My Reflections on International Women's Day

When you look at me, 

All that you can see, 

is the scarf that covers my hair. 

My words you can't hear, 

because you're too full of fear, 

mouth gaping, 

all you do is stare.
You think it's not my choice, 

in your own "liberation" rejoice.

You think I'm uneducated, 

trapped, 

oppressed and subjugated, 

You're so thankful that you're free.
But you've got it wrong.... 

You're the weak and 

I'm the strong.

For I've rejected the trap of man. 

Fancy clothes - 

low neck, 

short skirt   

are devices for pain and hurt. 

I'm not falling for that little plan.
I'm a person with ideas and thought. 

I'm not for sale, 

I can't be bought. 

I'm me - not a fancy toy, 

I won't decorate anyone's arm, 

nor be promoted for my charm. 

There is more to me than playing coy.
Living life as a balancing game - 

mother,daughter, wife, nurse, cleaner, cook, lover and 

 still bring home a wage?

Who thought up this modern "freedom"? 

Where man can love 'em 

and man can leave 'em. 

This is not free, 

but life in a cage. 

Always jumping to a male agenda, 

competing on his terms. 

No job share, no creche facilities, 

no feeding and 

nappy changing amenities. 

No time off for menstrual pain,"hormones" 

they laugh "what a shame. 

"No equal pay equal skill, 

your job they can always fill. 

No promotion unless you're sterilised. 

No promotion unless you're sexually terrorised.

And this is liberation?
You can have your life. 

Mine - 

it has less strife. 

I cover and I get respected, 

surely that's to be expected, 

for I won't demean the feminine, 

I won't live to male criterion, 

I surrender to Allah’s standards, 

Quran my tune

I hope you see this very soon. 

For your own sake - 

wake up and use your sight. 

Are you so sure that you are right?

Talking about women is an arduous task because we can never really do justice to the topic of women. Women are beautiful, creative, intuitive. We add brilliance to life. Our smiles are the harbinger of joy. We are skilled. sauve, delightful, mysterious and hardworking. We can be simple yet unpredictable. We can be outgoing, sometimes outrageous but at the end of the day, we are kindhearted and resolute. We make the house, a home. We are the reason behind and source of men's success. We have the power to give life and raise nations. We are inseparably intertwined with the universe for its and our existence. History has been a testament to the fact that women are great. We are funny, smart, charming and accomplished. We give away so much of ourselves to others and to the world daily but receive very little acknowledgement in turn. I am very pleased and proud of the Ryerson Muslim Student Association to allow women to come together in solitude and self-reflection to celebrate women.

Especially Muslim women, who I think are a minority in this society, and increasingly discriminated against because of ... lets face it ... because of the way we dress. Our dress distinguishes us because of which we have become an easy target for growing prejudices and stereotypes. But what is unique about Muslim women, and something that most people do not know ... is that we do not accept but challenge the mandates and labels of society. We do not allow ourselves to be overly awed and manipulated by the pressures that surround us. We are gentle and polite but make no mistake, we are also electric enkindled. We are spiritual but also able minded and strong in every way. Muslim women revere themselves. We respect our bodies, our intelligence and our purpose in life. You have the examples of some really amazing Muslim women like Sandra Noe and Tina Aseffa, who live very active and vibrant lives behind the veil. Truth be told, underneath hijab and niqab, there is a Muslim woman who is wise, colourful and warm. We have so much to offer to this society...so many ideas and talents to share. I think its a shame that Muslim women and our dress are constantly misunderstood, harassed and persecuted at all levels of society, now including the government. 

Muslim women, all over the world, primarily draw their inspiration and guidance from the Qur'an. We dress the way we do because the Qur'an teaches us to do so. We are motivated by God to be modest and cover our body. Therefore, a discussion and a narrative about Muslim women necessitates touching base with the Qur'an. 

Tonight, we'll discuss some of God's teachings about women in the Qur'an. We will view the complements, the honour and the love God extends to the women throughout the Qur'an. You will see how beautifully early Muslim women were treated by men, because of the rights and freedoms God gave us. In the end, I hope leave you with a positive image and understanding of Muslim women. And a renewed commitment to appreciating Muslim women, in fact women everywhere.

What is crucial to a Muslim woman's life and her identity is her relationship with her Creator. A Muslim woman is an embodiment of her faith. Her body is a vessel of God's love and respect. The meaning of her life is worship.

I will be using the Arabic Name of God, the Name which is used in the Qur'an, which is Allah. The Arabic Name, Allah is a contraction of “Al' and “Ilah” which means The God and the Only Deity – Allah means the Only Divine, Supreme, Creator and True Owner of everything. In Hebrew and Aramaic – the languages of Moses, David and Jesus, the Name of God is Eloh or Elah. We don't see that in the Bible as much as more because of mistranslations and Greek and Latin influences but the Name of God, said by all Prophets of Judaism, Christianity and Islam is Allah.

The Muslims believe that when Allah created our impeccable universe, He sent us Messengers – men who with His message to humanity till the last Messenger, Muhammad (peace be upon him). Muhammad (peace be upon him) was sent to humanity with God's Words. The Final Speech of God to humankind is called the Qur'an. 

The women should be especially happy and excited about the Qur'an because a huge chunk of this Book, that Allah revealed is dedicated towards honouring women and preaching kindness towards us. Our gender as a draw-back, being a woman is not a demerit point in Islam. We matter to Allah and He is so concerned about our well-being and our safety that chapter after chapter in the Qur'an speaks of women, so much so that Yunne Ridley, a UK journalist convert to Islam said, The Qur'an is a Magna Carta for Women.

So finally, what is the value of women in the Qur'an?

Allah says, وَلَيْسَ الذَّكَرُ كَالأُنثَى – and the man is not like the female. Our society compare women to a men. Our worth is always juxtaposed with men. We need to walk like them, talk like them, dress like them, do their work in order for society to think of us as equal and as good as men. But according to the Qur'an, men cannot measure up to women. Men can never achieve the esteem and standard that the women hold. As a daughter, a woman is the door of Paradise for her father. As a wife, a woman completes her husand's Deen. As a mother, Paradise is under a woman's feet. So for any man to be successful in the religion of Islam and receive Paradise...he must honour and treat the women in his life with dignity.

• E.A Allen, wrote an amazing treatise on the History of Civilizations. He writes in Vol. 3 pages 444, 443 and 450 that in 1600 BC, Athens Greece – women are treated as minor, deficient in intellect, incapable of making her own decisions. The property of their male kin.
• In 44 BC, the Rome Empire - women are still the property of her male kin, bartered from one man to another for benefit. She was totally dependent. She could not own any property or wealth. She had no freedom, choice or influence even with respect to her own life. France, I believe was the first European country to give women the status of human beings in 586. Prior to this, it was assumed that a woman was without a soul.
• The Encyclopedia Britannica 1986, vol. 23 pg 64 testifies to the English Common Law, the legal system of England and Wales that legislated male authority over women well into the 18^th century.
• In their book, Marriage East and Wet, David and Vera Mace wrote in pages 80 and 81, “It would be hard to find anywhere a collection of more regarding references to the female sex than the early Church Fathers provide...Woman was represented as the door of hell, as the mother of all human ills. She should be ashamed at the very thought that she is a woman. She should live in continual penance on account of the curses she has brought upon the world. She should be ashamed of her dress, for it is the memorial of her fall. She should be especially ashamed of her beauty, for it is the most potent instrument of the devil...you are the devil's gateway: you are the unsealer of that forbidden tree; you are the first deserters of the divine law; you are she who persuades him whom the devil was not valiant enough to attack. You destroyed so easily God's image, man. On account of your desert – that i death – even the son of god had to die. Not only did the church affirm the church affirm the inferior status of woman, it deprived her of legal rights.”

One can argue, well things have changed now for women...

We can vote, we have access to education and work. We can get an abortion. We are independent.But let me ask you, is this really true?

If we can vote then how many women are there in our government today that represent us? Really stand up for women's rights....Not only is our government, composed predominately of men but men who are persistent in sexualizing and dehumanizing women. Take president Sarkozy for example. He first campaigned for the niqab ban in France. This injustice was then adopted by other European countries and now it has become a controversy in Canada. Well, many of you may not know that Sarkozy's wife was an ex nudist – a pron artist. And he is not the only one who endorses this lifestyle for women: to wear literally, nothing for the sake of man's pleasure.

And if women have access to education and work then why is that that in 2006, female graduates on average earned 15% less than men for the same work when they were 25 years old. At the age of 41-45 the pay gap between women and men increases to 45%.

There is an estimate of 80,000 women who are involved with prostitution. 74% of these women cite poverty as their reason to prostitute their body. They cannot support their children and pay their bills.

If women are really liberated then why does the NHS report said in 2009 that one in five adult women experience depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts?

I will tell you what women really need and what is truly missing in their lives .. it is Emaan! Emaan in Allah is not only a religious concept but a worldview and blueprint to a successful  lifestyle. A true woman is a woman made of unsheathed and unwavering Emaan. Her Emaan makes her noble and distinguished. It gives her rights and purpose in life. Allah created women to be a dynamic force! When a woman accepts Islam, Allah blesses her with liberating rights and inspiring strength to deal with her relationships, finances and spiritual life.  A Muslim woman is a beautiful but fierce creation of Allah. No one can mess with her. Every woman was once a little girl. And every little girl holds in her heart her most precious dreams. She longs to look beautiful, to be appreciated, to play an irreplaceable role in a great adventure, to be swept up into a romance, to belong. These desires are far more than child's play. They are the secret to every feminine heart. Many women seek out these goals in ways which unnecessarily hurt their feminity……But Muslim women achieve their full feminine appeal with three virtues: Hijab, Abaya, Niqab. 

Why do I wear the Abaya?
It relates to my basic faith in Allah and that there is no One worthy to worship except Him. As a Muslim woman, I want to submit to Allah and obey all His commands. Since  Hijab is a clear command from Allah, I choose to wear it to please Him. 

Aisha (r.a), the beloved wife of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) said, "May Allah have mercy on the immigrant women - when Allah revealed that they should wear Hijab, they tore different pieces of clothes to wrap their hand and face face with them" - Bukhari. These women did not even have sufficient clothing with which they could cover themselves modestly, yet they were the first to obey Allah. They also gave up the tradition and norm of their society, where it was fashionable for women to hang a dupatta around their neck, showing their neck, cleavage and the curves of their breast to covering not only their entire bodies but hair and face. 

Abaya does not apply only to clothes. It is a state of mind, behaviour and lifestyle. Hijab celebrates a desirable quality called Haya (modesty). It deeply concerns with preserving one's dignity. Haya is a natural feeling that brings us pain at the very idea of committing something wrong. The Prophet (s.a.w) said, "Every religion has a distinct feature. Islam's distinct feature is haya (modesty)" - Ibn Majah. To me the Hijab proclaims my modesty thereby protects me. It identifies me as a Muslim woman of high moral standards and it reduces my chances of being harassed. 

The point to covering is not that sexual attraction is bad, only that it should be expressed between a husband and wife inside the privacy of the home. A public space free of sexual tensions is seen as a more peaceful place for human beings, men and women, to interact, do business, and build a healthy civilization - Dr. Katherine Bullock 

Hijab unites me to other Muslim sisters -€“ Hijab identifies us as Muslims and encourages other Muslim sisters to greet us with the salutation of peace, Assalamu Alaikum€. Hijab draws others to us and immerses us in good company.
Abaya liberates me from slavery to physical perfection:€“ Society makes women desire to become €˜perfect objects€™. The multitudes of alluring fashion magazines and cosmetic surgeries show women’s enslavement to beauty. The entertainment industry pressures teens to believe that for clothes, less is better. When I wear Hijab, I vow to liberate ourselves from such desires and serve only Allah. 
Hijab and Abaya do not let others judge me by my hair and curves!“ In schools and professional environments, women are often judged by their physical appearance or physical €”characteristics they neither chose nor created. Hijab forces society to judge women for their value as human beings, with intellect, principles, and feelings. A woman in Hijab sends a message, €œDeal with my brain, not my body!
Niqab gives me power and confidence: In contrast to today'€™s teenage culture, where anorexia and suicide are on the rise, as women attempt to reach an unattainable ideal of beauty, Hijab frees a woman from the pressure to €˜fit in€™. I don't not have to worry about wearing the right kind of jeans or the right shade of eye shadow. I feel secure about my appearance because I only care to please only Allah. 

Islamic Government

This is a really awesome e-book,

Principles of Governance, 

Freedom and Responsibility in Islam.

 I can't wait to read it after my exams. Its author, Hasan Turabi is a Muslim political scientist, who actually worked to help create an Islamic government in Sudan. How cool is that? Regretfully, I always thought there were no Salafi Muslim Social Scientists and International thinkers. I can't believe I doubted my own kind. Shame on me. 

a question about Palestine

In 1901, the founder of the Zionist Movement, Theodor Herzl, himself visited Istanbul and requested to meet with the Sultan Abdulhamid II. The Sultan refused to meet with him and returned him with the following words through his Head of Ministers Council,

“Advise Dr. Herzl not to take any further steps in his project. I cannot give away a handful of the soil of this land for it is not my own, it is for all the Islamic Nation that fought for the sake of this land and watered it with their blood. The Jews may keep their millions. If the Islamic Caliphate is one day destroyed then they will be able to take Palestine without a price. But while I am alive, I would rather push a sword into my body than see the land of Palestine cut and given away from the Islamic State. This will not be. I will not start cutting our bodies while we are alive” - Sultan Abdullhamid II

 I fully applaud Sultan Abdullhamid for his courage and powerful word - who wouldn't? We root and cheer our heart out with everything related to Palestine. Viva la Palestina! I can't think of a single Masjid in Canada which does not hold a fundraiser for Palestine. I can't think of a single Muslim teenager who does not own a Palestinian flag which they either hang in their room or wear it to school with pride. Now even Google, Facebook, Youtube are roaring with heartwarming images, speeches and prayers for Palestine. We ask Allah to give the Palestinians strength to persevere in resistance against oppression. We ask Allah bring their perpetrators to Justice. 

In the midst of all the angry chants, circular debates and meek protests, I wonder if anyone really contemplates over the history of Palestine. Doesn't it intrigue you that despite all the money, love and support, the genocide and holocaust continues Palestine. Yes, I know the Zionists are the new (hidden) superpower of the world backed by US military arsenal. I really laugh when people tell me its the politics that failed Palestine, the UN is too timid to dish out defense or its the fault of the Arab League for abandoning the Palestinian cause. 
Can any force on earth, whether it be nuclear or neurological countervail Allah's Power? Is Allah in need of help from phony assemblies and sham organizations? Indeed to Allah Alone belongs the Unlimited Control and Complete Authority of everything that exists in the heavens and the earth .... and nothing, absolutely nothing can happen in this universe, including Palestine without the precise Will and Permission of Allah, the Majestic in Might, the Most Supreme, the Exalted. Not even a mere leaf, let alone a bomb can fall without Allah's Decree. 

Say, "Never will we be struck except by what Allah has decreed for us; He is our protector." And upon Allah let the believers rely - Qur'an, 9:51

Whatever Allah grants to people of mercy - none can withhold it; and whatever He withholds - none can release it thereafter. And He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise. O mankind, remember the favor of Allah upon you. Is there any creator other than Allah who provides for you from the heaven and earth? There is no deity except Him, so how are you deluded? - Qur'an, 35:2-3

And if Allah should touch you with adversity, there is no remover of it except Him. And if He touches you with good - then He is over all things competent. And He is the subjugator over His servants. And He is the Wise, the Acquainted [with all].  - Qur'an, 6:17-18 

Allah says 'why are you deluded?' Its really hysterical that we have limited our understanding of Allah as our Rabb to Some One to Whom we owe ritualistic veneration and worship. Allah is our Rabb in fact means that He is the Ultimate Master of our destiny. He is the Ruler and Manager over us. He oversees, determines, commands and governs everything that happens to us in any given moment of our lives. Every person, and piece of technology is subdued to His will. He is the Creator and everything, good or bad is from Him. So my question is that, what is the underlying reason, in the great scheme of things -  in the sight of Allah, which caused oppression to rain down on Palestine in the first place. If we believe in Allah then we must surely trustthat Allah has the Greatest Power to end the massacre and bring peace. Then why has nothing changed in Palestine? 

The last time I asked this question, I was met with onslaught of ridicule and negative criticism. I was told that only someone insensitive to the Palestinian cause would say such a thing and that I was passing a moral judgement of sorts. This is what you get for thinking outside the box? Oh well ... at least I wasn't called an Israeli collaborator lol. I don't have an answer to my question either but it is good to keep your mind open for knowledge. I believe that after exhausting all political paths to liberating Palestine, perhaps freedom lies on a religious road. 
The history of Bani Israel always impresses me because one can draw many parallels from their behaviour to the present day Muslims. Surah Baqarah speaks of Pharaoh's oppression of the Bani Israel when he slit the throats of their sons (murdered their strength) and enslaved their daughters (humiliated their honour). The Pharaoh was of course a tyrant but Allah explains in verse 49 that wafee tha likum balaaon min rabbikum aatheem - Pharaoh brutality was actually Allah's chastisement upon the Bani Israel because (we learn this later on in the same Surah) they denied, tormented and eventually killed Allah's Prophets; treated His guidance with insolence and knowingly persisted in sin.

Not that I am drawing any conclusions but there is a reason why the Allah speaks of the political conditions of Bani Israel. Surah Israa' highlights the cruel foreign invasion and occupation this race endured twice for its audacious disobediences to Allah. Just speculating but maybe Allah intends to warn us through their example: don't repeat what they did or the same will happen to you? Only Allah Knows Best. 

So we were talking about reviewing the history of Palestine. If we go as far back as 1516, Palestine in the Uthmani Khilafaah, we will come to know that Palestinians were the first group of Arab who revolted and deserted the Khilafaah. They first tired to overthrow the Khilafaah in 1834. After much turmoil when the Ottomans regained control of Palestine, they spent nearly three decades (1876-1908) trying to modernize the Khilafaah to imitate the British monarch system. They were successful in establishing a Parliament and writing a constitution. Of course they claimed most of the representatives in the Parliament, in fact the President of the Council of the House of Representatives was a Palestinians deputy. They snatched control of the administration of Arab territories from the Khilafaah. They usurped the fiances, education and development of Muslims to feed their nationalistic and patriotic cravings for independence from the Turks. Thanks to their delving, the Khilafaah was unstable. The final death blow to the Uthmani Khilafaah also came from Palestine during World War 1. They supported the T.E Lawrence beat the Turks, who took over Palestine in 1917.  

It can be argued that the Egyptians played a bigger role renouncing the Khilafah and disowning Muslim unity for independence. This is true, the Egyptians played a tremendous part only second to the Palestinians. When the British Egyptian Expeditionary Force commanded by Field Marshall Edmund Allenby first attacked the Khilaafah, they made little progress. But with the help of Palestinians, they not only defeated the Turks but raised the Khilaafah to the ground forever.  Yes, Sharif Husyan also revolted in Hejaz against the Khilafaah in 1915 but it was already too late then, the dissension was irreversible. Actually Husyan's family with the guidance of Shaykh Muhammad bin Abdul Wahab did what they could to protect Makkah and Madina from falling into British hands. Alhamdulillah, they protected and purified the Holy Cities. 

 Alas, the Palestinians never got independence. The Balfour Declaration came to the Palestinians as a shock but what did they expect? Allah would help them after they recklessly abdicate the Islamic Khilafaah and jilt the Muslim unity in favour of a disbeliving nation? It is indeed a sad turn of events. Palestine then and now, holds the Muslim world at bay. So maybe we are not asking the right question: its not about what we can do for Palestine's lost independence but what can we do about every Muslim person who lost the Khilaafah.  We shouldn't be chanting Viva la Palestina but Viva la Khilaafah. Our fundraisers, flags, formal prayers should not just be about Palestine but an Islamic Khilaafah for every Muslim. An Islamic Khilaafah just maybe the right answer to the Palestine question. 

Source: Palestine under the Ottomans http://histclo.com/essay/war/ip/ott/ott-pal.html

Being Perfect for Allah

Have you ever dressed up for someone you like? Its fun to be stylish, to try out new makeup shades and jewelry ideas. But to dress up for someone you like is an experience and an occasion by itself. We all have done that a few times and we know we love it. But what would it be like to dress up for Allah? Like really look pretty and be perfect for our Creator so when He looks at us, He loves us in first glance? Surah Furqan has some really attractive make over ideas :) Enjoy :)

1. Wear the Foundation of Humility and Forbearance ^_^

وَعِبَادُ الرَّحْمَـٰنِ الَّذِينَ يَمْشُونَ عَلَى الْأَرْضِ هَوْنًا

And the slaves of the Most Gracious (Allah) are those who walk on the earth in humility - 25:63

Being humble is being unassuming of one’s own greatness, precedence and importance in front of Allah and people. Humility is by knowing the Greatness of Allah and being thankful for the fact that everything comes by His blessing, constant repentance and seeking forgiveness of the Most Merciful. Remembering Allah and doing things in the name of Allah. Humility with people is remembering our weaknesses and shortcomings and that we are just creatures made from dust who will return to dust. 

Humility is also in walking without pride, serving all kinds of people. The companions’ love and respect for the Prophet (s.a.w) was undoubtedly more exemplary than the followers of any other king or emperor in history. They were always ready to serve him. Yet when A’ishah (r.a) was asked about how he was at home she replied, “He was in the service of his family…” (Bukhari) The Prophet ﷺ used to milk the sheep, sew and patch his own garments, go to the market and buy his own things, sit and eat with his servants, initiate greetings with others, and act as though he was like any other one of the companions, joining them in whatever they were doing. Prophet (s.a.w) said, “Allah only increases a person in status if he forgives, and no one ever humbles himself before Allah but He will raise him in status.” (Muslim)
Arrogance is the opposite of humility and the basic root cause of all evil. Arrogance drove Iblees to disobey Allah and be expelled from Paradise. Arrogance is belittling the commands of Allah/the truth revealed from Allah and looking down on people. Prophet (s.a.w) said, “Whoever has an atom’s weight of arrogance in their heart will not enter heaven.”

وَإِذَا خَاطَبَهُمُ الْجَاهِلُونَ قَالُوا سَلَامًا  

and when the foolish address them (with bad words) they reply back with mild words of gentleness - 25:63

Allah loves forbearance. It means to have a calm and mild composure. calm, peaceful and do not react to challenging people or situations with anger or impatience. We all get angry and annoyed; but the issue is how do we react to a stressful situation. The servants of the Most Merciful react to any form of verbal abuse with something that is better, whether it be good words like "assalamu alaikum" or a peaceful silence. Psychological research suggests that one’s self confidence plays a major role in his or her temperament. Those with low self-confidence tend to have a much shorter fuse and hotter temper then those who feel they have nothing to prove. It takes a person of great precedence and spiritual discipline to overlook people’s shortcomings, make excuses for others and keep composure with forbearance. Prophet (s.a.w) said, “Indeed knowledge comes through studying and learning, and forbearance comes by disciplining oneself.” (Albani’s Authentic Compilation, 2328). Our Prophet (s.a.w) said, “The strong man is not the one who can win a physical fight. The strong person is the one who controls himself when angered.”(Bukhari 6114) Prophet (s.a.w) also said, “There was not something swallowed more great to Allah than swallowing one’s anger for the sake of Allah.” (Al-Targheeb, 3/386). 

Forbearance is a characteristic which is perfectly personified by The Merciful Himself. His existence and bounties upon us. To top all of that off, He sent us prophets with a message and proof. After all of that, we are ungrateful and persistently disobedient; yet Allah does not immediately destroy us. Instead He continues to surround us with His bounties and favors and leaves the door wide open for those who would repent.

2. The Perfect eyeshadow and liquid eyeliner for eyes, the Night Prayer!

Allah loves those who pray the night prayer. Praying in the night reflects a special relationship with AllahThe Prophet (s.a.w) said, “The best prayer after the obligatory prayers is the night prayer.” (Muslim). The Prophet (s.a.w) also said, “Allah descends (in a way that suits His Sublimity) in the last third of the night. He then says, ‘Who will supplicate me so I can answer him? Who will ask Me so I can give him? Who will seek my forgiveness so I can forgive him?’” (Bukhari)

The concept of night prayer is simple. Allah created us and provided us with everything we have, and potentially can have and be. He in return asks us to show our love, obedience and loyalty as an act of gratitude through the night prayer, to be worthy of Paradise.... This life is a test where we must discipline ourselves to go against our ego and desires in order to fulfill the divine purpose – pleasing Allah. “Muslim” is an Arabic word that refers to a specific lifestyle – to submitting to the will of Allah. To claim the noble title of a Muslim, one must, at least, be dedicated to trying to fulfill that by means of praying the night prayer. 

3. Real Blush.... from the Fear of Hellfire 

وَالَّذِينَ يَقُولُونَ رَبَّنَا اصْرِفْ عَنَّا عَذَابَ جَهَنَّمَ إِنَّ عَذَابَهَا كَانَ غَرَامًا

And those who say: "Our Lord! Avert from us the torment of Hell. Verily its torment is ever an inseparable, permanent punishment." - 25:65

إِنَّهَا سَاءَتْ مُسْتَقَرًّا وَمُقَامًا

Evil indeed it (Hell) is as an abode and as a place to rest in. - 25:66

Allah loves those who are afraid of Hellfire. The Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) said, “When Allah created heaven and hell, He sent Jibreel to heaven and then said, “Look at what I have prepared for its inhabitants.” So he went and saw what Allah had prepared for its inhabitants. He then returned to Allah and said, “I swear by Your Honor and Might that anyone who hears of it (heaven) will enter it.” Then Allah commanded heaven to be surrounded by undesirable things and hardship. Jibreel said, “I fear that no one will enter it.” Allah then commanded Jibreel to go to hell and see what he has prepared for its inhabitants. He returned and said, “I swear by Your Honor and Might that anyone who heard about it would not go there.” Then Allah ordered hell to be surrounded by desirable things. After Jibreel saw this he then sa...id, “I swear by Your Honor and Might, I fear that no one would be saved from it.” (Tirmidhi) 

4. Money Management Gloss

وَالَّذِينَ إِذَا أَنفَقُوا لَمْ يُسْرِفُوا وَلَمْ يَقْتُرُوا وَكَانَ بَيْنَ ذَ‌ٰلِكَ قَوَامًا

And those who, when they spend, are neither extravagant nor stingy, but hold a medium (way) between those (extremes). - 25:67

-Spend on yourself, your family, relatives and friends without extravagance and without incurring interest. Only when the Prophet (s.a.w) could afford it, he sacrificed a 100 camels on the behalf of himself, his family and his followers. He ate from a small portioned from the sacrifical meat and donated the entire amount in charity. The Prophet's gifts (s.a.w) always increased love and benefit among its recipients. 

-If in debt then pay off your loan as a first priority concern.

-Hasan al Basri was a famous Tabai'ee (student of the Prophet's companion r.a). He used to wear a new suit (thobe and ghutra) every week and donate his old suit immediately. - Who said Muslims cannot solve global hunger and poverty?

-Eat in moderation – the worst thing a believer can fill is her belly

5. Avoid Al Zoor - False hair and Fake eyelashes

People stand by en masse and watch the blatant spread of debauchery, lewdness, and other forms of widespread societal corruption without apprehension. We promote and entertain ourselves with corruption in  movies, television, music and video games. It has gotten so bad that social iniquity is accepted as normal in our mainstream society. A trait of the servants of the Most Merciful is that they flee from Al Zoor.

وَالَّذِينَ لَا يَشْهَدُونَ الزُّورَ وَإِذَا مَرُّوا بِاللَّغْوِ مَرُّوا كِرَامًا

And those who do not bear witness to falsehood, and if they pass by some evil play or evil talk, they pass by it with dignity - 25:72

... Al-Zoor is specifically referring to falsehood which has been made to look good or desirable.

It refers to shirk, which means that a Muslim would not go to, take part in or watch on TV a shirk ritual like Christmas, Halloween, Valentines, Easter, Dewali, Holi etc. Because doing so will demonstrate acceptance to shirki ideology.

Another explanation for the word Al-Zoor is lying. A true servant of Allah would not be in the company of people who often lie and they definitely would not lie themselves in any matter.

Al-Zoor also means “the party scene” – the bar or dance club. They say that the gatherings where music and alcohol are found fall under Al-Zoor. So according to this interpretation it is definitely not appropriate for a true servant of Allah to be at a place where alcohol, drugs or music is prevalent.

When the West Respected Muslims: No Freedom to Trash Talk

Henri de Bornier, a French loony poet and dramatist wrote an anti-Islamic play called Mohomet in 1889. The French Prime Minister, Charles de Frevcinet himself banned the nasty little thing in 1890 after a single letter of complaint from the Muslim Khaleef.

“Bornier himself was the victim of blind and unreasoning Muslim prejudice in regard to his Mahomet. The play was being rehearsed in 1889 when a Turkish newspaper reproduced from a French journal the news of its forthcoming production. The French Foreign Ministry assured the Turkish ambassador in Paris, Es’at Pasha, that the play did not constitute an attack on the Prophet and on the cherished beliefs of the Muslims. Bornier pointed out that the Persian ta’ziyas or passion plays regularly depicted the death of Muhammad as well as those of the Shi’ite martyrs, and he offered to accept prohibition of his work’s being played in Algeria and Tunisia. 

These arguments still failed to satisfy the Turkish authorities, and in 1890 the head of the government, Freycinet, banned the production of Mahomet in France, a prohibition which, it was reported, gave much pleasure to the Sultan Abd al-Hamid II. It must be admitted that Muslims would undeniably find offensive a play in which their Prophet killed himself because of a woman and because of inferiority feelings vis-a-vis Christianity, but there is no evidence that either the Turkish ambassador or the Sultan had seen the play, much less read it, when they first objected to it. 

The French government’s surrender to this Turkish pressure was plausibly attributed by Martino to the contemporary political situation, for in 1889 the German Emperor William II was beginning his journey to Istanbul and the Near East, and France feared to do anything which might drive Turkey further into Germany’s arms; the susceptibilities of France’s numerous Muslim subjects in North Africa must also have been a consideration. Not till 1896 were excerpts from Mahomet presented to the public in a special arrangement for theatrical declamation. Since Bornier’s time, no major European dramatist seems to have essayed a play on the life of the Prophet.” 

- (Source: C. E. Bosworth, ‘A Dramatisation of the Prophet Muhammad’s Life:  Henri de Bornier’s “Mahomet”,’  Numen, Vol. 17, Fasc. 2 (Aug., 1970), p. 116) The West believes in freedom on of speech for views it likes. Goebbels was in favour of freedom of speech for views he liked. So was Stalin. If you are in favour of freedom of speech, that means you are in favour of speech precisely for the views you like. The Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten would never print cartoons denying the holocaust in the name of free speech. Geert Wilders would never proudce a film likening Israel's treatment of Palestinians to the Nazi treatment of Jews. So what is Freedom of Speech in the West except having the Freedom to trash talk against Muslims? It is a license to negatively stereotype Islam and defame its Prophets, Books and symbols.  Just this year, UK and French courts banned compromising pictures of Princess Kate Middleton. Not that I am complaining, I think those pictures should never have been taken in the first place but where is the Freedom of the Paparazzi to do their job? What about banning anti-gay protests at military funerals? Why restrict the ant-gay sentiments of hundreds of protesters? Don't they have the right to assembly and expression? So its true isn't it, freedom of speech is only a myth. The West protests the powerful [royalty and military] from incrimination but oppresses the weak [Muslims] with hate slurs and slander. Islam gives us a unique understanding of speech: its a gift for which Allah will call us to account.  Allah says in Surah ar-Rahman عَلَّمَهُ الْبَيَانَ it is He Who taught us how to speak and gave us intelligence. Not just speaking, but the ability to think rationally, informed decisions and express oneself comprehensively and eloquently is a blessing from Allah [38:20]  وَآتَيْنَاهُ الْحِكْمَةَ وَفَصْلَ الْخِطَابِ. The most beloved speech to Allah is one which وَمَنْ أَحْسَنُ قَوْلًا مِّمَّن دَعَا إِلَى اللَّهِ وَعَمِلَ صَالِحًا وَقَالَ إِنَّنِي مِنَ الْمُسْلِمِينَ proclaims submission to Him and invites humanity to to righteous actions [41:33].   So the gift of speech should be received with reverence because it not only gives us the ability to conveys our opinions but it also demonstrates our religiosity and commitment to God. I have had laryngitis this past week. The inside of my throat is swollen and inflamed. I can't speak. I have a coarse cough. I really miss talking to people. A day without speaking incapacitates a person so much, I had no idea. Imagine being mute for life or communicating like animals through groans and grunts?  Alhamdulillah, that Allah allowed us to speak. But speaking is not without consequence, it mirrors our intentions, beliefs and goals in life. You know how you can tell a lot about a person from their handwriting: (i) small handwriting means the author is shy but she has good eye for detail (ii) handwriting that slopes to the left means the author is very good at keeping her feelings to herself (iii) handwriting that slopes to the right means the author is very open and honest (iv) writing that is joined up means the author is very artistic, she likes to draw and is creative (v) rounded writing means the author is logical, has a mathematical mind (vi) skippy letters indicate the author is a quick-thinker and a strategist (vii) sloppy handwriting means the author is secretive and neat handwriting means the author is a good communicator.  Anyway, one can decipher a lot about a person from what they say and how they say it. Abu Hurayrah (r.a) narrated, Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) said, "Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, then let him speak good or remain silent" - Bukhari and Muslim.  In other words, belief in Allah and the Day of Judgment encourages caution in speech while the lack thereof leaves room for absurd and vulgar talk. Atheism lacks the integrity necessary to respect the gift of speech. Atheists have no reason to have sound moral speech because God is required for morality. Since atheists don't believe in God, they don't believe in maintaining any measure of morality in speech. Then no matter how much you beg the Westerner to forgo their Trash Talk, they will not because the very idea of honour and obeisance to a God and His Prophet (s.a.w) is incomprehensible to them. In the contrary, they understand threats and ultimatums very well (as it is apparent from their reaction to the Muslim Khaleef's letter above).  This is the part of the article where I should be telling each and every one of you to pull up your sleeves  and invite the West to Tawheed; this is the only peaceful protest against their hate speech. Then how should one start? What does one address There are so many fallacies, inconsistencies, and holes, its overwhelming to write about everything at once. I can make it simplistic, start with the people around you - what if they bring science as analogous to religion? What if they are cold and unfeeling towards my views? What if I feel really pessimistic about the whole idea? Our lives are already so perplexed: we barely manage to get a seat in class let alone find someone to talk to. If the assignments' and tests' deadlines are not chaotic enough, there is always stress from the family - the harassment to show up to  every dawat, shadi and aqeeqah.  Not to mention the never ending household chores. There is literally no downtime or social time for any other activity. Hain na? Bechari mein akeli kiya karoon? The truth is that the dunya is our greatest worry and concern. Deep down, we don't want to do anything else besides four years in school enjoy with the family - not because we genuinely don't have time but because we really don't believe in our religious cause. Just look at how we rush through Salah - we don't even take half a minute to pray and that half a minute we spend looking here and there, wondering about the past and the future. It would be funny if Salah was not such an important religious duty. If we cannot take just Salah in our lives seriously then how are we going to earnestly convince another soul to obey Allah? Its hypocritical!  Yes, there was a time when the West respected Muslims; today they just trash talk about us maybe because we no longer have substance, just a lot shallow convictions.

The Arrogance of Knowledge: Caution in Contending for Teaching Position

Do you as a student of knowledge act in arrogance or act in humility? Does your knowledge cause harm or does it edify? 

“The only people who used to seek this knowledge were those who combined two characteristics: intelligence and devout worship. If a person was intelligent but not devout, it would be said that only the worshippers can attain this [knowledge], and so he would not try to seek it. And if a person was devout, but not intelligent, it would be said that only the intelligent can attain this [knowledge], and so he would not try to seek it.” Al-Sha’bî continued, “And I fear that today, people who are neither intelligent nor devout try to seek it.” - al-Sha'bi

A popular maxim for a worship—and an essential canon for excellence for a teacher—is that the student of knowledge should never allow her intelligence and her understanding to transform into arrogance. This oft-repeated truism attempts to protect the callow student of knowledge from thinking that she is a seasoned teacher without first perfecting her ibadaah and before embracing humility. When this habit of worship and humility correlation is not practiced consistently, and the emphasis of the student of knowledge is on teaching then false doctrines begin to emerge in the community.
Its hard to decipher but “knowledge puffs up." This is not a rebuke against a believe who is seemingly falling in love with learning. It is not argued here that since learning bring forth knowledge and knowledge brings forth arrogance, we should not make a learning a habit worthy of our love. Learning is necessary but the sole objective of learning is practice: ibadaah not showoff. Our goal as Muslims is to know Allah so that we can obey Him - not so that we can advertise our impersonal academic expertise on Aqeedah and Tawheed. We know far more about Allah than we can possibly follow, and so our focus must shift from the pride-feeding knowledge to application. My purpose for this article: let's get spiritual (not just academic!). 

I don't mean that arrogance is intrinsic to knowledge. This in no way berates the Muslims who love learning and who demonstrate considerable knowledge of Islam. On the contrary, Islam lends itself to the high value of learning and knowledge, and yes to academics. Knowledge is desirous commodity to be sought in conjunction with Taqwa. However, if unabated, knowledge can quickly develop into arrogance and self-aggrandizing oneself.

So a serious and careful student of knowledge will refrain from becoming proud over her learning. Alongside more emaan, she will seek (inspiration for) amal saleh (good deeds), earnestness (sincerity) and humility from her knowledge. What I want to say is that knowledge teaches integrity, it does not buildup selfishness and insensitivity. A student of knowledge should not become so blinded by her learning to assume that she is always correct and she alone possess the right to speak in all gatherings. You will not find them ambitious for the spotlight. 
There are three levels of knowledge: First, the student becomes familiar with halal and haram - right from wrong. Second, the student realizes the value of intention, ikhlaas and steadfastness in religion (it is not sufficient to have knowledge but to commit oneself to practicing it purely for the sake of Allah). Third and finally comes humility and adab. Knowledge should help the student adopt a bashful, courteous, docile, gentle and modest character. Out of their high reverence for knowledge, the student of knowledge should be subservient to Allah and soft-spoken with people. Timid and fearful in their ibadaah; and unpretentious, self-effacing and unobtrusive when dealing with others.  

I love learning. I am a bit hesitant to publicly profess that in a subculture that has overtly become so insolent and egotistical upon such love in recent years. My love for learning doesn't mean that I want to be a teacher. I am happy being the quiet, shy, ordinary person that I am, with a book in front of me.  The rallying cry that I endorse, "Let's get studious," must not preclude ibadaah and humility. If Allah wills, He will give us the permission, place and the acquisition of skill and audience to teach one day. We should not sacrifice the adab of knowledge to become teachers (popular) in haste. 

The Real Cool Dude

Crack, Gulp, Bang!
A flash of fire in the eyes. Red rage on the face. Dry prickly throat. Tight, explosive fists.

Anger is a feeling that drives us insane. Its like a light switch. All you need is to push that wrong button and a menacing energy erupts in your mind. The next thing you know is that you are shaking, shouting and striking.

One really cool dude, who seldom got angry was Muawiya bin Abi Sufyan (r.a). He was one man that I know who was always composed and patient, at times when everyone would turn instinctively convulsed and outraged.

Amir Muawiya  (r.a) daily after Fajr prayer used to hear reports from the  military police. After that, he used to come to see the ministers, advisors, and chief associates of the government in connection with foreign expeditions. In this meeting, the subordinate court officials and administrators would read to him the reports and letters that came from the provinces. At Noon time he would come out of the palace to lead the prayer and sit down in the mosque itself. There he would listen to the complaints of the masses, receive their requests and then go back to the palace and meet other dignitaries. Then he would take the midday meal and then take a short nap. After 'Asr prayer, he would meet the ministers, associates and advisors. He used to take supper in the court together with everyone and give them one more opportunity to see him and this ended his day's work.

Amr bin Aas (r.a) says, I have not seen a man of greater perseverance and humility than Amir Muawiya (r.a). One day it so happened that I was present in his court and he was sitting with a pillow at his back. He received a report that the Roman emperor was about to attack with a huge army. Having read that paper, he threw it to me. I read it and waited to watch his reaction. However, he kept sitting in the same posture. He said nothing. A few minutes after that another report came saying Nayel bin Qais, the leader of the Khawarij, had collected an army and was about to invade Palestine. This report was also passed to me and Muawiya said nothing. I read it and kept waiting  for his order all the more anxious but he continued to sit in the same position. There was no trace of any change on his face. It was not long when a third report came to the effect that a captive at Mosul broke open the jail and fled away near Mosel. Muawiya (r.a) read it also and threw it towards me and kept sitting with the support of the pillow at the back. A few minutes later another letter arrived with the news of an attack on Syria. That letter was also throw toward me. All this time, he maintained the same sitting position as before.
My patience grew thin. I said to him, "Pieces of bad news are pouring in from all sides. What will you do now?" Muawiya (r.a) said, "Though the Roman emperor commands a big army, he will return after signing an agreement with me. Nayel bin Qais fights for the cause of his religion. He has captured a city and wants to keep it under his control. I shall  spare him so that he might be pre-occupied with it. The captive who fled from the jail cannot escape from Allah's jail. But as for Ali's affair, we have to think and plan how to avenge Uthman bin Affan's blood." Then he sat up immediately issued orders for the settlement of each issue, and then sat down with the pillow at his back.
Source: Amir Ali, "The History of Islam."
Amir Ali has Shi'i inclinations so read at your own discretion.  

I don't believe that a stress-free life is possible. Stress is a response to challenges in life, and life without challenges is too boring to contemplate. However, I do believe that most of the stress in our lies is unnecessary, and that it can be eliminated by a little bit of prudence and farsightedness. Yes, Muwaiya's stressors are a bit extreme for the rest of us but it exemplifies how he did not allow his temper to flare up or his mood to worsen when bad things happened to him. We are not the Master of this Universe. I know we sometimes wish we were, but acting as if we are is a sure way to get stressed out. Trying to control situations and people cannot work, and only serves to increase our anxiety and anger when it doesn't work. The only thing we can do is control ourselves. Learning to let go of our need to control others and the situations around us is a major step towards eliminating stress. Its true we cannot always cut off all bad things from our lives. There will be days when we will be exhausted, annoyed or bored etc. Still, it is our choice to not drain our energy trying to be dominant. We can choose not to panic or get frustrated. Like Muawiya, we can choose to be cool and witty. Averse situations can become friendly; stiff people can be yielded if we keep our cool and think clearly. 

Hard Work

Sometimes we get lazy and wish for things to happen sooner; wish it took less planning and effort to achieve our goals. Why do I have to go to university for two more years? Why does it take forty-five minutes to drive to Mississauga? Why don't the onions cut themselves? Why can't I have the washing machine to myself when I want to? It would be convenient if everything in life worked at our pace? Kinda like blink your eyes, wiggle your nose, bop your head and wow.... your room is clean. Fastantic!
But this is not the Sunnah of Allah. Look at how Allah raises water vapour out of the sea, makes clouds, blows wind and sends down rain to keep our fields green. We can wish ready made bread would rain own from the sky, and cooked meat, fish or vegetable dishes be raised from the earth but Allah cannot be our subordinate. He turend teh seawater into vapour with the scorching rays of the sun, then the high air bore it and took it to another plce, then its heat and freezing power created cheanges and caused the rain. Then the farmers made the land soft with  their oxen and equipment, and sowed seeds. Plants grew and they were looked after. When they ripened, they were harvested. Grain and chaff were separated. Then the grain was ground in a mill. It was kneaded and then by using a particular technique, bread was prepared. Contemplate it and see how in providing a load of bread Allah has chosen a prolonged and complex process. It would only be our foolishness if we demand to skip over the process. Keeping this in mind, yes, our process during the day may be hard and lengthy but it is necessary and beneficial for our life's goals. 

The City of Knowledge: Toronto

Alhamdulillah, Toronto is a City of Knowledge. Apart from financial stability, emotional support, companionship and marriage, Muslims in Toronto are also seeking knowledge. Its true, many young Muslims are escaping from the rat race at work and meaningless university degrees to a life oriented towards learning Islam, purifying their hearts and enlightening their minds. Alhamdulillah, Toronto is the place to sit at the feet of scholars,  to pour out one's old self and drink up knowledge, to become anew. Toronto is where the souls radiate with emaan (faith), taqwa (such remembrance of Allah that it hinders from sin) and ahsaan akhlaq (most beautiful character). Alhamdulillah, it is a blessing to live in Toronto but also a fitnah (test). In the our zeal to learn, we Torontonians have fallen prey to many sins. One may ask, how can seeking something so fulfilling and beautiful like Islamic knowledge be a fitnah? How can such hard working, sharp and intelligent students of knowledge commit sins?

By far, the biggest disappointment and frustration for students of knowledge is disorganized and unwelcoming Islamic Schools and Masajids. There are hundreds of Study Circles and Musalahs in Toronto, but a vast majority of them do not teach the Classical Texts or maintain a state of coherence. Moreover, Muslim instructors and imaams do not live up to the ideals and standards they teach and expect others to follow. Because of this, many students give up their aspiration to study. Nevertheless, nothing of true value comes without pain and effort. Do not depend on any institute or person to give you knowledge. Rather be active and determined in learning Islam independently. Alhamdulillah, there are many opportunities to learn Islam online through www.kalamullah.com, www.farhathashmi.com, and http://www.halaltube.com/

Indeed, learning Islamic knowledge is from the most eminent of all purposes in life and the most significant of all occupations. However, it is only for the sincere and the serious, not those who are yearning to quickly become Mashaikh and Muftis.

It is said that, “`Ilm [beneficial knowledge] is jealous: when you give some of yourself to it, it does not give you much in return, but when you give all of yourself to it, it reveals the best of itself to you.”  Think about someone you would consider a scholar or expert in the fields of history, engineering or medicine, and then consider how many years it took them to achieve that state.  In the same way, it takes many years of study and dedication to reach a level of expertise and scholarship in Islam.
Some people attend a few lectures (in person or on youtube) and maybe skim through a few pages of a book only to assume that they are now in a position in the arena of Islamic discourse and debate. Such people are in fitnah, i.e. under the false impression that they are fully qualified to give opinions on Islam - Fiqh, Aqeedah, Da'wah and Shari'ah. We need to be realistic and keep in mind that an appropriate level of proficiency in Islamic sciences does not come after a few weeks or even months of studying. Granted that it it may not be so difficult or even very time consuming to learn Arabic, memorize the Qur'an or study a particular specialized topic. However, this in itself does not make one a shaykh or a shaykha, teaching others a myriad of Islamic issues and writing articles. Giving all of yourself to knowledge means excelling to your utmost ability in your studies, by having the best of focus and discipline, and by giving life to the information you learn by feeling/perceiving it deeply with the heart and then implementing it with your limbs.  It is only then that that one can fully internalize the knowledge one has attained, and build on it and grow.

Another fitnah for the students of Islam are poor life choices. Anger, arrogance, greed, lying, backbitting, illicitly talking to the members of the opposite sex etc are traits that would make any person unattractive. But these characteristics are even uglier and loathsome when they emanate from those who wear the mantle of knowledge. One does not become a learned person by volunteering at conference and serving scholars. Islamic knowledge comes at the cost of spiritual struggle: getting rid of long-held, deeply ingrained bad habits. By doing this, one shows to Allah his/her sincerity and seriousness to the path of knowledge.

Finally, the fitnah of getting lost - students are caught up in the varies methodologies and Schools of Thoughts. For example,  there is a lot of emphasis put on Taqleed (blindly following) and commemorating dead saints while others promote impassioned and unyielding understanding of Tawheed (Oneness of Allah). There is emphasis on folding hands on the navel and the chest, to fast in Shab-e-Baraat and not to fast. Overall, Toronto has become a center of fitnah: confusion, vitriolic debates and division. The obvious downside to this is that many students of knowledge are now reinventing Islam with their weak opinions and false evidences. Thanks to them, many strands of shirk and many types of bid'aah are practiced without hesitation, Islamic-attire is thrown at the back burner as unnecessary and some major sins such as listening to music, taking interest and eating haram foods is made halal. Toronto needs a holistic, broad-minded understanding of Qur'an and Sunnah in the context of implementing and practicing it in the West.
Allah calls the Ahl al Kitaab the worst and the most evil of His creation because they deviated from the true Islamic practices despite having knowledge of them. They purposely produced heretical teachings and interpretation of the Divine Scriptures revealed to them thereby disfiguring Islam and conflicting the religious community (Qur'an, 98).  The Prophet (s.a.w) said, "Verily the Jews differed until they became seventy-one sects. And verily, the Christians differed until they became seventy-two sects. And this Ummah will divide into seventy-three sects, and all of them will be in the Fire except one." The companions (r.a) asked, "Who are they, O Messenger of Allah?" He (s.a.w) said, "Those who are upon what I and my companions follow." - Al Qurtubi, At-Tirmidhi.

I hope that my article will not offend anyone. I feel that every blessing comes with a fitnah. Even knowledge presents many trials upon its students. We should be careful and not heedless, cautious but hopeful.

I am not doing anything with my life - rant

This is not to undermine the people in the my life, or the time I spend with them. I love my family - my parents, siblings and inlaws. I love serving them, learning from them and yes, goofing around with them :) This rant is basically to shame me into studying more and taking my religious/professional goals more seriously.

My early religious training was in the Islamic faith. This, however, was a matter of birth, not choice - our early religious training is generally in faith of our parents. Later in life, our religion is usually accepted as a matter of fact. We, however, question and examine everything except our family religious traditions, particularly if we are from India, Pakistan or Bangladesh.
The Qur'an, being the Islamic textbook, is a source which I read in its original language (Arabic) many times. Almost every Muslim home contains the Arabic Qur'an, but it is generally used as a mantelpiece decoration. The Qur'an is a book that nobody knows but everyone reads. As bizarre as it may sound, inspite of being charmed by the glamour of many sins, Muslims take pride in the Qur'an. We hypocritically revere and idolize the Qur'an because although we claim that its source is Divine, we are indifferent to its message.

Alhamdulillah, Allah rescued me from this state of ignorance. Alhamdulillah, I can recite the Qur'an with some fluency, I can translate many words of the Qur'an from memory. Alhamdulillah, I can do tafseer of most of the Qur'an with a few supporting verses and ahadith. Alhamdulillah, I consider myself very lucky. I do not hesitate to state that a vast majority of Muslims today are oblivious of even the basic pillars of Islam and requirements of faith. But Allah has been very generous to me; He endowed upon me the blessing of knowing and understanding His Deen; living with and studying under renowned scholars, possessing scores of authentic and unbiased literature on Islam. But in turn, have I proved myself a worthy adherent? Did the comprehension, books and teachers rectify my life? How well am I serving Allah? How well am I serving humanity? What am I doing with my life?

I still shudder when I see the news, the  blood-curdling slaughter, rapine and destruction, the tales of incest, rape and other vile obscenities that make headlines everyday. I get more weirded, angry and disgusted everyday. Living in the West, one would think that I would be impressed, by the technological advancement, the sky scrappers and the foods. But I am replused. I hold the Western society in abhorrence. It stands for drunkardness, debauchery and oppression. Alhamdulillah, again I have a chance to change all of that. I am privileged to earn a degree in political science. I can go to Law School. I can work for justice. But I am not! I am taking these favours for granted. Shame on me!

The Criminal Mind - of children

Children are cute fuzzy little cuddly things until they become teenagers. The Cambridge (England) study in Delinquent Development studied over 400 boys from age 8-25, in the years 1961 - 1980. This study offered psychologists a wealth of data associated with offending with respect to gender, socioeconomic class, income, parenting and race. Scientists Thornberry and Figlio concluded: (a)The peak ages for most offenses is 16-17 years; (b) juvenile and adult crime are closely related; (c) as the number of convictions increases beyond six, so the probability of further convictions become greater; (d) juveniles convicted at the earliest ages (10-12) become the most persistent offenders. In this post, I hope to outline the criminal thinking patterns most common young offenders and contrast them with Allah-fearing and virtuous intelligence and reasoning in the child companions of the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w). I had to write an essay on the rise of youth offenders. I am sharing my notes from two scholarly readings: (1) "Cognitive-Behavioural Interventions with Young Offenders" by Clive R. Hollin and (2) "Child Companions around the Prophet (peace be upon him) by Sameh Strauch (Darussalam). The purpose of this post is to help start a discussion on saving our children from criminal impulses and raising them with Islamic disposition.

Several cognitive theories claim that young offenders share 50 styles and errors of thinking which defines their criminal minds. These theories encompass the following conclusions:

• Ross and Fabiano blame criminal activity on the omission of thought between impulse and action. They say that children lack reflection; they fail to stop and think; fail to generate alternative responses to conflicts. 
• Rotter suggests young offenders lack internal control; they perceive their behaviour as determined by influences outside their personal control such as luck, friends and authority figures. 
• Chandler reports young offenders lack empathy, that is, they are incapable of seeing things from someone else's perspective; they do not have the capacity to care at an emotional level - they are egocentric. 
• Hain and Ryan explain that young offenders have a moral problem; they have self-serving, hedonistic and anti-social values. 

"Psychology and Crime" by R.V.G Clarke, 1977, Bulletin of the British Psychological Society, 30, p.281 address the elements contributing to the occurrence of a criminal events in children. he article claimed that early environment and upbringing (broken homes, inconsistent discipline, criminal father etc) coupled heredity traits like low IQ, emotional lability, poor conditionality etc cause cognitive criminal behaviour. Children living under these conditions are most likely to develop criminal personalities: become extraverted, impulsive and aggressive. This is especially true if children are young, boys and unskilled. Living circumstances and crisis events like inner-city residence, delinquent associates, truant football fan, drinking over the weekends or failing a course, getting beaten up in school, having a friend who was arrested etc also strengthens criminal behaviour. The criminal act is finally trigged when such children are perhaps on a poorly lit street with no police patrols, nearby unlocked cars or self-service shops; they are bored, fed-up, want money or thrill and they see low risk in crime and high reward. 

You must be thinking, my kid is not a criminal. Though this may be true, it will still be pretty ghastly to know that according to the Youth Criminal Justice Act 2006, for every 100,000 youth in Canada between the ages of 12-17, 8000 were charged with criminal code offenses (excluding traffic), and additional 4000 were charged with property crime and 2000 more with violent crimes. Canada produced 14,000 criminal children in just one year! So alhamdulillah, if your kid is not stealing or hurting someone, but they may be hanging out with other children who are. This puts your kid at risk of being exposed to learning crime or worse, becoming an accessory to crime.

The world in which our  live, learn and play is a mirror or their atittute and expectations. Our children are bound to behave like the environment we leave them in. So it is important to select their school, friends - programs they watch on TV, games they play etc with the greatest care, because this very "environment" is the mental feeding ground out of which the food that goes into their minds is extracted. This is how they shape their beliefs, interpret values and attach meaning to events.

Ramadaniyoon

I can't believe its been a year already. I remember writing about Ramadan not so long ago and here I am again, trying to rekindle the fasting spirit. What is life but a series of events? Each event seems like a long episode, more significant than all the previous occurrences in our life but after some time, it too becomes a mirage in the oasis of our memories. 

Each Ramadan I make resolutions to strength my emaan. I fast in repentance, to seek forgiveness and for deliverance from punishment. Yes, fasting is much more than not consuming food and drink for certain hours during the day. It is a meditation and sacrifice of sorts. Its toning, humbling and awakening the soul. 

Any act often repeated soon becomes a habit. Some people habitually clean, play video games, eat, facebook, bike, sleep. Its like they cannot realize any other purpose in life except what they already are accustomed to doing. To be honest, my mom likes to cook. If she can spare a single breathing moment away from students, she will stand in the kitchen and cook - even when no one is hungry. She will be so tired from standing and teaching that her ankles will swell and crack but she will continue to servant the stove. I don't know this but I can guarantee you that my mom even dreams about recipes when asleep. My father on the other hand loves to sleep. Period. He will sleep even if there are people around. He fell asleep during my wedding. My husband also has his share of interests that occupy his time. Granted, we all suffer from very carnal routines. So I think of Ramadan as an event to cap our base passions and desires that dictate the pattern of our existence. Fasting from food is not the entire reason for Ramadan, Fasting is for Allah.
Every year, right before Ramadan, I feel a distance between myself and my Rabb. I really don't know how it works but exactly when I begin to feel an emptiness and sadness in my heart because of neglecting my commitments to Allah; socializing too much; not spending enough time with Him and not spending enough time doing things for Him - subhanAllah, its Ramadan.

We defile ourselves with our obsecene and wasteful habits. Fasting is not a ritual, a diet program or a punishment. In truth, fasting is for getting closer to Allah via sacrifice of material things. The motive of fasting is to take our eyes off the things of this world and to focus them completely on Allah; the reward of the Hereafter. Fasting is a way to demonstrate to Allah, and to ourselves that we are serious about our servitude to Him. Again, many people just fixate more over sleep and food during Ramadan when this month is for redirecting our attention and loyalties to Allah. It is an opportunity to express ourselves as individuals living for the reason of worship, virtue and simplicity. 

Maybe this makes us Ramadniyoon - Muslims who are conscious of Allah only in Ramadan? If not the entire year, if not every day, at least alhamdulillah, in Ramadan we remember Allah. Something is better than nothing right? So lets do something this Ramadan. Lets do something that will help us remember Allah always. I personally don't like sharing my plans lest I lose barakah in my intention and efforts. But since Ramadan is so ravishing, we should make special exceptions, thereby encouraging each other

1a.  Salah is our best connection with Allah, I want to inshaAllah study Namaz-e-Nabwi with Dr. Farhat 

1b. Memorize new duaas to recite in Salah inshaAllah

2. Journey to Allah by ibn Rajab inshaAllah

3. Recitation of complete Qur'an inshaAllah