PART FIVE
Also read these other parts,
1,3,4,
6
,7,
8
Part 2 is a special adult oriented part. Click
here.
To write to Adam and Chancellor, write to;
a-c@submission.org
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Dear Adam & Chancellor
is an exciting question and answer column that's open
to all youth (and the young at heart). If you're curious about a subject
or have a question you've been afraid to ask someone else, give Adam &
Chancellor a shot. Your questions can even be kept confidential if you like.
Whether you're dealing with peer pressure and everyday challenges or have
questions about your religion or the meaning of life, Adam & Chancellor
will give you some great feedback. Check out some of the past questions and
you'll get an idea. You can also find the Adam & Chancellor column in
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the Elite. If you like
to subscribe to the Elite, please send us a notice at :
Elite@submission.org
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Dear Adam & Chancellor,
(41)
Subject: Dating and the PROM.
Assalamu alaikum.
I have a friend who dates (behind her parents' back)
and I don't think she really cares about what me telling her it's against
our religion. She lives far away and we don't see each other that often,
nor do I get a chance to discuss with her why we should not date when I do
see her. Most of the time we're too scared that our parents may catch us
discussing this and get mad. Also, once one of her boyfriends took her away
from her home by train. When it was time to come back, he put her on the
wrong train then she got lost but managed to find her way home. I don't think
she cares too much about my advice and I don't think I'm doing a good job
explaining. I need to know a concise way to explain to her why Muslims can't
date. Also, she wanted to go to the prom last year with this
guy. That's no allowed in Islam, right? Is going to the prom with a group
of friends (some of which are of the opposite gender) OK or should we avoid
it all together? I'm worried about her.
Sincerely,
In need of advice
Dear In Need Of Advice,
God bless you for caring enough about your friend to tell her what is right
and wrong. You are following God's teachings in the Quran which encourages
us to remind each other about God's laws. The best way to give your friend
advice is by explaining to her why it is important for her to read the Quran
and strive only to please God. When your friend begins to value and respect
God as He should be valued and respected, then it is a lot easier to resist
the temptation of getting involved in a relationship with a guy. In the Quran,
God encourages us to respect and honor our parents. In fact, this
commandment is one of the most important in the Quran. Getting involved
with a guy will lead to sexual intimacy which is counter to God's teachings.
Furthermore, this type of relationship will tend to distract you from following
God's teachings such as doing your 5 daily contact prayers. Who is more important
to please? God or your own physical and emotional needs. You will find that
by pleasing God, all your needs will be satisfied. This pleasures of this
life are very temporary and it is a big mistake to trade them for the awesome
and eternal pleasures of the Hereafter.
In my opinion, attending the prom with a group of your friends is O.K. if
your intention is to enjoy the music, dance and hang out. However, if your
intention is to attend the prom with a guy who is likely to make a move on
you at the end of the night, it is best not to put yourself in that situation.
God bless you,
Adam |
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Dear Adam & Chancellor,
(42)
Subject: School
Dance.
there is a school dance coming up, i really want
to go, i am just going with friends but my parents wont let me. what should
I do?
thank you
peace be to you
from
Questioned
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Dear Questioned,
Well it seems like you are on one of those borderline issues. I rembert wanting
to go to school dances and not being able to either. You may want to try
different ways of reassuring your parents about who you are going to be with
and what type of dance it is. You may even want to take a person that they
really trust with you like a family friend, brother sister, or a cousin.
But if you don't get a chance to go there will be others and respecting our
parents is a big commandment in the Quran. Everything is in God's hands so
ask for His help and things will happen according to what he has in your
best interest. School dances are not always the best atmosphere. We tend
to realize things like this later in our lives. I have yet to go to one and
I don't think that I have really missed out on anything.
good Luck
Chancellor
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Dear Adam & Chancellor,
(43)
Subject:
Shameless
salamalaikum
I just heard of your site. I have a problem I don't
know how to explain it. I have looked all in the hadith but I didn't found
one accurately or I don't know about it. Three years ago when i was 13 years
ago I got unexpectedly good grades and I had become very religious. I thought
that life couldn't get any better. but suddenly it happened to me I don't
know how but I started occurring blasphemy and cursing Allah swt in my mind.
I NEVER wanted to do it I still don't but those words just come into my mind
no matter how much I try to stop them. I never uttered them verbally or believed
that what was coming into my mind was right but I don't want those bad words
coming into my mind at all. I read some hadith and then repent and then try
to become a good muslim but suddenly again somehow my mind gets cursing Allah
I know it's a major sin and I repent but I don't know how to stop them from
coming in my mind. When these words come in my mind then I go back to square
one and lose all religousness in me and feel the fairness of Allah swt from
me. I don't want to say those things and i try to stop them coming by telling
auzoobillahi minashaitan nir rajeem but they still come. Now i know that
i live like a hypocrite because that's what they used to do also in that
time though i do that unwillingly.I don't know how to stop them and i don't
want to end up as a hypocrite burning in hell. when i say those words all
respect of Allah swt goes from my heart and I don't want that.I don't know
whether this letter i'm writing is for real or one of my hypocritical schemes.
I want to be sincere and be a good muslim. I also feel that I'm just writing
this letter so that you can say that If you repent you will be forgiven and
so I would feel better about myself and think that i'm not that bad but it's
not the truth I'm very bad.
shameless
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Dear Shameless,
Thank you for sharing your difficult situation with me. A person is a hypocrite
when they say they believe in God but demonstrate actions, behaviors or
statements that contradict God's message in the Quran. In your case, you
have a strong conviction about your faith in God. The devil whispers bad
thoughts in your mind but you do not turn around and act on those whispers.
If you act on the whispers, then you are following the devil. However, you
realize that the thoughts in your mind are a blasphemy and you try to block
them out even though they don't seem to go away at times.
First of all, you need to start reading the Quran. The hadith is not a place
for you to find your answers. God mentions in the Quran that we should not
follow any hadith. Second, you should continue seek refuge in God from Satan
the rejected. There are beautiful chapters of the Quran that you can read
to yourself such as Sura 113 and 114. When the devil approached you with
an idea, you should try to remember God. Ask for forgiveness, repent and
try hard to reform. You can reform by following God's commandments in the
Quran. Make sure to observe your 5 daily contact prayers, give your 2.5%
zakat charity, read the Quran at dawn and at night, meditate on the names
of God, and force yourself to be with those who worship God night and day.
There are other details mentioned in the Quran that will help you greatly.
Whatever you do, make sure you do not let go of God. The more you strive
in His path, the more difficult it will be for the devil to penetrate your
mind. God promises you that the devil has not power over those who Submit
to God.
God bless you,
Adam
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Dear Adam & Chancellor,
(44)
Subject: God, School, love,
Dating...etc
Dear Adam and
Chancellor,
I am a 16 year old male. I recently came to a new high school.
I have been to lots of churches and been into lots of different faiths but
none of them really made me believe. I have a few questions I
would like to ask: 1) How can I get a copy
of the Qu'ran? 2) I have not spoken to God
in prayer in months, I was wondering if God will forgive me? I really
want to go back to God. 3) If I am interested
in Islam, is it o.k. for me to go to one their
meetings? 4) I have a friend at school who
is muslim. I have a huge crush on her and I wanted to know if I can
ask her out? We are close friends and we hang out together alot but
I wanted to know should I, would it be appropriate to ask her
out? 5) What kind of people does God
want teenagers hanging out with at school?
6) What way should a person who loves God dress at school and in
public? 7) Can anyone become a muslim, lets
say a person like
me?
Waiting your reply
S.T.
Dear S. T.
Thank you for the e-mail. I will try to answer all of your
questions.
1) How can I get a copy
of the Qu'ran?
http://www.submission.org/quran/
2) I have not spoken to
God in prayer in months, I was wondering if God will forgive me? I
really want to go back to God.
God is the Most Gracious and Most Merciful.
God is the Forgiver. God will forgive you as long as you sincerely
ask for forgiveness, repent, and make an effort to do better.
God is waiting for you and you can turn to Him at anytime. It is important
that you maintain regular prayers rather than turning to God only when you
are in need. We read in the Quran 2:186 "When My servants ask you about
Me, I am always near. I answer their prayers when they pray to Me.
The people shall respond to Me and believe in Me, in order to be
guided."
3) If I am interested
in Islam, is it o.k. for me to go to one their
meetings?
In the Quran, God teaches us that it is O.K.
to attend any gathering in which God alone is mentioned and worshiped.
The problem that I see in many Islamic gatherings is that people mention
other people besides God such as the prophet Muhammad. The one thing
that all religions have in common is the belief and worship of God.
The differences that arise are from people who try to elevate the great prophets
such as Jesus, Moses, Muhammad to positions that they themselves did not
want to be. If we want to please God, we need to follow in their footsteps
which means absolute devotion to God alone.
4) I have a friend at
school who is muslim. I have a huge crush on her and I wanted to know
if I can ask her out? We are close friends and we hang out together
alot but I wanted to know should I, would it be appropriate to ask her
out?
Developing and strengthening your friendship
is O.K. However, taking your friendship to the next level of a relationship
will put you in a position of establishing physical contact. This stage
of a relationship needs to take place in a
marriage.
http://www.submission.org/teenagers/dating.html
5) What kind of
people does God want teenagers hanging out with at
school?Those who can
appreciate God, who worship Him alone, and who can help you maintain your
relationship with God rather than pulling you in the opposite
direction.
http://www.submission.org/teenagers/friends.html
6) What way should a
person who loves God dress at school and in
public?
http://www.submission.org/teenagers/clothes.html
7) Can anyone become
a muslim, lets say a person like me?
Quran 2:62 "Surely, those who believe, those
who are Jewish, the Christians, the converts; anyone who believes in God,
and believes in the Hereafter, and leads a righteous life, will receive their
recompense from their Lord; they have nothing to fear, nor will they
grieve. A muslim (Submitter in English) is anyone who worships God
alone. Anyone can be a
muslim!
I pray that God guides you and strengthens
your faith.
God bless you,
Adam
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Dear Adam & Chancellor,
(45)
Subject:
Death
Salam.
Ever since my mom introduced me to your website,
i have really been into the
site. I've been visiting it everyday now.
I have a few questions.
1.) Should we be scared of death?
2.) Does the Quran describe what death will feel like?
3.) Is it true that everyone that died so far, didn't go to heaven yet, and
they have to wait until everyone's dead for the day of judgment, and
they're in a sleep for now?
If it isn't any trouble, I would appreciate if you
answer me.
Thank you,
W.Da
Peace be upon you,
Thank you for asking such great questions.
1.) Should we be scared of death?
Not if you are a Submitter - a person who believes in God, believes in the
Hereafter and leads a righteous life. God mentions in the Quran that
those who are Submitters will not even experience death. They will
go straight to heaven!
2.) Does the Quran describe what death will feel
like?
3.) Is it true that everyone that died so far, didn't
go to heaven yet, and
they have to wait until everyone's dead for the day of
judgment, and
they're in a sleep for now?
According to Quran death feels like going into sleep. The believers are welcome
after their death and go to Heaven immediately while waiting for the day
of Judgment to be given their eternal stay in Heaven. The disbelievers will
go into a state of sleep with terrible nightmares showing them some of the
suffering they will have after their judgment, until they get their judgment
and their eternal stay in Hell. To read more about these topics check:
http://www.submission.org/suras/app32.html
God bless,
Adam
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Dear Adam & Chancellor,
(46)
Subject: The death of my
little brother.
Dear adam and chancellor,
Just last week , my baby brother passed away.
I am a high school student in New Jersey, and my family are in Pakistan.
I didn't learn about my brother's death until yesterday when a friend sent
me an e-mail saying she heard my brother died. When I read it, I literally
went into shock and had to be sent to my uncle who lives in the states. There,
he told me that it was true, that my brother drowned in my family's pool
and my parents didn't want me to know until they could come over here and
tell me personally.
The thing is I can't believe my sweet funny brother
is gone forever, that I'll never see him again. I've been crying ever since
because of this.
I mean my brother was too young to die. It was just
few days before this that
he turned 7 and i sent him a card. My uncle and
family told me that my brother is in heaven now and he would not want me
crying about him but to go on with my life. I'm trying to now but I just
keep seeing my brother's face and I regret so much of all the times I ever
spanked him when he messed my things up. I love him so much and I just wish
I had a chance to say goodbye to him and ask for forgiveness. But that will
never happen. I know his death was meant to be and it was God's decision
that he die when he barely turned 7 but I can't help wondering why he had
to die so young. Anyway, my brother has taught me so much about life in such
a short time: I know now to never take anything for granted, to embrace every
new day, and thank God for just waking up every morning. Now I have a 12
year old brother and a 14 year old sister who though we used to fight before,
now I promise I'll never fight again with them and I'll let them know I love
them.
The one thing I
ask God when I pray is I hoped
that when my brother was drowning, it didn't hurt him, that he died peacefully.
And I also pray for God to give me a sign that my brother is ok, that he
is doing fine and that he's at peace. I know he's in heaven but won't he
be lonely there without my mom who he was so close to before? I know I sound
crazy asking this stuff but I really want to know. I also hope I dream of
him sometimes.
Already I feel better telling you all this. I hope
you can help me in some ways to cope with my brother's death.
thank-you
really sad and confused
Dear really sad and confused,
Thank you for sharing your emotional story with me. I can only imagine how
hard it must be for you to deal with such a difficult situation. Your relatives
are right when they say that your brother is in heaven. When we read the
Quran, we begin to understand what a blessing it is to be in heaven. Your
brother is not experiencing any pain, sorrow, or loneliness. He is in a constant
and complete state of peace, happiness, contentment, and pleasure. He is
in the presence of his Creator, God, the Almighty, Most Merciful. God is
taking wonderful care of him. God informs us in the Quran that those who
are in heaven will not experience any negative feelings such as being alone.
God also informs us in the Quran that those who go to heaven do not experience
any pain or suffering as they leave their earthly bodies. You can rest assured
that your brother did not experience the trauma of death as his soul left
his body. He was greeted instantly into a blissful paradise. God gives us
the example of Jesus. The people at that time thought that they killed him
but God mentions that Jesus did not die. God raised Jesus to Him before his
body was subjected to pain. This very difficult situation can also serve
as a blessing for you. You have already learned from this situation. God
wants you to turn to Him for support. God is inviting you to strengthen your
faith so that you enjoy the company of your brother in heaven when your time
has come. Please take advantage of this opportunity that God is giving you.
Start reading the Quran, observing the contact prayers and doing the things
that God invites you to do in the Quran. Continue to pray to God and turn
to Him for support. I have included some links that may help you better
understand this event.
http://www.submission.org/suras/app17.html
http://www.submission.org/quran/
I pray that God will strengthen your faith.
22:15
"If anyone thinks that God cannot support him in this life and in the Hereafter,
let him turn completely to (his Creator in) heaven, and sever (his dependence
on anyone else). He will then see that his plan eliminates anything that
bothers him."
God bless you.
Chancellor
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Dear Adam & Chancellor,
(47)
Subject:
A lot of Questions
from a Muslim Girl.
Salâm!
My name is Fatimah, I am 16 years old and I live in Austria and I’m
Shiite
Muslim. It’d take too long to tell you the story of my life, the facts
are: I
am the only Muslim in my family, I’m the only Muslim in my school. But
my
friends and my family respect my belief in Allah.
I try to be a good Muslim, I always cover my legs & my arms too, I usually
wear dark clothes, I never had any kind of relationship with boys, I am in
an all girls school and I pray regularly. But sometimes I don’t know
if it’s
good to do some things, I want to ask you for advice:
1.) I usually cover my head in black or other dark colored cloth, sometimes
I even wear a Persian Châdor. But I can’t cover my head in school
or when
I’m working. Is this okay?
Dear: Have a lot of questions;
Please refer to these links
http://www.submission.org/dress.html
http://www.submission.org/SP/APR99.html
There is nothing in the Quran that says women must cover their hair or wear
a chador. God invites the women to dress modestly, lengthen their garments,
cover their chests. According to the Quran, you do not have to cover
your head during school or while you are working.
2.) As a Shiite Muslim, can I pray in a Sunnite
Masjad?
First of all, God mentions that we should not divide our religion into
sects. 6:159 "Those who divide themselves into sects do not belong
with you...." 21:92-3 "Your congregation is but one congregation, and
I alone am your Lord; you shall worship Me alone. However, they divided
themselves into disputing religions..." When we call ourselves a Shiite,
Sunni, Bahai etc., we are dividing God's religion. Abraham was not
a Shiite or a Sunni. He was a monotheist Submitter (a muslim)
(2:135, 3:67 & 95) Muhammad was a follower of Abraham who was a
monotheist (not a Shiite or Sunni) 16:123 "Then we inspired you (Muhammad)
to follow the religion of Abraham, monotheism..." You should pray in
a Masjid where only the name of God is mentioned. It doesn't matter
what the name of the Masjid is. However, if people in a Masjid start
to mention other names besides God in their prayers, such as mentioning the
name of prophets and messengers, you should not pray in such a Masjid (72:18,
9:107-8).
3.) I teach German in a refugee camp and some of
my pupils are boys. Is it
okay for me to teach boys? They don’t touch me or anything, I don’t
have any private contact with them. It’s just my job, that I love.
I love helping
people.
According to the Quran, there is nothing wrong with this work. God
bless you for your efforts!
4.) I really want to study Information Technology
at the university and I’m
really into physics and mathematics. But technical jobs are regarded as
men’s jobs over here. Is it okay for a girl to take a men’s
job?
Of course. The religion of God, Islam, is a pure and simple practice
that teaches you how to come closer to God. People have made this religion
very complicated by inventing traditions and customs that violate the verses
of the Quran.
5.) I’d have to move to Vienna to go to University.
That’s too far away to
home every day. Is it okay for a girl to live alone in a
flat?
Again, according to the Quran, there is nothing mentioned about this.
It's a personal choice that is not related to Islam.
6.) In Austria people are not religious, not even
catholic or anything. And
people are not tolerant when it’s comes to religion, they regard it
as
“Opium” for the people. Especially Muslims are regarded as public
enemies.
It sometimes happens that a girl is beaten up, raped or killed because she
covers her head. Is it okay to take off your châdor if it is a danger
for
your life to wear it?
Please refer to my answer 1).
7.) My school mates are studying a dance routine
for the annual school ball.
It’s not “sexy” or anything, just a nice dance. What they
wear is: black
long trousers and a colorful T-Shirt. I’d love to participate. Is that
ok?
According to the Quran, yes.
8.) Is it okay to wear jewelry?
According to the Quran, yes.
9.) There is an actress that I really like a lot.
She is very talented and
has great humor. Her name is Jasmin Tabatabai, she’s Iranian and she’s
Muslim. Is it okay to have a poster of her in my room?
According to the Quran, yes.
10.) Is it okay to have photos of my sister (who’s
living in Taiwan) in my
room?
According to the Quran, yes.
11.) Is it okay to take a medicine that contains
alcohol?
In 2:219, God mentions there are some benefits in intoxicants but that the
sinfulness far outwieghs their benefits. If you can find a substitute
medication that does not contain alcohol, then it would be preferable to
take it. However, if you have a medical condition and the only medication
that is available contains alcohol, then I feel that it is O.K. God
is aware of the innermost intentions and He knows that the reason you are
taking the medication is not to get drunk but to help your medical condition
I encourage you to take the time to read the Quran. You will find that
God's religion is so beautiful and pure. You will also notice how badly
people have corrupted God's religion.
http://www.submission.org/quran/
God bless you,
Chancellor
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Dear Adam & Chancellor,
(48)
Subject: Going out with a
girl.
Salaams, please do
not write down my name when posting up my question on the
website! I have been going
out with a girl for over 1 year, I know it is against islam but i don't know
why? I do not want to break up with her because i love her a lot and
she's muslim as well. We have plans to get married down the road and
we just can not do without each other. Is there a way we can still
go out but get around the Islamic law?
or....??? Secondly, I know
that I am a sinner just like most humans, I would like to know what is the
best way to wipe all my sins
clean? Jazakallah and may
Allah reward you for your
help.
Help wanted!
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Dear Help Wanted,
Please refer to this link as an answer to your first question.
http://www.submission.org/teenagers/dating.html
God has designed the best system for us. We should not get involved
in pre-marital affairs since it can lead to physical contact which not only
goes against God's law in the Quran but may also lead to unexpected or
undesirable consequences such as pregnancy or disease. If you are in
love with this person and you are ready to get married, you need to proceed
with marriage. I recently received an e-mail from a boyfriend/girlfriend
couple who were in love. The girlfriend wrote that she became pregnant
and the boyfriend who loved her dearly did not stay with her. It can
happen to anyone. God has designed a system that we must respect.
You can continue to maintain your relationship with her on the friendship
level. This means enjoying each others company in a non-physical manner.
The best way to wipe all your sins clean is to ask God for forgiveness, repent,
and reform the sinful actions. These three actions are related.
There is no such thing as wiping all your sins clean with a simple repentance
and then continuing a sinful behavior. God is aware of your innermost
intentions. Your intention and effort must be sincere.
God bless you,
Adam |
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Dear Adam & Chancellor,
(49)
Subject:
Waiting anxiously
for your response
Peace be upon you,
Thank you for sharing your emotions and feelings with me. God willing, I
will do my best to give you advice from the Quran which God says has
enlightenment and healing for anything that troubles your heart (10:57).
>does islam discourage higher education for
girls?
Islam, which means Submission in English does not discourage higher education
for girls. In fact, God mentions in the Quran that He raises to higher ranks
those who attain knowledge. This fact is true regardless of if you are a
boy or girl since God mentions that men and women are equal as far as their
belief is concerned.
<<. my parents did "istikhara" before my
engagement, the result was positive. now when i told my parents that i don't
want all this, they say that i would be going against God's will ... i feel
like i'm evil. everyone hates me. my mother even said the words, she said
i'm making their life miserable and she hates me ... i can't express in words
how i felt. is it a sin? that my mind is not accepting what's coming to me?
that i expressed my feelings to my loved ones? it hurts me greatly that my
parents don't understand me.>>
It is not a sin to express your feelings to your loved ones. You are not
going against God's will by wanting to continue your education and not wanting
to marry someone that you do not even love. Your most important objective
should be to please God. If you feel that continuing your education and not
getting married will allow you to come closer to God, then the decision is
simple. You do not want to be forced into a situation that will add misery
and suffering to your life at such a young age. While it is important to
respect your parents and speak with them in the best possible manner, it
is also essential that they understand your feelings as well. Perhaps, you
can turn to some of your relatives or very close friends of your parents
or even to a school counselor or adviser to help you mediate between
your parents. Sometimes it may feel that the whole world is against you.
However, as long as you turn to God and strengthen your faith in Him, God
will shower you with His love and support. Please use this opportunity to
start reading the Quran. You will find tremendous wisdom, healing and guidance.
Perhaps, even your parents will benefit from the guidance of the Quran.
http://www.submission.org/quran/
<<keeps bouncing back to me. i don't argue
or protest or even say anything anymore but i can't help arguing with them
in my head. i'm getting dazed from my own arguments and counter-arguments.
i pray like i've never prayed in my whole life. my life is such a mess. for
the first time in my life i'm overwhelmed with a true sense of
desperation. if it's a matter of forcing myself or compromising then
why should i do it now? why at this age when i really can do something?
set my goals and strive to achieve them. PLEASE tell me, i am very confused
... is it wrong? is God not listening to me because i'm disobeying? if it
is wrong then why was i given such feelings???
>>
God IS listening to you. He is right by your side. You are not doing anything
to disobey God. In fact, you are pleasing God by praying to Him like you
have never prayed in your whole life. In your case, disagreeing with your
parents does not mean disobeying God because you have a sincere desire to
follow a path that can lead you God. Your parents must know that you can
not marry someone who is not a Submitter (Muslim). If the person is a Muslim
and he truly follows the path of God, he will understand your feelings and
should not force you to make a decision that is causing you fear and misery.
<<I don't know what's worse, the fact that
my life's falling apart, or that i have to pretend everything is fine. i
have only a week left. maybe this thing won't even be posted ... or i may
get a response when everything is over but still i want to try. i have to.
it is too important for me. i don't know where i'm heading or what i would
do ... or even if i would do something. but i do know that i never wanted
this from my life. i'm so confused. i confess that sometimes i feel so hopeless
that i physically torched myself. i take all this out on myself. i'm so confused.
pls, pray for me.>>
Inshallah, I will pray for you. However, you should continue to pray to God
as much as possible. You should not feel forced into a situation that is
leading you to misery. It may be a hard thing, but you must realize that
God is the best Supporter. He will answer your prayers. You should get some
other people involved who can speak to your mother and father. Perhaps you
have an open-minded relative who can step in. Or, you can contact the person
with whom you want to get married and share your concerns with him or his
family. You need the support of others around you. Don't not lose hope and
trust in God. You should continue to hold fast to God and know that He will
help you. Pray to God for support. Pray that He may guide your loved ones.
Pray that God strengthens your faith. Most importantly, do not give up on
God. God will help you get through this difficult test and in the process
you will come closer and closer to Him. Pray that God will give you
the strength to pull through this situation. Please keep me informed and
let me know how else I can help.
God bless you
Adam |
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Dear Adam & Chancellor,
(50)
Subject: I care about my
Catholic friend.
hello,
i have a friend that i really care about. I feel
like my friend is lost because he does not believe in something strong. He
grew up as a catholic but does not truly believe in it. I want to teach him
about islam but i don't know where to start. Do you have any
suggestions?
thank you
a muslima
Der Muslima,
Thank you for your e-mail. I have a few suggestions.
First of all, we learn from the Quran that God is the only One that guides
and we can not guide the people we love. We also learn that God is the Teacher
of the Quran. I say this so that you do not get discouraged, anxious or feel
unnecessary pressure. You should pray to God that He guides your friend.
You should speak with your friend in the best possible manner without getting
frustrated or sad.
Your role is not to convince your friend of the truth. You should simply
state the facts according to the Quran and leave the convincing to God. I
suggest that you set up a weekly scripture study with your friend. Read from
the Quran. Start from the beginning and read from cover to cover. Answer
any questions that may come up in an objective way using verses from the
Quran. Be patient with your friend. Pray that God increases your knowledge
and grants you wisdom and the correct understanding. You should buy a Quran
for your friend and give it as a gift with the occasion arises. I strongly
recommend the English translation by Rashad Khalifa. You can purchase this
translation from Amazon.com. You should read the same translation during
your study groups to avoid confusion.
May God bless you and your friend.
Chancellor |
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Dear Adam & Chancellor,
Special Section,
(Part Two)
From this page, you can go to a special section of Dear Adam and Chancellor
that deals with some sexually oriented questions. It may not be suitable
to everyone to read. You may choose to read it in the presence of your family
members or let them check it out first for you before you read it. If you
are not allowed to read it at your age, it is not the end of the world, do
not worry about it. As we grow older we will have different problems and
questions. We will be very careful presenting these materials and as usual
we will only use the Quran as our guide and help for all the answers. Remember
you or any of your family members or friends can write to us with their
suggestions, corrections or just to share their opinions. To visit that section
of Adam and Chancellor, please
click here. |
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info@submission.org
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