Meeting Muslims in America

What’s up with the Muslims in the West? Why don’t they get involved in their communites? Are Muslims really productive members in our Western society? Do all Muslims really hate the West? As my mother used to say: “If I had a nickel for every time I have been asked one of these questions, I would be a rich woman!”

Statistically, Islam is the fastest growing religion in the West (PBS). Yet, it is also the most misunderstood religion in the west. Many people think that Muslims can not be productive in a western world. That we are just destined to keep to ourselves locked tight in our own little bubbles. This is wrong. Muslims are productive. Could we do more? YESSSSSS!

Now, My purpose for posting this video is this:

To give all the non Muslims an idea of a typical Muslim in his society. To mispell some of the common myths related to Muslims (ie. we’re all foreign, don’t fit in, don’t give back, hate the US and the West, etc).

To give all the Muslims who watch this the incentive to go out and make a difference in your community!

Comments? If they do not contain any slurs or demean anyone’s way of life, religion then feel free to post them. In fact they are welcomed.

In case your connection will not allow you to see the video, here is a summary:

The video is about a man raised Christian. He lives a life on the streets as a Christian and finally ends up in prision. While in prison, he meets a Muslim and is so inspired and impressed by this Muslim that he begins studying Islam. Soon after, he converts to Islam. He feels like a new person. He works to implement Islam into his life which erases all his previous bad characteristics.

After he is released from prision, he opens up a community center (FOR MUSLIMS AND NON MUSLIMS) including a free health clinic, computer lab, classes, and job training. He also works with operation cease fire (to promote an end to violence). In addition to this, he also does gang interventions. He will sit rival gangs in a room together and have them discuss their issues.

Islam changed his life completely. Alhamdullilah, (All praise and thanks is due to Allah).

We All Make Mistakes!!!

It is human nature to sin and make mistakes. Often, we feel like we are doomed after one set back on our path to Paradise. However, we shouldn’t feel like this. Allah loves for us to repent.

Abu Huraira reported Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: Allah, the Exalted and Glorious, said: I live in the thought of My servant and I am with him as he remembers Me. (The Holy Prophet) further said: By Allah, Allah is more pleased wth the repentance of His servant than what one of you would do on finding the lost camel in the waterless desert. When he draws near Me by the span of his hand. I draw near him by the length of a cubit and when he draws near Me by the length of a cubit. I draw near him by the length of a fathom and when he draws near Me walking I draw close to him hurriedly. (Muslim,Book #037, Hadith #6610)

Unlike Catholism we don’t need to go to a priest and confess. We don’t need to pray to Jesus or through anyone. We are all capable of taking our sins,concerns , and worries directly to Allah.

A friend and I were discussing this just a couple of days ago. Then, I came across this video. I think the Shaykh here explains the concept of sinning and repentance so beautifully. Insh’Allah it will be beneficial for us all to listen to this and reflect on it from time to time. Especially when we are feeling low after making a mistake.

May Allah preserve Shaykh Ibrahim Dremali and His family and may He reward them with Paradise. ameen.

Just press play and enjoy! May Allah make this of benefit to us all.