NY Mosque Debate

Since its been everywhere on the news, I've had my own feelings regarding the proposed Islamic center to be built somewhat near ground zero. On one side, it is ignorant to protest a mosque just because the terrorists had proclaimed to be Muslims- therefore making the correlation that all Muslims are terrorists and every mosque will spout evil rhetoric. Especially when there is a Catholic church, strip club, and liquor store in the same area [evidence of religious discrimination and proof that the area is not that sacred]  Especially when this is America, where there is freedom of religion. Those protesting seem to want to erase that basic right and make this a religious i.e Christian nation.

I do understand that some who can't separate all of Islam from the 9/11 terrorists. However hurt feelings and ignorance doesn't stand as valid reasons to deny a person or group their right to practice their religion or a company its right to practice basic capitalism and sell land to any paying customer [as some politicians want the center moved to another place]  The ground zero site is and should be a memorial to the poor Americans who died. But how much of the surrounding area should be apart of the memorial? The entire city of New York? Or rather, is it only expanded for anything Muslim-related?

On the other side, I can understand how some American Muslims don't want this controversy to invite more harassment toward Muslims- there are already other protests of mosques in other cities- the only mosque in my town is nondescript and hidden from any Islamic-identification. I don't want my son to grow up hiding his Muslim identity out of fear of being targeted. I often wonder if my hijab makes me a target, particularly when job-searching.

But the fact remains that Islam has a place in America as do all faiths. This shouldn't be downgraded or hidden away to appease others- shying away from what is legally right is a behavior that is unAmerican.

Blessed Ramadan-modified

So I am observing wonderful Ramadan while pregnant- which honestly is a disappointment because in the nearly two years since converting, I haven't successfully completed a Ramadan yet [completely fasting consistently] and now I won't be able to for a couple years possibly. But I do have an important job to do which is nourishing my little one- my doc advised against fasting while expecting and I honestly am concerned because I have a hard time eating properly and most likely do not get enough calories.

So I am celebrating in a modified way
1- I have made character goals which include not cursing and losing my patience [which go hand in hand when I deal with my pets]
2- I will do extended reflection and research on various topics which will include the seven levels of heaven, the prophets, and other items I have been questioning but don't reserve time to look into
3- I will abstain from what I can, which will include intimacy and bad behavior [like gossipy comments]

*I have also made some Ramadan construction paper connected rings with one of God's names on each of the 30 rings- each night I have cut one off and reflected on the name. I want to get into the habit of making decorations for Ramadan for my son when he is older and I really enjoy this visual reminder of the sacred holiday.

-side note: very funny Ramadan greeting from the Colbert report
http://www.colbertnation.com/the-colbert-report-videos/343734/august-12-2010/happy-ramadan

So I pray for the continued good health of my son and success during this Ramadan- inshallah

great article on fasing/pregnancy http://www.jannah.org/ramadan/ramadanpregnancy.pdf

Week 34- Pregnancy

Our blessing from Allah is now 34 weeks old and this pic is from week 33 day 6. He appears to be healthy. I love this pic because I can actually see his cute face, mashallah!  I felt less connected when seeing it, though because it replaced the 'working' image I had of him in my mind- now he was a much more realistic human being. My husband keeps asking me if I am thinking about the labor and honestly I have done the research and seen the videos but I haven't really processed it yet- its hard to fully prepare for the unknown.

The pregnancy is going well- I am no longer losing weight and not gaining quickly either, which is good. I am getting headaches and am so sore when walking. I want to be more active, like walking more, but its so hot and I fear getting stuck and frustrated far from home. I had a dentist appt and it was so uncomfortable being on my back and had to take numerous breaks.

I am improving greatly emotionally, mashallah. I am coming 'out of my fog' and feeling more connected and positive- I still feel sad about this month, knowing school is starting up and I won't be preparing my lessons and classroom. But I will soon be starting my new job of mom. I have to continue to trust that Allah's plan for me will be more beneficial than I can imagine and I have to be patient.

So for now I will prepare for Suvad, get my medical and unemployment in order, and work on centering my emotions and growing closer to Allah.