Life as a Muslim
Occasionally life suffocates me, the violence, the indifference, the shear tragedy of a world without empathy. And then at other times, I am so overwhelmed by the kindness and charity that does exist, that the mere sight of a flower may make me wonder at the beauty of creation and cause my heart to overflow with love.
Often I think that I want to live like a real Muslim, and reflecting upon the magnitude of this desire fills me with awe, but also with the fear that it might be something I can never accomplish.
The love of Abraham (peace be upon him), who had compassion for humanity, who had care and concern, even for those who harmed him. The wisdom of Solomon (peace be upon him), to rule with justice, the bravery of David (peace be upon him) to fear no man, to pray with sincerity, and be generous with his wealth. The perseverance and patience of Joseph (peace be upon him), remaining strong in faith in spite of unfair internment.
When I look into the past, my inspiration to become a more worthy creation is endless… Like Mary (may God be pleased with her), among the best of women, who owned nothing of significance, yet never complained. Like Hagar (may God be pleased with her), who remained alone in a desolate land with her newborn son, only because her faith and trust in God was that tremendous. Like Asiyyah (may God be pleased with her), who endured being tortured by her husband, asking for nothing but a house in paradise to be close to her Creator, and remained strong because she believed that the promise of God is true.
I want for my sons to grow with compassion, with justice, with patience; I don’t want them to argue about the head covering of women, I don’t want them to waste precious moments trying to decipher whether they are ‘progressive’ or ‘traditional’, I don’t want them to become entangled in the web of mania that effectively surrounds the Muslim world today. I want for them to be recognized as real Muslims, serving humanity with integrity, standing up for justice for all people, protecting life around them. I want them to worry about mankind, as Adam (peace be upon him) worries about his sons and daughters. I want them to speak gently with their brothers and sisters, show mercy and sympathy, be considerate and helpful. I want them to struggle in the path of God, love everything good, hate everything evil, and to never fear speaking the truth.
) Inshallah, may you raise your sons to be these individuals, may He guide you to live your life the way you desire. My struggle and aspirations are similar.
