Rajab, Salaah - and the Life of Islam

As it is presently the month of Rajab, I thought I’d write a little about what Salaah has taught me, and what I have learned about it…

The word “Rajab” means “Respect” and “Honour”. It is the month of our Prophet’s (SAW) Night Journey to Jerusalem and through the seven heavens, passing through 70 000 veils of Noor (light) to reach Allah SWT. It is an incredible journey which is hard to imagine in our limited minds, yet it was very real. Whilst Nabi Muhammad (SAW) was there, he received the gift of salaah from Allah Ta’ala Himself. At first it was given to us, the Ummah, to perform 50 times a day, but was reduced to 5 – each one with the reward of ten. Although there was no fixed date for this blessed night, Laylatul-Mi’raj, it is celebrated on the 27^th Rajab.

Hence this month is a particularly special time to focus on our salaah and perfect it even more by making sure we perform it as prescribed. As the basis of our deeds, it is essential to know how to best offer our salaah. It is also a blessing to learn about the rewards and significance of our salaah and the inner reality of our worship.

Some of the wonderful things I learnt about Salaah, is that it is the mi’raj of the believer. It takes us right to the Throne of Allah Ta’ala. When we raise our hands and recite the first Allahu Akbar, we put the world behind us (or at least try to!) When we perform ruk’u, we bow to the Almighty, and as we  prostrate, we place our head down at His Feet. I thought this was absolutely amazing; what an immense privilege – heaven and earth meet! Yet it is often so hard to imagine and we so often forget it as we perform our daily duty… The good news is that Allah is the Most Compassionate, Most Merciful, and He sees our attempts and what is in our hearts.

Not only do we learn about Salaah, but we learn from it as well. Over the last four months as a new Muslim, it taught me that within it are three levels of humility – standing, bowing and prostrating.

As we stand before Allah SWT, we show that we choose to turn to Him and ask Him for guidance. “You alone do we worship, and You alone do we ask for help. Guide us on the Straight Path…”  This is the first step in all worship – the desire to please Allah Ta’ala and seek refuge in Him. It is the beginning of submission to Him in Islam.

As we bow before Allah SWT, we show that we acknowledge His supremacy over us; that He is our King and we His subjects.  “Glory be to my Lord the Most Great…”  This is the second step in all worship – the act of giving Him precedence in our lives; putting Him first. This is probably where the most Jihad occurs, as it is when our words and choice to turn to Allah SWT must begin to be acted out in our lives.

And as we prostrate before Allah SWT, we show that we totally submit ourselves to Him. As we say “Glory to my Lord, the Most High” we bring ourselves to the lowest position, as if we also add: “I am Your slave, the most lowly.” In one gesture, the whole essence of our Deen of Islam is portrayed. It is the third and final step of all worship. In it, we come to fulfil our deepest purpose – to worship our Maker completely.

Salaah helps us to learn how to concentrate on Allah SWT alone, and put Him first. It brings us to be aware of keeping clean – inside and out. It also has the power to teach us to be punctual.

In Rajab, serious preparations for Ramadhaan begin. It is said that the month of Rajab is the month of Allah SWT, Sha’baan is the month of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), and Ramadhaan is the month of the Ummah. This trilogy of months seems to have a similar gradual threefold process as Salaah – as Muslims we begin with Allah and the Qur’an, then we turn to Nabi Muhammad and the Sunnah, then finally we turn to the Ummah and practice the Shari’ah – the Way of the Qur’an and Sunnah in lives of love and charity to others.

I heard something wonderful on the radio as I typed: Rajab is when the seed is planted; when it grows. Sha’baan is when the plant is nurtured; when it develops. And Ramadhaan is when the fruits are reaped.

Islam all starts with a simple act of choosing to turn to Allah SWT, standing before Him. On recognising the truth that the Qur’an teaches, we are planted in Imaan and begin to grow. Then it proceeds with bowing to Allah’s Will, developing and nurturing this reverent fear (taqwa) by faithfully imitating the blessed man who taught us how to best please Him – Nabi Muhammad (SAW). Finally it ends with accomplishing what Allah Ta’ala wants from us and reaping the fruits of pleasing Him – a united Ummah and happiness here on earth and in Jannah.

There is a special duaa’ our Prophet SAW prayed from the beginning of Rajab, and through to the end of Sha’baan:

“Ó Allah, grant us blessing in Rajab and Sha’baan and deliver us to Ramadhaan”

This is also my prayer for you, dear reader.

May Allah Ta’ala grant us an Imaan which grows, Taqwa which is carefully nurtured, and Life with Him forever in Jannah, ameen.

Salaam

Saadiqah

(*

Laylatul Shahada - the Evening where it all began

After all the recent intellectually stimulating posts, I am in the mood to write on a lighter note and reminisce back to that evening when I became Muslim… When I remember the events of that day – and those leading to it – I feel like smiling as it was quite amusing, and also because it was a moment that changed my life for good.  

I remember being told the following, which I pass on to you: when you feel down and out with all the trials and jihads in your life (whether in your faith or your marriage or career or anything serious you committed yourself to) – and those trials will inevitably come – just recall the joy of that blessed day where it all began. This may just help and encourage you to persevere when things get hard.

I go on about all my trials on this blog, like the dog hair all over the place, or the utensils issue, etc. But then I read of those reverts who were kicked out of their house or disowned – or those who had their rooms invaded and their Holy Qur’an and other books, and clothes taken from them or damaged. To those who fit into this category, I salute you for standing strong; my trials are nothing compared to yours. I may have dog najis threatening to trespass beyond my door, and some relatives who are sad about my reversion, but at least I still have freedom to pray salaah in my room and live under the same roof as my non-Muslim loved ones. Nevertheless, any trial is hard to some degree. Alhamdulillah, there is great comfort in knowing that Allah SWT has it all under His control and intends to use us for His glory…

So… how was that “blessed day where it all began” for all you reverts out there? (This is something I looooove to do – to read about other reverts and how they crossed the threshold of Islam. It gets me SO excited for them and encourages me, too! It took me reading over 15 or more reversion stories to gather the strength to enter our beautiful Deen.) In my own story, I have not gone into too much detail about the actual day I reverted, just that it was in a parking lot and that I almost got into trouble with my parents on return! J Want to know more? Then read on…

When I knew that there was no turning back for me, I made a plan. I mean… why wait? What if I died before I said my Shahada?  It was Saturday the 19^th February 2011, and I had just been convinced after reading Khalid Baig’s article “The Miracle of the Qur’an.”  That past week was one of intensive research. On the day before, a Friday, I had visited the sewing and material shop I frequent often, for several reasons, but especially as the only Muslims I knew worked there. I burned to know more…

I spoke to a sister who worked there about my love for Islam. I remember I was so excited and shy as well! When I told her I had already found a name I liked, she said “Masha’Allah!” I recall how she asked if I am Muslim already, and I said, no, but I want to learn more about Islam. She gave me her sister’s number, and said that she knows a teacher who could help me. I had not yet made the decision to revert – except with my heart…

Then she and I spoke to the shop manager who was to be one of the witnesses at my Shahada. As I went home that Friday, my heart soared with joy. That night I phoned the lady’s sister (who was to become a very good friend of mine) and she said she would speak to the teacher.  Meanwhile, I was determined to research as much as I needed, to finally say: “Yes, I believe! Write me down among the witnesses!” and, alhamdulillah, the next day that moment came.

That weekend was a very tense one, as I hugged this delicious and exciting secret to myself. It was the last weekend I went to church, and my emotions were on a rollercoaster. I felt a sense of urgency, as I knew I couldn’t turn back, yet I also felt so scared, too! Being impatient to wait for my soon-to-be-friend to get back to me before I could say the Shahada, I phoned the manager at the shop on Monday afternoon, and asked him if he and someone else at the shop would be a witness. (As I understood it, I had to have at least two Muslims to witness my Shahada.) He agreed, and I dropped in at the shop soon after. I told my mom, whom I had gone out somewhere with, that I needed to pop in to “ask something – and it couldn’t be done over the phone!” J

When I got there, I was told by the man that his wife wanted to explain some things to me first, so they would come the first evening that they could, to meet me at the shops near my home. This was due to me not being able to drive, and I wanted to go without my parents taking me. It was a little disappointing to have to wait. When I got home, I found out from my dad that the man had tried to phone me to tell me this, but I had left already. Allah SWT was wisely testing me in my patience, and in my ability to trust Him to work things out…

That evening was a loooong one, as they were not able to make it, but the next morning I received a phone call from the man’s wife, who also became a good friend of mine. It was Tuesday the 22^nd February; the 18^th Rabi-ul-Awwal 1432; the blessed day at last! I was to meet them that evening at the shops, insha’Allah. It was late summer, and the day was sunny and fine, so it would be a nice walk. She told me to make a ghusl (full ablution) with intention to prepare for embracing Islam, which I did. I was glad I had to wait, so I could perform this special and meaningful sunnah first.

As the sun sank lower on the horizon, my heart rose higher and higher until it was almost in my throat. I was like a cat on hot bricks, mulling over and over in my mind how I would explain to my mom that I was going out, without her asking questions. After all, I was not in the habit of walking to the shops a lot, and now I wanted to – at 7pm in the evening! It would seem a little strange, and I didn’t want to lie to my mom…

7 pm came – and with it the adrenaline rush. I cannot explain in words how excited I was! A whole new life was dawning with the setting of the sun. In the end, I told Mom nervously that I was “going for a walk to the shops,” but I think she only heard the first part. So I walked to the shops, hoping that they would be there. I didn’t have long to wait until I saw their car pull into the parking lot, and climbed into it. My soon-to-be brother and sister in Islam greeted me; they had their cute little baby son with them. Then they chatted about various things I needed to know to begin life as a Muslim, made sure I believed the essentials of Imaan, and gave me some books.  Time passed quickly, and the sun set at last. It was about 7:30pm, and I was getting really nervous as I was wondering what my mom was thinking: “Where is my daughter; why is she taking so long? Is she ok?”

At last – in the parking lot in front of the laundromat and hairdresser shop! J - the sister asked me to repeat the Kalimah Tayyibah after her…

“La Illaha”

“La Illaha”

“Illallah”

“Illallalala… (nervous giggle) I’m getting so tongue-tied!”

“Illallah”

 “Illallah”

“Muhammadur”

“Muhammadur”

“Rasoolullah”

“Rasoolullah”

“Congratulations! You are a Muslim now!” Then she hugged me, leaning over from the front seat. Ahhhh, I was so happy… I felt so new and clean! What a WONDERFUL moment it was!

After this, they dropped me off at home. It was time to face my parents. And they were not happy, as I took so long that it was getting dark.

“Where have you been? We got so worried!”

All I could do was apologise profusely for taking so long. I mentioned I met some friends whilst at the shop. It was then that I realised my mom didn’t hear me when I said I was going to the shop, because she thought I was walking around the neighbourhood or something. In the end, I don’t think my mom suspected anything “Islamic” took place, but by now, I was weary of keeping my joy to myself and living two lives. I felt like a liar and hypocrite doing that, and it sapped my strength…

So, another big moment arose. I told my mom about Islam; that I have been very interested in it and am studying it. But I didn’t say yet that I was actually Muslim. I couldn’t bear shocking her further. My dear mom had heard enough to upset her, but in the end, I was calm as I explained a few things about Islam. And from that day forth – particularly when she realised I was actually Muslim – I took extra care to love and honour her and my dad. They gave me my freedom and didn’t kick me out, and this was something I was truly grateful for. For all the struggles I have had at home, they have been so good to me, and I pray Allah SWT will bless them abundantly for this and help them to find peace.

I was surprised, because I expected to weep with joy when I said my shahada, but I was dry-eyed. I didn’t think it had sunk in yet! But that night when I phoned my other friend (the one who would put me into contact with a teacher), and told her I embraced Islam, she wept; her voice shaking with such joy! I was deeply touched, and when I put the phone down, it was then that my first tears fell.

Yes, I had begun a new life. Subhan’Allah, I came home at last.

Salaam

Saadiqah

(*

The Amazing, Wonderful, Incredible, GLORIOUS… Qur’an

I have been blogging long enough now without mentioning Islam’s singular, most WONDERFUL miracle, the Qur’an. Truly, it is a Book from beyond this world! I could say that, although the hijab and modesty taught and practised in Islam was initially the thing that most attracted me to it, in the end it was the Qur’an that brought me on that blessed day to proclaim: La Illaha Illa Allahu, Muhammadur Rasulullah.

If any of you have read my reversion story (the link is on my first post) then you would have seen that it was Khalid Baig’s wonderfully-written article “The Miracle of the Qur’an” which helped me to believe at last. There were quite a few other articles I read (the web links to these I give at the end of this post), which also confirmed the genuine marvel the Qur’an is.  After reading these, how could I deny that the Qur’an is the Word of Almighty Allah, the One and True God? How could anyone want to turn away from such an exquisite masterpiece?

As a lover of science and meditation on the beautiful laws and forms of nature, I believed – even as a Christian – that science was not in conflict with faith. As a teenager, I was an avid amateur astronomer, and also loved observing and learning about weather patterns and climate, the earth’s structure, as well as birds and other animals, and plants. I also explored philosophical thought, psychology and art. I was a typical “head in the clouds” kind of person; I loved looking into the deeper side of life. I saw myself as a Sherlock Holmes of some sort, looking for “clues in nature” that the Creator left behind for us to find. It became clear to me that everything in creation was connected – and that we could learn so much from it!

Perhaps before I venture further to describe my thoughts on the Qur’an, I must first mention my exploration of the Bible. As a Christian, I never saw myself as an avid Bible-reader until later in my Catholic years, when I meditated on oft-repeated texts in the Divine Office (Liturgical prayer of the Church). The Bible delighted me, but I was sometimes overwhelmed by its size and all the seemingly-unimportant parts (like the geneaologies and censuses in the books of 1 and 2 Chronicles, for example). Apart from the Book of Psalms and the other wisdom-related books and prophets, the Old Testament was a long history-lesson story. Sometimes when I wanted to read the Bible, I didn’t know where to start. After reading it once or twice the whole way through, I just selected some books to read, and eventually just read the Mass readings and the parts mentioned in the Divine Office. The Bible lives up to its name – it is truly a library of books; a colourful mosaic of the Israelite people’s history, inspired by God, and penned – and edited again and again – by men.

At first, I never really got concerned about the many parts in the Bible which seemed to contradict each other. After all, the authors were human, even thought they were inspired… What concerned me more, was that the Church didn’t seem to follow everything in the Bible. One example was the teachings about women. Paul teaches that women cover their head in worship (1 Cor 11: 3-16), and that they must dress modestly (1 Tim 2: 9) and be silent in church (1 Cor 14: 34-35).  If the Church followed his teachings, then why did they choose to ignore this one, even thought it was a small thing? They passed it off as a cultural thing not valid anymore. This got me thinking: would they eventually pass off anything they read as not valid? It was too subjective for my liking. Either you follow the Bible – or you don’t.

However, the hardest thing to tackle concerning the Bible, was the numerous versions of it. As the originals were lost in translation, I desired to seek the most accurate versions. As a Protestant, it was the good old King James Bible. As a Catholic, it was the Douay-Rheims, Jerusalem – or the New Jerusalem – Bible. Then I wondered: Was the “Good News” or “New Revised Standard Version, Catholic Edition” Bible which I had, accurate enough? Could I trust what I read, to be what was really being conveyed? Even more confusing, was the footnotes in the Bible where it was often stated: “Some ancient authorities add: …” This made me wonder: was it added or subtracted? And why did the Protestants reject some of the Catholic books? (And the Catholics, some of the Eastern Orthodox books?) Things started to look shaky. I looked to the Catholic Church and its Catechism for the ultimate authority, but was not happy in the end. The Church changed too much, and I disliked being cut off from the past generations of Christians by the modern innovations creeping in. Something still seemed missing…

I only started to explore the Qur’an about a month before my reversion. I read only the first three or four chapters by the time I became a Muslim, but I also researched articles on the internet (most mentioned below) about its origin, contents, style, preservation and authorship.

And I found a treasure trove.

I was flabbergasted that there was so many scientific truths in the Qur’an, stated in such simple words – even in the English translation of the meaning of the Qur’an. How could it have been that Prophet Muhammad (SAW) knew about embryology? The growing human was (very accurately) described as being an extract of clay, then a sperm drop “firmly fixed” in a place of settlement, then something resembling a leech or blood clot which was “suspended,” then something looking like a “chewed substance” (cf. Qur’an 23: 12-14). And how could he have known that there were three “veils of darkness” in the womb – which seem to signify the three trimesters of pregnancy or the three layers of the placenta, uterus and mother’s body?

Then what about the mountains, which are described as pegs that stabilise the earth? Or that iron was “sent down” to earth, and was not originally on the earth? Or that salt and fresh water has a barrier between them which they cannot pass? I could go on and on, but I encourage you, dear reader, to check out the links and discover for yourself; it is absolutely amazing!

One of the things I was most amazed by – and I must say, I have not known now until I read about it – was that deep seas have two layers of waves. One of these is the top, visible layer, but there is a deeper, invisible layer as well, separating the less dense surface water from the more dense deeper water. These apparently also break like top waves; it is just that we do not see them. See how the Qur’an puts it in Sura 24:40 – “…the darkness in a deep sea. It is covered by waves, above which are waves, above which are clouds.”  Two layers of waves! Another thing I was amazed by, is that hail is what creates lightning in thunderclouds. All the time I was wondering how these clouds are charged positively and negatively, and then I learnt how – from the Qur’an of all places! It is the friction from the hail which causes it! Wow! A true science textbook!

Of course, there are many other things I could write about, which impressed me about the Qur’an – the literary style which is poetic, and which would not make as much sense if one stroke of one letter is wrongly placed. (Insha’Allah, I can’t wait to learn Arabic so I can see this for myself!) The brevity and beauty of the verses and that they are so easy to memorise. And the bold challenge for man to imitate at least one Sura of the Qur’an. (I mean… from a point of view by someone who doesn’t yet know Arabic well and presently reads it like a first grader J – how is it that Arabs still haven’t been able to do that? …)

But it was the following that convinced me the most about the Qur’an and Islam – and it was this which signalled the point of no return. Whereas the Bible’s original manuscripts have been lost and changed many times, and numerous contradictions exist in the texts, not even once in 1400 years did even ONE letter of the original Qur’an change! The original has been 100% preserved and millions have memorised the entire Qur’an. Everyone has access to it. I was very interested to read of one incident when there was one small mistake printed in a big batch of copies. When it was discovered, the ENTIRE LOT was destroyed! If it is this serious, then it shows that it is something to sit up and take notice of!

Indeed, for me as a former Christian, these words have come true…

 “Nearest among them in love to the Believers (Muslims) will you find those who say: ‘We are Christians’… And when they listen to the revelation received by the Messenger, you will see their eyes overflowing with tears, for they recognise the truth: they pray: ‘Our Lord! we believe, write us down among the witnesses. What cause can we have not to believe in Allah and the truth which has come to us, seeing that we long for our Lord to admit us to the company of the righteous?’ And for this prayer has Allah rewarded them.” (Qur’an 5:82-85)

So next time you wonder why you have to wash your hands, face, arms, head and feet – or your whole body – before you can even touch the blessed pages of the Holy Qur’an… you know it is to remind you that it is The Book which is “out of this world”, and which demands our utmost respect!

May Allah Ta’ala increase our imaan and taqwa – and may we always be grateful for such an outstanding gift as His Word, the Qur’an; His Prophet, Muhammad (SAW); and His Deen, Al-Islam, ameen.

Some really good links to read…

- Khalid Baig’s article: http://www.albalagh.net/food_for_thought/quran.shtml

- A pamphlet called “The Origin of the Qur’an” can be found at: http://www.whyislam.org/

- Gary Miller – “The Qur’an is Amazing”: http://www.islam101.com/science/GaryMiller.html (A very intellectually stimulating article!)

- Various other articles can be found at: http://www.islam-guide.com/ – Ch 1 talks about the scientific miracles of the Qur’an – and www.islamreligion.com/category/75

Salaam

Saadiqah

(*

Faculties of Faith - A Reflection

Just thought I would share some thoughts on faith… I hope I do not trespass any bounds in offending anyone. What I write is what I have personally discovered, and I found such joy in the process!

When I had just embraced Islam, I was naturally very nervous to tell my Christian loved ones – especially those with whom I intimately shared my spiritual life. One of these people closely involved in my life as a Catholic, was my former parish priest. I had been in parish ministry as a sacristan, so worked with him a lot, as well as asking him for guidance from time to time when I was looking at various convents to try out. It was a challenging, but beneficial time of growth, as we had very different views on things.

When I returned from the last convent a month before my reversion, I returned to ministry in the parish, but it was soon clear that I needed time away from this to think about my life. So I planned to inform my priest that I was going to give up my sacristan work for a while. For a week or two I was mulling over this in my head, until one day at Sunday Mass. I was not to know yet, but that Mass was my last one. I was seriously thinking of reverting to Islam soon, but still wanted to attend church for a few more Sundays so that my reversion wouldn’t be as noticeable. (I was nervous to tell anyone, and they would think it strange for a faithful Mass-goer attending four times a week, to not even attend on Sundays!) Yet, two days later on becoming a Muslim, I could not return; I felt it would not be right now that I was a Muslim. The pretense involved in reciting the Christian creed and singing Christian hymns – when I no longer professed them but the Shahada – was too much for me.

Two weeks later, my (now former) priest emailed me, and I knew that it was now or never – I had to tell him I was Muslim. It was so difficult due to the close spiritual ties, but he accepted it and we parted amicably. Nevertheless, there was one statement he made that got me really thinking. It is this I would like to reflect on. He said the following…

“Feelings, emotions, enthusiasms etc appear to dominate your life. A person of your considerable intellectual ability will never be satisfied with the Gospel of Jesus unless you are intellectually convinced of its claims.”

This really got me thinking – because it helped to clarify something I was struggling to put into perspective – how I see my faith…  I had to ask myself: was I really intellectually convinced of the Gospel’s claims? Or was it merely due to being raised in the church and being used to believing it?

Looking back, I realised there were several facets to one’s own religious or spiritual life –

- the intellectual (doctrine),

- the emotional (worship life), and

- the practice (living its laws in daily life).

In other words, the mind, heart, body.

Not only that, but also these three facets lived as a community –

- continuity of doctrine,

- unity of worship, and

- a moral code for society.

This would give a sense of belonging in a community, as one couldn’t live one’s faith in isolation. If even one of these facets was lacking individually or in community, one’s spiritual life would suffer in some or other way. How could one practice something one doesn’t mentally affirm – or believe something and not practise it? And how could one maintain one’s faith and practice, if there was nobody to share it and receive support from?

I grew up with a charismatic brand of Pentecostal Christianity, where emotional experience was emphasised. Doctrine was not very important – all that was important was your faith that Jesus (pbuh) died to atone for your sins and was your “Personal Saviour”. There was very little regard for tradition and rituals – it was a very personal, individualistic religion. Nor were there any specific laws practised in one’s daily life – the Bible was left for individual interpretation. I was not satisfied with mere feelings of faith; I needed structure, unity of belief with others, conviction and continuity of faith, and a moral code.

This is one of the main reasons why I was drawn to Catholicism. It seemed a more visible faith, with all its religious symbols and rituals, and doctrines set out in black-and-white in the Catechism. However, being a Catholic, I was eventually faced with a sense of not belonging. I had no problem adhering to Catholic doctrine and the rituals expressing them, and loved the emphasis on its importance. But I felt like a misfit, and soon found that although it was a joy to be Catholic when I was on my own, I couldn’t identify with other Catholics in daily life. The church doctrine was said to be too idealistic and not many remained true to its implementation in practice. One of the values dearest to my heart is modesty, yet virtually no emphasis was placed on its importance – and so it went on…  

I looked to Islam and saw what I yearned for: both visible in devotion and moral practice. It was inevitable I needed to leave the church – but what about the Christian doctrine which I had never questioned before? Emotionally and morally, my heart was won to Islam, but I needed to satisfy my intellect as well – for it was from the faith accepted by the mind, that faith expressed in emotions and practice would follow. One cannot be moved in emotions if there is no thoughts which brings that motion. What one thinks results in what one feels – and what one feels results in what one does.

It could seem at this point that my attraction to Islam was an emotional thing, and this is what my former priest feared when he wrote the above statement. I have always been prone to being indecisive, and for this reason, I wanted a faith which was more intellectual so I could not deny it, even when I was emotionally moved in other directions. I knew I couldn’t trust my emotions - even though they had a place in religion and spirituality, they could not make the final decision as to what the Truth is.

I realised that my Christian faith was more an feelings-based thing than intellectual. It was not so much reason that convinced me of it, as it was the feeling of familiarity. As I grew up in it, naturally I accepted it without truly questioning it, and was comfortable with it. Christian faith was not always within reason, e.g. the Trinity, the Incarnation, why God would have to kill His “son”, and the Catholic belief that the Eucharist is actually Jesus’ body and blood. Reason and logic were just not regarded as important…

When I encountered the beliefs of Islam,  I was pleasantly surprised that they strongly resonated with logic. Everyone wants to worship a God Who is beyond human weakness and Who doesn’t need intermediaries to exercise His Mercy – don’t they? If given a choice, nobody would want to believe that they are condemned because of Adam and Eve’s sin, but rather their own; nor would anyone want to believe that God has to crucify Jesus because of His mercy if it was clear that God, the All-Powerful, can forgive us without any help from intermediaries.

In Islam, reason is much more stronger; doctrine is clear and intellectually very convincing and logical. Not only that, but every individual is encouraged to seek the truth, not to just swallow any articles of faith without questioning their logic.  Emotions were also given a place, but were not allowed to influence the believer to a degree that they trespass the bounds of belief – and practice was clearly put in black and white in the Shari’ah for implementation in daily life. Everyone knew what was expected of them to believe and do, and they worshipped in the same way as well. As far as community went, the doctrines, worship and practices were virtually the same througout the world. It was universal.

In order for the Truth to prevail, it has to be undeniable by people’s God-given reason, and it also has to impact every faculty of a human being. I am far more intellectually convinced of the claims of the Qur’an (as time has proven its fruits are amazing; it is a sheer miracle and uncorrupted) – than with the claims of four Gospels sometimes contradicting each other, which were chosen out of a mix of other Gospels to be placed in the Canon of Scripture. I have come to believe one has to follow one’s head before one’s heart; to follow one’s heart one has to first follow one’s reason. Intellect is more stable than emotion, and practice more convincing than belief alone. Islam satisfies the intellect, without neglecting emotion; and has shown itself to be clear in what is expected of us. For this reason, it has convinced me that it is not to be denied.

Each person needs to make his/her own journey of faith; it is important to know what we believe and not just accept the status quo.  If one earnestly seeks Truth and prays to God for guidance, they will never go wrong.  

I wish you well, fellow seeker...

Salaam

Saadiqah

(*

Separate Eating Utensils

One of the bigger challenges in becoming Muslim, was to learn to use separate utensils in a non-Muslim home. More difficult than the action itself, was trying to understand why it was necessary even after washing the item the necessary amount of time – and even more harder than that, was explaining to non-Muslim loved ones why, when you yourself were still learning exactly why!

In the first three months, I was very awkward about the whole thing. Shortly after I confessed my new Faith, one of my new friends (also a revert) showed the immense spirit of Islamic generosity and brotherhood – or in this case, sisterhood! – by providing me with some things I needed. She offered to give me a pot, pan, two plates, a cutting knife and board, dishrack and two cloths – and even some food! I was overwhelmed with the magnanimity; the first thing that went through my mind was: “Won’t you need it, dear sister? Are you sure I can take it?” After all, I was raised to pay back in return, those who gave things to me. Wow, I felt so amazed…  I was also a little embarrassed as to what my parents would think of me bringing these things into the house where there were enough pots and plates I could use! So I half-smuggled them into my room and put them into my wardrobe. Then I began thinking: “Now what? How do I start explaining???”

Two or three months later, they were still lying there… (Please, fellow reverts, do NOT follow my example! I was way too cowardly!! J) Anyway, I continued in the way I was as a non-Muslim, except I did not eat haraam foods at all (I do confess, I did sometimes eat doubtful food, though!). I tried my best to wash each item (which I was doubtful about) seven times under the trickle from the tap, especially if I saw pork was put on it – or the dog’s tongue…

In the end, I became frustrated; it was too much when there was an easier alternative. Nabi Muhammad (SAW) would have told me if he saw me: “If there are two alternatives, and they are both lawful, take the easiest one. Don’t make life so complicated for yourself, my sister!” Yes, I needed to be brave – especially now that I was three months into Islam with a stronger-than-before imaan, and having found out from researching Shafi’i fiqh that it is makrooh (disliked) to use utensils previously holding pork or alcohol or dog najas – even after washing. Then I asked my moulana about it and he agreed. I had to take action, as I was getting frustrated and longed to practise Islam better…

I found myself home alone one morning, and so I went to the kitchen and planned where I would store my things. Our kitchen is terribly small – if there are even two people in there, we would need to choreograph our movements to not get on each other’s nerves! J Once that was done, I brought out the utensils from my cupboard and gave them a good wash. I returned the pot, pan, knife and cloths to my room to store there, and placed the plates into the kitchen cupboard. Then I took a knife, fork, spoon, teaspoon and bowl from the kitchen drawer, washed them seven times with a “Bismillah” and put them with my plates. I would have to use them for now until I bought my own. (I had already bought my own two cups and saucers a long time ago, and didn’t feel the need to replace them as I was usually the only person drinking out of them.)

The first time I told my mother that I would use separate utensils, it was hard, because she thought Islam was excessive in its requirements. “They’re going overboard!”  So I did what my moulana advised and told her about the badness of pork and dog saliva after researching it online. She was silent; I hoped she would consider it and accept my explanation. The hardest was when I brought my pot out several days later and lightheartedly said I want to “try it out”. My mom felt hurt, because she knew why I used it, and I was pained by that. I reiterated that it was not because of her, but the pork, wine and dog. It was hard for her to take this in. I hoped that in time it wouldn’t be such a difficult thing for her…

With the pot, plates, cups and cutting knife taken care of, I began buying some more things when I could scrape some cash together. A lovely bowl, a wooden spoon for stirring and mixing, and two small glass casseroles to store leftovers in. I was so blessed when my mom even lent me money to buy one! With that, I felt that things would get better over time, insha’Allah…

Of course, with the dog around, and all her hairs everywhere, sticking mercilessly to the clothing, I had to take another step further and do all my laundry separately, too. (Now that it is winter here in Cape Town, SA, this requires careful planning as it is cold and often rainy; I would need to do the laundry early on a sunny day and let it hang all day on the line, shifting the clothing with the feeble rays of the moving sun – without the “spin dry” feature in the washing machine, the clothes were more wet.) I had also bought a hand towel for my own use when doing wudhu. Fortunately, Allah (SWT) had prepared me for Islam – I had been in the habit of doing half of my laundry items by hand, and when I was in the convent, I had washed everything by hand except the bedding. So it was not hard to adjust – and I looooove doing laundry!

One day, Mom saw me doing all my laundry, and was a little distressed that I was giving myself so much work. I said to ther that I love it, so she needn’t worry… I felt touched that even though my mom didn’t understand the why’s, she was so motherly in her concern. I realised she was just doing her job, so I tried to figure out how I could let her be “mother” to me in other ways, as it was her right. For this reason, I accept her concern for me, and try to serve her and care for her even more than before.

Another jihad with hidden blessings, alhamdulillah!

Fellow reverts, if you struggle with this utensil issue in your home (those of you who live with non-Muslims, that is) I would say: take it one step at a time. Grow into your new life gradually. First increase your imaan, by much reading and study as possible, so if you are confronted you can stand strong. Then take gentle action and find ways to show love to your family in other ways. Life will carry on after each storm, and I am sure it will be a wonderful adventure each time!

Salaam

Saadiqah

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