My story! I am an Ex-Muslim, became and Atheist. I was visited by an Angel of God.

[Hatshepsut]

In fact, once i was trying to buy a beer from a local liquor store, which is the only place where you could purchase alcohol here in Dubai. Upon entering the store, the owner asked me for my liquor license...

They once did something like that in Utah, "the state liquor agency," although you didn't need a licence to buy. But you had to fill out a card and wait for your order to come through a slot in a brown paper bag. That nonsense ended a while ago when Mormons realized booze = money. But you still buy it from the state at jacked-up prices (it looks like a regular liquor store, though). But the Mormon church doesn't sent missionaries to Dubai, I don't think. (Or do they?)

So how is Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum (peace be upon him) doing? He seems like a reasonable guy on TV with the BBC. Yet that may or may not be the truth. He indicated the religious climate was more severe in his youth than it is now.

But I doubt I could live where religion is mandatory. The problem isn't so much reliable text restoration (Plato, Xenophon, Aristotle, bible, Quran) if you don't have original copies, but realizing the text is thousands of years old. It may be a bit out of date. Modern Jews & Christians have solved this problem by allowing interpretation to change with the times; many Prebyterian branches don't follow John Wesley (1758) or John Calvin (1558) anymore even if they trace their roots back to these fellas' readings.

But hell, it might be easier just to junk it and be an atheist. Your bookshelf gets about 3 pounds lighter that way. 

[piterski123]

Someone probably mentioned this but I just didn't read all of the replies. it might of just been sleep paralysis. Read more about it here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sleep_paralysis

[Prince]

I mean by slave, as servant to Allah. But in Arabic 'عبد الله', 'Abdullah' it is defined as "Slave of Allah", allegedly Muhammad's father his name was "Slave of Allah". This raises a lot of questions as how did the word Allah came about to existence even before the Prophet was born. Did he borrowed the name 'Allah' from his father's name title? Therefore he created an imaginary God.

Verse from the Quran: "And I have not created the jinn and the men except that they should serve Me." The word Jinn means 'spirits'.

That is why many Muslims tend to believe that our ultimate goal in life, which to bow down to Allah and honor him in any means possible.

[TubbyTubby]

No, the Yacht remained in UAE soil, Dubai Marina is a place inside Dubai, a lovely place. where is the beach, bars and nightclubs. Those guys have organized illegal sex party, alcohol is legal in UAE but under strict law. In fact, once i was trying to buy a beer from a local liquor store, which is the only place where you could purchase alcohol here in Dubai. Upon entering the store, the owner asked me for my liquor license, I said: "I don't have one", he then replied: "well, If you are working in Dubai, you must ask for a permit from your Boss/CEO, a document approval to buy liquor". Although, i could still buy liquor from inside a bar, as they already have license.

The guys whom got arrested were Arabs, and many of them didn't carry a liquor license + it was sex party to begin with. 

Well,, if they love the blazing summer heat... Dubai is a fantastic destination. 

I visited Dubai quite a few times although not recently. Some of the clubs there are insane and the 'working girls' from all over the world are almost falling over themselves to get to you (your wallet). The local boys didn't appear shy when it came to drink and girls either. It was an eye-opening experience for sure.

[Prince]

In fact, once i was trying to buy a beer from a local liquor store, which is the only place where you could purchase alcohol here in Dubai. Upon entering the store, the owner asked me for my liquor license...

So how is Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum (peace be upon him) doing? He seems like a reasonable guy on TV with the BBC. Yet that may or may not be the truth. He indicated the religious climate was more severe in his youth than it is now.

But I doubt I could live where religion is mandatory. The problem isn't so much reliable text restoration (Plato, Xenophon, Aristotle, bible, Quran) if you don't have original copies, but realizing the text is thousands of years old. It may be a bit out of date. Modern Jews & Christians have solved this problem by allowing interpretation to change with the times; many Prebyterian branches don't follow John Wesley (1758) or John Calvin (1558) anymore even if they trace their roots back to these fellas' readings.

Dude, when you put it this way Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum (peace be upon him).

(peace be upon him) is a given title to a deceased person, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is still alive. From the age of four he was forced into learning Islamic Studies, private tutoring. That's why he grew up in a strict religious environment. He is a cool guy, as he revolutionized the city of Dubai, 15 years ago, Dubai, only had two towers, surrounded by desert. Now, it contains hundreds of buildings, houses and malls. 'Arab Money', in fact the tallest tower in the world (Burj Khalifa) where is situated in Dubai, he gave it away to Abu Dhabi's ruler Khalifa. He owe's him a huge 'debt'. 

Well, Dubai is a place for business only. nothing more! thousands of foreign people love to fly to Dubai only for the sake of investing. Tourism is blooming in here like crazy... Religion is mandatory in Arab nation because it is considered part of the state itself. cannot be separated. Even at schools Islam is a priority topic, its like an identity. 

By the way, there are Churches in Dubai as well. Don't be surprised, even pagan temples for Hindu. There is one thing which i find it really disturbing in UAE, that the ruler of the city of Sharjah, enforced a strict law that if anyone who memorizes the whole Quran, will earn a valuable reward. To encourage people to indulge in reading Allah's book to humanity. Philosophy is not allowed in UAE, KSA and Qatar. But, recently they opened a new library where u can purchase philosophy books in Dubai. In general, even in Jordan, philosophy studies must be conducted without criticizing Islam. That is why its prohibited in most countries. 

I studied philosophy by downloading books, the only way available back then.

AnyHow, UAE is a country of 'contradictions'. 

[Hatshepsut]

Dude, when you put it this way Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum (peace be upon him)...[it] is a given title to a deceased person

Oops! Should have done my homeword.

[Joshua martin pryce]

The paranormal phenomenon I about to share is an actual event happen to me a while back, specifically in December 2011, hence I only revealed this experience to a few people, I haven't told my own family yet.

My life wasn't so perfect when i was young, My plans didn't go as I have hoped, My dreams were shattered into tiny pieces. I lost faith in God (Ex- Muslim), I mostly blamed my parents for what happen in my life, then I turned the table against God (Allah). I began to contemplate to God "why have you forsaken me?", "I deeply believed in you!".... I didn't receive any answers from 'Allah'. I took an oath not to pray again, not to fast again, not to worship 'Allah' again. I lost my religion.

At the age of 21, I considered myself an Atheist. I felt life had no meaning, and believing in God is irrational; I started having suicidal thoughts, everyNight, everyDay, I cry out in my slumber before i go to bed, One lonely night, I was a sleep, a spirit of the Lord visited my room, the Angel pinched my leg, then I immediately woke up from sleep, I abruptly opened my eyes and behold "I saw a 'Ghost, an Angel of the Lord". My first reaction was a total silence I couldn't scream or yell, I was 'calm as a cucumber'. 5 seconds, only 5 seconds all it took me to witness a beautiful Angel, whom was sent down from heaven by God.

I began to examine the evidence of what i saw was a truly an Angel, or was just a figment of my own imagination. My mission became clearer, to pursue the nature of the "Holy Ghost". Who was he? I mean the Angel didn't speak to me, he only wanted me to believe in him, that he exists!; honestly i was convinced, my faith in God was restored. But, i was still in doubt... is this the same God of Islam 'Allah' who heard my prayers, my weeping in my slumber. I have raised many set of questions that night.

Eventually, i came across the Bible (Gospel of Jesus). I began reading from book of John, then book of Matthew... after i realized that Jesus died on the cross for our sins, and resurrected from the dead, then rose to heaven. Immediately my eyes started weeping, at the exact moment i felt the Holy Spirit inside me, It pierced through my heart, a peaceful shadowing touched my soul, I was reborn again by the will of God. My mind was in peace, for the prince of peace (Jesus Christ) is my Lord and savior... he is the savior of all humanity.

My research didn't stop there... later in my life I decided to read the Old Testament. I came across the Book of Daniel, in the book Chapter 10, Verses (5 -7); Prophet Daniel gives a vivid description of the same Angel I saw at that night. It was a truly an Angel, I mean how could this be? for i have disbelieved in God, but he never forsaken me!

its possible but unheard of ive been spiritually attacked and everything i have seen glistening (angels) all around the house at one point but i couldnt say your right or wrong. but if you came to jesus that is a really good thing. keep the faith it could be that the angel was a person that invited you to christ or literal i cannot judge but keep the faith.

[Iroscato]

The paranormal phenomenon I about to share is an actual event happen to me a while back, specifically in December 2011, hence I only revealed this experience to a few people, I haven't told my own family yet.

My life wasn't so perfect when i was young, My plans didn't go as I have hoped, My dreams were shattered into tiny pieces. I lost faith in God (Ex- Muslim), I mostly blamed my parents for what happen in my life, then I turned the table against God (Allah). I began to contemplate to God "why have you forsaken me?", "I deeply believed in you!".... I didn't receive any answers from 'Allah'. I took an oath not to pray again, not to fast again, not to worship 'Allah' again. I lost my religion.

At the age of 21, I considered myself an Atheist. I felt life had no meaning, and believing in God is irrational; I started having suicidal thoughts, everyNight, everyDay, I cry out in my slumber before i go to bed, One lonely night, I was a sleep, a spirit of the Lord visited my room, the Angel pinched my leg, then I immediately woke up from sleep, I abruptly opened my eyes and behold "I saw a 'Ghost, an Angel of the Lord". My first reaction was a total silence I couldn't scream or yell, I was 'calm as a cucumber'. 5 seconds, only 5 seconds all it took me to witness a beautiful Angel, whom was sent down from heaven by God.

I began to examine the evidence of what i saw was a truly an Angel, or was just a figment of my own imagination. My mission became clearer, to pursue the nature of the "Holy Ghost". Who was he? I mean the Angel didn't speak to me, he only wanted me to believe in him, that he exists!; honestly i was convinced, my faith in God was restored. But, i was still in doubt... is this the same God of Islam 'Allah' who heard my prayers, my weeping in my slumber. I have raised many set of questions that night.

Eventually, i came across the Bible (Gospel of Jesus). I began reading from book of John, then book of Matthew... after i realized that Jesus died on the cross for our sins, and resurrected from the dead, then rose to heaven. Immediately my eyes started weeping, at the exact moment i felt the Holy Spirit inside me, It pierced through my heart, a peaceful shadowing touched my soul, I was reborn again by the will of God. My mind was in peace, for the prince of peace (Jesus Christ) is my Lord and savior... he is the savior of all humanity.

My research didn't stop there... later in my life I decided to read the Old Testament. I came across the Book of Daniel, in the book Chapter 10, Verses (5 -7); Prophet Daniel gives a vivid description of the same Angel I saw at that night. It was a truly an Angel, I mean how could this be? for i have disbelieved in God, but he never forsaken me!

its possible but unheard of ive been spiritually attacked and everything i have seen glistening (angels) all around the house at one point but i couldnt say your right or wrong. but if you came to jesus that is a really good thing. keep the faith it could be that the angel was a person that invited you to christ or literal i cannot judge but keep the faith.

You mean you hallucinated, yes?

[CapnAwesome]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sleep_paralysis

[IATIA]

Verse from the Quran: "And I have not created the jinn and the men except that they should serve Me." The word Jinn means 'spirits'.

The bible states that Adam's purpose was to tend god's garden and, of course, worship god.