Here I Am

by: Zahirah Elsayed




Prostrating in the quiet dark I’m finally able to exhale the day’s events. With a deep sigh I release all the tension, stress, worries and struggles. I close my eyes and turn to Al- Wakil, (the ultimate trustee, the disposer of affairs) handing over my burdens with relief and confidence in Ar-Razzarq (the provider). As my forehead rests on the floor like a child’s resting on her mother’s lap, I seek refuge in Ar-Rauf (the most kind). My heart overflows with gratefulness and love to Ar-Rashid (the guide) for uncovering my eyes, softening my heart, revealing the truth of His religion, and for placing me on the straight path. Allahu Akbar! Tears stream down my face as I repent to Al-Gaffar (the forgiver). My life and my world belongs to Ar-Rahman (the compassionate), Ar-Rahim (the merciful).

A Letter to the Culture that Raised Me by Yasmin Mogahed

Growing up, you read me the Ugly Duckling. And for years I believed that was me. For so long you taught me I was nothing more than a bad copy of the standard (men).

I couldn’t run as fast or lift as much. I didn’t make the same money and I cried too often. I grew up in a man’s world where I didn’t belong.

And when I couldn’t be him, I wanted only to please him. I put on your make-up and wore your short skirts. I gave my life, my body, my dignity, for the cause of being pretty. I knew that no matter what I did, I was worthy only to the degree that I could please and be beautiful for my master. And so I spent my life on the cover of Cosmo and gave my body for you to sell.

I was a slave, but you taught me I was free. I was your object, but you swore it was success. You taught me that my purpose in life was to be on display, to attract, and be beautiful for men. You had me believe that my body was created to market your cars. And you raised me to think I was an ugly duckling. But you lied.

Islam tells me, I’m a swan. I’m different – it’s meant to be that way. And my body, my soul, was created for something more.
God says in the Qur’an, “O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.” (49:13)

So I am honored. But it is not by my relationship to men. My value as a woman is not measured by the size of my waist or the number of men who like me. My worth as a human being is measured on a higher scale: a scale of righteousness and piety. And my purpose in life – despite what the fashion magazines say – is something more sublime than just looking good for men.

And so God tells me to cover myself, to hide my beauty and to tell the world that I’m not here to please men with my body; I’m here to please God. God elevates the dignity of a woman’s body by commanding that it be respected and covered, shown only to the deserving – only to the man I marry.

So to those who wish to ‘liberate’ me, I have only one thing to say: “Thanks, but no thanks.”

I’m not here to be on display. And my body is not for public consumption. I will not be reduced to an object, or a pair of legs to sell shoes. I’m a soul, a mind, a servant of God. My worth is defined by the beauty of my soul, my heart, my moral character. So, I won’t worship your beauty standards, and I don’t submit to your fashion sense. My submission is to something higher.

With my veil I put my faith on display – rather than my beauty. My value as a human is defined by my relationship with God, not by my looks. I cover the irrelevant. And when you look at me, you don’t see a body. You view me only for what I am: a servant of my Creator.

You see, as a Muslim woman, I’ve been liberated from a silent kind of bondage. I don’t answer to the slaves of God on earth. I answer to their King.

Things that will draw you closer to Allah

This is from an article in Al-Jumuah magazine, volume 18, issue 02 (March 2006).

-Begin your day with the salah of Fajr, follow it with the morning rememberances and supplications, and then get off to work.
-Read the Quran ever day; read with observing not just passing your eyes through the words.
-Offer the salat of adh-dhuha (mid-morning). Brighten your day by offering salat in the mesjid.
-If someone says something mean to you, shrug it off and dismiss it in a friendly, laidback manner, and pray that Allah shall forgive them.
-When you get angry, change your position- sit or lay down. Seek refuge with Allah from Shayton, try to do something productive- busy your mind.
-When you are happy, try to share your happiness with others. Remember Allah and thank Him by sharing it with those close to you. Do something good.
-When something bad or embarrassing happens to you, thank Allah, remember that it is not worse.
-Do something extra of goodness once in a while, like feeding a poor person, or caressing an orphan's head.
-Never stop believing that you can win Allah's love and thus work for it.
-Spend some time thinking of Allah's amazing creation.
-Always love those who love Allah unconditionally. This way you will ensure that you live for Him, love for Him.
-Find the righteous ways to express yourself, and if you think that what you are about to say will yield no benefit, maintain silence.
-Every now and then, give yourself a break. Play sports, give time to your family, friends, but always remember Allah and know that He is watching you.
-Hug your parents, kiss their hands and heads and always obey but stop at Allah's orders.
-Smile to everyone, for your smiles makes a big difference to him or her and you are rewarded.
-Forgive, forget and smile.
-When people criticize your actions and efforts, revise your actions and see if they please Allah or not. If they do; then ignore and remember how the Prophet, pbuh, and his companions were critisized, made fun of and even physically harmed, so have patience.
-Don't let popularity go to your head, for it never lasts and you may lose from it more than gain.
-Never look down on anybody, for, to Allah, they may be better than you.
-PUT ALLAH FIRST IN YOUR LIFE!

More articles from Al-Jumuah magazine can be viewed. Insha'Allah (Allah willing) we will strive daily to be closer to Him.

Sharia Law: What is it and Why is it so feared?

Lately there's been a big fuss over Sharia Law. But the people who are making the fuss about it obviously don't understand it or know anything about it, or they wouldn't be complaining and causing such commotion over it. I will never understand why anything unknown is assumed horrible. Are we really such a lazy nation that we would rather make assumptions and let the media tell us how and what we should think about different things instead of finding the truth ourselves? We're becoming a nation very similar to that found in the book 1984 by George Orwell. Why anyone would allow themselves to be told what to think and feel about issues, people, etc is beyond me. Sharia Law is nothing to be feared, or hated.

The word sharia comes from the Arabic root word shary meaning to make laws. No sharia laws have been made by man. They are all revealed to us through the Prophet Muhammad, pbuh, and can be found in the Quran and also in the teachings and actions of the Prophet, pbuh. Wikipedia explains in major detail about sharia law, the countries that follow it, and much more. This is a good article explaining what's going on now in the US and how our country is dealing with the issue of sharia and also a little history of sharia.

Why fear Sharia law? Allah says in the Quran "O you who have believed, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you. And if you disagree over anything, refer it to Allah and the Messenger, if you should believe in Allah and the Last Day. That is the best [way] and best in result." Quran 4: 59 Note He said to "follow those in authority among you." Yes, as Muslims we are called to follow and obey Allah and His commands, but we are ordered to follow the 'law of the land' or whoever is in charge. As far as the second part of the ayat is concerned, it is referring to individual disagreements. In the time of the revelation of the Quran, there was no court systems in Arabia, so matters would be taken to tribal leaders. Allah was saying go to the Prophet Muhammad, pbuh, because he was receiving Allah's laws which is the Quran. You will not find a scholar or imam, or religious leader who is truly following Islam who will tell you it is acceptable to go against the laws of the country in which you are living. This is obviously unacceptable or Islam would be encouraging lawbreaking and self-governing.

Sharia law holds people strictly accountable for their deeds and actions. Sheikh Siraj Wahhaj spoke on this topic last year during an Islamic convention. Please check it out to better understand Sharia Law. Any mistakes are made from the men and women who interpret the laws, and not by Allah Who created them as Allah knows better than us what is best for us. Not to mention, Allah is perfect and incapable of making mistakes. Sharia is nothing to be feared.

With Hardships Come Ease: A test of Patience

We all go through patches of rough times. It's easy to be overwhelmed during difficult times and let the circumstances blind us of the bigger picture. We become the professional pessimist, capable of picking out the tiniest negatives and often overlooking or even completely missing the positives. Trials and difficulties are inevitable. Allah tells us this in the Quran. It's how we react during the difficult times, and how we handle the situations that matters.

We've all heard the saying 'Jennah isn't free.' Think about it. If everything in this life on earth was always easy, happy, smooth and blessed, what would make us yearn for an eternity in Jennah? It's through these struggles and hardships that Allah reminds us of the bigger picture; Jennah. "Did you think that you would enter Heaven without Allah testing those of you who fought hard (in His cause) and remained steadfast?" Quran 3:142 "Or do you think that you will enter Paradise while such [trial] has not yet come to you as came to those who passed on before you? They were touched by poverty and hardship and were shaken until [even their] messenger and those who believed with him said," When is the help of Allah?" Unquestionably, the help of Allah is near." Quran 2:214 "And We will surely test you until We make evident those who strive among you [for the cause of Allah] and the patient, and We will test your affairs." Quran 47:31 "For such the reward is forgiveness from their Lord, and Gardens with rivers flowing underneath,- an eternal dwelling: How excellent a recompense for those who work (and strive)!" Quran 3:136

The main key to successfully getting through difficult times is by being patient, as Allah has made very clear in the Quran. "Except for those who are patient and do righteous deeds; those will have forgiveness and great reward." Quran 11:11 "Peace be upon you for what you patiently endured. And excellent is the final home." Quran 13:24 "O ye who believe! seek help with patient perseverance and prayer; for Allah is with those who patiently persevere." Quran 2:153

Reflect on those before us and their trials. Abraham's commitment to Allah and willingness to sacrifice his son. Moses' struggles with Pharaoh, leading the people out of Egypt through the desert, only to have them turn to idol worshiping. Noah's obedience to build and ark while all the towns people were calling him insane and mocking him. Then having to leave his son behind because of his disbelief. Muhammad (saw) having to live everyday watching his back for assassins among his neighbors and even family. Summayah, ra, who was the first martyr in Islam, being tortured to death for her beliefs. Reflect on those around the world now and their trials. People of Palestine and Syria who are faced with violence and oppression daily. Remembering these people puts our struggles in perspective. Many of us are so blessed. We must be careful to recognize it and to thank Allah.

Make dikr (remember Allah) often. Call on Him by His beautiful names. Make supplications or duaa to Allah. The Prophet, saw, said 'Allah is Ever Generous and shy if a servant raises his hand to Him, to return them vacant.' At-Tirmidhi 3/179 Thank Him for our blessings. Become the optimist during times of hardships and pain. Dwell on the good. Fight to make the best of the situation you are in. Struggling with money? Use it as a way to pull your family closer together insha'Allah. Include everyone, especially kids, to be creative in ways to save money and survive on less. Your kids will feel special for being involved, it will add more responsibility to them, and help them realize the value of money, and put perspective on what is genuinely important, and what are just unnecessary wants. Struggling with family members, co-workers, neighbors, or even friends? Turn to hadiths. There's no better example of how to deal with hostility and turmoil among family or neighbors than from the Prophet, saw. Struggling with infertility? Look to Ayisha, ra, and other positive role models in Islam. Seek Allah's guidance and think outside of the box. Be a mentor, become a woman scholar, write positive, educational books for muslimahs, use your voice to further Allah's religion. Volunteer in orphanages, children's hospitals, etc.

This short little video made by another muslimah is a perfect example of what I've been trying to say. Insha'Allah please watch it.

Allah promises us in the Quran "For indeed, with hardship [will be] ease. Indeed, with hardship [will be] ease. So when you have finished [your duties], then stand up [for worship]. And to your Lord direct [your] longing." Quran 94:5-8 "And He provides for him from (sources) he never could imagine. And if any one puts his trust in Allah, sufficient is (Allah) for him. For Allah will surely accomplish his purpose: verily, for all things has Allah appointed a due proportion." Quran 65:3 "That is the Command of Allah, which He has sent down to you: and if any one fears Allah, He will remove his ills, from him, and will enlarge his reward." Quran 65:5 There is no better comfort than the promise of the Lord of the alamin.

I Am That Hijab

There's an overwhelming interest in hijab. Most of my page views are from people searching 'hijab.' Because of this, I was doing a little search of my own, found this lovely poem and wanted to share it.

Jesus spoke of Prophet Muhammad's coming?

There's some controversy surrounding this discovery. Whenever it's from, it's still fun and interesting. Take it to mean whatever you want. Personally, I don't need any other documents, writings, etc. convincing me of the truth of Islam. I have the Quran.
Check out this link to read about a bible discovered in Turkey.

What Does the Bible Say? Bet you didn't know

He has sent down upon you, [O Muhammad], the Book in truth, confirming what was before it. And He revealed the Torah and the Gospel. Quran 3:3

The more I read the Bible (gasp... can you believe it, a muslim reading the Bible? It's true, we do read the Bible, and why wouldn't we? After all, many of the great prophets' teachings and accounts are inside, as well as God's teachings. As you can see from the ayat above from the Quran, we do believe Allah revealed books to Moses and Jesus.) the more convinced I am of the truth of Islam. (By the way, the meaning of Islam, as I've mentioned before, is submitting to God's Will, so of course it's going to be true. How can submitting to God be anything other than truth?) I would like to share some verses I've found that supports why we as muslims do what we do. Not only is it found in the Quran, but also the Bible.

christmas trees forbidden: Jeremiah 10:2-4 "This is what the Lord says: 'Do not learn the ways of the nations or be terrified by signs in the sky, though the nations are terrified by them. For the customs of the people are worthless; they cut a tree out of the forest, and a craftsman shapes it with his chisel. They adorn it with silver and gold; they fasten it with hammer and nails so it will not totter.'" It's very obvious here that God is making it very clear to avoid any customs or traditions of other religions. Putting a tree in your house and decorating it was a tradition of the pagans.

women covering their head/hair: 1 Corinthians 11:5-6 "And every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head- it is just as though her head were shaved. If a woman does not cover her head, she should have her hair cut off; and if it is a disgrace for a woman to have her hair cut or shaved off, she should cover her head."

remembering God constantly: Deuteronomy 6:4-9 "Hear O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates." Because of this decree, many people wrote Bible verses on pieces of paper and placed them inside a wooden box hung by their door. This was called a mezuzah. Upon entering or exiting their homes, they would touch the box as a reminder to obey God. As muslims, we do similar. When leaving we say either silently or in a whisper "In the name of Allah, I have placed my trust in Allah, there is no power or might except by Allah." When entering we say "In the name of Allah, we enter." Also, we remember Allah throughout the day continually, as prescribed in this verse by saying "In the name of Allah" before we eat, drink, sleep, read, etc. We also silently repeat praises to Allah such as "Allah is the greatest, glorified is Allah, praise Allah, there is no god except Allah, and none worthy of worship and praise but Allah" as well as ask forgiveness for mistakes we've made by repeating "forgive me Allah". There are many more phrases repeated. It's just a good reminder for us that Allah is ever present, that we are ever accountable for our actions and words, and that Allah is most merciful and provides for us continually 24/7.

do not eat pork: Deuteronomy 14:8 "The pig is also unclean; although it has a split hoof, it does not chew the cud. You are not to eat their meat or touch their carcasses."

proof of the well/ natural spring zumzum in Saudi Arabia: Genesis 21:19 "Then God opened her (Hagar, concubine of Abraham) eyes and she saw a well of water. So she went and filled the skin with water and gave the boy (Ishmael) a drink." This is the story of Hagar and her son Ishmael. She was abandoned in the desert with her son, and after the little water they had was gone, Allah provided her with a spring. To this day the spring is still producing water. It's located in Mecca, Saudi Arabia near the Kabba, where all muslims pray in the direction of.

As you can see, Islam, Christianity, and the Jewish religions are very closely intertwined. Please see my previous posting 'Salat/Prayer' for examples about washing before praying, as well as how to pray. I'm sure there are many more scriptural evidences to support Islam's actions and beliefs, but this is what I've found so far.

I want to share an ayat in the Quran revealed to the prophet Mohammad, pbuh, regarding our religions. I think it's about time to focus on the similarities and not the differences.

Say, "We have believed in Allah and in what was revealed to us and what was revealed to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and the Descendants, and in what was given to Moses and Jesus and to the prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and we are Muslims [submitting] to Him." Quran 3:840