As-salaamu Alaykum
http://lessonsoftheday.blogspot.com/2009/08/lesson-of-day-1141.html
A wonderful blog I recently discovered that I wanted to share.
One of my favorites from today:
A man of bad character punishes his own soul. [Imam Ghazali]
~N
May
03
assalaamu alaykum
today i meet with sister k, brother y and brother t and went to visit some local refugee families in the city. the four of us make up the refugee committee at our (it still feels weird to include myself in “our”) mosque. br y has been doing a lot of the work with the refugess on his own and at our april meeting, the three of us joined his team in an effort to elevate his stress and to also each to contribute our time and effort in this valuable area of community service.
again, i wasn’t sure what to expect. the families come to our area thru a catholic refugee mission. once they are determined to be muslim, br y is contacted by the caseworkers so that we can make a contection with them and help them if/when we can.
the first family we visited was a mother and her three sons – 18, 14 and 11. they are sudanese. the oldest son spoke pretty good english and the other two boys are enrolled in school and learning english as a second language. their mother was not feeling well – a sore throat and ear ache (as best i could understand). they live in the first floor apartment of a three story walk up. they seemed to be very comfortable and happy. we asked several times if there was anything they needed and each time they would say no. “everything ok”.
the second family we visited was a father and mother and their seven children … five girls 18, 13, 11, 8 & 7 and two boys 12 & 5. when we first arrived, the mother and the three oldest children were at the market. no one in the house spoke any english. and none of us spoke somali. they have only been in the country for 2 weeks. their oldest daughter speaks some english and so we waited around until they got back from the store. we were there for a long time! i tried talking to the children. they looked at me as if i were crazy. hibo had a mouth full of bubble gum and would occasionally blow huge bubbles. i went over and was asking her if she liked to blow big bubbles as i tried to motion with my hands to my mouth – pretending to blow and creating a large circle in front of my mouth to indicate ‘bubbles’. she would smile this beautiful smile and giggle and when i would say “can you blow a bubble for me?” she would just say “no”.
finally the shoppers came home and we were able to ask them if they needed anything. they asked for some halal meat. br y and br t took the mother and oldest daughter to the halal market a few blocks away. sister k and i stayed with the family and tried to communicate – tried to! we would get smiles and giggles from the kids. the father paced around the house a lot. occasionally he would speak to the children and three or four of them would immediately get up and go upstairs. they would stay gone for a few minutes and then come back down. he did this several times (we were there close to two hours) and each time the children would immediately obey … it was always a different group. i also noticed that sometimes they would come back with different clothes on. it was bizarre.
the children were beautiful. they had the most perfect smiles. the girls were all dressed in long skirts and hijabs. i worried that they would be weary of me because i was not covered but the didn’t seem to notice … or maybe they didn’t care. or maybe they just didn’t realize that i was actually with the mosque.
they had a little tv and a vcr. we want to try to find them some children’s videos … thinking it would be a great way for them to learn english. i immediately thought of sesame street (because i have always loved ss!) but i don’t know if that would be the most appropriate thing for them to watch.
we also determined that they need some antibacterial soaps, washing detergent and curtains (there are no curtains or blinds on the windows upstairs in the bedrooms). otherwise, they said they did not need anything.
we spent so much time with the somali family that we didn’t have time to visit the burundi family. they are a father and mother and their four sons 17, 14, 7 & 1 and one daughter, 12. insha’Allah i will visit them soon.
it’s difficult to express the emotions one feels when being in the homes of these families. i felt extreme empathy for them and yet i have no idea what they must feel. being blessed to escape their troubled homelands only to find themselves here where they know no one, can barely communicate, do not understand the culture and barely have enough money to pay their rent. it’s humbling. and it’s so very overwhelming.
i thank Allah for the blessings He has given to me. i thank Him for the trials. i thank Him for His Mercy and Grace. Allahu Akbar.
Apr
01
soup kitchen duty … extremely humbling, sad and fulfilling all at the same time
luckily i was too busy scooping mac & cheese to pay attention to most of those that came thru the line but seeing them … especially the children … made me tear up on more than one occasion. we fed about 170 people today. apparently the attendance was down from normal because it’s the first of the month and people get their monthly assistance now. they said they average around 300. they open the doors every tuesday, wednesday and thursday. i wonder what happens to the hungry the other four days of the week …
Mar
27
I have been so busy lately. I’m such a laid back wanna be alone homebody that it’s difficult for me to surrender “my” time to get out and do things. I’ve talked about that before. I love people and I love to be social. Sometimes, though, I like to limit my social to non-”real” interactions. It’s just who I am. I think it does make people wonder about me, though. “You didn’t leave the house all weekend? Again?” … please – it’s my favorite thing!
So a couple of weeks ago, I was invited to join the Outreach Committee at “my” masjid (you know, the one I had never visited before because I was too much of a scardey cat to do so). I was a nervous wreck on my drive there. I knew I was not going to know anyone – save my friend M’s husband, J, who is the OC Coordinator (and also the one that asked me to join). I don’t cover yet. I wasn’t sure if I was dressed modestly enough (as if a tunic, jacket and coat – and neck scarf weren’t enough). I was early (why am I always early? thanks, mom! – that’s why). I actually was soooo early that I left and drove around (and almost got lost trying to find my way back) for a good 1/2 hour before going back.
Finally other people started showing up. And I waited until I saw a sister or two before I made myself walk to the door and inside.
“Hi. J invited me to come tonight”, I willed myself to say when I got inside.
“Ahhh, you must be sister Dawn! Welcome!”
And my nerves were immediately calmed. Alhumdilillah!
The meeting was long and – at times – a little tense. I guess that’s what happens when you get a lot of strong personalities in a room together to discuss various programs and events once a month. But I loved it.
I signed up to get on the OC email list and I get all excited when I get an email asking for volunteers for this or help with that. I jumped right in to the deep end and I have never felt more happy. I’m doing something I love to do. I’m meeting my fellow Muslim family. I worried that I wouldn’t fit in or I wouldn’t be able to offer much help but … of course everything is working out just fine.
I’ve helped with a couple of small projects behind the scenes for the past few weeks. This coming Wednedsay I will attend my first public appearance at the local soup kitchen, insha’Allah.
I know I’m not the only one who gets nervous when something new comes along. It’s so scary to do things you have never done before. It takes a little courage and a lot of faith to allow yourself to be who you are sometimes. I just love the feeling after the first time – at anything – is over so I can think “that was easy! why were you so worried? relax and just do it for the sake of Allah!”.
so, there ya go … Noorjahaan motiviational proclaimation of the day: “Relax and JUST DO IT … for the sake of Allah!”
Mar
01
assalaamu alaykum
each day i am made more aware of Allah’s presence in my life.
i have one “real life” muslimah in my life. i was introduced to her via a classmaate on sunnipath. although we do not see each other very often, i know she is there for me when i need her. she just had a new baby, masha’Allah, and i know she is busy with her family but she always makes a point to invite me over at least once every few months.
i went over for dinner this past thursday and enjoyed a wonderful meal with her and her husband and their wonderful children. they treat me as if i am part of their family. talking with them helps boost my “islamic morale” and leaves me with a sense of belonging.
her husband is the director of an outreach program at their mosque. he has invited me to join the committee and, insha’Allah, i will be attending my first meeting this tuesday night. i am so very excited at this forward movement on my journey. for many reasons. first of all, this will be my first trip to the masjid. although i will not be going for a masjid event, i will be there. i will be meeting other sisters involved in the program and will be connected to the one i will shadow as i begin my volunteer service. i have requested to be involved in the areas of helping the unfortunate. they work with a local soup kitchen and a local shelter for abused women. they also work with a local children’s home and although they seem to think i would be a good link to go and help in that area, i don’t think i’m ready for that. i’m not knowledgable enough (at all!) to speak in detail of Islam. insha’Allah, i will one day be there but for now i fear i would do more harm that good.
i had just mentioned to my shaykh a few days prior that i felt like i was missing something … like i’m supposed to be somewhere or doing something but not knowing where or what. alhumdilillah, Allah is trying to show me the way! i just have to keep following.
Feb
22
Bismillah
Assalaamu Alaykum
Registration Open for Understanding Islam: The Coherence of Islam & the Quest for Truth
Upcoming Course: Perfect for New & Non-Muslims
Do you know any new or non-Muslims who are interested in learning more about Islam? Then be sure to let them know about the upcoming Understanding Islam: The Coherence of Islam & the Quest for Truth taught by Ustadha Noura Shamma. This short course will provide an overview of the major concepts and fundamental questions answered by Islam. The meaning of the Muslim declaration of faith and the three dimensions of Islam will all be explored.
Please let non-Muslims and recent converts (within the last year) know that they are eligible for a 75% discount off this course! They should simply enter GNL101081175 in the tuition discount code box on the cart page after you select the course from the registration form.
The first live session is March 14th. Learn more about this course here .
Jan
22
Bismilliah
Assalaamu Alaykum
We all know how tough it is these day with the current world economic crisis. Even with the recent drop in gasoline prices (that are again on the rise), it is still difficult to fill the tank. Groceries are still expensive. Electric bills, heating oil bills, water bills, telephone bills … they keep coming to our mail boxes every month and they continue to increase. People all around us losing their jobs, their houses, their hope.
In early December, we were told there would be a wage freeze for 2009 at work … effective “immediately”. No raises for anyone. I had not yet had my annual review for 2008 (that is normally to be done in August) so I did not get a 2008 raise either. But I have a still have a job. Alhamdulillah, I still have my job.
I have my home and I can pay the mortgage. I have a car and I can put enough gas in to get to/from work and to where ever I need to go. I have food in the pantry and the fridge is full. I have working electricity and I have heat. I have computers and ipods and TVs and clothes and shoes and I have a warm bed and blankets. I have everything I need to be happy and comfortable. I don’t have much money left in the bank but I don’t have to worry about paying my normal living expenses.
I am blessed.
My brothers and sisters around the world …. what do they have? Gaza is destroyed. Material possessions aside, they don’t even have WATER! All across Africa, people are starving. All around this world of ours, people are suffering. Pick a spot on the globe and someone needs help. No where to go and nothing to gain when they get there. Even here in the US, there are homeless, hungry and hopeless people who need help.
What can we do?
We all want to help but how? Money is tight. Times are hard. But here’s what we can do. We can vow to give 1/4 per quarter in 2009. What am I talking about?
This idea came to me the other day and I made a vow to myself to complete it this year. Insha’Allah, perhaps you will be inspired to participate, too.
It’s simple, really. I promise to give 1/4 of something (goals to be set) every quarter of this year so that at the end of the year, I will have given 100% … and it doesn’t have to be money – it can be as SIMPLE as giving your time volunteering.
Examples:
- Vow to give 1/4 of a work week volunteering at your local soup kitchen or food pantry. Assuming a normal work week is 40 hours. If you give 1/4 per quarter, that would be 10 hours per quarter (Jan-Mar, Apr-June, July-Sept, Oct-Dec) and at the end of the year, you will have given an full 40 hours (100%) of a work week making a difference in your local community!
- Vow to give 1/4 of your weekly pay to a charity of your choice. Assuming you make $500 a week. If you give 1/4 per quarter, that would be $125 per quarter and at the end of the year, you will have given a full week’s pay (100%) to a charity that makes a difference in this world!
- Vow to give 1/4 of your work month volunteering at your local Red Cross office. Assuming a normal work month is 160 hours. If you give 1/4 per quarter, that would be 40 hours per quarter and at the end of the year, you will have given a full 40 hours (100%) of a work week making a difference!
I know I don’t have that many readers but if you read this and you feel like you would like to participate, please share with those you know and maybe they will join in and share the idea. I’d also be interested in other 1/4 per quarter ideas that come up.
It really is true that change starts with each of us. We want to DO SOMETHING but aren’t sure how to do it. We want to give but don’t have a lot of money. We all have time. Time we waste watching TV or napping. Time we waste on-line or at the mall (even if it’s just window shopping!).
Breaking it down in smaller portions should make it almost seem to be … nothing. Seriously, if you vowed to give 1/4 of your work week at the soup kitchen per quarter, would you really miss a little over 1 hour per month?
Let’s do something.
Who’s with me?
~N
Jan
18
Assalaamu Alaykum
Please check it out and spread the word.
Two notes: I didn’t have much luck using Firefox (I need a plug in or something) but works great with IE and if you double click the player, it will go full screen.
Jan
15
Way back two years or so when I got my first Qur’an, I got busy with highlighters and pens – with post-its and page markers – with pencils and note cards – I read and wrote and wrote and read. On all the pages. As I continued learning, I realized that I was being disrepectful. I still have that copy and I still use it for making notes and to highlight surahs. I still put tabs on pages and stick note cards between pages. I read it when I am not pure and I carry it with me when I travel. Is that bad? Should I retire that copy and not use it as a “textbook” anymore? If I should, should I dispose of it somehow? How? I really do not want to get rid of it as it has been such a light on my path … such a miracle in my life … it’s like a part of me. But, if that’s what I need to do, that’s what I will do!
I bought another copy soon after I started reading about proper use and handling and I make sure that I only use it with utmost respect.
And then, again, I’m not sure if translated copies of the Qur’an are exactly what is being discussed when one talks about the proper use and care. Perhaps it is only for Arabic copies? ? ?
*Edit: I just noticed #28 (I mis-read when I read the first time!) … it is okay to write in Qur’an … ??
It is the inviolability of the Qur’an:
1. not to touch the Qur’an except in the state of ritual purity in wudu, and to recite it when in a state of ritual purity;
2. to brush one’s teeth with a toothstick (siwak), remove food particles from between the them, and to freshen one’s mouth before reciting, since it is the way through which the Qur’an passes;
3. to sit up straight if not in prayer, and not lean back;
4. to dress for reciting as if intending to visit a prince, for the reciter is engaged in an intimate discourse;
5. to face the direction of prayer (qiblah) to recite;
6. to rinse the mouth out with water if one coughs up mucus or phlegm;
7. to stop reciting when one yawns, for when reciting , one is addressing one’s Lord in intimate conversation, while yawning is from the Devil;
8. when begining to recite, to take refuge from in Allah from the accursed Devil and say the Basmala, whether one has begun at the first surah or some other part one has reached;
9. once one has begun, not to interrupt one’s recital from moment to moment with human words, unless absolutely necessary;
10. to be alone when reciting it, so that no one interrupts one, forcing one to mix the words of the Qur’an with replying, for this nullifies the effectivness of having taken refuge in Allah from the Devil at the beginning;
11. to recite it leisurely and without haste, distinctly pronouncing each letter;
12. to use one’s mind and understanding in order to comprehend what is being said to one;
13. to pause at verses that promise Allah’s favour, to long for Allah Most High and ask of His bounty; and at verses that warn of His punishment to ask Him to save one from it;
14. to pause at the accounts of bygone peoples and individuals to heed and benefit from their example;
15. to find out the meanings of the Qur’an’s unusual lexical usages;
16. to give each letter its due so as to clearly and fuLly pronounce every word, for each letter counts as ten good deeds;
17. whenever one finishes reciting, to attest to the veracity of ones’s Lord, and that His messenger (Allah bless him and grant him peace) has delivered his message, and to testify to this, saying: “Our Lord, You have spoken the truth, Your messengers have delivered their tidings, and bear witness to this. O Allah, make us of those who bear witness to the truth and who act with justice“: after which one supplicates Allah with prayers.
18. not to select certain verses from each surah to recite, but rather the recite the whole surah;
19. if one puts down the Qur’an, not to leave it open;
20. not to place other books upon the Qur’an, which should always be higher than all other books, whether they are books of Sacred Knowledge or something else;
21. to place the Qur’an on one’s lap when reading; or on something in front of one, not on the floor;
22. not to wipe it from a slate with spittle, but rather wash it off with water; and if one washes it off with water, to avoid putting the water where there are unclean substances (najasa) or where people walk. Such water has its own inviolability, and there were those of the early Muslims before us who used water that washed away Qur’an to effect cures.
23. not to use sheets upon which it has been written as bookcovers, which is extremely rude, but rather to erase the Qur’an from them with water;
24. not to let a day go by without looking at least once at the pages of the Qur’an;
25. to give one’s eyes their share of looking at it, for the eyes lead to the soul (nafs), whereas there is a veil between the breast and the soul, and the Qur’an is in the breast.
26. not to trivially quote the Qur’an at the occurrence of everyday events, as by saying, for example, when someone comes, “You have come hither according to a decree, O Moses” [Qur'an 69:24],
or, “Eat and drink heartily for what you have done aforetimes, in days gone by” [Qur'an 69:24], when food is brought out, and so forth;
27. not to recite it to songs tunes like those of the corrupt, or with the tremulous tones of Christians or the plaintiveness of monkery, all of which is misguidance;
28. when writing the Qur’an to do so in a clear, elegant hand;
29. not to recite it out aloud over another’s reciting of it, so as to spoil it for him or make him resent what he hears, making it as if it were some kind of competition;
30. not to recite it in marketplaces, places of clamour and frivolity, or where fools gather;
31. not to use the Qur’an as pillow, or lean upon it;
32. not to toss it when one wants to hand it to another;
33. not to miniaturize the Qur’an, mix into it what is not of it, or mingle this worldly adornment with it by embellishing or writing it with gold;
34. not to write it on the ground or on walls, as is done in some new mosques;
35. not to write an amulet with it and enter the lavatory, unless it is encased in leather, silver, or other, for then it is as if kept in the heart;
36. if one writes it and then drinks it (for cure or other purpose), one should say the Basmala at every breath and make a noble and worthy intention, for Allah only gives to one according to one’s intention;
37. and if one finishes reciting the entire Qur’an, to begin it anew, that it may not resemble something that has been abandoned.
Jan
06
- update on my tea sipping …. two “african rooibos red tea” bags make a mighty fine pot of tea for one … add a lil honey and it’s heavenly. i think i may become a coffee by morning, tea by evening kinda girl. very relaxing. i never understood the tea thing before but i think i’m finally beginning to understand all the fuss. luckily for me, caffine has no affect on my ability to sleep.
- online rihla has a very touching post on change. it made me all teary. but it raises a very big question for me. how do you know that the charity/charities you choose to contribute to are valid [read: non-terrorist] organizations? how do you make sure you don’t end up innocently giving monies to a group(s) you don’t mean to help fund? is it silly to worry about that when trying to decide where to help? does it matter? if my name ends up on a list somewhere someday (if it isn’t already), i would hope that i would be able to defend myself against false accusations. but what if i couldn’t? i guess as long as i know in my heart that i am giving with honest intentions, it doesn’t really matter what might happen to me. wow, re-reading this point back to myself really makes me sound a bit unstable.
- dr. laura bothers me. as i’ve been trying to avoid music, i’ve been listening to talk radio/news when in the car. in the evening driving home, i occasionally tune in to her show and …. i don’t know …. she just seems so mean. why do i keep listening? which reminds me i need to update the Qur’an download and get back on my iPod. it does make better listening.
- reminder to self: send that email to XM radio requesting they add a Muslim station broadcast to their religious channel line up
- i need to plan a trip home to see my family, insha’Allah. i miss them so much sometimes. as weird as this sounds, living away from them – as hard as it is at times – i really believe is a test of sorts in regards to my future. one day – and maybe one day soon – i may be even further away than 1,000 miles.
that’s all i’ve got for now
peace & love
~N
