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Divine Words
“The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong). So whoever of you sights (the crescent on the first night of) the month (of Ramadan), he must fast that month, and whoever is ill or on a journey, the same number (of days which one did not fast must be made up) from other days. Allah intends for you ease and He does not want to make things difficult for you. (He wants that you) must complete the same number (of days), and that you must magnify Allah for having guided you so that you may be grateful to Him.”
Volume 1, 2021 Supervisor Abeer Sher Editor Sadaf Alam Co-Editor Fariha Lakhani
- Surah al-Baqara,185 -
Editorial Board Umaymah Shahid Fatimah Murad Fariha Lakhani Juveria Syed Rehana Kaleem Saima Shah Nasreen Inaam
“Certainly no one despairs of Allah’s Mercy, except the people who disbelieve.”
Layout & Graphics Juveria Syed Nasreen Inaam
- Surah Yusuf, 87 -
Pearls of Wisdom The Prophet SAW said,
“Whoever fasted the month of Ramadan out of sincere Faith (i.e. belief) and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his past sins will be forgiven, and whoever stood for the prayers in the night of Qadr out of sincere Faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven.” - Bukhari, 2014 -
“Whoever asks often for forgiveness, Allah will provide for him a way out of each concern he has, and will solve all his troubles, and will provide him with livelihood from sources that were not known to him.”
Publishing Office Editorial ICNA Sisters’ Headquarters 12551 Emily Court Sugar Land, Texas 77478 Email: icnanooreng@gmail.com Support Us! Donate at: http://bit.ly/icnanoordonate
Articles, letters, and comments are welcome. Submissions are subject to editing for reasons of space and clarity. Noor does not acknowledge or return unsolicited material. Noor is produced in three quarterly issues. It is a magazine for Muslim families. It offers comprehensive thematic coverage of ideas and issues of concern to Muslims in America. Published content does not necessarily imply agreement or endorsement by ICNA Sisters. All content except that which is noted as copyright may be reprinted with appropriate acknowledgment.
- Riyad as-Salihin, 1873 -
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Editorial
Assalamualaikum dear readers,
What’s Inside...
COVID-19 has inflicted a collective suffering to the world and has altered our lives in ways we would never have imagined. Many of us have also felt this pain on an individual level, having suffered through the illness ourselves or seen our loved ones suffering and sometimes losing their lives. But it seems now that a return to normal is on the horizon. Is this a time to rejoice? Perhaps. But what causes our joy and our hope? The general consensus seems to be that, since the COVID-19 vaccine is now available, the world is successfully about to “defeat” this virus. There is hope, because we have a tangible reason for hope. But what of our belief in the Might and Power of Allah SWT? A true Muslim, one who submits completely to the will of Allah SWT, does not only place his or her hope in external factors, or tangible resources. Hope, for a Muslim, is primarily a “cultivated state of mind” (as my friend calls it) encompassing our entire life. When we understand that nothing is possible without the permission of Allah SWT, we completely trust Him. We can let our hearts be at ease, knowing that if He wills it, our circumstances will improve, even if there is nothing that indicates improvement. And we can take precautions for our safety, knowing that our precautions as well as our faith in Allah will keep us safe as long as it is good for us. We tie our figurative camels and leave the rest up to Allah SWT. As the beautiful month of Ramadan approaches, we have a timely opportunity to pause and reflect. What are our hopes for ourselves and for those around us? What do we hope to see for our future and how will we accomplish that? Hope is always for the future, but we must continue to live in the present. And that present should be in service of Allah SWT’s pleasure and in realizing our greatest hope, that of success in the Akhirah, the ultimate future for all believers.
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14
Brain Games:
Editorial & Readers’ Voices
Ramadan Crossword Puzzle
06
15
Ramadan, Renewal, & Resolution
New Beginnings, New Normal: Light at the End of the Tunnel
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17
Poetry Corner:
Ramadan: The Lamp, The Light That Gives Guidance
10
Cook’s Corner:
Peanut Butter Chocolate Date Balls
20
The Return of Hope
Light Upon Light
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21
Mindful Minutes: Having the Right Perspective
Because You Asked
22
Alhamdulillah
24
Step By Step
26
Ramadan, My Reset Button
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Health Corner:
Nourishing Our Bodies to Nourish Our Souls
29
10 Practical Tips for a Productive Ramadan
In this issue, we have an array of thoughtful articles and short stories, preparing us for Ramadan, and helping us to reflect on the current times. We are also excited to announce a new regular segment on mental health, “Mindful Minutes” written by Zoha Qureshi, a Relationship and Emotional Coach. Her first article in this issue is about how our perspective can guide our life. We also have another new segment for “Brain Games”. Solve, and enjoy!
“
Please keep the entire Ummah in your duas this Ramadan, and onwards. Wassalam, ~Editor
Readers’ Voices
Assalamalikum, may Allah SWT reward you for the efforts the writers and staff put in to create this magazine. I truly enjoyed reading articles like how the prophets handled tests. This article struck a deep chord in me. The difficulties the prophets faced, the obstacles they had to overcome were indeed not to remove them from the path but to strengthen them on the journey of walking on the sirat ul mustaqeem. The reminders and inspiration I derived from reading this article were very beneficial. May you all continue to produce great work.
Mash’Allah this is a good collection of topics. I remember reading the ICNA magazine many years ago and I think the format is the same since then, which is fine because this seems to work. Here are my suggestions: Can there be bios after each author’s name? Or a page with contributing authors’ names and a short summary of their work. For example, is the poetry written by a young girl/woman? Also, I want to know who chooses the questions in the “Because You Asked” section? And how does one submit a question?
I thoroughly enjoyed reading some articles in this issue of Noor. They were reflective and profound. I would suggest the text to have different font usage & color for each article. It would also be nice to have a tarbiyah section dedicated to topics of personal development in an Islamic light. Looking forward to more spiritual reads.
Editor’s response: Jazakillah khair for your suggestion! We changed our practice of adding author introductions a few years ago, but we can reconsider it, Insha Allah. Questions for “Because You Asked” are selected by the editorial team from received submissions. To send a question, please email us at icnanooreng@gmail.com.
- Shireen Husein -
- Mehreen Ahsan -
- Farheen Beg -
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Ramadan, Renewal & Resolution By: Fatimah Murad
E
very year as the month of December winds down people around the world look to the beginning of the new calendar year as the means to a fresh start. Articles and lists are written of all the things that went wrong in the current year and resolutions are made in the hopes of improving the one to come. The stroke of midnight is anticipated as some magic switch that will flip and everything will change. Very often, by the time people get used to writing the correct year on the date, many have already failed to keep up their resolutions. The celebratory feeling that accompanied all the fireworks fades as the dismal weather drags out with winter’s slow end.
and it is anticipated and planned for in every region of the world.
For myself, and for hundreds of millions of practicing Muslim families around the globe, there is another occasion to look forward to. It is not tied to any particular season or Gregorian date, rather it shifts through every one through the decades bestowing its blessings throughout. This is Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar,
For as long as I can remember, Ramadan was the most eagerly awaited time of year in my household both before and after marriage. We put up decorations, prepared special dishes, adjusted our schedules, chose a masjid for Taraweeh prayer, and did a deep cleaning of the house. But most importantly, we made plans. Plans for how to get
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Since it is not just one day but an entire month with specially associated rituals, it has the power to facilitate more enduring changes, both in our mindset and our daily routine. It is simultaneously a high intensity boot-camp, demanding us to push our bodies and souls to the limit in varying forms of worship, and a wellness retreat, offering a tranquil escape from the stresses of daily life. It is our time to spiritually recharge and recommit ourselves to serving our Creator in the best way possible.
the most out of Ramadan. We chose books we wanted to read, surahs to study, or sunnah habits to establish. And also plans for how to continue the momentum we gained and carry it through the rest of the year. Inspired by the oft repeated wisdom that it takes thirty days to make or break a habit, we would make goals to take with us into the rest of the year. Whether that was increasing our daily reading of the Qur’an, trying to attend Isha at the masjid, or keeping up the habit of waking up for tahajjud. There were even nonreligious goals, such as trying to exercise regularly. Inevitably, though we did not manage to sustain each and every one throughout the coming year, many stayed with us for months afterwards. And just when the fuel seemed to run out and our drive began to lessen, we found that another Ramadan was around the corner and with it the chance to start all over again.
to send a mass text to forgotten names in our phone-book. The month of Ramadan, with its exhilarating sense of purpose and spiritual highs, also illustrates in an amplified way the beautiful paradox that is the experience of being Muslim and serving our Creator. When we think of most of the obligations we must fulfill in our daily life; tasks at our jobs, homework for our studies, chores and errands related to running our households, they are very often burdensome and bring a sense of relief upon completion. While we may enjoy some more than others, the majority of our satisfaction comes from finishing them. The obligations we owe to Allah SWT feel entirely different. They are both a responsibility and an escape. When we perform them wholeheartedly, they offer a kind of serenity that many other activities we use as leisurely diversions, such as TV and movies or fictional stories and inane news blurbs, cannot match. The more time we spend in His worship, the more we want to continue. Instead of exhausting us, prayer and dhikr of Allah SWT gives us the strength to persist. There are times when I neglect the Qur’an, not picking it up for days, but whenever I do, I do not feel like putting it down. It is the same with voluntary prayers and other forms of worship.
This is a sentiment that I know is shared by so many friends, family members, and Muslim communities around me. Ramadan is our once in-a-year opportunity to wipe our slate clean and start fresh. It is even described as such by our beloved Prophet Muhammad SAW in the following hadith reported by Abu Huraira RA, “Verily the Messenger of Allah SAW Similarly, if we think of the times that “The month of Ramadan, said: The five (daily) prayers and we wrong another human being, with its exhilarating sense of from one Friday prayer to the (next) or fail to do some duty, we feel a Friday prayer, and from Ramadan distinct sense of embarrassment purpose and spiritual highs, to Ramadan are expiations for the an instinct to run from our also illustrates in an amplified and (sins) committed in between (their failure. When we struggle in our way the beautiful paradox intervals) provided one shuns the interpersonal dealings, we often major sins,” (Sahih Muslim). Allah that is the experience of being need distance to process, but not so SWT knows our natures and knows with our Creator. When we sin, it is Muslim and serving our that despite our best intentions we with Allah SWT that we find refuge; will veer off track. He has provided similar to a misbehaving child who Creator.” us with intermittent opportunities to seeks solace from his/her mother realign ourselves: small ones in the after being disciplined. He demands form of our Salah, weekly on Fridays, from us but He also grants us the and the intensive once-a-year event that is Ramadan. strength to meet those demands and when we inevitably fall short, He offers us forgiveness and the chance to try There is something incredibly holistic about the nature again. And all of it, the entire cycle, is not for His benefit of Ramadan because it offers so many ways to better rather for our own betterment. ourselves. Whichever aspect of life and worship we may have been falling short in during the year, in Ramadan there Ramadan perfectly encapsulates this wondrous relationship are chances to improve on them all. If we have become that believers share with their Lord. It is a month-long distanced from the Qur’an, we are compelled to pick it up reminder of the unconditional love of our Creator and the and devote extended time to it. If we have forgotten to give ways in which He facilitates our journey through this life charity, there is a new cause waiting for our support every of toil. In another Hadith narrated by Abu Huraira RA and day. If we have begun to slack off in our sunnah prayers, recorded in Sahih Bukhari, Allah’s Messenger SAW said, all the extra rakahs we offer remind us of the value of “When the month of Ramadan comes, the gates of Paradise taking out those few extra minutes of our day. If we have are opened and the gates of the (Hell) Fire are closed, and become distracted from seeking knowledge, there is a the devils are chained.” This is our annual reprieve from barrage of amazing content available for our consumption. the ruts we fall into, our chance to begin anew. Let us seize If we have fallen out of contact with friends, the increased this gift from Allah SWT and use it to chart our path to His sense of community pushes us to reconnect, even if only pleasure, and in it we will find our own. v
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- Poetry Corner -
Ramadan: The Lamp By: Sarah Rahmatullah
Blue dark sky, clouds on high, dark as midnight ether. City center, not one soul to enter, except for a single person there. Long coat masking tension, wide-brimmed hat averting mention, exhausted, misbegotten, and beleaguered, so went that single figure. City square laid with darkness and cobbles, ‘cross the way a park cloaked in shadows beckoning, beckoning to our figure there. Winding pathways, skeletal trees, a breath of wind whispering, “This way, please.” On, plodding on, went our figure, ensnared. Then began to fall the rain our figure kept on stepping in time to its own dismal refrain. One of dereliction, desolation. Oh, with what fain would it do, to escape that pain! A curve in the path, a bend in the way, The figure rounded it and lo! What was that far away?
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A single pinprick, a point of light, piercing the deadness of the night. Our figure’s cheeks flushed, the eyes sparked with a new light. To reach that glimmer our figure would walk, would run, would fight! With a step renewed with fresh vigor, our figure headed toward that light, that trigger! Nearer, ever nearer, drew it, to that expanding glow, which directed it. And there! A single streetlamp, burning fair. Tall, of wrought iron, wonderfully illuming, to our figure, internal light was dawning! A ribbon of wind, a hushed voice imparting, “Welcome, weary one. For thirty days, this light resounding, waking sleeping ones, lost ones, and those repining. Rest in its radiance, and when it goes, remember what it saw, what it told.” And as our figure slipped off its coat, from its heart sprang forth joy, and hope.
The Light That Gives Guidance By: Mahibah Sajjad
The connection you feel when you put your head to the ground praying to Allah, tears pouring out. Your hands in front of you asking Him to forgive, all of the sins that you have committed. He will always be there if you submit. He is with you when you’re at your worst, and Allah is with you when you’re at your best. He is there for you in good times, and when you feel undermined. Allah is always there when no one else is. He makes you feel thankful for all He has given. And when you are all alone in the darkness, Allah is the light that gives you guidance. The light at the end of the tunnel. He gives us hope through all of our troubles. The reason to believe in Him isn’t subtle. During this month of Ramadan, I hope we all feel The All-Mighty’s light. The hope within us will shine bright.
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many classes and functions as I could, but there was still something missing. I had no real direction. No guidance. I was no longer depressed, lonely or sad, but I had no idea how to really live as God wanted us to. What is sinful and what is not? If our sins have been forgiven, then what is the purpose of life? What makes someone a good person and are we guaranteed heaven? These are questions that the church could not answer for me. I would read Bible scriptures, then see the opposite practiced in church. From Christmas trees on the altars to Easter egg hunts at church, I could not understand why Christians were not following the Bible.
The Return of HOPE By: Naomi Seif
H
ope. A word that gives an option to something better. I had to learn how to hope. I was born into what
some may consider a “hopeless” situation. As a child, in the middle of a custody battle and child abuse charges, I was put into the foster care system, hoping one of my parents would come for my younger brother and me. A few years later, I was separated from my brother, hoping one day to be reunited with him. Two years, then five. I would spend a decade in the system and by this time, “hope” had been nothing but dreams that I had no privilege to. Nine foster homes and three family members later, I did not believe in “hope”. I was sixteen. But hope always existed. Each time I wanted to give up and quit, there she was reminding me that I did have an option. That there was another way. There was only one way and that was God. My grandmother, Esperanza, whose very name means hope in Spanish, was a passionate Pentecostal who moved to Chicago with my grandfather from Puerto Rico. She never went to school and was illiterate. She never learned to drive a car, but my grandmother was the smartest, wisest, strongest person I’d ever met. As I grew older, I had to admit that I needed to create a place in my life for a relationship with God. All I had was Christianity, church and what I had learned from watching my grandmother. I had gotten tired of the cycles that had become of my life – always ending in heartbreak and setbacks. Perhaps my grandmother was right. I started off by reading the Bible and attending a Baptist church. I could feel a part of me start to become stronger. After a few years, I moved to Michigan and worked in ministry. Church became my therapy. I was my pastor’s assistant. I attended as
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By this time, my beloved grandmother had passed, but the hope that she gave me in trusting in a relationship with God only became more alive. I read about Mecca and Hagar RA and wondered why Christians never went to Hajj. I stopped eating pork after a friend who was a Seventh Day Adventist showed me that it was forbidden in the Bible. I outgrew the pep-rally-like worship service before a sermon and just thought that I needed a more challenging church that could teach me more.
I then remembered the Muslims that love Jesus AS more than they loved themselves. I never considered becoming a Muslim; I just wanted to see who Jesus AS was in Islam. I asked for help looking for a Mosque and an Imam to talk to on Facebook. I started a dialogue with someone who put me in touch with his father who was the local Imam. The more I learned, the more worried I became. I’d find something I liked, like praying, and then say “no, I’m not Muslim I just pray five times a day”. I started to read the English translation of the Qur’an and immediately recognized the stories and Prophets of the Qur’an. It was as if the conversation I was having with God via the Bible had been picked back up via the Qur’an. And then Ramadan was around the corner.
My friend whose father was an Imam, sent his niece to support and teach me about Islam. My new sister taught me how to make Wudu. She taught me how to pray, with my forehead and nose to the ground, like Jesus did in Matthew 26:39. Islam was the “meat” that I needed. I learned that God was much greater than a father and that even Satan submitted and was not a rival. But what brought hope back into my “What is sinful and what is not? heart officially was in realizing that Allah never abandoned me. Allah If our sins have been forgiven, preparing me for the university then what is the purpose of life? was that is Islam. I had to first learn that What makes someone a good I needed Him. I had to learn how to submit with my heart before I could person and are we guaranteed perform any physical rituals.
Then one day, around the time of Easter (2010), I was reading the story of the resurrection in the Bible. In the middle of the story there was a symbol and a footnote at the bottom of the page. It said something to heaven?” the effect of “This portion had been Ramadan 2010 was in August. It is added to the scripture 300 years the hottest, most humid month in the after the previous.” I was shocked. Midwest, and I was determined to I had already started to see fast, even though I was not an official Muslim. After the first contradictions in the practice and teachings in the church day of fasting, by myself, I felt so emotional once maghrib but I felt the Bible was our guidance. For the first time I came in. I felt connected to others around the world that started to question its origins. were also breaking their fast at the very same time as I While I was working in a Christian Mission, a man once was. I realized that this coming to Islam may have been an answered prayer from those before me: my Muslim came in for help. It was part of our job to assess our clients’ ancestors brought as slaves from West Africa and brought spirituality. “How are you spiritually?” we’d have to ask. to the Caribbean, along with my ancestors that were forced “How is your relationship with Jesus?” The man’s response into Catholicism in Al-Andalusian Spain. was beautiful. “I love Jesus more than I love myself.” I had never even heard Christians speak that way. “Do you have a church home?” I asked. “I am a Muslim,” was his answer. I finally found the guidance and security I was looking for. They say the safest place to be is in the will of God and After we were done, I went and asked my supervisor, “Why here is where hope was waiting for me. I took Shahada do we love the Jew that denies Jesus but hate the Muslim that loves him more than himself?” Again, no answer. that Ramadan. Hope had returned for good. Alhamdulillah. The church had been a healing place for me but now I needed something more. I figured that if I kept my focus on Jesus AS, I would be okay. I looked into Judaism. I celebrated Hanukkah one year, but this would not work because they do not accept Jesus AS.
Ramadan 2010 was in August. It is the hottest, most humid month in the Midwest, and I was determined to fast, even though I was not a Muslim. After the first day of fasting, by myself, I felt so emotional once maghrib came in. I finally found the guidance I was looking for. I took Shahada that Ramadan. Hope had returned for good. Alhamdulillah. v Noor Magazine I 2021 | 11
- Mindful Minutes -
Perspective Having the Right By: Zoha Qureshi
W
hen I think of Ramadan, I think of perspective. It is the ideal time to change the way we think and perceive what happens in the world. More importantly, it can change how we see our lives.
Perspective is an important part of therapy. It can make or break your mental health. Having logical perspective can keep you from falling into a spiral. A spiral starts with a mental health trigger (a traumatic event or a reminder of one) and continues to worsen through negative self-talk. This causes you to spiral deeper into a damaging mental health episode. Holding on to a proper perspective will help you from going too far into a destructive headspace. Many of us have experienced trauma often without realizing it. Trauma can be anything that has affected you in a deep and negative way, and differs for everyone. A large part of trauma is feeling a lack of control in certain situations. If you experience trauma or anxiety, perspective can help you shape and take control over the narrative of your life. For many, that feeling of not being in control of our own lives can be extremely triggering. When we change our perspectives, we feel more in control and can continue to move forward. Let me share a situation that illustrates this point. During my undergraduate years, I struggled with my Chemistry 2 class. I was in every office hour. I regularly made appointments with my professor to go over problems I got wrong on tests and homework. I worked harder than I ever had in any class in my life, but still failed the class by 0.5 points. I was crushed and felt helpless. Now there are two ways I could have looked at this. I could have pushed myself into an anxious depressive episode by thinking that this fail meant I was a failure. What kind of desi girl can’t pass Chem 2? I could have let it destroy my self-esteem. I almost did. But, Alhamdulillah, I was able to keep perspective. I questioned: ‘What good could come of this?’ Maybe this was a sign from Allah that I wasn’t meant for this field? I came to the decision that this meant I needed a new major. I looked up the majors at the university I was attending and found Family Life Education. I would have never even
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known it had existed had I not failed Chemistry! I ended up taking the introductory class. I loved it and it led me to the career path that I am on now. Alhamdulillah, this is what I was meant to be doing. Practically speaking, there are two main tools to help you change your perspective: Questions and Reflections. Personally, I love questions. If you are going through something that is making you struggle, ask yourself questions. My go-to questions to ask yourself are: “What good can come from this?” and “In the entire scheme of my life, how greatly is this going to affect me?” Sometimes the situation is too overwhelming for you to process by yourself. In this case, ask a friend to talk you through the situation. It’s likely that they will be able to ask you questions and help you process. Reflection is not only an important part of Islam, but an important part of mental health. THINK ABOUT THINGS! Compare them to other situations. Read some stories of the Prophet SAW or read from the Qur’an and see if what you’ve read applies to your situation. Take some time specifically out of your day to think about your day and your life. Think of how you react to challenges that you experience and why you might be reacting that way. Ramadan is drawing near. It’s a time where we try to shift our focus and create good habits. It feels like the perfect time to work on changing our perspectives. We all work a little harder in Ramadan on our faith and mental health should definitely be a part of that. May Allah SWT allow us to reach all of our goals this Ramadan including changing our perspectives for the better. Ameen. Note: Everything I talk about in this article is intended to speak to a general audience. People are unique and this may not apply to you. Please seek professional help from a qualified individual when dealing with severe trauma or mental health issues. v About the author: Zoha Qureshi is a peer counselor based out of Oklahoma. She has a bachelor’s in family life education and a masters in marriage and family therapy. She has served in several capacities in Young Muslim Sisters and actively works in her local community. Zoha utilizes Instagram (@muslimgirltherapy) to destigmatize mental health and normalize being a hot mess.
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- Brain Games -
Ramadan
crossword puzzle Directions: Use the clues to fill in the words above. Words can go across or down. Letters are shared when the words intersect.
ACROSS 1. Lailatul Qadr is called the night of___ 6. The reward in Ramadan for this is only from Allah SWT 8. The longest Surah in the Qur’an 9. 2.5% is obligatory 10. The Prophet SAW in Ramadan was more______
DOWN 2. Fasting is not obligatory for certain people in which month 3. Prayers that are done only in the month of Ramadan 4. This meal has blessings in it 5. Only fasting people will enter Jannah by this gate 7. This Surah is equal to reading one- third of the Qur’an.
Some words are in Arabic - Answers can be found on page 23 14 | Noor Magazine I 2021
New Beginnings, New Normal: Light at the End of the Tunnel By: Afshan Raja
It
is a cold morning. 20° F cold. Maryam’s day has started earlier than usual. With butterflies in her stomach, she goes about her routine, getting her classroom ready for the students. It is more than halfway into the school year and she has yet to meet them in person. For many of them, today is that day. Midyear school openings are interesting - the kids know each other and their teacher, and she knows them. It does not feel like the first day. It is not the first day, yet it is.
Her head spins. Maryam goes out to meet her students at her designated spot. The spots are marked with teachers’ names to guide students to their classes. She is holding a spray bottle with colored water, and she begins spraying the snow, marking spots for students to practice social distancing as they line up. She is out early. As she waits for her students, she starts worrying. How will the students react? Will they race up to give a hug? How will she
stop them? They have had frequent conversations on Zoom about air high fives and virtual hugs. Hopefully they will remember. One by one, the students start trickling in. As they dutifully walk up to the designated spot, she greets them excitedly. They are careful to keep their distance. She is relieved and does not bridge the gap. They look smaller. The Zoom screens had enlarged their personalities and brought them close to the camera.
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- Cook’s Corner -
Peanut Butter Chocolate Date Balls They look the same, yet different. She feels the excitement in the air. She is happy to see them. Her heart is full and at peace.
“And ease my task for me.” Qur’an, 20:26
It is a cold morning. 20° F cold. Fatima’s day has started earlier than usual. With butterflies in her stomach, she goes about her routine, except it is slightly different today. She does not have to keep waking her kids. They are awake and ready. Today they go back to school. They have been in school all along, but today is the first day they get to go to school in person. It is not the first day, yet it is. Her head spins. Fatima packs her kids’ bags with extra masks, and back up masks for the extra masks. As she drives them to school, she reminds them of all of the new rules in place. “Remember to practice social distancing in school.” “Don’t forget to change into your lunch mask for lunch and recess.” “Keep your water bottle with you.” “Keep your mask on the whole time.” They listen and affirm that they will follow through. As she parks her vehicle, she gets out of the car and hugs her kids. She cannot walk them to their classes. There are new COVID restrictions in place. Parents are not allowed in the school building. She watches them walk up to their teachers’ lines. The kids see their friends and wave at them. They give each other smiles. The teachers look excited. They greet each other. They all look happy. She is happy to see them happy. Her heart is full and at peace.
“Do not lose hope, nor be sad.” Qur’an, 3:139
It is a cold morning. Sania doesn’t know how cold, but it feels colder than normal. She is up earlier than usual. It is her first day of school. Well, she has been attending Zoom classes all along, but today is her first day to go to her class. It is not the first day, yet it is. Her head spins. As Sania gets ready for school, her mom brings her extra masks, and back up masks for the extra masks. She packs them in with the rest of her supplies. There are no common supplies this year. She must keep her supplies with herself and not share them with any one. On the way to school, her mom reminds her, and her brother, of all the new school rules in place. “Yes ma’am,” She exhales as she replays the rules in her mind. She hugs her mom a little tighter as she bids her goodbye. Parents cannot walk the kids to class this year. She nods to her brother as she walks towards her class line. Some of her friends are already in line. Others are making their way towards it. She waves at them. They wave back. The teacher greets her and directs her to the next spot in line. She feels excited. She is happy. Her heart is full and at peace.
“And He is with you wherever you are.” Qur’an, 57:4
It is a cold morning. 20° F cold. Asiya’s day is no different than usual. With butterflies in her stomach, she goes about her routine. She has decided to keep her kids home this year. She wonders if she has made the right decision. They were not ready to navigate the new school normal just yet. She is not ready. Asiya moves around them as they sprawl on the living room floor, working on their school projects. They are happy. She is happy to see them happy. Her heart is full and at peace.
“Verily, with hardship comes ease.” Qur’an, 94:5
Servings: 15 Ingredients: 1 cup dates (pitted/if dry, soak in warm water for 10 minutes, then drain well) 3 Tbsp all-natural salted peanut or almond butter 1/4 cup dairy-free dark chocolate (roughly chopped) 1 Tbsp chia seeds (or sub flax or hemp seeds) 2/3 cup gluten-free rolled oats Directions: 1. Pulse pitted dates in a food processor or blender until they’re in small pieces or it forms a ball. 2. Add oats, chocolate, chia seeds and peanut butter and pulse or mix until combined. You want there to be consistently small pieces but not overly processed. 3. Carefully roll into 1-inch balls (29-30 grams per ball), using the warmth of your hands to mold them together. Should yield 14-15 balls (amount as original recipe is written/adjust if altering batch size). 4. To set, pop in fridge or freezer for 15 minutes. Otherwise, eat as is! Will keep fresh in an air-tight bag or container for up to a week. Freeze for longer term storage. https://minimalistbaker.com/5-ingredient-peanutbutter-cup-energy-bites/
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Noor Magazine I 2021 | 17
ورهِۦ ِ ٱهللُ ُنو ُر ٱل َّس ٰ َم ٰ َو ِ ْت َو ْٱلَر ِ ض َم َث ُل ُن اج ٍة َ َك ِم ْش َك ٰو ٍة فِي َها ِمصْ َبا ٌح ْٱل ِمصْ َبا ُح فِى ُز َج ُّ اج ُة َكأ َ َّن َها َك ْو َكبٌ ُدرِّ ىٌّ يُو َق ُد مِن َش َج َر ٍة َ ٱلز َج ُّم ٰ َب َر َك ٍة َز ْي ُتو َن ٍة َّل َشرْ ِق َّي ٍة َو َل َغرْ ِب َّي ٍة َي َكا ُد َز ْي ُت َها ور َي ْهدِى ٍ يُضِ ٓى ُء َو َل ْو َل ْم َتمْ َسسْ ُه َنا ٌر ُّنو ٌر َع َل ٰى ُن ورهِۦ َمن َي َشآ ُء َو َيضْ ِربُ ٱهللُ ْٱلَ ْم ٰ َث َل ِ ٱهللُ لِ ُن اس َوٱهللُ ِب ُك ِّل َشىْ ٍء َعلِي ٌم ِ لِل َّن
Light upon Light Qur’anic Reflections:
نور عىل نور By: Attiya Arif
“Allah is the Light of the heavens and the Earth. The example of His light is like a niche within which is a lamp, the lamp is within a glass, the glass as if it were a pearly [white] star lit from [the oil of] a blessed olive tree, neither of the east nor of the west, whose oil would almost glow even if untouched by fire. Light upon light. Allah guides to His light whom He wills. And Allah presents examples for the people, and Allah is Knowing of all things.” (Surah AnNoor, 35)
The Verse of Radiance
Unpacking the Parable Allah SWT says, “The example of His light is like a niche.” A niche is the recess in a wall used to place things; in the case of this parable it is a lamp. The niche thus represents the chest of the believer and the illuminating lamp is the revelation from Allah SWT (Al-Mubarakpuri, Tafsir Ibn Kathir). “The lamp is within a glass.” The glass represents the heart and Allah describes the glass as if it were a pearly white star, which implies that the glass combines the qualities of transparency as well as of solidity. The transparency indicates that the light has the ability to not only enter the heart, but to exit from it as well. Hence the light of emaan not only enters the heart of a believer, but radiates out from it as well, illuminating the hearts of those around it. The solidity represents being steadfast upon the truth. Unlike liquids, which take the shape and form of whatever container they are poured into, the believer’s heart is constant upon the truth. It does not change or overturn with the changing events and circumstances, as opposed to the heart of the hypocrite. (Elshinawy, M. An In-Depth commentary of The Diseases of The Heart and Their Cure)
The verse is known as the ‘Verse of Radiance’, since it The parable continues “…lit from [the oil of] a blessed describes in great detail the radiance of faith, and gives an olive tree, neither of the east nor of the west, whose oil implied understanding of the darkness of disbelief, aiming would almost glow even if untouched by fire.” Here the to replace this darkness with light. oil represents the pure fitrah; the The ayah begins with ‘Allah is the natural light of guidance that has light of the heavens and the earth,’ been inherently placed within each a statement very powerful, yet and every human being by Allah beyond the ability of the human SWT. For this reason, Allah SWT “...it is only the believer who mind to fully comprehend as is. says that this oil would almost glow draws benefit from the revelation, even if untouched by fire – meaning According to Ibn Abbas RA, ‘Allah that all humans have the natural even though the pure fitrah has is the light of the heavens and the tendency to be inclined towards been granted to each and every Earth’ means, “the Guide of the good and to recognize the truth with inhabitants of the heavens and the human being.” the light of their pure fitrah. Earth”. According to another view of Ibn Abbas and Mujahid, it means, “He is controlling their affairs and the stars and the sun and moon.” It is recorded that Ibn Abbas RA said, “When the Messenger of Allah SAW got up to pray at night, he would say: ‘O Allah, to You be praise. You are the sustainer of the heavens and the Earth and whoever is in them. To You be praise. You are the Light of the heavens and the Earth and whoever is in them.’” (AlGhazali, A Thematic Commentary of The Qur’an) All these statements of the companions RA and the Messenger SAW point to the fact that the light mentioned in this verse is nothing like the light known to us. Instead,
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the light of Allah is incomparable to any other kind of light, just as is true for all other attributes of Allah SWT.
In conclusion, the niche is the chest of the believing slave, and the glass is the heart. The illuminating lamp is the revelation that descends from Allah SWT, and the pure olive oil is the sound fitrah. The oil is so pure that it glows on its own. However, when it is touched with the light of fire, it generates the most perfect light, and becomes light upon light. In a similar manner, the believing slave could almost recognize the truth on its own with the light of his fitrah, but when the light of revelation comes and coincides with it, it becomes light upon light. (Elshinawy, M. An In-Depth commentary of The Diseases of The Heart and Their Cure). Hence, light upon light represents the combination of the pure fitrah and the revelation of Allah SWT. Noor Magazine I 2021 | 19
Al-‘Awfi narrated from Ibn Abbas that ‘light upon light’ means the faith and deeds of a person, (Al-Mubarakpuri, Tafsir Ibn Kathir) the basis of which lies within the heart. Whatever is nurtured in the heart, manifests itself through the limbs. While the fitrah has the natural tendency to incline towards the commands of Allah SWT, it is only when one actually submits to Him in obedience – making it a matter of both the heart and the limbs – that he exemplifies Light upon Light. For this reason, the companions and their students confined this parable to the heart of a believer alone; due to the fact that it is only the believer who draws benefit from the revelation, even though the pure fitrah has been granted to each and every human being. As for those who reject the revelation, they eventually end up corrupting their fitrah with their wrong doings.
Points of Action from this Parable 1. Strive to seek the Light of Allah, since there is no other light that will benefit you in this life and in the life of the Hereafter. When the Messenger of Allah SAW was rejected by the people of Ta’if, he turned to Allah SWT for help, saying: “… I seek refuge in the light of Your face by which all darkness is dispelled and both this life and the life to come are put in their right course… To You I submit, until I earn Your pleasure. Everything is powerless without your support,”(Al-Ghazali, A Thematic Commentary of The Qur’an). From this beautiful du’a, we find that one is to seek the Light of Allah by seeking refuge in Him, by submitting to His commands and by striving for His pleasure. 2. Nurture and protect your fitrah by holding on to the divine revelation; making it the guiding light of your day and night. Allah SWT says, “… There has come to you from Allah a light and a clear Book, by which Allah guides those who pursue His pleasure to the ways of peace, and brings them out from darkness into the light…” (Surah Al-Ma’idah, 15-16) 3. Within the capabilities that Allah has granted you, be a source of guiding light for everyone around you. Allah SWT says, “… [This is] a Book which We have revealed to you, that you might bring mankind out of darkness into the light by permission of their Lord - to the path of the Exalted in Might, the Praiseworthy.” (Surah Ibrahim, 1) 4. Seek good company and hold on to the company of those whose guiding light reminds you of Allah. It is mentioned in the Muwatta of Imam Malik that Luqman alHakim made his will and counselled his son, saying, “My son! Sit with the learned men and keep close to them. Allah
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gives life to the hearts with the light of wisdom as Allah gives life to the dead earth with the abundant rain of the sky.” 5. Last but not least, seek the light of Allah through du’a. The best du’as are those of the Messenger of Allah SAW. The Messenger SAW used to make the following du’a in prostration:
اللَّ ُه َّم اجْ َع ْل فِي َق ْل ِبي ُنورً ا َواجْ َع ْل فِي َسمْ عِي ْص ِري ُنورً ا َواجْ َع ْل ِمن َ ُنورً ا َواجْ َع ْل فِي َب َتحْ تِي ُنورً ا َواجْ َع ْل ِمنْ َف ْوقِي ُنورً ا َو َعنْ َيمِينِي اري ُنورً ا َواجْ َع ْل أَ َمامِي ُنورً ا ِ ُنورً ا َو َعنْ َي َس َواجْ َع ْل َخ ْلفِي ُنورً ا َوأَعْ ظِ ْم لِي ُنورً ا ‘O Allah, place light in my heart, and place light in my hearing, and place light in my seeing, and place light beneath me, and place light above me, and light on my right, and light on my left, and place light behind me, and make the light greater for me.’ (Sunan An-Nasai, Book 12, Hadith number 93)
Conclusion The light of fitrah and the light of revelation is what drives one to strive for the light of faith and good deeds in this world - aspiring to the light of the hereafter and the honor of being blessed with the company and sight of their Lord in the next world. It was narrated in the Sahih Muslim from Suhayb that the Messenger of Allah SAW said, “When the people of Paradise enter Paradise, Allah will say, ‘Do you want anything more?’ They will say, ‘Have You not brightened our faces, admitted us to Paradise and saved us from Hell?’ Then the veil will be lifted and they will not have seen anything dearer to them than looking upon their Lord, may He be glorified and exalted. This is what is meant by ‘even more.’” Then he SAW recited the verse: “For those who have done good is the best reward and even more,” (Surah Yunus, 26). We ask Allah SWT for a heart that is alive with the love and remembrance of its Lord, a heart that remains steadfast on His Deen, a heart that is a source of benefit to others, and a heart that will be able to meet its Lord on the Day of Judgement as a Qalbun Saleem, Ameen. v
Q&A ...because you asked...
Questions are answered by Shaykh Rizwan Ali At my workplace, I have to interact with a lot of people and some of them identify openly as LGBTQ. My experience with them has been that they are generally very nice and polite and I feel conflicted in how my behavior towards them should be. I need your guidance with this please! Jazak Allah Khair. Answer: The Prophet SAW is our example and role model. He interacted with people with the best of manners. His Uncle Abu Tālib was not a Muslim, but the Prophet SAW respected him and treated him in an excellent way. At the same time, the Prophet SAW did not agree with his faith, but he respected his decision. Similarly, there will be people in society that may live in ways we don’t agree with or condone but we should be respectful, kind, and compassionate and this is the Prophetic way. I have the intention to get married soon insha’Allah, but one thought has been concerning me. Do I have to share my past sins (sexual in nature) with the prospective person especially if I have sincerely repented for them? Need your advice Shaikh. Jazak Allah Khair. Answer: You are not obligated to share your past. It was narrated from Abu ‘Ubadah bin ‘Abdullah, that his father said: “The Messenger of Allah SAW said, ‘The one who repents from sin is like one who did not sin,’” (Ibn Majah). If you want to disclose something, you can tell the person that there was a time that was different in your life and leave it at that. Rizwan Ali was born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago. After completing his Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education, he moved to Egypt to pursue religious studies. He enrolled at Al-Azhar University and graduated from the College of Shariah in 2016. The following year, he successfully defended his dissertation at Creighton University and obtained his doctorate in Educational Leadership. Alongside his position as Religious Director of the Islamic Center of Naperville, he teaches at CPSA and serves as the head of the Arabic and Islamic Studies Dept. He also works for Mishkah University as an instructor and member of the Academic Committee.
Do you have any questions you would like a scholar to answer? Send them to us at icnanooreng@gmail.com Answers to Ramadan Crossword Puzzle: Across: 1. Power 6. Siyam 8. Baqarah 9. Zakah 10. Generous
Down: 2. Ramadan 3. Taraweeh 4. Sahoor 5. Rayan 7. Ikhlas Noor Magazine I 2021 | 21
Alhamdulillah By: Hadeel Salman
Grateful I should be when my vision is here with me, not lost or frost or suffered agony. Alhamdulillah...I can see my family my friends all what Allah created for me...I can see.
I have my heart and it does beat. Alhamdulillah it’s not in my hands to treat.
Grateful I must be when my hearing is not gone and my ears are still receiving all the sounds around me nearing. Alhamdulillah... with no fear I can say I can hear.
I have food and we can eat. How about the millions with nothing to feed?
And when I think of my words, how I speak and can be heard, how my voice can imitate all the chirping of the birds, I feel grateful knowing that I have a tongue that can speak in all languages even in Greek. Most of all I can say Allah’s name in Dhikr and Shukr. What more than that should I care for... my tongue is here and that... I am grateful for... Alhamdulillah. What about the places I go and distances I cross! After Allah’s will what takes me there? If it weren’t for the blessings of having legs, and how Allah harnessed them to my caress, I wouldn’t have moved as I have wished. But Alhamdulillah... I have my legs and I can walk far away distances without any aide. Alhamdulillah, I have my hands and I can write this poem you are witnessing through your sight. Words of truth that won’t ever fade. Alhamdulillah I have my hands.
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I have a house with 4 walls, a shelter for me and my family... Alhamdulillah.
I have clothes to snuggle in warming my breath. What about those who daily freeze to death? I have all of the above blessings and an endless list. Writing them down will tire up my wrist. So when we’re out of power and feel some cold, we lose privileges of texting and watching... gaming and playing. Our sight is here but our insight is gone... Our words are spoken but the wisdom becomes a pun. Our endless blessings all of a sudden seemed to vanish. Do you think it’s fair to complain with all what we have? We cease to see that all that is there is more than not... Our gratefulness should be enough to warm our hearts, our care should be enough to heat our surroundings, our faith should be enough to make us survive strongly. Be kind, it will feed you. Be caring, it will ease your pain. Be generous, it will fill your heart. Be grateful, it will make you healthy. Be Godly, it will grant you immortality.
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Step by Step
» » » »
SOUTH REGION
In Oklahoma, 30 blankets and warm coats were provided to a shelter home. In Atlanta, a drive-through family program was held on the Seerah of the Prophet SAW. Seerah cards and snacks were given to the guests. In Austin, in December, ICNA Sisters collaborated with Brothers to provide warm clothes and basic winter items for a local homeless shelter. They collected funds with the help of ICNA Relief. In Florida, sisters participated in an Alzheimer’s walk. MCNA held a writing competition about the Seerah of the Prophet SAW. The first five entries received prizes.
NEW YORK CITY
» ICNA Relief held a winter clothes drive and distributed warm clothes among needy people. » A quiz competition was held in Long Island borough in December. 10 sisters participated before an audience of 35; gift cards were given to the winners. » A program on mental health was held in December, featuring a lecture by a doctor from the community, followed by a question-answer session. It was attended by about 100 sisters. » In Long Island, WhyIslam distributed gifts of candies, pens, magnets, and WhyIslam brochures to 30-35 non-Muslim neighbors. » MCNA held a virtual party at the end of the semester in Brooklyn borough. » In Queens, MCNA and YMj had a presentation titled, “The Hijab Ban in France”.
PENNSYLVANIA
» MCNA held a story program: 35 children and 2 teachers participated. » In Allentown, 60-70 food boxes were prepared and distributed among needy people.
NEW JERSEY
» More than 45 sisters attended an online program on current affairs in Jersey City in November. » A matrimonial sitting was held at the City level.
HOUSTON CITY
» Tarbiyah programs were held for MCNA teachers. » 100 sisters attended a tarbiyah meeting held for Muddarrisat in English at the Central level. » The Outreach department arranged a program for Muddarrisat titled, “My Mirror.” » Funds for the Alzheimer’s foundation were collected in a virtual Alzheimer’s walk. » Food was distributed among needy families under the Muakhah program.
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VIRGINIA
» Essential items and winter basics were distributed to the needy as well people affected by COVID-19. » A few sisters came together to house and provide for evacuees from a New York shelter home. Qur’an tablets were given to the guests along with essential items. » MCNA held a regular halaqa as well as two special programs, “Blessings and Accountability” and “The Purpose of Life”. » Appreciation baskets were distributed among teachers in four schools as well as at the Alexandria Post Office. » » » »
NORTH CENTRAL REGION
WhyIslam held a fundraising event. In December, Gain Peace completed the Seerah project in which 10,000 cards about the Seerah of the Prophet SAW were mailed out. Teachers’ guidelines were given to the teachers of two schools of the district and Baklava was sent to the teachers and school administration. ICNA Sisters participated in the food pantry and Feed the Hungry project.
DALLAS CITY
» ICNA Sisters collected funds to purchase winter blankets and clothing as well as essentials for refugees. » The WhyIslam team prepared 1000 gift cards and sent them to schools, fire stations, nursing homes, and neighbors as a gesture of love and peace. They also sent some fliers to neighbors and marketed the fliers on Facebook and Nextdoor to raise awareness about Islam. » WhyIslam also arranged a special program during winter break to raise awareness about how to build good relations with neighbors. » MCNA and YMj held a Seerah Program featuring a video and a competition. 80 MCNA and 20 YMj children participated.
SOUTH BOSTON
» Warms clothes and other items and funds were collected and given to Helping Hand. » » » » »
WEST REGION
In December, a food drive was held in San Fernando Valley, in which food bags (which included breads and biscuits were distributed). Sisters distributed 100 Gain Peace cards in the Reno Unit. In Alaska, a program on the life of Jesus A.S was held around Christmas to raise awareness among people; this was in addition to weekly halaqas for reverts. In the Seattle unit, a dinner was arranged for a women’s shelter home. MCNA held a Gender Identity session and a writing competition. In San Diego, WhyIslam participated in a virtual Hijab Day program. Holiday cards and books were distributed amongst Muslim and non-Muslim neighbors and friends.
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and spent weekends hanging out at the mall with mixed genders. This created frustration inside me. I was lost about my identity.
offering my prayers, listening to the meaning of the Qur’an and started going to Taraweeh prayers regularly. I came to love this way of life and felt at ease in my own skin.
When I entered college, I saw some women wearing hijab and I asked them if they were following an Arab culture or if it was part of Islam. I was reassured that Islam taught us to cover ourselves. I started thinking about my identity and what I was trying to become.
Every year since that Ramadan, I feel like a reset button has come for me each Ramadan. It invites me to recenter my goals and my lifestyle to that of pleasing Allah as my priority. Each time Ramadan comes around, I buckle up. I start reciting the Qur’an more, focus on the meaning of the Qur’an, and make sure I don’t miss prayers.
In my class, I once heard someone towards the back of the room talk about Islam and about the beauty of the Qur’an. He was saying that Surah Noor, for example, teaches us proper etiquettes of entering and leaving a house, of dressing inside and outside the house. I bought a CD of Surah Noor the same day after school and heard its translation for some time. I didn’t understand much and turned it off quickly. However, I fell in love with Qari Abdul Basit’s recitation of the Qur’an and started playing it more and more while playing games “Every year on my computer.
I begin giving charity, try not to argue or lose my temper, and overall try to focus on the right mindset and live a healthy lifestyle. Ramadan impacts every aspect of my life inside and out. For example, I start eating very clean for suhoor, because if I don’t, I suffer during the day. If I eat oily things during suhoor, I get very thirsty during my fast. I also quit drinking tea and all caffeine before the start of Ramadan because I don’t want to have headaches during my fast. I also build my since that tolerance for my kids and husband Ramadan, I feel like a reset because I don’t have the energy to button has come for me each waste on unnecessary stress. I spend most of my day in worship, rather Ramadan. It invites me to than watching TV and wasting time. I let go of grudges and try to be sincere recenter my goals and my inside and out.
Ramadan,
my reset button By: Sana Sardar
I
remember when I came to the USA at the age of 12 from Pakistan. I came with my immediate family. We had no family or friends here. Going to school in the final semester of 7th grade was tough. The kids picked on me and my sister for the way we dressed and talked. The teachers, however, were pleased with our homework, because our dad helped us. Our dad was the Chief Planning Officer for the Board of Education in Pakistan, but in the USA he had to take on two full-time jobs and often fell asleep during his job or at the red light. My mom, who was so pampered in Pakistan, with many servants cooking and cleaning and handling the kids for her, now had to take on a full-time job as well.
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One day while walking home from school, some kids started throwing pebbles at me and my siblings from across the street. Being the eldest sibling, I told them to stop and they attacked me while holding my siblings’ hands behind their backs. I got punched around a few times before they ran off. That day I decided that I no longer wanted to be different. I didn’t want to be the immigrant kid in the school any more. I tried my best to speak English without an accent and blend into society. I quickly realized, however, that there were limitations to adapting an American lifestyle, because my parents would not let me. For example, my classmates openly danced in front of the class, they had boyfriends and girlfriends,
Another day, the same person was inviting some classmates: “let’s go and pray,” since there was a mosque right behind our college. I said I couldn’t pray because I had lifestyle to that of pleasing no scarf. He offered me his hat, and said it’s better than skipping The reward of Ramadan is Allah as my priority.” the prayer altogether. I was alone abundance all around us as well as in the women’s section and prayed inside us, by feeling the sweetness of peacefully. I felt so calm and loved it. I faith, Iman. No matter how many sins started coming to the mosque, bringing a scarf in my book we have committed and how far we have strayed from bag to use during prayer. I often stayed there between our religion, let Ramadan be your miracle reset button. periods and studied there as well. Try your best for that one month to earn Allah’s pleasure and the aftereffects will last you all year long, In sha’ Allah. One day during Ramadan, after praying, I thought to keep Ramadan is truly a miracle gifted to the believers. the scarf on instead of putting it back in my bookbag. I was surprised to find that it was not a big deal and some No matter how far you have drifted from Allah, no matter Muslims greeted me on the streets. It was a nice feeling how few steps you have taken towards Allah, let this and it made me realize that while some people will always Ramadan be the new beginning for you. One step at a reject you because your identities clash (for example you time, focus on becoming a better version of yourself. are a Muslim and they are not) you can find belonging in Learn daily to improve daily. Don’t beat yourself up over your community instead. whatever is done and how much life has been wasted. As long as you are alive and you have this golden opportunity I was once walking from one class to another and noticed to earn so much more reward for each good deed you a person praying underneath the college’s stairwell. I do, take advantage. In general, one good deed gives was so surprised and thought to myself, these are real one good reward, but in Ramadan Allah gives us special Muslims. They know what’s told in the Qur’an and they sales where each good deed gives you at least 70 times offer their prayers wherever they are. Ramadan that year the reward! Take advantage and run in this race for good was a wake-up call to my identity. deeds, earning Allah’s pleasure and taking the first step to starting over in your life. Put simply, reset! I finally understood what I had to do to learn more about myself. I had to practice my religion! Next year when (P.S. The guy who taught me about Surah Noor is now my Ramadan came, I started wearing a hijab. I started husband, Alhamdulillah!) v
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- Health Corner -
R
Nourishing Our Bodies to Nourish Our Souls
amadan is a time where we give up many of the conveniences of our life, especially food and drink. In Ramadan we abstain from these blessings in order to strengthen our connection with Allah SWT, to focus on the soul instead of the stomach, and to comprehend the blessings Allah has bestowed upon us on a daily basis. However, for us to reap the rewards and the full potential of Ramadan, we need to be able to nourish our bodies at the right times: Suhoor and Iftar. With the right foods we can maintain energy and balance throughout our fasting days. This will allow us to feel energetic for a significant part of the day and perform our Ibadah at night without feeling the desire to fall asleep due to overeating and exhaustion.
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. When it comes to taking care of our physical needs in Ramadan,
the key element to remember is to hydrate. Oftentimes, during Suhoor and Iftar we are focused more on eating than actually hydrating ourselves. Between 65 to 70% of our bodies are made up of water, and water helps to carry oxygen and other vital nutrients to our cells. Throughout the day, our body loses water through breathing, sweating, and going to the bathroom. As we lose fluids we become dehydrated, but there are several steps we can take to avoid any serious consequences from dehydration. First we need to make sure to drink plenty of water at Suhoor, Iftar, and throughout the night while awake. Water is the best way to hydrate our body. Second, eat foods with high water content such as watermelon, grapes, apples, cucumbers, and celery. Dairy such as milk and yogurt also contain lots of water. Be sure to avoid fizzy and/or sweetened drinks.
10 Practical Tips for a Productive Ramadan
By: Saima Shah
Eat complex carbs, fats, and proteins. These foods prevent your insulin levels from
rising too quickly and then crashing; instead they maintain a steady stream of energy to your body because it takes longer for the body to process these foods. Examples are: eggs, meat, sweet potatoes, oats/oatmeal, whole wheat bread/roti, brown rice, quinoa, avocado, chia seeds, Greek or full fat yogurt, dates, and such. Diversify your plate so your body feels energized the rest of the day.
You eat to live, not live to eat. One of the benefits derived in Ramadan is controlling our bodies and our desires. This means that we learn to appreciate it and be grateful for our blessings, not that we eat to such an extent that we must roll ourselves to the musalla to pray and burp our way through the night prayers. Our bodies will make us feel like we need to eat a lot due to our day long fast, and that we must stuff ourselves to ensure our survival, but this is where we take control of our eating and eat as the Sunnah directs: slow, controlled, and with gratitude. Be active in some capacity. Physical activity will help you feel more energized instead of
sluggish. Try to incorporate either a walk (inside or outside the house) or some yoga in the early morning or a little before Iftar. Commit to just a few minutes, but get your body moving. While walking, do dhikr, recite or listen to the Qur’an, listen to a lecture or a book. Keeping ourselves active even while fasting helps pass the time and keeps us energetic throughout the day. It is easy to go through Ramadan doing the bare minimum, but in this holy month we need to push ourselves to do the best in our worship. If we want to have energized fasts, spiritual qiyaams, and concentration in our recitation and understanding of the Qur’an, we need to make sure we appropriately nourish our bodies so that we can nourish our souls. v
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few months ago I went to Pakistan for a wedding. There, I stayed with one of my beloved cousins. I wanted to spend most of my time with her. Sometimes I even gave up important events so that I could be with her more. I did not want to regret not spending enough time with her when I came back home. And still my heart was sad when I was leaving her, even though we had plenty of quality time together. Sometimes we talk about Ramadan as a guest. This guest comes once a year for a short amount of time. It is a beloved guest that brings so many gifts in the form of blessings and rewards for us all. Whenever it comes, we have to make sure that we are ready for this guest. We have to make sure we have planned how we are going to spend our time with this guest so that we get the most out of this relationship. We want to do our best planning so that we don’t regret our actions once this guest leaves. And there is no guarantee that we will see this guest again after this, because there is no guarantee that we will live to see another Ramadan. I would like to remind us all about a hadith that deals with the importance of utilizing time in the best way. Ibn Abbas RA narrated that Rasool Allah SAW said: “Take advantage
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of 5 before 5. Your youth before your old age, your health before your sickness, your wealth before your poverty, your free time before you are preoccupied, and your life before your death,” (Al Hakim). This hadith is very profound for the time we are going through right now. The pandemic proved to the world that things can change in an instant and we cannot take anything for granted. We know that the goal of fasting in the month of Ramadan is for us to attain Taqwa, God-consciousness, being aware of Him all the time and, as a result, being obedient to Him all the time. So what actions should we do to attain this goal in Ramadan? How can we manage our 24 hours in each Ramadan day to make sure we make the best of the whole month, insha’Allah?
RAMADAN TIPS:
1. Plan every action keeping the goal of guidance and Taqwa in mind. In this way, throughout the day you will evaluate your actions to see if they are fulfilling that goal. Be very conscious of your words and actions throughout the day. 2. Allocate a specific amount of time for specific actions. Write down how much you will sleep, when you will do your Noor Magazine I 2021 | 29
house chores and fulfill family responsibilities, and the time you are going to be at work. Then allocate specific time for your ibadaat during Ramadan, for example reading the Qur’an before or after Fajr every day, making dua 30 minutes before iftar every day, doing dhikr after dhuhr salah everyday and so on. Stick to your allocated time. 3. Set clear and SMART goals, meaning that they should be specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time bound. Whatever you plan to do for ibadah it should be a SMART goal. 4. Utilize the early hours of the morning. This is before and after Fajr time. This is the time when most family members, or at least the younger children (who need attention most), will be sleeping. And this will help you get quality ibadah time with Allah SWT with the least amount of distraction. Of course this is one of the most blessed times as well.
this month. Help others with some of your time and energy as well. Check up on people to see if they are doing okay, and extend your help whenever possible. 9. Fast from excessive social media that might distract you from benefiting from Ramadan. Monitor your internet and media time very carefully. Only use the media which will help you with the goals of guidance and taqwa. Focus on your relationship with Allah SWT. Cutting down on social media time will free up more time for worshiping Allah SWT, insha’Allah.
10. Last but not least, stay physically healthy with good eating and sleeping habits. Make sure you have good energy for your ibadaat. Take care of your body by getting enough sleep, maybe squeeze in a short nap if possible during the day. Pace yourself throughout Ramadan where you start strong, stay strong, and end even stronger, especially in the last ten days. Make sure you keep 5. Schedule a family study circle where the family sits down yourself hydrated with water and other healthy drinks for an agreed upon time and studies some things from the during the non fasting hours. Make sure you get up for Deen, depending on the age of the children. Again the goal suhoor because that is a Sunnah and there is barakah should be guidance and taqwa. This (added blessings) during that time. helps us develop our family bonds, Plan healthy meals and drinks for along with our relationship with Allah yourself and your family. Avoid oily SWT. This will also bring blessings We should make sure we have and sugary foods and eat nutritious in your relationship within the family and wholesome foods. Remember planned how we are going to members as well, insha’Allah. You the advice of Rasool Allah SAW spend our time with this guest about the 1/3 portions of food, water, will be a family that shares the vision (Ramadan) so that we get the and air in our stomach. Staying of gaining Allah’s pleasure and ultimate reward of Jannah together. emotionally healthy is important as most out of this relationship. well. Since we will be spending a lot 6. Avoid multitasking during of time with Allah SWT, we should be important ibadaat. Studies show able to pour our hearts out to Him. that multitasking can slow down productivity. When we Being connected with Allah SWT should give us the peace multitask, our brains are unable to give full attention to any that our hearts need, especially in the testing time of this one of the tasks. So when you are cooking or cleaning, you period. Avoid debates in arguments with others, especially can continue to do the adhkar with your lips or listen to a over religious matters. Seek help from Allah when you do lecture, but be aware that your full focus will not be given find yourself getting angry or upset. Be very careful with to either of those tasks. When it comes to specific ibadaat your choice of words, because negative thoughts, words during Ramadan try your best to focus on that ibadah with and actions can be harmful to the quality of our fast. no distractions. With everything we do in Ramadan, in the 24 hours, we need 7. We all know that after faith (Iman), the best deed is to have the intention to please Allah SWT. Continuously obligatory salah at its earliest time. Try to improve the make dua to Allah SWT that He accepts everything we do quality of your salah before Ramadan and maintain a high each day. May Allah SWT make each of our Ramadans standard of khushu during Ramadan. Add extra nawafil better than the previous one. Let’s have the best action whenever possible. plan and ask Allah SWT to help us achieve the goals of guidance and taqwa. May Allah give us the ability to be a 8. Help others with your self. You can help some people Mutaqqi (people who are conscious of Allah, people who with money. Try to do this every day, if possible. We know love Allah and fear Allah in balance, and people who obey that Ramadan is a month of giving, so be extra generous in Allah SWT, Ameen! v
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500 Years of Worship Angel Jibrail AS told Rasulullah SAW the following incident about a man in the past who worshipped Allah SWT continuously for 500 years. He was granted a shelter on top of a mountain that was surrounded by salty water. However, Allah SWT caused a stream of sweet water to flow through the mountain for that individual. The man would drink from this water and use it to make ablution. Allah SWT also raised a pomegranate tree from which the man would eat one fruit every day. One day, this person supplicated to Allah SWT that, “Oh Allah, bring my death while I am in the state of prostration.” Allah accepted this dua of his. Jibrail AS said that on the Day of Judgement, Allah SWT will tell the angels to take this individual to Paradise through His mercy. However, this man will insist that he should enter paradise through the good deeds that he had performed. Then, Allah will tell the angels to compare his good deeds with the blessings that were given to him in the world. It will be seen that 500 years of his worship does not even equal to the gift of eye sight that was given to him by Allah. The angels will be asked to take him towards the hell fire. Then the man will plead, “Oh Allah! Enter me into Paradise only through your mercy.” At that point, the following discussion will take place between Allah SWT and that man. Allah: Oh my servant, who created you? The worshipper: Oh Allah, You have created me. Allah: Were you created because of the good deeds you have done or because of My mercy? The worshipper: Because of Your mercy. Allah: Who granted you the ability to worship for 500 years? The worshipper: Oh the Almighty! You have granted me that ability. Allah: Who placed you on the mountain surrounded by the ocean? Who caused a stream of sweet water to flow in between the salty water? Who caused a pomegranate tree to grow for you? Who granted you death while in the state of prostration? The worshipper: Oh the Sustainer of the Worlds! You have done all of these. Then Allah will say, “All these have happened due to My mercy and you too will enter Paradise only through My Mercy.” Obtained from the book “Tambihul Ghafileen” By Shaikh Abul Laith Samarkandi
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