5th Annual Muslim Day October 24-25, 2009
By: Na’Aisha Malika B.
YRAC Aux Staff Journalist/Photographer
Picture this: It’s a beautiful sunny autumn day around noon. The children are smiling, energetic backseat drivers! Predicting the every turn, bump and curve of my vehicle‘s path. They know their designated time to arrive at the park is coming soon. It’s Muslim Day, and they’ve been waiting all year for this wonderful family festivity! But wait, I suddenly look at the gas gauge and forgot that I was in dire need of gas. So, I pulled over at the big gas station a block away from the park. As I unscrew the top from my gas tank, I look around, surveying the other gas pumping folks, looking for a recognizable face. I see no one. Then I am momentarily drawn away from pumping gas to clean out my son’s car seat for a minute. Suddenly, when I glance back at the gas pump, I see that the numbers in price and gallon are escalating far higher than I need or desire to pay. I know my tanks capacity is 12.5 gallons, but the gauge is showing 14.0 gallons pumping! What happened to the automatic pump that stops when the tank is full?
“Oh my goodness!” As I rush towards the pump exploding gasoline four feet into the air, I am interrupted (and saved) from performing the unwanted task of pulling the spewing pump out of my car. It was a Muslim brother who quickly shouts out the greetings, and makes his way in between my car and the gas pump. Very carefully and meticulously, he pulls the pump out, and somehow manages to avoid stepping in the 1.5 gallons of vaporous gas surrounding the wheels on the right side of my car.
I am disoriented and in shock from the incident, and probably the toxic fumes! After calling the attendant, getting me a refund caused by the defective pump, he then backs my car up away from the gasoline, so as not to ignite any fumes and cause a potential gasoline fire while my children were innocently and eagerly sitting in the car. Visibly shaken, I looked up towards the sky and uttered an ironically relaxed, “Allahuakbar, thank you…so much!” The brother gives a humble greeting and replies, “No problem sister. I am glad that I was able to help you. My name is Zaid. As Salaamu Alaikum! I pray that you enjoy the activities at the park with your children.” And he walks towards his car, opens the door, gets in, nods his head at me one last time, then drives off. I have not seen him since.
I will forever remember Muslim Day 2009. I was a firsthand witness of the miraculous beauty of Allah swt, that is everywhere surrounding us, at times when we least expect it, and when we need it the most. Incidents like this make me remember Imam WD Mohammed and his vision for the unification and charitable deeds towards humanity in our community. These words can only partially convey my gratitude and pride to be a Muslim living in America in such a beautiful community, and in an era that is the catalyst for global change.
The spirit for change was felt amongst the crowd at the historic Grant Park, although significantly smaller than previous years due to weather and other city events. Last year’s crowd was over 5,000 Muslims. Impromptu games of volleyball, football, soccer and even foot racing were starting everywhere I turned. Hundreds of children enjoyed the 5 large inflatable playhouses to their little hearts’ content. Mothers, such as myself, and older siblings looked on proudly at their childrens’ incredible feats of jumping 2-3 feet into the air! The delectable aromas of the finest and freshest halaal cuisine that Atlanta has to offer, permeated my nostrils with every blow of the wind.
Muslim Day featured a mini health fair, family picnics, a great bazaar area, and much more!
A live performances from an all muslim jazz band got everyone on their toes, including a refreshing performance from new teen crooner Saif-Allah Jackson, performing his local hit, “She Be Rocking Hijab.” There were many other performers, including Spoken word/HipHop artist Mustafa Abdul-Basit. The performances were concluded by presentations from Atlanta’s mayoral candidates Kasim Reed, Jesse Spikes, Lisa Borders, and Mary Norwood. This intimate discussion gave viewers an opportunity to listen to the candidates view points ranging from city budget proposals, crime reduction, and diversity. Quranic recitation and nasheed competitions were also held, featuring some of our finest young reciters! The spirit of camaraderie, unity, and peace was all too prevalent. Muslims from all communities in Atlanta were in attendance at Muslim Day 2009.
Performer at Muslim Day
Couple at Muslim Day
Believer capturing the moment
Children enjoying themselves
(For more information or to assist with next year’s planning go to www.muslimday.org.)
On the YRAC Name
By: Nadirah Angail
You R A Creator Editor/Journalist
What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” Juliet said that. And I agree, to an extent. Names don’t define or alter the worth of the things they identify, but if you have a choice, why not choose one that’s fitting?
And so “You R A Creator” was chosen. We needed something that represented the God-given talents this site works to unearth, something that highlighted Muslims’ natural inclination to produce and cultivate. We wanted to unite the worldwide ummah, to create connections where there were none, all with the help of Allah (SWT). We wanted to serve Allah (SWT) by creating peace and productivity on our site, hoping that it would leak into other spheres. This was our intention in choosing this name.
Despite our intentions, some believe that “You R A Creator” means something else. They aggressively suggest that our name attempts to link us, mere humans, to the Creator. They see the word “creator” and become incensed. I appreciate and share their lack of tolerance for blasphemy, but a closer look at the name shows that their energy is unwarranted. It’s all in the article. The difference between “a” creator and “the” Creator is immeasurable. The word “a” implies a general, lower case term, just another one of many. “The” implies a specific, upper case term, the one and only. We believe wholeheartedly that you are a creator, never the Creator. YRAC would never support or promote anything that associates itself with the Creator. Before anything else, each and every one of us is Muslim, dedicated to Allah(SWT) and fully aware of the one unforgivable sin.
Sure, we could have chosen another less controversial name, but our purpose is not to be non-controversial. If that is what it takes to awaken the natural spirit in us all, let there be controversy. As long as those involved have pure hearts, intelligent discussion never does any harm. In fact, it is welcome. Active members know YRAC has been the host of many controversial topics, all of which were discussed in a candid yet respectful and Islamic manner. Disagree all you want. It is your right, but know that we love Allah (SWT) just as much as you do. Know that were know our place as His servants and would never blur the boundary.
Nadirah Angail
Copyright© 2009
On My Constant Battle With Doubt
By: Nadirah Angail
YRAC Editor/Journalist
I think I’m a pretty agreeable person, so I don’t have any enemies. Well, there is this one woman, but I don’t know if she counts. She’s cool most of the time, but sometimes tries to fight and discourage me from whatever it is I’m trying to do. I guess you could call her a hater, but I think Doubter would be a better title. Yes, Doubter is definitely a better title. I should know, because the woman is me. As weird as it may sound, I am my own enemy.
Doubter isn’t always around. A lot of times she is nowhere to be found. But, when I start to make plans—big plans, things I’d like to accomplish— she shows up every time. She marches up, full of “what ifs” and contingencies, and whittles away at my self esteem. Sometimes, I can ignore her, but other times she becomes a full-on bully, blackening the eyes of all my dreams.
Doubter gets around. I’m sure she’s bullied more than a few of us. She spends her days belittling dreams, crushing hopes and stealing lunch money (intellectual lunch money, that is). This scrapper has got a lot of “wins” under her belt, but she’s also got some “loses.” And the secret of those that defeat her is simple: they don’t listen to her taunts.
Just like the Rejected One, she has no power other than that which we give her. So, despite her menacing appearance, she’s harmless at the root. She only becomes powerful when we ingest her lies. She tells us we’re not ______ enough, and we believe her. She tells us we can’t do it, and we believe her. She tells us all kinds of destructive, untrue things that we willingly take into ourselves as truth. This is her strategy. This is how she’s developed her reputation as the fierce fighter she appears to be.
I’ve wasted enough time and opportunity listening to doubt. As wonderful as I am, I’ve agree to the tale that I am not enough. As intelligent as you are, you’ve agreed to the tale that your ideas are not enough. As magnificent and worthy as we all are, we’ve agreed to downgrade ourselves to lower ranks. Our strike is only as powerful as the energy that propels it. Doubt steals that energy, weakens our blow, all in the name of regression. The constant growth of life is inhibited when doubt is indulged. And who am I to prevent my own growth?
Copyright© 2009
YRAC SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW- Hardcore Detroit: Bringing a Street Dance to a Professional Atmosphere
By: Nadirah Angail
YRAC Editor/Journalist
Detroit Michigan, home of Ford Motor Company, Motown Records and… B-boying? That’s right, B-Boying. It may not have started there, but it’s definitely found a home in this northern city, thanks to Hardcore Detroit.
Don’t know what Hardcore Detroit is? Picture this: a crew of 25, highly-skilled men and women performing some of the hardest and most entertaining break dancing moves you’ve ever seen. And behind it all is a beautiful, Muslim Couple.
Meet Haleem Rasul, the captain of this dynamic dance crew. He’s a passionate young B-Boy who took his love for Hip Hop and turned it into a thriving business. Inspired by the Detroit-based dance show The Scene and a close family member, Haleem (aka Stringz) began to dance as a teen. He had fun as a recreational dancer for some years, and finally began to take it seriously his junior year of high school. Throughout the 1990’s, he danced and networked with other local and national B-Boys, unknowingly preparing himself for the great task he’d later accomplish. “Growing up, I never saw myself as a leader. I see this all as a blessing. I assumed I’d graduate and work for a company, but the Most High put me in certain positions where I found myself tackling certain things,” said Stringz of his accomplishments.
Fast forward to 2001. Haleem used his technical dancing skills, network of dancers, and business knowledge to officially create Hardcore Detroit. With a set of worthy dancers (there’s no getting in this crew unless you battle your way in) he set out to “balance a street type dance with a professional atmosphere.” He traveled to near and far places like Chicago, New York, Los Angeles and even Sweden, exchanging moves and knowledge with some of the best.
Within a few short years, they had managed to put Detroit on the map and establish themselves as the premiere dance crew in the city. Now, Hardcore Detroit is well known in the Hip Hop world. “We’ve made such a presence that nobody in the world can take our name,” Stringz explained about their reputation. And it’s a good thing he’s done this, because others have tried to take the name “Hardcore Detroit” and use it as their own. Luckily, Haleem was smart and popular enough to stop their efforts. While his supports kindly informed the other Hardcore Detroit that the name was already taken, he trademarked the name for his business and shut down the possibility of ever being robbed again.
Hardcore Detroit is more than just a name. It is a description of who they are and what they’re about. “I wanted to change the idea of the word “hardcore.” Make people think positively about it. It’s Edgy. It’s serious. It’s hard…This is what makes us stand out from the rest, because we know the true essence of B-Boying,” said Stringz, who is just as knowledgeable about B-Boy history as he is the dance moves.
With a solid reputation and list of accomplishments under his belt (including performing for the Detroit Institute of the Arts) Stringz was sitting on top of the world. He was the king of Detroit B-Boying. All he needed was a queen…
Enter Mary Mar (aka B-Girl Ma Ma), the First Lady of Hardcore Detroit. They met on the dance floor and have been together ever since. Ma Ma is a born dancer. Even at the early age of 5, she had already found her love for movement; but it wasn’t until she was older that she entered the world of B-Girling.
It started with a simple question: “Is this your break dancing gang?” a naïve Mary asked a group of intriguing breakers.
“It’s not called a gang. It’s a crew,” they informed her. That was her first lesson 8 years ago. She went on to learn many more important lessons about the beautiful culture of Hip Hop, which she feels has been misrepresented by main stream media. “MTV is brainwashing us. Hip Hop is not about booty popping! It’s about bringing people together,” she exclaimed. And that’s what she and her husband strive to do, bring people together in an effort to spread and preserve true Hip Hop.
“A lot of people call themselves B-Boys, but aren’t representing for real Hip Hop, not true to the culture… How are you gonna say you’re a B-Boy and you don’t like Hip Hop music?” This is the problem that Ma Ma has with some B-Boys and B-Girls who want to do the moves without knowing the true technique or the 4 elements of Hip Hop, which are graffiti, djaying, emceeing, and breaking.
It is hard enough being a B-Girl in a world full of B-boys (Ma Ma is 1 of only 2 B-Girls in Detroit) but being a Muslim B-Girl puts her in a special rank all her own. She faces criticism from those who disapprove of a Muslim woman dancing in mixed company. She admits that she tried to stop dancing when she reverted to Islam in 2006, but couldn’t keep herself away from something she loves so much.
“It’s something I still struggle with, but there is a double standard for men and women. No one says anything about men dancing in front of women…Allah (swt) knows my intentions. I’m not dancing to be sexy or to attract men,” she clarified. And this is evident in her style of dress. Though other B-Girls have been known to wear tight-fitting, revealing clothes, Ma Ma breaks in pants, long sleeve shirts, and scarves. “My dress is pretty much the same. I’ve always been modest… I like it better this way, because I used to have a problem with strange men touching my hair.”
It wasn’t just her husband that attracted her to Islam. It was the message of Allah’s oneness. Raised as a Buddhist, she was already familiar with this concept. “Traditionally, Buddhism is about following the teachings of Buddha, not about worshipping many deities.” Now, she’s more patient and feels she owes that to Islam. She advises anyone who is considering Islam to “study and do you. If you feel Islam in your heart, then He’s telling you something.” Be sure to listen.
Some relationship experts consider working with your spouse a bad idea, but Haleem and Mary prove them wrong every day. In marriage, spirituality and business, they are partners, and its working out perfectly. “I consider the fact that we work together a benefit. We’re a dynamic duo. He’s my best friend.”
Copyright© 2009
On the Goals We Set
On the Goals We Set
By: Nadirah Angail
YouRACreator Journalist/Editor
A.) Lose weight/Get healthier
B.) Improve your financial situation
C.) Find a mate/Get married
Without even knowing you, I can bet that you want to do one, or perhaps all, of these things. They seem to be the most popular goals that people set around those magical times when inspiration is strong (Ramadan, New Years, birthdays, etc.). You dust off the workout gear, set a budget and balance the checkbook, and start attending events with your eyes peeled for that special someone. You’re determined to meet your goal. Well, for the first few weeks, anyway. Then, once the newness wears off, the determination wanes, and a slow sense of apathy sets in, you find yourself in the same old rut that you were in to start with. The cycle continues. Goal unmet.
We all want things in our lives, but we rarely want them bad enough to actually go get them. We talk casually about how wonderful it would be to have this or that, but quickly write it off as a mere dream that only a lucky few are able to realize. Think of how many times you’ve jokingly said “I’d love to have/do ______,” treating it like some untouchable star at which you can only stare. Many of these dreams, though, are not untouchable at all, just hard to attain. But if we really wanted them, in the same way that we want peace, love and, life, we would chase them down and make them our own. It is this lack of true desire that keeps us in these unproductive cycles.
Goals are easy to set, easy to get excited about, and hard to achieve. While on our often short-lived journeys toward these goals, we seem to forget about the various Quranic verses about “patient perseverance.” We’ve made a habit of recalling them only in the worst of times, when things are in a horrible state and we fear we can take no more. Surely, they provide help then, but they’re just as helpful with our everyday trials . It has been reported that Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said “Verily, Allah has prescribed excellence in all things,” (Muslim). Let us take this literally and realize that it truly does mean “all things,” all aspects of our lives. Rather than being frightened by the word “excellence,” know that it means “total effort,” not “perfection.” So, don’t be discouraged. There can be excellence even in your failure.
It takes seconds to set a goal, but making it happen takes time and serious thought. The key is follow through. Once the goal has been set, follow through with a reasonable plan to meet it. Introduce meaningful change into your life. Eliminate certain things, and reinforce others. Develop a holistic approach that allows you to incorporate your goals into everything you do, letting them merge with the other ideas and beliefs that define your life.
Too many times, we subconsciously convince ourselves that our goals are too great, our dreams too big. We say that we’re striving towards them, when really we lack the confidence to even try that hard. That is why we give up so easily. That is why we rarely follow through. That is why we get stuck in stop-and-go cycles. We lose patience, we don’t persevere and we put obstacles in our own way. There are many challenges we must face in life, but others we create for ourselves. By saying that we want to achieve a goal, and then living a lifestyle that opposes that achievement, we’re sabotaging our success and funding our failure. That’s no way to live. Stars aren’t just for staring. Go get them.
Nadirah Angail
Copyright© 2009
How to Get Over A Relationship
How To Get Over A Relationship
By: Leah Vernon
YouRACreator Member
It is extremely difficult to bounce back from a marriage or relationship, because you have so many ties to that individual. But do not fret, it can be done. How do I know? Because I happened to be going through it at this moment. You have hit rock bottom, you have nowhere to turn and you have to be able to reinvent yourself and push your way through this hard time. God is testing you. This person once asked, “What is God going to have to take from you for you to realize that you were not being appreciative?” I agreed with that comment, because it’s true. Most of us are not grateful for what we have and then God takes it away. We then realize that we appreciate what has left us, but sometimes we do not get a second chance to regain what we lose.
In the midst of the chaos and confusion of your relationship, you hit a dead end. Then, you end up by yourself. You have to re-awaken yourself from that deep and depressing sleep. During this process of recognition, you should be consulting with family and close friends for support and ideas on how to get through this. They should have solutions to the issues you are having from past life experiences they have dealt with.
So, you are mentally, physically and sexually attached to this human being, this person who you can’t even see yourself breathing without? Even if the relationship was rocky, abusive, hectic, and had unwanted family members involved, it still meant something to you. You still can’t see yourself being and doing anything differently than the arguing and yelling. Why? Because you’re comfortable where you are and afraid of change. It is kind of like the woman who gets beat by her husband. Everyone asks why won’t she leave him. It’s not that easy. Usually when you ask the woman who gets beat why she stays with a woman-beater, she says “I love him, and I don’t know why I stay”. That’s all she knows; abuse, degradation and humiliation.
It’s the same with the man who beats the woman. He beats her everyday due to disobedience and control. A logical person would ask him why he doesn’t just leave her and find a wife that is willing to be controlled and bossed around. He is comfortable with the situation and it becomes the norm. So, it turns into a regimen. Embrace change and admit responsibility and your post-relationship blues will fly out of the window.
If you have tried therapy, religious counseling, positive family reinforcement and prayer prior to the relationship’s end, then it’s time for the next steps: rediscovering and healing.
- Keep Your Faith, Regularly
The God you believe in is the God you should be praying to, sincerely and openly. Even in hard times of unemployment, death, separation and divorce, you must be willing to submit to him. If you didn’t know this: everything is in God’s hands. We always underestimate the power of God, faith and hope. He says “be,” and it is. When you feel down, let him lift you up
- Keep Your Distance
Keeping your distance from certain people during your time of healing and anxiety is key. You don’t need anybody reminding you of the situations of the past, bringing you down or setting you back. It would also be a good idea to stay away from the estranged spouse’s family. Again, you need space. Space is the best form of therapy. It gives you time to be focused and get to the top without many interruptions. You don’t need biased or judgmental opinions at this fragile point. Wait until you are able and strong enough to get back to your regular routine.
- Keep Your Foundation Strong
You need your family and close friends around you to help you through this rough time. They will be there for you when you feel the need to obsessively text your ex or stalk him or her during the night. You need to be able to call someone or go visit someone to let you know that it’s not right to stalk or contact someone who does not want to be with you. Moral support is awesome and you need as much as you can get.
- Keep Yourself Busy and Positive
Work, hobbies, exercise, movies, shopping, sports, concerts, fishing or anything you can enjoy. Something you can relax doing and focus your mind on. You do not need to focus on negative things, past events or people in your life that are not boosting your confidence.
Money… The Root of All Evil?
Money…The Root of All Evil
By: Leah Vernon
YouRACreator member
There is much speculation surrounding this so-called root of all evil. This green piece of square paper with government approved ink tattooed on it in the shape of the White House makes evil thoughts and actions come about wherever it may lay. Many Muslims and non-Muslims alike have taken the concept of an inadequate object like money and linking it with a humanistic characteristic such as evilness. Many people associate money with something that is negative because they see the actions of people who have become obsessed with it. When a person attributes evil to a dollar bill it’s almost as if they are contributing confusion to a lava lamp.
My husband and I had an argument (as we always do) about money. His argument was that money was wrong in general and that as Muslims we don’t need it. He continued to say that money should have no importance to a Muslim and we should live like the prophets and the people before us did without that significant want of dollar bills. These comments were becoming abundant. This is not the first time I have heard a Muslim associate holiness with poverty and evil with financial success. When I say this, I hope it penetrates through people’s thought processes: Just because your poor, live in a house on its last leg or ride the bus does not mean you’re any closer to Allah than a person with a big house in a nice neighborhood with a great job. Allah blesses whom he wills with financial success or plagues with poverty as a punishment or test. It is what you do with what with you have got that you should be concerned with.
To get back to the story…I asked my husband some questions and raised a few arguments about why that statement he had made earlier wasn’t logical. What do you use to clothe yourself? What do you give the poor and the needy? How did you get back and forth to the hospital to see your loved ones? The grace of Allah and his sustenance, which happened to be cash to afford these things in this time and age. The point I brought up was that human beings value money, and that is where the evil arises, not in the object but in the eye of the beholder. If people want to kill, murder, deceive, steal or otherwise for profit or money, that’s a personal issue. Money is not making these individuals go mad and greed when they touch it. It could be just as well that they may have been this way before the money even got to them. Perhaps it was the thought or the idea of money that made them go against their religion and values.
I addressed his previous comment of why we couldn’t live like back in the prophet times where they had no need for cash like we do, where they bartered and traded for the items they needed. First off, unlike our current economic status, most of us do not own acres of land where we grow our own fruits, vegetables, cotton, and coffee beans we could trade. We do not own livestock or, for most of us, our own homes. Plus, even during those times, they had issues with people putting value and pride in currency (gold and silver).
From experience, most people my age don’t own anything: we live in rented apartments, leased cars and work to get all the bills paid. Instead of focusing on how much wealth, beauty, stamina, land and vehicles we own and how much somebody else has (a whole different yet important topic to be discussed) we should be turning our attentions to the pillars of Islam and the oneness of Allah. Instead of worrying about what somebody else has got and telling them they are wrong for having it, something that Allah has given them, you should be focusing on getting yourself right and ready for the next go around, the hereafter.
I’m a new writer here on YRAC, so leave me a comment and let me know what you think. Check back next week for my next article!
Self Repair Still The Primary Solution For Black America
Self Repair Still The Primary Solution For Black America
By: Imam Dawud Walid
YouRACreator Contributor
The US Supreme Court recently ruled that White firemen were unreasonably denied promotions in New Haven, CT when certain tests were set aside due to Blacks’ low scores.
Though this ruling was a victory for those who view affirmative action as “reverse discrimination” or “reverse racism,” many of them are perhaps unaware of the reality of historical White privilege in America. Or perhaps they are aware and desire to maintain their privilege.
The question that must be asked among Black Americans is “Has the collective condition of Black America improved since affirmative action has been instituted?”. If not, then why?
Though there are more Black professionals than there were 50 years ago, it appears that the condition of Black America has worsened.
My father told me that he was trained to work twice as hard as White people if he wanted to get ahead. This mentality bred supermen and superwomen in the Black community. This mindset linked one’s striving for excellence in both a personal and community sense with not waiting for any special breaks as the primary path towards success. This is an Islamic teaching:
G-d does not change a condition of a people until they bring about change their inner-selves/psyches, [Al-Qur’an 13.11].
Is there a reward for excellence except excellence? [Al-Qur’an 55.60].
“Surely G-d loves that when a servant [of His] endeavors anything, he seeks to perfect it,” said the Prophet Muhammad.
The Qur’an says that both forms of oppression (outward and inward) should be challenged. Despite our having a Black president in this mythical age of “post-racialism,” there is no doubt that the residual effects of slavery and White supremacy still manifest themselves in the American socio-political order. However, what troubles Black America most today is internal oppression, not external. As long as Black activists and preachers focus more attention on preserving the status quo, such as affirmative action or requesting reparations, than addressing what Dr. Na’im Akbar has labeled our “collective insanity,” no amount of legislation in the world can help Black America. This is where Muslims need to exemplify leadership in Black America.
The mystics have a saying, “Whoever knows himself, has most certainly known his Lord,” meaning if a person examines himself sincerely, he/she should come to the following conclusions:
1. I am not infallible.
2. My best independent thinking in many instances has not led me to successful results.
3. I am beneath He who created me.
4. I must depend on His guidance for success in this world and in the next life.
Thus, Muslims, who understand this concept, need to be at the forefront in challenging the collective social norms within Black America through raising awareness and presenting an alternative modality to what is generally viewed as normative.
This alternative modality, despite some of its theological flaws, was presented during the lifetime of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad while he led the Nation of Islam (NOI). The NOI exhibited a viable alternative to Black morality and ethics, which addressed many of the issues that plague a large percentage of Blacks.
Al-Islam has the answer to fixing these issues. It serves as a shield against the pervasive nature of out of wedlock child birth (currently 7 out of 10 Black children), commercialism, gross materialism and the anti-social aspects within pop culture, which helps fuel this pathology. Al-Islam has socio-political measures to bring Black America out of economic and political immaturity. It has the power to raise her up to par and above what is deemed productive.
It is Muslims who have to step forward and lead by example to serve as an alternative mind to what is intrinsically unacceptable in man’s nature (Al-Fitrah).
Without intense internal repair within the Black psyche, affirmative action cannot further raise the educational and economic opportunities for Blacks in a meaningful way. Though some will thrive, the incarceration rates will increase, drug abuse will increase, and depravity will increase for the masses.
On The World’s Most Painful Events
On The World’s Most Painful Events
By: Nadirah Angail
YouRACreator Editor/Journalist
It’s just a small pain now, a gentle yet persistent sting that reminds me of what I endured. Within a few more weeks, I’m sure it will subside, but the memory will remain. There’s no forgetting that type of pain. After years of hearing other people’s descriptions of labor (“It feels like you’re being struck by lightning.” “It feels like you’re being ripped apart.”) I can finally give my own testimony. I’ve never been struck by lightning or torn apart, but I imagine those two things would be more painful than giving birth. However, I bet child birth would be a close third on the “World’s Most Painful Events” list.
If it were the will of Allah (God), giving birth could be simple and effortless, like a sneeze; one good involuntary ACHOO and your done. It could be something you do during a five minute bathroom break, or—better yet— something you do in your sleep, but it’s not. Giving birth takes a type of strength and endurance that you can’t even imagine unless you’ve actually experienced it. And Allah is all knowing; he makes no mistakes.
So, there must be something more to this pain. Is it a punishment for women or a testament to their strength? As the popular saying goes, there is little worth having that is easily attained. I believe that. And Quran supports it: “We have enjoined on man kindness to his parents; in pain did his mother bear him, and in pain did she give him birth,” (46:15). We aren’t pained because we “deserve” it. We’re pained because we are strong enough to take it. It marks the significance of becoming a mother, a highly valued position indeed.
Allah has blessed women with a type of strength that can’t be accessed through the size of our biceps, triceps and quads. It has nothing to do with our physical body, and everything to do with the nature within us. Women are an extraordinary creation and must be treated as such. We populate the world, raise the future generations, and create a delicate balance with our compassion, mercy, and beauty. Being a mother is a hard and sometimes painful job, but its benefits are beyond measure. As we are instructed in the Quran, “reverence your Guardian Lord… and reverence the wombs that bore you,” (4:1). We are the ones worthy of this reference. We are the ones mentioned first, second, and third in the popular hadith about those most worthy of good companionship. We are essential. We are irreplaceable. We are amazing. and we’re much stronger than we look.
On Patiently Being Single
On Patiently Being Single
By: Nadirah Angail
YouRACreator Editor/Journalist
It’s one thing to be single, but to be a single Muslimah is a completely different story. Though dominant culture seems to put less emphasis on marriage with each passing day, Muslims have not followed suit, and with good reason. Marriage is the basis of community life and a huge part of the religion. And because marriage is so important, young unwed Muslims often feel pressured to get married. At the same time, they are criticized and even ridiculed by some of their non-Muslim peers that find marriage in your youth an unnecessary and naïve choice.
Finding balance between critical peers and demanding community members can be taxing. Though fellow believers mean well, they don’t always realize the stress they place on unmarried Muslims when they continually bring up the topic. I’m married, but haven’t always been, so I know what it’s like to be single without wanting to be. It can be great at times when you’re out having fun, meeting new people. It can be devastating, though, when none of those new people turn out to be good for you. I know what it’s like to buy a cute outfit thinking it’ll make all the difference, only to end up looking cute and feeling lonely. It’s tough being single, but the tough times in our lives are often the times of greatest growth. It can be easy to look at your happily married friends and be jealous and self-doubting, but it takes growth and patience to understand that mates find each other in God’s time; and that up until that point, the two of you are being groomed for each other. Instead of being disappointed that you’re single now, understand that your singleness is no accident.
Perhaps you and your future mate aren’t ready for each other. (After all, we are constantly evolving.) The person that I was when I met my husband was different from the person that I was a few years earlier. The same applies for him. Had we met earlier, as different people, things might not have unfolded as they have. All that we had experienced up until that point was preparing us for the life we’d later lead, the conversations we’d later have, and the disagreements we’d inevitably face. Instead of wasting time being sad that you’re single, understand that Allah is saving you from unnecessary complication and strife. We plan and He plans, and we already know who plans best. Don’t lose faith when it gets rough, be patient and use that time wisely.
Just because you’re not in a relationship doesn’t mean that you can’t learn from people who are. I’ve made mistakes in my relationships, but there were others that I didn’t have to make because I saw too many other people make them. For example, I’ve seen women have sex with men in a desperate effort to keep him. What I noticed is that more often than not, he left anyway. As wonderful as sex is, it’s never enough to hold a genuine relationship together. Sex will not hold a man, because he can get that anywhere. And if that is all he’s interested in, his leaving is the best thing he can do for you. Far too many women resolve not to have sex, and then end up doing it anyway because of pressure, figuring it’ll all be worth it when they’re married. Sadly, few of those wedding actually occur and the woman is often left wishing she could turn back the hands of time. Sex shouldn’t have to be a bargaining tool.
It’s hard being a God-conscious woman when no one else seems to want you to be. Though there are many people of all religions choosing not to have sex, you’d never know it from looking at the world we live in. Sex is everywhere and you’re definitely considered an anomaly if you’re not following the crowd. Don’t be discouraged. The strange looks that you get from people only serve to prove that it takes courage and discipline to go against the grain and stand by your morals. Rather than feeling defeated that you’re the only person left attempting this seemingly insurmountable feat, find strength in knowing that you’re one of the ones that has managed to do something so many others have not. Sure, times have changed, as people will tell you, but that doesn’t mean that you should change your beliefs and values. Whatever you belief is regarding sex and relationships, don’t abandon it because it doesn’t gel with the popular views of society.
It was my personal choice to abstain until marriage. Outside of the fact that it was a religious obligation, it just made sense to do so. I’d seen too many people hurt in sexual relationships. Sex was too important for me to risk having it with someone that may or may not be there in the end. I wasn’t willing to risk pregnancy, STD’s and emotional pain just because everyone else was. That’s one of the things I like about Islam: it makes sense. God doesn’t command that we don’t fornicate just to make our lives difficult. He does it because that is what’s best for us. Think of how many issues are eliminated when sex is saved for marriage: No risk of disease, more security when children are born, and less emotional heart ache. This is not to judge people who choose to lead their lives differently, but it is to support why I have chosen the path that I have and to encourage others who are currently on that same journey.
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