Desperately Seeking Rumi

***Sadaf***

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The Status Of Two Who Love One Another For The Sake Of Allah	[Jun. 20th, 2006\|07:38 pm]
The Status Of Two Who Love One Another For The Sake Of Allah Dr. Muhammad Ali Al-Hashimi The Ideal Muslim © 1999 IIPH http://islaam.com///Article.aspx?id=562 Many hadith describe the status of two people who love one another for the sake of Allah (subhanahu wa ta`ala), and describe the high position in Paradise which He has promised them and the great honour which He will bestow upon them on the Day when mankind is resurrected to meet the Rabb of the Worlds: Among them is the hadith which describes the seven whom Allah (subhanahu wa ta`ala) will shade on the Day when there is no shade but His: "...a just leader; a youth who grows up worshipping Allah (subhanahu wa ta`ala); a man who is deeply attached to the mosque; two men who love one another for the sake of Allah (subhanahu wa ta`ala), meeting for His sake and parting for His sake; a man who is called by a beautiful woman and says, I fear Allah (subhanahu wa ta`ala)'; a man who gives charity in secret such that his left hand does not know what his right hand is doing; and a man who remembers Allah (subhanahu wa ta`ala) when he is alone and his eyes fill with tears." (Bukhari and Muslim) The two who love one another for the sake of Allah (subhanahu wa ta`ala) are clearly shown to be among those whom Allah (subhanahu wa ta`ala) will shelter with His shade and upon whom He will shower His mercy and kindness. What a great honour! It is enough honour for those who love one another for the sake of Allah (subhanahu wa ta`ala that their Almighty Rabb will greet them on the Day of Resurrection and say to them: "Where are those who loved one another for My glory? Today I will shade them in My shade on the Day when there is no shade but Mine." (Muslim) Such is the magnificent honour and tremendous reward that will be bestowed upon those who truly loved one another for the sake of Allah (subhanahu wa ta`ala), on that awesome Day. Love for the sake of Allah (subhanahu wa ta`ala), and not for the sake of anything else in this life which is filled with greed, desires and interests, is very difficult, and none can attain it except the one who is pure of heart, for whom this world is as nothing compared to the pleasure of Allah (subhanahu wa ta`ala). It is not surprising that Allah (subhanahu wa ta`ala) should give them a status and blessing which is commensurate with their position in this world, above whose concerns they have risen. We find proof of this in the hadith of Mu'adh who said that the Prophet (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) said: "Allah (subhanahu wa ta`ala) said: 'Those who love one another for My glory, will have minbars of light, and the Prophets and martyrs will wish that they had the same." [Reported by al-Tirmidhi, who said it is a hasan sahih hadith] Allah (subhanahu wa ta`ala) gives to those who love one another for His sake a gift which is even greater than this status and blessing: that is His precious love which is very difficult to attain. This is proven by the hadith of Abu Hurayrah (radhiallahu `anhu) in which the Prophet (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) said: "A man went to visit a brother of his in another village. Allah (subhanahu wa ta`ala) sent an angel to wait for him on the road. When the man came along, the angel asked him, 'Where do you intend to go?' He said, 'I am going to visit a brother of mine who lives in this village.' The angel asked, 'Have you done him any favour (for which you are now seeking repayment)?' He said, 'No. I just love him for the sake of Allah (subhanahu wa ta`ala).' The angel told him, I am a messenger to you from Allah (subhanahu wa ta`ala), sent to tell you that He loves you as you love your brother for His sake."' (Muslim) What a great love, that raises a man to a position where Allah (subhanahu wa ta`ala) loves him and is pleased with him! The teaching of the Prophet (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) goes even further and states that the better of two brothers who love one another for the sake of Allah (subhanahu wa ta`ala) is the one who loves his brother more. The Prophet (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) said: "No two men love one another, but the better of them is the one whose love for his brother is greater." [Reported by Bukhari in al-Adab al-Mufrad] Islam goes even further in spreading love in the rightly guided Muslim society by telling the Muslim that if he loves his brother, he should tell him. The Prophet (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) said: "If a man loves his brother, let him tell him that he loves him." [Reported by Abu Dawud and al-Tirmidhi, who said it is a sahih hadith] The Prophet (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) understood the impact of this strong, pure love in building societies and nations, so he never let any occasion pass without advocating this love and commanding the Muslims to announce their love for one another, in order to open hearts and spread love and purity among the ranks of the Ummah. Anas (radhiallahu `anhu) said that a man was with the Prophet (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam), when another man passed by. The first man said, "O Messenger of Allah, indeed I truly love this man." The Prophet (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) asked him, "Have you let him know that?" He said, "No." The Prophet (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) said, "Tell him." He caught up with him and told him, "Truly I love you for the sake of Allah (subhanahu wa ta`ala)," and the man said, "May Allah (subhanahu wa ta`ala) love you who loves me for His sake." [Reported by Abu Dawud, with a sahih isnad] Mu'adh began to spread this pure love among the Muslims throughout the Muslim lands, telling them what he had heard from the Prophet (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) about the great reward that Allah (subhanahu wa ta`ala) had prepared for those who loved one another for His sake, and about His great love for them. In al-Muwatta', Imam Malik gives a report with a sahih isnad from Abu Idris al-Khulani who said: "I entered the mosque of Damascus, where I saw a young man who had a bright smile, and I saw the people gathered around him. When they disagreed on some matter, they referred it to him, and accepted his opinion. I asked who he was, and they told me, 'This is Mu'adh ibn Jabal (radhiallahu `anhu)." Early the next day, I went to the mosque but I found that he had arrived even earlier than I. He was praying, so I waited until he had finished, then I approached him from in front, greeted him and said, 'By Allah (subhanahu wa ta`ala) I love you.' He said, 'For the sake of Allah (subhanahu wa ta`ala)?' I said, 'For the sake of Allah'. He repeated his question, 'For the sake of Allah (subhanahu wa ta`ala)?' and I said, 'For the sake of Allah.' So he took hold of my collar and pulled me towards him and said, 'I have good news for you. I heard the Prophet (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) say: "Allah Almighty says: 'My love is granted to those who love one another for My sake, who visit one another for My sake, and who spend on one another for My sake.'"' Islaam.com
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"A Persian Lesson" by Walt Whitman	[Mar. 31st, 2006\|12:59 pm]
From: http://www.kalliope.org/digt.pl?longdid=whitman2001060982 For his o'erarching and last lesson the greybeard sufi, In the fresh scent of the morning in the open air, On the slope of a teeming Persian rose-garden, Under an ancient chestnut-tree wide spreading its branches, Spoke to the young priests and students. "Finally my children, to envelop each word, each part of the rest, Allah is all, all, all — is immanent in every life and object, May-be at many and many-a-more removes — yet Allah, Allah, Allah is there. "Has the estray wander'd far? Is the reason-why strangely hidden? Would you sound below the restless ocean of the entire world? Would you know the dissatisfaction? the urge and spur of every life; The something never still'd — never entirely gone? the invisible need of every seed? "It is the central urge in every atom, (Often unconscious, often evil, downfallen,) To return to its divine source and origin, however distant, Latent the same in subject and in object, without one exception."
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Haha, glad I'm believe in the right religion for me!

[Jan. 20th, 2006|08:01 am]

You scored as Islam. Your beliefs are most similar to those of Islam. Do more research on Islam and possibly consider taking the shahadah and officially becoming a Muslim, if you aren't already.

Despite the actions of some - who go against the teachings of Islam - Islam is a religion of peace; the word "islam" means "peace through submission to God." "Muslim" means "one who submits to God." Islam is the third of the three Abrahamic faiths, and it shares much with Judaism in Christianity; its differences are the acceptance of Muhammad as the last and final prophet, and the oneness of God - in other words, that Jesus, though he was a revered prophet, was not in fact God, and only one God exists. Apparently the Taliban could not read (though their name means "students"), because the Qur'an states that men and women are equal as believers, and that all believers should be educated and seek knowledge. Modesty in dress and behavior is required in Islam for both men and women to preserve the values of society and move the emphasis from superificial appearance to intelligence, knowledge, and God.

</td>

Islam

100%

Buddhism

54%

Paganism

46%

Judaism

46%

Hinduism

42%

Christianity

33%

agnosticism

17%

Satanism

atheism

Which religion is the right one for you? (new version)
created with QuizFarm.com

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Iranian Basketball -- The American Connection	[Nov. 24th, 2005\|10:04 am]
I had to post this, because I think it is amazing! Must read article on Basketball in the Axis of Evil http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/4445030.stm
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(no subject)	[Sep. 12th, 2005\|03:59 pm]
Greetings from the home of the Nawabs :) I have now been in Lucknow for a little less than a week and things are starting to settle into a normal schedule. Last week was a crazy rush of finding a place to live as well buying all sorts of necessities and getting things like bank accounts and registration taken care of. We also had our placement tests. I ran out of things to write about in the "meri dilchuspian (my interests)" section, so I went on some random rant about how people don't understand Islam :). Today we started our regular schedule of classes and I really like it. I was able to learn some basic things about Urdu poetry in my Personal Tutorial class. As per Zahir's request, here is a taste of Urdu poetry -- from Ghalib though, I don't think I'm ready to write my own yet :): Dil-e-nadan tujhe hua kya hai? Aakhir is dard ki dawa kya hai? Hum ko un se wafa ki hai umid jo nahin jantai hai wafa kya hai (roughly trans: Naive heart, what has happened to you? What is the remedy to this pain? We have hope of faithfulness from one who doesn't know what faithfulness is) wah wah wah, kya bath hai!!! As far as life in general, I still have a hard time deciphering one street from another around here and am basically never responsible for getting anywhere on my own (but this isn't much different than life back in the states :P). The eternal soundtrack of Bollywood movies is also beginning to sink into my brain. When you're not listening to songs you start humming them to yourself because they've permeated your entire consciousness! All six of us students decided to live in the upstairs flats of a Muslim family, so it's a lot like Real World Lucknow! The vice-chair of the Center for South Asian Studies at Berkeley, Daisy Rockwell was here for a few days so that was really fun. We had a nice dinner at a five star restaurant, complete with city views and qawwalis. One funny thing is that nice restaurants in Lucknow always feature "mocktails." At the restaurant in the Clarke's hotel I was to shy to say the name of the strawberry smoothie I wanted, so instead pointed to the menu where it said "full time lover." We were also introduced to the current descendant of the Nawabs of Lucknow, Nawab... who was kind enough to give us all his card, which I think is pretty funny. The famous monuments of Lucknow are really very beautiful -- the Bara Imambara, Hussainiyat, Chota Imambara were all amazingly gorgeous (pictures to be sent out soon). One thing that surprised me about Lucknow is how green it is. There are lots of trees and the grass is quite lush. The house we're living in also has a beautiful garden, so that's pretty nice. There are a few things about living in a place like Lucknow that are kind of galling. We might be taking classes at a comfortable language institute with lunches and air condition and go shopping at Hazrat Ganj (meaning we go "Ganjing" as they call is around here) shopping at expensive boutiques and dining at nice restaurants and then return to our well appointed apartment, but there is no denying that so many people here do not live this way. For example, as we were walking home from a restaurant the other night, there were many people just sleeping in the streets. And I don't mean this in a derogatory way, but it seemed as if they just blended in with the dust on the dark road, if you weren't looking carefully you wouldn't even see them. Another example is the other day when we were out shopping for stuff for our apartment after a long lunch, we couldn't find our driver anywhere. He told us that he went to eat and he had to go somewhere far away because there was nothing to eat in Hazrat Ganj for people like him. Another thing is cycle rickshaws. Whenever I've gone to Pakistan, I've only been on auto-rickshaws, so I didn't even know there was such a thing as a cycle rickshaw until I came here, and I avoid using one at all costs. It just doesn't sit well with me to have someone else cycle me around when I should be perfectly capable of getting somewhere on my own. Then again, if I don't give them business then I'm robbing them of their livelihood. For my own satisfaction I'm refusing to do something that may be the only way these people can put food on the table. Well on that happy note, I should get going before I put all of you to sleep (if you've made it this far!) Hope you are well! *Sadaf Oh yes, so I do have a cell number here, because I know you all want to call me :) (91) (98398) 30705
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“India is great!”	[Sep. 5th, 2005\|05:39 am]
“India is great!” Greetings from Delhi, India! I left Chicago on Friday as masses of Muslims converged on the city for the ISNA conference. As I walked off the plane, the heat, humidity, masses of people and earthy smell combined to welcome me to my new home. We drove through the city in the early morning hours and arrived at the guesthouse of AIIS (American Institute of Indian Studies). I keep contrasting how I feel here to how I felt in Cairo, especially when I first arrived. I was so happy when I arrived here, and I feel so comfortable, whereas in Cairo my first reaction was “what did I get myself into?” and I felt so lost. Much of this must have to do with language since I’m conversational in Urdu whereas I had no exposure to Egyptian dialect before I headed off to Cairo. I think a lot of it also has to do with identity and belonging. When I went to Cairo, I think I subconsciously went under the false notion that a Muslim living in a Muslim country would naturally feel at home and that maybe I could find a place where I belonged (oh, the ever so trite immigrant identity crisis). More than anything, living in Egypt reinforced just how American I am. It also reinforced how important having a connection to South Asian Culture is to my life. I remember seeking out the Embassies of India and Pakistan to see if they have any events and going to the Diwali and Holi celebrations and how happy that made me. Living in Egypt was exhausting because I never quite knew what was going on. I’m also a lot more careful here than I was when I first arrived in Egypt, and I think my goals have changed as well. Some of the other students here have traveled extensively and say that Lucknow isn’t really the most exciting city, and there isn’t much to do at night. But this actually doesn’t really bother me. All I want to do is focus on language, instead of spreading myself too thin as I did at Georgetown and AUC as well. I’m really excited because I may even be able to get Farsi and Arabic tutoring from our instructors, which would be absolutely amazing. Yes, I’m a huge nerd ☺
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Inna lillahi wa inna ilahi raji'un	[Aug. 31st, 2005\|06:50 pm]
There is so much suffering going on in the world right now, and so many who have lost loved ones. In Iraq and in the American South. Tears are a human being's natural reactions but its moments like this that really bring home the idea that no matter what, no matter what amount of wealth, or power, or prestige we gain in this life, it's all a fleeting illusion destined to end. Inna lillahi wa inna ilahi raji'un.
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(no subject)	[Apr. 2nd, 2005\|07:19 pm]
"This perspective makes clear why we must also love our enemies: it is because they exist, a fact which proves that God loves them a priori; moreover, their enmity may be no more than accidental, and in that case it could be that they are better men than we and that God loves them more than us." From Chapter 6 of Frithjof Schuon's book "Stations of Wisdom." This is so true and so intense. It will be difficult, but I have to open my heart again...
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the sufferings of women	[Mar. 31st, 2005\|03:26 pm]
We watched two films in my nationalism/religion/gender in South Asia class. The powerful thing about these films is that they are basically about the lives of women in Afghanistan and Pakistan and they really make you wonder about those ideals we have of this just family system. If women are not granted legal rights, there's nothing to keep them from being abused. Its really horrific the things that people in any sort of authority position will do to women. I would have been interested to hear your reaction to the horrible reality of looking women in the face who've been set on fire by their husbands or killed for the dishonour of leaving their abusive husbands. Just watching them cry and cry and wondering how anyone could justify this treatment as part of their culture and religion. How can we even think of condemning anyone to a life of seclusion inside their homes when we move about freely? It definitely problematizes my sense of reality.
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Minorities in Pakistan face mayhem: Human Rights Commission:-	[Mar. 31st, 2005\|01:57 am]
This is so sad... doctors in my family have been killed Minorities in Pak face mayhem: Human Rights Commission:- ANI Karachi Pakistan: March 29, 2005 A report prepared by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has revealed that minorities in Pakistan are facing mayhem as a result of the sectarian violence unleashed by religious groups and jihadi organizations across Pakistan. According to the Daily Times, the report titled " Sectarian Violence in Karachi" prepared by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan further states that even the blasphemy law is being abused because of Section 295 B and 295 C with Christians facing the brunt. "Only seven cases of blasphemy have been tried between 1927 and 1985 but since 1985 nearly 80 Christians have been detained under the blasphemy law. The law is being abused because of section 295 B and 295 C. They should be repealed," the paper quoted Father Dr. Archie de Souza, a priest at Our Lady of Fatima Church in Karachi as saying. The study reveals that starting with 2000 when as many as 16 people lost their lives in sectarian violence, the number rose to 57, 31, 27 and 48 in the years 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004 respectively, adding that an important feature of this mayhem was the targeting of eminent professionals, especially doctors, a majority of whom belonged to the Shia community. "Sectarian killing has been a distinctive feature of the violence that has gripped Karachi, the most populous city in Pakistan, for nearly two decades. This form of violence peaked between 1994 and 1995. An extremely distressing feature of this crime wave was the targeting of eminent professionals; especially doctors, a majority of whom belonged to the Shia minority sect in Islam. The scale of violence declined over a couple of years but rose during the period between 1999-2002," the report added. The report states that sectarian violence unleashed against the Shias is a direct result of the brainwashing by madarssah where pupils are told they would go straight to paradise if they kill people from the Shia Muslim sect. The report further states the even the reforms initiated by Musharraf to cleanse the madarssah system has been of little help, with Musharraf himself escaping two assassination attempts by fundamentalist forces. (ANI)
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lyrics for Gole Sangam	[Mar. 25th, 2005\|12:25 am]
This is actually pretty deep: http://lyricsplayground.com/alpha/songs/g/golesangam.shtml I knew I loved this song for a reason
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Who is the Antichrist? Is He the King of Jordan?	[Mar. 21st, 2005\|07:50 pm]
So I'm minding my own business, googling King Abdullah of Jordan because I just heard him speak this morning when I came across this: http://jesus-is-the-way.com/Antichrist.html Who are these people!?!? I wonder if he knows that he's suspected to be the Anti-Christ... Man, being King definitely has its downsides...
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Christian Suicide Shooter Kills Innocent Americans	[Mar. 17th, 2005\|11:18 am]
I think this article, in the tradition of what the S.C.U.M. (society for the cutting up of men) Manifesto proves about biases towards women, examplifies the types biases that are just accepted when applied to Muslims. Note: The article below is only an example of what a biased media report of Christianity may contain. Christian Suicide Shooter Kills Innocent Americans By: Dr. Aslam Abdullah http://www.islamicity.com What if the media applies the same rules it applies to report incidents of violence in the Muslim world? What if the reporter happened to have biases against Christianity? What if he is totally ignorant of the Milwaukee religious profile and the American religious landscape? The result will not be different than what you may read in the following story. A Christian Terrorist kills seven innocent Americans including children and women. The terrorist act happened on Saturday at a church service held regularly at the Sheraton Hotel in Brookfield, Wisconsin. After killing the seven innocent people the Christian terrorist killed himself. Four died at the scene and three others died later of their injuries, police said. They ranged in age from 16 to over 60 year olds. The terrorist was described as a 45-year-old man who had been affiliated with the church, which met at the hotel every Saturday morning for several years. The group, the Church of the Living God, is an evangelical church that observes the Sabbath on Saturday, not on Sunday. It was reported that the gunman had differences with the Church Leaders on various religious affairs including the Christian Sabbath day. Experts believe that his act was inspired by several biblical verses that promote violence in the Old Testament. However, no one has demanded a serious study on the issue of Biblical roots of Violence. Experts also believe that the inspiration for the terrorist act came from the belief that the killing would be forgiven as Jesus has already died for the sins of all the Christians. Several Experts on Christianity tend to believe that the rising violence in the US can be attributed to this belief. In a survey done by some experts it was revealed that most Christians believe that their sins have already been forgiven as the Son of God has died for their sin. "The rising violence and the indulgence of Christians in the killing, looting and cheating acts all over the world can be attributed to this belief", said an expert. "When people believe that they are not accountable to any higher authority as they have already been forgiven, they tend to commit excesses regardless of the harm they inflict upon people", explained the expert. "If the world wants to see a decrease in violence in countries with Christian majority, they have to look at the Christian theology of sin and crucifixion", added the expert. Seemingly, the incidents of violence are on the rise in the USA, after the re-election of Mr. Bush who is said to be a staunch evangelical born-again Christian. Experts feel that his re-election has emboldened several rightwing Christians. Several religious communities are questioning the silence of Christian leaders and scholars in discussing the theology of the forgiveness of sin. Muslim scholars, however, have warned against generalization. They said that the action of a few Christians cannot be used to condemn Christianity or blame all Christians for violence. They cautioned against viewing all churches as potential cells where violent and terrorist Christians hide. They argue that such a description of Christians or their churches will be a violation of the principles of Islam that promote respect for people of all faith. The Milwaukee terror act has created a climate of fear in religious circles all over the country. People fear that potential Christian killers and terrorists might be present in every religious gatherings, waiting for the right moment to strike against innocent Americans. Several Christian leaders, however, suggest that such acts are inspired by Satan, and they have no place in the official teachings of Christianity. Some of them blame the presence of other religions in America as a source of corruption of their faith. Others argue that by accepting Jesus as Son of God and God (Muslims and Jews don't believe in the concept of trinity) all people will be saved from hellfire. However, many Christians reject this theology arguing that people will be judged according to their actions, a position held by Muslims all over the world. Note: The above is only an example of what a biased media report of Christianity may contain. Dr. Aslam Abdullah is editor in chief of the Muslim Observer and director of the Islamic Society of Nevada, Las Vegas as well as the director of the Muslim Electorates Council of America (MECA).
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Muharram Reflection	[Mar. 11th, 2005\|01:12 am]
February 10th marked the beginning of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calender, as well as the month in which Imam Hussain, the beloved grandson of the Prophet (S) was martyred in Karbala. The events of Muharram make it a month of mourning, particularly for Shi'a Muslims. The contours of my mind are deeply shaped by a lifetime of Muharram memories: of families dressed in black, sweets for children, and a deep feeling of sorrow that pervades everything. As I grew older, my understanding matured and I grasped one important lesson of Muharram: that though the innocent may be killed, the struggle for justice continues. From these nights of prayer and mourning, deeply rooted empathy and compassion blossomed in my heart. No matter what personal suffering I may experience, it cannot compare to the suffering of the family of the Prophet (S) in Karbala. There were certain images burned into my mind. The half brother of Imam Hussain, Hazrat Abbas, having both of his arms cut off while bringing water to his four year old niece Sakina. Six month old Ali Asghar pierced in the heart with an arrow while his father Imam Hussain asked the soldiers to provide the baby with water. The Imam accosted by soldiers on all sides, killed and beheaded. The tents on fire as women and children ran from one tent to another in confusion. The women of the family of the Prophet (S) paraded through the streets as prisoners, while the heads of the men, including the Imam and the six-month-old baby, were raised on stakes. People often ask me why Muslims should commemorate an event that happened so long ago. My only answer is that by remembering the injustices of the past, we learn to empathize on a truly human level with the sufferings of the present. If such a tragedy could befall the family of the Prophet (S) then the trials in our own lives do not symbolize that God as forsaken us. The struggle for Justice is ever-present. Growing up in a Shi'a community, Karbala and Ashura were an important component of my consciousness as a Muslim. When I came to Georgetown, there was really no mention of Muharram except the suggestion to fast on the day of Ashura. I would attend majlises with my few Shi'a friends and that was it. Yet the growing sectarian violence in Iraq as well as in Pakistan forced me to examine the ignorance that was breeding hatred and allowing Muslims to kill each other. How ironic, that ignorance towards injustice faced by the family of the Prophet (S) fuels injustice amongst Muslims today. If as Muslims we are required to stand up for justice, I then questioned what my role could be in addressing these issues. I realized that I must make some sort of gesture, no matter how small, and attempt to educate at least those closest to me about the events of Karbala and their relevance to all Muslims. This year there were three events in commemoration of Ashura at Georgetown. There was (i) a discussion on Ashura itself with an emphasis on the different perspectives, (ii) a lecture about the significance of the Ahl al-Bayt (family of the Prophet (S)) and the Tragedy of Karbala for all Muslims, and (iii) and a majlis held in the Muslim Interest Living Community. These events encompassed some of the important aspects of Muharram. It is my hope that this discussion will continue, as intra-Muslim dialog will only help us appreciate our common spirituality and admiration for the family of the Prophet (S).
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a reply to a recent article on America's Role in promoting "Democracy" Abroad	[Mar. 10th, 2005\|08:30 pm]
his article can be found at: http://www.muslimwakeup.com/main/archives/2005/02/will_the_us_fin.php#more Shadi, I may not agree with you, but I must admit that your writing has improved dramatically. Bush's speech on the other hand reminds me more of repetitive and vague propaganda than anything else. I quote President Bush: "For as long as whole regions of the world simmer in resentment and tyranny—prone to ideologies that feed hatred and excuse murder—violence will gather, and multiply in destructive power, and cross the most defended borders, and raise a mortal threat." A Mortal Threat??? Wow, that sounds scary! What about American imperialist ideology as one of those that feeds hatred and excuses murder, and on that note, torture as well? "From the day of our Founding, we have proclaimed that every man and woman on this earth has rights, and dignity, and matchless value, because they bear the image of the Maker of Heaven and earth." Actually, I wouldn't say from the day of our founding. On the day of our founding, the "Fathers" went back home and ordered their slaves around. I would say it's more like a continuing struggle. But the myth of our nation, perfect from its inception is quite powerful. "we have lit a fire as well—a fire in the minds of men. It warms those who feel its power, it burns those who fight its progress, and one day this untamed fire of freedom will reach the darkest corners of our world." Oh, I'd say we've lit many fires... Who doesn't want freedom? Yet what exactly does this freedom mean? Surely not the masculinist militaristic ideology that increasingly permeates state and civil society, an ideology that the U.S. is only promoting. As far as spread it to those "dark corners" of the globe, maybe those "dark corners" are so dark because "dark" people live there, with their "dark" religion...hmmm... *Sadaf
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Shaikh Yusuf al-Qaradawi's Approach to Shia-Sunni Dialogue	[Mar. 3rd, 2005\|01:41 am]
( Shaikh Yusuf al-Qaradawi's Approach to Shia-Sunni Dialogue )
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why are my friends so damn artistic?

[Feb. 17th, 2005|12:03 am]

almost none of this are actual pictures of y'all -- I guess I'm one of the few boring ones!

~Rumilover~

LJ friendsCollage.

Brought to you by

pratibha75 and

teemus.

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live goes in waves	[Feb. 15th, 2005\|05:04 am]
Last semester was my semester of religion, academically speaking. Practice-wise, this semester has been much stronger. But last semester I was pondering and analyzing the deep questions of Islam on a daily basis. This semester is very different. There is a different theme to this semester -- human suffering. On a daily basis I read passages such as "bodies rotting on beaches, smoldering in grotesque heaps by the roadsides, and floating down rivers were daily sites during the height of state repression from 1988 to 1990." This particular except is from a reading on Sri Lanka. Each time these passages make me cry, and hurt and want to tear myself apart.
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Muharram	[Feb. 13th, 2005\|03:36 pm]
Some recent e-mails on muharram: Salaams, Sorry to those of you whose inboxes I have been filling the last few days, but there are a few things I wanted to say about why I've been so active about Muharram this year. After I attended a majlis last night, I was thinking that it must seem strange to many people who didn't even know that I was shia that I am now pushing for so much dialogue on the subject of Karbala and the martyrdom of Imam Hussain. I myself was trying to pinpoint what caused this renewed effort. Last Muharram I was in Cairo, and there obviously was not a large shia community there, so I commemorated the events by watching majlises on an British Desi cable channel. I believe that the events of Ashura 2004 were the catalysts for this change and I want to share with you my journal entry from last year's Ashura: Ashura [Mar. 2nd, 2004\|09:52 pm] Tonight I watched an Urdu ashura majlis on Vectone Urdu service. It was such a good majlis.... The saddest parts just came back to me so strongly. Hazrat Abbas having both of his arms cut off while he tried to bring water to his 4 year old niece Sakina. Six month old Ali Asghar pierced in the heart with an arrow while his father Imam Hussain was asking for water. The Imam accosted by soldiers on all sides and killed, [his head later raised on a stake and paraded through the bazaars]. The tents...lit on fire as women and children ran from one tent to another in confusion. The hijabs of the women being torn off. The earrings of Sakina being ripped from her ears... It is so sad how many Shias have been killed today. It is so ironic how the injustice in the world just continues and no one seems able to learn any lessons from the past. They were showing footage from Quetta Pakistan where there was firing on a juloos [basically a procession in commemoration of Karbala]. They then went to Karbala and showed the terrible consequence of I think 4 different suicide bombs that went off there. They were showing people running with all sorts of bloodied bodies, I saw completely mutilated bodies of men and children and I just started crying again. How can people butcher each other like this? *End of entry* This was such a turning point for me because it made me realize that the situation in the Muslim community has reached the point that people are willing to kill each other because of the absolute lack of understanding amongst Muslims. The cable network itself had received a death threat for airing a majlis at all. I saw myself as partly responsible for this ridiculous state of affairs. Each one of us who refuses to share or ask questions about the differences in the Muslim community is only solidifying ignorance. Ignorance is extremely fertile ground for hatred. A good resource on Shia Islam is http://www.al-islam.org/ Sorry again for taking up your time, but this is something that is very important to me. wa salaam, *Sadaf ALSO This is an excellent article by Mike Knight. http://www.muslimwakeup.com/main/archives/2004/03/bleeding_for_th.php Not for the faint of heart, but I think his writing really shines here.
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(no subject)	[Jan. 9th, 2005\|02:17 pm]
hats off to tiffs for having the most hilarious journal in the world!
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new years	[Jan. 4th, 2005\|02:04 pm]
For New Years I went to dinner with my parents and then stayed home. It was funny because even my parents wanted me to go to a club or something (lol). They were like "why are you depressed?" But I didn't celebrate for a few reasons: 1) too sad about the state of the world (tsunami, Iraq, election) didn't seem like such a great year. 2) To protest the entirely materialistic and consumption based culture that NYE celebrations are about -- spend lots of money, drink lots of alcohol. 3) I've realized I'm far too undisciplined for my liking. I wanted to prove that I could forgo something I love -- partying :) Amine keeps telling me I'm a radical :P
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my college essay....	[Jan. 4th, 2005\|02:02 pm]
I'm writing a personal statement for a fellowship and I thought I'd look at my college essay for inspiration. I was so cute! *************** Little Girl My little fingers entwine themselves into the loose threads hanging off the velveteen couch, and my short raspy breaths leave a transient fog on the windowpane. My home is a fortress of security; it is a metaphorical extension of the womb where everything is self-consciously familiar and comforting and safe. I live the life of an average child; my Barbie dolls and jump ropes are strewn about as I am occupied by my petty trials and tribulations. Yet permeating through all of my daily activities is the conviction that there is something more. The darkness of night seems to project an air of mystery upon my little world. The shadows hold secrets and familiar objects seem daunting and strange. Of course it is not the room itself, but the view from the window that captivates me. Silence encircles my home, but I cannot sleep. I race to my nighttime home to follow the cars with strange passengers headed to even stranger destinations. My eyes glitter in reflection of the headlights of passing cars but also with my own spark of curiosity. A lonely limousine passes by and I imagine the glamorous lives of the fortunate passengers. Even at this young age, I am a thinker. I wonder at the fact that every seemingly anonymous person has a significant life and something very valuable to offer. Minutes and hours tick away and yet I cannot seem to get enough of the world outside my window. As I sit here typing at 17, the velveteen couch is still present. My dolls and games have been replaced with CDs and dramatic scripts and scribbled love notes. These symbols of my life lie haphazardly on the floor as I type. Years have passed and my head is full with all sorts of new ideas and information, yet the feeling of something more is ever apparent. My greatest feelings of euphoria arise when I sense I have reached a newer, and hopefully higher, level of understanding. I am elated, whether I sense it during a tearful discussion concerning the meaning of love over a warm cup of coffee, or alone in my backyard on a moonlit night, or in a heated AP European History debate pertaining to whether the Protestant Reformation was historically inevitable. My face is presently illuminated by the neon glow of the computer, yet also by an overpowering feeling of expectation. I am aware that I will soon have to leave my metaphoric womb. On the verge of a new journey, I cannot help smiling, thinking of the little girl seated anxiously on the old velveteen couch, and I wonder what awaits her.
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(no subject)	[Dec. 12th, 2004\|02:19 am]
I just came across the most pretentious website in the world: http://dating.thesquare.com/cgi/parse?TPL=/doc/home/index.html&AD=Google1
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(no subject)

[Dec. 8th, 2004|10:10 pm]

You scored as Upper middle Class. Your determination have soared you this high, yet not high enough to enjoy the luxuries of the upper class. Your most valued posession is your country club membership which is kept framed in the office.

</td>

Upper middle Class

71%

alternative

71%

Middle Class

62%

Lower Class

42%

Luxurious Upper Class

38%

What Social Status are you?
created with QuizFarm.com

Woah, so I'm the not so rich and yet like to act like it type? That's horrible!!!

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I was on TV	[Dec. 6th, 2004\|01:36 am]
:http://voanews.com/english/2004-11-10-voa82.cfm
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(no subject)	[Dec. 5th, 2004\|04:05 pm]
I recently had a conversation with a Muslim guy who said "the only good thing about the Right Wing is that they keep America with some sort of moral backbone." Hmmm... 14619 to 16804 Iraqi civilians killed in a "War on Terror" justified based on an attach that killed 3,030 American civilians. Yeah, that's what I call morality... sources: http://www.september11news.com/911Art.htm http://www.iraqbodycount.net/
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(no subject)	[Dec. 2nd, 2004\|07:09 pm]
The boy in the cubicle across the aisle from me is hilarious, every once in a while he breaks into song, whisperingly, but we can all here it and then sometimes he's just groovin' to whatever music is playing on his computer...cute! I think I'm really falling in love with Arabic...it's so beautiful, if only it was easier for me to learn :(
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(no subject)

[Dec. 2nd, 2004|01:38 am]

bollywood is love

brought to you by the isLove


desis are love
brought to you by the isLove Generator


pakis are love
brought to you by the isLove Generator


islam is love
brought to you by the isLove Generator

the last one is my favorite <3

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Georgetown is Beautiful	[Oct. 29th, 2004\|03:46 am]
I just want to take a moment to say how beautiful Georgetown is and how much I love it. It's amazing in it's fall glory right now. Perhaps I'll post pictures from my "fall fantasia" photo shoot today :) In all honesty, somehow I can never get bored of walking around campus. I remember coming back for the first day this semester and thinking each place seemed so heavy with history, and yet now that I'm steeped in it, this is what I love. This is my Georgetown. The other night I was in the library and spent all the time talking to Tariq. The next night while walking back from the gym I was on the verge of tears thinking about how much I love my friends here. I think I know why I was so out of it when I first got back. It was my defense mechanism after such a difficult and distant year when these friends of mine, the pieces of my heart were far from me. It's so hard to prioritize. On the one hand this is my one experience to spend time with my beloved friends who will be God knows where in a little while. On the other hand, I have the opportunity to learn so much right now too... Sigh, I guess it isn't the worst of situation, huh? When I walk around, sometimes it is so sharp, the colors of the trees and sky and buildings so striking it seems unreal. And I thank God for letting me partake in such a beautiful dream. I love, love, love this place... all of those years of waiting were justified...
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Ramadan Mubarak	[Oct. 15th, 2004\|01:50 am]
Hey everyone! Ramadan Mubarak! I also wanted to let you guys know a poem of mine has been published in an online journal -- check it out! http://www.sspoetry.net/v2i7/1.htm On a sadder note (I hate the fact that all i seem to do here is complain...) it's ramadan and because of that I'm forced to think of my last Ramadan in Egypt. You would think I would have fond memories and would be longing for Egypt -- not in the least. Actually it makes me sad to think that. I keep wondering why Sofia and Shenaaz couldn't have been there with me first semester. I know if they had been there, it would have been a wonderful experience. we would have explored together and really gotten a feel for Ramadan in Egypt. Instead I think it was one of the most difficult and lonely times in my life. I think Sarah and I were clinically depressed. We would just sleep all time, have iftar at the cafeteria mostly and I would cry a lot. The dorm felt like a hostile prison where every walk through the lobby was like avoiding landmines. There were entire days when we would just stay in our room. We were counting down until we could leave the God-forsaken country of Egypt and go to Italy. If any of you remember, basically the only entries I had from that first semester were in Italy. I think I only had 2 or 3 iftars with other Muslims. It was the loneliest period in my life. Considering the fact that my friends and family are everything to me, I guess I should find strength in the fact that I got through it, and if I could get through that I can get through anything. Yet I still find myself hurting at just the thought of it. I thought I was past it, but I guess I'm not. I guess i need to give myself the time to heal.
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They Spoke in Silence

[Oct. 9th, 2004|10:56 am]

[	Current Mood	\|	pensive	]
[	Current Music	\|	walou	]

--Sadaf (that's me ;) ) 1/19/02

As he swirled the cream in his coffee and
she made designs with sugar on the countertop
they spoke in silence

As they discussed the mundane happenings of life
keeping the entrancing rhythm of friendly conversation
they spoke in silence

Sometimes catching each other's glances
measured pauses adding to the depth of conversation
they spoke in silence

She told him she sometimes worried about men and love
He laughed and said there were no answers to her vague questions
they spoke in silence

"No answer" she said again
and again they spoke
in the glances
and the laughter
and the silences of conversation

all the while knowing the answer was there
in the silence

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I'm not suggesting you all enter this site...	[Aug. 14th, 2004\|01:00 am]
but I thought the concept was freakin' funny as hell. http://www.fthevote.com/
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basic LJ help	[Aug. 14th, 2004\|12:37 am]
do any of y'all know how to cross-post to communities? Also, is there a way to cross-post a comment as a new journal entry? And last but not least, how do I do that cool, referring to someone by their LJ thing? I know I'm learning this stuff way late, but better late than never. This is all in preparation for some major entries I have coming up...
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Oh to summer in LA	[Aug. 6th, 2004\|12:08 am]
Basically, I've been here since June 26th and I'll leave on August 21st. It's been so incredibly nice here. The weather is awesome and my research on Al-Huda in Pakistan is actually really interesting. I think I want to settle here in LA. Today I talked to Adam and he asked me if I've ever read "Why I'm not a Muslim" by Ibn Warraq... I guess I should read it just to see what it says...
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I'm flattered, really :)

[Aug. 2nd, 2004|10:52 am]

Rumilover's LJ stalker is djflipbunny!

djflipbunny is stalking you because your LiveJournal is just SO damned interesting. They are also getting with your significant other!

LJ Stalker Finder
From Go-Quiz.com

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Pumpkin Lasagna	[Aug. 2nd, 2004\|12:56 am]
I had this yummy lasagna at a restaurant in LA today. I went with Noura (she was visiting me this week). I have my second draft of my paper due tomorrow, so obviously I'm procrastinating and looked up a recipe for pumpkin lasagna, if any of ya'll try it, let me know how it turns out. In unrelated news, this year has been the strangest, every person who has been in your life returns, type of year... In more vague and random comments, I'm amused by the fact that I'm so much more chill about my one friend who refuses to contact me. Oh well, his loss. Pumpkin Lasagna --http://www.webwombat.com.au/lifestyle/food_wine/recipes/pumpkinl.htm Ingredients 2 tbsp olive oil 2 onions, chopped 900g Swiss chard (tough stems removed, leaves washed well and chopped) 2 1/4 tsp salt 1 tsp fresh-ground black pepper 1 tsp dried sage 1/2 tsp grated nutmeg 750g (3 cups) fresh roasted pumpkin 375ml (1 1/2 cups) heavy cream 185g (1 1/2 cups) grated Parmesan cheese 125ml (1/2 cup) milk 185g of no-boil lasagne noodles 15g (1 tbsp) butter Method 1. Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan, over moderately low heat and add the onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent, about 5 minutes, in general. 2. Increase the heat to moderately high and add the chard, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, 1/2 teaspoon sage, and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg. Cook until the chard becomes wilted and no liquid remains in the pan, about 5 to 10 minutes. 3. In a medium bowl, mix together 500g (2 cups) of the pumpkin, 185ml (3/4 cup) cream, 60g (1/2 cup) Parmesan, and the remaining 1 1/4 teaspoons salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, 1/2 teaspoon sage, and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg. 4. Preheat the oven to 200C (400F). Pour the milk into a baking dish. Place one third of the noodles in the baking dish then spread half the pumpkin mixture over the noodles. Layer half the Swiss chard over the pumpkin and top with a second layer of noodles. 5. Repeat with another layer of pumpkin, Swiss chard, and noodles. 6. Combine the remaining 250g (1 cup) of pumpkin and 185ml (3/4 cup) of cream. Spread the mixture evenly over the top of the lasagne, sprinkle with the remaining 125g (1 cup) of Parmesan, and dot with the butter. 7. Cover with aluminium foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake until golden, about 15 minutes more. Tip: Spinach can be used instead of chard.
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"ethnic" clothing?	[Jul. 26th, 2004\|06:25 pm]
http://www.desiwear.com/ any thoughts?
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You know when you're teary for no reason?

[Jul. 24th, 2004|11:44 pm]

[

Current Music

Har Taraf (Feat. Samira Said)

]

Like anything slightly depressing or even happy or uplifting makes you all teary-eyed? That's how I feel right now. I'm listing to this song and it's making me feel so.... I don't know. I haven't updated on LA really, but I will I promise. I had forgotten how nice it is to work in your own room late at night with all the comforts of home (I'm at my aunt's place tonight working on my paper). I hope this paper works out well, I feel as though my whole future in academia (or lack thereof) depends on my ability to do a good job. Okay, enough procrastinating!

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changes in women's dress in Pakistan and India	[Jul. 18th, 2004\|06:50 pm]
Hey everyone, I'm trying to write a research paper about women's "piety movements" in Pakistan and I was wondering if any of you could help me out. I want to focus on both the homogenization of Islam -- specifically with reference to the changes of clothing of Pakistani and Indian Muslim women -- as well as the hyper-modern ideology that many of these movements to "Islamize" women's dress espouse. This whole topic was inspired by a friend's comments that more and more women in Pakistan seem to be wearing burkhas and niqab, but I'm having a difficult time finding any scholarly work or statistics about it. I would really appreciate any input you or any suggestions for books, journals or websites that I might refer to as well as any personal or anecdotal comments. Thanks! *Sadaf
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the first poem I ever wrote...	[Jun. 21st, 2004\|04:44 pm]
Entanglement From the first beautifully tragic syllable that emerged from your soul and slipped past your lips My heart has been entrapped Like no other being Your words express the uncovered emotions at my core Though our words may be insignificant in the end For a brief, blissful moment our souls escape our bodies and entwine in an inescapably complicated lovers knot. This beautiful, winding dance, This heart-wrenching motion all all that can be envisioned as I dream Each inevitable separation destroys a part of my soul That cannot be replenished But there is endless joy in awaiting The next entanglement
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back home	[Jun. 2nd, 2004\|12:16 pm]
imagine waking up and not knowing where you are. This was definitely my feeling when I woke up my first day back in Chicago. It was strange, I was expecting to see my bed, in my apartment and look over my balcony and sit under my chandeliers in my living room and watch my TV, but in the end none of those things ended up being mine. I get very attached to spaces and as I paced back and forth across my appartment I stopped and felt the constriction in my chest and almost started crying but said "not now." That night at my dinner everyone kept asking me "how do you have so many friends?" and I thought what a contrast it was to last semester. That moment I thought: I really have made some great friends in Cairo who I will miss dearly. The people who really mean something to me I will most probably see again, but the problem is that we will not be all together like we are now.
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long time no post	[May. 18th, 2004\|06:52 pm]
It's been forever since I've posted and so much has happened in my life I don't even know where do start. I think at some point I'll backtrack and cover my travels to Lebanon, Syria and Jordan, but for now I'll settle on the simple joy of a Naseer Shamma concert last night at the Cairo Opera House. I love Sofia because she's actually proactive about the things that I just think about doing. She went over to the opera house earlier that day and we (Shenaaz, Sofia, me, Tristan and Naveed) got all dressed up and headed over there. I think this is the most pictures I've taken with a group since the prom, but it was a good time, and everyone looked soooo nice. Why can't boys wear suits all the time? Anyways, the opera house itself was beautiful and I experienced that same feeling I have anytime I do something that I haven't done in Egypt before and think "yes, this is amazing, but why did I wait so long??? What was I doing last semester?" As we were listening to him play the 'oud, I had this beautiful feeling inside, it really is as if the vibrations are going straight to your soul, the sound of longing to return to the Divine. And yet there I was, steeped in my fantasy world thinking "how much more beautiful would this be if I had someone to share it with?" Who will that person ever be? Does he exist? I'm glad I caught myself and thought "no, it will never be more beautiful than it is now, don't let your pessimism take hold of this beauty and turn it in to something it's not." When I really sat there and focused on the music, opened my heart, I entered such a state of joy. As always I thanked God that I had such a beautiful and painful life -- could here the sounds of his strings, could sit in the gorgeous concert hall and gaze with childlike fascination at the lamps on the sides of the aisles. I always have been easily pleased, but I think of it as a virtue. I feel disgusted with myself if I get too caught up in sophistication. As if beauty is only the pleasure of the aristocracy. Sofia was translating Shamma's comments to us, and I hope inshallah I'll understand arabic as well as Sofia does someday. Like I said earlier though, I really regretted the fact that I'd never been to the opera before. I keep thinking about how this semester has been so amazing in so many ways, mostly due to the company of the amazing friends that I've had here: Sofia, Shenaaz, Naveed, Nema, Dina, Ryan, Matt, Tom and soo many more. Naveed made a comment about me disappearing with Sarah last semester and it ws really interesting because I had just been thinking about my first semester here. Why did I allow myself to be so depressed? I thanked Sofia and told her how I felt like I didn't have people to go with to stuff like this last semester to which she said "I didn't really care about going with a group, I would have gone by myself." Maybe I do stick by the group mentality too much, but I don't think that's it. Perhaps I was punishing myself last semester. What was wrong with me? I don't know, I think more than anything I was just lost. Everything that I thought I could count on had disappeared. We also went to a Sufi concert at the El Sawi cultural center a few weeks ago which was really really amazing. They had timed it exactly between prayer times and the entire audience was entranced by them. Whenever I hear music like that, the kind that moves your soul, I think of Rumi and his description of the reed flute. The reason why it makes that song of longing is because it has been separated from it's source, which is the Earth. The song of the reed flute is just like the song of our lives, it sings of our longing for the Divine. Amazing times in the land of the Nile. I was so sad yesterday when I drove to school in the shuttle and thought "soon enough, I won't be crossing the Nile to get to school" that whole commute has always served at the metaphor for my existence in Egypt, but it was really thinking about people I was leaving that made my heart ache. The goodbyes started already when I saw Nema the day he was leaving for Sicily. As he walked away I said "bye Nema" in my sad voice and wanted to give him a hug or something. But he just wagged his finger and said "don't be sad" and walked away,
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Second law of thermodynamics	[Mar. 31st, 2004\|08:18 pm]
my lips thirst for yours my heart quickens at your approach desire and desire will it ever come to fruition or will this heat dissipate and neutralize like a force affected by the second law of thermodynamics
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googlism.com takes over the world	[Mar. 31st, 2004\|02:57 pm]
sadaf is a nuthead sadaf is a registered trademark of soofer co sadaf is owned 50% by sabic and 50% by pecten arabian company sadaf is a joint venture of shell and saudi arabia basic industries corp sadaf is exceptional in many ways sadaf is trying to say happy birthday dad sadaf is now a great company with a strong culture that values efficiency and enjoys strong support from two global players sadaf is an urdu nastalique word processor sadaf is available as in http sadaf is a sabic affiliate that manufactures mtbe and other products sadaf is six monthly computer magazine sadaf is one of the jewels in shell's crown and i'm excited and proud to be working with such a company sadaf is for the woman who takes pride in her rich heritage and values sadaf is zelfs nog e sadaf is a joint venture with shell usa sadaf is now serving as the director of washington operations for the alan blinken for senator of idaho campaign sadaf is out on $50 sadaf is also going ahead with plans to upgrade existing capacity of 460 sadaf is asst sadaf is 11 jaar sadaf is currently working for the baan company in reston sadaf is vital in understanding the diffusion of drugs through the system because she has a background in transport phenomena in biological processes sadaf is 50% partnership with shell sadaf is married to a guy called moin who works for citina at the world trade center sadaf is absolutely horrified because they just did evolution in school sadaf is 2 sadaf is significant for cms since it positions the company as an important player in the forthcoming private sector power sadaf is sadaf is the first born in a family of five sisters sadaf is the leading pair with ntr sadaf is slowly growing its own loyal following sadaf is surrounded by a white aura sadaf is the best aint workin sadaf is so lame <33333333 annie sadaf is used to distribute the limited budget among the continuous training activities while sadaf is relaxing sadaf is a 50/50 joint venture with shell and came on stream in 1985 sadaf is doing the same thing also sadaf is a 50 sadaf is then utilized in constructing a coordinate representation for the kinetic energy part of the triatomic hamiltonian for nuclear motion sadaf is totally urging me to do
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can you BELIEVE this????	[Mar. 30th, 2004\|03:29 pm]
I got this from Badmash.org "Can you believe the new George Bush ad?? I guess he thinks all brown folk are terrorists" click here: http://www.mahootmedia.com/mt/archives/000121.php
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Amazing Friday	[Mar. 20th, 2004\|10:25 am]
I had a really good time yesterday hanging out with Shenaaz, Murat, Naveed, Anders, and Nema. Shenaaz and I practically spent the whole day together. First we went to Jumma at our usual mosque. It feels so good to go to Friday prayer with people who I feel comfortable with. Shenaaz tells me I'm a godsend, but I'd probably say that she is a godsend for me. I mean how often do you meet someone that you click with so quickly? We've only known each other for a couple of months but I feel like I can be so honest with her. So we went to jumma and then met Naveed and Murat outside the masjid. They invited us over to see their place and we ended up staying for a while just talking about school and summer plans and stuff. I was talking to Murat and I realized, yes, it is important for me to learn Arabic, but if I start Farsi or work on my Urdu this summer, it might be better because those are languages I am more passionate about. I absolutely love Farsi, and it's really a shame I don't speak it. Shenaaz and I had lunch at good old eurodeli, she dropped by my place and then went home and I went to the gym. At the gym I met Anders, this intern who's always ready to engage me in a political discussion, lol. So I'm on the treadmill, huffing and puffing away while we're having a discussion on Bush's "Greater Middle East project" what we want to do with our lives, defining the Self, tons of deep stuff. Then I came home and quickly got ready to go the Khan el Khalili. Once we got there, Nema treated Shenaaz and me to yummy ruz be laban (rice pudding basically). It was great :) It was actually very cool to go with nema, because he actually knew the store owners and just, I dunno, it was nice. Then we went shopping and we all went a little lantern crazy, each buying 2 lanterns. They're beautiful though – I bought one that is star shaped and should throw gorgeous shadows on the wall and one that says "Allah" on all four sides, it's really nice. We're also planning on buying shishas later this week. Nema's really nice though, and super-funny, although the conversation did turn sexual a bit too much. For example he insists that 1) I'm a lesbian and want Shenaaz and Sofia, 2) that i'm a nymphomaniac because I like hugging people so much. Then we came back to Zamalek and Naveed joined us for dinner at Coffee Roastary. It was really good as usual. We then headed back to my place where my bowab was being really obnoxious. They say I should tell my landlady but I just think this man could make my life hell if he wanted to. I just don't think it's worth it. Nema took his stuff and left pretty quickly. Then me, Shenaaz and Naveed just talked about all sorts of stuff, mostly MSA or Islam related. It was really, really interesting to see the different views different people had on MSAs and how similar the drama was at different ones. Shenaaz wants to do social work with Muslim communities and I think that is so amazing. She was talking about how at her school this one girl wanted to convert, and she was getting ready to take shahada, but hadn't said she wanted to do it. Yet lots of "brothers" and "sisters" were really pressuring her. Then, at the Eid banquet some girls told her "we really think you should give shahada now," and she did it, isn't that terrible??? Omg, just to show her off as if they're so good they won her to their side. How disgusting. Naveed was talking about all the stuff he's done for his MSA and although every time Shenaaz was like "that's really good" he kind of played it off, but it really is admirable in a lot of ways. Actually, a person should be humble about their efforts or accomplishments but you just don't see it that often. Then he went on to talk about the khutbas he's given at school and they were all really good, but one literally made Shenaaz say, "you're blowing us away." Lol, honestly though, it was SUCH a good example and SO well stated. He told me he'd e-mail it to me, but I have to write it down soon so I don't forget. His khutba was about "etiquette of dawa" and he gave this long drawn out example of how he used to sell vacuum cleaners door to door. At first he wasn't selling any because he would just tell people what their machine didn't have, and what his did what he called "breaking down the machine." He didn't understand why he wasn't selling anything and his boss told him it was because he was hurting the pride of those people. He said the framework that you have to work with is that both machines are trying to do the same thing. Honestly, when he set that, it was as if a light bulb went off in my head. I was literally like "damn!" What an amazing way to put it! Religion is like a vacuum cleaner! :) So he continues: show them what theirs picks up, and then show them what your machine can do. Basically they're both trying to do the same thing, one just does it more efficiently. So I expressed my admiration of this example, to which he said "perennialism" in his "I'm mad at you voice," lol. Okay, so there's no way that you guys could have gotten the feeling of how this example worked because the timing was absolutely impeccable, but I tried to give some sort of sense of it. How are some people so damn smart?
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this e-mail kind of freaked me out...	[Mar. 20th, 2004\|10:25 am]
March 18, 2004 Dear Members of the Georgetown University community: This morning local law enforcement authorities notified us about the possibility of a threat today against unspecified schools in Washington, DC. There is no more detailed information about the kinds of schools, locations or particular threat. Although there is no specific information that leads us to believe that our campus is a particular target we are nonetheless taking all possible precautions to be alert to this situation and urge you to do the same. The Department of Public Safety has been put on alert to be extra vigilant, increasing its patrols of campus and vehicles entering and near the campus perimeter. Building and floor marshals have been notified of this situation and asked to check their respective areas for any unusual signs. The University’s emergency response team also stands ready to assist in any activities that may be necessary. We are continuing our contact with local authorities and will be closely monitoring this situation throughout the day. I ask any member of the Georgetown community to be aware of his or her surroundings and to notify DPS immediately at (202) 687-4343 of any signs of trouble. Again let me reiterate that we do not believe that this is a specific threat against Georgetown University or our campus community. We will keep you informed if any further information arises that would cause a change in campus operations. You can always check the emergency preparedness website at http://preparedness.georgetown.edu for information on responding to emergency situations. Thank you for your cooperation. David Morrell VP for University Safety
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Kabhi Kabhi mere dil me...	[Mar. 14th, 2004\|04:28 pm]
It was an all Desi weekend here in Cairo. It started off at my friend Damian's place on Thursday night. I met Damian and his girlfriend Farah in my Islamic Philosophy class. Damian is the son of the Ambassador from India so we had some yummy yummy food and gulab jamun for dessert. It was quite an interesting evening and I ended up talking to all sorts of people. Damian's grandmother was talking to me about how you can still find good women servants in Pakistan but not in India. I even spoke some urdu/hindi, which was funny because it was like our secret language which no one else understands. Then on Friday some of us went for the Holi celebration at the Indian Embassy. It was so fun! There were so many cute girls there who were willing o bust out dancing to Indian music with me. We threw that colored powder all over each other and then we danced the whole time. Saturday was a good day in that I had that great feeling you get when you do your fajr prayer on time, and do the rest of your prayers in line with the azaan. I spent most of the day reading on my balcony. So right now I'm in the library talking to Naveed about mosques and khutbas that stick. Like the thieves who made the boy eat samosas... Naveed is probably one of the coolest people I’ve ever met. I find that I just want to listen to him talk and I know that I could learn so much from him. As usual when I saw the footage of the subway attacks in Spain I wanted to crawl into a cave and disappear. Muslims have to do something about these murderers... We have to somehow gain control of the dangerous interpretations of own religion...
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from an e-mail i wrote today	[Mar. 9th, 2004\|06:34 pm]
I often feel as if life is so hard, whenever you feel like you've dealt with it all, it gives you new ways to suffer. But that is the essence of life. In some way we're purified through our suffering. This thought is the only thing that helps me through these times. Meaninglessness, emptiness, pointless existence... welcome to my life. I used to have major issues, and I still do have to grapple with them from time to time, but my solution has been this. Despite all the suffering and the pain in this life there is still so much beauty and love -- and maybe we wouldn't experience the good as dramatically if we didn't experience the bad. We're all here trying to construct the most beautiful story we can out of bits and symbolism...we're simply living life and that itself is beautiful. Rumi always gives me meaning, so I'll give it a try: * We have a huge barrel of wine, but no cups. That's fine with us. Every morning we glow and in in the evening we glow again. They say there's no future for us. They're right. Which is fine with us. * A COMMUNITY OF THE SPIRIT There's a community of the spirit. Join it and feel the delight of walking in the noisy street, and being the noise. Drink all your passions and be a disgrace. Close both eyes to see with the other eye. Sit down in this circle. Quit acting like a wolf, and feel the shepherd's love filling you. At night your beloved wanders. Don't accept consolations. Close your mouth against food. Taste the lover's mouth in yours. You moan "she left me." "He left me." Twenty more will come. Be empty of worrying. Think of who created thought! Why do you stay in prison when the door is so wide open? Move outside the tangle of fear-thinking. Live in silence. Flow down and down in always widening rings of being ***
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Ashura	[Mar. 2nd, 2004\|09:52 pm]
Tonight I watched an Urdu ashura majlis on Vectone Urdu service. It was such a good majlis. I cried so much, I haven’t seen an Ashura majlis that I’ve actually understood in a few years. Since I’ve been at Georgetown, we go to Aliakbar’s Iranian masjid and it’s all in Farsi. The saddest parts just came back to me so strongly. Hazrat Abbas having both of his arms cut off while he tried to bring water to his 4 year old niece Sakina. Six month old Ali Asghar pierced in the heart with an arrow while his father Imam Hussain was asking for water. The Imam accosted by soldiers on all sides and killed. The tents being lit on fire as women and children run from one tent to another in confusion. The hijab’s of the women being torn off. The earrings of Sakina being ripped from her ears. The saddest part is always when Hur’s wife brings water and Zaynab wakes Sakina to ask her to drink. Sakina’s first question is if her uncle Abbas has returned. Her second request is that Zaynab drink first to which Zaynab replies, “you drink first, the youngest one’s drink before the older” to which Sakina says, “then bring Ali Asghar, he’s the youngest of us all.” I was really moved by this majlis. They then started some nohas, but quickly changed to the news. It is so sad how many Shias have been killed today. It is so ironic how the injustice in the world just continues and no one seems able to learn any lessons from the past. They were showing footage from Quetta Pakistan where there was firing on a juloos. They then went to Karbala and showed the terrible consequence of I think 4 different suicide bombs that went off there. They were showing people running with all sorts of bloodied bodies, I saw completely mutilated bodies of men and children and I just started crying again. How can people butcher each other like this? Love for the family of the Prophet is equal to a death sentence? They were also showing Kashmir and battles with the police in Shrinagar and in other areas of India. How can this continue? A couple of days ago I was thinking that I should have planned to go to Karbala for Ashura. Imagine that, I could have been killed. People are dying just like that all over the world, killed in cold blood. They also showed the Israelis bulldozing yet another house down and at this point I couldn’t take it anymore. I just cried out “WHY?” why is life so nasty, brutish and short? Deep inside I know it’s because life must be or else it would be perfection and there would be no distinction between the world and the Divine, but the suffering... Yesterday I went to Al-Hussain for Zuhur namaaz with Esra and Shenaaz. IT was really nice. We read some Qur’an and prayed and I thought how lucky I was to find Muslims, especially Shia Muslims, who were so similar to me. We wanted to do something in the spirit of Muharram. I can’t think of many kids my age who would do anything if so far from home. It’s interesting. Last night I went to their place and we read through the history. It was a good way to get a sense of what exactly was going on.
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