I recently took a DNA test, the kind that traces your origin. For some time I had been struggling with a sense of belonging, a sense of identity, and I had been seeking a sense of self. To find myself and the people that I call my own. If you know exactly who your people are, this is a blessing you haven't thanked Allah enough for. For the rest of us who, when asked, "So what exactly are you?" the answer begins with a history lesson: "In the early 1600s, my ancestors boarded a ship..." So you understand why I struggled, because it was never just an easy "I'm African" or "I'm Arab," it was always a heavy sigh followed by an unconvincing "I'm just mixed," as if to say, "Please leave me alone, not knowing is hard enough."
Looking at my results and seeing that not only do I belong to every corner of Africa, from east to west and north to south, but that I also trace my origins to the Arabian Peninsula and a bit of Asia, reminded me of this ayah. In particular, it impressed me how my ancestors applied this ayah practically. They lived it, and I am proof that they did. 
What started as a journey of a lack of identity and a sense of belonging ended up with an appreciation of the fact that I belong to more than I could have possibly imagined. That every one of these people that I trace my origin to belongs to me, and I belong to them. We are a part of a grander yet subtle plan. 
إِنَّ رَبِّى لَطِيفٌۭ لِّمَا يَشَآءُ ۚ إِنَّهُۥ هُوَ ٱلْعَلِيمُ ٱلْحَكِيمُ
#identity ​#humanity ​

Mashallah, this gave me goosebumps, and I kinda feel you. There is this sense of satisfaction when you finally find where you come from. Although I never did any ancestry test before or didn't even care about it, it was a huge satisfaction when my mother casually told me my family belongs to a family of sheikhs. 

I am from Kerala, India. And upon connecting the dots of what my mother told me and getting into the internet rabbit hole, I found my great ancestors were originally from Yemen. These people were a family of scholars who boarded a ship to the Malabar Kerala back close to 4-5 generations ago. These people had a part in spreading Islamic education in Kerala.  Many of my international friends would tell me I look different - that my family looks more like a typical Arab rather than a Keralite.  I was feeling low-key proud, then I reminded myself about not falling for "tribalism" or "family name". Because in the sight of Allah, only one thing matters - piety and taqwa. So I started working on that.

But yes, we all are connected. And we all have one source - Our great-grandfather Adam (Peace be upon him)

Why do we Hate?

Why do we hate when our source is one, when we share the same world and the same human race?
Why do we hate when we share the same hopes and fears, joys and sorrows?
Why do we hate when we love and hurt like each other, and fall and rise like one another?

Can we love for one another what we love for ourselves?
Can we love each other regardless of the beautiful ways we are different - our languages, our cultures, and our faiths?
Can we love each other through seeking to understand our common humanity?
Can we love each other through the doubts, through the fears, and through the adversity?
Can we love each other enough to replace doubt with certainty, fear with security and adversity with serenity?

I believe and am certain we can.

Because love and goodness and beauty can always prevail.
Because compassion and kindness and service can always prevail.
Because equality, respect, and generosity can always prevail.

If we let them.
If we embrace them.
If we choose them.

Everyday.
Every time.

(This is an excerpt from my book 'Hope Rekindled: A Heart Empowered'

#fromdespairtohope #humanity

Sr Raghad! JAK for this #FromDespairToHope reflection on the beauty of humanity if we choose the correct and righteous path as decreed by Allah SWT. However, humankind is hastening its own demise with negative decisions, which lead to so many different threads.

  I love this: 
'If we let them.
 If we embrace them.
 If we choose them.
 Everyday.
 Every time.'

InshaaAllah, humankind will take these positive strides. 

Borders and Belonging: Rethinking the Ummah

InshaAllah, our theme for July will be on 'Navigating nationalism, race, and sectarianism in the context of our Qur’anic identity as a single, moral global community.' Islam came to eradicate superficial barriers, be it race, ethnicity, classism, or language. Our collective identity is rooted in recognising the One Creator who created humanity, and He placed us into different nations and tribes as an incentive and a powerful agent and motivation for us to get to know each other. Sometimes these diversifying factors are given so much significance that instead of serving as a tool for introduction to the other, they become a barrier, thus preventing the integration of people to embrace the global community, the Ummah. However, Islam does not negate celebrating our cultural heritage and ties to our land. How do we overcome these barriers and move on from deeming diversity as a deadlock to seeing it as a divine blessing designed to encourage us to embrace each other?




How do we find a balance between nationalistic pride and a shared cultural identity? What are the common challenges and struggles in relation to the above? What can we learn from the Qur’an in addressing this theme?




I look forward to your reflections!

#BeyondBorders

MashaAllah - 'This verse teaches that while humans naturally differ (centrifugal), they must strive for unity through righteousness (centripetal). True nobility is not in race or tribe but in consciousness of Allah (Taqwa), which harmonizes both forces for a just society.' May Allah reward you for this compelling reflection, and explaining it through the well illustrated analogies from the laws of physics and motion. May Allah reward you 

﷽

As I was cooking and cleaning around the house, 
memories of the past kept flashing before my eyes. 

I couldn't help but reflect 
on the success I once enjoyed 
and the pride I used to carry. 

Where has it all gone? 
Who is that person in the mirror 
with the rugged persona of the one I used to be?

These thoughts lead me to contemplate
the concept of self-worth. 

In today's world, it is easy to get caught up 
in the pursuit of material success and external validation. 

We often measure our worth by comparing ourselves to others, 
by the titles we hold, or by the possessions we accumulate. 

But these are not true indicators of our value. 
Our worth is inherent and given by Allah, 
who created each one of us with a unique purpose and potential.

Remember, Allah sees everything you do 
and knows the true depth of your heart and soul. 

He recognizes your struggles, your efforts, and your intentions. 

Even when you feel unnoticed or undervalued by those around you, 
know that Allah is aware of your every effort and the goodness within you. 

Surah al-Hujuraat, Verse 13, Allah SWT says:
إِنَّ أَكْرَمَكُمْ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ أَتْقَىٰكُمْ 
Surely the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous among you. 

He values you for who you are, 
not for what you own or how others perceive you. 

Save yourself from self-pity, self-loathing, 
or any form of negativity regarding yourself.

Remember that you are not merely a physical body; 
you are a beautiful soul with unique qualities 
and an intrinsic worth that goes beyond material achievements 
or societal standards.

Trust in His wisdom and mercy, and believe in your own worth.

Embrace your unique journey and focus on nurturing your inner self, 
for that is where your true beauty and strength reside. 

Instead of seeking validation from external sources, 
seek it from within and through your relationship with Allah. 

Reflect on your actions, intentions, and the impact you have on others. 
Strive to be compassionate, just, and righteous in all that you do.

'Whoever does righteousness, whether male or female, while he is a believer - We will surely cause him to live a good life, and We will surely give them their reward [in the Hereafter] according to the best of what they used to do.' (16:97)

'And We have certainly created man and We know what his soul whispers to him, and We are closer to him than [his] jugular vein.' (50:16)

Ya Allah, help us to recognize our true worth as defined by You. Grant us the strength to focus on righteousness and good deeds, and let us find solace in knowing that You see and appreciate our efforts. Protect us from negativity and fill our hearts with peace and confidence that comes from Your love and mercy. Guide us towards a life of purpose and meaning, and allow us to see ourselves through Your eyes. Ameen.

What can you say about the horrors that you have never seen before,
The horrors that stand on your phone’s door.
These people no less than you and I?
Their babies, their old, their pregnant,
Their men, their women,
All of them cry.
But the people in power,
Find music through their cries,
They do not care if they die.
Nor how many are killed.
They laugh at their helplessness.
They even laugh at ours too. 
So many people in the world who condemn,
But are still unable to deliver food and aid.
To stop this injustice, not a war but a genocide. 
To restore peace and order, 
No brother wants to interfere across the border. 

Stripped of everything,
Every human right,
What a world we have become.
A supremacy of power, race and being largely white. 
Leaders who marvel at a black leader speaking ‘English?
Leaders who are both arrogant and childish. 
These are the people who seem to run the show. 
We were meant to live together,
To get to know each other. 
And look beyond the shades of our skin,
Not turn away and load our plates up to the brim. 
O Muslim nation is there not amongst us one, who will stand up against them and do what the prophet peace and blessings would have done?

#ReflectingInCrisis

One of the many great achievements of our Beloved Prophet (may Allah send His peace and blessings upon him) is that he established a true fraternity, one anchored in faith and justice, and not based on colour or class. Throughout the sīrah, and on numerous occasions, he denounced any type of behaviour that was discriminatory, racist, or supremacist.

When Abū Dharr called a companion 'son of a black woman' during an argument, the Prophet (may Allah send His peace and blessings upon him) responded: 'Are you taunting him about his mother? You still have some characteristics of ignorance.' (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 6050)

Ibn Ḥajar, in explaining this ḥadīth, comments: 'The phrase 'In you, O Abū Dharr, there is a trait of jāhiliyyah (pre-Islamic ignorance)' means: a characteristic of jāhiliyyah, even though Abū Dharr’s rank in faith was of the highest level. The Prophet (may Allah send His peace and blessings upon him) reprimanded him, despite his great status with him as a warning against repeating such behaviour. For although Abū Dharr may have had some excuse or mitigating factor, the occurrence of such an act from someone of his stature is regarded as more serious than if it came from someone of lesser standing.' (See Fatḥu al-Bārī: Book of Iman)


This incident teaches us about racial equality in Islam and led to Abū Dharr's immediate repentance. It also teaches us about the Prophet’s (may Allah send His peace and blessings upon him) fairness and impartiality in dealing with any form of discrimination, that he was quick to point out a wrong, even when it occurred at the hands of one of the noblest of companions.

This incident with Abū Dharr (may Allah be pleased with him) established an important precedent for the ummah: the prohibition of mocking others for their shortcomings and of boasting about lineage, ancestry, or race, and that such attitudes stem from ignorance, not faith.

It is upon us to interrogate our hearts when we look toward anyone of Allah’s creation with disdain because of their skin colour. Do we feel in our hearts disdain or bias toward them because of their origin? If so, then perhaps we need to take a good look in the mirror and remind ourselves that the One who created me is the One who created them. And perhaps we need to root out the jāhiliyyah that may still linger in our hearts, for Islam has established that the only standard by which we are distinguished before Allah is the fear of Allah, and nothing else.


Remember to reflect, reflect to remember!

*Late Graveyard Reflection* 

Last week I went to the burial of the brother from my  community, Allah Yarham hu. 
It was my first time in the graveyard in America yet I've lived here for most of my life.  There was something different about the graveyard here,than the ones I've been to in Pakistan. 

I walked through the lanes of graves of people I did not know, as I moved across I could tell from their names, the ethnicities of the people that had passed away.  An Arab is buried right next to a desi, and a desi is buried right next to a non desi. a black is buried next to a white and vice versa. 

There were people that were alive just two weeks ago and some a couple months ago, they each had a plan, left unfinished. 
Some of them were supposed to start praying tomorrow.  and some had just started praying yesterday. but today they are all the same to the observer walking by, trying to understand what they now understand. 

The truth is neither their color of skin nor the blood that flowed in their veins matters now. perhaps if some of them were alive today they would have never wished to be buried next to the people they are buried with today, and that is the reality of our community. racism still exist. 

It reminded me of this verse, to question, which one of these is closest to Allah right now?  

Does it matter if their name is carved in stone or written with a marker on a piece of wood? 

Ignorant is the person who has never been given guidance , but in great loss is the person who has been given guidance and is still blind to the truth. 

Ya Rab, You know the truth of their graves, just like you know the truth of our hearts. You know when the hour will come for each of us AND when it will come for all of us. We ask that you make this life easier for us, and you grant us long lives full of good deeds, and a death at the time of our best deed. and a means of leaving behind a sadaqa jaaria.

She doesn’t talk much.
Not because she is arrogant, but she thinks she’s better.
But because inside her, there is a quiet voice that keeps whispering:
“Why doesn’t anyone like me?”
“Why does everyone criticize me?”
“What is wrong with me?”
She prays, fasts and beleives.
She isn’t far from Allah…
but she isn’t as close as she wants to be either.
And everyday, the same ache returns.
She keeps searching for certification from people.
Approval, validation, acceptance.
She wants to feel chosen and enough.
But one night, sitting alone after prayer, something shifts.
She realizes:
“Why am I searching for validation from people who don’t even know my battles…
when my Lord knows every tear I hide?”
She understands something painful but freeing:
The problem wasn’t that people didn’t love her.
The problem was that she measured her worth through their reactions,
silence, criticism and approval .
That night she makes a different dua:
“O Allah, free me from the need to be approved by everyone.
If You are pleased with me, let that be enough.
Make me beloved to You first…
and if it is good for me, place love for me in the hearts of people.”
Days pass.
People don’t change overnight.
Some still criticize, misunderstand.
But she changes, stops shrinking, over-explaining and begging for emotional permission to exist and she finally understands:
Love placed by people fades.
Love placed by Allah stays.
Ramadan didn’t make her popular.
It made her peaceful.
And sometimes, peace is the greatest form of being lovable. 🌙✨

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Especially Merciful,

The world seems to have gone mad.
There is so much hate. 

How does one break a home? By oppression and immorality and how does one build a strong home? It is by love and increasing one’s morality.

So hate cannot solve the problems of this world, hate not for the sake of Allah will create injustice and oppression. Eventually, so much hate will cause destruction. As we are seeing today. 

Islam, is contrary to all of this, Islam holds the family as a blessing a from Allah, holds relationships between one muslim to another as something sacred and even more so for family ones. Islam, asks us to treat all people with respect and dignity. 

I want to mention some ahadith:

Anas ibn Malik reported: The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, 'None of you will have faith until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.'

 Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 13, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 45

Mu’adh ibn Jabal reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, 'I guarantee a house on the outskirts of Paradise, a house in the middle of Paradise, and a house in the highest part of Paradise for one who gives up arguing even if he is right, who gives up lying even while joking, and who makes his character excellent.'

 al-Mu’jam al-Kabīr 217

Abdullah ibn Umar reported: I saw the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, circling around the Ka’bah and saying, 'How pure you are and how pure is your fragrance! How great you are and how great is your sanctity! By the One in whose hand is the soul of Muhammad, the sanctity of the believer is greater to Allah than your sanctity, in his wealth, his life, and to assume nothing of him but good.'

Sunan Ibn Mājah 3932

And,

Jubayr ibn Mut’im reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, 'The one who severs his family ties will not enter Paradise.'

Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 5984, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2556

The inner and outer peace we have is often dependent upon how we treat one another. If we do this in our homes, it will spread amongst our neighbours and if it spreads to our neighbours perchance it might spread wider.

How does one beat immorality? One increases their own morality and we  do not allow shaytaan to control us through harbouring grudges, through growing blind and unjust through jealously and hate. We mend ties, we keep a healthy distance from toxicity and we pray and overlook each other’s mistakes. We busy ourselves in fixing our own faults.

May Allah bring peace in our hearts, our homes, our cities, to this world and our ummah Ameen ya rabb.

Ameen.

These are important and touching reminders and jazakallahu khair for sharing these beautiful hadith.

After today’s Isha jamaat the Imam read a Hadith to us in regard to the reward of reading SubhanAllah, Alhumdulillah, and Allahuakbar 33 times each after every prayer. 

This got me thinking about how there are other ahadith that mention different numbers, such as reading Allahuakbar 34 times instead of 33 after each prayer, and ahadith that mention similar adhkar before sleeping.  

I went up to the Imam after praying to mention this and I spoke to him about how I find it amazing that Allah SWT gives us so many opportunities to gain rewards. 

There is such a beauty and diversity in Islam, all leading to rewards, all of which are methods provided to us from our Lord who blessed us with so many opportunities to please him. From different adhkar in the ahadith, to the different Qira’at (recitations), and to the differences in the madhahib of Fiqh . 

This thought process reminded me of this verse where Allah SWT mentioned how we are divided into peoples and tribes. The beauty in which is for us to get to know each other, learn from each other, and embrace our differences with the common goal to please our Lord. Our differences in the way we pray, the way we recite Quran, the abundant opportunities of gaining rewards in different ways are all part of our faith, and should be appreciated as differences between people all around the world who are all trying their best to reach Jannah. 

Many look at these differences as contradictory, but they should be looked as complimentary! May Allah unite the Ummah once again and increase our brotherhood.

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