I love this website

Hello. I've grown up in the Catholic and Baptist churches. When I was around 19, I quit going to church all together. I've lived my life believing the golden rule "Treat people the way you want to be treated." I've often found myself taken advantage of and wondered where all the good people were. I've always questioned why things are the way they are and have never been able to accept the answer "that's just the way it is". I've always considered myself a very spiritual person but not religious. For some reason the things I was taught in church just didn't seem logical.

I had a rough upbringing, and as a result have suffered from depression and PTSD for many years. I feel like something is missing. I'm looking to find answers. I feel empty and believe that for the most part, this is the real reason for my depression. I was in the Navy during 9/11. At that time I made a Muslim friend. He amazed me! He was so kind, caring, and just an all round good person. I witnessed the horrible treatment he received and could never understand how he still managed to love the world. We lost touch but his attitude about life left a lasting impression.

I recently found out that I had family on my mothers side that I didn't know existed. My aunt and I have so much in common. I feel like she has the same good heart that I do and always tries to see the best in people. When I realized she was Muslim I started asking questions. She has been wonderful at answering my questions but also referred me here.

I've been reading here for a few days and the things you all say makes so much sense. It's like I've found so many answers that I've been searching for my whole life! I want to make sure I understand everything fully before I decide if I want to convert but so far it just feels right.

I have a question to start off with and would like honest answers and opinions. How do you all view homosexuality? I ask because I grew up very close with my cousin (he's like my brother)and he is a homosexual man. I've known since we were very young (without him telling me) and it is my belief that he was born this way. I don't see how this could be a choice as I have seen the hatred he has endured. It's a topic that really hits home with me because I've held his hand and hugged him as he wanted to die.

I welcome all comments even if it's not what I hope to hear. As I said before I'm amazed by what I've seen so far and look forward to learning so much more.

Regarding the question of homosexuality in the year 2012:

Islam teaches that Allah (God) alone is the Master of the Day of Judgment. Some Muslims try to do that themselves.

My friend, there is no need to worry about such tiny details, nor to ask "muslims" their opinions. Rasulullah (Prophet Muhammad) used to invite people to Faith, Prayer, and Charity, leaving-out the 129,000,000 details of "Islamic Law" that has developed since then.

What "muslims" forget(well, they've forgotten EVERYTHING), but they have definitely forgotten is that any "Muslim" who drives a human being away from Islam will end up in Hellfire himself, AND they have forgotten that Islamic injunctions are not applied while human beings live in an immoral and unjust society(which "muslims" should be thanked for since they've neglected their duties for 800 yesrs).

So, don't worry about these minor character flaws. You and your cousin may study Islam, learn Qur'an, and if you choose to believe in what you learn, you will be better than 99.9% of the people who call themselves "muslims", and you will go to Jennah, Insha Allah(God willing).

As far as the issue of homosexuality  It may not be the person's choice to have improper attractions (just as a pedophile has improper attractions, or a married person who has attraction to someone other than their spouse), but it is their choice whether or not to act on it, and therein is the sin... if they choose to act.  We are all given crosses to bear and we must choose whether to bear them or to reject the Law of God.  It is our duty to admonish one another to not commit sin... this not only saves a brother but serves God in the way we are admonished to do, thus receiving His grace upon ourselves as well.  (James 5:20)
Just as an unmarried person must carry the cross of celibacy, so must any person who has improper attractions.