Category: Americas, Faith & Spirituality, Featured, Life & Society Topics: Ramadan Views: 6097
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Letter from a New Muslim about Ramadan
A few years ago Angela Collins adopted Islam as a way of life. You can read about how she discovered Islam at .. Why I decided to submit?. Angela is now living in Brazil with her husband who also adopted Islam as a way of life.
Dear Friends,
As Salaam Alaykum
While missing my Muslim community in California, I started to think about the life I live today as a Muslim. My new life is a gift and also a test from Allah swt. This question came to mind: When you don't have a community enforcing your Muslim character how do you play the role of Muslim?
You know how sometimes we are in prayer and we find ourselves more conscious of what is happening around us and what people are thinking of us than our communication with Allah? Because of this, I am glad to have a chance to practice as a Muslim using Allah solely as my guide. Usually I pray in private or in the company of my husband when he leads me. It's nice, because all I am thinking of is Allah swt and how thankful I am that he gave me Marcelo to share the practice of my religion with me. It is difficult for us globetrotters to make it to a mosque for every Jummah or for Taraweh. Since I get to travel with my husband I have had a few opportunities this Ramadan to pray in different mosques around the world. Let me tell you about those experiences:
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| Islamic Cultural Center of New York |
Two Jummahs ago I was in New York and had one of my best ever experiences in mid Manhattan on 3rd Avenue and 96th Street. I met two Muslim sisters wearing headscarfs on the subway who escorted me to the mosque. As women, we walked into the main entrance with pride and with a sole intent to worship. The Khutba was one of those where I wish my husband was with me feeling as motivated as I was by every word of the Imam. And then I asked Allah to help me memorize the sermon so that I could share it with those I love. I made a new girlfriend. Her name is Gabrielle and we intend to meet for lunch every time I visit New York. I looked down at the main worship hall and saw a blend of Arab, Pakistini, Caucasian and African. The mix of cultures gave a true feeling of a Muslim house of worship, the way a Mosque should be. Not that it is a Somalian mosque or a Syrian one, but a mosque for all of the believers with open hearts guided by Allah swt. And when I finished my prayer and was ready to descend back into the subway, I was surrounded by homeless people asking for help. For the first time, outside of Humanitarian Day organized for the homeless by Ilm Foundation in Los Angeles, I was happy they were there. I was happy to look at them and just find every last bill to give equally to them. I saw them as a gift and not as an uncomfortable nuisance. Alhamdulellah! This was a gift from Allah. And it looks like we will be spending Eid in Manhattan this year, so we'll have the chance to revisit this mosque.
 |
| Central Mosque London |
I can't say as much for my experience at the Central Mosque in London near Regeant Park. What a difference. I went to do Salat al Taraweh and sure enough, in one of the largest mosques I've ever prayed in, there was little in the way of accommodation for women. I was bossed around, scorned at, scolded for my widows peak and told that without a Muslim name I am not a Muslim. I had to remind the proud Arab immigrant that my name is a Muslim name now that Angela has converted to Islam. The name Angela may not be in the Quran but it most certainly the name of a Muslim. I also felt the imam's soul was not present in his recital. I felt that I was among a group of people who were angry and not willing to be tolerant of the differences of their brothers and sisters. That might explain why I didn't see one face of an English convert. Wow, we have a lot to do to bridge the Muslims of the world and I hope my experience that night does not reflect the entire Muslim ummah of UK.
While I read the Quran I am reminded about those who we choose as our friends. And at the same time I believe that those who do not adjust into their environment and insist on living in secluded cultural enclaves have lost the whole purpose for why they immigrated to a western country in the first place! That is of course if they put Islam first in their lives. It is to share this gift with many people out there who are hungry to know it. In fact, I had the chance to mingle with some of the London elite. The impression they had of Muslims was heartbreaking. Most of them felt that the Muslim immigrants have become a mob who suck up resources and don't give anything back to those who are not like them (reminds me of the sentiment towards the Jews). Their negative views gave me a great opportunity to talk about Islam and how these people, despite their impressions of any of them, are the holders of the world's greatest religion. They were eager to learn about Islam as a religion that recommends following the teachings of all the great prophets starting with Abraham and about the special nature of Jesus and all of the other parts they find familiar. I was glad that I had this opportunity to share with them the Devine teachings of peace and justice in Islam. It seemed as though, some the immigrant Muslims in UK have decided on their own that the locals are not worthy of their religion. Could there be anything further from what Allah expects from us? I say this because I found the English people I talked to, very open to learning about Islam's teachings and non-judgmental of its message. While I found the immigrant Muslims I met, to be non-social and separated from anyone who was different than them: including other Muslims like myself.
 |
| 1955 - First Mosque built in Brazil, Sao Paulo |
Now I am back in Brazil. I am happy to report that our local mosque is a place I feel very much at home. Sure most of the talk is in Portuguese and Arabic and I am not a fluent speaker in either yet, but for the first time I visited a mosque as a new face, I was treated as though I was an equal member among them. Nobody felt the urge to find what I was doing wrong so that they could correct me. We came, We followed the recitation. We remembered Allah. We grew in knowledge. We socialized by looking for the good in one another. In fact the Imam gave the Khutba in Arabic and they passed out audio listeners to hear his Khutba translated into Portugeuse for the locals. That to me is our duty, to help people understand their religion.
Although there are ten Mosques in Sao Paulo I wondered why I didn't see Muslims in the streets. Then it occurred to me that Muslims here simply look like every other Brazilian when they step foot outside of the mosque. This is a group integrated into their country and not separated by their differences (long beards and hijabs). Their understanding of the religion does not make appearances or looking different the priority. This is a group wanting to demonstrate kindness and giving to those in need (they were collecting money for Lebanese victims who were crippled by the war last year) and then willing to openly talk about and demonstrate why they are so happy to be Muslim.
My experience here in Brazil reinforces a very important ayat in the Quran for what inspires me as a Muslim: Surah al Bukarah 2: 177: "It is not righteousness that you turn your faces to the East and to the West; but righteous is he who believes in Allah (one God) and the Last Day and the angels and the Scriptures (The Torah, The Gospel, The Psalms, The Quran) and the Prophets; and gives his wealth for love of God to your kinsfolk, and to orphans and the needy and the wayfarer and to those who ask. And to set slaves free (establish justice with those who are oppressed); and to observe proper worship and pay the poor their due. And those who keep their treaty when they make one. And the patient in tribulation and adversity and in times of stress. These are the people who are sincere. Such are the people who truly fear Allah."
The rest of Ramadan has left me reading the Quran from beginning to end for the seventh time (Alhamdulellah). I am on Surah 37 today: Saad. While I read it this time, I highlight the ayats related to the many miracles and discussions Marcelo and I have had about our religion and we research and discuss the meanings of these great ayats. I love suhar when Marcelo and I get up to share our breakfast, pray for Fajr and read Quran together. This is the best time of the day. But I worry about my husband as he averages four hours of sleep a night.
Marcelo's family has been very accepting and accommodating of our beliefs. In fact yesterday, you should have seen Marcelo's mom fight the doctors to get a female doctor for my gynecological visit. It was quite a scene. What really impressed me though, is that she herself has a male gynecologist and thinks there is no problem with male doctors. Even so, she respects Marcelo and my viewpoints and does not try to convince us to follow her culture or belief.
I have come to the conclusion that we are the most fortunate people in the whole world. Allah swt brought us to the truth and to the light and gave us endless gifts from our sight to our ability to read. I want to keep my light shining and inspire you all to keep yours as bright as ever during our holy season of fasting.
I pray that you all may have a blessed Ramadan and most joyous Eid.
In Peace-
Angela Collins de Andrade Telles
(Don't you just love my new "latin" last name)
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Older Comments:
AS FROM UNITED KINGDOM said:
As-salam alaikum,
I think if one looks rationally past the stereotypes, you will find that most UK Muslims are in fact inclined towards "Sufism". Anyway why look at the facts when one can subscribe to PATRONISINGLY lazy stereotypes & puerile emotionalism. The Ummah may have freed itself from the physical bonds of colonialism, BUT alas the mental bonds are still present a la Alex Haley's "Roots". I understand that this a new "hearts & minds" plot to divide & rule Islam. There will be loads of these trojan horse Qadiani-style plots coming in the next few years. We have to ready ourselves, otherwise we shall witness many Muslims becoming "moderate" i.e. Uncle Toms.
Remember Alex Haley's "Roots" where the slaves were taught to hate their heritage, & think of themselves as a lower race >
"You got to put away all dat stuff [African charm]. You ain't goin' nowhere, so you might's well face facks an' start fittin' in Toby, you hear?"
Kunta's face flushed with anger [at hearing the name "Toby"]. "Kunta Kinte!" he blurted, astonished at himself. His brown companion Fiddler, was equally amazed,
"Looka here, he can talk! But I'm tellin' you, boy, you got to forgit all dat African talk. Make white folks mad, an scare niggers. Yo' name Toby."
I think if one looks rationally past the stereotypes, you will find that most UK Muslims are in fact inclined towards "Sufism". Anyway why look at the facts when one can subscribe to PATRONISINGLY lazy stereotypes & puerile emotionalism. The Ummah may have freed itself from the physical bonds of colonialism, BUT alas the mental bonds are still present a la Alex Haley's "Roots". I understand that this a new "hearts & minds" plot to divide & rule Islam. There will be loads of these trojan horse Qadiani-style plots coming in the next few years. We have to ready ourselves, otherwise we shall witness many Muslims becoming "moderate" i.e. Uncle Toms.
Remember Alex Haley's "Roots" where the slaves were taught to hate their heritage, & think of themselves as a lower race >
"You got to put away all dat stuff [African charm]. You ain't goin' nowhere, so you might's well face facks an' start fittin' in Toby, you hear?"
Kunta's face flushed with anger [at hearing the name "Toby"]. "Kunta Kinte!" he blurted, astonished at himself. His brown companion Fiddler, was equally amazed,
"Looka here, he can talk! But I'm tellin' you, boy, you got to forgit all dat African talk. Make white folks mad, an scare niggers. Yo' name Toby."
2007-10-13
ABLA FROM ENGLAND said:
May Allah always guide you to the right path, and answers your prayers too!!
2007-10-13
ASHRAF FROM PHILIPPINES said:
Salaam ALL readers and Happy Eid'l Fitr!
Angela you have expressed well your thoughts, would it be nicest if a significant number of people living on Earth would be as open-minded and accepting as you are. Alhamdulillaah, you moved and touched many readers online on your article, hope this will serve more...more points? Hehehe...
Sometimes when we spend time outside our 'comfort homes' it just feels better (just like when we often do travelling), sometimes we get more 'sinking in' thoughts, really really really beneficial to our well being, more so giving more substance to what it feels like living the perfect religion established for humanity,
I am inspired by your story and hopefully we read as many more articles as yours.
JKn,
In bahasa Malaysia, we greet Eid as
Selamat Hari Raya Puasa!!!
Assala mu Alaikum!
Angela you have expressed well your thoughts, would it be nicest if a significant number of people living on Earth would be as open-minded and accepting as you are. Alhamdulillaah, you moved and touched many readers online on your article, hope this will serve more...more points? Hehehe...
Sometimes when we spend time outside our 'comfort homes' it just feels better (just like when we often do travelling), sometimes we get more 'sinking in' thoughts, really really really beneficial to our well being, more so giving more substance to what it feels like living the perfect religion established for humanity,
I am inspired by your story and hopefully we read as many more articles as yours.
JKn,
In bahasa Malaysia, we greet Eid as
Selamat Hari Raya Puasa!!!
Assala mu Alaikum!
2007-10-13
JUNAID HASHMI FROM KASHMIR (BOUND WITH INDIA) said:
salamualykum sister.. i feel like i am not so learned to post any comments.. but i really felt happy to read ur letter.. ts enlightining.. nd impressive.. may Allah bless us all... lead us to the straight path so as we get sucess in this world as well as the herafter
2007-10-12
AHMED FROM BAHRAIN FROM BAHRAIN said:
The more we know the more we know that we do not know. Being humble is a prime requirement for any Muslim. This is how we can attract any person to ourselves and our deen/way. By showing that they are more important than us, even if we think they are not. At least by seeing that they have the potential to be better than us, if we still believe that we are better!! That is the least of iman.
2007-10-12
SHARIF FROM USA said:
that was a beautiful story sister. I am really mad and sorry for the bad experience you had to go through in London. I think most of british muslims are "tableghe jama'at" or wahabies, they dont like any other people or even muslims unless they join them. they want us to go backwards to the stone ages! they are all about hate hate hate...they are actually the ones that give Islam our beautiful relgion a bad name, its very unfortunate
2007-10-11
SOFIA SHUMS FROM USA said:
Often segregation in Massajid are due to language and cultural barriers more than personal bigotry.
Muslims need to change the manner in which we criticize other Muslims--our tone, our careless use of words, and our "holier-than-thou" attitude.
Congregation of Muslims in masjid for prayer is extremely healthy, helpful for Muslims of all ages, groups--regardless of barriers that we encounter--Praise be to the Almighty!
Muslims need to change the manner in which we criticize other Muslims--our tone, our careless use of words, and our "holier-than-thou" attitude.
Congregation of Muslims in masjid for prayer is extremely healthy, helpful for Muslims of all ages, groups--regardless of barriers that we encounter--Praise be to the Almighty!
2007-10-11
MOHAMMAD SHAFIQUE FROM CANADA said:
Dear sister Angelia it's an wonderful experience and nicely
highlighted by you the common problem we face in may parts of
the world. Your experience i London is bit frustrating and I think
the Imams should address the issue with more open mind.
I am very keen and love to hear more about your experience
in Brazil. Do write from time to time telling your experience in
Brazil. May Allah Bless you help you to achieve your dream.
highlighted by you the common problem we face in may parts of
the world. Your experience i London is bit frustrating and I think
the Imams should address the issue with more open mind.
I am very keen and love to hear more about your experience
in Brazil. Do write from time to time telling your experience in
Brazil. May Allah Bless you help you to achieve your dream.
2007-10-10
AS FROM UNITED KINGDOM said:
As-salam alaikum,
May Allah (SWT) increase the bonds of love betwixt the Ummah - Amin. That said we should not really advocate double standards in regard to reverts and born Muslims. It is not about tolerating constructive criticism, but highlighting "unjustified" criticisms based upon ignorant stereotypes. Too often born Muslims have one excessively harsh standard for other born Muslims whilst are carried away with lovey-dovey everything is a Jannat on Earth you must be right towards our revert kin. No, we are all fallible humans with our prejudices, no one is an an angel. We must all admit that in trying to improve ourselves. Constructive criticism is a two way process IF we are to be honest with ourselves, & who was PATRONISING & judgemental based upon slim evidence. Another point is that many Muslims seem to be victims of a blind prejudice without thinking i.e. they speak as though ONLY born Muslims have something called "cultural baggage" - Sorry that is ignorant of reality & NONE of us exist in cultural vacuum. Everyone has "cultural baggage" primarily derived from our environment, peers & experiences, whichever geographic etc origins we originate. There is no such thing as a cultural neutral Muslim. It would be silly to say that many years after birth & life's experiences, a revert suddenly magically acquires a tabula rasa. No to naive patronising double standards & the same pragmatic Islamic behaviour towards ALL the blessed Ummah, insha'Allah. Islam is about justice towards for all e.g. hadhrat Ali & the spitting enemy or hadhrat Umar(RA) & the Jew. "Every time we judge another person we commit shirk." - Yes and that applies EQUALLY without fear or favour to ALL, NOT selectively. But back to the generous spirit encouraged by Islam, we too often have a self-centred view of justice, not seeing the other person's view or making excuses. In Islam we have to make 70 excuses for the failings of a fellow believer. Let us try to practise that, insha'Allah.
May Allah (SWT) increase the bonds of love betwixt the Ummah - Amin. That said we should not really advocate double standards in regard to reverts and born Muslims. It is not about tolerating constructive criticism, but highlighting "unjustified" criticisms based upon ignorant stereotypes. Too often born Muslims have one excessively harsh standard for other born Muslims whilst are carried away with lovey-dovey everything is a Jannat on Earth you must be right towards our revert kin. No, we are all fallible humans with our prejudices, no one is an an angel. We must all admit that in trying to improve ourselves. Constructive criticism is a two way process IF we are to be honest with ourselves, & who was PATRONISING & judgemental based upon slim evidence. Another point is that many Muslims seem to be victims of a blind prejudice without thinking i.e. they speak as though ONLY born Muslims have something called "cultural baggage" - Sorry that is ignorant of reality & NONE of us exist in cultural vacuum. Everyone has "cultural baggage" primarily derived from our environment, peers & experiences, whichever geographic etc origins we originate. There is no such thing as a cultural neutral Muslim. It would be silly to say that many years after birth & life's experiences, a revert suddenly magically acquires a tabula rasa. No to naive patronising double standards & the same pragmatic Islamic behaviour towards ALL the blessed Ummah, insha'Allah. Islam is about justice towards for all e.g. hadhrat Ali & the spitting enemy or hadhrat Umar(RA) & the Jew. "Every time we judge another person we commit shirk." - Yes and that applies EQUALLY without fear or favour to ALL, NOT selectively. But back to the generous spirit encouraged by Islam, we too often have a self-centred view of justice, not seeing the other person's view or making excuses. In Islam we have to make 70 excuses for the failings of a fellow believer. Let us try to practise that, insha'Allah.
2007-10-10
AHMED ASGHER FROM BAHRAIN said:
Mustafa
Well said. Allah is The Creator of ALL. In His domain there are no sects or religions. His arsh is open to anyone who comes to HIM with a clean heart.
This is the God that I have witnessed and there is none except ONE. Allah did not create divisions. We do and only because HE allows us, otherwise He could have created us as ONE people but with diversity comes wisdom and beauty. If we think about it. He actually did create us as One race.
One Adam.
Every time we judge another person we commit shirk.
Well said. Allah is The Creator of ALL. In His domain there are no sects or religions. His arsh is open to anyone who comes to HIM with a clean heart.
This is the God that I have witnessed and there is none except ONE. Allah did not create divisions. We do and only because HE allows us, otherwise He could have created us as ONE people but with diversity comes wisdom and beauty. If we think about it. He actually did create us as One race.
One Adam.
Every time we judge another person we commit shirk.
2007-10-10
SYLVIA HORTON FROM CANADA said:
Ramadan Mubarak to all,
I personally can relate to this article and to some of the responses. Being American and living in Ottawa is difficult as far as the Muslim community is concerned. I and another American revert definitely feel left out on lots of things here. I think muslims from other places practice more culture than anything. There have been a few imams here who honestly have spoken out against a lot of racism, sectism, culturalism, and etc. Don't get me wrong, i think culture is nice. We can all learn from different cultures, but to love it more than you love Allah and is messenger, is something different. I definitley do not feel part of a community here. I have been to two differnt mosques, and believe me, they were most segregated. I could tell that one was more for the Africans, and the other for Arabs. Don't get me wrong, the mosque were mixed up, but very little. I think as Muslims, we should definitely try and be more tolerant. As for the dress code, I definitely believe in the covering no matter where I am at.
In regards to the UK, I can understand them to a certain extent. Their lives there may be somewhat harder than ours. Sometimes it is stress that causes us to do things that we normarlly would not do. We really do need to pray for one another and ask Allah to guide us all to the right path.
Eid Mubarak to everyone of my sisters and brothers out there. Good article!!!
Sister Fatimah
I personally can relate to this article and to some of the responses. Being American and living in Ottawa is difficult as far as the Muslim community is concerned. I and another American revert definitely feel left out on lots of things here. I think muslims from other places practice more culture than anything. There have been a few imams here who honestly have spoken out against a lot of racism, sectism, culturalism, and etc. Don't get me wrong, i think culture is nice. We can all learn from different cultures, but to love it more than you love Allah and is messenger, is something different. I definitley do not feel part of a community here. I have been to two differnt mosques, and believe me, they were most segregated. I could tell that one was more for the Africans, and the other for Arabs. Don't get me wrong, the mosque were mixed up, but very little. I think as Muslims, we should definitely try and be more tolerant. As for the dress code, I definitely believe in the covering no matter where I am at.
In regards to the UK, I can understand them to a certain extent. Their lives there may be somewhat harder than ours. Sometimes it is stress that causes us to do things that we normarlly would not do. We really do need to pray for one another and ask Allah to guide us all to the right path.
Eid Mubarak to everyone of my sisters and brothers out there. Good article!!!
Sister Fatimah
2007-10-09
SOFIA FROM INDONESIA said:
Subhanallah! i'm impressed with you sister Angela.
in these day there is such person like you sister.
May Allah SWT bless all of us.
in these day there is such person like you sister.
May Allah SWT bless all of us.
2007-10-09
MUSTAFA FROM USA said:
I am surprised by some of the responses to this article. Why are some Muslims so apprehensive about admitting mistakes or accepting criticism. I have very often heard that converts are not always treated in the high esteem in ethnically Muslim communities, especially in the West. I think that in the west there are also many mosques where a few uneducated extremists play the role of Pope and deem the behaviors of others Islamic or Unislamic. We need to address these issues internally as community, not have a knee-jerk response to defend the 'honor' of Islam everytime someone makes criticism. There is also room for political issues and other problems, but we should be able to be mature and resolve conflicts that affect individual, daily contact. That is how Islam became such a powerful force in the first place, the attitudes of the Muslims themselves, and that is why I believe we are in the situation we are today as well.
2007-10-08
BINTA ISAH FROM NIGERIA said:
Salam Angela,
I was so happy reading your article. May Allah bless and guide us all. I have had beautiful experiences in mosques in other parts of the world and I agree with you on the need for Muslims to be tolerant,I have had similar experiences even in Masjid Haram of very harsh treatment, I remember people refusign to mive so I could get some prayer space I could not believe it , I remember crying out of disappointment and it made me very sad because i kept syaing to my self what is I was just a revert? and i am going to Saudi expecting to be treated like Allah asked us to, do my name matter? do i have to cover my face and only my eyes seen before I am considered a muslim ? or those my love for Allah and keeping my covenant as much as I can qualifies me to be a muslim.
I wish alot of Mosques get feedback so they can learn from other cultures and be tolernat of those cultures, I know Islam is our way of life but we must not also forget we are a part of a larger society and our actions attract others to our religion.
I pray Allah forgive us all and guide our actions and make actions at the end of our lives and best day the day we meet Allah (SWT) insha Allah.
Enjoy the rest of Ramadan.
Salam
I was so happy reading your article. May Allah bless and guide us all. I have had beautiful experiences in mosques in other parts of the world and I agree with you on the need for Muslims to be tolerant,I have had similar experiences even in Masjid Haram of very harsh treatment, I remember people refusign to mive so I could get some prayer space I could not believe it , I remember crying out of disappointment and it made me very sad because i kept syaing to my self what is I was just a revert? and i am going to Saudi expecting to be treated like Allah asked us to, do my name matter? do i have to cover my face and only my eyes seen before I am considered a muslim ? or those my love for Allah and keeping my covenant as much as I can qualifies me to be a muslim.
I wish alot of Mosques get feedback so they can learn from other cultures and be tolernat of those cultures, I know Islam is our way of life but we must not also forget we are a part of a larger society and our actions attract others to our religion.
I pray Allah forgive us all and guide our actions and make actions at the end of our lives and best day the day we meet Allah (SWT) insha Allah.
Enjoy the rest of Ramadan.
Salam
2007-10-08
FUMIE FROM JAPAN said:
As Salaam Alaykum
Angela, thank you for sharing your experience and thoughts. I admire your wonderful attitudes toward the world.
I started reading The Quran in English last months. English is not my first language and I have a lot of questions that haven't answered yet. I hope that I have wonderful experience like you do.
Again, thank you.
Angela, thank you for sharing your experience and thoughts. I admire your wonderful attitudes toward the world.
I started reading The Quran in English last months. English is not my first language and I have a lot of questions that haven't answered yet. I hope that I have wonderful experience like you do.
Again, thank you.
2007-10-07
AHMED ASGHER FROM BAHRAIN said:
Angela
Thank you for such wonderful wisdom. Indeed closeness to Allah does not require a certain attire as you noted in Quran 2.177. Allah is the Creator of all existence and He has created this life so that we can promote life. This is our only purpose for in supporting life we give life and it is the highest gift from Almighty. He is the Giver of this gift and by looking at it as a gift we praise Allah and this outlook must include all humanity not just our own life, for life is precious to the beholder.
Support life. This is how we can worship, for Allah is truly beyond need yet life needs re-affirming. To understand this we must go beyond geography, race and culture yet see all that as part of the gift bestowed upon us by One So Wealthy yet Needless (Ghani).
You are a gift for this religion. I pray that one day all Muslims think like you. This is how we can see that every life is a creation of Allah, Muslim or otherwise, thus deserves our utmost respect.
Thank you for such wonderful wisdom. Indeed closeness to Allah does not require a certain attire as you noted in Quran 2.177. Allah is the Creator of all existence and He has created this life so that we can promote life. This is our only purpose for in supporting life we give life and it is the highest gift from Almighty. He is the Giver of this gift and by looking at it as a gift we praise Allah and this outlook must include all humanity not just our own life, for life is precious to the beholder.
Support life. This is how we can worship, for Allah is truly beyond need yet life needs re-affirming. To understand this we must go beyond geography, race and culture yet see all that as part of the gift bestowed upon us by One So Wealthy yet Needless (Ghani).
You are a gift for this religion. I pray that one day all Muslims think like you. This is how we can see that every life is a creation of Allah, Muslim or otherwise, thus deserves our utmost respect.
2007-10-07
ZAINON FROM USA said:
Masha'Allah, Sister Angela.
I'm very proud of you. But you should try to visit the mosque in London again and see it in a different light. There were other new Muslims who wrote articles like yours and I noticed similar disapproval of either mosques, persons, or organizations who are outspoken against the occupation of Palestine.
Salaam to you, Sister Angela.
I'm very proud of you. But you should try to visit the mosque in London again and see it in a different light. There were other new Muslims who wrote articles like yours and I noticed similar disapproval of either mosques, persons, or organizations who are outspoken against the occupation of Palestine.
Salaam to you, Sister Angela.
2007-10-07
SWDR FROM USA said:
May Allah swt give you a generous reward for your steadfastness. May Allah swt bring all muslims, practicing and non-practising to a united path, of following the sunnah. May we all develope true love for our brothers and sisters the way we would want for ourselves. Ameen.
2007-10-07
AS FROM UK said:
As-salam alaikum,
A possible example of the US think tank RAND's "Moderate Muslims" plan in action. The creation of bubblegum Islam-Lites & sectarianism e.g. British Empire "divide et impere" neo-Qadianis honeyed poison, tastes nice, but same effects. Check out the US Jewish revert Maryam Jameelah's "Islam and Orientalism" for a systematic deconstruction of these kinds of longterm plots. Assimilation & integration may sound similar BUT the devil is in the detail i.e. first is absorption by the majority & the second is a coming together of distinct individuals. Nazi style ein volk compared to mutual respect. Remember their hate of rootless cosmopolitanism, the modern equivalent is multiculturalism. Samuel Huntingdon's "Clash" teases out the threat of Islam especially in regard to the diaspora and demographics. Conspiracy FACTS are completely different from theories. The naive and uncritical will just parrot out the Dajjali lines being fed to them by manufactured odds & sods trojan horses. Check out the facts for yourself by referring to the primary source materials. Critical analysis will help to avoid a peripheral parochial herd mentality, & understand the dangers of imitative CAPRICIOUS RELATIVISM. The natural result of blind imitation will lead to the adoption of neo-Darwinist traits, in effect a pagan retrogression as identified by scholarly anaLYSIS of Kidd.
A possible example of the US think tank RAND's "Moderate Muslims" plan in action. The creation of bubblegum Islam-Lites & sectarianism e.g. British Empire "divide et impere" neo-Qadianis honeyed poison, tastes nice, but same effects. Check out the US Jewish revert Maryam Jameelah's "Islam and Orientalism" for a systematic deconstruction of these kinds of longterm plots. Assimilation & integration may sound similar BUT the devil is in the detail i.e. first is absorption by the majority & the second is a coming together of distinct individuals. Nazi style ein volk compared to mutual respect. Remember their hate of rootless cosmopolitanism, the modern equivalent is multiculturalism. Samuel Huntingdon's "Clash" teases out the threat of Islam especially in regard to the diaspora and demographics. Conspiracy FACTS are completely different from theories. The naive and uncritical will just parrot out the Dajjali lines being fed to them by manufactured odds & sods trojan horses. Check out the facts for yourself by referring to the primary source materials. Critical analysis will help to avoid a peripheral parochial herd mentality, & understand the dangers of imitative CAPRICIOUS RELATIVISM. The natural result of blind imitation will lead to the adoption of neo-Darwinist traits, in effect a pagan retrogression as identified by scholarly anaLYSIS of Kidd.
2007-10-06
NAJJAR FROM MOROCCO said:
Assalamou Alaikoum, beautiful letter from a beautiful and pure heart. Jazzak Allah Khair Angela, may Allah preserve you and your family.
2007-10-06
AS FROM UK said:
As-salam alaikum,
Nothing like a judgemental attitude whilst whizzing through, with NONE of the mundane realities of social context, London today, Paris tomorrow. A suggestion in order to understand the context is to spend more time, in more places, and not just restrict oneself to the local ELITE. Perhaps a more rounded reality that the Muslims locals have to face rather than a now globalised US derived patronising stereotype of a pejorative Londonistan. After all the Shaitan loves haste.
Nothing like a judgemental attitude whilst whizzing through, with NONE of the mundane realities of social context, London today, Paris tomorrow. A suggestion in order to understand the context is to spend more time, in more places, and not just restrict oneself to the local ELITE. Perhaps a more rounded reality that the Muslims locals have to face rather than a now globalised US derived patronising stereotype of a pejorative Londonistan. After all the Shaitan loves haste.
2007-10-06
SHAHIRAH FROM RUSSIA said:
Beautifully written about Islam :-) What an eye opener this letter is!!May Allah bless and show us,Muslims the straight path.
2007-10-06
SHARIFA FROM UK said:
Nice article good to hear about global muslim communities often in the news we only hear the negative.
Ps I live in London muslims here
in uk are feeling under pressure constant media attacks etc ..probably stressed therefore appear unwelcoming and tendency to hurdle into own cultural groups for feeling of security?or maybe you just came across a few bad apples!
Ps I live in London muslims here
in uk are feeling under pressure constant media attacks etc ..probably stressed therefore appear unwelcoming and tendency to hurdle into own cultural groups for feeling of security?or maybe you just came across a few bad apples!
2007-10-06
JASON FROM UNITED STATES OF AMERICA said:
Asalam Alaikum,
Alhamdulillah! This article rocks, as does Islam and those who Allah guides :-) I'm also a revert to Islam, and there aren't powerful enough words to explain what it feels like to be guided by Allah from darkness into light. Alhamdulillahi Rabbil Alamin!!! May Allah bless us all with his mercy and forgiveness. Thanks for the letter, may Allah bless you.
Jason
Alhamdulillah! This article rocks, as does Islam and those who Allah guides :-) I'm also a revert to Islam, and there aren't powerful enough words to explain what it feels like to be guided by Allah from darkness into light. Alhamdulillahi Rabbil Alamin!!! May Allah bless us all with his mercy and forgiveness. Thanks for the letter, may Allah bless you.
Jason
2007-10-06
