Monday, August 29, 2016

DEALING WITH ISLAMOPHOBIA





I'll just break right in to it- it's a terrible time to be living in. Islamophobia is just getting out of control and the news has been just so shocking.

For one, 3 young Muslims were asked to get off a plane and were questioned for about one hour just because they had Arabic text on their phones! Then there was this pre schooler who mispronounced cucumber as "cooker bomb" threatened with counter terrorism. A child for god's sake who hardly knows to even pronounce words yet! What's the world coming to? Oh and just so if you don't believe all these, you can check the news here:

 


Then of course, the trending news on social media about French officials who demanded a woman to remove her burkini in the beach. 

And oh dear, the hate comments on Twitter, Facebook, etc. There was this time when I used to get all riled up when someone insulted me on Twitter but it has become such a norm that I've gotten so used to it. If there's one thing I've learnt, it's that people who talk utterly disrespectfully, then no amount of talking, showing proof and resources, nothing at all is going to change them. There's only one way to deal with hate and that's what the Quran teaches us. In these times where Islamophobia is hitting an all-time high, this is a great time for us to show the world the real beauty of Islam and the message of peace. 
 
And the servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth easily, and when the ignorant address them [harshly], they say [words of] peace - Quran 25:63
 
I know that sometimes when the insults get too much to bear, you might want to vent your anger out but know that people judge Islam by Muslims so if you speak harshly, that's how they are going to label the entire religion as a whole. It's not a personal matter of letting your anger out. Look at the bigger picture- if you do so, you're tarnishing the name of Islam itself.

So how do you deal with all the hate and insults? 

"You will surely be tested in your possessions and in yourselves. And you will surely hear from those who were given the Scripture before you and from those who associate others with Allah much abuse. But if you are patient and fear Allah - indeed, that is of the matters [worthy] of determination" - Quran 3:186

 
It's amazing how perfectly Allah has arranged this verse. It's a reality- all of us will be tested at some point and all of us will have to deal with Islamophobia. Sometimes from our own families and friends and that can be unbearably hurtful. So how can we deal with it?
 
Allah says it most beautifully in just 2 words: Sabr and Taqwa. The abuse and hurtful comments are really difficult and sometimes, all we want to do is scream but at this time, we have to be patient, no matter how tough it may be. Swallow up your anger, bite down on your frustration and be patient for the sake of Allah. 
 
The next is Taqwa. We cannot exercise Sabr if we don't have Taqwa because if there's one thing that can force us to be patient, it's the fear of Allah.
 
Remember that even the Prophets weren't spared of this. They were hurt on the basis of Deen so be patient over all this and fear Allah in how to react or respond to hurtful comments; otherwise, we will end up being the oppressor.
Secondly, stop going for debates. If someone asks a question decently, respond decently. Otherwise, just ignore them because in most cases, talking will do no good. And no matter how hard it may seem at that time, make silent Duaa to Allah to guide that person to Islam. If Umar Radhiyallahu anhu who came to kill Prophet Muhammad Sallalahu alaihi wasallam could become such a devout supporter of the Prophet, then surely guiding anyone, no matter how wrong they are is easy for Allah.
 
And while I'm at it, just because of a few shallow minded Islamophobes, don't generalize everyone. There are so many wonderful people out there as well. Treat everyone well because what Islamophobes say and insult, it's a sin they should bear and if you insult them in the same way, what difference is there between us and them?

 
"And not equal are the good deed and the bad. Repel [evil] by that [deed] which is better; and thereupon the one whom between you and him is enmity [will become] as though he was a devoted friend." [Al Quran 41: 34]



I know, this is really difficult sometimes but you know what? It's a test. A test of your Imaan, your character and your values.

Next time you are entangled in an Islamophobic mess, you'll know how to come out of it, In sha Allah, and inspire many people along the way as well.
 
 
 

Friday, August 12, 2016

POST RAMADHAN- I FEEL SO LOST!





So, it's just over a month since Ramadhan has departed and yet, it feels like an age ago. To be honest, this has probably been my worst post-Ramadhan ever. I have never missed the month so much! :( 
 
During Ramadhan, SubhanAllah, I was so happy. I think my soul was happy, which naturally made me happy. I read this post online that goes somewhere around the lines of "Do you know why you are so happy in Ramadhan? It's because your soul is doing exactly what it's meant to be doing, that is worshiping Allah". That is so definitely true and I'm sure most of you'll can relate to this as well. Not for a single moment in Ramadhan did I feel bored, depressed or any negativity for that matter. There was just one focus and that was worshiping Allah. No wonder I was so happy.
 
And then, Ramadhan ended and there came all the negative thoughts that washed over me like this huge tidal wave. We have given Shaytan so much of power over us that we allow him to dictate our thoughts and moods without trying to fight back ourselves and this naturally leads to a pit fall. 
 
I'm not saying depression or sadness or worry is a bad thing. It's natural but we should not allow it to dictate our lives. Why is that we had so much of hope and life in our Duaas during Ramadhan but now, we feel like Allah is not even listening to us. If you do feel that way, and I'm saying this to myself first, it's because we have gone far away from Allah. Allah is the same merciful Lord as He was in Ramadhan but are we the same obedient slaves to Him as we were in Ramadhan? Allah is still there with us, He still descends to the lowest heavens every single day during Tahajjud so that we may ask Him whatever we want and that He gives it to us. And what are we doing during this time? Sleeping. If we feel so low and depressed, then it's our own fault.
 
Sometimes the only way you can get out of all this is by just talking to yourself. Constantly remember and remind yourself that Allah is always there with you, ready to answer your Duaas but are you ready to talk to Him? Remind yourself that Shaytan wins us over by making us depressed where we start questioning what Allah has decreed for us and when you feel this way, remind yourself that accepting fate is part of faith. Good and bad both come from Allah so ask Him to enlighten and inspire you. Ask Him for strength to overcome Shaytan and your own nafs. 
 
If you miss Ramadhan and you want to feel that spirituality you felt during that month, then do some things that you did during Ramadhan. Recite the Quran, at least 2 pages per day. If we could recite 2 entire chapters a day during Ramadhan, then 2 pages isn't a huge deal, is it? It might take anywhere around about 10 minutes, at the most. Also, study the Tafseer of the Quran. There are plenty of free resources online where you can listen to the Tafseer of the Quran so dedicate an hour a day for this as well, In sha Allah. (You can listen to it on Youtube where Ustaad Noman Ali Khan is teaching the Tafseer of Surah Baqarah. It's amazing, SubhanAllah so listen to it). Pray your Sunnahs and give charity. In sha Allah, your soul will be content and you mind will feel refreshed.
 
We need to re-connect with Allah. And that shouldn't be something we do only during Ramadhan. Push yourself to worshiping Allah with humility and submissiveness and see for yourself if your soul doesn't rejoice at that.
 
May Allah make every day of our lives an opportunity and a means to come closer to Him.