tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52143531819117776392024-02-06T19:27:28.572-08:00My Journey as a New American Muslimahkateb1@umbc.eduhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00506904796606185112noreply@blogger.comBlogger114125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5214353181911777639.post-20557084274355827642013-05-06T05:41:00.001-07:002013-05-06T05:41:24.657-07:00Is the New Format Better or the Old Format?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Do you guys enjoy the new Wordpress format? Or are you more into the old? I am still debating whether to just create a new blog under this one. Please let me know!</div>
kateb1@umbc.eduhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00506904796606185112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5214353181911777639.post-18903988884320303832013-04-05T23:48:00.004-07:002013-04-05T23:48:41.205-07:00New BLOG!!!!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://therevertdiaries.wordpress.com/">http://therevertdiaries.wordpress.com/</a><br />
<br />
I am currently building my new website.... please visit me!<br />
<br />
I will begin the changed to Word Press soon...look forward to my new stories...<br />
<br />
ALL about my journey to Saudi Arabia and beyond!<br />
<br />
See you soon insha'Allah!!!!!!!!!!!</div>
kateb1@umbc.eduhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00506904796606185112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5214353181911777639.post-63339625187731210682011-05-08T19:37:00.000-07:002011-05-08T19:37:07.118-07:00Virginia Muslim Community<strong><span style="color: purple;">Salaam wa alaikum everyone!</span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: purple;">I know it has been awhile but I have been extremely busy al hamdililah! I will be drafting a post on my Umrah trip soon insha'Allah.</span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: purple;">Right now my current beef is with the Virginia Muslim Community and it's social scene. I am from a small town, and I lived in Baltimore for a few years. I have lived in the city and in the "country" if you will. However, nothing has been similar to this Northern VA, DC community. That being said I have been in the area for over a year now, and would like to voice my opinion on some issues with the social community.</span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: purple;">1. Why does everything have to be listed on facebook? I understand facebook is a great way to network, inform many people for free, and meet new friends, however.....why doesn't anyone use the telephone anymore? Or even email? I do not like my daily activities blasted all over the internet, however in this area I have no choice. No facebook event= no attendees.</span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: purple;">2. Mixed events...are the ONLY events..... Ok, I don't mind Islamically mindful mixed events...and I understand that not everyone has the same viewpoints as me....but where are the girls nights?? HELLOO! I have been down here over a year and there have only been two...one I hosted! what's up with that? I'm sorry but everytime I go to mixed events I get hit on, and I only end up getting to know men. Women are so distracted at these events and are NOT interested in getting to know girls...I wish that there were more girl events....also I wear my hijab ALL day EVERYDAY...why do I want to go to social events where I have to do that as well???</span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: purple;">3. Depth of friendship....why do people try to be friends with 203940239480293840 people? You are never going to be close with these people. You attend all of these gatherings, fundraisers, and networking events, only to come out with 12 business cards and only first names. I'm sorry but this is not my way of living. I want to know that I have people that would take me to the hospital, nurture me when I am sick, and actually notice if I dropped off the face of the planet. </span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: purple;">4. Invite someone over your HOUSE. I understand it is stressful to host people (especially why you wouldn't if it was mixed) HOWEVER how are you really friends if you have never seen them without hijab, and have never broken bread together. I love having people over for dinner and feeding them! No one ever wants to come over my house though. I think people have ADD at NOVA because there are so many events to chose from that a normal dinner seems boring. Try it some time...trust me it is more rewarding than you think insha'Allah....</span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: purple;">Well that just about wraps up my rant on NOVA...let me know what you guys think....</span></strong>kateb1@umbc.eduhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00506904796606185112noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5214353181911777639.post-43982629799427089652011-03-27T09:03:00.000-07:002011-03-27T09:03:06.640-07:00Please Support my New Project and Web Site!<a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=5214353181911777639" name="b_987363003ab7012eb9ae000d60d4c902"></a><object align="middle" data="https://giving.paypallabs.com/flash/badge.swf" height="350" id="badge987363003ab7012eb9ae000d60d4c902" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="205"> <param name='allowScriptAccess' value='always' /><param name='allowNetworking' value='all' /><param name='movie' value='https://giving.paypallabs.com/flash/badge.swf' /><param name='quality' value='high' /><param name='bgcolor' value='#FFFFFF' /><param name='wmode' value='transparent' /><param name='FlashVars' value='Id=987363003ab7012eb9ae000d60d4c902'/><embed src='https://giving.paypallabs.com/flash/badge.swf' FlashVars='Id=987363003ab7012eb9ae000d60d4c902' quality='high' bgcolor='#FFFFFF' wmode='transparent' width='205' height='350' Id='badge987363003ab7012eb9ae000d60d4c902' align='middle' allowScriptAccess='always' allowNetworking='all' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' pluginspage='http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer'></embed> </object>kateb1@umbc.eduhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00506904796606185112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5214353181911777639.post-23824804782799071422011-02-20T19:07:00.000-08:002011-02-20T19:07:16.565-08:00This is the book that made me interested in reverting to Islam...<iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=myjour0e-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&asins=0061155772" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe>kateb1@umbc.eduhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00506904796606185112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5214353181911777639.post-69828919089247724352011-01-23T16:54:00.000-08:002011-01-23T16:54:16.904-08:00Praying at WorkI have been at my current job for about a year now. This entire time I have been praying during my lunch hour in the chilly warehouse, and missing prayers because I have been too self conscious and afraid to ask my boss to put time in my schedule to pray. This was really affecting my feelings about my job. Everday when I got home exhausted from working, I would have generally three prayers to make up. I really started to resent my job and was seriously thinking about leaving. I longed for a Muslim workplace and a job where my hours were flexible. My job is extremely scheduled, down the the half an hour. Finally I got up the gall to ask my boss if he would consider letting me come in early or what have you so I could get my prayers in on time. At the current time I was working 9:30-6:30pm, which made me miss everything but fajr and dhur. I went in his office and spoke with him privately. I stated that it would be a huge burden off me, and that I would only need a break in the afternoon. He told me that he couldn't guarantee anything, but he would do his best. I felt worried, and dissapointed that he did not automatically say yes, but I went back to my cubicle hoping to get an answer. <br />
Not only did he change my schedule from 8am to 5pm, I now have a break for Asr. Al hamdilillah. My boss is allowing me to pray every single prayer on time. I have been on this schedule since the new year, and I have never felt better. I feel at peace and at ease. My work performance has improved significantly, as did my feelings about my job. If you are having trouble at work, just ask. You never know how you might be heard.kateb1@umbc.eduhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00506904796606185112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5214353181911777639.post-84126781965351206542011-01-14T06:04:00.001-08:002011-01-14T06:04:52.684-08:00My Analysis of Surah 33:35<link href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CKBILLI%7E1%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml" rel="File-List"></link><o:smarttagtype name="City" namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype name="place" namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"></o:smarttagtype><style>
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<div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: #330066; font-family: Garamond;">~Bismillah Al Rahman Al Rahim~<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: #330066; font-family: Garamond;">For Muslim men and women, for believing men and women, for devout men and women, for true men and women, for men and women who are <u>patient</u> and <u>constant</u>, for men and women who <u>humble</u> themselves, for men and women who give in <u>charity</u>, for men and women who <u>fast </u>(and deny themselves), for men and women who guard their <u>chastity</u>, and for men and women who engage much in <u>God's praise</u> -- for them has God prepared forgiveness and great reward. <i>[ Quran 33:35 ]<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="color: #330066; font-family: Garamond;">From reading this surah, I have extracted (at least what I believe) to be important points. Anything good I have gained from Allah (SWT), anything bad is from my own humanity.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>This surah contains the formula to create the “perfect Muslim” or “perfect human”. Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) showed us the perfect execution of each of these characteristics in life. Each of these characteristics is something we should strive to have within ourselves, and these are the standards we should live by. Each of these adjectives are mentioned in the Holy Qur’an and Hadith on numerous occasions, stressing the importance of these characteristics.<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><u>Patience<o:p></o:p></u></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>“Seek help in patience and in prayer” (2:45)<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>“Surely God is with the patient (2:153)<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>“If you have patience and guard yourselves against evil and disobedience, God will send to your aid five thousand angels having distinguishing marks, if they (your enemies) suddenly attack you (3:124) promises the believers Divine aid in return for patience.”<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><u>Constant<o:p></o:p></u></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>(29:45)Convey (unto others) whatever of this divine writ has been revealed unto you, and be constant in prayer (Salah) for, behold, prayer restrains (man) from loathsome deeds and from all that runs counter to reason; and remembrance of God is indeed the greatest (good). And God knows all that you do.<i><u><o:p></o:p></u></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><u>Humble<o:p></o:p></u></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><h2>Surah 6. Al-An'am Verses 33-67 </h2><div class="MsoNormal">6:43 But, instead of being humble when Our Requital touched them, their selfish desire led their minds into rationalizing their actions. This is because their hearts had been hardened with arrogance and repeated rejection of the Truth. [2:74, 5:13]<i><u><o:p></o:p></u></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><b>On the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him), who said that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: </b><br />
"Allah (mighty and sublime be He) said:Pride is My cloak and greatness My robe, and he who competes with Me in respect of either of them I shall cast into Hell-fire.<br />
<i>[Abu Dawud (also by Ibn Majah and Ahmad) with sound chains of authority. This Hadith also appears in Muslim in another version.]</i><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><i><u>Charity<o:p></o:p></u></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Hadith Qudsi<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>“Spend (on charity), O son of Adam, and I shall spend on you.”<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>It was related by al- Bukhari (also by Muslim)<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><u>Fast<o:p></o:p></u></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">[[<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Surat</st1:city></st1:place> ul Baqarah:183]] O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint.<br />
<br />
[[1:184]] (Fasting) for a fixed number of days but if any of you is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed number (should be made up) from days later. For those who can do it (With hardship), is a ransom, the feeding of one that is indigent. But he that will give more, of his own free will, it is better for him. <b><i>And it is better for you that ye fast, if ye only knew</i></b>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"><br />
Verse 185: Ramadan is the [month] in which was sent down the Qur'an, as a guide to mankind, also clear (signs) for guidance and judgement (btw right and wrong). So every one of you who is present(at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting, but if any one is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed period (should be made up ) by days later. Allah intends every facility for you. He does not want to put you to difficulties. (He wants you) to complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Him. In that He has guided you, and perchance ye shall be grateful. </span><i><u><o:p></o:p></u></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><u>Chastity<o:p></o:p></u></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>“And those who guard their chastity (i.e. private parts, from illegal sexual acts) (23:5)<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>“Tell the believing men to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts and not to show of their adornment except only that which is apparent…” (24:31)<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><u>God’s Praise<o:p></o:p></u></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><h3>The Beneficent</h3>In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">[<b>55.1</b>] The Beneficent God,<br />
[<b>55.2</b>] Taught the Quran.<br />
[<b>55.3</b>] He created man,<br />
[<b>55.4</b>] Taught him the mode of expression.<br />
[<b>55.5</b>] The sun and the moon follow a reckoning.<br />
[<b>55.6</b>] And the herbs and the trees do adore (Him).<br />
[<b>55.7</b>] And the heaven, He raised it high, and He made the balance<br />
[<b>55.8</b>] That you may not be inordinate in respect of the measure.<br />
[<b>55.9</b>] And keep up the balance with equity and do not make the measure deficient.<br />
[<b>55.10</b>] And the earth, He has set it for living creatures;<br />
[<b>55.11</b>] Therein is fruit and palms having sheathed clusters,<br />
[<b>55.12</b>] And the grain with (its) husk and fragrance.<br />
[<b>55.13</b>] Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?<br />
[<b>55.14</b>] He created man from dry clay like earthen vessels,<br />
[<b>55.15</b>] And He created the jinn of a flame of fire.<br />
[<b>55.16</b>] Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?<br />
[<b>55.17</b>] Lord of the East and Lord of the West.<br />
[<b>55.18</b>] Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?<br />
[<b>55.19</b>] .He has made the two seas to flow freely (so that) they meet together:<br />
[<b>55.20</b>] Between them is a barrier which they cannot pass.<br />
[<b>55.21</b>] Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?<br />
[<b>55.22</b>] There come forth from them pearls, both large and small.<br />
[<b>55.23</b>] Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?<br />
[<b>55.24</b>] And His are the ships reared aloft in the sea like mountains.<br />
[<b>55.25</b>] Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?<br />
[<b>55.26</b>] Everyone on it must pass away.<br />
[<b>55.27</b>] And there will endure for ever the person of your Lord, the Lord of glory and honor.<br />
[<b>55.28</b>] Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?<br />
[<b>55.29</b>] All those who are in the heavens and the earth ask of Him; every moment He is in a state (of glory).<br />
[<b>55.30</b>] Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?<br />
[<b>55.31</b>] Soon will We apply Ourselves to you, O you two armies.<br />
[<b>55.32</b>] Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?<br />
[<b>55.33</b>] O assembly of the jinn and the men! If you are able to pass through the regions of the heavens and the earth, then pass through; you cannot pass through but with authority.<br />
[<b>55.34</b>] Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?<br />
[<b>55.35</b>] The flames of fire and smoke will be sent on you two, then you will not be able to defend yourselves.<br />
[<b>55.36</b>] Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?<br />
[<b>55.37</b>] And when the heaven is rent asunder, and then becomes red like red hide.<br />
[<b>55.38</b>] Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?<br />
[<b>55.39</b>] So on that day neither man nor jinni shall be asked about his sin.<br />
[<b>55.40</b>] Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?<br />
[<b>55.41</b>] The guilty shall be recognized by their marks, so they shall be seized by the forelocks and the feet.<br />
[<b>55.42</b>] Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?<br />
[<b>55.43</b>] This is the hell which the guilty called a lie.<br />
[<b>55.44</b>] Round about shall they go between it and hot, boiling water.<br />
[<b>55.45</b>] Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?<br />
[<b>55.46</b>] And for him who fears to stand before his Lord are two gardens.<br />
[<b>55.47</b>] Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?<br />
[<b>55.48</b>] Having in them various kinds.<br />
[<b>55.49</b>] Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?<br />
[<b>55.50</b>] In both of them are.two fountains flowing.<br />
[<b>55.51</b>] Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?<br />
[<b>55.52</b>] In both of them are two pairs of every fruit.<br />
[<b>55.53</b>] Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?<br />
[<b>55.54</b>] Reclining on beds, the inner coverings of which are of silk brocade; and the fruits of the two gardens shall be within reach.<br />
[<b>55.55</b>] Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?<br />
[<b>55.56</b>] In them shall be those who restrained their eyes; before them neither man nor jinni shall have touched them.<br />
[<b>55.57</b>] Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?<br />
[<b>55.58</b>] As though they were rubies and pearls.<br />
[<b>55.59</b>] Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?<br />
[<b>55.60</b>] Is the reward of goodness aught but goodness?<br />
[<b>55.61</b>] Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?<br />
[<b>55.62</b>] And besides these two are two (other) gardens:<br />
[<b>55.63</b>] Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?<br />
[<b>55.64</b>] Both inclining to blackness.<br />
[<b>55.65</b>] Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?<br />
[<b>55.66</b>] In both of them are two springs gushing forth.<br />
[<b>55.67</b>] Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?<br />
[<b>55.68</b>] In both are fruits and palms and pomegranates.<br />
[<b>55.69</b>] Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?<br />
[<b>55.70</b>] In them are goodly things, beautiful ones.<br />
[<b>55.71</b>] Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?<br />
[<b>55.72</b>] Pure ones confined to the pavilions.<br />
[<b>55.73</b>] Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?<br />
[<b>55.74</b>] Man has not touched them before them nor jinni.<br />
[<b>55.75</b>] Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?<br />
[<b>55.76</b>] Reclining on green cushions and beautiful carpets.<br />
[<b>55.77</b>] Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?<br />
[<b>55.78</b>] Blessed be the name of your Lord, the Lord of Glory and Honor!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><b>On the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), who said: </b><br />
"Allah (glorified and exalted be He) has supernumerary angels who rove about seeking out gatherings in which Allah's name is being invoked: they sit with them and fold their wings round each other, filling in that which is between them and between the lowest heaven. When [the people in the gathering] depart, [the angels] ascend and rise up to heaven." He (the Prophet - peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "Then Allah (mighty and sublime be He) asks them - [though] He is most knowing about them: 'From where have you come?' And they say: 'We have come from some servants of Yours on Earth: they were glorifying You (Subhana llah), exalting you (Allahu akbar), witnessing that there is no god but You (La ilaha illa llah), praising You (Al-Hamdu lillah), and asking [favours] of You.' He says: 'And what do they ask of Me?' They say: 'They ask of You Your Paradise.' He says: 'And have they seen My Paradise?' They say: 'No, O Lord.' He says: 'And how would it be were they to have seen My Paradise!' They say: 'And they ask protection of You.' He says: 'From what do they ask protection of Me?' They say: 'From Your Hell-fire, O Lord.' He says: 'And have they seen My Hell-fire?' They say: 'No.' He says: 'And how would it be were they to have seen My Hell-fire!' They say: 'And they ask for Your forgiveness.'" He (the Prophet - peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "Then He says: 'I have forgiven them and I have bestowed upon them what they have asked for, and I have granted them sanctuary from that from which they asked protection.'" He (the Prophet - peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "They say: 'O Lord, among then is So-and-so, a much sinning servant, who was merely passing by and sat down with them.'" He (the Prophet - peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "And He says: 'And to him [too] I have given forgiveness: he who sits with such people shall not suffer.'" <br />
<i>[Muslim (also by al-Bukhari, at-Tirmidhi, and an-Nasa'i).]</i><br />
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</div>kateb1@umbc.eduhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00506904796606185112noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5214353181911777639.post-39313013118152432092011-01-12T16:43:00.000-08:002011-01-12T16:43:11.867-08:00Congressman Makes an Public Anti Muslim Statementhttp://mondoweiss.net/2011/01/congressman-peter-king-suggests-that-muslims-are-not-american.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+feedburner%2FWDBc+%28Mondoweiss%29&utm_content=Twitter<br />
<br />
<a href="http://http//mondoweiss.net/2011/01/congressman-peter-king-suggests-that-muslims-are-not-american.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+feedburner%2FWDBc+%28Mondoweiss%29&utm_content=Twitter">Anti Muslim</a>kateb1@umbc.eduhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00506904796606185112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5214353181911777639.post-78289113056302135842011-01-03T06:20:00.000-08:002011-01-03T06:20:57.880-08:00Awesome Article on the Heart Masha'AllahPurification of the Heart <br />
From the works of Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali, Ibn al-Qayyim al-Jawziyya, and Imam Ghazali <br />
Types of Hearts<br />
Just as the heart may be described in terms of being alive or dead, it may also be regarded as belonging to one of three types; these are the healthy heart, the dead heart, and the sick heart. <br />
The Healthy Heart <br />
On the Day of Resurrection, only those who come to Allah with a healthy heart will be saved. Allah says: "The day on which neither wealth nor sons will be of any use, except for whoever brings to Allah a sound heart. (26:88-89)" <br />
In defining the healthy heart, the following has been said: "It is a heart cleansed from any passion that challenges what Allah commands, or disputes what He forbids. It is free from any impulses which contradict His good. As a result, it is safeguarded against the worship of anything other than Him, and seeks the judgment of no other except that of His Messenger (s). Its services are exclusively reserved for Allah, willingly and lovingly, with total reliance, relating all matters to Him, in fear, hope and sincere dedication. When it loves, its love is in the way of Allah. If it detests, it detests in the light of what He detests. When it gives, it gives for Allah. If it withholds, it withholds for Allah. Nevertheless, all this will not suffice for its salvation until it is free from following, or taking as its guide, anyone other than His Messenger (s). Those who follow the Prophet (s) in observing his Sunnah and the Shari`ah are guides to those who had not met him (s).<br />
A servant with a healthy heart must dedicate it to its journey's end and must not give precedence to any other faith or words or deeds over those of Allah and His Messenger, may Allah bless him and grant him peace and those who are rightly guided, keeping the Prophetic example. Allah says: <br />
"Oh you who believe, do not put yourselves above Allah and His Messenger, but fear Allah, for Allah is Hearing, Knowing. (49:1)" <br />
The Dead Heart <br />
This is the opposite of the healthy heart. It does not know its Lord and does not worship Him as He commands, in the way which He likes, and with which He is pleased. It clings instead to its lusts and desires, even if these are likely to incur Allah's displeasure and wrath. It worships things other than Allah, and its loves and its hatreds, and its giving and its withholding, arise from its whims, which are of paramount importance to it and preferred above the pleasure of Allah. Its whims are its imam. Its lust is its guide. Its ignorance is its leader. Its crude impulses are its impetus. It is immersed in its concern with worldly objectives. It is drunk with its own fancies and its love for hasty, fleeting pleasures. <br />
It is called to Allah and the akhira from a distance but it does not respond to advice, and instead it follows any scheming, cunning shaytan. Life angers and pleases it, and passion makes it deaf and blind1 to anything except what is evil. <br />
To associate and keep company with the owner of such a heart is to tempt illness: living with him is like taking poison, and befriending him means utter destruction. <br />
The Sick Heart <br />
This is a heart with life in it, as well as illness. The former sustains it at one moment, the latter at another, and it follows whichever one of the two manages to dominate it. It has love for Allah, faith in Him, sincerity towards Him, and reliance upon Him, and these are what give it life. It also has a craving for lust and pleasure, and prefers them and strives to experience them. It is full of self-admiration, which can lead to its own destruction. It listens to two callers: one calling it to Allah and His Prophet (s) and the afterlife (akhira); and the other calling it to the fleeting pleasures of this world. It responds to whichever one of the two happens to have most influence over it at the time. <br />
The first heart is alive, submitted to Allah, humble, sensitive and aware; the second is brittle and dead; the third wavers between either its safety or its ruin. <br />
<br />
Symptoms Of the Heart's Sickness and Signs of Its Health <br />
"He it is Who sent down calmness and tranquillity into the hearts of the believers, that they may grow more in Faith along with their (present) Faith. And to Allah belong the hosts of the heavens and the earth, and Allah is Ever Al-Knower, All-Wise." The Holy Quran: 48:4 <br />
Four-Symptoms Of the Heart's Sickness and Signs of Its Health <br />
The Signs of a Sick Heart <br />
A servant's heart may be ill, and seriously deteriorating, while he remains oblivious of its condition. It may even die without him realising it. The symptoms of its sickness, or the signs of its death, are that its owner is not aware of the harm that results from the damage caused by wrong actions, and is unperturbed by his ignorance of the truth or by his false beliefs. <br />
Since the living heart experiences pain as a result of any ugliness that it encounters and through its recognising its ignorance of the truth (to a degree that corresponds to its level of awareness), it is capable of recognising the onset of decay-and the increase in the severity of the remedy that will be needed to stop it-but then sometimes it prefers to put up with the pain rather than undergo the arduous trial of the cure! <br />
Some of the many signs of the heart's sickness if its turning away from good foods to harmful ones, from good remedies to shameful sickness. The healthy heart prefers what is beneficial and healing to what is harmful and damaging; the sick heart prefers the opposite. The most beneficial sustenance for the heart is faith and the best medicine is the Qur'an. <br />
The Signs of a Healthy Heart <br />
For the heart to be healthy it should depart from this life and arrive in the next, and then settle there as if it were one of its people; it only came to this life as a passer-by, taking whatever provisions it needed and then returning home. As the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said to Abdullah ibn Umar, "Be in this world as if you were a stranger or a passer-by."2 The more diseased the heart is, the more it desires this world; it dwells in it until it becomes like one of its people. <br />
The healthy heart continues to trouble its owner until he returns to Allah, and is at peace with Him, and reaches Him, like a lover driven by compulsion who finally reaches his beloved. Besides his love for Him he needs no other, and after invoking Him no other invocations are needed. Serving Him precludes the need to serve any other. <br />
If this heart misses its share of reciting the Qur'an and invoking Allah (dhikrullah), or completing one of the prescribed acts of worship, then its owner suffers more distress than a cautious man who suffers because of the loss of money or a missed opportunity to make it. It longs to serve, just as a famished person longs for food and drink. <br />
Yahya ibn Mu'adh said: <br />
Whoever is pleased with serving Allah, everything will be pleased to serve him; and whoever finds pleasure in contemplating Allah, all the people will find pleasure in contemplating him. <br />
This heart has only one concern: that all its actions, and its inner thoughts and utterances, are obedient to Allah. It is more careful with its time than the meanest people are with their money, so that it will not be spent wastefully. When it enters into the prayer, all its worldly worries and anxieties vanish and it finds its comfort and bliss in adoring its Lord. It does not cease to mention Allah, nor tire of serving Him, and it finds intimate company with no-one save a person who guides it to Allah and reminds it to Him. <br />
Its attention to the correctness of its action is greater than its attention to the action itself. It is scrupulous in making sure that the intentions behind its actions are sincere and pure and that they result in good deeds. <br />
As well as and in spite of all this, it not only testifies to the generosity of Allah in giving it the opportunity to carry out such actions, but also testifies to its own imperfection and shortcomings in executing them. <br />
The Causes of Sickness of the Heart <br />
The temptations to which the heart is exposed are what cause its sickness. These are the temptations of desires and fancies. The former cause intentions and the will to be corrupted, and the latter cause knowledge and belief to falter. <br />
Hudhayfa ibn al-Yamani, may Allah be pleased with him, said: <br />
The Messenger of Allah (s) said, "Temptations are presented to the heart, one by one. Any heart that accepts them will be left with a black stain, but any heart that rejects them will be left with a mark of purity, so that hearts are of two types: a dark heart that has turned away and become like an overturned vessel, and a pure heart that will never be harmed by temptation for as long as the earth and the heavens exist. The dark heart only recognises good and denounces evil when this suits its desires and whims.3<br />
He, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, placed hearts, when exposed to temptation, into two categories:<br />
First, a heart which, when it is exposed to temptation, absorbs it like a sponge that soaks up water, leaving a black stain in it. It continues to absorb each temptation that is offered to it until it is darkened and corrupted, which is what he meant by "like an overturned vessel". When this happens, two dangerous sicknesses take hold of it and plunge it into ruin: <br />
The first is that of its confusing good with evil, to such an extent that it does not recognise the former and does not denounce the latter. This sickness may even gain hold of it to such an extent that it believes good to be evil and vice-versa, the Sunnah to be bida' and vice-versa, the truth to be false and falsity to be the truth. <br />
The second is that of its setting up its desires as its judge, over and above what the Prophet (s) taught, so that it is enslaved and led by its whims and fancies. <br />
Second, a pure heart which the light of faith is bright and from which its radiance shines. When temptation is presented to pure hearts such this, they oppose it and reject it, and so their light and illumination only increase. <br />
NOTES:<br />
1. It has been related on the authority of Abu'd-Darda' that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "Your love for something that makes you blind and deaf." Abu Daw'ud, al-Adab, 14/38; Ahmad, al-Musnad, 5/194. The hadith is classified as hasan. <br />
2. Sahih Al-Bukhari, Kitab ar-Riqaq, 11/233. <br />
3. Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-Iman, 2/170 (with different wording).kateb1@umbc.eduhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00506904796606185112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5214353181911777639.post-73885058824615162432010-12-04T15:33:00.000-08:002010-12-04T15:33:03.130-08:00TransportationI am sitting here on the way home from my parents and I am contemplating methods of transportation. I have traveled in the most common ways; air, car, bus, train, and even by boat. All methods have their benefits and drawbacks. Since becoming a Muslim, and wearing Muslim attire in a post-Sept 11th world, these benefits and drawbacks have evolved. <br />
I have had some interesting experiences on all methods of transportation, dealing with the recent searches have been no exception. Although these things seem to be coming to a boiling point recently because of the TSA protests, and different political campaigns trying to discourage invasive searches, Muslims, and minorities in general have been facing adversity using public transportation for years. <br />
I feel as though I am caught in a whirlwind of attention to these "new" regulations allowing searches, and "invasion of privacy", and my personal experiences have only started recently due to my "wardrobe change". Minorities have been dealing with problems getting from here to there for a lot longer than within this last decade, as news reports would like to advertise. Although this "Post 911" era has drawn attention to certain religious descrimination, prejudice is not a new item on the menu. I am not just talking about famous events such as the Rosa Parks story. Rosa Parks has a fabulous story, however it is one that has been told. There are many "untold" discriminations in this country that the powers at be would like to pretend do not happen<br />
. Before becoming a Muslim, I experienced the "DWB" phenomenon, or "Driving While Black". A friend of mine, a young black male, were driving back from a movie, a cop pulled us over. My headlight happened to be out and the following events, although shocking to me, were not to him, as he later explained to me that things like this happened to him all the time. The police officers interrogated me because they thought because I was in the car with a black male, I could only be either a drug addict, or a prostitute. They also proceeded to explain that I could not own a vehicle this "nice", so they were convinced I was renting it. Considering the amount of trash (estaghferallah) I keep in my backseat, the possibility of my car being a rental car was indeed humourous. I proceeded to provided proof of ownership of the vehicle, explain that were just happened to be taking a shortcut through a bad neighborhood and I was neither a prostitute, nor a drug dealer. I was throughly shaken by the events. This 23 year old African American male was not. He then told me about the "DWB" scenario, and how often events like this were taking place all over the country.<br />
I never understood what he felt like. I always felt, honestly, that he had to be exagerrating and that in no way could things like this be happening everyday in my suburban love bubble. But I was wrong, as I found out after becoming a Muslim. The same people whom had once looked me in the face and had nothing but good things to say were now ignorin me, and whispering behind my back over something as trivial as a head scarf. I can't imagine people judging me for my skin color, the way God made me. Everyday I learn how lucky I am and how many hardships God has made me free from, and how lucky I truly am. Many people are prejudiced against, and I feel a little guilty for complaining, and being so self conscious about wearing hijab. I feel that I need to just be stronger, and stop worrying so much about other people, because there are many more people who have it a lot tougher than me.kateb1@umbc.eduhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00506904796606185112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5214353181911777639.post-89451755653190233282010-12-04T14:10:00.000-08:002010-12-04T14:10:57.105-08:00Please help me volunteer with orphans in Morocco<form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post"><input type="hidden" name="cmd" value="_s-xclick"><br />
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I really would like to go volunteer at an orphanage in Rabat, Morocco with Cross Cultural Solutions, however the trip is quit pricey. Please do not let me miss this wonderful opportunity. Let you be rewarded for my volunteer work as well insha'Allah. Any little bit you can give would move mountains. I really need help making this happen! Allah yatik al afia!<br />
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<a href="www.crossculturalsolutions.org">crossculturalsolutions.org</a>kateb1@umbc.eduhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00506904796606185112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5214353181911777639.post-7882264903335616212010-11-27T07:18:00.000-08:002010-11-27T07:18:24.464-08:00Thanksgiving<strong><span style="background-color: #6fa8dc; color: #351c75;">Thanksgiving is an American holiday. Therefore being an American Muslim, I traveled home to my parents house to stuff myself with turkey and pumpkin pie. As you all know, I have always been a little nervous coming home to my hometown, since I have become a Muslim. My hijab has always felt like an obstacle between my old life and my new one. This time was quite different...I made it through my father picking me up at the train station, Thanksgiving dinner, and Black Friday before I realized I had been wearing my hijab without thinking the entire time. It felt great...it was like...all of the "super awareness" I had was washed away. My family and I had a great time...not like before...something better than before. Helping my mother make pies and dinner, listening and playing music with my brother....I felt like we haved moved into new territory. As I walked along the water as the sunset, I realized that the strangled feeling I got everytime I went home was gone. My hometown no longer felt like a liability, just a place where my family still lived, and where I had begun my life. I hope this is indiciation of times to come...thank you all for your dua and prayers...</span></strong>kateb1@umbc.eduhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00506904796606185112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5214353181911777639.post-85752971967756601612010-11-10T19:23:00.000-08:002010-11-10T19:23:55.793-08:00My Airport Experience<strong><span style="color: purple;">The last airport excursion I had was a flight to Chicago for the ISNA convention. It was not a happy experience for me. I was searched repeatedly and treated really junky. I felt like everyone was looking at me like I did not belong. I had never been treated like that before in an airport. I had even worn hijab previously while flying, and had NEVER been treated even similar. I thought about what variable had changed. I realized my previous two flights wearing hijab, I was wearing "American" or "Western" clothing. This last flight, I had thrown on an abaya for ease. This past weekend as I flew to Indiana, I wore more "Western" hijab. I was again treated well and was not patted down, other than a quick feel behind my scarf. I could not believe how differently I was treated. Coincidence? I think not. However, I will need to travel again to make sure...</span></strong>kateb1@umbc.eduhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00506904796606185112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5214353181911777639.post-80008794015350618552010-10-27T19:37:00.000-07:002010-10-27T19:37:30.348-07:00My Weekend Back Home<span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: large;">This past weekend I traveled to visit my parents. Normally this is a very stressful time because I am self conscious about how Islam is affecting our relationship. I had a discussion with a friend (may God bless her for her advice), and she told me to be bold and face them head on and not dance around the issues. I decided that I would ask Allah for as much strength as possible in becoming a better Muslim and facing my family. I decided that I would wear hijab the entire time I was in my hometown. Previously I have not been able to wear it out of weakness and fear. I went to lunch with old friends, wore it shopping with my mother, and hiking with my family. I sensed immense dread when I was walking on the boardwalk with my mother, as I spotted from a distance my very self shy and self conscious brother and his friends. My heart sank as I prepared for his rejection, and his embarassment. I decided to call to him first, maybe the pain would be better if experience more quickly, like pulling off a band-aid. As my blonde, blue eyed brother, strode towards me, I braced myself for the terrorist jokes, the ridicule, the scapegoat of his adolescent awareness of anything non traditional, sharply aware of his sister, the Muslim. All six foot two of him captured me up in the strongest, surest hug I have had from him in years. Wordlessly he cradled me, as a younger sibling, proud to embrace his older sister, his older sister, the Muslim. </span>kateb1@umbc.eduhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00506904796606185112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5214353181911777639.post-49255677478289928662010-10-17T19:45:00.000-07:002010-10-17T19:45:01.871-07:00Becoming a Stronger Muslim<strong><span style="color: #351c75;">As I have reflected on the past year since my conversion...and how much I have accomplished...I have also found my weakness, which I have shared some of my thoughts about in my last post. I believe that it is true..."assimilation" is impossible. Certain people will never respect the fact that I am Muslim, whether I am a "scary" Muslim or a "cool" Muslim. I have found an verse that is really helping me. I have written it out on a piece of paper and posted it on my cubicle wall. I read it five or six times a day. I really feel that it speaks to my situation.</span></strong><br />
<br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><strong>" </strong>So patiently persevere: for verily the promise of Allah is true: nor let those shake thy firmness, who have (themselves) no certainty of faith.</span><span style="color: black;"> </span><span style="color: magenta;">" Surah Al Room 60</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">For me it is basically reaffirming the fact that I should do what is best for me as a Muslim and not worry about any one elses opinion. I should strive to be the best Muslim I can and know that nothing will happen unless Allah wills it.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">When I meet people who are blind to the truth of Islam I think of this verse...</span><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: magenta;">Thus does Allah seal up the hearts of those who understand not.</span></strong> Al Room 59<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: blue;">I feel such a connection between every Muslim on this planet....it is as if every human being was my sibling, but every Muslim is like a twin of mine....</span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: blue;">I know that if I am patient, Allah will bless me with the friends that I deserve, and will send me people to stop my lonliness. I feel as if I have not been close to someone in a long time because of the transition I have made.</span></strong><br />
<br />
<span style="color: purple;">This Surah describes how I feel about my reversion to Islam....I feel as though a huge weight was lifted...no longer am I carrying the universe on my back...I no longer had to worry about why I was in existence...I had nothing to fear anymore but Allah......my life has become more worry free than when I was a child...</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: purple;">Surah 94. Solace, Consolation, Relief</span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: purple;">1. Have We not expanded thee thy breast?- </span><br />
<span style="color: purple;">2. And removed from thee thy burden </span><br />
<span style="color: purple;">3. The which did gall thy back?- </span><br />
<span style="color: purple;">4. And raised high the esteem (in which) thou (art held)? </span><br />
<span style="color: purple;">5. So, verily, with every difficulty, there is relief: </span><br />
<span style="color: purple;">6. Verily, with every difficulty there is relief. </span><br />
<span style="color: purple;">7. Therefore, when thou art free (from thine immediate task), still labour hard, </span><br />
<span style="color: purple;">8. And to thy Lord turn (all) thy attention. </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: purple;">Please make duah for me that I become a great Muslim...</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: purple;">Salaam wa alaikum</span>kateb1@umbc.eduhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00506904796606185112noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5214353181911777639.post-23427419449231636722010-10-02T11:54:00.000-07:002010-10-02T11:54:08.111-07:00Drawing the Line Between Who I Was and Who I Hope To Be<b><span style="color: magenta;">I'm probably not alone in the fact that my conversion to Islam has severely dampened my social life. I used to not be able to go five minutes without my phone ringing....now...days go by....I have been isolated from my previous world....At first I blamed the fact that I had changed my ways so people needed time to adjust, and that it was just something I had to get over. Now I am realizing that I have not completely let go of my old life. </span></b><br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">I discovered this notion last night as I was sitting in a restaurant with my coworkers. None of my coworkers are Muslim, or really knew to much about it until I came along. As we were sitting there at the restaurant table on a friday night celebrating our recent certification, all of them downed beer after beer. For the past two years I have been tricking myself into believing that I needed to somehow make them feel comfortable with Islam by "bending" my comfort zone. If they see me in a place like this restaurant on friday night...somehow they wont think Islam is super strict and will maybe soften their resistance to it a bit. I realized that all this was accomplishing was changing their opinion of ME not the religion. A coworker actually slipped alcohol into my drink thinking that I was "trapped" and needed to be "freed" from my cell of non alcoholic nights out. I know this person (well at least I chose to believe) that this person did not mean anything by it, and were just trying to see if I liked alcohol, in some way that didn't have me consciously choosing to drink. I felt so terrible and violated. These people were not learning about Islam by being around me at all. I thought that if I "infiltrated the front lines" of DC's youth, than maybe even one of them would come out of this with something worth my discomfort. NOPE. All I have been doing is ruining my progress in my deen. May God forgive me and them.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;"> </span>kateb1@umbc.eduhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00506904796606185112noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5214353181911777639.post-44301147276152754002010-09-25T11:53:00.000-07:002013-04-05T23:51:56.984-07:00Hijab Struggle<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="background-color: #0b5394;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Salaam wa alaikum everyone....</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #0b5394;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">I'm not sure if I am the only revert to Islam that struggles with hijab (or the only Muslimah in general), but sometimes I feel downright singled out when I cover. When I am in my new home of Alexandria, VA where Muslims are a common sight, and veiled women draw similar stares that sidewalk does, it is easy to feel peaceful in my modest attire. However, when I visit my hometown, or places where Muslims are a rare sight, and "jihad" means "holy war" and "WWJD (What would Jesus do)?" bumper stickers plaster minivans...I feel...exposed. My innermost thoughts, desires and beliefs are sitting there wrapped around my face. Not that I am ashamed to be Muslim....I just don't like people placing me into a certain category without even meeting me....I understand that is human nature...but it just feels more exaggerated when I am wearing extra clothing. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">During a recent camping trip with my husband and non- muslim family, we visited a beach from my childhood and I felt particularly uncomfortable. Although I wore my "burquini" I did not don my headscarf on the beach. It happened to be "Biker Week", and although I know I am classifying "bikers" into categories as well, but I just felt like "Biker Week" and Islam do not mix. I still continued to be as modest as possible in my dress and actions, but from the neck up my progress as a Muslim woman had taken a big step back. I know God only knows what is truly in my heart, but I feel downright sick when I am wearing a scarf in a "hostile" environment. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">This is a small part of the many weaknesses in my Deen, and I hope that my words can offer some comfort to some struggling sisters. You are not alone. I pray that we will one day find the strength to be "Constant hijabis" and to deal with any kind of criticism that comes our way.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #0b5394;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"></span></span><br /></div>
kateb1@umbc.eduhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00506904796606185112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5214353181911777639.post-3276997065440116962010-09-12T20:01:00.000-07:002010-09-12T20:01:14.956-07:00Russia Today InterviewI was interviewed by Russia Today about my conversion....<br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BXku0VQsHE">Russia Today Interview</a>kateb1@umbc.eduhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00506904796606185112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5214353181911777639.post-71061830732413813082010-09-12T19:59:00.000-07:002010-09-12T19:59:26.845-07:00Quran Burning and this other Craziness....<b><span style="color: magenta;">I really did not want to write about that raving fool in Florida, but since I watched the news this morning....now I have no choice. I feel like there is a double standard in this country with freedom of speech. religion, etc.....are you telling me that if an Iman decided to do a Bible burning party there would not be an uproar?? The Secretary of Defense actually called this jerk??? I feel like that implies that the only reason the country even cares that he is doing this....is because they are afraid of retaliation....like we are some scary waring group, not people with feelings and love for our religion...I swear I want to cry at the though of the Holy Quran burning...does anyone else feel like the fact that he wants to set ANYTHING on fire makes him unstable.....</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: magenta;"> </span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: magenta;">In other news Happy Ramadan and Happy Eid! </span></b><br />
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<a href="http://www.cnn.com/2010/LIVING/09/10/ramadan.roadtrip.folo/index.html?hpt=C1"><b><span style="color: magenta;"></span></b></a><b><span style="color: magenta;"><a href="">http://www.cnn.com/2010/LIVING/09/10/ramadan.roadtrip.folo/index.html?hpt=C1</a> </span></b>kateb1@umbc.eduhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00506904796606185112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5214353181911777639.post-45428859297546611682010-07-27T18:38:00.001-07:002010-07-27T18:38:28.006-07:00Very Interesting Video That I Saw..http://theyesmen.org/kateb1@umbc.eduhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00506904796606185112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5214353181911777639.post-71063043937120489952010-07-10T18:45:00.000-07:002010-07-10T18:45:49.870-07:00ISNA Convention<div style="color: blue;">Salaam wa alaikum everyone!</div><div style="color: blue;"><br />
</div><div style="color: blue;">I got the chance to attend the 47th Annual ISNA Convention in Rosemont, IL over the holiday weekend al hamdililah. I was so excited to be around so many muslims! As a revert to Islam, I feel such a connection with the people around me in a setting like that. I thought the convention was beautiful and fulfilling and TOTALLY worth the time/money. When I go next year insha'Allah I would like to make some changes however. Number one I would not stay in the Rosemont Hotel...I'm going to stay at the Hyatt.....the Rosemont was very rude and I did NOT feel welcome there. We ate at the Hyatt everyday because the Hyatt changed their menu to Halal for the convention! The Rosemont had nothing but pork with a side of pork. I also will try to do more research on the events so I can plan out my weekend instead of wandering around aimlessly. I had the best time and I really look forward to next year insha'Allah!</div>kateb1@umbc.eduhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00506904796606185112noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5214353181911777639.post-17962253378747131182010-06-14T11:50:00.000-07:002010-06-14T11:50:19.201-07:00Can't a Hijabi Get An Education?<b><span style="color: #351c75;">Salaam wa alaikum,</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #351c75;">As I sat at my work desk today I was playing with my log in for the Graduate program I will start in the fall insha'Allah. I got a big blow to my anxiety threshold when I found out my tuition and fees for 1 class will be $4000. I don't qualify for financial aid because it is a certificate program!!!!!!!!!!!!! How will I pay for this??? I want to go to school more than anything right now. I hate only having a Bachelor's but I couldn't afford to continue.....now I can't afford to go back!!!! Aren't there any scholarships for broke Muslimahs.......??????????? I am so depressed.....I want to get a Saudi Govt scholarship!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Why doesn't our country send anyone to school??? I want to stop working full time and be able to devote my time to getting my master's degree. I also want to be able to throw myself into my research without having to worry about how to put food on my table and pay my rent. If you have $4000 in disposable income...please donate to the sendkatetocollegeforhermasters fund!!! ha ha ha ha ha ha</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #351c75;">Please everyone pray for me that I can find this money somewhere insha'Allah....</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #351c75;"> </span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #351c75;">Salaam,</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #351c75;">Katie </span></b>kateb1@umbc.eduhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00506904796606185112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5214353181911777639.post-21749362923490414222010-06-10T07:21:00.000-07:002010-06-10T07:21:55.144-07:00Hijabi in the Workplace<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>I do my best to pray at work. I do wudu in the bathroom then go pray in the library so I can have some peace and quiet. Most days when I take off my scarf to do wudu it spurs a relgious discussion. The project manager of the entire company I work for came in the bathroom when I was washing. Seeing me without my scarf prompted her to ask when I could take it off and when I can't. Who are you suppossed to wear it in front of? Can your husband see you without it? Do these people think that my arms are invisibly handcuffed to my body and that I cannot lift the scarf off of my head? That I believe I will burst into flames if I removed the scarf. It is not glued to my head! If I wanted to take it off I could...if I didn't want to wear it I wouldn't! It is my way of being modest and trying to please Allah with my modesty. It is also a sign to all that I am Muslim so I do not do certain things. It deters the men in my office from feeling like they can flirt with me; it makes me feel comfortable so I can interact with my male coworkers without feeling like they are looking at my beauty. Hijab is a blessing to Muslim women so they can move freely in society without being bothered. I don't need to focus on my appearance to strangers. How stressfull getting ready for school used to be before hijab! I used to have to get up hours before school so I could make my apprearance "appropriate". I had to worry about being sexually attractive at all times. Those times were the most stressfull, anxious and unhappy times of my life. Focusing on outer beauty and judging people by their looks leads to unhappiness. I will NEVER go back to worrying like that on a daily basis. My hijab takes care of all of that worry.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>Salaam,</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b> </b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>Kate</b></span>kateb1@umbc.eduhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00506904796606185112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5214353181911777639.post-20672333272982194382010-06-02T09:41:00.000-07:002010-06-02T09:41:35.130-07:00Inspirational Young Lady Masha'Allah<span style="color: magenta;">This young lady brought tears to my eyes. I empathize with her most greatly and I wish that Allah will bless her for her struggles. My mother even enjoyed the article!!</span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta;">http://www.oprah.com/spirit/Choosing-to-Wear-the-Muslim-Headscarf/1</span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><a href="http://www.oprah.com/spirit/Choosing-to-Wear-the-Muslim-Headscarf/1">Choosing To Wear the Muslim Headscarf</a> </span>kateb1@umbc.eduhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00506904796606185112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5214353181911777639.post-71579092772848175582010-05-27T19:21:00.000-07:002010-05-27T19:21:41.203-07:00Please Support Me and Get Fair Representation in the Media for ISLAMhttp://www.examiner.com/x-51223-Baltimore-Islam-Examiner<br />
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Salaam wa alaikum,<br />
<br />
I have just been asked to be the Islam Examiner for Baltimore al hamdililah. However I need your help to make this a success and to keep representation of Muslims in the media.....PLEASE SUBSCRIBE OR COMMENT ON MY ARTICLES insha'Allah....<br />
the more comments/ subscribers the more they will allow me to write...therefore the more Muslims will be represented...thanks and I hope this is a success insha'Allah....<br />
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<a href="http://www.examiner.com/x-51223-Baltimore-Islam-Examiner">Baltimore Examiner</a><br />
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Katiekateb1@umbc.eduhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00506904796606185112noreply@blogger.com0