Why I chose Islam...

Asalams, I'm just going to get straight down to it. I am old fashioned in my thinking, I believe in modesty, prayer daily and more then at bed time, honest charity (that's charity with out showing off), I believe that there is only One True God and that He is not a trinity (three {saying trinity immediately means that it is three not one God}), and I feel that we should show our faith daily without judging or forcing it on others. These were my beliefs before I researched Islam, after I researched I found out that they are some of the main pillars of the faith. True monotheism (one God), daily prayer (five times), modesty (cover the body), zaket (charity given to help, where only the giver, receiver, and God know). One of the standards of Islam is that there can be no compulsion in religion. In the Christian church I was taught that I was born with sin and that I was filthy and unworthy of love and without the right to pray to God. It was also taught that someone had to die to save me and even then I still was not worthy to pray to God. I was born in sin I lived in sin and I would die in sin and therefore had no chance of reaching heaven. In Islam everyone in judged by there actions and everyone is required to pray directly to God/Allah. We all have a chance at attaining Heaven, it is our actions, our deeds that will get us there. Another of the facts that drew me ever closer is that there is no original sin - we are not born in sin - we are born pure and innocent. To me this was one of the life changing things - I have suffered from chronic depression for years - knowing that I had a chance and that I am worthy and that I can make a difference in my judging.......that made a huge difference in how I felt in many ways. I was taught those famous Bible stories over and over but we never learned the whole book. I can recite Noah's Ark, the Easter and Christmas stories, Zacheria who climbed up a tree to see Jesus, the story of the loaves and fish. But if you asked me about Levtucus or Romans - I had no clue. If I questioned something I told I was a doubter and had no faith. It was blind faith that was necessary. In Islam learning is encouraged and it is said if you can not understand something then how can you believe it and have faith in it. Everyone is encouraged from a young age to read and study the Qur'an, to not only learn about it but to memorize it. In the Christian church I heard repeatedly that others would never make to Heaven because they did not believe the way we did. This included 7 Day Adventist, Mormons, and Muslims. On some occasions I can remember my Sunday school teacher actually saying that other Protestant religions (Nazarene, Baptist, ect) would not be in Heaven. I believe one of the final straws was when I thought I found a wonderful church (Baptist), that was until they said all Jews were Atheist and gong to Hell. In Islam Christianity is viewed as one of God's true religions it has just become corrupted over time, and Jews are seen as God's chosen people. (That has never changed.) As long as some one has faith and does good deeds and believes, then they can enter into heaven. I have always personal dispised gosipe and two faced persons. People who thrive on conflict and trouble I have never comprehended. In Islam gossip and backbiting are viewed as major sins. In the church if you listened it would happen before and after the service. I have found wonderful friends who would never think abut saying bad of someone, who think drama is only for TV, I have found some of the best friends I have ever had here in the Muslim faith. I had been exposed to the Islamic faith off and on during my life, but I never knew that much about it. All I knew was the women wore lots of clothing, and were very quiet. Most of the Muslims were from the Sudia Arabia area and spoke no English. I also knew they were very devote, and that they called their God "Allah" I knew they all prayed to a big black rock in Mecca, and that they fasted. It wasn't till much latter that I learned Allah was the same God of Abraham, and that Islam was founded by one of his decendents. I learned that not everything I had heard was from the religion of Islam but from the cultures that practiced it. I learned that fasting brings a clarity of mind that allows one to be closer to God. I learned that praying regularly and with full intent opens one's mind and reminds us greatly of all He has given to us. I learned that the big black rock was actually the first temple that Abraham and one of his sons built to honor God. There is so much that I have learned and come to want to be a part of, and am glad to be a part of. Islam has given me the knowledge that I am worthy and that I can reach Heaven. Above all else Islam has taught me a peaceful and wonderful way to learn and become closer Allah. Well, as far as I can think that about covers it - if not then check the links I posted, or message me and I'll try to answer more. Ma'salama (with peace), ~Liz