Things i learnt in Egypt about Islam

[dolphinlove]

Ive just returned back from Egypt, actually 9 days early because of the constant hassle i received in Egypt. And in my time there, i have learnt a lot of things about Islam.
As you know, Egypt likes to maintain they are one of the easy going Islamic states in the world.
Well, this is true to certain degree. Believe me, been a Christian is not easy in that country.
From the word go, i had no interest in going to mosques etc, and they seemed to be a bit surprised by this. But the fact is, the only place that has ever seen a miracle in that country is when Mary appeared over a Church, and that is the only place i really wanted to see i Cairo.
Well, i met up with some fellow tourist, who, had been approached by men asking if he was interested in boy on boy action. Yes, they are so called conservative muslims who asked him this.
And, me being a girl, was non stopped hassled, asking my friend if he wanted to sell me for camels etc, which was very insulting as to even think they could buy me! I laughed at it more than anything, but to think this is how they offer ‘marriage’ it is scary.
After discussing with men, they think the woman should be at home looking after the family and basically breeding machines. The population of this country is growing by 1 million every 9 months, and believe me, the population is already bursting at the seams.
The men who go around saying ‘ishallah’ etc claiming to be holy men can say that in one sentence then in the next trying are been outright sleaze bags by touching inappropriately.
Anyway, this is only just the start, i will post again soon the more i remember.
dolphinlove

 

[Jay53]

I would love to hear more of your trip!

Welcome back!

 

[Iwesshome]

What’s the point of your post? I thought the point of the Non-Catholic section was to discuss rationally and with maturity other religions outside of the Catholic faith but all I have been seeing lately is religious bashing. I come to these forums for several reasons, spiritual direction, seek answers and read viewpoints from fellow members over certain issues and the hatred on these forums has began to take a drastic foothold these last several years. I hope though you enjoyed your trip to Egypt. I hope you got to see everything you wanted to. I know several people that have gone and had good experiences (even as Christians). Yes, there are immature pigs no matter what religion that reside throughout the world and for you to sum up what Islam is based on a trip is like me summing up what Catholicism is based on shallowness I see from some but not all members on these forums.

 

[jakasaki]

Hi DolphinLove, and welcome back.

Glad to hear you got home safely.

Can you tell us anything about the muslim Christian relations from over there?

Did you have to cover up with a head scarf while in public?

And did you visit any old Churches?

Thanks!

 

[Auriel]

Ive just returned back from Egypt, actually 9 days early because of the constant hassle i received in Egypt. And in my time there, i have learnt a lot of things about Islam.
As you know, Egypt likes to maintain they are one of the easy going Islamic states in the world.
Well, this is true to certain degree. Believe me, been a Christian is not easy in that country.
From the word go, i had no interest in going to mosques etc, and they seemed to be a bit surprised by this. But the fact is, the only place that has ever seen a miracle in that country is when Mary appeared over a Church, and that is the only place i really wanted to see i Cairo.
Well, i met up with some fellow tourist, who, had been approached by men asking if he was interested in boy on boy action. Yes, they are so called conservative muslims who asked him this.
And, me being a girl, was non stopped hassled, asking my friend if he wanted to sell me for camels etc, which was very insulting as to even think they could buy me! I laughed at it more than anything, but to think this is how they offer ‘marriage’ it is scary.

After discussing with men, they think the woman should be at home looking after the family and basically breeding machines. The population of this country is growing by 1 million every 9 months, and believe me, the population is already bursting at the seams.
The men who go around saying ‘ishallah’ etc claiming to be holy men can say that in one sentence then in the next trying are been outright sleaze bags by touching inappropriately.
Anyway, this is only just the start, i will post again soon the more i remember.
dolphinlove

I always wanted to go to Egypt! How cool.

My friends went a few years ago. Actually I would love to see a Mosque if I ever went. Just the architecture alone would be an awesome thing to see.

Actually we had made travel plans when I was young, and then Project Desert Storm broke out, so we canceled. My friends went over a year ago. I had to laugh when I saw that someone was offered camels for you though I feel bad for you too, if you did not know what to expect I am sure it was a very shocking experience.

My friend is the same age as my mother would be if still living. And someone offered to buy her for I forgot how many camels. It was considered a lot so she was not too insulted. hehehe She just laughed it off but said when she was young and visited Algeria, the camel offer was much higher. She really stands out though, tall, blond, blue eyes, and well, she is not exactly built like a stick.

There are all kinds of people in Egypt, don’t judge them all by your experience. Tourists attract some of what you mentioned because that is how many make their money.

There are hypocrites in every religion. One of my relatives once had an affair with a married minister…but in reality he was a nasty man. Still…Very embarrassing.

 

[pjk123]

Now Now… Don’t Let Her(OP) post be a generalization of people of that part of the world.though ,I silently agrees to some extend.

 

[Eucharisted]

Welcome back Dolphin!

 

[VivienneJ]

Dolphinlove, I’m sorry you had a bad time in Egypt, but do remember that was not **all **Islamic that you saw.

I was in Cairo with a large group of friends last year, but we were lucky to have got lots of advice from a colleague who is married to an Egyptian and has lots of relations in Cairo.

There is a big problem with tourists being hassled and the advice we were given was to engage a tour guide. Did you notice the Tourism police? Yes, there is a special police force to ensure the safety of tourists. Our tour guide was very vigilant at all times to keep us safe from the inappropriate behaviour, and I guess he said some bad things sometimes to get people away from us (sometimes it’s better not to be able to understand the language).

Believe me (and I currently work in one of the more easy going Islamic countries) Egypt is very easy-going, especially as far as tourists are concerned.

The level of poverty and overcrowding is truly astounding (and I come from Africa) did they show you the area where people live in the cemetry?

There is a wonderful Christian area in Cairo where we were shown 3 beautiful churches, I even bought a Rosary in this area. We were also shown the place where the Holy Family lived for three months when they were first in Egypt.

I also found it awesome to see the pyramids and the sphinx and to realise how huge they are.

And seeing the Nile was also wonderful. Also the museum in Cairo is just full of so much ancient history and some very beautiful pieces of work.

 

[algebra]

And, me being a girl, was non stopped hassled, asking my friend if he wanted to sell me for camels etc, which was very insulting as to even think they could buy me! I laughed at it more than anything, but to think this is how they offer ‘marriage’ it is scary.

I think you misunderstand them a bit. A camel is currency over there.
Nothing wrong with the way they offer marriage.

I realise that a camel has no value to you. But in oz you would be flattered if a doctor came up to you in his ferrari and asked your buddy for your number.

I admit it is a bit backward there. But when you get down to it, we arent that different; we just have about 100 years of social evolution more than them.

 

[Muslim_Woman]

** In the name of Allah , the Most Gracious , Ever Merciful **

Salaam/ Peace

… approached by men asking if he was interested in boy on boy action. .

What’s the point of your thread title ? Sadly If u met some bad Muslims , it does not mean u learnt something about Islam . Homesexuality is forbidden in Islam .

Title could be like this : O God , why Mozlems are that bad or Mozlems are more horrible than I thought they really are etc etc.

me being a girl, was non stopped hassled, asking my friend if he wanted to sell me for camels etc,

Again what it has to do anything with Islam ? Eve teasing is common all around the world. According to Islamic faith , a man must lower his gaze .

Don’t have patience to read the full post. Welcome back to your usual Islam bashing .

 

[algebra]

Again what it has to do anything with Islam ? Eve teasing is common all around the world. According to Islamic faith , a man must lower his gaze .

.

No muslim woman it is not common in the west at all.

My wife says the same thing.

 

[Muslim_Woman]

** In the name of Allah , the Most Gracious , Ever Merciful **

Salaam/ Peace

No muslim woman it is not common in the west at all.
.

may be , in the main city streets , where Police are patrolling and almost everyone has mobile to call them for help , men don’t do this out of fear . It does not mean women are not victims of sexual harrasment in the west .

About only one year or two years back in US , when a hurricane/ cyclone hit there, , no police was around, no electricity – many women including teenage girls were raped in the cyclone shelters.

 

[algebra]

may be , in the main city streets , where Police are patrolling and almost everyone has mobile to call them for help , men don’t do this out of fear . It does not mean women are not victims of sexual harrasment in the west .

No muslim woman, men don’t refrain out of fear. They are just brought up to not be as predatory sexually in public and without active reciprocation.

It is a combination of society, family and police that enforce the regulations.

On the other hand Saudi Arabia has the most draconian police force and laws, but my wife told me that men there literally strip a woman with their eyes.

About only one year or two years back in US , when a hurricane/ cyclone hit there, , no police was around, no electricity – many women including teenage girls were raped in the cyclone shelters.

Perhaps I cannot say it did not happen. However, I find it unusual that these crimes were perpetrated in a shelter full of people.

Rape usually occurs in secluded areas where no one can hear.

Perhaps you can find some news source for this information?

 

[pjk123]

Muslim Woman:

Homesexuality is forbidden in Islam .

**Jonathan Steele reports from Kandahar, Afghanistan, on various attitudesto homosexuality among Taliban militiamen

What happens to sexually active young men who do not see a female face formonths at a time? In Kandahar, the home of the ultrapunitive Taliban militiaswho have forced all Afghan women to disappear behind the veil, it seemsfeeble not to raise the issue.

The city had a reputation for homosexuality long before the Taliban seizedpower two years ago. In other parts of Afghanistan young Taliban militiamencan be seen holding hands and touching each other with obvious affection.

If women have been so brutally repressed by the Taliban, what about gaymen?

“We have a dilemma on this,” admitted Mr Mohammed Hassan, governorof Kandahar and the senior mullah nominated to lead the Taliban in talkswith representatives of the former government.

His comment was an unexpectedly liberal start to the conversation. Was hewavering between tolerance and censure?

“The difficulty is this,” the governor said. "One group ofscholars believes you should take these people to the top of the highestbuilding in the city and hurl them to their deaths.

“[Other scholars] recommend you dig a pit near a wall somewhere, putthese people in it, then topple the wall so that they are buried alive.”

The mullah must have noticed the effect his answer had. Apparently in mitigation,he said a third group of scholars argued that homosexuals should merelybe put on public display with blackened faces. This was the Taliban’s favouritesolution.

“We have punished people in this way in Kandahar,” he said. “Homosexualityis a very big crime.”

The governor seemed relaxed, in his black turban and with a long, grey shirthanging loosely over pyjama-style trousers. He lolled in an armchair, placingone bare foot on a side table. His other leg had been pulped by shrapnelin his days fighting against the Soviet occupation. In its place a metalrod with a heavy plastic foot rested on the carpet.

We asked why television and cinemas were banned. “Worshipping statueswas forbidden by the Prophet Mohammed, and watching television is the sameas seeing statues,” the governor said. "Drawing pictures or lookingat them is sinful.

“People have a right to entertainment, but instead of going to thecinema, they can go to the gardens and see the flowers. Then they will seethe essence of Islam.”

The governor admitted to annoyance that no other countries had recognisedthe Taliban, including former supporters.

“Pakistan claims our policies violate human rights. Our opponents saywe are against Wahabism [strict following of the Koran], so Saudi Arabiadoes not support us. America is against us because we don’t allow theirfilms.”

The governor said the Taliban would carry on regardless. They had no wishto take loans from foreign governments or the World Bank if it meant payinginterest.

A visit to Kandahar destroys one pervasive myth. In Kabul, where the movementtook control in September, people sometimes argue that the Taliban are boundto relax once they have been in power for some time.

The mullahs make the case themselves. “Give us a chance to establishpeace and security throughout Afghanistan, and then we will reconsider thequestion of the veil,” is a common official refrain.

Kandahar gives it the lie. There has been no fighting around the city fortwo years, yet no rules have been relaxed. Girls’ schools are closed. Womenare still forbidden to work, except for women doctors, but even they arebarred from treating men or talking with male colleagues.

A local Kandahari, an official at one of the United Nations aid agencies,said: “The last Afghan woman we had working here has just moved toPakistan. The Taliban religious director came here to check on our staff,and she was warned to stop.”

The official stays only because his dollar salary helps him support twobrothers studying in Pakistan.

“I would leave here if I could. I don’t see any future for myself ifthese conditions prevail. The Taliban will not change. I’ve debated withthem many times. Our future is becoming darker and darker.” (GuardianService)**

americancivilrightsreview.com/dvafghanistan1.html

So ,sharia makes men homosexual ?

 

[Muslim_Woman]

** In the name of Allah , the Most Gracious , Ever Merciful **

Salaam/ Peace

… my wife told me that men there literally strip a woman with their eyes.

huh , in the west , men do it not with eyes only. If u compare number of rape cases. u will see most probably Saudi Arabia has the minimum number of these sad cases in the world.

Perhaps you can find some news source for this information?

I watched BBC or CNN . They reported about those incidents . Many years back , suddenly NewYork city was out of electricity & horrible crimes took places . In US defence ministry , women cadets are becoming the victims on a regular basis . Very few have courage to speak up against the senior officials. Oprah made a talk show about this . In custody , women prisoners are raped by Police officers.

In Saudi Arabia , while performing Umrah & Hajj , I saw many women in the streets going to mosques at night . Never heard any bad comment from anyone . Never heard any woman faced any harrasement even in middle of the night . How many women in US can walk alone in the streets after midnight ?

 

[algebra]

If u compare number of rape cases. u will see most probably Saudi Arabia has the minimum number of these sad cases in the world.

That is because they are not reported.

In Saudi Arabia , while performing Umrah & Hajj , I saw many women in the streets going to mosques at night .

Now I know you are lying, women do not roam around alone at night or day.

 

[Muslim_Woman]

** In the name of Allah , the Most Gracious , Ever Merciful **

Salaam/ Peace

Now I know you are lying, women do not roam around alone at night or day.

lol …Why I should I lie ? Ask any Muslim / ex-Muslim who was in Macca …women go to the holy Kaaba all the time ( men are not with them always).

I am not claming that in all Muslims majority countries , women go out at night . Holy Kaaba is exceptional --it’s open 24/ 7 & middle of the night at winter , at noon of hot summer day , always believers including women are there to offer prayers .

It’s really wonderful to see how a mosque in the desert is always crowded with the worshippers of God Almigthy.

 

[Sister_Amy]

A friend of mine in Egypt insisted that men there were very well-behaved around women if they covered up properly. Insisted that they would quickly try to help her if she found herself harassed, for instance.

Whereas in the case of dolphin and her friend, I imagine they stuck out like sore thumbs amongst the Egyptians, and their being known as Westerners or at least foreigners was probably the cause for the harassment they received.

More to the point, if some guy off the street is supposed to represent Islam, then I wonder if we might pull people off the street here in the USA and make them out to be examples of Christianity?

 

[Sister_Amy]

That is because they are not reported.

Now I know you are lying, women do not roam around alone at night or day.

This is from the man who says he wants to go to Mecca to watch the Hajj? She’s telling you what it’s like and you don’t believe her? Eh? I’ve heard the same reports by women I know who have been, that they feel safe walking around. Women who moved to Saudi (from the UK/USA) say they feel safer there from a variety of crimes, notably theft.

 

[Muslim_Woman]

** In the name of Allah , the Most Gracious , Ever Merciful **

Salaam/ Peace

That is because they are not reported…

It’s also applicable about other countries . Not all cases are reported . Take the latest example of Austria. Father raped own daughter for several years. Astagferullah.