I must be new here. - Page 2

JHA · #11 31st July 2012, 07:26 PM

Thank you all for your warm welcomes

Quote:

Originally Posted by Praxis

I'm really glad to hear that your family encouraged you to think critically. It sounds like they are more 'cultural Muslims' and that's not a bad thing.

We've got several former Muslims here on the forum (say hi to Crocodile and also the the delightful Hossain and Rukhshana

).

Yes, Praxis I have a wonderful family. I guess you could call them (and me for that matter) 'cultural Muslims' in that we pick and choose what we like about Islam and make it our own culture. I still go to the mosque and "pray" once a year for our religious holiday. It is a great way of staying in touch with friends and family. My presence there also doesn't elude them to the fact that I am a non-believer (FYI only my direct family know). The wider circle may react unpleasantly if they found out.

Bloody hell! I'm an Atheist, an anti-theist, ex-Muslim, and NOW a cultural Muslim! If I didn't have an identity crisis before, I sure as hell have one now

teehee..

It's awesome to hear that there are other ex-Muslims here too! Holla at you guys! I really look forward to catching up with you

Logic please · #12 31st July 2012, 08:12 PM

Hi JHA, welcome to the forum, glad you found us.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JHA

Hey all!

It is so awesome to find my way here to meet you guys (even though I bungled every step along the way - Thank you Protium for rescuing me multiple times

). This is my first post, and I'd like to take this opportunity to introduce myself and share with you my reasons for converting (for lack of a better word) to Atheism.

I'm 26, and am studying Business at university. I grew up in a Muslim household. My family aren't strictly religious (like the fanatics you see on tv), but adhere to some Islamic customs. None the less, I was lucky in that my family encouraged me to think critically, and choose my own religious pathway. For this, I am thankful, as many Muslims would be chastised for renouncing their faith (as I did years ago).

To me, religion (as a whole) provides very little meaning. I quiver at the thought of being a servant to a higher power, and fearing its wrath should I not bow before it. How sad that some people today (especially in Islamic countries) must bow physically, as well as spiritually, or face brutal punishment by their peers. Religion of peace MY ARSE!

Whilst I was always safe from such persecution, I am sickened by the thought of identifying myself to a group that is capable of contributing such evil to this world. I guess you could say I am an anti-theist, in that I not only reject the notion of a higher power, but feel the world will be better off with no religion AT ALL.

*Angry rant sequence complete*

WOW that was nice to finally let off some steam! Anyway, I had no idea (until this morning) that this foundation was around, and am so excited to become an official member

. Up until now, I kept my firm views on religion and (lack of) faith to myself, and really hope to open up and learn from you guys through my engagement in this forum. Perhaps I may meet some of you at an upcoming lecture and/or pub night in Melbourne.

Thank you all for having me here, and a special thank you to Protium for being most welcoming

.

Peace to all.

What can I say to this first post but

.

Methinks that there's plenty to learn here about the foibles of all religions, including islam. Hope you enjoy the community.