What's your biggest worry?

Short blog/article I found on a forum. Reminding myself what should matter to me the most.

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All of us have worries. Worry has been defined as an uneasy preoccupation with things that have gone wrong, or that could go wrong. It includes repetitive self-talk and unpleasant imaginings. Human beings worry in different ways; they fret, brood, stress, mope . . . you get the idea.

Worrying is not always negative however. It can be reflective and motivate us to take action to change the situation. It can help us realize what is wrong and plan accordingly. Productive worry brings about improvements in life.

So what’s your biggest worry? Is it your job, your family, relationships, health . . ?

What should be your biggest worry?

A hadith of the Holy Prophet (s) tells us: Let your biggest worry be your Salaat

This hadith is food for thought. What is the focus of the self-talk of a believer? What preoccupies his mind and worries him often? The answer lies in his connection with the Creator. Thoughts about Salaat constantly invade the mind of a believer. After all, Salaat is the foundation of the relationship with Allah. The status of my Salaat reflects the status of my nearness to God. What else is really as important?

The Messenger of Allah loved Salaat and looked forward to it (am I excited about the thought of praying?). He prayed slowly, relishing every moment (do I rush through my Salaat?) He told us that humility is the adornment of Salaat (am I humble in my Salaat?). He warned us that sometimes only parts of Salaat are accepted, and sometimes it is wrapped up and sent back (is mine accepted?), He said that one who takes Salaat lightly is not from him and will not reach him at the fountain of Kauthar (do I take my Salaat seriously?). So many things to think about . . . .

Worry about your Salaat! The good news is that when you do, all other worries will fade into insignificance. They will melt away, leaving you free to focus your mind on the most crucial element of life, your relationship with God. This is the source of true tranquility. All other things will fall into place. Imam Ali (a) says: Whoever keeps in order his affairs with Allah, Allah will put his affairs with people in order. Whoever improves his life of the Hereafter, Allah will improve his life in the world, whoever is a preacher for himself, Allah will be a protector for him. (Nahjul Balagha, saying no.89)

Make it your daily motto; my biggest worry is my Salaat.

-Tahera Kassimali

Rita

Although Bajjo was limited with her condition, that never stopped her from being a born leader. As long as I can remember, she has always taken initiative in everything that came her way—be it humanitarian efforts, hosting various events, public speaking, and most of all, caring and catering to everyone else’s needs. She was scheduled to deliver a speech at my wedding. I remember being sad on my birthday because everyone that I’m close to was not able to say a few words about me on my wedding day. It was Bajjo who stepped up and agreed to give a speech; however, little did we all know that she was not destined to be present that evening.

I think the reason why I personally miss her as much as I do is because she was genuinely a fun person to be around. Growing up, I would want to be around her all of the time simply because I admired her so much. I wanted to be exactly like her. Everything about her was so humble. She was never in to the average superficial things a girl cares about. She didn’t care much for make up or having the finer things in life. She was content in her own world, with her husband, daughter and all the people she cared for. She enjoyed going out for dinner and a movie and being around her friends and family.

There is so much about her that I can never forget and will continue to miss for the rest of my life. I miss that she was always in a good mood. Whenever I’d see her, she was always hyper. And when she was hyper, she would talk like she was a gangster when she wasn’t. She tried hard to be cool but would fail miserable; and that made her ultra cool. The energy she’d illuminate was so magical; it was contagious. I miss her soft hands. And I miss the smell of her hair scrunchies. They always had the best rain forest spring smell. I miss her hospitality. And I really really reallly miss her voice. I miss her cute, naïve nature. I miss the grilled egg and cheese sandwiches she used to make for me. I miss seeing her and Zain bhai make fun of each other when I’d sit in the car with them. I miss the times she taught me how to make a killer gyro sub. I miss talking to her all night long when I’d sleep over at her house.

She was always kind to everyone and always inquired about the well-being of others. Even while being so sick herself, it was her who took care of everyone else.

Bajjo’s demise has taught me to value my time. It has given me a push to remember how near my own death is. There is so much I want to accomplish before leaving this world. The time to start is now; because there literally may be no tomorrow. It is unfortunate that this event has occurred, however, I am very fortunate to have come closer to God through this experience. I firmly believe that that is a key part as to why He took her away from so many people that love her. In order to come closer to Allah (swt), we must give up those things which we love the most, and only then will we find true contentment.

Why the tests and punishment, God?

All praise belongs to God who is the source of everything that is good.

Of recently, I have come to realize the holistic positivity in death. God tests us with losses. Though for many, this begs the question, how can God--the Almighty--take the life of an innocent being who has done nothing but worship Him or is a mere infant. How can the Merciful Lord take a mother away from her child, or a husband away from his wife and young children? Such questions have been posed with much animosity and frustration. However, we often forget to ask the real questions. And the real question is; who's property are we? Are we the property of our children, of our family; or are we God's property and our families are nothing more than God's custodians for the time being. Does one ever complain when the owner takes his belonging back? The owner has reclaimed it therefore our conjecture that God has done something 'evil' is false.

So when people question, 'What kind of a God can see a child drown away in a flood or die of hunger and deprivation,' there is a greater mercy to this. The greater mercy is the compassion you and I feel towards that child. A child died--I am going to cry for that child. Allah says THAT'S IT. That is why I took the child away. How are we supposed to fully comprehend the value of life, if we don't see it go away? How can we understand the fragility of the human race if we don't experience loss? How can we understand the value of this Earth if it did not shake? How would we know?

When catastrophe occurs, we jump to label the event as being evil and treacherous, when in fact, they have simply mis-defined the term in itself. Evil is the willfull rejection of good. When a person rejects the idea of doing something that is good, that is evil. Any other way, is not evil. Meaning when I have free will, I can choose to do good and I can choose to reject good (which brings about evil). If a person murders someone but they did not intend to kill; we call it an accident. There is no evil in it, there is innocence (assuming that we can prove that the person did not willfully intend to commit the act, then such an individual is innocent). This is how atheism starts--when terminologies are mis-defined and you get stuck in a spiral of misunderstands.

The definition of evil has a direct connection with free will. If free will is removed from the equation then there is no such thing as evil. It cannot exist. Evil only exists with free will. Therefore a flood has no notion of evil because there is no question of free will present.

But we fail to realize that evil is actually a good thing! A common example to better understand this point are the lines on a basketball court. In a game, we have demarcations of good and evil. If we take those demarcations out, the sport ceases to function. These lines on a basketball court define evil and good. When we play the game, as long as we keep the ball inside the line, it's good. But once we hit the ball outside the line, it's evil--you lose the point. Experts in the field know how to keep the ball inside the line and they're good at it. Even if those lines are a distraction, they come in our way, we need those lines to be there because the more we struggle to keep the ball within the lines, the more we avoid losing the point and thus, the better we become at the game. This is how heroes are born. Evil needs to be present; the secret is that we must avoid it. The question is not whether it should exist or not, the idea is it that it must be avoided. And that is why evil is actually designed to enhance the good.

Allah says in this world, we're constantly going to struggle; it's a never ending struggle, and we're going to keep doing it until we die--because that is the design of Allah's system. When people struggle in this world their whole life and are finally released from this test, that release is a blessing. It is the end of the examination and there is comfort in knowing that it's finally over.

It's not very often that we thank God for releasing our loved ones from the pain and struggles of this world. Alhumdulillah, for the eternal life that will bring about harmony and contentment to those who deserve it the most.

Why hijab?

One thing that really gets under my skin is when people (even Muslims) preach misinformation about hijab and why it is implemented in Islam. People often forget that the primary reason for hijab is so that we as Muslims are identified. Hijab is the flag bearer of Islam, more so than anything else. In fact, one of the primary verses in the Qur'an that talks about hijab tells us this:

"O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to cover themselves. That will be better, so that they may be recognised. Allah is ever Forgiving, Merciful." (33:59)

Other verses in the Qur'an tell us what should be covered, but as far as I know, this is the only verse that explicitly tells us as to WHY hijab is mandatory.

I recently wrote a piece on this topic; I wish more Muslim women (and men) could understand this concept.

This is my favorite passage from the article:
"Though interestingly, in many societies hijab is continuously portrayed as a means of oppression through the concealment of hair and skin. On the contrary, the concept of this covering is not an entity to hide a woman; it is to expose her. Because of her garb, when she is disclosed as a Muslim, her modest demeanor becomes a teacher for society as to what is morality and ethics. And it is this physical covering working as an equilibrium with the social humbleness taught by Islamic values that demonstrate the essence of what morality is."


I will post the full article for those interested in reading it.

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My hijab is my identity

Identity is seen by many as one of the most important subjects in the world today. Within human history, each one of us has sought to look at, develop, and understand the identities of the people around us in order that we’re able to live with human beings in a way which is known as a peaceful coexistence. When looking for an identity, we find that virtually every area of our lives is governed by the individual having an identifier around him. Even at the most trivial level, a passport, a bus pass, or a driver’s license, are all forms of identifiers which within our lives today are seen as vital components of our every move.

Innately within a human being, there is a constant search to identify his or herself with something. What that thing is—be it metaphysical or physical in nature—is the constant search for an identity. And among one of the most important identifiers today is the idea of clothing. As an example, there are certain individuals who will not travel unless they have a bag with ‘LV’ written all over it. Or you find those who have a small badge with the letters of PRADA. Because clothing is and has always been a piece of identity for every human being; accordingly, the concept of hijab is seen today as one of the main identifiers of the world. And therefore, when a person sees a woman in hijab, her first identity is that of a Muslim.

In addition to being an identifier for Muslims, hijab continues to liberate women from the media perception of beauty and using women as a commodity. To be liberated is not doing what you want, when you want to do it; but rather, in Islam, liberation is engaging in what is right without fearing what others may think. Similarly, control is not putting a piece of cloth on a woman; control is when TV, movies, and magazines tell people what to wear and how to be attractive. When a woman spends millions of dollars to look skinny and live by standards of fashion designed by men—a patriarchal society will undoubtedly continue to exist among us. It is at this level that hijab is a threat to consumerism because it forces an individual to look into her soul rather than striving for a narrow-minded image of what she should look like according to the standards of men.

Hijab, like every other concept in Islam, has a two-sided aspect—physical and spiritual. A head covering in itself is not sufficient in acquiring modesty and therefore, an attractive mannerism and humbleness are vital when attempting to liberate oneself from the media norms of sex, violence, and drugs.

In this manner, the honor of representing Islam through this garb holds a great responsibility. In a world where vulgarity and arrogance are at their peak, the uniformed need to be modest both physically and socially is what gives hijab the fundamental need in societies today. Though interestingly, in many societies hijab is continuously portrayed as a means of oppression through the concealment of hair and skin. On the contrary, the concept of this covering is not an entity to hide a woman; it is to expose her. Because of her garb, when she is disclosed as a Muslim, her modest demeanor becomes a teacher for society as to what is morality and ethics. And it is this physical covering working as an equilibrium with the social humbleness taught by Islamic values that demonstrate the essence of what morality is.

And though perhaps society will persist on viewing this apparel with a glass half empty—I find it interesting that Islam gave women the opportunity and honor to represent the religion by wearing what is known as the flag of Islam—the hijab.

Syeds and Facebook

I never update my facebook status. Last night I saw a group on facebook called 'SYED ONLY' and the description said:

"Only 4 syeds sorry 4 others"

Several people I know joined this group. Saddened by this, I decided to update my facebook status portraying my stance on the ridiculousness of the issue, and how it truly hurts the feelings of those who are not called "syed."

And then.... all jahannum broke loose...

Mehak Rizvi I think it's quite sad when you have to brag about being a "syed."

10 hours ago · Comment ·

Mehak Rizvi

And look down on people who are not syed.

10 hours ago ·

FH

Being a Syed is a God given honor and there is no shame in being proud of that, but a TRUE sign of a Syed is to never look down upon anyone since racism goes completely against the teachings of Islam.

10 hours ago ·

Mehak Rizvi

Being syed isn't a race. Being in existence is a God given honor too. Everything is. That doesn't make me better than any other person.

10 hours ago ·

SZI

agreed!

10 hours ago ·

AI

You are very wise Mehak.

10 hours ago ·

SHR

yoyoyo im a syedddd WHAT?? sike nah. agreed, we know damn well what some "syeds" be up to...

10 hours ago ·

SHR

*Disclaimer: my comment was a general statement and was not referring to a specific person or people

10 hours ago ·

KH

Hahaha- I love how Hasan quickly saved himself;) anyways, I totally agree with you and Fairy at the moment, being a part of the sadath is truly a blessing, and the way you carry yourself should be a representation of that honor. our imams were known to be just and fair individuals, and because we are their lineage, what we do should be a direct ...

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9 hours ago ·

SHR

Naarayyy Haideryy lol

9 hours ago ·

FH

Thank you Mehak, i am aware that being Syed isn't a race but I was using that as an example of explaining that Islam does not teach its followers to look down upon God's creation. I was agreeing w/ you. There are many Syeds that do not have the good characteristics of a good human beign let alone a follower of the Ahlulbait. Being a Syed is an ...See More

9 hours ago ·

FH

YAAAAA ALI!!! lol :) @ Kelly, thank you for understanding the point I was trying to get across :)

9 hours ago ·

AR

in my opinion, A real syed, Especially nowadays, is someone who doesnt let others know they are syed. First of all many people are not a syed, yet they may be a more pious muslims... which means bein syed just means u have some of the blood that ran through the veins of the imams... yet if u dont represent them well, whats the point?
and being "proud" is not a good quality in it of itself, one should always thank Allah swt for everything and not be "proud" of it, ya know?

9 hours ago ·

SHR

i think they meant "proud" as in being thankful for the blessing, instead of literally being "prideful"

9 hours ago ·

FH

Being Proud does not equal arrogance, please understand that difference

9 hours ago ·

AR

lol being proud and bein thankful are two completely separate things man! :P lol but im sure their intention was well

9 hours ago ·

SHR

Well your use of proud and their use of it also had completely different meanings....just saying

9 hours ago ·

AR

i ask u to look up the meanings on a few different dictionaries... proud has a couple meanings but none ate "being thankful", thats an idea in it of itself...
many times, we use the word proud without completely realizing what the word means and what we are trying to say
as far as i understand :)

9 hours ago ·

FH

Agreed w/ Hasan

8 hours ago ·

SHR

Clearly....as you said, we use it without realizing what it means. So you understood that they didn't realize what it means....and hinted their being arrogant....

8 hours ago ·

FH

We know what proud means, and we are not using it in a negative connotation, it is kind of petty that instead of reading the entire message you are emphasizing on one word.
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Proud

8 hours ago ·

Mehak Rizvi

Nice seeing a full inbox after returning from dinner 0_0

I think we all know Fairy baji doesn't mean proud as in arrogant! =) and I thought the racism thing was a typo lol.

What I meant to say in my status was, if you're a syed and don't boast about it, then that's great, mA! Every person is judged based on intentions and morals. And some of the ...See More

8 hours ago ·

AR

u are completely right mehak... and i have no doubt in my mind that fairy apa, whom i dont know at all, lol, had any bad intentions
definitely agree with ahsan though! every moment we do something good for the sake of Allah, we should not be proud but we should thank Allah that we have been given the knowledge and opportunity to show our love for ...See More

8 hours ·

FH

Aun Khalu I don't have any bad intentions, and if one really wants to get into the details about what it MEANS to be a Sayed then please explain why an non Syed's sadqa is haram on a Syed? and A Syed's sadqa is halal for everyone, there are reasons to laws such as this. Any ways I don't want to argue about this further more. Everyone will be judged on their deeds on the day of judgement. Salam to Everyone.

8 hours ago ·

AR

lol i know, thats why i said i have no doubt that u have any! I really didnt think anyone would be offended, Im truly sry...
i thought we were havin a discussion, u are older than me so u prolly have more experience, that was why i was learning from u and questioning as well
Trully sry again :)

8 hours ago ·

SHR

fairy apa, i'll call you that now...ok?

8 hours ago ·

SZ

Mehak I'm tired of you creating chaos on facebook!! jeez! LOL just kidding! But I agree...I know a few people that are not Syed but are very humble and better people than some Syeds. BTW Asad is not one of them LOL just messing with ya bro!

8 hours ago ·

SFN

think of it this way: many of the ashaabs of the Prophet (SAW) and the Imams (AS) were NOT syed/saadat, but they had utmost love for Allah (SWT) and the Ahlul Bayt (AS), and most importantly, they had fear of Allah (SWT), just like someone mentioned above. So clearly, being Syed/Saadat has nothing to do with status or great faith because many of ...See More

8 hours ago ·

SFN

and fairy, I agree with you! =)

8 hours ago ·

KS

i agree with mehak.

8 hours ago ·

SHR

surprise surprise

7 hours ago ·

FH

no feelings were hurt, Thanks. @ Sabah thank you :)

7 hours ago ·

AR

I agree with you too Fairy Appa ;-)

7 hours ago ·

AR

and I agree with Mehak Appa too!! =)

7 hours ago ·

SMت

I am from the lineage of Adam and that makes me royalty ♥

7 hours ago ·

SFN

hahaha Hasan, you make me laugh!

7 hours ago ·

Mehak Rizvi

LOL. Saimah, I declare that as best comment ever.

7 hours ago ·

SM ت

shukriya mehakkkk!

7 hours ago ·

Mehak Rizvi

Also, I think all of us are in agreement. And even if we're notl, it's okay. God has made us all diverse. No two people agree on everything. =)

7 hours ago ·

SM ت

and i'm no syed... but damnit i'm royalty!

7 hours ago ·

C

I had a horse once named Syed. A faithful steed. Took me around the streets of begumpet and the old cliffs. We ran out of food and ended up eating the horse with neembo achar and hyderabadi zafrani polao. Then we went to hash browns mango farm and had fresh mango juice. It was good.

3 hours ago ·

I now understand that it was wrong of me to present this strong of an opinion in the blunt manner that I did. Though my stance remains--I apologize for hurting anyone's feelings on the discussion.