Something I Need To Get Off My Chest

Salam!

Well there’s been something nagging at my thoughts for the whole day, and I just think I need to “get it off my chest”, so to speak. Naturally these are my own opinions, so if you agree…great! If not, that’s cool too!

Whenever there’s some story that surfaces in the media about something that has taken place in a “Muslim country” (which to me constitutes a country made-up of a majority of the populous being Muslim) that doesn’t attain to western or really modern political and/or religious norms I find that I always begin to suffer from headaches.

The latest story is that of an Afghani man who converted to Christianity, and for doing so was being put to trial, under which if he tried guilty would be sentenced to death. Thus far the trial has been put on hold due to lack of proof.

Before I get ahead of myself I would like to say that from what I know of Islam, I have yet to hear anything that constitutes the death of an individual who leaves the religion. I am a firm believer that Allah (s.w.t) will decide and deal accordingly with each person. If they sin, it is His duty and only His duty to punish them suitably, as we are all held accountable for our own actions and not that of others.

Islam is a peaceful religion, irregardless of what you may hear. And the teachings of both our beloved prophet (p.b.u.h) and holy book the Qur’aan, preach such. So when it’s grandly publicized that Islam is the complete opposite of that it really becomes a hard name to live down.

I will not deny that such stereotypes can hardly be blamed for cultivating themselves because there are a lot of harebrained people that tend to twist things in their favor. But lest we forget that this is true for every religion; as every religion is compromised of human beings, and everyone should know that we, the people are anything but perfect. We are beings afflicted with flaws, both grand and small. This furthermore suggests that due to such shortcomings there are a lot of weak minded people who will, turn to evil, two dimensional ways of dealing with things.

Does this justify many of the evils that take place in our world? The many inhumane injustices? The beating, raping, murdering, torturing, and exploitation of men, women and children? In every and any country? No, it most certainly does not, but then it’s our job to do something. And it’s Allah who will give out the ultimate punishment to those who succumb to such evils.

Now, to get back to the specific topic at hand.

So with the common knowledge that all religions suffer from the contortion of their beliefs by others should Islam really be the only one to be put under the magnify glass?

Many Muslims and non-Muslims speak about how backwards Islam is. How, we should really start making our religion more modern, more befitting to the current times. What exactly does modernization entail? In short, “modernization” is a progression of the times. An evolution, if I may, of a mindset and ultimately a people.

So my question is how exactly do you want to modernize Islam? What are we to do? Do you want us to change the Qur’aan? (Astighfurillah) Modernize it, so that it suits the lifestyles of the contemporary?

Are we, the women of this faith, supposed to take off our veils because the majority of women presently do not believe in covering in such a way? Are we supposed to start drinking alcohol because no one else seems to have a problem with it? Because it is a norm of society? Are we suppose to start dating? Because that too has become a prevalent norm of society? Are we supposed to say its “ok” to have sex before you’re married? Because that too, is starting to be seen as the “ok” thing to do?


To some extent I can’t help but wonder why lots of Muslims wish to modernize Islam, and therefore sometimes wonder if in doing so they are just hoping that an official “APPROVED” stamp can be placed upon the things that hitherto have been looked down upon and/or forbidden?

Tell me, what are we supposed to do exactly? If you’re talking about Shariah Law, would you just like to get rid of it? I believe that there is no country currently who can righteously establish our Islamic Law. None, so we have a lot of problems associated with Shariah Law and how it should be followed through with because this is a weak point, where everyone’s idea of how it should be established starts to conflict.

But, this again is due to the fact that humans aren’t perfect and therefore can twist and interpret things wrongly. But there is so much more to Shariah then that. I mean, the Qur’aan along with all other Holy books gives us more or less a set of rules to abide by. Moral ways to live our lives, the differences between what is good and what is wrong, and then it is up to us to live according to those rules as best as we can. Allah won’t blame us for trying!

However, aside from that what do you wish us to do? Do you want us to lie down and let go of our convictions as a means of moving on with the times? Should we just forget about hijab, and drinking, and gambling because it’s ok with everyone else?

NO! Why should we give up on our principles just so we can make everyone else happy? We have to respect ourselves enough to stand up for what we truly believe in, so I don’t know how you would want us to modernize. I truly don’t.

I think Islam is perfect, I truly believe that. However, I do not believe we are perfect, so that leads to all these problems. All the hurting, suffering and injustices apparent.

I often hear that we are given a brain to think for ourselves with, and I agree. I mean, Allah has truly blessed us with a brain, but He has also blessed us with knowledge. We do not know everything, and we can sit here and analyze till the end of times but we will never know the answer to everything. We will never fully comprehend all that is around us, simply because, though we were blessed with knowledge that knowledge is limited. The only One who truly knows everything is Allah, and if He wants us to know something He’ll teach us.

So I find it very pretentious how people can go around and question absolutely everything, thinking that there will be an answer. Thinking that unless there is solid proof there is no way it can be.

Don’t get me wrong I believe that it’s healthy to question things because maybe we look harder for the answer which therefore means we truly with all our heart want to understand it, and this helps our faith. But to always rely on the limited knowledge we have kind of worries me. I mean, sometimes you just have to have faith. You just have to believe, maybe then and only then will you find your answer.

I don’t know for certain, and I wonder if I ever will, but I do know that we should just try and be open-minded.

This may be going off topic but I truly believe in what Allah say’s, that for every mustard seed of good we do we will be rewarded and for every mustard seed of evil we will be punished accordingly. (That’s basically what it says, more or less). Which leads me to believe that every person be them Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, et cetera that does good will be rewarded.

So maybe instead of always criticizing Islam and that it is in time of some revamping, think about the fact that there are many evils in this world and Islam, which means to Submit to God isn’t the problem, but the people. And that goes for every person, because all the wars and injustices in this world weren’t started by Muslims or Islam. We’re all at fault here.

Take care and have a good night.
~Pink Gerbera~

P.S. I apologize if I veered from the path a few times on here.

My Sister Zarah

Salam Folks!

Ok, so I don't know what to do in terms of an update so I thought 'what the heck, I'll post a short story I wrote.' And so, that's what I guess I'm going to do.

Till Next Time...Have a great day!
~Pink Gerbera~

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My Sister Zarah

It is a nice spring day, in which the afternoon sun shines warmly, and the light breeze whispers past, a stern reminder that summer is not yet come.
I hug my light jacket closer to my body as I continue to make my way down the road to the park.

The park is serene, decorated with poplars, firs and even a few apple trees with sweet white budding flowers. The river, usually fiercer is calmer today as it makes it way past. If ever one truly needs to escape be it to think, or even read this would be the place to come.

I turn off the paved path and head upon a dirt path which leads me to a bank of the river. I continue to make my way, as the sweet songs of the birds carry me to a worn wooden bench.

It is there that I see her. She sits quietly reading from a worn Qur’aan, believing she has escaped from the world, in to a more relaxed one where no one may feel sorry for her. I know this young woman, with her white scarf draping elegantly on her head. She sits there, tall and unseeing.

“Assalamu Alaykum.” I say, sending peace upon her. She looks up, but her eyes do not give away any sense of shock. Instead they shine, clear, blue and serene. She has been expecting me.

“Walaykum Salam Lailah.” She replies, a soft smile playing across her lips.

“I wasn’t sure I would find you here. But I hoped I would.” I wipe the seat and then settle down beside her.

Neither of us speaks for a moment, as we sit there looking out at the rivers dark blue abyss. The sun lightly sparkles off the surface revealing the many colors, while other parts remain shadowed. The silence, is a somewhat comfortable one, the type you would expect between two sisters. However there remains oddness to it, an oddness expected since neither of us has seen the other in over two years.
The silence is broken by a blue bird which has decided to take refuge in a nearby apple tree.

“I brought sweet tea.” I offer passing my eldest sister a bottle of homemade sweetened green tea.

“Thanks. I guess neither of us has changed much over two years.” She remarks, as she takes a small sip of tea.

“That’s to be expected I suppose. Well, except maybe that my last name is different. I think that’s all.” I uncap my own bottle of tea and slowly begin to sip from it. It’s refreshing, sweet as it makes it way down my throat.

She looks at me, studying my features as though she may never see me again.

“You’re right. You haven’t changed a bit. Except that in four months you’ll be adding an addition to the family.”

I smile, turning my head to study her. She looks tired, with black circle etched beneath her crystal eyes, and thinner. Yes, she looks like she has lost at least thirty pounds. But besides those visible alterations she is still warm, and beautiful like she has always been.

“Yes. You’ll finally get to be an aunt. And knowing you, you’ll probably end up spoiling her to death which though sweet, will probably be hell for poor strict me.”

She smiles again, a sadness appearing in her eyes. She doesn’t think I’ve seen it, but I know her eyes. I know when she’s happy, just like I know that she’s sad, and tired.

“It’s…a…a girl?” She asks, her voice full of joy.

“Yeah, it’s a girl!”

And then she starts crying. I have rarely seen my sister cry. She has always been known for her undying strength, wisdom and lack of tears so seeing her do so now in front of me in what seems has been ages pulls strongly at my soul.

I pull her in to my arms and I begin to weep silently in to her silk head scarf. I knew it would be hard to see her again, I just never knew it would be this hard.

“Subhana’Allah.” She says through a light intake of breath. “Subhana’Allah.”

She repeats it over and over.

Finally, after we have both settled down a bit I lift her up and look in her eyes. It’s an odd feeling that comes over me, for as long as I can remember it was always she who lifted me up, cradled me, it was always she who wiped away my tears. But today; today was my turn. My turn to care for her like she has for me all those years, and I can’t help but feel that the tables have turned and that more then anything I owe her.

“I’m moving back home.” I tell her.

She stiffens in my arms and looks at me with intense eyes.

“No! No, you can’t do that Lailah.” She demands.

“Yes I can. I want to, and my mind has already been made up.”

She turns away and for a few minutes says nothing, only looking out unseeing at the river in front of us.

I know that I can not speak; I can not say anything until she has first. I know that if I speak she will retreat in to herself like she has always done. She will block me out.

“I can’t let you do that Lailah. I just can’t. You are married to a wonderful man, and expecting a child. I can’t expect you to put your life on hold for me. I won’t let you, it’s not fair to you.”

This is a typical answer from my older sister. She never wants to intrude on anyone else life. She has always been the caregiver; she has never wanted people to do the same for her. But I will not budge, I have made up my mind.

“I’m not putting anything on hold. Zayed and I both think it’s a good idea. In fact even if he didn’t agree I would be here. I’m not going anywhere so don’t push me away…please.”

“But…you’re expecting a child Lailah. Don’t be silly ok? You can’t do this, you’ll just make me feel guilty.”

I turn her towards me and this time I do not remove my eyes from hers.

“You have cancer Zarah. You’ve had cancer for the last two years and you never once phoned to tell me. Not once did you hint that anything was wrong. Instead you made me go on believing that everything was fine, that you were fine. How do I find out? I have to get a phone call from our little sister at five in the morning because you’re puking up blood and she knows that if she doesn’t tell me you never will. And all I could think the whole time from booking my flight, to sitting for six hours in the airplane, to sitting in a greyhound for the four hours it takes to get down here, was why wouldn’t she tell me? Why wouldn’t she let me know that she was hurting? That she needed me? Why would she let me go on believing everything was fine and then have someone call me one day to tell me she was dead and I wouldn’t know why? I wouldn’t know that I had some time to spend with my dearest friend before she left. All I kept thinking was why?”

I am crying hard now, the tears are just falling down with no end in sight. But I continue I can’t stop until she understands.

“So please, please don’t tell me I can’t put my life on hold. You, for the last twenty six years have been my life. You are so dear to me, and I want to be here with you so don’t push me away. Stop trying to push me away. Stop thinking that I can’t care for you. I want to and that’s it.”

This time, she pulls me in to her arms once again bringing our worlds back to the way they’ve always been. But this time, she too is crying and hugging back, because this time she realizes she does need someone.

For the rest of the day we sit in each others company, exchanging few words, yet few are needed. We sip on tea, and eat our supper. We recline on the porch swing, and we retell stories of our youth. We pray Ishaa together and recite a few verses from her worn Qur’aan which she carries with her everywhere tucked in her breast pocket. And when it begins to get cool, we go inside where I put her to bed in front of the window where she watches the moon slip in and out of a blanket of dark clouds. Where she silently falls asleep; and as I leave to go my own bed she opens her eyes and whispers “don’t leave.”

Just as quietly I respond, “I won’t.” I go back to her and slip in beside her and together we watch to moon dance across the night sky.

As I close my eyes and begin to dream she visits me as we travel to a foreign land.

I stay with her all night, and then all month. Caring for her, and never leaving her side. And on the dawn of the last week of May she travels with me again in our sleep and as she prepares to ride away she turns to me and whispers one last thing;
“Goodnight Lailah, I love you.” She says.

As I whisper back, “Zarah, don’t go yet. We still have time.”

She shakes her head, then kisses me on the cheek, and places a small leather pouch in my hand, as she lightly kicks the horse and rides away to a land I will never see. To a place where we no longer can sit together, laughing, and telling stories.

Three months have passed as I sit on the same porch where we had that night so many weeks ago, and in a cradle lays my angel Zarah fast asleep as I read to her a verse from a worn Qur’aan, that was left for me in a leather pouch. A verse that has been bookmarked by a white rose petal;

“You sometimes see the earth dry and barren: but no sooner do We send down rain upon it than it begins to stir and swell, putting forth every kind of radiant bloom. That is because Allah is Truth: He gives life to the dead and has power over all things.” 22:5

A Touching Story

Salam!

I don't know how many of you like Oprah Winfrey, or for that matter watch her show, but sometimes she just has some really good things to talk about.

Like today, I happened to catch her show while eating lunch and I must say that it just touched me so much. It was so touching/sad/eye opening et cetera.

Here is the link, please go look at it

http://www2.oprah.com/tows/slide/200512/20051201/slide_20051201_350_101.jhtml

This story really made me tear up a lot because like so many others stories of suffering I guess it always tends to hit me smack in the face, that I really should have no reason to complain. Especially, especially when you see what others have to go through, and that even with what they have to go through they still have the power to smile.

OK, they can still smile!!!

They have cried, and they have suffered but they happen to find this little light inside that makes them smile. I mean, I'll be honest seeing what others have to go through I really feel stupid for the times that I tend to feel sorry for myself.

I've said it once, and I'll say it again, we all have our own trials and tribulations that we must endure, because that's life. However, I'd have to say that I feel like a putz when I'm moppy because something didn't go how I wanted it too.

What touched me most about this story was the strength of these, well, for the most part young women and sometimes girls. I mean, these are fighters people, they're poor, and suffering but they WILL NOT give up, and I suppose again that makes one re-evaluate ones self.

I mean, I'm blessed. I truly am, Alhamduillah x million. Sometimes we don't realize just how lucky we truly are. Or spoiled? I feel spoiled. And ashamed that I complain. Poor lil me. Astighfurillah.

The fact that Dr. Catherine Hamlin has dedicated over fifty years of her life to giving these young women another shot is so...Endearing? Self-less? Intriguing? Wonderful? Touching?

So many things. Seeing people like Dr. Hamlin really inspires me. You know, like WE can make a difference, with the help of God. It reminded me why I had initially wanted to become a doctor.

It just so nice to see people doing things. I'm so happy these women get another chance and that with the help of this doctor and Allah (s.w.t) that they are able to start again.

There was one part in particular that just got the tears going. After these women have had their surgeries and have recovered Dr. Hamlin gives each of them a brand new dress and scarf as a sign of new beginnings.

Gosh, to see the looks on the faces of these women was just...amazing. You can tell it meant the world to them.

You know, there really are so many strong people out there and both these young women and the dr's that help are an example.

May Allah give them strength and happiness...ameen.

Take care and have a great night.

~pink gerbera~

Women

Salam!

I hear a lot about strong women. You know powerful, confident, gorgeous, independent, et cetera, et cetera, and this sort of got be thinking. What is a strong woman? So I thought about for a while, and then clear as rain it came to me. My perception of what a strong woman is.

I think we all have these images of what we want to become. A vision of what we think would constitute a perfect “us”. Naturally most of us are aware that to be perfect is to live in a fantasy, simply because there is no such thing as “perfect”. The only One that is such is the One that created us. Subhana’Allah!

However that doesn’t mean that we still don’t set this bar of where we would like to be. Where we think we might be closest to our own definitions of perfect. Everyone, to some extent or another has a different definition of perfection. To some, it may be that they were top of their class in Honors English at university. To others it may be that they are slim, trim, and flawless. Who knows? To each, their own.

I, like everyone else have a goal or image in my mind as to what I believe is close to perfection; my own set bar that I would eventually with time like to reach, though never clear. This image goes hand in hand with what I perceive to be a strong woman.

My biggest inspirations and role models when it comes to growing as a woman are women of the past. Woman held in great esteem in the Qur’aan.

For example;

Mariam to me seems to be the epitome of strength and faith, and I think she spews with femininity, in that she was so pure. It’s just something about her modesty, her willingness to learn and become knowledgeable that really intrigues me. As well as the fact that she gave birth to such a wonderful man, Isa (a.s) by the will of Allah (s.w.t).

I also really look up to many of our Sahabah’s wives and of course the wives of the Prophet, especially Khadijah and Aisha. Two women I truly admire. Khadijah for her strength beside Muhammad (s.a.w.s), as the first follower of Islam, and Aisha for her eagerness to be knowledgeable and therefore to share her knowledge with those around her, as well as her bravery when they went to war.

Then we have Umm Sulaym for her dignity and firm stand, as she didn’t accept Abu Talhah at first because he thought that his material possessions could secure her love alone. Something many women in the present seem to be all about, not all, but many. And then we have Sumayya who didn’t bend even an inch to give up what she so dearly believed in. She stood strong and loyal, and for it was killed. But even though she was badly tortured and later killed she didn’t give up!

I look at these women as just a few examples and I find that together they are just so confident and strong. It has nothing to do with whether or not I bring in a check that has six figures, or have the best Harvard degree, to me it’s all about a greater knowledge, a confidence, purity, and a faith that these women possessed.

Not that women aren’t strong today. No, that’s not what I’m saying because that’s not true. For example, many of our mothers? To be a mother isn’t easy, and if you’re a good one it’s even harder. As we know “Heaven is at the feet of thy mother.”

Which therefore leads me to my image of what I would like to become; a vision of my own semi-perfection.

To me the road to perfection seems to be more about working from the inside out.

This world is riddled with trials, even if that trial seems as small as NOT eating the chocolate bar because we KNOW it will ruin our fight to be healthy, or getting a good mark on that History paper.

I’m not without faults and I will be the first to declare such, but there is this hunger I have to become a better person, a more stronger and knowledgeable Muslim! And so I look to those women who I find have achieved that goal and I pray that one day, maybe I’ll be close to that too.

It’s a high bar to set, and like all things is best to be attacked slowly but there honestly isn’t a women I respect more then one who stands up for her beliefs, who is confident in those beliefs and who humbles herself before Allah knowing that she knows little and that there is always more to learn.

Which means, that in reality our bars should never be made to be cleared, because there is always something in which we can improve. Isn’t there?

I’m sure none of this makes sense, but consider it my brain waves splattered across the screen. As well as a much needed update.

Take care and have a great day.

~Pink Gerbera~

Yackity Yack

Salam (Peace)!

Oh-my-goodness today is such a beautiful day. I love it when the sun is shining so wonderfully in the sky, warming up and illuminating everything around it in the morning. And it's not a dull afternoon sort of sun but that sharp, crisp sunshine. Does that make sense?

Anyway, so I've been going to sleep much earlier now that I've overcome my insomnia (technically I never "had" insomnia but I had bad sleeping habits) I get up much earlier. Which, I have to admit is really quite nice, because you get a start on the day so much earlier. Whether or not you accomplish more...well that's up to debate.

But, I was up early this morning (Alhamduillah) and so decided to go to the library and then later to the restaurant to eat my breakfast. I just soaked up the sun! It. Was. Gorgeous. Subhana'Allah. As I made my way to the library you could see the mountains in the background, strong masses with still very snow covered tops, and the fields all around.

Plus, where I live it's all pleasantville-ish, in that everyone knows everyone more-or-less and therefore we always wave and say goodmorning/day whenever we pass by. So it's really quite warm, and welcoming. Which is probably why when I was in Montreal not to long ago I found everyone to be really rude. Why? People just don't smile at you...like, period. Not even cashiers!

This, I must add really got to me, because in the western part of Canada everyone is more friendlier (so I've noticed anyway.) Even when you don't know the person you smile, or say 'Hello.' That's what I'm used to. So when I was in Montreal visiting my brother and I was smiling or saying 'Hello' to the cashiers or whatever they just looked at me like I was crazy! And I'm not even someone who is very extroverted. Honestly, most of the time I barely speak with others. But a simple smile, or 'Hello' now, even I can manage that, but there...yeah right.

That's ok though, their pretty surrounding suburbs and hip downtown more then make up for it. Though I prefer the suburbs myself, now those were gorgeous there!

Moving on...

I had soup for breakfast. SOUP! For breakfast, no less. No, it's not because I have nothing else "breakfasty" in my house, it's just that we're doing this sort of cleanse thing, in which you each a really good vegetable soup for seven days. It's more complicated than that, I mean there are way more rules. Like on day one, you only eat the soup and fruit (save for bananas). But spring is the best time to flush out the toxins and impurities in your body, giving you a fresh and lighter start to summer!

Everyone should clean out their bodies, much like spring cleaning actually. It's very refreshing, but I do warn, quite difficult in the first few days. According to nutritionists you should cleanse at least twice a year.

And last but not least .....


My lil brother bought me Howls Moving Castle! I feel so special. But I rented already and watched it, and yes...it rox my sox!














And that's not all...I also bought myself Whisper of the Heart! My Hayao Miyazaki collection is slowly building. This movie also was really good.
















Ok. Well the news is on in the background and I, in usual 'Pink Gerbera' style am late to know, but France is having problems again. This time a bomb went off on the auto-route? I think, and I must say that now I'm kind of upset and sad. WHY!?

I'm going to look this up.

Till next time, have a great day!
~Pink Gerbera~

Frim Fram Sauce

Salam!

So today was for the most part quite uneventful, which hey, is ok. I mean, if we were all to have crazy life styles none of us would ever have time to write about them, which may mean that then there might be no such thing as a blog? Could that be possible? That's deep, wouldn't you think? Or maybe if most of us didn't have what is commonly refered to as uneventful days how would those others who do shine? They would never be able to be like, "OMG, today I went to Rome what did you do?" And I'd be like, "Well today I went to Egypt. In your face." Then what? It'd be like, "Ummm, big deal." But I believe in letting people who need to shine, shine, it helps in maintaing that equilibrium.

Hands up to those who have no idea what the heck I'm talking about?

That's what I thought. It's ok, it happens. People usually don't know what I'm talking about, which is why I come equipped with translators.

Anyway, I am quite content in my not-so-hectic lifestyle, Alhamduillah. More or less I know what to expect so when little things change I notice, and therefore really appreciate them.

Moving on...

Now I'm not sure how many of you listen to music occasionally. Anyone? No, there's no need to raise your hands.

Anyway, it's funny how catchy a tune can become when you haven't heard it ions. For example, we have a restaurant and therefore we have music that plays for the customers. Now, my folks aren't all for modern day mu-zack so we tend to have more classy CD's. Basically Jazz, Classical, and sweet serenadors such as Frankie (Frank Sinatra), and due to this I have a varied palette when it comes to music.

One of my favorite styles is Jazz, because well, it's smooth and usually doesn't result in me getting a headache, a huge plus. Anyway, so I like all those old smooth tunes, and today I had to do my homework at the resto and they happened to be playin a Diana Krall CD with one of my favorite songs. Frim Fram Sauce. Now I have to say that I was sick of this CD for the longest times because it gets played quite a lot and there's really only so much music let alone Diana I can take. But I hadn't heard it in a while so it was again a catchy tune.

However, what exactly is frim fram sauce? Anyone? I always seem to wonder that to myself while I listen to the song.

"I don't want french fried potatoes
Red ripe tomatoes,
I'm never satisfied,
I want my Frim Fram Sauce..."

Maybe a google search would answer this question?

I know, it's not even an important question but sometimes weird things get you.

Ok, now I think would be a good time to log off and put in a Qur'anic CD.

Take care everyone.

~Pink Gerbera~

Not Yet ... But Read

Salam (Peace)!

Nope, yet again this isn't my book meme. I know, get on it already!!! I am...I'm just either slow or lazy, you take your pick.

Anyway I got e-mailed what I'm about to post and really liked it so I'm going to post it here. Also I really want you guys to read this article by sunni sister, it is very good masha'Allah, and very true! http://www.sunnisisters.com/?p=1250#more-1250

Read it! Plus it was something I also wanted to discuss but find she did so much better.

Now for what I got e-mailed. Enjoy.


A BEAUTIFUL PRAYER

Dear Brothers and Sisters in IslamI asked Allah to take away my habit.Allah said, No.It is not for me to take away, but for you to give it up.

I asked Allah to make my handicapped child whole.
Allah said, No.
His spirit is whole, his body is only temporary

I asked Allah to grant me patience.
Allah said, No.
Patience is a byproduct of tribulations;it isn't granted, it is learned.

I asked Allah to give me happiness.
Allah said, No.
I give you blessings; Happiness is up to you.

I asked Allah to spare me pain.
Allah said, No.
Suffering draws you apart from worldly caresand brings you closer to me.

I asked Allah to make my spirit grow.
Allah said, No.
You must grow on your own!,but I will prune you to make you fruitful.

I asked Allah for all things that I might enjoy life.
Allah said, No.
I will give you life, so that you may enjoy all things.

I ask Allah to help me LOVE others, as much as He loves me.
Allah said...Ahhhh, finally you have the idea.

THIS DAY IS YOURS DON'T THROW IT AWAY

May Allah Bless You,
"To the world you might be one person, but to oneperson you just might be the world"For all the negative things we have to say to selvesAllah has a positive answer for it.

You say: "It's impossible"
Allah says: All things are possibleYou say:
"I'm too tired"Allah says: I will give you rest
You say: "I can't go on"
Allah says: My grace is sufficient

You say: "I can't figure things out"
Allah says: I will direct your steps
You say: "I can't do it"Allah says: You can do all things
You say: "I'm not able"Allah says: I am able

You say: "It's not worth it"
Allah says: It will be worth it
You say: "I can't forgive myself"
Allah says: I FORGIVE YOU

You say: "I can't manage"
Allah says: I will supply all your needs
You say: "I'm afraid"
Allah says: I have not given you a spirit of fear

You say: "I'm always worried and frustrated"
Allah says: Cast all your cares on ME
You say: "I don't have enough faith"
Allah says: I've given everyone a measure of faith

You say: "I'm not smart enough"
Allah says: I give you wisdom
You say: "I feel all alone"
Allah says: I will never leave you or forsake you

You say: "Nobody really loves me"
Allah says: I love you

May Allah Be Pleased With all muslims Ameen.I love each and every muslim for the Pleasure of Allah !"It is in rememberance of Allah that the heart finds peace"
Fee Aman Allah

(This is for all fellow Muslims but also for all those who do good, be them Christian, Jewish etc.)

Take Care.
~Pink Gerbera~

Really Short

Salam!

Okedoke so I don't have much to say, which isn't really such a big suprise, but I thought I'd just say something. I am working on a book meme, and will hopefully have that up soon. BUT, gosh it is hard to think of what ones favorite books are, espeically when one has many. Oh well.

I really have to get done with this assignment I need to hand in. It's annoying, and just seems to be haunting me. But today I WILL GET IT DONE! Hopefully.

I got a new anime series, it's called "Full Metal Panic" it's in Japanese but has english subtitles (I've been come expert at subtitles thanks to all the bollywood) and I must say it's really good. Really pretty funny too, so I sort of got side tracked yesterday from my assignment. I know...tisk tisk.

What else.......umm, besides that nothing new and exciting. But I really have to go and do my assignment, it just won't leave me alone.

Till next time...take care.
~Pink Gerbera~

An Interesting Read

Salam!

Here's an interesting article that I got sent, which speaks about the need for Muslim women to get more involved in da'wah activities. It's really cool, and I find it an important issue. TO THE WOMEN! You go girls.

Note: I don't know how many of you that read this blog are Muslim, but many of the things I post are directly attributed to my faith. But please read, you don't have to agree with what it says. Thanks and take care.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Women in Da'wah
By Abdul Lateef M. al-Hassan & Sumayyah bint Joan al-Jumu'ah Magazine

From the very beginning, women have played vital roles in the propagation of the fundamental truths of Islamic da'wah. From the sacrifices of Sumayyah, to the collected Ahadeeth of Aisha, women have been instrumental in the flourishing and spreading of this deen. Unfortunately during these times, the Islamic revival suffers from weaknesses in its properly qualified personnel, which limits its spreading and restricts the da'wah work to an elitist group of activists, with finite and limited efforts of da'wah and tarbiyah being focused on women.
Da'wah amongst women deserves, and should get, far more attention than it does. So far, except in a few instances, women have been distanced from the field of da'wah work. If we look at the reality, and the situation of Islamic da'wah work, and the position of women in it today, we can easily find the following problems:

1- Deficiency in da'wah capabilities among and by women.

2- The ill use of existing limited-resources in combination with a lack of personal initiative on the part of women.

3- A neglect or omission of women's issues in the planning of Islamic da'wah.

4- Absence of strong tarbiyah and the lack of fundamental Islamic knowledge in the da'iyat (female callers) in the field of da'wah. Only a few of the wives and daughters of dou'at (male callers) have any worthwhile Islamic knowledge.

5- Most women do not possess a proper understanding the role of da'wah made incumbent on their husbands. Because of this, they may not understand the importance of time given to projects outside the home, which in turn may, become a source of tension within the home.

6- The level of general Islamic knowledge among most women is low.

7- Women's da'wah programs, as well as overall da'wah programs and institutions are rare, and not well organized.


ROOTS of the PROBLEM

Many obstacles and restraints have been the causes behind the weakness and neglect of da'wah work amongst women. One they have been recognized and analyzed, viable solutions can be sought and implemented.

One major reason, is that many men are not convinced about the importance of women's role and responsibilities in the field of da'wah. The Qur'anic verse "...remain at your homes..." [33:33] has been misinterpreted by many, and so has the right of stewardship or Qawama. In many instances we see men objecting to women's participation in da'wah and thus preventing them from fulfilling their role toward their fellow Muslims and to the larger society in general. Spreading Islam has been made incumbent on all Muslims, men and women.

"It is vital that husbands encourage their wives to participate in da'wah work," said Dr. Aisha Hamdan, Director of the Islamic Education Foundation, based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She has a Ph. D. in Clinical Psychology with a specialty in child and family issues. She teaches at a private university in the Twin Cities. The IEF is a two-year-old organization, with one of its goals being, to increase the level of awareness and to provide training in giving da'wah, amongst Muslim women and men. "They should encourage them to spread the message of this deen, perhaps by taking them along when they go out, and by instructing them on the proper ways of giving presentations about Islam."

A more particular reason is the absence or confusion of priorities in the minds of dou'at. Many of them have been overwhelmed and distracted by the state of the Ummah, even to the extent of ignoring to give proper attention to their homes and families. Their energies having been exhausted in the work outside the home, leaving them with nothing left for their families. This imbalance hurts not only the families, but also the community as a whole.

The level of women's education and awareness of their position and responsibility plays an important role. As education and awareness decline, women become disinterested, their level of giving and sense of sacrifice weakens. "Unfortunately, not a lot of Muslim women feel that they know enough about Islam to share it with others. They need to realize that it is their responsibility to obtain that knowledge and then share it with others. Many women also feel uncomfortable presenting to groups of people due to various reasons." Dr. Hamdan said. "This is why we are conducting training sessions here, about how to conduct da'wah. We are committed to trying to arm women with the necessary skills, that will give them the confidence to take up this very important, and often neglected role in their lives as Muslims."

Indulgence in luxuries, even if they are halal things, usually force women to devote more time to them and less time to doing da'wah. This also happens when they find it difficult to balance rights with duties. Sometimes women lose perspective, forgetting that the work inside the home is the core of their mission. By neglecting this role, or when they fail to arrange their priorities, and get tied to a job that distracts them, they ultimately fail at fulfilling their da'wah roles both inside and outside the home. "For many women, their jobs as wife, mother, cook, and teacher, inside their homes, are so time consuming, that the main barrier to engaging in da'wah work is oftentimes, a lack of time itself," said Dr. Hamdan. "This is why it is so important for husbands to be supportive to their wives in fulfilling their obligations both within and outside the home."

Another unfortunate reality is that most da'wah organizations have failed to absorb and utilize the energies of women, and have also failed to adjust their plans and programs in a way that would incorporate women as core assets in their da'wah work.

The media, and many other elements of the promiscuous society we live in, have had major impacts on the psyche of Muslim women. This psychic crippling has kept many women away from their mission and distorted the image of Islam in the minds of most of them.


A Desired ROLE for the MUSLIM WOMEN

A Crucial Role:According to recent data, there are more women accepting Islam in this country, than any other group. The same can be said of Canada, England and many other places. A recent survey Al Jumuah magazine have conducted in the Dominican Republic, showed that about 75% of those who accepted Islam among the natives were women. Because of this, there is a tremendous need for Muslim women to participate in the field of da'wah. " The role of calling to this deen, does not stop at the pronunciation of the Shahada," Dr. Hamdan said. "Women are needed to help other women come to Islam, and are needed to instruct them after they become Muslims." The reasons women's participation is important are various and diverse:

1. Women are more capable than men are in communicating with other women. Women are usually more affected by word, deed, and conduct of other women, more so than by men. Women are more capable of recognizing the particularities and problems associated with women's education and tarbiyah.

2. Women can better comprehend the direction in which women's da'wah work should be geared. They can best discern the order of priorities, because they are more familiar with this sphere.

3. Women are more free than men in communicating with other women, either individually for da'wah activities, or in women's learning and other forums and places of meeting.

4. Many Muslim women who are in need of guidance, education, and direction lack the presence of men-folk who can provide this service, therefore it makes sense that qualified women in the community should offer this.

5. The educational and the tarbiyah need of women are greater than that of men. They get pregnant, give birth, and nurse children. The children are more tied to them than they are to their fathers. Women stay at home with their sons and daughters, and thus can bring them up as they please. If they are not allowed to share in the da'wah efforts of their husbands, a lot of the much-needed results may not be attained.

6. Women have a great effect on their husbands. If they have strong emaan and character, they have a very good chance at helping their husbands become strong as well.

7. Women have a lot of characteristics that stress the importance of their da'wah role. They should also be taken into account whenever any da'wah work is planned. Some are:

* Women have the innate ability to communicate strongly what they believe to be true in their hearts. Dr. Hamdan also points out that, "Women are also generally stronger in terms of verbal abilities and emotionality."

* Women sometimes lack will power and a sense of direction, and therefore need the assistance of other women to give strength and motivation.

A Definite Role

The work of the Muslim woman in the field of da'wah strengthens the man's work, and it expand it into areas where her effectiveness supersedes that of the man. It is sad that this role is so grossly overlooked and underestimated. By her nature as a spiritual and psychological comforter of man, the woman can play an important role in da'wah, for a man cannot -if his mind is preoccupied with works and goals- cope with his own problems, let alone undertake the burdens of giving da'wah. Many have failed on the path of da'wah for this very reason. Khadija's comfort, help, and support of the Prophet, sallallaahu alayhe wa sallam, offer the greatest proof of the vital importance of this role. The Prophet's companions who left their homes to go places that were thousands of miles away to take the new religion to people also had the support and the backing of their wives.

Very few women today understand or are aware of such a role, let alone carry it out. A woman may think that the marriage home is a place of rest and easy. They have yet to realize that marriage is the starting point of struggle, sacrifice, giving and responsibility.

The woman's role does not end at door. She can be greatly effective by being a good example to others, by being good-hearted, kindly spoken, and of friendly conduct. She can offer assistance, and share concerns as well as joys. She can also use all appropriate opportunities to educate, guide and call others though observing the conditions of those whom she addresses.

Examples Are Needed

Women, who understood their role, started educating themselves and achieving their rights to education and tarbiyah. Look at the hadeeth narrated by Abu Saeed that the women said to the Prophet, sallallaahu alayhe wa sallam, "The men are keeping you busy and we do not get enough attention from you. Would you specify a day for us, women? He promised them a day to meet them and educate and admonish them." (Bukhari) The fruits of this understanding and concern by the women companions of the Prophet, sallallaahu alayhe wa sallam, and the attention he gave them, are shining examples and a source of pride for Muslim women. Here are a few more to ponder:

Here is Umm Sulaim teaching her son Anas Ibn Malik about Islam, even though her husband rejected Islam. When Abu Talha proposed to her (before accepting Islam) she told him that her dowry was Islam, he in-turn embraced Islam and she married him. She made her son Anas the servant of the Prophet, sallallaahu alayhe wa sallam. Umm Hakeem was the reason behind her husband embracing Islam, and the aunt of Adi ibn Hatem led him to Islam. Amra, the wife of Habib Al-Ajami would wake up her husband to make salah at night. Asmaa, the daughter of Abu Bakr, forbade her son, Abdullah ibn Az-Zubair, to accept a demeaning way out to escape death although she was very old and needed him beside her.

If we move to a wider circle, we will find that Muslim women played a great role in sacrifice and service for the religion of Allah. Sumayyah gave up her life when Abu Jahl killed her for becoming a Muslim. She was the first Muslim, and woman, killed in Islam. Khadijah, the first wife of the Prophet, who was very rich, spent of her money to support the da'wah. Umm Salamah left her husband and saw her children persecuted when she migrated. Umm Imarah fought in defense of the Prophet, sallallaahu alayhe wa sallam, in the Uhud battle. Tending the wounded in battles was the role Muslim Women played throughout history.

Building SUCCESSFUL Da'wah Programs

There are conditions that must be met for women's da'wah work to succeed and achieve its expected outcome. Many of the items in the following discussion are good to consider at all time, but it is always important to be in touch with the specific environment one is working with, study it and design all programs to fit the specific reality and needs.
First: Important Guidelines

The fact that we stress the importance of women's role in Islamic da'wah should not lead us away from keeping the women's creation, nature and priorities clear in mind. There are important points that should be used as guidelines when planning or doing da'wah work:

1- Typically, the woman's main role and job is at home. This is clearly stated in Qur'an and Hadeeth. Allah says, "And stay in your houses." [33:33] Of course women can go out for salah in the masjid, participate in any other activities she may need and to do da'wah. However, none of these activities should conflict with her essential duties at home as wife and mother. In many cases, it is this balance between the woman's essential duties and the requirements of da'wah work, that have caused problems and misunderstandings in families and communities. "Women may find ways to fulfill their da'wah obligations at home, such as engaging in office work for an Islamic organization, answering telephones, or any other number of possibilities, depending on the skills and interest of each woman, " she said.

2- There are special injunctions regarding women, and the mixing of men and women, that must be observed in any da'wah activity and under any circumstances:

a) Proper hijab between men and women must be observed at all times.
b) Women cannot travel without a male companion who is her mahram.
c) Women cannot intermix freely with men who are not directly related to her.
d) Women cannot exit from their homes except by permission of those who are in charge of them and care for them, i.e. their husbands or fathers.

3- The enemies of Islam usually exploit these injunctions and use them to defame Islam as demeaning to women. Some dou'at get affected by these allegations and they are thereby led to be lax and unmindful. The true dou'at guided by the Sunnah must watch out, lest they be affected by the lusts and whims of society.

4- Men have the original right in da'wah activities to take the lead as was the case in the age at the Prophet, sallallaahu alayhe wa sallam, and the excellent generations that followed. Women's role in da'wah work is undeniable, provided the appropriate guidelines are adhered to.

Second: Objectives of the Program:

As the Prophet, sallallaahu alayhe wa sallam, saw a need to set aside a specific time to address the needs of women in his community, so organizations should try to tailor their da'wah work to the women and issues of the communities. Any da'wah program directed towards women should strive to, at least, serve the following ends:

Strengthening the Emaan: This comes about by increasing worship, remembrance of Allah (thikr), and reflection on Allah's names, and His power and creation in ourselves and in the universe. There is great power in reflection. And its positive impact on one's heart and emaan is almost limitless. This however, would not be possible without the inculcation of the right understanding of certain issues related to our aqeedah; the emphasis has to be on Tawheed.

Increasing knowledge: Without it one cannot achieve much. Special emphasis has to be put on the basics of Islam and on subjects that the da'iyah needs in her environments. Knowledge should be spread about deviant thoughts, ideas, groups and sects. Awareness must be raised concerning those who do not like to see the spreading of Islam and who are gaining grounds in the hearts and minds of people.

Building of the da'wah personality: Da'wah requires sacrifices and therefore women must be prepared to bear the burdens of calling to Islam. This comes through awakening them to the conditions of the Muslims and the endeavors of the enemies of Islam. Leadership, responsibility and individual initiative should be taught. Theoretical and practical educational faculties must be nurtured. The da'iyah must be taught the necessary social skills and the importance of da'wah through good example and conduct. They also must be taught the value of time, its management and how to use halal fun activity during their times of leisure.

Building up immunity to sin: This includes recognizing the ills of sins, particularly those relating to women, and blocking the way to them by shunning the means leading to them and the places where they exist.

Third: Training

A- On the theoretical side of this step, preparation may need to consider these aspects:

1- Educational preparation through providing a good presentation of appropriates materials. Islam gave women the rights to education. The knowledge meant to be attained, is that which is helpful to women in da'wah, like the shari'ah branches and the disciplines leading to understanding them. But seeking knowledge should not be a barrier to giving da'wah, as is the case with many today. Balance must be maintained.

2- Psychological preparation by ensuring that the women callers have faith in Allah sincerity, hopefulness, coverage in truth, pride in Islam, patience, and knowledge of the conditions and environments of those they are addressing. This is a very important aspect of preparedness, because the preacher is tied to the people, who have different characters and inclinations.

3- Social preparation by having the women da'iyat live an Islamic life in the family and society in a practical application of Islam. They should abide by the ethics of Islam and of the da'wah. Capping the elements of social preparation is the feeling that the da'wah is a right to all people that must reach them with sincerity, generality, honesty, gentleness and meekness.

B- Adequate practical training and preparation is must:

This involves training female callers in speaking and writing to be able to bring Allah's religion to the people through speeches, lessons, lectures, and writing. These are the methods of addressing people with the da'wah and they complete the theoretical preparation and ensure that it bears fruit. This aspect has largely been neglected resulting in severe shortcomings in the da'wah.

Da'iyat delivering lectures, seminars, sermons, etc. should be able to persuade the listeners by addressing their minds through proofs and evidence. They should also be able to arouse their passions, emotions, and feelings. Those making speeches and addresses must be well versed in the art and its importance, and should also practice delivering speeches to women in mosques, schools, or other places where women gather. They should also watch over and guide women trainees, and gently correct their mistakes.

Writing and publishing must not be neglected in an age when people are easily reached by and engrossed in all sorts of books, booklets, newspapers, and articles. Writings should both be eloquent and convincing, through sincere, sound and documented arguments. Writing is the form of da'wah which is in many ways one of the most appropriate and important means for women. They can write at home and thus make use of their spare time. They can in this way reach all classes of society.

AREAS of Da'wah for WOMEN

The educational field: These are related to the ennoblement of the spirit and the purification of the soul through faith. The minds and souls can thus be touched. These fields are to be found in mosques, schools, associations, da'wah groups, and others.

The social field: These relate to bodily and psychological health as well as to social development and interaction between people that reflect positively on the realization of spiritual education and the formation of Muslim character.

Both sides, spiritual and physical, are tied together and they should both be fulfilled in balance. To give the upper hand to the soul would be asceticism, and to the body would be hedonism. Fulfilling the physical needs has often been cause for many people embracing the guidance of Islam. Preachers of Christianity today, concentrate on this approach. It is difficult for the hungry, the naked, or the sick and homeless to listen to sermons.

More specific example of what women can take part in as da'wah are:

1. The Home: This is surely the most fertile and most effective channel. Allah has ordained both husbands and wives as nurtures for each other and the family. The mother shares with the father the responsibilities of educating and nurturing in all physical, moral, psychological, social, and external aspects each other and their children. Members of the family are gathered together in the home for many hours and this creates harmony among them as well as affords an opportunity for presenting good examples and guidance.

2. The Muslim Community: Charity, advice, and direction can be offered to relatives, neighbors, and the needy.

3. The Islamic School: Educational activities and curriculums can be used for the guidance of girl students as well as women teachers and staff.

4. The Masjid: Women should be allowed to go to the masajid to benefit from the lessons held there. The masjid is a suitable place for some of the women activities like Qur'an study groups and other training.

5. Hospitals, Prisons, and Social Welfare Institutions, Women's Colleges or Universities. "Women-only conferences can also be incorporated into an already scheduled major conferences, thus providing them with someone to travel with," Dr. Hamdan says.

"Also, da'wah work can be done on an individual level; such as with friends, families, peers, particularly those who are not Muslims, "said Dr. Hamdan. "Many women who have converted to Islam have families who are non-Muslim and this is a prime, although challenging, opportunity to do da'wah work."

What the Qur'an and Sunnah Said:

Muslim Women, Callers and Called

Certainly, the injunctions of Islam, from the Qur'an and the Sunnah, cover and apply to both males and females. Male pronouns were usually used mostly, only because that is the custom of the language. Nevertheless, there are certain injunctions that are exclusively meant for men. And at the same time, Allah has enjoined things upon women only. This shows that they have a character and a personality independent of men. This stresses the need to address women with the da'wah, education, reform, and guidance, in a way that is specific to them. They should not be ignored. It was on account of this that the Prophet, sallallaahu alayhe wa sallam, addressed women specifically, especially after addressing men, and that he fixed a special day of the week on which he taught them alone.

Qur'an tells us that man is responsible for his home and family, "O you who believe! Ward off from yourselves and your families a Fire (Hell) whose fuel is men and stones, over which are angel stern and severe," [66:6]. And the Prophet, sallallaahu alayhe wa sallam, also said, "The man is a shepherd of his family and he is responsible for his guardianship." (Bukhari and Muslim) In another hadeeth, the Prophet's, sallallaahu alayhe wa sallam, told of a double reward for the man who teaches well, cultivates and then frees any female-slave he has. (Bukhari) This surely stresses the need for the education of and care for women. On the other hand, there are many evidences from the Qur'an and the Sunnah that testify to the fact that women are also obligated to do da'wah work:

1- There many verses in the Qur'an that obligate Muslim men and women to do da'wah, and enjoin good and forbid evil. For example, Allah says, "Let there arise out of you a group of people inviting to all that is good (Islam), enjoining good and forbidding evil. And it is they who are the successful." [3:104]

2- Women have been expressly addressed with the duty of the da'wah because Allah, subhanahu wa ta'ala, says, "O wives of the Prophet! You are not like any other women. If you keep your duty (to Allah) then be not soft in speech, lest he in whose heart is a disease should be moved with desire, but say that which is Ma'roof (good)." [33:32] Ibn Abbas understood Allah's injunction to the Prophet's wives, to "say good," to mean that they have to enjoin what is good and forbid what is evil. This can be taken as a general address to all Muslim women. Allah also says, "The believers, men and women are Auliya (helpers, protectors) of one another, they enjoin the good and forbid the evil, they perform salah and give away zakah and obey Allah." [9:71] It is clear in this verse that women are addressed with this task, just as men, whenever they are capable of discharging it. The Prophet, sallallaahu alayhe wa sallam, said, "The woman is a steward of her husband's home and children and she is responsible for them." A steward here is a person entrusted with what has been put in his charge, cherishing and preserving it.

Furthermore, the following points, when properly put into perspective, also lead to the understanding that women are as responsible for carrying out da'wah as men are:

a) Because Islam prohibits the free intermingling of men and women, and the maintenance of hijab, it becomes vital, as well as practical, to have qualified women to do da'wah work among women in the community.

b) Some of the shari'ah rulings were reported from the Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, only through women companions.

c) Sometimes, it is difficult for the male-dou'at to carry out all that the da'wah among women requires because women have some private conditions that they may not feel comfortable revealing to men, and would rather convey them only to other women.

What We Sow We Reap

1. Banishing ignorance, increasing intellectual broad-mindedness, and the creation of qualified women da'wah cadres. These results have a lasting and beneficial influence, not only on women and the Muslim community, but also on the whole society at large.

2. Rectifying conduct and restitution of many erroneous practices that have come to be social phenomenon in many societies.

3. Da'iyat will develop maturity and show more disciplined characters. This in turn will result in stronger relationships between men and women.

4. Women's place and status in Islam would be highlighted and Muslim women would attain a better awareness of their rights and duties.

5. Efforts would be geared toward the cultivating of our young people, in order to ensure the Ummah, virtuous Muslims in the generations to come.

6. A sense of belonging to Islam would be fostered, and the key Muslim rite of enjoining good and forbidding the evil would be upheld.

7. An important financial tributary for da'wah work would be secured; i.e., women's charitable spending.

It is time that Muslims who profess to follow the Sunnah rethink the issue of dawah among women and by women. We should remember Khadijah, Aisha, Sumayyah, and many other Muslim women throughout our history, and what they did for Islam and learn from it. We also have to realize that mere talk and emotionalism are useless. We need to do something about our immediate situation now. Education, preparation, and qualification of women will be the key to our future success. Throughout history, the yardstick used to measure the well being of any society has been the condition of its women. Let us therefore, strive to improve the intellectual, spiritual and emotional condition of the Muslim woman by allowing her to fulfill all the God-given abilities and responsibilities made incumbent on her.

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Ok, so there you go. Also tonight is Oscar night, and I watched like a few minutes of the count down and I must say that...holy cow people can be soooooooooooooooooooooo shallow. Who I ask...WHO would spend thirty grand on make-up? Yeah, cause it's not like there are starving people or anything. Pathetic. God help us all.

~Pink Gerbera~

Here Ya'll Go

Just A Little Something For Ya'll! Plus I Love This Feline Friend.

Babble-di-Babble

Salam.

Hmmm, my brain is on sabbatical. Or so it seems. For the last few days I seriously find that I can't think straight. I sit down to do my homework and ................................

.................... I just stare at the pages in front of me. It's so sad, and really annoying. WAKE UP already! So I guess that I'll just occupy my time with staring in to space, and reading other people's entries which actually make sense.

Hmmmmmmm...

Sometimes it's better to say nothing, then to write a whole entry about babble-di-babble. Would you agree? I think we can all safely agree here.

Take care for now. I think a few days of rest and more trigonometric equations should put my brain straight insha'Allah.

~Pink Gerbera~

And The Mushy Wheels Turn

Salam (Peace)!

Do you ever feel like no matter what you do you can’t solve a problem? I feel like that often enough, though I suppose the reason I feel like that is drawn more from my “idealistic” stand point. Like, we look around us and see a world in shambles and yet somewhere deep down we think that maybe, just maybe if we fight the fight we may one day be able to solve that problem. What ever that problem may be.

I’m not generally one to go on about politics; simply because I’m afraid I don’t have all the facts and therefore will come out sounding like a right ninny. Or else sometimes I just rather keep my political views harbored inside while on the outside I’ll let everyone around me think, that I’m just some supreme ditz. But certain issues just really hanker me, and drive me just a little crazy, either it be with furry or just a sense of uselessness, and sadness.

For example, we have Mukhtaran Mai, a young woman from Pakistan. Now I’m sure many of you have heard about this particular young woman, for she and her horrible story have been widely talked about in the media. Mukhtaran Mai is the woman, who in 2002 was gang-raped by many of the men in her village. I’ve been reading a little about it and I must say that it is one of those things that are driving me crazy, for so many varying reasons.

This is a touchy subject for many, but for me it really just infuriates me. I’ve never been to Pakistan, so I won’t boast in anyway that I know what it is like to live there, because I just don’t have a clue, however to me rape is rape and it should be dealt with appropriately. For the past couple of nights (for those of you who a) live in Canada and b) watch the news then this applies to you) on The National they have a little documentary on how women are being treated in Pakistan. I know when I say this a lot of people may possibly jump down my throat and state that I’m simply being brain washed by the “western” media but let’s face it, most countries have a sexism problem, and sadly poorer countries seem to have it bad in this area.

There are a few things that really get me going about this young woman’s case and they respectively are, that Mukhtaran’s life has been ruined, she deserves justice and that it has absolutely NOTHING to do with Islam. Basically there are hypocrites in every religion, those who bend certain things in their favor as a way to ease their conscience and as well as to sway others to agree. And most of the time there is a loyal band of gits. No religion is excluded from this truth, because like every religion Islam is followed by human beings, and we as a whole are generally weak things. We tend to bend to our desires, and we tend to screw the heck up quite a bit. But, that’s only to be expected with free will and all.

Anyway, so what really annoys, saddens and maddens me is that people automatically associate this horrible incident with Islam, what with Musharraf claiming to be Muslim and all (And hey, I’ll let Allah do the judging here, but people tend to speak for themselves) But it doesn’t help that loads of people think all Muslims and countries are filled with chauvinist pigs that illusion themselves with being “superior” to women. Who beat, rape, and treat them as slaves. Not saying it doesn’t happen, and I’m not saying certain people use their own warped interpretations to make their wrong, right but I will say that most…the vast majority aren’t such. Insha’Allah.

I think that if nothing is being done to uphold this woman’s honor in her own country then maybe it is important for others to get involved. I mean, we are talking about Mukhtaran’s respect, honor, and life here. It IS more then wrong, and woefully un-Islamic what has happened to not only her but others. Instead of bloody saying that these women are making up “rape” stories in order to flee their countries listen! And even if some are (and let it be known that I don’t think they are) making up such a story what the heck does it matter to them, Allah will be the Judge.

Before I get sidetracked the fact is that I look at these stories not only taking place in Pakistan, Afghanistan or where ever else and I can’t help but think that I’m useless. I often think about how we as a whole can do something to help. What can we do? Make noise? Get the story/stories out? They’re doing that already, but as Muslims what can we do to help, even if only in a little way.

I think we should keep all these people be it men, women, or children because they all endure sever trials around this world in our supplications after prayer. That may be a start, though I know many of you already do that.

I am lost. I truly am. We turn to Allah for truly it is He who is the only one who can do something but shouldn’t we do something too. It’s so overwhelming because there just seems to be so many bloody problems on earth. I mean, we can’t fix them all now can we? And that thought alone drives me crazy. I hate being cynical though most call that realism.

Probably if we each concentrated on one thing, be it dear sister Mukhtaran’s story or getting better care at a retirement facility we should do it. I will be the first to say that I’m selfish because in more ways then one I truly am. Everyone is, because we all have our own trials to bare, our own lessons to learn and grow from but does it mean that we should ignore other peoples? Maybe that’s where the problem started. Maybe it started with us simply being to self absorbed, and maybe one of the ways to come out of a trial is by helping others with theirs? Because maybe in the grand scheme of things are problems are all somewhat attached?

I don’t have an answer as to how we can free all the women, children and men who suffer at the hands of those who think they are superior. I really don’t, but maybe instead of being quite and letting things pass we should say something. I know that I get a lot of odd looks when I say that something should be said, because in everyone’s mind along with my own I think we think, “What’s the point”? And then we doubt our intentions and feel that it won’t make a difference. But perhaps it will, even if it’s the smallest of differences.

I sound idealistic, and it’s probably because I am, but idealism is truly a strong contributor to drive. The drive to make a difference when you still think you can, before you find out that it’s an uphill struggle. Before the hope you have harbored in likelihood that you can make a difference slips away as everyone else around you mocks, or doubts you. When we begin to doubt ourselves we begin to lose, and thus are replaced by this cold cynicism.

But then again maybe that cynicism is our defense, our fluffy pillows on which we fall when we realize the world isn’t what it seems. Who knows, but I do know that what happened to that woman, and what happens to others shouldn’t be something we simply sweep away under a rug hoping the dust will simply disappear. No, Allah condemns it and verily he is the best Judge’s and All Knowing. So then shouldn’t we?

Take care.
~Pink Gerbera~

P.S. After sleep my brain is still mushy but just won’t stop spinning its mushy wheels

Flowers for Elena

Salam All,

So I said I would post a picture of a Gerbera for Elena. So that's what I'm going to do, sorry it took so long.

Also, basically I just can't seem to think of anything witty and "whoa" at this precise moment. I know. A rarity! But fear not, my quick wit and charming posts will come back again after I possible sleep. I swear right now my brain is mushy, I think it's probably because I spend so much time pondering extremely deep and stimulating things. Like what? Well I can't quite explain right now seeing as my brain is MUSH! But when it returns to its full, and strong form I may let you in.

Till then, just enjoy the flower. Isn't it pretty?

Adieu,
~Pink Gerbera~