Reflection- Movie "Mooz-lum"

Being Muslim right after 9/11- it was an event that brought so much light to Islam and led to many people converting after researching what at first was an 'evil' religion, discovering the true beauty. But for many others in America and around the world, Muslims were attacked and harassed for their appearance, for being believers.

I just watched the great independent film 'Mooz-lum" with Nia Long and Danny Glover. Amazing movie that focused on a young boy whose father's determination to made him a Quran reciter and a 'proper muslim' led to family dysfunction and a secret the boy didn't feel he could communicate with anyone, one that would led him to question being Muslim.

Interesting tidbit- the hijab styles in the movie are awesome and diverse (some 'traditional' and some just a head covering ) also interesting is that the mother was hijabi but wore relaxed clothes but a head covering at home (was it to not offend Muslims showing a Muslimah character with hair flowing?)

Anyway, the film treated everything fair I feel- the Muslim father was presented on an 'evil Muslim' slant but later was humanized more and the Muslim mother was firm and stood for her beliefs and love for her son (no submissive woman here) I appreciated the different aspects of Muslim American life shown- the males who choose to be identified as Muslim, the women who stand up for their faith proudly, the young kids who struggle with being Muslim and fitting in with the dunya. In the end he stood up for others after 9/11 occurred despite his personal struggle with his identity as a Muslim.
Great article by the director about being "Muslimerican" here

Reflection:
I felt a personal connection to the story as a parent. My husband had a more secular upbringing while I was raised in a more 'religion is a part of life" childhood (attending Awaana and encouraged to turn to God in prayer, conservative attitudes about swimming and boys) and he worries about me raising our son to be too religious. He feels the Christian kids' clubs I attended were extreme. I feel the need to have religion in every part of life to build a relationship with God; my childhood relationship with God led be to Islam as an adult.

 I do worry how to strike a good balance between American living and Muslim living- watch T.V shows and movies/ be part of the consumerism on gift giving days? I pray for guidance on those matters. My plan so far- I do know I want to have home Juma's and great Eid/ Ramadan celebrations- I want my son to be aware of and proud of his faith. (one reason I gave to my mom concerning hijab- by wearing it I display a love for God and faith to my son, I show him that the principal of doing something against the popular norm even if I may not get the jobs I want) But not to the extreme of the movie where it's so forced on him that he shies away from his faith to get away from it's pressure.  So inshallah I raise him the best I can.

Why I Fast- Ramadan reflection after first week

I've been seeing a lot of articles and posts asking for the real reason behind fasting and what one has 'gotten out of it' so I have analyzed it myself

1- a test from God: God notes numerous times that the believers will be tested and fasting is a great test for those who are faithful- why else would one do it if not to gain a deeper commitment to God and strive for success as a Muslim? The temptations can be great when fasting, I know as I have failed in the past to complete a full month. When food is readily available and a variety of drinks at every turn, its easy to allow yourself to give up and give in. Faith is a test- one has to strive to adhere by God's rules for living and avoid the doubts that lead to sin. In the past I would break fast early and the thought of "God will forgive me, its not a big deal" would excuse me of my weakness. But the strong in faith are the ones who know no excuse is sufficient. I want to be strong.

2- strength comes out of hardship: I always have such admiration for athletes and one reason is that they work hard and sacrifice for a goal and when they achieve it, its such an empowering outcome and one that requires maintenance to continue being successful. I feel that way about fasting- there are times when it can be so hard to focus and function with diminished energy but the reward of God's blessings and obeying God's command keeps me motivated. Also the experience of fasting motivates me throughout the year; knowing that I set a goal and accomplished it (though in the past I haven't gone the whole month, but did do several weeks) helps me when I face other challenges.

3- extended salat: in terms of taking time out of your life for God. Much like the daily prayers, fasting for me is a time to stop all the plans we make and give it to God. I feel slowed down physically and mentally- fasting forces me to think about my faith and not waste time (or if I am wasting time, the hunger pains bring back my focus)

So with the blessings of a pretty successful week of Ramadan, I pray for additional success and to watch my patience and anger and turn to God when I am stressed or feeling down.

Alhaduliliah

Blog shout out- 30 Mosques in 30 Days

I am losing myself (and time) catching up on this amazing blog project- I can't believe I've never heard of it- though I was pregnant and baby crazy when it happened Ramadan 2010. Mashallah I have found it and its so wonderful and diverse and informative. I feel so proud to be a Muslim and want to rush to my local mosque- I feel bad now for downing it for its faults (bad sound system, crappy women's area, the fact that there is a separate and crappy women's area) but from the 30/30 blog, I appreciate that Muslims (who are the minority especially in their town) have to make do. So I will be going this Friday, inshallah.  Anyway, including links of the project since multiple photos are on different sites.

Current/ original blog
Link to the press they did, and other press links

Halal food -- locally!

I was happy to find out recently that my local Whole Foods now carries Saffron Road frozen halal certified food. I have never had halal before this summer and when I found certified beef ribs at my Costco only to find out that it was being fazed out, I bought a bunch and hoped for the best. Mashallah more companies will market to Muslims and carry items we can enjoy- inshallah halal will be as prevalent as kosher!

I found a good article about the business aspect of Whole Foods' campaign- it makes sense for them to have a Ramadan campaign because breaking fast meals can lead to big bucks. Its only online and social media most likely due to the crazy backlash from Best Buy's Eid-al-Adha flyer situation from 2009 (I remember seeing on the local news a guy who was going to boycott Best Buy just for acknowledging a Muslim holiday!)  I actually bought some Saffron meals (Lamb Saag and Chicken Marsala) at $4.00 a pop for a somewhat small amount of food but I'm more than willing to spend it if its halal- very hard to find in my town. So things are improving for American Muslims, alhamdulillah!

sidenote- just found an article with misguided Christians slamming Whole Foods for selling food that is 'in the name of an idol" because the 'Muslim God is an idol" and its 'backdoor Shariah- God forbid and forgive their ignorance.