Yes, I became muslim because Islam is a simple religion. However you have rightly pointed out Anatolian, that few truly understand it. I suppose what is difficult for me is that there is no 'leader' today to guide us. There is no head of Islam, that encompasses all muslims throughout the world, to guide us in these difficult days of the world.

All throughout history there have been prophets to bring us together. The Catholics today have the Pope. Other religions have their leaders. ie the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints has their prophet and leader. They have their 12 apostles, in the same way that Jesus had his.

I never expected that being muslim would have so many obstacles and confusions. We have many scholars that do not agree on the same things. How can a person decide who to believe on important daily issues? You can go to one mosque and get advice from the Imam, go to another and the advice will be different again. Yes, I know we have the Qu'ran, and the prophet Muhammad(pbuH)and the sunnah and hadiths and that is all we need as such.BUt as regards to the sunnah and hadiths, people cannot agree. Here in the forum we have evidence of that. So where are the guidelines for muslims in the modern world? How can we be united in Islam if we fail to agree on so much? There is much literature on Islam.  Scholars  can have their works printed for all to read. Visiting scholars from abroad travel to countries to have conferences. But how do we know the words they speak are right, or are of their own making? Other religions have their guidlines when they write their literature, so as to avoid confusing its members. There is little confusion in other faiths. Leaders have their personal opinions and can get certain morals wrong ie a bishop who might condone homosexuality. But that is often because they have these tendancies themselves. And yes, some in positions of trust have done bad things, and then we hear about it in the media. But this is a different issue all together. And muslims also fall into this category. What I am talking about here is plain and simple, there is no-one in Islam who can possibly come up to the standards of the Prophet(pbuh) and who can lead us all. Muslims are left high and dry to decipher for themselves what is right and wrong. Every muslim will have his own opinion, only that, his own interpretation of the Qu'ran and sunnahs and hadiths. Religion shouldnt be like this.  Sorry, but I need guidance from someone who knows what they are talking about, and I just dont have that. I have Allah, but sometimes human beings are so necessary.

Not all prophets received scriptures from God. But at least they were always there for the people. Who do muslims have today? The Qur'an is complete, but does that mean we cant have one single person to lead us?

There are depths and layers to many things.

First aspect is that there is One God. That is easy enough. And that Allah / God sent the word and knowledge to people in different lands-known as Messengers or Prophets.  Some we know of, some we don't. But the basic message of One God, the Divine etc. Is the basic message.

Then you addd on the core moral values: honor thy parents, do not kill, etc. They are faily universal ideas.

Then the depth is added not only in terms of spiritual connection, but also learing the laws. What foods to eat, how to behave, how to pray, etc. These take longer to learn and incorporate.

Where I feel Christianity and Islam seperate is that the basic idea of One God is different in Christianity. That God produced a "son" who really is God. And that humans killed God (in human form).

I also think that Christianity has removed most of the laws sent into the Hebrew scriptures.And that if I "beleive" that Jesus is the "son of God" and died for my sins i will be saved.

So for me the simplicity is the Belief in One God the Creator, the messengers, the angels etc.

And where the "complexity" arises is that life is not black and white. We are always given challenges. Things are not always simple.

In agreement with Ron. Part of the answer is that it is the journey that we should reflect upon and experience.

And in Islam you go into the depth as far as you need or want to go. Islam to me is fascinating and really addresses the emotional, mental, spiritual and physical aspects to life.

For example in the Quran we are told we should all go and seek knowledge (I do not have exact Surah) but the beauty of it is its not specific. Allah has made us different with different interests. But we should not reject learning and use of the mind.

The layers and layers are there. Just as we are made up of different aspects to our being. Not just about "belief"

I have been learning about Islam now for over six years or so and I am not bored yet!

The Quran and Hadis are just guides for the ummah. Where shariah or common laws are concerned, they may differ depending on situations for example, for those who are on a long journey, prayers can be shortened, or for women who are pregnant, they are exempted from fasting but must return the fast when they are well again.

However where aqidah or faith is concerned, there is no compromise. Allah is Al-Ahad - The One. There is no associates whatsoever.

By the way Martha, the reason we do not have anymore Prophets, is not only because Muhammad was the last prophet, but the end of the world is so near. And the only guide that you can expect is Isa alaihissalam who will be coming soon.

Salam.

By the way Martha, the reason we do not have anymore Prophets, is not only because Muhammad was the last prophet, but the end of the world is so near. And the only guide that you can expect is Isa alaihissalam who will be coming soon.

The statement that the 'end of the world is nigh' has been said for decades. So this is not a reasonable statement. And I am interested to know why muslims dont feel it necessary to have one leader in Islam. It doesnt affect me one bit regarding my faith. I'm quite happy with Allah thanks. I dont need anything else. I am willing to admit that I am satisfied with the Qur'an and other holy scriptures, and in my Prophet Muhammad(pbuH). I dont need any Immans or mullers or any other scholar. Like I have previously said, scholars dont agree one to another, muslims dont agree one to another. I will go it alone thanks.

martha wrote: By the way Martha, the reason we do not have anymore Prophets, is not only because Muhammad was the last prophet, but the end of the world is so near. And the only guide that you can expect is Isa alaihissalam who will be coming soon. The statement that the 'end of the world is nigh' has been said for decades. So this is not a reasonable statement.

try centuries

That is so easy to answer, Anatolian. Actually I have explained in other threads till I'm blue in the face.

As a former Christian I believed in ONE God only. I believed that every single person was a spiritual son or daughter of God, with Jesus being our elder brother, and that we are here on earth for a purpose, to hopefully then return to God, our Father in Heaven. But in Heaven we would have a perfect body, void of all physical disabilities and blemishes. Our time on earth is a test of our faith and belief in God, and we were promised guidance from prophets or messengers to lead us.

Muslims dont believe  Jesus to be the Son of God.

 But are we all sons and daughters of God, as He created us? This would mean that He would be as such a Father to us. That would also make Jesus our brother. And as such we all have the ability to be like God, the Father, and is the main reason we are here on earth, to become like Him. I can go into greater detail of my former Christian life, but I will be seen as being a disloyal muslim, and as such a traitor to Islam. Of course I dont feel this at all. But as so many muslims dont agree with so many facets of Islam, many will fail to understand my replies. I am content to believe the way I do. I love my God, and is the reason I keep trying.

Angel wrote: martha wrote: The statement that the 'end of the world is nigh' has been said for decades. So this is not a reasonable statement. try centuries

Try millennia.  There are plenty of Web sites that document doomsday claims, but I think this one is the funniest: http://www.geocities.com/alma-geddon/lastjudgment.html - http://www.geocities.com/alma-geddon/lastjudgment.html   (Just keep clicking the "Go Forth!" button at the bottom of the page.  They go on, and on, and on...)

Anatolian wrote: Believer brought an important point up in a bellow post. He asked why the Qu'ran and Hadiths cannot be understood by all because one needs to master the art of understanding it. Yet I constantly read from people like Martha, new converts to Islam, that the reason why they converted was because of Islam's simplicity. How can it be so simple when only a few can truly understand it and even they will never understand it in full plainly because a lifetime is not enough. Yet Muslims are first to react with confusion and disbelief when Christians explain the Trinity to them in simplest form.

Hi believer,

based on reality I have observed, I would say that it is the other way around.

The two most important fundamantals of any religion are the God and  the Salvation. I have talked to many converts in person who say the same as you quoted Martha saying, the simplicity of those two main aspects of Islam.  It is not true that only a few can understand it, in fact in my observance it is the other way. Any ordinary Christian I asked to explain me their understanding of God and Trinity asked me to come to Sunday school or they invited me to their church. Even those who once gave me a little phamphlet in a mall, when I asked them to explain God and Trinity excused and said that they are only distributing this paper, you have to call the number on it (this happened when my wife was still not a Muslim and she was with me at that time).  Even in my days of ignorance (when I was a Muslim by name) one thing was clear as crystal (I may not be able to explain it then) that God is One, One who created me, everyone and everything and has control and power over all. 

Anyone without bias or prejudgment if read the Quran (in thir own language) even without an explaination can fully understand God and  Salvation in Islam.

As far as simplicity of Trinity as you claim, it is honesty anything but that. Like I have said that I have a chance to talk to many Christians who have become Muslims, one thing was common in their story (as well as in wife's) that they always regarded Jesus (pbuh) as a man may be a bit more, but deep in their heart they could never think of him as God, eveh though that's how they were told to believe, and were told to not to question it.

regards,

Hasan

Actually what I read is that a person does not know if they have performed enough good deeds to erase all the bad ones, then it also has to be willed by Allah.

If GOD accepts true repentance, then actually no deeds are needed to out way the bad deeds.

LOL!!  Where is the score card?!?

 Believer is back with some score card. It was simple matter that one should do good all the time and should not sin. The good and bad are well known by the religeous law. If a person is doing good most of the time but sometime makes a mistake or falls short of goodness level then he repents and asks for forgiveness from his Lord.

 Allah forgives him. That is the end to that. That bad mark no more remains. It is a basic fact that Allah is Most Beneficient, most Merciful. What is the use of Mercy if He does not forgive. Our Allah does not need to punish any innocent man on the cross to forgive the sins of other sinful people.

Repentence is necessary. John the Baptist and Jesus also taught repentence. Islam also teaches it. There is no difference.

 There is no need to keep any score card. Just be intent on doing good and be careful. That is all. Your score card will be very good. You or I do not have to worry. There is no worry. When Allah promises forgiveness then there is not to be any worry. Allah's promise never fails.

believer wrote: Actually what I read is that a person does not know if they have performed enough good deeds to erase all the bad ones, then it also has to be willed by Allah. If GOD accepts true repentance, then actually no deeds are needed to out way the bad deeds. LOL!!  Where is the score card?!?

Hi believer,

did you know your school score card when you were in school? until it was given to you or your parents.

If we knew our score cards of good and bad deeds, we will be God. Only God knows where we stands and we can never know until the Day of Judgment when God will reveal it to us. What we do know however, like the school score, if you have studied good and did your homework, you will be more confident to do good in the exams without fear or you  will be bluffing yourself until you see the score card.

So like a good student and good believer stays in touch with reality and knows where he/she stands and what result to expect.

In Islam, God's forgiveness is for those who are consistance with their good intentions and works and who seek His forviness every moment as we may make mistakes unknowingly too. It is the willfull disobidiences (when we know the truth and deny it and work against it) that will go against us. God can and may forgive any of sins as He has command over everything without paying any resome or recompense to anyone as He is the Only Supreme Authority.

If anything is said to be unforgiveable in Islam according to the Quran is directing your worship to other than the One God, or associating others beside Him in your worship as His partners in Godhead.

In Islam does not teach that wages for sin is death. Each one will get exactly according to what they deserved, not an atoms weight's good will go wasted, and every deed will be exposed, just like that school report. Some faces will be dull and some rejoice that day.

Yes, actually I did know my "scorecard" in school.  Progressive system- we always knew where we stood. 

Each one will get exactly according to what they deserved,

Does this mean that there are different degrees of hell/heaven?

 Un-necessary new question when the first part has not satisfied the believer. Some one please look into the problems of the believer.

LOL! minuteman- Someone said-

Each one will get exactly according to what they deserved,

To a Muslim- 

I am not Catholics but I know that they believe that there are different degrees- venial and mortal sins.  Some at one time believed that people remained in a pergutory for different amounts of time.

believer wrote: LOL! minuteman- Someone said- Each one will get exactly according to what they deserved, To a Muslim-  Does this mean that there are different degrees of hell/heaven? I believe it is a fair question.  I am not Catholics but I know that they believe that there are different degrees- venial and mortal sins.  Some at one time believed that people remained in a pergutory for different amounts of time.

 Believer, you are not catholic. That is good. But are you a protestant? Let us have it please. Are you a christian? Thanks.

LOL!!  You have to ask?!  When this is at the bottom of my posts?

John 3
16"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

I consider myself a follower of YHWH, the ONE True GOD - Father, Son and Holy Spirit. 

Hi believer,

is wage of any sin death?

Hasan

Actually you don't have to follow Mohammad:

Believer you really haven�t presented anything that supports your view in fact, it remains nonsensical.