PIGEON OF HARAM

The Lonely Servant

2010-02-17T17:05:00.003+03:30

I was so blessed to do my voluntary service at the holy shrine of Imam Reza (AS) just on the martyrdom anniversary of my dear Imam.

While standing around and guiding the mourning pilgrims, I was thinking how sorrowful must have felt the special servant of Imam Reza (AS) who accompanied him day and night and witnessed his sad martyrdom. The lonely servant must have been in floods of tears for losing his kind Imam.

I thought I could estimate my sincerity in serving him by testing how much I can endure his separation; how much I can be a lonely servant!

Another Miracle of Islam

2009-09-25T22:42:00.012+03:30

Not by chance; it’s totally by choice. ‘Seek and you shall find.’

Surrounded by so many miracles, every day we seek miracles to prove that Islam is the right path. We usually fail to see several brothers and sisters who choose Islam as miracles. They are modern interpretations of the Holy Quran where it says, ‘As for those who strive in Us, We surely guide them to Our paths …’ (29:69)

Mardiyyah Taylor, the British revert sister, is another miracle of Islam who inspired me with her words.

How did you live before coming to Islam?

My Islamic name is Mardiyyah. I am nearly 52 years old, married with three children and two grandsons aged 4 and 2. I say now that I have three children unfortunately my youngest son was killed in February 2005 at the age of 23 in a car accident. I guess there is really no need to mention him but I still can’t say I have only two children it is like denying his existence so you will have to bear with me. I converted to Islam just six years ago in April 2002.

I was brought up as a Methodist (a non-conformist Protestant Christian); Protestant, being non Roman Catholic, non-conformist being not Church of England. I am the eldest of three daughters from a very close extended family. My great grandfather helped to build a Methodist Church in his village breaking away from his family’s belief in the Church of England, so I guess I am taking after him. I was sent to chapel (church) each Sunday and at the age of fourteen became a Sunday School Teacher. I always enjoyed Religious Education and passed all my exams, however even then I remember not being entirely happy with Christianity. For one reason I couldn’t accept that God had a son. I lived in a small town and never had contact with non-Christians or people from other countries. I do remember going on a Church Outing to London and seeing women wearing Niqab and was told that they were forced to dress like that. I found that hard to accept even then. I don’t remember anyone ever telling me about Muslims or Islam but somehow I knew the name of the Holy Prophet (pbuh), I knew that Muslims prayed 5 times a day, I knew their church was a mosque, etc.

Anyway I eventually met my husband who told me he was an atheist and when we married I used this as an excuse to stop going to chapel. When our children were born we did however have them christened I guess because of family pressure but also because we had a good upbringing to respect our elders and to be honest, etc. and we didn’t know what else to do. Life carried on like this for many years.

How did it happen to seek the truth about Islam with such a strong Christian background?

Gradually over time I would read articles in newspapers about other religions and other cultures. I would often stand up for other people if family or friends criticised their customs. I figured that they should be allowed to live their lives in their way without interference or criticism from anyone. I remember being particularly annoyed when there were news reports of British/European/American people being punished under Shariah Law in the Middle East. I figured if you went to a foreign country and broke their laws then you had to accept their punishment. I still believe this very strongly but it also has to apply the other way and if people from abroad break our laws then they have to accept the consequences. Anyway about 18 years ago now I started reading much more I would read anything and everything I came across about Islam I watched every news item I could see I loved looking at books of Islamic Architecture I loved looking at Muslim women in books and on TV and thinking how peaceful they looked I could never see the oppression that everyone else saw.

In 1999 I decided to do something I had wanted to do for a long time and that was to go and work in London. I now found even more time to read. I would spend my lunch hours in the big bookshops there with a cup of coffee and read and read. Let me say at this point I was a very normal western woman interested in Music, Fashion, looking after my home etc. To socialise my husband I would go to Pubs, Restaurants, theatres etc with our friends. It was quite normal for me to go for a drink (alcohol) with workmates before going home - I had quite a stressful job. Anyway gradually I found myself changing I would stop drinking alcohol for a time, I dressed rather more discreetly i.e. longer sleeves, longer dresses then I would realise what I was doing and would tell myself not to be stupid, that I wasn’t a Muslim, that I could sympathise with Muslims but I was a Christian, I wasn’t A Muslim and I would go back to my old ways.

A Muslim friend who I had met some years earlier bought me an English translation of the Holy Quran. (This spurred me on to finding out more about Islam as I believed this person to be quite a poor Muslim, Astaghfirullah. I knew they didn’t pray, they ate pork, they drank alcohol, in fact very Western.) So many things in the Quran that couldn’t possibly have been known when it was given to the Holy Prophet fascinated me. And of course I realised that Prophet Issa (as) was just that a Prophet and not God’s son and that Muslims believed in all the Old Testament Prophets. I then bought myself a book called Teach yourself Islam. One day I decided to pray, “as Muslims do”. Wow! The sense of tranquillity and feeling of peace is still with me today.

What consequences had you to bear as a new Muslim?

By this time I was on my second job in London this time working for a Theatre Producer of top Broadway (New York) shows. I knew it would be difficult for me to say that I was a Muslim there but I knew I wanted to find good Muslims to have contact with and to tell my family. However, one lunch time I was sitting reading and having coffee when my daughter phoned to say a plane had crashed into the twin towers. I knew my telling people would have to wait. I spent quite a lot of time in the next few weeks defending Muslims against criticism from family, friends and colleagues. In the January of 2002 I lost my job. The tourism industry in London was badly hit after 9/11 and we had shows that closed. I took the decision this was a sign from Allah that I should concentrate on learning about Islam, so I got a job near home and only part time. I contacted two websites both of which answered and offered me help. I decided to make contact with people from the nearest to my home. One Saturday I took myself to this town and was met by the Brother, who had answered my enquiry, he introduced me to some sisters and I went to my first Tawheed class.

Now in my ignorance I thought I could be “just a Muslim”. I knew there were Sunnis and Shias but didn’t understand the meaning of the words. I knew Shias were in Iran and had been responsible for the American embassy siege and in the Iranian embassy siege in London. Let me say I hadn’t really paid much attention at the time of either; I had just accepted our press version of events. I remember seeing footage of Ayatollah Khomenei returning to Tehran and hearing that he would “cause all manner of problems” but I remember thinking that he looked calm, peaceful and honest but everyone else was saying he was evil. Little did I realise that less than 20 years later I would be standing in his shrine. Anyway it quickly became apparent that what these sisters and brothers were teaching was fine in some ways but in others I was very confused. Why were they so pleased with Ayesha but nothing or very little was said about Lady Fatimah? Who was Abu Bakr? Why did they keep saying he had followed the Holy Prophet? What had happened to Imam Ali (as)? I was very confused. I decided to meet with the sister from the other website, hence my introduction to Sister Zaynab (who introduced me to you) and her husband. They sat with me and answered questions some very basic about etiquette and practise, prayers, etc. and then one day I said, “I don’t get it. I thought this happened.” and they said but they are the beliefs of Shias. They still tease me about the look on my face even now they laughed and said, “Oh yeah. We are the trouble makers, aren’t we?” Alhamdullillah from then on I knew I was on the right path. Six years have passed since then and my only regret is that I did my Shahada with the first group I met who actually turned out to be Wahabis.

How do you feel now as a Muslim?

Life can be very lonely at times because even though my family have been very accepting of decision, I have no one to share it with on a daily basis. I have come to rely on my many new friends (Sunni, Sufi and Shia) to help me. I love my family very much and they accept that I wear Jilbab and Hijab and won’t do certain things and I think my husband in particular is wonderful as it must be very difficult for him as when people see me they automatically think he is Muslim and he has to explain he isn’t, that he doesn’t speak Arabic etc. Saying all this, his beliefs are very similar to most Muslims and mine but he however believes that religion causes problems and we should keep our beliefs to ourselves.

Was there any supernatural event, such as a dream, effective in your conversion?

I have to be honest and say I don’t think so. I have no recollection of anything and certainly had no idea until after I converted that Muslims pay so much attention to dreams. As far as I am aware my conversion came about over many years from an interest in religion and dissatisfaction in Christianity.

There are various sects within Christianity, especially within Protestants where you came from. How did you feel when you came across various sects within Islam? Did it cause you confusion?

When I converted I knew of Sunni and Shia and had heard of Sufis (but wasn’t sure how they fitted into Islam). However, I thought I would be able to be ‘just a Muslim’ and live by the 5 pillars but when the Sunnis with whom I did my Shahada started telling me to accept certain things such as, amongst others, that Abu Bakr was the legitimate leader after the Prophet (pbuh) and that he (the Prophet (pbuh)) had not said that Imam Ali should be the next leader, and then also that Shias make ‘such a fuss’ (their words not mine) during Muharram because they (the Shias) killed Hussein (as), I realised life was not going to be that easy and I remember feeling a great sense of disappointment rather than confusion. I had felt that I had found the perfect religion and someone had just spoilt it all. It took me quite a while to realise that I had to stand up and say I am a Shia. This wasn’t easy as at the time I was volunteering at an Islamic nursery run by a Wahabi/Salafi Sunni, who was soon to offer me a full time position as Bursar/Admin Manager not only in the nursery but also in the Islamic School- but I did!

What’s your job now?

I am the Human Resource & Training Manager for a Care Agency. We supply care staff into residential and nursing homes. We also supply staff to local government day care centres. I am very lucky that my boss is Muslim and the husband of a friend. I am lucky because it is easy for me to pray at work–which isn’t always the case in the UK- and I can dress as I wish, again this isn’t always the case.

Your conversion must have aroused a lot of questions about Islam, especially about wearing Hijab, among your friends and family. How do you answer their questions? How did your replies change their minds?

Surprisingly it didn’t raise a lot of questions. Like a lot of English families mine do not discuss religion. It is, like politics, something that in many homes is thought best kept to ourselves. My husband although is beliefs are very similar to my own fervently believes that religion and politics if discussed or expressed openly highlights differences and causes problems.

One or two people did try to appear interested but made sure I know that I shouldn’t try to force my beliefs and opinions on them. So long as I do this they are prepared to respect my beliefs. For example, most of my friends and family are happy for me to pray at their homes, my parents and daughter will buy halal meat, others will ensure there is either a suitable fish or vegetarian dish for me at meals. My sister who is a hairdresser and has her own salon will make sure she has no male clients when I am going for treatments and so on.

I do try and have meals for them at times like Eid when I attempt to explain about the occasion. My husband was quite happy when I did prayers for my son when he was killed. I attempt at times like Christmas to explain that this is a date that was just plucked from the air by early Christians and to coincide with pagan mid winter festivals and that really they don’t know the real date of Jesus’ birthday. I also make sure they know that Issa (as), Musa (as) and Abraham (as) are revered Prophets in Islam.

I think possible the Hijab issue is one thing they have learnt, that Muslim women are not forced to wear it. Obviously being married to a non-Muslim this is one thing I can really highlight.

I do have a certain amount of guilt about some of the above and actually having to write this for you has made me more aware of this. I do feel I have neglected my responsibilities as a Muslim to explain Islam to non-Muslims and I certainly feel now that my son is not with us that I failed him in not talking to him when I had the opportunity. May Allah forgive me.

Why is the number of women converting to Islam larger than that of men?

Women in the west are told that they can have everything- they can have a wonderful career, they can be the best mother, the best wife, they can look like a supermodel etc. etc. We are encouraged to look glamorous at all times to wear clothes that make us obvious and attractive to all men regardless of whether we are married or not. Too much is expected by us and from us. The pressure is immense. Many women are beginning to realise that yes, we can have a career but there is also nothing more important than being a good mother and wife. Why do we need to make ourselves attractive to every man we meet? Why do we need to feel the need to put on our best make up, our best clothes and to laugh and joke with men–just for a job interview? Women have started to look for fulfilment elsewhere and Islam teaches amongst other things that ‘mothers are the best of creatures’-why be ashamed of it?

Men in the west do not have these pressures on them and are in the main happy with their lives-they have good jobs, they have their children, they have their wives to run their homes and to take out and show off as a ‘trophy’. They have not yet found the need to look for something else. Please do not think all men and women are as described above; they aren’t.

What do you think to be the strengths and weaknesses of Muslim Women?

Muslim women through the ages have been a great example to their families. Women from the time of the Prophet (sawa) and the women with Imam Hussein (as) showed more courage than any other women in history. The horror they saw and the humiliation they were subjected to was immense and yet they never allowed this to damage their belief in Allah or in Islam. Muslim women today are often persecuted sometimes by their own people such as in ‘forced marriage’ something the Prophet (sawa) spoke out against and yet it does still happen; something very different to a mutually arranged marriage between a man and a woman and sometimes by so called liberators of their countries. Certainly remembering the strength of the women of Karbala helped me when my own son was killed.

As for the weakness of Muslim women, I think the main weakness here in the west is our failure to stand up and say the men do not persecute us. So many people here believe that women are forced to cover, forced to stay at home and look after their families and homes, that given the chance we would all run away and go drinking and clubbing. Most of us –and I include myself in this fail to say, “I do this for Allah; this is how He instructed me to dress. I am not ashamed to say I am a wife and mother. There is no more important job than bringing my children up to understand and practise Allah’s religion.” I am a Muslim woman practising my religion and yet living with a non-Muslim husband; who is forcing me?

How do you compare between a Muslim woman’s role in her family and bringing up the children and a non-Muslim’s?

I can only speak as a Christian mother (which I was, my children were all adults before I converted to Islam). In that I see very little difference and I think we have very similar values. My children were brought up to be honest, truthful, hardworking and loyal to their family and friends, all qualities I am sure any Muslim mother anywhere would recognise. As a Christian I brought my children up to go to Chapel (church), I brought them up to know who Abraham and Moses were and who Jesus was. Of course now if I could I would go back and tell them who he really was-a revered Prophet of Islam and not the Son of God. How a mother speaks and educates her children is so important; it is the basis for their adult life and all mothers want the best for their children but they also have to know when to let go –‘to let go of the apron strings’ as we say in England.

How are non-Muslim women familiar with Lady Fatimah Al-Zahra (as)?

I think most non-Muslims have no knowledge whatever of specific Muslim women not even Maryam mother of Issa (as). They are always very surprised when they learn that she is so highly revered in Islam. Most, I believe see Islam as a religion dominated by men and are really surprised when they learn how Lady Fatima (as) delivered sermons and how treasured she was both by her father the Holy Prophet (sawa) and by her husband Ameer ul Momineen (as).

If you mean women in general there is so much they do not know and understand. Most still see them as being dominated by men, being forced into marriage, and imagine that they are all uneducated and being forced to wear Hijab and drab clothes. At the moment all reporting of Muslim women like Islam in general tends to be from a negative viewpoint. Although we have Islamic lifestyle magazines that are great, I doubt very much if they are read by non-Muslims. No articles are ever written about Muslim women in mainstream publications.

As a western Muslim woman, how do you get close to Lady Fatimah (as)?

As a Muslim woman first and foremost I try to put my belief in Allah first in my life, not always successfully, I hasten to add I am not Hazrat Fatima (as). After that my husband, family including my parents come next. To pray, always think of others; I try to remember how Hazrat Fatima (as) cooked and cleaned for herself some days so that her slave girl had time to pray and do things for herself; to give to charity-to remember how Hazrat Fatima(as) and members of her family would often give what little food they had to beggars- to remember how she observed Hijab – that its not just necessary for us to wear a scarf but to understand why we wear it and to understand the Inner Hijab which is also necessary-averting our eyes, not listening to things like “Pop Music” which in this Internet society is a definite drawback, etc.

Having been to Majlis for the Martyrdom of Hazrat Fatima and listened to the lectures about her, as a Muslim I fail to see how we cannot help but be drawn close to her. However for non-Muslims and even for Sunni Muslims who are really not interested in hearing about her if I am honest I do not know how they can feel close to her. I guess the one criticism I have of Shias (in England at least) is that they are not particularly good at going out and explaining Islam. They wait for people to come to them and I believe this is the one reason that converts in the west get to drawn to Sunnis, Salafi and Wahabi in particular because they make it their business to go and stand on the streets with leaflets, etc. and give “Da’wah”.

Have you ever made a trip to Iran?

I came to Iran in May 2004 with an Iranian born friend and three Iraqi ladies. I had only been a Muslim for about two years and hadn’t really thought seriously about making any trips except for praying that I would one day get to go on Hajj. Anyway one night I had a dream which I really didn’t understand- in the dream I was somewhere I didn’t recognise, there were many women sitting around pools with fountains when I suddenly noticed one man sitting there, everyone else seemed oblivious to him. I asked what he was doing there as everyone else was female and he said “but I belong here”. I decided that I would ask the opinion of some friends what they thought the dream meant. The following weekend before I had a chance to ask, my friend said she was thinking of going to Iran purely for her own benefit (she frequently takes groups to Iran and Syria) but wondered if I would like to accompany her. I jumped at the chance and was really pleased that the first time I was to fly and leave England would be to go to Iran.

We went on to the shrines of Shah Abdul Azeem and from there on to Qum and the Haram of Lady Masoumeh. We spent a few days there going on the Tuesday to Jamkaran Mosque and on the way back to Tehran airport for our flight to Mashhad we went to the shrine of Ayatollah Khomenei. By the time I arrived in Mashad I was quite ill and I continued to get worse. Although I went to the Haram and performed the Ziyarat of Imam Reza, and heard Dua Kumayl recited on the Thursday evening I decided I was being unfair to my companions and decided to change my flight and fly home alone after just one week, something I now really regret.

My visit to Iran was definitely memorable. Whether my dream was of any significance I’m not sure; many places have the pools and fountains of my dream, so….

Please write some sentences on/to Imam Reza (as).

I remember after trying to explain how difficult it is sometimes trying to live as we have been shown by the example of Ahyul Bayt in this day, being told by Sister Zaynab’ husband that a saying of Imam Reza (as) was “This world is a prison for the Mu’min and a paradise for the unbeliever”. If I could spend the rest of my life truly feeling that I was in this prison continually, Alhamdullillah I would be truly happy but I fear I keep getting parole!

What is your message to Muslim (especially Iranian) Women?

To continue striving to become more educated, and to play an increasingly important part in the lives of their countries, alongside their most important role in life of wife and mother. Doing this though they must ensure they do not compromise their beliefs in Islam and its teachings.

Imam Ali (AS), A Victim of Terrorism

2009-09-11T15:11:00.010+04:30

It is 9/11 and Islam is again under, at least indirect, attacks by several media accusing it of promoting terrorism. Just close to remembering 9/11 attacks throughout the world, the first photographs of the self-proclaimed 9/11 mastermind at Guantanamo Bay have cropped up on the Internet. Interestingly enough, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, whose images is told to be used by terrorist groups to inspire attacks against the United States, carries the name of the revered Prophet of Islam. However, it is just unfortunate that not much is told about Imam Ali (AS), the great Muslim figure and a victim of a savage terror attack, whose martyrdom anniversary coincides with the 9/11 attacks this year. Let's see how he, as a symbol of Islam, treated his assassin in order to be able to judge whether Islam can promote terrorism.

Imam Ali (AS), a cousin and the closest companion to the Prophet Muhammad (SAWA) and highly revered by all Muslims, encountered so much defiance by those who couldn't bear his justice that led him to three major wars. Among his enemies, Kharijites (Khawarij in Arabic, literally meaning people seeking to overthrow) made so many problems due to their false interpretations of Islam. This led them to make violent actions and have unfair judgments about Imam Ali (AS), whom they came to regard as the source of all Muslims' problems and finally decided to assassinate.

While praying in the Masjid of Kufa, Imam Ali (AS), nicknamed Amir al-Mu'minin (the commander of the faithful), was hit in the head by Abd al-Rahman ibn Muljam's sword on Ramadan the 19th, of which he was martyred two days later. Following the attack, there was a great anger by all Muslims toward Ibn Muljam. One expects that Imam Ali (AS) must have been the most willing to take revenge on him. However, the following states parts of his last will, including how he ordered his children to treat his assassin:

• I advise you to fear Allah, do not go after this vicious world though it may try to entice you, do not seek it though it may seek you and do not grieve over and pine for things which this world refuses you. Let the eternal Reward and Blessings of Allah be the prompting factors for all that you say and do. Be an enemy of tyrants and oppressors and be a friend and helper of those who are oppressed and tyrannized.

• To you (Imam Hassan (AS) and Imam Hussein (AS), his two oldest sons and following Imams), to my other children, to my relatives and to all who acquire this will of mine, I advise to fear Allah and to be pious, to have fair and honest dealings with one another and improve mutual relations because I have heard your grandfather, the Holy Prophet (SAWA) saying, "To remove mutual enmity, ill-feeling and hatred is better than recommended prayers and fasting".

• Fear Allah when the question of helpless orphans arises. You should never let them starve. So long as you are there to guard and protect them they should not be ruined or lost.

• Do not forget Allah, struggle in His cause with your tongue, your wealth and your lives.

• Develop mutual liking, friendship and love and help one another. Take care that you do not spurn and treat one another badly and unsympathetically.

• Exhort people to do good and abstain them from evil, otherwise the vicious and the wicked will be your overlord and if you willingly allow such persons to be your rulers then your prayers will not be heard by Allah.

And most to the point is his saying:

• Let there be no retaliation for the act of my murder, do not roam about with a drawn sword and with the slogan: "Amir al-Mu'minin is killed” and do not start the massacre of my opponents and enemies.

• Beware that only one man, that is my assassin, is killed, as the punishment of the crime of murder is death and nobody else is molested. The punishment to the man who attempted the murder shall take place only when I die of the wound delivered by him and this punishment shall be only one stroke of sword to end his life. He should not be tortured before his death, his hands and feet should not be amputated because I have heard the Holy Prophet (s) saying: "Do not amputate hands and feet of anybody, be it a biting dog". (See Nahj al-Balaghah; Letter No. 47)

• If I survive this fatal wound I shall be at liberty to decide how to treat the man who attempted to kill me. If I die then my worldly life comes to an end. If I forgive my assassin then it will be to gain the Blessings of Allah for forgiving a person who has harmed you, and it will be a good deed if you also forgive him. Do you not desire to be forgiven by the Lord? (See See Nahj al-Balaghah; Letter No. 23)

As a true version of Islam, Imam Ali's message has echoed through the ages. Can this faith promote terrorism?

Just To Be Thankful

2008-11-10T20:01:00.004+03:30

Last night, on the eve of the birthday anniversary of Imam Reza (AS), I had an intention to visit his holy shrine to do a big ziarah. Due to some problems, however, I had just a little time to go to the holy shrine. I had no time even to make wudu, or recite the salat of ziarah; I just stood in a courtyard and began to talk to my Imam. I passed all salaams my relatives and friends had asked me to deliver to their beloved Imam.

What caused me burst into tears, however, was reminding all the blessings Allah (swt) had bestowed upon me and most I did at that holy place was to give thanks to Allah (swt): for me to be destined by Him to live in Mashhad; for letting me to attend the holy shrine even for a few minutes and passing the salaams of some broken hearts to their Imam; for letting me, and all Shias, have such a kind Imam ...

Alhmadulillah!

The First Eid

2008-06-15T19:14:00.002+04:30

There is a tradition here in some areas of Iran called 'The First Eid', held by a recently died person's family as a reminder at the first Eid (Islamic happy occasion) after his/her departure. The event represents the family's grief at an Eid when they were expected to be happy.

How sad if we were to hold a 'First Eid' for the recently martyred Hazrat Fatimah Al-Zahra (AS), since her First Eid would be her own birthday anniversary!

The Miracles of A Word

2008-05-18T19:23:00.005+04:30

Not just a 'word'; it's a 'world'. I mean 'Fatimah', the word that has brought so many blessings to mankind, including myself.

For me, this word has been a 'miracle'. Six years ago, as a university student, I was blessed to make an Umrah pilgrimage. As I had a great love for Lady Fatimah (AS), I always prayed that if Allah is to bless me with a pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina, He would do this during her martyrdom anniversary. Soon it was time for me to leave Mashhad for Tehran for a flight to Jeddah. However, I was sad because I was leaving Mashhad just at her martyrdom anniversary evening. I supposed, therefore, all my dreams of being in Medina at my favourite time ruined.

There's not an exact date narrated for the martyrdom anniversary of our beloved Lady, and the two most popular narrations suggest the date to be 75 or 95 days after the Holy Prophet's departure.

As a result of something unknown, known to me as one of the Lady Fatimah's miracles, we had a 13-day delay for the flight, so we could be in Medina just a few days before her martyrdom anniversary, according to the most popular narration.

Another miracle was the Saudis' tolerance with our holding great nightly mourning Majalis behind the walls of Baqee', a holy cemetery, though destroyed by Wahhabis, where the graves of four Shia Imams and the possible grave of Lady Fatimah (AS).

Four years ago, while just got married and looking for a good job, I was introduced to a newspaper to work for as a translator. I was asked to search for an English article on her character to translate as we were approaching Lady Fatimah's birthday. Being unaware of Internet search tips then, I just typed the word 'Fatimah' in Google search. In addition to other resources, the word opened Converts to Islam to me. This was my first ever introduction to revert Muslims. Finding no interesting material on Lady Fatimah (AS) to translate, I was attracted to read the 'conversion stories' on that site. Sister Zaynab's story, though not detailed, was much interesting to me, so I decided to contact her (the webmaster in fact) to know more about her reversion. This led to an interview which was published in the newspaper and was interesting to many.

As my contact with Sister Zaynab continued, I got much interested, and of course specialized, in revert Muslims. Since then, I have been in contact with several new Muslim brothers and, mostly, sisters and many interviews with and articles by them have been published and appreciated by many. Add to these finding a good job in another newspaper and proving myself as an influential person in communicating with Muslims outside Iran. These are just the blessings I can remember at the moment and I consider all these nothing but miracles of Lady Fatimah (AS).

Fatimah: don't regard it just as a 'word'; it's a 'world'.

Let Me Not Ruin You!

2008-05-05T20:23:00.004+04:30

There was a sinful situation I was involved in for a while; one I was going to be drowned in step by step. Whenever there was a 'signal' from Allah's side to avoid involving more and more, there were 'justifications' from my side not to follow.

On a Sunday night, the tomorrow of which I would be at the Holy Shrine of Imam Reza (AS), I stopped involving in the situation. To be honest, I had much internal conflict though I knew I did the right thing. I just feared the 'consequences'; I thought it would ruin many things.

The next day at the Holy Shrine I was worried I might spend my whole blessed day thinking on this. But quite miraculously, I was surrounded by events I had not enough time to think on that concerns. As an example, I met an old university friend after some years and began talking to him for a long time.

It was just the last minutes of my service when worries of the 'consequences' came to me again. Thinking on this for some minutes, I was made known that I was worrying about ruining 'myself', not any other thing. Getting this, I had tears in my eyes and said to Imam Reza (AS), 'My dear Imam! Let me ruin myself, but not ruin you. Let me break myself before ruining your reputation ...

Norooz Gifts

2008-03-18T17:31:00.006+03:30

Iranian New Year begins in March 20, the very beginning of spring here. The New Year holidays are known as 'Norooz', literally meaning 'the new day'. As Iranians, we have a tradition to give gifts to our beloved during Norooz. Here are my gifts as a 'Pigeon of Haram', an honorary servant to the pilgrims of Imam Reza (as). Photos by my dear friend Mohsen Bakhshandeh.

INTENTIONS ONLY!

2008-01-06T11:43:00.000+03:30

Whenever you look into the Zarih (burial chamber/cage) of Imam Reza (as), you will see lots of money as well as pieces of jewellery donated by pilgrims. On certain occasions, they collect the money and move it to a place to be added up.

Some servants are blessed to participate in a certain ceremony dedicated to this. There’s a big table servants sit around and begin their work. The ceremony is special in that once in a while, one starts reciting a ziarah, du’a, or a piece of poem in praise or remembering the grieves of the Prophet Muhammad (as) and the Ahl-ul-Bayt (his infallible progeny). Listening to this, the servants usually shed tears of both joy and grief while adding the money up.

Once being blessed to attend the ceremony, I noticed the money collected varied from a 50 rial coin (which costs nothing here in Iran) to very valuable notes, cheques and even foreign currencies. No one knew who had made the donations, the value of which depended on the INTENTIONS. Certainly there were very poor to very rich people behind the donations, but it was as if you could see a sign which read INTENTIONS ONLY at the door. Only Allah (swt) can judge the real value of the money donated according to INTENTIONS; perhaps a single 50 rial coin, or even a ‘sigh’ by one with no property to donate is preferred to millions of rials donated just to show off!

The Best Deed

2008-01-05T08:04:00.000+03:30

On a Monday, when at the Holy Shrine of Imam Reza (as) for a voluntary service, with a deep snow in Mashhad, we were asked to shovel the snow away.

At noon, while sitting in line waiting for saying my zuhr (noon) prayer in congregation, I had an urge to weep, which is normal at holy places. The sound of the muezzin echoed in my ears, reciting at the moment HAYYA ALAA KHAYR-IL-AMAL (Make haste towards the best deed). I suddenly remembered a hadith by Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (as) saying, 'The best deed is to do good to Fatimah (as) and her children' (Ibn Shar Ashoob, Manaqib, v.3, p.326). I wondered if our shovelling away the snow for the pilgrims of Imam Reza (as), a descendant of Hazrat Fatimah (as), would be accepted as doing good to her and thus the best deed. Thinking on this, I burst into tears hoping my service to be accepted, Insha’Allah.

A SUNRISE FROM THE WEST - PART II

2007-12-30T20:24:00.000+03:30

Almost all Muslims admit that revert Muslims are more 'true' Muslims than born Muslims. This may be because reverts get interested in knowing about Islam with questions being born in their minds which born Muslim apparently lack. How can a born Muslim have a motivation to know Islam more deeply?

I have heard some Muslims say this before and I think what they are referring to is that Reverted Muslims tend to all have one thing in common, the need to know the truth about Islam and the desire to learn as much as they can about their ‘deen’. Reverts are often the type of people who break away from the rest of the pack regardless of the difficulties to themselves provided it’s what feels right.

To study Islam, to become a Muslim is a very different way of life but one that is fully embraced by the Revert type. Once we learn about Islam we are in love with our faith and Allah (swt) and with this comes strength. I’ve come to believe that the born Muslims who are not as committed to their faith are much like some westerners who are distracted by the material world and events in their life that take from what is truly important. They have come to take their religion for granted and the desire to learn about Islam has all but disappeared. Sometimes even mixing their culture with Islam and not even knowing that at times it vastly contradicts the Qur’an and Sunnah.

There are some who have said that they have become inspired by Reverted Muslims and have rediscovered their faith after having them in their lives. It comes down to rediscovering this amazing religion; the words of Allah (swt) are there for us in the Holy Qur’an, the words of Allah (swt)!!! Do you understand what I’m saying?

I honestly can’t get over it, at times; these are the words of our creator, the Magnificent, and the Merciful. Stop, and take the time to understand that there truly is a creator, He has given us life, He has given us all that we see, feel, and love. WE exist because of HIM. Stop, and consider what we know. We know that Allah (swt) is real, that He does exist, we know that the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was the true messenger and last of the Prophets of our Lord. We know that all that he recited to bring forth the Qur’an is true and are the words of Allah (swt). This is a way of life, a message given to us to change our ways, to be the best we can be, to find peace, to end suffering, to fund the poor, to shelter the old/widowed/orphaned, to be loved and to love, to live in a diverse community of Muslim men and women finding unity within our common goals, a guideline has been laid out for us.

All of this is there in front of us, just stop and look and understand the truth. Stop and say, 'Lord! Increase my knowledge', as it is the key to a just and fulfilling life in this world. Take the time to learn more about Islam and keep those who are pious and truth seekers near your side. The more you discover, the closer you become.

Well, now something more about your website.

When researching about Islam, I did not find a lot of sites that fit all of my needs as a revert. I wanted a place where I could find it all in one. This is when I began to think about creating ' 'RevertMuslims.com'. I felt there was a need for an uplifting and encouraging and resourceful site for new reverts; a place to learn the truth about Islam in a comfortable setting; a place where you can learn the fundamentals of Islam, to learn how to pray, to live as a Muslim should live on a daily basis.

Being a web designer I also had the erg to create a place on the Internet that would be resourceful; a place that would encourage new reverts. I wanted a place that was appealing not only for Reverted Muslims but also for born Muslims. My goal was not only to have reverts unite but to help encourage unity within the Shia Muslim community.

Soon, Revert Muslims along with an on-line forum was born. The forum proved to be helpful for those needing support and the resources began to build. So far we are pleased to say the growth is most impressive and each month we find hundreds more who visit Revert Muslims from around the world. We share our stories, similar paths and the same goals.

As a revert website we have a great responsibility to help guide those newly converted to the truth. The larger our on-line community grows, the larger our Shia community grows. It’s so nice to meet so many kind and faithful Muslims through our site. I have had so many e-mails from so many who are finding their way to Islam and are looking for support. Insha'Allah Revert Muslims will continue to offer the support they need.

I do my best to be a good Muslim, a good human being. I do my best to give back as Allah (swt) has given me so much in my life. My goal is to work for Islam as much as possible in an effort to bring unity and understanding.

How do Sunni Muslims, especially reverts, react to your website? How do you interact with them?

I have not had any bad reactions from any Sunni Muslims on the site or forum. They come and add their remarks and to my surprise have even pointed reverts to the revertmuslims.com website from their own sites. I have had the occasional Internet hacking problem that may be brought on by people not wishing for the site to exist but so far nothing too serious. We did have someone recently post offensive material but we quickly removed it and I am not sure who it was or what religion they may have been. I wish to show tolerance for the different views and my hope is that when they visit they will see the truth.

Many Reverted Muslims become Sunni first because they often live in a predominant Sunni community and are steered that way. They are sometimes moved further away when they are shown the common misconceptions of Shia and they are then discouraged to learn about the sect. I feel confident that the Sunni or the Muslims who have not yet found their way will learn the truth when they visit the site and Insha’Allah will change their path. I recently received a nice email from a fully Reverted Muslim family from Sunni to Shia and they were so pleased to find our site and were enthusiastic and thrilled to be able to talk to others who have also discovered the truth. I have come to talk to born Sunni Muslims who reverted to Shia Islam and they speak much the same way as Reverted Western Muslims. When Allah (swt) wishes to guide you, you are filled with the desire and passion to learn more and to become closer to Allah (swt). Alhamdulillah.

Have you ever made a pilgrimage to Hajj? What about Mashhad?

I have not yet had the opportunity to do the pilgrimage to Hajj or to Mashhad, but it is something I feel strongly about doing. I am already so moved and touched by all that I learn of Islam and the Ahlulbayt. To actually walk on the footsteps of the Prophet (pbuh) in Medina and Mecca or to touch the walls of the Shrine of Imam Reza, Mashhad would be a humbling experience to say the least. I’m sure I would be moved to tears and overcome with joy and sorrow both. I am not one of much money and so this trip will likely be in the very far future but Insha'Allah it will happen before I leave this world.

Please tell me more about your upcoming series for Ashura.

Without revealing too much about the technical side to my series of artwork, before it’s showing, I will do my best to give you the feel of it because this is what truly matters when it comes to art. First I’d like to mention I have been studying Islamic Art for the past few years and I have enjoyed viewing the geometric Art, Architecture and Calligraphy created by many Muslim artists over the centuries, such intricacy and talent with such accuracy is most impressive. I’ve always been into the arts and so I studied under a Montreal Concordia University Art Professor for four years.

When discovering Islam it was natural for me to also learn as much as I could of the Art History of Muslims. I found I could not find much contemporary work that I felt would be expressive of Islamic art with techniques of our times.

When reading the stories of Karbala I often found them accompanied by the same artwork images that have been telling the story, effectively, of the battle for many years. Although I find much of it very well done and very telling I was struck with the thought that I was not seeing anything new and so I was then inspired.

The battle of Karbala, ‘the everlasting stand’ is an old story but one that we replay each year and one that I wish to reveal by a new method. I will be presenting a series that is visually abstract but emotionally moving. The ten pieces will be approximately 8 feet by 4 feet wide on Mylar (a flexible, semi–transparent material). I chose to use this material so that the works can easily be transported for exhibition as well as the fact that it suits the tactile surface I will need to represent the work as I envisioned it. I want the works to be touched as well as viewed, to enhance the viewers experience and to bring them closer to the piece. Their size alone will help the viewer understand the impact of this event on history. The ten pieces of art will be a mixed media adding textures and sound that I hope will allow the viewer to experience the past and encourage them to learn more. My goal is that you walk into this room and feel the air of Karbala, the mood is set, I wish to grab the emotions of the viewers and Insha’Allah I try to reveal the tragedy of this event in history through my art.

Please explain more about the first ever International Revert Conference you held last spring.

I feel so privileged to be a part of a small group of committed reverts who planned the first ever International Revert Muslims Conference, spring 2007 in Toronto, Canada. Our goals were to bring a sense of Ummah to the Revert Muslims who often find themselves a bit lost. As reverts we are spread all over the world and we don’t have fixed communities as many born Muslims do. As much as we are often times welcomed into the Muslim community there are some who are misplaced due to cultural barriers. This is something we look to improve upon through our community support. The conference was unique in that it had workshops primarily for the newly reverted or those who were considering a reversion to Islam. For more details, please visit our website.

Why did you choose 'Preparing the Way for Imam Mahdi (may Allah hasten his return)’ as the theme of the Conference?

I love the theme so much, it really warms my heart. My dear friend sister Fatimah, a reverted Muslim from Quebec, who was our events coordinator, came up with this theme idea. The sister's explanation was that as Muslims we have a tendency to say, ‘Oh Allah! Please hasten the reappearance of the 12th Imam’ which is nice, but we should follow up these noble statements with actions. We should be in an active state of waiting. As we wished to convey through this conference, this state of waiting is not docile, but mobile. We need to arouse our senses and prepare our minds for his reappearance.

The newly reverted Muslim should be made aware of the importance of this Imam of our time. We often speak of the Mahdi (AS) as if he existed a long time ago, ONLY, but as we should remind ourselves he is the Imam of our time. He is here now. It is so easy for us to put our faith and trust in Allah (swt) even though we do not see Allah (swt) but it is, for some reason, harder for us to imagine the Imam, a human, here present today. Why do we struggle with this? Let us remind ourselves that Allah (swt) can do all, can create all things, to have the Imam here is so easy for Allah (swt).

How did the 'theme' of the Conference affect the atmosphere of the events?

I felt that as a first-time event this theme was most important. Preparing yourself for the eminent return of the Mahdi (as) should be in our minds and in our hearts. If we do what we need to do to prepare for his (as) return then we are, in turn, becoming stronger in our iman and more productive in our lives and within the community. I was happy to see each speaker took the time to relate to this theme within their workshops and so the theme resonated in the minds of each participant through-out the Conference.

On the Friday when activities began at the Masjid a homeless woman, a very old Revert Muslim woman entered. She was looking for food and shelter for the day. I and others made sure that everyone was aware that she was welcome to take part in our conference and to not be alarmed by her appearance. At the end of the conference we had raised money for her, Alhamdulillah. Sister Hajar, one of our speakers and a professional Social Worker, took time to work on her case and is still working on helping her find full-time shelter and government funding. Helping this woman was to me the highlight of the weekend. The grateful Muslim woman cried with tears of joy and so I hugged her to comfort her and do you know what she said to me? She said “Oh Sister Jennah! Please do not hug me as I am dirty and I smell offensive”. I felt so sad when she said that and I hugged her closer and told her not to worry. Oh my heart was so sad for this soul. Insha'Allah she will find a good home soon. Many in attendance were eager to reach out to her.

Some of our conference workshops/lectures regarding Imam Mahdi (AS) were: History of the 12th Imam’s (as) Occultation & How to develop a relationship with Him, Role of Women in the 12th Imam (as) Return, and Commentary on Ziyaraat Aale Yasin.

A SUNRISE FROM THE WEST - PART I

2007-12-23T09:12:00.000+03:30

Through two e-mail interviews with Sr. Jennah Heydar, I asked her some questions regarding her reversion to Islam and holding the first ever International Reverts Conference, Toronto, 2007. Below is a mix of the two with an introduction added as it appeared in Farsi in Khorasan Daily, Mashhad, Iran.

Namrud - the ruler contemporary with the Prophet Ibrahim/Abraham (as) – had to prove a big claim he had made; he had claimed that he was God. This appeared to Ibrahim (as) as an idol which he, as a divine prophet, had a duty to break. He stood face-to-face with Namrud and said, "Allah causes the sun to rise in the east, so you cause it to come up from the west (if you are as mighty as He is)." Thus was the disbeliever abashed. (See the Holy Quran, 2:258).

There have been such big claims by hundreds like Namrud, but the call of Ibrahim (as) have echoed through the ages, "Cause the sun to come up from the west". And there has not been a response yet.

Today the West, through its concept of 'humanism', represents Namrud and his claim, though still not having a response to Ibrahim's call. However, Allah (swt) Himself has caused the sun to rise from the West to show the failure of the West and its so-called 'humanism'.

Jennah Heydar is a 'sunrise from the west'. She has seen the ever-shining sun of Islam in the West and, through much search and sincere effort, believed in it.

I found Sister Jennah over the net. As the founder of Revert Muslims Association, she serves her deen through bringing new Muslims as well as born Muslims together. She is also a visual artist and she often tries to create artwork that brings attention. (See samples of her artwork here). She is currently working on a series, for Ashura. Her line of work allows her to work on Islamic websites as well as the Revert Muslims Association’s one.

Sister Jennah's love for Imam Mahdi (as), the Promised Saviour of mankind, led her and her fellow brothers and sisters at the RMA to choose ‘Labbaik Ya Hujjatallah’ and ‘Preparing the foundation for Imam Mahdi (as) eventual return’ as the theme for the first ever International Revert Conference, Toronto, 2007.

A sunrise from the West is believed to be among the signs of Imam Mahdi's return. Why not regard the increasing number of Western brothers and sisters reversions to Islam as 'a sunrise from the West'?

Please tell me a brief background of yourself.

I was born and raised in a Protestant but non-religious family, in Montreal, Quebec and later moved to Ontario, Canada with my parents. I always had a sense that I was missing something in my life, never knowing quite what it was. I had an innate love for my creator but I never followed a religion. I was agnostic.

I studied in the arts and became a graphic designer, like my father and his father before him.

How can a girl born in a non-religious family have 'an innate love for her creator’?

This is a good question and I often wondered why I was praying when nobody ever asked it of me? It’s true my family did not follow any religion and they remain agnostic to this day. Growing up the topic of God did not come up very often, if at all. In my family Christmas was a thing of Santa Claus, reindeers and gifts under the tree and not really having any connection to Prophet Issa (pbuh). When reading the verse 7:172 from the Holy Qur’an I understood it to explain the Arabic word 'fitrah' as to innately know the oneness of God and to know his existence without having anyone tell you as much.

That is to say I believe that all people have an innate sense of religion and the ability of knowing God as One. It is innate just as you know killing, lying and thieving are wrong. What I believe happens is we move away from this, often because we forget what we know innately being masked by the material world or because of another religion that may take away from Allah (swt). In my case I was very aware of this innate feeling to believe in my creator and I acted on it with praying and behaving as I felt Allah (swt) expected of me.

There was a time when this knowing of Allah (swt) grew distant and my teenager years were often times a narrow road and filled with temptations that looked to remove me from my path. I soon came back and continued on in my life but was affected by that feeling I described earlier of feeling lost or that I had something I should be doing.

Now that I have found my way I wish to do what I can to help others see the light and to remind them of their innate knowledge of the one true creator. Also to bring the truth of Islam to those who are not Muslim and to help put a stop to Islamophobia.

How did you start your search for Islam? What Islamic resources impressed you more? How did you say your Shahadah?

In the year 2000 with labor complications, during the birth of my child, I had a near death experience that shook me beyond anything in my life. I was married, at the time, to a non-Muslim, non-religious man who I had met when I was very young. After this near death experience I began to have this sense of misplacement, as if there was something I should be doing but I couldn’t recall what it was. I had this feeling before off and on in my life but it was stronger then ever at this specific point. I began to pick up books on spirituality and I searched through different religions and ideologies. I was trying to relate to my soul. I began painting hours a day researching my thoughts and placing them on canvas. Not finding what I was looking for I felt lost and confused about the direction my life was going. As much as I tried to keep my marriage moving forward it ended but fortunately our children have adjusted. Alhamdulillah

The introduction to Islam, oddly enough, happened when I was playing a game on the Internet one day, I should mention I really enjoy playing computer games. On this momentous day I began to talk, or I should say type, to a young man over the Net who happened to be a Muslim. He was the first Muslim I had ever met. He was very genuine, kind and polite and he left me with such a good feeling that I was intrigued by his faith and I wanted to learn about it. He encouraged me to read about the history of Islam and to understand it all so including the texts by both Shia and Sunni scholars. He felt confident that I would be directed once I saw the truth. He was kind enough to send me links and files and audios and videos.

To start I read about all the various Muslim sects. I bought/borrowed one book after another as I could not seem to quench my thirst for knowledge of Islam. I also read all about the Prophet (sawa) and Khadija (as) and all the decedents, the Ahlulbayt (as). I read about the caliphs and the 14 infallibles. I spent time reading the history of Arabia, the tribes, the battles. I started an on-line Islamic study course. I absorbed as much as I could as often as
I could.

I read and studied hours a day. I was happy to discover the website ‘converts to Islam’ on-line as it was clear they were a website committed to supporting newly reverted Muslims. It was a reassuring place to visit. I spent a lot of time on websites such as al-Islam, aimislam, almujtaba, converts to Islam and many more as well as collecting books on the subject.

I would wake in the middle of the night to read and I would cry tears of joy because the truth slowly was being revealed to me. I was, of course, touched and moved by the life of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and I immediately had a love for the Prophet and his family. I read of the battles and in particular the battle of Kerbala (and since then - many times over) and my heart cried. Soon the whole truth came to me.

Were you affected by any supernatural event during your search for the truth?

Yes. During this time of intense study (a year) I had many dreams that seemed to be saying so much. In one most prominent dream I was visited by a veiled woman and she tried to convey that there was a war beginning and that I had to recite my Shahada and work for Allah (swt). She pointed from atop a minaret towards the east and the south and she showed me images of people suffering. She showed me three stones and she then merged them together, which I later interpreted as uniting the Ummah. The turning point was when I had an epiphany that encouraged me to become a Muslim.

After picking up the Qur’an for the first time I was immediately struck with a memory of an on-going recurring dream I had my whole life. In the dream I am reaching forward towards an old book that sits open on a wooden table, the room is dimly lit by candle. I feel compelled to get to the book, I must reach it but a force holds me back. I occasionally reach the book but the words are unclear and I suddenly wake up, feeling lost and frustrated by the dream. This dream began so early on in my life that I can’t remember how young I was, it would repeat once or twice a year. On this day, the day I had this epiphany, I was forever changed when I realized the holy Qur’an in my hands was the book I had longed for my whole life. It was the book I was trying to get to, to read. My eyes filled with tears right there at the check out counter of the local bookstore and I could feel the hair stand up on the back of my neck as a warmth built up inside me.

I later recited my Shahada under Allah (swt) and witnessed by the young Muslim man over the Internet. Alhamdulillah I was walking on the lightened path.

Once I was a Muslim I knew that I was not only to submit to Allah (swt) but I must also give back to Islam in as many ways as possible. The more of Allah (swt) I found in my heart, the more life began to change for me and my involvement with Islam. New people were coming into my life and they were filled with hope for Islam as I was. I worked/work on Islamic web-sties doing web and graphic design and various art jobs. I am an artist so I have taken some study in Islamic artwork and I have begun to create series of artwork that Insha’Allah will help bring attention to Islam.

I study Islam as much as I can so that I can better articulate my views on the subject. I have even begun to try to learn to speak the Arabic language.

It seems that the number of women reverting to Islam is much larger than that of men. What do you believe to be the reason for that – if this is right at all?

I know that the Internet tells us, through statistics, that there are more women than men reverting to Islam and for the most part it seems that this could be true. If there are more women reverting than men then in my opinion, it is because they recognize that Islam IS equality and freedom and liberation for women. It is what Allah (swt) has laid down for us. Islam is a way of life that brings true liberation to all women if practiced as Allah (swt) willed. So upon learning this we are drawn to it.

To further explain, I think many western women feel librated for false reasons and one key reason has to be their need to express themselves provocatively. The so-called liberation or feminist movement of the 60s has been thrown out of perspective. They were throwing off their undergarments to prove themselves as equals, to show their strength to do as they pleased. And now they walk around half naked to prove what? That they can arouse a man's delight, and to manipulate or to be the envy of others? And at what costs?

Of course men and women should be treated equally but there are obviously areas that we can’t be treated equally for reasons that are beyond our control. Allah (swt) has made us different and things that are different cannot always come in as equal in certain areas. This is not something women should feel threatened by, as in turn there are certain things that we are only capable of over men. We are equal in our minds and in our souls and under Allah (swt) and this is what we should strive to express.

I have asked women why they feel liberated in the west. They will say things such as, 'Well I can dress as I please', 'I can work in any field I wish and I can speak out loud about my beliefs whatever they may be'. If I ask them, 'Do you think Muslim women are liberated?' They will often ignorantly answer, ‘No, because they are forced to veil' or 'No, because they are controlled by men and are not allowed to think or speak for themselves'. These women have been programmed to think this way about Muslim women, this false assumption of veiled women has been repeated so often it has become fact in their minds without ever considering to research its validity. These same women are always surprised when I explain that the religion of Islam encourages all Muslims to educate themselves fully and to express themselves and to be equally treated under the eyes of Allah (swt). I tell them about hijab and the virtues of veiling and being treated equally and for what is truly important our souls and our minds. I tell them of the rights of Muslim women. I remind these women that it took men in the west a long time to finally recognize that women had rights and so they then were allowing them to vote, own property and further educate themselves and work in their learned fields, long after Muslim women were already living this liberated life. I often have to explain to non-Muslims that there are some societies that Muslim women do not find their rights and are treated poorly but this is not the Islam that has been revealed to me. Sadly many confuse cultural customs with Islam and the two are widely different.

During the feminist movement western women felt they were moving forward and they were in many areas but I believe they have now actually fallen backwards. There is a breakdown in society and it’s only getting worse. Magazine covers splashed with images of gauntly thin half-dressed models with sprayed on digitally enhanced faces that the young western woman aspires to, Young 13-year-old girls posting up their Internet profiles with provocative gestures and alluring descriptions, TV shows that represent women supposedly living the good life because she has hundreds of male conquests, money and the party life, women frequenting bars posing and flaunting their goods to attract a mate, that will not likely see them with respect. How liberated are they? They have no idea how controlled they really are. There are very few women who are not drawn to the makeup counters and fashion industry, spending billions a year and all to turn on the opposite sex and or to be the envy of all the other women. This is a form of oppression.

Westerners live with the fact that monogamy is becoming less and less popular and sexual disease is on the rise, marital affairs are as common as peanut butter on bread and at some point it will all come crashing down. The pendulum has swung too far. This is not liberation at all; this is being controlled without even being aware. I know, I’ve lived it, I know what it is like to be judged by my appearance alone.

The veil, in Islam, is true liberation. The veil offers peace of mind and shelter to women, it offers dignity and honour. They no longer have to feel compelled to attract the opposite sex or look a specific way to be treated better than others. The veiled woman is respected and strong and confident. She can be a leader, an activist, a Doctor, a Mother, a loving wife. When one discovers Islam they discover the liberation of women that the veil brings along with many other liberating laws for Muslim women that have been set since the revelations made by the Prophet (pbuh). Some laws liberating Muslim women hundreds of years ago in Islam were only slowly becoming popular in the west this last century. Women are drawn to Islam because Islam is freedom for women and equality under Allah (swt). These laws were set by Allah (swt) not by men and this is why you find equality and this is why women would choose to become a Muslim.

I would like to add that there are some western women, some who I can even be so lucky to call my friends, who are not tricked by this campaign for immorality, they live modestly and with a strong female mind and show respect for those who choose to veil.

Hijab is the symbol of a Muslim woman, though unfortunately not paid much attention to by some Muslim sisters, even here in Iran. How will you defend hijab if you are asked to show it through an artwork?

Well as I’ve stated, to me, the hijab equals freedom. I feel many sisters who show disrespect for hijab and wear it incorrectly or do not wear it at all may not be fully aware of their faith, or of the history behind hijab or since we cannot judge them maybe they have another reason they feel they should not wear hijab. If we say we are believers then how do we not cover when Allah (swt) has asked this of us? I must point out; as I have experience with this, when a woman becomes a Muslim, no matter how much she understands and reveres the veil, it is often difficult to begin to wear it. She has to confront the world as a symbol of Islam and it can be especially hard when everyone seems to be against her new faith and view the hijab as oppressive. These women need to find strength to wear hijab but once they do they find they are secure.

Getting back to the artwork, I have thought about this and I would like to reveal a series of art depicting Zaynab Al-Kubra (as) in some way. Possibly abstract indicating her spirit and strong soul. Zaynab, the bravery of this woman, this heroine setting such a great example for hijabi women of her time and still centuries later we feel her presence as we retell her stories. From her, from all that she had to endure we learn to be proud of hijab. With hijab we see that we are recognized for our minds.

In my case, being the only Shia, living in a small conservative town of possibly two other hijabi women, and many intolerant individuals it is not an easy task to veil. When wearing hijab fingers point and comments are made. I have become quite fearful at times as I live alone with my two children. You are already, as a revert, often times, distanced by your family and peers and sometimes not finding it easy to be part of the ummah. It’s a tough path to walk but there is always struggle when it comes to doing what is best to please Allah (swt). The believers' life does not come easy. It is not permissible to just say you believe. So in answer to your question, yes I will be doing a series on hijab that would look to inspire new Muslim and born Muslim women with the story of Zaynab (as).

Much For Little

2007-12-22T20:07:00.000+03:30

يا من يعطي الكثير بالقليل

O He who gives 'much' in return of 'very little' (good deeds)!

This is part of a du'a (prayer/supplication) recommended to be recited after each daily prayer during the month of Rajab (the 6th month according to the Islamic lunar calendar). Everyone may have their own interpretation of this. One night, while reciting this du'a, I was thinking that for me the 'much' is Allah's blessing to be a servant at the Holy Shrine of Imam Reza (AS), and the 'very little' is my own deeds.

A Pigeon Born

2007-12-15T20:04:00.001+03:30

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful

Just moved here from my blog in Farsi, where I used to put some posts in English, to provide my non-Iranian readers with a more familiar atmosphere. PIGEON OF HARAM is initially meant to be a reflection of my weekly attendance at the Haram (Holy Shrine) of Imam Reza (AS) as an honorary service. The posts may include English versions of my Farsi posts or my interviews with revert Muslims or any other useful and interesting articles. Your comments are welcomed.