Assalamu alaikoum
I have met some very nice people in Kuwait masha Allah. This morning I went to class and I found the Arabic class to be a big challenge because most of the students in the class are native speakers of Arabic. But I have faith Allah will help me. I am enjoying all of my classes alhamdulEllah. Yesterday after class I met with a young man named Nizar with student government who is studying to be a scholar of Islam like his uncles and his friend Heba from Eqypt. She is studying management and psychology. Both of them were so nice and helpful. Heba gave me a gift and a nice letter because she was very happy I came to Islam.
In my international business class each student was assigned a country of the world. I was happy because I got all of the Bilad al-Shems countries. I was hoping the teacher would assign to me an Arab country or Iran because it would give me an opportunity to learn more about the region of the world I am most interested. The gulf countries would have been great, but I am happy I got this part of the world. After my classes I went with my roommate to Kuwait University. I love it there! It's so great. I hope to study there too someday. I went there because I want to study Persian and Arabic at that school. I will sign up for it tomorrow insha Allah. After futoor, my friend May sent to me one of her dura3aa, which is the traditional Kuwaiti dress. That was soooooo nice of her. I really am happy to have her as a friend because she loves Allah and has such a big heart.
After Isha salat we went to the mbaraqiya, the traditional Kuwaiti market. It was so interesting and there were so many people shopping. We got some dura3a and we also got some head scarves and my roommate, Kara, got her first muslim hijab and jilbab. Masha Allah. She is also fasting with me for Ramadaan. AlhamdulEllah. Then we had some fresh juice. I had pomegranate (Roman) and she had Cactus Pear. We bought some mamouls with walnut filling, yummy, and then we bought some head scarves, and then my shoe broke so I had to buy a new one at the first store I saw and the shoe was over-priced and painful and a funny color but the experience was sooo funny. We were laughing so much. AlhamdulEllah.
Then we went to the university for the Kuwaiti Traditional theme event but we came too late for it. Insha Allah there will be another opportunity like that. I am learning now to recite Surat Maryam during Ramadaan. It is my goal this month.
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=
Thursday, September 20, 2007
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1 comment:
Rest in peace Maryam :( we all miss you in AUK ( The American University of Kuwait)
You'll be in our hearts forever ..
I love you
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