Thursday, August 31, 2006
Ingrid Mattson
Islamic Society of North America, more commonly known as ISNA, has elected its first female president, Dr. Ingrid Mattson. It is the largest organization representing Muslims in North America.It’s a huge step towards recognition that women have just as big of a role to play, if not bigger, in the revival of the ummah. But why is there such a distinct lack of women in not just leadership positions but Islamic activism in general?
The obvious factors of cultural restrictions and discrimination play a large role but it’s the mindset of resignation that is the leading cause. A girl that’s been discouraged from going to the masjid (yes, it happens) at a young age, giving her the impression of Islam being only a man’s sphere of influence, will grow up to be a woman dependent on the men for her God given rights.
So is it any surprise that when given the opportunity to lead, many hesitate due to subconscious fears of ‘inferiority’ that are a product of cultural indoctrination. After marriage, she is confined to the role of motherhood, which is the greatest of responsibilities but not the only one.
The trend is changing and the ISNA election result brings us one step closer. Perhaps little girls can now dream of being wonderful mothers and Islamic activists.
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Old Age
A visit to the doctor's finally revealed the cause of my sharp back pains. Alhumdulilah, it's not a spinal cord problem as I had earlier anticipated, cursing my ugly warm up habits built up over the years that were bound to leave a mark. Back problems related to spinal cords don't have a complete cure and tend to accompany a person to their grave.
But as it turns out, the bones are properly aligned but the back muscle has been damaged, probably due to 'playing with reckless abandon' as mom always complained.
All physical activities have to be curtailed and 3-4 months are required for the muscle to completely heal.
I'm not used to such problems. Perhaps it's a sign of old age; yet it's highly regarded companion, wisdom, has gone missing.
But as it turns out, the bones are properly aligned but the back muscle has been damaged, probably due to 'playing with reckless abandon' as mom always complained.
All physical activities have to be curtailed and 3-4 months are required for the muscle to completely heal.
I'm not used to such problems. Perhaps it's a sign of old age; yet it's highly regarded companion, wisdom, has gone missing.
Sunday, August 27, 2006
Kite Runner
About to finish the Kite Runner by Khalid Hosseini. The book lives up to its hype, exceeding it in many ways. It's the antethesis of The Da Vinci Code but no less involving.
Set in Afghanistan before, during, and after the Soviet invasion in 1979, it follows the principle character, Amir, as he grows up in Kabul, raised by a single father whom he loves but does not understand. The racial discrimination agains the Hazaras, an ethnic sect of Afghanistan, religious hypocrisy, honor and its lack thereof, and troubled personal relationships make the book a delectable read.
By the way, for those who've read it, I still can't comprehend the symbolism between the book's name and its importance to the storyline. I understand that Hassan's uncanny ability at chasing down kites compared to the image of lethargic Amir having trouble in keeping up is meant to showcase the wide gulf between their personalities and lives, but why choose it as the book's name?
Insha Allah, I'm trying to get back to the routine of one novel per month so suggestions for other great reads are appreciated.
Set in Afghanistan before, during, and after the Soviet invasion in 1979, it follows the principle character, Amir, as he grows up in Kabul, raised by a single father whom he loves but does not understand. The racial discrimination agains the Hazaras, an ethnic sect of Afghanistan, religious hypocrisy, honor and its lack thereof, and troubled personal relationships make the book a delectable read.
By the way, for those who've read it, I still can't comprehend the symbolism between the book's name and its importance to the storyline. I understand that Hassan's uncanny ability at chasing down kites compared to the image of lethargic Amir having trouble in keeping up is meant to showcase the wide gulf between their personalities and lives, but why choose it as the book's name?
Insha Allah, I'm trying to get back to the routine of one novel per month so suggestions for other great reads are appreciated.
Labels: Books
Friday, August 25, 2006
Flicker of Hope
Dreams of yore I cannot escape,
A future uncertain I must face.
At every step I pray for guidance,
Hands raised high, mind and soul united in utterance.
Far too long my nights have been dark,
A firefly stripped of its lamp.
Wings tied down, rooted to their mark,
Heart resigned to be forever damp.
Tears stream down like droplets of pearl,
Knowing very well that freedom is nowhere in sight.
But I cry not for I resign my fate,
I sob for the strength from His light.
Gloom has fallen the lands of today,
Everyone searches for their piece of the sun.
Lucky are those who possess the inner noor,
While I, a solitary soul, am trapped in a corner with a flicker of hope.
A future uncertain I must face.
At every step I pray for guidance,
Hands raised high, mind and soul united in utterance.
Far too long my nights have been dark,
A firefly stripped of its lamp.
Wings tied down, rooted to their mark,
Heart resigned to be forever damp.
Tears stream down like droplets of pearl,
Knowing very well that freedom is nowhere in sight.
But I cry not for I resign my fate,
I sob for the strength from His light.
Gloom has fallen the lands of today,
Everyone searches for their piece of the sun.
Lucky are those who possess the inner noor,
While I, a solitary soul, am trapped in a corner with a flicker of hope.
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Mr. and Mrs. Falcon
Two peregrine falcons occupy a summer home in an abandoned tower in front of my office. Mostly satisfied with flying in the clouds marked by occasional nose dives in search of prey, their presence is welcomed in an otherwise un-hospitable environment.
But a few days back, something managed to break their usual silence in favor of loud screeching. They flew back and forth from their nest, dipping and plunging in contrast to their casual flyovers that we had become accustomed to. At one point, they barely avoided colliding into each other. After much discussion and debate about their unrulybehavior, we decided it was a simple case of trouble in paradise (ie. marital spat) :-)
I listened to a Siraj Wahaj lecture in which he remarked he has never come across a person who didn’t have a defect in their character -- including the most pious scholars. So looking for the perfect person in marriage is a futile and foolish search. Those who are married and others soon-to-be insha Allah have to realize their spouse is a package deal; we might like certain attributes and dislike others.
It was an interesting point he brought up which in hindsight seems like common sense. After giving it some thought, I realized that certain traits have to be identified that we, as individuals with unique preferences, value highly. So instead of looking for a spouse that is ‘perfect,’ we need to narrow down our search to those possessing the traits that we are fond of.
Of course, they will have shortcomings like any person walking on the face of this earth. But the focus should be on the positive characteristics that we are attracted to while ensuring the defective traits are of a tolerable nature and perhaps even changeable over time.
But a few days back, something managed to break their usual silence in favor of loud screeching. They flew back and forth from their nest, dipping and plunging in contrast to their casual flyovers that we had become accustomed to. At one point, they barely avoided colliding into each other. After much discussion and debate about their unrulybehavior, we decided it was a simple case of trouble in paradise (ie. marital spat) :-)
I listened to a Siraj Wahaj lecture in which he remarked he has never come across a person who didn’t have a defect in their character -- including the most pious scholars. So looking for the perfect person in marriage is a futile and foolish search. Those who are married and others soon-to-be insha Allah have to realize their spouse is a package deal; we might like certain attributes and dislike others.
It was an interesting point he brought up which in hindsight seems like common sense. After giving it some thought, I realized that certain traits have to be identified that we, as individuals with unique preferences, value highly. So instead of looking for a spouse that is ‘perfect,’ we need to narrow down our search to those possessing the traits that we are fond of.
Of course, they will have shortcomings like any person walking on the face of this earth. But the focus should be on the positive characteristics that we are attracted to while ensuring the defective traits are of a tolerable nature and perhaps even changeable over time.
Monday, August 21, 2006
Planning, Preparation, and Plotting
There’s much that needs to be done on every front, much that needs to be decided, much that needs to be plotted and planned. There’s a phase for everything in life and certain things can only be accomplished under specific circumstances. Once the right time has passed, it takes an almost Herculean will to go against the odds.
That’s why I need to work feverishly over the next year and a half insha Allah. I don’t like being off guard in anything, least of all life. Anything and everything has to be expected, calculated, planned, and decisive in that very order.
Yes, uncertainties will occur because only Allah knows the true plans but that’s no excuse to sit back and relax. Allah does not change the condition of the people until they change themselves.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) is the best example. Ever wonder why the first 3 years of the call were private and the next 10 lacking in retaliation to the Makkan oppression? Why did the battles of Badr and the Trenches have meticulous planning to thwart the enemy? Yes, the Prophet (peace be upon him) raised his hand in supplication before the start of Badr but did he claim that prayer only would only lead to victory?
And this is the man who was guaranteed to be a victor and yet he took all the necessary steps.
Islam is not just about prostrating in prayer and handing out money to the poor. We don’t need to look any further than the tafseer (Prophetic biography) and the sunnah to realize that the concept of thorough preparation is not a modern day invention.
That’s why I need to work feverishly over the next year and a half insha Allah. I don’t like being off guard in anything, least of all life. Anything and everything has to be expected, calculated, planned, and decisive in that very order.
Yes, uncertainties will occur because only Allah knows the true plans but that’s no excuse to sit back and relax. Allah does not change the condition of the people until they change themselves.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) is the best example. Ever wonder why the first 3 years of the call were private and the next 10 lacking in retaliation to the Makkan oppression? Why did the battles of Badr and the Trenches have meticulous planning to thwart the enemy? Yes, the Prophet (peace be upon him) raised his hand in supplication before the start of Badr but did he claim that prayer only would only lead to victory?
And this is the man who was guaranteed to be a victor and yet he took all the necessary steps.
Islam is not just about prostrating in prayer and handing out money to the poor. We don’t need to look any further than the tafseer (Prophetic biography) and the sunnah to realize that the concept of thorough preparation is not a modern day invention.
Saturday, August 19, 2006
Friday, August 18, 2006
I’ve been making an attempt to visit the masjid every day, sometimes stopping by at those unusual times when complete silence is my only companion. There’s something about being in the mosque that calms the nerves and re-assures the heart.
It’s a feeling of solace that you simply can’t find anywhere else. Far too long, I searched in the wrong places, building false idols of hope. Refuge comes from only one source but I had been blinded into a world of imitation and artificial promises.
I'm the hare that slept too much.
Much work to do, very little time.
It’s a feeling of solace that you simply can’t find anywhere else. Far too long, I searched in the wrong places, building false idols of hope. Refuge comes from only one source but I had been blinded into a world of imitation and artificial promises.
I'm the hare that slept too much.
Much work to do, very little time.
Monday, August 14, 2006
Happy Birthday Pakistan
So today is the 59th birthday of Pakistan. Avari asks some meaningful questions about her accomplishments since independence in 1947. Many within India (and Pakistan) still talk about a united country that would stretch from the Indus to the Himalayas.
But would co-existence been possible back then or now, after nearly six decades of war, bloodshed, and extreme animosity?
The answer lies in the perspective taken. Rampant ignorance was prevalent in the Muslim world in the 1920s and 1930s, a situation made worse by the fall of the Caliphate. The Muslim population in India were more cultural Muslims that anything else and perhaps the best medicine was a nationalist movement based on the unifying concept of Tawheed (oneness of God). Though led by a man who was secularist in nature, masses could only be convinced to leave their wealth, family and ancestral homes with the promise of a land where Islam could be practiced inhibited. Whether that actually took place is a story for another day but that was the single reason both my grandfathers left everything behind to start from scratch. So what it did was wake up many fence-Muslims, forcing them to learn more about the reason an entire country was being carved out for.
From a political perspective, a united India with an even bigger population would have been a force to reckon with. Whether it would have served the interests of Muslims on the global scale is a matter of debate but there is no doubting that a united country would have had far more political and economic clout than a partitioned one. What’s interesting to note is that the founding fathers of India, Nehru and Gandhi, were staunch supporters of the Palestinian cause and to this day India stands by them though it has softened with years of deepening military ties with Israel. Would a united India with a large Muslim minority had formed ties with Israel?
From an ethno-religious point of view, the situation would have been very similar to that of Lebanon. Friction would have remained between the two sides (for sake of simplicity, I’m classifying everyone as Muslims and Hindus though I’ve noticed that Indians tend to identify more with regional associations like Gujarati, South India, etc). Peace would have ensued sooner or later but after a lengthy civil war and at a price of heavy inter-mingling of religions and cultures to the point where only one religion would have existed – Hindislam.
If not, people would have segregated based on religion and lived in isolation in their own communities – a model that seems to be working in Lebanon except when Israel decides to dig up craters in all parts of the country.
Whether partition was worth it is a matter of personal opinion but enough people were supportive, for it led to the creation of Pakistan.
But one can argue that civil wars and behind the scenes friction would have been better off than open rhetoric of exterminating each other with nuclear, hydrogen, and all sorts of other weapons that get paraded around like a teenager on steroids.
I do not doubt the creation of Pakistan for I’m a big proponent of it. Perhaps these questions would be best viewed in the light of a possible peace between the two powers that could still lead to greater economic and even military prosperity (imagine a NATO like alliance – who would dare attack India or Pakistan knowing they got each other’s back?).
But would co-existence been possible back then or now, after nearly six decades of war, bloodshed, and extreme animosity?
The answer lies in the perspective taken. Rampant ignorance was prevalent in the Muslim world in the 1920s and 1930s, a situation made worse by the fall of the Caliphate. The Muslim population in India were more cultural Muslims that anything else and perhaps the best medicine was a nationalist movement based on the unifying concept of Tawheed (oneness of God). Though led by a man who was secularist in nature, masses could only be convinced to leave their wealth, family and ancestral homes with the promise of a land where Islam could be practiced inhibited. Whether that actually took place is a story for another day but that was the single reason both my grandfathers left everything behind to start from scratch. So what it did was wake up many fence-Muslims, forcing them to learn more about the reason an entire country was being carved out for.
From a political perspective, a united India with an even bigger population would have been a force to reckon with. Whether it would have served the interests of Muslims on the global scale is a matter of debate but there is no doubting that a united country would have had far more political and economic clout than a partitioned one. What’s interesting to note is that the founding fathers of India, Nehru and Gandhi, were staunch supporters of the Palestinian cause and to this day India stands by them though it has softened with years of deepening military ties with Israel. Would a united India with a large Muslim minority had formed ties with Israel?
From an ethno-religious point of view, the situation would have been very similar to that of Lebanon. Friction would have remained between the two sides (for sake of simplicity, I’m classifying everyone as Muslims and Hindus though I’ve noticed that Indians tend to identify more with regional associations like Gujarati, South India, etc). Peace would have ensued sooner or later but after a lengthy civil war and at a price of heavy inter-mingling of religions and cultures to the point where only one religion would have existed – Hindislam.
If not, people would have segregated based on religion and lived in isolation in their own communities – a model that seems to be working in Lebanon except when Israel decides to dig up craters in all parts of the country.
Whether partition was worth it is a matter of personal opinion but enough people were supportive, for it led to the creation of Pakistan.
But one can argue that civil wars and behind the scenes friction would have been better off than open rhetoric of exterminating each other with nuclear, hydrogen, and all sorts of other weapons that get paraded around like a teenager on steroids.
I do not doubt the creation of Pakistan for I’m a big proponent of it. Perhaps these questions would be best viewed in the light of a possible peace between the two powers that could still lead to greater economic and even military prosperity (imagine a NATO like alliance – who would dare attack India or Pakistan knowing they got each other’s back?).
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Baboon for a Tiger
A new proposal by Lebanon and the Arab League asks Israel to leave in return for 15,000 Lebanese soldiers manning the border.
Yeah, I asked the same question: Lebanon has an army?!?!
Perhaps it’s one of those showcase armies like the Royal Guard in England, which only has symbolic and shambolic values because they sure as heck can’t fight with those ridiculous black hats.
This has got to be a new low for the Arab armies. I mean, we’re all used to them being massacred and severely spanked by anyone and everyone (Britain in ’17, Israel in ‘67, US in 91’, my aunt’s chappal in ’99 -- OK, so I made the last one up) but at least they showed up to the battlefield. In almost three weeks of bombing by Israel, where has the Lebanese army been?
What was the plan? To hide till Israelis retreat and then jump out on the ruins of Lebanon with water guns and claim to have scared off the enemy?? No wonder Hezbollah has become so popular.
In other news, Tarek Fatah, communication director of Muslim Canadian Congress (CIC) has decided to step down from the post. This is certainly a happy day for the Muslim c
ommunity across Canada. I’m certain many if not all of you have seen him on TV round table debates supposedly representing Canadian Muslims. This was akin to sending a baboon to represent a pack of tigers at the jungle council meeting (no, it’s not real).
He did not represent the majority of the Muslims and when I say majority, I refer to over 90%. Suffice to say, he’s gone, hopefully never to return to spew his morphed views for the consumption of the general public.
If anyone cares, I can explain in detail why he’s so despised.
Yeah, I asked the same question: Lebanon has an army?!?!
Perhaps it’s one of those showcase armies like the Royal Guard in England, which only has symbolic and shambolic values because they sure as heck can’t fight with those ridiculous black hats.
This has got to be a new low for the Arab armies. I mean, we’re all used to them being massacred and severely spanked by anyone and everyone (Britain in ’17, Israel in ‘67, US in 91’, my aunt’s chappal in ’99 -- OK, so I made the last one up) but at least they showed up to the battlefield. In almost three weeks of bombing by Israel, where has the Lebanese army been?
What was the plan? To hide till Israelis retreat and then jump out on the ruins of Lebanon with water guns and claim to have scared off the enemy?? No wonder Hezbollah has become so popular.
In other news, Tarek Fatah, communication director of Muslim Canadian Congress (CIC) has decided to step down from the post. This is certainly a happy day for the Muslim c
ommunity across Canada. I’m certain many if not all of you have seen him on TV round table debates supposedly representing Canadian Muslims. This was akin to sending a baboon to represent a pack of tigers at the jungle council meeting (no, it’s not real).He did not represent the majority of the Muslims and when I say majority, I refer to over 90%. Suffice to say, he’s gone, hopefully never to return to spew his morphed views for the consumption of the general public.
If anyone cares, I can explain in detail why he’s so despised.
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Selling the Rape of 14-year old Girls
I’ve had a really hard time following the story of the gang rape and murder of a 14-year old Iraqi girl and her family because it sickens me. It makes my stomach turn that someone can actually sink that low. Someone at work remarked that Americans were ‘liberators’ in Iraq. I was so disgusted by his arrogant pompous statement that I’ve not been able to look at him the same way again.
What else are they suppose to think after watching countless propaganda Hollywood war movies depicting America’s chivalry and honor?
Did you know that Pentagon hired a ‘publicity’ team to ‘sell’ the Iraq War to the American public? The result could be seen in the overwhelming support in the polls for Bush when the war started.
I wonder how many more found jobs to sell the rape of the 14-year old or the massacre of civilians at Haditha or the torture at Abu Ghuraib. With such innovative means of job creation, who says the American economy is slowing down?
What else are they suppose to think after watching countless propaganda Hollywood war movies depicting America’s chivalry and honor?
Did you know that Pentagon hired a ‘publicity’ team to ‘sell’ the Iraq War to the American public? The result could be seen in the overwhelming support in the polls for Bush when the war started.
I wonder how many more found jobs to sell the rape of the 14-year old or the massacre of civilians at Haditha or the torture at Abu Ghuraib. With such innovative means of job creation, who says the American economy is slowing down?
Monday, August 07, 2006
Marinating a chicken is not as easy as it looks. Found that out this weekend as we tried to bar-b-que our way out of hunger. All kinds of Shaan masalay, adrak, lassan, lemon, and a whole whack of unrecognizable stuff. Many permutations and combinations finally led to a tastilicous tandoori chicken.
My job was to simply pick a good movie so I stood there amused as we fumbled and tumbled our way with the chicken. Watched Glory Road; typical sports movie with a twist of racial segragation in sports with the exception that this was a true story. Touching but it's no Lord of the Rings!
Sweltering heat, victory by a huge margin, a scratched knee taking a catch. So passed Sunday.
Much walking, more sky high temperatures, and a feeling of somethings-missing-but-I-cant-quite-put-my-finger-on-it accumulated into a visit to the yearly Hertiage Days.
Political front was buzzing like a beehive; much needs to be said. Stay tuned.
My job was to simply pick a good movie so I stood there amused as we fumbled and tumbled our way with the chicken. Watched Glory Road; typical sports movie with a twist of racial segragation in sports with the exception that this was a true story. Touching but it's no Lord of the Rings!
Sweltering heat, victory by a huge margin, a scratched knee taking a catch. So passed Sunday.
Much walking, more sky high temperatures, and a feeling of somethings-missing-but-I-cant-quite-put-my-finger-on-it accumulated into a visit to the yearly Hertiage Days.
Political front was buzzing like a beehive; much needs to be said. Stay tuned.
Thursday, August 03, 2006
A close friend/brother, Murtada and his wife Maleeha, had a son few days ago. I make dua' that Allah(swt) makes him, Jibreel, a pillar of strength for the ummah. Ameen.
He previously had twin daughters masha Allah and with the addition of a son, he's got the complete package :-)
We compete in pretty much everything from sports to who shows up to meetings on time. But in this race, I'm beaten hands down. He already has a headstart of 6 years of marriage and 3 kids (plus counting).
The only way to top this is to have identical triplets :-(
He previously had twin daughters masha Allah and with the addition of a son, he's got the complete package :-)
We compete in pretty much everything from sports to who shows up to meetings on time. But in this race, I'm beaten hands down. He already has a headstart of 6 years of marriage and 3 kids (plus counting).
The only way to top this is to have identical triplets :-(