This is one of many reasons there are Muslims in the media of today getting a bad rap, Americans of the days of old will not admit where they went wrong. How soon we Americans forget history. This is why we are doomed to repeat it over and over again.
As for the politics that created this conflict between the USSR and Afghanistan, this you can wiki (I will only give a brief idea). In winter of 1979 the Soviets invaded Afghanistan/Pakistan. This war lasted until 1989. As for this brief summary: Americans made it possible for Pakistan to get weapons from Israel that came from USSR. It was done this way to look like Americans had no hand in it. America then took a step back after the Soviets left Pakistan and left the Pakistani/Muslims to fend for themselves. No more aid. Its been said that half of the population of Pakistani were young teenagers. Then in 1994 the Taliban came to be.
My conclusion is this, had America not stepped back, had they continued to help those in Pakistan, the Taliban would have had less of a chance in forming. They would not have done some of what they have done to give Americans the impression that all Muslims are bad people. How soon we forget history. If all Americans went and looked up history once in a while we would all have a different idea about one of the most peaceful religions and ways of life in the world.
I feel sorry for my fellow Americans who think being an Islamic revert is one who is brainwashed. They think they are all free from such oppression and that having rules containing morals is something only for "The God Squad." If they only knew their lack of morals and lack of a strong foundation would never truly free them.
Does one really feel free after a night of drinking and being highly hung over the next day? Does one feel free after a night of fornication only to find out they either contracted a disease or conceived a child a week or two later? I'm sure they feel free after they find out they slid right under the bar when the Doctor tells them they are without child and or disease. Do you really think this fear you feel while waiting for results is that of freedom.
Come on America, wake up! You have no idea what Islam is about and yet you judge Muslims because of a few bad apples you allowed into existence by turning your backs on people. Take the time to look it up. You can go to quranexplorer.com and read the truths for yourself before passing any judgement (which is not our place to do, only God has this right).
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Friday, August 28, 2009
Support PETA?
OK now this is kinda interesting. I've had a visit to peta.org. For those who don't know what PETA stands for... it means... People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. I am all for the ethical treatment of animals considering I have a few pets and I care for orphaned and/or injured wildlife for a few years now. I have always been an animal lover.
In their mission statement they state they focus on four areas, 1. factory farms, 2. laboratories, 3. clothing trade, and 4. entertainment industry and also killing of "pests" and abuse of backyard dogs (sounds like 6 things). They say, they work through public education, cruelty investigations, research, animal rescue, legislation, special events, celebrity involvement, and protest campaigns. They say, animals are not ours to eat, wear, experiment on, entertain us, keep as pets or abuse in any way.
In the Qur'an it states:
16:5 And He has created cattle for you (men): from them you derive warmth, and numerous benefits, and of their (meat) you eat.
16:6 And you have a sense of pride and beauty in them as you drive them home in the evening, and as you lead them forth to pasture in the morning.
16:7 And they carry your heavy loads to lands that you could not (otherwise) reach except with souls distressed: for your Lord is indeed Most Kind, Most Merciful.
16:8 And (He has created) horses, mules, and donkeys, for you to ride and use for show, and He has created (other) things of which you have no knowledge.
16:14 It is He Who has made the sea subject, that you may eat thereof flesh that is fresh and tender, and that you may extract therefrom ornaments to wear, and you see the ships therein that plough the waves, that you may seek (thus) of the bounty of Allah and that you may be grateful.
16:66 And verily on cattle (too) you will find an instructive Sign. From what is within their bodies, between excretions and blood, We produce, for your drink, milk, pure and agreeable to those who drink it.
16:80 It is Allah Who made your habitations homes of rest and quiet for you; and made for you, out of the skins of animals, (tents for) dwellings, which you find so light (and handy) when you travel and when you stop (in your travels); and out of their wool, and their soft fibres (between wool and hair), and their hair, rich stuff and articles of convenience (to serve you) for a time.
In Bukhari -(hadith)- volume 7, book 67 there are laws listed for halal ways to slaughter and hunt according to the words of Prophet Muhammad PBUH. I can not see a more humane way for such a task to be done, with kindness.
In every group there are extremists and people who I'm sure mean well and don't understand the laws of how things work.
The factory farming, provide food for many groups of people (not everyone has access to halal meats). Some of them have forgotten that the laboratories that are doing research, are doing it to take care of, and improve the quality of human lives (and do you really want to support those who burn labs down? and what do they do with the liberated animals since they don't keep pets?). Clothing, I don't think I need to elaborate (we all know many of the demonstrators go around naked as the day they are born having or showing no modesty, even to prove a point). As far as entertainment.... c'mon, really???(any film or show (containing an animal), circus or even zoo's (some save the last of species) I can see if your trying to prevent life endangerment like dog or cock fights.
I don't understand those sick minds who abuse animals, they usually eventually end up in prison at some point and killing pests...... I care for those potential pests when they have no one else. What household is complete without a kitty or some kind of creature for us to care for?
So, I say this... to each their own. If you choose not to have pets, eat meat, wear leather or wool or silk, not allow science to heal you when your not well or even have a laugh when you watch the dog and cat tumble across the room enjoying each others company in their comfy home and with full bellies, well then I say to you, you go right on ahead and ignore the word of God but you will be without me.
People who donate to the cause, who love animals and have many, never realise that they are sending money to an organization that does not condone having pets, as animals in a house are considered "slaves." Better to donate your time and energy to caring for and rehabbing animals that need help.
In their mission statement they state they focus on four areas, 1. factory farms, 2. laboratories, 3. clothing trade, and 4. entertainment industry and also killing of "pests" and abuse of backyard dogs (sounds like 6 things). They say, they work through public education, cruelty investigations, research, animal rescue, legislation, special events, celebrity involvement, and protest campaigns. They say, animals are not ours to eat, wear, experiment on, entertain us, keep as pets or abuse in any way.
In the Qur'an it states:
16:5 And He has created cattle for you (men): from them you derive warmth, and numerous benefits, and of their (meat) you eat.
16:6 And you have a sense of pride and beauty in them as you drive them home in the evening, and as you lead them forth to pasture in the morning.
16:7 And they carry your heavy loads to lands that you could not (otherwise) reach except with souls distressed: for your Lord is indeed Most Kind, Most Merciful.
16:8 And (He has created) horses, mules, and donkeys, for you to ride and use for show, and He has created (other) things of which you have no knowledge.
16:14 It is He Who has made the sea subject, that you may eat thereof flesh that is fresh and tender, and that you may extract therefrom ornaments to wear, and you see the ships therein that plough the waves, that you may seek (thus) of the bounty of Allah and that you may be grateful.
16:66 And verily on cattle (too) you will find an instructive Sign. From what is within their bodies, between excretions and blood, We produce, for your drink, milk, pure and agreeable to those who drink it.
16:80 It is Allah Who made your habitations homes of rest and quiet for you; and made for you, out of the skins of animals, (tents for) dwellings, which you find so light (and handy) when you travel and when you stop (in your travels); and out of their wool, and their soft fibres (between wool and hair), and their hair, rich stuff and articles of convenience (to serve you) for a time.
In Bukhari -(hadith)- volume 7, book 67 there are laws listed for halal ways to slaughter and hunt according to the words of Prophet Muhammad PBUH. I can not see a more humane way for such a task to be done, with kindness.
In every group there are extremists and people who I'm sure mean well and don't understand the laws of how things work.
The factory farming, provide food for many groups of people (not everyone has access to halal meats). Some of them have forgotten that the laboratories that are doing research, are doing it to take care of, and improve the quality of human lives (and do you really want to support those who burn labs down? and what do they do with the liberated animals since they don't keep pets?). Clothing, I don't think I need to elaborate (we all know many of the demonstrators go around naked as the day they are born having or showing no modesty, even to prove a point). As far as entertainment.... c'mon, really???(any film or show (containing an animal), circus or even zoo's (some save the last of species) I can see if your trying to prevent life endangerment like dog or cock fights.
I don't understand those sick minds who abuse animals, they usually eventually end up in prison at some point and killing pests...... I care for those potential pests when they have no one else. What household is complete without a kitty or some kind of creature for us to care for?
So, I say this... to each their own. If you choose not to have pets, eat meat, wear leather or wool or silk, not allow science to heal you when your not well or even have a laugh when you watch the dog and cat tumble across the room enjoying each others company in their comfy home and with full bellies, well then I say to you, you go right on ahead and ignore the word of God but you will be without me.
People who donate to the cause, who love animals and have many, never realise that they are sending money to an organization that does not condone having pets, as animals in a house are considered "slaves." Better to donate your time and energy to caring for and rehabbing animals that need help.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
My poetry
This is just a few poems I've written here and there.
****He walks behind me****
He walks behind me in the shadows,
and knows my every move,
He watches me every moment,
and knows each place I've stood.
It's now wonder to me that he can see,
He is the brightest side of me.
****Pendle Hill****
It calls to me, this Pendle Hill,
It wants me back, it takes my will,
It helps me see, what is to be,
It haunts my every last long dream.
I now know what I must do.
I must go back and so should you.
This poem was written after I went traipsing around England, Lancashire County.
Pendle Hill has alot of historical richness in the days of the old witch trials back in the 17Th century. It holds an energy that even the least perceptive person can feel.
****Magpie****
Magpie magpie, in my sight,
I want to know your line of flight,
You soar up high into the sky,
Then something shiny catches your eye.
A ring, a bracelet, baubles galore,
You're a magpie, need I say more?
Magpies are part of the crow family, they are known in England as thieves. I've heard stories about them perching on a window ledge stealing jewellery off of near by dressing tables.
****He walks behind me****
He walks behind me in the shadows,
and knows my every move,
He watches me every moment,
and knows each place I've stood.
It's now wonder to me that he can see,
He is the brightest side of me.
****Pendle Hill****
It calls to me, this Pendle Hill,
It wants me back, it takes my will,
It helps me see, what is to be,
It haunts my every last long dream.
I now know what I must do.
I must go back and so should you.
This poem was written after I went traipsing around England, Lancashire County.
Pendle Hill has alot of historical richness in the days of the old witch trials back in the 17Th century. It holds an energy that even the least perceptive person can feel.
****Magpie****
Magpie magpie, in my sight,
I want to know your line of flight,
You soar up high into the sky,
Then something shiny catches your eye.
A ring, a bracelet, baubles galore,
You're a magpie, need I say more?
Magpies are part of the crow family, they are known in England as thieves. I've heard stories about them perching on a window ledge stealing jewellery off of near by dressing tables.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Husband???
OK now this topic is always a bit sensitive. A husband? I've done this once before and well... it didn't work out the way I expected. I ended up being disappointed. It's unfortunate because I really did try to make it work.
We all have things in our past that were to some degree unpleasant but to allow it to dictate tomorrow, would be a complete waste of time.
We are all in control of how we behave. For instance: those girls who allow themselves to be treated as dolls, who are not dressed modestly with their cleavage out or their skirts so high that the world could be their gynecologist, bedding down with any one of the fellas that will not make honest women out of them. How about the guys who have low standards? They will do anything to "get laid" and not worry about the consequences. Nor do they have good intentions.
Even before I was a Muslim woman, I did have some cleavage but I tended to leave much to the imagination. I could never understand what the hoopla was about having so many parts showing.
Now getting back to a husband... what do I want in a mate? Well, I want him to be handsome (what?? I am entitled to a preference lol) IE.... full lips, strong nose, nice ears, soft hair (loves the curls<--- me).(ADDENDUM:The above are preferences not to be confused with a definite must and I am willing to make compromise) I want him to be kind, sweet, gentle, loving, loyal and above all ... honest. I want him to be fair with others. I expect him to have a great mind, Intelligence is important. I also want him to be stable enough to take good care of me so I can take a proper woman's role (for more info on that, read my other blog called "Woman's Role?")(also, the above qualities are a must and will not be compromised). I don't expect him to be rich or wealthy but comfortable is a must. The biggest must... He Must Be A Muslim!(Huge Must!!)
I imagine myself and my mate happy in life with one another, sharing our deen. I imagine a nice life without all of the complications other couples share in this world. Maybe this idea is just a bit unrealistic, but it is indeed possible. Insha'Allah it will happen before I am too old to enjoy what is left of my life on this planet.
I say:
Allah, if it would be good for me,
grant it to me, and make it all the way possible and easy to reach.
If it is not good for me,
make it the hardest thing to reach, and make barriers between me and that with which I seek.
Allah knows best what is good and bad for me.
(rough version of Istikharah Prayer but I'm sure you get the point)
Salam o/
We all have things in our past that were to some degree unpleasant but to allow it to dictate tomorrow, would be a complete waste of time.
We are all in control of how we behave. For instance: those girls who allow themselves to be treated as dolls, who are not dressed modestly with their cleavage out or their skirts so high that the world could be their gynecologist, bedding down with any one of the fellas that will not make honest women out of them. How about the guys who have low standards? They will do anything to "get laid" and not worry about the consequences. Nor do they have good intentions.
Even before I was a Muslim woman, I did have some cleavage but I tended to leave much to the imagination. I could never understand what the hoopla was about having so many parts showing.
Now getting back to a husband... what do I want in a mate? Well, I want him to be handsome (what?? I am entitled to a preference lol) IE.... full lips, strong nose, nice ears, soft hair (loves the curls<--- me).(ADDENDUM:The above are preferences not to be confused with a definite must and I am willing to make compromise) I want him to be kind, sweet, gentle, loving, loyal and above all ... honest. I want him to be fair with others. I expect him to have a great mind, Intelligence is important. I also want him to be stable enough to take good care of me so I can take a proper woman's role (for more info on that, read my other blog called "Woman's Role?")(also, the above qualities are a must and will not be compromised). I don't expect him to be rich or wealthy but comfortable is a must. The biggest must... He Must Be A Muslim!(Huge Must!!)
I imagine myself and my mate happy in life with one another, sharing our deen. I imagine a nice life without all of the complications other couples share in this world. Maybe this idea is just a bit unrealistic, but it is indeed possible. Insha'Allah it will happen before I am too old to enjoy what is left of my life on this planet.
I say:
Allah, if it would be good for me,
grant it to me, and make it all the way possible and easy to reach.
If it is not good for me,
make it the hardest thing to reach, and make barriers between me and that with which I seek.
Allah knows best what is good and bad for me.
(rough version of Istikharah Prayer but I'm sure you get the point)
Salam o/
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Ramadan 2009
This is my first Ramadan, for those who don't know what it is, its the Islamic month of fasting. Its where you refrain from things like eating, drinking, or any excessive indulgence from dawn until dusk. Its meant to teach modesty, patience and spirituality. Its a time to ask Allah for forgiveness, guidance, and to refrain from evils and do good deeds to purify through self-restraint.
Well this is my first one like I said. I have successfully made it through 3 days without breaking fast early and believe me, I have been tested. HA HA the first day I heard the whispers in my ear and I ignored them. Every 30 minutes like clockwork I wept like a baby and was completely cranky refusing all, but I made it and was grateful that I successfully fasted and when it was time to break fast.
Day 2 was not as hard but still left a bit of a bad taste in my mouth. Day 3 was a bit trying and still not as bad as those before it, the tears flow less day by day and now I'm in the 4Th.
I have successfully ignored the whisperer. I know I will do fine once I get my prayers in order and read my good book.
Because of being a female and the biological functions we women go through, I will have one week to make up later on. I'm sure it will be a piece of cake. (mmm cake lol)
Pondering this, it made me think, if I can make it through Ramadan without breaking fast until after Maghreb (sunset prayer), and be consistent, then I will highly consider fasting on a regular basis. Mondays and Thursdays and maybe adding a day here or there as needed. We will see.
It's making me see a bit clearer on what I need to do with myself and how to go about it. It is most certainly teaching me patience and is improving my spirituality.
***My 4TH day was pretty much a breeze and I'm assuming it will only get easier as the days go by. My body has started telling me interesting things. Thanks to Allah for such a gift!
*** Day 5, just as I suspected... it has gotten much easier. I have been successful in not breaking fast early and I'm beginning to wonder what the big hot fuss was about. I've had a bunch of stressful things happen today and still managed to make it. I suppose Allah has given me more strength than I had originally though. Allahu Akbar!!!
***Day 6, today was fairly stress free, my fasting went very well. It made me think about how easy it actually is and how my body is reacting now that its getting used to this schedule.
2:183 O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that you may (learn) self-restraint -
2:184 Fasting for a fixed number of days; but if any of you is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed number (should be made up) from days later. For those who can do it (with hardship), is a ransom, the feeding of one that is indigent. But he that will give more, of his own free will, - it is better for him. And it is better for you that you fast, if you only knew.
2:185 Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur'an, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgement (between right and wrong). So every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting, but if anyone is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed period (should be made up) by days later. Allah intends every facility for you; He does not want to put you to difficulties. (He wants you) to complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Him in that He has guided you; and perchance you shall be grateful.
2:187 Permitted to you, on the night of the fasts, is the approach to your wives.They are your garments and you are their garments. Allah knows what you used to do secretly among yourselves; but He turned to you and forgave you; so now associate with them, and seek what Allah has ordained for you, and eat and drink, until the white thread of dawn appear to you distinct from its black thread; then complete your fast till the night appears; but do not associate with your wives while you are in retreat in the mosques. Those are limits (set by) Allah; approach not nigh thereto. Thus Allah makes clear His Signs to men: that they may learn self-restraint. (The Holy Qur'an) - Yusuf Ali translation
I just figured I'd post the verses as a reminder to us all.
***Day 7, The whisperer was in my head saying nasty little things all day and I managed to ignore every one of those things he was pushing. Even though no one would know what I did in the privacy of my own home (which is the haram collar around my neck (mortgage) I knew to break fast early, would be wrong to do and Allah would be the one who would know. HA HA who would have known that, that alone keeps me from doing something? Tomorrow will be easier.
***Day 8, Another good day was had. I have been blessed!
***Day 9, Due to tons of muscle pains (neck, back, shoulders, hips) I broke fast early to take some pain reliever. I was doing so good and now I'm feeling disappointed. In the beginning I wept because I was fasting, now I'm weeping because I cant. I will have to make this day up later on, Insha'Allah.
***Day 10, Back to my fasting, it went better than I thought it would. I still had those aches and pains but considering I didn't have work the following night, I was able to rest enough and not have to break fast early.
***Day 11, Well, I suppose I am doing quite well with my fasting. Alhamdillilah!
***Day 12, Today was fine, the whisperer was heavy in my ear and still I resisted with the help of a very good brother. May Allah reward him big for his help.
***Days 13, 14, 15, 16,17,18, 19, 20,I will be marking these days down to make up later. Insha'Allah
***Day 21, Back to fasting and amazingly it's like I never stopped. Alhamdilillah!
***Day 22, Feeling like I'm actually doing well for a brand new Muslim going through a first Ramadan.
***Day 23, 24 Doing well, happy to fast.
***Day 25, For undisclosed reasons, I did not fast today. Another day marked to make up.
***Day 26, 27, 28, 29 Brilliant days of fasting. Everything has gone well.
Eid al Fitr was quiet and pleasant. I ate and rested. That's all.
Well this is my first one like I said. I have successfully made it through 3 days without breaking fast early and believe me, I have been tested. HA HA the first day I heard the whispers in my ear and I ignored them. Every 30 minutes like clockwork I wept like a baby and was completely cranky refusing all, but I made it and was grateful that I successfully fasted and when it was time to break fast.
Day 2 was not as hard but still left a bit of a bad taste in my mouth. Day 3 was a bit trying and still not as bad as those before it, the tears flow less day by day and now I'm in the 4Th.
I have successfully ignored the whisperer. I know I will do fine once I get my prayers in order and read my good book.
Because of being a female and the biological functions we women go through, I will have one week to make up later on. I'm sure it will be a piece of cake. (mmm cake lol)
Pondering this, it made me think, if I can make it through Ramadan without breaking fast until after Maghreb (sunset prayer), and be consistent, then I will highly consider fasting on a regular basis. Mondays and Thursdays and maybe adding a day here or there as needed. We will see.
It's making me see a bit clearer on what I need to do with myself and how to go about it. It is most certainly teaching me patience and is improving my spirituality.
***My 4TH day was pretty much a breeze and I'm assuming it will only get easier as the days go by. My body has started telling me interesting things. Thanks to Allah for such a gift!
*** Day 5, just as I suspected... it has gotten much easier. I have been successful in not breaking fast early and I'm beginning to wonder what the big hot fuss was about. I've had a bunch of stressful things happen today and still managed to make it. I suppose Allah has given me more strength than I had originally though. Allahu Akbar!!!
***Day 6, today was fairly stress free, my fasting went very well. It made me think about how easy it actually is and how my body is reacting now that its getting used to this schedule.
2:183 O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that you may (learn) self-restraint -
2:184 Fasting for a fixed number of days; but if any of you is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed number (should be made up) from days later. For those who can do it (with hardship), is a ransom, the feeding of one that is indigent. But he that will give more, of his own free will, - it is better for him. And it is better for you that you fast, if you only knew.
2:185 Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur'an, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgement (between right and wrong). So every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting, but if anyone is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed period (should be made up) by days later. Allah intends every facility for you; He does not want to put you to difficulties. (He wants you) to complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Him in that He has guided you; and perchance you shall be grateful.
2:187 Permitted to you, on the night of the fasts, is the approach to your wives.They are your garments and you are their garments. Allah knows what you used to do secretly among yourselves; but He turned to you and forgave you; so now associate with them, and seek what Allah has ordained for you, and eat and drink, until the white thread of dawn appear to you distinct from its black thread; then complete your fast till the night appears; but do not associate with your wives while you are in retreat in the mosques. Those are limits (set by) Allah; approach not nigh thereto. Thus Allah makes clear His Signs to men: that they may learn self-restraint. (The Holy Qur'an) - Yusuf Ali translation
I just figured I'd post the verses as a reminder to us all.
***Day 7, The whisperer was in my head saying nasty little things all day and I managed to ignore every one of those things he was pushing. Even though no one would know what I did in the privacy of my own home (which is the haram collar around my neck (mortgage) I knew to break fast early, would be wrong to do and Allah would be the one who would know. HA HA who would have known that, that alone keeps me from doing something? Tomorrow will be easier.
***Day 8, Another good day was had. I have been blessed!
***Day 9, Due to tons of muscle pains (neck, back, shoulders, hips) I broke fast early to take some pain reliever. I was doing so good and now I'm feeling disappointed. In the beginning I wept because I was fasting, now I'm weeping because I cant. I will have to make this day up later on, Insha'Allah.
***Day 10, Back to my fasting, it went better than I thought it would. I still had those aches and pains but considering I didn't have work the following night, I was able to rest enough and not have to break fast early.
***Day 11, Well, I suppose I am doing quite well with my fasting. Alhamdillilah!
***Day 12, Today was fine, the whisperer was heavy in my ear and still I resisted with the help of a very good brother. May Allah reward him big for his help.
***Days 13, 14, 15, 16,17,18, 19, 20,I will be marking these days down to make up later. Insha'Allah
***Day 21, Back to fasting and amazingly it's like I never stopped. Alhamdilillah!
***Day 22, Feeling like I'm actually doing well for a brand new Muslim going through a first Ramadan.
***Day 23, 24 Doing well, happy to fast.
***Day 25, For undisclosed reasons, I did not fast today. Another day marked to make up.
***Day 26, 27, 28, 29 Brilliant days of fasting. Everything has gone well.
Eid al Fitr was quiet and pleasant. I ate and rested. That's all.
How I embraced Islam
Now I've told this story to a few already to some degree and the people involved in my life already know, but for those who have no clue.... here ya go. Over a year and a half ago, me being the mmorpg player I am, made a new friend one day. Someone looking for directions to a far-off land. Me being completely cheesed off at my friends that I played with a couple years, decided to open up and lend a hand. It just happened to be an Arab-Muslim brother.
Now, here in America, the media was flooded with propaganda about how dangerous "these people" were. We have been at war with this sort for quite a long time. Me... I believe very little I see in the media.
He told me about himself and who he was and I became interested. I wanted to know more about his culture and religion to see what kind of person I was playing with. I enjoyed the game, I enjoyed the company of my new found friend.
I ended up watching many films about Islam and about the politics in the Arab region. To list a few... 1. Peace, Propaganda and the Promised land. 2. Islam empire of faith. 3. Occupation 101.
All very good and highly recommended (all can be found in YouTube). I then had a very different view of what was actually true and happening. I started watching Aljazeera news online (it's .net in case you were wondering).
I saw many graphic images about the war in Gaza. This was not the story we were getting in our media here and my heart opened up. I discussed this with my friends in the outside world, sadly none of them truly cared and I did some housekeeping in the virtual friends inventory I keep in my head. I watched the media footage for updates everyday of this war in hopes it would stop with no further casualties. Unfortunately there were many deaths and I found myself siding with the Palestinians (the victims).
I know, I jumped a bit off topic but it all does tie in somehow. I was a pagan practicing the craft for 16 years, devoutly. I was very happy with what I believed in and I was very good at what I did. I had no intentions of changing anything I believed or did in my everyday life.
When I started reading the Holy Qur'an I started to doubt everything I knew for so many years. This book that was said to hold hatred and tell those Muslims to go all jihad on the infidels... I read nothing of the sort. I found nothing filthy about this wonderful book. In fact, I wanted my own copy. I would often say to my Arab-Muslim gaming partner, c'mon let's read. He, of course, would be completely chuffed and we would read together.
I found many proofs of known scientific values. The foundation of all life is written in this book making it a guide, if you would, on how to live life on the right path. The more I read these unchanged words, moved me in many ways. I started to listen to Islamic music (some of the most beautiful sounds I've ever heard made from human mouths) and even joined a great chat room (stickam.com Islam talk) where I was accepted immediately even being a pagan. I learned even more about Islam.
I started embracing Islam. Of course I was oblivious of this until someone else noticed and pointed it out to me (you know who you are). Then one day, I was driving home from work, and I said out loud (having a habit I had no intentions of quiting) "Allah if you really exist, if you truly are the one and only God...take this desire from me," in the snarkiest attitude I could muster, and sure enough, in the time it took me to get home, the desire was gone (and don't wonder because I'm not sharing).
That was all it took. I waited a few weeks and no return of said desire. On June 12Th 2009, I took a leap of faith and said shahada (it's when you say There is no God but Allah and Muhammad is his messenger) I would have testified sooner if I weren't so stubborn. Prior to this I had already quit eating pork and been working on curbing what words come from my tongue.
As you kind of figured, I haven't given all of the details but this is the main idea. My points are this... don't believe everything you hear in the media (try reading the Qur'an for yourself before you make a decision), give people a chance to get to know them on a personal level...ie..don't judge as it's not our place to do so (if I didn't give this brother a chance I would not have been able to learn and experience Islam (I first thank Allah and then thank him for this) and have a person I hold dear to me), think... God gave us a most precious gift of a brain and logic...use it--what's the harm?
Now, here in America, the media was flooded with propaganda about how dangerous "these people" were. We have been at war with this sort for quite a long time. Me... I believe very little I see in the media.
He told me about himself and who he was and I became interested. I wanted to know more about his culture and religion to see what kind of person I was playing with. I enjoyed the game, I enjoyed the company of my new found friend.
I ended up watching many films about Islam and about the politics in the Arab region. To list a few... 1. Peace, Propaganda and the Promised land. 2. Islam empire of faith. 3. Occupation 101.
All very good and highly recommended (all can be found in YouTube). I then had a very different view of what was actually true and happening. I started watching Aljazeera news online (it's .net in case you were wondering).
I saw many graphic images about the war in Gaza. This was not the story we were getting in our media here and my heart opened up. I discussed this with my friends in the outside world, sadly none of them truly cared and I did some housekeeping in the virtual friends inventory I keep in my head. I watched the media footage for updates everyday of this war in hopes it would stop with no further casualties. Unfortunately there were many deaths and I found myself siding with the Palestinians (the victims).
I know, I jumped a bit off topic but it all does tie in somehow. I was a pagan practicing the craft for 16 years, devoutly. I was very happy with what I believed in and I was very good at what I did. I had no intentions of changing anything I believed or did in my everyday life.
When I started reading the Holy Qur'an I started to doubt everything I knew for so many years. This book that was said to hold hatred and tell those Muslims to go all jihad on the infidels... I read nothing of the sort. I found nothing filthy about this wonderful book. In fact, I wanted my own copy. I would often say to my Arab-Muslim gaming partner, c'mon let's read. He, of course, would be completely chuffed and we would read together.
I found many proofs of known scientific values. The foundation of all life is written in this book making it a guide, if you would, on how to live life on the right path. The more I read these unchanged words, moved me in many ways. I started to listen to Islamic music (some of the most beautiful sounds I've ever heard made from human mouths) and even joined a great chat room (stickam.com Islam talk) where I was accepted immediately even being a pagan. I learned even more about Islam.
I started embracing Islam. Of course I was oblivious of this until someone else noticed and pointed it out to me (you know who you are). Then one day, I was driving home from work, and I said out loud (having a habit I had no intentions of quiting) "Allah if you really exist, if you truly are the one and only God...take this desire from me," in the snarkiest attitude I could muster, and sure enough, in the time it took me to get home, the desire was gone (and don't wonder because I'm not sharing).
That was all it took. I waited a few weeks and no return of said desire. On June 12Th 2009, I took a leap of faith and said shahada (it's when you say There is no God but Allah and Muhammad is his messenger) I would have testified sooner if I weren't so stubborn. Prior to this I had already quit eating pork and been working on curbing what words come from my tongue.
As you kind of figured, I haven't given all of the details but this is the main idea. My points are this... don't believe everything you hear in the media (try reading the Qur'an for yourself before you make a decision), give people a chance to get to know them on a personal level...ie..don't judge as it's not our place to do so (if I didn't give this brother a chance I would not have been able to learn and experience Islam (I first thank Allah and then thank him for this) and have a person I hold dear to me), think... God gave us a most precious gift of a brain and logic...use it--what's the harm?
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Woman's Role?
As I sit here, possum running around clicking his tongue, Hostel 2 playing on the TV, I wonder where the natural woman's role has gone. Back in the day, women would cook, clean and tend to her husband and children. They would enjoy the company of one another and pray together.
They would sit and have meals together prepared by the woman of the houses hands. Where has that gone?
When women burned their bras and demanded to be equals I wonder... did they know how society would end up? Did they have any idea how it would be? Sure, I know its important for women to do their part for the household but as women go to work, who raises the children or tends the house? Now one wonders whose turn it is to go through the drive-thru for dinner. Is this what we have become and what about the children, left to raise themselves?
Where has the woman gone now that they have taken men's roles? Sure women can work a part time job and still keep the house going but what about the women who want to stay at home and be homemakers? What about women who want to keep their femininity? Those who want to make sure the home is where her heart is, her Kings castle. What ever happened to this role?
What is this trend of Mr. Mom who stays home to tend the house and children for the working career woman? Wake up women of today's world. We belong in the house to tend to our families and responsibilities. We owe it to ourselves to take back this role and give men back theirs. It's not a matter of being oppressed, it's a matter of nature and well being.
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