I am dating a not practicing Muslim. His family is practicing and I would like to learn about this religion.?

Answer 1

Five pillars of Islam:
1. To believe in one God (Allah)
2. To pray 5 times a day
3. To give charity (zakat)
4. To fast during the month of Ramadaan
5. To go on pilgrimage to Mecca (hajj) at least once in a lifetime

DRESS-CODE
Women in public should wearing loose-fitting clothing which covers their bodies except for face, hands and feet - although there's a bit of debate around this (i went to Egypt last year and saw women wearing gloves and socks despite it being unbearably hot). Men should dress modestly too (although they can wear clothing that doesn't have to cover their legs from the knee downwards).

While in the comfort of your own home, you can wear whatever you want. When you go outside, it's a different ballgame.

INTERACTION BETWEEN MEN AND WOMEN
A fundamental rule is that men and women cannot speak to people of the opposite sex who are unrelated to them (i.e. a person eligible for them to marry). Times are a bit different now and this rule has been bent because of cultural and economic factors (i.e. more women in the workplace so interaction between the sexes is necessary - from my understanding, this is for work-related purposes and therefore okay). Interaction between the sexes varies from country to country as cultural norms are not the same (i.e. If you go to the Middle East, a man will not speak to a woman - he could get arrested). Women should always be accompanied by a "guardian" in public (even if it is a young son).

As far as dating goes, it's forbidden by Islamic law (Shariah). But this has changed in many societies and now become acceptable to a degree (especially in the West).

GUARDIANSHIP OF WOMEN
Generally, women (and their honour) are supposed to be protected and this is usually achieved by them being under the protection of a "guardian" (often called a "wakeel"). By default, your wakeel would be your father (and if he's dead, it's your brother). If you don't have a brother and your father is dead, then your wakeel would be one of your father's immediate male relatives.

If a man dies, his sons will inherit more than what his wife and daughters will inherit. The primary reason for this is so that the son/s can look after his mother and sister/s as he will be their wakeel after his father's passing.

ISLAM AS A WAY OF LIFE
The qu'ran is a holy book which prescribes the code of conduct for all Muslims. Ideally, all Muslims should strive towards leading lives according to the qu'ran and the actions of prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him). Among the rules, Muslims should:
* Not consume alcohol (except for medicinal purposes)
* Not consume meat of pigs
* Eat only halaal (permitted) meat. That is, where the animal has been slaughtered according to Muslim rites (similar to what the Jews call "kosher"). If halaal meat (or any food) comes into contact with haraam (forbidden) meat or alcohol, it becomes tainted and cannot be consumed by Muslims.
* Not take part in gambling (i.e. wage money on a game/action that is purely based on chance in order to gain something, this includes playing the lottery)

Be aware that EVERY rule set out for Muslims can be traced back to a particular rationale (i.e. these rules aren't there to make you struggle). For example:
* Eating halaal meat - this is to ensure that the animal is killed in the most humane way (praying and then slitting the throat to make it swift). A prayer is always said because this animal's life is being sacrificed to sustain yours.
* Drinking alcohol clouds your judgement and can become addictive and can potentially ruin families (generally, ANYTHING that is addictive is forbidden as Islam aims to prevent slavery of the body and mind).
* Gambling is addictive and a social evil that ruins families
* Dressing modestly in public helps to protect your honour and reputation (a basic reason i hear from a lot of muslims are "why should i show off my body to absolute strangers in the street?").

What i've written above is only a glimpse into Islam, hope it helps. Please bear in mind that a lot of terrible things reportedly get done in the name of Islam - this is misconception where people confuse CULTURE and RELIGION.

I would like to believe that all muslims around the world have the same practices, but they don't - there a a number of sects which allow/forbid certain acts and there is a lot of debate and tension around these issues (e.g. the Sunni muslims vs the Shia's). An example would be "sex outside of marriage" or "pleasure/temporary marriages". There is a minority of muslims who condone this while the majority agree that it is strictly forbidden in Islam.

Answer 2

The best thing to do is to start with books. I can recommend Introducing Muhammad by Ziauddin Sardar and Zafar Abbas Malik. It essentially is an introductory book to Islam and really breaks down the religion well. After that, I would recommend getting a copy of the Koran and leafing through it. Hope this helps

Answer 3

I have known 2 friends who have dated a muslim guy and it didn't work out for either of them. Family is incredibly important to them and loyalty and most will not go against their families wishes when it comes right down to it. Even if you changed your religion to be accepted, they might not approve and that will be that. I do have one friend who did that and is still happily married and enjoys being a muslum wife.

Answer 4

There are resources available that you can learn about any religion that you choose. If you feel like you are going to infringe on something good that you two have by talking to there parents about their religion then you should just look it up on line first and start conversation between you two to see if he can offer any insight and then he may open the door for you to talk to his parents.

Answer 5

Stay away from this person and especailly his family.

Muslums are BAD news, next thing you know they will try to recruit you as a suicide bomber.

Think about this, I am not being steriotypical, just honest. Read the news, why in gods name would you want to even involve yourself with a muslum these days? Any religion that teachs its followers to KILL all that do not believe is WRONG.

BE SMART AND STAY THE HELL AWAY FROM THIS PERSON AND FAMILY.

Answer 6

You are definitely learning the right religion for our times. Since modern liberalism is running rampant it is just a matter of time before all of us Americans are going to have to convert to Islam. Think of it like this, you are getting a headstart.

Answer 7

go to your local library and get a book on the religion, then ask his family if they would feel comfortable teaching you

Answer 8

Join the Army and come join me in Iraq!

Answer 9

read it up on line and if that's who you love then love him don't let anybody tell you other wise

Answer 10

hey. visit http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/islam/ and www.al-islam.org hope they help! good luck!