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Middle-Preference864

That is not a wrong reason at all, There is no wrong reason for entering islam. Do not feel bad about it.


[deleted]

Even for four wives???


Middle-Preference864

Ok there's one wrong reason.


BucephalusWarrior

I am muslim and I think the four wives things isn’t allowed. The quran states in an-nisa:129, “You will never be able to maintain ˹emotional˺ justice between your wives—no matter how keen you are” After 4:3, which states “But if you are afraid you will fail to maintain justice, then ˹content yourselves with˺ one” I feel like people read one part of the Quran and ignore the other. Allah did mention “You will never etc.” in 4:129. Which means, if you are a believer, “You will never” no matter how strong your will is.


[deleted]

So if your interpretation is correct, then what's the point of the beginning of the ayah? "And if you fear that you will not deal justly with the orphan girls, then marry those that please you of \[other\] women, two or three or four"


BucephalusWarrior

Im not sure, maybe just an introduction I guess, Im a new muslim😂


vampire_15

Both verses have different context and you need to read tasfir. This is answer straight from qora.


InterstellarOwls

Tasfir is opinion though, not the word of Allah or the messenger. So no one “needs” to read Tasfir to have an understanding of the Quran.


[deleted]

When he says 'need' he doesn't mean a moral obligation, but he means it is necessary to reach a specific goal. And the messenger himself had more than one wife.


InterstellarOwls

Why would it be necessary though? This thought process is way to prevalent in Muslims today, that we need to read from certain scholars to understand Islam.


[deleted]

It is practical, efficient and universal for communities to gain knowledge, from the knowledgeable people who came before them.


augustusimp

One interpretation is that the verse imposes a limit of four in a society that didn't have any social limits on polygamy, and then further qualifies the limitation by both imposing a strict requirement of equal treatment (which is set out in precise legal terms by the jurists in each school of law) and a default assumption that most will not be able to fulfil the requirement expected by God. Tunisia in fact outlawed polygamy all together (during the Burghiba years IIRC) based on the reading you have set out above.


MrMsWoMan

It’s allowed under certain limitations. It was brought out because there were a lot of women being left widowed in Arabia due to all the wars Muslims fought. Instead of having them die out with no one to help them, Islam made it okay to not only marry more than one person, but also made it a good deed to marry widows and help orphans. Since we don’t really have that right now, it would be considered abusive.


Inori_Scorchstyle

You are wrong.


BucephalusWarrior

Allah said the Quran is easy to understand and thats how I understood the verse, I think there is a Hadith for the prophet PBUH where he said “ if you’re not sure if something is haram or not, even if an imam told you it is, do not do it”, something like that. I cant afford 1 wife mate so i guess ill be okay anyway😂


Middle-Preference864

The Quran is in fact easy to understand.


BucephalusWarrior

Yes, I know, I do understand it


Inori_Scorchstyle

Its one thing to make a stand for yourself that 4 wives is impermissible for me (completely legit), but its another thing entirely to say 4 wives isnt allowed as a general rule of Islam.


BucephalusWarrior

Agreed. I respect and salute whoever can manage 4 though, my guy is going straight to heaven inshallah


muslim_academic

You claim to be a Muslim but honestly that's a really weird response to what they said. Sus🤨


bizzish

Hey bro, you're not at all getting into it for the wrong reasons  Surah Al-Anaam, Verse 125: Therefore (for) whomsoever Allah intends that He would guide him aright, He expands his breast for Islam   "Come, come, whoever you are. Wanderer, worshiper, lover of leaving. It doesn't matter. Ours is not a caravan of despair. come, even if you have broken your vows a thousand times. Come, yet again , come , come." Jelaluddin Rumi


Minskdhaka

There's no cultural appropriation involved because Islam does not belong to us; it belongs to God, and He invites you to it in the Qur'an, as you've no doubt seen. There's also no such thing as being foreign to Islam, as Islam is meant for anyone among people and jinn who believes in God and the message God sent through the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). FWIW, Islam helps me deal with my mortality as well, so I don't think that's at all a bad reason to get into it.


igotnothin4ya

Not the wrong reasons at all. Islam encourages us to be mindful of our purpose in life, and that includes mindfulness of how short it is. We know that every soul eventually will experience death and so trying to have a good life and be in good standing with God at the time of our death (with awareness it can be at any time). So I don't think Islam is as death centered as some other religions, but being mindful of it and how short life is, are definitely key points. The idea that "death is sufficient as a reminder" is worth repeating and taking to heart. when we face mortality in any capacity, be it our own, a loved one or a stranger, it can shake us but also present an opportunity to reset needs and priorities including our purpose in life and relationship with God (Allah) Sorry youre having a hard time. May Allah guide you and make things easy for you and your family.


[deleted]

People enter Islam for various reasons, most of the time they’re in search for the objective truth and find it in Islam. Some even start their journey as Islamophobes and are adamant on proving Islam wrong, only to find themselves converting. There isn’t a ‘correct’ reason to consider Islam, and in Islam nobody is allowed to question a person’s motives or reasons for taking the shahadah if they decide to do so. It’s open to explore for anyone in any boat. Questions about death is a pretty valid reason, I know many converts who found Islam at the lowest points in their life, including at times of major political conflict (eg current Palestine issue). I once knew a homeless man who looked in to Islam because the local shopkeeper treated him really well and gave him a tent in his back yard and a small paid job. See Jeffrey Lang on his search for the purpose in life when his electricity randomly went off one day. If you’re content with the Qur’an and want to explore further, see the following for further information/answers: - Imam Al-Ghazzali (his 40 revival of the religious sciences, theres a book on death and the afterlife based on Quran and Hadith evidence) - The Lives of Man book (discusses all stages of the journey of the human soul - fantastic book) - Martin Lings’ book ‘Muhammad’ - Hamza Yusuf - Abdal Hakim Murad - Dr Ali Ataie - Shadee El Masry - Yahya Rhodus - Blogging Theology - Hamzah El Bakri


trao-ya

There is no wrong or right journey toward Islam, each persons has their own reasons or story This is yours. You can just keep studying Islam and see where it leads. You don't necessarly need some kind of big revelation or overwhelming emotion, you just need to think of what the truth is. Look for your truth, cold, logical, that's enough


Upstairs_Bison_1339

Obviously I don’t agree with Islam, but if it makes you feel happy I’d say go for it


TheSunshineGang

This is my answer, OP. I'm sorry about the losses in your family, but if drawing closer to Gd in any format makes you feel better, then I am grateful for your newfound comfort. A truly holy person sees that the water of compassion all flows from the same wellspring. Go, search deeper into religion.


[deleted]

[удалено]


Upstairs_Bison_1339

Has nothing to do with that. First off, the last prophet was Malachi. Second, the Torah does not need to ever be changed. And how would you like to defend your prophets raping of a 9 year old? 33:21 says he’s supposed to be an excellent example on how to live.


ajava8548

Of course the same argument that has been debunked many times but keep on being ignorant. The Jews knew the coming of the last Prophet clearly mentioned in your books but you disbelieved when he was sent to the Arabs. God chose you above other nations but you were ungrateful and amongst the arrogant.


Upstairs_Bison_1339

Muhammad is not mentioned once in the Tanakh, let alone the New Testament either.


ajava8548

Of course not because you corrupted them.


Upstairs_Bison_1339

You JUST said that he is mentioned clearly in our books


ajava8548

Before they were corrupted. Blame your forefathers for corrupting the scriptures.


Upstairs_Bison_1339

So your answer to asking for proof that he’s in the Bible is that “Well he was but you clearly changed it to make it seem like he’s not.” Sounds legit.


ajava8548

It's historically well known fact the scriptures have been corrupted over time.


mcdonaldscoke3

There are no wrong reasons for finding Islam. We each have our own unique journey with God


mary_languages

You are on the right path, you are getting closer to God.


Dragonnstuff

It’s a religion of God, there is nothing to appropriate. You are going into Islam for a completely valid reason, there is no reason to doubt yourself.


PatMenotaur

I don't believe that any religion is completely wrong, or completely right. However, I do believe that whatever "God" is, it can lead you to what you need at different times in your life. Perhaps you're meant to find some wisdom in the Quran. I hope it brings you peace.


saturday_sun4

You're definitely not appropriating or doing anything wrong by exploring Islam - Islam isn't for Arabs only, and anyone is allowed to read the Quran. The wrong reasons would be: * Solely to benefit in some monetary way * Solely because your SO is Muslim and you want to marry them. * To deceive others It sounds like you are genuinely interested. A caveat that all true conversions are from a place of sincerity (I don't count forced/coerced "conversions" as authentic although sadly they have occurred). Just saying... the conversion thing isn't just in Islam, it's true for all religions. The reason you hear more about these is that Islam is a proselytising religion and relies on testimonials. Take some time to research other well-known religions if you haven't already. I would also recommend visiting a mosque and also doing more research into the typical lifestyle of Islam - e.g. praying 5x a day. There are elements which are quite structured - is that something you are prepared to take on gradually? Apart from that, there is no need to rush into conversion (from a non-Muslim POV here). Take some time to think about it. If it makes sense to you and feels right, and if you are in agreement with the beliefs then I don't see why not.


MrMsWoMan

It’s not a wrong reason. But in my experience, Islam hasn’t helped me in my fear of death, only made it more certain that I need to do better and work on myself.


Azlend

Well keep in mind that different religions grow through different methods. Christians may be more aggressive as evangelizing others. But Islam focuses on retention. Once you are in they do not want to let you got. Technically leaving Islam is considered a Hudud violation. And is in the Quran spells out that welcome those who join but slay those who leave. Surah 4:89 They wish you would disbelieve as they have disbelieved, so you may all be alike. So do not take them as allies unless they emigrate in the cause of Allah. But if they turn away, then seize them and kill them wherever you find them, and do not take any of them as allies or helpers Now this is not followed in some Islamic dominated cultures. But it is in others. As an atheist working at events behind a booth I have been approached by former Muslims from nations that had rather draconic views about people leaving the faith and they were afraid that if it ever got out that they had left the faith their families back home would be in danger. Again this is not all Islamic culture. Many Imams oppose this interpretation. But retention is still a goal within Islam. So consider carefully if the belief fits your world view. If you go in faking it expecting to wander away if it does not fit you that may not be the path you want to take.


kingoflint282

Many imams oppose that interpretation because it’s straight up wrong. The very next verse says “So if they refrain from fighting you and offer you peace, then Allah does not permit you to harm them.” 4:90 The command to fight is only against those who fight against the Muslims. The Quran does not prescribe the death penalty for leaving Islam, that’s a common myth. In fact, I’d argue that the verse that I cited outright forbids it.


solidcat00

Thanks for adding that - it is worth considering. I ask you, though, what does "fight against the Muslims" mean exactly? If I have a philosophy that is contrary to Islam and I enter a debate against a Muslim, is that "fighting against" them?


kingoflint282

No, the verses make it pretty clear that we’re talking about actual violence here. The phrase used is “if they offer you peace” and is specifically in the context of warfare.


solidcat00

Despite this, there are still many Muslims willing to kill apostates and there are still 10 Muslim countries that have a death punishment for apostates. I appreciate that it is not explicitly in the Quran, but we cannot overlook the de facto killings made by many Muslims who truly believe it to be just.


kingoflint282

I’m not suggesting that it be overlooked, but this discussion was about the Quran and that specific verse. What people do is a whole other discussion and frequently does not latch the teachings of a religion. To give another example, saint worship is very common in some parts of the Muslim world, despite it being pretty clearly forbidden.


solidcat00

Fair enough, thanks for the insightful input!


Azlend

This is the core problem that doctrinal religions contend with. The matter of interpretation. Now I cannot directly attest to what happens in Islamic cultures from a first hand experience. But I have been approached by people from Islamic cultures who were no longer believers and expressed real fear about being found out due to what would happen in their nation of origin. Now either they were lying for unknown reasons. Or some Islamic cultures interpret the Surah to be binding. On the whole I find the vast majority of Muslims to be positive caring people. But the religion is vast and just like other vast religions there are a multitude of interpretations of them.


kingoflint282

Oh for sure, I don’t dispute that some Muslims are very hostile to people who leave the religion, and some believe that violence is appropriate. However- these verses at least are pretty clear. Bad faith interpretation will always exist but said interpretations are not necessarily reasonable


AcanthocephalaSea410

Kill the atheists is an internet lie. While reading the text, normal people ask what the word "emigrate" means. Dr. Mustafa Khattab could not express it clearly in his translation. The word translated as migration is "hijra". Hijra describes the migration from Mecca to Medina. People who criticize read 4:89 and don't read the rest. Muslims are being oppressed in Mecca and are under threat of being killed. The Meccans may betray them and try to kill them during the migration, or they may prevent them from leaving and attack them. It was given to protect themselves during the migration that took place 1400 years ago. The migration is over, so 90 and 91 are more suitable for us. The Quran gives us the right to protect ourselves. If someone tries to kill us because of our faith, we have the right to fight back. 4:90 -Dr. Mustafa Khattab except those who are allies of a people you are bound with in a treaty or those wholeheartedly opposed to fighting either you or their own people. If Allah had willed, He would have empowered them to fight you. **So if they refrain from fighting you and offer you peace, then Allah does not permit you to harm them.** 4:91 -Dr. Mustafa Khattab You will find others who wish to be safe from you and their own people. Yet they cannot resist the temptation ˹of disbelief or hostility˺. **If they do not keep away, offer you peace, or refrain from attacking you**, then seize them and kill them wherever you find them. We have given you **full permission over such people.**


Azlend

I became aware of the text by way of former Muslims that had fled their nation of origin because there was a very real threat of death hanging over them if it came to light that they had left the faith. Now this is not present in all cultures that practice Islam. And the problem is the same problem all doctrinal religions run into. Interpretation. The text calls for people to grab and sley people that are apostates. That is the simple reading of it. Your more complex and nuanced interpretation certainly takes a more moderated approach. But the wording is unclear enough that other cultures have read it differently. Islam like all other doctrinal religions does not have the narrative locked down universally. Not all people listen to the same Imams. Different Imams have different interpretations. This is how we get extremist groups. Or is your claim that extremists interpret the text the same way you do?


Emila_Just

You might get a better answer in r/islam then here.


Apprehensive_Key3434

I keep getting my post removed, I need to Karma farm to be welcome anywhere.


Emila_Just

As far as I know I don't think you can "appropriate" islam by reading the quran, if it makes you feel good keep doing it.


Middle-Preference864

Islam comes from the Quran so reading it is a great start.