Hibahere

Hey everyone, I’ve been deeply reflecting on my beliefs, and I’ve reached a point where I’m questioning where I truly stand in terms of religion. I was born into Islam and raised with its teachings, but over time, my views have evolved, and now I feel like I’m lingering on the edge of something else—maybe agnosticism, maybe something else entirely. Here’s where I currently stand: I believe that God is consciousness itself rather than an external entity. I reject the idea of a physical heaven and hell. To me, they exist within consciousness rather than as literal places. I struggle with the fear-based aspects of Islamic teachings, such as punishment in the grave, and find it hard to accept them. I don’t believe in the strict rules of modesty imposed on women and think that true evolution would mean men evolving rather than women covering up. I acknowledge that Islam brought structure to a barbaric time, but I question whether its rules should be applied rigidly today. I DO NOT believe in any form of punishment or torture or fear based shit. Its find to guide the barbaric masses with that mindset but I doesn't work for me now. With all of this in mind, I’m confused about what to call myself. If I were truly Muslim in the orthodox sense, I feel like I should have rejected these thoughts outright—but I didn’t. That realization alone made me feel like I’ve already outgrown the traditional definition of Islam. I've recently found myself deeply reaonating with atheist and agnostic friends etc..I’ve been diving into spirituality and epistemology, trying to make sense of it all, but I feel like I need clearer direction. So my questions are: 1. Given what I believe, what would you label my stance? Am I still within the realm of Islam, or am I something else entirely? 2. What resources would you recommend to help me navigate this exploration? I’m open to books, lectures, or any philosophical frameworks that could help me get clearer on my path. I appreciate any insight or recommendations you can give. Thanks!

@Aaron p I second that

@Bjorn K Holmstrom yk I live in a country where I could literally be burned alive if I even remotely confess my beliefs. But its comforting to know that labels aren't necessary...I have to admit tho they sound cool hahah

It would be very helpful to dive deep in the psychological reasons and spiritual reasons on why cheating happens within a relationship.

I want some insightful opinions on this as this is a sensitive topic. I have always contemplated whether its even worth it to live past 60. My personal plan is to accomplish most worldy goals way before 60 (22 rn) and expand spiritually and intellectually as much as I can. Is this a valid plan or reasoning or do you think its based on biases. I personally don't want a very long life because I feel like union with God is my true home. I also don't want to live as a burden on anyone or in bad health and unable to enjoy things like I used to. I see past 60 even past 50 as a miserable age. On the other hand just imagining that my (50y old) parents said the same thing to me I'd be balling my eyes out knowing that they wanted out at 60. I personally see my grandma who is 80...as a very good example of this. She is miserable deep down...she never developed mentally or spirituality she's still a child. I'd rather not live that long tbf.

@Princess Arabia I like your perspective ❤️

@UnbornTao that's interesting. Yeah we can have multiple purposes..

@Thought Art I appreciate your perspective. The Body listens

@Genius100x I understand your pov! It comes down to being miserable. No one wants to live miserably...society has definitely shaped my perspectives into believing that people as they age get more miserable. I see it as a reality because it happens around me. I hope it doesn't happen to me.

@caspex @UnbornTao Its just health ...I have hypochondria...idk if this will change in the future. And also...just something about living longer than when you have already accomplished or actualized your life purpose does not sit with me. Seeing that i have now developed allergies which get severe..and some other health issues (minor) just at 22 scares the hell out of me.

@Evelyna I'm happy for you! It's the health part that scares me the most. I fear bad health which seems to be a huge factor. I've seen elders in my family be seen as a burden on their children which breaks my heart into pieces...I feel for them. I might be childish in saying this but I wish i could give the elders their youth back its like...they are still kids in an older body...

Hi forum! I am stuck in a limbo where I feel comfortably numb, yet not numb enough to complain about it. Let me share a little backstory.. My life includes practices revolving around spirituality, as well as meditation and prayer. I am not a highly religious person; rather, I lean more toward spirituality. I have experienced some minor awakenings here and there, most of which have arisen from my curiosity and the inherent drive within me to explore what lies beyond this life and the deeper meanings of things. Basically, I have never been a hardworking person, even though I know I am destined for something great. I often fall victim to bursts of laziness, during which I don't feel like doing anything, despite my mind constantly bubbling with intellectual ideas. I am a very intellectual and logical person—an INTP—but the funny thing is that I feel emotions a bit too deeply. I can pick up on the energies around me in every situation. Recently, however, I have become a bit too comfortable with how things are in my life. I was extremely lazy, falling into bad habits like eating junk food, sleeping late, and neglecting my spiritual practices. I would sit around, daydreaming and indulging in things harmful to my mental, spiritual, and physical health. I often clung to people, seeking attachment just to fill a void. However, something shifted within me, and I began making genuine changes in my life. After graduating, I have time before starting my master’s in February to improve my routine and focus on my spirituality. I’ve replaced cheap dopamine with healthier habits—meditation, fixing my sleep schedule, taking vitamins, and getting sunlight. Since implementing these changes, I've become much more sober, feeling a comfortable numbness. Recently, I’ve experienced a drastic shift in my perspective and self-love, which has changed my understanding of myself. I understand myself deeply. I feel different internally and am still accepting these changes. I have dreams and goals, including the desire to marry in the next three to four years. Instead of seeking love, I’ve prioritized my self-love, realizing I no longer need someone to fill the void. I want to make a significant impact in life, but I deeply yearn for love. However, since my transformation, I’ve lost the spark I used to feel when thinking about finding the right connection. While some might view this as positive, I worry it may hinder my ability to attract good things into my life. I feel strange and different, and I'm unsure how to accept this change and continue making positive progress. I used to react differently and think differently just a few months ago... it feels like my neurons have shifted lol. I don't feel emotional intensity like I used to, I don't think of myself the same way as I used to, I feel much more in control... however, doubts still creep up, and sometimes I think this could just be suppression or something bad. Any advice would be helpful. **Summary: I experienced a period of laziness and unhealthy habits, neglecting my spiritual practices and clinging to relationships to fill a void. Recently, I shifted my focus, making genuine changes like meditating, improving my sleep schedule, and nurturing my self-love. This transformation has altered my perspective on life, and I feel different inside. While I aspire to make a significant impact and eventually marry, I’ve lost the spark in thinking about finding the right connection, which leaves me feeling uncertain about attracting love and good things into my life.

@Hojo damn.

I recently experienced maya. The smoke screen. Basically the fact that everything is an illusion. It was a meditative experience that happened sporadically. But my question still stands. If we are imagining the past then how is it possible that if u move something in space ot remains there...shouldn't I go back to where it was? Or if I but myself on the arm. The bite marks are indicative of a past..no?

@Atb210201 that makes sense

@BlessedLion yeah that does make sense but then again my mind can't help but wonder that might be a concept as well. But definitely there have been some instances in my life which prove this.

@Razard86 yea idky she removed it but she was basically appreciating you and saying that you have a lot of potential

@Razard86 Sidra Khan wanted to give you a message

I've had an awakening while meditation it lasted for a few minutes and that was the only thing closest to solipsism I experienced. I couldn't retain that and of course I don't expect myself to be in those states either. Thete is a lot to integrate especially from the basics. However, despite my awakening experiences I still question that how can there be no other? How is it possible that I am the only point of consciousness in existence? Are there other origins of consciousness in other people? We all are "souls" Am I imagining that we all are souls and points of consciousness? Am I doing this for the survival of my ego? How do I experience the full blown awakening? Am I really the only point of consciousness

This was shared by a friend @HMD its in my mother tongue urdu but has subtitles It hints at nonduality.... https://youtu.be/Ef4gGOX1F4o?si=O2IDlz-8OK6H6Y1N

@LfcCharlie4 that's true. Especially with someone like me who still has a lot of work to do on basic psychological levels even I think it's best to take things slow and not be caught up in this. I do most of the times forget to enjoy life, i really miss my grounded state

@LfcCharlie4 thanks a bunch for dedicating the time to write this. I appreciate it

@Davino you're so on point here. Recently it was bought to my attention and I also noticed that I was very off balance and I need to really fo everything that basically you mentioned including grounding myself especially. I was going into a dangerous territory of psychosis so now I'm mostly focusing on integrating all precious stages if we see it from the context of spiral dynamics...i was way off balance and not ready for this

@Yimpa Damn...this is deep...thats literally what most of the time awakening after effects feel like its very important to ground yourself.

@Inliytened1 yeah 100% but a very hard reality to accept