Salams,
So this post is about exactly what it says in the title. I don't want to hear about the Taliban anymore. I am so sick and tired of it. It's draining the lives out of Muslims everywhere. We are so preoccupied with what is happening over Afghan/Pakiland that we don't realize the enormity of the injustices that we are creating with our own hands in other countries. We are only helping to prove what everyone already believes about us. We are good for nothings and we like to complain a lot. Complain. Complain. Complain.
When push comes to shove so very few Muslims stand up for what's right. Muslims like to cower in corners. Their bark is huge, but their bite is so small it doesn't even leave a mark. Ask yourself some questions (these are questions I am asking myself too, like sincerely, which onces can i really with all conviction say yes too)?
How recently have you reached out to a Muslim in need or a nonMuslim in need? Not like just asking how are you doing, but really sincerely going out of your way to help someone? A sincere kind word. A sincere kind invitation to your home for someone who is lonely and needs company. A sincere gift to someone. A sincere show of support (not just half-hearted attempts).
- Rabea
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Saturday, April 4, 2009
All things Punky Brewster
Salams,
Which girl didn't love Punky Brewster as a child? As an 80s-90s child, I loved Punky. Her mismatched clothes, her funky hairstyles, her eclectic lifestyle, it was awesome. So this post is a tribute to Punky Brewster.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Punky_Brewster#Theme_song
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soleil_Moon_Frye
Thursday, April 2, 2009
To Be a Muslim
Salams,
So I've been thinking. What's wrong with Muslims? It's a thought that preoccupies my mind these days.
1) It seems that most Muslims wants to be with you in good times and not in bad times. For example, a couple getting a divorce. Everybody would love to help out if you want to patch things up, but the moment you say you don't want to patch things up and you want a divorce, no one will help you. They'll run as fast as they can. Sorry, but in my book that is not being a Muslim. Now you can get into semantics and say, well they are Muslims and not Mu'mins, it doesn't matter. The shahadah should keep you in line enough to stand for haqq and stand against batil, and if it doesn't then you need to check your faith.
2) If you find that you are someone that belongs in category number 1, well then you need some help. Your soul needs help. You need to look into your nafs and realize that you not wanting to help someone in a bad, terrible situation, well that says more about you than it says about anyone else. You probably have huge insecurities. You are lying to yourself about Iman then, that's a problem. That's a problem between you and your Creator, and with the rest of humanity as well. You will struggle your whole life. Find the truth now then. I'll be honest with you, it's a difficult process, you will struggle, and uncover some ugly demons in your closet. But it needs to be done if you feel you want any kind of positive connection with your Creator, your nafs, your family, your community, and the Muslim ummah at large.
3) Muslims love to black and white things. Do you think Allah is black and white? Not literally, of course, but Islam is not black and white. Yes I agree the big things are well big, like shirk, adultery, riba, etc. But other things it's not so clear. I used to be a big black and whiter. I wanted to dictate to everyone about what they shouldn't be doing and what they should be doing. I've changed (or I hope I have - if not for me, for others). I wanted to impose my ideas on others. That was about myself and no higher cause. My own insecurities took me there, I wanted to black and white it so I wouldn't question anything, there is some kind of power in it too, so you dont want to show anyone you are powerless. Once I realized it was about myself and not others, I let it go. And my closet liberal came out. By closet liberal I dont mean that I started to wear skimpy clothes and taking all of what I know about what is right and wrong in Islam and tabling it, but rather the stuff that is not cut in stone, well I realized it is not cut in stone. I realize now I can't condemn someone to hell for say drinking with their left hand. (I dont think I ever did that, but my salafi younger sister sure did, many a time!lol)
4) You can't say a kind word, or even smile at someone. I've noticed that Muslims have a very hard time with this. They rather just brood and stick in their groups or posses rather than going out of their way to smile or say salam to someone outside of their group. Or to say hi to non-Muslims, or to play with children. We just want to sit around in our intense discussions, our intense relationships we have forged with each other, and ignore the rest all around us. Marvelous. Marvelously wrong.
5) Stand up for truth no matter the consequences. Everyone is afraid of consequences. Everyone is afraid of being hated. No one wants to be the bad guy. Remember, Islam came to erase all that?! If you really believe that, then next time you see the truth blaring out at you and you see some kind of dhulm being done on someone, then jump at the opportunity to stand for the truth. You won't get that chance everyday and some people only get it a few times in their lifetime. It's a test from Allah. But unfortunately most Muslims fail miserably, and not only do they fail themselves, well the dhulm of not standing up for truth, other people go down with them too. Like my friend says, DOJ man, no not department of justice, but day of Judgment. Everyone will get what they deserve.
Rabea
So I've been thinking. What's wrong with Muslims? It's a thought that preoccupies my mind these days.
1) It seems that most Muslims wants to be with you in good times and not in bad times. For example, a couple getting a divorce. Everybody would love to help out if you want to patch things up, but the moment you say you don't want to patch things up and you want a divorce, no one will help you. They'll run as fast as they can. Sorry, but in my book that is not being a Muslim. Now you can get into semantics and say, well they are Muslims and not Mu'mins, it doesn't matter. The shahadah should keep you in line enough to stand for haqq and stand against batil, and if it doesn't then you need to check your faith.
2) If you find that you are someone that belongs in category number 1, well then you need some help. Your soul needs help. You need to look into your nafs and realize that you not wanting to help someone in a bad, terrible situation, well that says more about you than it says about anyone else. You probably have huge insecurities. You are lying to yourself about Iman then, that's a problem. That's a problem between you and your Creator, and with the rest of humanity as well. You will struggle your whole life. Find the truth now then. I'll be honest with you, it's a difficult process, you will struggle, and uncover some ugly demons in your closet. But it needs to be done if you feel you want any kind of positive connection with your Creator, your nafs, your family, your community, and the Muslim ummah at large.
3) Muslims love to black and white things. Do you think Allah is black and white? Not literally, of course, but Islam is not black and white. Yes I agree the big things are well big, like shirk, adultery, riba, etc. But other things it's not so clear. I used to be a big black and whiter. I wanted to dictate to everyone about what they shouldn't be doing and what they should be doing. I've changed (or I hope I have - if not for me, for others). I wanted to impose my ideas on others. That was about myself and no higher cause. My own insecurities took me there, I wanted to black and white it so I wouldn't question anything, there is some kind of power in it too, so you dont want to show anyone you are powerless. Once I realized it was about myself and not others, I let it go. And my closet liberal came out. By closet liberal I dont mean that I started to wear skimpy clothes and taking all of what I know about what is right and wrong in Islam and tabling it, but rather the stuff that is not cut in stone, well I realized it is not cut in stone. I realize now I can't condemn someone to hell for say drinking with their left hand. (I dont think I ever did that, but my salafi younger sister sure did, many a time!lol)
4) You can't say a kind word, or even smile at someone. I've noticed that Muslims have a very hard time with this. They rather just brood and stick in their groups or posses rather than going out of their way to smile or say salam to someone outside of their group. Or to say hi to non-Muslims, or to play with children. We just want to sit around in our intense discussions, our intense relationships we have forged with each other, and ignore the rest all around us. Marvelous. Marvelously wrong.
5) Stand up for truth no matter the consequences. Everyone is afraid of consequences. Everyone is afraid of being hated. No one wants to be the bad guy. Remember, Islam came to erase all that?! If you really believe that, then next time you see the truth blaring out at you and you see some kind of dhulm being done on someone, then jump at the opportunity to stand for the truth. You won't get that chance everyday and some people only get it a few times in their lifetime. It's a test from Allah. But unfortunately most Muslims fail miserably, and not only do they fail themselves, well the dhulm of not standing up for truth, other people go down with them too. Like my friend says, DOJ man, no not department of justice, but day of Judgment. Everyone will get what they deserve.
Rabea
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Life's Funeral
Artist: Ataullah Khan Esakhelvi (Ataullah Khan Isakhelvi)
Idhar Zindagi Ka Janaza (Life's Funeral)
(I tried to translate as best as I could, would welcome corrections, additions..etc)
Hum To Tinkay Chun Rahay Thay Aashiynay K Liyeah (I was collecting straws to build my house)
Aap Say Kiss Nai Kaha Bijli Giranay K Liyeah (Who asked you to hit it with lightning?)
Haath Thak Jain Gay Kiyoon Pees Rahay Ho Mehndi (Your hands will get tired from grinding the Henna)
Khoon Haazir Hai Hatheli Pay Laganay K Liyeah (My blood is available for you to decorate your palms!)
Ishq Ko Dard E Sir Kehnay Walaoon Suno (Those who say love is a headache listen:)
Kuch Bhi Ho Hum Nai Yeah Dard E Sir Lay Liya (Whatever happens we took this headache upon ourselves)
Woh Nigaahon Say Bach Ker Kahan Jain Gay (Where can they go to be safe from the stares of others)
Ub To Un K Mohallay Mein Ghar Lay Lia (Now they have bought a house in their neighborhood)
Aa'ye Bun Thun K Shehr E Khamooshaan Mein Wo (Now the town people have come (all dressed up)
Qabr Daikhi Jo Meri To Kehnay Lagay (After seeing my grave they said)
Aray Aaj Itni To Is Ki Taraqqi Howi (Goodness, he just become successful)
Aik Bayghar Nai Acha Sa Ghar Lay Lia(A man, homeless, bought himself a nice home)
Idhar Zindagi Ka Janaza Uthay Ga (Here Life's funeral will be held)
Udhar Zindagi Un Ki Dulhan Banay Gi (Their life will become their bride)
Qayamat Say Pehlay Qayamat Hai Yaaro (It's the Day of Judgement before the Day of Judgement, my friends)
Mairay Samnay Meri Dunya Lutay Gi (In front of me my life will be looted)
Jawani Pay Meri Sitam Dhanay Waloon (Youth...something, can't translate,help?)
Zara Sooch Lo Kia Kahay Ga Zamana(Just think what the times will think?)
Idhar Miaray Armaan Kafan Pehn Lain Gay (Here my hopes will be laid in my kaffan)
Udhar Un K Haathon Pay Mehndi Lagay Gi (There, on their hands will be put henna)
Woh Parday K Peechay Mein Parday K Aaagay (They are behind the curtain - parda, I am in front of the curtain (parda)
Na Woh Aain Aagay Na Mein Jaaon Peechay (They will not come forward and I will not go back)
Woh Aagay Barhein Gay To Kuch Bhi Na Hoga (If they come forward nothing will happen)
Mein Peechay Hatoon Ga To Dunya Hasay Gi (If I go back, then the dunya will laugh at me)
Azal Say Mohabbat Ki Dushman Hai Dunya (Something's enemey is dunya?)
Kaheen Do Diloon Ko Milnay Na Day Gi (It will not let two hearts meet)
Idhar Mairay Dil Per Khanjar Chalay Ga (Here knives will be slashed on my heart)
Udhar Un K Maathay Per Bindiya Sajay Gi (There on their forehead will be put a bindhi)
Abhi Un K Hasnay K Din Hein Wo Hasn Lain (Right now these are their days to laugh so let them laugh)
Abhi Mairay Ronay K Din Hein Mein Ro Loon (Right now these are my days to cry so I am crying )
Magar Aik Din Un Ko Rona Paray Ga (But one day they will have to cry)
K Jiss Din Bhi Meri Mayyat Uthay Gi (That one day my death (my funeral) will brought forth/up)
Rabea
Idhar Zindagi Ka Janaza (Life's Funeral)
(I tried to translate as best as I could, would welcome corrections, additions..etc)
Hum To Tinkay Chun Rahay Thay Aashiynay K Liyeah (I was collecting straws to build my house)
Aap Say Kiss Nai Kaha Bijli Giranay K Liyeah (Who asked you to hit it with lightning?)
Haath Thak Jain Gay Kiyoon Pees Rahay Ho Mehndi (Your hands will get tired from grinding the Henna)
Khoon Haazir Hai Hatheli Pay Laganay K Liyeah (My blood is available for you to decorate your palms!)
Ishq Ko Dard E Sir Kehnay Walaoon Suno (Those who say love is a headache listen:)
Kuch Bhi Ho Hum Nai Yeah Dard E Sir Lay Liya (Whatever happens we took this headache upon ourselves)
Woh Nigaahon Say Bach Ker Kahan Jain Gay (Where can they go to be safe from the stares of others)
Ub To Un K Mohallay Mein Ghar Lay Lia (Now they have bought a house in their neighborhood)
Aa'ye Bun Thun K Shehr E Khamooshaan Mein Wo (Now the town people have come (all dressed up)
Qabr Daikhi Jo Meri To Kehnay Lagay (After seeing my grave they said)
Aray Aaj Itni To Is Ki Taraqqi Howi (Goodness, he just become successful)
Aik Bayghar Nai Acha Sa Ghar Lay Lia(A man, homeless, bought himself a nice home)
Idhar Zindagi Ka Janaza Uthay Ga (Here Life's funeral will be held)
Udhar Zindagi Un Ki Dulhan Banay Gi (Their life will become their bride)
Qayamat Say Pehlay Qayamat Hai Yaaro (It's the Day of Judgement before the Day of Judgement, my friends)
Mairay Samnay Meri Dunya Lutay Gi (In front of me my life will be looted)
Jawani Pay Meri Sitam Dhanay Waloon (Youth...something, can't translate,help?)
Zara Sooch Lo Kia Kahay Ga Zamana(Just think what the times will think?)
Idhar Miaray Armaan Kafan Pehn Lain Gay (Here my hopes will be laid in my kaffan)
Udhar Un K Haathon Pay Mehndi Lagay Gi (There, on their hands will be put henna)
Woh Parday K Peechay Mein Parday K Aaagay (They are behind the curtain - parda, I am in front of the curtain (parda)
Na Woh Aain Aagay Na Mein Jaaon Peechay (They will not come forward and I will not go back)
Woh Aagay Barhein Gay To Kuch Bhi Na Hoga (If they come forward nothing will happen)
Mein Peechay Hatoon Ga To Dunya Hasay Gi (If I go back, then the dunya will laugh at me)
Azal Say Mohabbat Ki Dushman Hai Dunya (Something's enemey is dunya?)
Kaheen Do Diloon Ko Milnay Na Day Gi (It will not let two hearts meet)
Idhar Mairay Dil Per Khanjar Chalay Ga (Here knives will be slashed on my heart)
Udhar Un K Maathay Per Bindiya Sajay Gi (There on their forehead will be put a bindhi)
Abhi Un K Hasnay K Din Hein Wo Hasn Lain (Right now these are their days to laugh so let them laugh)
Abhi Mairay Ronay K Din Hein Mein Ro Loon (Right now these are my days to cry so I am crying )
Magar Aik Din Un Ko Rona Paray Ga (But one day they will have to cry)
K Jiss Din Bhi Meri Mayyat Uthay Gi (That one day my death (my funeral) will brought forth/up)
Rabea
Friday, March 27, 2009
Jannati
Salams,
There are some people in this world, usually very few people, that you just know, you know are going to Jannah. They belong there, that is there place, their final destination.. I spoke to one of my best friends today, and you know it's funny, I don't need to speak to my best friends everyday to know we are best friends and we love each other, and we would do anything for each other. I emailed her, let her know I am not doing so well. She, living half way around the globe, wrote me back and told me she would call asap, not needing to wait for me to tell her the best time to call. So how do you know who your best friends are? Sorry to quantify this, but generally I need to quantify anything (I'm a numbers person)
1. They are there for you no matter how bad the circumstances. No matter how crappy life gets, they will stick with you.
2. They will fish you out of bad situations, not only will they fish you out, but they will help you catch your breath and recover, desertion is not an option.
3. They are non-judgmental. You don't need to explain to them why you did whatever, they get it, they get you, and no they will not judge, just help.
4. You are at peace with him/her. I have a couple of best friends. We can sit and just be. We don't need to talk excessively, we enjoy each other's company. We can sit, sleep, talk, eat, gossip, watch TV, cook, take a walk, and we are just cool with whatever.
5. The unspoken stuff is way more important than the spoken. Like I can say to my best friend, "I am feeling so and so.." She won't ask why, what happened, or what do you mean?, she'll say, "I know...how can I help?"
6. They keep your secrets. I am so bad at keeping secrets, but my friend's secrets?, I guard vehemently. They do the same for me.
7. I've noticed if you are doing something wrong people who don't care about you will let you stay on the path of destruction. Friends won't. I am lucky enough to have friends that will not only not let me continue, but they will do it in the most kindest, gracious way possible.
8. You generally don't fight or bicker. I dont think I have ever really fought with any of my best friends. This is probably more of a tribute to them than me.
9. You generally will share the same worldviews. You may not even be the same religion, but you see the world in a similar light. I have a good friend who is not Muslim, but wow we see many many things about this world and about people in a very similar light.
Living in this world is harsh. SubhanaAllah. Everyone is tested. If you can befriend someone at this level, try. Be someone's Abu Bakr (ra).
So this post was for my best friends, you guys know who you are. I love you guys. I know you will be in Jannah.
Rabea
There are some people in this world, usually very few people, that you just know, you know are going to Jannah. They belong there, that is there place, their final destination.. I spoke to one of my best friends today, and you know it's funny, I don't need to speak to my best friends everyday to know we are best friends and we love each other, and we would do anything for each other. I emailed her, let her know I am not doing so well. She, living half way around the globe, wrote me back and told me she would call asap, not needing to wait for me to tell her the best time to call. So how do you know who your best friends are? Sorry to quantify this, but generally I need to quantify anything (I'm a numbers person)
1. They are there for you no matter how bad the circumstances. No matter how crappy life gets, they will stick with you.
2. They will fish you out of bad situations, not only will they fish you out, but they will help you catch your breath and recover, desertion is not an option.
3. They are non-judgmental. You don't need to explain to them why you did whatever, they get it, they get you, and no they will not judge, just help.
4. You are at peace with him/her. I have a couple of best friends. We can sit and just be. We don't need to talk excessively, we enjoy each other's company. We can sit, sleep, talk, eat, gossip, watch TV, cook, take a walk, and we are just cool with whatever.
5. The unspoken stuff is way more important than the spoken. Like I can say to my best friend, "I am feeling so and so.." She won't ask why, what happened, or what do you mean?, she'll say, "I know...how can I help?"
6. They keep your secrets. I am so bad at keeping secrets, but my friend's secrets?, I guard vehemently. They do the same for me.
7. I've noticed if you are doing something wrong people who don't care about you will let you stay on the path of destruction. Friends won't. I am lucky enough to have friends that will not only not let me continue, but they will do it in the most kindest, gracious way possible.
8. You generally don't fight or bicker. I dont think I have ever really fought with any of my best friends. This is probably more of a tribute to them than me.
9. You generally will share the same worldviews. You may not even be the same religion, but you see the world in a similar light. I have a good friend who is not Muslim, but wow we see many many things about this world and about people in a very similar light.
Living in this world is harsh. SubhanaAllah. Everyone is tested. If you can befriend someone at this level, try. Be someone's Abu Bakr (ra).
So this post was for my best friends, you guys know who you are. I love you guys. I know you will be in Jannah.
Rabea
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
I've never worn nail polish
Salams,
I've never worn nail polish. To be exact I think I wore nail polish when I was 5 or 6 years old, but I haven't ever since.
There is a huge push to beautify yourself as a Muslim woman. Some do it in public, some do in private. But it seems that most Muslim women are extreme self-beautifiers. (of course there are exceptions,I'm one of them). Although recently I have semi-joined this trend of self-beautification, at such a small level that most people would laugh. The first time I went to an all-female Arab party I was scared, like really scared. Women I had seen in the masjid in jilbabs, abayas, took them off and really bared all. Low cut clothes, hi-lighted hair, loads and loads of makeup, heels to kill, and lots and lots of dancing that would put Beyonce to shame. I couldnt take my eyes off the floor, it was embarassing, and I was way too shy to watch. (This is not to say that Pakistani/Indian women parties are much better, they probably just wear more clothing).
Now I know femininity is important, it is important for female self-preservation. The outlet is needed. But to this extent, I'm not sure. The clothes, the hair, the dancing seemed so natural to these women, I wondered what was wrong with me? I've tried to get an answer from different sisters, the answer is always the same or similar, it's fun, we want to have fun, don't you just want to have fun sometimes? Er, ya, I do!? Dude, I'm not the biggest prude that ever lived this side of the hemisphere, but some of this stuff doesnt seem natural. How about we could dress up, look natural at some level, and just hang, watch a movie, talk, etc? Do we need to out beautify each other and learn these really complicated dances to be in each other's company? Who knows, maybe I'm missing something, so someone, some sister who gets "it" out there, could you fill me in? And you know maybe I could start practicing the moves from Shahrukh's latest movie.
Rabea
I've never worn nail polish. To be exact I think I wore nail polish when I was 5 or 6 years old, but I haven't ever since.
There is a huge push to beautify yourself as a Muslim woman. Some do it in public, some do in private. But it seems that most Muslim women are extreme self-beautifiers. (of course there are exceptions,I'm one of them). Although recently I have semi-joined this trend of self-beautification, at such a small level that most people would laugh. The first time I went to an all-female Arab party I was scared, like really scared. Women I had seen in the masjid in jilbabs, abayas, took them off and really bared all. Low cut clothes, hi-lighted hair, loads and loads of makeup, heels to kill, and lots and lots of dancing that would put Beyonce to shame. I couldnt take my eyes off the floor, it was embarassing, and I was way too shy to watch. (This is not to say that Pakistani/Indian women parties are much better, they probably just wear more clothing).
Now I know femininity is important, it is important for female self-preservation. The outlet is needed. But to this extent, I'm not sure. The clothes, the hair, the dancing seemed so natural to these women, I wondered what was wrong with me? I've tried to get an answer from different sisters, the answer is always the same or similar, it's fun, we want to have fun, don't you just want to have fun sometimes? Er, ya, I do!? Dude, I'm not the biggest prude that ever lived this side of the hemisphere, but some of this stuff doesnt seem natural. How about we could dress up, look natural at some level, and just hang, watch a movie, talk, etc? Do we need to out beautify each other and learn these really complicated dances to be in each other's company? Who knows, maybe I'm missing something, so someone, some sister who gets "it" out there, could you fill me in? And you know maybe I could start practicing the moves from Shahrukh's latest movie.
Rabea
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