I love anything that involves old tradition, especially that which is connected to religion or culture. Yesterday my friend invited me for a traditional Kuwaiti family lunch. It was soooo wanasa (fun/cool/etc). First we had tea and I saw the old family photos. Their family goes way back in Kuwait history. Their grandfather, Allah yarhamhu was Sheikh Yousef, a well known man in Kuwait who first promoted the education system here. Then I saw their little brother's art and he is very talented and their mom really fosters his talent and that is nice to see. Then we had lunch and it was a feast of course, everything from Mechbous Diyay to Moreg Lahem to Salads. Then we had the most amazing dates and homemade leben (an unsweetened yogurt drink i absolutely love). While we were eating, they were surprised I like to eat with my hands too as that is something very traditional Kuwait and in other Arab countries too. My friend Farrah taught me the technique of eating with my hands and it really works great!! I never knew there was an actual technique to it. It was very systematic and it is so efficient! Also, she taught me how the prophet Mohammed (saaws) used to sit when eating and u would have one leg pushing against his stomach. Very cool.
Later we went upstairs and had dessert consisting of two kinds of kanafa, Arabic icecream that is soooo yummy and extra goey because they make it with starch. Then we had Arabic coffee and talked until late afternoon. We talked about Islam, school, family, marriage. Just before I left, my friends' mom's trainer arrived and I did Aerobics with her for a few minutes. It was a beautiful day.
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=
Sunday, March 09, 2008
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