As stated in the New York Times March 2009 article, Muslim Thriving, but not content ; in which excerpts were previously shared in this post, The only subset with no wage gap between men and women are Muslims, mashaAllah (God has willed), I find it important to highlight some additional interesting quotes below,

A Gallup poll of Muslims in the United States has found that they are far more likely than people in Muslim countries to see themselves as thriving…Yet, within the United States, Muslims are the least content religious group, when compared with Jews, Mormons, Protestants and Roman Catholics.

American Muslim women, contrary to stereotype, are more likely than American Muslim men to have college and post-graduate degrees. They are more highly educated than women in every other religious group except Jews. American Muslim women also report incomes more nearly equal to men, compared with women and men of other faiths.

Muslim women in the United States attend mosque as frequently as Muslim men — a contrast with many Muslim countries where the mosques are primarily for men. American Muslims are generally very religious, saying that religion is an important part of their daily lives (80 percent), more than any other group except Mormons (85 percent). The figure for Americans in general is 65 percent.

“There is still a sense among American Muslims of being excluded from the mainstream,” Mr. Younis said, “and among young people that’s more acute.”

But the perception is far worse among Muslims in England and France, the study found.

Mr. Younis said the finding “reinforces the proposition that the integration process for American Muslims is, on the whole, a much more successful endeavor than it is for European Muslims.”

Alhumdulilah, Praise be to Allah, American Muslims are one of the most well-educated, wealthiest subsets of America who are growing at record pace–yet, we’re not “content”!?

We’re definitely not being Mu’miniyn (true believers) if we are not grateful for our good fortune and well-being.

Aren’t we being hypocrites when we chose to be disappointed because we “perceive” that the majority of Americans are misled by mass media’s depiction of a stereotypical Muslim American, therefore we can’t be proud of ourselves?

By choosing to sit discontent and idle on the side-lines, rather then choosing to do something constructive or even rejoice in our blessings, we’re not being Mu’miniyn.

Are we purposefully preventing ourselves from being proud simply because we’re not confident enough to know that pride is a good thing?

Honestly, I was greatly disappointed when I read this article because I believe that we are NOT being Proud Muslims…Americans, if we fail to be content when we are fortunate enough to have the freedoms and liberties to practice our faith, receive higher education, and assume wealth from our hard work and efforts. Astagfuillah (May Allah forgive us all).

Having traveled in France last year, my family and I witnessed numerous situations which were not favorable to native Muslim French brothers and sisters.

One instance, my then 8 year old daughter and I will never forget.

She asked, “Mama, why are they treating us so differently? We’re Muslim too…” (as she motioned to the Muslims waiting in line).

I replied, “Yes we are; but, they see us as Americans first…” She looked confused. So, I continued, “They see money, mashaAllah”.

Still confused, I continued, “They’re talking to us in English…They see our clothes…(Yes, in full hijab, I’m still obviously very American ). They see how we walk” (We trained our girls to walk tall with confidence. Unfortunately, every Muslim mom and their children that night walked sheepishly, embarrassed or even ashamed.) “We’re Americans”. [I didn't hold a tone of arrogance, I was just stating a fact. Yar Rabb, forgive me if I did not. Ameen].

So, we made du’a for our brothers and sisters who were sitting at the back corner of the restaurant closest to the bathrooms, as we were seated and served. We were sad that they did not even turn our way as my girls were eagerly trying to make salam. Even when we took a bathroom break, not a head (even the children) motioned our ways as the girls were trying to get one toddler’s attention.

I praised Allah, and explained to the girls “MashaAllah, see they are even more humble then us…we should learn to lower our gaze as they are.”

I no longer saw it as embarrassed hunching over away from attention. They were simply enjoying their meals with their families not bothered by anyone else, and present to teach us a lesson too; subhanallah.

The girls still didn’t like that we were we getting food to go, we were attended to before the French Muslims in line. Even when my husband said that they were ahead of us, the French brother said “no, no, no…” and motioned to the worker to go ahead. We said “Merci, Shukran, JazakaAllahkhir, Thank You”, unaware which they’d understand best.

We thanked Allah for all these lessons learned, and asked that He protect us and assure that we were accepting their treatment humbly.

Alhumdulilah, we had an opportunity to give all our left overs to a homeless non-Muslim man sitting outside the door, as everyone else walked by. My eldest was most proud, and before she took a bite of her juicy red apple, she smiled and offered her dessert to him as well. She looked up at me, “That was good, right Mama?…I shared our fortune.” “MashaAllah”, I remarked proudly.

As for England, mashaAllah, the treatment of Muslims as described by my brother and sister-in-law is not great either. Yet, Muslim Brits, mashaAllah, are one of the most dedicated, proud, productive Mu’mininyn in this world, despite living in a non-Muslim country.

So, yes as Muslim Americans we have it much better than our brothers and sisters in France and England; yet they are choosing to their lives completely devoted to Allah, in a state of happiness and pride. So, why are we choosing to be discontent?!

Shame on us, for not choosing happiness. It’s time to stop whining.

We need to do something about our situations and get involved.

Okay, so we’re more educated…big deal if we’re not happy!

We’re making money…so what if we’re not even enjoying the provisions we have for our families.

We’re even more religious than others (so the research says, based on masjid attendance)…Yet, we’re not even at peace with ourselves.

If we were we were practicing our deen (way of life) proudly; when surveyed in a Gallup pool we’d answered in a state of happiness not discontent. Which did not happen.

While I may be stretching what I read to deduce that we’re a bunch of whiners and cry-babies; I’m simply trying to shade light to these information.

But, it did not take my reading this article to prove to me the overall discontent in the Muslim American ummah (community) because if one just steps itno a masajid, Islamic school, or any Islamic institution in America one would witness somewhere state of discontent.

Many times I have to take my girls away from Muslim Americans because all they do is whine and cry usually very loudly, passionately, and unnecessarily. Actually, un-Islamically in many cases too. My non-Muslim parents witnessed unhappiness at their first Eid prayer, my late mother’s first visit to a masjid for our girls Sunday Islamic school. It was and still is very sad to see how miserable Muslim Americans choose to live their lives.

In the Glorious Qur’an, regarding happiness

Those who believed (in the Oneness of Allah – Islamic Monotheism), and work righteousness, Tuba (all kinds of happiness or name of a tree in Paradise) is for them and a beautiful place of (final) return.  (Surah ar-Rad, Chapter #13, Verse #29)

But none is granted it (the above quality) except those who are patient – and none is granted it except the owner of the great portion (of happiness in the Hereafter i.e. Paradise and of a high moral character) in this world. ( Surah Fussilat, Chapter #41, Verse #35)

Enter Paradise, you and your wives, in happiness. ( SurahAz-Zukhruf, Chapter #43, Verse #70)

“Eat and drink with happiness because of what you used to do.” ( Surah At-tur, Chapter #52, Verse #19)

So, what do I propose!?

• We must let your educated, passionate, believing, positive, happy voices be heard.
• Participate. Volunteer. Offer to help your brothers and sisters in distress.
• Offer to listen, counsel and advise our unhappy brothers and sisters.
• Allow yourself to complain *only* if you follow-through with action steps to change the issues causing you distress.
• Make dawaa (the invitation to Islam) first to our brothers and sisters in Islam, and then to others (non-Muslims). We have an obligation to help our brothers and sisters stay on the straight path by practicing Islam based solely on the Qur’an and Sunnah of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace & blessings be upon him).
• STOP using the lack of time, energy, resources, etc. as an excuse!

So, am I angry? No.

Am I discouraged? No.

Have I lost hope? Never!

Do I believe? Forevermore.

So, don’t stop believing either.

Even during times of distress (from the page):

It is by Allah’s grace that you have dealt gently with them. Had you been harsh and hard- hearted, they would surely have broken away from you. Therefore pardon them and pray for forgiveness for them and consult with them in the conduct of public affairs. When you have resolved about a course of action, put your trust in Allah. Allah loves those who put their trust in Him. (Surah Aal-`Imran 3:159)

…People always need compassion, care, a cheerful face, and patient forbearance which is not exhausted by people’s ignorance and weaknesses. People need someone with a big heart to give them all it can and ask them nothing, to share with them their worries, without burdening them with its own worries. They need someone whom they always expect to be caring, sympathetic, loving, content, and forbearing. Allah’s Messenger had all these characteristics, and these were the distinctive aspects of his life among his Companions. He never took for himself anything of the enjoyments of this world; on the contrary, he gave them all that he possessed with a smile and a cheerful heart. His forbearance, compassion, care, and sympathy were extended to all. Everyone of those who came in contact with the Prophet was full of love to him, because of what the Prophet generously gave him of his love….

Now, knowing we are not having a time of distress…it is our duty to put our trust in Allah, choose to smile with a cheerful heart, filled with love for whatever situation may pass us–even humbly accept our good fortune, and give back for the sake of Allah’s pleasure.

What better time to do this then during the last 10 days of Ramadan?

As always, please share your kind thoughts and opinions in the comments area below.

Ramadan – A Time for Happiness, Not Distress is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

Ramadan Kareem! Happy Ramadan!

The 1st Nationwide Ramadan Qu’ran-A-Thon Sadaqah Drive officially begins today, Ramadan 1, 2009 (Saturday, August 22, 2009) throughout the month of Ramadan.

Our goal is to encourage correct Qur’an recitation & memorization, and offer charity for the sake of Allah (May He Be Glorified) during our blessed month of Ramadan by our youngest Mu’miniyn living in America.

Program Materials:

• May be downloaded from the following files listed below:

1. AMM-IFUSA Qur’an-a-thon Ramadan 2009 Intro letter (critical program details are listed below in this article as well),




2. AMM Qur’an-A-Thon Registration Form (PDF), AMM Qur’an-A-Thon Registration Form (Excel file),
3. AMM Qur’an-A-Thon Certification Form (PDF), AMM Qur’an-A-Thon Certification Form (Word doc), and
4. AMM Qur’an-A-Thon Pledge Form (PDF), AMM Qur’an-A-Thon Pledge Form (Word doc).

• May be mailed upon request to:

Islamic Relief
265A Route 46 West, Suite 3A
Totowa NJ 07512
Phone: (973)890-1030

Notice of Intent

To purchase the correct amount and appropriateness of prizes, it is critical that you comment below with your Notice to Participate. Please state the number of children participating, their ages and genders.

Since this is our debut program, we are open to any and all feedback, recommendations and suggestions throughout the duration of this program. Please comment below and we will address the issues as best we can, inshaAllah.

Purpose/Objective:

Narrated Aisha: The Prophet said, “Such a person as recites the Qur’an and masters it by heart, will be with the noble righteous scribes (in Heaven). And such a person exerts himself to learn the Qur’an by heart, and recites it with great difficulty, will have a double reward.”  (Book #60, Hadith #459, Sahih Bukhari)

Narrated Ibn ‘Abbas: Allah’s Apostle was the most generous of all the people, and he used to be more generous in the month of Ramadan when Gabriel used to meet him. Gabriel used to meet him every night in Ramadan to study the Holy Qur’an carefully together. Allah’s Apostle used to become more generous than the fast wind when he met Gabriel (Book #54, Hadith #443, Sahih Bukhari)

To help young Muslims appreciate and live more closely to the Sunnah of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace & blessings be upon him) by

(1) Learning more ayats of the Qur’an by heart,

(2) Understanding and appreciating the act of earning money,

(3) Allowing children to gain a sense of pride by making charitable gifts to the needy, and

(4) Completing these generous acts in the name of Allah (May He be Glorified) during our blessed month of Ramadan when our rewards are multiplied by the number only Allah knows and wills.
Who may participate:

• Any Muslim child able to recite and memorize Qur’an based on the rules of tajweed up to 18 years of age.

How are the funds raised in this event:

• Each participating young Muslim will seek sponsorship from friends, family members, and others (Muslims & non-Muslims).
• Each sponsor will determine upon signing a pledge form to pay a predetermined amount of money (example 25 cents or $1) for each ayah (or surah) of the Qur’an that the participant reads with correct tajweed to an Islamic scholar or learned adult during the event*, OR
• The sponsor may also elect to pay a fixed amount of money as sponsorship for the participant regardless of the number of ayahs or surah he/she reads, recites or memorizes (for example: a sponsor may pledge to contribute one set price of $50).
• *It is recommended that each participating young Muslim describes the number of ayats (or surah) which is a realistic amount for that one participant to memorize with correct tajweed with in 30 days. Therefore, no one misleads the one is making a pledge. For example, its

Deadline Dates:
Ramadan 2009

• First 10 days of Ramadan [August 22 - 31, 2009] – Memorize as many ayats/surahs with correct tajweed as possible.
• Second 10 days of Ramadan [September 1 - 10, 2009] – Continue to memorize as many ayats/surah with correct tajweed as possible, and be tested by an Islamic scholar or learned adult, called the Examiner. The Examiner must use the enclosed form and acknowledge with his/her signature how many ayats/surah the participant recited correctly.
• Last 10 days of Ramandan [September 11 - 20, 2009] – Collect the pledge money.
• Last 3 days of Ramadan [September 18 - 20, 2009] – Send in your pledge form and money, bank check or money order (no cash)* of the total amount of pledges collected to:

Islamic Relief
ATTN: Ramadan Qur’an-a-thon Sadaqah Drive
265A Route 46
Ste 3A
Totowa, NJ 07512

*It is critical to collect and return pledges on or before the 30th day of Ramadan, so our children receive the greatest amount of rewards for their hard work and efforts, inshaAllah.

American Muslim Mom & Islamic Relief USA Ramadan 2009 Qur’an-A-Thon Sadaqah Drive is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

The Islamic Center of Irvine is proud to hold the first national Qur’an competition judged by World Renowned Qari, Sheikh Mishary Al-Afasy from Kuwait for any Muslim 14 years or older.  For rules, instructions, and the registration form click here . InshaAllah, World Renown Qari Sheikh Mishary Al-Afasy from Kuwait will also lead Taraweeh Prayers at Islamic Center of Irvine during the ?Holy Month of Ramadan 2009. One of our family’s most favorite Shaikhs. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if ICOI hosted a live-streaming of the each Taraweeh prayer?!

First National Qur’an Competition to be judged by Shaikh Mishary Al-Afasy is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog