By: Zaaynab Le’Von

Even if you’re one of many who purposely avoid the news channels because you’d rather not hear of murders, wars, missing children, lies, and gossip you’ve probably heard whispers about the death of Muammar Gaddafi. The opinions are clearly divided. There’s the group that has negative opinions about this leader and they are rejoicing at his demise. Then there’s the group that is enraged at his death because they feel it is unjust. If you’re one of the ones on the fence and not sure what to believe perhaps the facts presented here will provide some clarity.

Muammar Muhammad Abu Minyar al-Gaddafi was the dictator of Libya (North Africa) for the past 42 years. Western media and propaganda is tainted with biased opinions and falsehoods (which have been taken as facts) regarding Gaddafi and his rule of Libya.

“Often times, the antagonist power will devote much time and planned efforts to make the protagonist appear to be the antagonist in order to protect their true agenda. This is politics. This is the basis of war.” ~Anonymous

Under Gaddafi’s regime Libya, a land rich in natural resources, achieved the highest living standards in Africa; remained free of debt; and was home to the Great Man-Made River project which made water available to people throughout the heat-stricken country.  Libya’s leader strongly supported a United States of Africa (Google it) and previously served as the Chairperson of the African Union – an organization consisting of numerous African states with the purpose of accelerating the political and socio-economic integration of the African continent & achieving peace and human rights for all inhabitants of the land.

Imperialism is “the creation and/or maintenance of unequal economic, cultural, and territorial relationships, usually between states and often in the form of an empire, based on domination and subordination.” [The Dictionary of Human Geography; Johnston, Ronald John (2000)] Imperialism today is primarily implemented by Western forces whose goal is to have one country/one leader for the entire world (New World Order). Anyone who is against imperialistic strategies is seen as a threat to progress and expansion. Muammar Gaddafi was openly an anti-imperialist.

Gaddafi worked for a nation free of Western rule and influence. The next statement may be difficult for Westerners to believe because in the West you must pay for everything – there is no such thing as free … or is there? Under Gaddafi’s rule Libyans were privileged enough to have free education and health care as well as free electricity and interest-free loans (no usury!). In addition to that, newly wed couples received a monetary gift of $50,000 and the government subsidized 50% of the total cost for new car buyers. Are you getting an understanding yet as to why Western powers orchestrated the death of Muammar Gaddafi? Wait, there’s more.

“In 2010 Gaddafi offered to invest $97 billion in Africa to free it from Western influence, on condition that African states rid themselves of corruption and nepotism ^[1].” Gaddafi’s dream of a developed, United Africa was about to come true – “and nothing is more terrifying to the West than a developed, United Africa.”[ Reuter’s, 2011]

One aspect of Gaddafi’s master-plan to free Africa from Western control was the introduction of the dinar. The dinar is a single African currency made from gold. This in itself is a major threat to the economic status and financial independence of all countries whose primary monetary means is the euro or the dollar – both of which can loose value completely because they are not backed by any real resource. The dinar is a currency backed by gold and many African countries were ready and willing to sell oil and other natural resources for payment in gold dinar only. This clearly would upset the balance of the world’s economy, which the West currently has control over, because a nation’s wealth would then depend on the amount of gold it had. A small amount of research into continents with natural resources, including precious metals, clearly shows which continent has the greatest amount of gold – Africa. Gaddafi was in the process of making the gold dinar a reality at the time of his death.

This ruler’s death was orchestrated because of money, greed, and power. You will continue to be bombarded with falsehoods and negative statements about Muammar Gaddafi’s life and rule of the Libyan nation but ask yourself why would NATO (the North Atlantic Treaty Organization) be so quick to justify their reasons for invading Libya and killing Gaddafi before he even had a chance to go to trial. Is not everyone entitled to the due processes of law? Why wasn’t he allowed to publicly speak for himself? Why was his son killed also? How is it that an American comedy show (Second Chance, 1987) predicted and televised a skit of Gaddafi’s death years before it actually happened? How is it that Libya was such a successful country if Gaddafi was supposedly such a bad leader? What would the West have lost if Gaddafi had lived to see all of his plans carried through?

The murder of Muammar Gaddafi is an evil that rose from the West’s illegal war against Libya … and anywhere there may be injustice and falsehood let us fight against it.

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^[1] Nepotism – patronage bestowed or favoritism shown on the basis of family relationship, as in business and politics

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~Zaaynab Le’Von is a writer from Houston, TX.  She’d love to connect with you on YRAC and/or Facebook. You can email her at Zaaynab@YRACnews.com

By: Quran Akbar Bilal

I have a story to tell; this is less than a fraction. My name is Quran Akbar Bilal.  I am the mother of Sgt. Hasan Akbar. Sgt. Hasan Akbar, an American soldier who was accused, convicted and sentence to death for 2 counts of premeditated murder and 17 counts of premeditated attempted murder.  My son never confessed to that crime.

In February of 2010 the United States Army’s Defense Team filed an appeal on the behalf of Sgt. Hasan Akbar for a re-trial.  I never read the brief.  I am speaking on behalf of my son, Hasan Akbar for the sake of justice.  Three other soldiers were involved in the case; they were Sgt. Kumma, Sgt. Claudale, and Sgt. Brandt Scott.  Their involvement was never mentioned.  During my first visit, Hasan stated, “I couldn’t fight three hundred soldiers, they all turn against me.”  Hasan stated that Sgt. Kumma, Sgt. Claudale and Sgt. Brandt Scott threatened to kill him. They told him that he was the enemy and called him by abusive names.  Hasan stated, “I couldn’t walk the yard without being ridiculed and being mocked.   I feared for my life.”  It was told that the majors, commanders, and others knew what was happening.  They ignored the situation.

Hasan stated that a drug was given to him hours before the attack.  U.S. Military attorney, Captain David Coombs, stated and verified that a drug was given to Akbar hours before the attack and he was isolated from the other soldiers.  Three other immigrant Muslims were captured and let go during the attack.  It was documented that Hasan’s rifle didn’t kill the Captain. Three months later this information was changed.  The Captain was shot in the back and in the leg.  There was no investigation in the defense for Sgt. Hasan Akbar. The request was denied.

No mitigation occurred during the trial.  From the beginning to the end of Akbar’s trial, he was under the influence of drugs.  Sgt. Hasan Akbar’s defense attorney, Captain David Coombs and Major Dan Brookhart are very close friends with victims of the grenade attack.  Hasan’s parents were prohibited from speaking on his behalf.  The witnesses that the Defense Team called in to speak on behalf of Sgt. Hasan Akbar were the same soldiers that Sgt. Akbar had previously requested to file charges against. His requests were denied.

In closing I’d like to say that I listened to each victim of the attack and not one of them stated that they were asleep. Imam Warith D. Mohammed gave his full support in the defense of Sgt. Hasan Akbar.  In the month of July 2008, Imam Warith D. Mohammed accepted the responsibility of paying the remaining balance of Sgt. Hasan Akbar’s attorney fees [in payment increments].

On August 11, 2009, I received a letter from Deputy Commander Thomas J. Schmitt from Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. The letter stated: “your son, Hasan Akbar received serious burns on his body from hot water.” It was noted the water “was boiling hot water” and that it was thrown on him.  The mitigator, Mrs. Townsend, during her visit in Los Angeles, California stated that the U.S. Army did tamper with Akbar’s original diary and made interpretations based on what they thought it meant.

~Quran Akbar Bilal (quranakbarbilal@gmail.com)

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By: Na’Aisha Malika B

Get to know Durham, NC native Malik Dixon. He’s a graduate of North Carolina A&T with a concentration in history and sociology. He later went to Sydney Australia to pursue a masters degree in Leadership and Management and graduated in 2007. He’s 32 and works abroad in Australia for Coca-Cola as a branding sales logistics. He states, “I’m just making sure that we maintain market share, since they (Coca-Cola) are superior and dominate the market.” In a recent interview conducted this summer Malik discussed Islam, education, philosophy and sports. Here’s the scoop.

How long have you been Muslim? Well I was born to very sympathetic household. Though I became Muslim during my sophomore year of college at North Carolina A&T. My father was always interested in the Nation of Islam.

What prompted the conversion? Actually during college I happened to be around the (amazing) poet Amir Sulaiman. To me he was like “the-dawah-package-dot-com.” His character was amazing and inspired me towards Islam.

When did you notice an interest in sports? I’ve always had an interest in playing sports, I used it more as a deterrent to keep away from other things when I was younger. Later on I ended up in international leagues. We traveled and played overseas; basketball was just always first nature. I moved to Qatar and pursued the game and ended up playing with folks from the professional leagues. But that’s not my ultimate pursuit, I’m just a black Muslim man that’s working hard, having fun, on the Deen and enjoying traveling the (spacious) globe. Right now I’m playing in a semi competitive league in Australia with an ethnically and religiously diverse team.

So what is is like in Australia? Australia’s a good place to live; the people are generally calm. I live in a very multicultural world… It’s lovely out here. People live really nicely over seas, yet for those with family, living overseas can be cumbersome. Yes, I’m single and looking to get married inshallah, I have no children. I would definitely recommend people to get out and see the world.  I’ve been to over 51 different countries. There’s so much freedom on this earth. From Croatia to Samoa to Taiwan. Everywhere. Right now I’m pretty much a permanent resident of Australia now. Allah says “the earth is spacious” so make that move if you feel the need to. I will say that moving overseas was definitely beneficial in terms of universal health care and economics. If you want to do it, just get out there and make it happen. Take your family with you and go see the world.

What is the Muslim community like in Australia? It’s pretty strong down here. There are a lot of indigenous Australians that are accepting Islam. Say for instance Boxer Anthony Mundeen or even Rocky Abdul Malik, he’s the Imam of the aboriginal Muslim community. It’s pretty mixed down here, every community has diversity.

What do you feel are the differences between the African American community compared to international ones? One of the biggest differences  I’ve noticed is that Americans have more of a sense of a true Islamic community, versus here (Australia) I feel that mosques are (utilized) for just praying. There are not a lot of activities going on for the youth and families. To me Imam Warith Deen’s whole idea was about the community life. I’ve noticed that in Muslim majority countries, they don’t really see that (community life) as something that needs to be dealt with and developed.

Why were you drawn toward Imam W.D. Community? Initially it was the closest masjid to my home,  but I found that they had more events and activities that were specific to the needs of the African American community. It was an easy situation for me; it was more relevant.

How do you feel as an African American Muslim in Australia, in terms of racism? I don’t feel indifferent towards it. (It seems) they are fascinated with us. They know that African Americans are doing the work that it takes. To me, there really isn’t a social gap here. Yes they are missing a lot of historical information about Africa and America. (I’ve noticed that) they don’t see us as (innately) ambitious. Sure the black communities all over have social problems, but they (Australians) don’t understand structural inequalities like we do. Because they don’t or never have experienced that level of structural racism. They don’t understand how a system can be set up and designed to fail people and not just how people fail. They just think an individual is “disadvantaged.” That’s what I see. It’s really disproportionate at times. Say for instance the widely used term “dark fellows” refers to aboriginal. Yet also it refers anyone that is black, they are also considered dark. Over here, the word “dark” is not loaded with as many connotations. But that’s definitely not acceptable in the U.S.

As a global community how can Muslims change the way that we are perceived? To me it’s not necessarily that serious. You don’t go have to to the extreme. Muslims are really the people next door, your neighbors. We are normal people just like everyone else. We want the same things, yet some of us don’t want to live in the sheltered Muslim microcosm. In order to differentiate we must mix it up and leave the box. Additionally Muslims must try harder to work on our global public relations, we have to work on mass communication. That’s one of our biggest issues. We are not often clear and straight forward enough, which leaves media and public speculation. That way we don’t have to detract statements, leaving more confusion. We have to do a better job of not being perceived as weird or coming across as aliens to the mass public, by relaying messages in a manner that the general public can understand. It’s religion, it’s really that simple. Speak to the people in their language, that way they can understand Muslims more deeply (and wholeheartedly).

~Interviewer & YRAC Staff member Na’Aisha Malika can be contacted at naaisha@yracmovement.com

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BY: Imam Sidney Rahim Sharif

Image Credit: echo-of-islam.blogspot.com

Long before most Americans knew anything about Islam or Muslims, a respected Muslim leader whom we referred to as the Honorable Elijah Muhammad made this national statement to the African American Community. “One day Well fare will say Fare Well.”  The Muslims under his leadership were warning African Americans to begin pooling their resources and stop squandering their money. In an effort to break the African American’s dependency on Caucasian America; we encouraged them to develop their own businesses, schools, hospitals, and farmlands. We did this because of America’s racist’s policies that often prevented Black Americans from enjoying equal opportunities to improve their quality of life.

Racism then and now continues to stifle African Americans from advancing educationally, socially, politically or economically.  In our message of Islam, to African Americans, we encouraged them think independently, and stop depending on other ethnic groups, especially Caucasians to create jobs, businesses, homes, and other opportunities for them.

From 1948 through 1975 Elijah Muhammad was the leader of the largest Muslim community in America. (His son Imam Warithuddin Muhammad assumed leadership after his death).  Yes!! Prior to September 11th 2001 and long before most Americans gave Islam a thought; African American Muslims had purchased large acres of choice farmland, cattle, and broiler farms and fruit orchards in states such as Alabama, Georgia and Michigan. In most major cities so-called Black Muslims developed their own schools and begin to properly educate their children. We did these things hoping to set an example for the rest of the African Communities. “If we can do it so can you.”

In 1966 I accepted Islam, became, a part of this community and threw my hold heart felt support behind these efforts. We, as Muslims, were sincerely concerned the welfare of our people whom we identified as Black People who were lost in the Wilderness of North America. “You are lost when you can’t see what you need to see or hear what your need to hear”. We naturally encouraged those to whom we directed our message to except Islam.

When I was a 6 year old child in Memphis, Tenn, I remember my father herding me and my brother onto a pubic bus and I ran to the first seat that I saw. After my father paid our fare, he then directed us to go to the back of the bus.  He didn’t tell us at the time but seating in the front of the bus in Memphis Tenn. was reserved for Caucasians. It was against the law for African Americans to sit in the front of the bus.  This was my first overt introduction to racism. I was being shaped and molded to accept Islam at a very early age.

Our collective, Islamic message was directed to the African American and any others who were willing to help lift themselves up from ignorance, apathy, and hopelessness. Just as Prophet Muhammad was dissatisfied with the condition of his people in Saudi Arabia, and delivered Allah’s Message, we did the same in America.

I was under no illusions, at the time I accepted membership into the Nation of Islam in Chicago, Illinois.  As a Chicago Police Officer, I had observed and experienced many acts of racism. I knew that I would be tested.  Allah tells us “Think not that you can say you believe and not be tested.” Outward acts of racism but this did not deter me from my mission, because was determined to deliver this message and live the life of a Muslim.

Muslims; regardless of their race, nationality, ethnicity, tribe or school of thoughts are supposed to stand for Justice even if it is against themselves.. “When you see a wrong you are to correct it with your hands.  If you
can’t correct it with your hands you are to speak out against it.  And, the least of faith is to allow your heart to speak against it.” This is Al Islam; The Surrender and Submission to Allah.

~ Imam Sidney Rahim Sharif is the co-founder of the Islamic Inmates Corrections Association of America.

By: Rasheim ibn abdul al-amin

Narrated Abu Huraira: “A woman who used to practice tattooing was brought to Umar. Umar got up and said, ‘I beseech you by Allah, which of you heard the Prophet saying something about tattooing?’ I got up and said, ‘O chief of the Believers! I heard something’. He said, ‘What did you hear?’ I said, ‘I heard the Prophet (addressing the ladies), saying, ‘Do not practice tattooing and do not get yourselves tattooed.’”(Bukhari)

In another narration, ‘Alqama related: “Abdullah (Prophet Muhammad) cursed those women who practiced tattooing and those who removed hair from there faces and those who created spaces between their teeth artificially to look beautiful; such ladies [have] changed what Allah has created.” (Bukhari)

The English word tattoo comes from the Tahitian: tatu”, ( وشم, weshm in Arabic) which means “to mark something.” Tattooing the body involves injecting permanent inks and dyes under the skin in order to produce colorful designs, words, pictures etc. Tattooing has a long history in primate civilization and has been used for reasons as diverse as marking criminals and slaves, Identifying members of secret clans and societies and indicating one’s social and marital status or membership in a specific tribe or family.

Tattooing has played a role in religious ceremonies, whereby the body is marked with the pictures of deities and other symbols of religious significance. According to some beliefs, certain markings and pictures are supposed to ward off evil spirits and give the tattooed individual special powers.

Some cultures view tattooing as a means of beautification (i.e., music, fashion, and sports) In the West, Tattooing has often been associated with gangs, juvenile delinquency, rebellious behavior, and (currently) Homosexual pride. It’s not uncommon for people to get a tattoo while under the influence – only to regret it later.  For example, one might impulsively decided to imprint his body with the name of someone who does not become their spouse. Imam FurQan Muhammad (full time Daiee & Residential Imam of Masjid Al-Muminun Atlanta, GA) says” Tattoos are a permanent reminder of how one temporarily felt”. Despite its growing popularity in some circles, there is still a stigma attached to tattoos that makes many people cover them up while at work, religious gatherings(esp. Church, Synagogues & Mosques) and amongst family and friends. It is no coincidence that tattoo parlors are often located in most undesirable parts of town, many have gone underground.

What does Islam say about this practice?

Muslims scholars agree that it is not allowed for Muslims (male or female) to tattoo their bodies, because it is a form of mutilation and permanently disfigures the body, changing what Allah(SWT) created.

Sheikh Ahmad Kutty, a senior lecturer and Islamic scholar at the Islamic Institute of Toronto, explains: “According to the teachings of Islam, our body-including all of our physical faculties is a trust from Allah and we are required to protect and preserve it according to the best of our ability. Consequently, we are not allowed to alter or tamper with out physical faculties unnecessarily; we are only permitted to interfere with them in order to correct a natural deformity or repair or remedy an ailment. Any other form of interference or tampering with our body is akin to altering Allah’s creation which has been condemned in the Qur’an.”

Tattooing is an unpleasant procedure involving the use of needles that causes unnecessary pain and harm to the body and violates the trust that we have been given by our Lord and Creator.

Now lets look at the significance of tattoos in various cultures, as Believers we can clearly see how many groups have used them for purposes that are in direct contradiction with Al-Kitab (The Book) and Sunnah (ways & actions) of our Beloved Prophet (PBUH). Surely, this is a violation of Islamic principles, such as making a class distinctions or attributing false powers and meanings to these markings in a religious or spiritual context. In blind imitation, some people tattoo their body with these mysterious symbols that they find there favorite singer, rapper or sports figure displaying not knowing these may be emblems of polytheism or devil-worship. A married Muslim couple unlettered in the Arabic language tattooed their back with Arabic characters as wedding gifts. Although they had no knowledge of Arabic at that time, they now realize that their tattoos contained offensive Arabic slogans. Allah yasamahum (May Allah have Mercy on them)

The Muslim is not one to adopt fashions and fads that have no tangible benefits. Cautioning against such behavior, the Prophet (PBUH) said “Whoever imitates the people of a nation is one of them.” (Abu Dawud)

What are the Unseen realities you say?

Mainly disobedience to Allah(SWT) and His Messenger(PBUH) it is important to realize that there are serious dangers associated with tattooing, the likes of which is the potential for spreading infectious disease such as hepatitis, tuberculosis and AIDS through unsafe practices, such as the tattooist reusing needles on his/her clients, or failing to dispose of needles that have fallen on the ground or come into contact with another unclean surface, and reusing the same ink for multiple clients-also know as “double dipping.” Because he/she is working with a client’s blood, the tattoo artist himself is at risk for becoming diseased. In the early 1960’s an outbreak of hepatitis caused mass hysteria in New York and tattooing became illegal in that state for a period of time. Until this day, some one wishing to donate blood in the United States must wait a period of one year after obtaining a tattoo before he/she is allowed to do so. As amazing as it may seem in this age of modern medicine, knowledge and enlightenment, there are many tattoo artists who do not sterilize their equipment properly and who also work in unsanitary conditions, mostly due to laziness and/or the desire to save money on equipment and ink.

Other unseen realities surrounding tattoos have to do with the fifty plus inks and dyes that are used in the procedure, none of which are approved for injection under the skin by the Federal Food and drug Administration of the United States. According to the FDA, some of the pigments are not suitable for any kind of skin contact at all and are in fact industrial grade colors that are better fit for printers’ ink or automobile paint. Some people experience severe allergic reactions to these dyes, which are difficult to remove and may contain resin, acrylic, PORK, glycol, which are toxic in high concentrations. A number of people undergo swelling, scarring and the formation of fleshy tumors after getting tattoos. Others report a terrible itchy or burning sensation. Dermatologists are now warning of skin cancer occurring in tattooing. In his fatwa on tattooing and body piercing(which can be more hazardous than tattooing), Sheikh Ahmad Kutty reminds us that, “In Islam, all such acts that entails possible health hazards are considered totally forbidden even if they contain some imagined or presumed benefits; such presumed benefits are considered as being outweighed by the hazards.” In his [Kutty] words, “No Muslims, who is conscious of his Deen, should ever contemplate such activities.”

Are there ways to remove tattoos?

The main options in tattoo removal include laser treatments (which lighten but do not necessarily remove tattoos), dermabrasion (sanding the tattoo away, sometimes with the help of a salt solution), scarification (removing the tattoo with acid and creating a scar in its place), surgical removal (cutting away the tattoo and stitching together the resulting wound), and camouflaging (replacing a colored tattoo with a skin-colored one to conceal the original image). Each procedure is prone to its own complications and can also be expensive and painful, but some people find relief in finally removing what they consider to be a blemish on both their skin and faith. Allah ‘Alim (Allah Knows best)

~Brother Rasheim ibn Abdul al-Amin can be contacted at rasheimabdulalamin@gmail.com

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By: Zaaynab Le’Von

Image Credit: www.ramadanprep.com

If you’re a Muslim and you’re not happy about Ramadan being so close – that’s okay – there are still about 14 days left before this sacred month commences so let’s increase our excitement about it. The Muslim who properly observes the month of Ramadan shall, InshaaAllah, be granted mercy during the first 10 days of the month, forgiveness during the second 10 days of the month, and during the final part of the month – freedom from the hell fire. Thankfully there is a 10 day preparation course to help us mentally prepare for a month of fasting, increased praying, more Qur’an recitation, many charitable deeds, and self-improvement.

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WHAT: The Ramadan Preparation Challenge

Day 1: “Let the hearts submit”
Day 2: “Ramadan Fiqh and Women”
Day 3: “Ramadan & Desires”
Day 3: “Youth: Balancing School”
Day 4: “The Art of Excelling in Ramadan”
Day 5: “Your Salah 2.0″
Day 6: “Its a special time for moms”
Day 7: “You & Quran: a New Beginning”
Day 8: “Ramadan Changed History & it can change you!”
Day 9: “Living a Healthy Ramadan”
Day 10: “The new Muslim experience and Ramadan”

WHO: Those who are Muslim – those who submit to the Will of Allah (SWT) and strive to practice the deen properly.

WHEN: July 21-30, 2011

WHERE: www.ramadanprep.com

TIME: 6:45 pm – 8:00 pm CST | 4:45 pm – 6:00 pm PST | 7:45 PM – 9:00 PM EST

HOW: With any device that has internet access sound/audio.

WHY: Because Hadrat Abu Hurairah reported that the Messenger of Allah has said, “When Ramadan begins, the doors of heaven are opened.” A version has, “the doors of Paradise are opened and the doors of Hell are closed, and the Satans are tied with chains.” Another version has, “the doors of Mercy are opened.” [Sahih al-Bukhari Vol 1, Page 255 and Sahih al-Muslim, Vol 1, Page 346]

and because Hadrat Abu Hurairah reported that the Messenger of Allah has said, “Whoever fasts during Ramadan with faith and seeking his reward (from Allah) all his past sins will be forgiven. Whoever prays during the night in Ramadan with faith seeking his reward (from Allah) all his past sins will be forgiven. And whoever passes Lailat-ul-Qadr in prayer with faith and seeking his reward (from Allah the Most Exalted) all his past sins will be forgiven.” [Sahih al-Bukhari Vol 1, Page 255 and Sahih al-Muslim, Vol 1, Page 259]

… so let us prepare ahead of time. For the more information and a list of the videos please visit Ramadan Prep.

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By: Zaaynab Le’Von

Image Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/phareannah/2513456937/

There are times when our brains remain active even though our bodies are not. There are times when we experience places, people, concepts, and things in our minds without having ever experienced them physically. There are times when we awake feeling like we’ve been somewhere or done something but we can not recall all the small details – we just have that feeling. Sometimes that feeling causes worry, laughter, or calm. Sometimes that feeling leads to confusion, fear, or insight. Sometimes that feeling brings clarification to a pending issue, answers a vital question, or at least gives a clue. These times happen often for some, seldom for others, or never for a few. These times have been studied, interpreted, and re-told. These times are when we dream.

According to a hadeeth narrated by Abu Hurayrah (RA), the Prophet (Salaallahu Alayhi wa Salaam) said: “When the time [of the Day of Resurrection] draws near, a believer’s dream will hardly be false. And the truest vision will be of one who is himself the most truthful in speech, for the vision of a Muslim is the forty-fifth part of Prophecy, and dreams are of three types:

[1] The good dream which is glad tidings from Allah (SWT)

[2] The bad dream which causes distress, which is from the shaytaan

[3] The dream which represents what a person is thinking about. [Sahih Muslim, Hadeeth # 2263]

Type-1 is Rahmaani and is considered as Ru’yaa, which means positive dreams  from Allah (SWT), type-2 is Shaytaani and is considered as Hulum, which means negative dreams from the shaytaan, and type-3 is considered Nafsaani which means these are dreams from your lesser self. The third dream type is the same as the workings of the subconscious mind. Let’s say you have been thinking hard about something all day. These thoughts are stored in your subconscious mind, the part of the mind that allows one to act or exist without conscious awareness or perception. Have you ever heard someone say, It was in the back of my mind? They are referring to an idea or thought they forgot because it was mostly a part of their subconscious mind.

When thoughts are constantly controlled by one idea or concept the brain stores these thoughts similar to the way a librarian shelves books – by category. The thinker will probably have a dream about their constant thoughts or the dream may contain fragments of those thoughts mixed with other ideas or experiences.

When dream type-2 and type-3 from the above hadeeth are intertwined one has had a so-called bad dream and the shaytaan is attempting to frighten the dream and/or lead them away from the straight path. It is best not to mention negative dreams to others because mentioning the dream or thinking too much of it gives it more validity. Instead of harping on a bad dream the believer should do all or some of the following:

[1] Ignore the shaytaan’s attempts and seek refuge with Allah

[2] Spit or blow (without releasing saliva) to the left of their resting place three times

[3] Turn over and sleep on the opposite side of his body

[4] Not tell anyone about it

[5] Get up and pray.

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InshaaAllah by performing these acts the believer will not be harmed. These acts are recommended from the following ahadeeth.

It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah (RA) that the Prophet (Salaallahu Alayhi wa Salaam) said: “Dreams are of three types: glad tidings from Allah, what is on a person’s mind, and frightening dreams from the shaytaan. If any of you sees a dream that he likes, let him tell others of it if he wishes, but if he sees something that he dislikes, he should not tell anyone about it, and he should get up and pray.” [Saheeh Sunan Ibn Maajah, Hadeeth #3154]

It was narrated that Abu Qutaadah (RA) said: The Messenger of Allah (Salaallahu Alayhi wa Salaam) said: “Good dreams come from Allah and bad dreams come from the shaytaan. If anyone sees a bad dream that scares him, let him spit drily to his left and seek refuge with Allah from its evil, then it will not harm him.” [Al-Bukhaari, Hadeeth #3292 & Muslim, Hadeeth #2261]

It was narrated from Jaabir (RA) that the Messenger of Allah (Salaallahu Alayhi wa Salaam) said: “If any one of you sees a dream that he dislikes, let him spit drily to his left three times and seek refuge with Allaah from the Shaytaan three times, and turn over onto his other side.” [Muslim, Hadeeth #2262]

Good dreams require prayer as well if one seeks to have the dream become a reality. It could be that Allah (SWT) is showing you something good that has already happened or about to happen because it is in your divine decree – all you need to do is remain steadfast and patient. Whenever confused about a dream, whether good or bad, praying istkhara (the prayer for guidance) will bring clarity to the situation.

SALAT UL-ISTIKARA

Transliteration: Allahumma inni astakhiru-ka bi-’ilmi-ka wa astaqdiru-ka bi-qudrati-ka wa as’alu-ka min fadli-ka ‘l-’azim fa-inna-ka taqdiru wa la aqdiru wa ta’lamu wa la a’lamu wa Anta ‘Allamu ‘l-ghuyub.

Allahumma in kunta ta’lamu anna hadha ‘l-amra khairun li fi dini wa dunyaya wa akhirati wa ‘aqibati amri wa ‘ajili-hi wa ajili-h fa-’qdir-hu li wa yassir-hu li thumma barik li fi-h wa illa fa-’srif-hu ‘an-ni wa yassir liya ‘l-khaira haithu kana ma kuntu wa raddi-ni bi-qada’i-ka ya Arhama ‘r-rahimin

English: “O Allah, I ask You to show me what is best, through Your knowledge, and I ask You to empower me, through Your power, and I beg You to grant me Your tremendous favor, for You have power, while I am without power, and You have knowledge, while I am without knowledge, and You are the One who knows all things invisible. O, Allah, if You know that this [insert the issue/dream here]undertaking is in the best interests of my religion, my life in this world, and my life in the Hereafter, and can yield successful results in both the short term and the long term, then make it possible for me and make it easy for me, and then bless me in it. If not, then turn it away from me, and make it easy for me to do well, wherever I may happen to be,  and make me content with Your verdict, O Most Merciful of the merciful.’” (Source for Salatul Istikhara: www.al-baz.com)

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~Zaaynab Le’Von is a journalist from Houston, TX whose passion is to write pieces beneficial to those who practice Islam as well as those who have interest in what she calls a “peaceful and structured way of life”. She is a spoken word artist, crochet designer, aspiring Special Educator, & a devoted wife. She’d love to connect with you on YRAC and/or Facebook.

By: Zaaynab Le’Von

Maybe you quit smoking cigarettes and a co-worker recently offered you one as a “friendly” gesture. Perhaps you’ve started paying closer attention to the things you say and you’ve vowed to stop backbiting and gossiping but an old high school friend calls and wants to update you on the lives of your old classmates. It could be that you’re doing your best to please The Most High and you’ve declared celibacy until you’re married; but there’s a non-Muslim male/female co-worker who is heedless to your lifestyle and constantly flaunts themselves in your presence. Temptation is calling your name.

Whatever the situation may be, you’re being tempted. You’re having trouble resisting the Shaitaan’s whispers. It seems that just as you’re making changes to become a more righteous person – there’s Mr. Temptation – knock, knock, knocking at the door of your heart.

Only you can decide whether or not you will open the door and allow yourself to be coaxed into doing or not doing something that is clearly unrighteous. And let’s be real here; this life is an illusion so everything is a test and resisting temptation is a learned behavior so those who fail at first must … try, try, try again. The refreshing news is this – there are methods to resist temptation, here are a few:

(1) Pray – When supplicating to Allah (SWT) seek refuge from the The Fallen One and his whispering. Strengthen your relationship with Allah (SWT) because being strong in faith equips your soul with the spiritual tools it needs to avoid falling into tempting traps. If one is lacking in their 5 daily prayers – there’s the first problem that needs some fixing.

(2) Fast – Fasting, well, fasting properly provides a type of shield against the desire to sin (fall into temptation). It is prescribed by Allah (SWT) and helps to curb negative desires and strengthen the positive ones. It may be more beneficial to fast on Mondays and Thursdays and/or 3 consecutive days out of each month. One who fasts only during Ramadan should not expect sweeping changes. Fasting should be practiced consistently to produce lasting effects and continuously curb the desires of the heart.

(3) Iqra (Read)! – The Qur’an accompanied by the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) provides the foundation of Islam. Therefore, one who labels himself as a Muslim should make it a habit to read the Book that was revealed by Allah (Most High & Exalted) and the Sunnah that was practiced by His (SWT) beloved Prophet (SAWS). To read is to gain knowledge, to gain knowledge is to implement what you’ve learned, and implementing what you’ve learned In shaa Allah will surely allow you more wisdom and spiritual strength to resist temptation. Read Al Qu’ran, Surah al-Ahzaab (The Clans) 33, Ayat 35 for motivation.

(4) Watch the Company you Keep – Know your friends and know your enemies. Know that the Shaitaan has declared that he will lead as many of Allah’s creatures away from the straight path as he possibly can until Judgment Day. The Rejected One is a shape shifter and will lure you in ways you least expect; so though some people may have been your “friends” since childhood or early adulthood if those people  do not have the same agenda as you they may very well be used as tools to hinder you from becoming and/or remaining righteous. Truth be told, sometimes you just have to ‘X’ people out of your life if you know they are spiritually unhealthy for you.

(5) Take Responsibility before You are Taken – Every soul shall taste death. The Qur’an says so. Know that only you will suffer the torment your grave holds for you. This torment is greater or lesser dependent upon your sins; and a great number of sins comes from falling into temptation. You are responsible for you – take heed now because every breath, every day is a day and a breath closer to the grave. If and when one stumbles, he should repent, renew his intentions, and prepare for he will be tempted and tested again. Take responsibility for your actions before you are taken to account.

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]]> http://yracnews.com/temptation-temptation-%e2%80%a6-please-stop-callin%e2%80%99-my-name.html/feed 1 http://yracnews.com/temptation-temptation-%e2%80%a6-please-stop-callin%e2%80%99-my-name.html http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/yracnews/~3/u_4lg_O04Vw/on-escaping-the-muslim-box.html http://yracnews.com/on-escaping-the-muslim-box.html#comments Sat, 23 Apr 2011 17:28:37 +0000 Nadirah Angail http://yracnews.com/?p=1000

By: Nadirah Angail

What does it mean to be Muslim? No, scratch that. I’ve got a better question. What is the duty of a Muslim? I mean beyond the 5 pillars, beyond the believing and praying and eating and not eating. What do we do? What must we do? I did a Quran word search for the word “work” and found it in 108 verses, often paired with the word “righteousness.” For example, “Give glad tidings to those who believe and work righteousness, that their portion is Gardens, beneath which rivers flow” (2:25). The repetition of this phrase, work righteousness, implies that we have a serious duty to be active, not only in our spiritual lives, but in our physical lives.

So, how are we doing this, believers? By getting out in the world and showing everyone the talents and knowledge of Muslims, or by huddling in a circle and sharing our light only with each other? I get it. We’re a (relatively) small subgroup trying to carve out and maintain an identity that hasn’t been whitewashed by American dominant culture. I understand our tendency to want to stay within our own ranks. But, meanwhile, the world is marching on without us. “I was just watching President Obama’s speech. He said we have to ‘out educate, out innovate and out build.’ That’s what we [Muslims] need to be doing. Why spend all our hard-earned money on building mosque after mosque when we can build businesses that would fund those mosques and provide jobs? We need to move beyond the stereotypical ways of “being Muslim” and expand to include things people won’t necessarily expect from us. Right now, the media is branding Islam. The fact that they can target it means it’s in a box. We’ve got to get out of that box,” says YRAC creator Izzy the Artist.

My sentiments exactly. The national (and international) Muslim community has too much specialized talent to be focusing exclusively on impacting our communities. I believe the saying is, “Take care of self first,” not, “Take care of self only.” Part of the reason others are able to determine our reputation so easily is because the masses don’t really know us. They haven’t been exposed to our truths and our contributions, so why wouldn’t they believe what they see? Why wouldn’t they accept the misinformation, unquestioned?

That’s why YRAC’s mission is two-fold. Yes, it provides a safe environment for Muslims to meet and share, but it also aims to help Muslims build and create so that we can share ourselves with the non-Muslim masses. If you are a writer, share your writing with world. If you are an artist, share your art with the world. If you are a singer, share your songs with the world. Truth and talent resonates with the souls of anyone willing to receive. It knows no religious boundaries and sees no distinctions. We know who we are and what we’re about, but everyone is confused. Only we can clear up that confusion. Only we should clear up that confusion. It is no one else’s job but ours.

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By: Zaaynab Le’Von

Image Credit: www.faithhousemanhattan.org

Racial, religious, and political tension is suffocatingly thick. Sisters who cover may feel the tension of unwarranted stares when going to buy groceries for their families. Brothers with beards and kufis and being accused of acts they have not and should not commit. American-born Muslims are being told by other Americans to go back to their countries. Sadly yet unsurprisingly, the word ‘terrorist’ has become synonymous with the word ‘Muslim’. The negative sentiments and actions mentioned above simply have no validation.

It is inherent that many human beings are afraid of that which they do not understand. This fear of the unknown quickly and easily turns into hatred, intolerance, and unproven accusations with the aide of media avenues that purposely portray Islam in a negative light. Fortunately, there is also purposely positive portrayal of Islam in the media thanks to Russell Simmons and the “Today, I Am Muslim, Too” rally.

WHAT: “TODAY, I AM MUSLIM, TOO” Rally

WHEN: On Sunday, MARCH 6, 2011 @ 2:00 p.m. (EST)

WHERE: TIMES SQUARE (New York, United States)

WHO: Celebrities, Community Leaders, Local Officials, Religious Leaders, &  more than 75 interfaith, nonprofit, governmental, and civil liberties groups. For a complete list of organizations, speakers, performers click here -> “Today, I Am Muslim, Too!” Program Details

WHY: This rally has been established in response to the recent targeting of American Muslims & Arabs in congressional hearings led by Peter King (R-LI). “Rally-goers will stand together against bigotry caused by anxiety, misinformation, and ignorance, to show Congress a united American community which seeks to strengthen – not dilute – our bonds of friendship and trust.  Organizers of this rally believe one can be a loyal Muslim as well as a loyal American without conflict.” (Source: www.globalgrind.com)

There will be a live streaming video of this rally from YOU R A CREATOR, Inc. Click the link below to view the stream starting at 2PM (EST), 1PM (CST).

Today, I Am Muslim Too (Live Stream Video from YOU R A CREATOR, Inc.)

Links you may enjoy:

UmmahStream\’s \”Today, I Am MUSLIM, Too!\” Audio Video

Today, I am Muslim Too (Facebook Rally)

Spread the word. Tell somebody that knows somebody so they can tell somebody.

~Zaaynab Le’Von is a journalist from Houston, TX whose passion is to write beneficial and informative pieces. Her primary focus is on penning articles geared toward Muslims and those who are interested in the powerful belief-system of Islam and its followers. She’d enjoy connecting with you on YRAC and/or Facebook.