The Concept of God

Whether there's a God or not; whether there's a creator behind this universe or it was created by a mere coincidence, it does not matter. Because the fact of the matter is; we all have something in common. Whether you believe in a holy spirit and a son, a 600-pound man, the one Almighty, an animal spirit, an adventitious occurrence or simply believe in none. We all have a thing or two in common, but the most obvious thing is we all have a belief.

Wanting to belong to something that is bigger than life is cemented in our nature as human beings. Some of us find that serene feeling in worshiping a specific God. One or more for that matter. And some others find their serenity in choosing to deny the existence of a certain or all deities. But all in all, I strongly believe that beyond our different reasons to embrace contrasting ideologies or the fact that we love to head-butt one another for no apparent reason. We all have an aspiration to look up to the skies above and know in our hearts that there's someone out there. Call your God whatever you want to call him. Pray to him however you think is appropriate. Take up whatever religion you feel is correct. But do not be an asshole about it. Because whoever your God is, I don't think He'll take the fact that you're being a jerk to others nicely.

I am Muslim. A very proud one actually. And unfortunately; myself and everyone like me has been labeled as terrorists. Maybe it's a plot against Islam or simply due to the wrongdoings of Muslims. Who knows? If I know something for a fact, I know that I've dealt with obnoxious Muslims that drove me to the point where I felt and literally said "If this is what Islam is all about, I don't want to be a Muslim nor I want to believe in your God (Allah)." Let's take this example and use it as a measuring stick. How many "Devoted Christians" have basically shoved their beliefs down your throat and demoted you for not being as devoted as they are. Or that you're bound to rot in hell alone and they're exclusively going to heaven. Or better yet; how many Muslims have you met, and they told you in a harrowing tone that you're an infidel. You will rot in hell because you don't believe in Allah? How many Buddhists implied that you're fat even though they worship an obese man? (Sorry couldn't resist the joke) For God's sake how many atheists ripped you a new one because you are a believer?

I've met people who believed that the universe was born due to an enormous explosion billions of years ago. They behaved with utmost decency as how true Muslims should act. They were more Muslim than Muslim people are. I've met Muslim people who showed more respect to the teachings of Jesus more than His own believers did. And I've also met Christians who were more intellectual and spiritual than others. The problem is not with GOD or whatever messages he has sent through different religions, but the problem lies entirely within you.

A tremendous amount of people have given up their religion because of the horrendous experiences they had to endure. Idiots abusing the loving, peaceful teachings to give others hell. Maybe out of their lack of understanding or just maybe they're naturally cynical. I know for a fact that my God (Allah) is not a malicious one. It does not please him to have atrocities committed in His name, nor did he obligate His followers to carry out their message to the world using guns and killing others. I could say the same for other religions as well. What kind of God would want His followers to murder in cold blood? I'll tell you: a viciously cruel one that does not deserve to be followed.

So again I return to the inevitable question: Does God exist? Yes. He does. Most certainly he does. He exists because deep down in your heart you can feel His existence. When you look around you see the traces of His being spreading their wings and flying every morning. You can hear it in the cries of newborn babies. You could taste it with every moment you try to savor. He's there, regardless of you acknowledging it or not.

During the full length of our lives and the lives of those who came before us. God's name has changed from time to time, and from tongue to tongue. But His characteristics remain the same to this day. Some find the keys of His kingdom easily, while others stumble along the way, and some don't want the keys but they can't help but go around looking for posterns to sneak inside. Some more than others are willing to sacrifice their precious lives in exchange for one glimpse of an exultation in His presence, while others stray far from Him.

Regardless of our scanty efforts to behave properly according to our beliefs, or our erroneous behaviors. There must be a day when we will meet our Creator. And until that day comes... Please. I beg of you. Stop being indecisive about your spiritual approaches. Stop being jerks to each other. Stop acting superior against one another because you believe in something and others don't.