Adab: The Distinguishing Quality
I often wonder what might have been written about the Prophet ﷺ if he had visited Japan, Europe, or the indigenous peoples of the American continents. We know, for example, …
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Eid Joy
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 …
Introduction to Ribaat
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 …
Seasons of Sabr
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 …
All Things Dangerous and Beautiful
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. …
Come and Emigrate With Me…
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 …
Behavior and Husn al Khitām Part 3
Behavior and Husn al Khitām: Our debts to Allah have a grave effect on our afterlife, but Allah (swt) describes Himself as al Rahmān, al Raheem, al Wadood, al Ghaffar, …
Allergies
Every February I find myself with itchy eyes, non-stop sneezing, a scratchy throat, tight lungs and a little skin bubbling to boot. Allergies come early in Damascus. When I was …
Ten Million Salutations
Alhamdulillah! We Sent 10,414,223 Salawat! Rabi al-Awwal came and went, and we reached our ten million goal of salawat. There were days I wondered and worried, and days I fussed …
Packing
One of the most difficult parts of traveling is packing. Once upon a time, international travel meant carrying two huge suitcases per person. So for each child I could fill …
