The Good of Islam

I recently visited a religious forum where Islam was being discussed, more it was as I read the posts one after one were filled with inaccuracies. So often the only Islam westerners see is the media and its portrayal of Islam. Where there has been some encouraging media coverage this is not often the case. Most often Muslims are seen as forcing their way even if they are a minority, seen as wanting to kill the infidel, etc. Most don’t even know a real Islamic doctrine if they saw one.

So let me be clear here there is much that is good in Islam!

First my faith is a pretty simple one especially right now. I believe in one God, that God, Allah, is master controller of all, and your creator. I have a religion that loves and savors PEACE! I serve and worship a God that is good.

My faith has me praying 5 times each day, at least. Why ? So I can be reminded in my worship and prayer who put me here and why I am here. I pray for forgiveness each time and try and live a pure and clean life.

My faith has me and fellow Muslims doing good to and for our neighbours all over the world, regardless of that persons belief. We often here of how christian organizations are out there doing good, well so are regualr everyday Muslims we just go about it quietly without fanfare after all who’s reward is it that we want? If you have never heard of the charitable acts of Muslims around the world, I invite you to read the stories of Muslims coming together to help others found on Islamic Relief, only one organization that does good every day, sometimes even in your neighbourhood.

My faith teaches me to obey the laws of where I live and to do so in peace, as long as I am allowed to worship.

My only jihad is to overcome the sin that is in me each day, and to fight it, and to draw closer to my God.

My Islam is full of good, now if only some were willing to see it. Maybe we could have more understanding, maybe we would understand each other better, maybe we could live beside each other in peace just as many early Muslims did with their neighbours for centuries and as many continue to do today.

Figuring things Out

After one says there shadada there is so very much to learn. When you are new to Islam I often wonder if others feel like me, a bit overwhelmed. Here I find myself Muslim for a bit now and find it hard to learn my deen. Because I live in rural Nova Scotia I am at a loss and I have no mentors, no one really teaching me. I must teach myself and figure things out for myself. So how does this sister learn?

1) I am thankful to the wonderful videos on you tube that teach the prayers of Islam, this helps me learn them.

2) I read and read some more, and listen. I find myself online alot reading about Islam from Islamic teachers, and in forums, but then you get so many different takes on what the hadith and Quran are saying.

3) I read the Quran even if it is in English and try and learn more for myself

4) I pray that Allah who put me on this path will guide me.

5) I read several blogs that too share what Muslim life is about.

so even here in rural Canada it is possible to learn my deen it is just harder and you must really work for it.

Thanksgiving and Voting Today

Yesterday was the first time in ten years that I spent any time on a holiday with my immediate family. My mom, sister, bro in law, 2 nieces and my aunt and uncle all came for dinner at my house. It was Thanksgiving here, and I know as a new Muslim we don’t really celebrate the secular holidays but really for me I find I have much to thank Allah for. It was a wonderful time, of shared food and talking mostly about childhood memories.

Then I wake today and here in Canada it is voting day.Federal Election time, and I live in what shall be a very watched race….so if you live in Central Nova or in any other electoral area here in Canada take the time today and make your voice heard! As Canadians I think it is important that we voice or opinion no matter good or bad, we have a choice. Here in Central Nova we have one of the party leaders running so that is why we will have lots of coverage here.

so if you a canuck like me go and vote!

Juma in New Glasgow

On Friday was another day of juma. Here in New Glasgow it is very different for the few of us Muslims that are here. First there is no masjid. If you are Muslim, can you even imagine that?

On Friday there were 4 brothers and too my delight there were 3 sisters. Usually the two other sisters that live in town don’t come to juma. It was so good to meet them finally! Here in small town Canada things that Muslims in large communities are things we can not take for granted, like praying in community.

The closest actual Mosque or masjid is one hour by car away. Many of us don’t get to see other Muslims except at prayer. I am fortunate because I work with 2 brothers who work at the same company as me. It is nice to know they are just cubicles away.

Community is the one thing I miss the most right now. Especially as a sister I feel alone. I know I am not but that is how I feel. I find it hard to grow my faith, hard to learn this religion that is new to me. I am not sure how to grow so I come online and look for that feeling of belonging here, does that make sense?

Finding Faith Alone

Since my move to rural Nova Scotianity I have flet very alone as a Muslim woman, especially because I am very new in my faith even still. Here in town there are only 4muslim families, and me and one other single brother. In the 4 families none of the sisters have I met yet as they dont go to juma on a regular basis. I find myself trying hard to figure out my faith on my own…..and trust me if you live and are in a larger Muslim community you need to be thankful for it!

As for work, I am settling in and have been asked to sit on the corporate diversity comittee, so much for wearing my hijab at work. My worries were for nothing, and so far the only thing that has come from it is the chance to explain bits of my faith at work and that is a good thing.

My daughter and I have finally found our own apartment and that is a good thing so I can practice my faith without feeling like my mom hates what I do.

Often I find myself coming here, to the Internet to feel community and part of the bigger picture, for me that helps.

If you stop by and read and can think of other ways for me to increase in my faith in a lone environment let me know.

Work and being a Muslim

This week was my first week of really job hunting as a Muslim woman. I was pleasantly surprised by the reaction of employers here in the New Glasgow area. In my interview I asked about getting off for juma prayers and that accommodation was given to me when I signed an employment contract today. As well there is a place to pray and everything. As well there is no problem in me wearing a head scarf…so I am all set and I start my new job on Monday. So even in rural Canada we can have faith and be part of the work world.

The Move to Nowhere

Well I got home 2 weeks ago and found out they were selling the house that I rented and they wanted me out fast. While I was visiting Nova Scotia mom and I talked about me moving home so within 8 days I packed and came home.

Now I am in Nowhere Nova Scotia, actually a small village called Scotsburn NS. It is near Pictou and about 1/2 hour from New Glasgow. So right now I am getting used to being here and looking for work and a place for me and Roo.

With the move has also come some other changes. My mother now knows that I am Muslim and well I think she is still digesting it, as she has known only a few days.

I am also in an area with FEW fellow Muslims, there is no masjid within a 45 minute drive. We do have juma prayers on Friday here in town but that is it. So here I am doing my first Ramadan basically on my own.

Well that is where I am at today, I pray you are all having a blessed Ramadan.