Tuesday, 23 June 2009
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The Mosque
So, I went to a mosque today as a part of my World Religions class (hence the head-covering in my new profile picture). It was quite the interesting experience. I feel like I learned a lot and cleared up a lot of misconceptions.
First, I'd like to note that I'm glad I'm not a Muslim, simply for the reason of the clothes they have to wear! It wouldn't be so bad in the winter, but in the summer when it's 90 degrees out and super humid, wearing longsleeves, long skirts, and a head coving is NOT fun. Not to mention the fact that tradition requires Muslim women to wear 7 layers! HOLY CRAP! That would be terrible. I was just wearing enough to look modest for the mosque, I can't imagine wearing all that too!
Second, I think this visit cleared up a lot of misconceptions about Muslims and Islam. It seems to me that the West (especially America) has portrayed such a twisted view of Muslim people. And please, don't get me wrong, I am NOT prejudiced at all, I'm really not; I just feel like the media has presented me with an incorrect view of these people. Meeting the Imam and talking to him really cleared up a lot of things for me. I'm glad I had this opportunity.
I also realized the many similarities Islam has to Christianity. I never realized that so many of the beliefs we hold are the same or similar. Obviously, we are still majorly different religions. And a lot of the main points of our religions are different, but there are a lot of things we can agree on.
Over all, I really loved the experience. I only wish I could have visited during an actual service. I would have liked to see it.
Pieces_of_a_Melody
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Comments (26)
aww, that's pretty sweet! :D
Great picture.
It really isn't that hot wearing long sleeves and stuff.
@Kristenmomof3 - Thanks!!
And yeah, I imagine you get used to it. I'm just not used to this heat at all yet. I never thought I'd be wishing for it to be winter again. lol
My problem with Islam is the wing that is represented by Osama bin Laden. I don't know why but I have issues with people who want to kill me.
@mrcolorful - Well yeahhhh... lol. I have a problem with those ones too. But the problem is, American mainly presents Muslims in such a way that implies that ALL Muslims are like that.
@Pieces_of_a_Melody - That's true...
you're so cute.. do you like your World Religions class? I loved mine, so interesting to learn about all the different religions. I had to visit a temple or a different religion too and I ended up going to a Catholic and Buddhist temple. Interesting. I agree with what you are saying about the misconceptions of muslims.. a lot of mine were cleared when I went to a mission trip to Hungary and met a young muslim med student there... she is a good friend now.
@BeautifulSerendipity - I do like the class, we just have a whole lot of homework. And the teaching can be boring sometimes, just because he has a boring manner to him. But usually the subject matter can keep me engaged.
Lovely.
I'm a Muslim. And I'm glad you find this experience kind of useful.
*lol* XD You cracked me up when I read your comment about the clothes XD! Honest to God, neither of me nor my friends wear SEVEN layers XD OMG! I don't know if this is in Islam, but we really wear whatever that is considered to be modest. Nothing too tight, or with TOO much colors on that will attract someone who's a mile afar XD...
It's fine. For me, I wear jeans (not the tight jeans that ones can barely walk on with XD) I wear casual shirt (yes, long sleeves, because it's not all that acceptable that you show half your arms)... I don't really wear skirts (I did, back in HS--it was our uniform) My friend usually like to invent her own style, and sometimes she wears skinny jeans with mini skirt and I think it looks just cute. And as for the headcover, it's totally fine, I mean I'm from the Middle East and you know how HOT the weather is (it's currently 107 degree) but we used to it, the headcover can bother me sometimes, but I'm not walking all over the place under the melting hot sun XD
You're awesome, that you got to see things and experience things about a another religion. And I'm happy that things are cleared up for you now. It's sad how media shows ''ALL'' Muslims to be terrorists...etc...
... And by the way, I can agree with you on how both Christianity and Islam has a lot in common. I mean, the majority of my friends here at xanga are Christians, but when I read for them, when they address some topics about Christianity...etc... I feel like: oh, that's the same thing we have in Islam! How cool!
Really, it's pretty amazing.
Thanks for sharing this with us =D (you lokk pretty sweet)
& sorry about the long-winded comment XD
@suicidalspirit - Yeahhh, I think it might just be the Muslims that live in my area who follow that "7 layer" tradition (hahah, reminds me of 7 layer taco dip). Minneapolis is mostly populated by Somali Muslims, so perhaps that's their thing. And as for the clothing, like wearing skirts and stuff, I think the Muslims here just might be stricter or something. But apparently a lot of the younger women are a lot more relaxed in what they wear.
Did I mention that it's really cool that you're Muslim? That's so random! Especially since we just subbed to each other recently. lol
Ohhhhh, and... no worries about the long comment. I totally love long comments. It shows me that you actually took time to read my blog and thought about something to say!
@Pieces_of_a_Melody - LOL!!! Taco dip! EXACTLY! XD
Awww! Thanks! =D about the random comment! You're really sweet!
Yeah, I pretty much like to leave a genuine comment on every entry I read from my sub/friends. It's cool, to read and share your thoughts with others, now, isn't it? =D
Thanks again, sweet girl! I'm pretty glad I have you among my lovely friends/sub list! ^___^
Peace&
LOVE,
i really like your xanga. but moreso the quote at the top.
@dnuwin - Thanks!!!
7 layers!!! OMG!!!
@Mac_Libureet - Mhmmm... I don't think all Muslims do that (as suicidalspirit said), but the sect that lives in Minneapolis does (Somali Muslims).
thats so cool you got to participate in that! it's good to see people of all types of faith getting along.
i couldn't do seven layers though!
what was it like? how were their services set up?
@where_words_fail - Actually, I didn't get to attend one of their services.
I was really hoping we would be there during their service. BUT, we weren't.
We did just get to talk to the Imam and hear a lot about their faith though. It was very interesting.
you dressed up for a field trip, huh? very nice. =)
i think Catholic masses are cool, too. i'd like to attend the Christmas Eve one in the Vatican. ooooh.
@TheBigShowAtUD - Yeah, one of my best friends is Catholic, so I've gone to Mass with her a couple times. I think it's kinda cool. Although I do find myself a little confused and flustered when it comes to all the standing, sitting, kneeling, and random recitations, and hand motions. lol
The muslim prayer service actually freaks me out a bit. Hundreds of people bowing up and down and doing other things in unison - almost military-like. I grew up as a muslim so I've seen it all my life, but still.
@Dewdropsonthegrass - Hmmmm, well I didn't get to see the prayer service. But I'd like to see it, just out of curiosity. I find the study of other religions fascinating.
@Pieces_of_a_Melody - Then try to be there in person. You can see it in TV or in a computer too, but then you won't get the feel of it.
"Not to mention the fact that tradition requires Muslim women to wear 7 layers!"
I, for one, do not wear 7 layers. lol I have never heard that in my life.
But, I'm glad some misconceptions were cleared up. I wish more people sought to learn about Islaam rather than sit back and just swallow what they are spoon-fed.
I like wearing my hijab, abaya and niqab. The abaya is actually pretty cool feeling. It's not hot at all. And burning in up this summer heat is better then burning in the fires of Hell. That is how I look at it. I feel much more safer, more secure and more comfortable in hijab, abaya, and niqab then in Western Clothing.
@teeraljannah - i noe eh????...i have noooooo idea where t he 7 layers came from...hm...shirt, pants, abayah, hijab,niqaab,...gloves..anndddddd sox?????..LOL