11 October 2012

Yawm 27 - I can't fit my Deen into a little box

My Thoughts.. cause I just need to get it off my chest:

So, I ran into an old friend last week and he asked me if I had read the book "Taqwacores" or seen the documentary on the writer.  Of course, I had not!  So, I sat down with my computer and logged into Netflix and watched it.

Brief explanation - Michael Muhammad Knight is an American Convert to Islam.  He was raised by his Mother - his Father was a white supremacist and very abusive to his Mother.  He did not meet his Father until he was in his early teens.  At the age of 17 he went to the Faisel Mosque in Pakistan to study Islam.  Masha Allah - very lucky kid.  He is a very educated young man with an MS from Harvard and he is working on his PhD.  He wrote a fictional book called "Taqwacores" which was about a group of Muslim kids in America who are into Punk Rock music and are questioning their Faith. (which is probably all kids, from every faiths, everywhere)  Well, after this book was published and read by many youth who were into punk/ska music - they started contacting him.  Hence, the documentary...

Back to my chronicles... This documentary is very raw (and I'm not speaking of the cinematography which was very beautiful) but, it is very real.  There is the use of bad words, smoking of tobacco & pot, and drinking.  I am sure so many Scholars, Mullahs, Imams would frown on this and accuse Mr. Knight of "influencing" the Muslim youth.  But, let's get real... how many of YOU have smoked, done drugs, drank or even done other things that are against our religion?  If your family or friends knew or know about it, I am sure they hide it from the outside world or from family.. correct?

You know what?          We Are Human Beings and just because we are Muslim, We Are Not Perfect.

Even if you have never drank, done drugs, gambled, went out clubbing and have always done what your parents have told you... (if it was not Haram to gamble)  but, bet that you have had bad thoughts, your intention was not always pure, you missed your Fajr prayer and on and on!!  But, You are human.

So, I love this documentary because for Once it showed Real Muslims, struggling Real hard...

Here is a quote from the film that sums it all up (I apologize there is a line missing as I just could not understand what he was saying)

"Allah is arranging things beyond all our grasp.  The earth is not spinning because you told it to.  Your intestines aren't digesting by your command.  And we think Submission is just applying a strict discipline to our Worship.  It's not that small to me.  I can't fit my Deen into a little box.  Because to me everything comes from Allah.  Birds sing Allah's name.  To say Allah is in this book, but not that one.  And to say Allah likes this and not that.. Do you know Who you are talking about?
Allah is too big and open for my Deen to be small and closed.  Does that make me a Khafir?  I say Allahu Akbar.  And if that's not good enough, then (F word) Islam, you can have it."

That last sentence seemed very harsh to me.  But, we know linguistically, Islam means Submit.  The word in itself defines the way we worship in our religion.  So, to me, he is saying "why should I submit, if everything I do or say is wrong or controversial?"

Insha Allah I would love to meet and interview Brother Michael and his Wife..

My Regular Stuff will be back tomorrow.. :-)

Peace Out People!

07 October 2012

Day +20... My New Manifesto

So, I'm adopting the Holstee Manifesto

Here it is:

"This is your life.
Do what you love, and do it often.
If you don’t like your job, quit.
If you don’t have enough time, stop watching TV.
If you are looking for the love of your life, stop; they will be waiting for you when you start doing things you love.
Stop over analyzing, life is simple. All emotions are beautiful.
When you eat, appreciate every last bite.
Open your mind, arms, and heart to new things and people, we are united in our differences.
Ask the next person you see what their passion is, and share your inspiring dream with them.
Travel often; getting lost will help you find yourself.
Some opportunities only come once, seize them.
Life is about the people you meet, and the things you create with them so go out and start creating.
Life is short. Live your dream and share your passion.”

Have a great week everyone!!