Half-serious question, nonnie: where do you live? Because I'd really like to move there. Don't feel like you actually have to answer me, btw - your community sounds like an accepting and loving environment, and I'm glad to hear that such places exist (as well as that you get to experience this place). ♥
As for your points: 1) I actually agree about nail polish! I paint my nails on a weekly basis. Thing is, not every female Muslim agrees: I've attended multiple religious conferences where my painted nails have been side-eyed, and I almost got into a fight with a fellow Muslim about it. While I'd like to argue that it's acceptable, this has been a gray area since women in Saudi Arabia have been arrested for wearing it - so I'd rather stay on the cautious side here.
2) Again, I cannot stress how loving and welcoming your environment is. I'm impressed that your parental units / legal guardians / what-have-you are alright with you having gay friends (my relatives have given me flak about it before). This section was less about "Muslims having gay friends" however, and more about "if you are Muslim and you are gay." To my knowledge, gay Muslims aren't accepted in the community, and I've heard horror stories about them being ostracized from their masjids. I haven't heard anything personally about Muslims having gay friends? I wouldn't think your friends' sexuality is a problem; rather, the problem would lie if you yourself were homosexual or bisexual.
3) Though sometimes it's not peer pressure that makes them want to date it's just that they see it everywhere that they see it as normal and want to be an normal by falling into the American norms and dating before marriage. I'm pretty sure this is still peer pressure at its finest. :( Otherwise, you DO bring up a good point about Muslims dating - and that most non-Muslims support their Muslim friends who don't date. I've been blessed to encounter many people who support my celibacy as well, so I hear you completely.
Don't worry about it coming off as rude! I appreciate you taking the time to read this and share your experiences - I hope it helps RPers as well, as it was the entire intent of this. c: Next time, however, I wouldn't call them "flaws." I've stated multiple times that these are the life experiences of one person (albeit one person who is heavily involved in interfaith dialogue + Muslim affairs IRL) and anyone who takes this as Word of God really... shouldn't be. Thanks again! Your life experiences are just as valid as mine, no matter how different they are.
no subject
As for your points:
1) I actually agree about nail polish! I paint my nails on a weekly basis. Thing is, not every female Muslim agrees: I've attended multiple religious conferences where my painted nails have been side-eyed, and I almost got into a fight with a fellow Muslim about it. While I'd like to argue that it's acceptable, this has been a gray area since women in Saudi Arabia have been arrested for wearing it - so I'd rather stay on the cautious side here.
2) Again, I cannot stress how loving and welcoming your environment is. I'm impressed that your parental units / legal guardians / what-have-you are alright with you having gay friends (my relatives have given me flak about it before). This section was less about "Muslims having gay friends" however, and more about "if you are Muslim and you are gay." To my knowledge, gay Muslims aren't accepted in the community, and I've heard horror stories about them being ostracized from their masjids. I haven't heard anything personally about Muslims having gay friends? I wouldn't think your friends' sexuality is a problem; rather, the problem would lie if you yourself were homosexual or bisexual.
3) Though sometimes it's not peer pressure that makes them want to date it's just that they see it everywhere that they see it as normal and want to be an normal by falling into the American norms and dating before marriage. I'm pretty sure this is still peer pressure at its finest. :( Otherwise, you DO bring up a good point about Muslims dating - and that most non-Muslims support their Muslim friends who don't date. I've been blessed to encounter many people who support my celibacy as well, so I hear you completely.
Don't worry about it coming off as rude! I appreciate you taking the time to read this and share your experiences - I hope it helps RPers as well, as it was the entire intent of this. c: Next time, however, I wouldn't call them "flaws." I've stated multiple times that these are the life experiences of one person (albeit one person who is heavily involved in interfaith dialogue + Muslim affairs IRL) and anyone who takes this as Word of God really... shouldn't be. Thanks again! Your life experiences are just as valid as mine, no matter how different they are.