I suppose I'm re-welcoming you to the blog.
I didn't change much, but the most significant thing I did change was the web address of the blog from http://www.muslimteenissues.blogspot.com/ to http://www.islamthebeautiful.blogspot.com/.
I was unable to receive updates from the blog even though I am shown as a follower, so I'm assuming that it will take some time for you to receive your usual updates. If it takes longer than two weeks, I'll look into it more seriously. But it definitely seems that everyone is considered a follower of http://www.islamthebeautiful.blogspot.com/, and that they have been automatically registered as followers when the blog address changed.
I suppose the reason I changed the blog address was that I felt the address was too restrictive in the sense that I don't only talk about muslim teen issues, and I plan Insha' Allah to expand my blog with other things that are not only for teenagers, and not only for Muslims. So it would seem prudent to change the actual web address of the blog to address that aspect.
I know it may not have been most convenient for everyone, it hasn't for me either,
But I've done it saying "Bismillah", so Insha' Allah it'll turn out for the best.
In addition, you may have noticed My Profile emptier than before, and the header changed as well. I'm updating my blog, and plan Insha' Allah to rewrite what was in My Profile, not that what was in it wasn't good or not true, and change my blog template(background) and maybe even further change the header. I'll see Insha' Allah; I just wanted y'all to know my blog is undergoing some changes.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Monday, December 28, 2009
Book Lovers: ALERT!
http://www.bookloverscentral.blogspot.com/
Above is the link to a blog which you may know I follow.
Anyways,
it looks like the blog has started to be regularly posted,
so I encourage y'all to check it out, and become a follower if you wish.
Above is the link to a blog which you may know I follow.
Anyways,
it looks like the blog has started to be regularly posted,
so I encourage y'all to check it out, and become a follower if you wish.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Our Islamic Identity: A Gift to Honor, Love, and Protect
"Identity...about realizing what and who we truly are, and being conscious of it at all times."
"Muslim identity among the spiritual elect has always been about behavior that is a product of God-consciousness (taqwa)..."
Above in quotes from:
http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/Satellite?c=Article_C&pagename=Zone-English-Family%2FFYELayout&cid=1231223445470
______________________________________________________________________________
Our Islamic Identity is something to be proud of. Something to honor and to protect. Particularly in Non-Muslim societies, ideologies and beliefs and temptations that are prohibited by Islam lie in wait for the unaware, unsuspecting person who, sometimes, is too late to realize what trap they have walked into until they are a different person and, God Forbid, perhaps have even thrown away their Islamic Identity. But there is a way to be aware, to be ready to defend one's Islamic Identity.
"This defence is knowledge. The Muslim should arm himself with a correct Aqeedah and an awareness of what it means to be Muslim. Any attack, any attempt to subvert or mislead will then be in vain. If the Muslim knows the true nature of this society and if he can see how it is designed to mislead, then he will not fall into its traps. This ability to distinguish from right and wrong and chose right comes from a correct Aqeedah." Taken from: http://www.missionislam.com/knowledge/preserveident.htm
That is how to protect your Islamic Identity. Now, to Honor, Cherish, and Love it, which essentially is fundamental to wanting to protect your Islamic Identity in the first place.
If someone asks you, "Hey, you comin' to prom?" "You gettin' a boyfriend, or girlfriend anytime soon?"
You might say,"Oh, my mom would really get angry if she found out..."
"Uh, I wish I could, really, but I have this other thing to do that night..."
That demonstrates a lack of pride in your religion, and that you have some level of shame existent in your heart of your religion. Li-Mada? Cherra? Why?(BTW, the two words you might not know mean Why? Just in different languages.I had an urge to use 'em.)
Why would you have shame in your religion? The religion that promotes the welfare of humankind, the morals of kindness and generosity so much so you are rewarded by Allah(SWT), for the kind word you speak to the smile you give to the quarter you give to the poor, as long as your Niyyah, your intention, is sincere and pure. The religion that gave the rights to women when they, in the days of Jahilliyah(Ignorance), had none. The religion that makes utter sense, that is the only thing that can give you such a feeling of honor, comfort, and happiness, that sparks that feeling in your heart you can only feel when you think of Allah(SWT), think of your ultimate treasure, Islam. The religion that causes you to feel that same special feeling when you are donating that thousand dollars to Islamic Relief, and thinking of the good deeds you are gaining and not about how you were saving that money for a new T.V.
You know all those convert stories you hear? Those people had to search for Islam, to have it re-enter their hearts, while many of us were born and raised Muslim. And regardless of this blessing, some disregard it and abandon it.
We come to honor our Islamic Identity as a result of our Taqwa and Love for our Religion. Strive to increase your Taqwa and Eman always, and don't discard the Gift Allah(SWT) has given you, Islam. Live by Islam, for Islam is a way of life. Verily, our Islamic Identity is a treasure that Allah(SWT) has Guided and Blessed us to keep and preserve. Many go astray, their Islamic Identity discarded. Don't be among them.
"This defence is knowledge. The Muslim should arm himself with a correct Aqeedah and an awareness of what it means to be Muslim. Any attack, any attempt to subvert or mislead will then be in vain. If the Muslim knows the true nature of this society and if he can see how it is designed to mislead, then he will not fall into its traps. This ability to distinguish from right and wrong and chose right comes from a correct Aqeedah." Taken from: http://www.missionislam.com/knowledge/preserveident.htm
For much more on Knowledge in Islam: http://writerinislam.blogspot.com/2005/06/seeking-knowledgeseeking-allah.html
"Muslim identity among the spiritual elect has always been about behavior that is a product of God-consciousness (taqwa)..."
Above in quotes from:
http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/Satellite?c=Article_C&pagename=Zone-English-Family%2FFYELayout&cid=1231223445470
______________________________________________________________________________
Our Islamic Identity is something to be proud of. Something to honor and to protect. Particularly in Non-Muslim societies, ideologies and beliefs and temptations that are prohibited by Islam lie in wait for the unaware, unsuspecting person who, sometimes, is too late to realize what trap they have walked into until they are a different person and, God Forbid, perhaps have even thrown away their Islamic Identity. But there is a way to be aware, to be ready to defend one's Islamic Identity.
"This defence is knowledge. The Muslim should arm himself with a correct Aqeedah and an awareness of what it means to be Muslim. Any attack, any attempt to subvert or mislead will then be in vain. If the Muslim knows the true nature of this society and if he can see how it is designed to mislead, then he will not fall into its traps. This ability to distinguish from right and wrong and chose right comes from a correct Aqeedah." Taken from: http://www.missionislam.com/knowledge/preserveident.htm
That is how to protect your Islamic Identity. Now, to Honor, Cherish, and Love it, which essentially is fundamental to wanting to protect your Islamic Identity in the first place.
If someone asks you, "Hey, you comin' to prom?" "You gettin' a boyfriend, or girlfriend anytime soon?"
You might say,"Oh, my mom would really get angry if she found out..."
"Uh, I wish I could, really, but I have this other thing to do that night..."
That demonstrates a lack of pride in your religion, and that you have some level of shame existent in your heart of your religion. Li-Mada? Cherra? Why?(BTW, the two words you might not know mean Why? Just in different languages.I had an urge to use 'em.)
Why would you have shame in your religion? The religion that promotes the welfare of humankind, the morals of kindness and generosity so much so you are rewarded by Allah(SWT), for the kind word you speak to the smile you give to the quarter you give to the poor, as long as your Niyyah, your intention, is sincere and pure. The religion that gave the rights to women when they, in the days of Jahilliyah(Ignorance), had none. The religion that makes utter sense, that is the only thing that can give you such a feeling of honor, comfort, and happiness, that sparks that feeling in your heart you can only feel when you think of Allah(SWT), think of your ultimate treasure, Islam. The religion that causes you to feel that same special feeling when you are donating that thousand dollars to Islamic Relief, and thinking of the good deeds you are gaining and not about how you were saving that money for a new T.V.
You know all those convert stories you hear? Those people had to search for Islam, to have it re-enter their hearts, while many of us were born and raised Muslim. And regardless of this blessing, some disregard it and abandon it.
We come to honor our Islamic Identity as a result of our Taqwa and Love for our Religion. Strive to increase your Taqwa and Eman always, and don't discard the Gift Allah(SWT) has given you, Islam. Live by Islam, for Islam is a way of life. Verily, our Islamic Identity is a treasure that Allah(SWT) has Guided and Blessed us to keep and preserve. Many go astray, their Islamic Identity discarded. Don't be among them.
"This defence is knowledge. The Muslim should arm himself with a correct Aqeedah and an awareness of what it means to be Muslim. Any attack, any attempt to subvert or mislead will then be in vain. If the Muslim knows the true nature of this society and if he can see how it is designed to mislead, then he will not fall into its traps. This ability to distinguish from right and wrong and chose right comes from a correct Aqeedah." Taken from: http://www.missionislam.com/knowledge/preserveident.htm
For much more on Knowledge in Islam: http://writerinislam.blogspot.com/2005/06/seeking-knowledgeseeking-allah.html
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Thoughts
ASAK.
I was thinking about this.
If America is a secular country,
then why do they call it Christmas Break, not Winter Break? It's not a question of the break, hey, we all need those fanciful things we can't get enough of, but the naming of the break was slightly perplexing.
Got an answer for this? Comment.
Any plans for Winter Break? Going to go out sledding? Going to travel to Africa?
If you want to, share. Winter Break is giving us a lot of time, and I plan to use it, writing more posts than usual, and... So...hmm. OK. If I get either accounts of your Eid Experience or Winter Break plans, or both, the ones I like the best will be featured in a post. I know. You're all pumped with adrenaline and extreme anticipation and excitement. It's an honor, I'm sure. I'm being rather sarcastic on myself, aren't I? Hey, it's not a half-bad idea. I guess you'll be the ones judging that(a.k.a. whether you actually comment about Winter B or Eid activities will tell me if it's a good or bad idea. Or you don't have good taste. Anyhow, we'll see.
I was thinking about this.
If America is a secular country,
then why do they call it Christmas Break, not Winter Break? It's not a question of the break, hey, we all need those fanciful things we can't get enough of, but the naming of the break was slightly perplexing.
Got an answer for this? Comment.
Any plans for Winter Break? Going to go out sledding? Going to travel to Africa?
If you want to, share. Winter Break is giving us a lot of time, and I plan to use it, writing more posts than usual, and... So...hmm. OK. If I get either accounts of your Eid Experience or Winter Break plans, or both, the ones I like the best will be featured in a post. I know. You're all pumped with adrenaline and extreme anticipation and excitement. It's an honor, I'm sure. I'm being rather sarcastic on myself, aren't I? Hey, it's not a half-bad idea. I guess you'll be the ones judging that(a.k.a. whether you actually comment about Winter B or Eid activities will tell me if it's a good or bad idea. Or you don't have good taste. Anyhow, we'll see.
If I Should Speak by Umm Zakiyyah
"Umm Zakiyyah's deft representation of reality in this fictitious novel is astounding."
--Ayesha Chung-The American Muslim Magazine.
"...a refreshing exploration of the unavoidable interaction between Muslims and Christians. The novel belongs to...a genre worthy of scholarly study."
--Professor K. Bryant, Howard University.
How I read it:
"What happened was that someone told me about this book. Said it was really good, an Islamic novel and everything. I looked it up at the library. Didn't find it. And I had some Barnes and Noble gift cards I had received and were waiting in my wallet to be used, so I bought it. I am so thankful, and glad that I did.
It is a book I'm proud to have on my bookshelf."
Don't ask me why this is Italic and in quotes. It looks nice this way.
_______________________________________________________________________________
If I Should Speak by Umm Zakiyyah is written, overall, with good quality, but the spiritual feeling, the spiritual and Islamic aspect she touched and how she portrayed it was amazing. The Da'wa was lovely, simply wonderful. The book is full of compelling logic, showing that Islam isn't a complex, confusing religion that you're forced into and where women are oppressed, it is a religion that is the one clear truth, the one clear way, pronouncing those good morals everyone knows about such as honesty, modesty, and kindness, as an actual part of religion and way to step closer to receiving God's Love and Mercy, and Paradise in the Hereafter Insha' allah. Any Non-Muslims reading this post, you might like to read this as well. It is good reading, and you may connect with it, as the comment by Professor K. Bryant says explores "the unavoidable interaction between Muslims and
Christians."
I encourage everyone to buy it(online); I'm not sure if you'll find it at your library or at an actual bookstore like Barnes and Noble.
Any Q's about the book? You read it and want to share your feelings/opinions about it?
Shoot me a comment.
ASAK Everyone,
--Ayesha Chung-The American Muslim Magazine.
"...a refreshing exploration of the unavoidable interaction between Muslims and Christians. The novel belongs to...a genre worthy of scholarly study."
--Professor K. Bryant, Howard University.
How I read it:
"What happened was that someone told me about this book. Said it was really good, an Islamic novel and everything. I looked it up at the library. Didn't find it. And I had some Barnes and Noble gift cards I had received and were waiting in my wallet to be used, so I bought it. I am so thankful, and glad that I did.
It is a book I'm proud to have on my bookshelf."
Don't ask me why this is Italic and in quotes. It looks nice this way.
_______________________________________________________________________________
If I Should Speak by Umm Zakiyyah is written, overall, with good quality, but the spiritual feeling, the spiritual and Islamic aspect she touched and how she portrayed it was amazing. The Da'wa was lovely, simply wonderful. The book is full of compelling logic, showing that Islam isn't a complex, confusing religion that you're forced into and where women are oppressed, it is a religion that is the one clear truth, the one clear way, pronouncing those good morals everyone knows about such as honesty, modesty, and kindness, as an actual part of religion and way to step closer to receiving God's Love and Mercy, and Paradise in the Hereafter Insha' allah. Any Non-Muslims reading this post, you might like to read this as well. It is good reading, and you may connect with it, as the comment by Professor K. Bryant says explores "the unavoidable interaction between Muslims and
Christians."
I encourage everyone to buy it(online); I'm not sure if you'll find it at your library or at an actual bookstore like Barnes and Noble.
Any Q's about the book? You read it and want to share your feelings/opinions about it?
Shoot me a comment.
ASAK Everyone,
Saturday, December 5, 2009
News and Clarifications
ASAK.
Insha' allah, I plan to go on with the schedule, today or tomorrow posting the next one on the schedule about God's Mercy and Repentance.
In addition, for some reason, two friends of mine say that they were confused about commenting. I will be putting a text box with instructions later today, Insha' allah.
IN ADDITION, I recently read a...SPECTACULAR book I just HAVE to tell you all about later today as well. Not going to spoil the surprise, you're just going to have to wait, but this book was just wonderful.
Also, I wanted to clarify that when you comment, in this case a question or concern, I most likely will reply as a comment, and not in a post. So make sure you check where you put your comment, and don't just check to see if the latest post was in reply to your comment. Check where you put your comment, and see if I replied somewhere beneath it. However, sometimes a concern or question or comment may inspire me to write a post(about the topic pertaining to the comment).
Before I end this post, I want everyone to know that I MIGHT not be able to get to your comment for a week or so. But if I dont for a month, then, probably, I didnt accept it.
Insha' allah, I plan to go on with the schedule, today or tomorrow posting the next one on the schedule about God's Mercy and Repentance.
In addition, for some reason, two friends of mine say that they were confused about commenting. I will be putting a text box with instructions later today, Insha' allah.
IN ADDITION, I recently read a...SPECTACULAR book I just HAVE to tell you all about later today as well. Not going to spoil the surprise, you're just going to have to wait, but this book was just wonderful.
Also, I wanted to clarify that when you comment, in this case a question or concern, I most likely will reply as a comment, and not in a post. So make sure you check where you put your comment, and don't just check to see if the latest post was in reply to your comment. Check where you put your comment, and see if I replied somewhere beneath it. However, sometimes a concern or question or comment may inspire me to write a post(about the topic pertaining to the comment).
Before I end this post, I want everyone to know that I MIGHT not be able to get to your comment for a week or so. But if I dont for a month, then, probably, I didnt accept it.
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