A little Poetry

You think you know me
 because you see
the reflection of a stereotype in your mind
You think you are clever
because you never
make a mistake summing up mankind
You fool only yourself in your contrived fantasy
Needing to label and caste people is ecstasy
But your fate is also with theirs intertwined

Look carefully your misplaced pity may a mirror of your life.

So Today is September 11, 2011

Bismillahi Rahimnir Raheem (In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful)

So today is the tenth anniversary of an abominable act allegedly committed by some who called themselves Muslim. I for one do not believe that it was an attack done by the accused but rather a plan to enslave Americans, mostly and the world, in general by fear to take something greater away from each individual. Each person was supposed to lose the ability to think for himself and be "with us"...us= United States...us= "not Muslims"..us=those who think and act as sheeple. But despite the best efforts, I see that the opposite is happening. Over the years people have learned more about each other, Islam, Buddhism, Judaism and their own individual faiths. People have worked harder to be a neighbor to their neighbors. Interfaith connections and alliances are growing stronger daily. And people have converted to Islam in much larger numbers.

So today is the tenth anniversary of a world made smaller, wars in every home in every country and heart. The United States set out to get "them" but in turn caused much suffering for the families of dedicated men and women in the armed forces in America and the nations of its allies. It is not just "over there", it is everywhere. There is even unrest in our hearts and majority Muslim nations by extension responded to this unrest. People will not tolerate tyrants, also known as puppets of greater nations. People have a right to live in a just society.

So today is the tenth anniversary of redefining what we believe, how we interact with each individual and each nation. We are learning new languages and words...frightening words like...Shariah! Shariah the sacred law in the Quran not a stone's throw from the Ten Commandments has been banned in 18 states in the US and counting. This is akin to rejection of belief in God. But just like the recent earthquakes and tremors and hurricanes and monsoons in the East Coast of the United States a huge wave of overriding the hearts of men is in the works. We can not live in fear forever. Human beings need one another to survive so like it or not we must swallow and GET ALONG!

So today is the tenth anniversary to reflect and change our hearts and minds about one another. We are all brothers and sisters in the eyes of Allah, God or whatever you call our Creator. Make today the beginning of a new way of seeing humanity. Smile when you see angry eyes and say hello to that woman in a head scarf (hijab) or that face with so much distrust. A smile CAN change the world.

Reshaping My Argument Against Public School

We have just have a beautiful month of fasting and remembrance of Allah and how we should be with others. Compassion, putting others needs first especially neighbors, relatives, siblings, children and our spouses should be considered first as an extension of our relationship with our Creator. Our relationship with these people reflects our relationship with Him. This is the real meaning of socialization. Knowing how to live in a society with others, regardless of their religion, political views, ethnicity, etc.,  in an appropriate manner is the epitome of proper socialization. As Muslims we are bonded to do this for the sake of our relationship with Allah, the Creator of All Mankind.

For many years now, I have been home schooling my children. I believed this the best way to "socialize" my children. My argument against public school was that "socialization" is not taught or inculcated in children. Rather they were encouraged to forget their self-identity and trade it for similitude. Therefore in this mass brainwashing children were taught that homogenity was best and family values and traditions be tossed. My argument was that children are supposed to only be and accept one way of being. What if you could have the best of both worlds?

What if children were "socialized" at home according to my aforementioned definition and simply learned how to apply that in a setting that discouraged it? What if you could strengthen your child's character with this strong belief and then allow them to inculcate it within themselves everyday? By extension, when they spent time with others, they would reflect and infect others with it. Is that so hard to believe? Muslims also believe that the first 7 or 8 years are most important for enjoining this deep belief system. Therefore, by the time your child reaches this age their judgement should be sound, depending on the child. For some it may take longer or a shorter amount of time. Our job as parents is simply to SEE our children for WHO they are and educate each accordingly. We can not give them perspective no matter how we try. At some point it is their own creation. However, we can help them shape it over time once they are secure in who and how they are.

So this year after much reflection, I am allowing my children to create their own perspective. Leaving my home and going into a public school under the complete protection of Allah to guide them throughout their day, I remain in dua and await the moment they return so that I may help them shape it. I am no longer arguing against public school just reshaping my perspective. May Allah protect our children and our selves from the evil of His creation, allow us to evolve as guides for our children and grant from the good things of His creation. Ameen.