At the beginning of the Twentieth century Jews consisted of about 10% of the population in Palestine. They thrived within the communities of Palestine. When they migrated from Europe, they were welcomed with warmth by the people of Palestine. It was this warmth that led many families who had already settled in Palestine, to call over their families who were being persecuted in Europe. At this time the Zionist movement in Europe was on the rise. A movement that rose, with the thirst of Jewish Independence. Independence that was a necessity for survival, especially with upcoming theories of Darwinism that dictated racial superiority. I am very disturbed by the tragic events that occurred in Gaza the other day. The question that lingers my mind is why can't the Jews and Arabs live in peace, after all they are cousins. To also know that my Muslim brothers and sisters are being persecuted and killed, is tearing the very soul within me. 300 hundred people died, innocent children, woman, and citizens killed. This is an exact exemplification of terrorism. The Zionist that carried out these attacks, can be compared to the leaders of Al-Qaeda. But we must remember not to generalize, I am sure that the citizens of Israel are good people. However we should blame and protest the institutions that carried out these attacks, people should speak out against such inhumane conduct. Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said "When any of you sees anything that is disapproved (of by Allah), let him change it with his hand. If he is not able to do so, then let him change it with his tongue. And if he is not able to do so, then let him change it with his heart, though that is the weakest kind of faith." This conflict has gone on for 60 years, and seems like the rest of the world has just pushed it under the rug. I am also very disappointed with leaders of the Arab and Muslim world, who have done completely nothing towards aiding the Palestinians. It is of my opinion that the Arab countries that produce oil, should cut off their supply to Israel, but that does not seem possible, seeing that the leaders of these oil producing countries are corrupt. At the end of the day we must remember, that this is all from Allah, it is part of Qadar (destiny). And so we should make dua that peace prevails, and the Palestinians are freed.

The perception of an average Muslim today is that praying the five daily prayers and periodically making thikr (praising Allah) is enough for a daily dose of salvation. But these acts that I mentioned are not the only part of the regimen. Islam is a way of life, so if it is a way of life, then all the actions that a Muslim commits should be in accordance with the teachings of Islam. So everything you do within a day, needs to coincide with the teachings of Islam, whether it is in the action of sleeping, eating, work etc. Although this is impossible, because it is human nature for human beings to commit sins. That is why Allah has bestowed upon us through his mercy, the act of repentance. But the point I am trying to make here is that Islam isn't just a set of rituals but rather a way of life, a beautiful way of life. So we as Muslims should base our life around Islam and regulate all our actions in accordance with Islam. And Allah has prescribed the Quran and sunnah as a life manual to help us fufill this task. And if we Muslims just practice Islam as the way it should be practiced, then Inshallah Allah will relieve us of the turmoil, that has been endowed upon us.

Aerial view of a recent tsunami in Bandar Aceh, Indonesia. Only Mosque survived in this land.


ALLAH'S MIRACLES.

We delivered the Children of Israel across the sea. Pharaoh and his troops pursued them, aggressively and sinfully. When drowning became a reality for him, he said, "I believe that there is no god except the One in whom the Children of Israel have believed; I am a submitter.Too late! For you have rebelled already, and chose to be a transgressor. Today, we will preserve your body, to set you up as a lesson for future generations. Unfortunately, many people are totally oblivious to Our signs.
Quran (10:90-92)

One of ALLAH'S miracles.

As a young muslim living in a America. It is sometimes hard to be faithful to the beautiful religion of Islam. Especially in the corrupt society we live in. Muslims everyday face temptations that are hard to withstand. But they are just mere tests from the almighty (ALLAH). Muslims who forsake the path usually fall into the evils of society and end up confused trying to find an identity. Not knowing that being a muslim is the best possible identity a human being could have. I think a parents involvement in a child's religious upbringing is the key ingredient to setting a foundation. First the parents have to water the garden and then it is up to ALLAH to make the seed's grow. I know this first hand from having my mother by my side. She gave me antidotes of wisdom. She taught me suras on the way to school. But I only started praying at the age of eleven. Ironically It started when i saw the movie The Ten Commandments for the fifth time. I acquired an admiration for Moosa (SAW) . How he went through all those hardships, well trying to spread a message from ALLAH. And then i realized how can i not appreciate the beautiful religion of Islam, after what Muhammad (SAW) did for it. Of how he risked his life and how he sacrificed so much for the sake of ALLAH. And at the end of the day it was because of Allah that i changed. He made seeds grow into a ripe fruit. And for that I will always love him, and thank him. The one and only ALLAH.