Important! Please Read!

Before exploring my blog, please remember this: If you came here to sincerely learn about Islam, please be open minded. Let go of any ill-feelings, ideas, thoughts, impressions, etc. that you may have against Islam or Muslims, due to the media or judging a "Muslim."

For better understanding of Islam and Muslims, I suggest reading the posts in order starting from August with the label Introduction to Islam (scroll down and look to the right for blog archive for proper order (from bottom to top)).

If you are interested in learning more about Islam and Muslims and would like additional materials/information, please leave a comment and I will try my best to help.


*Information that reads "Sisters" is for females ONLY. Likewise, anything reading "Brothers" is for males ONLY. Whether "sisters or brothers" is mentioned throughout my blog or on another site, please respect the rights of other people, both Muslims and non-Muslims.

**I do not intend to argue or debate with anyone, everyone is entitled to their own opinion and beliefs. If something is personal, disrespectful, or offensive, keep it to yourself. THINK BEFORE YOU ACT! (this includes what you type) If you do not wish to learn about Islam or Muslims, but just want to start trouble, do it somewhere else, not here! (or better, don't start trouble at all) Haters are NOT welcome here!

Please leave comments or questions you may have regarding Islam or Muslims. I will get to them as soon as possible. Enjoy your time here!
Showing posts with label My (Original) Writing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label My (Original) Writing. Show all posts

Saturday, March 23, 2013

Creation Stories in Judaism and Islam

Sorry for the lack of posts on this blog, but you can still keep up with my blogging adventure on my other blogs listed in my profile. For now, I thought I would share an essay I wrote for a class at uni. about Creation Stories in Judaism and Islam (click on the title for the direct link). Again, feel free to check out my other blogs in my blogger profile or Other Places to Find Me ;) on the above link. I would really appreciate it and you might enjoy some of what I have to offer!

Monday, October 8, 2012

God in Christianity and Islam

Going back to the topic Islam vs. Other Religions, my third post is a research paper I wrote related to this topic and can be found on my writing blog.  

Click below for the direct link http://awritersworld-sf.blogspot.com/2012/09/god-in-christianity-and-islam.html

Sunday, July 22, 2012

Sadaqa Ideas

Since it is Ramadan, now is a great time to give as much sadaqa as we can. Whether physically (by helping our parents, siblings, or communities), or financially if we are able to give anything. Even a small amount makes a difference with the right intentions ;) 

So, I have a few ideas for those of you who are able to donate or even encourage family members, relatives, friends, and even other Muslims to help out as much as possible.

http://www.mycharitywater.org/p/campaign/?campaign_id=28311
http://savemaryam.com/
http://ramadanprep.ummahnow.org/
http://www.hhrd.org/
http://www.refugeelink.com/

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

My Ramadan Goals and Advice

I thought I would share some of my goals for this coming Ramadan and some related sources. With Ramadan coming in about a week, now is a good time to plan what we would like to accomplish this Ramadan if we haven't done so already. By posting this, I think this is a good way to share ideas and motivate others via Internet to also make goals (doesn't have to be exactly the same) and stick to them!

So my two main goals for Ramadan 2012 involves Salah and the Quran. With regards to Salah, I want to:
1. understand what I am reciting (I'm not fluent in Arabic so I want to learn Arabic specifically used in the Quran)
2. concentrate and be humble in my prayers
3. make zikr after prayers
http://www.makedua.com/display_dua.php?sectionid=25
http://www.makedua.com/display_dua.php?sectionid=128
4. pray tahajjud daily *
5. pray 12 rak'ah of optional prayers daily *

My Quran goals are:
1. finish reading the Quran with English translation before Eid (I'm currently using Saheeh International)
http://allahsquran.com/read/verses.php?ch=8Tu
2. read Quran daily with English translation *
3. memorize new surahs from Juz Amma (30th chapter)
4. use Touched by an Angel workbook by Muhammad Alshareef
http://www.hoor-al-ayn.com/Books/TafseerJuzAmmaWorkBook.pdf

Goals with an * after them I plan to keep track of using the ProductiveMuslim Habitator http://www.productivemuslim.com/the-productivemuslim-habitator/ These specific goals I want to continue even after Ramadan so I want to make them into good habits. Of course more can be added to the list ex. stop listening to music and wasting time on YouTube :)

InshAllah this gave you an idea of what can be done during and after Ramadan. Please let me know what you think by sharing your thoughts and ideas in the comments!

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Eid, Muslim Days of Celebration by Sabrina F.

Here is an article I wrote for my high school newspaper my senior year (2010-2011) about Ramadan, Eid, and Islam.

Have you heard any of your classmates say they were fasting? Most likely they are Muslim, a follower of the religion Islam. Did you have any questions in mind, like what is the importance of fasting in a Muslim’s life, who is required to fast, or what is Eid?

For starters, Ramadan is the 9th month of the lunar calendar, beginning with the sighting of the new moon. During this month, Muslims all over the world, no matter what nationality they are, where they live, their gender, etc. stay away from food, drink, and for married couples, any sexual relations, from sunrise to sunset for about 29-30 days, depending on the sighting of the next moon. (Before sunrise and after sunset each day, Muslims can go back to these). After the declaration of faith (Shahadah) and performing the five daily prayers on time (Salaat), fasting is the third of five pillars of Islam. The last two pillars are paying Zakat and going for Hajj. These five specific rites are the foundations of a Muslim’s life.

For obligatory fasts, a person must be a Muslim who has reached puberty, is of sane body and mind, and is not traveling. On the other hand, there are exceptions to people who do not have to fast in Ramadan, but have to makeup for missed fasts before the next Ramadan. Reasons where fasting is optional includes; if a person is traveling (who doesn’t have the intention to not fast), is sick (if harmful to their health), or women who are pregnant or nursing (if they or their child will be in danger).

Lessons to be learnt in Ramadan are numerous. One lesson is to become God (Allah) conscious, or being mindful that God is always aware of what we do. As Allah says in the holy book of Islam (Quran), "O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed upon those before you in order that you may attain God consciousness (taqwa)." (Quran, 2:183).

Another important lesson is learning self control and discipline. This is obvious if one is abstaining from a natural human desire like eating. Ramadan is also a good time to give up bad habits and replace them with good ones and implement good manners. An authentic narration of Prophet Muhammad's (hadith) says, “Whoever does not give up telling lies (false statements) and acting on those lies, and any evil actions, Allah is not in need of him leaving his food and drink” (i.e. Allah will not accept his fasting) (Sahih Bukhari).

Learning to become patient and charitable should also be goals to achieve in Ramadan and continue throughout the rest of the year. As humans, we should know to not take things for granted and be thankful to God for everything we have. Recognizing God’s blessings is something a Muslim realizes after a day of fasting! Getting the feeling of what the less fortunate have to go through without daily necessities such as food and drink is something we should all show appreciation for towards God, and what better way to show gratitude then obeying God in what he told us to do (such as fasting) and abstaining from what he has forbidden (such as associating partners with him).

The sighting of the new moon ends Ramadan. The next day known as Eid-ul-Fitr, or the festival of breaking fast, is a day when Muslims in the community come together at the masjid (Muslim house of worship) for prayers. Muslims wear new clothes, give each other gifts, and share meals with family, friends, and the needy. A compulsory charity (Zakat) from personal possessions such a gold or silver, money, livestock, agricultural produce, or business commodities must be given by Muslims prior to the end of Ramadan for the benefit of the less fortunate so they can also join in the Eid celebration.

When asked what she looks forward to on Eid, senior J.C. replied, "the cultural food". Some other responses to what they look forward to included; dressing up, getting presents, family coming together, and going out with friends.

The second Muslim celebration, called Eid-ul-Adha (festival of sacrifice), ends the pilgrimage to Makkah, Saudi Arabia (Hajj) that Muslims must make at least once in their lifetime if they are physically and financially able. During the trip, Muslims travel to many locations and perform certain rites, such as going around the Kabah and between two mountains as Hajar (Ibrahim’s wife) did during her search for water for her son Isma'il, among many other rites. The pilgrimage ends with Eid ul-Adha, which is celebrated with prayers, the sacrifice of an animal, and the exchange of greetings and gifts in Muslim communities everywhere.

New Jersey is home to about a half million Muslims, and 100 masjids, according to the Council on American Islamic Relations. Thus, New Jersey districts should accommodate for Muslim students having a day off for both Eids, just as Paterson, Atlantic City, Trenton, Piscataway, Prospect Park, and others have done.

Check out
http://www.fastramadan.com/index.php, http://www.2eids.com/, and http://www.performhajj.com/ for information on Ramadan, Eid, and Hajj, and also my blog at http://learnislam2day.blogspot.com/ for information about Islam and Muslims.

Friday, July 15, 2011

My Personal Thoughts on Issues (Muslim) Teens Face

There are a lot of issues that teens have to go through (especially being a Muslim in the West), not just the one I mentioned about girl-guy relationships and such. But, this is a big one I noticed which is why I included it with so much info. I couldn't find anything talking about more than one problem so below are some issues I came up with in no particular order of importance.

~Lack of interest in Islamic knowledge and practicing Islam correctly
"I'll take the time out to learn about Islam and practice later in life when I'm older and had some "fun". Well, who guaranteed you a long life that you will be able to repent for a life full of sins and just because you were "born Muslim" doesn't mean you have a space reserved in Heaven. You have to work for it and NOW is the time to change before it is too late!

~Music addiction
Excessive listening to music and keeping up with the useless facts about the lives of singers, rappers, performers, etc.

~Peer pressure
Trying to fit in with the crowd and being popular or just getting (bad) attention. A lot of time, money, and energy is wasted in trying to impress people who don't care about who you really are but how well and far you will go to copy them, whether it is fashion, looks, behavior, attitude, relationships, etc.

~Violence

ex. gangs

~Drugs
It's "cool." More like disgusting, dangerous, and a waste of time, money, and a life!

~Parent-teen relationship
Lack of respect from children for elders, especially their parents, and lack of understanding and communication from parents for their children's situation and the difficulties of being a Muslim teen in America. Give us a break and try to understand!

~Identity confusion
"Am I more or less of xxx (nationality), American, Muslim...?"

~Islam vs. culture
Confusion of Islam mixed with culture and picking and choosing "buffet style" what to practice and believe. This is usually picked up from elders and shows how much of an impact elders do have on young people, especially parents and their kids. More about this will be added later in my blog inshAllah.

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Things I Enjoy Doing For Fun and My Favs.

Here are some examples of my favorite (Islamic) entertainment, whether they are books, movies (I hope to watch), lectures, videos, hobbies I want to take up, and some other random suggestions!

Books

Loved and Recommend
1. A Brief Illustrated Guide to Understanding Islam by I.A. Ibrahim
2. Dutifulness to Parents in the Light of the Holy Qur'an and the Authentic Sunnah by Nitham Sakkijha
3. Islamic Studies by Dr. Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips (Books 1-4)
4. Paradise: Its Blessings and How to Get There by Ali Hasan Ali Abdul Hameed translated by Huda Khattab
5. The Fundamentals of Tawheed (Islamic Monotheism) by Dr. Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips
6. The Ideal Muslimah by Dr. Muhammad Ali al-Hashimi
7. The Quran and Modern Science: Compatible or Incompatible? by Dr. Zakir Naik
8. The Rights and Duties of Women in Islam by Abdul Ghaffar Hasan (2nd edition (May 2004))
9. Weakness of Faith by Muhammad Salih al-Munajjid (2nd edition)
10. Women in Islam - The Myth and the Reality by Dr. Sherif Abdel Azeem
11.
Echoes (series) by Jamilah Kolocotronis
Book 1- Echoes
Book 2- Rebounding
Book 3- Turbulence
Book 4- Ripples
Book 5- Silence

Liked
1. Kitab at-Tauhid by Muhammad Ibn Abdul Wahab
2. Why Women are Accepting Islam by Muhammad Haneef Shahid
3. Priests Embracing Islam by Yusuf Estes
4. You Can Be the Happiest Woman In the World: A Treasure Chest of Reminders by Dr. Aaidh al-Qarni

5. Does My Head Look Big in This? by Randa Abdel-Fattah

Want to Read
1. Commentary on the 40 Hadith of al-Nawawi by Dr. Jamal Ahmed Badi
2. Concept of God in Major Religions by Dr. Zakir Naik
3. Islamic Dress Code for Women compiled by Darussalam Research Division (3rd edition (March 2006))
4. Means of Steadfastness in Islam by Muhammad Salih al-Munajjid
5. Summarized Sahih Al-Bukhari translated by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan
6. The Ideal Muslim by Dr. Muhammad Ali al-Hashimi translated by Nasiruddin al-Khattab (4th edition)
7. The Sealed Nectar: Biography of the Noble Prophet by Safi-ur-Rahman al-Mubarakpuri

8. 10 Things I Hate ABout Me by Randa Abdel-Fattah

Need to Get
1. Book of the End - Great Trials & Tribulations by Al-Hafiz Ibn Katheer Dimashqi translated by Faisal Shafiq
2. Dua: The Weapon of the Believer by Abu Ammaar Yasir Qahdi
3. Important Lessons for Muslim Women by 'Amr Abdul-Mun'im Saleem
4. Prayer According to the Sunnah by Professor Muhammad Zulfiqar
5. Slippery Stone: An Inquiry into Islam's Stance on Music by Khalid Baig
6. Stories of the Prophets by Imam Hafiz Ibn Kathir translated by Rashad Ahmad Azami
7. The Precious Pearls: Description of the Ten Given the Glad Tidings of Paradise by Darussalam Research Division
8. The Purpose of Creation by Bilal Philips
9. Women Around the Messenger by Muhammad Ali Qutub
10. World of the Jinn and Devils by Dr. Umar Sulaiman al-Ashqar translated by Nasiruddan al-Khattab

Other books I need to get and want to read

Life is an Open Secret by Zabrina A. Bakar
1. Think About It: 18 Inspirational Stories from Ordinary Life Experiences
2. You, Me, and We: 18 Inspirational Stories from Ordinary Life Experiences
3. Ramadan Special: 25 Inspirational Stories from Ordinary Life Experiences

If I Should Speak trilogy by Umm Zakiyyah
1. If I Should Speak: A Novel
2. A Voice: The Sequel to If I Should Speak: A Novel
3. Footsteps
Realities of Submission
Hearts We Lost

From Somalia, with Love by Na'ima B. Robert
Boy vs. Girl

Noble Brother by Hesham Hassaballa
The Lies About Muhammad by Moustafa Zayed

God'ed by Dr. Laurence B. Brown
MisGod'ed

YouTube Channels
1. http://www.youtube.com/user/ummahfilms
2.
http://www.youtube.com/user/boonaa
3.
http://www.youtube.com/user/productivemuslim
4.
http://www.youtube.com/user/QuranWeekly
5.
http://www.youtube.com/user/sirataalmustaqeem
6.
http://www.youtube.com/user/khalifahklothing
7.
http://www.youtube.com/user/shaykha

YouTube Videos
1. Poem on 40 Hadith by Ammar-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abLgTlNeSp0
2. Life is like a Cup of Coffee-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3NgzQ9Pcsg
3. The Goodly Life-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fugf1DcNyc
4. Jannah (poem) by Ammar Alshukry-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evUR8BEoDoY
5. Oh That I Regret-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGnAxOlA2Dg

Lectures on YouTube
1.
http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=737694CA9D72953C
2.
http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=5506C9D8E800C169

I Recommend Lectures by
1. Kamal el-Mekki
2. Abdur-Raheem Green
3. Khalid Yasin
4. Yasir Qadhi
5. Abduallah Hakim Quick
6. Bilal Philips

Movies I Want to Watch
1. The Message: The Story of Islam
2. Journey to Mecca: In the Footsteps of Ibn Battuta
3. The Kite Runner
4. Mooz-lum

Websites, Blogs, Forums etc.
1.
http://muslimmatters.org/
2.
http://www.kalamullah.com/
3.
http://www.muslimyouthmusings.com/
4.
http://www.igotitcovered.org/
5.
http://sisters.islamway.com/forum/ (for sisters ONLY)

Hobbies
1. Reading
2. Writing
3. Scrapbooking
4. Blogging

Hobbies I Want to Take Up
1. Cooking and Baking
2. Gardening
3. Sewing
4. Calligraphy
5. Traveling

And of course, I do have other favorites and such that I didn't include. Hope this gives others an idea of what can be done besides spending a lot of time on Facebook, AIM, and wasting time elsewhere. Let me know what you like to do and recommend!