This is the book that made me interested in reverting to Islam...

Praying at Work

I 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.
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.

Congressman Makes an Public Anti Muslim Statement

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

Transportation

I 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.
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.
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
. 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.
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.

Please help me volunteer with orphans in Morocco

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!

crossculturalsolutions.org

My Airport Experience

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...

Becoming a Stronger Muslim

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.

" So patiently persevere: for verily the promise of Allah is true: nor let those shake thy firmness, who have (themselves) no certainty of faith. " Surah Al Room 60

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.

When I meet people who are blind to the truth of Islam I think of this verse...

Thus does Allah seal up the hearts of those who understand not. Al Room 59

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....

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.

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...

Surah 94. Solace, Consolation, Relief



1. Have We not expanded thee thy breast?-
2. And removed from thee thy burden
3. The which did gall thy back?-
4. And raised high the esteem (in which) thou (art held)?
5. So, verily, with every difficulty, there is relief:
6. Verily, with every difficulty there is relief.
7. Therefore, when thou art free (from thine immediate task), still labour hard,
8. And to thy Lord turn (all) thy attention.


Please make duah for me that I become a great Muslim...

Salaam wa alaikum

Drawing the Line Between Who I Was and Who I Hope To Be

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.

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.

 

Hijab Struggle

Salaam wa alaikum everyone....

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. 

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. 

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.

Inspirational Young Lady Masha'Allah

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!!

http://www.oprah.com/spirit/Choosing-to-Wear-the-Muslim-Headscarf/1

Choosing To Wear the Muslim Headscarf

Burqa Ban in France

Express, a publication of the Washington Post, has published an article called "Dueling Views on Liberty" about the potential ban of burqa or niqab in France. This article states that France officials are wanting to ban "extremism" and "terrorism" and that the burqa is a symbol of those two things. It is Frances opinion that these women need to be "freed" from the oppression they are suffering and that banning their face coverings will do that. Belgium has already approved a nationwide ban, that is now being considered by the Senate. The Swiss government has discussed imposing a similar ban. In the Netherlands, an anti-Islam party has also become a fast growing political movement. It's leader, Geert Wilders speaks loudly against Islam and wants the Quran banned in their country. 

Where does all this hatred towards Muslims come from? Why all of a sudden in 2010, when these women have been living in these countries for years, being bothered about their relgious dress? Is anyone going to tell a nun she can't wear her habit? Are crosses to be banned??? Why is Islam being attacked left and right when other relgions are being left alone? Why are secular powers being allowed to take away the relgious rights of others? 

Ever since September 11th 2001, has branded Islam as a violent religion, anti-Islamic literature and protest has drastically increased. 

Muslims are constantly becoming more discriminated against and generalized as violent, radical people. 

Those French and Belgium women are CITIZENS of those countries and are being treated like visitors, foreigners, or worse! Just because they are Muslims? Why all of a sudden are they not granted the SAME rights as OTHER CITIZENS? All other French and Belgium women are allowed to practice their relgious beliefs or lack there of....why are Muslim women being targeted???

May Allah help those sisters be patient and strong in their Deen....

K

A Common Misconception about Islam

he media today spreads the misconception that Islam promotes "jihad" to spread Islam by the sword and kill all unbelievers. Unfortunately this claim is simply inaccurate and is causing a lot of friction between the Muslim and non-Muslim communities of the world. The word Jihad stems from an Arabic word which means "to strive". In some translations, Jihad is listed as a "struggle". Jihad simply does not mean "blow up the infidels". Jihad is a word that has been given a political and negative connotation; similar to other words in the evolution of our language. To say that one is involved in "jihad" is equivalent to saying "I am involved in a religious protest against abortion." However politically charged that statement might be; it is not considered dangerous, nor are you considered a radical. Jihad is simply pushing through a tough time in the name of Islam. Mohammed Ali was a participant in jihad, because he stood up for his religious beliefs and did not join the war effort, despite the consequences. The Quran, which is Islam's religious text, states that "persecution is worse than slaughter" and "let there be no hostility except to those who practice oppression" (Qur'an 2:190-193). Islam is a relgion just like any other, those who practice it have a right to defend themselves. If one is attacking innocent people, they are NOT practicing Islam, therefore one cannot look to them as an example of Islam. Terrorists might be killing people in the name of Islam, but they are not representing Islam, nor practicing it. Misrepresentation of Islam and its principles is something that causes much heartache to the people who know and love the true beauty of Islam.

Bank of America

I absolutely hate writing bad reviews. However I have been treated with absolute disrespect by Bank of America, and I really believe they are the most un-Islamic institution I have ever dealt with in my ENTIRE life. If you are Muslim and you are able to; PLEASE move your money elsewhere. They have forclosed on peoples houses that they do NOT have a mortgage on, treated people with absolute disrespect, refused to do their jobs, and have taken money from numerous people. PLEASE PLEASE so support to your fellow Muslims that have suffered and PULL your money OUT of Bank of America. They will not be able to stand without our support. They need to change their business practices. Someone is getting extremely weathly on other peoples expense. We need to stop it. Thanks
Katie