It is more evident with each passing day, religions and those who follow them are at odds with each other, even if such a statement sounds contradictory at first read. But stay with me, I may make a convert (no pun intended) out of you.
How many times have you heard people say they're just not that into 'organized' religion, as if it reminded them of a family reunion at a mob convention?
Given today's Islamophobia by the 'West,' relative to the 'true' Islam versus the 'perceived' Islam, thanks mostly in part to an unlikely source, the Muslims in general, one can't help but wonder (or in my case wander) if Islam was really meant for Muslims?
I tried to address this rhetorical question in a two-part series of posts back in 2006. And for their relevancy still, I'd like to re-post them for your enjoyment, even if it is to simply get a conversation started. And hopefully not (God forbid) to awaken anyone's ire.
I am fully aware that 'reform' may not be appropriate for Islam; however, 'reform' of the people practicing Islam is way overdue.
Islam: No Muslims Allowed: Save Islam from the Muslims (Part-I)
PART-I: ISLAM: NO MUSLIMS ALLOWED (originally posted April 16, 2006)
I've always pondered about the outcome if Christianity was bestowed on the ancient Mayans instead of the original peoples of the Holy Land, and Jesus of Nazarene was actually referred to as Jesus of Yucatan.
Were the Latin and Roman influences, and the assimilation of Christianity, as well as the conversion of the Western world, the boost that Christianity needed? Probably as a result of the greater divine design, but nevertheless one that Jesus is so proud of. What about the embracing of Judaism, and Zionism by the Europeans and Russians, most of whose descendants now rule over Israel, as opposed to the darker skinned Arabic-Hebraic coalition whose members still are confused over the origins of their brotherly roots?
Similarly, I wonder about the fate of Islam if it was descended to the West and the Americas for example, instead of the Muslim peoples of the Near, Middle, and 'far-out-there' East. Maybe Islam wasn't meant for the Muslims. Just look at them - the current and still adopted 'caretakers' of Islam. Ever since they've been entrusted with the religion, they've allowed their ethnic, racial, cultural, and secular motivations, and hatred inclinations smothered with pride and prejudice, take hold of their religious and obvious insecurities. They have been hiding their own deficiencies under the guise of religious matrimony for too long. Instead of years spent distancing religion from the secularist state, maybe the efforts would have been wiser if secularism was removed from the religion.
Bottom line: It's not the religion stupid! It's the 'religious' followers who think funda'mental'ism is never having to go back to the basic fundamentals. As a result, as soon as all religions became 'organized,' the technicalities of 'mis-interpretationism' and personal and communal agendas took over. Once again, the powerful few's common sense ruled over the common good. Subdivisionism became popular, and the ensuing polarization by the 'religious' members of not only within the competing religious denominations, but even amongst the same religious disorder as they argued who was more 'worthy,' most definitely helped create generations of non-believers and non-participants who never had a chance to examine their true religionism, whatever that may be.
I mean, should we really debate whether God really cares what direction we face when we pray? What about the dress code of ancient times, not so fashionable today even by God's standards, still enforced as the religious cloth arguments continue to determine the ultimate closeness to the divine one? Moreover, how does the sacred cow survive even in today's world of starvation and famine?
I for one think that Islam would be better served if Muslims emulate the Islam that Americans (not the government and other sources of evil, as glamourized or debated, but the people) have been experiencing and practicing all along, even better than the Muslims would ever hope for but dare not admit. Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.
Hopefully, real Islam will prevail as claims of its ownership rights are being fought between the haves and the 'have-nuts.'
PART-II: EPILOGUE: POST-MUSLIM ISLAM (originally posted April 21, 2006)
I have received many e-mails from people who prefer not to make public their comments but are obviously opposed to the picture I painted in my previous post. The use of the 'R' word (reform is a very taboo subject for most Muslims - although the closet Muslims hope and pray for the day where such mention will not awaken the intolerant atrocity in the name of religion) is still a bad thing. Although there have been a few encouraging remarks and e-mails about the issue I laid out, I still feel we are a long way from the ultimate evaporation of fundamentalists steaming about the subject.
I do agree with the overall view that 'reform' in Islam is not needed and any use of reform suggests the religion to be unholy, not complete, and the offender to be accused of heresy. But I am speaking of, and adamant about, reform of the people practicing the religion - ultimately the overall reform of the Muslims in general. Of course, there are exceptions, and obviously many Muslims are reformed but each in their own individual and unique way. There are still no obvious signs of collective reformity or any conformity by those that oppose such a move, that is sorely needed nowadays.
One observer mentioned that Islam badly needs a 'Martin Luther.' Although I like the sound of 'Metin' Luther, I will wait for others to join the parade before I volunteer for such exposure, to be singly ostracized and excommunicated by my own brethren. Do the muslims even care???
Next time you hear of another terrorist attack where the perpetrators are reciting 'God is Great,' think of the damage they are causing the global population, Muslim or otherwise. And I don't think a true God would be OK with that.
