Memoirs of an American Muslim V.02
Change is Inevitable
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I dunno what is happening lately. I just don’t feel the same around my group of friends which I have been hanging out with for the last few years. Like tonight, for example… What is the big deal about hanging out in a restaurant’s where people smoke hookah. First off, I absolutely despise hookah, cigarettes, cigars, or any other form of poisoning the body that Allah has gifted to us. Second off, I came to this abrupt realization the other day that I don’t any longer enjoy “hanging out for the sake of hanging out”. I feel like my ideas of friendship have matured over time, yet many of those whom I am acquainted with have not. For this reason, I am finding the divide between myself and this certain circle of friends begin to widen, and in its place I am finding room for more meaningful friendships and more mature conversations.
I really just don’t get it. For how long can a person play video games? For how long can a person spend their weekends hopping from one movie theatre to another? For how long can a person allow television shows to dictate how they spend their time?
I am so thankful and grateful to Allah, that He has brought me to the realization of how important time is, and the priorities of things in life. I will, however, be the first to admit that I am no where near perfect when it comes to time management, organization, and priorities. For me, it is a daily struggle to improve in these areas, and I hope inshAllah that Allah will give me the strength to do so.
I am really not sure how to think or feel at the moment however… On my drive home tonight I felt a pain in my heart, and sadness overcame me at the result of this. In all honesty, I am at a loss as to what will happen in the future, however I have decided I must keep my priorities in life, and set my goals and strive for them. As I learned from Imam Johari, anything that comes in the way of my goals, I must let go of, as the goals should remain in full view.
Ramadan Memories
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Whenever the month of Ramadan approaches, I reflect upon the wonderful years of Ramadan that have past, and also feel sad to think that I really didn’t take advantage of those years as much as I could have. The wonderful memories of iftar with friends and family, of going to the masjid on a nightly basis for taraweeh prayers, and just the feeling of unity and brotherhood/sisterhood in the community make Ramadan perhaps one of the most cherished times of the year, besides the hajj time (for those who are blessed to go to hajj).
This year, more than ever before I feel a pain in my heart, mainly because I am not able to spend as much time in worship and contemplation/reflection as I would like to. I would rather not discuss the reasons for this openly on my blog, but needless to say, I am in the process of completing one level of my life and moving to the next, and in order to complete this one I must dedicate alot of time to it so I can move on. I just always keep the future in perspective, and try my best to enjoy Ramadan. This year, Alhamdullilah, one thing I have done that is different from previous years, and that I have really enjoyed is spending more iftars with my parents, and listening to more lectures from Muslim scholars to increase my knowledge and hopefully my iman. And quite honestly, one of the blessings from Allah when you get older is to spend as much time with your parents as possible. Unfortunately as a young person, myself, and perhaps many others, were not always aware of the importance of our parents in our lives.
Another thing which has brought my heart much pain this Ramadan is the realization that so many Muslims don’t really see the importance of Ramadan. Just tonight I noticed Muslims who I know, born into this faith, taking for granted the blessings of Ramdan and being Muslim. Again, I would rather not go into detail, but I just cannot see it. Islam is a beautiful religion, and Allah has blessed us with so much, but instead of dedicating our lives to working for Allah, or spreading the beauty of religion, our lives are wasted “chilling out”. I pray Allah save us all from this, and show us our faults so we can change to become better peoples.
* AM *
Native Deen “Not Afraid to Stand Alone”
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Native Deen have release the final version of their new video, and mashAllah it is an amazing one at that. Check it out, and leave your feedback in the comments.
Seven 8 Six and Khaleel Muhammad live
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The below videos are from the Celebrate Eid tour which took place in 2005. I was on the tour, and looking back upon it, I really miss it. InshAllah there will be more wondrous Eid celebrations like this in the years to come.
Nasheeds.com Special Ramadan Offers
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The below is taken from an email message from Nasheeds.com:
Ramadan Mubarak!!
For the month of Ramadan, we are happy to announce a special offer for all nasheeds.com customers. Now, through the end of Ramadan, we are offering an additional 10% off all orders. That is right!! All orders, with no minimum purchase!! This offer is good on all products available on our website, including some of the newest products from top nasheed artists.
To get your additional discount, just enter the code ramadan010 when you are ready to check out. This discount code expires October 13, 2007, so be sure to use it before then. As well, feel free to share this email with family and friends so they can partake in the extra savings. And don’t forget, FREE SHIPPING IN USA AND UK!!
Ramadan Mubarak to All!!
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Wishing Everyone a Blessed and Beneficial Ramadan. I know that I personally have a lot of spiritual struggles to work through this Ramadan, and request everyone who reads this to make sincere dua for me, that Allah grant me the ability to become stronger. Below is a good reminder for us all that I encourage you to check out.
Zaytuna Institute Distance Learning Program
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I can’t really deny how absolutely happy I am that Zaytuna Institute has started a distance learning program! For so long I have been waiting for a reliable and trustworthy institution to begin a program such as this. Not to say that Zaytuna is the only trustworthy institution, but I feel spiritually comfortable with them and their teachers. I considered attending other programs, such as Sunnipath and Al Maghrib, but with Sunnipath the high cost always stopped me, and with Al Maghrib they never came to my city. So, can I get an AHAMDULLILAH!!
Check the details below:
Zaytuna Institute’s new Distance Learning program provides communities and students around the world affordable access to the sacred knowledge being taught and preserved at Zaytuna Institute through the use of the latest in cutting-edge multimedia and Internet technology.
Zaytuna’s new and improved Distance Learning program is centered around a unique system that gives registered students access to 
a new audio/video class session download each week, course-related handouts, and an interactive online student forum all from their “course portal.” This “download-based” format allows students the freedom to review course content at their own pace and on the device or player of their choice (computer, iPod, CD player, car stereo, multimedia-equipped cell phone, etc.).
Offered on a quarterly basis, Zaytuna’s Distance Learning courses present an exciting and flexible new option for seekers of knowledge to connect with Zaytuna’s scholars and access high-quality Islamic teaching at a price they can afford. Instruction starts soon, so get started today!
