrals of the imagination."

I was just wondering . . . who wrote the Quran? :) thanx!

on Dec. 3 2009 at 7:46 pm
Destinee BRONZE, Oakville, Other
3 articles 0 photos 303 comments

Favorite Quote:
Blegh. - Abraham Lincoln

Thanks so much.
And yeah, Muslim and Christian beliefs are remarkably similar, although the fundamental idea is different, ie, Muslims believe in one God, Christians believe in a son of God.
Actually, if you study Islam, you'll realise that Christianity was once a true religion, that is to say, Jesus was actually a prophet, but the followers distorted it along with the Bible and so made it obsolete and wrong.
Anyway, thanks for the comment. Made my day, honest. :)

on Dec. 3 2009 at 12:01 pm
ReflectionsofYou GOLD, Mason, Tennessee
10 articles 0 photos 107 comments
I know what it's like to step out of your "bubble" if you want to call it that. Except I didn't have to leave my country to do it. And I know what it's like to worry about what will happen to your friends when they die. But your piece made me think of some of the similarities between christian and muslim beliefs. That's interesting because I hadn't really thought of that before. Maybe I'll search a little deeper. It's hard to really get to the bottom of a religion because there are so many interpretations[sp?] of each one. but maybe I'll try.

on Dec. 2 2009 at 9:35 pm
caitlin.calamity BRONZE, Houston, Texas
1 article 0 photos 46 comments

Favorite Quote:
Action and reaction, ebb and flow, trial and error, change - this is the rhythm of living. Out of our over-confidence, fear; out of our fear, clearer vision, fresh hope. And out of hope, progress.
-Bruce Barton

You sure convinced me to at least read a bit on the subject. :)