“There is beauty in the sinner who feels guilt, for something in him says ‘There is more to me than this.'”
“
FAJR PASSED BY AS I DREAMT ON.
ZUHR WAS LOST IN THE DAY’S WORK.
ASR GOT SKIPPED AS I SIPPED MY TEA.
MAGHRIB FLEW BY AS I PHOTOGRAPHED THE SUNSET.
ISHA WAS ADDED TO THE FORGOTTEN LIST.
NOW HERE I LAY, TOSSING AND TURNING ON MY BED, WONDERING WHY PEACE ESCAPES ME.
“
SRA’s Blog: Reflections
My hijab reminds me of the person I am supposed to be.
My Two Cents: Modifying the Muslim
To my fellow Muslims:
I’m sure the recent tragic events have left you in the redundant cycle of “not all Muslims are terrorists!” and “terrorism has no religion!”, as per usual. That of course stands true- but I feel as if at this point they have little to no effect on the masses. Muslims will still be discriminated against, Mosques will still be burnt- my hijab and I will continue to get uneasy looks at the mall. In no way am I justifying such vile and ignorant acts but it is about time we were honest with ourselves- what do we even bring to the table? Why should they react any different?
We, the Muslims, have to accept that extremists have fabricated a “religion” that has overtaken our own. Our shahadah has been plastered on their flag of treachery. The opportunity to show others the beauty of our deen has been seized by ignorant and hopeless fanatics. Exactly how was this allowed to happen? By being unjust to the Muslim.
“The Muslim” encompasses SO many things. In the tiniest nutshell, the Muslim is expected to be kind, simple, sincere, curious and strong. Rather the majority of us have become a passive group of individuals that limit being a Muslim to the basics of praying and fasting, when the depths of Islam reach far beyond that. It extends to your way of speech, your actions, your intentions, your work ethic. This has left many Muslims uneducated and impassionate about the religion. Make an effort to understand what the Qur’an has to say, to have the conversations about important topics like homosexuality, to ask questions and seek answers. Unravel the gift of Islam in order to enlighten others because if we don’t, who will? A handful of scholars cannot single handily carry this ummah.
So connect with other minorities, be kind to your people and alien neighbours, get involved with your mosque, school and community. Be proactive to show others that there is no war between this deen and the West without comprising your Islam, but rather by embracing it. By doing otherwise, you are indirectly contributing to what the fanatics strive to achieve.
I know this is a complex issue but I feel like this is a simple step in the right direction. Acting as proper and sincere Muslims will remove any sort of space others have for interpretation of the religion. Let us restore the natural glory of its simplicity and gentleness, and I promise you that being sincere to Islam will do nothing but benefit yourself. The Prophet Muhummad (PBUH) did not go through all of the trials and tribulation he did delivering the message of Islam for us to slowly erase it. Why is it we can respect him with our words by adding “May Peace Be Upon Him” after the mention of his name, but not with our actions?
Let us get to the point where there is no longer a need for the “Not all Muslims are terrorists!” narrative. Let us not cheat the term ‘Muslim’ by inadequately understanding it.
We were not brought into this religion out of mere chance- all 1.6 billion of us have a purpose. Please do not fall under the misconception that your words, actions or prayers are insignificant. We Muslims are the solution to our own problem. So be kind, smart, strong- be a Muslim. Laa yu kali fullahu nafsan illa wus’aha; Allah does not burden a man with more than he can bear (2:286). So proudly wear your Muslim name and do not feel overwhelmed, but rather honoured that you were made tough enough to handle this task. And of course, I say this all to myself before anyone else.
Tawak kaltu al-Allah.
#Prayersforparis
“Attacks like the ones tonight in Paris are committed to purposely trigger an Islamophobic backlash. That backlash is not an unintended consequence of such attacks, it is part of their logic. ISIS types want an Islamophobic backlash because it lends credence to their narrative that there is a war between the West and Islam. By strengthening and emboldening the xenophobic right-wing in Europe, they strengthen their own worldview as well. And the most tragic irony is that that backlash may target refugees who themselves had been fleeing ISIS’ reign of terror.
Thoughts with everyone in Paris tonight. May the forces who wish to beget an apocalyptic “war of civilizations” be defeated.”
-Nader Atassi
“How can you search for happiness when it calls you 5 times a day?”
Love that. A sincere offering of Salah does wonders for the mind, attitude and soul. Ya Allah, accept our Salah.
“Some have found God in the depths of their sins.”
– Khaadim
Little did I know
Growing up, I’d look at those around me who were wealthy, smart, talented- and think, “wow, how blessed are they?! they don’t read salah but look at how Allah continues to bless them! unfair!”
but little did I know that understanding the importance of salah, was one of the greatest blessings of all.
Salah Reminder
Amazing reminder for us all about salah! Share it with your loved ones!
School
Blessed am I, with education and opportunity at my hands
with self-less, hard working parents cheering me on
Ya Rab, give me and my peers the strength to earn your barakah
Mulling Muslimah 