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Kendra James Jamar Clark

why

BLACK LIVES MATTER is a muslim issue

W

hile we would all like to live with the illusion that racism is no longer an issue in our modern society, the unfortunate reality is that we are far from that. Despite having made significant progress with our acceptance of other races in the last several decades, until we reach equality for all, there is always room to improve.

From a humanitarian perspective, it should be obvious that one should not hesitate to stand with the oppressed.

However, some Muslims try to distance themselves from movements like #blacklivesmatter because they don’t think it affects them directly, despite the Qur'aan stating, “Whoever kills a person [unjustly]...it is as though he has killed all mankind. And whoever saves a life, it is as though he has saved all mankind.” (Qur’aan, 5:32). Nowhere does it say “a Muslim person”. This means that even though it may not affect us directly, any innocent killing, including those of black people, is an attack on humanity.

While this verse essentially says that all lives matter, this statement is by no means belittling the #blacklivesmatter movement. It merely highlights that all life is precious.

However, we must take into account that it is typically

Tamir Rice Ronald Madison Rekia BoydBrendon Glenn Samuel DuBose

Shereese Francis Manuel Amadou Diallo Loggins Jr. Sean Bell Alton Sterling Akiel Denkins MY VOICE | ISSUE4VOL4 2017 | 8 MY VOICE | ISSUE1VOL4 2016 | 8

„

Eric Garner

Ramarley Graham

Laquan McDonald

Yvette Smith

Christian Taylor

Eric Garner

Michael Brown Jr. Ezell Ford Akai Gurley

Walter Scott

innocent black civilians who are subjected to police brutality. After all, you are unlikely to hear of a story of white people being subjected to police brutality.

The foundation of Islam is peace and justice. Where is the justice for Philando Castile, Alton Sterling and dozens more unarmed black people who were unjustly killed? Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was living amongst the unjust Arabs in an era of ignorance, who buried their own daughters alive and held black people as slaves. We all know the story of Bilal RA, the first muezzin of Islam, who was so strong in his faith that when he was being tortured for becoming a Muslim, he constantly attested to the Oneness of Allah, only repeating ahad, ahad, ahad over and over again. As Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) famously said in his final sermon, "All mankind is from Adam and Eve; an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a nonArab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over black nor does a black have any superiority over a white except by piety and good action". Two notable examples of black Muslims contributing to society are Malcolm X and Muhammad Ali, although there are many more. Black people are a part of our community, and it is time we stand by them.

The foundation of Islam is peace and justice.

Where is the justice for Philando Castile, Alton Sterling and dozens more unarmed black people who were unjustly killed?

So, what can you do to help? Start by contacting your local #blacklivesmatter chapter and make a donation to show your support for their cause. Furthermore, do not underestimate the power of social media and show support by sharing messages of us standing in solidarity with our oppressed neighbors, for once we stand up for humanity, humanity will stand up for us.

MARIAM NASIR, GRADE 10

„

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MY MEMOIR

BY ASFIYA IRFAN

T

how many young and healthy people have died before they his was our chill-spot at Masjid al Haram, where reached old age? My heart started racing as the funeral my husband and I sat down to eat a snack after procession drew closer. I felt myself tense up and I crossed performing Tawaf. The enclosing architecture of my arms tightly. Then it hit me; the realization of my own the entire Masjid was marvelous, reminiscent of a castle-type mortality: This will be me one day. I am going to wear a construction, unlike any I had ever seen. The main entry to shroud, not a dress; I will return to dust. I got up and the our secret hangout place was tucked in a corner outside the dead bodies took my place. These souls had crossed over to courtyard of the Ka’bah. It was arched and had within it two large marble columns with lintels at the end. the Hereafter, about to meet their Lord. I shuddered at the thought that I could’ve been It was topped with verses in their place. The currency from the Qur’an, sculpted in gold and emerald green.

"The currency of the Hereafter is neither of the Hereafter is neither dollars nor a university We would relax here before in dollars nor a university degree or a really in degree or a really nice car, going for Sa'I. Little did we nice car, but only pure hearts and positive but only pure hearts and know that this was actually positive contributions to the area where the deceased contributions to society." society. In the face of death, are brought for Salat al all my pride, anger, grudges Janaza (funeral prayers). So as I was enjoying a cold glass of zamzam water, a funeral and jealousies crumbled away, leaving me with the realization of what is truly important. Our lives, from beginning to end, procession coming towards us gave me a sudden jolt. I not belong to Allah, so those years in between, spent on this only lost my appetite but jumped to my feet, mortified.

Being so close to the dead bodies made me feel scared and earth, should also be focused on Him. We are all dying; each one of us has come into this sick. Although death is a natural part of the cycle of life, world with an expiry date. A dying person lives in pursuit of we often forget that it even exists. Let's face it, we live in a death-denying culture. We try to hide death behind antiholiness, not chasing the next gadget craze, binge watching Netflix or fritting over friends. She enjoys this world in aging creams, food guides and medical technologies. Yet

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concentration, as if it were your last prayer on earth. Salah will be the first question that Allah will ask on the Day of Judgment.

Pray with no regrets, seeking maximum reward from Allah, aiming to pray like the Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) prayed.

”

Connecting with the Qur’an will help you to know Allah and understand His divine wisdom.

”

moderation and strives for a life radiating with faith and good deeds. When frivolous things become tempting, she calls to mind the inescapable fact of the grave and prioritizes her life in light of the Hereafter. A Muslim is characterized by her belief in the Afterlife. Our certainty and confidence in meeting Allah should be the motivation behind Salah (prayers), acts of charity and commitment to the Qur’an, which are a priority for anyone who is conscious of Allah.

Here are some tips to bring us closer to our Lord:

1.

Perform Salah as if it were your last

2.

Leave a legacy of charity

3.

Connect with the Qur’an

Be generous with the time, money and knowledge that Allah has blessed you with. After death, people will remember how you treated them. Spend time with your parents. Mentor your young siblings. Feed the homeless. Participate in clothing drives.

Volunteer at the Masjid or at an NGO. Donate your blood.

Spread your warmth, love and joy to everyone. Our charity today will echo in eternity; it will protect us in the grave and shade us on the Day of Judgement.

Our culture is obsessed with information. In the end, the only thing that is really worth reading is the Qur’an. Allah is talking directly to us – they are His own words. Connecting with the Qur’an will help you to know Allah and understand His divine wisdom. While Twitter and YouTube videos can be full of empty gossip and vain philosophies, only the stories of the Qur’an contain profound insight, for those who reflect.

Pray to Allah on time, with the utmost love, humility, and

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