Salam
Yesterday at the mosque there was an event for people who converted to Islam recently. I was surprised to see that most of the converts were from Latin America. I met a lot of nice people at the event. Many people including me shared their testimonies about how they found Islam. It was a very inspiring experience. After this event, there was another one about the Qur'an. It went until midnight with Qiyyam ul-Layl which is an 8 rak'at, late night prayer. There was a special guest who recited from the Qur'an too. We had a class about the Qur'an as a cure or remedy. Allah's word has healing powers. It was comforting to know that Muslims also believe that we have authority over sickness through the power of Allah. I learned that Muslims can lay hands even on themselves when they are in sickness or pain and recite from the Qur'an for healing. Faith is just as significant in Islam as in Christianity or Judaism. Faith is fundamental as is love. It was a wonderful Sunday. While I was at the event for converts, I picked up a few reading materials in Spanish for my family in Guatemala. They were curious about Islam. I'm excited to send it to them.
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
- Nickname: Mimi
- 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, May 28, 2007
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
Hi Maryam! It's Katie - I was sitting next to you on our Seattle/LA flight last week. How's the decision-making process going with the job?
Post a Comment