The first leaf that turns bright purple, the first snowflake that falls, and the first bright yellow daffodil that peeks its way out of crystal white snow – their newness takes my breath away. Today we greet the new Islamic year of 1435. It comes to us unblemished by sin, unmarked by tragedy, and unspoiled […]
The Fresh Breeze of 1435 Read More »
Pilgrims at Home Pilgrims at Home is an annual competition set up to facilitate the coming together of teams and individuals from around the world in order to take advantage of the blessed first ten days of Dhul Ḥijjah. We all hope to be invited soon to go on ḥajj. In the meantime, we are
Today I sit at the mosque here in Minnesota and on my right are two American convert friends, on my left an elderly Somali woman, in front of me a Pakistani woman; down a little further are some Asian women, perhaps Malaysian or Indonesian; and the room is salt and peppered with Egyptians and women
The Arabic word “ribaat” in its origin means to stand at the frontline of danger against the enemy of God and to stand in such a way as that there are no gaps in the line. (Lisān al Arab) Today we face an enemy more dangerous than the enemy that carries sword and dagger –
Introduction to Ribaat Read More »
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم، والحمد لله رب العالمين، والصلاة والسلام على خاتم الأنبياء والمرسلين سيدنا محمد وعلى آله وصحبه أجمعين.. السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته.. In 1848 the Declaration of Sentiments was signed in Seneca Falls, New York by 68 women and 32 men. It was the beginning of a movement that would later be
Lean In – Our Feminist Manifesto Read More »
In Kindergarten teachers teach the seasons. They tell children that summer is hot and sunny, and that it is a time of play and fun. Autumn is a time of changing leaves, apples and pumpkins. Winter is snowy white, cold and spent mostly indoors. Spring is flowers and renewal; misty rain and lots of smiles.
As-salamu-alaikum, As 2012 draws to a close, we thank Allah (swt) for a year filled with baraka and openings. We have enjoyed getting to know you, and your participation in our activities has been priceless. Insha Allah you have felt bonds forming amongst people from all different walks of life and from all over the
Rabata 2012: A Year of Openings Read More »
Softly it falls. Each flake silently floats down to earth and creates a blanket of crisp, clean, white softness. It warms the eyes and brings a smile to the lips. It says ‘hush’ to the world. For a moment each window will hold a face peaking outside to assess the progress. Hands will wrap themselves
All Things Dangerous and Beautiful Read More »
As a child I read the Laura Ingalls Wilder books and wished that I had been born in her time. It was such a simple time, full of family values and happiness. I was sure I had been born in the wrong era. As an adult I read the sīrah of the Prophet (s) and
Come and Emigrate With Me… Read More »
Allah (swt) says in surat al Nisaa: 135 {O you who believe, be upholders of justice, bearing witness to God – though it be against your own selves (nefs) or your parents or kin….} Here in these verses, Allah (swt) calls upon us to stand against our ‘nefs’ in our walk towards Him, and to
Understanding our Nefs Read More »
