My Hopes and Wishes

I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year and hope that 2008 and beyond will bring a brighter future to everyone!

Remember, God helps those who help themselves!

Happy Eve of Eve

I can't believe it's the eve of New Year's eve. New beginnings once more?

This year I spent a lot of time thinking about death. It is not that I have a morbid fascination with the afterlife and the grave but this year so many people I know passed away. Some young, some old - some were just babies in the womb. With Benazir Bhutto also put to rest, I thought, "so she did end up dying, after all that." Maybe it's because I also have children now (as opposed to 1 child) and I worry about them and think about them all the time.

Insha'Allah I will be sending my toddler to pre-school in a couple of days time and I worry about her even more. Maybe it is because the crime rate continues to rise and bad news overshadows happy stories in the tabloids.

I think about the older people who have fallen ill and passed on and I worry about my relatively young parents who seem to be getting older by the day. I wonder if I would be able to take care of them as they make less and less sense.

I don't want to kick the new year off with a dark cloud hanging over my head. I started 2007 on a positive, somewhat shaky note, leaving my career and all that. Alhamdulillah it turned out well despite the bumpy path it took that brings me to blog tonight.

Death is a certainty, all Muslims know that. In fact, all religions know that and no matter how many contemporary issues end up in debates and dialogues, mankind are united when it comes to agreeing that death will happen, no matter what.

What if we link hands and dance around in a circle chanting "death is certain" this new year instead of "celebrating" in the normal myriads of customs. Maybe that would be a good start for world peace. That's ironic, considering all the problems we are facing - especially those embalmed in death - killings, honour killings, murders, suicide bombers, serial slayers and not to mention natural disasters!

I don't mean to be morbid, I don't. But as good as 2007 was for me, and insha'Allah for many, many Muslims and nonMuslims around the world suffered in the bloody hands of violence. If there are any initiatives that will not end in futile struggles, I am sure that many are looking forward to changes in 2008.

So I will say a short du'a for all Muslims and nonMuslims alike to be able to live in peace, without fear and stress, apprehension and depression. I pray for everyone to achieve their dreams and work towards making our little world, a little happier each day.

Benazir Bhutto has been Assasinated

This just came in.

I was about to blog on something else - something a little self-absorbed - but here we are. Something to ponder on.

A Christmas Greeting

I want to wish my fellow humans, Arabs and non Arabs, who celebrate Christmas--A Merry Christmas!

Insha' Allah, you and your families may have peace and happiness!

How is the weather over there?

I am not sure about you but we have been experiencing torrential rains here in Malaysia. (It was also the wrong time to start potty training my toddler). But the weather is not always cold - the day alternates between hours of pounding heat followed by a continuous downpour of rain.

Due to our drainage and general sanitation problems we face here, many states have flooded over, namely: Terrengganu, Pahang, Kelantan and Johor. Some survivors (both Muslims and nonMuslims) are still recovering from last year's floods. These natural catastrophes seem to be an annual event and help is not always available.

You can read a little more about it here. Insha'Allah once I find the donation addresses, I'll post it up here, should anyone wish to lend a hand. Du'as are always welcomed!

Studying Opportunities Available

Prince Alwaleed Bin Talaal ISNA Fellowship Program

The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talaal ISNA Fellowship Program offers theopportunity for Masters level courses in the study of philanthropy andnon-profit management.

We are currently searching for ten graduate students for the Fall2008 class of fellows. The fellows will be given the opportunity tostudy non-profit management, fundraising, capacity development, andother relevant fields. These courses will be taken at the IndianaUniversity Center on Philanthropy or any accredited institutions ofhigher education and centers of philanthropic studies.

The fellowship program's goal is to train effective and knowledgeableMuslim leaders who are able to advance programming, fundraising, andother essential skills needed to lead successful non-profitorganizations in North America.

Apply Today:

• Deadline for application: January 15, 2008
• For further information, contact Sr. Aliya Khan Chaplin at fellowship@isna.net or (317) 839-8157 x 816 (office).
• -------> If you apply from Greater Chicago area for this please inform the Council at:
  rachid@ciogc.org
  about it as well so we can see if it is possible to help you acquire this fellowship.

Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago (CIOGC)231 S. State St. #300, Chicago, IL 60607 ( (312) 506-0070

We are Thinking of You Palestine--Sami Yusuf with Outlandish - Try Not To Cry

This is dedicated as a reminder to the struggle of Palestine. I just got news more than 10 died today in Gaza, Palestine.

Palestine, we will never forget you! Stand strong...you are truly an inspiration to oppressed people everywhere!

Nasheed - The Days of Eid

On December 19, 2007, billions of Muslims will be celebrating Eid Al Adha (Feast of Sacrifice).

Muslims will attend masjids, visiting family and friends, and donating meat and gifts to the less fortunate.

Muslim helps Jews

Many agree that Muslims generally don't get to be portrayed in a positive light in the media. However, at CNN.com, I have to give them credit! They posted a story about a Muslim man helping Jews who were being attacked on a New York subway.

Below is an introduction to the article and click on the link to read the rest!

Muslim helps Jews attacked on New York subway

NEW YORK (CNN) -- A Muslim man jumped to the aid of three Jewish subway riders after they were attacked by a group of young people who objected to one of the Jews saying "Happy Hanukkah," a spokeswoman for the three said Wednesday. Click on the link below to read the rest of the story!

http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/12/12/subway.attack/index.html?iref=newssearch

Let's Be Clear

Yesterday, I had read on CNN and Aljazeera that a chain-email was circulated by a couple of volunteers working on the Hillary Clinton's campaign. However those volunteers were forced to resign from
the campaign.

This email was a rumor about Barack Obama being a Muslim and wanting to destroy the U.S. once he gets elected.

I just groaned when I read the articles because now being a Muslims is an insult. At least that is what I get from making inferences after reading the articles and that ridiculous email.

Well, I am going to state a few brief facts about Muslims in America. Muslims:

• Are men, women and children from diverse countries including Americans. Majority of Muslims are not of Arab descent.
• Advocate education, often sending their children to college.
• Volunteer through organizations, charities, or as individuals.
• Believe in one God.

The Hajj's Qiblah

Is the Hajj season ever marginalised in your country? I know in Malaysia it falls second to Eidul Fitr, which is celebrated for a month with continuous bingeing. I know that is not right. You should still obseve a healthy diet, especially after that wonderful Ramadhan de-tox - yet Malaysians are seen stuffing their faces at 3 in the morning while watching a football match live from Chelsea.

Anyway, it is also wrong to marginalise Eidul Adha. Hajj commemorates the plight of Prophet Abraham (peace and blessings upon him) and his families during difficult times. It was then when sacrifices to feed the poor was established; the Hajj rituals completed; and where zam zam water was found. All this happened through Prophet Abraham and family (peace upon them) submitting in totality to the Hands of Allah Ta'ala.

Not many of us can do that today. Submit. There are so many distractions that allow us to look away from the Ka'bah - change the Qiblah if you like. Maybe that is why Eidul Adha falls second to Eidul Fitr in some countries.

I had a run in with an old friend a few weeks back. Naturally, you would think we would be delighted to see each other after her brief disappearance. When we were studying together, she was, in my opinion, a wonderful Muslimah. I did not know her well, but I liked her alot and respected her even more.

She was always humble, and popular - everyone had something nice to say about her, especially all the lecturers! She observed hijab strictly and was ALWAYS modest around the opposite gender. She was an excellent student and frequented the prayer room. She kept good relations with everyone. She was also ambitious - and she had high prospects to be extremely successful. After all, she was intelligent, hardworking, devout and had excellent interpersonal skills.

I got to know her better after we graduated and had high hopes for her. She looked forward to a rewarding career and a wedding ring.

Then she disappeared.

I thought she had fallen off the face of the earth. But I learned of her thriving career overseas and her engagement. I was really happy for her. It seemed like everything was falling into place.

And then she returned - a few years later - a few weeks back - wealthier than ever, with one failed marriage.

Naturally I would be delighted to run into an old friend. But my old friend was gone.

It was quite saddening actually. Ok, so I am lying. I was furious! Initially, I was so mad. She was condescending, belittling, a little to inquisitive about my income and then my husband's income. And then our household income. She raised her eyebrows when she found out I had left my career. She did not think much of my children and by the fact that I was running around after them the whole day. She sniggered at the tv which was full of children's channels.

Then she dropped the bomb. She said she did not want to interact with people who were not worth her time or worth the effort for expanding her wealth.

It was horrible - that meeting - it was horrible.

And then it got worse.

I spoke to a mutual friend today and she brought my "old friend" up in our conversation. I found out she's not all that "classy" as she seemed to be after all that assessment on my "modest" lifestyle, as she put it. At least, not around the opposite gender.

I still was not sad enough to feel sad, because for some reason I was still fuming after a few too many condescending remarks about her valuation of our friendship, but our mutual friend threw me a javelin and it hit me in the eye. So I stopped my dramatic monologue about the sanctity of marriage.

"Feel sad," she urged, "she used to be such a nice person. So kind. So 'alim."

After a little chin scratching I realised there was something in my eye. It was not the pointed end of the javelin. That was sharp, and painful. This was liquidy and moist. So I pulled out the javelin and decided that I should feel sad, rather than insulted.

"Hopefully she will change."

I guess it struck me tonight with the Hajj season coming up, that my old friend had changed her Qiblah. There were other things that struck an important chord with her, in her life, in her dunya. The fancy car, men maybe (I still cringe at that thought), her money. Her career.

Hajj is a way of remembering our roots. Where Islam was born and where a pillar of the religion was formed in the barren desert of Makkah. Where a mother ran back and forth, sand sieving through her toes, with no sign of help from passer bys. She had nothing but a wailing baby and alot of faith to keep herself focused in the right direction - her Qiblah. That was the same wailing baby whose ankle struck the sandy surface of the desert, allowing water to spring forth. And when the baby grew up, his father was to obey his Lord's command to sacrifice him, with a sharp knife to his throat. And he willingly accepted his father's dream - to be sacrificed - he even shunned the devil for taunting him with distraction.

So many things happened for Eidul Adha to materialise. Yet the festival is being marginalised by some Muslims. It is a pity, because that is where the Qiblah is formed, and will never change. Like my old friend, who decided to change, just by changing her Qiblah.

Christmas for Muslim Reverts

Aaaahhh Christmas - it comes up time and again.

There is alot to talk about Christmas, since it is really the hype of the year. I am not here to analyse or comment too much on the festivity, since for many many and many many years that I was living in Europe, I learned alot about Christmas - the good, the bad and the ugly. The last two I learned from people who did not practice Christianity but were all out there to have a jolly good time doing everything but good.

I think due to the bad and the ugly, not everyone finds Christmas as the time of the year to reflect and find solace.

I know another group of people who may find Christmas a little difficult. Muslim reverts who were formally followers of the Christian faith. It takes baby steps for many reverts to help their families come to terms with their reversion. It's not easy - some parents are far more accepting than others, while others shun their children away. There are those though who accept but would like to share the holiday cheer with their family, including family members who have reverted to Islam.

I suspect it is difficult "losing" a child to a different faith and I also suspect that it is difficult for new reverts to not visit their parents during Christmas. Parents hold special status in Islam, regardless of their religious beliefs: Keep their company with kindness in this world, and follow the path of him who turns to Me. Then unto Me will you return, and I shall tell you what you did. (Luqman: 15)

If you feel you are in this position and are not quite sure how to handle Christmas invitations from family, there are several fatwa found on Islam Online that will help guide you. Visit their fatwa bank.

The consensus among scholars is that you are allowed (and in fact, encouraged) to visit your parents and partake in feasts and even the exchanging of gifts. However, please steer away from any forms of worship that compromise Islamic principles. In fact you should also avoid anything else that would deter your steadfastness in faith, such as alcohol and free mingling with other guests who are not your Mahram.

Simple enough, insha'Allah. We try our best to make the best out of every situation and Allah Ta'ala provides us felxibility to live in this world - provided we do not transgress His guidelines.

And We have recommended to man his parents; his mother bore him in weakness upon weakness, and his weaning was in two years. Thank Me and your two parents. To Me is the return. But if they try to force you to associate with Me that of which you have no knowledge, then obey them not. (Luqman: 13).

Did You Do Your Part?

Whether you are a Muslim or a Christian, the holidays are approaching. Did you do your part?

Make a child's holiday an enjoyable one by buying them presents when they least expected, sort of like a "Secret Santa".

So, I challenge every financially able Muslim and Christian to sponsor a child this holiday with gifts anonymously.

Would you like a rainbow?

I read this on a Malay blog and I found it brilliant. I had to share it with you (translated by yours truly). Will paste the link when I find it.

"Sometimes Allah hides the sun. He brings thunder and lightning embalmed in darkness. That is when we cry in fear, and ask, where has the light disappeared to? Where is the sunshine?"

It turns out "Allah has a plan. He wanted to give us a gift - a rainbow."

"Love will not fade away if there are memories. A broken heart will not mend itself if peace is not found. A soul that strays can return if there is hope. We will recover from old scars if there is imaan in the wound."

Does this strike a chord with you?

I think every once and again we fall into uncertainty, something that was unplanned, unexpected - totally out of the blue and way beyond your comprehension. Will you survive? How will you manage? It is not possible... it cannot be possible!

La illaha illallah means so much more than "there is no god except for Allah." You can say this over and over again, throughout your prayers, but in truth, practicing it is far more difficult. Can you possibly believe in the kalimah while telling yourself that "this is not possible!"?

It has to be possible if Allah said "be!" Kun fa ya kun. It is possible, for if Allah says it will happen, it definitely will.

So if you are in difficulty now, or in darkness and in blindness. If you are lost or have lost hope, feel discourage or scared, just remember La illaha illallah.

Insha'Allah a rainbow will follow.

Send a Letter to the Sudanese Government

A teacher in Sudan is being punished because she had her students pick a name for a teddy bear. They had chosen "Muhammad". However, she assumed it was fine, until she got in trouble.

Some one had sent a letter that you can amend if you like to send to the Sudanese Government to help stop her punishment.

Many Muslims do not agree with the fact she is being punished and how the whole thing is being handled.

Email sent:
Here is a quick draft letter. Please feel free to amend. Please feel free to reply if you feel you would like to sign or you would like to sign as an individual.

In the Name of Allah, The Beneficent, The Merciful

Greetings of Peace to the Sudanese Government,

We the undersigned were very concerned to hear the news of the British Teacher's plight this week in Sudan.

As Muslim Educators from around the globe, we felt deeply concerned about this teacher's treatment and condition.

It is our understanding that she consulted with her young class of students about what name they would like to give to their class bear. Understandably, they chose the name of our beloved Prophet, May the Peace and Blessings of God be Upon him.

It is clear to us that she neither meant to offend, nor to insult. Given she is not Muslim herself, she did not know that we do not give the name Mohamed to inanimate objects, or to animals in general.

In the west, the bear is regarded as symbol of endearment. Many children hug bears at night as they sleep.

We urge the Sudanese government to take this into account and use the example of the beloved Prophet in how we treat those who make mistakes without knowledge. The Prophet showered his mercy upon the man who urinated in the mosque, he bestowed his mercy upon the woman who threw garbage at him daily, and forgave those who fought in battle with him in the name of God, the All-Merciful.

As Muslim educators, we urge you to help the teacher understand what she did wrong, and help the world understand what was unacceptable to Sudan as a nation, so that healthy dialogue and understanding take place.

In Peace.