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  • The Prophet’s (peace be upon him) Strategy of Change

    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.

  • Seeking His Shade: Growing up in the Worship of God

    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.

  • The Five Necessities

    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!

  • A Day Trip to the Kaaba: The Ultimate Privilege and an Absolute Blessing

    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).

  • Muslim Youth: Developing Leaders for Today and Tomorrow

    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.

  • Serving the Mexican Community

    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.

  • Una Nueva Traduccion del Sagrado Coran al Idioma Espanol

    Una Nueva Traduccion del Sagrado Coran al Idioma Espanol

    Se despertó en mí el interés de hacer una traducción del Sagrado Corán que se preocupara me-nos por parecer árabe o por intentar imitar la calidad literaria del texto original, y estuviera pen-sada más en transmitir de forma correcta y directa todos aquellos significados, profundos y espi-rituales, pero también de un gran orden social, que había comprendido al leerlo y estudiarlo en su idioma original.

    –Isa García

    Un poco de historia

    Cuando acepté el Islam y lo asumí como forma de vida, estaba sediento de saber, quería conocer lo mejor posible la fuente primera del conocimiento, la revelación divina: el Sagrado Corán. Sabía desde el principio que el Corán fue revelado en árabe, y que este texto es original: ha sido pre-servado y mantenido intacto a lo largo de más de 14 siglos. Pero al no saber árabe, tuve que re-mitirme a diferentes traducciones que se han hecho al español.

    Lo que encontré llegó en ocasiones a decepcionarme, pues el texto aparecía muchas veces con-fuso o incongruente.

    Comprendí que esto se debía, principalmente, a dos factores. El primero, que muchas traduccio-nes han sido elaboradas por personas que no tenían el suficiente conocimiento del Islam, su mensaje y su historia, y que por ello confundían conceptos o incluso, en algunos casos de forma premeditada, trastocaban los sentidos para desacreditar al Islam y su libro sagrado.

    El segundo, que en su mayoría las traducciones son demasiado literalistas, imitan el estilo árabe en la traducción, no solamente en la expresión del significado sino en el orden mismo de las pa-labras, de modo que no se apegan a la gramática del español y por ello resultan confusas. A esto debe agregársele que algunas de las traducciones al español utilizan un lenguaje antiguo y lejano al que solemos utilizar en el continente americano, y que a la vez carecen en su mayoría de notas aclarativas sobre el contexto histórico o las implicaciones legales.

    Más tarde, cuando tuve la oportunidad de estudiar el idioma árabe y acceder a los significados del Sagrado Corán en su idioma original, comprendí que en la traducción me había perdido de mucho. Si bien es cierto que ninguna traducción podrá jamás acercarse a la belleza narrativa, poética y retórica del Corán, ni reproducir a la vez su sonoridad y las múltiples formas en que puede ser recitado, también es cierto que las traducciones, unas más que otras, fallan en trans-mitirle al lector la verdadera esencia del mensaje coránico.

    Esto despertó en mí el interés de hacer una traducción del Sagrado Corán que se preocupara menos por parecer árabe o por intentar imitar la calidad literaria del texto original, y estuviera pensada más en transmitir de forma correcta y directa todos aquellos significados, profundos y espirituales, pero también de un gran orden social, que había comprendido al leerlo y estudiarlo en su idioma original.

    Gracias a Dios pude por fin embarcarme en una traducción del Sagrado Corán pensada para la población hispanoparlante del mundo, pero principalmente para el público latinoamericano. Jun-to con un equipo de colaboradores expertos, he procurado poner al alcance de musulmanes y de no musulmanes, el mensaje del Islam de la forma más cercana posible a la revelación original en idioma árabe, pero utilizando a la vez un lenguaje sencillo y explicaciones claras de los términos, de manera que el contenido del texto resulte fácil de comprender.

    Antecedentes

    Si bien el Islam no es hoy día una de las religiones con mayor número de fieles en América Latina, se está expandiendo rápidamente por todo el continente. Ya existen mezquitas en todas las ca-pitales y ciudades importantes de Hispanoamérica y también está creciendo mucho entre la po-blación latina de Estados Unidos.

    Teniendo en cuenta la mala imagen que proyectan los medios de comunicación del Islam y de los musulmanes, contar con una traducción del Corán al idioma español que transmita de forma di-recta y sencilla el verdadero mensaje del Islam, cada vez se hace más importante y urgente por dos razones:

    Primera, porque los musulmanes que no conocen el idioma árabe necesitan leer los significados del Corán en su idioma para comprender y practicar mejor su religión, y así ser buen ejemplo de lo que es realmente un musulmán.

    Segunda, porque los no musulmanes que desean conocer el Islam necesitan tener una fuente confiable de información, que les permita formarse una opinión basada en lo que enseña real-mente el Corán, y no en estereotipos y concepciones erróneas que han permanecido durante siglos en muchas obras de orientalistas y en algunas de las traducciones del Corán.

    De ahí que el objetivo de esta traducción es presentar a los hispanoparlantes el verdadero men-saje del Corán, tal como ha sido conocido, entendido y practicado por los eruditos del Islam y por los musulmanes devotos durante más de 1.400 años, para ello se basa en un lenguaje claro, sen-cillo, directo y actual, pensando en el público latinoamericano.

    Distribución de copias impresas y versión digital

    El objetivo de esta traducción es su distribución gratuita para que de esta manera llegue al máxi-mo público posible.

    Para conseguir este objetivo se ha distribuido una versión digital en formato PDF, se ha agregado a distintas aplicaciones con múltiples traducciones y en breve saldrá una aplicación propia para lectura y audio.

    También se han hecho múltiples impresiones para su distribución gratuita. La primera de ellas fue de 50.000 copias de tamaño bolsillo para distribuir durante la Copa Mundial de Futbol en Brasil 2014.

    También se imprimieron 100.000 copias en Qatar para distribuir a nivel mundial, y en América La-tina se han hecho pequeñas impresiones en países como Bolivia, Colombia, Guatemala y México. En España ha comenzado un proyecto de distribución para el que ya han impreso 10.000 copias.

    Creo que es necesario que los musulmanes se unan y colaboren en la impresión de esta traduc-ción con el objetivo de acercar el mensaje del Islam a los musulmanes y no musulmanes.

    Sobre el traductor

    Isa García nació en Argentina, es licenciado en Lengua Árabe y en Teología Islámica de la Univer-sidad de Umm Al-Qura de la ciudad de La Meca en Arabia Saudí, especializado en la misma en los “Orígenes de las tradiciones Proféticas”. Cursó estudios en mediación y resolución de conflictos en Estados Unidos. Ha sido director del departamento de español en las editoriales International Islamic Publishing House y Darussalam, y de diferentes páginas web islámicas. Permanentemen-te dicta conferencias en diferentes países de América Latina y Europa, y en Estados Unidos. Ha trabajado como traductor del árabe y del inglés al español durante los últimos 15 años, y es tam-bién autor de obras sobre teología islámica y distintos temas sociales que afectan a la comunidad islámica. Fue nombrado por la revista The Muslim 500 como uno de los musulmanes más influ-yentes del mundo en los años 2013 y 2014.

  • Una Mision de Amor

    Una Mision de Amor

    A medida que inicié mi viaje más importante de Dawah a México, me puse a reflexionar y pensar en mis últimas tres misiones de divulgación. “¿Por qué era este el más importante?”, Me pregunté a mí misma, siendo que estaba viajando con menos equipaje y sola. Sin embargo, la respuesta era que iba para llamar a mi abuelita al Islam, mientras se encontraba en su lecho de muerte, y no sería algo fácil. Ver a mi familia angustiada y sentimental sería difícil, también. Hice este viaje en exclusiva para ella, para mi abuelita. Ella pidió verme y yo tomé esta solicitud como mi última oportunidad para transmitir el mensaje del Islam a ella. Mientras estaba volando sobre el Golfo de México le supliqué al Todopoderoso que abriera su corazón e hiciera que sus últimas palabras sean las mejores palabras, las palabras de Tauhid.

    Ha sido bastante tiempo desde que soy musulmana y he pasado por varias pruebas pero esta era la primera vez que Alá me estaba probando con la muerte. La muerte siempre parece estar tan lejos hasta que lo estás presenciando realmente. Para una conversa, la muerte es aún más aterradora y una de nuestras peores pesadillas. La idea de perder a un familiar me recuerda a nuestro amado Profeta Muhammad, la paz sea con él, cuando intentó llamar a su tío, Abu Talib, al Islam sin éxito.

    Hoy estoy experimentando esto con la posibilidad de perder a mi abuela quien me acogió desde los 3 meses hasta los 5 años. Durante visitas previas, nos habíamos sentado a conversar pero debido a su edad, siempre terminaba la conversación para evitar molestarla. He suplicado muchísimo, pidiéndole a mi Creador que me ayude con las mejores palabras para decirle. Como dije anteriormente, este viaje era diferente porque no llevaba 10, 11, o 12 maletas llenas de donaciones para los musulmanes de México, ni iba con un grupo de voluntarios. En el pasado, visitaba a mi familia por algunos días antes de visitar a las comunidades musulmanas para proporcionarles materiales islámicos, para dar una lectura o para ayudar a restaurar una mezquita. Sin embargo, me sentí más bendecida en poder compartir una conversación privada con este ser tan maravilloso quien me cuidó incondicionalmente.

    Al llegar, rompí en llanto viéndola tan débil, delgada y con oxígeno; como mínimo fue devastador. Una tía me aconsejó que saliera y me lavara la cara porque mi abuelita me necesitaba fuerte y no llorando. Cuando regresé al cuarto me fije en una pintura de la Virgen de Guadalupe, una imagen de María, la madre de Jesús, que es venerada e incluso adorada en México, y claro, me incomodó un poco porque la consideraba un obstáculo para mi misión.

    Mi abuela se despertó y al ver que yo estaba allí, ella sonrió y me pidió que me acercara. La abracé como siempre, apretándola con todas mis fuerzas. Ella gritó y dijo: “¡Tú me vas a romper!” Nos reímos y nos contemplamos la una a la otra. Yo le dije que la amaba y que todo iba a estar bien. Ella preguntó por mi hijo y le dije que estaba bien y en la escuela. Le dije, “Estoy aquí para ti, para cuidarte sin interrupciones, sólo tú y yo”.

    Mi visita fue corta pero pareció larga debido a los momentos agradables que pasamos juntas. Yo tuve la oportunidad de darle de comer, bañarle y durante todo tuvimos varias conversaciones acerca de la unicidad de Dios. Una hermana de la comunidad de la Ciudad de México llamada Nabíla se unió a mí para ofrecer su apoyo, el mejor regalo que Dios me envió, mashaAllah. Con su ayuda, pudimos hablar con ella y el resto de mi familia sobre el Islam. También durante su visita dimos Shahada a una joven local que se encontró con ella en el autobús de camino a verme. Al tercer día de mi visita, mientras la hermana Nabíla y yo salimos, el retrato de la Virgen de Guadalupe había sido retirado de la pared.

    La última noche que pasé al lado de mi abuelita le pregunté si creía en Dios como el Todopoderoso y el único Creador y ella me respondió que sí. Le pregunté: “¿Quién es Jesús?” Ella respondió: “Un mensajero de Dios”. Le pregunté si ella cree que él es el hijo de Dios, a lo que ella respondió que no. Trate de introducir la segunda parte del testimonio de la fe, pero ella se sintió abrumada. Me pidió que dejara las cosas así, ya que nunca había oído hablar del Profeta Muhammad, la paz sea con él. Al regresar a los Estados Unidos le comenté al imam local del incidente y él me informó que debido a su edad avanzada (104 años) y condición, fue suficiente, y Alá sabe mejor.

    Hoy me siento aquí muy agradecida por la oportunidad de completar esta misión y la oportunidad de ver a mi abuela por diferentes motivos. Fue maravilloso pasar tiempo con ella a pesar de que extrañe mucho a mi hijo, ya que nunca había estado lejos de él. Tampoco había visto a toda mi familia tan unida y dispuesta a escuchar lo que tenía que decir. Todos hicieron muchas preguntas y, por primera vez, después de todos estos años, sentí su aceptación y amor. Le pido a Dios que guíe nuestras familias, que nos dé la sabiduría para transmitir el hermoso mensaje del Islam, que los colme con la misma dulzura que hemos sido bendecidos y que nos permita vernos tanto en esta vida como la siguiente. Amen.

  • A Mission of Love

    A Mission of Love

    As I embarked on my most important dawah trip to Mexico, I began to reflect and think of my past three outreach missions. “Why was this the most important?” I asked myself, “I am traveling with the least amount of luggage and alone.” The answer was that I was going in order to call my elderly grandmother to Islam, while she lay on her deathbed, and it would not be easy. Seeing my family in distress and emotional would be hard, as well. I booked this trip exclusively for her, my “Abuelita,” my grandma. She requested to see me, and I took this request as my last opportunity to convey the message of Islam to her. As I was flying over the Gulf a Mexico I prayed for the Almighty to open her heart and make her last words be the best words, words of tawheed.

    It’s been quite some time since I became Muslim and I have been tested in various ways but this was the first time Allah was testing me with death. Death always seems so distant until you are actually experiencing it. As a convert, death is even more frightening, and one of our biggest challenges is losing a family member who does not embrace Islam. I am reminded of our beloved Prophet, peace be upon him, when he called his uncle, Abu Talib, to Islam, but to no avail.

    Today I am experiencing this with the possibility of losing my grandmother who took care of me from the tender age of 3 months until I was almost 5 years old. In previous visits we sat and had several conversations but due to her age I have always dropped the conversation to avoid upsetting her. I have made tons of du’a and asked my Creator to help me with the best words to say to her. Again, this trip was different because I was not carrying 10, 11, or 12 pieces of luggage full of donations for the Muslims in Mexico, nor did I have a group of volunteers. In the past I would come to visit my family a couple of days at a time before visiting Muslim communities to either provide them with Islamic material, give a talk, or help restore/rebuild a masjid. However, I feel more blessed to be able to have a one-on-one conversation with this wonderful woman who unconditionally cared for me.

    Upon my arrival, I broke down so see her so weak, thin and with oxygen; it was devastating to say the least. I was advised by an aunt to step out, wash my face, and come back. She told me that she needed me to be strong and not crying, so I did just that. When I came back to the room I noticed a huge poster of the virgin of Guadalupe, a depiction of Mary, the mother of Jesus, that is revered and even worshipped in Mexico, and of course, I was a bit bothered by it because I saw it as an obstacle to my mission.

    My grandmother woke up and when she saw that I was there, she smiled and asked me to come close. I hugged her as always, so tight and with all my might. She yelled and said, “You are going to break me!” We both laughed and gazed at each other. I told her I love her and that everything was going to be okay. She asked about my son and I told her he was fine and at school. I told her, “I am here for you, to care for you without interruptions, just me and you.”

    My visit was short but seemed long because of the quality time we spent together. I got a chance to feed her, bathe her and throughout all that we had several conversations about the oneness of God. A sister from the Mexico City community named Nabila joined me to offer her support, the best gift Allah sent my way, mashaAllah. With her help, we were able to speak to her and the rest of my family about Islam. Also during her visit we gave Shahada to a local young girl whom she ran into on the bus on her way to see me. By the third day of my stay, while Sister Nabila and I had stepped out, the poster of the virgin of Guadalupe had been removed from the wall.

    The last night I spent by my grandmother’s side I asked her if she believed in God as the Almighty and sole Creator and she said yes. I asked her, “Who is Jesus?” She replied, “A messenger of God.” I asked if she believed he is the son of God, to which she replied no. We tried covering the second part of the testimony of faith but she was overwhelmed. She asked me to leave it at that, since she had never heard of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. Upon returning to the States I asked the local imam about the incident and he informed me that due to her advanced age (104) and condition, it was enough and Allah knows best.

    Today I sit here so grateful for the opportunity to complete this mission and the opportunity to see my grandmother on different grounds. It was wonderful to spend quality time with her even though I missed my son so much, as I had never been apart from him. I had also never seen my entire family so united and willing to hear what I had to say. Everyone asked tons of questions and for once, after all these years, I felt their acceptance and love. I ask Allah to guide our families, to give us the wisdom to convey the beautiful message of Islam, to shower them with the sweetness we have been blessed with, and to allow us to see one another both in this life and the next. Ameen.

  • Combating Domestic Violence as a Muslim Woman

    Combating Domestic Violence as a Muslim Woman

    Violence against women is a matter that should concern us all, yet it seems only a few people are concerned. Throughout the world, one in three women is beaten or suffers some type of abuse in her lifetime. According to data from the World Health Organization, 70 percent of women who are killed, die at the hands of their partner or ex-partner.

    Violence against women is present in all societies in the world regardless of political or economic system, regardless of social status of perpetrator or victim, level of education, ethnicity, financial situation, culture, or religion. This everyday reality is manifested many different ways and it takes place in a number of settings; and my own country, Mexico, is of course no exception. In Mexico, violence against women is a social problem that hides itself within the home. Many female victims of domestic violence live with their enemy in the same house and are exposed to danger day to day.

    I am a psychologist working for an institution that provides psychological support to women who have been victims of family violence. Every day I hear stories of how their husbands beat them, threaten them, are unfaithful to them, insult them, and sadly some women have also died while making an attempt tto escape the violence. This is a hidden reality many choose not to talk about. My work is a positive challenge in my life, alhamdulilah; it is what I love doing. I feel very blessed for having the opportunity to be able to listen to women who put in my hands their hope of coming out of a problem that affects their lives and the lives of their children.

    I am Muslim, Mexican and defend women’s rights. This probably comes as a surprise to many of the women who come into my office; some of them even think it is contradictory. “Are you telling me that it is not?” A woman once asked me, “How can a woman who covers her head out of submission (she said referring to my hijab), tell me how I can escape the violence I am dealing with, when she herself cannot escape her own submission?” I smiled smiled and answered her with confidence. My hijab is my best tool for giving dawah.

    In fact, it was my inconformity and sense of injustice regarding violence against women that brought me closer to Islam. I also had a wrong idea about the situation of Muslim women, which I see now reflected in the faces of many of my patients when they see me for the first time; many express their surprise, and others – even if they don’t say anything – have a look of astonishment or shock on their faces.

    I could say that I do see my old self mirrored in some of them; who I was when I first met Muslim women smiling and happy, when they talked to me about the value of women in Islam, when I read about the rights of women in Islam. I used to ask myself, “Is this possible?” trying to understand. And this is why I do enjoy so much explaining to them why I am a Muslim, with my own words and with my behavior.

    Islam came to complement my life and it has helped better understand the work I do. It helped me understand my own value as a woman. Men mistreat women because of ignorance and failure to properly understand power dynamics. Muslims, men and women, must work together to combat domestic violence.