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Religion

Sensitive area of mine, keep anon.

I am a british born muslim if thats what you would call it. At one point I was really religious, and I never really suffered from depression that much, because I always had faith in god.

I am now going through quite tough times (I will not go into details, lets just say it is due to my circumstances if anything), and I have felt suicidal every now and again. In addition, I feel as an individual, that I am really "spiritually" empty - the faith I once had, has quite literally disintegrated.

It is very hard to describe, but I can really feel the affects of not having much faith, I doubt it is guilt because I am a notorious sinner and know it. I do everything aside from anything that is illegal. I am quite a rebel aside from this.

I have given it much thought and have considered that I may go back down the religious route, as I believe that faith can be a very powerful thing (...which was the case in the past, when I was religious). However, I am sceptical of becoming a reborn muslim because there are things I enjoy in the western way of life, that contradicts its belief systems. For example, I love freemixing/socializing with women and I open to having a girlfriend that is not a muslim and fornicate. It can be a plesent experience. ( other then that I can live without booze, pork etc. ) But I feel by becoming a born - again muslim, I will probably be a hypocrit -- really defeats the whole point. This is a catch 22 situation because without anything spiritual I just feel empty.

I don't know, very confused at the moment. Is there anyone that can relate? Thanks for your time.

Reply 1

KDG

i am now an agnostic who was brought up in an evangelical faith. type in "british humanist association" into google and have a look at their website. it has loads of info on finding meaning without god, and may be of help for you. good luck

Reply 2

Anonymous #2

totally can relate. i am also currently struggling with religion and faith. i'm starting to question my faith which previously i would just follow blindly, and i'm starting to conclude that any organized religion is a bunch of lies (IMO). it has also something to do with my natural behaviour to rebel and not conform, but then i was really religious at some point. i've lost it now.

sometimes i miss it though. i miss having a relationship with god, praying to god, etc. at some point in my life where i'm done doing all the things i want, i'll probably embark on a long spiritual search. i want to believe in god, but at the moment my faith has been shaken and i don't think i can live with religion. but it's definitely something i spend a lot of my time thinking about. i'm agnostic now. though i sometimes i still talk to god... such a goddamn hypocrite.

Reply 3

generalebriety

Anonymous

I am sceptical of becoming a reborn muslim because there are things I enjoy in the western way of life, that contradicts its belief systems. For example, I love freemixing/socializing with women and I open to having a girlfriend that is not a muslim and fornicate. It can be a plesent experience. ( other then that I can live without booze, pork etc. ) But I feel by becoming a born - again muslim, I will probably be a hypocrit

*shrugs* Simple question: do you believe in God?

Reply 4

Tariqé

I left islam about 4 years ago now.
It just wasn't for me, and now I'm much happier in my life :smile:

I appreciate your concern about the inevitable spiritual emptiness connected with leaving a religion. It's kinda like a relationship betweeen you and that religion in that sense - you are bound to feel empty when something so important in your life is no longer there.
I personally felt this emptiness, but managed to fill the gap by making stronger frienships and closer bonds with my family (who were eventually ok with my decision).

Am not trying to tell you to stay or leave islam. Only you can make that decision; only you know in your heart what you want.
All the best :smile:

Reply 5

ßlαcksωαn

Okay, I'll just ignore the "fornicate" part :rolleyes:

Many depressed people, even atheists are encourage to turn to faith. but I don't think it is a good idea to get into something that you won't abide by. Do you have to go back to being a muslim? There isn't just religion or God that can assist some with these kind of feelings..theirs counselling, meditation, etc. I just don't think being a muslim would suit you...

Reply 6

('',)

religion = cult

Reply 7

Frodz

Plenty of people live perfectly happy lives without religion, it just simply takes a different way of looking at things.

Not saying you have to go down that route, just that religion isn't the only option.

Reply 8

Kabloomybuzz

Reasearch into alternatives including diffeent religions, humanism, agnosticism, atheism...

Depression can lead to a loss of faith in the world generally. I was never religious but it did for me. it lso make me more cynical

I think you need to be more informed about various religions befoe you know what is right, but dont go down a religious rout if your heart isn't in it it wont make things any better