what is Islam ?

[sami_Iraq]

What is Islam ?


Islam is not a new religion, but the same truth that God revealed through all His prophets to every people. For a fifth of the world's population, Islam is both a religion and a complete way of life. Muslims follow a religion of peace, mercy, and forgiveness, and the majority have nothing to do with the extremely grave events which have come to be associated with their faith.




Let us share the comments here plz >>

[MANICHAEAN]

Sami

Couple of points. You say that Islam is “the same truth that God revealed through all His prophets” and “Muslims follow a religion of peace, mercy and forgiveness.”

This immediately brings to mind the distinction between the Sunni & Shia regards this truth & the reality in the concept of forgiveness.

As I understand it, Shia Islam holds that Muhammad's family, and certain individuals among his descendants, known as Imams, have special spiritual and political authority over the community.Shia Muslims further believe that Ali, Muhammad's cousin and son-in-law, was the first of these Imams and was the rightful successor to Muhammad and thus reject the legitimacy of the first three caliphs.
Shias regard Ali as the second most important figure after Prophet Muhammad. According to them, Muhammad suggested on various occasions during his lifetime that Ali should be the leader of Muslims after his demise. According to this view, Ali as the successor of Muhammad not only ruled over the community in justice, but also interpreted the Sharia Law and its esoteric meaning. Hence he was regarded as being infallible, and appointed by God by divine decree to be the first Imam. As a result, Shias use Hadiths attributed to Muhammad and credited to the Prophet's family and close associates, in contrast to the Sunni traditions where the sunnah is largely narrated by companions. Subsequently, the hadith contrasts between the Shias and Sunnis are one of the main reasons for friction between them, as Sunnis do not accept Shia hadith and vice versa.

Regards
M.

[sami_Iraq]

Dear MANICHAEAN,

I am so happy to find you here . You mentioned for tow important points . May be, Islam now is known not as one way, but tow ways , Sunni and Shia , and this is the biggest problem, bcz Islam is one without all these differences . I feel so sorry to say these words but the truth is that Muslims now become far away of the trully understanding of Islam , so that , they have parted . Shiaa beleive that Ali is tho most important figure in Islam after Mohammad ( peace and blessings of Allah be on him ), but Sunnah say that all the Caliphs are important figures . So, when we read about the features of Mohamad (PBUH) we find that he is not that man who leave Islam with these wronge concepts that Shiaa say them . Mohammad left Islam in A golden time as they call it and in this time there was no difference and no wronge concepts in Muslims' hearts . All the Caliphs and companions were satisfied and love ach others . So, all Muslims are one , but some people need to open their eyes and minds to know the truth ..


I would like to thank you so much for your high knowledge about religions ,,


thanx

[BienvenuJDC]

I am a Christian who would like to understand more about Islam. Some have said that Jesus Christ is considered a prophet in Islam, but not viewed as "the" prophet (as Christians believe). How does the teachings of Christ relate to Islam?

Also, is there an ultimate goal in Christianity, which is salvation through Christ. What is the main purpose of Islam?

[sami_Iraq]

Salamo Alykom brother,

I would like to say that I am very happy to find you here. we are all brothers in religion .

Firstly, The Purpose of Islam is for all mankind to live in Peace and Harmony. All Human beings are equal in the site of Allah (God). Allah does not need Islam. We as Human beings need the guidance and life of Islam for our everyday life, else we will all be lost.

Secondly, In the Qur'an, there are many stories about the life and teachings of Jesus Christ (called 'Isa in Arabic). The Qur'an recalls his miraculous birth, his teachings, the miracles he performed by God's permission, and his life as a respected prophet of God. The Qur'an also repeatedly reminds that Jesus was a human prophet sent by God, not part of God Himself. Below are some direct quotations from the Qur'an regarding his life and teachings of Jesus.

He Was Righteous
"Behold! the angels said, 'Oh Mary! God gives you glad tidings of a Word from Him. His name will be Christ Jesus, the son of Mary, held in honour in this world and the Hereafter, and in (the company of) those nearest to God. He shall speak to the people in childhood and in maturity. He shall be (in the company) of the righteous... And God will teach him the Book and Wisdom, the Law and the Gospel'" (3:45-48).

He Was a Prophet
"Christ, the son of Mary, was no more than a messenger; many were the messengers that passed away before him. His mother was a woman of truth. They had both to eat their (daily) food. See how God makes His signs clear to them; yet see in what ways they are deluded away from the truth!" (5:75).
"He [Jesus] said: 'I am indeed a servant of God. He has given me revelation and made me a prophet; He has made me blessed wheresoever I be; and He has enjoined on me prayer and charity as long as I live. He has made me kind to my mother, and not overbearing or miserable. So peace is on me the day I was born, the day that I die, and the day that I shall be raised up to life (again)!' Such was Jesus the son of Mary. It is a statement of truth, about which they (vainly) dispute. It is not befitting to (the majesty of) God that He should beget a son. Glory be to Him! When He determines a matter, He only says to it, 'Be,' and it is" (19:30-35).


He Was a Humble Servant of God
"And behold! God will say [i.e. on the Day of Judgment]: 'Oh Jesus, the son of Mary! Did you say unto men, worship me and my mother as gods in derogation of God?' He will say: 'Glory to Thee! Never could I say what I had no right (to say). Had I said such a thing, You would indeed have known it. You know what is in my heart, though I know not what is in Yours. For You know in full all that is hidden. Never did I say to them anything except what You commanded me to say: 'Worship God, my Lord and your Lord.' And I was a witness over them while I lived among them. When You took me up, You were the Watcher over them, and You are a witness to all things'" (5:116-117).

His Teachings
"When Jesus came with Clear Signs, he said: 'Now I have come to you with Wisdom, and in order to make clear to you some of the (points) on which you dispute. Therefore, fear God and obey me. God, He is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him -- this is a Straight Way.' But sects from among themselves fell into disagreement. So woe to the wrongdoers, from the penalty of a Grievous Day!" (43:63-65)



I wish that be good answer for your questions . I feel lovely for talking with you . Thanx and welcome bro.

Warm regards

Sami

[hoope]

As I understand it, Shia Islam holds that Muhammad's family, and certain individuals among his descendants, known as Imams, have special spiritual and political authority over the community.Shia Muslims further believe that Ali, Muhammad's cousin and son-in-law, was the first of these Imams and was the rightful successor to Muhammad and thus reject the legitimacy of the first three caliphs.
Shias regard Ali as the second most important figure after Prophet Muhammad. According to them, Muhammad suggested on various occasions during his lifetime that Ali should be the leader of Muslims after his demise. According to this view, Ali as the successor of Muhammad not only ruled over the community in justice, but also interpreted the Sharia Law and its esoteric meaning. Hence he was regarded as being infallible, and appointed by God by divine decree to be the first Imam. As a result, Shias use Hadiths attributed to Muhammad and credited to the Prophet's family and close associates, in contrast to the Sunni traditions where the sunnah is largely narrated by companions. Subsequently, the hadith contrasts between the Shias and Sunnis are one of the main reasons for friction between them, as Sunnis do not accept Shia hadith and vice versa.


MANICHAEAN , Yes you are right ! But most shia think that Ali was to be the prophet of Allah instead of Mohammad , and they also have many strange thoughts in hating some wives of the Prophet. So its not that they loe all the Prophet's family... Theey are more likely worshipping Ali.. But most of them try not to show that .... though in Iran and other Shia based countries say it in public and If there is a difference between shia and sunna , its only coz they have basic defects in the Oneness of Allah and the love for the prophet and his campanions.

[billl]

This is something that is seen again and again, different interpretations and histories clashing (not to mention different books and traditions). Shia, Sunni, Sufi... Orthodox, Catholic, Protestant, Mormon... Etc., etc.... It is disheartening to see here such 'assured' disdain for the Shia position. At the same time, I expect there are Shia who would be equally vehement in their own defense. (And, to be fair, I see the same thing among Christians on this site, not to mention the Atheists, and even the Buddhist discussions are surprisingly heated...)

I am most worried and most disgusted when one faith (or interpretation) denounces another faith (or interpretation), and proclaims all other positions misguided, or inferior, or just 'almost correct' at best. If you ever get the chance to meet a lot of people from various other countries, and the chance to live in another very different culture, it becomes obvious. Zealots, and those who believe their religion is the one correct religion for the world are everywhere, and are all of them most certainly wrong.

I don't mean to suggest that "anything goes". But I think that a focus on human rights is better than fearful defenses of systems that condemn outsiders simply for being different, or for understanding scripture differently (or for not understanding a particular scripture at all). None of this need necessarily involve 'ruling out' one's religion as an approach to life--but nor should it necessarily rule out another's approach to religion.

Well, if it NEEDS to insist on one 'true' path--as revealed in some particular book, or by some particular prophet or guru or priest--then I regard it as a great stain on human history. The 'true' path will end up being, to certain degrees, varied, as there are various people, and we must find a way to live together.

[hoope]

This is something that is seen again and again, different interpretations and histories clashing (not to mention different books and traditions). Shia, Sunni, Sufi... Orthodox, Catholic, Protestant, Mormon... Etc., etc.... It is disheartening to see here such 'assured' disdain for the Shia position. At the same time, I expect there are Shia who would be equally vehement in their own defense. (And, to be fair, I see the same thing among Christians on this site, not to mention the Atheists, and even the Buddhist discussions are surprisingly heated...)

I am most worried and most disgusted when one faith (or interpretation) denounces another faith (or interpretation), and proclaims all other positions misguided, or inferior, or just 'almost correct' at best. If you ever get the chance to meet a lot of people from various other countries, and the chance to live in another very different culture, it becomes obvious. Zealots, and those who believe their religion is the one correct religion for the world are everywhere, and are all of them most certainly wrong.

I don't mean to suggest that "anything goes". But I think that a focus on human rights is better than fearful defenses of systems that condemn outsiders simply for being different, or for understanding scripture differently (or for not understanding a particular scripture at all). None of this need necessarily involve 'ruling out' one's religion as an approach to life--but nor should it necessarily rule out another's approach to religion.

Well, if it NEEDS to insist on one 'true' path--as revealed in some particular book, or by some particular prophet or guru or priest--then I regard it as a great stain on human history. The 'true' path will end up being, to certain degrees, varied, as there are various people, and we must find a way to live together.

I agree.. that is why i don't like opening the religious topics , for the fact that each might naturally defend his religious and accuse others to be wrong.. I guess that is human nature...

[billl]

I agree.. that is why i don't like opening the religious topics , for the fact that each might naturally defend his religious and accuse others to be wrong.. I guess that is human nature...

Thanks, hoope. I don't want to throw this thread off course--but I am really happy to hear your response to my post, and I've seen enough of your posts here to understand that you have a very good heart, probably better than mine--THAT much is crystal clear, even just over the internet... :) You are a nurse, after all.

[MANICHAEAN]

billl
When I tried to address the original post by sami, I endeavoured to limit myself to his statement regards "Muslims follow a religion of peace --- and forgiveness," & point out, how in fact this is not always so. Hence the elaboration on the interpretation & attitudes between Sunni & Shia.

The point that you make regards rigidity of viewpoint, is I agree, an even more dangerous aspect. I was once discussing with a Muslim engineer in Saudi regards the freedom of expression in religion and made the point that in the UK, as well as many other countries, one could have a church next to a mosque, next to a synagogue, next to a Sikh temple whatever. But, I enquired, why in Saudi are only mosques allowed? The answer was that it was because it was the true religion. At that stage one is obliged to forego any meaningful discussion.

[billl]

Manichaean, I certainly didn't realize the subtlety you were trying to address, and I hope I haven't short-circuited that particular discussion, or ended up misreading anyone's stance in regards to my larger point. However, like you, I have encountered inflexibility regarding scripture, interpretation, prophets, etc. in more than one other context.

[hoope]

Thanks, hoope. I don't want to throw this thread off course--but I am really happy to hear your response to my post, and I've seen enough of your posts here to understand that you have a very good heart, probably better than mine--THAT much is crystal clear, even just over the internet... :) You are a nurse, after all.

Oh am blushed :blush5: .. your words are so nice. Thanks alot Bill..
So everyone knows that am nurse.. ! I never wanted to share that part. Coz its may sound weird .. a nurse in a literature forum instead of being in a medical one:D

And a reason why i don't like going into such religious posts.. is that i myself have many best friendsthat are not muslims Christain, shia and Hindus.. and many others.. and otehrs that are from different countries. So , i don't discuss with them such things; we all respect our believes.
But what upsets you sometimes , is that when people have wrong idea about your faith... and religious.. and they stick to those false thoughts.. Then everyone will just try to starts big issues.

[mazHur]

billl
When I tried to address the original post by sami, I endeavoured to limit myself to his statement regards "Muslims follow a religion of peace --- and forgiveness," & point out, how in fact this is not always so. Hence the elaboration on the interpretation & attitudes between Sunni & Shia.

The point that you make regards rigidity of viewpoint, is I agree, an even more dangerous aspect. I was once discussing with a Muslim engineer in Saudi regards the freedom of expression in religion and made the point that in the UK, as well as many other countries, one could have a church next to a mosque, next to a synagogue, next to a Sikh temple whatever. But, I enquired, why in Saudi are only mosques allowed? The answer was that it was because it was the true religion. At that stage one is obliged to forego any meaningful discussion.


May I address your query?
Everybody knows that Saudia is a dictatorship, a monarchy. The idea of building churches in Saudi doesn't appeal to his mind, perhaps because he might be thinking that allowing other religions to build their churches or temples there would cause socio-cultural damage to his empire. And you know the word of a Sovereign IS law.

Would you please apprise me if building a mosque in Vatican or Israel is allowed???
Thanks


I am a Christian who would like to understand more about Islam. Some have said that Jesus Christ is considered a prophet in Islam, but not viewed as "the" prophet (as Christians believe). How does the teachings of Christ relate to Islam?

Also, is there an ultimate goal in Christianity, which is salvation through Christ. What is the main purpose of Islam?


What would you like to understand about Islam? could you be specific because Islam provides a complete code of life.

Jesus is held as one of the most revered Prophets of God. Of course Muslims (or even Christians) have no reason to call him ''The'' Prophet because many other prophets were sent by God into this world before the birth of Jesus.

Many of the facts stated in the Quran are the same or almost similar to those contained in the Torah and the Bible. The facts in Bible and Torah have suffered change and modifications at the hands of humans whereas NOTHING has changed in the Quran for the last 1400 years. Therefore, it is reasonable to accept the unaltered facts of the living Quran over other altered Scriptures..

Teachings of Muhammad are not different than ''real' teachings of Moses and Jesus although man-made alterations in their Scriptures do appear to show that.

Islam doesn't believe in salvation through anybody..on earth or skies. Every person is held totally responsible for this own actions ...because he has given the will to choose between good and evil.

The purpose of Islam is to provide a Code of Life to all human beings on Earth. The Quran is not only a message to Muslim but all human beings...
God or Allah is not only God of Muslims but God of the entire Creation. On the contrary the Torah is for the Jews, Bible for Christians only.

The code of life presented by Islam may seem awesome to people of other religions because of their conditioning to their culture and society rather than religion. Perhaps this is the reason that having got disenchanted and realizing the inadequacies of their previous religions and norms a massive majority of people from all ethnicities and races, cultures, societies and places got converted to Islam and they continue to convert more rapidly than other religions.

[MANICHAEAN]

Dear mazHur
If I might just comment on the first part of your contribution:

Is not the rest of the Gulf Region absolute monarchies? And yet most of the smaller kingdoms are more "liberal" (Qatar, The Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait), in so far as there is a greater tolerance of alternate religions, albeit low profile.

The exception of course to monarchy is Iran, where from my own experience the people are very tolerant, open minded & hospitable. But in the background are other forces & you are never quite sure where the real power lies. I anticipated a strict fundamentalist society rather like Saudi 25 years ago. Nothing could have been further from the truth.

Mosques in Rome, yes / Vatican City, I don't know. Not much call for them I would think! / Israel, I'm not qualified to answer. But then, more to the crux of the point you are making, I'm not limiting my arguments to Islamic countries. Did you know that an old functioning synagogue still exists in Marrakesh?

Best regards
M.

[MANICHAEAN]

hoope
Thank you for being you.

I've worked on and off in the Middle East now for over 30 years & I have been lucky enough not to have been segregated during this time into a series of walled off expatriates componds. Though I must confess there have been some quite hairy moments!

The culture, the food and the strong ties of family, religion and friendship in the Region do rub off on you, wherever you came from originally.

Best wishes
M.

[hoope]

hoope
Thank you for being you.

I've worked on and off in the Middle East now for over 30 years & I have been lucky enough not to have been segregated during this time into a series of walled off expatriates componds. Though I must confess there have been some quite hairy moments!

The culture, the food and the strong ties of family, religion and friendship in the Region do rub off on you, wherever you came from originally.

Best wishes
M.
Yea , i guess i have read before that you worked and been alot into the Middle east. So you're familiar with everything in here. Expatriates are in fact what makes most of these countries .

Thanks alot for sharing your thoughts in this thread. I do respect it.. and many others have the same ideas about why there isn't any churches in Saudia, shia and sunna and many others matters.

Regards,
Hoope

[mazHur]

hoope
Thank you for being you.
[QUOTE]
I've worked on and off in the Middle East now for over 30 years & I have been lucky enough not to have been segregated during this time into a series of walled off expatriates componds. Though I must confess there have been some quite hairy moments!

If you are White you must be much better off than the Misakeens whom the proud and arrogant Arabs treat as ''2nd class Muslim brethren''..so, there is nothing to be surprised off...and yeah,another irony is that you must comparatively be much highly paid for your work than Muslims of other originalities...? Nothing seems to be regretted....:)



The culture, the food and the strong ties of family, religion and friendship in the Region do rub off on you, wherever you came from originally.

The same is true of Middle Eastern people, especially the Muslims, when they are in foreign lands ( The US, UAE, etc) ...where they too have a rub off on you (to use your own words)

Best wishes
M.


Dear mazHur
If I might just comment on the first part of your contribution:

I[QUOTE]s not the rest of the Gulf Region absolute monarchies? And yet most of the smaller kingdoms are more "liberal" (Qatar, The Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait), in so far as there is a greater tolerance of alternate religions, albeit low profile.

I doubt you learnt much during your 30 years stay in the Middle East.
Saudia and all other Emirates you mention are Monarchies and dictatorships but NOT ruled by ONE monarch. consequently, EVERY monarch makes and enforces his own laws in his own land...Aren't laws different in different states of the United States??? would you then attribute that variation onto religion??? No, I believe. then why you behold others with a different eye??




The exception of course to monarchy is Iran, where from my own experience the people are very tolerant, open minded & hospitable. But in the background are other forces & you are never quite sure where the real power lies.

iran is a Shia Muslim state....very much different than Saudia or other Sultanates



I anticipated a strict fundamentalist society rather like Saudi 25 years ago. Nothing could have been further from the truth.

During the reign of Raza Shah Pehalvi Iran was a monarchy too....and one could 'play all games there'' but not after Khomieni took over and the ''fun was gone''!!




Mosques in Rome, yes / Vatican City, I don't know. Not much call for them I would think! / Israel, I'm not qualified to answer. But then, more to the crux of the point you are making, I'm not limiting my arguments to Islamic countries. Did you know that an old functioning synagogue still exists in Marrakesh?

wonder you could be so unsure about answers to my posed question!!

Perhaps you know that Morrocco is the only country in the world which held White slaves....until slavery was banished. No wonder if they have synagog there ....there are synagogues in Pakistan too but all got dilapidated after a minor population of their worshippers left...

Saudia is incomparable to any other Muslim country (perhaps one other small Muslim country around S.Asia ..i can't recall the name presently)
because 1) they are dictatorships 2. have their own most rigid interpretation of Islamic laws, the Sharia. I won't say they are totally wrong but they are
extremely stringent in following and enforcing the Sharia they believe in.

Almost all other Muslim countries do not follow the Sharia version of Saudia...hence you won't see Islamic punishments prevalent there...(neither the 'rewards' which Islam emphasizes collaterally and concurrently!!:)



Best regards
M.

[Scheherazade]

W a r n i n g

Please note that preaching, religious propaganda and discussion of current politics are not tolerated.

[MANICHAEAN]

Dear mazHur
Thank you so much for your response. This really is excellent material, providing such a rich perspective on your attitudes towards the topic in hand. Please do not feel in any way that I am offended, as you are an inspiration to anyone who, like myself, thrives on such observations. Many of the points you make are of course at variance with reality, but I have no problem with your concern and comprehension in such matters.

If you can bear with me though to consider a couple of points. How did you know that I was “White” and “highly paid?” Incredible perception on your part!”

The other queries I would be really grateful for you to elaborate on are:

1. What is a “Misakeen?”

2. What “fun games” could be played in Iran pre revolution?

3. “White slave trade in Morocco?” Sounds terribly interesting.

Ma salam
M.

[mazHur]

Dear mazHur
Thank you so much for your response. This really is excellent material, providing such a rich perspective on your attitudes towards the topic in hand. Please do not feel in any way that I am offended, as you are an inspiration to anyone who, like myself, thrives on such observations. Many of the points you make are of course at variance with reality, but I have no problem with your concern and comprehension in such matters.

thanks your note, but I am not a preacher nor an 'apologetic' like most Muslims. I simply said what I believed true to the best of my knowledge and observation and nothing there should be construed as a basis for causing offense to anybody or to undermine any religion. I am sorry if I tended to offend you by my views and explanation in any way as that was not my intention at all...





If you can bear with me though to consider a couple of points. How did you know that I was “White” and “highly paid?” Incredible perception on your part!”


Well, that was just my guess and I may be wrong..by your name you could also be an Iranian if the Arabs had dealt with you otherwise..but am still not sure!!:)

If living for 30 years in the ME weren't enough to understand Muslims (or the Arabs) it surely goes to amazing me with shock!

The other queries I would be really grateful for you to elaborate on are:


1. What is a “Misakeen?”

Arabs would always use HABIB or habibee for friends of equal ranks, whereas by way of discrimination they would say Miskeen (plural: Misakeen) for the poor or 'low-ranking' Muslims from poor countries such as India, Iran, Bangla desh, Pakistan, etc etc


2. What “fun games” could be played in Iran pre revolution?


Everything which is allowed in the Western world...especially regarding sex.


3. “White slave trade in Morocco?” Sounds terribly interesting.

Please have a look at 'history of slavery' and you will note how arrogant the Moroccans were during those times... while the world vied for the blacks the Moroccans yearned for the Whites!!:)
best wishes

Ma salam
M.



@ Manichaean

here are a few links on White slaves...
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2004/jun/27/historybooks.features

http://newsgroups.derkeiler.com/Archive/Soc/soc.culture.indian/2005-09/msg00177.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arab_slave_trade

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_slavery

[MANICHAEAN]

Dear mazHur
No offence taken. I'm too old and thick skinned these days to have my feathers ruffled.

Thinking I was Iranian was quite amusing. Having turned your avatar over in my head a couple of times, I did seriously consider at one point whether you were one of the "Rolling Stones" undercover? (Having gone to university with Mick Jagger, that would have been too much of a coincidence though.)

"Habibi" I'm familiar with, but thanks for the info on "Misakeen". I did not know that one.

Sex in Iran now for a foreigner. Forget it. When I was there, an errant German national had been locked up for a very long time & the key had been well and truly thrown away. But Iranian women have incredible dark liquid eyes & you can perhaps see why the men are so family orientated.

I will open up the Moroccan links tonight in camp, as I cannot do it from site.

Take care.
M.

[hoope]

If you are White you must be much better off than the Misakeens whom the proud and arrogant Arabs treat as ''2nd class Muslim brethren''..so, there is nothing to be surprised off...and yeah,another irony is that you must comparatively be much highly paid for your work than Muslims of other originalities...? Nothing seems to be regretted....:)


Well.. i am not going to say that Arabs treat other nationalities in a good way but i don't think all are same.. I mean maybe in some gulf countries , people are.. and its not right, i don't defend such act.. and i dislike it . But not all are same.. and in Emirates there are Indian ( as well as other nationalities ) with high salaries and paid well. Minorities are treated in a bad way in fact in the arab world.. but all the people are same.. you have have specified it more .. or atleast said SOME OR 50 % .
It hurts when you see that its against our Islamic teachings and yet they do it... that sucks.. as if they are not humans.


Arabs would always use HABIB or habibee for friends of equal ranks, whereas by way of discrimination they would say Miskeen (plural: Misakeen) for the poor or 'low-ranking' Muslims from poor countries such as India, Iran, Bangla desh, Pakistan, etc etc


Who the hell told u this ????

Habibi means my love.... yes they use it to many people not only minorities.. As a way of calling them when they don't know their names.. They would say " Habibi can you help doing this...... ?" and they say it to Iranis , Indians and other nationalities and even same nationalities as well .

Where as Miskeen.. or Misakeen. means Poor people or poor.. They refer to it the minorities in most of the time.. but they don't use to call someone.. as in Oh miskeen come here !!! NO way .. i never heard it.. But in talking they say it out of pity.. like when they are talking about any person no matter what the nationality is .. and when that person is going through any hardships or debts.. or whatsoever.. they may talk about him say that that miskeen called so so ..is having this and this..

But its not totally as u mentioned it.. I know minorites are treated in a injustice way in the gulf but don't set your thoughts out of anger and mis lead others .
Gulf countries might be as you said so good for white people as they get paid well. But people there aren't that bad , many are good , many hate what is done to the other nationalities and the discrimination there ,,, trying to change it but its never easy.

[mazHur]

=hoope;985393]Well.. i am not going to say that Arabs treat other nationalities in a good way but i don't think all are same.. I mean maybe in some gulf countries , people are.. and its not right, i don't defend such act.. and i dislike it [QUOTE]. But not all are same.. and in Emirates there are Indian ( as well as other nationalities ) with high salaries and paid well.

those are mainly high professionals who have established their own position in the eyes of their employers through merit. Such professionals are there until they are needed by them and kicked out instantly if they prove below their mark.



Minorities are treated in a bad way in fact in the arab world.. but all the people are same.. you have have specified it more .. or atleast said SOME OR 50 % .
It hurts when you see that its against our Islamic teachings and yet they do it... that sucks.. as if they are not humans.

I do not agree with that. As long as minorities or anyone abides by their laws they do not bug anyone!!






Who the hell told u this ????

Habibi means my love.... yes they use it to many people not only minorities.. As a way of calling them when they don't know their names.. They would say " Habibi can you help doing this...... ?" and they say it to Iranis , Indians and other nationalities and even same nationalities as well .

What do you mean?? Urdu is my mother language which is almost akin or borrowed from Arabic too. Habibi is also used in Urdu...and means 'friend'
or the one whom you love or endear. Mehbooba is beloved.An AraB would usually use habibi for a friend or alternately for someone he has friendly feelings for.



Where as Miskeen.. or Misakeen. means Poor people or poor.. They refer to it the minorities in most of the time.. but they don't use to call someone.. as in Oh miskeen come here !!! NO way .. i never heard it.. But in talking they say it out of pity.. like when they are talking about any person no matter what the nationality is .. and when that person is going through any hardships or debts.. or whatsoever.. they may talk about him say that that miskeen called so so ..is having this and this..


they call labors from poor countries as Miskeen...(or the WRETCH!!) in a sarcastic sense.
Miskeen is also commonly used in Urdu and I know what it exactly means and what an Arab means when he calls someone that:)



But its not totally as u mentioned it.. I know minorites are treated in a injustice way in the gulf but don't set your thoughts out of anger and mis lead others .
This is quite uncalled for. I live closest to the ME and have been there many times. In my experience I have not seen any Arab mistreat a non-Muslim, however I hate their attitude towards expat Muslims and I hate to live there!


Gulf countries might be as you said so good for white people as they get paid well. But people there aren't that bad , many are good , many hate what is done to the other nationalities and the discrimination there ,,, trying to change it but its never easy.

As I said before if anyone lives there within their legal framework he has nothing to worry about. The same holds good for non-Muslims and minorities. However, the Arabs will not tolerate any insurgent activity by anyone in their lands.

[hoope]

[QUOTE]=hoope;985393]

those are mainly high professionals who have established their own position in the eyes of their employers through merit. Such professionals are there until they are needed by them and kicked out instantly if they prove below their mark.



Yea.. but they still don't kick them out.. they stay until they reach their retirement age.


I do not agree with that. As long as minorities or anyone abides by their laws they do not bug anyone!!


Arabs would always use HABIB or habibee for friends of equal ranks, whereas by way of discrimination they would say Miskeen (plural: Misakeen) for the poor or 'low-ranking' Muslims from poor countries such as India, Iran, Bangla desh, Pakistan, etc etc


Good ! so they don't treat people bad unless if they have done something wrong ...
So no need to say that their is discrimination.. for Discrimination is also there.. in the west and Asia . and even Africa.. not dicrimination between white an black which always existed.. but discrimination between rich and poor and and high income people.. and nobles familes.. etc.. Discriminations exists everywhere.. and we can't demolish it .. but we can change that sense of hatred between different standard people..
There is might be difference between rich and poor but their shouldn't be hatred.. instead love.. The rich gives charity and sits with each other in one table to dine or talk.. and the poor is happy and stisfied with his work and even though he has a low in come but his happy..



they call labors from poor countries as Miskeen...(or the WRETCH!!) in a sarcastic sense.
Miskeen is also commonly used in Urdu and I know what it exactly means and what an Arab means when he calls someone that


What do you mean?? Urdu is my mother language which is almost akin or borrowed from Arabic too. Habibi is also used in Urdu...and means 'friend'
or the one whom you love or endear. Mehbooba is beloved.An AraB would usually use habibi for a friend or alternately for someone he has friendly feelings for.


I know what habibi means.. my dear and my love.. and what u said is just correct.. they use it as a dear one and dear friend.. though originally means my love.. Mahbooba.. is also my love.. but that is only in poetic way.. and no one really use it .. moslty in poems and old books..

Howeve, the point is that .. they use Miskeen to call on someone..
Have you noticed them calling the workers.. or males mates. with Mohammad.. simply coz tehy don't know their names. all are called Mohammad..

May i ask where have u lived in midle east.. if u don't mind? .. and feel free not to answer if u don't want to



This is quite uncalled for. I live closest to the ME and have been there many times. In my experience I have not seen any Arab mistreat a non-Muslim, however I hate their attitude towards expat Muslims and I hate to live there!

Fair enough... Arabs.. might have been away from what they are suppose to be.. but this few that i mentioned.. are only 20 % .Rest .. are good. and they are known for their hospitality and kindness..


As I said before if anyone lives there within their legal framework he has nothing to worry about. The same holds good for non-Muslims and minorities. However, the Arabs will not tolerate any insurgent activity by anyone in their lands.

Yea.. that is true.. :)

[Scheherazade]

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Since this thread does not serve its original purpose anymore, it will now be closed.

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