In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful....

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful....

Introduction

This is a journal of my experience in life as as a Muslim convert. I share about the things I learn, question, reflect upon, achieve, and experience on the path of Islam. [96:1-5] Read! In the name of your Lord who created - Created the human from something which clings. Read! And your Lord is Most Bountiful - He who taught (the use of) the Pen, Taught the human that which he knew not.

About Maryam

I study Islamic Studies and International Business at the university, and enjoy studying political science and languages as well. On my free time I study Arabic, Hebrew, and religion. I am Guatemalan and American.I am also Spanish, Italian Scottish and German. I also speak Spanish, Japanese, and Italian. I love to learn about other cultures. I also love to learn about nutrition and fitness. I am very active in sports, outdoor activities and exercise, and flamenco dance class. I am fascinated with my country, Guatemala, it is such a beautiful place, full of variety and rich culture and history, especially the Maya. I LOVE to cook and I try to have a well-balanced diet. Someday I also hope to learn Amharic, Persian (Farsi), and Aramaic and I hope to travel to all of the middle east and Ethiopia, Japan, and Sicily.

Knowledge and Understanding

[2:269] He [Allah] grants wisdom to whom He pleases; and he to whom wisdom is granted indeed receives a benefit overflowing. But none will grasp the Message except men of understanding.
[20:114] High above all is Allah, the King, the Truth. Do not be in haste with the Qur'an before its revelation to you is completed, but say, "O my Sustainer! Increase my knowledge."
[3:190-191] Verily in the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the alternation of night and day - there are indeed signs for men of understanding; Men who remember Allah, standing, sitting, and lying down on their sides, and contemplate the creation of the heavens and the earth (with the thought) "Our Lord! Not for nothing have You created (all) this. Glory to You! Give us salvation from the suffering of the Fire."
[39:9] ...Say: Are those equal, those who know and those who do not know? It is those who are endued with understanding that remember (Allah's Message).
[58:11] ...Allah will raise up to (suitable) ranks (and degrees) those of you who believe and who have been granted knowledge.

Sheikh Mishary Al Afasy

He came to my mosque in the USA to recite from the Qur'an recently and when he prayed salat he cried. My first time to pray the late night prayer during Ramadan was when I went to Kuwait in the Grand Mosque and Mishary was reciting Surat Maryam! Sub7anAllah... Here is a video of nasheed (Islamic poetry) from him. He has been blessed with a beautiful voice for praising Allah, masha' Allah. You can see some of his recitations of the Qur'an at my mosque at this site - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sg2QYHmRfY0&mode=related&search=

Monday, April 23, 2007

Surat Al Mutaffifin (Those Who Deal in Fraud/Those who give less in measure and weight)

(To view this Surah, just click on the link above and select Surat 83 Al Mutaffifin from the drop down menu on the right side of the site)
Salam brothers and sisters,

AlhamdulEllah I have good news, my financial aid for the university was re-instated. Today I had Qur'an class and we studied about Al Mutaffifin. My imam says it is one of the earlier surahs. This surah seems to deal with a fundamental aspect of Islam, social justice and social responsibility. My imam said that sometimes we forget what Islam is all about. We are so caught up in certain aspects of our religion that we forget its fundamentals that should be the drive behind our religious life.

The Qur'an inspires us to reflect. In this case, this surah is inspiring me to reflect upon what drives me, what is the passion behind what I do? This is in turn a reflection on our true principles, on our spiritual character. How do we reciprocate goodness to others? Or do we just expect it from others but do not push this also from ourselves? Are we just concentrating on demanding social justice from the world around us, but neglect to reflect upon what we are doing to contribute to that? Do we expect love and respect, but forget to reciprocate it? The very first part of this aya makes one stop and reflect on this important aspect of our lives.

"Woe unto those who give short measure; those who, when they are to receive their due from other people, demand that it be given in full but when they have to measure whatever they owe to others, give less than what is due!" - Surat 83:1-2

According to my imam, these earlier surahs address a lot of the issues relating to commerce and the practicalities but at the same time can apply to all aspects of life. I love this aya because it reminds me to be more self-aware of what I am contributing to the lives of others and to Islam, maybe I can give more than what I give. Maybe I give only as little as I can get away with. So this reminds me to make sure I avoid this and be more giving in all aspect of my life. It also reminds me to consider what it is that drives me and work on that. My love for Allah the stronger it is, the more I will be passionate about being this way at all times.
Salam
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