Allahu-Akbar (2483 hits)
Category: NoneRating: 1.84 on 54 reviews (Rate this item) (V)
Submitted by comicbookguy (View user info) at 2004-09-24 16:21:30 EDT
Bismillah Ar-Rahmanirahim
In the name of God, the beneficient, the merciful
Two years ago I visited the most holy city in the Islamic religion. This was the city of Mecca, located in the heart of Saudi Arabia, the home of the Kabaah or the house of Allah, the place where millions of Muslims face when performing their five daily prayers.
I was looking for some sort of spiritual fulfillment. I didn't really feel complete. I was never a big fan of organized religion, but being born into a Muslim family with God-fearing parents, I understood that this was perhaps the best opportunity to realize whether succumbing to the wills of Allah was the path that I wished to take in my life.
The pilgrimage to Mecca is a long and arduous one that takes place over ten days. I flew by plane from Canada to the city of Jeda, and from there took a bus to Mecca. I remember reading the gigantic sign that read "no Non-Muslims may enter from this point."
When I arrived at the city, I was required to shave my head, genitals, and arm pits, and dawn two pieces of white cloth. This was to signify that no matter how rich or poor one was, we were all the same in the eyes of God.
I participated in the running from Safa to Marwa, acting out the frantic fleeing of Mary, as she attempted to find water in a barren land.
I threw stones at the rock statue that was supposed to represent Satan.
I touched the black stone that was located in the center of the Kabaah, the one that when touched, is supposed to absolve all your past sins. It is said that when the stone came to earth, it was white but was turned black with the burden of a million sins.
I circled the Kabaah seven times as was the custom of the Prophet Mohammed.
I watched grown men and women cry hysterically as they prayed for their sons, daughters, mothers and fathers.
I prayed in unison with three million strong, and asked for forgiveness for sins that I committed.
When I arrived home in Canada, I expected to be reborn again. Turn over a new leaf. Starting from that day forward, I would be a strong god fearing Muslim. But what did this constitute?
1)No more pre-marital sex
2)No alcohol
3)No drugs. No more dimes or eight balls.
4)Praying five times a day
5)Fasting for 30 days from sunrise to sunset during the month of Ramadan
6)No longer eating Pork
The list was endless.
For the first few months I tried. I really did. But after the third month I realized that it wasn't natural. It didn't feel natural. I wasn't doing any of this out of my own heart. It was a lame attempt to arrive at fulfillment that wasn't really going to fill any gaps or holes.
I realized that I wasn't ready for any of that. I couldn't give it up. I couldn't pass up on an ice cold beer with my best friend. I couldn't pass up on lighting a joint with a buddy and talking about god knows what. I couldn't pass up on my quest to screw the chick from my accounting class. I couldn't give any of that up. I didn't have the discipline. I didn't have the strength.
It was then that I was reminded of a quote that was said in the Matrix. It was by the little kid who designed the woman in the red dress.
"To deny our natural instincts was to deny the very thing it means to be human."
If it is human to succumb to our every need, than why should I deny myself to the right to be human? Why should I fast when my natural inclination is to eat when I'm hungry? Why should I lower my gaze when I am in front of an attractive member of the opposite sex, when my natural reaction is to take in as much eye candy as my heart desires? Why should I tuck my dick back into my pants, when my natural desire is to download a porno, and beat my meat like it was it going out of style? I didn't understand.
Everything that comes from me becoming Muslim banks on a hope that if I follow the teachings of the Quran, I am guaranteed a place in heaven where I will live for all of eternity surrounded by fruit trees and lakes full of milk and honey. Where my hearts every desire will be fulfilled in a millisecond. All I have to do is deny those desires now on this earth, because according to Islam, your life on earth is a test. If you can pass that test by living a righteous Islamic life, then you will be rewarded by forever indulging in those desires that you so difficultly passed up on your time on Earth.
Everything banks on hope. Everything banks on a risk. Everything banks on an intangible that has no physical proof. Why should I waste my life living righteously when I have the opportunity to conquer all my desires right here and now? I don't understand.
I'm still confused. I still need time to think. I still don't have all the answers. But for the time being, I do know one thing: I will continue to drink. I will continue to smoke. I will continue to fuck, and continue to enjoy life in the moment because gambling on a hope that there may be a future in the afterlife is a risk that I'm not willing to take.
User Reviews
Submitted by mystiamoon (user info) at 2008-11-29 15:44:19 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment
Submitted by kgbpasha (user info) at 2008-11-29 15:29:45 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
The Middle Path is the correct path.
Too much or too little of anything is not good for us (humans).
Even too much moderation is not good.
So try just a little moderation all the time.
Submitted by rad1101 (user info) at 2006-01-04 07:09:08 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
we really should drop a nuke on that city.
Submitted by giggles (user info) at 2006-01-04 06:42:33 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
gud gud gud
Submitted by Andrewd (user info) at 2005-07-19 14:32:24 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
akbar's greatest hits!
Submitted by Adamdidit2u (user info) at 2005-07-19 14:22:45 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
excellent
Submitted by cigarr (user info) at 2005-06-13 10:33:26 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment
Submitted by TigerLilly (user info) at 2005-02-11 12:38:36 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment
Submitted by corn_nugget (user info) at 2004-10-09 23:13:51 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
This was an awesome post. My ex is muslim, and the thing that agrivated me more than anything was the fact that he was a hypocrite.
He wanted all the things that you wanted, yet he "pretended" to deny himself. He still GOT everything, but he made sure that it appeared as if he was "good".
The hipocircy drove me mad. In the end, that's why I left him.
I liked this a lot.
The end.
Submitted by RamJetMax (user info) at 2004-09-28 16:55:45 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
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Submitted by stanczyk (user info) at 2004-09-25 08:47:21 (#)
Ranking: 2
"To deny our natural instincts was to deny the very thing it means to be human."
To the contrary, it's precisely our ability to deny our natural instincts that sets us apart from the rest of the animals. Culture, law, religion, etc. are unnatural sublimations that the "rational animal" imposes upon his natural instincts. These artifices are unique to humanity, and so they are the very thing it means to be human.
________________________________________-
true
Submitted by stanczyk (user info) at 2004-09-25 08:47:21 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
"To deny our natural instincts was to deny the very thing it means to be human."
To the contrary, it's precisely our ability to deny our natural instincts that sets us apart from the rest of the animals. Culture, law, religion, etc. are unnatural sublimations that the "rational animal" imposes upon his natural instincts. These artifices are unique to humanity, and so they are the very thing it means to be human.
Anyhow, great story. Makes the pantheist in me wish the Eleusinian mysteries were still in business.
Submitted by indoninja (user info) at 2004-09-25 02:49:06 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I really want a bacon sandwich now.
Submitted by indoninja (user info) at 2004-09-25 02:48:33 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
1)No more pre-marital sex
2)No alcohol
3)No drugs. No more dimes or eight balls.
4)Praying five times a day
5)Fasting for 30 days from sunrise to sunset during the month of Ramadan
6)No longer eating Pork
Not a single one of those has any bearing on how nice or good a person you are. That is my biggest beef with Muslims. I have met a lot of people who follow these rules adamantly while at the same time are lazy, ignorant, and have no problem lying, or ripping people off. Some people focus on these things so much they think that it is all that is required to be a good person and outside of these rules they can do whatever they want. All of the muslims that I call my friend, and most of the ones I enjoy working with realize that these aren't what make you a good person.
Comicbookguy do what you think is right, as long as you are not hurting anyone, good on ya. And please don't be one of those people who gets a little older, gets married and then decides that yes these rules should control your life.
Submitted by spedmonkey (user info) at 2004-09-24 23:32:22 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
A little change of pace there.
Submitted by UlfGabe (user info) at 2004-09-24 22:15:08 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
This is a one,
to comment on the not eating pork deal.
It is my understanding that in the old days (ie before fridges and machines) one would go to the market and buy the pig and slaughter it yourself. The pigs were fairly expensive, therefore people would try to eat the meat and make it keep as long as possible.
Oftentimes people would try to eat meat that was spoiled and become sick and die. This was a problem, so the educated religious teachers of the day included it for their worshippers own good.
At the same time pigs wallowed in their own filth, to borrow a cliche, this is percieved also as unclean.
Now a days people just stick with it because it is in the books which they believe in.
Submitted by Quartermain (user info) at 2004-09-24 22:04:34 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
**but the truth is that religions are a way for a minority to control a less educated majority. Prove me wrong, please.**
Looks like they're still giving fifteen year olds copies of Nietzsche. Burden of proof rests on the prosecution, pal, not the defense.
Submitted by Kleant (user info) at 2004-09-24 21:44:52 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Before I prove you wrong how about you trying to prove yourself right? oh right thats what I thought ;\
Submitted by Belrafon (user info) at 2004-09-24 21:36:56 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
In theory, religion is there to give you peace of mind, but the truth is that religions
are a way for a minority to control a less educated majority. Prove me wrong, please.
Submitted by Kleant (user info) at 2004-09-24 21:33:57 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
whoops I'm random joe there sorry I forgot to log in ;[
Submitted by Random Joe at 2004-09-24 21:26:13 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Impassive-Digressive -> haha yes the compass's do exist and are sold. Its just the general direction of mecca, if you're off by a few degrees its still considered ok as well.
Submitted by Random Joe at 2004-09-24 21:23:14 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
"However, he doesn't put any weight on the fact that if you believe in god, and there is no god, then you have lead of a life of religion and abstinence all for the thought that you will be rewarded in the afterlife when in fact you won't be. You have merely wasted your life over a false hope."
He doesn't, you're right about that, but you see I also explained how I found I could be happy trying to live my life this way(I obviously don't do everything zealously and need to work on other aspects), of course I know this wouldn't be the case for everyone. A happy life, even if filled with false hope, is not wasted in the end if you die without any post-death phenomena cause you'd still have been satisfied and you'd cease to exist so ultimately cease caring whether or not you were wasting your life and so it wouldn't matter.
If you find the religion and abstinence a waste or unreasonable then you should never subscribe to it, even without a god I wouldn't mind keeping up what I am currently doing else I would have stopped a long long time ago.
Submitted by Impassive-Digressive (user info) at 2004-09-24 21:08:45 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
Interesting and well-written.
Not enough of this sort of stuff on the site.
I have always wondered how Mulsims know where Mecca is to face in the right direction when praying. Do you get issued a compass or something, that instead of pointing north, points to Mecca?
If these compasses don't exist, do you think there would be a market for them?
Submitted by Quartermain (user info) at 2004-09-24 20:57:27 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Damn, I meant to +2 this the first time.
Submitted by Quartermain (user info) at 2004-09-24 20:57:01 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
**"A life unexamined is a life unlived."**
The correct quote is 'the unexamined life is not worth living.'
Before I became a Christian, I actually studied Islam somewhat.
Submitted by comicbookguy (user info) at 2004-09-24 20:40:43 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Pascal's wager is bullshit in my opinion. To summarize his thinking, if you believe in god and there is a god, then you go to heaven. If you believe in god, and there is no god, then nothing happens, you just die.
Or
If you don't believe in god and there is no god, then nothing happens, you just die. If you don't believe in god and there is a god, then you burn in hell.
Therefore, Pascal says that it makes the most sense to believe in God because it has the most favourable outcomes.
However, he doesn't put any weight on the fact that if you believe in god, and there is no god, then you have lead of a life of religion and abstinence all for the thought that you will be rewarded in the afterlife when in fact you won't be. You have merely wasted your life over a false hope.
Submitted by Pentameter (user info) at 2004-09-24 20:30:01 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
This was very well written, and it was also enjoyable to read.
I agree with munkeypants - just because you go through the motions doesn't mean you're a good person. I know plenty of people who go to church everyday and treat others like garbage.
Religion is what you get out of it, not what anyone tells you what you should take from it.
Honestly, I can't see God giving a fuck what you did, but what you didn't do. I can't see him saying, "Well, you were always good to your fellow man, but you only prayed 4 times a day instead of 5. Oh, and you ate pork 12 times. You're fired (literally)."
Submitted by skibbinfool (user info) at 2004-09-24 20:04:40 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
Nicely written. I find that true, too - the part about how many religious folk are trying to gain a place in heaven when earth is here for us to enjoy. God, we all think alike.
Submitted by Kleant (user info) at 2004-09-24 20:03:47 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
I come from the basically the EXACT same situation(I'm Canadian, muslim, recently been back to india to attend a religious university/jamea for a year), although until now(17 years old) I have never smoked/drank/sexed anyone up or eaten pork purposely. I try my best to keep up with the prayers and to stay away from acting too badly. I have been to mecca, medina, just about every holy site there is in the east. I understand about urges, and natural desire, and I often wonder why/why not I continue with all this and I realized by a simple judge of my character that filling out my role as a god-fearing muslim and finding tolerance I pride over has made me a much better person and I enjoy advancing. I have some outlets such as online games to express myself in a fashion which is not too muslim(however it is "role-play" ;p), but in time I believe I'll probably even get over the need for that. Basically I have taken pascal's wager under account and realized I can handle the harder half of the coin, so I will continue to act in the best way that I can. What I find most important is that I am happy and I feel good about it. It makes it easier that my sect(Bohra) has a real figure as a knot in a rope towards reaching god(a.k.a. hablullah) and through his deeds and miracles I've gained an undying faith. If you ever have any questions or face any problems you can send me a message, not sure how you can get a hold of me does this place have PMS? Good luck with whatever you do ;]
Submitted by RyuFu (user info) at 2004-09-24 19:42:17 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
That's exactly my predicament. Except that I come from a Catholic family. But the constant wondering about the afterlife....yeah, that is tough.
Submitted by munkeypants (user info) at 2004-09-24 19:31:13 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by Aladdin (user info) at 2004-09-24 18:48:16 (#)
Ranking: 2
A hope that the divine power will forgive my indescretions and allow me to live in paradise if I live in a way which does not harm others, but is good and honorable in it's own way.
We have to live life for all it is worth, would the divine creator want us not too ?
----------------------------------------
no matter what religion, no matter what rituals, no matter what you call him/her
the bottom line is the same. The message is the same. It just got lost in translation
somewhere along the way.
CBG- I don't want to sway you away from islam (not that my arguments are that strong).
What you do is totally up to you. I just know that sometimes when I pose
a problem it helps to hear other peoples stories...
I have my own beliefs. I see the basic message that god loves us and wants us to treat each
other and ourselves with respect and dignity and that I dont need to recited prayers latin
that mean absolutely nothing to me or kiss the pope's ring to be a pure soul...
or am I totally wrong and I will burn in hell? I don't know.
I am drunk by now and rambling... I have so much more to say but i am going
to sit on my hands before I write another 10 paragraphs.
Submitted by Aladdin (user info) at 2004-09-24 18:48:16 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Being from a Muslim family myself, I find it incredibly difficult to live up to the tenants of islam.
However everyday at prayer we announce 'Bismillah ar rahman raheim' (In the name of Allah the most gracious, the most merciful) and a genuine belief that Allah is truly gracious and merciful instils me with a sense of hope.
A hope that the divine power will forgive my indescretions and allow me to live in paradise if I live in a way which does not harm others, but is good and honorable in it's own way.
We have to live life for all it is worth, would the divine creator want us not too ?
Submitted by KingCow <King.of.the.Cows.at.gmail.com> at 2004-09-24 17:43:18 EDT (#)
Ranking: -2
You're a complete tool.
Submitted by Bennywild (user info) at 2004-09-24 17:14:17 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
BOOyakasha!
Submitted by CoachMagirk27 (user info) at 2004-09-24 17:05:30 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Yes, I too picked the Matrix over the Bible... but then I found Voodoo.
( )
/ o \ -----O
| | <- That's you!
Not really though. Good post!
Submitted by IamNotTheWorldTradeCenter (user info) at 2004-09-24 16:59:24 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I really like how genuinely honest you were. Most people aren't honest enough with themselves to be able to express something like that.
One point though. Some of our instincts/urges/desires like thirsting after a cold one or lusting after the girl in your account class aren't nearly as gentle as those examples you give.
Everyone has had the urge to kill. It might not last for very long. It doesn't happen very often, but that bully, or the guy who stole your girlfriend, or whoever. You wanted to kill them. And the fact that you didn't doesn't deny your humanity.
And what about that 15 year-old hottie? I know, I know, she's got a full grown body. Don't tell me you don't lust after her as well. You see my point.
Personally, I think that animals act on urges. The don't seem to have the ability to reflect on the consequences of their actions the way we can. But, while we are still animals, what distinguishes us is that we can see consequences. Our conscience also distuinguishes us from machines.
So I think that your conclusion is somewhat of a cop-out. But the fact that you took the trouble to go to Mecca gives me a hunch that deep in your heart you know that.
Finally, although I'm not a muslim, I am going through the same thing myself. My heart knows its bad to induldge. My soul is crying out to be nutured within the framework of faith. But I still find myself crawling back to the same hollow crutches. But bit by bit I'm cleaning out my mind and body and one day I'll be there.
Well, except for the whole sex thing. You're biologically designed to bust nuts all the time. If you don't you get all wierd and hate people or start to like little boys.
Submitted by NoahsArk (user info) at 2004-09-24 16:58:26 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment
Submitted by munkeypants (user info) at 2004-09-24 16:58:20 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by comicbookguy (user info) at 2004-09-24 16:41:23 (#)
Ranking: 0
you hit the nail on the head right there monkey
-----------------------
hey, I'm a booze hound, I have sex, I smoke, and sometimes I laugh at midgets and
dead baby jokes.
But you know what? I strive to be a good person. I try very hard to be tolerant
and considerate to others and in doing so making this shitty world just a little nicer.
You know, do unto others.. judge not lest ye be judged type of thing...
Wouldn't God rather have that? Or does he want someone who goes through the motions but
leaves the church and goes out and kicks a hobo? Cuz I've seen plenty of those types...
eh, god knows we are only human. It's what's in our hearts, not how many times
we say our "hail Mary's"
I dunno...
Submitted by Shlongy (user info) at 2004-09-24 16:48:40 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
I don't like religion or religion-related posts.
Or asparagus.
Submitted by BoogieFevuh (user info) at 2004-09-24 16:44:10 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by AshK (user info) at 2004-09-24 16:34:27 (#)
Ranking: 2
This was excellent. A different side of CBG.
Submitted by sketch9 (user info) at 2004-09-24 16:42:27 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
whether or not you're a devout muslim, it must have been an awe-inspiring experience to travel that path and see those sights.
i liked it. Not your best, by far, but still far above suck.
Submitted by comicbookguy (user info) at 2004-09-24 16:41:23 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
you hit the nail on the head right there monkey
Submitted by munkeypants (user info) at 2004-09-24 16:40:10 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
You can be a decent good and god fearing person without following rituals.
Submitted by potatomanjack (user info) at 2004-09-24 16:40:01 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I totally thought your were going to say "There is no spoon" as what it means to be human.
your quote worked too though.
Submitted by cigar (user info) at 2004-09-24 16:37:53 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
No Comment
Submitted by zakalwe (user info) at 2004-09-24 16:37:43 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Don
Submitted by gibberish (user info) at 2004-09-24 16:36:56 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Amen.
Submitted by AshK (user info) at 2004-09-24 16:34:27 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
This was excellent. A different side of CBG.
Submitted by DonkeyOnTheEdge (user info) at 2004-09-24 16:33:34 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
One time I looked at mecca through a pair of binoculars. Then Muhammed saw me and asked me to leave. He said it was for my own good.
Submitted by Caulaincourt (user info) at 2004-09-24 16:32:57 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Muslims build some pretty nice things.
Another +2 for the picture.
Submitted by dodahdave (user info) at 2004-09-24 16:32:06 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Intimate, but still excellent. "A life unexamined is a life unlived."
Good luck.
Submitted by Tickle (user info) at 2004-09-24 16:31:38 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment
Submitted by comicbookguy (user info) at 2004-09-24 16:29:44 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
JMG: you are absolutely correct. It is a temple Abraham built to signify the house of god and be used as a means worshipping god towards a unified location. I was talking about a black stone that is imbedded in the Kabaah (the house or worship).
Submitted by 1Point21Gigawatts (user info) at 2004-09-24 16:28:49 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
1)No more pre-marital sex
2)No alcohol
3)No drugs. No more dimes or eight balls.
4)Praying five times a day
5)Fasting for 30 days from sunrise to sunset during the month of Ramadan
6)No longer eating Pork
Once I read this, I became inspired to give it a shot.
By the time I got to the end of the post, I had already broken at least three.
Oh well, it was worth the try.
Submitted by Timmah (user info) at 2004-09-24 16:28:12 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
+2 for the picture alone.
Submitted by JMG114 (user info) at 2004-09-24 16:27:27 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Damn good post.
Isn't the black structure supposed to be a temple that Abraham built? Correct me if I'm mistaken. It's probably different things to different people.
Submitted by Caulaincourt (user info) at 2004-09-24 16:26:15 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment
Submitted by bargled (user info) at 2004-09-24 16:24:25 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
pretty good