++ [ originally posted by Majed
] ++
That type of "Islam" that Taliban and extremists practice and preach detroys the true basic princaples of Islam. While they do uphold some very good values of islam, they have oversteped a lot of boundries IMO.
While the Quraan then Hadith are our guides to our way of living, there is room for interpretation for the "little" matters and the scholars do their best to interpret them. the problem is that a lot of politics affect what's said. There's also the cultural factor. Many things that are not part of Islam are associated with it because they were local things.
Therefore, it's not right to listen to anyone who claims what is or isn't the "true Islam."
Now, for what sounds like my paradox:
According to me knowledge, i'll tell you what's said concerning those matters,
For sports, the prophet Mohammed PBUH encouraged Muslims to teach their kids swimming, archery, and hourse-back riding. IIRC, friendly wrestling was also practiced. It's also a muslim's responsibility to take care of him/herself's health. We are not to "abuse" our bodies for useless reasons. Sports are permited, but of couse, as long as it does not contradict with other teachings like dressing modestly for example.
Music.... hmm.... I'm positive that offesive music with profanity and so forth is not permitted. We're encoureged to speak well always. As for stuff like classical ..etc, I have to say that i'm not knowledgable enough to give a solid answer.
As for western culture, the rule is simple: If an elementof the culture contradicts with muslim teachings that that element is not permitted. Islam has spread all the way to asia and its different people still uphold much of their local traditions. that goes for western culture too.
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PS Sorry to whoever opened this thread, but i find it kind of pointless.
to pitch in:
Anelka is a practicing Muslim for sure.
George Weah is a practicing Muslim for sure.
Zidane isn't a practicing Muslim.