It’s been a few years since I last posted. But I am anxious to get back into blogging. A lot has been going on and I’ve been learning many new things. I hope to share those things and hear what you think.

In the Name of Allah, the All-Merciful, the All-Compassionate

Last night my husband and I had the fortune of catching this interview on 60 Minutes. If you are the type of person who desires truthful reporting, where you are able to see both sides (whether you agree or not) and not just the American-Israeli side, then you will appreciate what you see and read here.

Please note, C-Span will air the complete 90 minute interview tonight. For more information . . .

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ttp://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/08/09/60minutes/main1879867.shtml

(CBS)

When Iran’s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad speaks out candidly — as is his habit — he scares a lot of people. He has said more than once that Israel should be wiped off the map, and that the Holocaust is an overblown fairytale.

When correspondent Mike Wallace interviewed him in Tehran last week, it became apparent that he sees the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah — a militia Iran has long supported — as part of a larger battle between the U.S. and a militant Islam for control of the Middle East.

Wallace tried to ask him about Hezbollah’s use of missiles, rockets furnished by Iran, but he wanted to talk about Israel’s attacks with American bombs.”The laser-guided bombs that have been given to the Zionists and they’re targeting the shelter of defenseless children and women,” the president said.”Who supports Hezbollah?” Wallace asked. “Who has given Hezbollah hundreds of millions of dollars for years? Who has given Hezbollah Iranian-made missiles and rockets that is making — that are making all kinds …” he continued as he was interrupted.

“Are you the representative of the Zionist regime? Or a journalist?” Ahmadinejad asked Wallace.

“I’m a journalist. I am a journalist,” Wallace replied.

“This is not journalism, sir. Hezbollah is a popular organization in Lebanon, and they are defending their land,” the president said. “They are defending their own houses. And, according to the charter of the United Nations, every person has the right to defend his house.

“What I’m saying is that the killing of innocents is reprehensible. And making this — the displacement of people and making them refugees, again, is reprehensible,”

“Well, what has Hezbollah, though — wait a minute,” Wallace asked. “Hezbollah is displacing and damaging and making bleed all kinds of people. You know that.”

“Please tell me, are the Lebanese inside the occupied lands right now or is it the other way around, that the Zionist troops are in Lebanese territory?” Ahmadinejad replied. “Lebanon is defending its independence. We are not at all happy with war. That is why on the first day we condemned these recent — conflict. And we asked for an immediate cease fire.”Read more . . .

In the Name of Allah, the All-Merciful, the All-Compassionate

What is the purpose of this life? What are our goals? What should be our goals? How do we carry them out?

In the Qur’an Allah informs us that He only created human beings and spirits (jinn) so that we may worship Him:

وَمَا خَلَقْتُ الْجِنَّ وَالْإِنسَ إِلَّا لِيَعْبُدُونِ

“And created not I, the jinn and the humans, but that they worship (Me).” (Az-Zariyat 51: 56)

He tells us that we were created for toil and hardship:

لَقَدْ خَلَقْنَا الْإِنسَانَ فِي كَبَدٍ

“Indeed We have created man (to dwell) amidst hardships.” (Balad 90:4)

He tells us that only those who rise to the challenge and fight our lower inclinations purifies his or her soul become worthy of Allah’s satisfaction manifested in the eternal bless of Paradise:

وَمَنْ أَرَادَ الآخِرَةَ وَسَعَى لَهَا سَعْيَهَا وَهُوَ مُؤْمِنٌ فَأُولَئِكَ كَانَ سَعْيُهُم مَّشْكُورًا

“And whosoever intends the hereafter and strives for it a (sincere) striving and he is a believer, these, their striving shall be (recompensed fully) appreciated.” (Bani Israel 17:19)

And:

وَالَّذِينَ جَاهَدُوا فِينَا لَنَهْدِيَنَّهُمْ سُبُلَنَا وَإِنَّ اللَّهَ لَمَعَ الْمُحْسِنِينَ

“And those who strive hard in Us, certainly will We guide them in Our ways; and verily Allah is (always) with those who do good.” (Al-Ankabut 29:69)

Allah SWT also tells us that these people are the mu’mineen (the believers):

ثُمَّ نُنَجِّي رُسُلَنَا وَالَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ كَذَلِكَ حَقًّا عَلَيْنَا نُنجِ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ

“Ultimately (when Our wrath fell) We delivered Our apostles and those who believe – even so it is binding on Us (that) We deliver the believers.” (Yunus 10:103)

The mutaqeen (precautious people):

إِنَّ اللّهَ يُحِبُّ الْمُتَّقِينَ

“Verily Allah loves those who guard themselves (against evil).” (At-Tawbat 9:4)

The saadiqeen (truthful people):

الصَّابِرِينَ وَالصَّادِقِينَ وَالْقَانِتِينَ وَالْمُنفِقِينَ وَالْمُسْتَغْفِرِينَ بِالأَسْحَارِ

“The patient and the truthful, and devout (ones), and those who spend (in the way of Allah) and those who seek forgiveness e’re dawn.” (Aali ‘Imran 3:17)

The mutahireen (purifying people):

إِنَّ اللّهَ يُحِبُّ التَّوَّابِينَ وَيُحِبُّ الْمُتَطَهِّرِينَ

“Verily, Allah loves those who turn unto Him constantly and loves those who purify themselves.” (Al-Baqarah 2: 222)

The saliheen (righteous people):

إِنَّ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ سَيَجْعَلُ لَهُمُ الرَّحْمَنُ وُدًّا

“Verily those who believe and work righteous deeds the Beneficent (God) will appoint love for them.” (Maryam 19:96)

The muhsineen (doers of good):

إِنَّ اللّهَ يُحِبُّ الْمُحْسِنِينَ

“For verily, Allah loves the beneficent ones.” (Al-Baqarah 2: 195)

The sabireen (patiently persevering people):

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ اصْبِرُواْ وَصَابِرُواْ وَرَابِطُواْ وَاتَّقُواْ اللّهَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ

“O you who believe! Be patient and vie with in endurance and be ever-garrisoned; and fear (the wrath of) Allah, that ye may be successful.” (Aali ‘Imran 3:200)

The muqsiteen (just ones):

إِنَّ اللَّهَ يُحِبُّ الْمُقْسِطِينَ

“Verily, Allah loves the just ones.” (Al-Hujurat 49:9)

So how do we become these people, these mu’min? In every title, Allah describes inclusively and comprehensively how one becomes such. Each title in and of itself is a rode leading towards Allah’s satisfaction.

For the saadiqun, truth is imperative. I’m sure we all heard the hadith about the man with 3 grave sins. It goes something like this:

A man came to Prophet Muhammad (s.) and said, “O Prophet of Allah, I have three plaguing sins: drinking, fornicating, and lying. Tell me which one I should give up.”

Rasulullah (s.), with all the wisdom Allah SWT has endowed him with, told the man that if he must give up one sin then give up lying.

The man departed from him. Soon he desired to fornicate, but he paused and thought if the Prophet (s.) asked him about such a sin he could not lie or else he would break his vow. And if he admitted it, he would be punished. So he decided not to go through with it

Soon, though, he was tempted to drink. But he paused again and thought about what would happen if he saw Prophet Muhammad (s.) and the shame he would feel on admitting his sin. So again, he decided he would not do it. So not only did he give up lying but he also gave up fornicating and drinking.

A person who gives up lying must also give up other sins. It’s a natural precursor, for while committing sins a person must constantly lie, but not only to people but to themselves. They have to justify in their mind their actions. So, when a person becomes truthful, not only are they honest in actions, but their actions and words reflect their faith: Hypocrisy and contradiction no longer exist in them. Such a person becomes a Siddiq or a Siddiqah like Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq (a.s.) or Fatimah az-Zahra.

The mutaqun, they are people who guard themselves against evil. They prevent themselves from not only sinning, but keep themselves away from the prerequisites that lead up to sinning. They fear Allah’s wrath and displeasure and seek to come close to Him so they prevent and prevent and prevent themselves from going down that lonely dark path of disbelief.

The salihun and the muhsinun are people of constant good deeds, who try to their utmost to please their Lord in everything they do. They give charity, help the needy, show compassion and kindness, they mediate between two disputing Muslims in hopes to resolve issues and foster love and understanding. They memorize Qur’an and hadiths, and rehears through their actions what they learn. They call people to truth, they serve their parents, they fast, and they keep up their prayers, pray on time, and truly worship during salaat.

The mutahirun strive to release negativity and evils from their being, always looking at themselves, what is in their hearts and minds, what they did, how they did it, what they can do better. They criticize themselves in the hopes to get rid of all filth within them. They ask Allah for forgiveness, constantly turn to Him, and plead for His mercy and compassion. They physically take care of themselves, follow the laws without exception. They are precise, cautious, wanting fervently to do what is right. They are the first to apologize, the first to see their errors; when a verse of warning is read, they look at how it applies to them.

The sabirun are proactive. They live to strengthen themselves and fortify their faith. They know that while they have ease, it is the time to be grateful and to cultivate righteousness. When hardships are placed upon them they are ready, mentally having an understanding of their reality: life is but a test, a struggle, a trial. Allah know what is in you, He knows your capabilities. It is you who must show yourself who you are, use Allah’s gifts to rise amongst the ranks of the faithful. Allah knows you can succeed. He believes in you. You merely have to believe in yourself. So the patiently persevering people hold on to that truth and trust in Allah’s wisdom, that their Lord is not cruel, that He is all goodness, and they strive to come close to that Goodness.

All of these people are mu’min. To be mu’min means to exude these characteristics. Mu’min are truly the fruit of Prophet Muhammad (s.) and Imam ‘Ali’s (a.s.) struggle. Mu’min adorn the A’imma, the Prophets, and Messengers, from Adam to Khataam – may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon them. Mu’min are the soldiers of Imam al-Mahdi’s army, they are the Party of Allah (Hizbullah) and they are the muflihun (the successful ones).

لَا تَجِدُ قَوْمًا يُؤْمِنُونَ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الْآخِرِ يُوَادُّونَ مَنْ حَادَّ اللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ وَلَوْ كَانُوا آبَاءهُمْ أَوْ أَبْنَاءهُمْ أَوْ إِخْوَانَهُمْ أَوْ عَشِيرَتَهُمْ أُوْلَئِكَ كَتَبَ فِي قُلُوبِهِمُ الْإِيمَانَ وَأَيَّدَهُم بِرُوحٍ مِّنْهُ وَيُدْخِلُهُمْ جَنَّاتٍ تَجْرِي مِن تَحْتِهَا الْأَنْهَارُ خَالِدِينَ فِيهَا رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ وَرَضُوا عَنْهُ أُوْلَئِكَ حِزْبُ اللَّهِ أَلَا إِنَّ حِزْبَ اللَّهِ هُمُ الْمُفْلِحُونَ

“You shall find not a people who believe in Allah and the hereafter befriending those who oppose Allah and His Apostle, be they even their own fathers, or their sons, or their own brothers, or their kinsmen, they are those Allah has inscribed faith in their hearts and has strengthen them with a Spirit from Himself; and He will admit them into gardens ’neath which flow rivers; they shall abide therein, with Allah well pleased with them and they well-pleased with Allah. They are the party of Allah. Be it known, verily the party of Allah alone shall be the successful ones.” (Al-Mujadilah 58:22)

These are the people who gain closeness to Allah. They are determined and resolved, they put their hope in Allah, rely on His promise. It is only these people whose life has purpose, whose life is a sign and example for all of humanity.

Ya Allah Ya Atheem, Ya ‘Aliy Ya Kareem!

Have mercy on us, your humble servants, your sinning servants. We are ashamed of our actions, the actions that fall short of who the Muslimun are. We seek your closeness only. We seek your mercy, your love and your compassion. Without it life is meaningless, purposeless.

In the Name of Allah, the All-Merciful, the All-Compassionate 

As Salaamu ‘Alaykym and Greetings to my sisters in faith and my sisters in humanity . . .

What is there to say? Life as we know it is coming to a head. Everything is moving towards one goal, one unavoidable reality. Widespread corruption, oppression, slaughter and tyranny cannot continue freely and unhindered. Allah – the All-Merciful, All-Compassionate, and the King of Retribution – gives us time. How much time we do not know. but such time does not last long. The evil people in the world will soon know the severity of their actions and the innocent people will find comfort with their Lord.

Every Shi‘a pleads for the return of al-Mahdi – may Allah hasten his appearance – because then justice will overcome injustice, peace and tranquility will swallow oppression and strife. Ya Allahu Ya Atheem (O God O Mighty)! Your promise is true. But al-Mahdi is not here because his army is not ready.

My fellow Muslims, it is our duty to prepare for the return of al-Hujjah – may Allah hasten his appearance. It is our duty to find out how if we do not know and do so if we know as well as spread the word of hope.

In the Name of Allah, the All-Merciful, the All-Compassionate

The hijab has many aspects, each of which tells a little more about it, explains its purpose, and shows us without which a society is bound for ruin. One aspect I would like to explore is that of modesty which can only be preserved by hijab. But what is modesty and how does hijab preserve it?

In any dictionary modesty is defined in generic terms that really give no indication as to its true significance. Some meanings express modesty in the cloths worn or lack of vanity. Such statements aren’t specific yet mold well to the times as they change throughout the centuries. Modesty in the eyes of Islam however is inclusive and profound and does not change as time goes by. It is not only a specific way of dress but also a specific code of conduct.

Hijab in its quest to preserve modesty sets itself up boldly. Clothes for women cannot show the shape, it cannot be see-through, or short. In essence, the beauty that women naturally have by the grace of Allah – Subhana wa Ta‘ala – cannot be exposed, nor is it given latitude for exploitation. Men likewise cannot wear certain clothing that will cause too much attention, but because Allah did not create men to be as alluring as women and women naturally do not react to men as men do to women, they do not have to cover as much.

Hijab, the barrier that separates the sexes, commands that both act in accordance to modesty, dignity, and respect. Flirtation, frolicking, and philandering are strongly forbidden. What is the worse way to show disrespect towards women than to flirt with her as though the objective of such flirtation is the only benefit women provide? Is not respect towards women the way in which a man acts towards her: not staring, not trying to win her favor for seedy purposes, and keeping one’s distance so that she feels comfortable to do business with him, so that she does not feel threatened by the male sex?

This modesty which people of reason and good sense seek to acquire can only be done through hijab.

Vanity, the vice that fashion industries and the mass media foster, cannot prosper under the system of hijab. Hijab encourages us to look at the internal qualities of individuals rather than the exterior. People’s thoughts and feelings, convictions and aspirations come to the forefront. Being alamode or out modish suddenly looses its vain fragile foundation since women in hijab aren’t allowed to wear clothes that capture attention. In fact trying to capture attention is contrary to what hijab proposes. It is not to say that while observing hijab everyone looks drab. This is obviously not the case. But a conscious endeavor to be modest, to be dignified and not showy is what hijab seeks to accomplish. This consciousness therefore propels society toward a greater purpose, rejecting the frivolous, shallow dalliances, and encouraging constructive endeavors that not only benefit society but the human race as a whole. And what better endeavors are there in this life than the pursuit of knowledge and closeness to our Lord, who cherishes and sustains us effortlessly with every breath we take.

By the Grace of Allah, as we begin to understand the finer points and purposes of our Lord’s commands, we will begin to move forward as a people who desire only the good in this world and of the world to come.

In the Name of Allah, the All-Merciful, the All-Compassionate

Prophet David (a.s.) asked Allah: “Oh Allah! All kings possess treasures; where is yours?” ‎

Almighty Allah replied: ‎

I possess a treasure which is greater than the sky, vaster than the Heaven’s firmaments, ‎smells better than the perfumes of Paradise, and is beautiful than the Celestial Kingdom. ‎

Its earth is enlightenment. Its sky is belief. Its sun is enthusiasm. Its moon is love. Its stars ‎are inspiration and attention towards Me. Its clouds are reason. Its rain is blessings. Its ‎fruits are obedience, and its yield is wisdom. ‎

My Treasure has four doors. The first one is the door of knowledge. The second one is the ‎door of reason. The third one is the door of patience, and the fourth one is the door of ‎contentment. Know that My Treasure is the heart of a believer.‎

‎~
Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 70, p-59‎

I had been reading Self-Building by Ayatullah Ibrahim Amini when I came upon this ‎hadith. Words cannot describe the swell of emotion in my heart. To know that Allah SWT ‎thinks so highly of His obedient servants is so beautiful, so touching that it makes one fall ‎in love all over again with the Creator. It makes me want to do all I can to become His ‎obedient servant. Just imagine Allah’s love for you, His endearment towards you, greater ‎than anything He has created. But also imagine the type of affection and love towards the ‎best of creation, Muhammad al-Mustafa (s.). If we just take this to heart and try our best ‎to emulate our prophet, just imagine how Allah SWT will see us, how He will cherish and ‎love us.‎

Doesn’t it make the heart beat faster?‎

In the Name of Allah, the All-Merciful, the All-Compassionate

I wrote this in 2003 and I just want to share it here.

On the earth
my forehead rests
palms at its sides

Contrite and flustered
in sin and shame
imploring, for He guides

Mercy and compassion
is all that is needed
in secret the heart confides

A wish, a desire
to make things better
the Hope that never lies

In the Name of Allah, the All-Merciful, the All-Compassionate

Can a Muslim woman be pious without observing hijab? The answer is a resounding ‘No!’ But how can one judge? People are unable to perceive what is in the heart. The Holy Qur’an states:

“…And Allah knows what is in your hearts…” (Surah al-Ahzab 33: 51)

Only Allah Subhaana wa ta ‘ala knows who has faith and who does not, and only He knows the extent of one’s belief. However, this argument is often used by Muslim women who do not wear hijab. Some even go as far as saying that they have seen non-hijab wearing women more pious than those who do wear hijab. So which is it?

This issue will not cease to plague the Muslim community so long as there are Muslims who half step their religion and expect their counterparts to not say anything. Yet, it is not that those who wear hijab are better than those who do not. We are each on our separate journeys to one final goal, God-willing, that of seeking nearness to and the satisfaction of our Lord, the Cherisher and Sustainer of the heavens and earth, Allah Subhaana wa ta ‘ala. Everyone has his or her time in which they realize the ultimate truth and submit to their lord. This being a fact of life, however, does not take away from the truth that those women who observe hijab properly are far ahead on the road to taqwa (piety) than those women who do not. What is meant by the word ‘observe’ is not only wearing modest clothing that does not accent the shape but also becoming modest in one’s manners and behavior. Only such an endeavor is undertaken because of one’s devotion to Allah SWT.

In order to understand this we must first understand what it means to be pious, what it means to have taqwa. Prophet Muhammad (s.) said: “The best definition of piety is given in Allah’s words:

“Verily Allah enjoins justice and benevolence (to others) and giving unto the kindred, and forbidden lewdness and evil and rebellion; He exhorts you that ye may take heed.” (Surah Nahl 16: 90)

In this verse Allah SWT explains the characteristics of taqwa as justice, benevolence, having shame, and following His ordinances. So how is it not concluded that disobedience to Allah’s laws is outside the scope of piety? How can a Muslim woman, no matter how nice she might seem, be considered pious if she refuses to obey an obligation placed on her by Allah SWT? Imam as-Sadiq (a.s.) was asked who the most pious people were. And in his (a.s.) reply he said: “The most pious people are those who abstain from what Allah had forbidden.”

It is all too clear then when in the Qur’an we read:

“And say unto the believing women that they cast down their gaze and guard their private parts and they display not their adornment save what is apparent of it; and draw their veils over their bosoms…” (24:30)

It is quite clear. Taqwa comes from submission to Allah’s Will. But it is not only that. It is a life long process. Once a person accepts the ultimate truth that there is no deity worthy of worship but Allah SWT and that Muhammad is His last Messenger, they have to then submit: pray their salaats, fast during the month of Ramadhan, pay khums, wear hijab, engage in jihad al-akbar (striving against the self’s lower inclinations), etc.

All these acts of worship are so consuming that a person almost becomes internalized. He or she is so consumed with the obligations that it is all that is on the mind: making sure salaat is performed on time and properly, that one is truly worshiping Allah SWT in this way. While fasting, a person takes care not to commit sins, goes out of his or her way to give generously and help others. While striving against the self, a person criticizes his or her actions, specifically those against others.

As this self-reformation blossoms, he or she does as much good as can be while trying to keep away from sins for fear of Allah’s wrath. Such a process takes years just to get to that point and it is yet not near the taqwa of the righteous – a fear of Allah SWT that guards one from sinning. Even Muslims who were born into the religion have to struggle hard against their selves. And it is worse for them to break old habits of just going through the motions, and realizing because they know more they have no excuse to be lackadaisical.

After considering all this, how can one even think that anyone not willing to observe hijab – male or female – is pious? If a person is unwilling to do so, to simply cover and be modest, what makes any of us think she doesn’t have any qualms about certain other obligations?

Hijab is telling, whether observed properly or not. It tells us who is trying to obey Allah SWT and who is not. We see it by the clothes worn and the manners exhibited, if the gaze is averted from the opposite sex, if words are spoken softly or flirtatiously, if laughter is coaxed, or gait is skilled.

In the Qur’an Allah commands:

“O (Our) Prophet (Muhammad)! Say thou unto thy wives and thy daughters, ‎and the women of believers that they let down upon them their cover ‎garments; that they may be known, so that they will not be troubled, Allah ‎is Oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.” (Surah Ahzab 33: 59)‎

This hijab is an honor and a duty. If we, the Muslim women, observe it as it is supposed to be observed then we are envoys for Islam. We are its symbol, a recognition of an induction to taqwa, as a non-compromising way of life. We are symbols to a life that moves in only one direction…to become near to our Lord and seek His good pleasure.

And lastly, Allah SWT tells us in His Glorious Qur’an:

“Never doth reach Allah their flesh nor their blood, but reaches Allah the piety on your part; thus hath He subjugated them unto you that ye might pronounce the greatness of Allah for what He hath guided you aright; and thou (O’ Our Apostle Muhammad!) Give glad tidings unto the doers of good.” (22:37)

In the Name of Allah, the All-Merciful, the All-Compassionate

As Salaamu ‘Alaykum to all my sisters in faith and in humanity . . .

My name is Siddiqah. I recently turned 27 and I’ve been married for close to 6 months, alhumdulillah. I’m African American and was born Muslim. Was Sunni in my tender years, but I accepted the Ahlul Bayt – peace and blessings of Allah on them – during my college years. I’m from Queens, NY, but I’m currently living in Jersey City, NJ. Islam is my way of life or rather it is the life I am aspiring to live by. It takes time and great effort and only through the grace of Allah will anyone who tries to live this way will be able to do so. I think living a Godly life is too important. Anyone who looks out their window and sees a complex and viable and alive world must consider what brought it about. I think people who seek to find out about their creation and seek their Creator’s closeness are on the road to peace and harmony. It’s something intrinsic in every human being to know one’s self but how can anyone know herself without understanding the reality of their existence, how she got here . . . It will nag at us and we will try to fill our lives with superficial things to complete ourselves but it will be a hollow existence and we will not be happy.

Seeking closeness to God, to Allah is the only way. This is my firm belief . . . and this is what I wish my blog to be about.