want to become Muslim

Caringheart wrote: Chrysalis wrote: Yes, so go ahead and learn about Islam before you convert. Nobody is asking you to make a commitment when u are not ready! The verbal declaration need not be in public. A non-muslim could try Islam, learn and if it does not seem like the religion for them, they can not be Muslim. Whats so difficult abt that? Who said u cant learn before the declaration? Take as long as you want. Nobody is stopping you. So I don't know why you are getting so worked up. Relax.    - your response made me smile.

I'm glad!   Smiling is good for us. In Islam, Smiling is an act of charity.

Caringheart wrote: but there is no help for one who makes that pronouncement, then begins learning about Islam and changes his mind.  I think one should be able to learn about Islam first before making such a declaration, not the other way around.  That makes a cult, or a gang, not a religion... when one is allowed in but not out.  It means there are secrets to hide that they are afraid to have revealed.  This can not be God's working. mho I think I have said this before, and it is a quote of someone else; "Those with nothing to hide, hide nothing." It is when people need to hide things that distrust of them, or that thing, is created.

Yes, so go ahead and learn about Islam before you convert. Nobody is asking you to make a commitment when u are not ready! The verbal declaration need not be in public. A non-muslim could try Islam, learn and if it does not seem like the religion for them, they can not be Muslim. Whats so difficult abt that?

Who said u cant learn before the declaration? Take as long as you want. Nobody is stopping you. So I don't know why you are getting so worked up. Relax.

peacemaker wrote: Caringheart: Please ask your questions in �Islam for non-Muslim section� or discuss religious issues in details in the �Interfaith section.� I suggest you read the guidelines in entirety and comply with: Guidelines Peace

  I've not asked any questions... only responded to what has been written back to me. 

Nausheen wrote: Caringheart wrote: but there is no help for one who makes that pronouncement, then begins learning about Islam and changes his mind.  I think one should be able to learn about Islam first before making such a declaration, not the other way around.  That makes a cult, or a gang, not a religion... when one is allowed in but not out.  It means there are secrets to hide that they are afraid to have revealed.  This can not be God's working. mho   Plain truth ... spoken in a manner that leaves me attacked!   Sorry dear, but your choice of words (in your truth) are going to disappoint you for a very long time before you say something that sounds like 'our' truth.    I had a similar take on Chrysalis' comment - In my opinion too, one should first learn Islam, then pronounce the 'shahada'. But as  I scrolled down to your comment, I was taken aback! Quite offensive - congratulations!!

Please explain.  How do you feel attacked?  It is not my intention and so ask that you forgive the offense from one who just does not understand your way.

Please explain how it is an attack to express one's opinion?  Is that not what these forum's are for?  Just because the opinion is not liked does not make it an attack.  I have had many people, many times, say things that I do not like but they are entitled to their opinion and it helps me to better understand their way of thinking.  Is that not the purpose of communicating one's beliefs and opinions?  to further understanding?  They may challenge my thinking when they wish to do so and I must accept it.  If i choose to, and I do, I must ponder it and take into consideration another's view on the matter.  Just as I am taking into consideration your view that you have been attacked.  I would not know had you not expressed it.  I disagree with you but I still care that you feel attacked rather than challenged to deepen your thinking.

I am sincere in what I write here.  I do hope it is taken the way it is meant.
Salaam