And why did you not, when you heard it, say? "It is not right of us to speak of this: Glory to God, this is a most serious slander" (Quran 24:16)
In a modern world, backbiting and slander are becoming more and more widespread. People express themselves in forms of anger, misgivings and jealousy. For anyone choosing to act in such a manner, you are only hurting yourself. On the Day of Judgment, we will stand in front of Allah and account for actions including backbiting.
Speaking about others exists only in the form of justice. For example, if we must contact the police for someone committing a crime, then backbiting is justified. Islam also allows seeking advice in a wise manner where our confidence will stay in tact. In any other form, speaking about others is backbiting.
Islam teaches us to defend a person’s honor if they are being spoken badly against. If we do not do so, then we deprive ourselves of Allah’s mercy. The choice is up to us to decide how our teachings will benefit us.
God has forbidden backbiting
O you who believe! Avoid much suspicion, in deeds some suspicions are sins. And spy not neither backbite one another. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would hate it (so hate backbiting). And fear God, verily, God is the one who accepts repentance, Most Merciful. (49: 12)
Do not treat his issue with ignorance.
Behold, you received it on your tongues, and said out of your mouths things which you had no knowledge; and you thought it to be a light matter, while it was most serious in the sight of God (24: 15)
God teaches us to speak out against backbiting.
And why did you not, when you heard it, say? "It is not right of us to speak of this: Glory to God, this is a most serious slander" (24:16)
Shaitan (Satan) wants us to be hateful and spiteful.
Say to My servants that they should only say those things that are best, for Satan does sow dissensions among them, for Satan is to man an avowed enemy. (17:53)
Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings upon him) was reported to have said said :"Do you know what backbiting is?" They said, "God and His Messenger know best." He then said, "It is to say something about your brother that he would dislike." Someone asked him, "But what if what I say is true?" The Messenger of God(peace and blessings upon him) said, "If what you say about him is true, you are backbiting him, but if it is not true then you have slandered him." (Muslim)
Showing posts with label Islamic Beliefs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Islamic Beliefs. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Monday, December 21, 2009
Never forget Allah
My apologies for not blogging in quite a while, but my life a bit busy right now mostly because of my health. I guess I should heed my own advice in this title. Alhamdulillah, Allah is the most forgiving and most merciful.
Islam is founded on the basis that we fear Allah. To be devout is to fear Allah. Our Glorious Quran tells us, sincerity is characteristic of those who have a strong fear the Almighty Allah. Fear means that we only engage in deeds that would please Allah. Every action we take should be that we can be accountable for on the day of Judgment and Allah asks us to be accountable.
With Islam, we know how to behave and good behavior should be something that we practice regardless of Islam. People will make mistakes, but if we are devout, we can recognize those and immediately repent and ask for Allah’s forgiveness.
Our Prophet Muhammad (May Allah bless them and grant him peace) is reported to have said “the religion is sincerity and good will.” Islam gives us a lifestyle of moral right and all we have to do is fear Allah and look to Islam for guidance in how we should behave.
Further, Allah will not place on burden on you that you cannot bear. He promises his sincere and devoted servants forgiveness.
We need to remember to Allah is one who we must be dedicated to. We should not be ignorant and we should knowledgeable about pleasing Allah. And even if we not knowledgeable, we should trust that Allah will guide us in the most righteous manner and our devotion will allow such guidance.
There is reminders all round of Allah’s existence and power and we should never ignore those. In order us to attain salvation, in this world and the afterlife, we need Allah to guide us.
...You are not to blame for any honest mistake you make but only for what your
hearts premeditate. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (Surat al-Ahzab:
5)
Islam is founded on the basis that we fear Allah. To be devout is to fear Allah. Our Glorious Quran tells us, sincerity is characteristic of those who have a strong fear the Almighty Allah. Fear means that we only engage in deeds that would please Allah. Every action we take should be that we can be accountable for on the day of Judgment and Allah asks us to be accountable.
Who is better: someone who founds his building on fear of Allah and His goodBelievers are those who do not commit evil deeds and if for some reason we err, we should repent immediately and ask for Allah’s forgiveness. For every breath we take and every moment in our lives, we should be Allah by behaving appropriately in a manner that we can account for on the Day of Judgment.
pleasure, or someone who founds his building on the brink of a crumbling
precipice so that it collapses with him into the Fire of Hell? Allah does not
love wrongdoers. (Surat at-Tawba: 109)
With Islam, we know how to behave and good behavior should be something that we practice regardless of Islam. People will make mistakes, but if we are devout, we can recognize those and immediately repent and ask for Allah’s forgiveness.
Those who, when they act indecently or wrong themselves, remember Allah and ask
forgiveness for their bad actions-for who can forgive bad actions except
Allah?-and do not knowingly persist in what they were doing. (Surah Al 'Imran:
135)
Our Prophet Muhammad (May Allah bless them and grant him peace) is reported to have said “the religion is sincerity and good will.” Islam gives us a lifestyle of moral right and all we have to do is fear Allah and look to Islam for guidance in how we should behave.
Your Lord knows best what is in your selves. If you are true believers, He is
Ever-Forgiving to the remorseful. (Surat al-Isra': 25)
Further, Allah will not place on burden on you that you cannot bear. He promises his sincere and devoted servants forgiveness.
Allah does not impose on any self any more than it can stand. For it is what it
has earned; against it, what it has merited. "Our Lord, do not take us to task
if we forget or make a mistake! Our Lord, do not place on us a load like the one
You placed on those before us! Our Lord, do not place on us a load we have not
the strength to bear! And pardon us; and forgive us; and have mercy on us. You
are our Master, so help us against the people of the disbelievers." (Surat
al-Baqara: 286)
We need to remember to Allah is one who we must be dedicated to. We should not be ignorant and we should knowledgeable about pleasing Allah. And even if we not knowledgeable, we should trust that Allah will guide us in the most righteous manner and our devotion will allow such guidance.
Those who submit themselves completely to Allah and do good have grasped the
Firmest Handhold. The end result of all affairs is with Allah. (Surah Luqman:
22)
There is reminders all round of Allah’s existence and power and we should never ignore those. In order us to attain salvation, in this world and the afterlife, we need Allah to guide us.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Fasting Six days of the month of Shawwal
Shawwal is the tenth month of the Islamic Lunar calendar. The first day of Shawwal is Eid al Fitr. After Eid, it is recommended for Muslims who are able to observe six additional days of fast.
It is believed that Abu Ayyoub reported that the Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alaihi was sallam) said that whomever fasts the entire month of Ramdan and then fasts six days in the month of Shawwal will be rewarded as if he or she fasted the entire year (1). You take fast anytime during the month of Shawwal expect for Eid al Fitr. The days do not have to start at the beginning of the month, nor do they have to be consecutive. However, one must make any days prior to fasting the six days in Shawwal.
If you are able to, it is a good idea to take advantage of the reward of fasting six days in Shawwal.
Endnote/Source:
(1) Ibn Shahid, “Fasting Six Days of Shawwal” From The Way of the Salaf us-Saalih. (September 29, 2008) retrieved September 28, 2008 from http://theclearsunnah.wordpress.com/2008/09/29/fasting-six-days-of-shawwal/.
It is believed that Abu Ayyoub reported that the Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alaihi was sallam) said that whomever fasts the entire month of Ramdan and then fasts six days in the month of Shawwal will be rewarded as if he or she fasted the entire year (1). You take fast anytime during the month of Shawwal expect for Eid al Fitr. The days do not have to start at the beginning of the month, nor do they have to be consecutive. However, one must make any days prior to fasting the six days in Shawwal.
If you are able to, it is a good idea to take advantage of the reward of fasting six days in Shawwal.
Endnote/Source:
(1) Ibn Shahid, “Fasting Six Days of Shawwal” From The Way of the Salaf us-Saalih. (September 29, 2008) retrieved September 28, 2008 from http://theclearsunnah.wordpress.com/2008/09/29/fasting-six-days-of-shawwal/.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Patience (Sabr) in Islam
Allah (Subhanah Wa Talah ) tests us in may ways. In fact, our Holy Quran states clearly that Allah (SWT) asks us to be patient and know the virtue of sabr.
Be sure we shall test you with something of fear and hunger, some loss in goods or lives or the fruits (of your toil), but give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere, Surah Baqarah (2: 155).
And We shall try you until We test those among you who strive their utmost and persevere in patience; and We shall try your reported (mettle). Surah Muhammad (47: 31).
We are all tested on a daily basis in our jobs, our lives, and with our families. We tested in stronger ways through death, divorce, illness, etc. Sometimes, our most difficult tests lead us to despair or depression. These times we should not lose hope, but exercise “sabr” or patience. The Quran tells us to place our patience in his hands and pray for guidance:
On no soul does Allah Place a burden greater than it can bear. It gets every good that it earns, and it suffers every ill that it earns. (Pray:) “Our Lord! Condemn us not if we forget or fall into error; our Lord! Lay not on us a burden Like that which You did lay on those before us; Our Lord! Lay not on us a burden greater than we have strength to bear. Blot out our sins, and grant us forgiveness. Have mercy on us. You are our Protector; Help us against those who stand against faith.”
There are rewards for patience. First, patient person is blessed by Allah (SWT). Second, Allah (SWT) gives us His mercy. Last, Allah (SWT) offers us his guidance
Surah Baqarah (2: 157):
“They are those on whom (Descend) blessings from Allah, and Mercy, and they are the ones that receive guidance.”
Surah Hud (11:11), we are promised reward for our patience:
Not so do those who show patience and constancy, and work righteousness; for them is forgiveness (of sins) and a great reward.
The below You Tube Video talks about the importance of patience in Islam and examples set by our Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon Him).
Monday, September 21, 2009
Learning the Salah
Salah is the second and the most important pillar of Islam. The minute you recite the Kalima, Salah is mandatory upon you as a Muslim. There are no excuses for missing Salah, even if you are ill, on a journey or even in war.
Allah Ta’Ala tells us in the Glorious Qurah that "I have not created the jinn and humankind for any other purpose except that they should worship me."
Salah allows to strengthen or faith and worship of Allah. It teaches us live a life of purity and goodness and obedience to creator. Every time we perform our Salah, we renew our commitment to Allah and rid ourselves of the world’s pressures. Salah distinguishes between a believer and a non-believer and Salah is obligatory upon every Muslim.
Here is a series of seven step-by-step videos on learning the Salah for all five prayer times. You can either watch them here or you can visit the You Tube page for all seven videos.
Insha’Allah you find this helpful.
Allah Ta’Ala tells us in the Glorious Qurah that "I have not created the jinn and humankind for any other purpose except that they should worship me."
Salah allows to strengthen or faith and worship of Allah. It teaches us live a life of purity and goodness and obedience to creator. Every time we perform our Salah, we renew our commitment to Allah and rid ourselves of the world’s pressures. Salah distinguishes between a believer and a non-believer and Salah is obligatory upon every Muslim.
Here is a series of seven step-by-step videos on learning the Salah for all five prayer times. You can either watch them here or you can visit the You Tube page for all seven videos.
Insha’Allah you find this helpful.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Islam Teaches Patience
Islam is 100% perfect because it was not created by man but by Allah Taa’la, and the message of Islam was brought to Muslims by our Prophet Muhammad (sallalahu alaiha wa sallam). With our Prophet’s (sallalahu alaiha wa sallam) example, Allah conveyed to us an example of protection for us to follow. One of the most important ideals practiced by Muhammad (sallalahu alaiha wa sallam) was patience through the sunnah way of life.
In town called Ta’if, a city near Mecca, our Prophet (sallalahu alaiha wa sallam) went to preach Islam to the people of Ta’if. Not only were his teachings rejected, our Prophet ((sallalahu alaiha wa sallam) was taunted, stoned, and chased out of town. He (sallalahu alaiha wa sallam) was bleeding and the Angel Jibra’eel (Alayhis Salaam) came to Muhammad (sallalahu alaiha wa sallam) and told him that if he wished, two angels would crush the town of Ta’if and the residents of Ta’if between the two mountains in which the town lied. But our Prophet (sallalahu alaiha wa sallam) responded that the residents would accept Islam soon and there was no need to punish them. Our Prophet (sallalahu alaiha wa sallam) was a magnificent and breathtaking example of patience. Allbu Akbar.
What if anyone of us were in such a position? Would we be able to control our anger and use resources as those presented to Prophet (sallalahu alaiha wa sallam) to hurt others had done such hurt to us?
Allah mentions patience in the Quran numerous times.
"Be patient, for your patience is with the help of Allah." (16:127)
"Patiently, then, persevere - for the Promise of Allah is true, and ask forgiveness for your faults, and celebrate the praises of your Lord in the evening and in the morning." (40:55)
"No one will be granted such goodness except those who exercise patience and self-restraint, none but persons of the greatest good fortune." (41:35)
"Verily man is in loss, except such as have faith, and do righteous deeds, and join together in the mutual enjoining of truth, and of patience and constancy." (103:2-3)
There are three kinds of patience that Islam reminds us of:
The first is patience through obedience; obeying Allah Taa’la.
The second is patience in troubled times.
And the third, patience in giving up sinful activities.
To be a believer of Islam, one must possess all three types of patience.
The Prophet (sallalahu alaiha wa sallam) said: “Hastiness is from the devil”
Patience is a great virtue and with patience, Allah allows reward.
May Allah Taa’la accept our patience and reward for our good deeds. Insha’Allah.
As Somali, Hassan. Those whom Allah loves. 2008 December 2008..
In town called Ta’if, a city near Mecca, our Prophet (sallalahu alaiha wa sallam) went to preach Islam to the people of Ta’if. Not only were his teachings rejected, our Prophet ((sallalahu alaiha wa sallam) was taunted, stoned, and chased out of town. He (sallalahu alaiha wa sallam) was bleeding and the Angel Jibra’eel (Alayhis Salaam) came to Muhammad (sallalahu alaiha wa sallam) and told him that if he wished, two angels would crush the town of Ta’if and the residents of Ta’if between the two mountains in which the town lied. But our Prophet (sallalahu alaiha wa sallam) responded that the residents would accept Islam soon and there was no need to punish them. Our Prophet (sallalahu alaiha wa sallam) was a magnificent and breathtaking example of patience. Allbu Akbar.
What if anyone of us were in such a position? Would we be able to control our anger and use resources as those presented to Prophet (sallalahu alaiha wa sallam) to hurt others had done such hurt to us?
Allah mentions patience in the Quran numerous times.
"Be patient, for your patience is with the help of Allah." (16:127)
"Patiently, then, persevere - for the Promise of Allah is true, and ask forgiveness for your faults, and celebrate the praises of your Lord in the evening and in the morning." (40:55)
"No one will be granted such goodness except those who exercise patience and self-restraint, none but persons of the greatest good fortune." (41:35)
"Verily man is in loss, except such as have faith, and do righteous deeds, and join together in the mutual enjoining of truth, and of patience and constancy." (103:2-3)
There are three kinds of patience that Islam reminds us of:
The first is patience through obedience; obeying Allah Taa’la.
The second is patience in troubled times.
And the third, patience in giving up sinful activities.
To be a believer of Islam, one must possess all three types of patience.
The Prophet (sallalahu alaiha wa sallam) said: “Hastiness is from the devil”
Patience is a great virtue and with patience, Allah allows reward.
May Allah Taa’la accept our patience and reward for our good deeds. Insha’Allah.
As Somali, Hassan. Those whom Allah loves. 2008 December 2008.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
30 Facts About Islam
This list came from Islamic Information.
1) "Islam" means "peace through the submission to God".
2) "Muslim" means "anyone or anything that submits itself to the will of God".
3) Islam is not a cult. Its followers number over 1.5 billion worldwide. Along with Judaism and Christianity, it is considered to be one of the three Abrahamic traditions.
4) There are five pillars of practice in Islam. These practices must be undertaken with the best of effort in order to be considered a true Muslim: A) Shahadah - declaration of faith in the oneness of God and that Muhammad is the last prophet of God. B) Formal prayer five times a day. C) Fasting during the daylight hours in the month of Ramadan. D) Poor-due "tax" - 2.5% of one's savings given to the needy at the end of each year. E) Pilgrimage to Mecca at least once, if physically and financially able.
5) There are six articles of faith in Islam. These are the basic beliefs that one must have in order to be considered a true Muslim. They are belief in: A) the One God. B) all the prophets of God. C) the original scriptures revealed to Prophets Moses, David, Jesus, and Muhammad. D) the angels. E) the Day of Judgment and the Hereafter. F) the divine decree (or destiny).
6) Islam is a complete way of life that governs all facets of life: moral, spiritual, social, political, economical, intellectual, etc.
7) Islam is one of the fastest growing religions in the world. To become Muslim, a person of any race or culture must say a simple statement, the shahadah, that bears witness to the belief in the One God and that Prophet Muhammad was the last prophet of God.
8) "Allah" is an Arabic word that means "God". Muslims also believe that "Allah" is the personal name of God.
9) Allah is not the God of Muslims only. He is the God of all people and all creation. Just because people refer to God using different terms does not mean that they are different gods. Spanish people refer to God as "Dios" and French people refer to God as "Dieu", yet they are all the same God. Interestingly, most Arab Jews and Arab Christians refer to God as "Allah". And the word Allah in Arabic appears on the walls of many Arab churches.
10) The Islamic concept of God is that He is loving, merciful, and compassionate. But Islam also teaches that He is just and swift in punishment. Nevertheless, Allah once said to Prophet Muhammad, "My mercy prevails over my wrath." Islam teaches a balance between fear and hope, protecting one from both complacency and despair.
11) Muslims believe that God has revealed 99 of His names (or attributes) in the Holy Qur'an. It is through these names that one can come to know the Creator. A few of these names are: the All-Merciful, the All-Knower, the Protector, the Provider, the Near, the First, the Last, the Hidden, and the Source of Peace.
12) Muslims believe in and acknowledge all the prophets of old, from Adam to Jesus. Muslims believe that they brought the message of peace and submission (islam) to different peoples at different times. Muslims also believe that these prophets were "muslims" because they submitted their wills to God.
13) Muslims neither worship Muhammad nor pray through him. Muslims solely worship the unseen and Omniscient Creator, Allah.
14) Muslims accept the original unaltered Torah (the Gospel of Moses) and the original Bible (the Gospel of Jesus) since they were revealed by God. However, none of those original scriptures are in existence today, in their entirety. Therefore, Muslims follow the subsequent, final, and preserved revelation of God, the Holy Qur'an.
15) The Holy Qur'an was not authored by Muhammad. It was authored by God, revealed to Muhammad, and written into physical form by his companions.
16) The Holy Qur'an has no flaws or contradictions. The original Arabic scriptures have never been changed or tampered with.
17) Actual seventh century Qur'ans, complete and intact, are on display in museums in Turkey and many other places around the world.
18) If all Qur'ans in the world today were burned and destroyed, the original Arabic would still remain. This is because millions of Muslims, called Hafiz (or "preservers") have memorized the text letter for letter from beginning to end, every word and syllable. Also, chapters from the Qur'an are precisely recited from memory by every Muslim in each of the five daily prayers.
19) Muslims do not believe in the concept of "vicarious atonement" but rather believe in the law of personal responsibility. Islam teaches that each person is responsible for his or her own actions. On the Day of Judgment Muslims believe that every person will be resurrected and will have to answer to God for their every word, thought, and deed. Consequently, a practicing Muslim is always striving to be righteous.
20) Islam was not spread by the sword. It was spread by the word (Islamic teachings) and the example of its followers. Islam teaches that there is no compulsion in religion (the Holy Qur'an 2:256 and 10:99).
21) Terrorism, unjustified violence and the killing of innocent people are absolutely forbidden in Islam. Islam is a way of life that is meant to bring peace to a society, whether its people are Muslim or not. The extreme actions of those who claim to be Muslim may be, among other things, a result of their ignorance or uncontrolled anger. Tyrant rulers and those who commit acts of terrorism in the name of Islam are simply not following Islam. These people are individuals with their own views and political agendas. Fanatical Muslims are no more representative of the true Islamic teachings than Timothy McVeigh or David Koresh are of Christianity. Extremism and fanaticism is a problem that is common to all religious groups. Anyone who thinks that all Muslims are terrorists should remember that the famous boxer Muhammad Ali, perhaps the most celebrated person of our era, is a practicing Muslim.
22) The word "jihad" does not mean "holy war". Instead, it means the inner struggle that one endures in trying to submit their will to the will of God. Some Muslims may say they are going for "jihad" when fighting in a war to defend themselves or their fellow Muslims, but they only say this because they are conceding that it will be a tremendous struggle. But there are many other forms of jihad which are more relevant to the everyday life of a Muslim such as the struggles against laziness, arrogance, stinginess, or the struggle against a tyrant ruler or against the temptation of Satan, or against one's own ego, etc.
23) Women are not oppressed in Islam. Any Muslim man that oppresses a woman is not following Islam. Among the many teachings of Prophet Muhammad that protected the rights and dignity of women is his saying, "...the best among you are those who treat their wives well." (Tirmidhi)
24) Islam grants women numerous rights in the home and in society. Among them are the right to earn money, to financial support, to an education, to an inheritance, to being treated kindly, to vote, to a dowry, to keep their maiden name, to worship in a mosque, etc., etc.
25) Muslim women wear the head-covering (hijab) in fulfillment of God's decree to dress modestly. From a practical standpoint, it serves to identify one as attempting to follow God in daily life and, therefore, protects women from unwanted advances from men. This type of modest dress has been worn by righteous women throughout history. Prominent examples are traditional Catholic Nuns, Mother Teresa and the Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus.
26) Arranged marriages are allowed in Islam but are not required. Whereas "forced" marriages, usually stemming from cultural practice, are forbidden. Divorce is permissible, however, reconciliation is what is most encouraged. But if there are irreconcilable differences then Islam permits a fair and just divorce.
27) Islam and the "Nation of Islam" are two different religions. Islam is a religion for all races and enjoins the worship of the one unseen God who, orthodox Muslims believe, never took human form. The "Nation", on the other hand, is a movement geared towards non-whites and teaches that God appeared in the form of Fard Muhammad in 1930 and that Elijah Muhammad (a man who died in 1975) was a prophet of God. These beliefs clearly contradict the basic Islamic theology outlined in the Qur'an. The followers of "the Nation" adhere to some Islamic principles that are mixed with many other teachings that are alien to Islam. To better understand the difference between the two, read about Malcolm X, his pilgrimage to Mecca and his subsequent comments to the media. Islam teaches equality amongst all the races (Holy Qur'an 49:13).
28) All Muslims are not Arab. Islam is a universal religion and way of life which includes followers from all races of people. There are Muslims in and from virtually every country in the world. Arabs only constitute about 20% of Muslims worldwide. Indonesia has the largest concentration of Muslims with over 120 million.
29) In the five daily prayers, Muslims face the Kaaba in Mecca, Arabia. It is a cube-shaped stone structure that was originally built by Prophet Adam and later rebuilt by Prophet Abraham. Muslims believe that the Kaaba was the first house of worship on Earth dedicated to the worship of one god. Muslims do not worship the Kaaba. It serves as a central focal point for Muslims around the world, unifying them in worship and symbolizing their common belief, spiritual focus and direction. Interestingly, the inside of the Kaaba is empty.
30) The hajj is a simultaneous pilgrimage to the Kaaba made by millions of Muslims each year. It is performed to commemorate the struggles of Abraham, Ismail and Hagar in submitting their wills to God.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
What place does Islam hold in my life?
Each of us asks “What is the life our lives” and “Why is it we here?” I have for a long time tried to make sense of my life, my choices, and my purpose and role here on earth. I have studied religion and found myself questioning my faith more often because I am Muslim woman in the United States. Moreover, I am Muslim woman in corporate America.
I have long sought the answers in Islam and other faiths to get some kind of concise meaning for all of it and all the roles I play in my life, a mother, a wife, a working person, and as a member of the human race. I ponder questions and I want answers, and the answers are different depending on who you ask. Many would tell their purpose is to be successful, happy, or charitable, but what reasoning do they have? If our purpose is to do these things, what do we have left once we have done them?
We look at our lives with meaning and purpose, but we still feel worthless, like we just haven’t found what we are looking for. I was raised in the Islamic faith, and I have always looked at my life from a spiritual, non-religious perspective, but I wanted to a better feeling of worth, because that spirituality just did not seem like enough.
Someone in his or her 30s or 40s may believe that all they need is to give their families a good life, whereas a person in 80s would replace all the money in the world for their health. Your teenager may believe that the purpose of life spending time with friends and being popular and your six-year just wants a new toy. What determines self-worth is going to depend on the stage of your life you are in.
Money will not follow you to the afterlife; neither will your health nor family or friends nor material things. If you are a disbeliever, you will live in fear of the end. While it is nice to have all these things in this world, you also need to focus on the afterlife. The challenge and contemplation of where we belong and our purpose is best reflected upon when we become parents. Suddenly, we see wealth and power does not define who we are and that our time here on earth is only temporary. Our actions and what we teach our children are what we will take to the afterlife. How can you enjoy your wealth if you are so skeptical of the world, of our own actions, and of where we belong? Our material worth will be gone when we are gone.
Between being children and adults, we begin our question our existence and some of us rebel, but in the end, we always come back to our beliefs. The only advice that I can offer to young people is to make sure they can live with the decisions they make now and that those decisions do not affect their futures. There will be a day when we all question our existence and we will come back to Islam and Allah, and we should be prepared for how our past decisions play in the decisions we make when we embrace Islam again. For example, if you decide to have a child out of marriage, be prepared to understand that that other child’s parent, if that parent is non-Muslim, may raise that child as a non-Muslim. That is something that will be a difficult blunt to bear when you are trying to be a good Muslim. Remember that Allah is merciful and forgiving, but as a parent, you owe a duty to yourself and to Allah to teach your child Islam, even under the most difficult circumstances.
We all need a purpose in life and worship is a good purpose. Our lives here on Earth can be fulfilling but they do require us to embrace Islam to submit to Allah. Our goal is the next life where Allah will reward us for our faith, our intentions, our attitudes and our good deeds. Remember that Islam teaches us that life on Earth is only a test our true natures and in the end, we all must accept death in order to beginning our final destination in the hereafter.
If there really is a true purpose for all of us, it is that our first lives are only a test. The life in the grave is a place to rest before the Day of Judgment. The Day of Judgment is the day we will clearly understand our fate based on actions in the first life. The Afterlife will be either one of paradise or one of punishment. If we can clearly and fully understand that, then our purpose, as Muslims, is clear.
I have long sought the answers in Islam and other faiths to get some kind of concise meaning for all of it and all the roles I play in my life, a mother, a wife, a working person, and as a member of the human race. I ponder questions and I want answers, and the answers are different depending on who you ask. Many would tell their purpose is to be successful, happy, or charitable, but what reasoning do they have? If our purpose is to do these things, what do we have left once we have done them?
We look at our lives with meaning and purpose, but we still feel worthless, like we just haven’t found what we are looking for. I was raised in the Islamic faith, and I have always looked at my life from a spiritual, non-religious perspective, but I wanted to a better feeling of worth, because that spirituality just did not seem like enough.
Someone in his or her 30s or 40s may believe that all they need is to give their families a good life, whereas a person in 80s would replace all the money in the world for their health. Your teenager may believe that the purpose of life spending time with friends and being popular and your six-year just wants a new toy. What determines self-worth is going to depend on the stage of your life you are in.
Money will not follow you to the afterlife; neither will your health nor family or friends nor material things. If you are a disbeliever, you will live in fear of the end. While it is nice to have all these things in this world, you also need to focus on the afterlife. The challenge and contemplation of where we belong and our purpose is best reflected upon when we become parents. Suddenly, we see wealth and power does not define who we are and that our time here on earth is only temporary. Our actions and what we teach our children are what we will take to the afterlife. How can you enjoy your wealth if you are so skeptical of the world, of our own actions, and of where we belong? Our material worth will be gone when we are gone.
Between being children and adults, we begin our question our existence and some of us rebel, but in the end, we always come back to our beliefs. The only advice that I can offer to young people is to make sure they can live with the decisions they make now and that those decisions do not affect their futures. There will be a day when we all question our existence and we will come back to Islam and Allah, and we should be prepared for how our past decisions play in the decisions we make when we embrace Islam again. For example, if you decide to have a child out of marriage, be prepared to understand that that other child’s parent, if that parent is non-Muslim, may raise that child as a non-Muslim. That is something that will be a difficult blunt to bear when you are trying to be a good Muslim. Remember that Allah is merciful and forgiving, but as a parent, you owe a duty to yourself and to Allah to teach your child Islam, even under the most difficult circumstances.
We all need a purpose in life and worship is a good purpose. Our lives here on Earth can be fulfilling but they do require us to embrace Islam to submit to Allah. Our goal is the next life where Allah will reward us for our faith, our intentions, our attitudes and our good deeds. Remember that Islam teaches us that life on Earth is only a test our true natures and in the end, we all must accept death in order to beginning our final destination in the hereafter.
If there really is a true purpose for all of us, it is that our first lives are only a test. The life in the grave is a place to rest before the Day of Judgment. The Day of Judgment is the day we will clearly understand our fate based on actions in the first life. The Afterlife will be either one of paradise or one of punishment. If we can clearly and fully understand that, then our purpose, as Muslims, is clear.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
The Challenges faced by American-Muslim Working Women
I am a Muslim woman and for a long time I choose to ignore my faith. Recently, and most probably because I am getting older, I am starting to find that my life is missing something so I have again embraced Islam. I was raised in a strict Muslim home and to my parents, everything was haraam. Of my siblings, I am the most educated and this was result of choices I made in my life that went against everything my family believed in, including a divorce and being a single mother. When I was younger, my resistance to Islam was based on the fact that my parent didn’t always do a good job of reinstating the presence of Allah in our lives and our hearts and I don’t blame them for that. Religion is a difficult subject for anyone.
As an adult, such resistance came from discrimination about my choices within the Islamic community as well discrimination and ignorance about Islam in corporate America. While those are merely excuses as many would say, but those are my justifications. I am a Muslim working mother in corporate America. My husband, though open to my career choices, is not open to the role that women and men play in marriage and family. Because he was raised in a culture where women are the primary caretakers for their homes and their families, he is yet to understand that I simply cannot manage it all – my home, my family and my career. I am the primary caregiver to my children while my husband focuses his career. Does this seem fair? Where does Islam play in a role in all this? Does it even seem to have a place?
Most importantly, there is the issue of wearing hijab. I have told my mother time and time again why I do not wear hijab – I want to be able to support my family without discrimination. Think about it this way, hijab creates a unique hurdle for women. Women who wear hijab are often taunted at work and on the street. Moreover, sometimes wearing hijab jeopardizes a women’s career because Islamic women are quite often discriminated in their jobs and not given jobs and promotions. Don’t forget that women who wear hijab in America are obvious targets and because the majority of Americans are ignorant about Islam, hijab bears a burden. This puts their safety at a vulnerable level.
I find it quite sad that Islamic women face many hurdles that may or may not be unique to Islam. As a matter of fact, many are cultural. Islam does not promote the devaluation of women, but cultural stereotypes do. Families have preference to their sons over their daughters and lay strong emphasis on the honor of their daughters, and shame of a daughter taking action that goes against family beliefs creates unspeakable burden on family honor. The end result and resolution is to marry daughters at young age and put an end to their educational opportunities. And just because Muslim women live in America does not mean that do not face discriminations and abuses from within their own Islamic communities. Some of the most serious of those issues include domestic abuse, abuse of divorce and custody laws, polygamy and isolation and exclusion from Muslim life.
Let me say that the abuses and issues based have nothing to do with Islam and more based on generations of cultural upbringing. Islam is a great religion and we need to prove with our actions. The treatment of Women is the number one reason that people leave and I fell victim to that as well. As I stated, I am just finding my way back in. Because of that, I feel that Muslims need to start offering solutions and denying that problems exist. As Muslims, we have a duty to fight against repression and we need to do everything in our power to get that understanding across. The first step, however, is acknowledgement.
For me, I learned to focus on my life, my family, and most importantly, my religion. I have learned that I need to be a voice for women who want to step up and not take discrimination and abuse. I have learned that Islam in itself takes abuse and discrimination because of its followers have refused to accept that societies modernize religion. Finding my way back to Islam took me ten years, and the only piece of advice I can offer is to be patient, Allah is listening and watching you and he knows that you will eventually make your way back, Inshallah.
As an adult, such resistance came from discrimination about my choices within the Islamic community as well discrimination and ignorance about Islam in corporate America. While those are merely excuses as many would say, but those are my justifications. I am a Muslim working mother in corporate America. My husband, though open to my career choices, is not open to the role that women and men play in marriage and family. Because he was raised in a culture where women are the primary caretakers for their homes and their families, he is yet to understand that I simply cannot manage it all – my home, my family and my career. I am the primary caregiver to my children while my husband focuses his career. Does this seem fair? Where does Islam play in a role in all this? Does it even seem to have a place?
Most importantly, there is the issue of wearing hijab. I have told my mother time and time again why I do not wear hijab – I want to be able to support my family without discrimination. Think about it this way, hijab creates a unique hurdle for women. Women who wear hijab are often taunted at work and on the street. Moreover, sometimes wearing hijab jeopardizes a women’s career because Islamic women are quite often discriminated in their jobs and not given jobs and promotions. Don’t forget that women who wear hijab in America are obvious targets and because the majority of Americans are ignorant about Islam, hijab bears a burden. This puts their safety at a vulnerable level.
I find it quite sad that Islamic women face many hurdles that may or may not be unique to Islam. As a matter of fact, many are cultural. Islam does not promote the devaluation of women, but cultural stereotypes do. Families have preference to their sons over their daughters and lay strong emphasis on the honor of their daughters, and shame of a daughter taking action that goes against family beliefs creates unspeakable burden on family honor. The end result and resolution is to marry daughters at young age and put an end to their educational opportunities. And just because Muslim women live in America does not mean that do not face discriminations and abuses from within their own Islamic communities. Some of the most serious of those issues include domestic abuse, abuse of divorce and custody laws, polygamy and isolation and exclusion from Muslim life.
Let me say that the abuses and issues based have nothing to do with Islam and more based on generations of cultural upbringing. Islam is a great religion and we need to prove with our actions. The treatment of Women is the number one reason that people leave and I fell victim to that as well. As I stated, I am just finding my way back in. Because of that, I feel that Muslims need to start offering solutions and denying that problems exist. As Muslims, we have a duty to fight against repression and we need to do everything in our power to get that understanding across. The first step, however, is acknowledgement.
For me, I learned to focus on my life, my family, and most importantly, my religion. I have learned that I need to be a voice for women who want to step up and not take discrimination and abuse. I have learned that Islam in itself takes abuse and discrimination because of its followers have refused to accept that societies modernize religion. Finding my way back to Islam took me ten years, and the only piece of advice I can offer is to be patient, Allah is listening and watching you and he knows that you will eventually make your way back, Inshallah.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Islamic Beliefs
This comes from http://koran.topcities.com/Beliefs.htm
God
God is The One and Only Creator, the Only One to Whom worship is due; all other things or beings that we can thing of are His creatures and in no way comparable to Him. He is eternal, without beginning or end; Absolute, not limited by time or place. Man should not project his own animal qualities on God's sublime nature and must not think of Him as having a son or a partner.
God! There is no god but He,--- the Living, the Self-subsisting, Eternal. No slumber can seize Him nor sleep. His are all things in the heavens and on earth.[Qur'an 2:255]
Angels of God
Angels have a one-sided nature compared to all Mankind who are charged with emotions and desires. Angels have been created from divine Light that is unseen by Man unless they appear in human form. Angels obey God's commands and carry his orders. For the Angels to perform their duties, they have been given different qualities and powers to that given to Man. Qur'an has named some angels (peace be upon them) such as, Gabriel, Azrael, Israfil and Michael.
We send not the angels down except for just cause.[Qur'an 15:8]
Books of God
The Book of God is simply a Book of Guidance for all Mankind to live in peace and harmony with others in a just society, where Laws can be liberated from Man's desires and uncertainty to God's perfect knowledge. God's teaching started with Adam and completed by the Qur'an, the last of the Holy Books. Prior to Qur'an, God has sent down other revelations such as the Laws, the Psalms and the Gospel.
The revelation of the Book is from God the Exalted in Power, full of Wisdom.[Qur'an 46:2]
Messengers of God
Man's life on earth began with Prophethood. Adam was the first Man and the first of all Prophets and Muhammad was the seal of the Prophets. Their missions were simply the channels between God and mankind to receive God's teaching. All God's Messengers were human beings. Qur'an has named other God's Apostles such as, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Lot, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, David, Elias, John and Jesus.
God did choose Adam and Noah, the family of Abraham, and the family of Imran above all people.[Qur'an 3:33]
The Day of Judgment
The reason behind Man's creation would not be complete without the Day of Judgment. The creation of Man, followed by receiving God's teaching through the revelations and prophecy, and abiding by His guidance and teaching in this probationary life, all these pre-arrangements are meant to stand before God to be judged for all deeds done by Man.
That Day will every soul be requited for what it earned; no injustice will there be that Day, for God is Swift in taking account.[Qur'an 40:17]
Predestination (or, supremacy of Divine Will
God has the perfect knowledge of his creation and the destiny of every creature. Although God gave the Man the initiative to lead his life in a total freedom, this would not put the veil on God's knowledge of future events. This is a necessary explanation for the theological doctrine of the monotheism.
To God do belong the unseen (secrets) of the heavens and the earth, and to Him goeth back every affair.[Qur'an 11:123]
Resurrection (Life after death)
Man's life on earth is very short in comparison to the second life. God Who created Man from dust will be able to repeat His creation again. So, all people shall be raised up from their graves to a new creation. The second life after the resurrection is eternal and its nature is the reflection of the life on earth.
Say, He will give them life Who created them for the first time! For He is well-versed In every kind of creation![Qur'an 36:79]
God
God is The One and Only Creator, the Only One to Whom worship is due; all other things or beings that we can thing of are His creatures and in no way comparable to Him. He is eternal, without beginning or end; Absolute, not limited by time or place. Man should not project his own animal qualities on God's sublime nature and must not think of Him as having a son or a partner.
God! There is no god but He,--- the Living, the Self-subsisting, Eternal. No slumber can seize Him nor sleep. His are all things in the heavens and on earth.[Qur'an 2:255]
Angels of God
Angels have a one-sided nature compared to all Mankind who are charged with emotions and desires. Angels have been created from divine Light that is unseen by Man unless they appear in human form. Angels obey God's commands and carry his orders. For the Angels to perform their duties, they have been given different qualities and powers to that given to Man. Qur'an has named some angels (peace be upon them) such as, Gabriel, Azrael, Israfil and Michael.
We send not the angels down except for just cause.[Qur'an 15:8]
Books of God
The Book of God is simply a Book of Guidance for all Mankind to live in peace and harmony with others in a just society, where Laws can be liberated from Man's desires and uncertainty to God's perfect knowledge. God's teaching started with Adam and completed by the Qur'an, the last of the Holy Books. Prior to Qur'an, God has sent down other revelations such as the Laws, the Psalms and the Gospel.
The revelation of the Book is from God the Exalted in Power, full of Wisdom.[Qur'an 46:2]
Messengers of God
Man's life on earth began with Prophethood. Adam was the first Man and the first of all Prophets and Muhammad was the seal of the Prophets. Their missions were simply the channels between God and mankind to receive God's teaching. All God's Messengers were human beings. Qur'an has named other God's Apostles such as, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Lot, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, David, Elias, John and Jesus.
God did choose Adam and Noah, the family of Abraham, and the family of Imran above all people.[Qur'an 3:33]
The Day of Judgment
The reason behind Man's creation would not be complete without the Day of Judgment. The creation of Man, followed by receiving God's teaching through the revelations and prophecy, and abiding by His guidance and teaching in this probationary life, all these pre-arrangements are meant to stand before God to be judged for all deeds done by Man.
That Day will every soul be requited for what it earned; no injustice will there be that Day, for God is Swift in taking account.[Qur'an 40:17]
Predestination (or, supremacy of Divine Will
God has the perfect knowledge of his creation and the destiny of every creature. Although God gave the Man the initiative to lead his life in a total freedom, this would not put the veil on God's knowledge of future events. This is a necessary explanation for the theological doctrine of the monotheism.
To God do belong the unseen (secrets) of the heavens and the earth, and to Him goeth back every affair.[Qur'an 11:123]
Resurrection (Life after death)
Man's life on earth is very short in comparison to the second life. God Who created Man from dust will be able to repeat His creation again. So, all people shall be raised up from their graves to a new creation. The second life after the resurrection is eternal and its nature is the reflection of the life on earth.
Say, He will give them life Who created them for the first time! For He is well-versed In every kind of creation![Qur'an 36:79]
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