Questions: Religion & Spirituality

Not just one, but having both at the same time.

Most of them live in the northern parts of Sub-Saharan Africa, where viruses like Ebola and cholera are everywhere. They are poor because they were French colonies, and their native languages have disappeared. They have no industry. They don't work in air-conditioned offices; they farm under the blazing sun in 50-degree heat. Their countries are strategic battlegrounds for the United States, China, and France. There are constant coups and instability, and it is these people who pay the price. They are looked down upon even by their fellow Muslims. (Racism against Black people is quite common in Berber and Arab countries.)

Because they are Muslims, they are automatically branded as pedophiles, rapists, terrorists who behead people and blow themselves up. (Black Christians are nowhere near as disadvantaged.)

When they try to move abroad and build a new life through hard work, they arrive before everyone else and leave after everyone else, yet they still endure those contemptuous looks.

Even in a CS game, when I introduced myself as a Black Muslim, the very first words I heard were the N-word, "pedophile," and "terrorist."

In this world, they have no one to turn to except Allah.

"We know that your heart is distressed."
Surah Al-Hijr (15:97)
"Do not grieve. Indeed, Allah is with us."
Surah At-Tawbah (9:40)
"Is Allah not sufficient for His servant?"
Surah Az-Zumar (39:36)

I want to start by saying I am not here to attack your faith or start an angry debate. To be completely honest, I do not believe in God. When I look at the world, things like biology, the brain, and how the universe works just seem to run on their own natural rules. Because of that, I have never really found a reason to believe in a creator.

But I am also very curious. I know belief is a huge part of many people's lives, and I want to understand the other side without judging it. I really want to know what it was that convinced you that God is real.

Was it a specific moment or a personal experience you had? Is it a logical idea that just makes perfect sense to you? Or is it something you just feel deep down?

I am not asking this so I can argue with your answers or tell you that you are wrong. I genuinely just want to see things from your point of view. And I like to keep an open mind. If someone shares a reason that is truly convincing and makes sense to me, I am absolutely open to changing my mind and believing too.

So, believers, what is your main reason for believing? I would love to hear your stories.