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The Prophet’s (peace be upon him) Strategy of Change
In the Quran, Allah SWT said, ^“It is He who sent His messenger with guidance and the religion of truth so that He makes it prevail over all religions even though the idolaters hate it.” (Qur’an 61:9)

Arabia before Rasoolullah (peace be upon him)

Consider Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) life and how he transformed not only Arabian society, but the world as well. Before Muhammad (peace be upon him), Arabs were of little or no significance. With no central protective laws, Bedouin tribes were forced to protect and to safeguard their members themselves. If a member was killed, revenge was inevitable. As such, the tribes were in a near constant state of conflict with one another. If tribes did seek to form an alliance, it was often to support one group against another. This resulted in decades-long wars between tribes such as Bakr and Taghlib, ‘Abs and Zhubyaan, Aus and Khazraj and more.

Arabia’s prevailing lawlessness led to more havoc, including unprovoked attacks on caravans and weak settlements, further perpetuating its cycle of violence.

During this time, other empires like the Byzantine, Roman, and Persian surpassed the Arabs’ civilization and political and economic stability. In short, before Rasoolullah (peace be upon him), no practical bond united Arabia’s tribes.

A unique generation

This changed under Rasoolullah (peace be upon him), who revolutionized Arabia, and it became unique, prevailing and ruling over a large part of the world for centuries. By Allah’s (SWT) will, Rasoolullah (peace be upon him) transformed Arabia into a fierce and faithful nation, one that abandoned its idols and whose people believed in the divine oneness of Allah (SWT). During the 23 years of Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) mission, Islam became the way of life for most of Arabia.

Allah SWT reminded the Arabs: “Hold firmly, all of you together, to the rope of Allah (Qur’an) and do not be divided. Remember the favor of Allah on you, when you were enemies and He brought your hearts together, and you became brothers (unified) by His favor. You were on the brink of (entering) a pit of Fire, and He rescued you from it. This is how Allah makes His verses clear to you so that you may be guided.” (Qur’an 3:103)

When reflecting on this achievement, we might ask how an entire society, initially hostile to Islam and Muhammad (peace be upon him), not only embraced Islam but then defended it with their lives and wealth. How did they transform from enemies of the faith to its torchbearers?

Allah (SWT) recognized Arabia’s shift: ^“You are the best community brought out from humanity. You enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong and you believe in Allah.” (Qur’an 3:110)

Methods of change
1. Firm Islamic policies
  Through Islamically inspired policies, Rasoolullah (peace be upon him) elevated independent tribes, and they emerged anew within the Islamic ummah framework. Indeed, this faith-based band was and is a stronger, more enduring bond than tribalism, nationalism, or ethnicity.
  
  Allah (SWT) said:^“Do they wish to be judged according to (practices) at the time of ignorance (before Allah’s guidance)? Who could be better than Allah in judgment for a people with unshakable faith?” (Qur’an 5:50)
  
  When Rasoolullah (peace be upon him) passed away, his mission was complete. He established a social system far superior to the tribal one Arabs previously lived under, and they were united, creating cohesive religious unity where it had not been before.
1. Shari’ah in harmony with imaan
  When an individual’s behavior revolves around the intention to please Allah (SWT), changes occur. There are worldly benefits in doing good, but the ultimate aim of righteousness is for Allah (SWT). Sharia’ah, both the Islamic law and the code of conduct, is of divine authority, which regulates religious matters as well as worldly affairs. However, all deeds ultimately return to Allah (SWT), who said, “And as for those who believed and did righteous deeds, He will give them in full their rewards and grant Rasoolullah (peace be upon him) prepared his companions for leadership, most remarkably the Khulafa’ee Rashideen, Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali (may Allah SWT be pleased them extra from His bounty.” (Qur’an 4:173)
1. Preparing leaders
  Indeed, by the end of the Khulafa’ee Rashideen period, Islam had reached Palestine, Syria, Mesopotamia, Damascus, Jerusalem, Cairo, Alexandria, Iraq, Persia, North Africa, Cypress, Europe, and China. This achievement happened by the will of Allah (SWT) who blessed Rassoolullah (peace be upon him) with selfless dedication, commitment, and excellent leadership. Unfortunately, today we often find that those in leadership positions fail to produce leaders who will succeed them, leaving a huge void and chaos when they die.
  
  By contrast, Rasoolullah (peace be upon him) was selfless and wished for all his companions to experience the same zeal he had to propagate the deen. As a result, the sahaabah (may Allah be pleased with them) understood they also should prepare the next generation for leadership in the prophetic way.
1. Demonstrating moral character
  Muhammad (peace be upon him) redefined and refined society’s morals. He softened people’s hearts and nature, preparing them for progress and advancement. For example, he banned the practice of burying baby girls alive, making him one of society’s greatest reformers.
  
  Muhammad (peace be upon him) was known for his forgiving nature and noble character traits of kindness, gentleness, compassion, patience, humility, and good dealings with people. He lived peacefully among people for 40 years, his relatives loved him dearly, and people of his city greatly respected his upright principles, honor, and integrity. He emphasized fairness and treated people equally regardless of social status, race, or background. He promoted rights of the poor, women, and marginalized groups, reshaping societal norms around justice. Allah (SWT) described him: “(O Muhammad PBUH), it is by Allah’s Mercy that you are gentle with them. Had you been severe and harsh-hearted, they would have turned away from you. Therefore, pardon them, pray for their forgiveness, and consult them in public affairs. Once you have taken a decision, then put your trust in Allah. Indeed, Allah loves those who put their trust in Him.” (Quran 3:159)
  
  His integrity and honesty encouraged people to practice empathy, forgive others, and to avoid revenge, fostering a more harmonious and peaceful society. He instilled in people a sense of personal responsibility, accountability, and ethics by encouraging them to fulfill their duties, be truthful, and uphold moral standards.
How can we change?

The transformation Rasoolullah (peace be upon him) inspired happened without mass media, technology, or high-tech communications equipment. So, what prevents us from using his sunnah to bring about positive changes in a world filled with distress, grief, and trials? Imaam Malik (may Allah’s mercy be on him) said: “The latter generation of this ummah will never be rectified except by means of which rectified the earlier generation.”

To realize change, we must approach it on individual and collective levels. As individuals, we must understand Rasoolullah’s (peace be upon him) mission; have firm faith and attachment to Allah (SWT); possess honorable personal character and embrace a proactive approach to our actions. Collectively, we must practice brotherhood and love for one another, we must employ shura, or mutual consultation, and leaders must encourage discipline within the jamaa’ah, or community.

May Allah (SWT) help us make these changes, for ourselves and for our brothers and sisters.
January 1, 2025
Seeking His Shade: Growing up in the Worship of God

Have you ever heard the saying — Youth is wasted on the young? Those of us who can still lay claim to being young often have no real sense of the value of our youth. We’re strong in body, passionate in emotion, and have ample free time that makes older folks envious. There are young people who use their youthful years wisely, and others who fritter it away as though it holds no worth, thinking, “I’ll change sooner or later but I’ve got time to do whatever I want now.”

Youth is a time of exploration. Older youth don’t yet have the family, financial, and civic responsibilities of an adult; but they have time, energy, health, and exuberant curiosity to explore, develop skills, and grow in knowledge

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said, “Take benefit of five before five: your youth before your old age, your health before your sickness, your wealth before your poverty, your free time before you are preoccupied, and your life before your death.” Youth is mentioned as one of the categories here because it involves the part of your life where you are at your peak health. It’s the time when you’re in a position to lay a foundation for the rest of your life, to institute habits of discipline, to practice virtues, to learn how to think and reason and use common sense. This is the time when you’re able to begin an exciting journey of discovery, of contribution and service, of beneficial impact on your community and the world.

In the era of the Prophet (pbuh), youth was not seen as a barrier to accomplishing things. There were military leaders who were teenagers. There were Quranic scribes who, in our times, would be considered too young to take on such an important task. There were scholars who were raised in the presence of the Prophet, listening to his words and absorbing his wisdom at tender ages. For these individuals, their youth was an asset, never a limitation. We’re often (mistakenly) taught that as young people we do not have the skills, patience, or dedication to contribute in a substantive way to our communities and to the larger ummah. But as we’ve mentioned, throughout Islamic history many young people achieved great things.

The very act of having good people in your life can make or break your status with God. Your peers affect you in ways that you may not comprehend at first glance.

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said, “There are seven whom Allah will shade in His Shade on the Day when there is no shade except His Shade.” Among the seven he mentioned is a young person who grows up in the worship of Allah. How can we ensure that Allah (SWT) grants us this status on the Day of Judgment? And how can we capitalize on our time to make sure we’ve fulfilled our greatest potential during the dynamic and bountiful years of our youth?

Surround Yourself with Good Friends

I couldn’t be more grateful to my parents who strove to put me in the presence of intelligent and well-mannered people, including my peers. They always knew where I was and with whom. They knew my friends’ parents, and the kinds of people they were. I’ll openly admit that as a child, this was often irritating to me. I didn’t want to have to answer a million questions about who my friends were or where we were going and for how long. I wanted my “freedom.” Now, as an adult and as a parent, I have come to sincerely appreciate the effort that my parents exerted so that I would be in the company of good, trusted people. The very act of having good people in your life can make or break your status with God. Your peers affect you in ways that you may not comprehend at first glance.

For example, in Surat al-Kahf, Allah (SWT) mentions the story of a group of young men who escaped their town and secluded themselves in a cave because they were the only ones who believed in one God. Allah (SWT) caused them to sleep for 309 years. As part of the story, Allah (SWT) describes the group, saying: “They will say there were three, the fourth of them being their dog; and they will say there were five, the sixth of them being their dog – guessing at the unseen; and they will say there were seven, and the eighth of them was their dog. Say, [O Muhammad], ‘My Lord is most knowing of their number. None knows them except a few. So do not argue about them except with an obvious argument and do not inquire about them [among the speculators] from anyone’” (18:22). It may seem like the dog is mostly irrelevant in the story, but the fact that Allah (SWT) mentions him several times is no coincidence. Scholars of tafseer have explained that the reason the dog is mentioned so often is that it was in the company of these righteous young people. Being in the company of these believers was enough for the dog to be honored to the level of being mentioned three separate times in this Quranic verse. This is the blessing of righteous companionship!

Not only do we need to surround ourselves with good people, we also need to ensure that we become the sellers of musk. Every person who sits with us should leave with something beautiful.

Similarly, in a beautiful hadith Qudsi, Allah (SWT) explains that the angels search for groups of people who are remembering Allah, and they surround them with their wings. At the end of the hadith, Allah (SWT) says: “Bear witness that I have forgiven them.” Then one of the angels would ask, “Among those assembled, there is one who is not of them [i.e., a sinner]; he only came for some other need.” Allah would reply: “Even so, they are one another’s companions and their companions shall not suffer.” Just our presence with the people who remember Allah can be a means for us to be forgiven!

Having righteous companionship can affect our status with Allah (SWT). Good people remind us of our blessings and remind us to be grateful for them. Good people can lift us up in times of distress so that we don’t get lost in our pain. Good people help our hearts stay open and receptive to Allah’s message and guidance. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), said, “The likeness of a righteous friend and an evil friend is the likeness of a perfume seller and a blacksmith. As for the perfume seller, he may either bestow something on you or you may purchase something from him, or you may benefit from his sweet smell. And as for the blacksmith, he may either burn your clothes or you may be exposed to his awful smell.”

Not only do we need to surround ourselves with good people, we also need to ensure that we become the sellers of musk. Every person who sits with us should leave with something beautiful.

Read, Read, and Read Some More

As a child, I would walk to the nearby library with my siblings and we would each take out at least ten books at a time. Once we got home, we would hole ourselves up in our rooms, devouring the books one by one. This was our entertainment before the advent of hand-held devices. Our mother would have to pry books out of our hands in order for us to eat or sleep at a decent time.

Growing up this way made us into voracious readers. Although many of us have succumbed to the allure of hand-held devices, there is still no greater pleasure than holding a book and reading in silence. Reading opens the mind to frames of reference other than our own. It enriches our vocabularies so that we might become articulate speakers and writers. It lets us glimpse realities that we haven’t lived, and helps us develop understanding and empathy. “Read!” was the first word ever revealed to our beloved Prophet (pbuh). Years later, after a victorious battle in which the Muslims captured a number of their enemies, Prophet Muhammad advised that if any of them would teach ten children how to read and write, they would be freed. The ability to read and write was given such significant value that teaching it was considered enough of a ransom to warrant an enemy’s freedom. Allah (SWT) tells us in the first verses revealed: “Read! — in the Name of your Lord Who created, created man from a clinging substance. Read! — and your Lord is the Most Generous, Who taught by the pen, taught man that which he knew not” (96:1-5).

In the Quran and the Prophetic traditions, there is great emphasis placed on reading, learning, and contemplating. Attaining to knowledge is given such a high status that even the Prophet himself would supplicate to Allah, saying “My Lord! Increase me in knowledge.” Reading is the gateway into the world of learning. It is the start of a life-long journey of reflection and exploration. The Quran advises, “Say, [O Muhammad], ‘Travel through the land and observe how He began creation. Then Allah will produce the final creation. Indeed, Allah is able to do all things’” (29:20).

Reading isn’t just an intellectual exercise. It’s about expanding your mind to a point where you start to recognize and appreciate all the signs that Allah (SWT) has placed on this earth. So for a portion of each day, put aside social media, gaming, and TV and read! Read and strive to understand the Quran; read about the amazing scholars, writers, and inventors who came before us. Read about history, politics, economics, psychology, physics, linguistics, alternative energy sources, health and fitness… the list is endless. And the capacity to expand our minds and deepen our understanding is relatively endless as well.

Grow Your Passions and Be Active

Once you reach the age of puberty, you are held accountable for all that you do, and that thought can be daunting. But you also have the opportunity to do good and therefore cement your status as a “youth who grew up in the worship of God.” Youth is a time of exploration. Older youth don’t yet have the family, financial, and civic responsibilities of an adult; but they have time, energy, health, and exuberant curiosity to explore, develop skills, and grow in knowledge.

Take courses outside of school, develop interesting hobbies, volunteer with your school’s MSA or other groups, work on neighbourhood projects or political campaigns that you believe in. You can even start a small business on your own or with a group of other like-minded peers. The opportunities are quite literally endless. But above all, remember that you are doing all of these things so that Allah will accept you as a youth who took advantage of his or her years before old age. And most of all, remember that you are doing all of these things as part of your worship, as a demonstration that your words and deeds flow from your eman; and your eman, in turn, is constantly growing and informing your daily living with a believer’s sense of meaningfulness and purpose. Ensure that this intention is present, and He will bless all that you do.

Remember that Your Surroundings Don’t Define You

I know how difficult it is to grow up in a place where others often belittle your identity, or look at you with suspicion. Perhaps you may feel that you’re at a disadvantage because you live somewhere remote, unable to learn at the feet of scholars, or you live in an environment not conducive to Islamic beliefs. But I remind myself constantly of the examples of the righteous people who came before me – some of whom had to live and preach in much more difficult circumstances. Prophet Musa (pbuh) was raised in the household of one of the worst oppressors and transgressors in history — Pharaoh himself. His adoptive mother Aasiya (may Allah be pleased with her) was in the same boat, but she had it even worse – she was married to Pharoah. And yet both of them rose above these toxic influences surrounding them – Musa (pbuh) became a prophet and messenger whose brilliant example is immortalized in the Quran. Aasiya became a martyr whose strength inspires us to this day, and whose dying words have become part and parcel of our beliefs: “My Lord, build for me near You a home in Paradise.”

The opposite is also true. You can grow up in the best and most loving, supportive environments for a believer and still go astray. Take for example Prophet Nuh’s (pbuh) son. Regardless of the fact that his father was a prophet, Nuh’s son vehemently disbelieved in the truth. Even as the waves of the flood were getting higher and more violent, he refused to board his father’s ark and eventually perished. You are not defined solely by your surroundings. You are defined only by your own worship of God and your dedication to goodness in all facets of your life. Despite your flaws and sins (we all have them) – you’re so much stronger than you think.

I pray that I and each person reading this meet under the Shade of Allah (SWT) because we used our youthful years to worship Him (SWT). Ameen.

December 3, 2016
The Five Necessities

The conversation never gets old. Two parents are standing at the edge of the Masjid, on the verge of losing their kids to the crowd. It appears that the influence of their peers and the challenges of being young are getting the best of them. One concerned parent says emphatically to the other, “We need to do something for the youth!” A few cities over, the same realization is echoing at the weekly board meeting of your neighborhood Islamic Center and resounding from the pulpits of Muslim communities across the nation. If you’ve been involved in activism long enough you might have heard these words a thousand times.

How do we instill this conviction in Muslim youth? One of the most effective ways is to put them through specialized dawah training. Why? Because many of them have the very same questions and doubts

Nonetheless, there is an increasing awareness within our communities of a need that has been both present and pressing for a very long time. Where we have been delayed and left lingering for too long, however, is not in recognizing the need; rather it is in bringing forth and implementing practical solutions and methods to facilitate the fulfillment of that need. In other words, we have yet to cover the distance between “the what” and “the how.” We have yet to bridge the gap between the principle and the practical. We know we need to strengthen our Muslim youth but we don’t always know how. We know we need to cultivate in them the love of Allah and His Messenger, but again, we don’t always know how. We know we need to keep them engaged and active at the Masjid but we don’t always know how. This is where the old conversation usually comes to an end, and this is where the new conversation has to begin…

There is a very beautiful and profound chapter of The Quran that is simple and short enough for a three-year-old child to memorize and to understand. In this chapter, Allah lays out a roadmap to success that is relevant to all of humanity and especially practical for Muslim youth. From it we can derive five basic necessities that, by Allah’s permission, will not only help our youth prosper in their religious affairs (deen) but will also help them prosper in their worldly affairs (dunya). The chapter that I am referring to is none other than Al-Asr (The Time), and the five necessities, that it so eloquently captures, are as follows: time management, conviction, righteous activity, inclusive engagement, and positive reinforcement.

Time Management
Allah says “By time, mankind is in a state of loss…” (103:1-2). One of the greatest challenges for our Muslim youth in the pursuit of their fullest potential is the fact that they have too much free, unaccounted for and unmonitored time, and not enough positive alternatives with which to fill that time. Many of them, in fact, are being left to their own devices and their own discretion without proper intervention or regulation, and as a result their true potential is being wasted. Yes, many of them may be doing well or excelling in school; but at the same time they are spending valuable hours on video games and social media, on the phone, watching 3-hour movies, and excessively engaging in fruitless activities. All the while, they are falling behind in their Islamic development.

Mentorship is important for the success of youth because it creates a source for advice and support that is separate from the sensitivities that are present with family and friends

Without a doubt there is great benefit in relaxation and entertainment, but when it begins to consume the lives of young people, then it becomes detrimental. What if we could cut the time that they spend engaging in entertainment and social media in half or even reserve a third of that time for beneficial endeavors? Now, instead of simply excelling in school, they could be over-excelling in school or taking on an extra-curricular that may contribute to their future success. In fact, with the amount of time that the average young person spends on the internet alone, they could be learning a trade or gaining a level of accreditation in one of the sciences of Islam. Time management is so vital and so necessary for our success that Allah uses the remainder of this chapter (Al-Asr) to lay out for us a specific regiment for the usage of our time.

Conviction

After informing us that all human beings are in a state of loss, Allah makes an exception by saying “…except for those who have faith…” (103:3). The second and the most important necessity that should occupy the time of our Muslim youth in order to prevent their potential from being lost is the development and preservation of their conviction in Allah. Why? Because without true faith and certainty in Allah, their taqwa (their mindfulness of Allah which leads to virtue and prevents sin) cannot be fully developed. Moreover, as long as they have doubts about Islam they run the risk of not only falling into sin but of losing their identity all together. On the other hand, if they do develop the necessary level of certainty and mindfulness of Allah, then they will begin to take account of themselves and make their own initiative to maintain their Islam. The real question, however, is how do we instill this conviction in Muslim youth?

One of the most effective and practical ways to nurture conviction in the hearts of Muslim youth, especially teenagers, is to put them through specialized dawah training. Why? Because many of them have the very same questions and doubts that a non-Muslim would have. Many of them don’t know why they believe what they believe, and a part of the reason why is because they have not been introduced to Allah’s proofs in a way that captivates their minds and keeps them engaged. In fact, many young Muslims have never even been asked the question “Why are you, personally, a Muslim?” And the very inability to answer this question is a sign that their conviction may be deficient or unfounded, and their Islam may simply be cultural, a lifestyle that was passed on to them from their parents. Such a possibility should never be left unresolved. Also, dawah training, if done properly, should accomplish three things. It should stimulate faith and build certainty, connect hearts to the Quran, and provide individuals with the language and the skill to articulate and defend their Islamic identity in a time when Islam is at the center of the world stage.

Righteous Activity

After conviction, Allah mentions righteous activity which is the third necessity for success. Allah says “… those who do righteous deeds” (103:3). Oftentimes when we think of righteous activity, we limit it to praying, fasting, giving charity, and basic acts of kindness. However, righteous activity is that which is essentially beneficial and is a very broad category that can even include such things as physical fitness and social events if they are facilitated in the proper way with the correct intention. Righteous activity also includes those activities that will prevent you from falling into disobedience as well as those activities that facilitate good deeds. A good example of this type of righteous activity is participating in sports. Not only does sports prevent many young people from wasting time and engaging in other harmful things, but also through sports certain qualities and life skills are practiced and developed such as sportsmanship, teamwork, sacrifice, effective communication, tolerance, strategic planning, and even self-confidence. Moreover, if these activities are being facilitated by Muslims, then prayer and beneficial reminders can actually be incorporated as well.

Now, I know that not every young Muslim likes sports. That’s fine. There are plenty of other activities that can benefit them and keep them engaged. Be creative! Ask them what their interests are and develop your programming around them. Take their favorite game shows like Jeopardy and Family Feud and create Islamic versions. Try to put them together in teams as much as possible and create incentives and merit systems to reward those who put forth their best efforts. Facilitate writing workshops that reinforce the importance of creativity and written expression in Islam, and encourage them, for example to write poems about the prophets or short pieces about what Islam means to them. Make sure that study circles for the youth seem less like lectures and more like conversations that involve both the speaker and the listener. Ask them if they know before you tell them the answer and they will be much more attentive. Lastly, one of the most transformative righteous activities that Muslim youth can participate in is feeding and helping those in need. This has a very profound impact on young people, especially those who have lived a relatively privileged life, without deprivation in food, shelter, or other basic necessities.

Inclusive Engagement

As for the fourth necessity on the roadmap to success, Allah says “…and those who participate in and encourage truth…” (103:3). If we want to see Muslim youth attached to the Masjid and taking up the cause of Islam on their own initiative, then participation is paramount. They have to feel like the Masjid is their Masjid. They have to feel like they are a part of the process. Even if they are given a donation basket to hold on Friday or a stack of flyers to hand out to the congregation as they leave, that seemingly small act of inclusion may change their entire perspective of the Masjid and their relationship with it as well. Through participation we not only can instill a sense of ownership in them, but we can also begin to cultivate leadership, and transition the youth into active, even proactive, members of the community!

If you want to take it a step further, then don’t just let them hand out food to the needy on the day of distribution; let them manage the entire process themselves. Let them make phone calls from the office phone in the Masjid. Let them collect donations from community members. Let them plan the coat drive. Let them organize and host their own events under the guidance of the administration. Let them decide where they want to go for their quarterly youth trip. These things may seem insignificant but they can go a long way in the life of a young Muslim. Lastly, offer tutoring in English and math and SAT preparation classes at your community center because this will send the signal that you are concerned about the overall success and well-being of the Muslim youth. It also is a strategic way to bring them together in the House of Allah with other young Muslims.

Positive Reinforcement

As for the fifth necessity for success, Allah says “…and those who observe and encourage patience and perseverance” (103:3). Strengthening Muslim youth is all about positive reinforcement which should ultimately manifest into a comprehensive support system that includes family, friends, and mentors. This creates an environment wherein Muslim youth are constantly being invited and encouraged to do good. One of the most vital components to this support system is the youth group because youth are more influenced by their peers than anyone else, and are more inclined to come to the Masjid and participate in programs when they know that other youth will be present. What can enhance the positive youth-to-youth impact is the collaboration with other youth groups. This provides an extended sense of belonging, and sends the signal that other people like them are enjoying themselves doing similar things.

Mentorship is perhaps just as important for the success of our youth because it creates a source for advice and support that is separate from the sensitivities and incentives that are present with family and friends. Youth need a safe-zone where they can express their insecurities and their personal struggles without feeling that they are being judged or condemned. They have real challenges that are not simply overcome just by knowing right from wrong; and the Imam might not be the person that they feel comfortable disclosing themselves to. This is where the mentor becomes very important. Some ideal candidates for mentors are university students, young professionals, and athletes – all of whom should be well-grounded and well-balanced in their Islamic identity.

Lastly, everything crumbles without positive parental reinforcement in the homes. In fact, without it, the positive effects of involvement with high-minded Muslims peers and the guidance and support of mentors are undone. Parents cannot think that just because they send their children to the Masjid or even to Islamic school that their responsibility has been fulfilled. Rather, they have to know that they are the single most important pillar in the lives of their children because of the level of authority and proximity that Allah has given them. Ultimately, the five necessities cannot be properly implemented, monitored, and measured, without the involvement of the home.

To conclude, we should know that Muslim youth are just youth who are Muslim. Their challenges and their interests are very much the same as other youth. However, the only thing that sets Muslim youth apart, and will allow them to prosper through the challenges, is the clear guidance sent by Allah!

December 3, 2016
A Day Trip to the Kaaba: The Ultimate Privilege and an Absolute Blessing

At seven in the morning I would step out of my house into glorious sunshine and board the bus with my neighbours, who were also my colleagues, my friends, and my newly adopted family. In a state of Ihram and donned in two pieces of white cloth, the men would take the front of the bus. The women would be armed with their prayer beads and supplies of breakfast snacks as we yet again shared our overwhelming awe of being absorbed in the present moment: a day trip to the glorious Kaaba.

We were a group of British and South African teachers living out an adventure in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The reasons to emigrate were many, but the common thread was our desire to be within close proximity to our spiritual home. The frustrations and stresses of working within a Saudi system paled in comparison to standing in front of the Kaaba, or in front of the beloved Prophet Muhammed’s (peace be upon him) grave and amongst thousands of worshippers who shared the same desire and passion to immerse themselves in contemplation of the oneness of God — escaping from the earthly world and into the ephemeral where the human heart can find complete rest and tranquillity.

Words cannot convey the immensity of gratitude that ran through me each time I visited the two holy cities. Inevitably, large crowds of worshippers brought with them many challenges that had to be overcome; patience, respect, and understanding were all part of the process in ensuring that the full benefits of the Umrah trips were gained. However, during periods when international visas were closed, uninterrupted meditations were an absolute blessing. I would place my hands on the wall of the Kaaba fully absorbed in the moment. Deep in heartfelt prayers, I had the privileged opportunity to pray for all of humanity. From my late father who passed away prematurely from pancreatic cancer to the stranger who laboured endlessly to fund his child’s education, I asked Allah to grant them all peace in this world and the hereafter.

Medina was a more relaxed experience compared to Mecca, and during the periods of closed visas, it offered an even more incredible opportunity to feel the love of the beloved prophet (pbuh). Through the blessings of Allah, I could sit close to the Prophet’s grave, taking my time in offering the two rakats of prayer and simply absorbing the immense strength of spirituality that seemed to have a unique and powerful vibe exclusively reserved for the city of Medina.

My one year stay in Jeddah was an eclectic mix of experiences. Frustration, anger, and disappointment was balanced out with inspiring nature and beautiful friendships. But my greatest motivation was always my deep desire to be spiritually moved, to be fully absorbed into a world of prayer where only God exists. Mecca and Medina fulfilled this desire, and as I sit in my home in the UK watching the autumn change into winter, I cannot express enough gratitude for the blessings of having said time and time again, “Let’s go for a day trip to the Kaaba!”

It is narrated on the authority of the amir al-muminin (leader of the believers), Abu Hafs Umar bin al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him), who said, “I heard the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), say, ‘Actions are according to intentions, and everyone will get what was intended. Whoever migrates with an intention for Allah and His messenger, the migration will be for the sake of Allah and his Messenger. And whoever migrates for worldly gain or to marry a woman, then his migration will be for the sake of whatever he migrated for’” (Bukhari and Muslim).

December 3, 2016
Muslim Youth: Developing Leaders for Today and Tomorrow

“The youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow.” This concept has been drilled into our heads. Both in Islamic contexts and elsewhere, we hear about youth potential and how one day they will be leaders of society. While experience and maturity is important, the role of Muslim youth is not to sit back and wait for the future to arrive. Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, told all Muslims that when we see something wrong, we should first change it with our hands. If we cannot change it with our hands, then change it with our tongues, by speaking up, and if we cannot do that, then at the very least we must recognize that evil and in our hearts, support changing the situation.

Young Muslims presents and stresses core concepts of Islamic character and leadership, helping youth deepen their understanding of Islam and implement virtuous traits crucial to their success

Muslim youth in America face challenges that can stifle their potential. One of the biggest challenges is the lack of necessary Islamic knowledge. Oftentimes Muslim youth in America are taught only the basics of their faith and sometimes not even that. They typically learn how to read and write Arabic without learning the meaning. It is no mystery why many young Muslims are not confident in their faith. Many do not understand Arabic enough to understand the Quran for themselves. Their own holy book can seem strange and foreign. If they want to truly understand their faith, they must go out of their way to seek Islamic knowledge.

Another hurdle for Muslim youth in America is the lack of support in Muslim communities. Mosques sometimes feel to young people like a place of judgment and close-minded attitudes. Mosques are meant to be community centers where anyone can find help and support. Sadly, youth find that the issues they deal with are considered by adults to be too taboo or uncomfortable to discuss amongst Muslims. Youth end up turning to other sources for guidance, whether peers, social media gurus, or non-Muslim teachers or advisers. Their advice, while often well-intended, may contradict Islamic principles. Who can blame youth for taking that advice when Muslim mentors aren’t available to give them credible information and guidance suitable for young Muslims?

Muslim youth are also constantly surrounded by vulgarity in pop culture. Every day they are exposed to music, movies, TV shows, and media filled with obscene messages. Living in a culture where modesty is rejected and “doing whatever you want” is celebrated can drain anyone, especially young people who are still building identities and figuring out their boundaries. Young Muslims in America are in a constant struggle between being accepted by society and firmly adhering to their faith. It is easier to follow the crowd and gain acceptance than to reject societal norms and risk being an outcast.

Despite the challenges, Muslim American youth are part of history in the making. Being a Muslim in America today means you are contributing to the ever-changing portrait of Islam in America. Whether through standing up and driving change, or staying silent and allowing politicians, journalists, or even Islamophobes to speak for them, Muslim youth affect the image of Islam in America every day. The passion and energy of youth is an incredible asset. Young people can accomplish amazing feats in life when their efforts are channeled correctly. Some of the most esteemed companions of the Prophet (pbuh) gained respect and leadership positions at a young age. They used their passion and youth to help their communities grow and prosper. Their age did not limit them, instead their youth helped them further contribute to society. In order for Muslim youth to succeed as they have in the past, they must be given the proper tools.

Safe spaces are crucial for developing dynamic youth. Muslim youth need to be in an environment where good deeds and good character are celebrated, somewhere they can to turn to receive wholesome Islamic advice without being looked down upon for their flaws. Being around people who encourage good deeds and discourage bad is a positive form of peer pressure that builds confidence and strength of character. Communities can implement this by encouraging youth to participate in community affairs, providing space to grow and learn from fellow community members while contributing to discussions and activism with their unique perspectives.

Young Muslims, a division of ICNA, connects Muslim youth throughout America. This grassroots organization provides the tools youth need to grow and develop. YM presents and stresses core concepts of Islamic character and leadership, helping youth deepen their understanding of Islam and implement virtuous traits crucial to their success. Through weekly meetings, YM gives youth the opportunity to explore their faith and build bonds of companionship that last a lifetime. Organizations like YM give Muslim youth the tools they need to become the leaders of today and tomorrow.

December 3, 2016
Serving the Mexican Community

It was only four years ago that the first story about WhyIslam in Mexico was written, but many exciting events have transpired since then. The Mexican campaign began with a desire to deliver Islamic attire and literature to a growing community in Mexico City, Al Hikmah Center. Seven organizations joined forces to contribute to the cause, donating everything from Islamic CDs to siwaks. During her vacation, Nahela Morales, a Mexican convert, distributed the items to the Islamic community in June of 2012. The trip was so successful that it became an annual effort and each year expanded to cover more than five cities within the country.

Interest really took off when well-known lecturers and personalities such as Nouman Ali Khan, Omar Suleiman, and Boonaa Mohammed endorsed the projects in Mexico. In 2013, Nouman Ali Khan even traveled to the Mexican state of Chiapas, to the Islamic village in San Cristobal de las Casas, as part of the second annual dawah trip to Mexico. He was so moved by the poor living conditions of the indigenous Muslim families that he filmed a video tour of a typical home, a humble structure with walls made of planks and plastic covering to keep out the rain, a tin rooftop, and a dirt floor. The video was released on WhyIslam’s YouTube channel and has over 215,000 views.

The goal for that year was to begin plans to renovate the town’s masjid Al Kauthar. Through the use of social media and fundraising campaigns, Morales was able to gather over $30,000 for Islamic material and food for distribution during Ramadan, and the masjid renovation project. However, future goals were to offer continuous support to needy families in this sector and to provide home renovations and reconstructions. This sparked plans to launch Mexico Relief Project by Helping Hand for Relief and Development.

In 2014 Boonaa Mohammed traveled with HHRD and film crews to Mexico to produce documentaries that bring the necessary attention to this cause.

The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, once advised Aisha when she desired to offer a gift to a neighbor, that she should give, “to the one whose door is nearer to you.” The idea of helping our brothers and sisters in Mexico is one that stems from neighborliness, in the sense that Mexico is one of only two countries which share a border with the US. It is also the largest Latin American country with the smallest Muslim population; however, the Muslims are growing in number and need assistance. Alhamdulillah, we have been blessed with the ability to aid our brethren so we ask for your continued support and prayers.

We hope that you will enjoy reading some stories and informative articles from our Mexican and Spanish-speaking brothers and sisters, and that you will also remember them in your prayers. JazakumAllahu khaiyran.

September 21, 2016
A New Translation of the Holy Qur’an in the Spanish Language

There was an interest in me that was awakened in translating the Holy Qur’an that was not so much devoted to imitating the style of the original in Arabic or in copying the literary style of the original, but rather in transmitting in the correct and most direct way all of the meanings, both profound and spiritual, as well as describing the whole approach of it all, that I had understood when reading and studying it in its original language. –Isa García.

A Little History

When I embraced Islam and accepted it as my way of life, I was thirsty for knowledge. I wanted to learn as much as possible about the primary source of knowledge, the divine revelation: the Holy Qur’an. I knew from the beginning that the Qur’an was revealed in Arabic, and that this text was the original; that it had been preserved and safeguarded intact for more than 14 centuries. But since I did not know Arabic, I had to refer to the various Spanish translations that were available.

What I found disappointed me, because many times the text was confusing and incoherent. I understood that the reason for this was due to two factors. The first was that many of these translations were done by people who did not have the necessary knowledge about Islam, its message, and its history. Because of this, certain concepts were misinterpreted and erroneous. In some cases, there were premeditated attempts to discredit Islam and its holy book by altering the meanings.

Furthermore, most of the translations are too literal, imitating the Arabic style not only in the expressions used but also in the word order. The result was that the normal grammar and syntax used in the Spanish language were not utilized, resulting in confusing translations. Add to this the fact that the language used is archaic and almost foreign, in a style that is seldom used in Latin America. Also, most of these translations do not have clarifying notes regarding historical and legal contexts.

Later on, when I had the opportunity to study the Arabic language and I began accessing the meanings of the Holy Qur’an in its original language, I understood that I had lost much of the meanings and contexts through the translations I had read. It is a fact, however, that there are no translations that can approximate the beautiful narrative and the poetic rhetoric of the Qur’an, nor can any translation reproduce its eloquence or the multiple ways in which it can be recited. It is also true that the translations, some more than others, fail to convey to the reader the real essence of the Quranic message.

This awoke in me an interest in translating the Holy Qur’an that was not so much devoted to imitating the style of the original in Arabic or in copying the literary style of the original, but rather in transmitting in the correct and most direct way all of the meanings, both profound and spiritual, as well as describing the whole approach of it all, that I had understood when reading and studying it in its original language.

Alhamdulillah, I could finally embark on making a translation of the Holy Qur’an for the benefit of the Spanish-speaking world, but mostly for the benefit of Latin America. Along with a team of experts, I have tried to provide Muslims and non-Muslims with the message of Islam in the closest possible form to the original revelation in Arabic, but at the same time using language that is simple and plain, and also using explanatory notes for certain terms so that the content of the text is easy to understand.

Current Trends

While Islam still is not one of the major religions with a large number of followers in Latin America, it is growing rapidly throughout the continent. There are now mosques in all of the major cities in Latin America and conversion to Islam is also a growing phenomenon among the Hispanic populations of the United States.

The fact that the media projects a bad image of Islam and Muslims, having a translation of the Qur’an in the Spanish language that transmits its message in a direct and simple way has become urgent and of the utmost importance for two reasons:

Firstly, for those Muslims who do not know the Arabic language, they need to read the meanings of the Qur’an in their language to understand and better practice their religion. In this way, they can be good examples of what it is to be a Muslim.

Secondly, for those non-Muslims who desire to learn about Islam, they need a reliable source of information. This will let them form their own opinions based on what the Qur’an actually teaches and not on stereotypes and erroneous ideas that have lasted for centuries in many of the works by Orientalists and in some of the translations of the Qur’an.

From there, the objective of this translation is to present to Spanish-speakers the real message of the Qur’an, how it was known, understood, and practiced by the scholars of Islam and by the devout Muslims for more than 1,400 years. The translation is based on clear and simple language with a direct and contemporary message with the Latin American public in mind.

Distribution of Printed and Digital Versions

The goal of this translation is free distribution so that in this way it can be available to the maximum number of people possible.

To achieve this goal, it has been distributed in a digital version in PDF. It has been added to various programs on multiple platforms. It will soon come out in its own unique reading and audio format.

Also, many were printed for the free distribution to the public. The first edition included 50,000 pocket-sized books for free distribution during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Also, 100,000 copies were printed in Qatar to be distributed throughout the world. In Latin America, in particular, many small printings have been made in Bolivia, Colombia, Guatemala, and Mexico. In Spain, the distribution has begun for a project that has already printed 10,000 copies.

September 20, 2016
Musulmana y Mexicana en Turquia

Como llegue al Islam es doloroso recordar, pero le agradezco a Dios por todo lo que pasé para llegar hasta donde estoy ahora. Mi primer encuentro con el Islam fue en el 2009, cuando conocí a un musulmán turco en las redes sociales. Comencé a investigar acerca de sus creencias y por medio de esa amistad fui aprendiendo.

Mi vida cambio por completo en el 2010, pues fue ese año que los médicos me diagnosticaron con lupus eritematoso. La noticia fue muy difícil para digerir ya que desconocía por completo esa enfermedad. Los doctores siempre me han dicho que jamás me curare pero llevo cinco años sobreviviendo porque la fuerza que Dios me da es infinitamente misericordiosa. Veo a mi enfermedad como una bendición, pese a las bajas y recaídas que he tenido desde que soy lupica, todo me ha ayudado a madurar y a reforzar más mi fe.

Ahora reconozco que la vida en este mundo es pasajera; aquí vine para aprender y para servir al Altísimo, y por cada dolor, por cada recaída, por cada pérdida, sé que Dios me recompensará en Yannah, el Paraíso, insha’Allah. Tal vez mi salud decaiga cada día más, tal vez tendré que hacer más sacrificios, tal vez perderé algo o alguien, Alá sabe más, pero como musulmana lo que jamás perderé será la fe y la fuerza en Alá.

En el año 2011 viaje a Turquía y ahí escuche el Adhan, el llamado a la oración, por primera vez y visité una mezquita. Desde ese primer viaje, me centré más en el Islam porque había cosas de ese amigo musulmán que me llamaban la atención. Él hablaba tan bonito del Profeta Muhammad, que la paz sea con él, y me aconsejó que para conocer más el Islam debía investigar más sobre el Profeta, leer de su vida y enamorarme de él.

Ese mismo año tuve la oportunidad de ser madre pero por cuestiones de salud, a los cinco meses de gestación, el 17 de noviembre de 2011, mi embarazo tuvo que ser interrumpido. Al estar en el quirófano los doctores me preguntaron si era católica. A lo que yo respondí, “No, mi religión es el Islam”. Desde ese momento me consideraba musulmana de corazón aunque aún no había tomado Shahada.

Destrozada y entendiendo que ahora tenía que afrontar dos pérdidas; debido a que no solo murió mi bebé, sino también me abandonó el hombre a quien consideraba mi pareja, caí en una gran depresión. No veía el momento de salir de aquella crisis; todo lo veía perdido. Pasaron algunos meses y las cosas seguían igual. Un día, en febrero del 2012, tome mi computadora y decidí entrar a Facebook para ver que había ocurrido durante mi ausencia. En ese entonces, un amigo musulmán que estaba conectado me preguntó cómo estaba. Como yo necesitaba desahogarme, y él era alguien que, como musulmán, veía la vida de una manera diferente, con otro punto de vista, otra cultura y otra religión, le conté todo. Él solo leyó mis palabras de angustia y continuó leyendo hasta la última que escribí.

Su respuesta fue, “Te mandaré algo que te ayudará”, y así fue como llegó a mis manos mi primera copia del Corán. La primera Sura, o capítulo, que leí fue Al Kauthar, y la aleya que me abrió los ojos fue, “Reza, pues, a tu Señor y sacrifica” (108:2). Fue tras leer esas palabras que entendí el por qué estaba pasando por esos momentos tan dolorosos; tenía que sacrificar algo que no era para mí, algo que tal vez no me haría feliz. Alá ya había escrito mi destino. Comencé a entrar más en el Corán e investigar más y más, hasta que el 2 de mayo de 2012, tomé la decisión de hacer mi Shahada, declarar mi fe en una mezquita en México, D.F.

Ahora llevo cuatro años de haber entrado al Islam, Allahu akbar, Dios es Grande. Mi vida no acabó con aquella pérdida, al contrario, me fortaleció y encontré mi verdadero amor, Alá, glorificado y alabado sea, y mi verdadera fe. Entendí que para ser feliz hay que hacer sacrificios y dejar todo en las Manos de Dios.

Me casé con aquel amigo musulmán que me envió el Corán y ahora vivo en Turquía. Llegue aquí en el 2013, a una ciudad llamada Erzurum, donde la gente es más religiosa, conservadora y de buenos sentimientos. Me han ayudado mucho a aumentar mi fe. Asisto cinco veces a la semana a clases de Corán, donde aprendí a recitar en árabe y ahora estoy intentando memorizarlo. Insha’Allah, si Dios me lo permite, pueda regresar a México para compartir mi conocimiento en mi país natal.

Tome la decisión de aprender a recitar el Corán y posteriormente memorizarlo porque el tiempo que viví el Islam en México había un hermano joven converso que yo pensaba tenía más conocimiento que yo y sin embargo me confundía. Hasta incluso llegó a decirme cosas que eran el contrario de lo que enseñaba la Sunnah, o las tradiciones proféticas, y me decepcioné. Por eso decidí aprender a recitar en árabe y memorizar el Corán para que no me volvieran a sorprender de esa manera y también porque es el deber de todo musulmán aprender el Sagrado Corán y vivir conforme a la Sunnah.

Como conversa me sentía aún más comprometida a buscar el conocimiento. Si los nacidos musulmanes pueden aprender, yo también puedo. Ser converso no es un pretexto para mí, como tampoco el no haber nacido en un ambiente islámico es un pretexto para no buscar el conocimiento. Desde el momento que hice mi Shahada, para mí fue un compromiso para cambiar mi vida. Quise aceptar todo lo que el Islam abarca y siempre tener la sed de aprender más y más de mi fe, alhamdulillah.

La vida en Turquía no ha sido fácil ya que he tenido que aprender y cambiar algunas costumbres, pero sobretodo llevar una vida como el Corán y la Sunnah lo dispone. Aquí en Turquía fue donde por primera vez vi una mujer tapando su rostro con un velo y a los hombres con barbas largas y sus tasbih (cuentas) haciendo dhikr (recordando a Dios) a cada momento. También los hombres y las mujeres conviven por separado y el gobierno dedica mucho esfuerzo, amor, y trabajo al mes de Ramadán. En Turquía cuando saben que eres musulmán occidental las personas te admiran y se sorprenden tanto, pero a la vez te brindan su amor y cariño. Considero a Turquía como el país que me abrió las puertas y me adoptó como una hija y donde no me siento excluida ni juzgada por mi religión.

Recuerdo que en México era señalada por usar el hiyab; era el centro de atención en aquellas calles. Pensé que al llegar a Turquía eso cambiaría pero no fue así. Aquí también soy el centro de atención, pero por ser musulmana latina, alhamdulillah, y eso es hermoso.

Recientemente, durante una reunión familiar, alguien me preguntó – Después de haberte convertido, ¿Tu vida ha cambiado? ¿Te ha gustado? ¿Cómo describes tu vida ahora? – A lo que yo simplemente respondí: Claro que ha cambiado, y para el bien, alhamdulillah, la vida en el Islam es otra vida.

September 20, 2016
Dando una mano para fortalecer las comunidades musulmanas en México

Mientras la mayoría de niños de su edad asisten al colegio, el joven Nurudin pasa una mayor parte de sus días preparando postres para vender en las calles de México D.F. Cada bandeja le toma tres horas para preparar. Cuando los dulces están listos, los deja enfriar para poder envolverlos y venderlos, esperando ganar 15 pesos por cada uno, lo que equivale a 1 dólar. Si le va bien, en un día puede vender 30 postres, ganando unos $30 para ayudar a su padre, quien sufre de problemas del corazón, mantener a su familia. Nurudin y su familia son parte de una creciente minoría de mexicanos que han aceptado el Islam como su religión, y como millones de otras personas en México, la pobreza es su forma de vida.

Helping Hand for Relief and Development o Mano amiga para la ayuda y el desarrollo (HHRD) es una de las pocas organizaciones no gubernamentales musulmanas enfocando su atención en asistiendo a familias en México con programas de ayuda y desarrollo a largo plazo. Desde el 2012, HHRD ha estado trabajando en varias partes de México para ayudar a las familias más necesitadas con paquetes de alimentos incluyendo comidas que cumplen con las normas de Zabihah y cenas para Ramadán, programas de detección de diabetes, útiles escolares y bolsas de regalos para los niños.

“Yo no sé si quizás la impresión es que los musulmanes en México son auto-subvencionados y autoportantes, pero esto no es el caso”, dijo el embajador de Libia ante México, Muftah Altayar.

Según el informe de PEW 2009, el número de musulmanes en México es aproximadamente 110.000, lo que representa menos del uno por ciento de la población total. Sin embargo, por la misericordia de Alá y luego los esfuerzos de divulgación de ambos musulmanes mexicanos e inmigrantes, el Islam en México está creciendo.

“Alhamdulilah, en México es muy fácil hablar en las universidades y las escuelas secundarias. Nos invitan a hablar acerca del Islam porque la gente realmente quieren aprender de los musulmanes “, dijo Imam Isa Rojas, el primer graduado mexicano de la Universidad Islámica de Medina, fundador del Centro Al-Hikmah en la Ciudad de México, y un activo llamador al Islam en México. “La gente quiere conocer el Islam, ya que no tienen una opinión negativa de los musulmanes como lo tienen las personas en Europa o tal vez en los Estados Unidos.”

La Ciudad de México, la bulliciosa capital situada en el centro del país, cuenta con más de 3.000 musulmanes que viven dentro de sus fronteras, muchos de los cuales son conversos. En la región Sureste de México se encuentra el Estado Libre y Soberano de Chiapas. Es una tierra fértil y culturalmente abundante con aproximadamente 100 a 300 conversos musulmanes mexicanos que han establecido una pequeña pero creciente comunidad islámica en la ciudad San Cristóbal de las Casas. Sin embargo, muchos de los hermanos y hermanas en esta área luchan para obtener necesidades básicas como la estabilidad laboral, educación y asistencia médica.

Durante su visita a Chiapas este año pasado, los voluntarios de HHRD pudieron recorrer la comunidad, dirigidos por el hermano Yahya Gómez, uno de los muchos conversos al Islam mexicanos y activistas en la ciudad de San Cristóbal de las Casas. La mayoría de los hogares eran simples estructuras con paredes de madera y techos de chapa, hechos para albergar a sólo unas pocas personas. Sin embargo, es común ver a familias con 15 parientes o más viviendo juntos en un mismo espacio. Los hombres de la comunidad sólo pueden conseguir trabajo como obreros, si son capaces de encontrar empleo.

“Está en muy mal estado. Hay algunas familias que viven en una misma casa. Es más como un refugio temporal; Yo ni puedo decir que es una casa. Necesita una renovación… Creo que necesitan una nueva casa en su lugar “, dijo el Director del Programa Internacional HHRD, Irfan Khurshid, mientras observaba las pésimas condiciones de vida.

Por tan sólo $ 27.000 por cada casa el Proyecto de Construcción y Renovación de Hogares de HHRD puede permitir que las viviendas actuales en San Cristóbal de las Casas sean remodeladas o completamente reconstruidas para proporcionar un lugar más espacioso y seguro para que las familias crezcan. Esto incluye los costos de toda la tubería necesaria, electricidad y construcción. Algunas casas serán incluso totalmente reconstruidas en vecindarios más seguros cerca de la mezquita local.

Para contribuir aún más a las familias musulmanas en Chiapas, HHRD está implementando una iniciativa de Micro Finanzas que proporcionará préstamos para pequeñas empresas sin intereses a los individuos con la ambición de tener su propio negocio y ser autosuficientes. Con pequeñas donaciones que van desde $ 1.500 a $ 4.000, los participantes en el programa pueden aprender un oficio y comenzar a operar sus propios negocios en las áreas de carpintería, costura, panadería, y mecánica automotriz para ayudar a aliviarlos y a sus familias de la pobreza.

“Este proyecto de financiamiento microempresas es tan sorprendente, ya que toma una simple donación, alguien puede dar $ 1.000 o $ 2.000 para ayudar a un musulmán poner en marcha una empresa” dijo Boonaa Mohammed, un voluntario que viajó recientemente con HHRD a Chiapas. “Va a tomar ese dinero y les permite comprar lo que sea necesario, las herramientas necesarias para el oficio específico. Se les dará lo mínimo. Y luego, una vez que hayan logrado tener éxito en su oficio y tienen ese dinero, dan de nuevo a la caridad, que luego da de vuelta a otro musulmán que quiere, una vez más, demostrar su valía a través de un comercio. “

HHRD también está en el proceso de establecer un Centro de Entrenamiento Vocacional en San Cristóbal de las Casas para ayudar a los desempleados a obtener la educación y la capacitación necesaria para obtener fuentes de ingresos estables y licitos.

“En este centro les podemos enseñar diferentes habilidades y ellos pueden aprender un oficio para que puedan iniciar su propio negocio o encontrar diferentes puestos de trabajo”, dijo Khurshid. “Esto les ayudará económicamente y les ayudará a educar a sus hijos, porque muchos de los niños de estas familias de bajos ingresos y desempleados no han tenido acceso a una buena educación.”

Además de estos grandes proyectos de desarrollo a gran escala, HHRD también está en el proceso de iniciar un programa de donaciones en especie para proveer las necesidades inmediatas a las familias en San Cristóbal de las Casas, Rosarito, y la Ciudad de México, así como un Programa de Apoyo a la Educación donde los donantes pueden apadrinar a un niño por sólo $ 1 al día para ayudar a proporcionarles el material escolar que necesiten.

“Muchas veces, en Norteamérica, cuando miramos a conversos, hay tantas dificultades que tienen para integrarse en nuestras comunidades musulmanas”, dijo Mohammed. “Ahora imagina una comunidad de conversos que tratan de integrarse en una sociedad no musulmana que no tiene una base sólida del Islam para apoyarlos. Es imperativo que ofrezcamos nuestro apoyo en todo lo que podamos sabiendo que quien da por la causa de Alá, glorificado y alabado sea, su caridad no se desperdiciará”.

Para involucrarse en los programas de HHRD en México, visite su página www.hhrd.org, contacte info@hhrd.org, o llame 1-888-808-HELP (4357).

September 20, 2016
Combatiendo la violencia domestica como musulmana

La violencia hacia las mujeres debería ser un tema que nos preocupe a todas y a todos, sin embargo parece ser que pocas y pocos estamos interesados.

Una de cada tres mujeres en el mundo es golpeada o sometida a algún otro tipo de abusos a lo largo de su vida. Según informes de la Organización Mundial de la Salud, el 70 % de las mujeres que son víctimas de asesinato mueren a manos de su compañero o ex pareja.

La violencia contra las mujeres está presente en todas las sociedades del mundo, sea cual sea su sistema político o económico, sin importar el estatus de la mujer, sus estudios, color de piel, situación económica, cultura, ni religión. Esta realidad cotidiana se manifiesta de diferentes maneras y tiene lugar en múltiples espacios, y por supuesto, mi país, México, no es la excepción.

En México la violencia contra la mujer es un problema social que se esconde en los hogares. Muchas de las mujeres víctimas de la violencia doméstica viven con el enemigo en casa, amenazadas cada día.

Soy Psicóloga y trabajo en una institución en la que se les da apoyo psicológico a mujeres que han sido víctimas de violencia familiar. Cada día escucho historias de mujeres que hablan sobre cómo sus esposos las golpean, las amenazan, les son infieles, las insultan y penosamente también algunas han muerto en el intento de salir de la violencia. Esta es una realidad latente de la que muchas y muchos prefieren no hablar.

Mi trabajo es un reto en mi vida, alhamdulillah; es lo que amo hacer. Me siento muy bendecida por tener la oportunidad de escuchar a mujeres que ponen en mis manos la esperanza de salir de un problema que afecta sus vidas y las de sus hijos.

Soy musulmana, soy mexicana y defiendo los derechos de la mujer. Esto puede ser una sorpresa para muchas mujeres que entran a mi consultorio; algunas hasta lo consideran incongruente. – ¿Que nos es contradictorio? – Me preguntó una mujer – ¿Cómo una mujer que lleva la cabeza cubierta por sometimiento (refiriéndose a mi hiyab), me va a decir a mí cómo puedo salir de la violencia en la que vivo, cuando ella no puede salir de su propio sometimiento? – Yo sonreí. Mi hiyab es mi herramienta principal de dawah.

De hecho, fue mi inconformidad y sentimiento de injusticia sobre la violencia hacia las mujeres lo que me acercó al Islam. Tuve mi propia visión errónea acerca de la situación de las musulmanas que ahora veo reflejada en la cara de muchas de mis pacientes cuando me ven por primera vez; algunas expresan su sorpresa, otras aunque no digan nada, solamente es necesario ver sus caras de asombro o hasta de susto.

Podría decir que me veo a mí misma en algunas de ellas cuando conocí por primera vez a mujeres musulmanas sonriendo y libres, cuando me hablaron sobre el valor de la mujer en el Islam, cuando leí sobre los derechos de las mujeres en el Islam. Yo me preguntaba – ¿Esto es posible? – queriendo entender. Por eso es que disfruto tanto intentando explicarles un poco con mis palabras y otro poco con mis actitudes, sobre el por qué soy musulmana.

El Islam vino a complementar mi vida; me ayudó a entender mejor mi trabajo, me ayudó a entender mi valor como mujer. Es ahora que lo entiendo, sé mi valor. Pues lo que lleva a los hombres a tratar mal a las mujeres es ignorar el valor de la mujer. Un hombre que ignora el valor que Dios le da a la mujer, ignora el Islam.

September 20, 2016