I'm a very religious person, I believe in a higher power or God. I do everything that God allows, and try to not break the God's rules. But I'm not practical at all, I'm a muslim, and I need to pray like 5 times a day in arabic language, but I don't speak arabic, I don't even undestand what I said to God. That's why I'm not practical at all. What should I do? I'm confused, because many people told me that I'm not longer muslim if I don't pray, but I do believe in God. I mean, I can let it all go, you know, become atheist, but I don't want it. I'm confused help me ...
Anyway, this is not a question for a muslim, it's for anyone, and any religion. Thanks
2006-12-29 07:54:05 · 45 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
It sounds to be that you may be losing your religion (as in religious customs and practices) but not faith.
What you need to is discover the exact beliefs and rituals of Islam. If that is something that you connect with, great. BUT, based on what you believe in your heart - not connecting with Islam doesn't make you unworthy to God.
It's ok to just be spiritual and believe in a higher power and live what you deem a virtuous life. If you want, look into other religions and belief systems and see which one you agree most with and offers you the most peace.
2006-12-29 08:02:06 · answer #1 · answered by teel2624 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋
I dont speak Arabic either, but its still important to pray. I read the translation of Surah Fatiha and it is easier to pray when you know what you are saying. Of course, no one is perfect, but praying is very important. Many people disregard it, while they shouldn't. And you're not alone, if I told you that I never miss a prayer it would be a lie. At the same time I realize that I do wrong...it doesn't even take that long. If you believe in God, how could you become an athiest? An athiest has no faith. You are still a muslim, dont worry. But you should try to make all your prayers on time; prayer is one of the 5 pillars of islam. At least try to pray farz. And praying will make your faith stronger once you begin to pray regularly. I hope i dont sound like i'm looking down on you or anything because i've been in the same position. Hope i helped. Eid Mubarak
2006-12-29 08:06:38 · answer #2 · answered by E.T.01 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Being a muslim and having to pray in a language your don't understand is not good it's not practical and doesn't even make sense, if god is god than it doesn't matter the language one prays in, because god understands all things. The One True God is practical and is not a god of confusion. Understand that there is a God of truth, love and peace. He has good plans for you and a purpose for your life and it's not confusing. This God created the heavens and the earth and all that they contain. This One True God sent His only begotten Son into the world so that your might have life and have it to the full and that you wouldn't be in confusion. All you have to do is ask His Son 'Jesus the Messiah' to come into your heart and He will and give you peace. Get a Holy Bible and study it, it's word and the Holy Spirit will guide you into all truth.
2006-12-29 08:26:53 · answer #3 · answered by Besty boop 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Assalamualaykum.
I am a Muslim whose native language is not Arabic too and I think I had similar problem.
For starters, you should always tell yourself the reason you are praying in the first place is because God has commanded you to do so; and that you want to be among those who are close with God (al-muqarraboon);and that you hope that He will always be with you (Holy Quran, 2:153); and that He will always bestow upon you His infinite Grace and boundless Mercy.
If it is viable you should also learn and memorise the meaning of the prayers' recitation, at least the meaning of surah al-fatihah and the tashahhud, for it will assist you in focusing your utmost attention when you stand before God in solemn prayer.
Always remember that life is a test and for a believer, nothing is easy since God expects us to follow both religious and moral restrictions and obligations. Also bear in mind that the Prophet (peace be upon him) called us to beware of the devil (Satan) for they have lost hope in leading us (Muslims) astray in big things, thus they will try to lead us astray in small things. Also, always remember God's unimaginably unparalleled rewards in Paradise, waiting for us the believers.
In addition, whenever you feel hesitant about God and His pristine last religion, say to yourself: "Aamantu billahi warasoolih" = "I believe in God and His messenger". Also, remember that the Prophet left us with the holy Quran and his Sunnahin which we can ALWAYS find guidance and motivation, thus follow them and God-willing we will never go astray, even if the whole world were to go against us. Never give up or lose hope in His Grace, for indeed, that would mean a great triumph for the accursed devil and a terrible loss for yourself.
If Muslims in the past can do it so do you and me.
I pray that God would simplify your affairs for you and Muslims worldwide.
God knows best.
Peace and Love.
Wassalam =)
2006-12-29 08:30:13 · answer #4 · answered by mil's 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
gee ... don't you imagine that Allah understands English? if Allah/God exists as a super being that hears and cares about your prayers then certainly he can understand your prayers no matter what language you use. and i don't think you can just say "poof! i'm an Atheist" anymore than you can say poof! i'm a Muslim or a Christian or a Wiccan. faith can't be manufactured by force of will nor can the destruction of faith. if it happens it happens. you either believe or you don't.
if you don't want to be an Atheist you could try believing in "God" in your own way instead of worrying about religious dogma and what other people think and say. "God" is a wholly personal experience anyway. not really anyone's business but your own.
PS Christians crack me up. they see someone vulnerable in their faith and jump right in there proselytizing for Jesus. see some Atheists doing similar. sheesh folks! cut the Muslim some slack!
2006-12-29 08:05:38 · answer #5 · answered by nebtet 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If you have a choice, why don't you pray in the language you best understand? There is only One God, whatever the God is named. Even if you don't know what to say, your inner being knows what you need, and will speak on your behalf. It does not mean that you are athiest if you step away from ritual. It just means that you are now walking by faith, instead of sight.
Peace be with you.
2006-12-29 08:03:57 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
First, learn what you are saying when you pray. I don't speak arabic either, but I know that Allah wants us to pray a certain way, so you must follow that, and know what you are saying and also mean it with your heart.
In Sura Fatiha, Eyakana'bodu wa Eyakana'sta eeen. I don't even know how to spell it, but i hope you know what part i'm talking about here, but that means "To Him only do we pray, and to Him only do we ask for help."
So this means that we pray to Allah, the way He would like us too, then after your done praying you can ask Allah and do your own Dua for what you want and you can do your own dua in your own personal way and language.
Keep up your faith, Allah is testing you always, and sometimes it might be hard but you have to stick with it, you never know when you are going to die and have to account for your choices!!!
Inshallah you get through the hard times and in the future you can look back and be proud with the decision you made.
Email me if you ever would like to talk or anything.
2006-12-29 08:32:38 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
u don't have 2 pray in arabic or any other language 4 God 2 hear u just ask Him 2 forgive u and ask Him 2 come in2 ur heart and admit ur wrong doings He doesn't care what language u speak as long as u r faithful 2 HIm and ask 4 4giveness when u need it. need more E-mail me.
2006-12-29 08:02:01 · answer #8 · answered by EMMY 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are truly serious then read on - if not then go to someone else for this is for a "serious person"
If you are losing your "religion" because you are not doing the required actions and activities to maintain it, then realize it is not a true faith based relational religion. i don't know where you are at spritually or what you have sought. But if you want to find the truth, Go to the only source that is the Truth - the Word of God the Holy Scriptures that makes you wise unto salvation - here is the only true source of religion all others claim that they have truth, but they are falsehoods and are ones of do this and do that, yet they are very tolerant of other religions. Yet Christianity is not, and all others see this as wrong yet if it is the only True religion it would be intolerable of others for they would be classified as falsehoods. Only in Christ that is found in the word of God will you find the rest for your soul, the life with which you want to express in a relationship with the one true God - Jesus Christ. You can have this relationship of love and faith simply by asking him to forgive you of your sins and to live in your heart, then go and read the Word for all its worth, Herein is life more abundant - then find a bible believing people who profess to follow the word in a holy and transformational way. The door is open to begin - I hope you take this invitation into the greatest life transformational experience you will ever come to know on this side of heaven.
2006-12-29 08:05:23 · answer #9 · answered by ? 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
You are a Muslim, don't let any ones judgement's doubt you.
Firstly start to learn what you are praying, Allah swt doesn't expect you to change over nyt, take it one step at a tyme, remain content in what you do.
Pray to Allah to guide you and protect you, through these difficult tymes, we all go through weak phases of our iman (faith)
And also you do not have to speak Arabic in order to pray, but what you must do is learn the prayer, and its not hard Allah swt helps and guides whom wish to be guided.
Inshallah tings will get better
2006-12-29 08:13:57 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋