“No,” the sister said indignantly. “I’m not going to pray about this because I know Allah will make it happen. And I don’t care if it’s good for me. I don’t want it, period. And I shouldn’t have to deal with it if I don’t want to.” I grew quiet, as I realized that there was no further advice I …
“We should be talking about more important things!” No matter what topic I (or my brothers and sisters in da’wah) speak about, this is the typical response. I think on this now because a friend of mine recently sent me a post where a Muslim called the topic of homosexuality “stupid” to be concerned about, even if the concern is …
“I’m really worried about my brother,” the Arab woman said. “He’s Muslim, but he doesn’t believe in God anymore.” Listening to her, I really didn’t know what to say. Before this moment, I’d had occasional encounters with people who labeled themselves “Muslim” but did not pray or fast or fulfill any other foundational requirements of being Muslim. However, it was …
“The thing about sincerity is you have to learn it, even when the world is watching. You just have to teach your heart that Allah is watching.” —from the journal of Umm Zakiyyah Several years ago I was invited to a social gathering for Muslim women at a friend’s home. When it was time for Maghrib prayer, the hostess asked …
Abdullah ibn Amr reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “None of you has [true] faith until his desires comply with what I have brought.” —Al-Sunnah li-Ibn Abī ‘Āṣim 14, Sahih by Al-Nawawi Are you pleased with Allah as your Lord? This is a question that hit my heart as I was reciting the morning and …
“An apology, if it is truly an apology, is no more than a hope and a prayer—that the damage you’ve done can be repaired, and that you will be forgiven by both your Lord and the ones you’ve wronged. An apology should never be shared for the purpose of silencing or dismissing those hurt by the original transgression. If it …
“The tongue, O Allah, the tongue! Protect me from it, even as it moves in broken rhythm with my own troubled heart.” —excerpt of FAITH. From the Journal of Umm Zakiyyah “She obviously thinks it’s perfectly fine to break apart marriages, support friends backstabbing each other, and dismiss the rights of women.” The words were from a sister of mine—a …
“And all those worldly comforts and human relationships you thought you couldn’t live without? They were just temporary companions on your life journey.” —from the journal of Umm Zakiyyah You cannot control another human being, and you cannot own another human being. And you have no ultimate responsibility or burden for any life or soul other than your own. Understanding …
No one should have to apologize for taking care of themselves. This is something that took me a long time to realize and embrace in my life, and I’m still striving to do better at avoiding saying “I’m sorry” for taking care of myself during a time that people deem inconvenient for themselves, or when they feel my absence proves …
O Allah! I have wronged my soul, so forgive me. I have forgotten myself, so pardon me. I have become frustrated and distressed, so have mercy on me. O Allah! I deserve nothing of Your goodness, yet You shower it upon me. I have doubted You in times of darkness, yet You gifted me with light. I have stood before …
