The Colour of Islam

I recently had a conversation with someone about the importance of telling others we are Muslim. For some women who are covering, or brothers with beards and even thawb (the long garment sometimes brothers wear) it may be obvious upon first glance. However, this isn't always the case, and certainly for  a new convert the thought of proclaiming that you are Muslim to family and friends, and even the greater part of society and seem like an incredibly daunting task. The thought of facing rejection, comments, and even hatred may make it seem that keeping his or her Islam a secret is a better option. 

Alhamdulillah I just finished the first Juz in the Qur'an class that I have been taking (just another plug for it-- Al Huda Taleem al Qur'an, there are part-time and full-time options both online and on-site) and in one of our last lessons we discussed the "colour of Islam" or rather the colour that Allah (subhanna wa tallah) marks us with. 

2:136--

" Our Sibghah is the Sibghah of Allah and which Sibghah can be better than Allah's? And we are His worshipers."

Now this is a perfect example of how the English translation of the Qur'an really doesn't do the Qur'an any justice and really it is just one more example why all Muslims should be learning the Arabic so they can read the Qur'an as it is meant to be read. In the above verse, Sibghah is not defined, while in some translations it is defined as "Baptism" or even "Religion". In our word analysis class we learned that the root of the word actually means "Colour, dye, or a colour which is adopted on to something" So when it says in the translation that Sibghah means Religion, it takes on the meaning of the 'religion that when we take it on, it literally changes us as taking on another colour would'. That when people are given or adopt the religion of Islam they are cloaked in that which Allah (Subahanna wa tallah) has given them so that they will appear different and reflect it on others. And just like dye, it won't come off-- When we accept Islam completely it won't come off. Islam becomes our identity and we cannot remove ourselves from it. 

So, how does this all connect to telling people about whether or not we are Muslim? In the beauty of the Allah's word choice in our glorious Qur'an, we see that when we become Muslim, it will be reflected on us, that people will naturally see it. That there will be a change. That outward and inward change is the religion, it will be reflected on us, and 

"And which Sibghah can be better than Allah's? " 2:136

Allah (Subhanna wa tallah) has blessed with this amazing religion, the religion of truth and oneness, and it will change our lives. Be confident in that and know that there is no need to fear anything but Allah (Subhanna wa tallah). "On no soul does Allah place a burden greater than it can bear" 2:286. 

We mustn't be shy about Islam, but know that Allah (Subhannah wa tallah) shows us for those who fully adopt the religion, the change will be evident. 

May Allah guide us all to His way, and keep us in Islam. Ameen 

U of T

I was given the opportunity to speak in a class of U of T Education Students (who are about to become teachers) today. One of my girlfriends is a convert and student in the class and was asked to speak about Islam. I was invited to go as well, in the hopes of answering questions and creating understanding for those teachers if they have Muslim students in their classrooms. 

Between my nerves and the general tone of the class, I don't know whether it was effective or not. Hindsight is 20/20 and I am replaying moments wishing I had added comments or made points that may have been far more beneficial. One thing that I mentioned but I don't know if it was properly heard amidst the many questions  and comments in the session was this-- And this is really crucial... 

It is really impossible to look at Islam through the eyes of a non-Muslim and to be able to understand it as a Muslim understands it. This is because coming from various cultures and backgrounds we have biases and opinions that create filters on how we view certain points. Likewise, me being a Muslim will likely not be able to understand a point about a non-Muslim value system that is opposite of a practise within the religion. (A convert may or may not be the exception to this.) Those in the West worship their freedom, wealth and liberties, while Muslims worship Allah. Allah has outlined the way we should live and as a Muslim it isn't problematic because we strive for adherence to our religion, not for personal gains and accomplishments. While the non-Muslim works towards gaining freedom, idependence... the list could go on and on, the Muslim works towards a mastery of the self which is complete worship of our creator. I just want to highlight this again, as the point of my presentation to the class today was not to come to an agreement.  It was to present the information of the Qur'an and the Hadith (the sayings and actions of Muhammad (May Allah's peace be upon him) with truth and accuracy so whether or not a person accepts or believes them, they will know what their students, and Muslims believe. God willing this was taken from today's presentation and the class did leave with a  specific knowledge about Islam and its practices and not anger that there was disagreement and we didn't all see eye to eye. 

The other thing that I pray for, is that when one of these teachers has a student that comes to them telling them their hijab was ripped off by someone, or that they were called a camel-jockey, or that they cannot do a particular assignment because it is against their religious beliefs, that they will be met with sensitivity, support, and respect. Being different isn't easy, and being different and hated by a lot of society is especially difficult. Be a safe person to those students-- 

I am very greatful for the opportunity I was given to speak in the class today. Any goodness that comes from it is solely from Allah and any error was mine alone. 

Announcements

I have been meaning to post for the last little while... I guess time got away on me. I just have a couple of announcements that I thought people should be aware of. 

Firstly, mark your calendars. Journey of Faith Conference II is July 4th and 5th of this year in Toronto. Last year was incredible. Insha'Allah I will see you all there. 

This weekend April 11 and 12 in Toronto at Khalid bin Waleed Mosque there is a conference with a great speaker list mash'Allah. Check it out at www.khalidmosque.com/en/

If you haven't already heard Al Kauthar is offering knowledge hive to the students of Toronto/GTA. Shukh from around the world will be attending. Seats are limited to 100. Check it out at www.alkauthar.org

Still a favorite. www.quranexplorer.com for those of you who are wanting to listen to the Qur'an and/or memorize. There are lots of options for repetition, reciters, tajweed....

www.understandquran.com This site is amazing mash'Allah! With tutorials to help with memorizing, word lists to teach the most common words in the Qur'an and much more, it is a favorite for those who are seeking to understand and memorize the Qur'an.

Lastly, I have been invited to speak in a class at U of T this week. I will be presenting with another student of the class, speaking mainly about women in Islam. I am really excited although incredibly nervous. Please keep me in your dua that Allah gives me clairity in speech, and that my intention remain for His sake alone. Insha'Allah it brings benefit.