Salam alaikom,
I have ten days left in Kuwait. It has been an amazing experience. Yesterday, my mother and I went to the farm of Dr. Mohammed Al-Awathy's family in Wafra. Dr. Al-Awathy interviewed us both on the channel Al-Rai about how we converted to Islam. The good thing was that I was able to understand almost everything the doctor asked me, but it was very difficult for me because the entire interview was in Arabic and my Arabic language is still very limited. However, the entire time I remembered Prophet Musa Alayhi Salam (Moses) who had a speech impediment but asked Allah for help and trusted in Allah. I remembered that what was most important was to get across the message, that Allah is one, that it is for Him that we live, and that true peace and love and happiness is found in Him. It was very hard not being able to express myself as well as I wished I could or exactly what I or my mom was thinking but I hope that people still got the essence of how we felt about Islam. Overall the experience left a great impact in our lives. The production crew was very supportive and the landscape was gorgeous and the weather cooperated and the doctor's family and friends that were at the farm were so friendly and hospitable. The show will be broadcast in two parts during Ramadan insha Allah on Al-Rai channel. During my time in Kuwait I grew in so many ways, thanks first to Allah and then to all the people to touched my life here.
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=
Saturday, May 31, 2008
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