Ramadan

Ramadan has begun.

This month is all by restraining yourself and your desires, its a test of patience. Most people focus on the food aspect of it, whereas we should focus on all aspects. Refraining from food is just a tiny portion of what ramadan is all about, its also about refraining from bad speech, bad actions and bad manners. Although they are actions we should try and holdback from most of the time, with a rumbling stomach you find yourself more able to focus on these things.

This month makes me realise how fortunate I am. I'm not going to lie and say i never get hungry because I'm so spiritual blah blah...I'm human and I do feel hunger!! I know that when the sunsets I can break my fast and eat all that I want, whereas those around the world suffering from famines don't have that luxury. I can distract myself from the sound of my rumbling stomach with a book, listening to recitation of the quran, surfing the net...they don't have that luxury.

What bugs me the most when I tell people I'm fasting is when they reply with "ooohh that going to be tough, I just won't eat in front of you". That's the attitude that's left the poor and hungry, poorer and hungrier than ever before! You don't hide away from the issue, you face it. Yes, I'm choosing to fast so by all means eat in front of me, I couldn't care less. But when people are starving and dying because they have no choice DON'T hide away and eat in secret, eat openly but at the same time feed others.

I'm going to end this with what captivates me about this blessed month. All around the world there will be Muslims refraining from food, whether rich or poor, tall or short, black or white, we will all feel the hunger. We will, for a short period of time, feel what others feel when they cannot eat during the day. We will go through our daily chores, just as those in countries plagued with famine, on empty stomachs and sheer motivation. We know when it will end - they don't.

This month is not just about witholding it's also about giving. This month is the BEST month to give, so give generously to those less fortunate. Give with open hearts and pure intentions, because money given in charity is never a loss!

Oslo

What happened in Olso is a tragedy. Plain and simple.

But the initial reactions to what happened wasn't as plain nor as simple. Every major news outlet was trying to point the finger at Muslim extremists, and to be fair I think MOST people assumed it was.
I was at work when I found out, one of the guys I worked with commented that 'it's a strange country to attack because they're not that involved in the wars'. That told me instantly he meant Muslim extremists. But another colleague said that it may be neo-nazi groups becuase they are gaining momentum in many parts of Europe - if i'm honest that didn't even cross my mind!

Is the assumption justified? I don't know. I would say yes because that is what we are told on a daily basis and now come to expect it. My sister does not agree. She believes that we should not become desensitised and just accept that we will be blamed most, if not all, the time. I know she's right but how do we combat it? I don't know the answer to that. If I'm honest, I think its an impossible task. We cannot compete with the media, they portray Muslims in  a way that benefits them by selling stories & getting awards for great coverage!

As for the guy that committed these awful crimes...not once have I  heard him being referenced to as a terrorist, I guess that label depends on the length of a guys beard. Am I pissed off? Hell yes!! The fact he did this because he doesn't like the increasing multiculturalism is just ridiculous. That's the issue with far - right groups they work without logic and sense. The world is expanding, businesses and economies depend upon interdependent relationships that span across the globe. The harsh reality for these right wing groups is that people of different backgrounds/cultures/beliefs residing in their countries are going to increasing...without these people, without these workers, our economies, our understanding of different cultures would be lost.

When you view the world from a singular point of view, you miss out on so many colours, so many beautiful people and an amazing education! By working together we learn how to deal with problems in a mutual way rather than forcing ourselves upon each other and clashing. By working together we lessen the chance of people with extreme views influencing others, because the others have witnessed first hand the mutual respect between us all. By working together we eradicate our differences and begin to realise we are all one and the same - we are all human...

Its the Month I was born in!

July 30th I turn 22.

Omar Khadr is 24 yrs old going on to 25 in September.

Age 15 I was living a comfortable life, living with both my parents and siblings, going to school and getting an education.

Omar Khadr at age 15 was shot by American forces and dragged to Bagram prison. Only to then move to the notorious prison - Guantanamo Bay. He was being tortured and abused, while I sat in my Geography class learning about the different types of clouds.


November 7, 2005 Omar Khadr was formally charged. In 2005 I was probably revising for my GCSEs - my greatest concern was my education. His greatest concern was his freedom. Or had he lost hope by then?

Omar Khadrs' case has affected me like no other, maybe its because we are so close in age yet our lives have gone in total opposite directions. No child should have to go through what he has been through. His conviction tells us that many more will...

As of January 2009, 64% of Canadians supported repatriating Khadr to Canada^, up from 41% in June 2007  - If anyone has the latest figures feel free to comment or tweet me to let me know.

Just spend a moment imagining your life having gone in an extremely different way...learn to be grateful for what you have. Yes, life was tough for you - but someone else always has it tougher. You cannot compare your domestic issues to the issue of human rights. This boy, at the the tender age of 15, was no longer considered human...no matter who he told, no matter what scars he had to show, no one was going to listen to him and no one was going to take him home to his mother.

This year, on the day you celebrate your birth, think of those who have lost touch with the years/months/days because there life is withering away in a prison that should never have been built and in a legal limbo that should never EVER have been able to go on for so long!

The Value of Parents

“Parents who are afraid to put their foot down usually have children who step on their toes” ~ Chinese Proverb                  

I'm not venting today! Whooop! Instead, I want to take a moment to reflect on the value and importance of our parents/carers. 

If your reading this, then at some point in your life you would have been dependant on an individual to nurture you and care for you during your early years. Whether that person was  a parent/carer is irrelevant, it is the fact that they did so that is important. 

I have worked in a nursery and had to look after children from as young as 3 months old. If I'm honest I thoroughly enjoyed it, but knowing I would give them back at the end of the day helped me through a lot of rough days. Our parents have no option but to care for us, they woke up in the night to feed us, to calm us and to change us. They may not have wanted to some days, but they still did. We would cry endlessly through the teething stage yet they remained calm and diligent, tending to our every need. When we grew up they spent their earning on a treats for us, uniforms, books, stationary, and so much more - yet they never asked for anything in return. They did all the above because they loved us, they felt a responsibility towards us and they fulfilled it in the best of manners. 

Now for the teenage years, the time when we thought we could do it all by ourselves but our parents knew we couldn't. We were probably the most ungrateful at this stage, our parents continued to fund our needs, but we continuously told them they were doing it wrong! We thought they were always against us, telling us more often than not what we couldn't do that rather than what we could. But yet again, they bore it with patience and saw us through it. 

Guys n gals, the whole point of this is to remind us why, when we get older, we need to bare the responsibility of our parents. Whether you get on with them or not is another issue, but they saw you through the most vulnerable times in your life and so now you need to show them some gratitude. Send them some money every month if you don't want to see them, so they know your thinking about them and want them to be comfortable. But I strongly suggest we all make an effort to see our parents, honestly as much as they moan and groan they are always pleased to have the company. Make an effort to go around once a week to help clean the house or any DIY jobs that may need doing. It seems like a lot to ask for, especially in this day and age when we have so much going on work-wise and personally. I assure you, on the day your parents depart from this life, if you have made an effort with them you can live the rest of your life without any regrets. When you know you did all you possibly could to make sure your parents were comfortable, happy and safe during their end years it means living the rest of your life content and guilt-free.

Finally, when you respect your parents your children learn to respect you. When your children see you care for your parents they want to do the same for you. However, if all they ever see or hear is you disrespecting your parents then they can justify doing the same back. Your actions speak louder than your words...be the example you want your children to be.

Children of Tomorrow

Children of today are fearless so I can only imagine the state of the children of tomorrow- and it isn't a compliment. Be warned this is a rant!

I was raised "old school" - you got whacked round the head if you were naughty, you never ever in a million years raised your voice to your elders and you sure as hell never answered back (unless you no longer wished to live!) I may not have liked it then, but I appreciate the principles and code of conduct it taught me.

Teenagers/Children today are beyond stupid...i'm speaking from having some interaction with this specimen type. Common sense, is as common as pigs flying to these lot. Respect, I don't think it's part of their vocabulary. Self-respect, almost a myth. I could go on but i'm being to feel a bit sick!

We have teens yelling at their parents saying they'll do whatever they want cos they can! Telling anyone and everyone they want to have a relationship/get married - without even realising what that entails! I fear for them! I seriously feel like a lot of the youth today is delusional, they live in a bubble which their parents have carefully constructed only for it to turn on them and realise their kids haven't got a clue what the world they live in is like.

Another thing that vexes me! PARENTS! Parents are going bonkers!
I've worked at a nursery and an after school club. I have watched parents ASK their child to leave because they have to get somewhere else urgently. Why is this parents ASKING their child!!?? I have seen a parent plead with their child to leave and the child KICKS this parent and all she said was "no <childs name>" not even in an angry tone! I'm all for parents dictating to their child to a certain degree. The parent is suppose to nurture the child not only physically but mentally. Instil discipline, rewards and punishments. Allow the child freedom to choose, when they're old enough let them pick breakfast, but make sure they take the dishes to the sink or if your child is really young (2yrs+) then have a box in which they place the dish after its been used. However, if he/she picks the cereal then they must finish it all...no ifs/buts. No more wasting food!! Again, maybe its the old school in me, but if a child don't like the meal DO NOT throw it away! The child either eats it or goes without and has to wait for till snack time. Save the meal for later - either you eat it or try it again later with your child.

This blasé attitude of parents, using the excuse that their child is young is bloody careless of them! If you do not teach your child to respect you, the authority figure, then he/she is never going to respect anyone. If you do not teach your child to clean up after his/herself then he/she will never appreciate the effort that goes into everything they take for granted.Seriously, a child is not just a piece of you but that child is a part of society. You need to nurture him/her to be the best example for society...teach them to respect others, respect themselves, to give in charity, to set the best examples and most importantly to aim high and work hard to achieve goals.

End of rant. Have a great evening fellow earthlings...(I'm going to continue ranting but in my head :) )

Guantanamo Bay Rant #3

Suprise Suprise! Another rant...

I suppose you all knew this was coming especially since the most recent death in the Hell Hole known as Guantanamo Bay.

Im going to make this short and simple! Why are Obama, Clinton and Cameron so concerned with the issues going on in Libya and the Middle East?? They harp on about the lack of freedom, injustice and tyrannical rule the people are under, but i bet my entire lifes earnings on the people being detained in GITMO saying the exact same thing about our so called Democratic Leaders.

I don't know about where you live, but here in the UK it didn't even make breaking news. These men are all of one religion, that is the only common factor between them. This happened once before, yes thats right im talking about the holocaust. You can't blame people for making these comparisons because at the end of the day it is the only common factor between all these wars and the stupid new laws that limits a persons freedom based on their religion. If i get caught with too many bleach bottles i can get done for terrorism but if Nelly (my imaginary neighbour) does then its simply because the supermarket had a good deal on! You can see the issue here.

Men like Lt Col Barry Wingard are ostracised by their fellow patriots because they're fighting for the rights of men (most probably innocent of any crime!) in legal limbos. Rather than branding him and many other freedom fighters (hah! thats right Mujahids in arabic!) traitors, they deserve to be honoured and respected for trying to re-establish the principles the US was founded on - Justice and Equality.

Allow me assure you, for as long as Guantanamo Bay prison remains open and active, the United States of America and Britain look like right ass's when talking about justice and freedom.

I am whoever you say I am!

I am a muslim.
I am whoever I want to be and don't expect you to be anything like me.

Here's the misconception...I choose to pray 5 times a day, I choose to believe in the One God - Allah. Why? Because I believe in free will. I can make whatever decisions I like, whenever I like! I DO NOT expect the same from you! I'm sick of people thinking I want them to be like me or I see you as less significant because you don't believe what I believe or do as I do!

I am going to be held accountable for MY actions not yours! I neither see you as inferior to me or less of a human. In the (metaphorical) eyes of God your manners may win you more rewards, your acts of generosity may outshine mine, your ability to remain patient may out do mine. Only God has the right to judge you.

I have met many different people, in fact, within my own family I have a variety of characters! I know, no matter what anyone else thinks, nothing is as black and white as it may seem. Just as I have no right to judge you from an external point of view, you also do not have that right.

I dress a certain way because I choose to, there was a time in my life when I chose not to. I am more than my outwardly appearance, talk to me and you will find a girl who within 21 years has seen and lived more than a person in their 50's. I have knowledge not just on my faith, Islam, but on Hinduism, Judaism, Christianity, Zoroastrian and many more. I have witnessed police brutality, domestic violence, racism and so much ugliness it's not worth mentioning - but it's something to learn from!

Next time you see a women dressed in an abayah and hijab, just remember, she too is human. She too has weaknesses and strengths just as you do. But also remember, you do not know her principles and way of life just by LOOKING at her, that you learn by getting to KNOW her.