A friend and former classmate of mine from Arabic class in my university back in the states who is currently in Moldova of all places recently asked me some good questions as he is pondering where he will continue his Arabic language studies. He is also planning to get his masters in the American University of Beirut. I thought his questions were good enough to just write a blog post addressing them since I have not addressed these questions in here yet.
One of his questions was regarding studying Arabic in a school and in a country where most people can speak English. It's true that I may have learned Arabic more quickly in another Arabic country but I don't regret choosing Kuwait because it was an excellent transition country for someone who has never had any experience in the Middle East before. Also, I was able to learn a lot about the culture and feelings of the people of this region because I can have deep conversations with the people here since they can speak English.
It has been a great place for learning about the Arab world and for learning Islam and for getting used to life in the Middle East. However, I do hope to spend some time in another Arabic speaking country to force myself to learn better Arabic. I have learned a lot of Arabic here too though. I am thinking it would be great to go to Syria to learn Arabic if I get the chance, although I would love to live in Jordan for some time. I really like it there and the people too and my friend Sohaira says the language institute she is attending there is excellent. I took an Arabic grammar course here in my unversity and I was the only non-Arab in the class. It was a big challenge but I learned so much about the grammar. I really enjoyed it. Now I am just taking basic Arabic courses and Farsee too.
As for the climate of Kuwait, it is very different from any place I have ever lived. Right now it is about 7 degrees celcius but it has been colder. I am so surprised by this. I expected it to be somewhat cold in the winter, but not this cold!!
My friend wanted to know how the Kuwaitis here are treating me. My university is very diverse so I have classmates from all over the Middle East and everyone is so nice with me. AlhamdulEllah. I have been received well by all the Arabs here including the Kuwaitis. Not only this but I have also been welcome into their homes and shared with their families and made lifelong friends. From the time I was on the plane coming to Kuwait I was befriended by the people of Kuwait.
As for being accepted as a Hispanic American Muslim convert girl student in Kuwait, I have had no problems that I can think of. People treat me great and I feel so welcome here. I have not felt any sort of discrimination. People are very happy when they hear I am a convert to Islam and are always eager to hear my testimony. Never once have I felt like an outsider here. Sometimes I even forget I'm not from here! :p People seem interested in people who convert to Islam since they for the most part grew up being Muslim and don't know anything else. They often have questions for me about Judaism and Christianity. I have never felt any tension as we discuss religion. On the contrary they tend to be friendly, loving, and open discussions. I actually had a very similar experience living among the Jewish people in Israel.
Kuwait has a parliament and even a female minister, the minister of Education, Noriah Al-Sabeeh. Recently the parliament has been trying to pressure her out of office and yesterday there was a critical session at parliament and our school went there all dressed in T-shirts that had written on them freedom to choose and know your constitution. One of the big issues in Kuwait these days is that there are people in parliament who wish for all schools including the American University of Kuwait to be completely segregated between men and women. There are many who oppose this as they see it as being un-Islamic. The students went to parliament in support of the minister remaining in office. There was some drama at the session but it was only shown on local Kuwait television of course. At any rate, I will keep you posted as to what happens.
Happy Islamic new year!!
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=
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
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