I grew up Muslim in the UK and, up until very recently, I have identified as an ex-Muslim. I fell into the trap of pride. I thought of religion in such low ways because I thought I was above it. Certain Islamic rulings didn't make sense to me and I so desperately wished to be right. It is only these past few weeks that your words have truly reached me. I didn't realise what Islam was all about. It is about softening the heart, learning to live from that place, as humble and as honest as one can be. It is about realising that there is nothing but Allah. Living from this place, I feel whole and enveloped by the love and safety of Him. I can't believe how stuck I was, so sure that everyone else was in the wrong, blindly following old books and casting unnecessary judgements, punishments and situations on each other. But even if we don't know why certain rulings have been made, what I do know is the Oneness of Allah, everything else is mere metaphor. If Allah wishes something, I thank Allah that He has graced me with the humility to submit my will to Him.
