Islamically-Intact

Helping someone dealing with depression

noreply@blogger.com (1half) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 17:32:00 +0000

Bismallahy Al-Rahman Al-Raheem,

It's been a while since the last post so I felt that a nice revitalization should be attempted Insha'Allah. I was mostly inspired to post because of this video below which talks about depression Islamically. I felt this topic was important simply because many younger people struggle through that, especially when they are living in a world that is relatively foreign and in a world that values and chases things we are told not to value or chase. Sometimes it might be difficult to understand how to stay content and happy when the world around you tells you that there are only certain things that equate happiness yet they are haram to you.

Now Although there are a lot of different videos out there that talk about depression and dealing with it Alhamdulilah, this one I found particularly important simply for one main point that Shiekh Yassir Fazaga mentions. (For those that don't want to watch the whole video, here is a TL;DR or summary version):

Basically, the main point that I felt was important which he re-irritated over and over again is not to make someone who comes to you with a problem feel worse about him/herself. To be specific, not to tell someone something like "You're only feeling depressed because you have low Iman" or questioning someone's faith and mentioning a "True Muslim" is never depressed (the summary version ends here, now I expand and rant a bit more).

Let's be honest, if you were in that situation, would that really cheer you up? Would you really want to go back to that person if they said something like that? Of course not. Yes, reminding someone of Allah in that situation is very important and crucial, but questioning someone's faith is only going to make them feel worse. At the beginning the person was feeling bad about school/job/friends/etc, but now he/she is feeling bad about their deen and feeling even more useless. Depression or sadness happens to everyone and a great point that the shiekh made is that it isn't that depression never happens to a believer, but more so a believer doesn't lose hope during depression.

Listening to someone attentively and making it a point to demonstrate you understand and care is enough sometimes and sometimes that's all an individual wants. Staying positive through out and encouraging someone to stay postive, as well as reminding them of Allah is crucial but if its not done in a belittling manner it is much more effective.

The video:

And Allah knows best.

A few days old but Ramadan Mubarak!

noreply@blogger.com (1half) — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 23:27:00 +0000

Bismallhy Al-Rahman Al-Raheem,

Just wanted to say Ramadan Mubarak to everyone! InshaAllah it is filled with great rewards, blessings, and forgiveness for all :)

Looking for Islamic wallpapers?

noreply@blogger.com (1half) — Mon, 09 May 2011 03:28:00 +0000

Bismallahy Al-Rahman Al-Raheem,

If you're looking for Islamic wallpapers, I have a new website I opened which InsaAllah will provide them and I will keep adding more InsaAllah, check it out at IslamicScreens.com

Swearing,cussing, using coarse language in Islam

noreply@blogger.com (1half) — Fri, 06 May 2011 05:30:00 +0000

Bismallahy Al-Rahman Al-Raheem

I suppose there are other, more important issues that can be talked about when it comes to today's youth but I figure starting simple is a a good approach. One of the most common things I see unfortunately is Muslims swearing or cussing; using, as movie ratings say, 'coarse language'.

Now some people will classify 'coarse language' in stages or levels of how "bad" they are. With obvious offensive ones being atop and smaller, less offensive ones, being at the bottom. It seems that as you go up this scale, the 'haramness' of a word goes up or down. A good way to measure how bad or 'haram' a word is by imagining what would happen if that word is said in-front of parents. I'd like to break down the levels into these four, based on parent reactions:

1. Level 1: It's okay to say, parents won't really react. Unless they are in a bad mood, then it will irritate them.
2. Level 2: "Haramness" increases by a bit more. If a parent hears you say it, it might catch their attention. Might not react. Again, if in a bad mood, then it will irritate them and they will probably scold you.
3. Level 3: Approaching pretty "Haramish" words. If a parent hears it, they will definitely scold you, you might be punished in some way. If they're in a bad mood, you're pretty much gone. BUT the reason they are not 'Level 4' is because if, if, and only if a parent is in a super great mood, they might, just might, do nothing but give you a small lecture and forgive you.

This girl (she's wearing hijab, it's probably that
new design that looks like hair) used to be smart, popular,
pretty...until she started swearing. Now she is [not very smart],
unattractive, and alone. Yup, true story.
...Ok, it's not. It was the only picture I could find
Source: sxc.hu (glendali)

4. Level 4: It was good knowing you :( You know, this is were everyone in the room suddenly remembers they left their toasters on and leave, your parents turn a nice shade of green and let out a nice lion roar, you see your life flash before your eyes...you know that stage.

Now different Muslim I've met fall into different categories, and different parents might react in different ways; they're are always exceptions. However, I think that everyone knows what a 'Level 4' is or what is 'inappropriate', and unfortunately, I see many Muslims falling into this category and I just don't understand why. There's only one explanation I've come up with.

They want to be 'cool' or 'fit in'.

It sounds silly, and most Muslim I know will never admit it, but to me it seems like the only explanation why someone would use such words in everyday conversations. For example, I know many Muslims who when they first meet me, swear and cuss, but as they see that I don't really appreciate that type of language (don't worry, I don't threaten to kill them or anything) and that Alhamdulilah I do not use it, they eventually stop using it around me, or at least as often. But when they are around other people, or talking to other people, they go back to using it. I've also seen Muslims on Facebook or similar, only say 'clean' things to me and never swear, but once someone else joins a conversation or they are addressing someone else (usually non-Muslim) they go back into swearing. I've seen this happen so many times.

So my question again is: Why?

Why is it you can 'turn it off' when you're around your parents, respected elders, or anyone who you know won't like it, but all of a sudden 'it just comes out' when you're around other friends? Does that mean you don't respect them as much?

I mean even in the West, which we like to blame for the "corruption, indecency, and all that is evil of/in society" (or something), they acknowledge that these words are 'inappropriate'. So why is that Muslims can't simply...wait for it...STOP using them?

Well someone told me before that there is no 'proof' in Islam that swearing is not good (I don't want to make fatwas and call it haram or any strong word like that, I'll leave that to those who know). They said that in the Quran it doesn't say anything. Now although I think that if you're just a bit mature and just a bit understanding of what Islam encompasses and represents, that if you truly understand, or at least have an idea of the Prophet's (SAW) life you would never argue such a silly point. Sorry to be harsh, I talk to myslef before others, but this is the way I see it.

As for those who need that 'proof', that 'fatwa', here's a link just for you: http://www.islamweb.net/emainpage/index.php?page=showfatwa&Option=FatwaId&Id=87671

However, ignoring that link, let's imagine the Prophet (SAW) was with us would we use such words? In any language? I'm guessing that answer is a no. So if we say that we follow Prophet Muhammad (SAW), and that we would like to emulate him since he represents how best to follow our deen, then why should we still use it? Is it really worth it to use indecent/inappropriate words just so we can fit in or be cool, or seem 'normal'? The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) has hadith were he said, "Islam began as something strange, and it shall return to being something strange, so give glad tidings to the strangers." So why should we try to 'fit in' if it goes against principles we've been taught, whether big or small? Let us be strangers.

With all this being said, as usual, I speak to myself before anyone and I also know I still use words that shouldn't be said, no matter were they fall in the 'categories' so I will InsaAllah work on myslef and pray we can all do the same.

And Allah knows best.

Du'as for studying, exams, tests...

noreply@blogger.com (1half) — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 19:27:00 +0000

Bismallahy Al-Rahman Al-Raheem,

Seeing as how this is exam time for some of us, I figured I'd share these duas I found here (Source:http://www.islamicboard.com/education-issues/17871-duas-studies-exams.html#post241575). Insha'Allah it is easy and successful for all of us. Ameen. And remember, as long as you put in all the effort you can, whatever happens, good or bad, is written by Allah so don't dwell on it too much other then perhaps seeking how you can improve. Trying as hard as you can is all you can ask of yourself.

Du'as for studying

1.
اللَّهُمَّ لا سَهْلَ إلَّا مَا جَعَلْتَهُ سَهْلاً وَ إنْتَ تَحْعَلُ الْحزْنَ إذَا شِئْتَ سَهْلاً
Allahumma la sahla illa ma ja'altu sahla, wa 'anta taj-alul hazna idha shi'ta sahla
O Allah! There is nothing easy except what You make easy, and You make the difficult easy if it be Your Will
[Ibn Hibban]

2.
اللَّهُم¡ ; الْطُفْ بِىْ فِىْ تَيْسِيْرِ ; كُلِّ عَسِيْرٍ فَاِنَّ تَيْسِيْرَ ; كُلِّ عَسِيْرٍ عَلَيْكَ يَسِيْرٌَ
Allahumma Tufiltuf bi fi taysiri kulli 'asirin, fainna taysirra kuuli 'asirin 'alaika yassirun
O Allah! Make easy for me every difficult thing, with Your special favour and Kindness, for it is easy for You to make every difficult thing easy

3.
أللِّهُم النّفَعنِي بِمَا عَلَّمتَنِي وَ عَلِّمنِيِ مَا يَنفَعنِي
Allahumma infa'nii bimaa 'allamtanii wa'allimnii maa yanfa' unii
O Allah! Make useful for me what You taught me and teach me knowledge that will be useful to me.
4.
اَللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ عِلْمًا نَافِعًا , وَ رِزْقًا طَيَّبًا , وَ عَمَلاً مُتَقَبَّلاً
Allahumma inni as'aluka 'Ilman naafi'an, wa rizqan tayyiban, wa 'amalan mutaqabbalan
O Allah! I ask You for knowledge that is of benefit, a good provision and deeds that will be accepted.[Ibn Majah and others]

5.
اللَّهُمَّ اِنِّى اَسْئَلُكَ فَهْمَ الَنَّبِيِّن وَ حِفْظَا الْمُرْسَلِيِّن الْمُقَرِّبِين

Allahumma inii as'aluka fahmal-nabiyyen wa hifthal mursaleen al-muqarrabeen
O Allah! I ask You for the understanding of the prophets and the memory of the messengers, and those nearest to You.

6.Ya Hayyu, Ya Qayyumu, Ya Rabba Musa waHarun waNuh waIbrahim waIsa waMuhammadin Sallallahu alayhi wasallam Akrimni bi jawdatil hifdhi wasur’ati fahhmi, Warzuqni hikmata wama’rifatal ilmi wa thabat- dhihni wa'l aqli wa'l-hilmi bi haqqi sayyidina Muhmmadin Salallahu alayhi wasalam. Ya Rabbal Alamin
O Living! O One Through Whom All Subsists! O Lord of Musa, Harun, Nuh, Ibrahim, Isa, and Muhammad, honour me with good memory and understanding, Bestow me with wisdom, true knowledge and a firm intellect and mind with the blessing of Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace). O Lord of the Worlds.

7.
اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْ لِّسَانِي آمِراً بِذِكْرِكَ قِلْبِي بِخَاشِعَتِكَ
Allahumma ijal leesanee 'amiran bi thikrika wa qalbi bi khashyatika.
O Allah! Make my tongue full of Your remembrance, and my heart with consciousness of You.

8.
رَبِّ إِنِّي لِمَا أَنزَلْتَ إِلَيَّ مِنْ خَيْرٍ فَقِيرٌ
Rabbi 'inni limaa 'anzalta 'ilayya min khairin-faqeer
O my Lord! I am indeed needy of whatever good You may send to me[Surah Qassas; 28:24]
The above du'a was made while Musa (alayhis salam) was traveling to the desert of Madyan, and he had no shelter - nowhere to stay for rest. He made this du'a while resting under the shade of a tree, and consequently the father of the two sisters in the story invited him to stay with them...

9.
رَبِّ اشْرَحْ لِي صَدْرِي وَيَسِّرْ لِي أَمْرِي وَاحْلُلْ عُقْدَةً مِنْ لِسَانِي يَفْقَهُوا قَوْلِي
Rabb-ishrah ii sadri, wa yassir li 'amri, Wah-lul 'uqdatam-mil-li-saani, Yaf-qahuu qawlii
O my Lord! Expand me my breast; Ease my task for me; And remove the impediment from my speech, so they may understand what I say[Surah Ta-Ha; 20:25-28]
A du'a that Musa (alayhis salam) made when proceeding to the court of Fir'awn (Pharoah) for the arguments (inviting him to Islam)

10.
اَللَّهُمَّ اَصْلِحْ لِىْ دُنْيَاى الَّتِىَْ فِيْهَا مَعَاشِىْ وَ اَصْلِحْ لِىْ اخِرَتِىَ الَّتِىْ فِيْهَا مَعَادِىْ وَ اجْعَلِْ الْحَيوةَ زِيَادَةً لِّىْ فِىْ كُلِّ خَيْرٍ وَّ اجْعَلِ الْمَوْتَ رَاحَةً لِىْ مِنْ كُلِّ شَرٍّ
Allahumm-aslih li diniyalladhi huwa ismatu amri, wa aslih li dunyaya-llati fiha ma'ashi, wa aslih li akhirati-llati fiha ma`adi, waj`alil-hayata ziyadatan li fi kulli khair, waj`alil-mauta rahatan li min kulli sharrin
O Allah! Set right my faith which is the safeguard of my affairs. And set right for me my worldy affairs wherein is my living. And set right for me my Hereafter on which depends my after-life. And make my life for me (a source) of abundance for every good and make my death a source of comfort for me protecting me against every evil
[Muslim, 35/6565]
[Abu Hurairah (radiAllahu anhu) reported that the Messenger of Allah (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) used to say (the above)].

11.
اللَّهُمَّ اِنِّى اَسْئَلُكَ مِنَ الْخَيْرِ كُلِّه عَاجِله وَ اجِلِه مَا عَلِمْتُ مِنْهُ وَ مَا لَمْ اَعْلَمْ
Allahumma inni as'aluka min al khairi kullihi 'ajilihi wa ajilihi, ma 'alimtu minhu wa ma lam a'alam
O Allah! I ask You for all the good which is in the present or in the future, which I know and which I do not know
[a comprehensive du'a taught to Aisha by the Prophet (saws)]

Du'as for anxiety/difficulty

12.
اللَّهُمَّ إنِّي أعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْهَمِّ وَ الْحَزَنِ ، وَ الْعَجْزِ وَ الْكَسَلِ ، وَ الْبُخْلِ وَ الْجُبْنِ ، وَ ضَلَعِ الدِّيْنِ وَ غَلَبَةِ الرِّجَالِ
Allahumma inni a'udhubika minal hammi wal hazan, wal 'ajzi wal kasal, wal bukhli wal jubn, wa dhala'id-dayni wa ghalabatir rijaal
O Allah! I seek refuge in You from grief and sadness, from weakness and from laziness, from miserliness and from cowardice, from being overcome by debt and from being overpowered by men (other people)[Sahih al-Bukhari 7:158]

13.
اللَّهُم¡ ; اِنِّى اُنْزِلُ بِكَ حَاجَتِىْ وَ اِنْ قَصُرَ رَابِىْ وَ ضُعْفَ عَمَلِى افْتَقَرْت ;ُ اِلى رَحمَتِكَ
Allahumma inni unzila bika haajati wa-in qasuura rubbi wa du'fa 'amali iftaqartu illa Rahmatika
O Allah! I ask You to answer my needs, though my intellect is weak, and my actions are defective, O Allah! I am in need of Your Mercy

14.Innaka 'ala ma-tasha'-u qadeer wa anta hasbeeya wa na'mal wakeel
O Allah! You do whatever You wish, and You are my Availer and Protector and the best of aid.

Du'as for knowledge

15.
اللَّهُم¡ اِنِّى اَسْئَلُكَ عِلْمًا نَجِيْحًا
Allahumma inni as'aluka 'ilman-naaji'han
O Allah! I ask You for useful Knowledge

16.
رَبِّ زدْنيِ عِلْماً وَ رْزُقْنيِ فَهْماً
Rabbi zidni 'ilman war zuqni fahman
O Allah! Advance me in Knowledge and true understanding

17.
يَا عَلِيمُ عَلِيمنِي
Ya Alimu, alimni
O All-Knowing, grant me knowledge
18.
رَّبِّ زِدْنِى عِلْمًا
Rabbi zidni ilma
O my Lord! Advance me in Knowledge[surah Ta-Ha; 20:114]

Du'as after studying

19.
اَللَّهُمَّ ذَكِّرْنِِىْ مِنْهَ ، وَ عَلِّمْنِىْ مِنْهُ مَا جَهِلْتُ
Allahumma zakkirni minhu, wa 'alimni minhu ma jahiltu
O Allah! Assist me to remember it, and teach me whatever I am ignorant of it

20.Allahhumma inni astaodeeuka ma qara'tu wama hafaz-tu. Faradduhu 'allaya inda hagati elayhi
O Allah! I entrust You with what I have read and I have studied. (O Allah!) Bring it back to me when I am in need of it.

21.
اللَّهُمَّ انْفَعَنِىْ بِمَا عَلَّمْتَنِىْ وَ عَلِّمْنِىْ مَا يَنْفَعَنِىْ
Allahummanf'ani bima 'allamtani, wa 'allimni ma yaufa'uni
O Allah! Let the knowledge that You have granted me, be useful for me, and teach me whatever can be fruitful for me

22.
رَبَّنَا تَقَبَّلْ مِنَّا إِنَّكَ أَنتَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ
Rabbana ta-qabbal minna 'innaka 'Antas-Sami-'ul-'Aliim
Our Rabb! accept from us. You indeed, You are the all-Hearing, the all-Knowing.
[Surah Baqarah, 2:127]

Du'as for those studying

23.
ألله يْوَفِقْكم وِيْنَجِّحْكُم فِي قْرَايِتْكُم ...
May Allah grant you success in your studies

24.
تَبَارَك الله عَلِيْك
Tabarak-Allah 'alayka
The blessing of Allah be upon you.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Study Tips:

Do the prayers at their correct times.

Pray a 2 rakat nafl prior to exam

Write " بِسْمِه تَعَاَلى " - In the Name of the Most High - (instead of Bismillah...) at the top of the page or cover.

Say بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيمِ (In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Kind) - before commencing the exam - indeed before anything that you do.

Recire some du'as (like the ones listed above), and keep in constant dhikrullah (i.e. the daily dhikrs when waking, dressing, eating, sleeping, etc)

Come home and pray 2 rakat nafl after the exam for shukr (offer thanks to Allah) for granting you the strength and persistence and ability to complete the exam and accomplish goals inshaAllah

Increase in your reading and listening of the Qur'an and performing more ibadah (worship) (i.e. nafilah (voluntary) prayers and deeds). Keep away from bad actions and deeds - Follow up a bad deed with a good deed, to cancel it out.

----

"What worries you masters you."

noreply@blogger.com (1half) — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 05:23:00 +0000

Bismallahy Al-Rahman Al-Raheem,

That's a nice tie.

I have to admit that I easily lose focus of what my real purpose in this life is. I get distracted quite easily and start chasing different things and I think that most people, at some point, will naturally be consumed by these worldly matters if they're not careful. Though I suppose it really depends on age in terms of what you might be consumed by.

When your younger, all you think about it is your future. What will my job be? How much money will I make? Who will be my future spouse?Where will I live?

When I talk to people my age, the future is always the first thing on their minds, and I'll admit its no different for me. I always think of these things endlessly. But I came across this quote and it made me think:

"What worries you masters you." Haddon W. Robinson

Now of course I think we all know this but sometimes you need a wake up call and although I have no idea who Haddon Robinson is (Haddon's a funny name though), he seems like a pretty smart guy.

So I started thinking to myself, "What worries me the most?" And unfortunately I came away with the answer above; my future. I mean Alhamdulilah, I always try and keep Allah on my mind and prayer helps me connect with Him but in terms of what truly worries me? What is on my mind the most? I don't think I have Allah as high as he should be in my thoughts. I should have Allah and His forgiveness and pleasure the top of my worries, but I don't think I do unfortunately. Every time I do an action or think about it, I should worry "How will Allah think of this action?" instead of possibly "How will so and so think of this action?".

A good test that I did to figure it out was simply looking at what ruined my mood, depressed me, or upset me the most throughout a day or week. Was it not praying on time (for example) or was it something else more worldly? And personally, the answer is the latter.

I think changing this is crucial because SubhanAllah, when you start worrying about worldly things and forgetting to depend on Allah, your worries feel so much heavier, so endless. But the second you start remembering Allah and going back to Him, everything seems so much simpler, you can see an answer or at least light at the end of the tunnel.

To me, the best way to create this "worry" of Allah's pleasure is best done by fearing Him. By remembering that He is always there and remembering death and the hereafter. Once you die everything in this world will leave you. That job I was worried about? Gone. That spouse I was hoping for? Not here anymore. But Allah? He is the only one with me then, and the only one who can save me.

So I'll try to worry about His pleasure more frequently InshaAllah so that the fear and remeberance of Allah can "master" me. Overall, this is an important question we should ask oursleves InshaAllah, "What worries me the most?"

And Allah knows best.

A good link on dealing with worries:
http://www.islam-qa.com/en/ref/books/12

How to go about change

noreply@blogger.com (1half) — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 16:37:00 +0000

Bismallah Al-Rahman Al-Rahim

Seeing as its Jum3a today (Jum3a Mubarak everyone!) I figured I'd share a lesson I learned from a previous Khutba. The topic revolved around change and the power to create change.

The main thing I wanted to share was his point about being overwhelmed and how to deal with it and creating that change needed to deal with different situations. He mentioned that sometimes when we have something negative happen in our life, like failing/doing badly in an exam or being rejected for a job position...or whatever it is, sitting there making excuses or giving up is not the answer. Instead he recommended that we sit down and think about the situation and write down a solution. For example, if we did bad in a test or exam we should sit down, get a paper and make a chart.

In the right, write down any thing we can change.

While in the left, write down any thing we cannot change.

This way we can realize what we have control over and going about changing those things, while realizing what he do not have control over and accepting them.

I found this to be a really good exercise because it helps keep you realistic and sometimes even fight off sadness, help make you feel less overwhelmed, or give you hope. A lot of times we feel these feelings when we start thinking "what if" and realizing/admitting that we cannot change the past is a good way to help accept whatever test Allah puts us through.

The shaikh also mentioned that we should not think about the past or future, but only the present. We cannot change the past, we do not know what will happen in the future, but we can control what happens today, the present.

It's Jummah!

noreply@blogger.com (1half) — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 01:17:00 +0000

Bismallahy Al-Rahman Al-Raheem,

This is about a week old but anyways, if you've seen/heard of the incredibly terrible song called "Friday" which started some type of Youtube revolution, then you'll appreciate the 'Islamic parody'

Warning: Has background music.

Facebook and Depression

noreply@blogger.com (1half) — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 00:18:00 +0000

BismAllahy Al-Rahman Al-Raheem

According to a Yahoo! article, researchers have found that facebook and depression among teens can be linked:

Researchers disagree on whether it's simply an extension of depression some kids feel in other circumstances, or a distinct condition linked with using the online site.
"...there are unique aspects of Facebook that can make it a particularly tough social landscape to navigate for kids already dealing with poor self-esteem...
With in-your-face friends' tallies, status updates and photos of happy-looking people having great times, Facebook pages can make some kids feel even worse if they think they don't measure up.
It can be more painful than sitting alone in a crowded school cafeteria or other real-life encounters that can make kids feel down, O'Keeffe said, because Facebook provides a skewed view of what's really going on. Online, there's no way to see facial expressions or read body language that provide context."

Now usually I might scoff at this and say that this is a pointless 'resarch' and Yahoo! is simply looking, reaching, for any story (which they do a looooot; one time they had a full article on how some random English couple had the same wedding date as the "Royal couple". Yes, they did...It was so coincidental! It was fate! Such a lovely story!!!...so sad...don't even get me started on the "Royal couple"...but I digress) However, I think this article is 100% correct and there really should be some awareness raised about the effects of Facebook on self-esteem, psychology and all that (for the lack of a better term).

The thing is, everyone and there dog pretty much has Facebook. Some people know how to use it, and some just don't; they get addicted to it (and I'm not saying I'm innocent). Getting addicted to Facebook is a serious problem, not only socially, but also for the reasons mentioned the article.

For young people, Facebook has become a popularity contest. Let's see how many 'friends' you have or I have. Let's see how many people comment on your picture, status update, whatever. Let me show everyone I'm such a "busy" and "popular" person by mentioning how I'm going to do this and that with him or her. But what happens when you're the person seeing all this happen and you never get to be a part of it? If your already struggling with issues of self-esteem and depression, this will only add to it. Why am I not so popular? Why am I such a loner? Is it because I'm ugly or boring? It might eventually make you question yourself.

This type of thinking process, I know for sure, does occur. I speak from experience simply because I've moved a lot over the years. The last move I had, I moved away from all my older friends, my good Muslim friends, I was physically away from all those guys. I go on Facebook...so and so is doing this and that with him and him. What am I doing? Nothing. I knew nobody at the time, yet here are all my older friends having a good time without me. Now of course they didn't do this to hurt me on purpose, but this is the type of thinking process that occurs. Alhamdulilah as I got older I made new friends and stopped letting it bother me, but what about younger kids? Everyday it seems that younger and younger children are opening a Facebook account and I think its natural to feel left out when your still a pre-teen to teenager. At that age I think its completely natural to want to feel "wanted" and "popular". So if no one ever comments or "likes" your 'status update'? Well you might just try to go back into that shell you've conveniently built for yourself.

As the article mentions, Facebook is worse then real life encounters because everyone only posts the 'popular' things they do. Who's going to announce to the world they're sitting at home doing absolutely nothing? (Ok, fine, a lot of people do...) It's this 'idealized' version of a social life. I've seen a lot of teens that like to pretend that they're soooo "busy" and having this perception about you, that you've got so many things to do, people to meet, so popular, is what a lot of teens run after sometimes. (Just wait until you're adults! You'll ACTUALLY be busy all the time!! hooray!!)

What's the solution? I wish I knew. I could say that not opening a Facebook account from the beginning is the best solution. Or I could say you should only add REAL friends and family members. Or someone sick of my ranting could say you need to shut-up and grow-up. But opening one has become the norm. Now-a-days if you're young and don't have one? You're weird. I'm in University and its still that way. I had a girl in a group project say she didn't have a Facebook and 90% of the people looked at her like she came from another plant. It's just the way it is. As the article mentions, parents educating their children should be a step. Not necessarily creeping on their profiles (although I don't see a problem with that...wow I feel old just admitting that...I take that back. It's NOT cool doing that, be a cool parent) but somehow talking to them about the account and how Facebook is very artificial and more importantly encouraging them to spend more time with Allah and learning about their religion.

And that's what I'd plead for everyone who might, just a tiny bit, feel the effects of "Facebook social artificalism" or FSA (I made that up now, its lame, makes no sense, but it sticks). When you feel like you're not as popular as this or that person, that you're life is not "busy" enough, try to remember your God, your Islam. Spend time trying to get closer to Him, your real friend forever InshAllah. It's hard for young people to do sometimes, but disconnecting from this artificial, popularity driven, world of Facebook and spending time with Allah is the best medicine I can think of.

Let's try this again InshAllah

noreply@blogger.com (1half) — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 22:46:00 +0000

Bismallahy Alrahman Alraheem.

Well I somehow stumbled upon my old blog again and figured I'd give it another try. It's been three years and SubhanAllah a lot has changed in the world...Egypt, Tunisia, Japan (the most recent event)...and well, let's take a look actually at what has happened in these three years.

Let's start from 2008. Apparently the world's population in 2008 was 6.7 million. Soommee key events included:

Tribal war in Kenya because some thought election was rigged...hah...Hosni Mubarak and his 99% "approval" votes don't understand rigged.
Israel finally admits that it's 2006 invasion of Lebanon a failure.
Fidel Castro steps down after 49 years of power
Violence breaks out in Tibet
Russia and Georgia conflict and violence begin
U.S. economy falls apart
"As many as 90 Afghan civilians, 60 of them children, die in an airstrike by coalition troops in" Afghanistan...one of the deadliest airstrikes
The infamous 'shoe throwing incident'
Israel starts its blockade on Gaza and starts bombing it
Barack Obama is elected as president
The United States starts its $200billion "free money for the rich!!" campaign.
6.9 magnitude earthquake hits Japan

Now in 2009, the world's population is 6.8billion, and

Ceasefire between Hamas and Israel
One of the worst forest fires breaks out in Australia.
H1N1 or swine flu epidemic breaks out
6.3-magnitude earthquake hits Italy
7.6-magnitude earthquake hits Indonesia
Dubai's economy more or less crumbles

In 2010, the world's population grows by 1%, and:

Burj Khalifa opens aka The Dubai Ego Tower
A 7.0-magnitude earthquake hits Haiti
A 8.8-magnitude earthquake hits Chile
6.9-magnitude earthquake hits China
The huge BP oil spill occurs (sorry, swearing at the end of the video)
Greece falls economically
Wikileaks goes "big"
Floods in Pakistan
33 trapped miners in Chile are freed after being trapped for 69days

(I know I obviously missed a lot of events, not trying to say these are the only important events or anything, just included any random things I could find...so no getting angry)

Anddd that's some of what has happened in the past three years, with 2011 holding a lot of new events and 'headlines'. As a side note, I do have to admit that making this list made me realize just how many earthquakes we've seen....and now with the addition of the one in Japan...scary...SubhanAllah.

InshAllah I can actually get this blog running and around to people. Till then, today is the official 'revival' of this blog InshAllah. Hopefully there wont be another three year gap between updates.

Wasalam.

Arab=Muslim=Terrorist

noreply@blogger.com (1half) — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 18:55:00 +0000

Bismallahy Al-Rahmany Al-Raheem

Before I get into anything, please watch this youtube clip below, its only 2 minutes. Exhibit A:

And this clip too please. Exhibit B:

(WARNING: If you are offended by women NOT wearing hijabs, or by the word 'bull' please close your eyes, and skip the clip, I don't want you to make du'a against me, Jazakallahu Khyran).

So now to the point. Exhibit A (first youtube clip) shows some crazy people, there's really no better way to put it. Now, what bugged me, other then the people being completely racist, is how people try to say Obama is a Muslim in an attempt to prove he's evil or a bad person. So Alhamdulilah, someone spoke out, and that is what Exhibit B (second youtube video) is. I love the second clip because Campbell Brown says something that's been driving me crazy; Who cares if Barack Obama actually is a Muslim and/or Arab?? She gets right to the point, and I applaud her for that. It's about time someone in the media states the obvious.

Another point these clips prove is just how 'coocoo' some Americans are. No seriously, some Americans aren't very.... uhh... intelligent. O, and they can be pretty crazy sometimes. (Notice the bolding of some, I don't want generalize or stereotype, because that's not fair). I've watched countless youtube clips of a few people who support McCain and Palin who have flat out said, they don't support Obama because hes black, and/or because they believe he's an Arab. And of course to them: Arab=Muslim=Terrorist. It's a simple formula really, but it works for them.

The worst part of the whole Muslim=Terrorist part, is that some people refuse to believe that Islam is a peaceful religion with followers who are only trying to live in peace and practice their religion peacefully (I emphasize peace). I've had an argument with someone before about this point, and after spending time trying to explain the whole simple idea of "Not stereotyping and generalizing" to a man about 35 years my senior I gave up. But later on, a Christian friend came up to me and told be something that was so obvious but true; "Who would know your religion more? You or him?" And you know what? I would! I mean it is MY religion, right? Now, of course I don't claim to be a scholar on Islam, but I would think that after spending my entire life as a Muslim, Alhamdulilah, I would kind of get, at least, a general idea of what Islam is about. However, according to some people, I'm completely wrong. I actually know nothing of my religion, but they do, because they googled 'Islam is evil' and found many hits and they're convinced. Some people are just too stubborn and closed minded, you just have to pray that they'll open their eyes someday.

Now to the whole election thing. Please don't be like these people and simply vote for Barack Obama because of who he is or who you think he is. For example, I actually have a lot of Muslim friends who support Obama because he has some Muslim in him, and because he's a 'baller'. You know how silly that is? I mean, seriously, if your voting for a man to lead your country, PLEASE look at his POLICIES, VALUES, and POLITICAL POSITIONS, not at how good he plays basketball. And if somehow, by some miracle, you find that McCain is a better fit, then what the heck, vote for the guy. It is YOUR decision after all, a crazy one, but none the less YOUR decision.

(P.S: I actually live in Canada, not the U.S. but I felt the topic has to be addressed anyways. Besides, our government doesn't seem to be of interest to people, and seems boring for some reason. Not a lot of people care about the Canadian electoral process or government. I mean did YOU know that we have a Prime-Minister, not a President? You probably didn't)

UPDATE: Colin Powell says it right (You can skip to the 4:33 mark)

Saying Goodbye to Ramadan

noreply@blogger.com (1half) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 02:23:00 +0000

Bismallahy Ar-Rahman Al-Raheem

Blink once, open your eyes, and Ramadan is gone. At least that's how it felt. I try to remember all the days I've fasted, but all that comes into memory is a few days. Part of my brain believes that it was truly a full month I've fasted, but another part refuses to accept it. It feels like this almost every year and I start wondering if I spent my Ramadan the best that I can and taken advantage of every second of this blessed month. One can only pray that Allah blesses us with the opportnuity to live to another Ramadan so that we can attempt to use it to its fullest. May Allah accept our fasting, prayer, and worship in this month.

Unfortunately this is a short and quick post, but I will have another post soon Insallah. Just wanted to say Eid Mubarak to all, and Insallah that the "Eid Wars" aka "Moon sighting wars" were not too confusing this year.

A Muslim Youth Living in the West

noreply@blogger.com (1half) — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 21:42:00 +0000

Bismallahy Al-Rahman Alraheem

Asalamu Alikum, and welcome to Islamically-Intact (I will admit, I really did not want to use the word 'Welcome' but I could not think of a more Islamic way to say thanks for coming. So do forgive me). Alhamdulilah, today is the opening and start of this blog, and Insallah it will survive for a long time.

My name is Mohamad, and I am a Muslim living in North America. I've named the blog as it is because I really believe that being "Islamically Intact" is a big issue for young Muslims living in North America--or as some people would rather call it, The West. Being myself a young (don't worry I will grow old) Muslim living in North America, I've seen other Muslim brothers and sisters who were only Muslim by name.
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Imagine this situation. You're new to a school, you just moved to a whole new city, you know no one. First class starts, you start looking for a seat. Now the first thing I would do in this situation is look around to find the most foreign looking person I could, anyone. Why? Well because I feel safe around people who look as confused as I do. So anyways, you find the most foreign looking kid sitting in the middle of the class. Or at least you decide the kid's foreign because he has black hair, skin seems somewhat tinted, and actually looks to have some facial hair growing somewhere. So you decide 'Okay, I'll try not to creep him out, and ask him if he minds me sitting next to him', so you do that. The kid says sure. You're thinking "Alhamdulilah, biggest problem of the day solved." Now the teacher starts talking about the importance of math and numbers, but you pay no attention to that. You're slowly scanning the area like a radar trying to pick up any other foreign looking people. You're hoping you'll get to see an obvious Muslim, you know, a sister with a Hijab, or maybe even a brother with a 10 inch beard and a kufi. Unfortunately, you don't. Well, you're stuck with this kid here, which isn't bad. Alhamdulilah.

Finally the teacher stops yapping and assigns some review work. You look it over and it doesn't seem to hard, but you decide to start a conversation with the person beside you because the silence is too awkward.
"Do you know how to do question 2?" You ask.
He looks at it for a moment, then says, "Mmm, yaaa."
Silence
"Have you been to this school before?" You push on.
"Ya." He answers in a somewhat annoyed manner. You decide he really doesn't want to talk to you, so you forget the conversation idea. As you doodle on your paper and punch in random numbers on your calculator, the guy beside you finally speaks, "Did you get question 2?"
"Uhh, no, I never actually did it."
"Ooo"
"Ya..."
"By the way, whats your name?"
Yes, you think to yourself. No more awkward silence. "My name's Mohamad, and you you're?"
"I'm Dool" He responds.
"Dool?" You ask, "Is that African? Or European or something?"
"No, actually, my full name's Abdulrahman, people call me Dool." Hearing those words make you want to jump out of your seat in excitement. Another Muslim! You think.
"So you're Muslim then?" You blurt out, trying to hide your excitement.
"Well, ya, I am" He responds.
You can't contain your excitement. 'Another Muslim! Alhamdulilah!' You contemplate on whether to make du'a to thank Allah, but decide to leave it for now as you remember that your in Ramadan and are fasting, and therefore, a topic you two, and only you two can relate to.
"So is it hard for you to fast in school? Like what do you do in lunch?" You quickly ask.
'Dool' puts down the pencil, scratches his head, "Well actually, I don't fast, its too hard, you know."
"Ooo.."
"But, no, I do pray 2 times a day though..so.."
"2 times? Do you mean like you make du'a 2 times"
"No, I pray 2 times everyday, like were suppose to."
"Uhhh....It's actually 5 times a day."
"Oooooo"
'2 times a day??' you think to yourself. Maybe his parents just didn't teach him. So you decide to not hold that against him. As you open your mouth to try to explain to him the prayer numbers, someone interrupts you from the back. "Dooooool!!"
He looks back, smiles, and as if he's a whole new person says, "YO!"
"Party this weekend! You coming??"
"For sure man!"
"Ya Ya!"
"Okay...." you whisper to yourself, "Sooo...is this a birthday party or something?" You ask.
"What? No, no, its a normal, chillin party...you know what I mean?" He grins at you.
You now understand what he means, and that excitement that was once in your heart turns into disappointment, extreme disappointment. You try to explain to 'Dool' what your thinking, "You know, I'm not sure, but if you're talking about a party that involves drinking, then you shouldn't do that you know, its not allowed in Islam."
'Dool' looks at you, frowns, and responds, "Come on man, don't be old school, you gotta live your life you know?"
You decide that a silence between you two isn't that bad anymore.

So, why did I go through all this trouble to write this story? Well one, I like stories, and two, it shows the type of things Muslim youth have to deal with. It's one thing to be one of the only Muslims, if not the only Muslim, in your whole school, and trying to find your place, and maintain your deen. But then having other 'Muslims' following this culture's haram practices and looking down on you for not following them, that makes things so much harder. I've seen, and will continue to see things like this, but one has to remember that following the deen of Allah is the most important thing in life. And of that I remind myself and everyone.
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If you've read all the way down here, I want to thank you, and Insallah you will continue too. This blog is nothing more then one that I use to express my personal opinions, following Islamic rules. I have no degree in English or journalism, so you will have to forgive excessive commas, runon sentences, bad English grammar, and even bad spelling. But, what I do have, is an opinion, and one that tells me that being "Islamically-Intact" is of utmost importance in this world, and especially in North America/The West ...(please insert dramatic music!).