Along the Way

Assalam walaikum my friends!! Welcome back to another episode! This was definitely a bit delayed oops but I'm glad to be back <3 In this week's episode I discuss my personal thoughts and feelings around social media, how it makes my brain rot, and some goals I have to maximize my faith and growth in Ramadan (!!!! so excited). Whoever you are, wherever you are - I'm so glad you're here, and I can't wait to grow with you along the way <3

REFERENCES

1) "O children of Adam, take your adornment while praying, and eat and drink, but waste not by extravagance. Certainly, He likes not those who commit extravagance.” — (Quran; 7:31)

2) "Then on that Day you shall be asked about the delights.” — (Quran; 102:8)

3) “And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me.” — (Quran; 51:56)

Assalam walaikum, welcome back to Along the Way! In this episode I discuss my experience witnessing the genocide in Gaza, feeling like I'm losing my mind and this world has lost the plot, and what Palestine and the resilient Gazans have taught me. Don't forget to keep Palestine and all those suffering around the world in your duas - may Allah liberate them and bring them ease, Ameen. Whoever you are, wherever you are - I'm so glad you're here, and I can't wait to grow with you along the way <3

EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES:

1) Youtube: "Professor Ilan Pappé-Crisis in Zionism, Opportunity for Palestine?"

2) Youtube: "What is Religious Zionism? | Dr. Ali Ataie"

3) Educational website: decolonizepalestine.com

4) Reading: The politics of dispossession: The struggle for Palestinian self-determination by Edward Said

5) Reading: They Called Me a Lioness by Ahed Tamimi

REFERENCES:

1) "A strong believer is better and is more lovable to Allah than a weak believer, and there is good in everyone, (but) cherish that which gives you benefit (in the Hereafter) and seek help from Allah and do not lose heart, and if anything (in the form of trouble) comes to you, don't say: If I had not done that, it would not have happened so and so, but say: Allah did that what He had ordained to do and your" if" opens the (gate) for the Satan." (Sahih Muslim 2664)

2) Know that this worldly life is no more than play, amusement, luxury, mutual boasting, and competition in wealth and children. This is like rain that causes plants to grow, to the delight of the planters. But later the plants dry up and you see them wither, then they are reduced to chaff. And in the Hereafter there will be either severe punishment or forgiveness and pleasure of Allah, whereas the life of this world is no more than the delusion of enjoyment. (57:20)

3) Al-Mustawrid reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “What is the parable of this worldly life, in comparison to the Hereafter, but one of you dipping his finger in the sea? Let him see what he brings forth.” (Sahih Muslim 2858)

Assalam walaikum, welcome back! This episode covers my thoughts and opinions around beauty standards, equating our self worth and value to what we look like, and my journey trying to structure this as a Muslimah. This is something I've been thinking about for SO long, I truly hope it can bring you peace, comfort, or benefit in any way. But if you have any different thoughts or opinions around this, please leave a comment because I truly do want to hear other ideas so I can grow even more! Whoever you are, wherever you are - I'm so glad you're here, and I can't wait to grow with you along the way <3

REFERENCES:

1) ‘Abd-Allah ibn Mas’ud (may Allah be pleased with him) said: I heard the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) say: “Allah has cursed the woman who does tattoos and the one who has them done, the woman who plucks eyebrows (al-namisah) and the one who has it done (al-mutanammisah), and the one who files her teeth for the purpose of beauty, altering the creation of Allah.” (Narrated by al-Bukhari, 5931; Muslim, 2125)

2) ˹O Prophet!˺ Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their chastity. That is purer for them. Surely Allah is All-Aware of what they do. And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their chastity, and not to reveal their adornments1 except what normally appears. (Quran, 24:30-31)

3) Asma, daughter of Abu Bakr, entered upon the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) wearing thin clothes. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) turned his attention from her. He said: O Asma', when a woman reaches the age of menstruation, it does not suit her that she displays her parts of body except this and this, and he pointed to his face and hands. (Sunan Abi Dawud 4104) **This hadith is daeef - however, many scholars are of the opinion that the hands and face are the permissible areas to leave unveiled.

4) Abdullah ibn Umar (ra) narrated that he saw the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) making tawaf of the Ka’bah and saying, “How delightful you are, and how great is your scent! How magnificent you are, and how great is your sanctity! But by the one in whose hand is the soul of Muhammad, the sanctity of a believer, his wealth and his blood, is greater in the sight of Allah than your sanctity, and we do not think of him except good.” (Sunan Ibn Mājah 3932)

Assalam walaikum! It's so lovely to see you. In this episode I introduce my story of growing up in a Muslim household, straying away from faith, and ultimately what pushed me to come back and find peace in Islam. Whoever you are, wherever you are - I'm so glad you're here, and I can't wait to grow with you along the way <3