Online Store Review: Middle Eastern Mall

It's not like I want this place to turn into one of those hijab fashion and style blogs flooding the internet, but I recently made an online hijab and accessories order from one store, and since I had nothing but good things to say about it, I thought I'd showcase the store on here.

I love browsing through catalogues and online hijab stores, but since I already have a decent collection of oblongs and squares, I don't really purchase much of these things online. However, I've had a gorgeous black sheer chiffon amira (pull on / slip on) hijab with detailed sequin-work in my collection, which I've always been unable to wear because I did not have the proper underscarf for it. None of the regular underscarves would work, because those only cover the hair and ears at most, but since my scarf is so thin and sheer, I would need a longer underscarf that could cover my neck as well.

I searched a lot for one-piece amira hijabs, but to my surprise, its not easy to find them at all. Either stores don't carry them, or they were really high-priced. I mean, I am not about to pay $15 for a basic 1 piece scarf plus $10 shipping - that is just insane! But finally, after going through dozens of stores, I decided to ask around on the forums I go to and someone recommended I should try Middle Eastern Mall.

Alhamdulillah for this store! I had spent an entire weekend searching and searching for 1 piece amiras, but no luck. However, this place is amira heaven! They have 1 piece and 2 piece scarves in so many different styles, I was looking at their website for hours. And everything is so reasonably priced.  I subscribed to their emails, and they have so many sales and price-cuts, its amazing. Last weekend, I placed my order, and my package arrived lightning fast. I am *very* pleased with their products.

They had the perfect thing I had been looking for: Worry-free Underscarves. They are just basic slip on hijabs, however they are really short so they only are able to cover up until the neckline. And at only around $5.00, this would have been the perfect thing to buy - but they were out of stock with the black ones, and I really needed to get mine within a week because I had planned to wear my sheer sequin scarf to an event I needed to go to. So, I decided to get a black simple amira instead. (Worry-frees are back in stock now, in all sorts of colors! Check them out.) I also decided to get some arm sleeves in more colors, because I currently only have them in light green, beige and cream.

After placing my order, my package arrived within the same week, which was a very nice surprise. On opening my package, I discovered everything was packaged and wrapped so beautifully! Once, I'd ordered some sleeve-gauntlets online from a different store, however, the sleeves were just wrapped in some clear plastic wrap. However, with Middle Eastern Mall, all the products I'd ordered came in their original pretty packaging, complete with the "Made in Syria" or "Made in Jordan." stickers. All the sleeves were "Made in China" - this really amused me for some reason. The packaging especially, I thought was pretty impressive, because you can tell you're buying something new and unopened.

I bought six items in total: three Arm Sleeves in Pink, Gray and Black; a black cotton 1 piece amira (which I need to use as an underscarf under my sheer scarves); a tan jacquard 2 piece amira; and something really pretty which caught my eye - a pink malika hijab. Below are all the pictures of the items I bought. These pictures I have taken direct from Middle Eastern Mall:

I couldn't find the proper picture of my malika hijab (top-middle pic), but mine has a black band in the middle instead of white.

Here are a few more pictures of my items, which I took:

The packaging, front side

Packaging, reverse side

Three sleeves

And a closeup of the detailed sequined front on my Malika hijab. Love it!



All the scarves and sleeves are so soft and comfy - I wore my black sleeves and black underscarf today, and I can't describe how utterly soft it was - it didn't even feel like I was wearing an underscarf, the ones I had were always so tight or they kept pulling at my hair. And the sleeves are in the perfect material as well - I've bought some Egyptian Cotton sleeves and Polyster sleeves previously from other places, but the Egyptian Cotton has started to wrinkle a lot, and there's lint on it as well. And the polyster one, though it has a very nice sheen, sometimes slips, so I'm constantly adjusting it. But the ones I just got are in the same sort of material as a T-shirt would be, so its very comfortable. I was even able to crease and fold them in a little so as to  move them away from my wrist a bit and make wearing bracelets more feasible - I can definitely not do that with my Egyptian Cotton sleeves, because the folds don't stay since its quite a thick material. The other scarves are really great too - its my first time buying a jacquard scarf, so I wasn't sure what it would be like, however, I love the self-design on this one. It has some ornamental stitching in the same color criscrossing all over the scarf. The Malika hijab is my utmost favourite though - a nice blend of cotton, with a fancy design on the front, and this happens to be my favorite color.

Overall, I'd say I had a very good experience. I'm usually wary to buy things online, because you can't really see or touch what you're buying, but I would definitely recommend this store to everyone! They have amazing quality items at reasonable pricing, fast shipping, What more could you ask for? So thank you, Middle Eastern Mall!

I've also ordered a package from Shop the Souq (http://www.shopthesouq.com/), which I'm still waiting to receive, but InshaAllah, I'll do another review for those items as well.

If someone is wondering what the sleeves are for, since we are supposed to cover everything except our face and hands, these sleeves make it easier to wear tops with three-quarter or half sleeves and still get full coverage. You don't even have to wear an entire shirt underneath - just pull on these sleeves, and you're set. Alhamdulillah.

My Mother

I want to continue with the previous topic on parents.

I've had people ask me whether muslims celebrate Mother's Day, or Father's Day? When I reply 'not really', people are appalled! Needless to say, they think us nasty barbarians who do not honor our parents. But that's not true at all. As the previous post illustrates, we place our parents on a very elevated level and it's our duty to do the utmost we can for them.

What amazes me most, is how Western society is slowly placing more and more emphasis on the materialistic aspect of things. Every single special day is filled with consumerism, buying more and more, and focusing on the mere material. So it's Mother's Day? All a child has to do is give a phone call to their mother, send flowers and chocolate, and probably take them out for dinner. And then, seemingly pleased and content that they have fulfilled their duties for their parents, they are able to forget them for the rest of the year. How nice. How can a society claim that they honor their parents and love them because they keep aside a special Day for them, but at the same time when those very parents who raised and took care of children reach old age, they are shunned and relegated to some old age home? Is this respect for parents? Is it okay to leave the people responsible for bringing you up, catering to your every need, feeding you, clothing you, paying for your education, for all your entertainment needs and shun them like this? Once a child reaches maturity, it's their turn to start caring for the parents, as the parents cared for their children. It would be the greatest insult of all to place parents in nursing and old-age homes.

In muslim families, parents stay with their children, mostly with their sons and sometimes with their daughters, because a son's first responsiblity is his parents. A daughter is also required to care for parents, however, once she is married, her utmost required devotion shifts from the parents to the husband. It does not suit us, as muslims, to banish our parents out of sight to the old-age home. Ask any parent - would they like to live alone during the last days of their lives, away from their children, and is it okay if the child just sends money, even if he/she does that much? No. What the parent needs is to be close to their child, to receive emotional, psychological and moral support in their old age.

This is why it does not do to selfishly adopt a single day out of the entire year to express gratitude and show a materialistic form of affection to parents. We should be aware that honouring and showing sincere affection and gratitude to the mother especially, and then the father is a full time duty that should be practiced each and everyday of ones life. We can never never never repay our parents for all that they've done for us in our lives.

And in closing, I want to include this beautiful Nasheed (Islamic-oriented song, traditionally sung acapella, or accompanied by a drum), 'My Mother.'

This is based on the Saying of RasulAllah (Rasul = Prophet. RasulAllah = Prophet of Allah, meaning Prophet Muhammad, may the blessings of Allah always be upon him), where someone asked him who we should obey after Allah and after RasulAllah. His answer was "Your mother." The person again asked. "And who should I obey next?" RasulAllah (pbuh) answered - "Your mother." Again, the person asked, "O RasulAllah, who should I obey after that?" And yet again, his answer was "Your mother." Then, when the person repeated his question, the Prophet (p.b.u.h) stated "Your father." How tremendous is the status of mothers! Ya Allah, please help us always be kind to our parents, and may we be a comfort to them.

I really love this Nasheed, it's so beautiful - it's hard to listen to this and not feel moved.

Woman: "The Prophet (may peace be upon him) told us that we must obey Allah and His messenger at all times. But after that, who else did he tell us to listen to, and be close to?

Children: "Your mother."

Woman: "Yes. Well done."

Lyrics:

Who should I give my love to? My respect and my honor to?
Who should I pay good mind to, after Allah? And RasulAllah?
Comes your mother.
Who next?
Your mother.
Who next?
Your mother.
And then your father.

Cause who used to hold you, and clean you, and clothe you?
Who used to feed you and always be with you?
When you were sick, staying up all night,
Holding you tight,
That's right, no other....
My mother.

Who should I take good care of?
Giving all my love.
Who should I think the most of, after Allah? And RasulAllah?
Comes your mother.
Who next?
Your mother.
Who next?
Your mother.
And then your father.

Cause who used to hear you before you could talk?
Who used to hold you before you could walk?
And when you fell, who'd pick you up?
Clean you cut.
No one but your mother.
My mother.

Who should I stay right close to?
Listen most to?
Never say no to after Allah? And RasulAllah?
Comes your mother.
Who next?
Your mother.
Who next?
Your mother.
And then your father.

Cause who used to hug you and buy you new clothes?
Comb your hair and blow your nose?
And when you cried, who'd wipe your tears? Knows your fears?
Who really cares?
My mother.

Say Alhamdulillah, thank you Allah.
Thank you Allah for my mother!

The High Status of Parents

Islam ordains us to show the utmost kindness, gratitude and respect to one's parents, who raised us and made us who we are today. So elevated is their status, that after God and His messenger Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), we are commanded to obey and respect our parents next, out of all the human beings in this world.

"Thy Lord hath decreed that ye worship none but Him, and that ye be kind to parents. Whether one or more attain old age in thy life, say not to them a word of contempt, nor repel them, but address them in terms of honor. And out of kindness, lower to them the wing of humility, and say, "my Lord! bestow on them Thy Mercy, even as they cherished me in childhood." (Quran 17: 23,24)

And out of both of one's parents, the mother holds the higher position for a child, for the reason that she was the one who gave birth to him/her and played the most important role in shaping and raising a new life. Even if we tried, we can never pay off our debts to our parents.

"And We have enjoined on man (to be good) to his parents. In travail upon travail did his mother bear him, and in two years was his weaning. Show gratitude to Me and to thy parents; to Me is thy final goal." (Chapter31: verse14)

Being obedient to parents is actually considered a form of worship, where a person can gain immense rewards. It's also actually said that paradise lies at the feet of the mother. Even if our parents hurt us, or scold us, we are not even allowed to so much as frown at them.

"He who wishes to enter Paradise through its best door must please his parents." - Saying of the Prophet.

"It is a pity that some people may not attain Paradise, on account of not serving their old parents." - Saying of the Prophet.

"A man or woman is bound to be good to his or her parents, even though they may have injured him or her." - Saying of the Prophet. 

May Allah guide us and help us always be kind and obedient to our parents, and may we always honor and respect them. Ameen.

Most Commonly Asked Questions about Islam / Muslims - Part IV

DOES ISLAM PROMOTE TERRORISM?

Absolutely Not. Islam condemns all acts of oppression. Necessary force is permissible only when one is defending oneself, family, and right to practice his/her religion or fighting tyranny and oppression. Muslims who blow up buildings and kill innocent people are not acting in accordance with what Islam teaches.

IS THERE RACISM IN ISLAM?

No. Muslims are found in every country, whether they are European, African, Asian or American. 1 in every 5 people on the earth is a Muslim, Which means there are 1.2 billion Muslims in the world. Islam promotes racial harmony and tolerance. Allaah says: " O mankind! We have created you from a male and female, and made you into nations and tribes that you may know one another. Verily, the most honourable of you in the Sight of Allaah is the believer who has the most piety. Verily, Allaah is All Knowing, All Aware." (Qur’an 49:13) This is in opposition to Louis Farrakhan’s disbelieving lies against Islam, in saying that, ‘Allaah appeared in the person of Master W. Fard Muhammad’, or ‘We the original (black) nation of the earth’. The Believers seek refuge with Allaah from such lies against Allaah. Ameen!

HAS THE QUR’AN PREDICTED THE NEW DISCOVERIES OF MODERN SCIENCE?

Yes! Since the Qur’an came from the Creator of the Heavens and the Earth, it is only befitting that science would later confirm what is in the Qur’an. Examples of this are, the expansion of the universe as stated in the Qur’an: "With power did We construct the heaven. Verily, We expand the vastness of space." (Qur’an 51:47) Every living thing is created from water: "Do not those who disbelieve know that the heavens and the earth were joined together as one united piece, then We parted them? And We have made from water every living thing. Will they then not believe?" (Qur’an 21:30) The trimester: "…He (Allaah) created you in the wombs of your mothers, creation after creation in three veils of darkness, such is Allaah your Lord. How then are you turned away (from the truth)?" (Qur’an 39:7) There are several other examples proving that the Qur’an is from your Lord. Allaah says: "Do they not consider the Qur’an carefully? Had it been from other than Allaah, they would have found therein much contradictions." (Qur’an 4: 82)

Most Commonly Asked Questions about Islam / Muslims - Part III

DO MUSLIMS WORSHIP MUHAMMAD?

No! Muslims do not worship Muhammad nor do they worship any other Prophets, Saints, or created things. It is not permissible for a Muslim to pray, supplicate, or direct any type of worship to any created thing in rivalry to the Lord of all that exists. Allaah says: " Say (to them Muhammad), ‘I am only a man like you. It has been inspired to me that your God is One God. So whoever hopes for the Meeting with his Lord, let him work righteousness and associate none as a partner in the Worship of his Lord.' " (Qur’an 18:110)

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF OUR CREATION?

As we examine Allaah’s creation, we will inevitably conclude that all things have a purpose. If we look at the delicate balance of our universe, as vast as it is, orchestrated in perfect synchronization. The human body and its various different processes like thought, movement, vision and its ability to heal itself. The earth and its countless number of life forms, various plants, vegetables and animals. The weather system, the seasons and the water cycle. Surely, these things have some purpose, more so for human beings. Allaah says: " And We (Allaah) created not the spirits and men, except that they should worship Me (alone)." 51:56 As the verse states in question #8,all things are in a state of submission to the Creator by following the natural laws that they have been created for. We were born in a state of submission, not in a state of sin as we had no choice in the matter and we will die in submission. Between these two time spans, man has been given the rational ability to choose to submit to his Creator. Know for surety that we will all die and none of us knows when we’re going to die. Isn’t it time you submitted to your Lord?

DOES ISLAM OPPRESS WOMEN?

No. On the contrary, 1400 years ago Islam liberated women. At that time in Europe, Christian scholars were debating whether women had souls, if yes, did they have animal souls or human souls? Until recently women were stripped of their last names to illustrate that they were the property of their husbands. As for Islam, women are equal to men in all acts of piety, they keep their last names, they are allowed to keep their own money, choose who they want to marry, have the right to seek a divorce, have the right to inheritance and have the right to be protected and maintained by their husbands. They have been dignified and exonerated by the Hijab (Islamic covering). In the West, women are portrayed as sex objects to be used and discarded. We see them being used to sell cars, alcohol and even bubble gum. In Islam, women have been elevated to a stature that surpasses the roles placed upon them by any religion or culture. Women are not to be abused or oppressed but they are to be respected and cared for. As a result, Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world amongst women.

IS POLYGYNY PERMISSIBLE?

Yes! Islam regulated matrimony in that men are permitted to marry up to four wives provided they treat them fairly and equally. The man must first be financially capable to take another wife, provide different residences and be able to divide his time equally amongst them. In the western society many men who are married to only one wife usually have extramarital affairs. Thus a survey was published in the USA Today (April 4, 1988; Section D) which asked 4700 mistresses, what would they like their status to be (mistress or second wife). They said, "I prefer being a second wife rather than the other woman". The reasons for this are that they didn’t have any legal rights, nor did they have the financial equality of the legally married wives and it appeared that these men were using them. Islam is clearly against extra or premarital affairs (fornication) as this leads to corruption in the society and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. Don’t people feel bad when they have children out of wedlock? These children have the right to grow up knowing that they have parents who are responsible enough to have planned to bring them into the world. No one would like to be told that they were an accident. As for those against polygyny, statistics show that because of wars there are more women in the world than there are men. Other reasons are, most married men engage in extramarital affairs and there is an increase in homosexuality amongst men, thus causing an excess amount of women to men. The Islamic solution of polygyny is the best solution to the seemingly difficult problems that plague our society in our man to woman relationships.

WHAT IS THE TRUTH ABOUT JESUS?

Jesus, the son of Mary is a servant and Messenger of Allaah. Allaah says in the Qur’an that Jesus was born of a miraculous birth; "Verily, the likeness of Jesus before Allaah is the likeness of Adam. He created him from dust, then (He) said unto him: ‘Be’ and he was." (Qur’an 3:59). He performed many miracles as a Prophet by Allaah’s permission such as resurrecting the dead, healing the blind and sick, making a living bird out of clay and speaking as new born infant. Jesus brought the same message as the other Prophets. He is not to be worshipped as the "Son of God!" Jesus was raised alive up to Allaah from where he will return to re-establish the Law of Allaah on earth.

WHAT IS THE TRUTH ABOUT THE "SON OF GOD", "TRINITY" AND MARY?

Your Creator says: "Surely, they have disbelieved who say:
‘Allaah is the Messiah (Jesus).’; But the Messiah said, ‘O Children of Israel! Worship Allaah, my Lord and your Lord.’ Verily, whosoever sets up partners in worship with Allaah, then Allaah has forbidden Paradise for him, and the Fire will be his abode. And for the polytheists there are no helpers. Surely, the disbelievers are those who said, ‘Allaah is a third of the three (in a trinity).’ But there is no god but the One God. And if they cease not from what they say, verily, a painful torment will befall the disbelievers among them. Will they not repent to Allaah and ask for His Forgiveness? For Allaah is Oft Forgiving, Most Merciful. The Messiah, son of Mary is no more than a Messenger. Many were the Messengers that passed away before him. His mother was a truthful woman. They both used to eat food (As other human beings, while Allaah does not eat). Look how Allaah makes the revelations clear to them, yet look how they are deluded away (from the truth)." (Qur’an 5:72-75)

Most Commonly Asked Questions about Islam / Muslims - Part II

WHAT ARE THE FUNDAMENTALS OF FAITH? 

• Belief in Allaah, His Oneness and ascribing no partners to Him.
• Belief in the Angels (Gabriel, Michael, Israfil, etc.).
• Belief in the revealed scriptures (Torah, Psalms, Gospel) in their original form, not as they exist today.
• Belief in Allaah’s Messengers (Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, Muhammad etc.)
• Belief in the Day of Resurrection.
• Belief in Pre-Ordainment. The good or bad of it. 

WHO IS A MUSLIM?

One who practices the 5 pillars of Islam and believes in the fundamentals of faith. One can become a Muslim by saying; "Ashadhu An Laa ilaha illa Allaah, wa ashadhu anna Muhammad ar-rasulullah."This means, " I bear witness that no deity has the right to be worshipped except Alalah and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Final Messenger." All Prophets preceding Muhammad were Muslims. This includes Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses and Jesus. Is there a doubt that these Prophets did not submit their will to the Creator? Allaah says in the Qur’an: " Abraham was neither a Jew or a Christian, but he was a true Muslim and he was not of the idolaters." (Qur’an 3:67) It is important to note that other religions are derived from the name of a place or a person. Examples of this are: Judaism is derived from the tribe of Judah, Hinduism is from the Indus River, Buddhism is from Goutam Buddha and Christianity is from Jesus Christ. Islam is the only revealed religion and way of life that directly attaches its worshippers to the servitude of the Creator.

IS ISLAM THE ONLY RELIGION ACCEPTABLE TO THE CREATOR?

Yes! As explained in the introduction, Islam means peace through the submission to the Will of Allaah. One who does this is called a Muslim. Therefore, the only thing acceptable to the Creator is submission to Him. Allaah says: "Do they seek other than the Religion of Allaah (Islam)? While to Him submit all other creatures in the heavens and the Earth, willingly or unwillingly. And to Him they shall all be returned. Say, ‘We believe in Allaah and what was sent down to us, and what was sent down to Abraham, Ismail, Isaac, Jacob and the tribes, and what was revealed to Moses, Jesus, and the Prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between them, and to Him (Allaah) we have submitted (in Islam).’ And whosoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted of him, and in the hereafter he will be of the losers (in the hellfire). (Qur’an 3:83-85)

WILL THE ACTIONS OF NON-BELIEVERS BE WASTED?

Yes! Allaah says: "Say, 'Shall We tell you the greatest losers in respect of their deeds? Those whose efforts have been wasted in this life while they thought that they were acquiring good by their deeds. They are those who deny the revelation of their Lord and the meeting with Him (in the Hereafter). So their works are in vain and on the Day of Resurrection, We shall not give them any weight. That shall be their recompense, Hell; because disbelieved and took My revelations and My Messengers by way of jest and mockery. Verily, those who believe (in the Oneness of Allaah-Islamic Monotheism) and do righteous good deeds shall have the Garden of Paradise for their entertainment." (Qur’an 18:103-107)

WHAT IS THE HEREAFTER?

The "Hereafter" is the final destiny of all worldly existence starting at the time of death. The day mankind will be resurrected from their graves then they shall be brought to account for their deeds whether good or evil. Allaah says: "I (Allaah) swear by the Day of Resurrection, and I (Allaah) swear by self-reproaching person. Does Man think that We shall not assemble his bones? Yes, We are able to put together in perfect order the tips of his fingers. Nay! (Man denies Resurrection and Reckoning. So) he desires to continue committing sins. He asks, ‘When will be this Day of Resurrection?’ So, when the sight shall be dazed, and the moon will eclipsed, and the sun and the moon will be joined together. On that day man will say, ‘ Where is the place that I can flee to?' No! There is no refuge! Unto that your Lord (Alone) will be the place of rest that day. On that day men will be informed of what he sent forward ( of evil or good deeds), and what he left behind (of his good or evil practices). Nay! Man will be a witness against himself." (Qur’an 35:1-4)

Revert Story: From Darkness to Light

I came across this beautiful beautiful story today, and thought I'd share it with others. This is an account of how one person was led from living a Hindu life to learning about and accepting Islam:

-------------------------
Assalam Alaikum: My Islamic Br's & Sis's.A sister from TTI (www.turntoislam.com/forum) wished to know, how did I revert to Islam.

I want to say one thing "Being a Muslim I have only benefited my own soul, towards salvation and None else. I really feel awkward/shy to hear appreciations from my Br's and Sis's. Their Du'aa indeed is a big reward for me."

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

My journey to Islam is a result of guidance offered to me by an Egyptian woman. She is my spiritual guide and sister.

I belong to an orthodox but progressive Hindu family. There are four sects in Hinduism. I come from the Brahmin sect, the most prestigious and educated category among the Hindus. I followed my parental faith in the learning phase of childhood. My approach to the Almighty started as a pagan with polytheistic devotion to our Hindus gods, and I was quite aware of the sectarian discrimination that prevailed in my society.

I always wondered about the originator of this universe, His strength, vastness, and many more things. All answers to my queries about the Almighty were not answered by my parent's ideology. We human beings have selected some of our masterpieces and called them the Seven Wonders of the World. However, indeed these Wonders of the World stand nowhere in comparison to the creation of the Almighty. A mere glimpse, not of things far but of things around us, makes me tend to believe in the existence of a Supreme Authority who must be their Designer.

Amazingly, my first active and realizable encounter with Islam was in 1989 (I was only 15) when my city fell into communal violence. The violence was widespread and killed innocent people. As a Hindu then, I was filled with anger toward Muslims. This wave of violence again struck my city in 1990 and 1992. I was a rigid Hindu then and took part in several anti-Muslim demonstrations in those tense years. When the situation calmed down, I developed some curiosity toward Muslims and Islam. Though I was not yet mature, indeed something from inside compelled me to begin to scrutinize Muslim society.

I belong to a society whose social infrastructure I have never respected, yet I have always noticed that a force unifies Muslim society. Initially I thought that, being a minority community in India, Muslims are bonded together for safety concerns. However, I soon realized that the unifying force is not driven by political or security measures. It is something else. With close scrutiny, I came to realize that this central force which bonds Muslims together is related to the first pillar of Islam, namely tawheed (the Oneness of God). Unlike my community where people are divided on account of their differences in rituals, ALL Muslims are unified by worshiping the same God, practicing the same `ibadat (acts of worship) — same salah (ritual prayer), fasting at the same time, etc. This exploration, though not driven by spirituality, indeed sowed the seeds of tawheed in my mind. I came to know the concept of monotheism. Until then, I never knew about the Oneness of God.

My mind was then caught between two ideologies: monotheism and polytheism. In 1994, I was preparing for my medical entrance exam. To study physics, I began to go to a Muslim professor. It was the month of Ramadan. One day I was there at the time of iftar (meal to break the fast), and heard the Adhan. A faint sound of the Adhan always crept to my house, but it was not understandable. For the first time then, I listened to an Adhan from a nearby mosque. The voice of the Adhan gave me gooseflesh. I felt in a state of mind like never before. It seemed to me as if the Adhan was rising from the mosque up to the heavens. I found myself in a sedative condition of utmost peace.

Driven by this realization of peace and spirituality, I bought a copy of the Qur'an, and I started reading it. With every word I read, my brain was being washed. By the grace of God, I went on smoothly to accept the word of God surah after surah. It was so simple, distinct, and clear. I wandered through the content of the Qur'an, from the way of dealing with your neighbor to the creation of universe. When I reached Surat Al-Ikhlas (Chapter 112), I literally lost my sense of equilibrium. Its four ayahs pierced my heart. Allah says what can be translated as:

[Say: He is Allah, the One and Only;
Allah, the Eternal, Absolute;
He begetteth not, nor is He begotten;
And there is none like unto Him.]

I can say for sure that such a clear concept of God is not found in any other religious scriptures. The question of what God is like has always disturbed me, and I wonder at how distinctly God has defined Himself in such four lines. As I read this surah, it seemed to me as if the Almighty was Himself explaining His own attributes in such simple language in front of my eyes. For the first time, I was able to know the Almighty, and I found myself on the doorstep of the religion of Allah. As a student of science, I was also stunned by the scientific facts mentioned in the Qur'an. My trust in the Qur'an and the prophethood of Muhammad (peace be upon him) was established.

However, I remained at the doorsteps of the religion of God for a long time. I was not able to free myself from the captivity of my inherited faith. Though I was not following it, a fear always overcast my mind of the repercussions of accepting Islam. Hence, my journey to Islam came to a halt for awhile. However, after this pause, Allah the All-Knower sent me a soul to guide me to my destination. She gave me a gentle push to enter the religion of God. In the month of Ramadan on my birthday (October 9, 2006), I accepted Islam upon her encouragement. That soul is now my spiritual sister. Allah guided me to realize His Oneness, to endorse the truth of the Qur'an as His authentic word, and to accept Prophet Muhammad as the Seal of the Prophets in my heart long before I practiced the pillars of Islam. However, I owe her credit for giving me the courage to eventually make my decision and be a true Muslim.

Though I expect a tough reaction from my father, my submission to Allah is firm.

I never felt myself close to God as a non-Muslim and never felt a sense of satisfaction through my acts of worship. With the acceptance of Islam, there has been an enhancement of my spirituality, as now I pray as a monotheist to the real Creator of the universe. Now I spend my late evening hours in the mosque instead of wasting them among friends. After offering my salah, I reach a state of mind that I can only describe as peaceful. I am trying to apply the word of Allah in every activity in my life. My dedication toward my wife has multiplied. The vulgarity that frequently overtook me now seems to have subsided. My family members say I have changed in many aspects. Above all now, I am committed and submitted to the real Lord of this universe.
Except my wife and mother, no one is aware of my Islamic identity. My wife is a simple woman who willingly accepted her Muslim husband. My mother does not comment on this issue except advising me to be fully devoted to whatever path I follow. Though I expect a tough reaction from my father, my submission to Allah is firm. My father and brothers are big critics of Islam, and the issue of jihad is their weapon. I am trying to teach Islam to my wife, and in fact, one of my goals is to be committed to da`wah after I enrich my knowledge of Islam.

Though I find myself amidst many problems related to my new identity, I am striving hard to dedicate myself spiritually to Allah. My spiritual sister tries endlessly to provide me with the knowledge I need about certain issues and to back me with spiritual strength.

Many times I wonder whether it is reality or fiction that I am now a submitter to Allah. Every individual is born as a Muslim. Therefore, I prefer to call my inclusion in the Ummah of Islam (nation of Muslims) as a reversion and not conversion. For me, being a Muslim is the greatest reward from the Almighty. Hereby, I pray that Allah enlightens the dwellers of dark.

Regards.

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Most Commonly Asked Questions about Islam/Muslims - Part I

I came across a very amazing series of 20 commonly asked questions about Islam or about Muslims. So, breaking them up into parts I will post them here bit by bit.

Here is the first part. This might be a recap of what's been earlier stated with a different perspective:

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IN THE NAME OF Allaah, THE MOST GRACIOUS, THE MOST MERCIFULThe word "Islam" means peace and submission to the Will of the only God worthy of being worshipped. This peace is contentment with yourself and your surroundings that could only be achieved by willfully submitting to God, obeying what He commands and abstaining from what He forbids.

WHO IS ALLAH?
Allah is the name in Arabic for the "One God". Allah is the Creator, Sustainer, Planner and Organizer. He is the only deity that has the right to be worshipped (i.e. praying, supplicating, fasting, etc.). In Islam, the belief in the One God cannot be separated from the acts of worshipping the One God. In other words, it is not enough to simply think you believe in the Oneness of the Creator but that belief must be affirmed by your statement and actions. Example, it would negate ones belief in the Oneness of the Creator if he directs his worship to a man (or any of the other created things).

WHO IS A PROPHET?
A Prophet is a person who is appointed by God to call the people to the worship and believe in the One God. All Prophets were given miracles by Allah to prove that they were Prophets. For example, Moses was given the miracles to free the Children of Israel, Jesus was given the ability to heal the sick and raise the dead by Allah's’ leave and Muhammad was given the Qur’an which is the everlasting and literal speech of Allah. May Allah send His peace and blessings on all the Prophets. Ameen!

WHAT IS THE QUR’AN?
The Qur’an is the Last Revelation from your Lord. It was revealed in the pure Arabic language to the Prophet Muhammad and has been kept preserved and unchanged, in its original form. The English interpretation of the Qur’an will be used as reference in this brochure. It is not Allah's' Word rather, it is a general interpretation of the meaning of the Qur’an. The Qur’an confirms the truth in the Torah, Psalms and the Gospel.

WHO WAS MUHAMMAD?
Muhammad is the Final Prophet and Messenger. He was born into the tribe of Quarish in the year 570 AD. His ancestry goes back to the Prophet Ishmael, the son of Prophet Abraham. His father died before his birth and his mother died before he was six. As a young man he was known as Al-Ameen (the trustworthy). He would retreat to a cave outside of Mecca where, he would ponder and reflect about the immoral practices and customs of the Pagan Arabs. He received revelation from the Creator at the age of 40 through the Angel Gabriel. Subsequently, the Revelations came over the period of 23 years and are collectively in the Qur’an.

WHAT ARE THE PILLARS OF ISLAM?
Islam has 5 Pillars.

1. Belief that no deity is worthy of worship except Allah and Muhammad is His Last Prophet and Messenger.
2. Prayers, which are performed 5 times a day.
3. Fasting in the month of Ramadaan. Abstaining from food, drink and sexual relations with spouses from sunrise to sunset.
4. Charity is the requirement of 2.5% of a Muslims' saved earnings given to the poor once a year as purification of his wealth.
5. Pilgrimage is a journey to the Kab'ah in the sacred city of Mecca. Muslims are required to do this at least once in a lifetime if they are physically and financially able.

More to follow. The above question about the Five Pillars is probably the most important thing for a muslim.

Vocabulary 101

I thought I would put in a little introductory post about common Arabic vocabulary used by all muslims around the world. Usually, we try not to use these words around people who aren't muslim so as not to confuse them, but you know, sometimes it just accidentally slips out. So here is a little basic course about what those words mean:

1. As-salaamu-alaikum: Literally, 'may peace be upon you.' The universal greeting of muslims in every country, and every culture. It's actually considered rude or bad to start talking to someone without offering them a proper greeting first.
2. Wa-alaikum-as-salaam: How a person replies to the above greeting. You'll notice its just a rearranging of the words, with an addition of 'wa' at the beginning which means 'and.' Literally, it means 'And upon you as well, may there be peace.'
3. InshaAllah: God-willing. Since everything is ordained by God/Allah, and we don't know if what we plan will happen or not, we add in 'InshaAllah' to mostly all things we say about the future.
   
   For example, if we're talking about some plans for tomorrow, we may say "Yes, I'll go to the market tomorrow, InshaAllah." or "InshaAllah, you'll get the letter I sent in the mail by next week." "Don't worry, you'll get better soon, InshaAllah." So what we mean is, that we'll do our best on something, but of course, God will decide if we are actually able (or even alive by then), to do it.
   
   Actually, this term is in the Bible as well. The Bible ordained that no one say anything without saying "God Willing" after it. Again, this is another one of those little things where you can see that originally, all religions were the same.
4. MashaAllah: As God has willed it. This term is said when we are commenting on something good. For example: "Oh, your child is so pretty, mashaAllah!", "MashaAllah, he's funny.", "MashaAllah, you've grown so tall since I last saw you!" etc.
5. SubhanAllah: Glory to God. Informally used, it's also like the "wow" of muslims, in a way. Like whenever we see something surprising or amazing, we can be like "SubhanAllah, I didn't know they serve free pizza in the university lounge on Fridays!" or something.similar, hehe. :)
6. Alhamdulillah: All Praises and Thanks to God. Used whenever something happens which deserves thanks to God, which happens a lot! There are a myriad of ways in which this word can be used, since every single thing that happens to us in daily life deserves the utmost gratitude and thanks to God. So we woke up this morning? Alhamdulillah! We can see, hear, feel, think, speak, touch, learn, eat, drink, walk, run, etc? Alhamdulillah!! We tripped and fell, but weren't hurt or anything serious? Alhamdulillah. Usually on asked "How are you?", a common reply one can get is "Alhamdulillah", meaning that however we are, we should be grateful for that and are happy about it. I've also heard it said in situations where someone says "Oh, you have pretty eyes" and they replied with: "Thanks. Alhamdulillah." :)
7. Allahu Akbar: God is Great. Pretty self-explanatory.
8. Jazak Allahu Khayr: May Allah grant you with good. This is said in place of "Thank you" to another person. The word 'thank you' isn't enough to express gratitude to someone else - what better way to thank someone than to pray for them that God recompenses them with something good in return?

So I hope anyone reading this learnt something new today, InshaAllah, if you weren't aware of these words before.

EDIT: I just thought I would add in here, that I am not Arab, if someone was of the impression from the above. These words are just basic words that any muslim around the world knows.  I would like to learn Arabic though, InshaAllah.

New Layout

Someone brought it to my notice that my blog looked pretty dark in color. So I decided to play around with the layouts and neaten things up a bit. What do you think? Does this look any better? :) Please leave comments and tell me what you think (I wonder if the comment feature is even working.)

Let's Talk About the Fun Stuff - Hijab

Assalamualaikum,

I'm introducing a post about Hijab sooner than I thought I would - but I just love talking about the hijab, wearing the hijab and looking at stuff about it, so I just couldn't resist.

So first things first - ah, the hijab. The headscarf - a topic of hot debate. The outer sign which shows the world that you are muslim - which is actually a good thing. Starting off, I myself did not wear hijab until only a couple years ago (it actually hasn't even been two years yet.) It was one of the biggest and most difficult decisions of my life - but once I got enough courage and just put it on, and wore it for a while, there's no turning back. I can never dream of being hijab-less again. I feel so free and liberated - I don't have to worry about whether my hair is in place every second of the day - I don't feel uncomfortable talking with the world - I can be myself, and the world is forced to see muslim women not as eye candy, but to appreciate us for our personalities, our mind and our capabilities, rather than what we look like.

There are quite a lot of really good articles on hijab out there. I'll quote some lines from an article I came across today. This is from http://www.islamfortoday.com/hijabcanada4.htm:

One of the major misconceptions about the hijab (covering of the body except the face and hands) is that young women are forced to wear it by their parents or by male family members.

Sumayya Syed, 16, says that what parents or men want have nothing to do with it. In fact, she astounds people who ask by saying that every woman should have this form of liberation.

Syed maintains that when a woman is covered, men cannot judge her by her appearance but are forced to evaluate her by her personality, character, and morals. "I tell them that the hijab is not a responsibility, it's a right given to me by my Creator who knows us best. It's a benefit to me, so why not? It's something every woman should strive to get and should want."

According to Rema Zawi, 16, "You feel modest...and you feel like you're covered up. You have more self-respect. You have more confidence in yourself that you don't need to care about (how) you look."

Syed emphasizes that a major plus is that people actually evaluate her on who she is and not on her beauty or clothing. "It keeps me protected from the fashion industry. The hijab liberates you from the media, brainwashing you into, Buy this, buy that, you're supposed to look like this," she says. "It allows me to be who I am. I don't have to worry about being popular through buying things that are 'cool'."

What people don't really understand is that shyness and modesty are a woman's natural inborn trait. We were born that way. Western fashion industry and media have brainwashed us to think that less is more, but in fact it isn't. How is it liberating to have to show your body off in front of men - isn't that degrading? The average western woman is forcing herself to be judged and criticized and appraised by men every time she walks out her door. She fights for men's attention based on sex appeal and fashion, humiliating and degrading herself every day. Is that freedom? Covering up is freedom - no one can judge muslim women based on looks when she steps out of her home in hijab.

The Quranic injunction for Hijab was given to women by the Lord and Creator of women - who knows what women need the best. The hijab is for our own benefit, not for any one else's. It keeps our respect and our dignity intact. We do not need to show off our bodies to be respected.

This is what the Quran says about Hijab, in Surah An-Nur, Verse 31:

And say to the faithful women to lower their gazes, and to guard their private parts, and not to display their beauty except what is apparent of it, and to extend their headcoverings (khimars) to cover their bosoms (jaybs), and not to display their beauty except to their husbands, or their fathers, or their husband's fathers, or their sons, or their husband's sons, or their brothers, or their brothers' sons, or their sisters' sons, or their womenfolk, or what their right hands rule (slaves), or the followers from the men who do not feel sexual desire, or the small children to whom the nakedness of women is not apparent, and not to strike their feet (on the ground) so as to make known what they hide of their adornments. And turn in repentance to Allah together, O you the faithful, in order that you are successful

And a hadith (saying of the Prophet) by Abu Dawud that is often quoted:

'Aisha said: Asma', daughter of Abu Bakr, entered upon the apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him) wearing thin clothes. The apostle of Allah (peace be upon him) turned his attention from her. He said: O Asma', when a woman reaches the age of menstruation, it does not suit her that she displays her parts of the body except this and this, and he pointed to her face and hands.

It's not like women covering their head is an alien concept to society. While reseraching this topic, I came across Becky's blog, where she herself researched how both Judaism and Christianity stress women to cover their hair. Up until the 19th century, if a woman walked out of her house without a hat or bonnet, she was not considered to be a respectful woman. However, both Jewish and Christian women have shunned this ruling in their religion, considering them old-fashioned or obsolete.

There is a very warm sense of sisterhood in Islam, which is reinforced with hijab. Especially living in the West, where muslims are the minority, there is nothing as comforting as walking in a mall or down the street, and meeting another female wearing the hijab - it's almost like this instant connection with each other, where you can smile genuinely at each other and say "Assalamualiakum." I've had two instances in my life where I was completely new to a city, especially where I was feeling completely lost, but seeing another fellow hijabi made my day. We did not know each other, but smiling and greeting each other gave me a sense of comfort, that, yes, we're not as alone as it sometimes seems.

Of course, with everything else, there is also a lot of negativity, weird looks and comments a person gets when they wear the hijab. However, alhamdulillah (Thank God), I've never been a target of this. It's becoming more and more acceptable in the Western society, and people let us be, which is nice.

The Basics of Islam (continued)

1. What is Islaam?The word "Islaam" is an Arabic word that means "submitting and surrendering your will to Almighty God". The word comes from the same root as the Arabic word "salam", which means peace. Unlike the names used for other religions, such as Buddhism, Hinduism and Christianity, the name for the religion of Islaam was both revealed by God and carries a deep spritual meaning - only by submitting one's will to Almighty God can one obtain true peace both in this life and in the life hereafter. Islaam teaches that all religions originally had the same essential message - which was to submit whole-heartedly to the will of God and to worship Him and Him alone. For this reason, Islaam is not a new religion but is the same divinely revealed Ultimate Truth that God revealed to all prophets, including Noah, Abraham, Moses and Jesus.

2. Who are Muslims?

The Arabic word "Muslim" literally means "someone who submits to the will of God". The message of Islaam is meant for the entire world and anyone who accepts this message becomes a Muslim. Some people mistakenly believe that Islaam is just a religion for Arabs, but nothing could be further from the truth, since in actuality over 80% of the world's Muslims are not Arabs! Even though most Arabs are Muslims, there are Arabs who are Christians, Jews and atheists. If one just takes a look at the various peoples who live in the Muslim World - from Nigeria to Bosnia and from Morocco to Indonesia - it is easy enough to see that Muslims come from all different races, ethnic groups and nationalities. From the very beginning, Islaam had a universal message for all people. This can be seen in the fact that some of the early companions of the Prophet Muhammad were not only Arabs, but also Persians, Africans and Byzantine Romans.

Being a Muslim entails complete acceptance and active obedience to the revealed will of Almighty God. A Muslim is a person who freely accepts to base his beliefs, values and faith on the will of Almighty God. In the past, even though you don't see it as much today, the word "Mohammedans" was often used as a label for Muslims. This label is a misnomer and is the result of either wilful distortion or sheer ignorance. One of the reasons for the misconception is that Europeans were taught for centuries that Muslims worshipped the Prophet Muhammad in the same way that Christians worship Jesus. This is absolutely not true since a Muslim is not permitted to worship anyone or anything besides Almighty God.

3. Who is Allah?

Very often one will hear the Arabic word "Allah" being used in regards to Islaam. The word "Allah" is simply the Arabic word for Almighty God, and is the same word used by Arabic speaking Christians and Jews. If one were to pick up an Arabic translation of the Bible, one would see the word "Allah" being use where the word "God" is used in English. Actually, the Arabic word for Almighty God, "Allah", is quite similar to the word for God in other Semitic languages - for example, the Hebrew word for God is "Elah".

For various reasons, some non-Muslims mistakenly believe that Muslims worship a different God than the God of Moses and Abraham and Jesus. This is certainly not the case, since the Pure Monotheism of Islam calls all people to the worship of the God of Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and all of the other prophets.

4. Who is Muhammad?

The last and final prophet that God sent to humanity was the Prophet Muhammad. Muhammad explained, interpreted and lived the teachings of Islaam. The Prophet Muhammad is the greatest of all prophets for many reasons, but mainly because the results of his mission have brought more people into the pure belief in One God than any other prophet. Even though other religious communities claimed to believe in One God, over time they had corrupted their beliefs by taking their prophets and saints as intercessors with Almighty God. Some religions believe their prophets to be manifestations of God, "God Incarnate" or the "Son of God". All of these false ideas lead to the creature being worshipped instead of the Creator, which contributed to the idolatrous practice of believing that Almighty God can be approached through intermediaries. In order to guard against these falsehoods, the Prophet Muhammad always emphasised that he was only a human-being tasked with the preaching of God's message. He taught Muslims to refer to him as "the Messenger of God and His Slave".

To Muslims, Muhammad is the supreme example for all people - he was the exemplary prophet, statesman, military leader, ruler, teacher, neighbour, husband, father and friend. Unlike other prophets and messengers, the Prophet Muhammad lived in the full light of history. Muslims don't need to have "faith" that he existed and that his teachings are preserved - they know it to be a fact. Even when his followers only numbered a few dozen, Almighty God informed Muhammad that he had be sent as a mercy to all of mankind. Because people had distorted or forgotten God's messages, God took it upon Himself to protect the message revealed to Muhammad. This was because Almighty God promised not to send another messenger after him. Since all of God's messengers have preached the message of Islaam - i.e. submission to the will of God and the worship of God alone - Muhammad is actually the last prophet of Islaam, not the first.

5. What are the Teachings of Islaam?

The foundation of the Islaamic faith is belief in the Unity of God. This means to believe that there is only one Creator and Sustainer of everything in the Universe, and that nothing is divine or worthy of being worshipped except for Him. Truly believing in the Unity of God means much more than simply believing that there is "One God" - as opposed to two, three or four. There are a number of religions that claim belief in "One God" and believe that ultimately there is only one Creator and Sustainer of the Universe. Islaam, however, not only insists on this, but also rejects using such words as "Lord" and "Saviour" for anyone besides Almighty God. Islaam also rejects the use of all intermediaries between God and Man, and insists that people approach God directly and reserve all worship for Him alone. Muslims believe that Almighty God is Compassionate, Loving and Merciful.

The essence of falsehood is the claim that God cannot deal with and forgive His creatures directly. By over-emphasising the burden of sin, as well as claiming that God cannot forgive you directly, false religions seek to get people to despair of the Mercy of God. Once they are convinced that they cannot approach God directly, people can be mislead into turning to false gods for help. These "false gods" can take various forms, such as saints, angels, or someone who is believed to be the "Son of God" or "God Incarnate". In almost all cases, people who worship, pray to or seek help from a false god don't consider it to be, or call it, a "god". They claim belief in One Supreme God, but claim that they pray to and worship others beside God only to get closer to Him.

In Islaam, there is a clear distinction between the Creator and the created. There is no ambiguity in divinity - anything that is created is not deserving of worship and only the Creator is worthy of being worshipped. Some religions falsely believe that God has become part of His creation, and this has led people to believe that they can worship something created in order to reach their Creator.

Muslims believe that even though God is Unique and beyond comprehension - He has no "Son", partners or associates. According to Muslim belief, Almighty God "does not beget nor was He begotten" - neither literally, allegorically, metaphorically, physically or metaphysically - He is Absolutely Unique and Eternal. He is in control of everything and is perfectly capable of bestowing His infinite Mercy and Forgiveness to whomever He chooses. That is why is called the All-Powerful and Most-Merciful. Almighty God has created the Universe for man, and as such wants the best for all human beings. Muslims see everything in the Universe as a sign of the Creatorship and
Benevolence of Almighty God. Also, the belief in the Unity of God is not merely a metaphysical concept. It is a dynamic belief that effects ones view of humanity, society and all aspects of life. As a logical corollary to the Islaamic belief in the Oneness of God, is its belief in the oneness of mankind and humanity.

6. What is the Qur'aan?

It is the final revelation of the will of Almighty God's to all of mankind, which was conveyed through the Angel Gabriel, in Arabic, to the Prophet Muhammad in its sounds, words and meanings. The Qur'aan, sometimes spelled Koran, was relayed to the Prophet's companions, which they memorised verbatim, and which has been publicly and continually recited by them and their successors until the present day.

In short, the Qur'aan is the book of guidance from God par excellence. The Qur'aan is still memorised and taught by millions of people. The language of the Qur'aan, Arabic, is still a living language to millions of people, so unlike the scriptures of other religions, the Qur'aan is still read in its original language by countless millions of people. The Qu'ran is a living miracle in the Arabic language; and is know to be inimitable in its style, form and spiritual impact. God's final revelation to mankind, the Qur'aan, was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad over a period of 23 years. The Qur'aan, in contrast to many other religious books, was always thought to be the Word of God by those who believed in it, i.e. it wasn't something decreed by a religious council many years after being written. Also, the Qu'ran was recited publicly in front of both the Muslim and non-Muslim communities during the life of the Prophet Muhammad. The entire Qur'aan was also completely written down in lifetime of the Prophet, and numerous companions of the Prophet memorised the entire Qur'aan word-for-word as it was revealed. So unlike other scriptures, the Qur'aan was always in the hands of the common believers, it was always thought to be God's word and, due to wide-spread memorisation, it was perfectly preserved. In regards to the teachings of the Qur'aan - it is a universal scripture, and it is addressed to all of mankind, and not to a particular tribe or "chosen people". The message that it brings is nothing new, but the same message of all of the prophets - submit to Almighty God and worship Him alone. As such, God's revelation in the Qur'aan focuses on teaching human beings the importance of believing in the Unity of God and framing their lives around the guidance which He has sent. Additionally, the Qur'aan contains the stories of the previous prophets, such as Abraham, Noah, Moses and Jesus; as well as many commands and prohibitions from God. In modern times in which so many people are caught up in doubt, spiritual despair and "political correctness", the Qur'aanic teachings offer solutions to the emptiness of our lives and the turmoil that is gripping the world today.

7. How Do Muslims View the Nature of Man, the Purpose of Life and the Life Hereafter?

In the Holy Qur'aan, God teaches human beings that they were created in order to worship Him, and that the basis of all true worship is God-consciousness. Since the teachings of Islaamic encompass all aspects of life and ethics, God-consciousness is encouraged in all human affairs. Islaam makes it clear that all human acts are acts of worship if they are done for God alone and in accordance to His Divine Law. As such, worship in Islaam is not limited to religious rituals. The teachings of Islaam act as a mercy and a healing for the human soul, and such qualities as humility, sincerity, patience and charity are strongly encouraged. Additionally, Islaam condemns pride and self-righteousness, since Almighty God is the only judge of human righteousness. The Islaamic view of the nature of man is also realistic and well-balanced. Human beings are not believed to be inherently sinful, but are seen as equally capable of both good and evil. Islaam also teaches that faith and action go hand-in-hand. God has given people free-will, and the measure of one's faith is one's deeds and actions. However, human beings have also been created weak and regularly fall into sin. This is the nature of the human being as created by God in His Wisdom, and it is not inherently "corrupt" or in need of repair. This is because the avenue of repentance of always open to all human beings, and Almighty God loves the repentant sinner more than one who does not sin at all. The true balance of an Islaamic life is established by having a healthy fear of God as well as a sincere belief in His infinite Mercy. A life without fear of God leads to sin and disobedience, while believing that we have sinned so much that God will not possibly forgive us only leads to despair. In light of this, Islaam teaches that: only the misguided despair of the Mercy of their Lord. Additionally, the Holy Qur'aan, which was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad, contains a great deal of teachings about the life hereafter and the Day of Judgement. Due to this, Muslims believe that all human beings will ultimately be judged by God for their beliefs and actions in their earthly lives. In judging human beings, Almighty God will be both Merciful and Just, and people will only be judged for what they were capable of. Suffice it to say that Islaam teaches that life is a test, and that all human beings will be accountable before God. A sincere belief in the life hereafter is key to leading a well-balanced life and moral.

Otherwise, life is viewed as an end in itself, which causes human beings to become more selfish, materialistic and immoral..

The Signs all Around Us - Some Verses from the Quran

***Verily, in that are indeed signs for a people who understand***

‘My Lord! I am amazed at how one who knows You can place his hope in someone else and ask the help of someone else.’

"And among His Signs is this, that He created you (Adam) from dust, and then [Hawwa' (Eve) from Adam's rib, and then his offspring from the semen, and], -behold you are human beings scattered!" (Surah Ar-Rum, 20)

"And among His Signs is this, that He created for you wives from among yourselves, that you may find repose in them, and He has put between you affection and mercy. Verily, in that are indeed signs for a people who reflect." (Surah Ar-Rum, 21)

"And among His Signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the difference of your languages and colours. Verily, in that are indeed signs for men of sound knowledge." (Surah Ar-Rum, 22)

"And among His Signs is the sleep that you take by night and by day, and your seeking of His Bounty. Verily, in that are indeed signs for a people who listen." (Surah Ar-Rum 23)

"And among His Signs is that He shows you the lightning, by way of fear and hope, and He sends down water (rain) from the sky, and therewith revives the earth after its death. Verily, in that are indeed signs for a people who understand." (Surah Ar-Rum 24)

"And among His Signs is that the heaven and the earth stand by His Command, then afterwards when He will call you by single call, behold, you will come out from the earth (i.e from your graves for reckoning and recompense)." (Surah Ar-Rum, 25)

"To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and the earth. All are obedient to Him" Surah Ar-Rum

"(He is) the Lord of the two easts (places of sunrise during early summer and early winter) and the Lord of the two wests (places of sunset during early summer and early winter)." ( Surah Ar Rahman, ayah 17)

"Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you deny?" (Surah Ar Rahman, ayah 18)

"He has let loose the two seas (the salt water and the sweet) meeting together." ( Surah Ar-Rahman, ayah 19)

"Between them is a barrier which none of them can transgress." ( Surah Ar- Rahman, ayah 20)

"Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you deny?" (Surah Ar Rahman, ayah 21)

"Out of them both come out pearl and coral." ( Surah Ar- Rahman, ayah 22)

"And His are the ships going and coming in the seas, like mountains." ( Surah Ar-Rahman, 23)

"Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you deny?" (Surah Ar Rahman, ayah 24)

"Whatsoever is on it (the earth) will perish." ( Surah Ar Rahman, ayah 25)

"And the Face of your Lord full of Majesty and Honour will abide forever." ( Surah Ar Rahman, ayah 26)

"Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you deny?" (Surah Ar Rahman, ayah 27)

What is a Muslim, Anyway?

Oops, I forgot about this place completely. But I'm back, and InshaAllah (God willing), I'll keep blogging regularly from now on. Between the first post and this one, many months have passed. I hope I've become a bit more wiser since that first post?

Anyway, I wanted to start this blog off with the basics - it's so strange that not many people in contemporary society really understand what a Muslim is, or what it means to be one. I mean, I know exactly what a Hindu, a Christian, a Jew, or an Atheist believes in - I know their different traditions and how their religion (or lack of) affects their daily life. But when it comes down to the Islamic religion, people are suddenly ignorant and clueless.

First off, when someone says that they believe in God, what does it mean? When someone says they worship God, what does it mean? Why are we here anyway? Why are you, right now, looking at your computer screen, living your life day to day? Is there a point in all this? Is it just so you can have a good time - get up in the morning, go to work or school, finish your worldly duties and squeeze in some time for fun, and then fall asleep - is that all there is to life? As a human being, do you have any obligations to any 'higher authority'?

A Muslim believes that the most basic fundamental starting point in religion is to strongly believe in:

(a) the Oneness of God
(b) the Attributes of God

and to,

(c) worship that one God and God alone.

It might seem like a straightforward statement, and people might say this is what all religions of the world believe in. No, that's incorrect - This is the basis of only Islam. And if you take out even one of option (a), (b), or (c) from above, it turns into any of the numerous religions flooding the planet today. A person may believe in (a) and (b), but when it comes to (c), then they go ahead and start worshipping the human prophets who were sent to them (the Trinity concept), or worship gods and idols and deities. If God is One, why are they directing their worship elsewhere? And then there are those who worship graves and believe that the dead can help them. Hello? Those people are dead! Can you help someone perform a miracle right now? How on earth do you expect to do something like that when you're already *dead*? And then people believe that amulets or charms hold special powers and can help them. People look up at the sky and makes wishes on stars. How is any of this possible? If a person starts worshipping any other living or non-living thing, anything at all other than God, than they are in essence, committing what we call Shirk or Disbelief.

A muslim believes that God is the only One with power, and the only One who can help us. Since God created everything around us - ourselves, plants and animals and the oceans and mountains and everything on land, the stars and planets and everything else in the Universe, does it make sense to worship something that was created? Why not direct your worship to the Creator instead, who actually is the only One who can answer your prayer?

This is not the full definition of a muslim yet, but I'll cover more in my next post.