The Prophetic Guide to Overcoming Trials Trusting Allah SWT When the Going Gets Tough ALSO INSIDE: Poetry Corner Health Corner & Cook’s Corner!
Volume II, 2020 Supervisor Abeer Sher Editor Shamim Ahmed Co-Editor Sadaf Alam Editorial Board Umaymah Shahid Fatimah Murad Fariha Lakhani Aliya Ansari Juveria Syed Layout & Graphics Juveria Syed Fariha Lakhani Publishing Office Editorial ICNA Headquarters 166-26 89th Avenue Jamaica, NY, USA 11432 Email: icnanooreng@gmail.com Distribution & Circulation Manager Abeda Shabana Samrina Khan ICNA Headquarters 166-26 89th Avenue Jamaica, NY, USA 11432 Email: circulationmailing.icna@gmail.com 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 Sister’s Wing. All content except that which is noted as copyright may be reprinted with appropriate acknowledgment.
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What’s Inside...
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15
Editorial
Common Myths About Mental Health in the Muslim Community
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16
The COVID Effect
Health Corner: Hijama: A Forgotten Sunnah
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The Prophetic Guide to Overcoming Trials
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Cook’s Corner: Creamy Hot Cocoa
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Trusting Allah SWT When the Going Gets Tough
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Poetry Corner: The Secret Endeavor
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The “I Want it All” Attitude...
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Modern Day Tests and Trials: In Light of Surah Kahf
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Step by Step
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Because You Asked
Editorial Allah says in the Qur’an: “And surely We will try you with something of fear and hunger, and loss of wealth and lives and fruits; and give glad tidings to the patient, who, when the affliction befalls them, say: surely we belong to Allah and to Him we shall surely return,” (2:155). This verse makes me think that it describes very well the situation the whole world faced in this year of 2020. It is no less than a trial. Human life seems to be very uncertain. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic (first cases in Jan), there have been 19.2 million cases and 334,029 lives lost in the US (https:// covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#cases_casesper100klast7days). COVID-19 also wreaked havoc in the global economy: worse than the Great Depression. Millions have lost jobs and many have become homeless. This is the time for the Muslim Ummah in particular, and all humanity in general, to bring change in the society. More than ever we need to be a better, moral and more righteous society. There is corruption in all areas of life. The cause of corruption seems to be greed and lust for power and wealth, including the unjust, immoral, and cruel practices towards women and young girls to earn illegal money. From the lower rung of the social ladder to the top, almost everyone is involved in some kind of vice, immorality or sin. “And let there be among you a group of people that shall call to all that is good, and enjoin the doing that is right, and forbid the doing of what is wrong; such are they who are successful,” (3:104).The propagation of good and evil prescribed here in the Islamic way of life can only survive if there is a substantial core of Islamic societies globally, who are not only well versed in religion but committed to reforming society and with the professional ability and wisdom to introduce reform without disruption, disorder and upheaval. Allah SWT warns the Muslims not to be divided and be disputed after clear proofs have come to them. This disunity of the Muslim society becomes the basic cause of Ummah’s weakness. Unfortunately this is very relevant in the present age. In all the adversities some groups of devoted people are still struggling to be a source of guidance in this turbulent life; they are the ones who are educating people about Allah, the way of life prescribed by Him in the holy book Qur’an, and the traditions of prophet Mohammad SAW. Humanity can be reformed and saved only by following his Seerah, his moral conduct, his behavior toward his companions, toward his family, toward his neighbors and toward Jews and Christians during more peaceful times in Medina and in adversity at Makkah. We can apply his teachings today with our current issues of anti-Blackness, misogyny and Islamophobia. These issues are not new and existed since the dawn of Islam. Today, we still see and feel them via social media, but we need not despair. We have a holy book and the traditions of Prophet Muhammad SAW to help us fight these long-embedded societal crises. Out of those small groups of people who want to transform and reclaim nature and the true beliefs of our Deen, the Islamic Circle of North America is one of them. We, the sisters and brothers of ICNA, are trying to make a small effort through our out-reach programs, Fahmul Qur’an classes, neighbor-nets, WhyIslam, teaching Seerah and Islamic history, and offering periodic courses in Fiqh, Arabic Grammar, comparative study of world religions, Book Club, MCNA for children, and many more every year. May Allah SWT accept our efforts and make us successful in spreading the Deen of Allah at these disturbing times, Ameen. Editor Shamim Ahmed
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The COVID Effect By: Faiqa Awais
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he other day, I went to the mall to buy a gift for someone. I had decided to buy a leather jacket and ultimately settled on visiting Forever 21 but couldn’t find the store. I asked a young man at a cafe to guide me to the location. His response surprised me. He said that the store had closed and pointed towards a location exactly behind me. I asked him again, puzzled, and with some uncertainty, “Forever 21?” He smiled and said, “Yes, Forever 21.” It was not the first store that closed down due to the pandemic. About four months ago, I wanted to buy a cake for an occasion. I thought to purchase it on my way to work. It was convenient because it was for my colleagues. I was surprised when I could not find the cake shop I was looking for. I thought that I had missed the shop, and told my driver to check again after dropping me off. He called me to report that the shop had closed down. That, too, was the effect of the pandemic. It frustrated me, like many whose lives had been altered due to the pandemic. After the aforementioned incident, I traveled out of town for the first time since the regulations began. On our way back, I went to the market, but the whole shopping mall was deserted. A single coffee shop and one other shop were open, with only one family sitting in the coffee shop. No lights, closed doors, silent escalators – all was quiet in the mall. This was the impact of the pandemic. I felt sadness and fear, the fear of disease, the fear of helplessness, the fear of insecurity. Gradually, lock-downs were lifted, curfews were ended, and public places were opened with restrictions. Life started moving, though at a slow pace. This led me to think: is there anything good that happened during this time, something good that is still happening?
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This is what I learned: People are slaves of habits. When habits are disturbed, we feel disappointed and heartbroken. But when we change our way of thinking, when we think about what we had been unable to focus on before, we can count the happinesses that we never appreciated. Allah SWT says in the Quran, “Perhaps you dislike something which is good for you and like something which is bad for you. Allah knows and you do not know,” (Surah Baqarah, 216). Bad things can sometimes bring good things and sometimes, good things can bring bad effects. The world needs balance. We humans are shortsighted and not generous, so Allah SWT takes over the responsibility to restore and bless us with the balance.
We may learn to be happy that our families, though away, are safe. The pandemic gives us an opportunity to enhance our institutions of family, to strengthen our bonds with our children, parents and relatives. Many people have found time to do activities that are beneficial, or activities they enjoy. I read about one person who memorized the Qur’an during these months of staying home. It is quite possible that some of us recognized ourselves for the first time during this time. We found hidden talents in us. We found time to write or read something that we had been planning to for a long time. We thought and felt what we had not before. We may have been able to get in touch with feelings unknown to us; or address problems that were never discussed. We now have the time to make prayers we never did, and develop goodness—if we had been unable to focus on ourselves before now. This is an opportunity to perform acts of kindness, help others and build hope. And it starts now.
I have gone out several times over the past months. The roads are clear, and traffic jams occur infrequently since educational institutions and many businesses are working on-line. Fewer vehicles on roads means that the environment is cleaner and time “People are slaves of habits. is being saved. My daughter is When habits are disturbed, we feel happy as she does not need to disappointed and heartbroken. spend almost three hours every day But when we change our way of on congested roads on her way to and back from school. It allows for a thinking, when we think about lot of physical and mental relaxation. what we had been unable to It saves energy that can be used for focus on before, we can count prospective work.
Let us count blessings and search ways for how to make our days more useful and more fruitful. We have discovered things that do not need money or drain our financial wellbeing. We have discovered values that are not affected by our economies.
We have discovered objects the happinesses that we never People are altered in many ways: deserving our love, care and appreciated.” seldom going out, lower expenses, happiness. fewer dine-outs, reduced health problems from environmental We have discovered sources that effects, more time to walk, exercise, and attend to selfprovide a sense of security. care. Opportunities rarely strike twice. We must not let this The pandemic has had another impact and that is the opportunity go to waste. We must learn and survive! diminishing of unnecessary worries and menial concerns. Sometimes this slow pace of life is the only thing that we Covid-19 is not biased. It affects the human race without need. It is an energy booster, a refresher. When a computer discrimination of race, ethnicity, creed, religion, national is slow, we use the refresh command to recover it. This is origins, color or other identities. Though it brought disease a time to refresh everything in our lives—our relations, and death, it also brought hope and unity. preferences, and whatever we need or want. The Qur’an frequently urges us to reflect, and now we can find the time We need to stay alike; together and apart but closer. We to reflect, ponder and change our lives for the better. are aware of the predicaments, but we have to work, examine, treat and expose ourselves. We may have to We must acknowledge the silver lining of the pandemic, sacrifice individually in order to protect and save the whole. the lessons learnt, the changes—occurred or desired— and the blessings and happinesses. We may be apart from This is the “Covid Effect”. v our families but we are, and ought to remain close at heart. Noor Magazine II 2020 | 7
The Prophetic Guide to Overcoming Trials By: Fatimah Murad
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uman beings have a propensity to view trials and tribulations as roadblocks or bumps on what they expect to be the smooth path of life; every hardship is an obstacle to success or happiness. We seek to remove those obstacles, or wait for an end to times of distress because we feel that our real life is the smooth and easy one we have envisioned in our daydreams. Thus, trials and hardships become the catalysts for disillusionment, despair, and dissatisfaction. Moreover, in times of spiritual weakness, we tend to conflate trials with the disfavor of the Almighty, feeling that Allah SWT may be punishing us or depriving us of His ultimate blessing. A simple look at the lives of His prophets and messengers, especially of his final prophet our beloved Rasulallah SAW will show us that this is not the case. If anything, the greatest trials were faced by those who Allah SWT assured were the highest in His favor. Ibrahim AS, the father of prophets, the one that Allah SWT called His Khalil, or friend, lived an incredibly itinerant, unsettled life. He was cast
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out of the place of his birth, with his own father threatening him with death. He spent the prime of his life childless, and when he did become a father, his loved ones were scattered across great distances. Any one of these experiences, not counting the sacrifices Allah SWT explicitly asked of him, could have created anxiety or bitterness in an average person. However, he remained steadfast, carrying himself with a serene contentment in the will of his Creator, and treating even the worst of creation with mercy and forbearance. There is an entire surah in the Qur’an outlining the many trials faced by Yusuf AS and his father Ya’qub AS. It started with a painful separation engineered by members of their own family, and spanned enslavement and imprisonment on false charges. Musa AS was once a hunted fugitive and later dealt with one of the most contentious group of followers in history, while also challenging one of the most powerful empires in history. Long before them, Nuh AS preached for centuries and yet most of his people, including his own wife and son, ridiculed and rejected him. Though there were times of comfort and prosperity in their lives, much of their time on this earth was defined by trial and hardship. This is especially true of the life of Muhammad SAW, most beloved to Allah SWT of all His creation. Orphaned before birth and then passed from caretaker to caretaker for the duration of his childhood, he had what anyone would consider a tragic and unstable upbringing full of economic hardship. Upon receiving revelation, he was ridiculed and socially ostracized by his people. Over the course of his life he buried two wives, including Khadijah RA, the unequivocal love of his life, and all but one of his seven children. He fought multiple battles against people who were in a sense his extended family and lost many dear companions. Any random combination of a fraction of these experiences could be enough psychological trauma to break a normal person. These are the kinds of life histories we find in the pasts of juvenile delinquents or the kind of events that serve as openings for a movie starring a vengeful antihero. They are used to, if not justify, at least qualify a person who is distrustful, withdrawn, or resentful towards others. Yet our Prophet SAW was none of these things. He remained open and welcoming to all. He was the most trusted person in his society, a position he retained even as society rejected him as Prophet. He showed more concern and compassion for his enemies who persecuted him than some people show to their own family. He retained a sense of humor with his wives and companions. He made time to play not only with his own grandchildren but other children around him as well. Despite all of the loss he suffered in his life, his companion Abdullah ibn Al-Harith ibn Hazm RA said, “I have never seen anyone who smiles more than the Prophet does.”
How was this possible? Can we ever hope to compare to reach such a level of perseverance and serenity? Not entirely. Allah SWT’s prophets are truly a class apart from the rest of humanity, with a spiritual strength and level of faith no ordinary human can acquire. And, while Allah SWT tested them with hardship, He also privileged them with direct revelation and the company of angels. Yet they are still meant as our role models. Their experiences exist so that we may learn from them, and there is one essential aspect of their mindset that we can cultivate which can help through our own tribulations. In a hadith found in the Sahih of esteemed companion Abdullah ibn “The Messenger of Allah SAW took and said, ‘Be in this world as though or a wayfarer.’”
Imam Bukhari, the Umar RA narrated me by the shoulder you were a stranger
Ibn Umar RA elaborated on this by advising the following: “In the evening do not expect [to live until] the morning, and in the morning do not expect [to live until] the evening. Take [advantage of] your health before times of sickness, and [take advantage of] your life before your death.” In accordance with this explanation, this hadith is often presented as a call to action, reminding us not to waste our time on this earth, and a warning against becoming attached to the allures of this world. However, this same attitude, when cultivated correctly, serves as a great comfort in times of hardship. Our Prophet SAW and all the prophets before, upon them be peace, recognized the transience of this life. Every trial they encountered served to remind them not to become attached to this illusory, temporary world when a much truer and permanent one awaited. The transience of this life made its every difficulty easier to bear, and every trial became a means to earn a higher station in the hereafter. This world did not have the power to break them because they were not beholden to it. While we can never reach a prophetic level of patience, we are also not tested by prophetic levels of hardship. Allah SWT has promised us in the closing verse of Surah Baqarah that He “does not burden a soul beyond what it can bear…” and the promise of the Almighty is ever true. Allah SWT knows what we can handle better than we ourselves do, and that should give us motivation to face every difficulty with fortitude. This does not mean that we should desire hardship or that we should not pray for ease and prosperity for ourselves and our loved ones: our Prophet SAW instructed us to always ask for the best of this world and the next. We should, though, develop in ourselves, as well as in our families, the prophetic perspective regarding both realities. We should strengthen both our faith and our character so that we can rise above the ups and downs of this life and look to our permanent abode in the next for the fulfillment of our dreams. v
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- Cook’s Corner -
Creamy Hot Cocoa
Warm yourself up this winter with something delicious! Ingredients: ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder ¾ cup white sugar 1 pinch of salt ⅓ cup boiling water 3 ½ cups milk ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract Directions: Combine the cocoa, sugar and pinch of salt in a saucepan. Blend in the boiling water. Bring this mixture to an easy boil while you stir. Simmer and stir for about 2 minutes. Watch that it doesn’t scorch. Stir in 3 1/2 cups of milk and heat until very hot, but do not boil! Remove from heat and add vanilla. Divide between 4 mugs. Add the cream to the mugs of cocoa to cool it to drinking temperature.
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Trusting Allah SWT When the Going Gets Tough By: Zainab Sandhu
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or many of us, the past several months have been the most confusing times of our lives, and it is difficult not to be anxious. When we try to find answers about the upcoming future, we hear conflicting answers which only exacerbate the anxiety we already have. Many of us are out of work and are experiencing financial hardship; many of us have missed out on celebrating important life changes like graduations and weddings; and many of us are simply terrified at the thought of our loved ones becoming sick. The stress we are experiencing during this pandemic is, in part, a consequence of societal pressure to plan every detail of our lives in order to ensure maximum worldly success. So it is natural that a phenomenon that leaves us uncertain about the next months, or even years, completely turns our society upside down. The interesting part of the Coronavirus pandemic is that it is
a universal experience- almost everyone around the world is being impacted by the virus one way or another. The media has inundated us with advice articles and “healthy” coping mechanisms to overcome pandemic-induced stress (all coming from sources that do not have professional credentials to give this kind of advice). The advice tends to err on two extremes, either hyper-productivity or hyperstagnation. On one end, we are encouraged to use every possible minute for “productive purposes” like excessive exercise or learning a new language, and on the other end, we are encouraged to “relax” by binge watching shows and movies. Both methods rely on essentially escaping reality. We are bound to forget what is going on around us if we’re spending all day watching TV or obsessing over crossing things off a to-do list. As Muslims, we know that Allah SWT is the All-knowing and the most-Merciful. In these last few months, humanity
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has shown that it is powerless against this tiny virus and that no one can overpower the will of Allah SWT. It is only from Allah SWT’s mercy and from our utmost certainty in His mercy that we can overcome this stressful time in our lives. Tawakkul is not a coping mechanism: rather it is an overcoming mechanism. Instead of rejecting reality through distractions, Tawakkul allows us to see through the situation in a healthy, pragmatic way.
of other harmful mental stress. It also leads to precious time that you lost that you could have spent with your family or remembering Allah SWT. A lot of devices and browsers have apps set up that limit your screen time or give you a warning that you have spent too much time on social media. Using these apps can be a useful first step to curbing excessive use of social media.
Allah SWT says in Surah Baqarah, “Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear.” Allah SWT would never put us in a situation that we cannot endure, no matter how difficult the situation may seem. Coming to terms with this can be difficult if we do not embrace Tawakkul with increased Ibadah (worship). Changing our mindset is not easy, especially when we are being tested with a very difficult, unexpected situation.
SWT’s mercy is infinite. It is only from Allah SWT’s will that we can mitigate and then put an end to this virus. It is obvious that the best way we can exercise Tawakkul is to actively seek Allah’s help and forgiveness. Here are a few du’as among the many out there that you can recite to seek Allah SWT’s forgiveness:
Here are a few tips to actively improve your mindset to increase your Tawakkul:
1. Savor your prayers with khushoo: Although this may
not be the case for all of us, many of us have more free time because of the lock-down. Use that time to make up when you had to rush through prayers to return to worldly obligations. Focus on every word you recite and take as much time as you need to get through your salah.
2. Increase your remembrance of Allah outside of your
five daily prayers: I personally am guilty of restricting my remembrance of Allah SWT to only my five daily prayers. Allah SWT says in Surah Al-Imran, verse 9 that the men of understanding are those, “Who remember Allah while standing or sitting or [lying] on their sides and give thought to the creation of the heavens and the earth, [saying], ‘Our Lord, You did not create this aimlessly; exalted are You [above such a thing]; then protect us from the punishment of the Fire.’” Therefore we must try to incorporate more time for introspection and dhikr during the day outside of our five daily Salawat. For people who are still working busy jobs or have children, free time can be a rare luxury. Instead of trying to carve out time for dhikr, incorporate it into your daily obligations. Dhikr can be done while doing daily chores like cooking, cleaning, walking, and driving. While doing work or studying that requires your full mental capacity, take a few short breaks to thank Allah SWT for giving you the blessings to be able to work and study. Remembering Allah SWT can be incorporated into any daily life task.
3. Stop excessively scrolling: Social media can be
equally harmful as it can be helpful. Spending too much time on social media can lead to you constantly compare your situation to that of others, becoming upset after seeing acquaintances who are not following the required precautionary measures, spending too much time lamenting at how pre-pandemic times were, and a plethora
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4. Seek Allah’s forgiveness and help through du’a: Allah
ياحي ياقيوم برحمتك أستغيث Oh Living and Eternal one, in Your mercy I seek relief
اللهم انك عفو حتب العفو فاعفوعني Oh Allah, You are forgiving and You love to forgive, so forgive me
ال اله إال أنت سبحانك إني كنت من الظاملني There is none worthy of worship except You (Allah SWT); exalted are You. Indeed, I have been among the wrong-doers
5. Seek professional help: Most of the “self help” available
on the internet is conflated with conflict of interest. Seeking professional help from a therapist, especially a trained Muslim therapist, can be helpful during these confusing and difficult times, even if you do not have a diagnosable mental illness. Many Islamic institutions like Yaqeen Institute have articles written by licensed Muslim therapists about these issues and can also be helpful to consult. Do not let cultural stigma prevent you from seeking professional help. In a society where we are constantly pressured to maximize our worldly productivity, it can be difficult to grapple with the uncertainty brought about by this pandemic. Insha’Allah, we can overcome the uncertainty of these new changes by having certainty in the One who brought these changes. v
“Tawakkul is not a coping mechanism; rather it is an overcoming mechanism. Instead of rejecting reality through distractions, Tawakkul allows us to see through the situation in a healthy, pragmatic way.”
- Poetry Corner -
The Sacred Endeavor By: Safa Imran
She embarks upon a noble and arduous journey Of spreading the message she knows to be true But alas, they all jeered, ridiculed, and hurt her With a heavy heart she thought, ‘If only they knew...’ No matter how many times or how hard she tried They silenced and mocked her many a pure attempt Discouraging thoughts filled her once determined mind The girl feared she would be consumed by contempt But then she recalled the story of her beloved Prophet When they pelted stones at him, did he not remain kind? He remained persistently patient and prayed for them And the offer to retaliate he soft-heartedly declined The resolute girl smiled and stood back on her feet She eventually met one soul who began to believe Remembering the reward her trusted Lord promised She was content if this was all she’d ever achieve Despite the trials and tribulations the girl had to face She knew Islam was to be spread and not confined She traveled long and far, keeping her goal at heart To please her Lord above, Most Merciful and Kind
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Common Myths About Mental Health in the Muslim Community By: Dr. Muqaddas Sarwar, Ph.D
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ental health refers to our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects everything from how we think, feel, and act to how we handle stress, relate to others, and make decisions. Mental health is just as important as physical or spiritual health, because in many ways, it directly impacts both. There are so many factors that impact the development of mental health problems, but they can usually be split into two categories: biological factors and environmental factors. Biological factors include genes, family history, hormonal changes, and brain chemistry. Environmental factors encompass everything else: trauma, family experiences, excessive stress, abuse, etc. Mental health problems can start at any age and occur in both men and women. In the Muslim community, mental health is often not discussed as openly as it needs to be, and because of this, many Muslims are silently struggling with mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. As a therapist, I have seen these struggles first-hand and I see how damaging these conditions can be when they go untreated. I work with many adolescents and young adults who struggle with mental health problems but never felt like they could talk about their problems with their family or in their community. This is mainly because of the stigma and misconceptions surrounding mental health in the Muslim community. The first step to reversing this stigma is to talk about mental health and increase our own awareness. There are many common myths about mental health and I hope that reading this article will help change these beliefs.
Myth Number 1: Mental health problems are a sign of “weak Iman” This myth is unfortunately one that I hear too often in our community. I strongly believe that having Iman and Taqwa are essential to our spiritual and mental health, but this does not mean that mental health problems are a sign of weak Iman. As mentioned previously, mental health problems are caused by both biological and environmental factors, the same way physical illnesses such as diabetes or blood pressure are. Just as we would never tell someone that their physical health problems are caused by weak Iman, we should not tell people that their mental health problems are caused by weak Iman. There is no denying the power of salah and du’a in Islam, but these should be done in addition to seeking proper mental health treatment. Just as you would see a physician for a physical illness such as a broken arm or heart condition, you should see a psychologist or psychiatrist for mental health problems. The Prophet SAW said, “There is no disease that Allah has created, except that He also has created its treatment,” (Sahih Al-Bukhari, 5678). As this hadith states, Allah has created a treatment for every disease, including diseases of the mind, which tells us that we should seek treatment from them in addition to making du’a for recovery. Many of us are also familiar with the famous hadith narrated by Anas bin Malik, in which the Prophet SAW noticed a Bedouin leaving his camel without tying it. He asked the Bedouin, “Why don’t you tie down your camel?” The Bedouin answered, “I put my trust in Allah.” The Prophet
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SAW then said, “Tie your camel first, then put your trust in Allah,” (Tirmidhi, 2517). Anas ibn Malik reported: A man said, “O Messenger of Allah, should I tie my camel and trust in Allah, or should I leave her untied and trust in Allah?” The Prophet SAW said, “Tie her and trust in Allah,” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi, 2517). Similarly, when it comes to our mental health, we need to tie our camel by seeking treatment and then trust in Allah and make du’a for our recovery.
Myth Number 2: Mental health problems are a “punishment” from Allah This myth is just as inaccurate and harmful as the previous one. As Muslims, we recognize that everything—the good and the bad—comes from Allah and happens with His permission. However, it is not our place to speculate what is and is not a punishment from Allah. The Prophet SAW himself experienced a period of sadness in the Year of Sorrow, after experiencing multiple tribulations, including the devastating losses of his wife Khadjiah and uncle Abu Talib and an extended period time without revelation. Yet, we know that this was not a punishment from Allah, as stated in Surah Ad-Duha, verse 3: “Your Lord has not abandoned you, nor has He become hateful of you.” The Prophet SAW experienced sadness, grief, and fear, just as all humans do. These emotions are neither a sign of weak Iman, nor can we say that they are a punishment from Allah.
Myth Number 3: Talking to an Imam or scholar about your mental health concerns is sufficient While our religious leaders, scholars, and Imams may have extensive knowledge about Islam, many of them are not licensed mental health providers. This means that although they can give us helpful advice from an Islamic perspective about our life circumstances, they are not qualified to treat mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, or substance use. Allah SWT says in the Qur’an, “Ask the people of knowledge if you do not know,” (An-Nahl 16:43). Just as you would go to a mechanic for help with your car or your physician for treatment for your heart condition, you need to go to professionals for advice and treatment about mental health problems. Mental health problems are incredibly common and rates of mental disorders among Muslims have increased in recent years in the U.S. Even if you have never personally experienced mental health problems, you likely know someone who has. It is important for all of us to be aware of harmful myths about mental health as well as next steps for helping those who may be struggling with these problems. v 16 | Noor Magazine II 2020
“Your life is nothing more than a love story. Between you and God. Nothing more. Every person, every experience, every gift, every loss, every pain is sent to your path for one reason and one reason only; to bring you back to Him.” - Yasmin Mogahed -
- Health Corner -
Hijama - A Forgotten Sunnah Hijama (cupping) is a non-surgical procedure in which the “bad” blood is drawn out of the body. In Arabic, the word Hijama literally means to “draw out”. In this procedure, blood is stimulated to accumulate in a specific part of the body and then drawn out through tiny incisions made in that part of the body. The renewed blood flow results in healing. There are numerous benefits of Hijama that have been proven in medical science and Islam. “Indeed in hijama there is a cure,” (Saheeh Muslim).
The benefits of Hijama include: » » » » » » » »
Faster pain relief Get rid of chronic fatigue syndrome Relief from lung diseases Keeping the skin healthy Relieving digestive problems Healing urinary diseases A way of relaxation Faster healing
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The “I Want it All” Attitude… By: Fariha Lakhani
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aterialism is an ongoing chronic delusion that has become a rope strangling our society. Generally speaking, the focus of our lives has become wealth, or what we can buy with that wealth – the next article of clothing, the house, the car, the smart device, etc. All around us, popular media diverts our attention towards certain products or services by deeming their purchase a source of our own comfort, luxury, or an increase in status or fame. We are constantly told that we need to buy some product. And our obsession with acquiring products leads to us wanting more and more, one after another. Eventually, this is the way society works: wealth, fame, riches, social media followers, and admiration equals success. 18 | Noor Magazine II 2020
But why? When we equate material possessions with success, this points to an underlying societal problem: a lack of self-esteem. We are compelled to substitute the gap we feel in our lives by adding more material possessions so we can fit in, or be recognized and remembered. There is definitely an excitement in buying something new and sharing the joy with someone, but isn’t that excitement always short-lived, unless it was a really important purchase? Think about it. The cycle goes something like this – we are dissatisfied with our state of being or mind at a given time, so we buy. We are temporarily happy and satisfied, but then the happiness level drops, leading to another urge to buy something else, and so it continues.
“O believers! What is the matter with you that when you are asked to march forth in the cause of Allah, you cling firmly to [your] land? Do you prefer the life of this world over the Hereafter? The enjoyment of this worldly life is insignificant compared to that of the Hereafter.” (Surah Tawbah, 38) Let’s think about housewives for a minute. We want the best of everything in our home because so-andso’s wife also has that in her house. We want that designer bag, that same dress, or even a better one so we look better than someone at the next high-tea. We want our furniture and living room to look the best and have the most expensive set of china for when the guests are over. But this desire for having a multitude of the best of everything eventually leads to ungratefulness and depression. The purpose of our life is much bigger than, and beyond material belongings. Our responsibility as Muslims is to recognize that wealth is a blessing as well as a trial. Wealth should be a means to fulfill the important needs of our daily lives, but in no way does it grant us anything in the Hereafter, unless it is used to help the needy. Material possessions only take us away from Allah SWT and His commands because we become so engulfed in hoarding that we move away from our primary focus to attain the pleasure of Allah SWT. The Qur’an mentions, “O believers! What is the matter with you that when you are asked to march forth in the cause of Allah, you cling firmly to [your] land? Do you prefer the life of this world over the Hereafter? The enjoyment of this worldly life is insignificant compared to that of the Hereafter,” (Surah Tawbah, 38). Material things are temporary; they do not serve our purpose in this life, neither will they be beneficial in the Hereafter, unless they are used for a cause that will live on even after us. One might argue that, “if we have the money, and we are not indulging in haram, then what’s so bad about buying what we want?” This is a valid question. It is definitely not haram to be buying possessions with our hard-earned wealth. But we need to remember what happens if we focus too much on material wealth. We get caught in a web of materialism. An individual starts to get tempted to possess something
by “buying” or “achieving” it because the media, or a celebrity, or an influencer portrays it to be of certain value or benefit. In the process, we begin to lose sense of our priorities, and there could come a time when Allah’s commandments take a back seat for us, as we indulge in our “need” to own more and more. Social media today puts so much pressure on us to have or become something that it challenges our own identity; not having such-and-such distorts our sense of being, as if we are outcasts. People are mostly worried about their material-oriented desires: technology, cars, gadgets, even physically “looking” like some celebrity or Instagram model. Where are these desires taking us? Why do we strive to achieve this never-ending status of being someone only to be able to publicize it on social media. What does it get us? A few likes? This goes on, but the sense of being content with all that you have never goes away. It will not go away because we are continuously chasing one thing after another. There is no end to it. There is no final level that can provide the certainty that we will ever be fully content. The desire to always want and need more can never be fulfilled and we will continue to feel like we need more and better. What can we do to make sure we are not too materialistic? Be grateful in the little things, and remember that this “gain” of the dunya might not eventually be a gain in the akhirah. Consider: “The Day He will gather you for the Day of Gathering—that will be the Day of mutual loss and gain. So whoever believes in Allah and does good, He will absolve them of their sins and admit them into Gardens under which rivers flow, to stay there forever and ever. That is the ultimate triumph,” (Surah Taghabun, 9). Allah SWT clearly tells us in the Qur’an that the ultimate “gain” or “triumph” for us is Jannah, so let us put in our efforts to attain that place for eternity. v Noor Magazine II 2020 | 19
Modern Day Tests and Trials:
In Light of Surah Kahf By: Aliya Ansari
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T
he Arabic word for trial is Fitnah. Fitnah has an extremely broad meaning, which includes to cleanse, to examine or to test and to purify.
Everyone goes through some kind of trial. In fact, life is full of big and small trials. A Muslim, a true believer, needs to understand that these trials come only to cleanse us, so that Allah SWT can bring us close to Him. The harder the trial, the bigger the reward. The realization we need to have is that no matter what problems we are going through, Allah is with us always. This realization will strengthen our faith. The very purpose of Allah SWT putting everyone through trials is to measure the strength of our faith. When we say “I believe in Allah,” do the actions match with the claim? Allah SWT reminds us in Surah Ankaboot, ayah 2: “Do the people think that they will be left because they say, ‘We believe’ and they will not be tested?” In Surah Kahf, Allah SWT presents us with stories that highlight the types of trials we might face.
Sometimes the pursuit of knowledge becomes a trial as in the story of Musa AS and Khidr AS. We learn in the story that forgetfulness and exhaustion can disrupt learning. We need to focus on what information the teacher is giving us and not focus on what the teacher is not giving us. Trust and patience with the teacher are key to learning. At the end of three nonsensical incidents according to Musa AS, he admitted that he was wrong. From this we learn that temperament plays an important role in learning, alongside intelligence. Knowledge should bring humility. Just as fruit weighs down the branches of a tree, knowledge should bring down the believer’s sense of pride. Everything we know is just a drop in the ocean. There is always someone who knows more.
Another trial described in Surah Kahf is the trial of money, as shown in the story of the two men and their gardens. The person who owned big gardens was arrogant and rejected Allah SWT’s role in his success. A believer should express gratitude as the man’s companion urged him to do. Allah will ask us what we did with our money: how we earned it and how we spent it. And when we are faced with a loss of possession as the man was, we must remind ourselves that this world and its problems are temporary. Allah’s pleasure is permanent, and that is what we must strive for.
Prophet Muhammad SAW warned us of the pitfalls of wealth when he said, “Every nation has their trials. The fitnah of my ummah is surplus and abundance of money.” (Al Tirmidhi).
Our young minds are fighting fitnahs left, right, and center. The moment young Muslims/Muslim youth step outside their homes, they practice spiritual jihad to hold onto their deen. Praying Jummah and Dhuhr in public school or wearing hijab are not easy, yet many of our youth are steadfast in these practices and uphold good Muslim manners, SubhanAllah. Just like Allah SWT made the youth of the cave, Ashabe Kahf, as an example for the rest of the world forever, may Allah become witness for these strong youth of our time. They have learned to stay steadfast from childhood, Alhamdulillah. Good and pious Muslim teenagers have constant role models like Ibrahim AS, Yusuf AS, and Ali RA. Kids and youth should know the real goal of life. We should check their company and our own company. A harmonious, sound, calm and strong family that has a complete and firm belief in Allah will produce firm and strong young believers like the people of the cave Insha’Allah. Surah Kahf mentions Baaqiaat us Salihaat, meaning the good deeds that would remain after we are long gone and would keep benefiting us. We should strive to perform such deeds together. When we are faced with trials, we should seek solace in the following actions that are taught to us through Surah Kahf: 1. Turn to Allah SWT with du’a. Seek refuge in Him from every fitnah. Make Du’a as the youth in the cave did. 2. Understand and realize that the purpose of trials is to pass them. Do not lose trust and faith in Allah, and continue to strive like the fisherman whose boat was damaged. 3. Be educated about our religion. Associate yourself with people who teach you about Allah and His messengers. Always seek to learn more as Musa AS did. Our Prophet SAW said, “fitnah will continue to come.” He also reminded us “Worshipping at the time of trials is like making hijra towards me,” (Sahih Muslim). You will find strength and glory in worshipping and having a strong relation with Allah SWT Let us be stronger than ever and not worry about petty things. Let us focus our minds, intentions and all our efforts towards the Akhirah and Jannah Insha’Allah. Let us be pleased with Him so that He will be pleased with us on the Day of Judgement. Ameen. v Noor Magazine II 2020 | 21
Step by Step 22 | Noor Magazine II 2020
» » » » »
LOS ANGELES
Urdu and English Seerah Programs and courses were held virtually and successfully attended WhyIslam held a Dawah training program for members on the topic “The Solution in the time of Confusion: Islam” Books were gifted to New Muslim sisters Members attended an interfaith event at a local church Some members participated in an Alzheimer’s awareness walk
NEW JERSEY
» Weekly Seerah programs are ongoing in all four New Jersey units » In September two units held an outdoor picnic meeting for members and families » A matrimonial event was arranged in October and heavily attended » » » » » »
VIRGINIA UNIT
The WhyIslam team mobilized participation for the Alzheimer’s walk and collected $450 for the Alzheimer’s Association The WhyIslam team worked with the ICNA Relief team to arrange food and backpack drives, over 200 families were served MCNA held a Qur’an memorization and Islamic knowledge competition. Prizes were awarded to 1st to 3rd place winners
PENNSYLVANIA UNIT (EAST REGION)
MCNA started a book club in Collegeville which was joined by thirty-five children led by five teachers Food is being provided to 60-70 people in Allentown In October, sisters helped organize a blood drive held by the Red Cross at a local mosque, 60-70 units of blood were collected
MARYLAND UNIT (EAST REGION)
» An MCNA Teachers’ Training was organized, the topic was “How to utilize the tools we have to continue to work for the sake of Allah”
SOUTH BOSTON-NORTH BOSTONNEW ENGLAND (EAST REGION)
» A Seerah program featuring a lecture and quiz competition was held in South Boston on October 17 it was widely attended by members and nonmembers from across New England » » »
NEW YORK CITY
MCNA held an Ibrahim Day program in September in New York WhyIslam arranged a meet and greet program in Long Island for reverts, it featured icebreakers and gift giving ICNA Relief collaborated with local brothers to distribute school backpacks and food to the needy
» Sisters cooked food for needy families in Queensborough » Sisters made arrangements for the burials of 10 deceased sisters in Long Island
DALLAS CITY
» In October “Your Voice Matters” Programs were held regarding political awareness and the importance of voting for Muslims » ICNA Relief sisters collected and distributed 100 blankets in the months of September and October » HHRD participated in “The Skills and development program” 2500 people from 9 countries attended the program » ICNA sisters did fundraising for homeless women and participated in a “Pharmacy Project” with brothers
SOUTH REGION
» In Orlando, sisters participated in the Alzheimer’s walk and fundraising in October » HHRD participated in “The Skills and development program” and raised funds for their help » A Special Seerah Program was held in Atlanta » WhyIslam girls held a program for revert sisters and an In-person meeting was arranged in Maryam Masjid » » » » » » » » » » » »
WEST REGION
In Santa Clara, members participated in the democratic club campaign for voter registration. Sisters participated in interfaith programs also In Alaska, a “Coffee Time session” was arranged with revert sisters. ICNA Relief sisters helped collect medical supplies for Gambia In San Fernando Valley, ICNA Relief distributed food and back to school supplies to needy families In Seattle, a discussion session was held on the topic of “Gender Identity”. A large number of people attended and a question answer session was held also MCNA arranged a talk show for children on Halloween ICNA sisters provided cleaner boxes to the nursing homes and participated in Alzheimer’s walk In September, an introductory program was held for new Fehm-ul-Qur’an Class attendees In October, a Tarbiyah seminar and Muddarrisat training were held
NORTH CENTRAL REGION
$4000 in funds were collected for families affected by COVID 19, WhyIslam and Gain Peace projects In Michigan sisters distributed funds and Seerah cards to people in their communities. Food was sent to needy people under “Feed the hungry program” and baklava was sent to school staff and teachers as a gift In Kentucky, members collected funds for needy families
HOUSTON
» Ongoing halaqas are focused on the Seerah and include a biweekly quiz for members to share with their families » WhyIslam gave appreciation gifts to school teachers and health care providers for working during the pandemic » In October, awareness was spread about Alzheimer’s disease and members were to join the virtual walk donation through Alzheimer’s Association App » A computer skill and time management program was held for YMj boys
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Q&A In one of the classes you taught, you said that we should teach our children Aqeedah before teaching them how to read and memorize the Qur’an, did you mean love and knowledge of Allah? How can we teach our kids Aqeedah in an easier way? When children are of the age of understanding, which could be from as early as two years old, instill in them the names of Allah SWT. As he/she gets older mention how Allah SWT is The Creator of everything, the sky, the stars, the trees and in a simple way, make them realize that only Allah SWT has power to do whatever He wishes and because of that He is not created. He has the ultimate power. At the same time, they can begin to learn Qur’an recitation simultaneously so when they see the Names and Attributes of Allah SWT, bring it to their attention and reinforce those concepts. “I Love Islam” by Noor Art series is a very good starting point. I have been teaching my grandson this book since he was five. Now he is six and Alhamdulillah, he has a very clear understanding about Allah SWT. If a child asks questions too difficult to explain, tell them Insha’Allah they will learn that as they get older. A child’s mind at an early age is like a sponge that absorbs. They can easily handle both their academic studies as well as their Islamic Studies. If we wait till “they grow up” then it might be too late as is the case of many children. Another early way of teaching them Aqeedah is to get some good Islamic cartoon. Concepts such as the Oneness of Allah SWT, that Allah SWT can hear them and see them, and that He rewards for good deeds with Jannah are easily learnt. A very effective way for our children to learn their Deen is enrolling them in Islamic Schools. At least they will have an environment where they can pray, observe the month of Ramadan, and understand the basics of Deen. Finally, parents must make it their duty to make Du’a for their children in their presence and in their absence. 24 | Noor Magazine II 2020
...because you asked... Questions are answered by Shaykh Abdool Rahman Khan
If children offer salah and are trying to improve but still at times wear nail color, how should we talk to them? First of all, the knowledge of Wudhu is essential. One of the conditions of Wudhu being valid is that the water must touch the skin including the nails. If there is any prohibition that prevents water from reaching the parts washed in Wudhu such as grease, paint, nail polish, then the Wudhu is not valid and prayers offered in that case will not be valid. Wudhu is a prerequisite condition for Salah. This should be taught to children way before they learn how to use nail polish. Rasulallah SAW said: “If you find water, then let it touch your skin, for that is good.” (Narrated by Abu Dawood) Secondly, young sisters should know that Ibadah has conditions and limitations. So, the right thing to do is to remove this nail polish before making Wudhu. Thirdly, look for alternatives in nail color that does not prevent water reaching the nails such as henna or porous nail polish. Fourthly, Iman is to be instilled in the hearts that as Muslims: » Why do we even pray? » Who determines how to pray? » What should be our Adab in Salah? » Is nail color something that enhances our Salah or affects our Salah? Finally, take it easy on them and don’t be judgmental on them but have patience and let them know what is the correct way of making Wudhu. It may take some time and may Allah SWT help them to understand and practice the Deen correctly.
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