My Thoughts on Shari'ah

Asalaam alaikum ar ramatuallahi wa barakatuhu. I pray that this finds all of you out there in good health and eemaan. A week or so ago while I was at work, I was approached by a man who had a genuine "Muslim question". He asked me, "Do all Muslims believe in Shari'ah?" To which I replied, "Shari'ah is the divine law of God. It's His law, so as Muslims, we should all believe in it." He said, "Oh, really?" I told him that "shari'ah law isn't the evil thing that the west has made it out to be."

It has been predominately associated with Islam and has been given a bad wrap by many people, especially in the US. I have heard many of those who oppose it stressing about how it shouldn't be legalized or recognized but those people don't understand what shari'ah is, how it works or that it would ultimately have little to no effect on those who aren't Muslim.

Some background on Shari'ah for my non-Muslim friends.

Shari'ah was revealed by Allaah in the Holy Qur'an and deals with many topics including crime, politics and economics, as well as personal matters such as sexual intercourse, hygiene, diet, prayer, every day etiquette and fasting. There are varying interpretations of shari'ah law but in its strictest definition it is considered the infallible law of God while the human interpretation of the laws are known as fiqh.
The two primary sources of shari'ah law are versus in the Qur'an and the examples set by Prophet Muhammad in the Sunnah. Where shari'ah is recognized, it is interpreted by Islamic judges and the responsibilities of the religious leaders (imams) varies. If questions arose that weren't directly addressed in either of the two primary sources, the religious scholars are looked to to form fitting rulings.

 ** This isn't everything about shari'ah but in sha Allaah it's enough to spark interest in the subject and give people a starting point to their own research**

Now here comes the part where I voice my opinion because by now, you should know that I have one (haha!).

Many states (including mine!) and countries have chosen to ban shari'ah law. While I do understand the fears that a lot of people have regarding it and yes, I do understand that in many countries, there are accounts of abuse and/or neglect because of a possible light or lack of punishment for certain crimes. However, for those of us who wish to practice our faith completely, we should have the opportunity to follow the laws of Allaah. Now, while I also understand that God's divine law is the ultimate law above all others, and technically, submission to local laws can be seen as putting man over God, I'm not saying that we should disrespect the local laws of our city/state/country. I am only saying (remember, this is my opinion and it may or may not be shared by anyone else) as long as we are following those laws and we are not harming anyone, partaking in illegal activities or committing crimes, we should be allowed to follow the laws that Allaah has written for us.

I truly and sincerely hope that this clears up some things or at the very least sparks some interest in the subject and initiates research and thought on the subject in sha Allaah. Please remember that this is my opinion and my page. I do not expect anyone to agree with me. Also, sisters please feel free to add comments containing any other pertinent information that you think others would like to know regarding this subject. Your thoughts are always welcome!

Good Deeds (Advice to a Customer)

Asalaam alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu. I get asked all the time about what the "thing" on my head is called, if I'm a Muslim or not and why I chose Islaam. It is pretty rare that I get asked my opinion on what someone else should do with their life but a couple of days ago, that happened.

An older man who is a semi regular customer at my store came in for his drink and snack. He is a veteran of the US military although I don't think he told me which branch, and works (or at least worked) for Goodwill next door. He is always friendly but this day I could tell he had something on his mind. I don't pry into the lives of others if I can help it so when he stopped in front of the counter wanting to talk, it was a little surprising. He said to me, "Can I ask you a question?" Without me really saying anything and a look that must have given him the go ahead, he continued, "If you didn't have to work, but wanted to for something to do, would you do what made you happy or would you stay somewhere you weren't happy at?" I replied without much hesitation, "if I didn't have to work at all but wanted something to do, I would definitely do what I loved regardless of pay but I would probably just volunteer instead. I would do the things that made me happiest without asking to be paid to do them." He just kind of looked at me in disbelief and said "Really??" "Absolutely" I said. "Because in Islam, we aren't just measured by how "good" or "bad" we were in our lives, we are measured by the good deeds that we do too."

I told him that I have always loved to volunteer or donate what I can. From working on building sites for Habitat for Humanity, to local animal shelters, to the regional food bank, canned food drives or donations to charities (money or items depending on what it is). I love to do it because there is a chance that it could make life better for someone else. It is easy to get wrapped up in our own lives and think that someone else will do it when it comes to helping out another person but I try to make sure I give when and where I can to remind myself that Allaah has truly blessed me with what little I might have. It is also a lesson that I try to instill in my kids and husband, as well as in others. I think it's important for us all to remember that no good deed goes unnoticed and they don't have to be big or extravagant. Just holding the door for the elderly man or woman or the mother who is juggling groceries and kids, or offering a warm smile and salaam to a stranger might seem like such small things but they could mean the world to the recipient.

I don't know if what I said to the man made a difference, he told me that was probably the last time he would be in for a while at least since he was most likely going to quit working next door, but I hope it gave him something to think about and some confidence to do what he believed to be right for himself. And who knows, maybe he will be giving Islam a chance one day in sha Allaah. 

An Inquiring Mind Wanted to Know

Asalaam alaikum wahramatullahi wa barakatuhu dear friends and sisters (and brothers if you're reading this!). I hope this finds you all in good health and ever increasing eeman.

As I've said before, I'm a manager of a convenient store in the town I live in and it's one of the few places that I can't veil, at least while I'm working. I'm still obviously a Muslimah though as I wear a hijab that matches my work uniform and also as I have said before, I'm privileged (if you can call it that sometimes) to have the experience of some of the best and worst of the general public. Some are curious, some are hateful and some a just indifferent. Yesterday was a fairly uneventful day at the store with the normal end of college hustle and bustle of students with their parents, packing up and moving out of town for summer break. Until almost the very end of my shift. As I was busy finishing up the remaining bit of the grocery delivery from Friday, I was approached by a young man. I had noticed him staring at me while he was checking out at the other register, but as I'm often stared at, I wasn't thinking much of it. As he approached me at the other end of the counter, he said he had a question and that he's always been interested in the pyschological/social dynamic of Muslim men and women. (Um, ok?) Basically what I got from that question was that he was wanting to know my opinion of how women were viewed and treated in Islaam.

Like so many others, who understandably I suppose, make the mistake of assuming that because I am obviously not Middle Eastern (It's true, I'm noticeably white haha) that I must have married into Islaam so therefore I should have a somewhat negative opinion of how women are treated versus how the "free" American women are treated.

I told him that I'm married, and his response was "Well, yeah", which is where I could tell he got his assumption so he asked about previous boyfriends. Honestly, coming from a town as small as where I did, there weren't many opportunities to date anyone outside of the norm so my boyfriend list was pretty limited to white, predominately Christian or non-religious.  I told him that I had never had a Muslim boyfriend and that my husband and I entered Islaam together. Which was met with an "OOOOOOHHHHHHHHH!!!! Well, ok then. So what drew you to it?? What was it that made you say 'This is what is right for me'?" I told him of the class that I took as a student at OU, about my friend and mentor, Fadilah, and I told him that I see Islaam as the most beautiful thing I have ever had the chance to experience. That I believe the western media puts it in a bad light with all of the negative press that they give it and that if people would take the time to ask questions or open a book, they would most likely be surprised at the answers that they find. (Alhamdulillah, he agreed!)

With that, he smiled, told me thanks and walked out the door. In sha Allaah he got the answer he was looking for, or at least that he went away with something else to think of or pass on to someone else, but I really don't know.

I might not have answers to all of the questions, but I admire those who choose to have a conversation with me about something they're not familiar with. I'm learning as I go, but I try to pass on what I do know...if you're willing to ask. In sha Allaah I hope that with the conversations that those few do take the time to have with me or even by reading my blog, that I inspire someone enough to at the very least learn about Islaam, before passing judgements based solely on the negative stories or half truths told by biased media outlets which act more like cheap tabloid magazines than reputable news sources. There are always multiple sides to every story; that side, this side and in the middle there is the truth.

Don't be afraid to ask questions. The only stupid question is the one that goes unasked. 

On the Outside Looking In

Asalaam alaikum wahramatullahi wa barakatuhu. I have been enjoying this first semester of studies at IOU; from the set up and content of each course, to meeting sisters from literally all over the world. Alhamdulillah it is amazing to see how far Islam reaches!

Sometimes it feels like I'm on the outside looking in. What I mean by this, is that I'm an American. I was born here and raised in Oklahoma, where I have lived my entire life. While my country was founded on the basis of religious freedoms for all who live here and not any one particular religion, but like many Western countries, it is primarily Christian. I am also a revert to Islam and a niqabi and while there is a fairly decent sized Muslim population in my metro area, there are few sisters who choose to veil like I do. This is another reason that I, as well as other niqabi sisters in this country and others, in similar situations feel as if we are the only ones.

To me, it takes a lot of inner strength to wear niqab. It can be stressful going in public completely covered, expecting to be bombarded by so many staring eyes, hateful voices or harmful intentions. We are called "extreme", "oppressed", or "abused" for our choice to follow the Sunnah of our Prophet, peace and blessings upon him, more closely than others. My husband is looked at like he is a terrible person for "forcing" me to wear so many clothes, especially as the temperatures and humidity begin to rise. Yes, we get hot! It's hot outside and we would no doubt be equally as hot if we were wearing itty bitty shorts and tank tops but as I read on another sister's blog, it is a a sacrifice we are willing to make to be closer to Allaah.

As reverts, we are the newcomers to this most beautiful religion, where it seems harder to "get in" with those who were born Muslim. We sometimes have a hard time relating to anyone in any group, whether that group is part of the family, an existing friend, society or part of our new extended family in emaan.


There have been many public near break-downs when it seems that everyone has something to whisper about but it gets easier as the days go by. There are moments and days when I have to remind myself that the only opinion that matters is that of Allaah and while there are going to be those who judge me by my outer appearance, Al-Ḥasīb is the only one who can make the final judgement. He does not look at how a person looks on the outside, rather He knows the intentions of a person's heart and He is the All Knowing and The Most Merciful.

Taking these courses has allowed me to see that there are many sisters in similar places, who feel the same as I do at times. It is a reminder that there are others like me and thanks to the internet and our shared love of knowledge, we are able to connect with each other and we are not as alone as we think we are.  This is something that we all need to remember in sha Allaah. When we feel like we are all alone, that there is no one around who truly understands, Allaah is there to listen to our tears and our prayers.

Favorite Recipes

Asalaam alaikum wahramatullahi wabarakatuhu. Due to popular demand, I am making this post as a couple of my favorite recipes that were shared to me by one of my dearest friends and mentors, Aisha. I apologize for the different font sizes in advance, cut and paste did it. I also wrote it to be friendly for my American friends, so please, if you are from a place that has your own version, I'd love to see it! I always love trying new recipes!

Tahini and Tomato Chicken

I got this recipe from my dear friend from Riyadh, KSA, and sister in Islam, Aisha, a few months before she passed away. It was also her aunt’s recipe and I’m happy to share it with you. 

*Also, the number of chicken pieces is doubled while the measurements for the rest of the ingredients are for single so you can either decrease the amount of chicken to 3 pieces or double all of the rest of the ingredients (I double them because everyone loves this recipe they usually have seconds).*

Ingredients

6 chicken breasts, pounded thin

1 ½ tbs olive oil

1 med onion, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

½ tbs fresh ginger root, peeled and grated

3 med tomatoes, finely chopped

1 ½ tbs tomato paste

1 tbs tahini (sesame paste, I think some grocery stores carry it with their ethnic food section but I got mine at a middle eastern/halal store. If you want info on the closest halal shops to you, left me know. I have an app that can look them up per location lol)

1 tbs Aisha’s spice mix recipe (I’ll include this next but it can also be made with kebsa spice mix, also found premade at the middle eastern store)

1 tsp curry powder

Dash of salt and ground pepper

½ tbs rose water (middle eastern store)

Chopped fresh parsley

1 1/3 c. water

Instructions

Pound chicken breasts thin, season with salt and pepper

Heat some oil in a pan to medium and cook chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side

In a separate pan:

Heat oil and onions, stir until they’re brown

Add ginger, garlic and spices. Cook until fragrant (this part doesn’t take that long before they smell amazing)

Add in tomatoes, tomato paste, tahini, rose water and water. Simmer 10-15 minutes over medium heat

Add chicken back in and parsley. Simmer 20 more minutes

Serve with basmati rice and naan

*You can also play with the amount of spice to get to the heat that you prefer.*

*Basmati rice can be found at Walmart or pretty much any grocery store. I get the kind that has microwave directions as well as stove top because sometimes I would rather let a machine do some of the work for me lol. Also, you can buy premade naan frozen at the halal store but I’ve never seen it in any regular stores or you can make it from scratch if you want. I’ll include the recipe I use when I make it from scratch.*

Aisha’s Spice Mix Recipe

I recommend having a mason jar with a screw top lid to store this in because it makes a lot but you can use any jar or bowl that has a lid to fit. Just be sure to label it. (You don’t have to call it Aisha’s though..you can call it whatever you want).

Ingredients

 ½ c. whole black peppercorns

¼ c. whole coriander seeds

¼ c. cassia or cinnamon bark (I used cinnamon since I couldn’t find cassia here)

¼ c. whole cloves

1/3 c. cumin seeds

2 tsp whole cardamom seeds

4 whole nutmegs or Allspice

            **Nutmeg is considered haram (illegal/bad) in some parts of the world. If you’re in a place that doesn’t sell it or you’d rather stick to the totally halal, substitute for equal parts Allspice**

½ c. paprika

Instructions

Combine all spices except nutmegs (Allspice if you’re using) and paprika in a spice grinder (or you can use mortar and pestle to grind them up but the spice grinder is SOO much easier) and grind to a fine powder

Grate nutmegs/Allspice and blend with paprika, then mix with the rest of the spices and blend well.

Naan Recipe (courtesy of about.com)

Ingredients:

1 package active dry yeast

2 tbs sugar

¾ c warm water

1 ½ c all purpose flour

1 tsp salt

¼ c ghee (can be found at some grocery store but I got mine at the halal store)

            Or vegetable shortening

3 tbs plain yogurt

Melted butter for brushing

Directions:

Measure ¾ cups warm water in a measuring cup. Add sugar and yeast. Allow yeast to soften and stir until yeast is dissolved. Cover measuring cup with a towel and allow yeast and water to froth for 5-10 minutes.

In a medium mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add yeast water, yogurt and ghee (or vegetable shortening) and begin to knead for 5-10 minutes until a dough forms.

Place dough in bowl coated with oil and turn dough around to evenly coat. Cover bowl with towel and allow to rise in a warm area for about 1 hour or until the dough has doubled in size.

Preheat oven to 400. Divide dough into 10-12 pieces and roll out on floured surface into circles. Place rolled out dough on greased cookie sheets or baking stone and brush with melted butter.

Cook in oven for 8 minutes or until lightly browned and puffed up.

Serve naan immediately or store in pantry or freezer.