Islamic values and Western 'culture'

Burj Al Arab

The Burj Al Arab is the world's second tallest hotel.

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

So has anybody figured out yet what this so-called Western 'culture' is?

Seems we're all falling, nay, gleefully jumping HEADLONG into the imperialist creation/concept of the Clash of Civilisations, or the non-argument of West Versus East.

The happy slapping on of labels ensures we continue blindly on, tripping over our morals and sweeping aside the universal values of humanity in a race to discredit and unfavourably compare the 'other'.

The very premise of the thread is flawed. You can not juxtapose Islamic values with Western 'culture'. It's like comparing a bicycle to a plane. Try again, only this time, try discussing the differences between Islamic values, and those upheld by the likes of Bush/Blair etc., who believe 'they hate our values'.

Please define the values cherished by (for the sake of argument) the American general public, and compare them with the values cherished by the general populace of Morrocco, or Pakistan, as examples of Islamic states. It will quickly become obvious that no matter what your religious beliefs, you cherish the ability to provide safety and shelter to your family, the ability to provide them with nourishment and comfort, and a few enhancements, such as the freedom to enjoy a walk in the park or to listen to music.

The Western decadence, the sinking into the Dantesque level of hell so much of this post-modern existence displays, has nothing whatsoever to do with religion, values or culture, and is far from limited to non-Muslim societies (witness the photos above), it has everything to do with the collective selling of our souls which has been encouraged and promoted, if not in writing, then more powerfully by example.

Still, looks like we'll be forced to take a long hard look in the mirror right about now.

oh you could pray in school just not out loud.. lol

People living in a Muslim culture are in a comfort zone - thinking they are better of ...

 

In reality challenges in muslim as well as non-muslim societies are different, though it is hard to argue weather they are fewer within muslim dominated societies.

 

To name a few -

Media and entertainment is so common in muslim societies as well - at least in India the television and cinema are both awful - which hardly anyone is avoiding ...

Music is not allowed in Islam, but it can is common in many-many muslim homes.

Gossip and talebearing is a grave sin, but its common - very common - so much that its a big challenge for someone who wants to keep out of it.

Gluttony - Don't tell me those who have plenty don't overfeed themselves or don't waste.

 

If they are not showing their flesh does not mean they are not looking ... and why are not all muslim women covered - willingly, when they are living within their own culture - one can find women arguing endlessly how unnecessary or cultural, but not islamically obligatory is the hijab.

 

Not all muslims are praying five times a day - and this is extremely sad about muslims dominated societies.

 

Muslims are not doing business with honesty.

 

Thsese are just a few that come to my mind, but there are many more I beleive, .... all these drawbacks are not seen on individual levels but on a social level.

 

Being westernised is a problem, but its not the only problem that challenges a muslim - neither do I see it as a lot bigger than other challenges.

To think one's faith is safe if they are not westernised, is just and image of safety - that is all.

 

 On the otherhand if one wants to practice islam, there is no place where one cannot. It all depends on ones conviction and faith.  I think one can become a better muslim when there are challenges because they have to take an active stand in maintaining their faith.

When one is in a company of five muslim friends who don't observe prayers on time, its harder to get up and pray rather than when one is with five non-muslim friends - I think.