<div class="quote_poster">Bahir Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">About those religios "miracles": The fact is that if you look hard enough for something, you will find it. Of the billions and billions of animals, plants and other things, the probability of finding something, like an arabic world, is small, but it's there. Don't you think this has happened before?</div> What? You really think that finding all of those things are stupid? You think they are just there because they are there? Because it's a slight possibilty, you think those things just get there? So somehow magically because of a small chance those things happened that way. I am not trying to prove anything, but just saying that you can't pass up on things like this. These types of things are messages from Allah (SWT). I consider these types of things interesting because they show something. You can't just say these things are here because someone looked hard and found them. There are a lot more interesting things than this though. Like for example, when the tsunami hit Indonesia, there was a mosque left by itself. Everything else was destroyed and only a Mosque stayed in it's position. Don't you think that might be interesting or is that a slight possibility of something that can happen? <div class="quote_poster">Chutney Wrote</div><div class="quote_post"> In your case, why go around searching for the word "Allah" in plants and animals, when you have all you want to know about him in the Quran? </div> No one is going around searching for these things. These things are just some interesting things that show something. It's not like Muslims go around everywhere looking for things that say Allah. These things are just there that people see. It's just amazing to see how so many things are shaped in the way of Allah. Definitely, there is a lot of things about Allah in Quran and that is true. Trees and all those structures don't tell you anything about Allah, they just show something. It's just interesting to see how all those things are like that.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Umair:</div><div class="quote_post">No one is going around searching for these things. These things are just some interesting things that show something. It's not like Muslims go around everywhere looking for things that say Allah. These things are just there that people see. It's just amazing to see how so many things are shaped in the way of Allah. Definitely, there is a lot of things about Allah in Quran and that is true. Trees and all those structures don't tell you anything about Allah, they just show something. It's just interesting to see how all those things are like that.</div> Well, its impossible for me or anybody else to dispute whether or not these things are signs from Allah. I'd have as little evidence to disprove it as you would to prove, so it really comes down to a matter of opinion and faith. What do these things show and why are they important/interesting? I never really understood this. Do they show that Allah exists? That he created this world? That he's a part of nature? That he wants us to worship him? All of those points are basic knowledge for any Muslim, so these "signs" don't really provide anything new. And if we were to consider them special, does that mean that all the plants that don't spell Allah, weren't created by him? And were all those tortilla chips, etc. that show Jesus' face created by a Christian God and prove that Allah isn't the only God? I personally think this stuff is borderline superstition and a distraction from the real point of religion. They don't provide any spiritual knowledge or help people in any way, but they do lead people away from scripture and leave people open to exploitation (I've seen this first-hand).
just curious to see if this is considered a miracle to epople of other religions, http://www.touregypt.net/featurestories/vmary.htm in the 1960's Virgin Mary was seen on top of a coptic orthodox church in Egypt. many people saw her (including many of my family) and many people (including muslims) said they felt a cure of something when seeing her. i don't know too much about it just that it happened, i remember a few years ago some house in penn. had images of Jesus and Vrgin Mary appear on a basketball backboard of a Jewish families home, and I actaully went and seen the images, so do you consider this a miracle?
<div class="quote_poster">Skiptomylue11 Wrote</div><div class="quote_post"> Well I'm sure you can find pictures on the internet taken by some Roman Catholics supposedly showing Virgin Mary on a piece of toast, a baking pan, or as clouds in the sky. There are probably other examples using other figures (Buddha, Guru Nanak, Krishna) or languages and sayings. Well I've heard that muslim parents encourage their kids to learn arabic, because they will have to pray in arabic. The Quran is encouraged to be memorized, because it is considered a great achievement to memorize the whole thing. I think people who have a special title (Qaris? Qurra?). Also I think every muslim if they can pray has at least a couple verses memorized, because I think praying involves the recitation of the Quran. Another note is that the Quran is easier to memorize than most texts that people read today because a large portion of it rhymes (I'm not sure 50%?), as well it flows poetically. Nonetheless it is still a difficult task to memorize, it is a long book.</div> The kid was born in a non-muslim family. And yes, Quran does flow but is in a different language than a lot of Muslims speak. We learn to speak Arabic, not talk in it.
<div class="quote_poster">Chutney Wrote</div><div class="quote_post"> What do these things show and why are they important/interesting? I never really understood this. Do they show that Allah exists? That he created this world? That he's a part of nature? That he wants us to worship him? All of those points are basic knowledge for any Muslim, so these "signs" don't really provide anything new. And if we were to consider them special, does that mean that all the plants that don't spell Allah, weren't created by him? And were all those tortilla chips, etc. that show Jesus' face created by a Christian God and prove that Allah isn't the only God?</div> That's why I earlier said that you would understand the concept of this because you have a different faith than me. Because Muslims and Hindus live near each other doesn't mean a Hindu can know all about Islam. These two religions may have some similarities, but different beliefs. One example may be that Muslims don't believe in reincarnation and Hindus do. Well, with that said, obviously you wouldn't know what I am trying to say. Me, I am a Muslim and I believe in Allah. To me, these thigns like trees and all the other things spelling the word Allah shows a message. Meaning a message from Allah. The whole universe I believe was created by Allah and everything is his creation. Things like trees and all which spell Allah show something. They show that Allah is the creator of this world. Most of you guys won't believe it because you guys don't believe in Allah the way I do. So obviously, it's different for you guys to understand it. To me, and other muslims, it shows us how Allah created things like this. Of course, things like this don't provide any knowlegde. They just show us how Allah made things like this. If you don't believe in what I am saying, the least you could do is be interested in how things are spelled that way. They don't have to prove anything to you, but just show some interest in how that can happen. But to me, it's different. Like you said, it's just a matter of faith. And btw, how do you compare a tortilla chip with Allah? I didn't understand that part.
<div class="quote_poster">Umair Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">What? You really think that finding all of those things are stupid? </div> What? <div class="quote_poster">Quoting Umair:</div><div class="quote_post"> You think they are just there because they are there? Because it's a slight possibilty, you think those things just get there? So somehow magically because of a small chance those things happened that way. I am not trying to prove anything, but just saying that you can't pass up on things like this. </div> Again, if there is a probability of something like this happening, sooner or later, it will happen. Just think about the number of plants, animals and things that has existed on this earth for I don't know how long. A few of them is bound to take weird shapes. Compare it to getting hit by a meteor: it's highly unlikely that you will get hit by one, but the possibility is there. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting Umair:</div><div class="quote_post"> These types of things are messages from Allah (SWT). I consider these types of things interesting because they show something. You can't just say these things are here because someone looked hard and found them. There are a lot more interesting things than this though. Like for example, when the tsunami hit Indonesia, there was a mosque left by itself. Everything else was destroyed and only a Mosque stayed in it's position. Don't you think that might be interesting or is that a slight possibility of something that can happen?</div> Ok, let's say that the objects in those images were really messages from the muslim god. With islam being very, very strictly monotheistic, how do you explain similar images from other religions, like the many Jesus faces on things etc? Because if the objects in the "allah" pictures are true, and the muslim god is the only god, then those objects connected with other religions could not be proof of other gods. If they are not proof of other gods, then you must admit that they are proof of the probability of such things happening, yes? (Unless the god is actively involved in the shaping of every object and living being, but then you'd have to ask yourself why that god would make stuff that sways people away from his own faith, and strengthens other beliefs). Sorry about the rambling, but what do you have to say about that?
<div class="quote_poster">Umair Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">That's why I earlier said that you would understand the concept of this because you have a different faith than me. Because Muslims and Hindus live near each other doesn't mean a Hindu can know all about Islam. These two religions may have some similarities, but different beliefs. One example may be that Muslims don't believe in reincarnation and Hindus do. Well, with that said, obviously you wouldn't know what I am trying to say. Me, I am a Muslim and I believe in Allah. To me, these thigns like trees and all the other things spelling the word Allah shows a message. Meaning a message from Allah. The whole universe I believe was created by Allah and everything is his creation. Things like trees and all which spell Allah show something. They show that Allah is the creator of this world. Most of you guys won't believe it because you guys don't believe in Allah the way I do. So obviously, it's different for you guys to understand it. To me, and other muslims, it shows us how Allah created things like this. Of course, things like this don't provide any knowlegde. They just show us how Allah made things like this. If you don't believe in what I am saying, the least you could do is be interested in how things are spelled that way. They don't have to prove anything to you, but just show some interest in how that can happen. But to me, it's different. Like you said, it's just a matter of faith. And btw, how do you compare a tortilla chip with Allah? I didn't understand that part.</div> Dude, through that entire post, I was speaking from the point of view of a Muslim. I'm not Islamic, but my religion has similarities with yours, I've studied Islam, and I have a lot of Muslim friends. At what point did I show a lack of knowledge/understanding about your faith? Let's slowly go through this slowly: OK, so you're a Muslim. You believe in Allah, follow the teachings of the Quran, and one day you see a plant that's shaped like the Arabic word "Allah." Why do you make a big deal out of this? According to you, this is important because its a message or a sign from Allah. Then I have to ask you, what is this a sign of or what is the message? Does it tell you that Allah exists? That he created the world? That he is a part of nature? That he's watching over you? That he wants you to worship him? All of those may be true, but isn't that just basic knowledge for any Muslim? Why pay so much attention to something that reaffirms the fundamental beliefs that you can find in the Quran? Instead of spending so much time on that plant, why not stick with the scripture that have been telling you the exact same thing all along? And now that I've stated why I don't think its that important, I'll list the reasons why I think making a big deal out of it can be a negative: 1) Logical inconsistencies: Bahir kind of went through this already, but when you place a lot of importance on these things, you leave yourself open to a lot of logical problems. If those single plants are so special, does that mean that every other plant that doesn't spell "Allah" is not created by him? And do other things in nature that show different religious symbols (ie: people seeing Jesus' face in a tortilla shell, etc.) mean that there is more than one God or that Allah isn't all-powerful? As a Muslim, wouldn't you think its a lot easier and logical to believe that all of nature is created by Allah and that this is just a coincidence? 2) Distraction: From my experience, people place a lot of emphasis on these "miracles" or "messages," because they're looking for something that can help strengthen their faith and stay religious. The only problem is that they're doing it for all the wrong reasons, IMO. You shouldn't believe in Allah and worship him because you were so fascinated with a plant that very well could be a coincidence. You should become a Muslim because you are convinced by the teachings and knowledge from the Quran and the prophet. There is so much substance to those, that they should inspire enough faith.' 3) Exploitation: In my opinion, this is the most problematic aspect surrounding this issue. When people place a lot of importance on these natural phenomenon, they leave themselves prone to being exploited by others. You can find it all over the place (but a lot in the East): people pay money for someone who has "spiritual powers" to bless them, they get suckered into paying deference to an object that a dude created to look like a miracle, or they follow someone who claims to be the next prophet. Obviously, finding a message in a plant isn't as bad as those things, but its a slippery slope when you try finding spiritual knowledge in arbritrary things outside of the Quran.
<div class="quote_poster">Chutney Wrote</div><div class="quote_post"> What do these things show and why are they important/interesting? I never really understood this. Do they show that Allah exists? That he created this world? That he's a part of nature? That he wants us to worship him? All of those points are basic knowledge for any Muslim, so these "signs" don't really provide anything new. And if we were to consider them special, does that mean that all the plants that don't spell Allah, weren't created by him? And were all those tortilla chips, etc. that show Jesus' face created by a Christian God and prove that Allah isn't the only God? I personally think this stuff is borderline superstition and a distraction from the real point of religion. They don't provide any spiritual knowledge or help people in any way, but they do lead people away from scripture and leave people open to exploitation (I've seen this first-hand).</div> Actually, you're right about that. If we believe in something already, what does this prove to us?
<div class="quote_poster">Bahir Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Again, if there is a probability of something like this happening, sooner or later, it will happen. Just think about the number of plants, animals and things that has existed on this earth for I don't know how long. A few of them is bound to take weird shapes. Compare it to getting hit by a meteor: it's highly unlikely that you will get hit by one, but the possibility is there. </div> So the mosque being the only thing left when Tsunami hit was a probability? A kid memorizing an 800 page book and spreading Islam was a probability? 100s of things spelling the name of Allah is a probability? You're right that they can be a probability, but not everything! You can't say everything that happens is a probabilty. Everything I believe happens for a reason and what ever happens is done by Allah. <div class="quote_poster">Chutney Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Dude, through that entire post, I was speaking from the point of view of a Muslim. I'm not Islamic, but my religion has similarities with yours, I've studied Islam, and I have a lot of Muslim friends. At what point did I show a lack of knowledge/understanding about your faith? Let's slowly go through this slowly:</div> Ok just because you're hanging with Muslim friends does not mean that Islam and Hinduism are similar. There may be some similarities, but mostly they are different. For example, Islam is a monotheistic religiong while Hinduism is not. Hindus believe in reincarnation while Islam does not. I could name a lot more but that's not the point. You may know a lot about Islam but that doesn't give you the right to say that these types of things don't show anything. I believe whatever Allah does does for a reason. <div class="quote_poster">Chutney Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">OK, so you're a Muslim. You believe in Allah, follow the teachings of the Quran, and one day you see a plant that's shaped like the Arabic word "Allah." Why do you make a big deal out of this? According to you, this is important because its a message or a sign from Allah. Then I have to ask you, what is this a sign of or what is the message? Does it tell you that Allah exists? That he created the world? That he is a part of nature? That he's watching over you? </div> Exactly. It shows me that he is there. It shows that Allah made those things for people to know that he is there watching over them, it shows he made those things. What Allah does like for example 911 and Tsunami, I believe he does that for a reason. He wants Muslims to find the best way to be Muslims. He doesn't want everyone to be perfect, he wants us to know the difference between right and wrong and that's the reason he sets obstacles for us. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">All of those may be true, but isn't that just basic knowledge for any Muslim? Why pay so much attention to something that reaffirms the fundamental beliefs that you can find in the Quran? Instead of spending so much time on that plant, why not stick with the scripture that have been telling you the exact same thing all along?</div> It's not like anyone is spending so much time on the plant. We do read the Quran to learn the basics of Islam, but you can't just pass up on things like the plant and everything. I am not saying that plants and nature and all the stuff is important. I am saying that these types of things are interesting. They show us Muslims that Allah is there watching our each and every move. We don't spend our time looking at those things, they just show us that Allah is there.
Look, I admit I'm not strictly religously (VERY loosely religious would be the term), but this is why people need to step aback and learn to evaluate the purpose of religion as a whole. Umair, you stated that the plants and what not "shows [you] that [Allah] is there". To reiterate Chutney's point, WHY do you need a plant to justify your faith? If you're faithful to Allah, and you believe in the concepts taught by the Qua'ran, why do you need Arabic spelled out over clouds and plants to provide justification for His existence? What's the point of believing when you need justification? To veer slightly off topic, I think religions cause more harm than good, especially because it leads to misunderstandings and unwarranted conflicts. All it takes is one person from a certain faith to misunderstand something someone from a different faith states and it leads to conflicts. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Ok just because you're hanging with Muslim friends does not mean that Islam and Hinduism are similar. There may be some similarities, but mostly they are different. For example, Islam is a monotheistic religiong while Hinduism is not. Hindus believe in reincarnation while Islam does not. I could name a lot more but that's not the point. You may know a lot about Islam but that doesn't give you the right to say that these types of things don't show anything. I believe whatever Allah does does for a reason. </div> This whole post makes no sense; Chutney is Sikh, not Hindu.
<div class="quote_poster">Karma Wrote</div><div class="quote_post"> WHY do you need a plant to justify your faith? If you're faithful to Allah, and you believe in the concepts taught by the Qua'ran, why do you need Arabic spelled out over clouds and plants to provide justification for His existence? What's the point of believing when you need justification?</div> Of course Quran shows us and makes us believe in the existence of Allah, but the clouds and all that shows us that also. That is just another thing that shows us that Allah is there watching over us. It's not like a Muslim forgets Quran and leans specifically to clouds and everything to believe that God is there. You guys I think are making a big deal about the nature thing. Us Muslims really don't rely on these things to believe in God, but it shows us how God made these things and it also shows us that he is there. We Muslims dont rely on things like this to believe in God. We definitely do read the Quran to learn about Allah and his existence. The nature and all are just things that interest people and show people how Allah made those things which lead onto my point about Allah's existence. Don't think that when I am saying it shows Allah's existence that Muslims rely on those things to believe in God. That is just part of it. Those things to me are interesting and show me how Allah made those things. That's all, but I definitely do read Quran to learn about Islam and Allah. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">This whole post makes no sense; Chutney is Sikh, not Hindu.</div> We weren't talking about me and Chutney, we were talking mainly about the differences in Islam and Hinduism.
<div class="quote_poster">Umair Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">So the mosque being the only thing left when Tsunami hit was a probability?</div> Do you have a picture of the place before the tsunami hit? I've been in Thailand, and I can tell you that many of the buildings close to the beach are made of wood (which would obviously be less resistant to a massive wave than stone or concrete). <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"> A kid memorizing an 800 page book and spreading Islam was a probability?</div> That's a child with great learning capabilities. They come around every once in a while, so I guess there is a probability of that. How these extraordinary abilities shows is different from child to child, I remember seeing something on 60 minutes about a boy who at the age of 5 wrote symphonies, and could even master/play 4 symphonies at the same time (don't ask me how). <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">100s of things spelling the name of Allah is a probability?</div> Yes, I've told you so already. But where are these hundreds of things? You have only shown a few of them so far. (And let it be known that we are showing you mercy in not questioning the authenticy of the pictures you have shown) <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"> You're right that they can be a probability, but not everything! You can't say everything that happens is a probabilty. Everything I believe happens for a reason and what ever happens is done by Allah. </div> I don't want to go too far into things here, but let's just say free will combined with everything following a set course of action (as it does with an omniscient god) is something I have yet to hear a good explanation of from the major religions that support that view. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"> You may know a lot about Islam but that doesn't give you the right to say that these types of things don't show anything. I believe whatever Allah does does for a reason. </div> And what gives you the right? Because you are a muslim, and you find some pictures on the internet that "supports" your view, you have the right to tell us that these images are proof of a god, while we non-believers have no right to dispute your claim? <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"> Exactly. It shows me that he is there. It shows that Allah made those things for people to know that he is there watching over them, it shows he made those things. What Allah does like for example 911 and Tsunami, I believe he does that for a reason. He wants Muslims to find the best way to be Muslims. He doesn't want everyone to be perfect, he wants us to know the difference between right and wrong and that's the reason he sets obstacles for us.</div> So... Osama bin Laden, who is reportedly a muslim, found a good way of being a muslim by killing people in terror attacks the way he has done? But of course, the lord works in mysterious ways... right?
<div class="quote_poster">Umair Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Of course Quran shows us and makes us believe in the existence of Allah, but the clouds and all that shows us that also. That is just another thing that shows us that Allah is there watching over us. It's not like a Muslim forgets Quran and leans specifically to clouds and everything to believe that God is there. </div> Why doesn't Allah (or any God for that matter) show himself and put all doubt to rest. Does Allah watch the going's on in the Middle East with a smile? Or is he just too damn lazy to prove Islam is actually about peace and not idiots blowing themselves up in his name and tainting what he apparently stands for?
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Karma:</div><div class="quote_post">To veer slightly off topic, I think religions cause more harm than good, especially because it leads to misunderstandings and unwarranted conflicts. All it takes is one person from a certain faith to misunderstand something someone from a different faith states and it leads to conflicts. </div> I understand where you're coming from, but at the same time I have to disagree. Religions don't cause misunderstandings, they only create differences. But, there are numerous other things in the world that divide people along different ideologies: politics, nationality, sexuality, economics, etc. There will always be differences in opinion and, honestly, I don't think its necessarily a bad thing. Misunderstandings, however, arise from human fallibility (our imperfection). <div class="quote_poster">Quoting I-Miss-MJ:</div><div class="quote_post">Why doesn't Allah (or any God for that matter) show himself and put all doubt to rest. Does Allah watch the going's on in the Middle East with a smile? Or is he just too damn lazy to prove Islam is actually about peace and not idiots blowing themselves up in his name and tainting what he apparently stands for?</div> I don't want to speak for the Muslims on this site, but I'll answer the way I usually do to this type of question (since you referred to any God, in general). I think, if God were to suddenly show himself, it would inspire people to worship him out of fear or merely in name. And that would deny them the intrinsic value that comes from worshipping him out of faith and from a deep understanding of the knowledge espoused by the prophets who spoke in his name. Also, I find it funny how people believe that they can rationalize God's motives. On one side, they'll talk about an all-powerful God, but on the other, they'll expect him to follow our own understanding of logic and reality. I personally believe that its pointless to try and "map out" God's motivations, because it leads to a contradiction (how can he be all-powerful, when he's bound to our understanding of logic?). At a certain point, it comes down to a faith in his omnipotence.
<div class="quote_poster">I-Miss-MJ Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Why doesn't Allah (or any God for that matter) show himself and put all doubt to rest. Does Allah watch the going's on in the Middle East with a smile? Or is he just too damn lazy to prove Islam is actually about peace and not idiots blowing themselves up in his name and tainting what he apparently stands for?</div> Actually this has been prophecized by Islam.
<div class="quote_poster">Chutney Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">I understand where you're coming from, but at the same time I have to disagree. Religions don't cause misunderstandings, they only create differences. But, there are numerous other things in the world that divide people along different ideologies: politics, nationality, sexuality, economics, etc. There will always be differences in opinion and, honestly, I don't think its necessarily a bad thing. Misunderstandings, however, arise from human fallibility (our imperfection). I don't want to speak for the Muslims on this site, but I'll answer the way I usually do to this type of question (since you referred to any God, in general). I think, if God were to suddenly show himself, it would inspire people to worship him out of fear or merely in name. And that would deny them the intrinsic value that comes from worshipping him out of faith and from a deep understanding of the knowledge espoused by the prophets who spoke in his name. Also, I find it funny how people believe that they can rationalize God's motives. On one side, they'll talk about an all-powerful God, but on the other, they'll expect him to follow our own understanding of logic and reality. I personally believe that its pointless to try and "map out" God's motivations, because it leads to a contradiction (how can he be all-powerful, when he's bound to our understanding of logic?). At a certain point, it comes down to a faith in his omnipotence.</div> Thats why its important to be educated about your religion and what faith you're in. I'm a muslim and I don't believe what this kid can do is a miracle. I still believe in Islam because I read the Quran and I ponder on it, and I study it. The amazing thing about the Quran is it has no contradictions. There are numerous verses which explain things scientifically which are impossible considering the time period. Thats why I believe in Islam, and I don't believe this kid is a "miracle of Allah"
I don't see this as a miracle. I really think that everyone needs to chill out on "their" religion. No one cares that you are Muslim Umair, those pictures resemble the word Allah in arabic but aren't exactly perfect. And like others have said, these signs are meaningless. It only re states to you what you already believe.
water to wine = miracle separating the red sea = miracle speaking languages !=miracle reciting something that is written either from memory or not != miracle I realize that everyone has their own beliefs. You can see miracles all around you if you look hard enough and have enough belief. The ancient Egyptians believed that gods were responsible for EVERYTHING. we know now that the moon revolves around the earth as it rotates while going around the sun giving us day, night, seasons and tides. None of these are associated with supernatural or miraculous powers and/or events any more. Just as there are explanations for just about everything that we come across these days, im sure there is an explanation for this.
Look, if you want to consider that kid who can recite the Quran a miracle, go ahead. But then you have to consider other things of the same improbability and incredibility (you can find many examples of young children who can do amazing, unbelievable things, some in this thread and many more if you just search for "amazing feats by children" in Google) as miracles as well. Those things, IMO, are not miracles. They're improbable things that happen once in a while. Someone made this point already (I believe it was Chutney and harbingerofdoom as well), but yet again, I'll bring it back up. Now, in 2007, you may believe that a kid who can do what that kid can do is a prophet and a miracle. But maybe in say, 2561, scientists will find something that explains how that kid can do what he does (like a part of his brain which gives him that capability, or a rare disease which is responsible). As for the so-called "signs": the same point has been made by a couple of posters in this thread, including Chutney and Bahir, and I'll say it again. There's a never ending amount of plants, bee hives and clouds in this world. Don't you think that there's a chance that at least ONE of them will be in the shape of Jesus' face, Buddah, the word "Allah", the Star of David etc.? I'm sure you've seen some other incredible pictures of plants, objects, cereal, clouds etc. which take the shape of something holy or un-holy as well(for example, I'm sure you've come across the picture of the infamous "cactus with erection?"). But those things don't prove anything. It all depends on your point of view. If you look at a cloud and I look at that same cloud, we'll probably see different things. You may see a dog while I see a car. You may see the word "Allah" while I see a man with a crooked nose on top of a snake (really, I do see that). Does that mean I have to worship a weird dude who rides a snake? No, it doesn't. If you truly believe in something, you'll find signs of your belief everywhere you look. Those "signs" don't mean anything, they just prove to you that you believe in something. I'm sure that if you were, let's say, Christian with incredible knowledge in all things Arabic, you wouldn't look at that cloud and say, "Hey, that looks like the word "Allah!". I'm not telling you that you shouldn't believe that those things are signs from your god. You can believe anything you want, but you also have to aknowledge the fact that other people have an opinion, too, and their opinion means just as much as your's. Don't be stubborn. Oh, and about the mosque that survived the tsunami: many many buildings survived that tsunami. I'm sure that if you could see the surrounding area which doesn't show in that picture, you'll find other buildings that survived. Mosques are built from sturdy material. There's a reason that they survive for hundreds of years. Plus, you can't trust any pictures from the internet. For all you know, someone drew that word on the bee hive and someone put the mosque on that ground via photoshop. I'm not saying the mosque isn't really there, I'm just saying you can't trust ANYONE anymore on the internet, so there's always a probability of something being fake.
