A Small Collection of Stones

 

Release in a Muslim’s moment
The joy and anger
Of glorious retaliation
Against weakness and sin

Relief at the jamarat
Is in a small collection of stones
Missiles against the Shaitiin
Whistling through the air

UmmUmar © 2007

Success in This Life or the Next

We expect to pay a high price to succeed in this world, but we are incredulous at the notion that spiritual discipline is the cost of success in the hereafter. At a certain age we are expected–if we are considered successful in America–to own one or more houses, to own one or more cars, to have all of the electronic gadgetry of our time and to achieve some degree of financial independence. In order to be competent adults we spend years in school–not just to be literate–but in order to have the careers we need in order to get all of the things we want in life.

Seeking Unity in Marriage

Part I

To the Couple: 
Somehow we have gotten into the habit of thinking that the rules of good conduct, gentleness, mercy and forgiveness apply to all other Muslims but not to those within our own families.  Not to our husbands or our wives.  We should be treating each other as guests within our homes.  We should also realize that each of us is more vulnerable to the whispering of Shaitan when we have no place of support or of peace to return to each day.  In order to protect ourselves from Shaitan, we have to do our best to protect our spouses as well and not give Shaitan a foothold within our homes.

Coping With Behavioral or Mental Health Issues in Muslim Children

Recognizing that there is a problem

 

 

One of the hardest things parents have to do is come to the point where they are able to say, “There is something wrong with our child”. Often, and particularly with adolescents, behavioral issues can seem to occur overnight. With younger children, it is easy to pass problems off as a “phase” or something the child will “outgrow” later on. It is sometimes hard for parents to tell what is “normal” and what signifies a deeper issue. But Allah gives us signs that something is not right. Sometimes the parents can see that if certain trends in behavior go unchecked, the child may become a danger to himself or to others. Sometimes the parents begin to hear repeated complaints or concerns from relatives, teachers, neighbors or other Muslims. Sometimes the parents themselves stumble upon an activity that is frighteningly outside of the norm. Eventually, the parents are forced to come to terms with the fact that something is wrong. Eventually, the parents are forced to act.

The Rope of Allah

 

The rope of Allah is anything we need it to be

To pull us safely back on His Path and away from His Wrath

The rope of Allah is dua, a step in the right direction,  Money or time well spent