By Although I was born a Muslim, I never really considered myself one until I rediscovered the gems of Islam. Reading the Qur’an and its astounding interpretations inspired my thirst for knowledge and thus my journey of reading other extensive Islamic books and hadith commenced.
Surprisingly, learning about Islam led me to explore other parts of the reading world and I discovered my interest in classical literature. Being a full-time student of Islam and a part-time one of literature has taught me to intertwine the two as didactic morals that define my perception.
1. Serenity through modesty
This aya and the entire Surah ad-Duha gives assurance to all believers that indeed Allah’s help is near no matter what kind of hardship befalls them.
2. Prayer as a reflection
No other joy is compatible to the joy of sujood and falling in love five times a day with one’s Creator.
3. Patience even in the reign of Big Brother or Islamophobia
How you feel when you’re Muslim and you read too many of George Orwell’s novels.
4. Halal humor
A little halal Sheik Speare humor isn’t so bad.
Only when we reach out to humbly apprehend the teachings of this religion can we find a common ground to live in harmony with those who do not share our faith.
5. Equality since 1400 years ago
The teachings of Islam connect the entirety of humanity across racial, ethnic, and gender divides.
Surah Hujurat, aya 13 points out, “Oh Mankind, We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female and made you into nations and tribes, so that you may know each other not that you may despise each other. Verily the most honored of you in the sight of God is he who is the most righteous of you.”
6. First commandment of the Qur’an: Read!
This primary revelation of the Quran reminds us to actively seek knowledge for ourselves for both this world and the next.
It is often the lack of this knowledge and reading that keeps us from understanding the true beauty of Islam. Only when we reach out to humbly apprehend the teachings of this religion can we find a common ground to live in harmony with those who do not share our faith.