Allah

Allah

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

My First Time in Church Since Reverting

My mother runs a Halloween party as a fundraiser for UNICEF every year at the United Methodist church where I am from. She asked me to help her decorate and run the games and stuff. Of course I love my mother dearly, so I felt obligated to help her. I showed up a little nervous because...well duh. I was expecting...what are you for Halloween?'s and all of that. Well my mother assigned me the job of counting money, a task which I happily accepted. I sat counting money while watching the kids play, the magician, and the cake walk. Nobody really mentioned anything except there was this woman I COULD NOT GET RID OF. She kept asking me if I needed her help ( I didn't and I had my cousin there helping), she kept peeking at us and bothering us. Finally she sat down to help, even though my MOTHER is in charge and this lady didn't ask her. I feel she is prejudice because I am a hijabi and my cousin looks Arab. I couldn't believe the nerve, obviously I do not need help, I will receive my Bachelor's in Dec insha'Allah and I used to work at a bank! That shows you how crazy people are though. My poor cousin can't make it through an airport....ah I hope I can change at least a few minds in my life time!

P.S I got my mother to try on hijab...it was FAB! I hope I opened her mind up a bit at least...
May Allah bless you all.....does anyone else have any experience with prejudice???
Salaams,
Katie

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

The Arrivals

I watched this video and it is amazing. It is a documentary on the conspiracy theories of free masonry in the USA, and of the dajjal, or antichrist, and I think it is very interesting to watch. It is VERY controversial and it was taken off youtube...but I think you guys will find this very interesting....if you liked Loose Change, or any of the 9/11 conspiracy theories/docs/videos, this is for you!
The Arrivals

The website is also title "The Wake Up Project" I haven't viewed any of their other videos yet so if you see any good ones let me know...

Monday, October 19, 2009

Guest Questions

Salaam Guest,
I thank you for your questions and I will answer them to the best of my ability insha'Allah.

1.Did you research into any other religions on your journey
?
I did research other religions on my journey, however I knew I belonged to one of the monotheistic religions...I knew I believed in one God, and I was raised Christian so I had enough knowledge of that...and Judaism was just not for me. I found the most truth in Islam, not any other, which is why I chose to convert...I cannot find a flaw in Islam...because there is not one.
Do you believe that after you pass away, you will go a different place than your non-Muslim friends/family?

I do not believe that true believers in God go to hell so no I believe that everyone I know that has faith in God will somehow be with me in the afterlife. However I cannot really say because it hasn't happened yet....and only God knows this...

In the Noble Quran, verses 3:2-6 says: Allah! There is no God save Him, He has revealed unto you O Muhammad the Book, the Quran, as He revealed the Torah unto Moses and the Gospel unto Jesus for guidance to mankind. Lo! Those who disbelieve the revelations of Allah, Muhammad and the Quran, for them await a terrible chastisement in the afterlife.

This is simply for people who do not believe in Go
d NOT non-Muslims, Christians, Jews and Muslims worship the same God.....

3. What are your views on women wearing hijabs or burkhas? Should it be free choice for girls born into the faith?Should they wear them for the right reasons (i.e. devotion to God), rather than to keep family and friends happy/outwardly show they are Muslim.

I believe that the reason women should wear hijab is to please God. Intention is everything in Islam so when one has a good intention for wearing hijab it is rewarded, when one is wearing it just to please humans it is not counted the same:

“All actions are judged by motives, and each person will be rewarded according to their intention. Thus, he whose migration was to God and His Messenger, his migration is to God and His Messenger; but he whose migration was for some worldly thing he might gain, or for a wife he might marry, his migration is to that for which he migrated.” (Saheeh Al-Bukhari, Saheeh Muslim)

This is another quote from the Holy Qur'an that states about good deeds and bad deeds and I believe this can apply to the last two questions

Then shall anyone who has done an atom's weight of good, see it. And anyone who has done an atom's weight of evil, shall see it", [The Earthquake : 7-8].


4. Do the rituals ever conflict with other parts of your life? For example, you are in class when it's prayer time?
Yes actually I deal with this every day, but as for everything Islam has a solution. Of course I am not to give up going to school in America because they do not acknowledge Muslim prayer times, that would be ridiculous, God wants me to be educated, and Islam is supposed to be easy. God does not want prayers to be a chore or to get in the way of one's success in life. God is all merciful and understanding so there is a solution to this. One may group the prayer. So one prays Fajr, the dawn prayer, then can group the next Dhur and Asr, then can group Maghrib and Isha (by grouping I mean pray at the same time). However Muslim prayer can be complicated to someone with no background so I am going to include some resources about prayer because I could write pages about it. But yes my final answer is ISLAM IS EASY...not rigid, there are always exceptions and stuff happens in life....
Also.....women do not have to pray when they are on their period, or after childbirth, this shows how merciful God is because women do not need to worry about prayer during that time.....also if you are sick or handicap or injured you can pray the best you can (i.e sitting down, lying down). But here are a few website so you can learn more.

http://islam.about.com/od/prayer/Prayer_Salat.htm

There is also a link on my blog about prayer it says "how to pray"

http://www.jannah.com/learn/flashprayer1.html

5. If you abstain from alcohol, will u be able to enter a bar to drink soft drinks but to be with your friends?


Ok, technically yes, if I'm wearing hijab, but why would I want to be there is I didn't drink? It is not a good environment for me! I do not want to be hit on by guys, and I should not be around drunk people. Some Muslims do this, but I think it is kinda silly, I have been to bars and not drank and it is NOT FUN! There is no purpose for me there, I do not enjoy the atmosphere at all. Also I do not support places like that and in order to get in I might have to pay a cover, I do not want to spend my money on support of haram things. This might sound a little crazy to some people, but I promise you I can have a good time like anyone else....but I do not feel any connection to people when they are drunk. The non-muslim friends I have that do drink, don't invite me when they go out because they know it is not my scene, I don't need to go be with them, I can just see them another time. And if that is all they do ...then we probably won't be friends for long. This may sound harsh but I quote an old friend of mine "You hang around the barbershop long enough your going to get a haircut..." I do not need to put myself in that situation....

6. How does Islam explain the bad/challenging things that happen in life, such as wars,famine,severe illnesses (hardest question!)? Actually this question I found to not be the hardest because Islam gives a clear explanation, God gave humanity the greatest gift of all his creations - free will. Therefore we have to suffer the consequences of our choices, good and bad. Wars are human creations, not God created. As for the other stuff, this life is considered a test, and our reactions to everything are being recorded in either the good deed pile or bad deed pile. If we were not tested then our choices would not be worth much...if you never were tested, your true heart and strength would not be apparent. For more detail and explanation this is a Fatwa that explains this...........
http://en.allexperts.com/q/Islam-947/Islam-Explain-Suffering.htm

. What is your view on people of any religion who try to recruit others people to join?
I believe that actively trying to recruit people is pretty useless because one's heart must be open to accept Islam...or any change in religion, or to let God in your life...also the Qur'an states there is to be no compulsion in religion...
"Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clear from Error: whoever rejects Taghut (evil) and believes in Allah hath grasped the most trust worthy hand-hold, that never breaks. And Allah heareth and knoweth all things. " (Qur'an 2:256)]

http://www.missionislam.com/discover/compulsion.htm

I think that one should wait until people come to them, trying to convert anyone in my opinion is never going to work, especially by using violence, or force. People should bring people to Islam with knowledge and by example.

I yet again thank you guest for your wonderful questions, always encouraged. I also state that these are my opinions and I am not a religious scholar, I am simply a new Muslimah, researching the world around her. I apologize if I offended anyone and comments are ALWAYS welcome. Thanks so much for reading my blog and may Allah bless you all.
Salaams,
Katie

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Giving Up Things for God's Sake

One of the things that I have given up for God's sake is nail polish alhamdillilah. It is something that I personally struggle with because until my conversion...I had my nails done every four weeks! I felt completely naked with my toes "empty". However my roommate informed me that my wudu would not be accepted without it. So I trust her opinion and I have given it up. Yes I know I can wear it a few days out of the month...but it is too much of a hassle for me. I looked at it like a test....and I'll tell you what...being Muslim has made me more confident than I ever have been in my ENTIRE LIFE... NO MAKE UP NO NAIL POLISH UNREVEALING CLOTHES and I STILL feel more beautiful than ever. I used to need that stuff to make me feel confident.I feel like now I am more happy how I am. Thank God for that!

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Guest Question

Dear Guest,
I really appreciate your thought provoking questions because this is what this blog is about, exploring beliefs and discovering aspects of one's personal self. I am glad you read my article and enjoyed it, and I hope you find my answers satisfying. I also benefit from this because I am getting a chance to step back and analyze how far I have come, and what the next step is. Please feel free to continue our discussion. Here I go :)


What was the time frame from reading about the faith to your conversion?
I started researching Islam heavily about a year before my conversion. I wanted to be completely comfortable and have most details figured out before I took that step. I know myself and I can become quite anxious when change occurs. I did what I could to take small steps towards changing my life and took my time. Whenever I felt uncomfortable I would slow down. I also really became comfortable with the differences between culture and true Islam because many common beliefs about Islam are not true. I also spent the time introducing my family and friends to Islam and the fact that I could possibly be converting. I educated my parents along with myself, so their comfort level rose with mine. My parents know the basics of Islam and most of the details I have learned, as well as my personal opinions about the religion. Faith is an individual process. I encourage anyone that is scared or uncomfortable to simply research and take their time. As your relationship with God develops, so will your comfort level.

Did you take any classes in Islam/Islamic Culture before wearing the Hijab?
Before wearing hijab I did not take any Islam/culture classes. I actually have not taken any Islam classes at all...the history of Islam class in my previous college I actually did not finish(I withdrew from the college). I have been studying Arabic however, because it is more difficult to learn on your own. I have however researched heavily myself on Islam, and know where classes for new Muslims are held, and where Arabic classes are held so if anyone is interested , let me know and I can lead you in right direction( even online classes).Hijab is something I had always felt was going to be a part of my identity as a Muslimah. I was interested in it and it was something I wanted to do. If you do not burn inside to wear hijab, you shouldn't. I was burning inside, almost a kind of jealousy, when I saw Muslim women around campus. I had such a strong desire to wear my hijab that I only needed my roommate and friends to help me learn to wear it.


3. Do you feel that you had to change any views you had before due to your new faith (e.g. on issues like abortion etc)?
This is an AMAZING question! As for abortion, personally I ALWAYS had a problem with it so I am sticking with my opinion on that. What I am struggling with is the gay issue. I have numerous close male friends that are homosexual, and in Islam that is considered very wrong. I have love for these friends so I could never ever stop contact because of this but I do have some issues with other Muslims because of that. This is what I think : I have done bad stuff in my life, I have made mistakes, I am not perfect. NO ONE IS . EVERYONE HAS STRUGGLES, EVERYONE HAS PROBLEMS. I am human and I am NOT the judge of humans and their souls. I accept good people as my company, who challenge me to become better. People's relationships with God is personal and I cannot compare mine to any one's and think that I am better. As long as someone is not trying to get me to do anything that interferes with my religion, I don't really have a problem accepting their flaws, because they accept mine.

4. Are there any issues which you feel uncomfortable about with Islamic culture, compared to your Secular life before?"
Well there is a tendency in Islamic culture to be misogynistic which obviously, as an independent American lady, I have trouble with. However I really would like to stress the fact that this is TOTALLY culture and NOT religion. Nowhere in my religion does it allow men to treat women badly. In fact Islam was supposed to liberate Arabia of misogyny so...I don't know where all this came from.

The other thing that I do not like it the whole "men and women have NO contact" thing. Um....I'm pretty sure that in order to live my life to the fullest I need to have some contact with men. Certainly only decent contact is appropriate, but if I had to avoid 50% of the population, it would make my life very difficult. Islam is supposed to be easy and supposed to make your life easier. Hijab is mandated to make it easier for women to be around men without sparking their interest. If I'm wearing hijab,problem should be solved. However this is a cultural thing and a difference in opinion so I believe there are many Muslims opposed to this theory. All I know is my own opinion and what I am comfortable with. Islam is about what is in your heart and that is between you and God. I can only speak for myself.

I hope I have answered your questions sufficiently and I again thank you for your interest in my blog and life. May Allah bless you in your endeavors.
Salaam,
Katie

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Muslim Women's Magazine

Salaam everyone,
New Muslim Women's magazine out...
http://muslimette.com/

Fatima

Salaams everyone,




To Muslims who Criticize Christians...

It is my personal belief that the way to show someone the beauty of Islam is through action not words. I believe that in order for people's hearts to be open to Islam, their hearts have to be opened by actions. This means that all of us are responsible everyday for showing people how beautiful Islam is and the compassion and kindness it exemplifies.

I have these verses of the Qu'ran for support...
2:256 There is no compulsion in religion, for the right way is clearly from the wrong way. Whoever therefore rejects the forces of evil and believes in God, he has taken hold of a support most unfailing, which shall never give way, for God is All Hearing and Knowing.

16:82 But if they turn away from you, (O Prophet remember that) your only duty is a clear delivery of the Message (entrusted to you).

88:21, 22; also see 24:54 And so, (O Prophet!) exhort them your task is only to exhort; you cannot compel them to believe.

39:41 Assuredly, We have sent down the Book to you in right form for the good of man. Whoso guided himself by it does so to his own advantage, and whoso turns away from it does so at his own loss. You certainly are not their keeper.

If someone is interested in Islam you can tell them about...you can act in way that shows people the true core beliefs of Islam...but you cannot force anyone into your religion. Because intention counts so much if one is being forced then they truly do not get credit for their good anyway. One must be doing good deeds willingly...why fight and hurt our own brothers and sisters in humankind?

That being said this is attributed to people who are not trying to eradicate Islam...this is a different set of circumstances which can justify fighting back.

As I have stated before this is my opinion and I wish not to offend anyone. Comments are welcome and encouraged.

May Allah bless you all.




Thursday, October 8, 2009

Abdurezak

Salaam everyone,

Sorry for the untimely reply, school has been picking up...


What I would say to a non-muslim criticizing the Qur'an...

Non-Muslim in General

I would ask them to go outside and look around...look up at the sky and clouds, the stars, all the birds in the trees, to the numerous types of insects on the ground...is all this coincidence? Could the magnificence of this universe be an accident?

Science in the Qu'ran

I would ask them to research the following topics:

"Magnetic Poles and Qur'an"
"Fetal development in Qur'an"
"Honey bees and Qu'ran"
"Moon and Qu'ran"

All of these topics contain scientific support for the verses in the Qur'an...for example

http://www.islamweb.net/VER2/archive/article.php?lang=E&id=138430

http://www.islamicity.com/Science/quranandscience/animals/GeneratedFiles/THEHONEYBEE.htm

http://www.islamicresearch.org/bees%20hidden%20miracle.htm

gives a good explanation for the science of bees in the Qur'an ...very interesting....modern science JUST now is discovering this phenomena

Magnetic Poles

http://www.answering-christianity.com/mahir/pulsar_miracle.htm
http://thequranmiracles.canalblog.com/archives/2007/04/01/4494249.html
AFTER RESEARCHING IF YOU ARE STILL AN UNBELIEVER PICK UP THE QUR'AN AND READ THE VERSUS YOURSELF...I promise you...you will not regret it..your relationship to this planet will change...all of the organisms around you will now look different to you..the people in your life will look different...if you have ever felt like you didn't belong...or lonely...or dissatisfied with other religions or ideologies...please just pick it up...no harm will ever come from research...I assure you if your heart is open..and you examine the Qur'an and read about Islam with a true open heart...than it will enrich your life more than I can explain.

That answer is for those questioning the Qu'ran and its validity...this is for concerned women about the "oppressed Muslim women"....although I will admit...there are many Muslim women whom are oppressed by their culture..it is NOT Islam...the prophet Muhammed ( peace be upon him) had a mission to liberate women from the Arab mentality...

http://www.womaninthequran.com/

Women were raised higher than men in the Qur'an....

"Heaven is under a mother's feet"

The prophet Muhammed (SWT) also when asked who should I give thanks to and who is the most important in life...he answered "Your mother", then who is next important, "Your mother"...then who is next? Then..."your father.."

http://www.quranicteachings.co.uk/women.htm

Also before Islam came to Arabia...they were burying their infant daughters in shame....Islam put a stop to that due to the message of the Prophet(swt)...

Christians

I would highly encourage you to look at the Bible...and its similarity to the Qur'an...I would also encourage you to research the story of Jesus and Judas....and research your own religion...
I believe that true Christianity is a valid and credible relgion because "People of the Book" are mentioned in the Qur'an...but I also believe the Christians of today....add a divine quality to Jesus that puts him on an equal level with God..and I believe that that is polytheism...any prayers should also not go to Jesus or Mary because they cannot grant them if there is only one all powerful and all knowing God...

Also....the story of Adam and Eve.
Christians believe that Eve ate the fruit from tree of Knowledge, then gave it to Adam...dooming women to pain during childbirth,and their periods, and death ( an ending of our lives) to the rest...
If our Lord....is all powerful and all knowing....how could he not know that they would eat from the tree...therefore...why not give women and humans death and pain during childbirth outright? If he had to give those things as a punishment...that means that God had a plan that failed? I don't believe that God can fail...everything Allah wills happens...God gave them free will and knew what would happen to them if they made either choice...God was not surprised by either...nor was all humanity doomed because of a WOMAN....in the Qur'an it states it was a consensus between Adam and Eve...
Please research Islam and their opinions on this because I believe that this story might make more sense to you...

Also...because of this "original sin" humans have to spend their whole lives "making up for the sin of others before them....why would an all knowing God punish people who had nothing to do with a mistake...someone powerful enough to create the heavens and the earth is going punish all humanity for two people's simple "mistake"?

I do not mean to offend anyone and I am just stating what is in my heart...
Any comments are welcome and I hope I enriched someone's life and sparked some thinking and questioning....

Salaams and may Allah's blessing be on you all...





Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Interview with UMBC

http://www.retrieverweekly.com/?module=displaystory&story_id=4808&format=html

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Hijabi

I had a new experience with being a hijabi yesterday...I was completly and blatently stared at! I was in the Sbux in Barnes and Noble and this old man was looking at me like????? It is ok though most people are awesomely nice to me now! I get a lot of smiles and encouraging curiousity. I also get plenty of extra niceness. Most people seem to purposely smile warmly at me, and make sure that I'm comfortably, as if they are going out of their way to make sure I know they are ok with Muslims. Hey I enjoy it! Men even open doors for me now! GO HIJABIS!

Thursday, October 1, 2009

MSA LADIES SMORES NIGHT

I had so much fun tonight! I was not going to go because I have been sick but I threw on my hijab and went anyway to the MSA Ladies Night. I had a great time and met some great people. I really feel the need to get out and be more social since my semester has been SOO revolving around everything ELSE! So I make it my goal to spend more time with my Muslim sisters, which I have not been good at doing. I have never been very comfortable with girls, I always feel so self concious, especially since I was raised with two brothers and a mother that did not have that many girl friends either( not that my mother has man friends!). I just feel like I am missing that female companionship in my life and I wish that I could get more comfortable. Especially since I feel slightly intimidated by hijabis...thank God I went because I felt so comfortable and I was very happy to meet the people that I did and I just really enjoyed getting out and being social. I feel recharged and ready to get some more school work done! :)