TAPPING THE POWER WITHIN
Fill in the blanks. "I don't know what I would do if." and "I really hope I never have to deal with"
All people have fears. While no one wants to experience misfortune, it is a fact of life that there will be good times and there will be some bad times in all of our lives. Difficulties might come as something as innocuous as a minor disappointment and it might be as devastating as a death, disease, divorce or disaster.
It is at these times, precisely when strength is needed the most, that it is the hardest to demonstrate it. Learning how to tap the power within helps people convert life's obstacles into steppingstones to peace of mind. For Muslims, it means being patient and prayerful.
Dr. Zainab Alwani, a respected shaykhah who teaches religious studies at Northern Virginia College says, "During times of deep trial, despair, and sadness, Muslims seek comfort and guidance in the words of Allah in the Qur'an. 'Oh you who believe! Seek help with patient perseverance and prayer; for Allah is with those who patiently persevere. Be sure we shall test you with something of fear and hunger, some loss in goods or lives or the fruits (of your toil), but give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere, who say, when afflicted with calamity: To Allah We belong, and to Him is our return. They are those on whom (descend) blessings from Allah, and mercy, and they are the ones that receive guidance' (2:153-157)."
One way people access that power is by thinking of the difficulty as a test. This is what Muna Shibley, a mother of five did when she learned she was going to have heart surgery. "You pray every day and fast every Ramadan. It is easy to go through the motions and to pay lip service to faith. But until you have a test, you really don't know where you are on the scoreboard and how much you really believe."
Thinking of life as a test is a mindset of many Muslims who strive for self-mastery. Shaykhah Zainab states, "God reminds us that all people will be tested in this life, and calls upon believers to bear these trials with patient perseverance and prayer.' God also reminds us that many people before us have suffered and had their faith tested; so too will we be tried and tested in this life."
While some visualize life as a test, others find complete reliance on God as the route to inner strength. When Sheila Manning was suddenly laid off her administrative assistant job, she first panicked, worried about her financial obligations. "One morning, I read Surah Al Talaq and it said, "And those who fear Allah, He always prepares a way out. And He provides for them from sources they could never imagine. And if anyone puts their trust in Allah, sufficient is Allah for them.' When I read that, I thought, okay, Allah has this covered and I just let go and let Allah handle it. It took all my strength, but I figured, if you trust in Allah, you have to trust completely."
|
|
SPECIAL REPORT Tapping The Power
Deep inside, there is the spiritual power to propel us past difficulties and hardships. Many women are accessing that strength to survive life's ups and downs. Survivors of tragedy and disaster share how they are coping.
by Tayyibah Taylor, Renee Warner Syed & Kelly Crosby
FEATURES
Just Acting
A director, a voice artist and an actor share their passion for theatre, performance and acting.
by Kaubab Khalid & Cristal Chanelle Truscott
All in the Family
Passing beauty, strength and faith from woman to woman in Muslim American families.
by Amirah Abdullah
Skin Deep
For a Muslim woman considering improving her looks and body image with plastic surgery, the issues are complex.
by Ruth Nasrulllah
Oh Baby!
A look at the traditions observed by Muslim Americans who celebrate their baby's birth with an aqiqah.
by Ayesha Malik Nasson
Scammed
Learn about these common scams and protect yourself from becoming a victim of fraud.
by Naeemah Khabir
Does My Child Have Autism?
Autism is the fastest growing disability in the nation. If your child has these symptoms there may be cause for concern.
by Dilshad D. Ali
Embracing the Special Child
Where is the space in our community for children with autism? A look at one mother's search for suitable accommodations.
by Neesha Hosein
Taking Action
Three activists tell us what it takes to serve the community with enthusiasm and dedication.
by Ruth Nasrullah
Embracing the Special Child
Where is the space in our community for children with autism? A look at one mother's search for suitable accommodations.
by Neesha Hosein
A Week of Wisdom
Guidance from Qurıan, ahadith and wise minds.
by Tabassum Firoz
In Good Faith
In spite of the world's political upheaval, interfaith initiatives are fostering understanding among Jews, Christians and Muslims.
by Felicity Fawaz & Opal Muhammad
Keeping in Touch
When people greet, the physical distance between them might depend on their culture.
Sakinah Marx & Staff Writers
LIFESTYLE
Destinations Pakistan -- A Blessed Land by Nikhat Izhar Qureshi
Decor Functional or decorative, a screen can instantly divide a room and beautify it.
by Yasmeena Surrey
Well-Being Feel the Rythm
The dance that heals and empowers women.
by Dujanah Descartes & Shahidah Kalam Id-din
Menu Spice It Up!
by Amy Riolo
Fashion Hats -- Chapeaux Unique
DEPARTMENTS
Deen The 99 Names of Allah
by Fatima Khokhar & Shahidah Sharif
Shahadah Tiny Atoms Moving
by Angelina Hazime
Book Club Four reviews of Jamilah Kolocotronis' Rebounding
Poetry Leaves
by Sakinah Quinlan
Reflections Where's the Love
by Maliha Balala
Point of View The Image of Muslims
by Raghad Ebied
Ayah Surah Al Araf, Ayah 74
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
