iMuslim.tv

GPU 2008: A Follow Up

// October 28th, 2008 // 21 Comments » // Blog

After a disastrous first day at the GPU 2008, I have to say, Sunday was a only, oh… a million times better! Alhamdulillah.

If you were at the GPU yesterday, and spotted a mad sister interviewing some “strange” people on camera – that was me! I can't say too much, mainly because I want to save the juicy details for the article I plan to write, inshā’Allāh.

I took photos, and also met some interesting folks, including a couple of the MM shuyukh (link to my MM article to be inserted here within 24 hours, inshā’Allāh now LIVE).

I have to say, although the Islam Expo 2008 was so much more fun, in so many more ways, I did learn just as many lessons from my GPU experience, both from a professional and personal perspective.

Professional lessons

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Romancing The Scholar

// October 18th, 2008 // 9 Comments » // Blog

It seems Muslim scholars of old knew how to make the ladies swoon… Seriously, if this doesn't get you singletons sighing wistfully, and you marrieds gesturing blissfully at your spouses, I don't know what will!

AE: She Was Asleep. I Kissed Her. She Awoke.

Hamza Yusuf Video: Eid Al-Fitr ’08 Khutbah

// October 14th, 2008 // 3 Comments » // Blog

Jazakallah khair brother Yusuf (not Hamza Yusuf; though thanks to him too!). I really needed this.

Ramadan Entry – Losing Track!

// October 7th, 2008 // 4 Comments » // Blog

I forgot to mention my follow-up entry to Ramadan: The Ultimate Sin-O-Meter, titled: Ramadan Sin-O-Meter: The Results. Check it out!

Peace Be With You

// September 15th, 2008 // 10 Comments » // Blog

Imagine…
A place of peace.

Lying on an open plain.
Cool grass beneath bare feet.
Arms outstretched above your head.
One hand playfully fiddles with smooth blades.
The other strokes long, soft, silky strands of hair.
A slight smile rests gently on your lips.

Eyes closed, but filled with light.
A light that shines so brightly.
But doesn't burn your eyes.
It bathes your face like a warm embrace.

Imagine this moment…
A moment of peace.

Not a care.
Not a worry.
Not an ounce of stress.

The light envelopes you.
Makes you.
Loves you.

Then you realise…

The sky is not a canopy of blue atmosphere.
But the Throne of Ar-Rahman.

And the light is not that of a brilliant star.
But the Noor of the One that you have craved for all eternity.

And that this is no ordinary garden.
But it is the only place of true peace.

Your real home.

Your Jannah.

Waiting for you to return…

—

Photo Credit: Jo and Paul's pics

This World vs The Hereafter

// September 11th, 2008 // 2 Comments » // Blog

Ibn Hazm al-Andalusi (May Allāh have mercy upon him) said, “If you look deeply into worldly matters you will become melancholy and will end up reflecting upon the ephemeral nature of everything here below, and the fact that truth lies only in striving for the hereafter, since every ambition to which you might cling will end in tears; either the goal is snatched from you, or you have to give the attempt up before you reach it. One of these two endings is inevitable except the search for God the Almighty the Powerful. Then the result is always joy, both immediate and eternal. The immediate joy is because you stop worrying about things which usually worry people; this leads to an increase in the respect paid to you by friends and enemies alike. The eternal joy is the joy of paradise.” In pursuit of virtue.

—
Image Credit: *Muhammad*
Source of quote: I was forwarded this via e-mail. I can't claim that it is a genuine quote… plus the translation and transcription might be off… but I still found truth in it, māshā’Allāh. [/ end disclaimer]

NISAA Podcast: Ramadan Special 2008

// September 3rd, 2008 // No Comments » // Blog

The relaunch of the beautifully made-over Nisaa website, and the arrival of the sacred month, inspired Organica and I to reflect over our best and worst Ramadan moments for a new episode of the NISAA podcast.

Ramadan: The Ultimate Sin-o-Meter

// August 31st, 2008 // 3 Comments » // Blog

Want to know for sure something is a sin?

I don't mean missing Fajr prayer, or back-biting. These are clearly bad.

No, I mean the things you habitually do, that you kinda know might, perhaps, just maaaaybe wrong… but your mind somehow makes okay.

The litmus test: the month of Ramadan.

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Nights of Power: Short Tales of Inspiration

// August 29th, 2008 // 2 Comments » // Blog

MuslimMatters.org are asking their readers to submit short, inspirational stories on the subject of Ramadan. The best stories will win their authors amazing prizes, māshā’Allāh (seriously, I didn't know we could afford such things, else I'd ask for a raise… oh wait, I don't get paid. *Dangerous ideas begin to form*).

Check it out: MM's Ramadan Special: Short Story Contest '08 (Cash Prizes & More!!)

SS Free Gaza: They Made It!

// August 25th, 2008 // No Comments » // Blog

Allahu akbar! Read Sr Yvonne Ridley's account of this momentous event:

Well, you would have to be deaf, dumb and blind not to know that I am writing to you today from Gaza.

I really was too overwhelmed yesterday to put pen to paper after the magnificent welcome I and my fellow peace activists from SS Liberty and SS Free Gaza received as we entered the port of Gaza … the first ships to sail in since 1967.

Continue reading…