I just happened to discover the “My Personal Quran” blog today, though it has existed for nearly four years now. In it, brother Hussein examines a new ayah every post sequentially, beginning right from Surah Fatihah, the Opening.
Since the blog first began in December 2004, Hussein has gone through every ayah until early in Surah Nisa, the fourth chapter of the Quran, and is still going strong.
May 14th Muslimah advises us on the character of the Prophet in the face of adversity.
Wondering is my being dressed like a Muslim woman really that out of the ordinary? But I find that the surprise and hurt soon turns to anger and it is all I can do to surpress the urge to turn around and say something.
I was reading recently about our beloved prophet Muhammad (SAW) and what he did in similar instances and the answer is…
“The Prophet (SAW) never took revenge for his own sake, but if the laws of Allah (SWT) were violated, he would take revenge for the sake of Allah SWT).” –Bukhari and Muslim
I am sure many of you are familiar with the inspiring compilation CDs featuring lectures by Imam Anwar Al-Awlaki, who, by Allah’s grace, was released from imprisonment recently. With the help of some brothers, he now has his own blog – I love it when our ulema get with the times, alhamdulillah! 
His latest entry is just as inspiring as his audio works, as he writes about the positive consequences of his imprisonment:
I was in an underground solitary cell made up of four concrete walls with an iron gate on one side and on the opposite side a small window -rather a hole- covered with iron mesh to allow for some fresh air to come in. I couldn’t see much from it because it was about four meters high. Then there was the roof with a bulb hanging from it which was on continuously day and night. Then the floor with a mattress 2-3 inches thick, a blanket, a worn off pillow, a plastic plate, a bottle for water, and an empty bottle “just in case”. And then there was a Quran…
In this environment there is nothing to do and nothing to read but the Quran, and that is when the Quran reveals it secrets. When the hearts are clean; when there is nothing clouding the spirit, the Quran literally overwhelms the heart.
And when the heat is on, the clothes come off. Mujahideen Ryder has provided some simple but useful advice on how to protect our gaze throughout this summer and beyond.
Lowering gaze is not enough for many Muslims. Lowering your gaze could just be as worse as gazing due to the age we live in where showing 80% of your skin is normal (sadly for both men and women). I think it’s time we do more then lowering our gaze. Move our gazes. Control our gazes. The best would be to physically remove our gazes.
This is why I love winter.
Saad of Chill Yo, Islam Yo fame takes a look at contemporary artists who wear Islamic bling. What of the fiqh considerations of wearing gold, or representing your religion in the form of extravagant jewelry? It is all a matter of intention, Saad reminds us, and we will each be judged according to our intention.
It’s all about keeping it real with yourself. Whatever you do, just remember Allah swt is watching you and your actions are based on intentions. As a Muslim you gotta stick within in your limits and remain modest, although their is nothing wrong with riches.
Video of the week brought to you by HalalTube.com.
A series of lectures about loving the prophet, sallalahu ‘alayhi wa salam, delivered by Shaikh Muhammad al-Yaqoubi. The above video is part one; the remaining eleven parts can be found on the HalalTube site.
Channel Title: Caltech MSA Friday Khutbahs
Summary: Can’t wait till next Friday? Get your Jumu’ah khutbah fix early this week, with this MSA podcast channel.
Salaams,
Your local art guru with another update!
Okay – you have to check out the above video, it has to be one of the coolest adverts I have ever seen!!!
The story of Khaled Ibn Alwalid’s famous love to the Prophet (pbuh) moment in the battle of Al-Yarmouk when he lost his helmet. He always had few strands hidden in the helmet. Shot by Oscar winning Director Stephan Ruzowisky.
I know that has nothing to with art but I thought it looked cool!!!
Right – Something more to the subject…..
In Canada MuslimFest 2008 is getting ready to kick off!!!
To be honest, many of you (myself included) may not know what MuslimFest is, so let me break it down.
MuslimFest celebrates the best in Muslim arts and entertainment. The event attracts over 10,000 visitors every year and takes place in the City of Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. MuslimFest 2008, sponsored by IRFAN Canada, was voted one of Ontario’s top 100 events to attend by Festival and Events Ontario.
I know what you saying – why I am bringing this up because the event doesn’t start till August? Well..sit down ya crazy fool and I’ll explain.
MuslimFest Call for Entries has been launched. If you enjoy a talent in any form of art (International Art Exhibit, FilmFestival, and Performance) or know someone who does, make sure you participate this year for an extremely rewarding experience.
I like to point out the above statement wasn’t written by me, I mean c’mon – its sounds so cheesy!
It must be a good thing if you’re an artist of some sort and you want to expose yourself. However, I must warn you that there is a lot of hidden costs in the small print. So it makes you kinda think what’s their true objective?!?
Anyways, if money isn’t a problem then download an application form from their website.
Take care everyone,
Wasalaams