Friday Nasihah - No Compulsion

Living The Quran No Compulsion Al Baqarah (The Cow) - Chapter 2: Verse 256 (partial) "There shall be no compulsion in religion. The right way is henceforth distinct from error." This reflects the honour God has reserved for man and the high regard in which man's will, thought and emotions are held, and the freedom he is granted to choose his beliefs, and the responsible position he is afforded to be judge of his own actions. Freedom of belief is the most basic right that identifies man as a human being. To deny anyone this right is to deny him or her humanity. Freedom of belief also implies the freedom to express and propagate one's belief without fear of threat or persecution; otherwise, that freedom is hollow and meaningless. The Arabic text, using a generic negative, imparts a negation of the very idea of compulsion. When it comes to matters of belief, not only should these never be imposed by coercion or compulsion, but there cannot even be an option to use such a means of conversion or persuasion. Although the meaning and application is general, several incidents are reported to have occasioned the revelation of this verse. Here're a few: A man's two sons converted to Christianity and wanted to migrate to Syria in the company of Christian traders who had come from there. Their father however embraced Islam and enquired the Prophet (peace be upon him) if he could force them into Islam. Allah revealed this verse (Ibn Jarir, Ibn Kathir). It was a custom among the Ansar of Madina that if a woman's sons did not survive, she vowed that if the child lived he would be converted to Judaism. There were many such Judaized children in Madina. When Banu Nadir were banished they wanted to carry along those children with them. The Ansar maintained that since it was before the advent of Islam they would not let their sons go with them. So Allah revealed this verse to say that whoever wanted to stay back could do so and whoever wanted to go was free to do so (Ibn Jarir, Ibn Kathir, Abu Dawud, Nasai). Compiled From: "In The Shade of The Quran" - Sayyid Qutb, Vol. 1, pp. 325, 326 "Tafsir Ishraq Al-Ma'ani" - Syed Iqbal Zaheer, Vol. 1, pp. 315, 316

Understanding the Prophet's Life Pioneer Environmentalist "There is none amongst the believers who plants a tree, or sows a seed, and then a bird, or a person, or an animal eats thereof, but it is regarded as having given a charitable gift." [Al-Bukhari, III:513]. The idea of the Prophet Mohammed as a pioneer of environmentalism will initially strike many as strange: indeed, the term “environment” and related concepts like “ecology”, “environmental awareness” and “sustainability”, are modern-day inventions, terms that were formulated in the face of the growing concerns about the contemporary state of the natural world around us. And yet a closer reading of the hadith, the body of work that recounts significant events in the Prophet’s life, reveals that he was a staunch advocate of environmental protection. One could say he was an “environmentalist avant la lettre”, a pioneer in the domain of conservation, sustainable development and resource management, and one who constantly sought to maintain a harmonious balance between man and nature. From all accounts of his life and deeds, we read that the Prophet had a profound respect for fauna and flora, as well as an almost emotional connection to the four elements, earth, water, fire and air. He was a strong proponent of the sustainable use and cultivation of land and water, proper treatment of animals, plants and birds, and the equal rights of users. In this context the modernity of the Prophet’s view of the environment and the concepts he introduced to his followers is particularly striking; certain passages of the hadith could easily be mistaken for discussions about contemporary environmental issues. Compiled From: "Prophet Mohammed: A Pioneer of the Environment" - Francesca De Chatel

Blindspot! Halloween Halloween has evolved and been influenced by a number of different cultures and religions, the most important of which are paganism, the Romans, the Celts (the people of Ireland, Scotland, Britain, Wales) and Christianity. However, almost all of the traditions surrounding Halloween as we know it today can be traced back to the Celtic Day of the Dead, a pagan holiday. Samhain was the name of the Druid god of the dead. The Druids were a religious order amongst the Celts. On this day, they would try to appease their Lord of Death. These Druids also believed that witches rode on broom sticks and that ghosts were the cause of supernatural occurrences. The belief was that on the eve of the Celtic New Year (which for them was October 31), the souls of the dead people roamed the land of the living. The Devil, spirits and witches were also believed to be moving about and at the height of their power. Halloween was also a time for MAJOR Shirk (making partners with God). There were games and rituals which involved fortune-telling. Young people, for instance, would try to see what their marriage prospects were using omens like apple pairings that were thrown over their shoulders, or nuts being burned in a fire. The Pope, in the eight century, decided to Christianize this pagan holiday since he wanted people to abandon the occult and idolatrous practices associated with it, and made November 1 All Saints' Day or All Hallows' (Holy) Day. This is a day to remember all of the Christians who died for their faith. October 31 was then considered All Hallow's Eve, and this word later evolved into the modern day Halloween. Following is some advice from the Islamic scholar, Shaykh Abdullah Hakim Quick, to Muslims on dealing with Halloween: 1. Avoid it, it's a night of evil. Satan is our open enemy and we do not play with evil. 2. Trick-or-treating is really kids begging for candy. Prophet Mohammed (peace and blessings be upon him) disliked and discouraged begging. 3. Remember that some Satanic movements have engaged in dangerous acts, like rape and kidnapping on Halloween. 4. Despite our position regarding this holiday, we must respect the rights of those who believe it is a part of their religion or consider it to be just a little fun. Compiled From: "Where Does Halloween Come from?" - SoundVision.com

Eid Stamps in Canada This Year!!!!!!!!!!!

United States had them years ago and now finally Canada Post is selling eid stamps. You can also make your own stamps and post cards. Check it out here.

Movie Night - Inspirational and Funny

On the weekend I rented two good movies I thought I would share with you. I picked them because they were both inspirational and regarding health matters. First we watched Soul Surfer about a teen girl who wants to compete in a surfing championship but ends up getting her arm bitten off by a shark beforehand. This movie is all about how she overcomes her disability and moves on. The second movie was Extraordinary Measures and is about a father with 2 kids that have Pompe disease, a kind of muscular dystrophy and how far he went to help them by searching for a cure. It was great to see that despite so many obstacles he was able to fight for a chance for his kids. Finally hubby and I had our own movie night at the theatres and watched The Big Year. Its about 3 guys competing to see who can find the most bird species in North America but you don't get a prize! I thought this movie was funny and sweet and original for a change. Its not a, you must go see this movie, type of thing but if you are looking for a new concept then this is it. And is there any movie with Steve Martin that isn't good?

Excuse me, I need to ask you a question.

Bright and early Sunday morning I was up and ready to go to the grocery store. I was wondering if my neighbours were also up and perhaps getting ready for Church. Yes no matter how long I've been Muslim my mind always wanders towards this thought. I also thought to myself, well at least I for one, am wearing my Sunday best! (Nines Widosari outfit). With these thoughts in mind, I made my way to the grocery store. As I went through the doors and chose a grocery cart an older man lingered nearby and I wondered if I was in his way. Suddenly he said "Excuse me. I need to ask you a question." Rapid thoughts went through my mind as I contemplated what the question might be...why are you wearing that thing on your head, what country are you from, why are Muslims terrorists etc. I braced myself for the inevitable. Then he went on to say " I'm sent from heaven. Allah, your God wants you to know that you can pray to Him and He will answer your prayers". At this point I wanted to say Allah is not only my God but everyone's God and Allah is the way you say God in Arabic. However he didn't let me get a word in edgewise. Then he said "Allah bless you. And that's all." Flabbergasted I simply said Thank you. Although I had a million questions like Aren't you a Christian? Why would you say Allah to me since Christians would usually not want to say that? I was really surprised he didn't say Jesus loves you and will save you etc. That has got to be the strangest conversation I've ever had related to religion...err not really a conversation as I didn't even get to talk. I know the Lord works in mysterious ways but all I can say is WOW!

Friday Nasihah - Lordship of God

Living The Quran Lordship of God Ibrahim (Abraham) - Chapter 14: Verses 40-41 "My Lord, cause me and my offspring to establish prayers. My Lord, accept my prayer. Our Lord, grant Your forgiveness to me and my parents, and all believers on the Day when the reckoning will come to pass." Abraham's long and humble supplication, which also mentions a number of God's blessings and expresses gratitude and thanks for them, comes to a close with these verses. It imparts an air of gentle tenderness and care which makes people's hearts long to be with God, and remember His grace and blessings. Abraham follows his thanksgiving with a supplication to God to make him always thankful. His thanks take the form of prayer, worship and obedience to God. Thus he declares his determination to always be a devout worshipper, but fears that something may divert him from it. Hence, he prays that God may help him to carry out his intention. Abraham, the father of a long line of prophets, is seen as a pious servant who does not forget His Lord's grace, or his duty to be thankful for it. We note how Abraham repeats several times the addressing phrase, "My Lord" or "Our Lord". This repeated acknowledgement of God's Lordship over him and his offspring is significant. He does not mention God by His attribute of Godhead, but instead by His Lordship. Godhead has rarely been a subject to controversy even in ignorant societies. Nor was it so in the ignorant society of Arabia at the advent of Islam. What people have always argued about is the Lordship of God, and the need to submit to Him in everyday life on earth. This is in fact the central point between submission to God, and believing in His oneness on the one hand, and the association of partners with Him on the other. People either submit to God, and this means that they acknowledge Him as their Lord, or they submit to others who would become their Lords. This makes all the difference in life. The Quran relates Abraham's supplication to the Arab idolaters, emphasizing his acknowledgement of God's Lordship to draw their attention to the fact that their own way of life was in complete contrast with what this supplication truly signifies. Compiled From: "In The Shade of The Quran" - Sayyid Qutb, Vol. 10, pp. 284,285

Understanding the Prophet's Life The Fast Car If the life of this world is an illusion, the period of greatest illusion occurs during youth. It is a period of high energy and great enthusiasm, coupled with an air of invincibility and perpetuity. Like the driver of a fast car, one may also develop a disdain for the slower cars on the highway of life. It is difficult to imagine that the car will run out of fuel and that one day the engine will wear out. For the moment though the car is fast and it can go places! For this reason there are special warnings for the youth and glad tidings for the person who uses this energy wisely. A famous hadith tells us that on the Day of Judgment no man will be able to move from his place until he answers five questions. "How did he spend his life? How did he utilize his youth? How did he earn his wealth? How did he spend it? And, how did he practice what he learnt?" [Sunan al-Tirmidhi]. While the first question asks generally about one's life pattern, the second especially focuses on the period of youth. On the other hand, the person who devoted his youth to the worship of Allah will be among the selected seven kinds of people [Bukhari, Muslim]. Hence the profound advice in another famous hadith to value five things: "Youth before old age, health before sickness, wealth before poverty, free time before preoccupation, and life before death." A fast car is dangerous if it does not have strong controls. And that is where Shaitan targets the vulnerable --- by loosening the controls. It has been his time-tested trick to work through temptations and make desires look irresistible. The path of deviation looks good. It is cool. It is fun. It is endlessly entertaining. The only problem is, it leads to assured disaster. Compiled From: "Youth: On Culture, Religion, and Generation Gap" - Khalid Baig

Blindspot! Signs of an Abusive Man 1. Jealousy and Possessiveness Becomes jealous over your family, friends, co-workers. Tries to isolate you. Views his woman and children as his property instead of as unique individuals. Always asks where you've been and with whom in an accusatory manner. 2. Control He is overly demanding of your time and must be the center of your attention. He controls finances, the car, and the activities you partake in. Becomes angry if woman begins showing signs of independence or strength. 3. Superiority He is always right, has to win or be in charge. He always justifies his actions so he can be "right" by blaming you or others. A verbally abusive man will talk down to you or call you names in order to make himself feel better. The goal of an abusive man is to make you feel weak so they can feel powerful. Abusers are frequently insecure and this power makes them feel better about themselves. 4. Manipulates Tells you you're crazy or stupid so the blame is turned on you. Tries to make you think that it's your fault he is abusive. Says he can't help being abusive so you feel sorry for him and you keep trying to "help" him. Tells others you are unstable. 5. Mood Swings His mood switches from aggressive and abusive to apologetic and loving after the abuse has occurred. 6. Actions don't match words He breaks promises, says he loves you, and then abuses you. 7. Punishes you An emotionally abusive man may withhold physical or emotional intimacy, or plays the "silent game" as punishment when he doesn't get his way. He verbally abuses you by frequently criticizing you. 8. Unwilling to seek help An abusive man doesn't think there is anything wrong with him so why should he seek help? Does not acknowledge his faults or blames it on his childhood or outside circumstances. 9. Disrespects women Shows no respect towards his mother, sisters, or any women in his life. Thinks women are stupid and worthless. If you continue to stay in an abusive relationship because you think he will change and start treating you well, think again. An abusive man does not change without long-term therapy. Group counselling sessions are particularly helpful in helping abusive men recognize their abusive patterns. If the abusive man is not willing to seek help, then you must take action by protecting yourself and any children involved by leaving. By staying in an abusive relationship, you are condoning it. If you are scared you won’t be able to survive because of finances, pick up the phone book and start calling family, friends, shelters and associates and ask them if they can help or know of ways to help. Compiled From: "Top 10 Signs of An Abusive Man" - Stephany Alexander

More 2012 book club choices.

I've come across some great titles I would like to add for next year's book club.

JUNE - Visibly Muslim
JULY -  Moon Over Marakech
SEPT - The Hidden Face of Eve
OCT -  Children of Dust
NOV -  The Sweetness Of Tears
DEC -   Extraordinary Women from the Muslim World

So this now completes my choices for 2012.

Nines Widosari Boutique

I ordered some items from this company whose importer in Malaysia is Najmi's Candi Bar Hijab and no I don't know why its called that. Malaysians do seem to have a penchant for whimsical names. My hubby was just there, so he picked them up there. A lot of the fabrics were out of stock I think due to Eid just happening, so I was a little disappointed that two of the outfits I wanted were not in stock. I did buy some others though. Although my items were made in time for my hubby to get them they were actually late for the date of pick up and had to be mailed to my husband's address there (no we do not have a vacation home there, just his sister's place). I love the outfits but if you want more selection, order them when there is less business. I noticed the shipping though as I thought it would be, coming such a long way, is sky high...the price of the shipping is as high as the price of the outfit! One of the outfits I bought was black and I hate black but that's what comes with the particular hijab I wanted. However it is very nice as its metallic. Most of the outfits look better in real life than on the site. I love Indonesian fashion as its so different from the rest of the Islamic world and in many people's opinion it is the Paris of the Muslim fashion world.

October Book Club Pick Reminder

The pick for this month is Wandering Lonely. Has anyone read the last two picks? There are too many things going on in my life right now so I have not. Here is the old link. I can't seem to get my amazon thing to work so please refer to the link.

Friday Nasihah

Living The Quran One Community Al Anbiya (The Prophets) - Chapter 21: Verse 92 "Surely, your community is but one community, and I am your only Lord. So, worship Me alone." Having discussed many Prophets with the suffering each had to bear and of which they were then relieved by God, and by discussing the distinguished aspect of the character and mission of each, the Quran declares that the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, did not bring a different religion: and, thus, all the Prophets and their followers, from the first day of human history on the earth to the Last Day, constitute a single community with God being their Lord, Who alone must be worshipped. The basic foundation of this faith and the basic point of unity among the believers, which is also the main dynamic against disunity among them, is believing in God as the only Deity, Lord and Sovereign of the whole creation, including, of course, humanity, and worshipping Him alone. This is the community of Prophets: a single community, sharing the same faith, following the same course, and turning to God alone. Thus we have a single community on earth, and a single Lord in heaven. Compiled From: "The Quran: Annotated Interpretation in Modern English" - Ali Unal, p. 678 "In The Shade of The Quran" - Sayyid Qutb, Vol. 12, p. 70

Understanding the Prophet's Life Perfect Muslims Bukhari records that God's Messenger, peace be upon him, said: "The Muslim is one from whose tongue and hand Muslims are safe. The Emigrant is one who emigrates from what God forbids." This hadith describes the ideal or norm by beginning with the Muslim, as opposed to a Muslim. In this way, our Prophet draws attention to the qualities of perfect Muslims, not to those who are only nominal Muslims. Our Prophet mentions the tongue before the hand, for slander, gossip, and insult often do far more damage than physical violence. If people can refrain from verbal assault, they can more easily refrain from physical assault. Moreover, self-defense against physical violence is often easier than that against gossip and slander. Emigration means more than leaving one's family, house, possessions, and native land for the sake of God. To be capable of the latter, one must emigrate from the material to the spiritual dimension of his or her being, from worldly pleasures to an altruistic life, and from selfish aims to living for a Divine cause. Therefore, obeying Divine prohibitions is directly related to being a good Muslim and to sacrificing one's life in the service of people purely for the sake of God. Compiled From: "The Messenger of God: Muhammad" - Fethullah Gulen, pp. 104, 105

Blindspot! True Love What is Love? Perhaps it cannot be defined in terms which adequately reflect its nature and importance in a person's life. It is not possible to define it by a formula in a manner we define a scientific fact. But still each one of us knows what love is and can tell from our experience the powerful force that it is. It is the overpowering force in life. It captivates you, it grips you, it moves you and you are prepared to do anything for the sake of it. Once love is there, what you do is not something which has to be imposed upon you, because you need imposition only for things you do not love. Iman (faith) is something which must penetrate deep into your heart and generate an intense love for Allah and His Prophet (peace be upon him), more than anything else. Unless this happens, you cannot experience the real Iman. To develop this love for Allah does not require us to retire to or seclude ourselves in a monastery. This love makes us do our duty to Allah, as His representatives, while we are out in the street, at home or in the office. With this love, we live as servants of Allah, everywhere willingly making every sacrifice required of us. In fact, it propels us to share actively in the service of Allah's other creatures. True love of Allah makes one care for people and their needs. Compiled From: "In the Early Hours" - Khurram Murad, pp. 63, 64

StyleIn Winners

The winners have finally been announced. None of the designs were the one I pick but they did pick one designer I love...Amna from Russia. Here is the link.

Son of a Muslim

Today my daughter (dd2-19 yrs old) told me, Mom, Steve Jobs' father is a Muslim. Are you scratching your head? Well Steve was adopted and his biological father is a Muslim. Steve though died as a Buddhist.  Read the story here.  From God we come and to God we return.

Leaving So Soon?

Its only been a year and I had the feeling it would happen. My quran teacher is moving away. Why do all the good Muslims leave? Whenever I meet one I know how fleeting our relationship will be, like two ships passing in the night and then they are gone. And why would they stay? They have better places to be and yet what of us the stragglers, the onlookers, the wanna-be's ? Like pathetic fans left behind amongst the lawn chairs, we wait for a new person to climb up on the stage. How long must we wait this time? Trying to find another quran teacher in a small town is like trying to find a needle in the haystack. Perhaps this time I will be the one to move onto a better venue, insha Allah.