Mobile Muslimah

I'm a "Blog-Slacker"!

2011-02-16T16:58:00.002+02:00

Alsalaamu alaycom wa rahmatulahi wa barakatu:
Hello there everyone! I realize that I've been SERIOUSLY slacking on my writing. I was SO excited about starting a blog, and writing about various happenings/ideas/whatnot and then it just DIED!

I haven't had so much going on in my own life, but I've been witness to a LOT going on around me! Unless you've been living under a rock the past few weeks, then you should be aware of the revolution here in Egypt! We moved from Cairo in December 2009, and live in Mansoura. There have been demonstrations here, as well. I've spent most of my time indoors, but I did go out with a friend and witnessed some of the demonstration going on here. I also saw many of the military and their tanks all around the city. The military were so friendly with the people, and I took several pictures (which I will post once I can upload them from my mobile!).

My husband has been working at a hospital in Suez, and we have spent most of the past several months apart. He comes home for about a week at a time, and the other 3 weeks of the month he spends there. It was VERY scary with him there in Suez when the demonstrations had turned violent. I cried while watching the news, and couldn't reach him on his mobile for a few hours(due to the MANY disruptions in service around the country). Alhamdulilah, he was able to come home once the military were present, and the police had left the demonstrators alone.

I was SUPER proud of the Egyptians in my own neighborhood, who took it upon themselves to set up a "Neighborhood Watch" on their own. There were men sitting outside every night for approximately a week to make sure all was good. Once Mubarak resigned (through his Vice-President!), the following day there were men coming through to collect the trash and clean up the streets! I called my own friend, Mona, today and she was out with many of the people cleaning the streets and buildings downtown! Subhan'Allah! The people are finally feeling that this country is their own, and feeling pride in it! I'm truly so happy!

I'm truly praying that Egyptians are able to hold a TRUE and FAIR election, and gain a president who has fear of Allah SWT. YA RAB! I hope that they will gain their rights and priviledges, insha'Allah. It's really a very exciting, although occasionally scary, time! It will be a long process, but very worth it.

2009

2009-01-19T22:55:00.003+02:00

Alsalaamu alaycom wa rahmatulahi wa barakatu:

I realize that I have not written in quite awhile. I have just posted an article "Trusting in Allah SWT" that I came across in another sister's (in Islam) blog that I really needed. Not that I have an issue in smaller things (at least for me) like wearing hijab, but in larger issues. I need it more for other issues in my life, those dearest to me. I realize that we have only so much control over things in our life and that the rest is in the Hands of Allah SWT, as it were. I KNOW this, but in some matters of the heart, I forget this fact. I know that everyone goes through this in some degree or another. Anyway, my goal for this year is to only do the things I have control over and trust in Allah SWT to handle the rest for me, insha'Allah. There are moments that I will admit I've made dua' for things and questioned WHY, because I just couldn't understand. I know that there are things that we all wish for ourselves in OUR time, forgetting that it may not be in the time that Allah SWT wrote for us or possibly, not even at all.

We all have our own set of gifts that we have been given. Some have money, large homes, many cars, many children, yet may not have any happiness in their marriage or family-life. Others, have little money, a small home, children and much happiness in their marriage and family-life. We have to learn to be content with what we are given and accept that maybe we have not been given what we wish for. It may be possible it will be given to you at a later date, or not at all. It may be that you sacrifice one of the things you currently have for this thing you wish for. It may be that the very thing you wish for is absolutely no good for you and better that you don't have it. Ever wonder why some have seemingly everything?? Wonder why you don't? Realize that those who have all the money, wife/husband, cars, homes, children, and toys are not always happy. Even if they seem to be now, will they still be when they are in front of Allah SWT on the Day of Judgement? Were those people responsible with what they were given? Did they give their zakat for the sake of Allah SWT? Did they pray and raise their children to be good muslims? Sometimes, those "things" are a test for you. Maybe we did not receive what it is we wished for, because it might ruin you and make you a sinner. This is not to say that all people who have these things are bad, but that there are reasons why EVERYONE cannot have EVERYTHING. It may be that Allah SWT knows that if you have these things, you will fail in your Islam, and would give you something better for you.

Soooo, this is what I will try my best to remember this year and just accept what Allah SWT has written for me, insha'Allah.

TRUSTING IN ALLAH SWT

2009-01-19T22:42:00.003+02:00

Trusting Allah

By Shariffa Carlo

At some point in our lives, we have all had our trust betrayed. There exist few of us who trust anyone implicitly. The same goes for principles or philosophies. We have trusted them, only to be disappointed. In the same light, we have followed religious scholars, only to find that they too have betrayed us - either by being undereducated or imperfect. Maybe that is why it is so hard for us to let go of ourselves and truly trust Allah.
When we start to analyze a command, we find in it things we can not explain or fully understand, so we stop doing it or do the thing which was forbidden to us, because the opposite does not make sense to us. Let me put that in more specific terms: We know that at the 120th day of life, Allah writes for us our sustenance (risq).
Narrated Anas bin Malik: The Prophet said, "Allah puts an angel in charge of the uterus and the angel says, 'O Lord, (it is) semen! O Lord, (it is now ) a clot! O Lord, (it is now) a piece of flesh.' And then, if Allah wishes to complete its creation, the angel asks, 'O Lord, (will it be) a male or a female? A wretched (an evil doer) or a blessed (doer of good)? How much will his provisions be? What will his age be?' So all that is written while the creature is still in the mother's womb." Sahih Bukhari: Volume 8, Book 77, Number 594:
We know that Allah has planned out our jobs and our income. Yet, we may shave our beard or take off the hijab when we go for an interview because we are afraid that we will not get a particular job. There is a huge contradiction in our beliefs here. If we know that what is for us is for us, then why are we going against Allah's orders to achieve the objective. The reason is simple. We are not trusting Allah.
This is a sad fact. Even though we know that Allah is our Lord and Protector, we have a hard time letting go and allowing ourselves to trust that He will protect us. I doubt we do this intentionally, it is shaytan, whispering to us, "The people will not understand, so shave the beard, maybe later you can grow it again" or "There is no way someone will hire you with that thing on your head, take it off."
We make excuses, like, my deen is in my heart, not what I show, even though we have been told:
Narrated 'Umar bin Al-Khattab: People were (sometimes) judged by the revealing of a Divine Inspiration during the lifetime of Allah's Apostle but now there is no longer any more (new revelation). Now we judge you by the deeds you practice publicly, so we will trust and favor the one who does good deeds in front of us, and we will not call him to account about what he is really doing in secret, for Allah will judge him for that; but we will not trust or believe the one who presents to us with an evil deed even if he claims that his intentions were good. Sahih Bukhari: Volume 3, Book 48, Number 809:
Even, we may leave our prayers until after they have expired because we fear being watched or something happening to us while we are praying. There is no trust that Allah will protect us, give us our risq or take care of us. We have to learn to truly trust Allah. Allah says,
When two parties from among you had determined that they should show cowardice and Allah was the guardian of them both, and in Allah should the believers trust. 3:122
And
If Allah helps you, none can overcome you: If He forsakes you, who is there, after that, that can help you? In Allah, then, Let believers put their trust. 3:160
It does not matter what you do, obey or disobey, the result will be that you will receive what Allah has ordained for you. You can not add to it or subtract from it. What you do is either benefit yourself with the blessings of obedience or harm yourself with the fruits of your disobedience. We have been told that what is for us can't miss us and what is not for us can't hit us.
Narrated Abdullah ibn Amr ibn al-'As: I heard Allah's Apostle (peace_be_upon_him) as saying: Allah ordained the measures (of quality) of the creation fifty thousand years before He created the heavens and the earth, as His Throne was upon water. Sahih Muslim: Book 32, Number 6416:
We have to learn to trust that Allah will take care of us when we obey Him and that He will withdrawal His Great Mercy when we disobey. Every morning the bird goes out to seek the provision Allah has given him, and every night he comes home with it. Allah has promised us our provision.
Umar Ibin Al Khattab narrated that he heard Allah's Messenger say, "If you were to trust in Allah genuinely, He would give you provision as He does for the birds which go out hungry in the morning and come back full in the evening. Tirmidhi and Ibin Majah (sahih).
Also, we need to stop thinking that having done a good where things did not work out as we expected would have turned out differently if we had done the wrong thing instead. Let us say one of us goes to an interview in hijab and then is denied the job. To assume that it was because of the hijab is wrong. We have to remember that this person can not keep Allah's Qadr from us. This interviewer can not stop what Allah wants to happen from happening.
Ibin Abass narrated that one day he was riding behind Allah's Messenger and he said, "Young man, if you are mindful of Allah, He will be mindful of you, and if you are mindful of Allah, you will find Him before you. When you ask for anything, ask it from Allah, and if you seek help, seek help in Allah. Know that if the people were to unite to do you some benefit, they could benefit you only what Allah has recorded for you, and if they were to unite to do you some injury, they could injure you only with what Allah has recorded for you. The pens are withdrawn and the pages are dry. Ahmad and Tirmidhi (sahih).
Also,
Narrated AbuHurayrah: Allah's Apostle (peace_be_upon_him) said: A strong believer is better and is more lovable to Allah than a weak believer, and there is good in everyone, (but) cherish that which gives you benefit (in the Hereafter) and seek help from Allah and do not lose heart, and if anything (in the form of trouble) comes to you, don't say: If I had not done that, it would not have happened so and so, but say: Allah did that what He had ordained to do and your "if" opens the (gate for the Satan. Sahih Muslim: Book 32, Number 6441.
Also, we need to accept that not getting the job was indeed best for us.
Suhaib reported that Allah's Messenger said, "It is remarkable that everything turns out well for a believer while that applies only to a believer. If happiness befalls him, he gives thanks, and it turns out well for him, and if misfortune befalls him, he shows endurance (patience) and it turns out well for him. Sahih Muslim.
We need to stop thinking that the key to the truth is only what we can understand or what we know. There is a point when we have to submit, be Muslims and say, labaik Allahuma Labaik. We have to obey without fighting it because we know that there is Justice and Mercy in it, even though we can not see it right now. When the verse of hijab was revealed, the ansar women went and immediately covered themselves.
Narrated Aisha, Ummul Mu'minin: Safiyyah, daughter of Shaybah, said that Aisha mentioned the women of Ansar, praised them and said good words about them. She then said: When Surat an-Nur came down, they took the curtains, tore them and made head covers (veils) of them. Sunan Abu Dawood: Book 32, Number 4089:
They did not analyze it, or think about how this is an oppression for women or a humiliation or anything of this sort, they obeyed. When the verse forbidding alcohol was revealed, the companions literally spat it out of their mouths. No arguing, no questioning. They trusted that Allah Knows Best. We need to stop worshipping our minds so much and start worshipping Allah more. We need to stop trusting our minds so much and trust Allah more.
Trusting in Allah means that when we hear a command, we obey it. We recognize that we are limited and that Allah has no limits. He Knows what we do not know. We do not try to explain away the commands of Allah by saying that it is for another time or another people. We do not say that what Allah has commanded for us is oppressive. We accept and obey. This is faith and trust.
Narrated Imran ibn Husayn: The Apostle of Allah (peace_be_upon_him) said: Seventy thousand people of my Ummah would be admitted into Paradise without rendering any account. They (the companions) said: Who would be those (fortunate persons)? He (the Prophet) said: Those who do not cauterise and practise charm, but repose trust in their Lord, Sahih Muslim: Book 1, Number 0422.
There is much reward in trusting Allah, paradise. There is sin in distrusting Him. We need to stop relying on our desires our minds our version of logic and realize that Allah is the one who Knows while we know not. Allah is the Wise, and His judgements are wise by default. Allah is the Just and His verdicts are Just by default. We can not see everything in every issue as Allah can, so why do we insist on believing that our minds can be trusted before or instead of Allah?
I pray to You, O Allah, to make us trust you and only you. May you make us of the Trusting and keep us from trusting or worshipping our minds before you. Ameen.

The Forwarding of HATE Mail....

2008-07-14T01:22:00.004+03:00

Alsalaamu alaycom wa rahmatulahi wa barakatu:

I want to make you aware that this sort of hate-mail is being passed around as "truth". I also attempted to research what paper had originally posted it and by whom it was written. Apparently, it has been posted under the names of MANY different authors and cannot be traced back to the original. The most used name is Captain John Maniscalco who is a confirmed pilot for American Airlines, but has denied being the author of this letter (http://www.snopes.com/rumors/soapbox/worryme.asp http://www.breakthechain.org/exclusives/worry.html).
The version I received seems to have had another added note at the top and I will also paste what someone else had commented about this disgusting letter:

"As for the Muslims in our country, on Dec 7th 1941, Japan attacked our shores and killed many that day. We as a country took the indigenous Japanese members living in our country and put them in concentration camps till we could figure out who was friend or foe. No one in America questioned the logic of that move then. The Muslim members living here should get down on their hands and knees and pray to Allah that we didn't follow the lead of those living in 1941, otherwise they'd be viewing the world through chain link fencing rather than standing around bitching about how bad we're treating them with profiling them at air ports and all. The way we're going now with being politically correct and not offending anyone, it's really no question as to IF there will be another plane plowed into our buildings again but rather WHEN it will happen. I think it's time we all quit be ing so politically correct and tighten our security,; you may as well start kissing your loved ones good by because someone will lose one of those in the next attack. Here is the letter that started this:

Subject: You worry me!
This pilot hit the nail on the head in his open letter. He needs to be awarded a Medal for having the FORTITUDE to say all this in a very profound way! The paper stated today that some Muslim doctor is saying we are profiling him because he has been checked three times while getting on an airplane. The following is a letter from a pilot. This well-spoken man, who is a pilot with American Airlines, says what is in his heart, beautifully. Read, absorb and pass this on.

"YOU WORRY ME!" By American Airlines Pilot - Captain John Maniscalco

I've been trying to say this since 9-11, but you worry me. I wish you didn't. I wish when I walked down the streets of this country that I love, that your color and culture still blended with the beautiful human landscape we enjoy in this country But you don't blend in anymore. I notice you, and it worries me. I notice you because I can't help it anymore. People from your homelands, professing to be Muslims, have been attacking and killing my fellow citizens and our friends for more than 20 years now. I don't fully understand their grievances and hate, but I know that nothing can justify the inhumanity of their attacks. On September 11, nineteen ARAB-MUSLIMS hijacked four jetliners in my country. They cut the throats of women in front of children and brutally stabbed to death others. They took control of those planes and crashed them into buildings killing thousands of proud fathers, loving sons, wise grandparents, elegant daughters, best friends, favorite coaches, fearless public servants, and children's mothers. The Palestinians Celebrated, the Iraqis were overjoyed as was most of the Arab world. So, I notice you now. I don't want to be worried. I don't want to be consumed by the same rage and hate and prejudice that has destroyed the soul of these terrorists. But, I need your help. As a rational American, trying to protect my country and family in an irrational and unsafe world, I must know how to tell the difference between you, and the Arab/Muslim terrorist. How do I differentiate between the true Arab/Muslim-Americans and the Arab/Muslim terrorists in our communities who are attending our schools, enjoying our parks, and living in OUR communities under the protection of OUR constitution, while they plot the next attack that will slaughter these same good neighbors and children? The events of September 11th changed the answer It is not my responsibility to determine which of you embraces our great country, with ALL of its religions, with ALL of its different citizens, with all of its faults. It is time for every Arab/Muslim in this country to determine it for me. I want to know, I demand to know, and I have a right to know, whether or not you love America. Do you pledge allegiance to its flag? Do you proudly display it in front of your house, or on your car? Do you pray in your many daily prayers that Allah will bless this nation, that He will protect and prosper it? Or, do you pray that Allah with destroy it in one of your Jihads? Are you thankful for the freedom that only this nation affords? A freedom that was paid for by the blood of hundreds of thousands of patriots who gave their lives for this country? Are you willing to preserve this freedom by also paying the ultimate sacrifice? Do you love America? If this is your commitment, then I need YOU to start letting ME know about it. Your Muslim leaders in this nation should be flooding the media at this time with hard facts on your faith, and what hard actions you are taking as a community and as a religion to protect the United States of America. Please, no more benign overtures of regret for the death of the innocent because I worry about who you regard as innocent. No more benign overtures of condemnation for the unprovoked attacks because I worry about what is unprovoked to you. I am not interested in any more sympathy. I am only interested in action. What will you do for America - our great country - at this time of crisis, at this time of war? I want to see Arab-Muslims waving the AMERICAN flag in the streets. I want to hear you chanting "Allah Bless America." I want to see young Arab/Muslim men enlisting in the military. I want to see a commitment of money, time, and emotion to the victims of this butchering and to this nation as a whole. The FBI has a list of over 400 people they want to talk to regarding the WTC attack. Many of these people live and socialize right now in Muslim communities. You know them. You know where they are. Hand them over to us, now! But I have seen little even approaching this sort of action. Instead I have seen an already closed and secretive community close even tighter. You have disappeared from the streets. You have posted armed security guards at your facilities. You have threatened lawsuits. You have screamed for protection from reprisals. The very few Arab/Muslim representatives that HAVE appeared in the media were defensive and equivocating. They seemed more concerned with making sure that the United States proves who was responsible before taking action. They seemed more concerned with protecting their fellow Muslims from violence directed towards them in the United States and abroad than they did with supporting our country and denouncing "leaders" like Khadafi, Hussein, Farrakhan, and Arafat. If the true teachings of Islam proclaim tolerance and peace and love for all people, then I want chapter and verse from the Koran and statements from popular Muslim leaders to back it up What good is it if the teachings in the Koran are good, and pure, and true, when your "leaders" are teaching fanatical interpretations, terrorism, and intolerance? It matters little how good Islam SHOULD BE if huge numbers of the world's Muslims interpret the teachings of Mohammed incorrectly and adhere to a degenerative form of the religion. A form that has been demonstrated to us over and over again. A form whose structure is built upon a foundation of violence, death, and suicide. A form whose members are recruited from the prisons around the world. A form whose members (some as young as five years old) are seen day after day, week in and week out, year after year, marching in the streets around the world, burning effigies of our presidents, burning the American flag, shooting weapons into the air. A form whose members convert from a peaceful religion, only to take up arms against the great United States of America, the country of their birth. A form whose rules are so twisted, that their traveling members refuse to show their faces at airport security checkpoints, in the name of Islam. We will NEVER allow the attacks of September 11, or any others for that matter, to take away that which is so precious to us: Our rights under the greatest constitution in the world. I want to know where every Arab Muslim in this country stands and I think it is my right and the right of every true citizen of this country to demand it. A right paid for by the blood of thousands of my brothers and sisters who died protecting the very constitution that is protecting you and your family. I am pleading with you to let me know. I want you here as my brother, my neighbor, my friend, as a fellow American. But there can be no gray areas or ambivalence regarding your allegiance and it is up to YOU, to show ME, where YOU stand. Until then, "YOU WORRY ME!" "

Honestly, it's very sad to me that this sort of hate mail has been passed around to various people and posted as if it is true. We should share ideas of understanding, rather than discrimination. I share the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. - judge ME by the content of my character, not my race, my religion, my sex or my nationality.

Aren't We Supposed to be ONE Ummah?!?

2008-06-04T01:42:00.002+03:00

Alsalaamu alaycom wa rahmatulah wa barakatu:

I have come again to realize more of the prejudices of our own community. Everyone has labels for themselves as a follower of one school of thought or another, Sunni or Shia or Sufi, Arab or non-Arab, raised-Muslim or revert. Weren't these things thrown out by Allah SWT in the Qur'an? Bilal RA was an Abyssinian slave who accepted Islam, and one of the great companions of Prophet Muhammed SAWS. He was blessed with the honor of being the first person to call the adhan and will be the one to do so when the Day of Judgement arrives. Most Arabs couldn't read or write at the time of the Prophet SAWS, himself included, yet he received the Qur'an from Allah SWT.
"It is He (God) Who had sent among the unlettered (the Arabs) a Messenger (Muhammad) from among themselves... and (also to) others (i.e. non-Arabs) among them who have not yet joined them (as Muslims)..." (Quran 62:2-3)
Allah SWT made no differences between us except our Eman.
"O humanity! We have created you from a single male and female and have made you into nations and tribes that you may know one another (not that you have pride over one another). Verily, the most honorable of you in the God's Sight is the one most pious…" (Quran 49:13)
Allah SWT didn't want anyone to have pride of their nationality or wealth either.
"If your fathers, your sons, your brothers, your wives, your tribe, the wealth you have gained, the commerce in which you fear a decline, and the dwellings in which you delight are dearer to you than God and His Messenger and striving hard in His Cause, then wait until God brings about His Decision. And God guides not a rebellious people." (Quran 9:24)

"While those who disbelieved placed in their hearts pride and haughtiness - the pride and haughtiness of jahiliyya, God sent down His tranquility upon His Messenger and upon the Believers…" (Quran 48:26)
Allah SWT asks us to be as HE SWT created us to be...
"Thus, We have made you (Believers into) a (single) justly-balanced community..." (Quran 2:143)

"And among His Signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth and the (wonderful) differences of your languages and colors. Verily, in that are indeed signs for people of sound knowledge." (Quran 30:22)

So why are we putting barriers between ourselves? Aren't we just supposed to be Muslim? I see this in those claiming to have more knowledge than others, in those asking for marriage, and cliques, even in the masajid.

If you are one with knowledge, then why don't you share it? If you have be educated in fiqh, Arabic, tajweed, shariah, hadith, salat, zakat- these things are beneficial and you should share them with your brothers and sisters in Islam. Even small things like how to make a proper hijab is beneficial! When I first reverted to Islam, my biggest complaint was not knowing other ways to make my scarf! (I had to figure it out by myself, and ended up with what my husband called "an old-lady style"). Knowing what places sell jelbabs/abayas, Qur'an, halal foods, prayer rugs- those are valuable things to share with others especially in non-Muslim countries!

Another thing that I've noticed is a problem with those asking for marriage and ruling out too many excellent brothers and sisters. For example, those who ask for "Born/Raised Muslims". It's funny that these people ask for them because of their preference for what they think is someone who lived a "clean" life. Does this mean that the person always practiced properly? Does this mean that they didn't also make mistakes in their Islam? Funny, that you would hold the fact that someone wasn't raised in a society or family that was Muslim against them, although Allah SWT was merciful in accepting them into Islam and cleaning their previous sins away when they declared their Shahadah! What would make a person judge someone based on things they did before their Islam, when even Allah SWT exempted these things?? There are plenty of people in supposed "Muslim" countries that don't practice Islam. I can state that in one country I've been to that the only time you can enjoy being outside is in Ramadan when everyone stops smoking (at least in the daytime!) cigarettes and sheesha! In some of these "Muslim" countries, you also find bars and prostitution. I'm not saying that everyone goes to these things or that there are not excellent people there, but I AM saying that you shouldn't judge someone else who was raised in a non-Muslim country who chose their Islam regardless of these terrible things being called "acceptable"in their society/family.
Also the fact that some people specifically ask for one nationality or another, or ONLY doctors/engineers/lawyers. This also removes the idea that anyone else could POSSIBLY be acceptable to them and excludes sooooo many people. Does one career or nationality guarantee a good marriage? Even if you share the same nationality, it doesn't mean that you won't run into issues! I've heard a story of an Egyptian couple that used to fight over the way the wife prepared food! This was because she didn't make it the way his mother used to! There will always be an adjustment period when you try to figure out what is acceptable to both of you and learn from each other. As far as occupations go, this is a silly thing. An occupation doesn't make someone a good person, or even mean that they are excellent in the said occupation! Why the prejudice of occupations?? There are too many fine occupations that people work!

The other issue I see in many of those seeking marriages now is the Mahr (dowry). It's very strange to me that people will put a price on their worth! I would also say that in most cases, it's grossly over-estimated and usually keeps possible suitors from marrying such a person! Aren't we supposed to be choosing our potential spouse based on religion? Why couldn't it be a simple wedding and mahr? Alhamdulilah, my wedding was at the masjid with a few people and my mahr was an Arabic copy of the Qur'an and a promise that my husband would teach me Arabic so I could someday read it.

Please, please, please consider that everyone makes mistakes at one time or another. It's not for us to judge, but to hopefully encourage one another back to the right path! We should support one another and break down these barriers between us. Regardless of our native language, we can all say "Alsalaamu alaycom" and "wa alaycom salaam"- this is quite a beautiful gift and mercy from Allah SWT to identify ourselves as Muslims to each other and others.

Sisters, Half of this Ummah and of Vital Importance

2008-05-29T12:40:00.005+03:00

Sisters, as much as brothers, are responsible for contributing to Islamic work in America (as well as the rest of the world!). There are a number of things that can be done on a personal, family and community level. Sound Vision talked to four Muslim sisters who are active in their communities for their ideas. They suggested the following:

1. Remember you are a khalifa on earth. Both men and women are appointed by Allah as His khalifa (trustees) on earth (Quran 33:72-73). We have been given this amana (trust) from Allah SWT, and it is our responsibility to care for it. We must not forget that we will all be asked on the Day of Judgement what we did with our time. What did we do for the sake of Allah SWT while we were alive? How did we spend our time, wealth, health, knowledge and other resources Allah SWT has entrusted to us as a gift? How have we tried to make our ummah stronger? Will we make the grade?

2. Make your intention for the sake of Allah SWT. Where does success really come from? It's from Allah SWT. But without the correct intentions and methods, success at home and work won't happen. "Actions are but by intentions," said Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) in a Hadith in Bukhari and Muslim. Make your intention to please Allah SWT first and foremost. This is the first and most important thing no matter what type of activism you become involved in.

3. Make Dua (supplication). Who can really answer your prayers and help you? Allah SWT, of course. Ask only from Allah SWT. Ask Him SWT for Guidance, understanding, and a straight intention. Ask Him SWT to accept your efforts for His SWT cause. Then watch as Insha Allah, He SWT helps you throughout your work for His SWT Cause.

4. Seek knowledge, a path to Paradise and power. Once your intention is clear, how do you know what the right method is to contribute to Islam in America (and around the world)? The key is knowledge. Specifically, knowledge of the Quran and Sunnah. This is not necessarily the knowledge you may have picked up in the Muslim country or community you grew up in. We're talking about knowledge based on original sources — the Quran and Sunnah. "For him who follows a path for seeking knowledge, Allah will ease for him the path to Paradise" said the Prophet SAWS in a Hadith in Muslim. For starters, one simple thing you can do is to read a translation of the Quran in a language you feel most comfortable with. This is not to say that translations will give you a complete understanding of the Quran. What it will provide though, is a basic overview. Sincerely seek the truth. Remember that your goal as an ordinary Muslim at this point, is not to "reinterpret" the Quran. It is simply to expose yourself to Allah's SWT Message in a way that you can understand.

5. Learn about your rights and duties and change who you are accordingly. Is knowledge meant to just fill our heads? Of course not. If we want to work for Islam in America or anywhere else, we've got to start with ourselves first. This not only means to know but to practice what we know. We must work from the inside out. We must fix our character first, then work with our families, neighborhood and further out within the community.

6. Raise good Muslim sons and daughters. Who raised those brothers who won't let sisters come to the mosque? Mostly women. For all the talk of Muslim women going out to change the world, we tend to forget about the one place where women have the most control: as mothers. Use this power. It's mothers who can perpetuate notions of what a woman's place is, and they also can perpetuate a lot of the misguided notions about the position of women in Islam. Think through what messages you are giving your children. For example, how many mothers spoil their sons by not insisting they clean up their own room, put away their own dishes after dinner, help clean up the house or fold the laundry? Mothers can and should challenge gender stereotypes in their own homes. This may be considered a small step for moms, but it leads to big steps for Muslim brothers. With regards to daughters, mothers must orient them in the right direction on a personal level as Muslims, then at the academic and career levels. Not to forget but mothers are their daughters first role model. Be an example for her of a solid, strong Muslim.

7. Speak out against injustice. Feeling powerless against the Muslim men who won't let you come to the mosque? At least speak out against it. Did a speaker say something insensitive about sisters? Speak out against it. Use your knowledge of the Quran and Sunnah to challenge gender-unfriendly spaces and positions in the Muslim community. Too often, the status quo is maintained because Muslim women do not speak up. And don't just speak out against the bad. Ask questions and comment with wisdom as well.

8. Don't underestimate the power of social activities. Do you think organizing social activities such as dinners for sisters is just a waste of time? Not if you know the reality of the Muslim community here in America. While many sisters have families they can easily turn to for company and support, there are many who don't. Our communities have plenty of sisters who are new to Islam, or sisters who are students from abroad, or who recently immigrated here with their families but who are hungry for companionship. What better companionship than that of Muslim sisters for the sake of Allah SWT? Organizing weekly dinners, teas, Halaqas are all small practical steps that Muslim sisters can take to help each other not only cope with loneliness, but more importantly become closer to Allah SWT, if He SWT wills. This creates a much-needed social network.

9. Go into professions that are needed in the community. Often, we encourage our children to go into professions that are seen as prestigious or that will ensure them financial security. These may not, however, be professions that are most needed by the Muslim community. Identify what the needs are and encourage young women to pursue careers in these fields. For example, there is dire need for Muslim community advocates, social workers, therapists, family counselors, and other support resources. The shortage of such professional skills within the community forces Muslims to go to non-Muslims who are often insensitive to our religious values. Another field where Muslim women are needed is law. Marriage, divorce, custody of children, and inheritance are all issues which directly affect Muslim women, and for which they will rarely find a Muslim advocate. There is a need for sisters who know Islamic law and the local law to help Muslim women deal with issues like these with sincere, sound advice, as well as sympathetic support. Is there a Muslim woman doctor in the house? For the most part, the answer is no. It is no cliche to say that there is a crying need for women in the medical field. Sisters are especially needed in sensitive fields like obstetrics and gynecology, fertiltiy specialists, etc. These are among many areas where women, especially Muslim ones, feel most comfortable discussing exclusively with other women who will understand where they are coming from.

10. Teach in Islamic weekend schools. Does getting an education degree sound too far-fetched? If so, consider helping Islam in America by teaching at the local Islamic weekend school. This is where a number of Muslim kids (most of whom attend public school) find their only Islamic environment throughout the whole week. The presence Muslim sisters as mentioned above, is not just in imparting knowledge but it's also in being a positive role model. As well, teaching in Islamic weekend schools provides you with the opportunity to clarify the position of women in Islam, to clear it of the cultural baggage so many Muslim parents tend to pass down to their kids.

11. Enjoin the good and forbid the evil. The Prophet SAWS said: If one of you sees something evil he should change it with his hand. If he cannot, he should speak out against it, and if he cannot do even that he should at least detest it in his heart, this being the weakest form of faith (Muslim). Enjoining the good and forbidding the evil is not the domain of Muslim brothers alone. Sisters are also required to do this, whether it is on an individual or community level. Look for opportunities and build your strength to do this. Not only will you be fulfilling a religious duty, but you will become stronger and Allah SWT-willing, gain the strength to speak out against wrong regardless who is doing the wrong.

12. Promote and appreciate sisters doing good work. How many of us spend time to appreciate the work Muslims sisters do to promote the cause of Islam? Whether a sister has given an inspiring speech, written a useful article, established a fantastic program for the mosque, a number of sisters tend to beat each other down instead of trying to build each other up. Promoting and appreciating sisters who are doing good work will not only serve as encouragement for them, it will also pinpoint acceptable role models for young Muslim women. This is important when many or our young girls look up to women who are models, actresses and singers, as opposed to those making a positive contribution to society.

13. Support other sisters in need or difficulty. Do you know a sister who takes care of her own kids, plus an ailing mother-in-law? Or a sister who needs a night out with her husband after a frustrating week juggling work and home responsibilities? Give her a break. Offer to babysit for a night, or take her kids to the park so she can have some free time to herself. These small gestures give a big boost to sisterhood and Muslim community support, not to mention support for a Muslim family.

14. Get sympathetic speakers and scholars invited to the community. Who are the top five speakers in your community? What is their understanding of Islam and especially the role of women? Do they speak out against injustice? Or do they promote the status quo? Sisters can encourage community leaders to invite speakers to shed light on Muslim women's issues, and who can address problems from an Islamic perspective in a wise and sensitive way.

15. Teach sisters how to deal with discrimination. How many sisters know how to respond effectively to discrimination and harassment? It seems that most will tend to ignore it. Others may respond with a rude remark of their own. But neither of these approaches is usually appropriate. Muslim women can help here by developing an effective strategy in consultation with Imams and community leaders. Informing and enabling Muslim women on how to seek legal recourse if they so choose is another needed service.

16. Become journalists and media professionals. Do you think the ability to write well and communicate effectively has no effect on others? You're wrong. A knowledgeable, practicing Muslim woman who can write and speak well is a powerful weapon against those who say Islam oppresses women, or that women can't come to the mosque for instance. The media is an unavoidable tool in the spread of Islam amongst Muslims and non-Muslims and sisters should not avoid this field of study.

17. Use what you have. If you're already a working Muslim woman, how can you contribute without necessarily changing careers? Use your professional skills for the community. If you can write well, establish a well-written, organized and attractive community newsletter. If you're in business, establish a community fundraising project for the local mosque's expansion. Use what you've got. It'll take some thinking and planning, but you're almost bound to find a way you can contribute, if Allah SWT wills.

18. Know and teach women's history. Do you think women's history means learning exclusively about American feminists? Think again. Muslim women have their own heroes. Aisha, Khadijah, Maryam, Asiya (may Allah be pleased with all of them) are our role models. Remember that Muslim women's history does not start and end with these four righteous women. Muslim history is full of women who have made positive contributions. We also need to recognize, and know the efforts of the pioneering Muslim women who came to North America and worked in partnership with men to establish the various Muslim institutions now flourishing in North America. Know the history of the first generation of Muslim women as well as those who established the Muslim community in North America. Read to your daughters the stories of the great female companions of the Prophet SAWS in books like Abdul Wahid Hamid's Companions of the Prophet SAWS.

19. Understand the issues of the day. Do you know what your kids are learning in school? Is there a sex education class promoting unIslamic ideas? What are you going to do about it? Do you participate in your child's Earth Day activities at school? Muslims sisters have to know the issues of the day in order to make an impact. Whether it's sex education, drunk driving or rape these and other issues should be of concern to us as well, and not just non-Muslims. Being vocal, and most importantly, knowing and advocating the Islamic position on issues of the day affords you the opportunity to stand up for justice and to make Dawah. Don't pass it up.

I would also like to add that ALL sisters in Islam should pay attention to these suggestions! Even if you are from a Muslim family, don't take your Islam for granted. Too many times I've seen families that mistake their culture as Islam. Do your homework! Numbers 4 and 5 are of particular importance. Life itself is a learning experience. We should always strive to learn more and be in a constant state of improving ourselves. No one is perfect, nor will we ever be- this does not conflict with trying to improve oneself and correct bad behaviours and habits and learn better ones! I want to also say that if you ARE living in a "Muslim country", as I am, then also take advantage of giving Dawah to new brothers and sisters that have traveled to your country from a non-Muslim country, or even give it to those that are from Muslim families already. We should always remind one another of our duties, rights, and beliefs in Islam. Even if you have been raised in a Muslim family, you are still required to educate yourself, and also to advise others if you find "cultural baggage" that interferes in living an Islamic life. You may have been fortunate enough to be raised as a Muslim, but don't take this for granted and make sure that you also CHOOSE to be Muslim.

Cultural Differences in Sickness....

2008-04-24T15:19:00.002+02:00

Alsalaamu alaycom wa rahmatulahi wa barakatu:

Hello again and welcome! I've been sick, yet AGAIN, with tonsillitis. Oh the fun! NOT! Anyway, waiting for another consultation to see if they should be removed or not. In the meantime, I have been thinking of the differences in treatment when you are ill in the States vs. an Arabic culture. In my family, for instance, typically it is a matter of "toughing it out". As my grandfather used to say "only weak-minded people are sick" and if he was ever sick "it is something that would kill a normal person" :-) Maybe you just lie around for a few days, drink lots of fluids, take your meds and then get on with it. Of course, this is if it's "severe", otherwise, you do drink all of your fluids at work, take lots of tissues and hand sanitizer, and then crash out as soon as you go back home! Here, it seems if you have anything, it's very dramatic. Of course, doesn't really count for myself, but everyone else. My mother-in-law seems to be an exception, because typically, she won't say anything if she is ill. Usually, it's a matter of her actually taking the time to take some rest (she runs everywhere for everyone and cleans like crazy everyday) and eating better. By then, you feel bad because there isn't much to do for her other than let the poor woman sleep and try to bring her drinks or food.

For others, it's different. If it's really serious, pretty much every family member that heard you are in the hospital will come and hang out with you. Per my husband, it may depend also on your popularity within the family. I saw this when I went with him to see his doctor and there were several family members that came with a man from the countryside. I also know that in the UAE they have large hospital rooms and set them up so the family can stay beside a patient and make tea, food, and sleep in there with the patient. Apparently, you should also make a lot of noise about the pain or whatever, and if it really is something serious, you are often told that the person will die. Of course, sometimes people are apparently "dying" and rushing to the hospital just over hearing bad news. Not sure why so dramatic. I mean, we've all had times when we've been upset and really cried and were depressed, but "dying"?? Come on now! Sadly, when dealing with certain people when they are ill, it's not easy for me to know how serious it is when it's always sooooo dramatic. Only because it could be that way over something as silly as a common cold! Of course, my mother-in-law is an exception because I KNOW something is wrong if she actually naps during the day and isn't up running around for everything. I can only do for her as I do for my own mother and just try to be nearby if she needs/wants anything and try to stay quiet so she can sleep.

I know that when my own father was ill back in the States with cancer in his tonsils, it was difficult to understand his actual condition. When I would call, I was told different things. In this respect, it can be considered the same here. Of course, you always take things like cancer seriously, even when you are told the person is in remission because it may come back later. When I went to see one of my sisters-in-law after she gave birth, I was surprised to see soooooo many people in the room with her. I guess because most of them were also sleeping there at the hospital as well, and this isn't typical in the States. I know that for myself, that many people in the hospital with me would make me nervous. But, I guess when you are raised with lots of family members around you most of the time, it can make you feel more secure. I am usually worried about just having one or two family members with me if I ever go to the hospital for anything serious.

I think there is also a difference in the care once you are back home. When my mother had her hip replaced, I was basically her nurse. In Arabic culture, there are usually many people supporting the person and doing various tasks. Of course, I feel like in my case with my mother, it was a better thing to just be myself because I understand her, love her, and other people may have overwhelmed her. Maybe it's easier when you are close to a person and can understand their needs that maybe that cannot express properly to someone else. It was a bit more difficult when my husband was recovering from a serious illness so shortly after we married. But, I guess we all just do the best we can!

Maybe you are wondering why I am even writing or thinking about this so much. I guess because of illnesses in the family here and myself. It makes you think, especially when you may have a surgery, about who will help you in your recovery when you cannot do for yourself.

ISNA 2007: Hamza Yusuf

2008-03-31T22:44:00.001+02:00

This is an awesome video :-)

What I've Learned Lately....

2008-03-31T21:22:00.000+02:00

Alsalaamu alaycom wa rahmatulahi wa barakatu:

I've really learned so much about myself, and others in the past six years. I converted to Islam on January 26, 2003, which needless to say, was a huge event in my life. I have learned that although you may know people your entire life, they may or may not actually understand you. I have also learned that even those people who don't understand you, may love you all the same. When I think back to who I was before I converted and even shortly after, it is as if I was another person. My life was such a mess, and I knew I had so much emotional baggage. I also knew that I had literal baggage in the people that I was associated with at the time. So many people had these games that they played, and lies that they told, or had some agenda that I didn't need to be a part of. I never have been or will be one of those people that isn't straightforward and honest about who I am, or where I come from, or what I'm about. I will never understand those that are not like this. It's an unfortunate thing that you sometimes learn about a person too late. I say too late, because you usually end up caring about this person and their well-being, even though they never carried the same feelings for you.

I'm guessing you may be questioning why I'm discussing this? I will tell you a few things that I've experienced. My mother-in-law, for instance, loves me dearly as one of her own children. She loves me, although she doesn't always understand me. She doesn't speak English, and I barely speak Arabic. Most of the Arabic I've learned, has been from her, alhamdulilah. I've lived with her for approximately a year and a half, off and on. My American culture is quite different from her Egyptian, but we both do our best to understand and accomodate one another. What she knows of me is from what others have translated on my behalf, my actions and my own broken Arabic- yet she respects, admires, and loves me. Actually, she would tell me this before I ever came here from the States! She admires that I was a muslimah prior to meeting my husband, and that I was hijabi shortly after converting. She admires that I was doing so, although the U.S. had invaded Iraq shortly after I converted. She knows that I went through a difficult time because of this. I lost my job and "friends", and I was screamed at on the streets. I was fortunate enough that my family still loves me and didn't disown or disassociate themselves from me, alhamdulilah. My own parents don't understand my religion, but they love and respect me all the same, alhamdulilah. Sometimes, I feel so different from both of my families. I feel like an oddity in the middle of both worlds. I'm both, and yet neither. Subhan'Allah! How strange this life can be!

I'm still trying to find my place in this world. I have made such drastic changes in my life the past six years! I converted to Islam, wear hijab, married, moved from Indiana to Brooklyn, NY to Cairo, Egypt to Al-Ain, Abu Dhabi- UAE and back to Cairo! The funny part is that all of the moving I've done has been in the last two years alone!! It's been an enlightening experience, to say the least. I've met so many different people and seen many things I've never seen before. Unfortunately, I had a bad experience in cultural differences five years ago. I was put into a situation and I hadn't been prepared ahead of time for it. I will say that I now understand that a huge cultural difference for me is having to be really cautious about what you say. I'm not used to being this way, in that I'm a very open person. I expect that others should understand that I've been raised in a completely different culture and that I perceive things differently. Personally, I don't believe that in this philosophy and believe that you should state things for how they are truly. I also understand that certain people ask questions or state things to you for some hidden purpose. What they call here "zig-zag"- type people. Of course, not everyone has these agendas. I've met some really awesome people that I truly treasure and admire, alhamdulilah.

Anyway, I realize that maybe I've rambled a bit. But, it's my blog and I can if I want to! :-) I've, obviously, had much on my mind today! I'm also wondering about my purpose in this life, and what is the plan that Allah SWT has for me. I'm trying my best to accept my fate and what direction I should strive for next. I am sincerely praying to be a scholar in Islam and attend either Al-Azhar or any other Islamic institute, insha'Allah. Currently, I'm just not sure how it will all work out yet. Anyway, I've been dreaming of that for the past four years. So, these are all of things I've been contemplating today! Maybe it seems random, but for me, it's just a reflection and summation of the past few years. Sometimes, I believe it's good to remind yourself of where you came from to see where you will go!

I dedicate this to all of the amazing family and friends in my life. Know that all of you are always in my heart and mind, although we may be apart.