Religion & Spirituality Community Check-in: September 1st-7th
Welcome to Religion & Spirituality weekly check- in!
Fall is coming and we will soon be able to appreciate its beauty!
💡Is the connection and appreciation of nature something that is part of your Faith? If so, how would you describe it?
💡How does your Faith and/or Spirituality help you during difficult moments?
💡What made you feel the need to grow your faith or to have a spiritual path?
- Quote: ''Hope is praying for rain, but faith is bringing an umbrella.'' -
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tag list: @Adamw12 @amiablePeace77 @beck1 @blindCupcake8608 @Helgafy @Jenna @LoveMyMoonflowers @loyalApricot1375 @Mahad2804 @MeaningfulSilence @ovowoody @passionateSea1909 @rhodawoolf @soulsings @stallion3 @SunShineAlwaysGrateful @Swordpsalm @ThatChristLover @TheJenInBlack @tommy @trueconfidant123 @Tulipsmile @Tyedyedbutterfly65
@MeaningfulSilence ooh the first check in! I love it!
How have you been lately?
I have been doing well thank you! I have been really focusing on self care recently and finding some new hobbies to do in my spare time!
Is the connection and appreciation of nature something that is part of your Faith? If so, how would you describe it?
I would say partly yes! Sometimes I like to sit outside and just listen to the birds etc. It can be calming. I haven't been able to do that recently though because its been too hot! I am definitely looking forward to Fall/Autumn so that I can sit outside again 🙂
How does your Faith and/or Spirituality help you during difficult moments?
My faith can be very grounding and help me realize that I do have a purpose!
What made you feel the need to grow your faith or to have a spiritual path?
I have only been on this faith journey for the last 8 ish years. Its been a rocky one but it has provided a lot of answers to trauma that I experienced etc
@beck1
Hi there beck1!
Sounds good to focus on self-care and things you like to do that make you feel good. Yay for new hobbies! Yes this summer has been atypical at my place too, bad thunderstorms alternated with too hot days, fingers crossed for a better autumn 🍂
I'm glad to hear that overall this spiritual path of yours is helping you, that's something valuable!
Wishing you all the best, sending you a lot of positive vibes beck1! 💙
@MeaningfulSilence
I am doing pretty good !
I love all of Gods work which is creating all of the beautiful flowers, trees, just everything ! I look around in amazement and know HE made such a beautiful world but sadly we human beings have really messed it up.
My Faith gets me through the roughest times in my life. I have always believed in God and his son Jesus and never once questioned it all .
I know when I am gone I am gonna be in Heaven and it is going to be amazing.
When I talk with The Lord I know He is listening and loves me like no others..
He Loves US all and wants Us to live a Beautiful life and know He is with Us always and He is not the one at fault for our sins and the bad things that happen.
Prayers, Tye 💗
@Tyedyedbutterfly65
All very good written/said Tyed.
Great questions!
💡How have you been lately?
-pretty good! i'm glad it is starting to cool off as you said. happy to enjoy the coming all with a warm sweater and a cup of coffee soon!
💡Is the connection and appreciation of nature something that is part of your Faith? If so, how would you describe it?
-nature to me is healing. more and more studies coming out on "forest bathing" which is basically walking around the woods and paying attention. it nourishes me like not much else. i like being in nature because it is not "man made." it is so simple, yet complex, and fractally beautiful. to me it says there is much more here and we don't quite understand it all. to me, it speaks to the mystery of life.
💡How does your Faith and/or Spirituality help you during difficult moments?
-it helps me have a sense of purpose and meaning, especially during difficult times. i can see that rough waters often have lessons that I need to learn. I don't necessarily want to learn them, but if I do now then it'll usually be less painful later.
💡What made you feel the need to grow your faith or to have a spiritual path?
-i'm a big believer in this concept of grace. like, there is something out there looking out for us and helping us. i've seen this a lot in my life where if I were to rely on my own strength or capabilities, then things would definitely have gone sideways or not worked out. grace has come through for me and those I love time and time again. it was me mostly seeing this pattern happen and being like woah this is not really tied to my efforts. what is happening here? that helped me better understand and see the spiritual path.
@GlenM
Hello Glen!
Glad to hear about your positive experience, it's good you opened your mind to a higher meaning beyond everything that you experienced. It's even more deep the fact you thought about it also when you saw positive things happening to you and your beloved ones. That reminds me about some religious paths that explain how there is something more than our efforts and hard work, you mentioned grace and to be able to see it sounds like a gift!
Thank you for having shared about it Glen!
How have you been lately?
Physically, I am doing well. Emotionally/mentally, that's a different story but I'm strong so I'm ok this way. ♡
How does your Faith and/or Spirituality help you during difficult moments?
I've been praying to a God I never knew since childhood. I went through a lot at a young age. It was the words in the bible and praying to God that helped me feel safe through everything. I know that even though I'm imperfect God still loves me and He is the one that I can count on through all stages of my life. ♡
What made you feel the need to grow your faith or to have a spiritual path?
I feel the need to continue to draw close to my Heavenly Father because He has, truthfully, been the only one I could count on my entire life. He gives me the strength on all my days and sustains me. He loves me unconditionally and I love Him. He has blessed me in many ways and He deserves all the glory and praise. Even when I have fallen off track, there's something inside of me that knows I can never run from Him. ♡
@MeaningfulSilence Thank you for this thread.
- How does your Faith and/or Spirituality help you during difficult moments? When I am stressed out, it helps me to find a quiet place within and just let the dust settle until my mind is clearer.
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What made you feel the need to grow your faith or to have a spiritual path? I think I knew instinctively that it was a part of my life I could not do without. When I ignored it and tried to live without that foundation, there was not a lasting sense of joy.
@soulsings
Hi there Soulsings! 🙂
The idea of a lasting sense of joy sounds good! Ever experienced, with it, a ''reliatable'' sense of inner peace? That's something positive some people experience when they are in a spiritual path or more specific Faith. Its positive aspect is that it leads people to maintain their inner peace also when things go wrong. It helps a better sense of stability.
Thank you for your post Soul, take care!
@MeaningfulSilence
How have you been lately? - I have been doing wonderful.
💡Is the connection and appreciation of nature something that is part of your Faith? If so, how would you describe it? - I love nature. It makes me feel grounded and alive. It's not something that is directly connected to my faith, but it is something that I appreciate and I love being in it when I speak to Heavenly Father.
💡How does your Faith and/or Spirituality help you during difficult moments? - It helps me to remember what my purpose is. It helps me remember that I'm not alone in my trials.
💡What made you feel the need to grow your faith or to have a spiritual path? - I've always believed in a higher power and I found the faith that I really am comfortable with and enjoy learning and growing in.
@Jenna
Hello Jenna, glad to hear you are doing well 😊
Thank you for sharing your positive experience, wishing you to keep on growing and learning as you desire Jenna!
@MeaningfulSilence
💡How does your Faith and/or Spirituality help you during difficult moments?
During difficult times, faith gives me hope and solace.
💡What made you feel the need to grow your faith or to have a spiritual path?
To understand better through continuous learning. To be a better human being.
If one learn their faith correctly and hold on to their holy book, they'll grow in kindness and act from a place of empathy.
@MeaningfulSilence
How have you been lately?
I'm doing good lately, in fact, It was only during past few years and more during these past 2 months that I starting getting into seeking more knowledge about religion and I'm very happy that we now have a platform at 7cups to discuss it!🥳
Is the connection and appreciation of nature something that is part of your Faith? If so, how would you describe it?
Yes, connection and appreciation of nature is something that is part of my faith. In Islam, nature is seen as a reflection of Allah's (God's) creation and His blessings. The beauty and provision of nature are considered signs of Allah's existence and His care for His creation. Fruits, sun, soil and other natural resources are seen as blessings from Allah, providing sustenance & nourishment for us. Nature reminds us of God's generosity, power and also persuades us to appreciate/take care of the environment!💫🧸✨
How does your Faith and/or Spirituality help you during difficult moments?
I'd like to quote an Arabic word here to better explain my perspective and belief. "Tawakkul" is what helps me during difficult moments in life, this is the word for the Islamic concept of putting your whole trust on Allah and relying on Him only for your matters about this world and the hereafter. It is the word for "trusting in God's plan" and reliance on Him only because he is the most powerful and only He can control things. You put your faith in Him that he'll plan things out for you or guide you.
Also, the fact that He is the most Loving and Forgiving helps me throughout every good or bad time, because I know no matter what my God is patiently waiting for me to turn towards Him. Humans and things are temporary but God is Ever-Living and perfect and I submit to him alone.
Praying is also a source of peace for me during hard times because I feel so connected to God and also while reading Quran, the holy book. It is a divine book that speaks to you and provides peace and guidance.😀🌌
What made you feel the need to grow your faith or to have a spiritual path?
Wow, I like this question hihi😄, so, I wasn't always religious but rather not so into religion due to maybe ignorance. But growing up, you know there is a point in everyone's life where we have existential questions, questions about life and everything and also I always had a strong feeling that we humans have a purpose in this world, anything other didn't make sense. But researching and seeking knowledge gave me a satisfactory sense of direction and purpose, it was through my religion for me.
Islam is not only a religion but it is the way of life. All my questions that I had were answered through it and the holy book. Quran is a divine guide that provides instructions and teachings for all aspects of life including faith, morality, spirituality, relationships, and social justice. It serves as a source of guidance & wisdom for Muslims, helping them navigate through life's challenges and make decisions in accordance with Allah's will.
I always had a need to feel connected to God and to find purpose, discipline and peace in life and that's what sparked my journey towards a spiritual path & growing my faith.
And then I found my guidance and fulfillment through holy book Quran and also through stories of all the Prophets starting from Adam, Moses, Abraham, Solomon, Jesus, Jacob etc and ending with Muhammad may peace be with them all. We Muslims love and respect all messengers of Allah and we believe they were god's chosen people to deliver His message and teach us the way of life! Ngl their stories have also helped me during my hard times😊
@magnificentNutella
Hi Nutella.
I'm a Christian. You're talking of trust in God, our Father. That's what I find the hardest, to trust.
You mention Jesus as a prophet. And - he is more that that - he is Gods own son, the only one.
@Helgafy
Hi Helgafy!
Thank you for your response😀 Yes, I understand sometimes it is hard to trust, we humans are imperfect and we can only try our best. I hope that in this life's journey trust becomes easier for you! God truly is the greatest and has control over all affairs.
I know Islamic perspective about Prophet Jesus differs from Christian perspective. I respect your belief and I know there are fundamental differences. But we also share some common beliefs😀 like the virgin birth of Jesus to Mary, his miracles which are also mentioned in Quran, we believe he will return as a Messiah during end times, also we love him a lot and all other prophets and have a willingness to learn from his life as we seek happiness from God. Perhaps the common things can serve as an opening for a productive and healthy conversation between our faiths💙 May peace be with you.
@magnificentNutella
Friend.
I was thinking today. In Christianity we have so many songs, psalms and hymnes that we sing to God/Jesus Christ to honor him or about the Christian path through life. I have never heard the Muslims have such songs. Do you?
@Helgafy
Hello Helgafy/friend😊You called me a friend, I’m so honored and happy! (Also apologies for responding a bit late, I was busy with a family commitment-I'll respond to your other replies within this week💜) Thanks for sharing the songs about Christianity, I’d have to see if I ever came across psalms or hymnes. During my undergrad, I had a music course and I came across religious aspects like gospel music.
I appreciate your curiosity regarding if we have a music to honor God like you guys do. We Muslims praise Allah (God) through prayers and reciting verses from the Quran in a beautiful way. Quran (the divine book containing words of Allah) was revealed to our beloved Prophet Muhammad (may peace be upon him) in Arabic. This language is very beautiful and so is its recitation which touches our hearts.
We praise Allah through supplication (dua), expressing gratitude in daily life and doing acts of worship, and we also glorify His names and attributes. So for your question, I’ll introduce you to “Asma ul Husna” which are the 99 names/attributes of Allah mentioned in the Quran. The first of the five pillars of Islam is faith/belief in Allah and we Muslims believe in Allah in accordance with His beautiful names/attributes that are so powerful & divine- they belong to Him alone as there is nobody comparable to Him and no one else holds such qualities. These are the names He introduced himself in the Quran and owns them all. (Surah al-A`raf 7:180). “Allah has the Most Beautiful Names. So call upon Him by them” Surah Al-A'raf(7:180)
These names truly helped me during my difficult times and good times. Every name/attribute gives hope, power, satisfaction, relief and reliefs me from the negativity of the world. I know that my creator has control over every single thing and I submit to Him alone, prostrate to him and ask only Him. I’m sharing a video of asma-ul-husna for you or anyone who comes across this, it’s recited in Arabic because the Quran was revealed in this language and the attributes are in the Quran. The good thing is that the subtitles in the video are in English for people like me to understand and grasp the divinity better!💜
Video link: https://youtu.be/lgm3puP3tMA?si=cMwVrpaprzlMFWFX
@magnificentNutella
Hi friend.
Of course you're a friend. And you don't have to hurry to answer. I saw the video, it's OK. But I think it is sad if not more of Gods creativity comes is expressed in Islam, like painting, songs, music, theater. Well. well. My neighbour (I once was in her flat) had a poster on her wall with the 99 names of God. She was a muslim. I told her about Christ (who we believe is God) who died on the cross for our sins. Her meaning (belief) was that no one could take the blame for other persons sins.
@magnificentNutella
Hi.
I have name nr. 100 for God: Father. In Christianity we learn to call him that. Jesus Christ taught us to pray "The Lords prayer" - and it starts with: "Our Father, which art in heaven."
@Helgafy O hi friend, I just came across your further two replies/comments, I'll respond to them both in this 😊
so for your first comment above: I'm glad that you saw the video of asma-ul-husna (the 99 unique names/attributes of Allah). Hihi, you think the video is "OK" 😃 and you can have your own opinions of course💜but I find it to be so powerful, enlightening & peaceful. The attributes give me goosebumps every time that how Exalted Allah (God) is that no one else compares to Him.
And I'm sorry that you think it is sad that God's creativity isn't expressed in Islam like in your religion through paintings, theater, music etc. I'm sure it must be a source of peace for you maybe or you can let me know why is it important or significant for you guys. On the other hand, this thing is not sad for me or any Muslim at all💜 because there is a reason we don't have paintings or theater in Islam and I'll inform you why since we all are here to learn and explore.
So, in Islam, the representation of God (Allah) or Prophets through paintings/theater is discouraged due to various reasons. Firstly, it is to prevent idolatry (idol worshipping), Islam focuses on the worship of God without any physical representations (idols, paintings, worldly things) and the focus is on direct spiritual connection with Allah. Surah Qaf(50:16) "Indeed, its is ˹We˺ ˹Who˺ created humankind and ˹fully˺ know what their souls whisper to them, and We are closer to them than ˹their˺ jugular vein". Surah Al-Hadid(57:4) "He knows whatever goes into the earth and whatever comes out of it, and whatever descends from the sky and whatever ascends into it. And He is with you wherever you are". In Islam we belief that the connection between humans and God is direct & spiritual, he is near to us wherever we are and we can talk/call onto/pray to Him whenever & wherever. We don't need a middle man or thing for this connection because that's "shirk" (associating partners with Allah) or assuming that some worldly things holds His attributes. Secondly, we don't make His painting or visual representation because in Islam, God is considered to be unseen & beyond human comprehension because we humans have limited knowledge and somethings are Hidden so is He (Al-Batin)-Hidden and He is Al-Ahad (Unique, the only One). God is considered to be Unique & transcendent- beyond & above the physical world, existing in a realm beyond our human understanding. It signifies that God is not confined by the limitations of time, space, or physical form. In Islam, God is hence believed to be transcendent, emphasizing His greatness and incomparable nature. I also shared surah Ikhlas below & sharing again in case Surah Al-Ikhlas “He is Allah—One ˹and Indivisible˺; Allah—the Sustainer ˹needed by all˺. He has never had offspring, nor was He born. And there is none comparable to Him.” (112:1-4) Though God created every single thing in the heavens & the earth, but nothing is comparable to Him in nature- He is Unique & beyond and above it all (we don't assign Him a look as He is isn't like anything we've seen)😊 we hope that we will see Him if we go to Heaven. We praise Him in our hearts, pray to Him and prostrate/bow down to Him with our face to the ground- that's how we submit to the One😊isn't it so beautiful?
Moreover, we similarly don't have paintings/visual representations of Prophets in Islam because it is kinda like disrespectful because we haven't seen them and drawing them incorrectly is not right & is deceptive since it won't be accurate. Depiction of any Prophet or even angels of Allah is hence wrong because it is akin to telling a lie plain and simple- that's a sin for us as we don't know how Allah created them. Secondly, it is also to prevent idolatry since we all know the evil in the world and it is to prevent people from worshipping Prophets but instead we worship the One who created them and everything. So, we wouldn't want any Muslim/person to worship Prophet Muhammad or Moses etc but rather their Lord😊 So, everything in our religion has a reason and those Muslims/humans who don't follow the rules, it is of course between them & Allah- we are no one to judge.
Also, you mentioned how you told your Muslim neighbor "about Christ (who you believe is God) who you belief died on the cross for your sins. Her meaning (belief) was that no one could take the blame for other persons sins." Thank you for sharing this information💜 I know about Christian beliefs but I'm sure you know wayyy more than me and I'm here to learn, share & explore! Your neighbor kinda gave you a partial answer but I'll summarize it, we Muslims love Jesus (may peace be upon him) as a Prophet of Allah, also we belief that he didn't die, he was taken up by Allah and saved from the people of that time who rejected him and planned to do stuff to him (all the evidences are in Quran and our beliefs come from there) instead he was replaced by an oppressor/wrong-doer that time because nothing is impossible for Allah. Prophet Jesus will return to earth according to our beliefs and fight dajjal(antichrist) during end times. And then Allah says in Quran Surah Al-'Ankabut(29:57) "Every soul will taste death, then to Us you will all be returned" so yeah we belief every single soul and thing will die when the events come- Only Allah will remain because He is Al-Hayy (Ever Living One) and Al-Baqi (The Everlasting One)-He never dies because that is a Human or worldly trait. And then we will be resurrected and the judgement will take place etc. Also, we all will be responsible for our own deeds and will be judged with the utmost justice because God is the most Just. No one else would be given the blame for someone else's sin. This makes me want to do my best in this world.
for your second comment above: Thank you for sharing your perspective my friend- I know maybe you did it by mistake or you may have a good intention but I'd like to correct you on this in the most respectful way😊💜 It's important for everyone to know that in Islam, the 99 names/attributes of Allah aka Asma ul Husna are unique, sacred and belong to Allah only and are not applicable to the Christian God. Claiming that there's a 100th name as "Father" is considered kinda blasphemous for us because it implies a human attribute and relationship to the divine. Allah is believed to be beyond human characteristics (attributes & relationship) and is not seen as a literal father figure (you can refer to Surah Al-Ikhlas)😊. It's important to respect and understand these differences in religious beliefs. We all know different religions have different ways of addressing & understanding the divine. Let's keep the conversation respectful and open-minded friend💜 Maybe we can word it correctly😊 instead of saying the 100th name specifically because we Muslims don't add, subtract or fabricate divine words of God, we can apply the statement you wrote for your religion that in Christianity- God is referred as "father" and it's his one name there, let me know if there are more! And wow I didn't know that Prophet Jesus (may peace be upon him) taught you "The Lord's prayer" I'm sure it must be beautiful for you guys- also makes me wonder like was it in a specific language? Like for us our language of Quran is Arabic. What language did Jesus speak or pray in? Also, back to my first ever reply- I mentioned the common things can serve as an opening for a productive and healthy conversation between our faiths like Virgin Birth of Jesus to Mary💜and also how we love Prophet Jesus so much! You know there is a whole chapter in Quran, dedicated to Virgin Mary called Surah Maryam! Isn't it amazing😀 Prophet Jesus was so kind to his mother💜 we also belief in the miracles he performed by the will of Allah- they are mentioned in Quran!
Take care, friend! As-Salaam-Alaikum (Peace be unto you)🐧🍫
@magnificentNutella
Thank you so much for your writing Nutella.
@magnificentNutella
Well friend - I also think persons should try to live in peace with each other. And here is a saying from the Bible that may create conflicts, but I still will mention it. He tells what I quote because no man can stand before God in his own rightousness, but Jesus Christ took the punishment for all our sins on his own body when he died at the cross (and 3 days after he rose from the ded) so we can be blameless in front of God. John 14:6 (The Bible) Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
@Helgafy
Hello Friend, of course it won't create conflicts💜 you are allowed to express your faith like anyone else in this community that's why we have this safe platform 😊 and we all are mature humans who are here to express, share & learn. I'm here for a safe & healthy discussion always💙
Thank you for sharing the bible verse here, I also came across bible and this particular verse on my journey to seek knowledge about religion, faith & spirituality. I have a different interpretation of it which is in accordance with my beliefs & religion. Muslims belief that all prophets sent to earth were given miracles, message of God and knowledge to share with us, the message revealed to them was specifically for that time and nation. Surah Yunus (10:47) "And for every nation is a messenger. So when their messenger comes, it will be judged between them in justice, and they will not be wronged." We belief all prophets brought the same message that God is One and he alone is worthy of worship and they told us the true message and showed the way of life according to that time and space, no one else could claim to be a false prophet instead of them etc and say a different message or fabricate it. The message ended with the final prophet-Prophet Muhammad (may peace be upon him). Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:3) "Today I have perfected your faith for you, completed My favor upon you, and chosen Islam as your way."
Your this reply on my post also reminded me another aspect of my religion/faith that brings me peace in my difficult journey and persuades me to do my best. If you saw the asma-ul-husna, two of God's attributes are "Al-Hakam"(The Judge) & "The-'Adl"(The Just). We Muslims belief that the day of judgement will come and God will judge each soul for their lives lived on earth, and the final judgement will be carried out with absolute justice according to our circumstances, no good or bad deed, whether how small or big will go unnoticed. Surah Az-Zumar(39:70) "Every soul will be paid in full for its deeds, for Allah knows best what they have done"
In Islam, we our solely responsible and will be accountable for our deeds, sins and everything. When the hour will be established, the most Just God, will serve justice. This makes me want to do my best in this life, because I know that He will repay me. Also, those who have done me wrong or maybe spread evil/wrongdoings on earth will also stand before Him on the judgement day. Moreover, another attribute of Allah is "Al-Ghaffar"(The Most Forgiving) he repeats again and again in Quran that He is most forgiving and waiting patiently for us to turn towards Him. Surah Al-Baqarah(2:222) "Surely Allah loves those who always turn to Him in repentance and those who purify themselves" and Surah Ash-Shuraa(42-25) "He is the One who accepts repentance from His servants and pardons their sins. And He knows whatever you do." and Surah Al-Furqan(25:71) "And whoever repents and does good has truly turned to Allah properly"
These are some of the verses that bring peace to me that my God is the most Forgiving & Merciful, He knows our nature that we humans sin and he accepts sincere repentance, this alone brings peace to me that if I ever did wrong in my past which brought sadness and guilt to me, I could always turn to him in sincere repentance and now do good from now onwards. Some things are a battle of my "nafs" (arabic word meaning psyche, ego, soul and desires) and the fact that my God is all-knowing and I'll stand before Him one day, makes me want to do good and refrain from wrongdoings to the best of my abilities. This brings me peace and tranquility. And I hope anything I shared brings those who read some peace too💜
On this note I'll end with another Surah from quran in reply to your comment😊so that you or anyone else may know what are the fundamentals of my religion.
Surah Al-Ikhlas “He is Allah—One ˹and Indivisible˺; Allah—the Sustainer ˹needed by all˺. He has never had offspring, nor was He born. And there is none comparable to Him.” (112:1-4)
May peace be with you all. As-Salaam-Alaikum (Peace be unto you)
@magnificentNutella
Thank you so much for your writing Nutella.
@Helgafy
Hello there Helgafy.
Thank you for joining the community to share your personal experience of Faith.
Here we want to offer a safe space for everyone to share about their spiritual path, religious growth and their experience with it. It's not about to discuss what one doesn't believe about a different Religion, makes sense?
Thank you for understanding 💙
@MeaningfulSilence
@magnificentNutella
Meaningful.
I understand what you're saying to me. (I don't think I'm able to be as diplomatic as you, but if it happens that I don't fit in - then you have the right to tell me to go somewhere else to write - I understand that. I just think I'm that kind of person who likes to discuss a little bit.)
@Helgafy
Hi there, friend! I'm here to express, share and discuss too like you. Of course it shouldn't create conflicts 💙 We are humans- curious and we all have the ability to think, explore and reason. No one means harm in this community that I know, 7 cups has always been my safe place and has brought me good💜 and you seem like a mature and intellectual person to me, I'm happy that you are curious and up for discussion 😊🍫🧸
@magnificentNutella
Hi there magnificentNutella!
Thank you for coming and sharing, that's a very beautiful post with profound thoughts rooted in Faith! 💙
@magnificentNutella After reading all that and getting to know you more through your words, all I can say is...
@YourCaringConfidant desiree bestie💜🍫 you are so loving and kind, your presence makes my life so much better and also 7cups 🤗
@magnificentNutella Ohhhhh myyyyy! My heart literally can't take your sweetness. 😘🥰😍 You just brought the biggest smile to my face and I love the graphic! ❤💛
Assalam-u-Alaikum Warahmat-ul-laahi wa-barakaatuh (May peace and blessings and mercy be upon you)
💡How have you been lately?
I've been pretty good, thanks for asking! Life has been pretty busy lately with school and stuff. We're also moving soon so my room is currently a huge mess that I need to clean up before I go to bed.
But overall, I'm grateful that things are going relatively smoothly and we've had no hiccups yet.
💡Is the connection and appreciation of nature something that is part of your Faith? If so, how would you describe it?
As Muslims, we believe that this world is a test for us. It is a test to see who among us used the intellect they were blessed with to recognize God and submit to Him.
Part of how we are expected to recognize God is by looking at the world around us and seeing all His creations. We look at the intricacies of flowers and insects and the vastness of the cosmos and we see a magnificence unmatched.
And from there, we think that if this is the beauty of the creation, how magnificent, how elegant, how utterly beautiful must be the Creator Himself.
The Quran, in Surah Al An'aam says:
💡How does your Faith and/or Spirituality help you during difficult moments?
My personal experience is that it's much easier for me to believe or be strong in faith or pray when things are going well. Gratitude comes naturally to me.
Where I often struggle is when the going gets tough. When something unexpected happens. Be it a loss in the family. Or exams not going well. Or anything in the negative side of the spectrum. That's when I find it hard to go back to Allah.
But one habit that I've made recently to cope with something going not so well in life is that I recite Quran everyday. I do it in the mornings usually but if I had a bad day, I'll do it right before bed as well.
And somehow, no matter what I'm going through, when I read the Quran it manages to soothe and calm and reassure me that everything will be fine. It seems like magic but even if I open it at a random point and start reading, in not too long I will start to feel like this passage was written specifically for this very situation I'm in.
One verse that I always read repeatedly when I'm going through a hard time is:
💡What made you feel the need to grow your faith or to have a spiritual path?
4 years ago, I lost a really close friend, my only close friend, to a car accident. That loss shook me to my core. I wasn't very religious before that and when that happened I was left completely alone. I didn't know how to grieve, who to talk to, who to confide in. That friend was my ride or die. We used to share everything with each other and now, when I needed a shoulder to cry on, he wasn't there.
So that night, I didn't sleep. I was up on my roof (which used to be our favorite hangout spot) listening to our favorite songs, crying, looking at pictures. And then, this Islamic lecture got recommended on YouTube. It was the story of a man who had lost his wife and then consequently lost his faith. I sat there for an hour and a half and listened to that entire lecture. And I realized, that is not how I wanted my life to go.
I didn't want to lose myself in the grief of my friend. I wanted to honor his memory and make sure everyone else knew him like the loving, caring friend he was to me.
That day was the start of my journey to be a better Muslim. What I lost that day, I made up for with my relationship with Allah.
And recently I was reading the Quran and I came across this verse that reminded me of him so much that I started crying again, thinking of all the good times we had. It goes like such:
@Mahad2804 thanks for sharing your faith. A very inspiring post.
@Mahad2804
Assalam-u-Alaikum Mahad!
Thank you for joining! Your sharing is a beautiful journey through Faith and it sounds positive you had willingness to grow in it . It's good it helped you when you lost your friend and that it keeps helping you in every circumstances.
From a religious perspective, it's exactly during difficult moments that it's possible to find refuge in God, to seek for relief and to sense the higher meaning behind every life situation. For sure by reading the Holy Quran you keep the connection with Him!
Wishing you a good week!
@Mahad2804
Friend - you're a very fine writer!
