The post From Drugs to Deen appeared first on About Islam.
If you are a Muslim in the West, have you gone through the ‘purity test’? Basically, have you ever been in a situation where you felt you have to compromise some Islamic value in order to fit in, and prove you as American or British as the next citizen?
Depending on whether you are born in the country or have migrated there, you may answer the question differently.
Muslims in the West who are children of immigrants often have to juggle three distinct identities. The first is the cultural roots of their country of origin, which in many cases is the parental baggage. The second is the way of life in the host Western country, normally more liberal and secular in the mainstream. And lastly is one’s religious identity, assuming one takes Islam as a lifestyle seriously.
Recent studies have suggested that Western-born Muslims still retain a strong link with Islam, as high if not higher than their immigrant Muslim counterparts.
A Pew Research poll of US-born Muslims and Muslim immigrants, conducted just a few years ago, showed little difference in levels of religious observance, be it fasting, prayer or wearing a headscarf, between the two Muslim groups. At the same time, both groups also expressed pride in their national identity and satisfaction in living in the US.
We see similar trends in the UK. An Ipsos MORI report in 2018 showed high levels of national pride and sense of being a part of the fabric of British society among British Muslims. They also largely indicate a compatibility with being Muslims and being British and do not see any tension between the two identities. Instead, the new generation of Muslims is finding a synthesis between the mainstream cultural values while retaining a religious outlook.
According to the study, “younger Muslims demonstrate more outward looking and liberal views. For example, younger Muslims have a more diverse friendship groups than their older counterparts, and are more relaxed on issues such as inter-racial marriage.”
Haris Khan, a British born Muslim in his 30s, agrees with this idea that there isn’t some clash in being British and Muslim.
“In England, yes, it is 100% easy to balance your religion and national identity, there are mosques and general tolerance in most circles.”
Strangely enough, it is those Western Muslims who are younger and born in the country that may feel especially sensitive to any sense that they do not fit in. The majority of American-born Muslims feel that discrimination against Muslims is high and have personally experienced it themselves, with the younger Muslims in the UK expressing parallel views.
Haris says the idea of feeling out of place is more circumstantial.
“Sometimes you feel uncomfortable in certain settings, like you don’t fit in, but that is a personal feeling…it can be as simple as going for Friday prayer and looking over your shoulder as you enter or leave the mosque.”
Compared to an earlier generation of Muslims of the 70s and 80s who were more explicitly against assimilation into the larger culture and had insular tendencies, the Generation Z of Western Muslims in the US and UK seem more encouraged to participate in civic life and represent themselves.
While these definitely are encouraging signs, it should also be noted that large Muslim populations in other Western countries, such as those of Moroccan origin in France, continue to feel isolated and out of step with the rest of larger society.
This is largely a legacy of the ghettoization of Muslim communities and perhaps the failure of the government to put forward meaningful integration policies. So while studies show that the Muslim youth have gravitated towards religion, this has not been complemented with patriotic sentiments or national pride.
Young Muslims in the West have thus far resisted bargaining too much of their religious identity, and are attempting to maintain a delicate balance. But signs so far as positive.
“I believe these feelings have been set in motion because of the world’s radical behavior that has manifested after the recession and Brexit, plus the media doesn’t help.” Haris says.
“For my generation, religious integration is better, but I would say this is because of our perspective on
religion, we seem more flexible and do better research, so I don’t see it as big as a problem as culture.” He adds.
This article is from our archive, originally published on an earlier date, and now republished for its importance.
The post Western-Born Muslims: Studies Show Struggle for Sense of Home appeared first on About Islam.
Stunning, heart-touching verse of the Quran! Listen to Ayat An-Noor, the verse of light! You will feel so much comfort in this verse!
The post Ayat An-Noor – The Verse of Light appeared first on About Islam.
A US Muslim basketball star has become an inspiration for many, launching new camps for basketball to change the game for young athletes, especially Muslim girls.
“Apparently nobody has ever seen Muslim girls play basketball, especially wearing the hijab and our traditional clothing. And so that’s why it got so much buzz,” Jamad Fiin said in a video by The BBC.
“A lot of people now see a Muslim girl doing sport and they’re not surprised any more. No one automatically thinks we don’t go outside the house or just the stereotypes that are put upon us already, people don’t think like that as much,” she added.
Read Also: With Incredible Dribbling Skills, Young Hijabi Basketballer’s Video Goes Viral
Earlier in 2020, the American-Somali Muslim basketball player broke the internet with her incredible dribbling skills. A video of Fiin showing off her skills went viral on Twitter, gaining over a million views in a day.
Since then her videos have racked up millions of views online.
The college athlete from Boston, US, is using her new found fame to inspire a new generation of players by running her own basketball camps.
Fiin is also spreading her love for basketball to a new generation, especially Muslim girls by running her own basketball camps while still at college.
“Younger girls started showing up [at gyms] and I didn’t want to play against those younger girls. So, that’s when I decided to teach them instead and I started to show them how to dripple, how to shoot and things like that. That’s when it developed into: ‘I can be a trainer, I can coach these girls’,” she said.
“I feel like basketball has made me into the person that I am today. I was very shy young girl and playing basketball helped me get out of my comfort zone, make more friends, and talk to more people.”
The post Hijabi Muslim Basketballer Inspires Younger Generations appeared first on About Islam.
In this episode, we learn about one facet of Islam’s practicality and universal relevance.
Islam does not neglect people’s customs and cultures. Rather, it recognizes the legal effects of customs on actions, relationships and transactions, with certain conditions and regulations.
Join Sheikh Kutty as he explains the fifth grand legal maxim, “Custom is arbiter.”
The post Custom Is Arbiter: Islamic Legal Maxims appeared first on About Islam.
A Canadian Islamic foundation has awarded a grant of $100,000 to Edmonton’s Canadian Islamic Centre (Al Rashid Mosque) to support victims of Islamophobia.
The Olive Tree Foundation’s grant was suggested after a year which witnessed many Islamophobic hate attacks targeting Muslims in Canada. Some of these attacks were violent and have led to the survivors sustaining physical injuries, in addition to being severely traumatized.
“The National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) is proud to work with Olive Tree Foundation and the Al Rashid Mosque to ensure that victims of Islamophobia get the support they need,” said Faisal Khan Suri, Community Development Officer of NCCM in a statement published by Olive Tree website.
Read Also: Charity Gives Grant to Support 14 & Muslim Engagement Initiative
“The time is now to make sure that those who are victimized are cared for.”
This pilot program will support victims of Islamophobic attacks on their journey of healing by providing assistance to survivors who require mental health therapy, physiotherapy, legal counselling and other emergency support.
“The Olive Tree Foundation is very pleased to fund the Victims Assistance Program,” said Naeem Siddiqi, Vice-Chair of the Olive Tree Foundation, in announcing the grant.
“With the rise of Islamophobia and hate incidents, Canadian Muslims, as well as other marginalized and targeted communities, will benefit greatly from this project. Victims of hate attacks must know they are not alone in dealing with their pain.”
The Olive Tree Foundation is a philanthropic foundation that promotes community development through the collection of endowed funds and charitable contributions to fund services for the long-term benefit of the community.
Islamophobic attacks across Canada have risen at alarming levels. The attacks have not only increased in frequency, and many are directed towards visibly Muslim women and girls.
Street racism is often inspired by online hate speech and extremism, which have surged in Canada.
This summer, the National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) released a set of 61 policy recommendations for all levels of government to take action against Islamophobia, including measures for Canada’s education system.
The non-profit advocacy group developed the recommendations after holding consultation sessions with mosques, community groups and organizations representing Canadian Muslims across the country.
The post Charity Gives $100K Grant to Support Islamophobia Victims appeared first on About Islam.
In the previous four articles we discussed Prophet Muhammad’s advice to his followers in the 7th Century CE. We discovered that it aligned closely with best practice guidelines in the 21st century; for infection control, hygiene practices, in managing mental health and achieving happiness.
In this final article, we are going to look at Prophet Muhammad himself and discuss why he is a man for all seasons and one we can easily describe him as the man of the century, century after century.
The term “a man for all seasons” is made by 20th century playwright Robert Bolt’s portrayal of Sir Thomas More as the definitive man of conscience; one who stands firm and true to himself and his beliefs under extraordinary pressure.
It is a title Bolt borrowed from a contemporary of More’s who wrote about him in 1520. It is an idiom that describes a person who is very successful in many different activities. Prophet Muhammad is that person.
Prophet Muhammad fits the description of a person who remains true to his beliefs perfectly. His most important mission was to convey the message of Islam; that God is One without offspring or partners and He alone deserves worship.
O Messenger, announce that which has been revealed to you from your Lord, and if you do not, then you have not conveyed His message… (Quran 5:67)
However spreading the message made Prophet Muhammad a social outcast, it stripped him of his wealth and changed his life from one of ease to one fraught with danger.
His life was threatened on more than one occasion and his family, friends and followers were ridiculed, mocked and physically beaten. Still, he stood firm without compromising either himself or his message.
Prophet Muhammad has been described as one of the most influential men in the history of human kind. Many experts in many different fields, including both Muslims and non-Muslims have described Prophet Muhammad as a man who excelled in many different facets of life.
W. Montgomery Watt[1] defined a prophet as, “one who proclaims ideas central to the human experience”. The mark of a great prophet is that his ideas are profoundly attractive to those to whom they are addressed.
Prophet Muhammad took his covenant with God to spread the message of Islam; very seriously, he communicated the text of the Quran; his understanding of the revelation formed the basis of all the Islamic sciences.
He taught his followers in a way that created a means for the continued spread of Islam. Prophet Muhammad was by any standard an excellent religious leader.
Prophet Muhammad was Islam’s first great general and arguably the leader of the world’s first insurgency. In the space of a decade he fought eight major battles, led eighteen raids, and another thirty-eight military actions were carried out under his orders and strategic direction.
According to Richard A. Gabriel, a military historian and adjunct professor at the Royal Military College of Canada, Prophet Muhammad can be described as “a great field general and tactician; (he was also) a military theorist, organizational reformer, strategic thinker, operational-level combat commander, political-military leader, heroic soldier, and revolutionary”. [2]
Prophet Muhammad used the Quran to found a nation based on the Islamic concepts of justice and tolerance.
In the small city state that became known as Madinah Prophet Muhammad set in place policies and institutions that enabled a small community to grow into an outstanding state.
Prophet Muhammad translated God’s commandments into state law and the best example of this is the constitution of Madinah. The constitution set the standards for society; it upheld the rules and regulations by which the state would function, both judicially and legislatively.
Also included were the conditions under which war could be declared and the duties of a citizen to the state were outlined. These two rules specifically were new to the people of Madinah, and later the Islamic Empire. The constitution bound people together by religious commonality, not kinship or tribal relations.
In the pre Islamic period diplomacy in the Arabian Peninsula was devoid of ethical considerations.
Prophet Muhammad was able to influence its growth and shape by adding ethical and moral concerns. He included in his diplomacy peace treaties, issues relating to prisoners of war, international cooperation and solidarity between nations.
Prophet Muhammad developed a sophisticated intelligence network through which he was able to keep abreast of affairs in the region. This enabled him to establish contact with other nations and send envoys and diplomatic communications.
Prophet Muhammad sent letters to Emperor Heraclius of Roman Empire, Emperor Khasru of Persian Empire, Egyptian ruler Mukau Keus, Ethiopian Emperor Najjashi and others inviting them to embrace Islam and rule their respective countries with justice.
Where possible he negotiated treaties and resolutions that were beneficial to the fledgling Muslim nation.
Nowadays these would all be high powered roles. Prophet Muhammad was a religious leader, a law giver, a nation builder, a mighty military general, a diplomat and a statesman. His behavior when taking on each of these roles was what we, so far away in time, would call best practice. He was also a family man. He was a husband, a father and a grandfather.
Prophet Muhammad’s behavior within his family relationships is a wonderful example for any man in any time or place to emulate.
Prophet Muhammad was an attentive and loving husband who did his share of household duties including tidying up and mending clothes. He never once raised his voice or raised his hand to any of his wives even when they sorely tested his patience.
He raised four daughters in a culture and place where baby girls were often buried alive and sometimes considered a curse. Prophet Muhammad was a doting grandfather sometimes even allowing his grandsons to climb all over him while he was in congregational prayer. Prophet Muhammad advised his followers to be good to their families. He said:
The best of you is he who is best to his family and I am the best among you to my family.[3]
Prophet Muhammad can rightly be a man for all seasons. He was successful in any role he stepped into from his lonely and lowly position as a shepherd to the leader of a great empire. His behavior was in all situations worth emulating. His greatest success however was a Prophet and Messenger of God.
Read Part 1 – Part 2 – Part 3 – Part 4
[1] William Montgomery Watt was a Scottish historian, Orientalist, Anglican priest, and academic. From 1964 to 1979, he was Professor of Arabic and Islamic studies at the University of Edinburgh
[2] Richard Gabriel, Muhammad: Islam’s First Great General (Oklahoma University Press, 2007)
[3] At Tirmidhi
(From Discovering Islam’s archive)
The post This is Why Prophet Muhammad is a Man for All Seasons appeared first on About Islam.
It is Halloween; if you are a Muslim parent you may be thinking about many questions.
– Is it OK to participate in this occasion?
– Should I let my kids go knock the doors to collect candy?
– From where did all these practices come in the first place?
– And how can Mosques and Islamic centers make use of this occasion?
Join Dr. Shabir Ally for a useful answers.
The post Muslims & Halloween: Celebrate or Not? appeared first on About Islam.
Many in our Muslim society including myself at one point believed that Halloween is nothing more than a harmless festival that allows kids to collect candy. But is it? No. It is not.
Reading up I learnt that the Druids who were a religious order amongst the Celts would try to appease their Lord of Death. These Druids also believed that witches rode on broomsticks and that ghosts were the cause of supernatural occurrences.
On Halloween or October 31, the souls of the dead people were presumed to roam the land of the living. The Devil, spirits and witches were also believed to be moving about and at the height of their power.
There were games and rituals which involved fortune-telling. Young people, for instance, would try to see what their marriage prospects were.
Its origins lie deeply rooted in the belief of the supernatural world therefore, Muslims should stay away. Christian and Jews practicing their religions have also advised so.
In most western countries we have freedom to practice our faith without any interference. This freedom is one of the blessings of Allah. We must learn and teach our children to practise the peaceful message and not to indulge in the forbidden practices.
As Muslim parents, it is our responsibility to keep our children focused on the good and as far away as possible from the bad. We will be held accountable for how and what we teach our children about their religion. This includes days we celebrate.
Occasionally, as parents we ourselves can get confused between the good and the bad. Only through knowledge, are we able to differentiate what is right from wrong.
Unfortunately, the ‘human weaknesses’ allure us to anything that seems to be attractive and enjoyable and not what is right or correct.
However, we cannot forget that we must strive to abide by our religious boundaries.
So after establishing this, what is a reasonable mindset regarding the celebration of Halloween since it is this time of the year?
Some may argue that there is no lasting benefit to ignore a holiday that exists around us. Others believe it does harm to celebrate Halloween as it has originated and grown over the centuries.
To counter the influence of Halloween, and the hype surrounding it we need to teach our children to celebrate the reality of the heroic efforts of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessing upon him) and his Companions. Make them familiar to our true heroes; our real role models.
Talking to them now as opposed to on the morning of October 31 will give them some time to think about it too, and get used to the concept of not having to go trick-or-treating just because their friends are.
Rather than order them, explain to them patiently concepts like angels and Jinn. Talk to them about the story of Satan and its effort to tempt humans. Tell them that life following our Prophet and with our Quran can thwart all the devil’s tricks.
Bear in mind that those who celebrate Halloween either are unaware of its roots, or are intentionally promoting a world where evil is lauded and viewed as an ultimate power. Instill in them that this is nothing we want.
Do not condemn those who celebrate Halloween. Instead, explain to your child what it is calmly, point out its dangers, and let it register. Let them think about it. Explain that every group or culture has its own celebrations, and we, as Muslims have our own. Halloween is a pagan celebration. However, when Eid comes, that is our celebration.
As the day approaches provide an alternative and focus the day away from ghosts, witches and other ‘haunted’ experiences.
As opposed to hiding in the face of evil, we should create a substitute that is positive and uplifting. Show them that as Muslims we celebrate good over evil and the triumph of Adam over Shaytan.
We need to provide an environment that also makes room for plenty of fun while using the day as an ‘educational moment’ to celebrate Allah’s protection, provision and purpose for our lives.
As mentioned earlier, living in the West, we are blessed with so many things. There are many many good things that we learn and adapt from these countries. However, there are some habits that are unacceptable in the Islamic culture. Halloween is one such tradition.
Friends may argue that this is a non-harming, non-threatening, very fun and simple tradition. Agree, on the face value, it may appear that children are just having fun, dressing up and collecting some candies.
However, as Muslims, we are supposed to consider and think about everything that we do. There is no blind following in Islam. We are not supposed to follow something blindly without thinking or pondering about it.
To demonstrate the gravity of imitating non-Muslims Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) stated:
{Whoever imitates a people is one of them} (Ahmad)
Muslims need to come to terms with an Islamic identity and the fact that we are ordered by Allah not to imitate others.
Perspectives on the observance of Halloween are highly divided. Some people think it is just a fun night to dress up and get candy, while others believe it is an acceptance of the things that represent the demonic world.
If you feel it necessary to explain yourself to other adults, you can choose to be as informational as you like. However, in the commotion and busy hype Halloween seems to bring, others may not be fully able to hear your message.
It may be easier to keep the explanation simple and offer to talk more about it after their sugar high has passed. A simple, “As Muslims, we choose not to participate in an event with Pagan origins. I’d be happy to tell you more sometime,” may suffice and will go further than something more rigid may.
While we do not celebrate Halloween, we can still celebrate the gorgeous autumn season in a fun, delicious and respectful way.
After all, it is an honour, responsibility and blessing to be a Muslim. You see, as Muslims we are placed in this world to be a light in a world of darkness. Be that light.
The post Muslims Celebrating Halloween : All Trick No Treat appeared first on About Islam.
Est-ce peu de chose que vous sortiez de chez vous en serrant vos deux mains, en marchant d’un pas régulier, en remplissant vos poumons du bon air frais du matin et en jouissant du lever de soleil qui se reflète sur vos yeux ?
Si vous êtes insouciant de la santé de votre corps, de l’intégrité de vos organes et de la perfection de vos facultés… réveillez-vous rapidement.
Dans cette vie, votre capital n’est pas l’or et l’argent que vous possédez. Votre vrai capital, votre vraie richesse, ce sont les facultés dont Allah vous a dotées, telles que l’intellect, la capacité, la liberté et le plus précieux de ces dons, c’est la bonne santé.
« Vendriez-vous vos yeux pour un milliard de dollars ? », Dale Carnegie s’est demandé :
« Que prendriez-vous en contrepartie de vos jambes et vos mains ? Votre faculté auditive ? Vos enfants ou votre famille ? »
Faites la somme de vos actifs! Vous constaterez que rien de ce que vous avez ne vaudra tout l’or jamais amassé. Mais est-ce que nous apprécions tout cela ?
Ah non !
Comme l’a dit Schopenhauer :
« Nous pensons rarement à ce que nous avons, mais toujours à ce qui nous manque. ‘Oui, la tendance à ‘penser rarement à ce que nous avons, mais toujours à ce qui nous manque » est la plus grande tragédie sur terre. »
Il a été rapporté qu’Ibn As-Samâk, un érudit religieux vertueux, assistait au conseil du calife Haroun Ar-Rachîd qui, ayant demandé de l’eau, lui dit :
« Donnez-moi conseil. »
En portant la coupe à sa bouche, Ibn As-Samâk lui demanda :
« O Émir des Croyants ! Si ce verre d’eau vous était refusé, seriez-vous prêt à payer votre royaume pour l’avoir ? »
Le calife répondit :« Oui. »
L’ayant bu, Ibn As-Samâk lui demanda à nouveau :
« Est-ce que si cette eau était retenue à l’intérieur de vous et que vous n’arriviez pas à s’en débarrasser (en urinant), paieriez-vous votre royaume pour l’évacuer ? »
Le calife répondit :
« Oui. »
Ibn As-Samâk dit :
« Ce n’est rien, un royaume qui ne vaut même pas une gorgée d’eau bue ou évacuée ! »
Sans attention, nous avons, et surtout sans effort, nous obtenons ce pour quoi un roi pourrait sacrifier son royaume : de l’eau potable à boire et la faculté de s’en débarrasser.
Nous souvenons-nous de la générosité d’Allah à notre égard ? Ou l’apprécions-nous et le remercions-nous pour cela ?
S’habituer à être en bonne santé nous fait oublier ou minimiser à quel point il est bon de l’être. Parfois, il faut une crise ou une perte de santé pour l’apprécier ! Mais peu importe combien cela apparait minime ou insignifiant aux yeux des gens, cela reste complet aux yeux d’Allah. En fait, il sera entièrement pris en compte, avec tous ses éléments, devant Lui.
Le Prophète Mohammad a dit :
« Par Celui qui détient mon âme dans Sa main ! Une personne viendra le Jour de la Résurrection avec de bonnes actions qui, si elles étaient placées sur une montagne, l’auraient alourdies. Cependant qu’une seule des Bénédictions d’Allah doit sortir (et prendre ce qu’elle mérite des bonnes actions du Serviteur), au point de les épuiser presque toutes, si ce n’était la Miséricorde qu’Allah accorde. » (At-Tabarânî)
A ce titre, Allah dit dans le Coran :
« Et si vous comptez les bienfaits d’Allah, vous ne saurez pas les dénombrer. Car Allah est Pardonneur, et Miséricordieux. » (Coran 16:18)
Toute vie est un don. Nous devons remercier Allah pour nous avoir doté d’une âme et de sensations et de tout un univers. Cet univers abondamment pourvu de bienfaits est surtout rempli de signes indiquant le Créateur :
« Comment pouvez-vous renier Allah alors qu’Il vous a donné la vie, quand vous en étiez privés? Puis Il vous fera mourir ; puis Il vous fera revivre et enfin c’est à Lui que vous retournerez. » (Coran 2:28)
Nos sens sont nos outils pour interagir avec cet univers, l’explorer et en tirer des enseignements. Nous devrons, lorsque nous sommes inondés par sa puissance, sa beauté et son immensité tout autour, trembler de gratitude envers Celui qui nous a honorés de la vie :
« Et Allah vous a fait sortir des ventres de vos mères, dénués de tout savoir, et vous a donné l’ouïe, les yeux et les cÅ“urs (l’intelligence), afin que vous soyez reconnaissant. » (Coran 16:78)
Chaque fois que nos sensibilités deviennent émoussées, indifférentes ou insouciantes ; chaque fois que nous n’apprécions plus le flux incessant des bénédictions d’Allah, une bonne contemplation, après avoir libéré l’esprit de l’ennui de la familiarité et de l’inattention, aidera à éveiller les sens. De plus, cela aidera à renouveler les sentiments et à ouvrir nos yeux sur les cieux et la terre. Tout cela est mis à notre service. Ceci aide, en outre, l’esprit à mieux cerner l’appel d’Allah :
« Ô hommes ! Adorez votre Seigneur, qui vous a créés vous et ceux qui vous ont précédés. Ainsi atteindriez-vous à la piété. * C’est Lui qui vous a fait la terre pour lit, et le ciel pour toit ; qui précipite la pluie du ciel et par elle fait surgir toutes sortes de fruits pour vous nourrir, ne Lui cherchez donc pas des égaux, alors que vous savez (tout cela). » (Coran 2 : 21-2)
Pour consuler le texte originel en anglais, veuillez visiter ce lien.
The post Les Bénédictions Inestimables Qu’on Ne Peut Jamais Compter appeared first on About Islam.
A veces me pregunto si nuestros antepasados experimentaron los mismos niveles de estrés y ansiedad que experimentamos hoy. Parece que el estrés y la ansiedad son una señal de la vida en los tiempos modernos, donde somos conscientes y estamos en guardia contra cada microbio, cada fanático, cada estado que tiene el potencial de destruirnos. Tal vez esté romantizando las vidas de nuestros antepasados con menores cargas de ansiedad.
Pero no puedo dejar de pensar en todo el estrés y la ansiedad que se nos vende diariamente, lo que nunca antes habÃa sucedido. Si no compras el producto “x”, no estarás sano y la muerte será inminente. Si no está atento al virus “y”, te infectará y matará. Si no temes al paÃs “z”, atacarán tu tierra natal. Y asà sucesivamente.
La mayorÃa de nosotros estamos en un estado de estrés elevado y sostenido y de ansiedad, y en el lÃmite de nuestra capacidad.
¿Cómo podemos, como musulmanes, hacer frente a esto? ¿Qué podemos hacer cuando (más allá de las tácticas de marketing para separarnos de nuestro dinero, alentarnos a seguir ciertos medios o vendernos una cierta postura polÃtica) tenemos que enfrentar la realidad de que vivimos en un mundo donde suceden cosas malas y existe el sufrimiento?
Lo sorprendente del Islam es que afirma la dureza de la realidad y nos da consuelo al mismo tiempo. Nos enseña un equilibrio entre atar nuestro camello –o enfrentar los problemas de frente– y confiar en Allah –o no obsesionarnos con lo que no podemos controlar-.
Hay muchas maneras de lidiar con el estrés y la ansiedad dentro de un marco islámico. Estas son cuatro formas casi milagrosas que he encontrado para reducir el estrés y la ansiedad en mi propia vida:
La constante exposición a noticias de horribles injusticias, desastres naturales y agitación polÃtica puede llevar a cualquier persona cuerda a un estado de ansiedad. Pero tenemos que entender que el sufrimiento tiene un papel que jugar en este mundo.
¿Cuándo fue la última vez que conociste o escuchaste de alguien con sabidurÃa y paz que nunca luchó o trabajó por nada?
Los que han alcanzado la sabidurÃa y la paz son a menudo los que usan su sufrimiento como una herramienta para aprender, crecer y lograr grandes cambios.
Nelson Mandela, Madre Teresa, todos los profetas: todas estas personas abordaron el sufrimiento (propio y ajeno) como algo de lo que aprender y una oportunidad para hacer el bien.
Esto quiere decir que si enfrentamos el sufrimiento con sabidurÃa, podemos verlo como una oportunidad.
Una vez que comprendamos que el sufrimiento existe en el mundo por una razón, podemos comenzar a verlo como una oportunidad de trabajo. Allah, Todopoderoso, nos ha designado para ser agentes morales en este mundo, para ser activistas hacia la mejora de la sociedad.
El profeta Muhammad, que la paz sea con él, dijo:
Cualquiera de vosotros que vea un mal, que lo cambie con su mano; y si no puede hacerlo, entonces [que lo cambie] con la lengua; y si no puede hacerlo, entonces con su corazón, y eso es lo más débil de la creencia.
Muslim
La filantropÃa es un antÃdoto fantástico para el estrés y la ansiedad, incluso si esa ansiedad y estrés son sobre nuestras propias vidas. Ser voluntario y dar a los demás nos permite poner las cosas en perspectiva.
El Profeta, la paz sea con él, dijo:
No mires a los que están por encima de ti, para que no veas los favores de Allah como triviales.
(Bujari y Muslim)
Comprender y ayudar a aliviar la difÃcil situación de aquellos con menos que nosotros, cuando las dos cosas van juntas, puede aliviar la ansiedad y el estrés al permitirnos sentir que hemos hecho nuestra parte y saber que seremos recompensados sin importar el resultado.
De la misma manera, comprender que hay un poder superior que tiene el control del universo y todo lo que hay en él puede ofrecer consuelo a alguien que se siente estresado por nuestro limitado control. Allah dice en el Corán:
¿Acaso no han visto que Allah, que creó los cielos y la tierra y no está fatigado por haberlos creado, tiene el poder de dar la vida a los muertos? SÃ, Él tiene poder sobre todas las cosas.
Corán 46:33
Este es el asombroso equilibrio que nos brinda el Islam. Nos esforzamos en hacer lo que podemos y nos sentimos satisfechos al saber que el resultado de nuestros esfuerzos provienen de Allah. Y no podemos hacer que las cosas sucedan si no están de acuerdo con el plan de Allah. Tampoco no debemos sentir ansiedad o dolor en el corazón si el plan que tenemos no surge.
Si ponemos nuestra parte y esfuerzo, podemos abandonar de lado la ansiedad y dejar que Dios actúe. Incluso si no podemos ver la sabidurÃa en el plan de Dios en este momento, sabemos por el Corán que:
[…] Allah es el mejor de los planificadores.
Corán 8:30
Crear una rutina ha sido durante mucho tiempo el consejo de los profesionles médicos para combatir el estrés y la ansiedad. Pero mucho antes de eso era la instrucción de Allah:
Buscad ayuda en la constancia y en el salat, porque éste no es un peso para los humildes.
Corán 2:45
La rutina de las cinco oraciones diarias que Allah nos ha pedido que establezcamos es la mejor rutina. Pueden ser puntos de anclaje en nuestro dÃa donde dejamos atrás todo el estrés y la ansiedad y nos entregamos a Allah, nuestro Creador, el que tiene el control de todas las cosas.
Las oraciones pueden y deben ser puntos en nuestros dÃas en lo cuales pedimos a Al Qaadir (القادر) Quien todo lo puede; buscamos ayuda de Al Muyib (المجيب) Quien responde; y amarramos nuestros corazones a lo Eterno.
Este es un artÃculo del archivo de aboutislam.net, puedes leer la versión original en inglés aquÃ.
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Sisters, we all wish to look and feel good about ourselves. Here are 6 natural beauty tips for Muslimahs that will give our skin and health a good boost!
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Mufti Menk discusses a topic that we all take for granted. Our health and free time!
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As October comes to an end, we are surrounded with jack-o-lanterns and ghost filled yards. From Trick or Treat to a parade, it is an event, which attracts young Muslims significantly.
Even as simple as walking into the grocery shop becomes difficult, for these celebrations are very prominent and promoted in the west. Being unaware of its origin, people fall into its deceptive cult.
When kids come home from school they beg their parents to take them out, dressed as witches and monsters they go from door to door asking for mouthwatering treats. The question lingers in the minds of many Muslim parents; How to deal with our kids who are tempted to celebrate Halloween?
As parents, we should incorporate Halloween and every other un-Islamic events in our family discussions since it affects us greatly in western society. We need to make our spouses and more importantly our kids aware of what is going on around us.
Take the time out today and sit down with your kids! Explain to them the harm that generates out of these occasions. Also express to them that Muslims should not follow anything out of ignorance.
Make them aware of the saying of the Prophet (May Allah’s Prayers and Blessings upon him): “Whoever does a deed that does not conform with our affair (Deen) then it is rejected from him”[1].Also the Prophet (PBUH) said in a famous hadeeth: “Whoever imitates a people is one of them”[2].
Discuss with your families these celebrations. For instance, start with what is Halloween and where does it come from? Ask them for their opinions first and then offer to them the description. For instance, tell them, “Did you know Halloween is a pagan and satanic practice?” Then delve deeper in explanation. (Halloween originated many centuries before Christianity.
The pagan Celts in ancient Britain and Ireland believed that, during the night of October 31st, gods played tricks on their mortal worshippers, bringing about danger, fear, and supernatural episodes. They also believed that the souls of the dead were let loose and were allowed to revisit their homes and that hosts of evil spirit roamed the earth.
Thus, this night acquired a sinister significance filled with spirits, ghosts, witches, goblins, black cats, fairies, and demons. The Celts made sacrifices to ward off the perils of the season and the anger of the deities, and they set huge bonfires on hilltops to frighten away evil spirits.
Gradually over the years, Halloween turned into a family observance[3]. Remind your nearest and dearest about the pillars of our faith and most importantly involve the kids in the discussion!
Liberate them from identity crisis. Kids have an urge of belonging, make them feel wanted in Islam. Our children must be proud of their Islamic heritage.
We are obliged to construct our youngsters in a way that the love of their Creator emanates from them. If they have this character well established within them, then they will abstain from these celebrations on their own. For instance, chat with them about young Sahabas and their role in Islam.
Display to them the importance Islam gives to them and also appreciate them for following the right path, for children are a gift from Allah (swt). Strive to make them feel elated about being a Muslim.
Design a checklist and be creative. Organize healthy activities and events for them ahead of time. Contact your local Masjids, ask them to have age appropriate activities for the kids on the specific days.
Organize fun filled games, crafts and quiz competitions. If that is too much of a hassle then do things together as a family. We are raising the next generation so let’s do our part. Display and instill within your loved ones respect and affection for their unique, Islamic identity.
[1] Recorded by Muslim and Ahmad (sahih al jami no. 6398)
[2] Recorded by Abu Dawud, Ahmad, and others. Verified to be authentic by al-Albani (Irwa ul ghalil no. 1296)
[3] Festivals and Celebrations in Islam, Muhammad al Jibaly. (Al-kitaab and as Sunnah publishing, pg.132)
This article is from our archive, originally published at an earlier date, and now republished for its importance.
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Back in 2012, when I was in high school, I had an opportunity to take courses at a local community college for both college and high school credit at the expense of my school district. It was called dual enrollment.
I was excited to get ahead in my college career, but dual enrollment presented a new challenge I never expected—I would now have to pray on a college campus. You see, the two courses required me to be on campus from Dhuhr until Isha. So three of my five prayers would have to be performed on campus.
What was once an intimately private act performed at home was now on display in front of strangers, many of whom were not Muslim.
I was embarrassed. In several instances, I found myself praying in an empty hallway only to begin sweating out of fear when someone unexpectedly walked by. My focus during Salah (what is termed Khusu` in Arabic) was regularly disrupted by the thought that someone would see me.
In fact, in full honestly, sometimes I would place my red folder on the floor and if someone passed by, I would pick it up as if to retrieve a paper from inside. This tactic worked well if I was sitting after Sujood, but not so well if I was in ruku`. And either way, it wasn’t an appropriate action to take during Salah.
I would ask Muslim friends in my classes where they would pray, hoping for a partner to ease the anxiety. They’d often respond with “I’ll wait until I get home.”
So, why couldn’t I be like them? Why couldn’t I just delay Salah and pray Dhuhr, `Asr and Maghrib late at home, saving myself the anxiety and discomfort of praying in public?
The answer, looking back now, was simple. Even as a Muslim who was extremely limited in knowledge of deen, I understood Salah was non-negotiable.
I knew that delaying Salah without valid reason wasn’t only a sin but a detriment to my own soul. It was a disruption of the very connection that made me Muslim—the connection with Allah.
So whether at school or at work, before you decide how to manage your Salah, let’s go back to the basics of what Salah is.
When Salah became mandated upon the Muslims, Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, had to ascend to the heavens to receive the command from Allah. Keep in mind: the Quran descended to the Prophet. And yet, the command of Salah was so special, the Prophet had to physically be taken to receive it. This is a testament to the weight of Salah.
As Muslims, much of our understanding of faith requires us to be rooted in history. What I mean is, we understand Islam as connecting us with our forefathers in faith: the prophets and the previous true believers in Allah. In surat Taha, Allah speaks to Musa (peace be upon him) and states:
{And I have chosen you, so listen to that which is inspired to you.
Verily, I am Allah! There is none worthy of worship but I, so worship Me and offer prayer perfectly for My remembrance.} (Taha 20:13-14)
In this, we understand that our Salah is a continuation of this legacy of worship of Allah, spanning thousands of years. If, on the Day of Judgement, we wish to stand with these incredible believers, Salah is an essential part.
Abu Ayyub Al-Ansari narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
“The five [daily] prayers, and the Friday (prayer) to the Friday (prayer) are expiation for whatever sins may be committed in between, so long as major sins are avoided.” (Muslim)
To put into modern language, our Salah is a very merciful insurance plan from the Rahman Himself. When Salah is performed earnestly and on time, it is a means for the erasing of the sins we committed from the last Salah. So in other words, Salah serves us in a way we couldn’t necessarily attain elsewhere.
And if all else fails, it is enough to know that to delay our prayer is taking from the right of Allah. So even whilst we feel anxious, nervous, and embarrassed, Allah only asks our effort and our timeliness.
We now understand our Salah from the perspective of hope and of fear in Allah. So what are practical tips for when we’re embarrassed to pray in public.
1. Ask Allah to give you ease. Duaa is powerful and essential. Ask Allah to make you steadfast. Ask Him whatever you need to fulfill your Salah.
While praying on campus, I would ask Allah nearly every prayer to take away the feeling of embarrassment. And I kid you not, one day, the embarrassment just dissipated.
2. Remember what you are doing is a command from God. I would ease my anxieties by telling myself this:
If others don’t feel embarrassed to neglect Allah’s right, why should I feel embarrassed to fulfill it. I still use this mantra until today.
3. Find the reflection room. Many campuses have a reflection room for any persons of faith to use. If you’re not able to access it (perhaps it’s too far to walk to), scope up a quiet spot and bring a portable prayer mat with you. Empty rooms, staircases, corners of hallways, the world is your musala (prayer place). And know that each and every of these spots will testify for you on the Day of Judgement.
4. Take on a Sunnah prayer or two. When you truly love an action, very little can take you away from it. So instead of completing just the fardh, which we are obligated to do regardless, start praying a Sunnah everyday like the two rak`aat after Maghrib. The following hadith is one that can’t help but make you want to do more extra prayer.
Tamim Ad-Dari reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
“The first thing for which a person will be brought to account will be his Salah. If it is complete (all well and good), otherwise Allah will say: ‘Look and see if My slave did any voluntary prayer.’ If he is found to have done voluntary prayers, Allah will say:” Complete his obligatory prayers therewith.” (An-Nasa’i: Sahih)
In conclusion, we have been given a very special honor to be Muslims in this world. There will be so many circumstances in life where we are going to feel awkward about our practices because they are not the norm. We will be stuck in campus hallways with red folders hoping no one will see us. When we feel that way, we remember the following reality:
“Islam began as something strange and will go back to being strange, so glad tidings to the strangers.” Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him)
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