tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73809142024-03-07T06:08:03.102+02:00Rollercoaster Journey of a Muslim WomanHave Confidence in you're Lord and you'll have confidence in yourself.Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00438831115484569093noreply@blogger.comBlogger183125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380914.post-20535367144393343692010-09-08T20:10:00.002+02:002010-09-08T20:35:48.170+02:00What's next...Reality hit me. Even though I do have enough money to spend on the magical trip I've been planning but, it might leave me broke afterward. So I decided to get me a job, it'll be a freelance job but it'll be fun because I'll have my own office and my own computer and I'll be working far away from distractions and it'll help me make more money before I do get to travel. Plus, I've decided to cut my travels short because I felt I can do much more than I expected here in Syria. I'll be taking classes at the masjid and maybe do some work for the masjid as well.<br /><br />Plus, maybe I should also do try to get me a visa to the US and see people I'd love to meet up with. We'll see how all of this would go. I'm canceling out Cyprus and Malaysia most probably. I still am not too sure about Malaysia.<br /><br />I'm still waiting till my parents come from the UAE and settle here in Syria. My dad wants to live at the coast and I cannot see myself moving 3 hours away from Damascus where my work and study will be and all the loved ones. They can live there but I'm not moving.<br /><br />One thing I've done that I haven't done in ages is actually read a book and finish it. The best part is that I finished the whole book in 2 days. I simply couldn't let go of the book once I started. Farheen Khan's book, Behind the Veil is one of the most amazing reads. It was very inspirational. I think what helped me finishing the book is that she's one of my really close friends in Canada. Whatever it is, it help me break the bad habit of not reading. I really would love to read a whole lot more... I seriously need to get inspired and be more knowledgeable to be able to go on my next step of this path of awakening.<br /><br />I want to change my life upside down. I want to be a much better person that I am. I want to be more positive. I want to be more inspired, and I want to inspire. I want to get healed and I want to heal. All that with the grace of Allah. Without Him nothing is possible. I just want to be at peace and spread out the vibe of peace around me.<br /><br />Eid Mubarak to all...Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00438831115484569093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380914.post-54990426711139814382010-09-01T19:58:00.002+02:002010-09-01T20:18:53.163+02:00Transiting in Abu DhabiIt was time to go, leave the house where I lived in for the past year. It doesn't matter much though. I never really felt like I'm at home because I live with husband's sister in Law who's also a cousin of his. She has 3 adorable kids even though they can be a handful. They're 2 girls and 1 boy. I grew very attached to the oldest, Tabina. We have a lot in common and we have lots of fun playing, singing talking etc...<div><br /></div><div>When it was time to head to the airport Tabina just broke my heart, she was vigorously crying. It broke my heart to the degree I cried. This whole thing is very saddening because she has to deal with a loved one leaving every few months since her father doesn't live with them but in the US. That's a whole other topic. I'll probably mention it later in my posts. Let's just say that American Immigration is just too rough.</div><div><br /></div><div>One the way to the airport, my husband and I picked up one of my closest friends that I got to meet while working with MuslimFest. Shakera is one those people you've love to be around all the time. She's very passionate, loving person who is very down to earth and who is definitely reliable. She'll do anything for you and to top it, she does it with a gorgeous huge smile.</div><div><br /></div><div>At Peason Airport in Toronto, she surprised me with something I seriously wasn't expecting at all. She actually got me a VERY rare white abaya that she told me about months before. The irony is that I was looking for a white one and dropped it on my lap. I was touched by her gift. The great part is that the abaya fits perfectly. I just have a hard time finding something that fits me properly.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now that I'm in Abu Dhabi after a 12 hour flight, I have to wait another 10 hours for my next flight to Damascus. I got me a hotel room at the hotel and I'll be sleeping like a baby till then even though it cost me an arm and a leg. My parents offered to pay and I'm not going to deny that offer especially when it's seriously needed. The problem was that since I am no longer a Emarati resident, I can't go out without a visa in advance and my parents can't come in to the transit section of the airport. So I guess, a few more weeks isn't that bad compared to the 2 years that already passed without seeing them. Thank God for free phone though.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm heading now to the hotel room, to simply rest, have dinner then sleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep. Gosh, I'm dizzy. I can't remember when is the last time I got this tired. The funny thing is, I actually like the feeling. :)</div>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00438831115484569093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380914.post-83435552516446182132010-08-31T21:16:00.002+02:002010-08-31T21:45:21.682+02:00New Journey to a new life.It's been ages since I've written and that's because I didn't feel my life was going anywhere and it was just plain boring to write about and I have been living in my lowest I've been in years. Alas, InshaAllah all this will be taken care of because there's only soooo much one can take without taking charge of their own life.<div><br /></div><div>A little over 2 years ago, I got married. I thought this finally lead me to settle because I've been moving around from different US states to different countries in different parts of the world for the past 10 years or so. I was wrong, my husband is even less settled than I am and so I feel I'm completely lost because now I have to worry about another as well as me. To top it he's not exactly the easiest person to get along with. Nonetheless, I did marry him for the right reasons. His heart is in the right place. He's can be gentle and affectionate. He is a practicing, God fearing man. We just are having difficulties because we're not settled and he's been out of job since he's been out of college last year.</div><div><br /></div><div>We've been living together in Canada for a little over a year and before that we were in Los Angeles. For that whole year in Canada I've been on a extended visit visa and it expires tomorrow. Tonight, I'm heading back home in which I haven't been in for 2 years. I terribly miss home and I'm all excited. The only problem is, when I leave Canada, I have no idea when I'll be able to come back. It all depends when I get my Permanent Residence Card from the Embassy in Abu Dhabi, where I grew up. This might take another year or it might take a couple of months. So only God knows how long I'll be away from Canada. It's more than ok though. I need a break from everything around and be around my family who are my strongest support group I have and I'm thankful for having that.</div><div><br /></div><div>Tonight, I'm ready to travel back to my home country Syria. From there, I'm planning to take a long journey around the area. Syria, Turkey, Cyprus, Malaysia and then lastly Egypt. Of course I'll probably go to Lebanon to meet up with friends as well. It'll be healing process. I want to document the journey of finding myself again because ever since I got married, I don't know who I am anymore. I've gotten so used to being alone and taking care of myself, not answering to anybody at all. </div><div><br /></div><div>Well, this is just an intro of what I'll be writing about in the next year. I'm excited and scared at the same time. I believe this is normal since I'll be separated from my husband and my new life in Canada and back to my old that I've let go for marriage. We'll see how it'll go.</div><div><br /></div>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00438831115484569093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380914.post-59284464530448112802009-04-12T23:40:00.002+02:002009-04-13T00:45:13.757+02:00Help Muslims in Need...<p>Bismillah.</p> <p>This is really sad. There are Muslim refugee families in Houston that are in the following conditions:</p> <p>1- Families going without food for days.<br />2- Families who get eviction notices and are left on the street.<br />3- Teenagers taking the role of the bread earners.<br />4- Kids going in a state of depression.<br />5- Families 14 of them living in a 2 bedroom apartment.<br />6- Doctors, engineers (even PhD’s), and businessmen who lost <strong>everything</strong> and are trying to start their lives all over again at gas stations!<br />7- Widows crying out of thankfulness.<br />8- Families giving up their religion because Churches offer them support in exchange of their religion!</p> <p>Yes, this is in America! Don’t believe me? Watch this video: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ul9KLRv41R8" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?<wbr>v=Ul9KLRv41R8</a><br /></p><p><span style="text-align: center; display: block;"></span></p> <p>A very good organization called <a href="http://www.alamaanah.com/index.php?page=keep-the-roof" target="_blank">Al-Amanah</a> are trying to help get these families back on their feet. And our friends at <a href="http://www.halfdate.com/" target="_blank">HalfDate</a> are having a drive to support Al-Amanah.</p> <p>Please help the Muslim refugees by making a dua and posting it in the <a href="http://halfdate.com/2009/04/02/care-for-refugees/comment-page-2/#comment" target="_blank">comments section on HalfDate</a> (a sister will donate 1 Canadian dollar when you do so), blogging about it (someone from HalfDate will donate $5 for each post, or just <a href="email:tamra@halfdate.com"></a><a href="http://www.alamaanah.com/index.php?page=donate" target="_blank">by donate as much as you can</a>.</p> <p>Remember that the Prophet said,</p> <blockquote> <h2><span style="font-size:130%;">اِتّقُواْ النَّارَ وَلَوْ بِشَقِّ تَمَرَةِ<br />فَمَنْ لَمْ يَجِدْ فَبِكَلِمَةٍ طَيِّبَةٍ</span></h2> <p>“Save yourselves from the Fire by giving charity even if it is with half a date, and if that is not possible, with a good/kind word”.</p> <p>[Bukhari]</p></blockquote> <p>Don’t let this opportunity slip. Remember that these people are OUR brothers and sisters. Would you ever leave your blood brothers and sisters in such a situation?</p>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00438831115484569093noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380914.post-79413405027934128632009-01-11T11:50:00.002+02:002009-01-11T11:59:17.036+02:00What to say?Salams (peace) to all my readers if there are any left,<br /><br />It has been almost 2 years since I've done anything with my blog here and that's because so many things have been happening and I simply lost focus and interest even though it was going well.<br /><br />I know I've touched lives and that I'm grateful for but I got too caught up with my personal life that I completely forgot the ones I did make a difference to and I can actually can make a difference all together.<br /><br />Just few mins ago I was reminded of this and I figured I need to blog again. Either this or video. I should stay away from politics and just simply stick to my music. Spirituality, faith and Religion. Pretty much what I've learned from this Journey I'm on. Hence the blog is called Rollercoaster Journey.<br /><br />Anyways, I just want to write this to see if there are actually readers around. :)<br /><br />Drop me an email and give me feedback of any sort :<br /><br />stellar101@gmail.com<br /><br />I miss you guys...Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00438831115484569093noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380914.post-1170975345846967672007-02-09T00:48:00.000+02:002007-02-09T00:55:45.863+02:00A Wife<em>A talk by Shaykh Abdullah Adhami</em><br /><br />By getting married you are not just getting a wife, you are getting your whole world. From now until the rest of your days your wife will be your partner, your companion, and your best friend.<br /><br />She will share your moments, your days, and your years. She will share your joys and sorrows, your successes and failures, your dreams and your fears. When you are ill, she will take the best care of you; when you need help, she will do all she can for you;<br /><br />When you have a secret, she will keep it; when you need advice, she will give you the best advice. She will always be with you: when you wake up in the morning the first thing your eyes will see will be hers; during the day, she will be with you, if for a moment she is not with you by her physical body, she will be thinking of you, praying for you with all her heart, mind, and soul; when you go to sleep at night, the last thing your eyes will see will be her; and when you are asleep you will still see her in your dreams. In short, she will be your whole world and you will be her whole world.<br /><br />The best description that I personally have ever read describing the closeness of the spouses to each other is the Qur'anic verse which says: "<strong>they are your garments and you are their garments</strong>" (<em>Surah Al Baqarah 2:187</em>). Indeed, spouses are like garments to each other because they provide one another with the protection, the comfort, the cover, the support, and the adornment that garments provide to humans. Just imagine a journey in the winter of Alaska without garments! Our spouses provide us with the same level of comfort, protection, cover, and support in the journey of our lives on this earth as garments would do in the Alaskan journey.<br /><br />The relationship between the spouses is the most amazing of all human relations: the amount of love and affection, intimacy and closeness, mercy and compassion, peace and tranquillity that fills the hearts of the spouses is simply inexplicable. The only rational explanation for these most amazing of all human feelings is that: it is an act of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala, "<strong>And Allah has made for you Mates (and Companions) of your own nature ...</strong>" <em>(Surah Al Nahl 16:72</em>) Only our Almighty Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala in His Infinite Power, Boundless Mercy, and Great Wisdom can create and ingrain these amazing and blessed feelings in the hearts of the spouses. In fact Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala is reminding those who search for His signs in the universe that these feelings in the hearts of the spouses are among the signs that should guide humans to His existence as He says in the Qur'an, <strong>"And among His signs is this, that He created for you mates from among yourselves that you may dwell in tranquillity with them and He has put love and mercy between your hearts: verily in that are signs for those who reflect.</strong>"<em> (Surah Al Rum 30:21)</em><br /><br />But Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala knows that the human heart is not a static entity, it is sometimes weak and at times dynamic. Feelings can and do change with time. Love may wither and fade away. The marital bond might weaken if not properly cared for. Happiness in marriage cannot be taken for granted; continuous happiness requires constant giving from both sides. For the tree of marital love to remain alive and keep growing, the soil has to be sustained, maintained, watered and nurtured.<br /><br />Remember that our Prophet Muhammad Salallaahu 'aliahi wa'sallaam had found the time to go out to the desert and race with his wife Aisha. She out ran him but later after she had gained some weight, he out ran her.<br /><br />Remember that the Prophet Salallaahu 'aliahi wa'sallaam took his wife to watch the young Ethiopians playing and dancing their folk dances. The show of emotions is necessary to keep the marital bond away from rusting and disintegrating.<br /><br />Remember that you will be rewarded by Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala for any emotions you show to your wife as the Prophet Salallaahu 'aliahi wa'sallaam said "<strong>one would be rewarded for anything that he does seeking the pleasure of Allah even the food that he puts in the mouth of his wife."</strong><br /><br />Never underestimate the importance of seemingly little things as putting food in your wife's mouth, opening the car's door for her, etc. Remember that the Prophet Salallaahu 'aliahi wa'sallaam used to extend his knee to his wife to assist her up to ride the camel.<br /><br />Try to always find some time for both of you to pray together. Strengthening the bond between you and Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala is the best guarantee that your own marital bond would always remain strong. Having peace with Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala will always result in having more peace at home.<br /><br />Remember that the Prophet Salallaahu 'aliahi wa'sallaam gave glad tidings for those couples who wake up at night to pray together. The Prophet Salallaahu 'aliahi wa'sallaam even urged the spouse who rises up first to wake the other spouse up even by throwing cold water on his/her face.<br /><br />Always try your best to be good to your wife by words and by deeds. Talk to her, smile to her, seek her advice, ask for her opinion, spend quality time with her and always remember that the Prophet Salallaahu 'aliahi wa'sallaam said "<strong>the best of you are those who are best to their wives."</strong><br /><br />Finally, it is common that spouses vow to love and honor their spouses until death do them part. I do believe that this vow is good or even great, but not enough! It is not enough that you love your wife. You have to love what she loves as well. Her family, her loved ones must also become your loved ones. Don't be like my colleague who was unhappy about his wife's parents coming to visit for few weeks. He candidly said to her "I don't like your parents." <span>Naturally, she angrily looked at him straight in the eye and said " I don't like yours either</span>"... <strong>Also, it is not enough that you love her until death do you part. Love should never end and we do believe there is life after death where those who did righteousness in this world will be joined by their spouses</strong> <em>(Surah Al Zukhruf 43:70) and offsprings.<br /></em><br />The best example in this regard is the Prophet Salallaahu 'aliahi wa'sallaam whose love for Khadija, his wife of 25 years extended to include all those she loved and continued even after her death. It was many years after her death and he never forgot her and whenever a goat was slaughtered in his house he would send portions of it to Khadija's family and friends and whenever he felt that the visitor at the door might be Khadija's sister Hala, he would pray saying "O Allah let it be Hala."Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00438831115484569093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380914.post-1169896961669850052007-01-27T13:21:00.000+02:002007-01-27T13:22:41.683+02:00Little Mosque on the Prairie<table xmlns="http://purl.org/atom/ns#" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td colspan="2"><embed flashvars="" id="VideoPlayback" src="http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?docId=4689644836814333621&hl=en" style="width:400px; height:326px;" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"> </embed></td></tr><tr/><tr><td>- Season 1 Episode 1<br /><br />A small prairie Muslim community butts heads with locals when their new spiritual leader arrives.<br /><br /><br /> </td></tr></table>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00438831115484569093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380914.post-1169286036973278882007-01-20T11:32:00.000+02:002007-01-20T12:17:55.910+02:00Muslims laud 'Little Mosque on the Prairie'<em>By Rebecca Cook Dube, Correspondent of The Christian Science Monitor </em><br /><br />TORONTO - When Alaa Elsayed speaks to churches and civic groups about Islam, he plays a word-association game.<br /><br />"What's the first thing you think of when you hear the word 'Islamic'?" he asks. "How about 'Muslim'?"<br /><br />Sometimes, the Calgary imam says, one of the audience members will hesitantly say what many are thinking: "terrorist."<br /><br />But now, Mr. Elsayed hopes a different word might pop into their minds: "funny."<br /><br />He - along with millions of other Canadians - has been watching a new show called "Little Mosque on the Prairie," North America's first sitcom about Muslims. Elsayed gave rave reviews to the premiere of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation's show about a Muslim community in a small, midwestern town, and he's eagerly awaiting the second episode Wednesday.<br /><br />"A lighthearted comedy that portrays the Muslim community in a manner that is evenhanded is definitely a welcome change from hearing about Muslims as terrorists, as jihadists," Elsayed says. "This is a great tool for people to learn about Islam in a language they can understand, which is comedy. Also, it's a great indicator that Muslims are an integral part of this community - this is who we are, so accept our differences, not just tolerate them."<br /><br />Though the show isn't airing in the US except in a few border states, hopes are high there, too.<br /><br />"We need something to show that Muslims are human," says Kamal Nawash, founder of the Free Muslims Coalition, an anti-extremist group based in Washington, D.C. "I'm hoping it ends up being something like 'Seinfeld' - a show made up by Jews where the whole show is based on humor. It puts life in perspective; it shows people that we're all the same at the end of the day."<br /><br />Rather lofty expectations for a 30-minute show described by its creator, Zarqa Nawaz, as "a very standard character sitcom."<br /><br />Ms. Nawaz, a respected Muslim filmmaker who lives in the prairie town of Regina, says her main goal in writing "Little Mosque" was to create a funny, hit show. She seems to have succeeded, at least in the early going. The 8 p.m. pilot episode garnered nearly 2.1 million viewers last week, big ratings for Canada. The top-ranked home-grown sitcom, "Corner Gas" - which coincidentally is also set in a small prairie town - regularly draws 1.6 million viewers.<br /><br />The first episode introduced viewers to the close-knit Muslim community, in the fictional small town of Mercy, and to the local non-Muslims who regard their neighbors with a mixture of trepidation and tolerance. In the second episode, the new imam, a handsome young man newly arrived from Toronto, sparks a battle of the sexes when he decides to erect a barrier between men and women in the mosque.<br /><br />"I hope it will open up a door to another community, so people can realize this community has the same foibles and quirks as any community does," Nawaz says, acknowledging that her show is, perhaps, not just another sitcom. "Laughter is a universal language."<br /><br />The show's producer, Mary Darling, is pitching it to US networks. "We actually think it can do something in the world," she said.<br /><br />"Little Mosque" certainly represents a change from how Canada's 600,000 Muslims usually see themselves in the media since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. In Canada, tensions were heightened by the arrest last summer of 17 Toronto-area men charged with planning a terrorist attack.<br /><br />But show doesn't shrink from portraying the realities of a post 9/11 world.<br /><br />In the first episode, a young Toronto lawyer gives up his practice to become Mercy's new imam, but gets into hot water at the airport.<br /><br />"Don't put Dad on the phone," he tells his mother on his cellphone as he waits in line. "I've been planning this for months, it's not like I dropped a bomb on him. If Dad thinks it's suicide, then so be it. This is Allah's plan for me."<br /><br />He's promptly whisked off by security, who don't believe his protestations of innocence.<br /><br />"If my story doesn't check out, you can deport me to Syria," he says, a sly reference to the plight of Maher Arar - a Syrian-born Canadian citizen who was arrested during a stopover in the US and deported to Syria, where he was tortured. The US acted on Canadian intelligence that Canadian officials recently admitted was inaccurate.<br /><br />Asad Rahman, a Toronto photographer, says he didn't buy the airport scene: "I don't think any Muslim would really joke about terrorism in an airport."<br /><br />But he's hopeful that the show will have a positive influence, both on how non-Muslims view his religion and on how Muslims see themselves. "At least somebody is brave enough to bring some humor to this sensitive religion," says Mr. Rahman, a coordinator for a gay Muslim group.<br /><br />Not every Muslim is a fan, of course.<br /><br />Tarek Fatah, spokesman for the progressive, Toronto-based Muslim Canadian Congress, says he thought the jokes fell flat.<br /><br />"It was a tremendous lost opportunity," he says. "I can imagine non-Muslims watching this and saying, 'my God, these people are bizarre.' "<br /><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">In my humble opinion, I think this show is great. I've seen parts of it and I think it's an excellent way to show truly how Muslims are. The creator, Zarqa Nawaz, before she got the show published she definitely consulted a known prominent Shaykh. It's not like she went through this just because she thought it was ok. That's a good move on her part. Of course there will always be other opinions out there that are against the show but that is what makes us humans. We differ.</span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"></span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;">I'll be posting the video later, just to keep things more excited.</span>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00438831115484569093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380914.post-1168385484414185792007-01-10T01:05:00.000+02:002007-01-10T01:47:39.786+02:00Globalization<a href="http://www.perfectworldproductions.com/education/portfolio/clc-globalization.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://www.perfectworldproductions.com/education/portfolio/clc-globalization.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />What is actually meant by globalization? The word is related to Global that according to Merriam-Webster dictionary means of, relating to, or involving the entire world. What about globalization exactly? This is what it had to say, the act or process of <a href="http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/globalizing">globalizing</a> : the state of being <a href="http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/globalized">globalized</a>; especially : the development of an increasingly integrated <a href="http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/global">global</a> economy marked especially by free trade, free flow of capital, and the tapping of cheaper foreign labor markets.<br /><br />The idea of globalization is great when it brings cultures closer but not if kills the identity of your own society or culture completely. That makes me neither 100% against it or 100% with it. I believe it depends on the which aspect of globalization we're talking about.<br /><br />I grew up in the East and spent a good portion of my adult life in the West. I see good and bad things in both cultures and I all I can say is if we take the best of both worlds, it'll be utopian. I think I'm against the idea of forced globalization, the same idea of forced "American" democracy in the Middle East. I'm sincerely against that. We'd rather work on a true democracy that really benefits the citizens of the Middle East rather than the Bush's Administration and Israel's ethnic cleansing policy ...<br /><br />When it comes to economic and social aspects, I think when we can search for similarities instead of differences, that's when the world would be a happier place.<br /><br />As Allah (SWT) says:<br /><br /><em>"O mankind! Behold, We have created you all out of a male and a female, and have made you into nations and tribes, so that you might come to know one another. Verily, the noblest of you in the sight of God is the one who is most deeply conscious of Him. Behold, God is all knowing, all aware"</em><br />(Al Qur'an, Al Hujurat 49:13)<br /><br />With this said, I believe we should get closer and learn more about one another without disregarding our own identity. Another thing I seriously disagree with is ridiculous man made traditions. I'm against holding on to that with our life and souls. Yes we, Muslims, should stick to we are told by the Qur'an (from God) and Sunnah (from the Prophet(PBUH)). I believe our Creator knows best of how we should live and that's the identity we should stick with. Same goes for Christians and people of other faiths. If people of all faiths truly got to learn, understand and follow what their Holy Books have to say to and about humanity, globalization wouldn't be an issue. It'll be a peaceful and eye opening experience.<br /><br />The reason I didn't say much about the business aspect of it, because I still haven't decided what I truly feel about it. I need to learn more about that.Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00438831115484569093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380914.post-1166890332459344002006-12-23T17:52:00.000+02:002006-12-23T18:12:12.476+02:00It's Been A While...It has been a long while since I've written here... Well, may truth be told that I've been super busy. It's been about a month or so that I've been working at an Arabic version of Cartoon Network called SpaceToon. It's pretty fun and I'm loving it here. The best part about it is my boss. He is one of the most amazing human beings ever. I know said that about my previous boss but that's because I didn't know that they can be even better. I guess the fact that he's 4 year younger than me plays a major role in getting along well. Hehehehe... We're pretty much into the same sorta things like music, cartoons, food, activities etc... He's more of a friend than a boss. So that's always good because I usually try my best not to let my friends down.<br /><br />Here's the ironic situation... Yes, I'm very happy with my current job and the pay is pretty good for a starter but believe it or not I got a much better job offer, or I should say better job all together. Currently, I'm an audio engineer only. While in the other company I'll be doing 2 things... I'll be the audio/voice over supervisor and I'll be a coordinator between the company I'll work for and an Islamic Channel in London... So it's a sweet deal because I'll be traveling and the pay is better. What more can I ask for? Yippie!!! Al hamdulillah (All praise to Allah)<br /><br />I've worked so hard to get where I am today and where I'll be better off in 2 weeks or so with my new job...<br /><br />Believe in yourself, work with determination and have faith in The Lord and God will never let you down, but might have some bumps in your journey to make you well rounded and stronger.<br /><br />Just keep your intentions in check, for it's like child, you can't leave it for a second or it will be go all over the place.<br /><br />Give me some more time, till I actually get settled in my new job and I'll get back to blogging more frequently.<br /><br />love ya all, my readers... Thanks for all the support that I got from some of you... You know who you are... May you always be blessed with love and warmth from The Creator.Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00438831115484569093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380914.post-1162449450871814452006-11-15T06:08:00.000+02:002006-11-15T07:59:44.376+02:00What Exactly is Jihad? (Part 2)<strong>1-Personal Behavior of the Troops:<br /></strong><br />In war, as it is in peace, the instructions of Islam are to be observed. Worship does not cease in war. Islamic jurisprudence maintains that whatever is prohibited during peace is also prohibited during war. War is no excuse to be lenient with misbehaving troops. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, is reported to have said: <span><em>“Beware of the prayer of the oppressed; for there is no barrier between it and Allah.” </em></span>Here, the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, differentiates between the oppressed believers and non-believers.<br /><br /><strong>2-Whom to Fight:<br /></strong><br />Fighting should be directed only against fighting troops, and not to non- fighting personnel, and this is in compliance with the Qur’anic verse that reads: <em>“ Fight in the way of Allah against those who fight against you, but begin not hostilities. Lo! Allah loveth not, aggressors.”</em> (Al-Baqarah: 190)<br /><br />In one of the battles, a woman was found killed, and this was denounced by the Prophet saying <em>"She did not fight</em>" This will be further detailed under the instructions given to the armies and their commanding chiefs by the Prophet and his Caliphs.<br /><br /><strong>3-The Prophet's instructions to Commanding Chiefs:</strong><br /><br />The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, used to instruct his commanding chiefs saying: <em>“Fight in the cause of Allah. Fight those who deny Allah; Do not be embittered. Do not be treacherous. Do not mutilate. Do not kill children or those (people) in convents.”</em><br /><br /><strong>4-Abu-Bakr's instructions to Usama's Campaign on Syria:</strong><br /><br /><em>“Do not betray or be treacherous or vindictive. Do not mutilate. Do not kill the children, the aged or the women. Do not cut or bum palm trees or fruitful trees. Don’t slay a sheep, a cow or camel except for your food. And you will come across people who confined themselves to worship in hermitages, leave them alone to what they devoted themselves for.”<br /></em><br /><strong>5-Abu-Bakr's Instructions to Yazid ibn-Abi Sufian:</strong><br /><br />“I give you ten commandments: don’t kill a woman or a child or an old person, and don’t cut trees or ruin dwellings or slay a sheep but for food. Don't burn palm trees or drown them. And don’t be spiteful or unjust.”<br /><br /><strong>6-Maintaining Justice and Avoidance of Blind Retaliation:</strong><br /><br />None can be more illustrative in this respect than the words of the Qur’an. Allah Almighty says: <em>“O ye who believe! Be steadfast witnesses for Allah in equity, and let not hatred of any people seduce you that ye deal not justly. Deal justly, that is nearer to your duty. Observe your duty to Allah. Lo! Allah is Informed of what ye do.”</em> (Al-Maidah: 8)<br /><br /><strong>7-Medical and Nursing Services:</strong><br /><br />From the early days of Islam the sanctity of the medical profession was recognized. Christian and Jewish doctors were employed by the Islamic state since the days of the Umayyads, and some of them were even court and personal physicians to caliphs. Under the tolerant attitude of Islam, some of them got the chance to unfold their full scientific potential and thus contributed to the progress of medical knowledge.<br /><br />Medical help was a right to all men in spite of religion or creed. That this was also extended to those amongst enemy. An example well known in the West is that of Saladin securing medical help to his opponent, Richard Lion Heart of England who was seriously ill during the Crusades. Saladin sent him his own doctor and personally supervised Richard's treatment until he became well.<br /><br />In quoting this particular example, one dare say that such an attitude was quite different to the behavior characterizing the invading crusaders. When the crusaders entered Jerusalem on July 15th 1099, they slaughtered seventy thousand Muslims including women, children and old men. They broke children's skulls by knocking against the wall, threw babies from roof tops, roasted men over fire and cut up women's bellies to see if they had swallowed gold.<br /><br />This description was given by Gibbon, a Christian writer, and commented on by Ludbig Wbo wondered how come after those horrible atrocities they prayed at the burial place of Christ for blessing and forgiveness (Draper/History of the Intellectual Development of Europe, Vol. 2, p. 77).<br /><br />We do not mention this in bitterness or prejudice for every honest Muslim or Christian well knows that Christianity is something and many deeds of the crusaders are something else.<br /><br /><strong>8-Prisoners of War:</strong><br /><br />For the first time in religious or sectarian history, Islam adopted an attitude of mercy and caring for the captured enemy. Unprecedented by previous legal systems, and long before the Geneva Convention, Islam set the rule that the captive is sheltered by his captivity and the wounded by his injury.<br /><br />Previously, it was the custom for the captive to work for his food or get it through private means. The Qur’an made it a charity to feed the prisoners saying:<br /><br /><em>“Lo! the righteous shall drink of a cup whereof the mixture is of water of Kafur. A spring wherefrom the slaves of Allah drink, making it gush forth abundantly. Because they perform the vow and fear a day whereof the evil is wide spreading. And feed with food the needy wretch, the orphan and the prisoner, for love of Him. (Saying): We feed you, for the sake of Allah only. We wish for no reward nor thanks from you.”</em> (Al-Insan: 5-9)<br /><br />The Prophet instructed his Companions to be good to the captives. In one of his traditions, the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, ordered his Companions saying: <em>“ You should be good to the captives.”<br /></em><br /><strong>9-Abu Aziz-ibn Umair, one of the captives of Badr battle, recalls:</strong><br /><br /><em>“Whenever I sat with my captors for lunch or dinner, they would offer me the bread and themselves the dates, in view of the Prophet's recommendation in our favor (in that desert situation bread was the more luxurious item of food than dates)<br /><br />As soon as any of them held a piece of bread, he would offer it to me.<br /><br />Feeling shy, I would give it back to one of them but he would immediately return it to me."<br /></em><br />Another, Thumama ibn-Athal, was taken prisoner and brought to the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, who said: <em>“Be good to him in his captivity.”</em> When the Prophet went home he instructed to collect whatever food there, and ordered it sent to the prisoner.<br /><br />When the Jewish tribe of Bani Qurayzah were captured, loads of dates were regularly carried to them, with the Prophet's instructions to shelter them from the summer sun and to provide them with water to drink.<br /><br />From the legal point of view, Muslim opinion is unanimous on the prohibition of subjecting the captives to ill treatment by withholding food, drink or clothing.<br /><br /><strong>10-The Fate of War Prisoners:<br /></strong><br />This was based upon the teaching of the Qur’an:<br /><br /><em>“Now when ye meet in battle those who disbelieve, then it is smiting of the necks until, when ye have routed them, then making fast of bonds; and afterward either grace or ransom till the war lay down its burdens. That (is the ordinance). And if Allah willed He could have punished them (without you) but (thus it is ordained) that He may try some of you by means of others. And those who are slain in the way of Allah, He rendereth not their actions vain.”</em> (Muhammad 47:4)<br /><br />According to Islamic law, the captive belongs to the state and not to his captor. The ruler has the ultimate option, as he sees fit, of granting freedom or doing that after taking a ransom.<br /><br />Among those whom the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, granted freedom was a poet called Abu-Azza who said to the Prophet: <em>“I have five daughters who have no one to support them, so give me away to them as a charity and I promise never to fight you or help your enemies." </em><br /><br />Abul-As Ibn Al Rabiae was freed for a ransom, which the Prophet later returned back to him. Later, the man embraced Islam.<br /><br />Umarna Ibn-Athal was set free upon his promise not to provide the enemy with food. This gentle treatment touched the man’s heart and was then converted to Islam saying to the Prophet: <em>"There was a time when your face was the most hated face to me, and there comes a day when it is the most loved.”<br /></em><br />Sometimes captives were exchanged for Muslim captives in enemy hands. An acceptable ransom that was quite often carried out was to teach ten Muslim children to read and write. It is noteworthy that modern international law allows for setting free a prisoner of war on equivalent lines.<br /><br />Personnel were set free upon their word of honor not to fight again, and they should not be ordered by their governments to go to battle again. If they break their promise, they might be punishable by death if they are captured again.<br /><br /><strong>11-Nonbelligerents</strong><br /><br />Islam never fought nations but fought only despotic authorities. Islamic war was one of liberation and not of compulsion. The freedom of the liberated people to decide their religion has already been mentioned, and it was to ensure this freedom that Muslims fought. It is interesting to mention that when Muslims fought the Romans in Egypt, the Egyptian Copts sided with and helped Muslims against the Romans who were Christians like them. This was because Christian Egypt was suffering religious oppression by the Christian Romans to compel them to adopt their religious beliefs.<br /><br />One of the earliest actions of the Muslims in Egypt was the assurance of religious freedom and the reinstatement of Bejamin as Bishop of Alexandria after years of hiding from the Romans in the western desert.<br /><br />But religious freedom was but one aspect that Islam gave. Whether Arab or Egyptian, Muslim or Christian, Islam built up that FELLOWSHIP that humanity aspires to, in equality and fraternity .The story is well known of the running contest held in Egypt and won by an Egyptian to the dismay of an Arab competitor who was the son of `Amru Ibn Al-`Aas, governor of Egypt. The Arab hit the boy saying '<em>how</em> <em>dare you outrun me and I am the son of the nobility."</em> Upon which Umar, the caliph, ordered the three all the way to Madinah, and ordered the Egyptian to avenge by hitting the offending Arab, saying: "<em>Hit him back. Hit the son of nobility</em>." Addressing `Amru, he uttered his famous saying: <em>“O `Amru, since when have you enslaved people while their mothers have born them free.”</em><br /><br /><strong>12-International Law:</strong><br /><br />The process of active intervention to stop or remove aggression is a development that modem international law has recognized.<br /><br />The second world war for example was sparked by Germany's invasion of Poland, and drew into the fighting countries that were not direct parties to the conflict. One of the fruits of war was the creation of the United Nations in order to settle disputes between nations by peaceful means or indeed if necessary by a collective military force. No one should argue therefore that Egypt and the Roman Empire for example should have been left alone to solve their mutual problems. In modem times the rest of the family of nations consider it a duty to do something about it. Fourteen centuries prior to the establishment of the League of Nations and later the United Nations, Islam decreed such responsibility.<br /><br />The legal principle of intervention to solve dispute was offered by the Qur’anic saying:<br /><br /><em>“If two parties of believers fall into a quarrel, make ye peace between them: But if one of them transgresses beyond bounds against the other, then fight ye (all) against the one that transgresses until it complies with the command of God; but if it complies, then make peace between them with justice, and be fair: for God loves those who are fair.”</em> (Al-Hujurat 49:9)<br /><br /><strong>13-Respect of Treaties and Agreements:<br /></strong><br />One of the major shortcomings of modern international politics is its meager regard to moral obligation. Time and again, treaties and agreements proved unworthy of the price of paper they had been written on. The most splendid produce of the human intellect in the field of international law might instantly vanish upon the call of greed or creed at this age that we wish to think has brought us to the epic of civilization.<br /><br />And what is worse is that the most sophisticated achievements of scientific progress are often used as tools in the hands of Godless or God-disregarding policies: instead of being exploited 'in the cause of God.’<br /><br />From the outset, Islam has emphatically prohibited treachery by taking the enemy by surprise attack. Recent examples of signing a pact or treaty with a nation as camouflage to hidden intent to attack it are quite contrary to<br />Islam, as several quotations from the Qur’an reads:<br /><br /><em>“ O ye who believe! Fulfil your undertakings…”</em> (Al-Maidah 5:1)<br /><br />“<em>Fulfill the convenant of God when you have entered into it, and break not your oaths after you have confirmed them; indeed you have made God your surety, for God knoweth an that you do.</em>” (An-Nahl 16:91)<br /><br />If Muslims sense the treachery of any enemy with whom they had a treaty, they should declare to him the annulment of that treaty before embarking on war again.<br /><br />“<em>Thou fearest treachery from any group, throw back (their covenant) to them, (so as to be) on equal terms: for God loveth not the treacherous.”</em> (Al-Anfal 8:85)<br /><br />Although Muslims are bound to go to the help of their Muslim brethren who are religiously persecuted in the land of an enemy; they are not allowed to fulfill this duty if there is a treaty between the Muslim community and this enemy. Priority goes to honouring the treaty.<br /><br /><em>“But if they seek your aid in religion, it is your duty to help them, except against a people with whom you have a treaty of mutual alliance. And (remember) God seeth an that you do."</em> (Al-Anfal 8:72)<br /><br />And above all, this is not a nicety to be taken or left by the state. It is a binding religious dictate overruling emotion and prejudice: otherwise it would be a grave violation of Islam.<br /><br />I hope that clears the horrifying misconception of Jihad and Islam...<br /><br />My next post will explain why <strong>some muslims misunderstand</strong> the Qur'an when it comes to jihad.<br /><br />Peace to ALL who want peace.Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00438831115484569093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380914.post-1162445632663406902006-11-02T07:03:00.000+02:002006-11-02T08:25:49.486+02:00What Exactly is Jihad? (Part 1)Allah said, "<em>Enter into peace completely and do not follow the steps of Satan.</em>" (Al-Baqarah 2:208)<br /><br />One of the largest misconceptions in Islam whether from Muslims or non Muslims is the word "Jihad" Many know it as holy war. May the truth be told, that is not the precise meaning of the word. It is an Arabic word that means to strive for a better way of life. The nouns are Juhd, Mujahid, Jihad, and Ijtihad. The other meanings are: endeavor, strain, exertion, effort, diligence, fighting to defend one's life, land, and religion.<br /><br />1) Trying to balance between right and wrong.<br /><br />2) Trying to fit in an environment that you don't feel you belong.<br /><br />3) Trying to makes choices that wouldn't have consequences on anybody including you.<br /><br />4) Trying to make this world, a better place to live in.<br /><br />5) Trying to balance the mind, body and soul.<br /><br />6) Trying to be true to yourself and to others.<br /><br />7) Trying to resist issues that are going against you, stopping you from achieving your goal in life.<br /><br />8) Trying to balance among your intellect, emotions and your spirit.<br /><br />9) Working hard to earn a living.<br /><br />Etc. etc. etc… All this is considered Jihad.<br /><br />Jihad should not be confused with Holy War; the latter does not exist in Islam nor will Islam allow its followers to be involved in a Holy War. The latter refers to the Holy War of the Crusaders.<br /><br />Jihad is not a war to force the faith on others, as many people think of it. It should never be interpreted as a way of compulsion of the belief on others, since there is an explicit verse in the Qur'an that says: "<em>There is no compulsion in religion</em>" (Al-Baqarah 2:256).<br /><br />Jihad is not a defensive war only, but a war against any unjust regime. If such a regime exists, a war is to be waged against the leaders, but not against the people of that country. People should be freed from the unjust regimes and influences so that they can freely choose to believe in Allah.<br /><br />Not only in peace but also in war Islam prohibits terrorism, kidnapping, and hijacking, when carried against civilians. Whoever commits such violations is considered a murderer in Islam, and is to be punished by the Islamic state. during wars, Islam prohibits Muslim soldiers from harming civilians, women, children, elderly, and the religious men like priests and rabies. It also prohibits cutting down trees and destroying civilian constructions.<br /><br />The Qur'an, the most fundamental scripture of Islam, teaches sanctity of life, not violence. It enjoins peace, justice, and compassion as basic tenets for all of humankind and condemns violence and aggression in all forms. <em>"God enjoins justice and compassion and giving freely to the next of kin, and forbids lewdness, wickedness and oppression.He admonishes you so that you may take heed"</em> (An-Nahl 16:90).<br /><br />In a society where human dignity was measured by race, ethnicity, color, status, and wealth, the Qur'an stressed the sacred bond of humanity binding all people. "<em>O mankind, We have created you from a single pair of a male and female, and rendered you nations and tribes so that you might know one another. The most honorable of you in the sight of God is the one who is most conscious of Him. God is All-Knowing, All-Aware"</em> (Al-Hujurat 49:13).<br /><br />Even the concept of holy war is denounced in Islam because in Islam war can only be characterized as either just or unjust, not holy. The Qur'an permits only a just war, a war waged to remove tyranny and oppression, or in self-defense. The Qur'an is categorical in denouncing all wars of aggression.<br /><br /><em>"Fight for the sake of Allah those that fight against you, but do not attack them first. Allah does not love aggressors"</em> (Al-Baqarah 2:190)<br /><br /><em>"Permission [to fight] is given to those against whom war is being wrongfully waged — and, verily, God has indeed the power to succor them."</em> (Al-Hajj 22:39)<br /><br />Allah also forbids Muslims from attacking anyone who allows others to live in peace:<br /><br /><em>"Thus, if they let you be, and do not make war on you, and offer you peace, God does not allow you to harm them."</em> (An-Nisaa' 4:90)<br /><br />"<em>Hence, if they do not let you be, and do not offer you peace, and do not stay their hands, seize them and slay them whenever you come upon them: for it is against these that We have clearly empowered you [to make war]"</em> (An-Nisaa' 4:91)<br /><br />I can't stress on this enough that half is what Muslims that are shown in the media aren't doing what they're suppose to be doing. Honestly, they are going against the Prophet's (Peace Be Upon Him) teachings and the Qur'an.<br /><br />This is what the Holy Book has to say about Jihad in war:<br /><br />"<em>And fight them until sedition and persecution are no more, and religion is all Allah's. But if they stop, then let there be no hostility except against the transgressors</em>." (Al-Baqarah 2:193)<br /><br />In the above verses the general Islamic commandment about armed combat is presented. Wars of aggression are specifically forbidden, but to fight self defense is not only allowable, it is an obligation to prevent occurrence of sedition and persecution in the land. This was commanded after the Muslims were thrown out of their own homes, got their belongings stolen and getting killed in Makkah.<br /><br />"<em>Call to the path of your Lord with wisdom kindly exhortation, and reason with them in the most courteous manner. For your Lord knows best those who have strayed from His path, and He knows best who are rightly-Guided"</em> (Al Nahl 16:125)<br /><br /><strong>The patience and self restraint of the Blessed Prophet were sorely tested:<br /></strong><br />At battle of Uhud the disbelievers not only killed his uncle Hamza but cut his nose and ears, then they cut out his liver. When the Prophet saw his uncle's body thus disfigured, he threatened retaliation. Then the above verse was revealed, in which the restraint and gentleness which has always been the Islamic way were confirmed and emphasized. When he last entered Makkah in triumph, he caused astonishment by forgiving his enemies.<br /><br /><em>"O you who believe! Do not Devour your property among yourselves wrongly; but trade by mutual consent, and kill not one another. Surely Allah is Compassionate to you."</em> (Al Nisaa' 4:29)<br /><br />In a time of war these disciplines were put by the Prophet Mohammad (Peace Be Upon Him):<br /><br />1) You may not harm a woman, a child or any old person.<br />2) You may not harm cripples.<br />3) You may not harm a man that works in the field. (Meaning a person who isn't fighting)<br />4) You may not cut down trees.<br />5) Strike only at those who have expelled you, who have stolen your rights, and riched themselves in your possessions.<br /><br />To be Continued....Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00438831115484569093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380914.post-1160601789219627992006-10-11T23:15:00.000+02:002006-10-11T23:23:09.240+02:00What is the Religion of Islam?It's been a while since I've written; it's just been a busy month. It's our month of Ramadan were it is 100% dedicated in developing our spirits to make it stronger and more peaceful by disciplining our lower self. With me, the results have been strikingly successful and there has been amazing change in me and I got learn a lot more about myself. So up till now, it has been a remarkable month.<br /><br />A little while ago S.R. brought to my attention some really important issues that I think that might have been a misunderstanding of what I was saying in my earlier post. I'll have 2 separate posts clarifying my statement.<br /><br /><strong>1st post</strong>: Explaining the Pillars Islam and the Pillars of its creed.<br /><br /><strong>2nd post</strong>: Explaining the misconception of the actual word "Jihad" in Islam and Islamic ethics of war.<br /><br />The Islamic religion is a really simple concept. It's just unfortunate that there are Muslims. That doesn't make them non-Muslim. I have no right and it is against Islamic teachings to make these accusations. I'm just saying that they are misinterpreting major details of the Qur'an. Plus, in my previous post, I wasn't defining the religion of Islam, I was just merely defining the word "Islam"<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>There are 5 pillars for being a Muslim according to the Prophet (PBUH):</strong></span><br /><br />1) <strong>Shahada:</strong> This Pillar is believing that there is only one God and Mohammad (PBUH) is His Prophet.<br /><br />2) <strong>Salah (Prayer):</strong> This Pillar is praying five times a day.<br /><br />3) <strong>Zakah (Charity):</strong> Muslims are supposed to give a fixed proportion of their savings for endeavors such as helping the poor.<br /><br />4) <strong>Sawm (Fast):</strong> Refraining from food and drink during the month of Ramadan during daylight hours.<br /><br />5) <strong>Hajj (Pilgrimage):</strong> This is making a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in your life, if it can be afforded.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>The Islamic Creed and the 7 pillars of faith according to the Prophet (PBUH):</strong></span><br /><br />1) Believe in God.<br /><br />2) Believe in Angels<br /><br />3) Believe in God's books such as Torah, The Gospel, The Psalms and the Qur'an.)<br /><br />4) Believe in God's Prophets ( Noah (PBUH), Jonah (PBUH), David (PBUH) Abraham (PBUH), Joseph (PBUH), Moses (PBUH), Jesus (PBUH) and Mohammad (PBUH)), just to name a few.<br /><br />5) Believe in the Last Day<br /><br />6) Believe in the Devine Destiny.<br /><br />We, just like Jews and Christians, do also follow the 10 commandments and as humans we do mistakes. In Arabic the word human is "Insan" which derives from the word "nisyan" which means forgetfulness. Another words, we humans it is in our nature to forget the comandments or we choose to forget them, so we end up doing mistakes. It is only normal. We aren't perfect only the Creator of the Universe is. God is The Most Merciful and Most Compassionate. He forgives us when we do those mistakes if we admit them and if we don't realize we actually did a mistake. Hence we should always ask forgiveness even though we think we might not have made a mistake. In His own words: "<em>My Mercy, comes before My Wrath</em>"<br /><br />What does Submission to God means in Islam? It's not just praising Him in unison. That's is one part of submission. We have to look at the bigger picture of the meaning of submission in Islam. In simple terms it means follow what God asks you to do. Surely, God does NOT ask of us only to pray for Him. He asks us to work hard on earth, to fix it, make it a better place. Be good to yourself and taking care of ourself and the people around us. Spread love, peace and justice. That's all part of submission. Believe it or not, recreational activities that doesn't conflict with Islamic ethics is considered as submission.<br /><br />Why you may ask? It's simple… We are brought to earth for a reason and that is to make it a better living place. Help the poor, take care of the needy, clean the environment, help the mistreated, including animals, developing and building on this earth. Etc.. That is our reason of our existence as far as Islam is concerned. It's all about being Proactive.<br /><br />The Qur'an says:<br /><br /><em>"Righteousness is not whether you turn your face to the east or to the west, but righteousness is he who believe in God, and the Last Day and the angels and the Book and the Prophets; and gives of his wealth for the love of God to relatives orphans and the needy and the wayfarer, and those who ask, and for liberation of slaves and establishes the ritual prayer and pays the Zakah; and those who keep their pledges when they make then, and show patience in hardship and adversity, and times of distress. Such are truthful, and such are God-fearing."</em> (2:177)<br /><br />In order to be able to keep up with our duties, we need to be mentally, physically and spiritually healthy. So sleeping, eating, reading, learning, exercising, having a good laugh, etc… Any basic human need that helps us to be healthy in every shape and form is considered as a form of worship. Even smiling to another human being is considered a form of worship because it brings happiness to others. As I said earlier anything that feeds our intellect, emotions and spirit, as long as it doesn't conflict Islamic ethics, is considered a form of worship and that is what I meant by "submission" to God.<br /><br />I hope that clears up the misunderstanding…Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00438831115484569093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380914.post-1159024177217897952006-09-23T16:23:00.000+02:002006-09-23T17:09:39.753+02:00Islam does not justify ViolenceJudaism, Christianity and Islam are all from the same God. We are all the children of Adam. There is no way on earth that God would want violence justified in any shape or form in his name...<br /><br />I cannot deny that in Islam that is happening but it doesn't make it right. This isn't happening only in Islam, unfortunately, it's also happening with the Jews in Israel but that's a totally different story that I won't get into.<br /><br />The point is this; Muslim leaders (not any leader of any Arab country because all they care about is power) are falling behind in what they should do to bridge the gap between Muslims and Non-Muslims. That's not the only problem though, for there are some Islamic scholars and Shaykhs who are trying their best to bridge the gap and show the true face of Islam but the western media doesn't concentrate on them... There are people like Amr Khaled, Tarik Swaidan, Habib Ali AlJifry, Shaykh Hamza Yusuf Hanson, Shaykh Yusuf Al Qaradawi, Imam Suhaib Webb, Shaykh Abdullah Adhami etc... etc... etc... Whoever is reading this, have you heard of ANY of these people?<br /><br />Not only scholars and preachers that are working on showing the true image of Islam there are Islamic musicians like Yusuf Islam, Sami Yusuf and others who are working on that...<br /><br />It's so easy to be take in what you're being fed and follow what you think is right because that is what is being told in the ridiculous propaganda of the western media. Search for the truth and you'll find the truth about Islam... The word itself is derived from Salam which means peace in Arabic and is one of the 99 names of God and it also mean complete submission to Him... Another words, complete submission to peace.<br /><p>These people who act violently in the name of God in ANY religion are taking the meaning of their holy book in a serious shallow manner and really aren't understanding the content and what's behind the content. </p><p>Terrorism has no religion. I just saw that statement on an Islamic TV channel as I type this post. Unfortunately the west don't see this... I believe there should be amazing Islamic channels in English showing the true faith of Islam just like any other cable TV channel... Maybe people in the west get to see it without too much work to search for it. </p><p>People in the west if you truly search you'll find movies and other stuff that show the true face of Islam... Don't search on the internet because you'll find the bad as much as the good. Yes, there is me and other like me on the web but I still prefer to go search deeper. I mean seriously God hates terror in his name and how can a religion's name that means complete submission to Peace (Allah) supports violence? Doesn't make sense... It's not the religion that has the problem, it's the people. PEOPLE are the problem and they use religion as a means of violence... Religion doesn't ask us to be violent...</p><p>If you want to ask about Jihad? Well, I'll tell you this, it doesn't mean Holy war... That'll be in a whole other post... Probably right after this one...</p>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00438831115484569093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380914.post-1158804284738140822006-09-21T02:31:00.000+02:002006-09-21T04:04:48.706+02:00What the Pope said...I know this post is coming a little too late but I just wanted to think over the whole situation and type something when I'm not soo pissed of at the Pope and the idiots who burned down churches that weren't even Catholic.<br /><br />Here's the thing... The Pope is suppose to be a man of religion, a man of hope, love and toleration. He didn't show what he's expected to be as a man of religion. Instead, he was talking about long gone history and hate... Why? He's a man of religion not a biased historian. If he wants to talk about Islam being the religion of the sword then what were the crusades all about? The Pope's appology isn't enough, it was very generlized and he didn't exactly explain himself. He just was sorry for being misunderstood which is another insult to us. Just like he made the speech, he needs to applogize fully to what he said.<br /><br />What ever happened to John Paul's Peace message?<br /><br />In my personal opinion he had no right to say what he said and that's all I have to say about that.<br /><br />As for the some of the ignorant Muslims, I'll say.. WAKE UP for crying out loud... The Pope was merely saying "his" opinion it's not even majority of the other Catholics. Why burn down the churches that aren't even catholic and don't take the Pope as their religious leader? WAKE UP and learn that this act even if they were Catholic churches, isn't the way the Prophet (PBUH) would deal with it. WAKE UP from your deadly slumber. Stop being zombies and take Islam seriously and learn about the true ways of the Prophet (PBUH)... Demand the apology from the Pope, I agree but never cause destruction to those who are innocent. Even if they weren't innocent fight them back the exact same way they fight you. Never take a step further unless it is for peace. You have the right to be angery and even show it but do it peacefully.<br /><br />I truly believe that Muslims are falling short on showing the true face of Islam... I don't want to blame anybody but again WAKE UP, MUSLIMS!! Be good Muslims not by only doing your ritual obligations there are other obligations and that treatment of others and the most important one is seriously getting to know our religion, the Qur'an, the way of the Prophet (PBUH)... Stop allowing your emotions take over and start using your heads that has been idle for way too long. Just WAKE UP!!!<br /><br />The Prophet's (PBUH) companion, Omar (May Allah be please with him) refused to pray in a church even when a priest invited him to, just because Omar feared that Muslims after him would want to change the church into a masjid... Another words, respect other religions' places of worship. It's the Pope with the problem not the faith nor the Christians...<br /><br />Peace to all who want peace.Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00438831115484569093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380914.post-1158107530036186572006-09-13T01:54:00.000+02:002006-09-13T03:48:35.960+02:00Another AttackAs you all heard there has been another attack in Syria, this time; it's the US Embassy. The first thing that came to my mind when I heard that is "Oh boy, here we go again" As I said before in similar posts about the attacks on couple of European embassies in Syria, this is totally not acceptable Islamically or anything to do in the name of the Lord of the universe. I'm beyond aggravated at this act. As a Muslim to see this is done in the name of Islam, is totally an insult to me if it's truly done in the name of Islam.<br /><br />If the Prophet (PBUH) were to see these acts, he'll probably outcast all these "so called" proper Muslims... They do nothing but give Islam a seriously horrifying name. Then whoever has gain from such acts would take advantage of the catastrophic situation to gain whatever they can from it all. It's all sickening... The really agonizing thing to Muslims like me, is that some of these acts aren't even done by Muslims but Muslims are framed so other people get their benefits. It's very easy to take advantage of simply because with the Qa'eda bombing everything they can that has to do with the US. It's extremely easy to add some fabricated acts or violence to the actual acts that are condemned by any descent Muslim worldwide .<br /><br />I truly don't know what to do... When I feel the situation is getting better something messed up happens and things get worse than when they started... Muslims need to be a whole lot more pro-active, educated, and less secluded... They need to be part of the solution because staying silent is only being part of the problem. Muslims should be heard condemning the non-Islamic violent acts done in their name; bring our name and the teaching of the Prophet (PBUH) down to the ground. The question that I keep asking myself is, "Are we going to be heard, or are we wanted to be heard rather??"<br /><br />I say no to all violent terrorist acts should be condemned. Though as there are many different point of views of what truly is terrorism... There's a difference between protecting and resisting and then there is terrorism... People have the right to protect their homes and live in peace without occupation. People occupy unjustly they'll get people resisting. It's only cause and effect.Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00438831115484569093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380914.post-1157847744276619082006-09-10T01:19:00.000+02:002006-09-10T02:28:17.666+02:00Buying Stuff online...Ever since I've been using the internet for as long as I remember, I've been buying stuff online. I rarely ran into trouble like frauds, people stealing my credit card info etc... Even with the little problems, I've always been able to resolve the issue. It didn't matter where I was in the world, either, the UAE, USA, Malaysia or Syria, everything was smooth until today.<br /><br />In Sept 1st I ordered some stuff from <a href="http://www.aimcraft.com">Aimcraft</a> everything seemed fine and everything... Then I get this email from Aimcraft telling me that my order is on hold. I'm thinking, why is that? I made sure there's nothing wrong with the credit card and everything. I tried to figure it all out and just today, I got the email telling that the order was canceled and the reason why it was cancelled from the online distribution center that allows the buyers to use credit card to buy from online establishment. This is what it says:<br /><br /><em>Message by cduncan on Fri, 8th Sep 2006 11:46 am<br />Greetings,<br /><br />Thank you for contacting 2Checkout.com. I apologize for the delay in responding to your inquiry. According to our records, this order was canceled because of our OFAC regulations. This order will not be reinstated. If you have any other questions or concerns, please let us know. </em><br /><br /><br /><p>I was like, what is this OFAC? This is what I came up with:</p><p><em>The Office of Foreign Assets Control ("OFAC") of the US Department of the Treasury administers and enforces economic and trade sanctions based on US foreign policy and national security goals against targeted foreign countries, terrorists, international narcotics traffickers, and those engaged in activities related to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. OFAC acts under Presidential wartime and national emergency powers, as well as authority granted by specific legislation, to impose controls on transactions and freeze foreign assets under US jurisdiction. Many of the sanctions are based on United Nations and other international mandates, are multilateral in scope, and involve close cooperation with allied governments.</em></p><p>This is stupid... Just because I placed the order when I was in Syria, they refused it. Yes, I tell you, it's a real security threat to the US or anywhere in the world to buy skirts from India to be sent to the UAE?!?! Doesn't make sense to me but then again neither does the US foreign policy<em> </em>all together.</p><p>Anyways, now that I'm in the UAE, I've used a different credit card to reorder... Till now I've heard nothing, so I'm hoping that it'll work out... I believe there is good relations between the UAE and the US. I don't think I'll have the problem now. Let's see how it'll work though in these coming days. </p>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00438831115484569093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380914.post-1157675472292897292006-09-08T02:11:00.000+02:002006-09-08T02:31:13.470+02:00The Importance of the QiblahI was reading something online about the Qiblah and I never really saw it put in a really beautiful sense. I, myself have wondered why does it exist and why Mecca? After reading this piece of info, it as clear to me...<br /><br /><br /><em>When we begin our prayer, we not only face the House of Allah in Makkah, but we also connect ourselves along an invisible line, forming an axis that proceeds from every point on earth, to the spiritual centre of Islam. Whether we pray alone, or as recommended, we pray in a group, we do so as a part of the great Ummah. Standing and facing the qiblah in our prayers connects us along an invisible line, to every other Muslim on the planet. We become an important link in the huge chain of worshippers who face Makkah at least 5 times each day. If we could go up into space, and look down upon the earth and see all the Muslims praying, we would see a huge flower the size of the earth, opening and closing its millions of petals. Each of those petals represents a Muslim engaged in worship. As well as this, those of us who have been blessed with the invitation from Allah to perform pilgrimage will remember that remarkable sight inside the holy Mosque. There, at prayer times, it is as if a giant flower opens and closes its petals, as Muslims prostrate as one body, in neat and orderly rows, around the Ka`bah.<br /><br />So, the qiblah is not only about degrees of latitude or longitude on the compass. It is about bringing together every nation, language, race and tribe on this planet, in regular acts of worship linked to a common centre. The qiblah lies at the very heart of the great Ummah of Islam it is the navigational axis that connects every Muslim through the Ka`bah and again to every other Muslim. This is the physical expression of monotheism and unity, the belief in AllahÃ’s oneness; AllahÃ’s Unity. Allah is One, so His Ummah is also one, and our qiblah; our direction for worship, is one.<br /><br />Excerpted, with slight modifications, from: </em><a href="http://www.netcomuk.co.uk"><em>www.netcomuk.co.uk</em></a><em><br /><br />A question may arise, why is the Ka`bah appointed as the qiblah? The answer should be that the Ka`bah is the place of the first Muslim community; it is the abode that witnessed the early days of Islam and the footsteps of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). In addition, it is the centre of the earth and it is the place wherein the first verses of the Qur'an were received.<br />Jurists have commented that the Ka`bah, although seen to a certain height, reaches up to the heavens and right down to the bottom of the earth.<br /><br />Furthermore, the secret in facing toward the direction of the Ka`bah is the spirit of `ibadah (worship), and contentment and serenity of the heart. Without this contentment there would exist no spirit (ruh), which is the reason we are instructed to focus our sight on the place of prostration in prayer so that we may be able to concentrate with both heart and soul. </em><br /><br />Taken from <a href="http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/Satellite?cid=1119503548346&pagename=IslamOnline-English-Ask_Scholar%2FFatwaE%2FFatwaEAskTheScholar">Islam Online</a><br /><br />What I loved about this is the comparison of the prayer unity, facing the same direction to a flower closing and opening. It's quite romantic... There are a lot of things in Islam that seem very romantic to me. The relationship between the Prophet (PBUH) and his wife Ayesha is probably the most amazing love story ever... Forget Romeo and Juliet... It's not even comparable. Then of course, the relationship we choose with our creator can be the mosaffectionatete and loving of all relationships.Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00438831115484569093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380914.post-1157506329838369942006-09-06T03:11:00.000+02:002006-09-06T03:32:09.866+02:00The Final Decision...So here's the deal... I'm back in the UAE for now but to go to college but to see my family and organise some thoughts in my head... I was telling this lady in Syria who I totally look up to about my situation because I sincerely do not want to live in the UAE. I send her a text message telling her that things didn't really work out. They said that yes, I'm accepted in the company but not at the moment... They'll let me know once they have a job opening or at least create a position for me, or something of that nature. Anyways, she called me as soon as she read it and then she asked me if I wanted to work with her as a 3rd grade teacher. I was thinking, hey why not? It's a temp job for this year, and who knows I might LOVE it.<br /><br />So I decided to go to the UAE to take care of my residency and then go back Syria to start doing what I need to be doing... That makes me happy because I'll be doing a lot of the things I love doing that don't get the chance to do here in the UAE. I'm going to be a Voice Over talent, I'll joining this motivtional volunteer program. Plus, I might have deal going with this Lebanese Islamic music band. I already compose a song for them so and the rest is still in the making. So it'll all be good... I'm looking forward to it all... I just feel that my dreams can come true in Syria and in the UAE, it's just cool to make good cash but that's not my aim.<br /><br />That's it for now.... Wish me luck and I'm going to go pray and Thank God for my blessings...<br /><br />PEACE!!!Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00438831115484569093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380914.post-1157261630626899552006-09-03T07:09:00.000+02:002006-09-03T08:13:43.293+02:00Weird Job Situation...It's been a while since I wrote something on here. It's just been an emotionally draining few months and I just couldn't get myself to post anything but here I am babbling some thoughts... At the moment I'm running only on 2 hours sleep. Well, let's hope that I'll be able to change my bio clock so if I get the new job I'll be awake all day long to actually do the work.<br /><br />So I'm going back to the UAE on Tuesday. Here's the dilemma though, I don't know if I'm going move there, or just go for a visit... I'm traveling day after tomorrow and Hopefully today I'll get to see who I need to see from human resources at the company I'm applying for... It was all a last minute thing because my former boss told me about it a little too late for some odd reason. It's all good though... I believe everything is going to work out well, whether I get the job or not..<br /><br />I've already done some work for these guys. I mixed some songs and did a voice over; plus my former boss used to work there and is tight with them so he has good things to say about me. Hehehe... Will find out today, at least I seriously hope...<br /><br />It's really weird how things are happening at the moment... I'm meeting people that work there left and right... It's quite awesome actually, I just have a good feeling about this. My 2 hours prayer session today gave me some sort of sense of serenity for all this. I just want to get this over with because the one thing that I'm worried about is that I'm traveling day after tomorrow and I don't know if I have loads to pack or just the general traveling stuff. I pray that I'll find out today...<br /><br />If I actually get this job at <a href="http://www.staranim.com/">Star Animation</a>, I believe it'll be amazing, because not only would I be an audio engineer, I'd be an English script editor, an English voice over talent and maybe even a English voice over director, doing shows that would be aired on <a href="http://http://www.islamchannel.tv">Islam Channel </a>in Europe and <a href="http://www.alresalah.net/">AlResala TV</a>, an Islamic Satellite Channel in the Arab world. So all this is pretty exciting since it'll get me closer to my goal in life.<br /><br />If all this doesn't work out, I'll just end up going back to the UAE and go back to get my BA in Recording Arts for a year and then figure out what I want to do afterwards.<br /><br />Pray for me, as I pray all works out...<br /><br />PEACE!!!Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00438831115484569093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380914.post-1155305776939278922006-08-11T15:37:00.000+02:002006-08-11T16:16:17.596+02:00The Muslim Ummah: Looking on the Bright Side<div align="left">The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "<strong>Nations are about to scheme against you in the same way as greedy eaters vie with one another on the dining-table.</strong>' One of the companions (may Allah be pleased with them all) asked: 'O Messenger of Allah! Will that relate to being few in numbers?' The Prophet said: <strong>'No, but your huge number will be of little effectiveness, and (Allah) will cast Al-Wahan in your hearts.</strong>' They said: O Messenger of Allah, what does Al-Wahan mean? He said, <strong>'Your hearts are strongly attached to life luxuries and you feel strong aversion to death</strong>." (Reported by Ahmad and Abu-Dawud)<br /><br />The previous hadith is considered one of the miracles with which the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was aided. The hadith refers to what will happen by the end of this world. In other words, it shows the extent of the moral decay that will affect the Muslim Ummah, and will encourage its enemies to haunt it, especially after neglecting Allah’s Commands and ignoring His Prophet’s teachings.<br /><br />The miracles that Allah Almighty has granted His Prophets (peace and blessings be upon them all) to help in delivering their messages are not only rules and regulations from which the Muslim Ummah can seek guidance regarding what is lawful and what is prohibited. Rather, they serve as a means of encouraging the Muslim to bear the sufferings and tribulations of life with patience and perseverance, keeping in mind that Allah will never forsake him.<br /><br />The words of the hadith show that the state of weakness facing the Muslim Ummah nowadays is transitory.<br /><br />Unfortunately, the Muslim Ummah’s hands are tied, finding themselves handicapped to put an end to the brutal massacres and mass killing of Muslims in many places of the world, in addition to gross violation of Muslim human rights.<br /><br />The main reason behind all this can easily be ascribed to forsaking the Islamic umbrella, which encompasses economy, mass media and education, as well as politics.<br /><br />Every member of Muslim Ummah has a share in this responsibility; it is a collective one. We are together in the same boat and we have to start rowing before it is too late.<br /><br />Stressing the fact that, despite the sorry state of affairs of Muslim Ummah now, there is a glimmer of hope lying in the future, we would like to cite for you the following fatwa issued by the eminent Muslim scholar <strong>Sheikh Yusuf Al-Qaradawi</strong>:<br /><br /><em>Some scholars claim that the Doom is approaching and that the darkness looms large and there are troubles on the horizon. Actually, such premonitions bring benefits to none and make things get worse. This leads to the belief that there is no hope for a change or reform and that the coming days carry nothing but bad events. This is, in fact, a very wrong way of thinking and it is plainly a pessimistic approach to life. Muslims are to stick their mind to many glad tidings of the coming victory of Islam, and they should have faith in Allah that the coming days will be more bright and that there is light at the end of the tunnel.<br /><br />Thus, it is necessary for Muslims to derive from the following glad tidings glimpse of light to fill their hearts with and let despair vanish and fade away. Here are some of the glad tidings mentioned in the Qur’an:<br /><br />1. Almighty Allah says: (<strong>He it is who hath sent His messenger with the guidance and the Religion of Truth, that He may cause it to prevail over all religion, however much the idolaters may be averse. </strong>) (At-Tawbah 9: 33)<br /><br />2. Almighty Allah also says: (<strong>Fain would they put out the light of Allah with their mouths, but Allah will perfect His light however much the disbelievers are averse.</strong> ) (As-Saff 61: 8)<br /><br />In these verses, Almighty Allah makes it clear that at the end sweeping victory and triumph will be for Islam and Allah’s light will cover all corners of the globe.<br /><br />The Sunnah of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) is also a record of many hadiths that give glad tidings of the coming victory of Islam. Here, we would like to cite some of these hadiths:<br /><br />1. In his Sahih, Imam Muslim recorded that Thawban quoted the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) as saying: “<strong>Almighty Allah has gathered the earth for me so that I could see all its corners. My nation will rule over all that which Almighty Allah has gathered for me</strong>.”<br /><br />2. Ibn Hibban quoted the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) as saying: “<strong>This matter (i.e., Islam) will spread to cover all area where there is night and day. Allah will never leave a house in a rural area or in urban community without its people being Muslims. Honor is for those who embrace it (i.e., Islam) while disbelievers are doomed to disgrace and humiliation</strong>.”<br /><br />This hadith, along with many others, give us glad tidings that the patch of the Muslim state will expand to cover the whole earth and that the strength of this state will grow and become obvious to all. This also denotes good news for the long-cherished hope of revival of Muslims unity and rebirth of Islamic Caliphate.<br /><br />Also, there are many other glad tidings in the reality of being a Muslim, for any wise man knows that no falsehood is to remain forever. Life has its ups and downs and days have their own vicissitudes. After hardship comes ease and every cloud has a silver lining. The bitter reality of the Muslim nation will come to an end, and tomorrow will be definitely better than today.<br /><br />The emergence of the Islamic awakening has breathed in the Muslim nation a sense of confidence and hope in the future. Viewing this awakening as a threat, the enemies of Islam have tried their utmost to suppress it. However, it is Allah’s will that the Muslim awakening will endure all tribulations without being affected. Such movement is worthy of leading the Muslim nation to utter victory once there are leaders who are rightly guided by Almighty Allah and filled with wisdom.<br /><br />We plea to Allah Almighty to guide the Muslim Ummah back to the right track. This is the only way we can find a place in the modern world where non-Islamic systems impose distorted ideologies in the name of civilization. </em></div>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00438831115484569093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380914.post-1155171840822533122006-08-10T02:20:00.000+02:002006-08-10T03:04:01.010+02:00بيان عمرو خالد حول الإعتداء الإسرائيلي على لبنان<div align="center">بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم<br /><br /><br /></div><div align="right">إننا نؤمن أن الله سبحانه وتعالى هو المالك القادر المطلع ينصر المظلومين وينتقم من المعتدين ولذلك فإن أول ما نملكه الآن كشعوب عربية ومسلمة أن نبتهل إليه سبحانه أن يغيث المنكوبين، وأن ينتقم من المعتدين، وإننا نوقن أنه سبحانه يستجيب إذا رفعت الأمة بأكملها أيدي التضرع إلى الله، وتابت إليه توبة نصوحا، ولجأت إليه بصدق وإلحاح، فهو القادر أن ينتقم من المعتدين الظالمين، وينصر المستضعفبن. وإن واجبنا الأول الآن هو التضرع إلى الله بالدعاء وخاصة في وقت السحر. "فدعا ربه أني مغلوب فانتصر، ففتحنا أبواب السماء بماء منهمر، وفجرنا الأرض عيونا فالتقى الماء على أمر قد قدر."<br /><br />ونحن نرى الطائرات الإسرائيلية تدك قرى ومدن ومدارس ومستشفيات البلد المسالم لبنان، فتقتل نساء وأطفالا، وتستبيح آراض مسالمة، كنا ننتظر رؤية الجيوش العربية والطائرات العربية والصواريخ العربية تدفع الإعتدء الذي يقع على الأرض العربية. فإذا لم تتحرك هذه الجيوش والطائرات والصواريخ، فما هي الحكمة من وجودها إذن؟ ومتي ستتحرك إن لم يكن الآن؟ "وما لكم لا تقاتلون في سبيل الله والمستضعفين من الرجال والنساء والولدان الذين يقولون ربنا أخرجنا من هذه القرية الظالم أهلها واجعل لنا من لدنك وليا واجعل لنا من لدنك نصيرا".<br /><br />إننا نؤكد جميعا مسلمين وغير مسلمين في كافة أنحاء الأرض أننا في انتظار قيام الهيئات الإغاثية المتخصصة بمد خطوطها فورا دون تردد أو انتظار كي نؤدي ما علينا تجاه إخواننا وأخواتنا وآبائنا وأمهاتنا وأبنائنا وبناتنا في لبنان، فنداوي الجرحى، ونأوي من تهدم بيته، ونواري جثث القتلى. ويؤسفنا أن يكون هذا هو كل ما نملك أن نقدمه في عالم أصبح الحق فيه في جانب ، والقوة في الجانب الآخر.<br /><br />نتقدم إلى أصحاب الضمائرونتسائل إلى متى سيظل العالم يُمتطى من قبل الإرهابيين وسفكة الدماء والمعتدين؟ لابد من وقفة عالمية<br /></div><p><br />الداعية الإسلامي<br /><br />عمرو خالد </p>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00438831115484569093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380914.post-1154544474469956682006-08-02T19:50:00.000+02:002006-08-02T20:47:54.746+02:00The Need to VentI don't even know where to start and I don't know what to say. I just need to vent.<br /><br />Few days ago my aunt's (Mom's sister) husband had excruciating chest pains. He was rushed to the hospital and as it turns out to be his blood vessels were tearing apart and his blood pressure was decreasing. There wasn't much doctors can do. This afternoon we got the phone call that he had passed away.<br /><br />My mom rushed down to be with my aunt's side and I wish with all my power to be there for my aunt and my cousins. Since I have Bronchitis, my mom is terrified if I get out of the house, it'll get worse and God forbid, it may be fatal.<br /><br />So here I am home alone with irritating chest pains as the Qur'an is being recited on TV. I can't even explain how I feel with the physical pain and the emotional pain of not being able to be there for my aunt and my cousins. I need somebody to be near me as well but I feel seriously selfish to ask for that because my aunt needs the family more than I do. Her husband just died. I'm well alive. I don't know what to do or what to feel. I just pray that God gives all of us strength to face our pain whether physical or emotional.Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00438831115484569093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380914.post-1154470428293131542006-08-02T00:12:00.000+02:002006-08-02T00:13:48.310+02:00Calling out Muslims!!!<div align="left"><a href="http://www.alresalah.net/">Al Resala TV</a> has asked all Muslims around the world to fast on Thursday <strong><span style="font-size:100%;">August 3rd, 2006</span></strong> to pray and supplicate to the Creator to help our brothers and sisters in Lebanon and Palestine...<br /><br />This is the unified prayer for everybody...<br /><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>نص الدعاء<br /></strong></span></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>اللهم مُنزل الكتاب, مُجري السحاب, هازم الأحزاب, إهزمهم وانصر المسلمين في لبنان و فلسطين</strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br />Here is your chance to help this Ummah. Let us all reach out to The Creator of the universe for we need Him now more than ever. Let us stand united and do something spiritual for this Ummah...</span></div>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00438831115484569093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380914.post-1154347066052714612006-07-31T13:26:00.000+02:002006-07-31T14:03:41.186+02:00Israel Kills 55 Civilians in QanaAt least 55 people, including 23 children, were killed when Israeli war planes blitzed the southern Lebanese village of Qana on Sunday, July 30, 2006, the scene of a similar Israeli massacre in 1996. Rescue workers had pulled 40 bodies from under the rubble and were searching for more. Red Cross sources said 23 children had died and at least 17 bodies were feared still buried, including seven more children.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.islamonline.net/english/alhadth/2006/07/30/images/01-01.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://www.islamonline.net/english/alhadth/2006/07/30/images/01-01.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.islamonline.net/english/alhadth/2006/07/30/images/01-11.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://www.islamonline.net/english/alhadth/2006/07/30/images/01-11.jpg" border="0" /></a> <img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://www.islamonline.net/english/alhadth/2006/07/30/images/01-03.jpg" border="0" /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://www.islamonline.net/english/alhadth/2006/07/30/images/01-05.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://www.islamonline.net/english/alhadth/2006/07/30/images/01-14.jpg" border="0" /></p><p>These pics are taken from <a href="http://www.islamonline.net">Islam Online</a></p>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00438831115484569093noreply@blogger.com0