To Convert or Not?

Ever evaluated yourself how biased you are when it comes to your faith religion wise? Would you let go of your religious faith if somehow you are shown that what precious little you are holding on to.. means nothing? Would you move on to an other faith if you found the other faith better spiritually?

How do you know the faith you are following is 'the one'? We are born in a particular religion. I was born in a muslim family so I am a muslim. A child born in a christian family will be called christian. But unlike a christian in west or Europe, I as a muslim will hardly think of converting! Perhaps, the reason for not converting is the belief in the supremacy of our faith. But then here we run in to a problem.. are we biased or we have some 'evidence' that our belief is the best? Or perhaps I don't convert because its not that I find my religion 'oh the best!' but rather I can not imagine taking a stand against a society that is extremely pugnacious when it comes to conversion?

Why would one convert? Perhaps a bad experience with the current lot of practitioners. Perhaps they found the 'light' they were seeking for their spiritual solutions. What is it that they are seeking? How does one know 'Yes! this is what I was looking for!'? On the other hand there are types that just will not let go of their faith. I saw a comment on one of discussion boards and the person was talking about religious scholars of 'other' sect.. and he said "Do not argue with them! If you did then they will make you wet your pants!" I mean.. this guy knows that his arguments will be trashed and still he is holding on to them! On top of that he is telling others not to indulge in discussion because their faith will be in danger too! Is such faith really worth holding on to?

Are not Apostates the bravest of all instead of cowards and hypocrites we all imagine them to be?! How else can you explain it. Religious faith is such a core component of a human being and one is trying to amend/ change it! You are altering the fundamental of your personality! (or perhaps its not that fundamental and I am only assuming it to be?) Frankly majority of the people don't concern themselves with religion or seeking light. What for anyways?

Now you would ask me.. 'will you convert?'. I really do not know. I am all at ease with the current status. I have been 'reading' my religion a lot though and I have 'adapted' lets say being in my current boundary of religion. Whether I am biased or am afraid of the society? I will not contest your arguments there.


05:48 - ...and if Allah had pleased He would have made you (all) a single people, but that He might try you in what He gave you, therefore strive with one another to hasten to virtuous deeds; to Allah is your return, of all (of you), so He will let you know that in which you differed;

Apostasy

Here we go again. An Afghan muslim converted to christianity. As usual.. all hell broke loose. Death Fatwas galore. Hell hath no fury like a berserk muslim :p

Frankly.. I was not robbed of my possessions (jewels included) when I heard that a person has converted to another religious faith. But all the hullabaloo regarding conversion.. must be something in it. Well in fact there is...

Muslims believe that according to Sharia (Muslim Law derived from Quran and acts of Prophet Muhammad) whoever converts to another religious faith from Islam... has to be killed. Good Lord have mercy. They say that Prophet Muhammad cited the above mentioned prescription for converts.

Being a muslim, I have some "issues" as usual.

1. Islam (religion) is of God and humans are supposed to follow it.
2. Only God decides what is good and what is right.
3. Humans have no right to interpret/ explain/ issue fatwas etc
4. Even the Prophet was told to follow what was revealed to him (Quran) and not to come up with his own additions (Quran.69:44-48)

So why not convert to other religion? the person will go to hell and not heaven? only muslims allowed to enter heaven? (read my previous post of November 2005 on this).

Secondly. Judgement Day is to be presided over by His majesty and He will be asking questions regarding faith and deeds. I can understand humans dealing with deeds of other humans in this world because standards are set of what is right and what is wrong but when it comes to faith.. how can one be so sure about himself that he decides fates of other people on it? Is he correct and others wrong? Let the faith question be dealt by God..

There is a verse in Quran which states this beautifully. It says..

[2:256] Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clear from Error: whoever rejects evil and believes in Allah hath grasped the most trustworthy hand-hold, that never breaks. And Allah heareth and knoweth all things