In this holy month of Ramadan, you can't help but get to thinking about spirituality, life, love, and all of the above.
I used to consider myself quite religious. Until recently.
Granted, I'm not veiled and wear bikinis in the summer (when tacos and cupcakes haven't gotten the best of me), but regardless - I cherish the strong connection I have with God. I have strong faith, enjoy prayer and attempt to stay on the right path as much as possible. I used to pray that I meet a man with the same sentiments in hopes that I could bond with someone on a religious level.
And then I did (elhamdillah, which means Thank God). :)
Then one day, after he finishing praying, I asked: "Karim, do you consider yourself religious?"
He replied, "No. I'm spiritual."
Same damn thing, isn't it?
It's not. The majority of people are turned off from accepting religion due to the intimidation of the strict rules and regulations they see attached. They fear of the stigma of being called "religious" because of those it's associated with.
If you saw me out on the beach in a swimsuit, would you imagine in a million years that I've done 3omra (or mini pilgrimage) 5 times? (elhamdillah). Probably not. Because I don't look "religious". I'm not walking around in Muslim garb preaching the ways of the Prophet and the fear of hellfire and the fountains of Paradise.
It's unfortunate that many of those who dress religiously as representations of Islam actually behave in the complete opposite manner. We've seen the veiled gossip and backstab their friends. We've seen the bearded cheat and sexually disrespect women. How a man can claim he's religious when the same hand that stole money also holds his rosary beads, I'll never understand.
What's piety without spirituality? And how can you claim spirituality if your hypocritical actions speak louder than your words, beard, and/or veil?
These days - the term "Religious" has become a label so that others may recognize your piety. But spirituality isn't for others...it's for you.
To each his own. Faith is a personal thing that should be no one else's business. And that my friends - is spirituality. The ability to go out with friends who make their own decisions and not judge. To be able to pick up a passage and read it, believe it, and embrace the direction and solace that it provides. To use prayer as meditation for your own life and faith, not because someone's forcing you into prostration in fear of punishment.
So next time someone asks if I'm religious?
I'll reply, Nope. ;)
