Muslimwoman
Coexistence insha'Allah
as salaam aleykum
I would be interested in hearing other peoples experiences during prayer, particularly if you have converted to Islam or another faith.
During prayer today I tried so hard to feel the presence of G-d, to lift my soul to Him during prayer.
Trouble is I had conflicting visions in my mind (I still have trouble concentrating during prayer and my mind goes off on tangents).
From my Christian upbringing I saw big white stairs, fluffy clouds and this judgemental father figure who wouldn't mind if I jumped on his lap, said sorry and kissed his cheek. I imagined curling up in a big fluffy cloud and feeling safe and secure - although the cloud was very dark grey.
From my Muslim beliefs I felt that I was wrong to even try to imagine Him and I should just cower a lot. Silly when you consider that the Quran teaches that Allah is all merciful - so why would I feel I was a worm that should cower and not dare lift my eyes?
When I tried to ignore these visions and think 'outside myself' I just felt a strong enveloping energy. There was nothing to see but plenty to feel, although I did get the feeling it was watching me in a big way but not a nasty way, just watching and knowing.
Am I making any sense?
Are these just my human mind applying different things I have heard or seen over the years?
What do you see in your mind when you pray?
Salaam
I would be interested in hearing other peoples experiences during prayer, particularly if you have converted to Islam or another faith.
During prayer today I tried so hard to feel the presence of G-d, to lift my soul to Him during prayer.
Trouble is I had conflicting visions in my mind (I still have trouble concentrating during prayer and my mind goes off on tangents).
From my Christian upbringing I saw big white stairs, fluffy clouds and this judgemental father figure who wouldn't mind if I jumped on his lap, said sorry and kissed his cheek. I imagined curling up in a big fluffy cloud and feeling safe and secure - although the cloud was very dark grey.
From my Muslim beliefs I felt that I was wrong to even try to imagine Him and I should just cower a lot. Silly when you consider that the Quran teaches that Allah is all merciful - so why would I feel I was a worm that should cower and not dare lift my eyes?
When I tried to ignore these visions and think 'outside myself' I just felt a strong enveloping energy. There was nothing to see but plenty to feel, although I did get the feeling it was watching me in a big way but not a nasty way, just watching and knowing.
Am I making any sense?
Are these just my human mind applying different things I have heard or seen over the years?
What do you see in your mind when you pray?
Salaam