Sup3rnality

I just suddenly felt compelled to say this:

I am Muslim.

I may not look the part. And I may give in to one too many of my weaknesses. But that doesn't make me any less a person who whole-heartedly believes in Islam.

I may have my ideas, my opinions and my arguments. And just because I am young, a female, dress the way I do, think the way I do and am seemingly a non-conforming Muslim, doesn't in any way make my opinions invalid. I study my religion both academically and independently, and have consulted respected learned lecturers/profs etc, and it is in that way that I have come to the understanding that I hold. I do not blindly follow, nor do I blindly draw conclusions without knowledge. I know what is right and I know what is wrong. I understand why some things are right and why some things are wrong. I know that Islam is about "This is best for you because...", not "You cannot do this because We say you can't". And I know the flaw in the system that is eating its way into many believers here in this country that makes being a Muslim so difficult. And I know the flaw that makes Islam so difficult to believers and non-believers in this country. And I know the flaw that makes me such a heretic in the eyes of many whenever I open my mouth about religion.

I believe Islam is common sense and what is natural. And I follow my common sense and my natural tendencies for goodness and avoid whatever that will bring bad. Or perhaps I try the best I can to. I believe in my belief. Do not judge me. Only God has the right to that. There are many elements in Islam, after all, that is up to interpretation, other than what is clearly laid out in the Qur'an and Sunnah. I know what I know, and I know that I don't know everything. So I'll rectify what I lack and strengthen what I already have.

I carry Islam with me all the time, even if you don't see it. I am Muslim because I am a person who wants what is right. I am Muslim for I uphold common sense. I am Muslim because I acknowledge that I am a cog in a wheel, and it takes me and the whole world to make this wheel turn. I am Muslim because I am me, and no one else is.

Love,
Hazlin