Gratitude

Gratitude

The key is to remember Him within the difficulty for that is what will make the test lighter to bear. When we remember God’s words of ”surely, with every difficulty, there is relief” (Quran 94:6), we are reminded of the ease within the hardships. This can shift our focus to gratitude, which is the first brick in the building of contentment. Writer, Amy Morin, in her piece titled, 7 Scientifically Proven Benefits of Gratitude, states that “gratitude reduces a multitude of toxic emotions, from envy and resentment to frustration and regret.” These facts are based on studies conducted by Robert Emmons, Ph.D., a researcher on gratitude. His research uncovers how gratitude lessens depression and increases happiness. Gratitude, a concept Islam encourages as well, is a driving force towards contentment. God says, “Be thankful to God: whoever gives thanks benefits his own soul” (Quran 31:12).

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Healthy Us, Healthy Me

As a marriage and family therapist, I am a systems thinker, so even when I am working with an individual, I view the larger picture: mainly, the relationships individuals are a part of. Each relationship we are in impacts who we are as individuals. If we are in a healthy relationship, it leads to our individual happiness. If we are in an unhealthy relationship, it will subsequently be detrimental to our individual mental health. There are a plethora of studies and articles that discuss the importance of healthy relationships and their effects on individuals. One research study performed at the University of Cambridge found that people in healthy relationships have a 50% greater likelihood of survival than those who are not. Another study conducted at the University of Michigan in 2013 discovered that those who are in unhealthy relationships are more likely to suffer from depression. These studies and many more address the correlation between mental health and unhealthy/healthy relationships that are too vital for us to ignore. Having support can influence our mental health by offering support in times of stress, suffering, and grief, reducing the impact of anxiety and depressive thinking.

As I sat across

As I sat across from my client as she was narrating to me the power a specific prayer had, I realized something profound: A closeness to God and feeling His presence in dark times can assist us in overcoming challenging situations. The closeness can provide a sense of calm, that the omnipotent Creator is ever watchful over what is happening and is taking care of us. As my client described the positive impact that simply reciting this particular prayer had on her, I was certain that this connection to prayer was a valuable resource in her life and could be a strong handhold for others as well.

The connection between religion and mental health has been discussed in detail in the literature. Research published in the Indian Journal of Psychiatry in 2013 discusses the positive relationship between religion and mental health. For instance, a person’s religiousness is related to decreased use of alcohol and drugs. Depending on a person’s religious commitment, these factors affect longevity since suicide rates and even suicidal ideation are lower in religious people. The overwhelming conclusion of these studies is that spirituality can be a significantly positive mental health resource, particularly in times of great distress.

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For Muslims, knowing that God is with us is a strong anchor in trying times. Not only does He reassure us that He is with us, but He also informs us that we have the strength to bear what we are enduring: “God does not burden any human being with more than he is well able to bear…” (Quran 2:286). This promise reassures us that God knows our strengths and capabilities and only gives us what we have the capacity to endure and overcome. Remembering these words and recognizing God’s presence in difficult times, such as a death in the family, the loss of a job, an anxiety attack, an illness, etc. assist us in overcoming these challenges. Internally, a switch goes on that we are not alone in our distress and there is an all-powerful being carrying us through. The strength that follows such a belief gives a person the ability to overcome.

God reminds us in the Quran that “those who believe, and whose hearts find satisfaction in the remembrance of God: for without doubt in the remembrance of God do hearts find satisfaction” (Quran 13:28). That remembrance of God is a source of comfort during times of agitation, distress, worry, and physical and emotional pain. It does not always appear so easily, such as turning to spirituality instead of vices when we are depressed or anxious, but practical steps can lead to the awareness of him and bring ease to distressed hearts. Examples of these include praying, taking a few deep breaths, journaling, meditating, yoga, and even something as simple as taking a hot bath.

Imam Omar Suleiman Calls for American Unity at Bernie Rally

Muslim Students attended the first Kentucky Muslim Day at the state’s Capital. As they were boarding their buses in Frankfort, Kentucky, a group of men equipped with megaphones and posters shouted hateful speech at the children.

Ihsan Bagby, a local leader of the Muslim community spoke at the events in Frankfort and was interviewed by local station WKYT. He explained that the exchange was the first time many of the children encountered hateful speech against Muslims but emphasized that the Muslim community’s relationship with other Christians was cordial.  “I don’t think that is the Christian message,” said Bagby. “I can’t imagine Jesus doing that.”

And Dr. Ihsan Bagby should know, as an associate professor in the department of Islamic Studies at the University of Kentucky whose research focuses on Muslims in America. In 2001, he published the results of the first comprehensive study of mosques in America, entitled The Mosque in America: A National Portrait. He is a well-published author and received his PhD in Near Eastern studies from the University of Michigan.

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Imam Omar Suleiman Calls for American Unity at Bernie Rally 

This past Friday, Imam Omar Suleiman spoke at Bernie Sanders’ rally in Mesquite, TX. In his speech, he called for “[a]n America of safety, dignity, love and unity. An America where we uplift our most vulnerable, celebrate our diversity, and unlock our collective genius.” He ended his speech by asking the audience: “Tell me what America looks like”, to which they replied the chant made popular during the nationw-wide protests against the Muslim Ban, “This is what America looks like.”

In his speech, he emphasized (as he has in past op-eds) that it may seem that America has broken its promise to certain communities, that by united together, we should intend to fulfill that promise of an America of unity. prosperity. equitability. and magnanimity.

Teresa Woodard tweeted: “Imam @omarsuleiman504 is speaking now. “I never thought I’d speak at the Mesquite Rodeo.” He also says the crowd tonight “is what America looks like.” #WFAA”

Although Imam Omar Suleiman has not endorsed any specific candidate, he has stated in the past: “My work politically revolves around eliminating suffering, domestically and abroad. This shapes how I view militarism, poverty, policing, mass incarceration, environmental issues, healthcare, immigration, and torture. The Prophet (saw) said, “find me amongst the oppressed. Are you given aid and support by Allah except by how you treat your most vulnerable?” I believe that we as Muslims, especially those who claim orthodoxy, should assert ourselves in these areas.”

Imam Mohamed Magid joined

Imam Mohamed Magid joined a team of high-ranking Muslim leaders from around the world to visit the former Nazi death camp Auschwitz-Birkenau in Poland. Auschwitz consisted of over 40 concentration and extermination camps run by Nazi Germany during World War II and the Holocaust where more than a million people massacred by the Third Reich during World War II.

Imams from all over the world including Bosnia and Herzegovina, Jordan, India, Palestine, Turkey, the United States, and other countries came together to pray for the victims of the Holocaust. The visit also marked the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz by the Red Army in 1945.

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Mohamed Magid, the President of the Islamic Society of North America said that the stories behind the camp were very touching and the world should condemn antisemitism before adding, “What can I say? I am speechless.”

The visit to the Auschwitz Memorial is part of a memorandum of understanding signed between the Muslim World League and the American Jewish Committee to educate the Muslim clergy about the Holocaust.

Constructed in Nazi-occupied Poland in 1940, more than 1.1 million people were killed in the Auschwitz concentration camp – 1 million of which were Jews. Imam Mohamed Magid also made news last year when he spoke at a Trump event. He explained his logic for speaking at the event by referring to the example of Prophet Muhammad (saw), saying that, “he used to speak to people who disagreed with him, people who spoke ill of him, and he engaged them. And I do believe that in order for people to understand who we are, we have to engage with them.”

In previous years, Imam Magid was joined by other American imams including Yasir Qadhi, a Houston-born Imam who earned his PhD from Yale University and is currently the Dean of Academic Affairs for TISA (The Islamic Seminary of America). The tragic events of 9/11 caused him to return to the United States, in order to, as he puts it, ‘…build bridges of understanding between Americans and Muslims.’

Protection of Religion

1. Protection of Religion: Islam prohibits the coercion of religious beliefs on any person or community.
2. Protection of Life: Islam prohibits the murder innocent people is prohibited.
3. Protection of Honor: Islam prohibits backbiting, slandering, and false testimony. It also promotes honesty and concealing people’s mistakes.
4. Protection of Intellect: Islam encourages people to care for their mind and intellect. Intoxicants and drugs that cloud judgment and result in individuals making bad decisions have negative impact of society. Therefore, in attempt to protect individuals and society, Islam prohibits intoxicants and drugs.
5. Protection of Family: Fornication, adultery, and cheating destroy families. Islam encourages marriage and family values.
6. Protection of Wealth: Economic justice is key to the stability of all societies. Usury, cheating, and withholding charity from the less fortunate all lead to economic imbalance. Islam seeks to protect the wealth of both the individual and society by requiring that all wealth be obtained through legitimate means.
7. https://livequranforkids.com/learn-quran-online

Ultimately, Islam is not represented by a single person, country, or ruler. Islam is properly understood through the what Muslim scholars have identified to be the main teachings of Islam. It is essential to distinguish between Islam and the actions of extremists actions or dictatorships. This will prevent people from misunderstanding Islam and marginalizing and demonizing Muslims. The best way to begin understanding Islam is by talking directly with Muslims who have studied the teachings of Islam. If you have further questions or would like to visit a mosque contact us at 877-WhyIslam. You deserve to know!

Scholars are those who study the religion

Scholars are those who study the religion and have the necessary expertise to determine the meaning and contexts of religious teachings. The world is a complicated place and not everything is black and white. Scholars of terrorism have long reached a consensus that radicalization is seldom caused by a single factor, including ideology. Islam, like all other religions, can be misused to promote evil agendas. However, because these evil agendas exist does not mean that they stem from the religion. Rather, there are multiple reasons terrorism and extremism exist such as reactions to foreign invasions, sanctions, dictatorships, illegal occupation, and economic inequality.

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Islam is a religion that is over 1400 years old. It has a long history of scholarly tradition and Islam inspired many great contributions to the world. When one surveys this tradition and the beliefs of Muslims, there are certain things that Muslims agree on. Among them is freedom of religion, the prohibition of killing innocent civilians, prohibition of dictatorships, and rejection of wrongdoing. It encourages doing good, prayer, charity, chastity, modesty, religious freedom, justice and economic security. In fact, Muslim legal scholars have highlights the aims of Islamic law to be six elements:

revolution much has changed.

Historically, Islam was invisible from our educational system, training of diplomats, and in the media. The interest in Islam started with the Iranian revolution. This interest was triggered by a negative factor of trying to understand “the enemy.” Many people choose to see Islam through the lens of terrorist actions, despite the fact that this is a very small percentage of the 1.4 billion Muslims across the globe. People also try to understand Islam through the actions of Muslim majority countries like Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, or Iran. People tend to equate Islam with the Arab world or the Middle East, even though the majority of Muslims are not Middle Eastern (For more on equating Muslims with Islam see here). Since the Iranian revolution much has changed. Islam is now found in many educational institutions and in the media. Nevertheless, media is driven by headlines which focus on negative aspects such as crimes and conflicts.

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What is the proper lens through which Islam should be understood? The fact of the matter is that there are many lenses and perspectives in all religions and cultures. However, there are certain lenses that the vast majority of people would agree are wrong. For instance, the vast majority of Christians throughout the world would concur that the KKK is not representative of Christianity. Christianity should not be judged or understood through the lens, actions, or hate speech of the KKK. Similarly, Islam should not be understood through the actions of terrorist organizations or individuals. Islam has no pope figure. Therefore, one will find a plethora of opinions and interpretations about what constitutes authentic Islam. This does not mean that truth does not exist and that all opinions and interpretations are valid. One can easily sift out the incorrect interpretations by looking at the majority of Muslims. Like the majority of Christians, most Muslims despise terrorist groups. Islam must be understood through the lens of Muslim scholarship.