According to a well-stated proverb, the darkest hour is just before the dawn. And although astronomically the darkest point is much earlier, the truth of this proverb is metaphoric—but in no way less real. So often we find that the darkest times in our lives are followed by the most precious. Often, it is at… Read More
I was at the airport. Standing in the security line, I awaited my ritual interrogation. But as I stood there, I looked over at a little girl with her mother. The girl was crying. She was clearly sick. The mother reached into a bag to give the girl some medicine. I was struck by how… Read More
I wrote this in the car on my way back home from the burial of a righteous soul. May Allah subhanahu wa ta`ala (swt) have mercy on him and his family. Ameen. —– We buried a man today. And here I am now on my way home in the caravan of the living. For now…. Read More
For Muslims, now is a time of turmoil. Sometimes, it’s difficult not to feel despair. Everywhere we turn, we see Muslims suffering, struggling all over the world. Many of us are wondering, why is this happening to us? While all these thoughts are natural, we need to look beyond them. We need to look through… Read More
Man has taken many journeys throughout time. But there is one journey that nobody has ever taken. Nobody—except one. On a vehicle no man has ever ridden, through a path no soul has ever seen. To a place no creation has ever before set foot. It was the journey of one man to meet the… Read More
We live in an iWorld. Surrounded by iPhones, iPads, MYspace, YOUtube, the focus is clear: Me, my, I. One need not look far to see this obsession with the self. In order to sell, advertisers must appeal to the ego. For example, many ads appeal to the part of us that loves power… Read More
When Prophet Musa (as) stood in front of the Red Sea, a tyrant and his army approached from behind. Some of those in Musa’s midst began to divide. Looking ahead, those people saw only defeat: “And when the two bodies saw each other, the people of Moses said: ‘We are sure to be overtaken.’”(Qur’an, 26:61)…. Read More
Growing up, you read me the Ugly Duckling. And for years I believed that was me. For so long you taught me I was nothing more than a bad copy of the standard (men). I couldn’t run as fast or lift as much. I didn’t make the same money and I cried too often. I… Read More
Last week my sister called. She has been studying abroad since summer began, so naturally I was thrilled to hear from her. After hearing how she was, I asked about her new home. With her living in a Muslim country, I felt assured that everything would be fine. For that reason, what she described next… Read More
“And among His signs is that He created for you mates from among yourselves that you may dwell in tranquility with them, and He has put love and mercy between you; verily, in that are signs for people who reflect.” (Qur’an, 30:21) We’ve all read this verse on countless marriage announcements. But how many have… Read More
