Memoirs of an Oklahoma Niqabi
My Journey to the Niqab and Life Since.
Friday, May 8, 2015
Holy Quran: Surah 9:51
Sunday, February 22, 2015
Just Checking In
Saturday, January 31, 2015
Next Chapter, Please
Thursday, January 8, 2015
Actions Are Louder Than Words
A'salaam alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu.
I more than strongly condemn the Paris shooting. However, we, as Muslims, should not have to keep condemning every individual act of terrorism. If we condemn one, that should be enough of a blanket statement to say we condemn ALL acts of terrorism, violence and hate done by ALL people, regardless of race, religion, ethnicity or any other factor. Hate begets hate and violence begets violence. The best way to defend Islam, is by being the representative of Islam that we keep telling the world we are. Actions often speak louder than words and even if your good deed isn't broadcast to the country or planet by 100s of media outlets, that doesn't mean that no one witnessed it. Brothers and sisters, pass on your knowledge of Islam to others who wish to learn. Invite them to group meetings, Jummah prayers or to help you volunteer. Open the doors for others to come to you for advise, wisdom and knowledge so that try may also pass it on. You never know how many people can be affected by the good done by one person and in sha Allaah someone will be moved to Islam because of your efforts.
"Be the change you want to see in the world.." - Mahatma Ghandi
Monday, December 1, 2014
Spread a Little Cheer
Saturday, November 8, 2014
When One Door Closes...
Thursday, September 4, 2014
What I Was Doing When I Wasn't Posting
I went to Denver to visit my younger sister for a week while she was in the hospital and that is where I finished up Ramadan and celebrated Eid. Walking around Denver proved to be less stressful than in my own town. I guess that is because no matter where I looked, there was someone different. My sister always says anyone can find their particular brand of person in Denver, and that is true. Although I didn't see any other niqabi sisters when I went shopping or driving around, no one acted like seeing me veiled was anything they had never seen before. Unlike at home where even though I go out veiled all of the time, there are always at least a couple of people that stop and stare holes through my black layers.
My first semester as a student of knowledge with the Islamic Online University wrapped up the second week of August with final exams. They went pretty well over all but I think that I could have done better. In sha Allaah I will get to continue with the fall semester in a few days.
Classes resumed at the University of Oklahoma a couple of weeks ago, sparking the increase in business (and hours worked) at my store and football season. I am still waiting to find out if I will get promoted when the newest store opens but Allaah, subhana wa'tala, has a plan and only He knows what that plan is, I just have to trust that He knows what is best while I do not. I have also been my youngest son's learning coach for his first semester of sixth grade in an online public school.
I have a couple of things in the works for future blog entries, so please, don't give up on me (at least one is requiring more research). I promise I'm still here. Also, I have been in the process of putting some writing samples together for Sisters Magazine based in the UK, to potentially be selected as a contributing writer for the magazine in sha Allaah. So those of you who subscribe to that (and even if you don't) stay tuned for that!
Well, that is pretty much a recap of what I've been up to for the last month. I have a lot of things started, which hopefully I will be wrapping a few of them up soon.
Wa salaam!!
Monday, July 28, 2014
Eid Mubarak to You and Yours
A'salaam alaikum wa rahmatulahi wa barakatuhu. Eid Mubarak to all of you and may Allah's peace and blessings find you no matter where you are. May He guide and protect us and comfort those of the Ummah who are suffering around the world. Ameen.
For many of us, today marks the end of Ramadan. It is a day of celebration and remembrance of Allah but for those who don't know much about it, in sha Allah this will be of some benefit to you.
Eid al-Fitr is an important religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide that marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting sawm. The religious Eid is a single day during which Muslims are not permitted to fast. The holiday celebrates the conclusion of the 29 or 30 days of dawn-to-sunset fasting during the entire month of Ramadan. The day of Eid, therefore, falls on the first day of the month of Shawwal. This is a day when Muslims around the world show a common goal of unity. The date for the start of any lunar Hijri month varies based on the observation of new moon by local religious authorities, so the exact day of celebration varies by locality. However, in most countries, it is generally celebrated on the same day as Saudi Arabia.
Traditionally, it is the day (beginning at sunset) of the first sighting of the crescent moon shortly after sunset. If the moon is not observed immediately after the 29th day of the previous lunar month either because clouds block its view or because the western sky is still too bright when the moon sets, then it is the following day.
Eid al-Fitr is celebrated for one, two or three days. Common greetings during this holiday are the Arabic greeting Eid Mubarak ("Blessed Eid") or ‘Eid Sa‘id ("Happy Eid"). In addition, many countries have their own greetings in the local language. Muslims are also encouraged to forgive any differences with others or any animosities that occurred through the rest of the year.
It is forbidden to fast on the Day of Eid. It is customary to acknowledge this with a small sweet breakfast, preferably of date fruit, before attending a special Eid prayer, known as salaat and as an obligatory act of charity, money is paid to the poor and the needy (In Arabic this is called Sadaqat-ul-fitr) before performing the Eid prayer.
Many countries have their own ways of celebrating but along with prayer, in most there are special meals that are prepared including sweets and other treats which are shared by all of the neighbors, decorations are hung on houses and buildings, and gifts are exchanged. It is a time of togetherness, to show generosity to others who are less fortunate and to thank Allah for the blessings that He has bestowed upon us.
This is just a little about one of our holidays in Islaam. In sha Allah whoever reads this will find it beneficial.
Wa Salaam!