ashura

[LalaMimi]

Well it must take some mighty conviction and even temporary madness, to perform these practices by certain peoples of certain religions.

It is like those Christians in the US who allow themselves to be bitten by poisonous snakes.

I think there are so many practices which many people would frown upon and think are bizarre.. even with such things like circumcision of young boys in Islam and Judaism etc..

[_DigitaLVampirE_]

But what makes you think the Su'nni branch of Islam does not perform flagellation?
It does, just like in Catholicism.
Abstaining sex, fasting and prayers, etc.

However, like you mentioned, there will be the few odd ones driven by fundamentalist thoughts and take it a step further, away from orthodox teachings.

[LalaMimi]

That is what I mean - it is too easy for anyone to sit back and kinda scorn the Shia Muslims for their Ashura ritual..

...as you have mentioned, things are becoming more and more secular, so many religious practices will be perceived as strange, even as you have mentioned, I know my non Muslim friends find the fact I and many other Muslims pray so many times, through out the day, fasting Ramadan and Eid Adha sacrifice - as all being rather strange and even extreme.

[_DigitaLVampirE_]

I certainly have no problems with Muslims wanting to perform their ritualistic offerings for Ramadan. I guess this is largely due to the fact that i live in a country where there is no religious segragation and having Muslims as neighbours, friends and colleagues is part and parcel of everyday life here and has been this way for decades.

The only people who find another's religion as "strange and bizzare" are xenophobics. They don't even attempt to love their neighbours, let alone step out of the comforts of their plastered walls, fluffy cushioned seats and other luxuries to experience other cultures around the world.

All they know is how to dictate "what God really wants" and boast about their self-righteous claims to the kingdom of heaven. Pathetic.

[LalaMimi]

DV, aaahhh you have such refreshing and tolerant attitude - how easy is it to immigrate to Singapore, again tee hee ???

[_DigitaLVampirE_]

Do you really want to move to Singapore?

[LalaMimi]

Why not.. from what you have told me about the place, the weather, the people etc.. it sounds great, apart from the prices of making international calls