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September 20, 2008
0:58
Great Ramadan Pictures
» ‎ /usman/

Check out these great Ramadan pictures on the Big Picture. There so many, from so many different places and cultures.

Thanks to Albert for sending me the link!

0:30
Ramadan: The Ultimate Sin-o-Meter
» ‎ muslimmatters.org

Want to know for sure something is a sin?

I don’t mean missing Fajr prayer, or back-biting. These are clearly bad.

No, I mean the things that you habitually do, that you kinda know might, perhaps, just maaaaybe wrong… but your mind somehow makes okay.

The litmus test: the month of Ramadan.

(more…)

September 19, 2008
23:06
Ramadan Journal - Day 19
» ‎ Writeous Sister Speaks

Confession: I usually work on my journal posts off and on throughout the day. That way I’m less likely to forget something, but also, that way I’m not up at some ridiculous hour just to write a blog post. Today was not such a day. I seriously thought about writing it in the morning tomorrow, but since [...]

15:05
The Financial Meltdown and its Underpinnings of Debt
» ‎ muslimmatters.org

Alternative title (as suggested by Siraaj):
“Here’s What I think of your shari’ah compliant loan sold to Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae”

Many people all over the world, especially America, are looking at the financial meltdown and wondering what is going on.

The entire “setup” and all of the associated drama is quite complex, and even the smartest financial wizards are struggling to completely understand the underpinnings, or to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

I claim no financial expertise. The few finance courses that I have taken at school only provide a glimpse into the house of cards that started unraveling this year. In order to gain a bit more insight, I turn to a book by Kevin Phillips “American Theocracy: The Perils and Politics of Radical Religion, Oil, and Borrowed money” [by radical religion, the author is referring to Christian fundamentalism, and not the Islamic bogeyman for once]. See NY Times book review here.

The book’s section on “borrowed money” is almost prophetic in nature. Keep in mind that this book was published in early 2006, still in the days of a booming economy. The first line in this section of the book says it all:

“It’s finally happened: Moving money around has surpassed making things as a share of the U.S. gross domestic product”.

In other words, (more…)

14:47
Two Photo Essays
» ‎ Sunni Sister: Blahg Blahg Blahg

Salaam ‘Alaikum

Observing Ramadan

Recent Scenes from N. Korea
14:09
…
» ‎ Sunni Sister: Blahg Blahg Blahg

Salaam ‘Alaikum

Divorcee gets a chance to start over… in elementary school. ‘Cuz she’s 10.
13:44
Who {hearts} Oprah?
» ‎ Sunni Sister: Blahg Blahg Blahg

Salaam ‘Alaikum

According to this article, Saudi women do. I think it’s pretty much a given across the Arab world.
13:37
Oh Excellent
» ‎ Sunni Sister: Blahg Blahg Blahg

Arrr Salaam ‘Alaikum

The pirate talk translator has been applied past comments and posts, turning even the most self-righteous comments, even my own, into pirate speak. That makes them slightly more bearable! Awesome. (It won’t do this after tomorrow, unless I specifically add it to a post)

10:13
ISSR Conference 2009 in Spain!
» ‎ Dervish

I’ve always wanted an excuse to visit Spain. The 20th conference of the International Society for the Sociology of Religion is being held in Santiago de Compostela. The theme is the Challenges of Religious Pluralism, a worthy topic if ever there was one. Umm Aisha and I are going to propose an abstract for a [...]
7:46
Did Baha’u'llah break Babi law by marrying three wives?
» ‎ Dervish

Hello those who have an interest in Baha’i shari`a. I’ve been watching UHJ member Ali Nakhjavani on “the Covenant” up at Baha’i Rants. One of the questions he fielded was why did Baha’u'llah have three wives. His response was that these three marriages were contracted before the revelation of the new Baha’i dispensation in Baghdad. [...]

7:19
The Party is Over
» ‎ Tariq Nelson

Pat Buchanan (yes, that Pat Buchanan) has a good article on the damage done to our country in the past 20 years. He is essentially arguing that America as we know it is finished. (I suppose China and India will step into the void) It is essential that we change direction (in a real way) for [...]

7:00
Executive Ramadan Reminders (5)
» ‎ muslimmatters.org

Who Are Your Friends? (download)

Respecting Parents in All Stages of Life (download)

Get all the previous reminders here:

3:20
Free Pirate Fiction — TODAY Only!
» ‎ Sunni Sister: Blahg Blahg Blahg

Salaam ‘Alaikum you people

Today only, Shimmer Magazine has a free download of their 2007 edition of pirate fiction, poetry, and assorted nonsense. Don’t miss it or I’ll make you walk the plank.
3:18
You Just Can’t Kill It
» ‎ Sunni Sister: Blahg Blahg Blahg

Salaam ‘Alaikum

You Just Can’t Kill It Goth fashion. Tell the truth, it’s hard to tell how many muhajabat out there are still doin’ the goth thing, since wearing black is considered by many to be the ultimate expression of piety. So is it fashion or piety? Or both?
3:05
Talk Like a Pirate Day
» ‎ Sunni Sister: Blahg Blahg Blahg

Salaam ‘Alaikum

This is International Talk Like a Pirate Day, you people. I expect you all to conform post haste. In fact, I will force you to conform. And get yourselves a pirate name.

Pirate Links

Sincerely,

Pirate Bianca the Periwinkle
2:50
Today’s Sarah News (So Far)
» ‎ Sunni Sister: Blahg Blahg Blahg

Salaam ‘Alaikum

Refuge State

Nation examines Palin’s beliefs

1:08
Here’s Looking At You: The Evil Eye
» ‎ muslimmatters.org

*Smash* The dishes slide out of your hands and shatter into a million pieces. *Bump* You tripped on the stairs. *Vomit* Your stomach strongly disagrees with your dinner. *Smile* Your neighbour waves a friendly hello and compliments your new barbeque.

AAAAAAAAHHHHHHH, IT’S THE EVIL EYE (aka Nazzer aka al’Ayn)!

Time to whip out the ta’weez, sprinkle chili pepper around the house, and recite Surah Yaaseen ten times a day.

Or not.

Many of us have grown up with our relatives - particularly mothers, grandmothers, and aunties - constantly fretting about the Evil Eye and being affected by it. In the Muslim community in general, there is a strong tradition of common accidents and frightening incidents being attributed to the Evil Eye… and an equally strong tradition of finding ways to cure it, oftentimes with strange methods involving amulets, onion skins, and other oddities.

But what is the Evil Eye? What can accurately be attriubuted to it? How serious can it be? How does the Sunnah instruct us to cure it? (more…)

0:59
Why more of the same Republican policies, will give us all a darker world
» ‎ Dervish

Listened to the rhetoric of the Republicans and Democrats on the WOT lately? Who seems to have the same old policies of the failed Bush administration on terrorism, the war in Iraq, support for Israel, sabre-rattling at Iran. Think of that, whilst you read Kenneth Ballen’s interesting article: “Bin Laden’s Soft Support: How the next [...]
September 18, 2008
22:27
Pros and Cons of LaTeX (in the Humanities)
» ‎ Dervish

My older brother is about to start writing up his PhD (in a weird and wonderful area of neuro-physiology or something to do with brains and manual dexterity or something). He asked me about LaTeX, so this is what I have written him: LaTeX has pros and cons and I will confess it has a steep [...]
21:05
Waleed on Q&A
» ‎ Dervish

It’s really fun having famous friends. Mostly ‘coz you can name drop ‘em and tell funny stories from when they weren’t famous (yes… I would sell all to a trashy magazine for the right $$$… nahhh just kidding!) Watch Wal on the ABC’s Q&A.Re-publishing this RSS feed in full is not allowed. Published by Umm [...]

20:55
Weekly Hadith 9-19-08
» ‎ Writeous Sister Speaks

Hadith #7 Posted in Essential Islamic Resources, Islam, Weekly Hadith
20:51
Ramadan Journal - Day 18
» ‎ Writeous Sister Speaks

MashaAllah, I have succeeded in fasting more days this month than any previous Ramadan. AlhamdulAllah! Listened to parts 11 and 12 of Imam Zaid Shakir’s Baraka of Ramadan series. Began reading Khurram Murad’s Way to the Qur’an (you may recall this was recommended by Sh. Faraz Rabbani as ”one of the most influential books of my [...]

14:30
Hurricane Ike, September 11 and Thoughts on Loss
» ‎ muslimmatters.org

I live in Houston and rode out the storm in my stepson’s apartment downtown. Contrary to the logic behind evacuating from our Clear Lake home, downtown Houston turned out not to be the safest place, as it also suffered significant damage from Ike. I live now in a city marked by disaster, where my neighbors happily announce that Sam’s Club now has milk and meat and where cows wander the barren streets of the Bolivar peninsula.

My hurricane Ike experience is a story of memory and sadness, of questioning and doubt. I start by thanking Allah that I suffered no more than minor home damage and no more than a couple of days without electricity, and that I need little gasoline to go from home to work and back. (more…)

13:27
What This Month is About
» ‎ Writeous Sister Speaks

Posted in Introspection, Islam, Ramadan Reflections
11:41
Posted in Jade ...
» ‎ Writeous Sister Speaks

Posted in Jade

11:07
Vaseem Mohammed
» ‎ Ijtema

Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry….I know this post is a day late – I kind of lost track of time!

On that note, I going to cut to the chase. The artist I have chosen for this week is Vaseem Mohammed.

Vaseem has always been interested in the shapes, textures and atmospheres of his urban childhood. After access courses in Art & Design, Graphics and Creative Computing & Illustration, he freelanced in graphic design and furniture renovation with Islamic inspired decoration, through which he found his niche in fine art, his field for the past 11 years.

After 4 years at Spitalfields market in east London, Vaseem opened his own gallery in the creative hub of Cheshire Street in London, and continues to regularly exhibit his work.

Vaseem’s most distinctive feature appears to be his childhood appreciation of form, colour, and texture. Additionally, there appears to be a recurring symbolism of juxtaposition- archaic eastern architecture and Islamic calligraphy from past eras, confronts modernist, western abstract style of painting; the rich beauty of the natural world through vibrant opalescent colours and awing space, contrasted against the deterioration and irresponsibility of humanity’s world.

Go to his website to see more of his work.

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Vaseem Mohammed
Tags: Art & Architecture, artist, illustration, Mohammed, painter, sculpture, Vaseem

10:22
My Conversion Story
» ‎ Writeous Sister Speaks

You ask for my story But it’s really quite dull I’m afraid your expectations Can be met only with bull My story is simple The same as so many There’s nothing spectacular Not “dime a dozen”, only a penny The basic explanation Of “How I Came to Islam” Is the example I saw And the words of Qur’an A more detailed version Would tell you it was my [...]

10:18
A Warm September Sun
» ‎ Abdur Rahman's Corner

Peace, one and all… Today, a warm September sun greets me as I gaze out of my office window. Despite a very autumnal start, my working day has culminated in a warm, mellow afternoon. As I sit here, I am suddenly aware of tensions easing, of burdens lifting. I have managed to navigate my way through [...]

9:52
On Servitude
» ‎ Writeous Sister Speaks

In Haqa iq at-tafsir, his exegesis of the Qur’an, as-Sulami discusses the concept of servitude through the words of Ahmad ibn Ata (d. 309/921), a famous Sufi of Baghdad who was an associate of al-Junayd. In these passages, another term for servitude is used: ubudiyya, which literally means “slavery”. In his commentary on the Qur’an’s [...]

9:41
DJ! More Cowbell! (And Some Walken Too!)
» ‎ Sunni Sister: Blahg Blahg Blahg

Salaam ‘Alaikum

Because I live in the Middle East, my hi-speed internet is painfully slow and subject to draconian restrictions. Therefore, I plead with you to make good use of this site I found, MoreCowbell.dj. Add more cowbell to any audio file — and some Walken too. Do it for my sake. You can never go wrong with cowbells. Or Walken. Thank you.
9:37
Today in Sarah (+ Other News)
» ‎ Sunni Sister: Blahg Blahg Blahg

Salaam ‘Alaikum

In case you haven’t read it yet, it’s a letter from Wasilla.

After the hacking So I’m sure you’ve heard that one of Govr. Palin’s personal e-mail accounts was hacked. Gawker’s got the goods (you must find it yourself; I’m not linking to it).

Women to outnumber men in parliament in Rwanda.

Thrift Shops Thriving, but Running Low on Stock

9:09
Character Hadith - Ramadan 18 (Hadith 16)
» ‎ Writeous Sister Speaks

The Messenger of God (salalahi alahi wa salaam) said, “If your good deeds delight you and your foul deeds distress you, you are a believer.” (Ad-Diyya)

8:14
The passing of Imam W.D. Mohammed
» ‎ Ijtema

Via Manrilla Blog:

It is my pleasure to present a most erudite article regarding not only the passing of Imam WD Mohammed [may Allah grant him Paradise] but a clarion call to entire America Muslim community as to the milestone we’ve reached and where we ought to be heading. Enjoy.

Imâm W. D. Mohammed and The Third Resurrection
by Sherman Abd al-Hakim Jackson

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The passing of Imam W.D. Mohammed
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7:36
Towards Understanding Surah Yusuf - Episodes 1 thru 4 with Yasir Qadhi
» ‎ muslimmatters.org

Here’s some more TV goodness from Huda TV of Egypt recorded during Yasir Qadhi’s visit there in May 2008. YQ sat with the TV channel for an episodic series entitled “Towards Understanding Surah Yusuf.” For those of you who liked his old-school recordings of Tafsir Surah Yusuf, you’ll know that these videos should be a treat for all inshaAllah. Here are the first 4 episodes.

Be sure to take notice of the cool camera angles our brother delivers quite flawlessly during the taping. Someone’s become quite a bit of a professional at this :).

Anywho, jazaAllahu khairan to the folks at Huda TV, may Allah reward them, and forsanelhaq.com, and YouTube user khalifahklothing, who really knows how to hook up a video lecture on his YouTube channel better than pretty much anyone else. Keep it coming for all of us to benefit from, please!

YouTube Direktvideo link

YouTube Direktvideo link

YouTube Direktvideo link

YouTube Direktvideo link

7:20
Hollywood’s Orientalist Fantasy
» ‎ Ijtema

What is wrong with this sentence?

“Behind the dark burqa lies a sexy, manipulative victim who is dangerous, as well as in grave danger.”

Sobia reviews the film; Unveiled, by Bill Bannerman.

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Hollywood’s Orientalist Fantasy
No tag for this post.

5:35
Ramadan Reflections - Juz 14
» ‎ muslimmatters.org

For all parts, up to and including this one, click “Ramadan Reflections: The Daily Journey“

Ramadan Reflections – Juz 14 Juz 14 – Surat al-Hijr

In the today’s juz, we will insha’Allah reflect upon a portion of Surat al-Hijr. From this surah, we shall take two selections, reflecting upon the latter before the former. Towards the end of this noble surah, Allah states:

وَلَقَدۡ ءَاتَيۡنَـٰكَ سَبۡعً۬ا مِّنَ ٱلۡمَثَانِى وَٱلۡقُرۡءَانَ ٱلۡعَظِيمَ

لَا تَمُدَّنَّ عَيۡنَيۡكَ إِلَىٰ مَا مَتَّعۡنَا بِهِۦۤ أَزۡوَٲجً۬ا مِّنۡهُمۡ وَلَا تَحۡزَنۡ عَلَيۡہِمۡ وَٱخۡفِضۡ جَنَاحَكَ لِلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَ

And indeed, We have bestowed upon you seven of Al-Mathaani (the seven repeatedly recited Verses - surat Al-Fatiha) and the Grand Qur’an. Look not with your eyes ambitiously at what We have given certain classes of them (the disbelievers), nor grieve over them …. [15:87-88]

Ibn Kathir states in his tafseer regarding these ayaat, “Allah is saying to His Prophet: Since We have given you [surat al-Fatiha and] the Grand Qur’an, then do not look at this world and its attractions, or the transient delights that we have given to its people in order to test them. Do not envy what they have in this world, and do not upset yourself with regret for their rejection of you and their opposition to your religion.”

Regarding His statement, “Look not with your eyes ambitiously at what We have given to certain classes of them”, is an encouragement to be content with the Grand Qur’an that Allah has given to you, and to not wish for the luxuries and transient enjoyment that those who disbelieve now experience. Ibn `Abbas said, “He [in this Ayah] forbade a man to wish for what his companion has.”

We had already opened one discussion about the issue of wealth and the transient nature of this life, but this ayah puts it in a different perspective. It causes us to reflect upon the greatness of the Quran, the rope of Allah, that He has blessed us to hold in our hands. How many of us really comprehend the greatness of this blessing? Let us hear what one of the Khulafaa’ ar-Rashideen, Ali ibnu Abi Taalib (ra), said about this priceless blessing:

It is the Book of God. It contains the story of what was before you, the news of what will come after you and a Law that judges between you. It is the definitive statement. It is not a statement of jest. Whoever abandons it out of arrogance, God will utterly destroy, and whoever seeks guidance apart from it, God will lead astray. It is the rope of Allah. It is the wise reminder. It is the Straight Path. It is that which temptations cannot divert and tongues cannot pervert. The people of knowledge (scholars) cannot satisfy their appetite for it. It will never wear thin from much repetition. Its wonders will never cease. [It is the Book] which, when the Jinn heard it [recited], they could not part before saying: “We have head a wondrous Recital, which guides to uprightness.” Whoever speaks in accordance with it is believed. Whoever acts in accordance with it, will be [highly] rewarded. Whoever judges in accordance with it, will be just. Whoever summons [others] to it, will be guided to a straight path. (Tirmithi – sometimes classed as a hadith but more correct as a statement of Ali, and Allah knows best)

This book is a gift in this life, and the adherence to it will be a source of success in both this life and the next. Allah states regarding the Quran in Surat Taha what means, “When guidance comes to you from Me, then whoever follows My Guidance shall neither go astray, nor shall they fall into distress or misery. But whosoever turns away from My Reminder (neither believes in this Qur’an nor acts on its orders, etc.) verily, for him is a life of hardship, and We shall raise him up blind on the Day of Resurrection.” [20:123-124] It is through the Quran that the successful have benefited from this life and exited it as champions honored, whereas those who neglect it or refuse it shall live lives of difficulty and have their souls ripped forcefully from their bodies as the Angels beat them – may Allah protect us from this.

Some people wonder though, how can the disbelievers have such a life of difficulty when we see them enjoying the riches they have accumulated. For indeed with their wealth comes worry and anxiety over how to preserve it. Do you not see how hard they work for it while in the end it is their inheritors who take it from them? The wise person should ponder the high suicide rates in the wealthiest nations. Nations where everything seems to be served to its people on a silver platter, yet their citizens are consuming boat loads of anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medicines.

They have no real hope for the hereafter and because of this fact, those that don’t commit suicide are found to do whatever they can to prolong this life any way that they can, no matter how miserable it may be. Even though they say with their lips that they shall be the inheritors of the Hereafter, Allah has revealed their hypocrisy when He said what means, “And verily, you will find them the greediest of mankind for life and (even greedier) than the pagans. Everyone of them wishes that he could be given a life of a thousand years.” [2:96] The amazing thing in this ayah is that Allah doesn’t say that they are greedy for al-hayaat in Arabic, which means the life of this world; but that they are greedy for hayaat, which is understood to mean any form of life. Any form of life means that they are not in the grave even if that means a life devoid of any honor. As such you find them wasting the precious moments of their life with ideas like cryo-preservation (freezing the body so that it can be “resurrected” from this state when technology allows – like Star Wars), anti-aging gimmics (the effort to prevent death) and so forth. They don’t seek to extend their life to accumulate more good deeds as the righteous do, but only to avoid the punishment which they know they must face for ignoring the worship of their Creator all of these years.

Now we shall turn back to the opening section of this noble surah to add to the understanding we have just gained insha’Allah. There Allah states:

رُّبَمَا يَوَدُّ ٱلَّذِينَ ڪَفَرُواْ لَوۡ كَانُواْ مُسۡلِمِينَ

ذَرۡهُمۡ يَأۡڪُلُواْ وَيَتَمَتَّعُواْ وَيُلۡهِهِمُ ٱلۡأَمَلُ‌ۖ فَسَوۡفَ يَعۡلَمُونَ

How much those who disbelieve will wish ardently that they were Muslims. Let them eat and enjoy life, and let (false) hope beguile them. Soon they will come to know! [15:2-3]

Ibn `Abbas and Anas bin Malik explained that this ayah refers to the Day when Allah will detain the sinful Muslims in Hell along with the mushrikeen. He said: “The mushrikeen will say to them, ‘What you used to worship on earth has not benefited you.’ Then by virtue of His mercy, Allah will be angry for their sake, and He will remove those who used to worship Him from Hell (they are those who will be known as Jahannamiyoon). That is when the mushrikeen will wish that they had been Muslims.”

Thus Allah continues by instructing the Muslims to leave those of them who have denied or ignored the guidance that has been offered to them. Leave them to eat and enjoy life, and to be deceived by their false hopes and “guarantees” of salvation in the Hereafter because soon they will come to know the reality. At that point, they will wish to return to this life and do what they should have done in regards to the worship of Allah alone, but then it will be too late.

So do not be deceived by the wealth that they have or the enjoyment that they seem to demonstrate because in the end this will be their downfall. What enjoyment they do truly have is the reward they receive in this life for the good they have done, because Allah does not deprive a single soul of the reward for the good that it has done. But they shall have no share in the Hereafter and thus they are given some enjoyment for the brief moment of life before they shall be sent forth to their eternal abode in the Fire – may Allah protect us from that.

On this theme, Abu Hurairah reports from the Prophet (saas) that he said, “The world is a prison for the believer and a paradise for the disbeliever.” (Muslim) Why a prison? It is because in prison, the inmate is restricted. He is forced to get up at certain times, eat at other specified times, etc. He lives according to rules and has a limited amount of freedom to choose. Yet, the prison is not his final abode. He expects to be in the prison for only a set number of years and then he can have his freedom. Such is the believer. He lives this life according to the boundaries imposed upon him by Allah. He does have some freedoms and enjoyments, but they are restricted. Yet, his hope is that his adherence to the rules of this prison will allow him to enter into the true life of the Hereafter where he will enjoy pure delight without restriction and without end – may Allah allow us to be among them! Whereas the disbeliever is the opposite; he has taken this home to be his final abode with statements like, “You only live once”. He lives his life without any rule except that he should accumulate whatever he can of enjoyment in any way that he can.

Another explanation of this hadith offered by one of the scholars is that this description will become apparent on the Day of Judgment when the believers have entered Jannah and the disbelievers have been pushed into Hell. At that moment, the believers will look back upon their lives in this world as the life of one in prison as compared to the richness and full extent of pure enjoyment they will find in Jannah, whereas the disbeliever will see the life he lived here as a paradise in comparison to the humiliation and punishment he faces in the Hereafter – may Allah make us of the former and not of the latter.

And Allah knows best.
0:01
Retread: Triangle of Virtue- Fasting, Taqwa & The Quran
» ‎ muslimmatters.org

This was originally posted last Ramadan, and is being reposted here for this month.

PART 1

Anxiety and nervousness are inevitable symptoms indicating the imminence of Ramadan. People seem to have the same feeling of butterflies in their stomach whenever Ramadan draws near. We usually become more alert and extremely careful as Ramadan gets closer and closer.

Why do we have this anxiety? What is it and what really happens to us? Is this a positive feeling? Are we betraying our faithfulness to Allah when we experience such weird feelings? Even though we know that this is Ramadan, a month of Mercy and worship?

There is always a sense of concern and restlessness that swarms all over our minds and hearts whenever we think of the commencement of Ramadan. Not because of the anticipation of moon-fighting, but for another fundamental reason – the reason why fasting Ramadan was prescribed to us in the first place.

We are probably experiencing the Ramadan syndrome or the essence of fasting Ramadan, Taqwa - ‘righteousness’ and fearing Allah.

It can confidently be said that this is the main objective of fasting in general which we are all required to observe throughout the whole blessed month of Ramadan and onward.

Allah subhanahu wa ta’aala says: [Continue Reading Part 1]

PART 2

The Triangle of virtue- Part II: The Qur’an and Taqwa

There is no doubt that the Qur’an is the book of Allah, His eternal word and divine miracle. Muslims know that and believe it with all their hearts. They know it was sent down to Muhammad, salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam, in order to guide humanity to the straight path which leads to success in this life and in the Hereafter.

“A. L. R. a Book which we have revealed unto thee, In order that Thou might lead humanity from the depths of darkness into light - by the leave of their Lord - to the way of (Him), the Exalted In power, worthy of all praise!”

Allah, subahanahu wa ta’aala, has set the criterion of reward for the Day of Judgment. Taqwa and righteousness will be the key to the heavenly bliss so long as [Continue Reading Part 2]

September 17, 2008
22:51
Ramadan - Day 20
» ‎ A Liberal Artist's Diary

Living Islam In a Postmodern World

What does it mean to live Islam in a particular period? Is there any difference between us and our predecessors who practiced Islam in a different environment?

November 12, 2007 at NYU
22:51
Ramadan - Day 19
» ‎ A Liberal Artist's Diary

Kindness With Women
In the Farewell Pilgrimage the Prophet Muhammad advised men to treat women in a gentle manner. Do we practice this sunna?
Audio by Faraz Khan
New Brunswick Islamic Center, NJ

22:45
Lehman Brothers, AIG and the Qur’an
» ‎ Mujahideen Ryder's Blog

Why is the Economy so messed up?

And for their taking riba (usury, interest, un-necessary loans, un-necessary mortgages, re-financing, un-necessary financing) even though it was forbidden for them, and their wrongful appropriation of other peoples’ property, We have prepared for those among them who reject faith a grievous punishment. (4:161)

On a serious note, my company sent out a company-wide email basically saying there was a hiring freeze. For all those brothers and sisters looking for jobs, may Allah (swt) make it easy for you. Ameen!

20:31
Ramadan Journal - Day 17
» ‎ Writeous Sister Speaks

So, wow… I accomplished nothing today, other than the fast and listening to the Juz recitation. I was exceptionally tired all day, and headachy the whole day also. And was dealing with a few worldly matters… you know, job hunting, filling out forms for financial aid for school, that kind of junk. And too much time [...]

18:30
Absentee Ballots Getting Mailed
» ‎ /usman/

FYI, if you’re planning to vote by absentee ballot (and I think you should), New Jersey county clerks will be mailing them out starting September 25th. If you want to get your ballot early, now might be a good time register and then apply.

These dates and links are specific to New Jersey, but I heard on NPR this morning that all 50 states will be getting their absentee ballots out in the next two weeks. So stop wasting time and get it done!

13:20
16 Are Killed in Attack on U.S. Embassy in Yemen
» ‎ Mujahideen Ryder's Blog

None were Americans.

At least seven wounded civilians, including children from nearby houses, were taken to the capital’s Republican Hospital, a medical official said, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to talk to the press.

Wallahi, this is terrorism. This is not Jihad. This is stupidity. Do they really think that if you kill Muslims near the embassy of the United States it will make a difference? It will end the occupation of Iraq, Afghanistan and Palestine? It will bring peace to the Muslim world? SubhanAllah. May Allah guide them!

Sometimes I wonder if America pays a bunch of Muslim thugs to go do these type of acts and then blame Al-Qaeda and start another war. Anyways it’s Ramadan, so back to gaining the barakah of this blessed month.

Sources: AP & New York Times

11:35
In Search of Two Thousand Heroes
» ‎ Ijtema

A video by 1-866 Naseeha Muslim Youth Helpline of North America.

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A Note to Ijtema.net RSS subscribers about Video Entries: Videos are not always embedded in the post; if you do not see the video in your feed reader, then please visit the post page.

In Search of Two Thousand Heroes
Tags: Advice, Helpline, Youth & Children

11:33
Question: How Do You Feel About Conversion Stories?
» ‎ Writeous Sister Speaks

I know that many of us have talked before about disliking being put on the spot to tell our conversion story constantly and repeatedly. And how some converts even feel like that is all they are wanted for - tell us your story, entertain us, then move aside because we’ve no other time for you. I’m [...]

9:56
Flashes in the Dark from Houston: Updates/Reflections on Hurricane Ike
» ‎ muslimmatters.org
From brother AbuAbdallah, the Houstonian, running commentary and reflections on the situation of the Muslim community facing the dangers of Hurricanes Gustav and Ike:

(Sorted Newest to Oldest)
- September 17: (more…)

7:47
Autumn, All Unknowingly
» ‎ Abdur Rahman's Corner

Peace, one and all… I had to visit one of my department’s related institutions recently (St Michael’s College). The road back to work took me through Llandaff Fields and then through Bute Park. As I walked I became slowly conscious of the changing season. Summer has now faded into autumn and the trees and plants have begun to [...]

7:01
Who exactly represents the Baha’is at the Parliament of the World’s Religions?
» ‎ Dervish

Any individual Baha’i. Unlike many other events and conferences, the Parliament of the World’s Religions has a specific policy of participants only being individuals representing themselves - and not official representations from organisations. What this means is, that any Baha’i (whether part of the Haifan-led administration, active, inactive, Orthodox, unenrolled or unaffiliated) may attend as [...]

0:50
Ramadan Dinner @ Columbia University
» ‎ Hakim Abdullah

Once again, the Osmanli Naksibendi Tarikat is hosting an iftar/supper at Columbia University during Ramadan. Last year it was a SMASH-HIT! People, Muslim and non-Muslim alike were talking about it long after Ramadan had passed. For some it was a moment to break their fast with more than the 3 other Muslims they know on campus. [...]

0:42
The Most Romantic Ramadhaan Ever
» ‎ muslimmatters.org

Yup, that’s right - this article is about the two most popular subjects on everyone’s minds right now… Ramadhaan AND marriage! Is that a gasp of shock I hear? Eyes widened with surprise? An uncomfortable silence (or perhaps more vocal outrage) because you think that the already sensitive and ever-so-slightly taboo issue of marriage has nothing to do with something as sacred and holy as Ramadhaan? Ah, but that’s where you’re wrong! (more…)

September 16, 2008
23:30
The Makkan Railway
» ‎ Ijtema

Tabsir illustrates an interesting anecdote of history from the Ottoman Empire, the birth of a railway link between Damascus and Makkah for pilgrims.

But besides these the general direction has been under Marshal Kiazim Pasha, to whom the greatest credit is due in bringing the line successfully into Medina, and to Hajj Mukhtar Bey, a brilliant Turkish engineer, who has absorbed all modern methods of construction, and compelted the last section into Medina without European assistance.

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The Makkan Railway
Tags: Makkah

23:25
Imâm W. D. Mohammed and The Third Resurrection by Dr. Sherman Jackson
» ‎ The Manrilla Blog | Life. Art. Religion. Culture. | Documenting the American Muslim Experience one pixel at a time

It is my pleasure to present a most erudite article regarding not only the passing of Imam WD Mohammed [may Allah grant him Paradise] but a clarion call to the entire America Muslim community as to the milestone we’ve reached and where we ought to be heading. Enjoy. Imâm W. D. Mohammed and The Third [...]

23:25
Obama and Muslims
» ‎ Ijtema

Lantern Torch highlights a recent meeting between Senator Barack Obama and Imam Qazwini, a prominent imam in the city of Dearborn, Michigan (home to one of the largest Muslim communities in North America).

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Obama and Muslims
Tags: Barack Obama

22:59
Spiritually Prohibitive and Supportive Approaches to the Holy Quran
» ‎ Mind, Body, Soul

Prophet SallAllah-u-Alaihi-wa-Sallam said: There would arise in this nation a people and you would hold insignificant your prayers as compared with their prayers. And they would recite the Qur’an which would not go beyond their throats and would swerve through the Deen (as blank) just as an (swift) arrow passes through the pryey. The archer looks at his arrow, at its iron head and glances at its end (which he held) in the tip of his fingers to see whether it had any stain of blood.
[Sahih Muslim: Book 5, Number 2322]

[A Universe of Meanings]

Muslims have been reciting the Quran for over 1400 years.   The way of the Ahl ul Sunnah has always been to approach the Quran with a deep reverence and with the acknowledgment of its immense scope. Non-Muslims have also examined the Quran through their own lenses. Indeed, there have been many approaches towards these words of God.   Recently, we have seen the rise of literalists and modernists who have raised havoc with traditional approaches to the Quran.

Its clear from the hadith above that indeed there would come a group who would recite the Quran properly and with fluency, their prayers would outshine ours outwardly, yet they would be incapable of grasping its meaning (it would not reach their hearts). How can this be and what do these people believe in that leads them astray?

The numerous issues that these groups raise today can boil down to one question: Is there one knowable meaning to each ayat of the Quran, and can it be found by linguistic and grammatical analysis?

The answer of the accomplished spiritual people of Muslim history for the past 1400 years can be clearly found in their practice and legacy. These spiritually accomplished people (focused on improving their own selves) have always used the ‘outward meaning’ as a stepping stone into the endless meanings and value within the Quran as it applies to themselves and others. Few of them relied on grammatical analysis or even restricted themselves to the particular outward context of the verse before or after.

Of course, this approach has always upset the literalists. By itself, the literalistic understanding of the Quran is about limiting one to the outward meaning of the Quran, by focusing on ‘Classical Arabic’ grammar, the hadith which documented some places of interpretation, and marginalizing the interpretations coming from outside of that scope by spiritual people.

In fact, Western Muslims have learned to give more thought to high school English reading assignments than to the Holy Quran. This applies even the ones who spend all their lives studying the Holy Quran, since literalist readings prohibit even symbolic and allegoric interpretative techniques which one learns in grade school.

While some won’t apply even the most basic techniques of interpretation, the spiritual elite of Muslim history often understood the Holy Quran through even far more subtle and amorphous interpretive inspirations, always directed by their faith and their connection with their Lord.

What is the purpose of this antagonism towards broad understandings of the text? Why shut down interpretations beyond what is immediately apparent through the basic grammatical understanding of the Arabic text (or in the case of non-Arabic speakers, translations)?

From one perspective it is clear that from the higher echelons of such movements, the motivation is to create a religion which has stripped the Quran of its depth and richness. However, this is not an goal which would outwardly appeal to the masses, nor would declaring such a purpose be wise in recruiting (Shaytan is not often so explicit).

So what has been sold to the ‘educated’ Muslim public is the infrastructure and universe of modern learning which allows one to be able to say: “I understand the Quran better, because I studied hard and now I understand the Arabic words that are written.”

But do we really understand the Quran better merely by knowing a language better?

Imam Ghazali (R) wrote

Anyone who is content with understanding the outward aspect (i.e. the rules) of the Arabic language and who hastens to explain the Quran without knowing by heart the meaning transmitted in these Quranic subjects, is designated as ‘a man who explains the Quran by his personal opinion.’   … When hearing (from authorities) is achieved in these an similar Quranic subjects, then one has mastered the outward exegesis of the Quran which is merely the translation of its words. This, however, is not sufficient for understanding the reality of the meanings of the Quran.

Again the question comes, what is the meaning which can be known by the “heart” which seems to live far outside “outward exegesis”?

[Nafs & Quran - The Spiritually Prohibitive Reading]

Imam Ghazali (R) answered these questions in the Ihya and soundly explained the need for accepting the vast meanings of the Quran:

(In reply to your question) know that the man who imagines that the Quran has no meaning except that which the outward exegesis has translated (and described) is acknowledging his own limitations; he is right in his acknowledgment (because he knows only this measure and is not aware of that which lies beyond this), but is wrong in his judgment which places all other people on the same level as himself.

So, at a fundamental level this is about not debating various contrasting meanings against each other but about ego (nafs). This is a personal projection of ones own state of understanding of the Quran onto ‘the other’, or in fact, to everyone.

As the Quran states:

BismillahirRahmanriRahim

“We raise by grades (of mercy) whom We will, and over every lord of knowledge there is one more knowing.” 12:76 (Pickthall Translation)

Or, as is often stated by Shaykh Abdul Kerim Effendi, “There is a knower above every knower.”

Yet, isn’t it clear that assigning a fixed, literal, knowable, grammatically analyzed interpretation to each verse means you have achieved the knowledge of the highest level? Now that you have identified, defined, and categorized the goal (i.e. the literal and apparent meaning), it can be reached. Like a math problem, right?

For these people Quranic knowledge is therefore something that any individual with the mental capacity to read or listen in ‘Classical Arabic’ can completely and fully grasp and understand.

What are the consequences of this approach? At a minimum we can see that this disconnects the meaning of the Quran from wisdom and most notably, it disconnects the meaning of the Quran from faith in it. Any non-Muslim can teach with possibly greater accuracy the outward meaning of the Quran, however they will never be able to approach an understanding based on wisdom and inspiration from Allah.

This type of system is empowering to a community which has eliminated the concept of hierarchy of experience and wisdom, while deeply devaluing contemplation, reflection, and stations of spirituality.

The Muslim nafs eagerly feeds on the empowerment that comes from progressing in ‘education’ in these institutions and classes and seminars which feed this paradigm of ‘knowledge’. He or she becomes closer to being able to pronounce fatwas based on Quranic exegesis and give long lectures. At a minimum it allows one to give definitive meanings speaking with authority of God’s word. It is now his or her interjecting of Arabic into regular conversation or writings which now invites the “ooh’s” and “aaah’s” of the crowd. Not only is this person missing the deep meanings of the Quran, but they have suffered a great deal worse damage.

The person is pleased with themselves. The nafs has found its way into the religion.

[The Spiritually Elite - The Spiritually Supportive Understanding]

The spiritually supportive understanding of the Quran is actually not one which relies soley on its reading. And the end result is that every moment with the Quran in reading is filled with an inexplicable awe and wonder.

The Prophet (S) was described as a living walking Quran, but somehow between now and then the Quran has lost its powerful meaning of practice for most Muslims and become a subject of studious debate and lexical analysis.

Most Muslims today are especially eager to deny the ability of considering anyone a ’saintly’ person who is an inheritor of the Prophet (S).   Suspicion and doubt taints every person we meet.   The reality is the Quran orders us to be with saintly people, with righteous people, with those who are on the path He has favored. The true awliya are known instantly by consultation of ones heart.

Like Shaitan who refused to acknowledge the knowledge of Adam (AS) above him, people today cringe at submitting to those who demonstrate spiritual authority.

In the West this is particularly true about Muslims, where people have tended to ’start over’ when it comes to the reality of Islam for 1400 years.

When taking the spiritually supportive approach towards the Quran one builds love for it, without even possibly knowing how to read it.   The spiritually supportive approach focuses on establishing your own weakness, the immensity of the Quran, and again returning to your own inadequacies. How could one advise others on fatwas or interpretations when one still has so much first to learn and know?

And what is the key to this knowledge? There are many ways towards ascertaining the perfect knowledge of the Quran. In the Naqshbandi sufi way, it is through sohbet, or association with the Shaykh. This is, in fact, the very same approach of the Sahabi towards the Quran. They kept a constant association with the Prophet (S), they did not attend lecture series or read volumes of text. It was through observation that they witnessed the Quran in action. When the revelation came to the Prophet (S) they witnessed it in context and application as well as hearing it.

This (sohbet/suhba/association) is the simple formula of the spiritually elite towards the Quran, there are no fancy vocabulary words to learn, no special classes to take.   With this, Islam is quite simple as well as quite deep.

[Imam Ghazali discussing the proofs of vast meanings of Quran]

Imam Ghazali (R) in the Ihya provides numerous proofs regarding the vast number of inward meanings of the Quran.

The truth is that traditions (akhbar) and statements of the companions and of other pious Muslims in early Islam (athar) prove that for men of understanding there is wide scope in the meanings of Quran. Thus Ali said “…except the God bestows understanding of the Quran upon a man.”   If there is no meaning other than what is related (from Ibn Abbass and other exegetes) what is that understanding of the Quran (which is bestowed upon a man)?

The Prophet (S) said: “Surely the Quran has an outward aspect, an inward aspect, a limit and a prelude.” This is also related by Ibn Masud on his own authority and he is one of the authorities on Quranic explanation. (If there are no meaning of the Quran besides the outward ones), what is the meaning of its outward aspect, inward aspect, limit and prelude?

Ali (R) said: “If I so will I can certainly load seventy camels with the exegesis of the Opening Sura of the book (Fatihat al-Kitab),” What then is the meaning of this statement of Ali, when the outward exegesis of this sura is extremely short (and can be set forth in a few pages?

Abu d-Darda said: “One cannot (fully) understand the religion until one sees the Quran from different perspectives.”

A certain scholar said: “For every verse there are sixty thousand understandings (comprehensible to man). The understandings of it which remain (incomprehensible to man) are (even) more than these in number.”

Another scholar said: “The Quran encompasses seventy-seven thousand and two hundred forms of knowledge, since every Quranic sentence constitutes one form of knowledge. This number is multiplied by four times, since each sentence has its outward aspects, inward aspect, limit, and prelude.

Repetition of the verses, BismillahirRahmanirRahim (”In the name of God, most Gracious, ever Merciful”), by the Prophet twenty times could not have been for any reason other than that he was pondering over its deep, inward meanings; otherwise its translation and its outward exegesis are so obvious that one like the Prophet would not be in need of repetition.

Ibn Mas’ud said: “One who intends to acquire (the core principles of) the knowledge of the ancients and the moderns should ponder over the Quran.” This knowledge is something which is not achieve by its mere outward exegesis.

He (the Prophet (S)) also said “Surely my community will be split up into seventy-two sects all of which are misguided themselves and misguide others by calling them to Hell. When this state of affairs comes about, you must adhere to the book of God, for in it lies the message concerning those who were before you and the message concerning what will happen after you, and the judgment of all that happens among you. Anyone of (even)the most powerful men who contradicts it is severely punished by God (Great and Mighty is He!), anyone who seeks knowledge from a source other than it is led astray by God. It is the strong rope of God (which man should grasp firmly), His clear light (in which man should walk in all aspects of his life), and his useful means of healing (of man’s spiritual disease); it is a protection for one who holds fast to it, and a means of salvation for one who follows it; it is not distorted so that it needs to be set aright, nor has it deviated so that it needs to be brought to its normal state; its wonders are never exhausted, nor does much-repeated recitation of it make it old.” (63)

Ali said “One who understands the Quran can thereby explain the totality of knowledge.” By this statement Ali indicated the Quran implies the confluence of all forms of knowledge.

Ibn Abbas said, in the explanation of the words of God, “Whoever is granted wisdom has indeed been granted abundant good,” (66) that “abundant good” means understanding of the Quran.

God said: “We gave Solomon the right understanding of the matter, and upon each We bestowed wisdom and knowledge” (67) Here God had called what He bestowed upon both Solomon and David “knowledge and wisdom,” but the prudence which He gave Solomon alone He explicitliy mentioned as “right understanding” and mentioned it before “wisdom and knowledge”.

The matters (mentioned above) then, prove that in understanding of the meanings of the Quran there is a wide ranged, an excessive width and that outward exegesis which has come down by tradition is not the end of the understanding of the Quran.

[ Conclusion ]

If the above comment of Imam Ghazali (R) is taken into account, then the outward exegesis (even when backed by ‘classical exejesis’) can continue minus the actual meaning of the Quran.

So what happens when almost the entirety of the Muslim community has shut out the inner Quranic meaning and has been left with only the outward understanding of the Quran?   What becomes of a society that stubbornly refuses to acknowledge it has never even tasted the Quranic meaning? What diseases creep into the community?   How are our choices affected? These are questions which have yet to be fully realized, as we live the results of this approach every day.

I’ll conclude with Imam Ghazali’s (R) remarks:

These are thoughts exposed to those possessed of purified souls, i.e. perfect sufis. They have further depth which consist in understanding the meaning of nearness to God and its specification with prostration, and understanding the meaning of seeking protection with one divine attribute from another and the meaning of seeking protection with him against Him. There are many secrets here, but outward exegesis cannot guide us to them. They are not opposed to external exegesis; rather they complete it and constitute the essence of the Quran from its external aspect…

Gregarius

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