Sister Habibe is an ordinary heroine on many levels, masha’Allah. A few reasons:

1. She exemplifies sincerity and humility in her work. Without sincerity, our deeds will be worthless. A huge check of our intentions is: would we contribute to good work even if our name weren’t mentioned?

2. She is a Muslim woman whose character and compassion towards others speaks for itself. This is one of the truest forms of da’wah (calling to Islam) – when someone’s heart and limbs are aligned in service to Allah by means of serving His Creation.

3. When we seek to make a change in society, often we aim low. Often we doubt ourselves. Often we seek shortsighted changes. Masha’Allah sister Habibe thought in the long-term and developed an institution, Rahima Foundation. She is a true role model in developing a vision and following through with it, despite the many roadblocks that will inevitably come on one’s way.

Our dear Prophet (sal Allahu alayhi wassalam) has said most wisely:

“The most beloved of people according to Allah is he who brings most benefit to people, and the most beloved of deeds according to Allah the Mighty, the Magnificent, is that you bring happiness to a fellow Muslim, or relieve him of distress, or pay off his debt or stave away hunger from him. It is more beloved to me that I walk with my brother Muslim in his time of need than I stay secluded in the mosque for a month. Whoever holds back his anger, Allah will cover his faults and whoever suppresses his fury while being able to execute it, and Allah will fill his heart with satisfaction on the Day of Resurrection. Whoever walks with his brother Muslim in need until he establishes that for him, Allah will establish his feet firmly on the day when all feet shall slip. Indeed, bad character ruins deeds just as vinegar ruins honey.” (at-Tabarani)

May Allah (swt) bless and reward sister Habibe. And may He allow us to refine our characters, find our potential to serve Him in the best of ways and be a source of mercy to others, Ameen.

An ordinary heroine is Ameena Jandali.  I’ve respected her eruditely outspoken demeanor, mothering style (since she did not let being a mom limit her activism) and Islamic character.  She has been a huge asset to the Muslim community in the Bay Area and I wish there were many more “Ameena Jandalis”.   From the late ‘80’s, when she was at UC Berkeley (Cal) herself, through the early 90’s, and over the past decade when her own children attended Cal she facilitated Cal students with guidance, support and meaningful activism for those many years.

Why should there be more Ameena Jandalis?  She has used her education at Cal as a springboard for activism and social justice.  She has lectured not only at Cal, but at the Graduate Theological Union, the University of California at Berkeley and Davis, SF State, USF, UCSF, and numerous other universities and colleges.  The bio from the ING website describes how Ameena has represented and explained Islam in countless venues.

Since 1993, she has delivered hundreds of presentations in schools, colleges, universities, churches, and other venues on Islam and related subjects. Her speaking engagements have included repeated lectures at UC Berkeley, UC Davis, Sacramento State, St. Mary’s College, San Jose State, San Francisco State, Los Positas College, Diablo Valley College, as well as lectures at Stanford, Santa Clara University, University of San Francisco, California Institute of Integral Studies, School of the Pacific, Cal State Hayward, Chabot College, Ohlone College, San Francisco City College, Sacramento State, Sonoma State, University of Colorado, Boulder, and Texas A & M. She has also delivered cultural competency trainings to a variety of healthcare providers, including repeated trainings at Kaiser, UC San Francisco and Sutter-Alta Bates. She has conducted trainings for dozens of police departments throughout the Bay Area, and conducted a weekly class for the SFPD over an entire year. She has appeared on numerous television and radio programs, including KPIX, KPFA, and KQED. She has presented on a variety of interfaith panels and events, including conferences and series through the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley. She has also been a frequent guest at conventions, seminars, and other forums, speaking on a variety of topics relating to Muslim outreach, family, and the environment. She currently team teaches a class on Islam at San Francisco City College. She received her M.A. in Near Eastern Studies from the University of California, Berkeley, and B.A. in History from the University of Illinois. (1-ING website)

As a founding member, trainer, speaker and Content Director of ING, Islamic Network Group, she has been a voice of educational reform of Islam in high school and middle schools, preventing ignorance before it begins.  Here are some excerpts from Richard Scheinin, a writer from the San Jose Mercury News.  The article is entitled “Speaking about Islam.”

In California, it has been almost 15 years since educational reforms set academic instruction about religion firmly into the world history and social sciences curricula, so that children will understand how major faiths have shaped history and civilization. Many non-public schools also observe these guidelines. . .

Since the reforms were made, ING has become a success story: Two Muslim women in Silicon Valley have built a one-of-a-kind educational group, spinning off a network of 18 affiliated, Islamic speakers bureaus in 12 states, from Arizona to Nebraska and New York, as well as two in Canada.

With so many affiliated bureaus cropping up during the past two years, ING has become a prototype: It doesn’t proselytize, it describes the faith, and it emphasizes the commonalities among Islam, Christianity and Judaism… The Muslim community already had its political and civil rights advocacy groups. Education was the missing piece. In 1993, they established Bay Area Media Watch, which attempted to monitor — and educate — local media about coverage of Muslims and Islam. After three months, they changed the name to Islamic Networks Group and began to focus on education in schools…

Even with the help of assistants, the two founders work 60-hour weeks, and still haven’t been paid a penny — by choice…

After nearly a decade of hard work, Jandali is encouraged: “For a lot of people, when we walk in the room, it’s the first time they’ve met an American Muslim. Just humanizing this very mysterious religion for them, it’s a positive thing. It’s a pleasant surprise for them that Islam is not just this horrible, violent religion that oppresses people.”…  (2- San Jose Mercury News)

My kids and many other children in the state of California (and other states) who are in middle school and high school benefited from the work of Ameena Jandali and Maha ElGenaidi.  In the present dark climate demonizing Muslims and Islam, Ameena Jandali is a bright ray of light.  She is a living example of a refreshingly outspoken educated American Muslim woman to many youth in Californian classrooms.

Ameena is also active in many other venues, as an avid environmentalist who is known for enforcing recycling and composting rules at community events, speaking out against domestic violence and the oppression of women, and advocating for oppressed communities in the U.S. and in Syria where her husband is from originally.  She is also involved in her son’s school where she volunteers and serves on the PTA.  Ameena also sits on the One Nation – Bay Area Community Advisory Council.  One Nation is an organization which aims to reduce public misperceptions about Muslims in cities across America through civic engagement. (3- One Nation)

What would the world be like with more Ameena Jandalis?   Let’s reflect what she has accomplished: empowerment of Muslim women through association of misogyny with pre-Islamic ways rather than Islamic ways, educating people about Islam in California curriculum by founding and strengthening ING, being an example of religious tolerance in American society by actively representing Muslims by participating in interfaith dialogue.  God Willing, a person like Ameena Jandali will be just another ordinary heroine from Cal, but for now, she is an American Muslim pioneer.

References:

1. “ING Staff.” Islamic Networks Group. Web. <http://www.ing.org/index.php/staff>.
2. Scheinin, Richard. “Speaking for Islam: Schools Have Questions About Muslims, and Bay Area Volunteers Have Answers.” San Jose Mercury  News. Web. <http://www.zawaj.com/articles/speaking_islam.html>.
3. The Civic Engagement Initiative. OneNationFoundation.org. May 2009. Web. <http://www.onenationfoundation.org/>.

Photo Courtesy: Michael Macor, San Francisco Chronicle

What makes a hero? Often we imagine heroes to have super-human qualities that set them apart from the rest of us. However, there are those amongst us who are heroes even though they may seem ordinary. There are such Muslim women who, with their passion and courage, inspire us towards greater heights.

Did you hear about the sister who home schools all her children while still making time to study the Qur’an? How about the sister who is blind but still managed to graduate from college? What about the sister who founded a non-profit organization serving orphans worldwide? Hearing a story humanizes particular issues for us and tells us: if she did it, why not me too?

Muslimah Source is starting a new article series celebrating the amazing accomplishments and struggles of such women. The goal of this series will be to learn about the experiences of actual Muslim women in the hopes that we as a society will appreciate them much more. By identifying them, we can support their efforts more and additionally can look up to them as modern day role models.

We hope you will enjoy this bi-monthly series and we welcome your contributions. Please email: info@muslimahsource.org to submit ‘Ordinary Heroes’ stories to be featured on the site.

Where were you on 9/11?

Fahina was in her kindergarten class just like any other weekday. Her mom had just dropped her off there and was walking back to her home. Her brother was still in the womb, to be due any day. And her father?

He was atop the North Tower.

At such a point I would think and understand it if with the WTC this family’s faith collapsed too. No one would blame the mother for retreating as a widow into the shadows of her despair. No one would wonder why Fahina became a depressed teenager. No one would question how her brother, who never met her father, became a rebellious youth.

We would understand. After all, have we not faced our own traumas? Have we not considered casting our heads down, turning away from Islam? This family, more than most in our times, would have a good reason to do so. Especially after facing such adversities as losing a husband and father, going into labor two days later alone, growing up never meeting him, trying to grasp how other so-called Muslims could do this, and then facing the persecution by one’s very own community for being Muslim.

Post-9/11 many of us experienced the taunts, being called names, getting cursed at, having our headscarves pulled. We grew up learning about slavery, one of the darkest moments in our nation’s history, and then were subject to similar discrimination.

We spent the last several years feeling mixed emotions, from anger to resentment to grief to shame. We’ve grown up in the past decade fumbling with the confusion brought upon us as Muslims and as Americans on 9/11.

I’m glad I went through my personal struggles in trying to defend Islam and Muslims around the world and then trying to come to terms with my American identity. It was a balance sought by each of us through a painful internal war. It was important for us to go through that but I wish I had learned about Fahina, her mother, and her brother a long time ago. I wish I had read their story and known there was a family out there going through what we were all going through but so much more intensely.

It’s impossible to read the article about Fahina and her family with dry eyes and to walk away from it not learning these lessons:

Help the youth understand. One of the struggles Fahina faces now is how to explain 9/11 to her brother, who was born a mere two days after the attacks which killed his father. Similarly, many of our siblings, cousins, and children were born after the 2001 or were too young to remember and understand what occurred on that grievous day. It’s important for those of us who were there, for us who do remember, to help them understand as well. We need to talk to them before they hear it on TV or in school or read about it online. We need to help them understand their Muslim American identity before anyone else taints it. It is our responsibility to fulfill.

Never deny your faith. During a time beards and headscarves were coming off, Fahina’s mother began wearing her headscarf just two weeks after 9/11. It is in times of adversity that Allah will truly test our faith. Sometimes He may take away something or someone we love dearly to bring us closer to Him and the manners in which we come closer to Him will be through strengthening our faith in performing more righteous acts and internally struggling in His way.

Be kind to all. After 9/11, Fahina and her family were subject to taunts for being Muslim while grieving for their loved one. Despite that Fahina’s mother was kind and tried helping those people and set that as an example for her children. Remember actions speak louder than words and although those people may sneer at you now, they may eventually be guided to the truth and change their ways. You are concerned only with doing that which Prophet Muhammed (sal Allahu ‘alayhi wasallam) taught you to do. Leave the rest in Allah’s hands.

Work hard through hard times. Fahina’s mother found her calling to strive each and every day to raise the best children and instills the same values in them to live by. As Muslim Americans, we’re all facing difficult times, not just around 9/11 anniversaries but year round. It’s important to remember that we all have duties to fulfill and the One we serve is Allah through this temporary life. Work hard through it and you will be rewarded in this life and the Hereafter, insha’Allah.

Serve Allah with hands and heart. On the 9/11 anniversary Fahina’s family sends money to orphanages and works hard to represent their faith outside their home. It’s important for us to remember all acts of worship which Allah loves such as giving in charity and spreading the word of Islam. The best way to spread awareness and open people’s minds to understanding is to educate them on this religion. This teaching is not simply done by words but also in actions, big and small.

So where were you on 9/11?

I don’t just mean where in terms of location or what you were doing. But where were you spiritually?

The CNN.com article was inspiring in the way Fahina’s and her family’s spiritual journey was mapped. They changed so much for the sake of Allah after dealing with the tragedy of losing a loved one in the 9/11 attacks. The lessons to be learned from them hold true for all of us as we’ve all made sacrifices and have struggled in our lives. But the same way it changed Fahina and her family in a positive fashion because they made it have an effect on them for the better, we can use the adversities in our lives to mold us into stronger Muslims as well.

Wherever you were in the past, wherever you are now, the most important question is where are you going? Take to heart some of the actions Fahina’s family took and let’s get there together with our entire family of the Muslim Ummah.

May Allah help us all in pleasing Him, ameen. May Allah make easy for Fahina and her family the struggles they face every day, ameen. May Allah have mercy on Fahina’s father and grant him admission into the highest level of Jannah, ameen.

Please pray for the 32 Muslim victims and remember all of the families who lost loved ones due to the 9/11 attacks, may Allah make it easy on all of them, ameen.

By: Philip C. Stead, Illustrated by Erin Stead, 2011 ALA Caldecott Winner

This is one of first books I have read to my son (18 months) that is not a board book. I was worried he might get bored and not notice the illustrations because of the muted colors. This book taught me we shouldn’t underestimate our children. We both read the book and Ibrahim excitedly pointed out the red balloon, the “chai” (tea), shoes and other  familiar objects in the pictures. The illustrations drew him in and kept him engaged throughout with the repetitive elements. The story and characters are appealing because they give you a lot to talk about with your child.

“Look, he’s making breakfast, what do you eat?”

“He’s making chai! That must be hot.”

“Uh-oh, he looks sad. What’s wrong? He’s got an “owwie.”

“Look, there’s the bus. What sound does the bus make?”

And the commentary in between the pages can be as creative as you like. It is only an accent to the wonderfully compassionate story line. If your child is still as young as mine, animal sound effects throughout the story are also another perfect way to entertain them. Ibrahim loved “whoo, whoo-ing” with the owl, and ah-choo-ing with Amos. Elephants are a little new, so we learned about the trunk and blowing it. I don’t really know what sound a rhino makes so I skipped that. haha.

So the story goes (spoiler alert!), Amos McGee is a patient and kind-hearted man who takes care of the animals in the zoo everyday. When he falls sick, his friends come to visit him and do for him what he does for them: the elephant plays chess with him, the tortoise plays hide and seek, the penguin keeps his feet warm, the rhinoceros offers him a handkerchief and the owl reads him a bedtime story.

Islamically, this book has no elements to be worried about or questionable pictures. Amos plays chess with elephant patiently, and runs races with the tortoise, helps the rhino with his allergies, sits with the penguin and reads to the owl. While reading the book to Ibrahim, I added in extra sneezes and “Alhamdulillah” as I went along.  You can also add salaam as the characters meet and depart. For slightly older children you may even want to add the dua for travelling (getting on a bus).

The sweet message of compassion to others is a great topic to talk to your child about. It is also a good supplement in discussing how we should maintain good relationships with those around us and visit the sick .

For slightly older children (3-7), it might be a great conversation starter on what happens when Mommy, Daddy or our teacher gets sick? What happens? What can you do if someone gets sick and has to “take the day off.”

A great resource for more lesson plan ideas:

http://classroombookshelf.blogspot.com/2011/01/ala-caldecott-winner-sick-day-for-amos.html

I asked around and it looked like other sisters also had an interest in hiking, thank God! My friends and I gathered a few sisters, seven of us in total, and decided to climb one of the local mountains. Famous worldwide for its breathtaking panoramic view, Mount Diablo happened to be only half an hour from home. Two days before Ramadan, we thought Mount Diablo would be the perfect way to conquer the devil (diablo, in Spanish, means devil), our nafs (desires) and strengthen ourselves.

I packed numerous water bottles, a light lunch, Band-Aids, and Motrin, while the other sisters similarly packed granola bars, sunscreen and other essentials. Our aim was to each fundraise $50 each for the East Africa food crisis.  We started our ascent up the 3000+ feet mountain (6 mile loop up around and back down the mountain) around 9:45am and ended around 3pm.  At times in our journey, we faced heat and fatigue, feelings of giving up,  awe at the mind-boggling view, wonder at the variety of plants and creatures we saw and happiness through building sisterhood and remembering Allah swt, our Glorious Creator. This hike was nothing short of amazing. It was not only a hike. Rather, it turned out to be a metaphor for life, a teacher and a coach right before our marathon of Ramadan.

Here are a few lessons I learned with my sisters that can serve as guiding lights in life’s journey, too:

1) Purify your intentions. And when you stumble, renew your intentions again.

“Verily actions are by intentions.” (Bukhari)

My intention behind the trip was to grow closer to Allah by witnessing the majesty of His creation, praising Him for it, and secondly to build sisterhood. We were motivated by the thought of assisting a charitable cause. While reaching the summit was a clear goal, the other intentions far outweighed it in importance.

This intention-setting turned out to be very important when certain sisters felt extremely tired to continue. When we told one sister, “don’t worry, take your time,” when she was having difficulty keeping up with the rest, she asked, “but I’m holding you all back”. I remembered the intention and told her, “Today’s goal is about building sisterhood; the summit isn’t the main goal.”  This reminder on the hot day that we wanted to be shaded under Allah’s shade together because we loved each other solely for His sake turned out to be one of the most consoling things ever.

2) Remember the majesty of the Creator by appreciating His creation.

Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the night and the day are signs for those of understanding. Who remember Allah while standing or sitting or [lying] on their sides and give thought to the creation of the heavens and the earth, [saying], “Our Lord, You did not create this aimlessly; exalted are You [above such a thing]; then protect us from the punishment of the Fire. (Qur’an 3:190-191)

Each time we saw a beautiful creation, we would say Subhan’Allah (far above is God from any imperfection/also translated Glory be to God). For every accomplishment, we would emit a sincere Alhamdulilah (All Praise be to God) from our tongues. Allahu akbar (God is Greater [than everything]) was similarly a common phrase throughout the day.  We also reflected on the meaning of the word ‘ayah’. Allah the Most High uses the word ‘ayah’ in the Qur’an to refer to verses of the Qur’an. But He also uses this same word to mean ‘sign’, for instance in His creation.  Several scholars have reflected on this not as a coincidence but as an encouragement. That when we see a beautiful creation of Allah, we should think about the message of the Qur’an. And when we read something striking in the Qur’an, we think about Allah’s creation.  For instance, when we were ascending up the majestic mountain (an ayah – a sign in creation of Allah), we reflected on the verse – the ayah – “If We had sent down this Qur’an upon a mountain, you would have seen it humbled and coming apart from fear of Allah.” (Qur’an 59:21)

3) God will guide you if you sincerely seek it. Keep going.

“Allah chooses for Himself whom He wills and guides to Himself whoever turns back [to Him]” (Qur’an 42:13)

There were moments in the hike when we were either completely exhausted or when we didn’t know which path to take next.  On many of these occasions, we came across kind-hearted fellow hikers who either reassured us with words such as “You’re almost there” or “The view is great”, or they guided us to take the right trail.  We felt like these people were similar to Angels that Allah sends to Messengers to guide them and grant them the correct message.  We smiled, appreciated them and continued on our path.

4) Take time to rest

We would never have been able to continue on the journey without rest stops. In these rests, we would breathe deeply (in from the nose, out through the mouth), hydrate ourselves, make du’a, smile or laugh together and regain our energy. Similarly, in the journey of life, we need to take a step back, rest and reflect, otherwise we will burn ourselves out.  That doesn’t mean we should get off of the straight path; rather, “there is a time for this, and a time for that” (Response of the Prophet peace be upon him when a man perplexedly told him that when the Companions left the Prophet’s company to be with their families, their iman would feel much lower).

5) Who and what you bring determines the outcome

The people we came with, first and foremost, were all excited to be in the outdoors together, striving for a common goal. They were all very encouraging and compassionate people who made the journey much easier. None of them were “Debbie Downers” or pessimists; we all shared a similar destination and reminded each other “towards truth and towards patience” (Qur’an 103:3). Thus, positive company is one of the most essential things one can bring on a hiking journey, or on the journey of life.

We carried lots and lots of water as well as healthy snacks.  A few of the sisters brought dates and fruits such as figs and cherries. We all reflected on the wisdom of the Prophet, peace be upon him’s, Sunnah (example). He encouraged the eating of dates and even today, we continue this practice knowing how beneficial it is. Some nutrition experts even call the combination of dates and water akin to a natural Gatorade. In short, we can never go wrong with natural, healthy options as encouraged by the Prophetic way.

When we aspired to keep walking despite steep elevations, we appreciated the maxim: “Pack lightly.” Not only would a heavy load tire us along the way, but also most extra items we kept were not even really needed.  Similarly, in life, we should remember to pack lightly, taking only the essentials (the most important being good deeds).  As the Prophetic saying goes, “Live in this life as a traveler or stranger” (Bukhari). What good will the accumulation of material things actually bring to us in the long run? Let’s reflect if the extra purse, car, vacation home or technological gadget is something we truly need. “Competition in [worldly] increase diverts you. Until you visit the graveyards.” (Qur’an 102:1-2)

6) Turn your hobbies into continuous good deeds

“The best deeds are those which are consistent even if they are small.”[Bukhari]

With a good intention, even a mundane act can turn into an act of worship. Similarly, with the right goals in mind, one can find joy and meaning in a hobby. We sisters want to continue hiking in order to reflect and come closer to Allah, become active people to serve Him and do good deeds, and build sisterhood. So this effort doesn’t die down, we decided to start a small institution, the “Bay Area Sisters’ Hiking Club” (BASHC) where we hope to complete a group hike every other month in the year.  Point: if you have a hobby or daily routine, spice it up with a cool intention and continue doing it. Find like-minded people to keep you motivated so the activity continues.

7) When you feel like giving up…

Remember Allah who will keep you going. Keep your mind on your goal and on your intention, coupled with sincere remembrance of Him. Say “Astaghfirullah” and really mean it by pondering about your sins, regretting them and deciding not to do them again. Say “Alhamdulillah” and truly feel the happiness, which comes from receiving all the blessings from Allah. Remember how far you’ve come. When we felt like resting a really long time and felt discouraged, we looked at the path we came already. Realizing we had traversed most of the distance already, we were more motivated to continue.   This advice can similarly apply on the journey of life. What should someone do if they feel discouraged?  Pick yourself up and try again.  Get back on the straight path.  Call out to Allah.  Seek help in patience and prayer.  Remember, getting on the path requires a little bit of effort, but as long as you’re on it finally, Allah will keep you going insha’Allah. Relating it back to Ramadan, ‘what doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger’.  Remember this will pass and you will develop endurance that you will only appreciate later.

The feeling we had when we reached the summit of the mountain relieved any pain we had felt. In fact, that very struggle, soreness and fatigue tasted sweet.  We felt as though we were standing at the top of the world, as Mount Diablo offers a beautiful view far-reaching to the human eye.  Similarly, in the journey of life, we will experience turmoil.  But remember, this life is not everything. Insha’Allah (God willing) when we take our first steps into Jannah (Paradise), all that hardship will have been worth it.

It’s beautiful how an activity as simple as hiking can reveal deeper meanings and wisdoms about life.  As someone once said, “The entire world is nothing more than meaning set up in images.”  May Allah help us decipher the meaning behind all things and activities, big or small, allowing us to come closer to Him as a result, Ameen.

Photo courtesy: jdnx ; Golden Gate Photo; Rick Rodriguez

I love you so much. It pains me to be distant from you. Though in my heart you are near, my limbs still long to be in your presence – my eyes to see your faces, my lips to kiss your cheeks, my arms to embrace your bodies. My chest aches as it inhales the air of lands devoid of you. My knees protest as my steps take me further from you. My mind weeps as it comprehends that I cannot wipe your tears nor calm your cries.

I long to be with you and to be in your service. When times have grown tough and circumstances severe, I have remembered you. When I lost loved ones, I remembered your patience, despite witnessing the slaughter of your children before your eyes. When I fasted from food and drink, I remembered your gratitude, despite eating only a meal of sour tomatoes and coarse bread only each day. When my expenses grew greater than my budget, I remembered your contentment, despite the theft of your livelihoods. When I grew lonely and depressed, I remembered your resilience, despite your isolation and unfavorable circumstances.

Your resilience has strengthened me. Your contentment has soothed me. Your gratitude has humbled me. Your patience has calmed me. Had there been no reasons other than these – had my tax dollars not funded your oppression, had my government not craftily justified your deaths, had you not been a part of my whole – I would still be indebted to you forever. Witnessing your hope has endowed me with hope. Witnessing your compassion, your hospitality, your optimism and your might in the face of the brutality you endure has granted me greater certainty in the Might of God.

When I met you two years ago, you had months prior endured the massacre of your men, women, and children and had seen your city’s infrastucture become ruins and rubble. As I journeyed to meet you, I assumed I would find you depressed, despairing, and broken. I attempted to empty myself of my sorrows prior to my arrival, for I wanted to be strong for you. I prepared myself to endow you with hope, to uplift you. I felt I would play the role of the big sister or the mother of a weeping child, consoling you, protecting you, soothing you.

But when I finally arrived, I found you warm and hopeful, strong and whole. I did not read sorrow on your faces but rather I witnessed humbled patience and genuine love. I witnessed chivalry and hospitality. I witnessed dignity. And I realized that it was I who was like the child, and you were like my big sisters and brothers, my mothers and fathers.

You treated me as one of your own. You embraced me as though I was a long missed sister and daughter. You favored me before yourselves. You never asked anything of me. Instead you showered me with gifts. Gifts of scarves, bracelets, rings and trinkets to remember you by. Gifts of love, kindness, and smiles. Gifts of unity, faith, and strength. Adult and youth alike, you continued to give until the second I was forced to leave you.

I was befuddled at your enthusiasm and eagerness to meet me. You treated me and my companions as if we were noble and honorable guests, as if we were kings and queens. You smiled and waved at us when we would pass you, as if we were victors marching through our home town. Your treatment of us bewildered me, for none of us had done anything to deserve it. Did you not realize that it was you who were the true heroes, that you were the honorable ones?

In witnessing your noble character, I remember our prophets, may peace be upon them all. You inherit their legacy. Just as they faced persecution, so do you face the same. But just as they maintained the best character, the strongest faith, the greatest dignity throughout their struggles, so do you exemplify the same. You serve as a piercing reminder to me of how God, in all His magnificence, blesses people in ways we could never perceive.

The majority of humans would judge blessings materially. They would deem successful those with the fastest cars, the biggest homes, the highest-grossing jobs, the fanciest clothes, the newest gadgets, the most wealth to throw around carelessly. They would delude themselves into believing that material successes are enough, that their Lambourghini and Louis Vuitton will somehow secure them happiness in this life and shield them from torment. But, you. You serve as a reminder to me of those who are truly successful.

You patiently persevere and humbly endure. You remain firm and steadfast and continue to fear God. You strive in the way of God, sacrificing not only your wealth but also your lives for His sake. You remain brethren and exemplify the true meaning of community. You enjoin the right and forbid the wrong, never faltering no matter how tempting the bribes may be. You embody certainty that, despite the instantaneous satisfaction received by accepting bribes, such gratification is only superficial and fleeting. You know that evil and good are not equivalent, no matter how impressive the guises of evil may be. You firmly stand on the side of justice. And in doing all this, you exalt Our Lord, His Majesty, Power, and Grandeur, and you honor and follow His prophets, may peace be upon them all.

That is true success.

You have soothed me, consoled me, and protected me. You have soothed my fears. You have consoled my sorrows. You have protected my faith. I was blessed to have been in your presence and to have witnessed your character. My time with you strengthened my certainty in the Might of God and my hope in His Mercy.

I am certain that you were blessed with dignity by Him, and thus I am hopeful that He would never allow you to be debased. I am certain that He allowed you to continue to be grateful to Him, and thus I am hopeful that He will continue to increase you – in rank, in blessing, in reward. I am certain that God is the Most Just, and thus I am hopeful that one day soon, insha’Allah, you will be free.

Stay strong, my brothers and sisters. You know not your impact upon those who love and admire you dearly from afar. You are truly an inspiration, a diamond in the rough, whose brightness illuminates us all. Stay strong, and keep being as you are, for your manners are worthy of praise. You do not realize how deeply we yearn to be in your company so we may inhale some of the sweet fragrance of your truthfulness ourselves. Stay strong, my beloved brothers and sisters, and I promise you, you will succeed. God is with you all, and He will never abandon you. As deeply as I long to hear your voices, they are dearer to Him than they are to me. As close as I long to be to you, He is closer when you call upon Him. As much as I love you, He loves you far more. Stay strong, my brothers and sisters, for you will be free. I promise you. You will be free.

Yours,
Zoya Ahmad

Unveiled – Understanding the Niqab
Where: Online
When: Thursday, May 26, 2011 at 7:00-8:00 PM EST
Speaker: Hebah Ahmed
Register online at http://bit.ly/registerforwebinar

There is much confusion and dispute among Muslims and non-Muslims about the status of the niqab (face veil). The intent of this webinar is to dispel myths regarding the face veil. Is it oppression? Is banning it a breach of freedom of rights? Is it mandatory to wear in Islamic law? All this and more!

Come and Learn:

What is Niqab
The origins of Niqab
Criticisms against Niqab
How does one’s life change when they start wearing Niqab
How should one deal with sisters who wear Niqab – Muslim and non-Muslim perspective
Political enforcement and/or banning of Niqab

Hebah is a Muslim American with a Masters Degree in Mechanical Engineering. She was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee to Egyptian immigrants. Hebah is a social activist who works to dispel the myths about Islam and Women in Islam through community presentations and panel discussions.

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This is a sisters only event
Online webcast with audio and visual presentation
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For maximum benefit, try your best to attend this event live.
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Toronto Time: 7 pm EST
Chicago Time: 6 pm CST
LA Time: 4 pm PST
Egypt Time: 4 am
London Time: 12 am
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FREE ONLINE WEBINAR
Suggested Donation: $ 5
Donate here: http://bit.ly/hereisagiftforyou

Unveiled – Understanding the Niqab
Where: Online
When: Thursday, May 26, 2011 at 7:00-8:00 PM EST
Speaker: Hebah Ahmed
Register online at http://bit.ly/registerforwebinar

They say nationalism is the religion of the modern man. And perhaps for many it is. I, however, never knew what to say when people ask me where I’m from. I’d say the facts, “I was born in Maryland, and my parents are from Alexandria, Egypt”. That was never really who “I” was.

Yes, I was part of the intricate “Arab culture” but more than that, I seek to be a better Muslim. In other words, I feel not only for the Arab cry of pain, but for every living, breathing, hope of a Muslim anywhere around the globe. With that said, I have been surprised, no: shocked at my reaction to what is happening.

At first I was against the Egyptians protesting, simply because I feel we are too weak as a people to divide ourselves more. I felt that we needed a leader first — that we needed to breed one among ourselves, before we could criticize the regime.

I have family on both sides. My uncle is a police officer, you know, “one of those terrible people,” except he’s really one of the kindest men I’ve known in my life, who also sacrificed his life in Serbia in relief work. My friends and other family were all for the protests, some out on the streets. I heard and listened and felt with them, but in my heart resolved the protesting only makes you angry, that it allows rage to run through your veins. It couldn’t be good for the people.
Now today, I cannot hear my grandmother’s voice, or rest assured that my friends are safe — connections on the internet and phone have been cut. I am a mere bystander.

I can feel the anger and resentment building up in me.

I am not there.

I am not with the people of my heritage.

I am not by the history that I’ve read about with longing for my whole life.

If I had the chance, I’d take a plane and fly just breathe the same air that the oppressors and oppressed are breathing. I want to cry, but my tears, here, miles away will be wasted. I want to soak the sand of the Bedouins. I want to flood the streets of Alexandria with my saline sadness.

But here I am, struggling to go to class with some sanity; arguing with American Arabs over what “should” be done, asking God to show me things as “they are” not just as I “see them”.

But more than that, I am praying, lifting my hands up to ask, because though the soil of here and there are different, the mercy of God that encompasses us remains the same.

Pray with me.

Photo courtesy: Getty Images / Peter Macdiarmid

My grandmother fund raised for the building of churches and held Bible worship study when she was my age.  She has always been active in the Christian community in a similar fashion to many Muslim women who participate in their local mosques’ activities and hold weekly ‘halaqa’s, or ‘circles of faith.’

But despite my family’s vast knowledge and devoted adherence to Christianity, I have found much ignorance about Christianity and the Bible—especially within those who are teaching and holding leadership positions in the Christian community!  And, in light of Pastor Terry Jone’s current scheme to burn the Quran—the Muslim Holy Book (which respectfully discusses in great detail things like the miraculous birth of Jesus Christ, the faith of the true Christian people, and the Message sent by Prophet Abraham)—I felt it necessary to use the Bible itself to argue against tomorrow’s “burning of the Quran” event.

Please note that this is not meant to be the thousandth article on love and tolerance being the “Christian” thing to do in the face of heedless “Moozlums.”  Actually, the Biblical verses I would like to discuss are directly related to the Muslim people, the Islamic faith, and the Quran that is scheduled to be burned tomorrow.

While I agree that Pastor Jones should not be burning the Quran based on the fact that Jesus Christ sent a Diving Message of love and peace, I say that more importantly, Pastor Jones should not burn the Quran because he would be committing blasphemy against what he claims is his own faith!

If you, dear reader, are a truly God-conscious Christian who has heard of the Quran burning, please take a moment to review some Biblical verses that very well should change your life from this moment on:

In Deuteronomy 18:18 we find the following verse:

“I will raise them up a Prophet from among a brethren nation, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him.”

Misinformed pastors like Terry Jones may insinuate that God is referring to Christ in this verse, but there is a problem with this interpretation.  Jesus is not from a “brethren” nation in comparison to Moses; he’s actually from the same nation—the people of Isaac.

So who is the brethren nation God is referring to when He promises us a Prophet after Christ?

The Prophet Abraham had Isaac and Ishmael.  It seems that God, in this verse in Deuteronomy, is promising to send us a Prophet from amongst the people of Ishmael, after having sent Christ and Moses from Isaac’s nation (peace be upon them).

…To confirm this, please turn to Genesis 17:20 and read:

“And as for Ishmael, I have heard you: Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation.”

…Ok, so someone from the church was lying to us big-time when they demonized Ishmael and his people.  The Bible says that Ishmael (who Arabs descended from, by the way) will father a “great nation”!

But who is this Prophet, then, that the Bible speaks of as coming from Ishmael’s nation?

And where geographically will he be located?

To find the answer to the above questions, please open to Deuteronomy 33:2 and read:

“And he said, The Lord came from Sinai, and rose up from Seir to them; he shined forth from mount Paran, and he came with ten thousand saints: from his right hand went a fiery law for them.”

We know that “The Lord came from Sinai” is a reference to Moses, and we also know that Seir, in Jerusalem, is a reference to Christ.  So who then is God sending from Mount Paran?

And, more importantly, where geographically is Mount Paran?

Uh oh.  Guess what, Pastor Jones?  Mount Paran is actually located in what is today the western region of Saudi Arabia.

That means that Quran you’re burning tomorrow came from Ishmael’s descendants (remember that “great nation” God spoke about in the Bible? Yeah, that one) in the region of Mount Paran, confirming the Message that’s in the Bible you claim to adhere to.

I think you’re beginning to get into Bible no-no zone.

One last verse, and I’ll rest my case.  Turn to John 14:24-26 and read:

“He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine, but the Father’s who sent Me. I have told you this while I am still with you. But the helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.”

There is a slight mistranslation above and “Holy Spirit” should not be capitalized but, if you go back to Greek, should simply be translated as, “the one who has a trustworthy/pure soul.”  And the word “helper” translated above from Greek is actually “Paraclete,” which has varying meanings in English.  The root of the word would literally translate into “He who is deserving of Praise.”

The above verse is referencing the Prophet we have seen mentioned above—who will have honest characteristics and be named “Paraclete,” which means “Praiseworthy.”  This prophet, when he comes, will teach us “all things,” and remind us of what God originally sent to us through Christian Scripture and even the Old Testament!

So, a true Christian at this point will ask himself or herself who then is this “Comforter” that is prophesied in the Bible…who has a spirit that is full of holiness and has a name meaning “Praiseworthy” ?

Who is God referring to in the Bible when He tells us that from Mount Paran will come a Prophet from the nation of Ishmael to recite unto us His verses and carry a conformation of the message of Christianity?

And, out of curiosity, what would “Paraclete” mean if we were to, say, translate it into the language of the people living in Mount Paran (which is Arabic)?

…I looked up Arabic translations of Paraclete, and here are names that are derived from the word:

Ahmed, Mohammad, Mahmoud

Did you recognize any of those?  I know I recognize one of them.

Wait a minute, Pastor Jones—is it possible that you’re planning on burning the Holy Book that the Paraclete, who God speaks about in John, brought to the people of Ishmael?!

If so, you’d better watch out from God’s wrath.  Although you declare that Islam is from the devil, based on the Bible alone it seems to be that your actions instead are more representative of satanic followers.

But I won’t quote from the Bible alone anymore.  This is because I have a verse from the Quran that I wanted to share.  The verse gives me chills, and it should to any true Christian reading this.  It may even seem familiar when you read it:

“Even as We have sent among you a Messenger from among yourselves, reciting to you Our Messages, and purifying you, and teaching you the Scripture and the wisdom, and teaching you what you were not knowing. Therefore remember Me, I shall remember you; and give thanks to Me, and do not defy Me.” [2:151-152]

…God promised Moses in the Old Testament to send an unlearned Prophet to the people of Ishmael, and He reiterated the same promise in the verses I shared with you above from the New Testament [Deuteronomy 18:18].  In the Holy Quran, God confirms that He has followed through with His promise.

Now, dear Christian reader, the ball is in your court.  The true Christian will acknowledge the legitimacy of the Quran as it was mentioned in our Bible.  Whether or not someone wants to call themselves Muslim (which—get this—means “Submitter to God” in Arabic!) is up to you.  But you cannot deny that the Bible speaks highly of the Arab people, the Muslim Prophet, and the Quran!  Again, the true Christian will acknowledge the legitimacy of the Islamic Scripture, as it was mentioned in the Bible.

On the other hand, blasphemous individuals like Pastor Jones, who insist that the Quran is from the devil, might as well throw the Bible into the fire tomorrow as well.