Do Muslims respect people who follow other religions? I’m getting the impression that Islam says if you don’t believe in Allah you’re doomed for hell and Islam is the only "true" religion. How do moderate Muslims look at followers of other religions?
Muslims believe that Islam is the only true religion today. Muslims believe that Judaism and Christianity were also true religions at their time i.e. the time of Moses and Jesus, but these religions were superceded when Allah/God sent Islam as the final religion for humanity through his last prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him), and Islam is and will remain the only true religion until the end of the world.Islam teaches that Muslims must treat non-Muslims with respect. Any non-Muslim is a human first and a non-Muslim after that. Islam teaches Muslims to deal with all humanity, and animals, with respect, justice, humbleness and kindness. Regarding how a Muslim views followers of other religions: well, it varies from person to person; I don't think you can't generalize. Generally, Muslims look towards non-Muslims as fellow humans and don't think too much about their religion and beliefs. In his heart, a Muslim would feel that the non-Muslim is on the wrong path and would feel a bit of sympathy for a non-Muslim.Regarding who will go to Paradise and who will go to hell, the Qur'an - which Muslims believe is the word of Allah/God - says that every man is in loss except those who: have Faith (believe in teachings of Islam) AND do good deeds AND tell others to do good deeds AND stay away from things which Allah has prohibited AND tells each other to be patient. Muslims believe that Allah has the final word on who will go to Paradise or Hell, so even following these rules doesn't guarantee a place in Paradise. Muslims can only do as told by Islam and hope for the mercy of Allah in form of Paradise. Incidentally, there is no such thing as Moderate, Liberal, Fundamental Muslim. Islam and its teachings are fixed and final. You can say a Muslim is a practising Muslim or not, but there is no such thing as a moderate or immoderate Muslim.
As an American, what do you wish Indians knew about America?
I wish that Indians knew that we are not like how we are portrayed in movies. I know that Indians are also portrayed unfairly in foreign media, it’s unfortunately just how it is that everyone is misrepresented outside of their own region. Even from North to South in India, you’ll see stereotypes and misinformation.I wish Indians knew that we aren’t all rich.I wish Indians knew that just because we may naturally be more fair, it doesn’t make us more beautiful or more worthy of respect. Actually having more melanin in the skin is beneficial and the result of generations of people living near to the equator thus being protected from the sun’s rays and reducing risk of skin cancers and other health problems associated with sun exposure.I wish Indians knew that most of us won’t go to bed with just anyone and have a relatively strong moral compass.I wish Indians knew that a lot of false praise given online and in YouTube is just for clicks and ad revenue. I know specifically of a few YouTube ‘friends’ of mine who just do reaction videos and travel vlogs for views and then secretly make fun of their own audience.I wish Indians knew that their food is incredible and that American food like KFC, McDonald’s, Pizza Hut, etc is all destroying them. Look at modern health issues like obesity and diabetes plaguing the newer generation. There was a study done on this in Japan specifically which I read in the book ‘Healthy at 100’.I wish Indians knew that Salman Khan is a terrible person and would stop supporting him so much. (sorry if you like him, I just really think he’s awful)I wish Indians knew that their culture is beautiful and to not try to emulate our lack of culture and tradition. I actually knew a guy who moved here when he was in 10th from India and has perfectly copied the American accent, given himself a more westernized nickname, and talks about how much he hates India. It doesn’t make you cool, it’s actually quite sad.I wish Indians knew that India is a relatively young country after Independence and stopped comparing themselves with countries that are long established like UK and US. India is developing and flourishing, and will undoubtedly be on the same level in the future.I really truly love India and almost everyone I’ve met whilst visiting. It’s a beautiful place with incredible people and I feel so lucky to have visited 6 times. I hope this answers your question sufficiently <3
Can I wear a pentacle to work?
I work in a drug store. I am a practicing Wiccan. I know a lot of people are offended by this but I don't know why considering i am not satanic or anything near. I am a cashier. Can I freely express my religious right by wearing this or could I potentially be fired if the costomers were offended. I know that if I wore a cross it would be completely acceptable so what are the guidelines on this legally