Trend

[malsa]

Hi all, I really appreciate participating in your forum and will start my posting with new information.
After the tragic attack on 9/11 and the war on terrorism, Islam remain the fastest-growing religion in America and in the world although religion is no longer dominates everyday life in Western society.

http://www.cnn.com/WORLD/9704/14/egypt.islam/

http://www.defenselink.mil/news/Oct2001/n10042001_200110043.html

"Islam is the fastest-growing religion in America, a guide and pillar of stability for many of our people..." Hillary Rodman Clinton, Los Angeles Times, May 31, 1996, p.3

http://www.themodernreligion.com/convert/am.htm

Famous people too:
Singer "Cat Stevens" Oh, baby, baby it's a wild world, story as told him:

http://www.mountainoflight.co.uk/talks_journey_4.html

[Proteus_MST]

Hm yes, which, of course, according to the article in the USA is "just" due to muslim immigrants coming to the USA.
So it is rather a redistribution of faith due to population moving around (+perhaps a higher birth rate in muslim countries as in western christian countries) and not due to the muslim community gaining masses of new converts.

And what do you think about it?
Do you see it as a threat or as a good thing?

I for my part see religion (no matter if christian or muslim or something else) neutral, as long as its believers are no fundamentalists who want to force their belief on others (and/or are agressive to certain groups of people due to their beliefs and/or prohibit critical thinking about the religion and other matters) and as long as the religion doesn´t influence the government (meaning that I am also against the sharia and like minded forms of laws).

Therefore IMHO it doesn´t matter how many muslims are there within the USA (or germany) as long as they try to integrate into western society, respect other people (including women) and beliefs and don´t try to install the sharia or to commit any acts of terror

[Harovan]

[aneeshm]

Originally posted by Sir Ralph

[LordShiva]

Who is Hillary Rodman Clinton?

Oh, and

[Zoid]

[Richelieu]

Originally posted by Zoid

[Zoid]

Teh muslims are taking over!!!

[Zoid]

dp

[loinburger]

Originally posted by LordShiva
Who is Hillary Rodman Clinton?

[Zoid]

l33t Photoshop skillz

[malsa]

From what I've read from different people who have converted to Islam, there are a few main reasons for most conversions:


1. Muslims and Christians agree that God is self-existent.  This means that He does not derive his existence from anyone. also they both believe in Jesus, love him, and honor him. In fact, no Muslim can be a Muslim unless he or she believes in Jesus, on whom be peace.

The Quran teach that Jesus is prophet or messenger from Allah and not a God so Quran denies the divinity of Jesus.The Qur'an says that Jesus was born of a virgin, that he spoke while he was still only a baby, that he healed the blind and the leper by God's leave, and that he raised the dead by God's leave.


2. Islam is a religious lifestyle, not just a quick Sunday morning church visit and a label. Although some Christians do pray before each meal and spend much time with their Bible, etc.many don't in the USA. Islam is something that can't be shunted into a few spare hours. You pray five times a day. Your dress code is affected; even your food choices are explained in the Qur'an. Many converts like it because they feel actively involved and as if they are truly religious.Some people also studied Buddhism, flirted with Roman Catholicism or spent time with Quakers, but ultimately found them lacking.


3. For women, it is a big and welcome change from the "in your face" sexuality of western culture. Women are not required by the Qur'an to veil. They are required to dress modestly and it is *recommended* that they cover their hair. However, most do veil and some go farther with niquab (the face screen) or other traditional clothes. Women dressed like this consider themselves marked as religious women, not easy dates. They don't get hit on. No one gawks at their bodies. They are clearly off limits sexually and many that I personally know say it is liberating not to have to conform to western standards of sexy dress, makeup and spending so much time and money on appearance. You buy a five-dollar hijab, put your hair in a ponytail and cover, wear long skirt and a tunic shirt -you're set.


4. Islam is also growing because many people are not satisfied with Christianity. They feel it is too liberal, too fluid and changes for the culture. Islam on the other hand is more rigid and does not as a whole allow much for modern changes and the whims of society. Many like it because they feel other religions have loose standards.

A person like me who is unfamiliar with Islamic teachings might be surprised to hear that Islam does not rely upon blind faith to make its case, but rather, encourages to use minds. For example, the Qur'an invites to ponder upon the wonders of creation, and challenges with intellectual arguments. Further study of the Qur'an demonstrates that sound reasoning and scientific knowledge confirm rather than contradict authentic revelation and its ability to satisfy the intellect whilst bringing peace to the soul. Also Islam deals with every aspect of life, spiritual and physical, its jurisprudence is based on a creed, instruction on worship, and ordinances regarding social, economic, and political aspects.

its not a “religion” in the narrow sense used by secular humanists, in the west, but is the universal and eternal deen known through Prophets to every nation of people since the human race first began. This Islamic deen lays great emphasis on uncompromising monotheism and strict adherence to its creed and method of worship. It enjoins submission to the will of Allah

That's what I got from islam-online & Islamway women's board and a few other friends of mine. Stats taken by many college groups say that women convert 4 times more often then men.

[Krill]

Originally posted by Sir Ralph

+0

[Arrian]

its not a “religion” in the narrow sense used by secular humanists

It is too a religion. As such, I don't really give a damn about it one way or the other unless it's pushed on me. It's not being pushed on me, so my basic opinion is "whatever."

Though I'd appreciate it if y'all could maybe get control of your lunatic fringe, m'kay? Thanks.

-Arrian

[chequita guevara]

Islam is the fastest growing religion for one simple reason: they **** like rabbits.