Where did the weekend go?  I looked up and it was Monday!  Oh, well.

Saifuddin:  This is your favorite entry?  Not my entries on Fuze bottles or my bashings around Dubai?  LOL! Just messin’ with ya.  As far as for working for Allah, yes, I do mean my art but also some broader actions such as prayer, fasting, etc.  So, yeah, I’m just letting the brain matter chatter.  But I always believed that if Allah blesses you with a talent, it should be used to please Him so I’m still trying to figure out a way to do that with my art.  Some people would count my work with Azizah as working for Allah but I want to do more, ya know?

Haamidah:  Jazak Allah khairn, sister.  Oh, despair is such a dangerous thing.  It seemingly creeps out of nowhere and takes over.  Sometimes I have to walk away or change the subject when people start talking like that.  Despair is contagious, too.  How is it that the people of Gaza still have the nerve to fight but we despair over masjid politics?  Even when you start offering some solutions they just hang their heads and say, “It’s no use.  Things will never change.”  Dude, at least try!!! All Allah asks is that we try. 

Aaminah:  Oh, honey, we are both pessimists in recover, aren’t we?  Sometimes these entries are pep talks to myself.  But if you get some benefit out of it, alhamdulillah! 

Umm Ali:  Thank you sister for your feedback and welcome back to Bloglandia.  You left me with a lot to think about.  I, for one, wouldn’t want anyone to think that I would cast off the issues of racism and sexism as simple problems to be discarded.  For the life of me, I will never understand why some of us are A) so hard on each other and B) allowing these -isms to come between believers.  And sadly enough, these people don’t seem to realize how their actions are hurting people.  I guess a distinction has to be made between people who are trying to bridge these gaps and heal the racist/sexist/classist divide versus those who mire in bashing certain Muslims within the community.  Often times when I get into these discussions with people, it ends becoming a bash fest–especially in the area of race.  I don’t know how someone can have Muslim friends of another race and then go into this tirade about “Oh those _________ make me sick!” 

Oh, sister, so much has to be done.  And we really need to address abuse in our community–abuse of all kinds.  Why do some of us remain silent when we see a Muslim being abused?  Why do some of us rely so heavily on cultural rather than religious obligations?  And it would love to see MECCA type organizations all over the country.  We converts have special needs and the issues of adjustment and a new spiritual outlook need to be addressed.  I forget how fortunate I am to have a family that didn’t freak out or disown me when I converted.  Please keep us informed of your projects in this area.  

But as Umm Zaid pointed out, while we do have a obligation to help our brothers and sisters when they are experiencing a personal or spiritual crisis, each one of us makes a decision to keep iman or give into kufr.  I remember a sister that I knew years ago and she seemed like a well-balanced, content Muslima.  But over time, she started to change and she came into contact with some very judgemental Muslims.  Her friends and I warned her about listening to their negativity and we reached out to her.  We let her know that Allah is the Judge and only His opinion should matter.  We let her know that we were there for her and that we were praying for her to come out of this rough patch.  She ignored us and broke off contact–later on we discovered that she wasn’t Muslim anymore and she ditched all of her Muslim friends.  So, she made a choice. And while some responsibility may be on the Muslims who bashed her because she belonged to a tariqa and studied tasawuuf, ultimately she chose kufr over iman.  Sometimes it’s the community and sometimes it’s ourselves.  But the most oppressive person in our community is the one we see in the mirror.  As you and Aaminah have pointed out, these problems go beyond blog entries.  But it’s a start.  I just wish that all of us, collectively, would take the verse about being gentle with believers sincerely.  If we collect all of the chips on our shoulders we could build Mt. Everest. 

Abdur Rahman:  Salaams brother and thank you. Jazak Allah khairn.

UZ:  Ameen.  Going to the ME made me see how unknown we are as Western Muslims.  Of course, they know who Muhammad Ali is (who doesn’t).  They may have heard of Malcolm X (rahimahullah) and they may be familiar with American scholars like Hamza Yusuf, Abdul-Hakim Murad and Zaid Shakir.  Beyond that, it was hard for me to explain how there are millions of Muslims in the US, Canada and the UK.  But it just proves how Islam in the West is still developing, even though it was brought to the US on the backs of African slaves some hundreds of years ago.  But just when I think community stuff gets on my nerves and that being an American Muslim is difficult, I remind myself…alhamdulillah, I’m not being forced into prostitution like many of our sisters in Iraq.  I’m not being forced out of my home and getting gang-raped by insurgents or trigger happy American soldiers.  I’m not living in France where I would have to choose between observing what I believe to be a requirement of my faith or getting an education.    I’m not in Kenya, or Somalia or Afghanistan.  So yeah, the media and the prejudice can be quite annoying but as far as American Muslims are concerned, we are swimming–no!, drowning in baraka. 

Umm Yusuf:  Jazak Allah khairn, hon. 

think of those who are suffering worldwide.  Things may be tough for us American Muslims but they don’t compare to the horror that is taking place in Iraq, Afghanistan, Somalia, the Democratic Republic of Chad, Uzbekistan, Chechnya, Kashmir, Kenya, Haiti, Burma and Gaza. 

Donate your money, time and prayers to them.  Ask Allah to have mercy on their souls and to permit them enjoy His eternal gift of peace and love.

Dua Nasiri

I’m coming back to answer the comments of the second to last entry.  Once again, I’m in the middle of a painting project.  But I would like some feedback.  Would you support a biannual publication of Muslim artists?  It wouldn’t just be visual artists but would include poetry, and articles on the artistic happenings of the Muslim world.  How much would you being willing to pay?  Hardcover or softcover?  Magazine format or coffee-table style hardcover book?  Glossy, of course, and with full color.  The reason why I’m hesistating on creating a quarterly magazine is because our community (American Muslims) are not big on the arts–yet.  This is a niche of a niche of a niche market.  It would only appeal to a certain audience and if I got 1,000 subscribers for it, that would be a huge accomplishment.  I might have to write about this later.   You can leave ideas in the comments area or email me kamila2626 (@) yahoo.com. 

***********

Here’s a new online Islamic center!  Yaaaaaaaaay! 

Maybe we should put out a Muslim magazine called Mozzies!  It could be like the Muslim version of the Onion, or something like that…

Anyhoo, here’s a new magazine providing a platform for contemporary Muslim culture.  I will probably subscribe and maybe I’ll write some reviews about the latest new mags, insha’Allah. 

Elan Magazine

I’m quickly approaching my fourth year as a Muslim.  Alhamdulillah. 

It came mighty quick, though.  And it seems like I’ve finally settled into this new way of life.  In the beginning, I sorta freaked out.  I had no idea what my life would be like–a single, college-age student and artist desperately hoping for life to stop being so complicated.  (Small note:  No life hasn’t stopped being complicated.  I’ve just learned how to love the mess, confusion, and surprises that come along on this path that we call life.)  Converting solved one major spiritual problem but I also hope that it saves me from the Fire.  But it’s nice to see and experience all the benefits of being Muslim in the dunya.

I hope this year is a year of surrendering more of my ego to God.  There’s so much work that has to be done.  And alhamdulillah, now that the dunyawi masters degree is out of the way and I’m settled in Georgia, I can concentrate on studying the deen.  I took tajweed classes during Ramadan.  This year I started the second level of my tajweed class!  I’m getting better with my recitation!  I also hope that this year is a surrendering of all issues of contention within the American umma.  I’m waving the white flag, brothers and sisters.  I don’t wanna sit around and complain anymore.  I want to do something. 

My patience has been wearing thin with certain situations; particularly those situations where Muslims are bashing other Muslims.  If it’s not the race divide, it’s the gender divide.  If it’s not class, it’s aqeedah.  Meanwhile, there are people out there plotting to do us some serious harm and we’re tearing each other down.  Satan couldn’t have devised a better tactic.  I’ve had to check myself a few times and I’ve learned to reign it in.  Somewhere along the way, I learned that complaining about the Mozzies is probably haram (ya think?) but it’s also self-defeating and umma-defeating.  There’s venting and then there’s ripping out of the hearts of your brothers and sisters.  What’s productive about it?  Where’s the baraka? Do I want those words in my book as I’m being carted off to Hell? 

I’ve listened to Muslims complain about everything from gender segregation to the immigrant/indigenous divide.  And we all have our theories about how is bring the American umma down.  (The Blacks, the Salafis, the Sufis, the Pakistanis, the Arabs, the Shi’a, the WD community, the Arabs, the Arabs, the Arabs!!!!!!!)  Sometimes, I have to laugh when I hear about us American Muslims saving the global umma from itself.   I’ve actually heard Muslim Americans say that we, and only we, can save the umma of its ills.  Of course, this line of thinking smacks of the knight in shining armor mentality that a lot of Americans suffer from.   

Let’s get our act together before we start saving anybody else. 

So I promise to cut the Mozzies more slack.  I think going the Middle East had a lot to do with this new goal.  While I saw some things that weren’t Islamic, I also saw Muslims who were simply trying to be good, God-fearing people.  I saw Muslims praying in the street and Muslim boys trying to flirt with Emirati girls in abayas.  I met men who lowered their gaze and treated me like a sister.  I also met men who acted like they never saw a woman before!  I was invited for dinner and tea countless times.  Most people were accommodating and nice.  I saw a wide spectrum of Muslims and I saw Islam the dominant religion of a culture–and it was very, very nice.  :-)   We’re not perfect–far from it.  But were not hopeless.  I had to rethink some things about the Middle East–especially the stuff that I was reading out there in Bloglandia.  You know, that stuff about every single Muslim country being a worthless pile of garbage being ruled by worthless tin-pot dictators.  :-)  How much of it is true and how much of it is us as Muslim Americans, regurgitating and projecting our own prejudices onto the Other?  Allahu ‘alim. 

One thing I’ve always been very thankful for is that I never bought into this idea of Muslims as the perfect people.  I was never sold this fantasy. On the contrary, I was told the opposite!  There are a lot of broken hearts out there.  Some brothers and sisters are filled with a lot of anger over past wrongs.  I’ve seen how one racist or sexist can keep scores of Muslims from attending the mosque.  I’ve seen wrongs committed (whether real or imagined) create division and strife.  While I’ve seen some silly, un-Islamic things, I never want the wrongs of another Muslim to keep me from practicing this religion.  God forbid that I should think about leaving Islam because of some callous, dark-hearted Muslims.  It’s a shame but it’s now become this sort of threat from those teetering over the edge of kufr.  “If these Muslims don’t straighten up, I’m leaving!”  Sweetie, you don’t honor Islam by becoming Muslim.  It honors you!    Don’t think you’re doing the umma a favor by gracing us with your presence because God stated that He will replace you with those who are willing to do His work.  May God perserve us, protect us and use us for doing good work in this life!  I just pray that if and when I turn 10 years old, I won’t be sitting around feeling bitter and angry at the umma.  There will always be some of us who are less than what we could be (but isn’t that all of us?) but don’t let somebody else’s fitna come between you and God.  Let’s talk about the problems but let’s start putting together some solutions as well.  Once we start putting together solutions, that will reveal those who are willing to work versus those who are merely venting and complaining.  Or what’s that slogan?  “Lead, follow or get out of the way!” 

Therein lies the ultimate challenge–the decree from God Most High.  Who is willing to do God’s work?  It’s the understanding that since God has blessed us with numerous gifts and talents, it behooves us to use them for the greater good.  But how do we translate those talents into helping each other?  That’s one of the biggest challenges for me at this time.  I can’t help but feel awe when I read about these phenomenal women who live in the poorest parts of the Muslim world.  They live in cultures where their gender roles are shaped by patriarchy and skewed religious perspectives.  And yet, they raise their children (who often become doctors or business men), learn Qur’an and teach it to others, and become these huge activists against poverty, disease and political corruption.  These sisters are dealing with layers upon layers of social restrictions but they still batter against the walls of society–changing things for the better.

Then I look at myself.  Little to no cultural restrictions.  Free to go about as I please.  No domineering or abusive male relatives (on the contrary–college was mandatory, not an option!)  Free to practice Islam as I please and at the level I choose to observe.  Equipped with some marketable talents.  And yet…what have I accomplished in the way of Allah?  The realization of this fact often leaves me feeling like I am the dumbest smartest person that I know.  Here I am, so-called land of the free, education to boot and I still can’t figure out what to do–especially when it comes down to this art stuff.  

But I’m rambling again…let’s cut each other some slack.  I’m not talking about pretending that injustices don’t exist.  And I’m certainly not talking about excusing sinful behavior.  I’m talking about commanding the good, and forbidding the evil–with love and mercy.  I’m mean gently calling that brother who does pray over to the salat line.  I mean softly suggesting that the sister attends a lady’s halaqa.  We are bound to step on our toes.  After all, what Muslim community on earth is as diverse as ours–the Muslim Americans?   I’ll end with this thought. I was listening to Imam Zaid Shakir’s lecture on the Rise and Fall of the Umma.  One of the reasons given for our decline during the height of the colonial period was despair.  I’m sure you know that the name “Iblis” has its roots in the Arabic word for despair.  When you hear Muslims say things like, “It’s no use.  Muslims never support each other.  The whole Muslim world is corrupt.  It’s pointless.  It’s worthless.  Muslims ain’t worth…..,” who do you think is talking?  You or the One who despaired? 

Izzy Mobile #2

Originally uploaded by Izzy Mo

I’m gonna answer the responses but right now, I’m just lollygaggin’. It’s 12;28 am and I’m trying to figure out if I should go to bed or do some painting. After all, those paintings in the living room ain’t gettin’ done by themselves. Until I figure out what to do, I’m just gonna sit here….and lollygag.

But hey, here’s my 2nd Izzy Mobile. My dear imaginary man wanted to buy it for me but I gave him a break and bought it myself. I got it like that, y’all. :-)  Don’t be hatin’!

Now, if you’ve logged into your Yahoo account tonight, you probably had to run into this story.  There was a time that I would have gotten angry with this story because a) it’s seems like another case of jahiliya culture gone wrong and b) Muslims are being misrepresented–again.  But in keeping with my new goals for this year, I’m not letting it bug me.  I’m not letting it bother me because

1) This isn’t the first time the media has told stories like this only to have key facts missing from their reports.  I’ve learned not to pass judgement until I know enough about the story.  And from this vantage point here in Georgia with only Yahooand a Saudi friend’s hearsay, it’s unlikely that I’ll get to the heart of the matter.  But may God guide the people of the KSA to make the reforms necessary to bring their government in line with Islamic principles.  If what they say is true, that al-Timani’s family intervened and somehow got her divorced from her husband simply because he comes from a different tribe, (@@) then it seems that Shari’a is not being applied or followed.  If this story is true, then it looks like we are dealing with some strange Jahili code of caste and tribal systems rather than the Qur’an and Sunnah.  And last time I checked, a woman has a right to choose her husband whether her family likes him or not.  Allahu ‘alim.  There must be more to this case than what they are reporting. 

2)  I find it funny how they placed a picture of a Muslim woman in black niqab along with this story.  The only problem is that the woman in the picture is not the woman of the story, Fatima al-Timani.  The woman pictured is a Saudi doctor whose name they fail to mention.  But as soon as you click on the link to the article, you see the niqabi doctor.  And it doesn’t matter that the small print says that the sister in niqab is a doctor.  The points of connection have been made.  Oppress=veiled=women=Islam.  This, my brothers and sisters, is what passes for journalism in this day and age.  It only proves how far we have to go in our efforts to combat the consistent lack of Muslim voices in the media.

3) You have to choose your battles wisely and getting upset everytime Yahoo or Time Magazine or the NYTgets its wrong means being angry all the time.  I don’t want hardened arteries or hypertension because of their sloppy, lackluster journalism.  (Good grief, I can do a better job than that!)

So Muslimeen, we have tons of work to do.  Tons..gobs…heaps and heaps and heaps….

But on a more serious note, please make dua for our oppressed brothers and sisters in Gaza.  Please pray for God to ease their suffering and bring them swift relief and freedom from apartheid. 

Now that 2008 is here, the race for the next American president is well under way.  And just as it was in 2000 and 2004, the guy who I thought would do a good job (ie:  do the least amount of damage), didn’t have a chance.  So the election hoopla has already started with the race and gender politics of Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama.  And because the Democratic party has two front runners who would make American history if either of them won, race and gender will be a constant in this year’s election.  So the media pundits and everyday people will tell me that I should vote for Obama because I’m Black or I should vote for Clinton because I’m a woman.

Sorry, but I’m not buying either one of them.  I know that as the race nears the end, our choices as politically-liberal/socially-conservative Muslims will be between the continued establishment of the status quo (Democrats) or the rising iron curtain of a pseudo-Christian, racist theocracy (Republicans).  And no, I don’t think I’m going overboard by referring to the Republican candidates as such.  The party of Abraham Lincoln is no more and I don’t see how any self-respecting human being can continue to affliate themselves with that party.  I’m not all that in love with the Democrats either, and their unwillingness to challenge the Republicans makes me ill.  But when you’ve got party candidates advocating torture, releasing convicted rapists, condoning racial-profiling and urging reform of the Constitution, you’ve got some serious trouble.  Giuilani, Huckabee, and Romney have made it quite clear that this is not an America for those who don’t toe their party line (especially those Americans who are of the darker, non-Christian persuasion).  Clinton and Obama scare me when it comes to certain issues, such as foreign policy, but those Republicans have me contemplating hijrah!  How is Dubai this time of year……

So it is in my digust of these renegade racists and propogandists that I am voting for a Democrat.  :::Sigh::::

But I must admit that the 2000 election of Bush and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have left me politically winded.  There’s still concern as to whether or not our votes are being counted correctly.  We’re already familiar with the voting controversies and the computer “mistakes” of the Diebold corporation.  And what are Obama’s and Clinton’s stance on the environment, health care and Middle East foreign policy?  I guess I will have to do some online research to figure out each candidate’s view on these key issues. 

As far as Obama’s concerned, he obviously has political charm and appeal.  I know a lot of people are caught up in his looks and mainstream appeal.  But he did talk about taking the war to Pakistan…do we want that?  Aren’t we a little war weary?  Don’t we have enough troops battling conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan and Somalia?  And didn’t Barack say something about (gulp) Ronald Reagan changing America for the better?  And Hillary….sweetie, if that’s you getting caught up in an emotional moment, I would hate to see you lose control.  Tears?  Only God knows if she was sincere or not but it looked very fake to me.  Or maybe she’s a very restrained person so crying in public could be a hard thing for her to do… I don’t know.  I do know that she voted for the war in Iraq and I’m taking that memory with me to the voting booth. 

:::Sigh::

Whoever the next president may be, may God help him (or her).  They have a huge mess to clean up!

Snow Flowers

Originally uploaded by Izzy Mo

Yeah, we’ve got snow. And it’s so nice to look at from the comfort of your window. Sometime around 10 am eastern time, it started to snow and it had snowed for hours. A rarity in this part of the American South.

Nonetheless, the news reporters are warning us to not drive in this weather. “Please leave your faucets running so you can have running water! Don’t drive in the snow!” Subhan’Allah!

It’s snow, not the coming of the four horsemen of the Apocalypse! Well, it will soon be warm again and so I’ll enjoy this winterly miracle while I can.

Pink and Purple Fuze Bottles

Originally uploaded by Izzy Mo

Salaam alaikum,

I know that by placing this picture on my blog, I’m making my best friend Aaminah (known as the Writeous One) wretch in agony.

See, as you may or may not know, Aaminah is a hater of all things pink. And even though I have added purple into this bunch, the purples may be to pinky for her taste.

But I had to put them here on my blog. My bathroom needed some color and since I have purple and pink bath towels, these bottles matched very well. Hopefully, the silver one will calm Aaminah down and she will forgive me.

Sorry, hon. (insert wicked cackle!)