Islam and the steps

[digderidoo]

I had initially posted this in the Alcoholism 12 step forum, but think it's probably more appropriate here.

In my continuing journey of a concept of God i am now reading the Quran. To my surprise it is an excellent read, the English, not the Arabic version :-)

I have never had a problem with accepting that spiritual connection to my inner self, but am at odds with the AA concept of a higher power not being with your self. I have read much on Buddhism and this concept, how it relates to the 12 steps, there is some interesting stuff out there. I have also read the Gnostic gospels, which are highly recommended for those of a belief of the inner concept of God.

Being brought up a strict Christian and leaving it at a young adult age, i have always viewed other holy books as almost untouchable. Over xmas i thought what the hell! and ordered the Quran from Amazon.

There is alot in there about submitting to God, perhaps even more so than the bible. It speaks of God being evrywhere, "from the east to the west", it also says that anyone who does good acts is righteous is God's eyes. Those good acts in reference those that need it.

I have got alot from reading some of the books in the Quran and wondered if anyone else has read it, or applied it to the steps? Or even whether anyone has converted to become a Muslim, as i know there are many that turn to religion through the AA.

Paul

[indigo]

Thank you Paul for a thoughtful post.

[riley1400]

salaam check this out i was bored and i took some verses from chapter/surah 2 of the Qur'an...

Step 1

257. Allah is the Protector of those who have faith: from the depths of darkness He will lead them forth into light. Of those who reject faith the patrons are the evil ones: from light they will lead them forth into the depths of darkness. They will be companions of the fire, to dwell therein (For ever).

Step 2

256. Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clear from Error: whoever rejects evil and believes in Allah hath grasped the most trustworthy hand-hold, that never breaks. And Allah heareth and knoweth all things.

Step 3

112. Nay,-whoever submits His whole self to Allah and is a doer of good,- He will get his reward with his Lord; on such shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.

Step 4

44. Do ye enjoin right conduct on the people, and forget (To practise it) yourselves, and yet ye study the Scripture? Will ye not understand?

Step 5

284. To Allah belongeth all that is in the heavens and on earth. Whether ye show what is in your minds or conceal it, Allah Calleth you to account for it. He forgiveth whom He pleaseth, and punisheth whom He pleaseth, for Allah hath power over all things.

Step 6 and 7

286. On no soul doth Allah Place a burden greater than it can bear. It gets every good that it earns, and it suffers every ill that it earns. (Pray "Our Lord! Condemn us not if we forget or fall into error; our Lord! Lay not on us a burden Like that which Thou didst lay on those before us; Our Lord! Lay not on us a burden greater than we have strength to bear. Blot out our sins, and grant us forgiveness. Have mercy on us. Thou art our Protector; Help us against those who stand against faith."

Step 8 and 9

62. Those who believe (in the Qur'an), and those who follow the Jewish (scriptures), and the Christians and the Sabians,- any who believe in Allah and the Last Day, and work righteousness, shall have their reward with their Lord; on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.

Step 10

83. And remember We took a covenant from the Children of Israel (to this effect): Worship none but Allah. treat with kindness your parents and kindred, and orphans and those in need; speak fair to the people; be steadfast in prayer; and practise regular charity. Then did ye turn back, except a few among you, and ye backslide (even now).

Step 11

238. Guard strictly your (habit of) prayers, especially the Middle Prayer; and stand before Allah in a devout (frame of mind).

Step 12

272. It is not required of thee (O Messenger., to set them on the right path, but Allah sets on the right path whom He pleaseth. Whatever of good ye give benefits your own souls, and ye shall only do so seeking the "Face" of Allah. Whatever good ye give, shall be rendered back to you, and ye shall not Be dealt with unjustly.

[riley1400]

Im a muslim i took shahada (statement of faith) in 05 and the people on my friends lists are muslim too. glad to hear you are searching