Archiving this blog October 12, 2006

Salamaat,

I am having trouble with this site. I was really excited to have a platform where we could support each other, share ideas and form a micro community of good doers having an action oriented mindset (rather than simply complaining about what is missing out there).

 After the first couple of posts, I started worrying about my actions, and whether by posting them I was rendering their intrinsic worth useless. And when I am actually doing my set kindness of the day, I would worry whether I was doing it just to show it off here; or whether the readers’ will perceive that (okay I know I am over analyzing it).

Aside from a couple of people, who posted here it seems like the interest level is really low. Besides which, I really don’t have the time to publicize this site as much as I want to. (Although the Nisa community admin, generously offered us a space on her domain).

I am just not sure what direction we want to take this site; whether we should keep it or not; what the purpose of it is; and whether it can logically stand the test of time.

The bright lining in all this; is that the idea itself inspired some people to take action; and who knows to what eternity those ripples of goodness will reverberate. I pray that Allah accepts from all of us; may He infuse in our souls the spirit of everlasting generosity; may He grant us compassion laced with humility; and wisdom weighed with love and beauty. (amin).

To the active contributors, I await your responses…

Peace and a whole bunch of end of Ramadhan Barakah to you…and your loved ones.

Ideas for acts of kindness… October 9, 2006

“A campaign for what?” Ibrahim asked me. We were sitting together in the library, taking a study break (I feel I take too many of these), exhausted from lack of sleep and far too much studying (or not enough). Iftar was still a couple of hours off.

“A campaign for kindness.” And with that, off I went…explaining the concept and its conception (from one of M’s posts).

“What can we possibly do that’s consistent? With our schedules?” (this is paraphrased…picture it in a heavy patois).  So we ended drafting up some ideas of consistent acts of kindness (while our books and notes and paper deadlines lay forgotten).

The Food for Food thing:
Many of our masjids and Islamic institutions (schools and such) hold communal Iftars. It is extremely easy to set up donation bins here…for canned goods, non perishable foods and (CAUTION!) clothing and such (more on this later). There’s always a need for such things…Speaking to city food banks and other organizations that help out the homeless, one will note that they’re happy for donations year round. Some of them may even be happy to pick up donations on a weekly schedule (or not).

This little project requires very little in the way of maintenance…all you really need is some announcements (one can talk the Masjid staff into handling this), some containers (cardboard boxes, Rubbermaid containers etc…can be acquired from donations or even the food-bank), some donors (i.e. the people showing up for Iftar) and perhaps a driver to run things down to the food banks (or whatever).

Offering a fun incentive (such as a friendly competition, prizes such as a dua’a done in caligraphy or whatever) can increase donations. If you’re feeling ambitious, link up with some people…start these at a couple of masjids and set up a friendly competition. Such is the way of our beloved Sahaba (companions of the Prophet) who would compete (in a friendly manner) in how much they could contribute (for the sake of Allah of course). We’ve managed to collect a good deal of food in our first week of Ramadhan at the University and some masjids that have joined us and have even managed to set up a single weekly delivery of food from all the masjids and University to the shelter and Toronto Food Bank.

Special note on clothes, gifts and other items (and this comes with years of volunteering at shelters and the Salvation army). People tend to donate ripped or unsuitable clothing, broken items and so on…so just be careful. Don’t forget to throw them in the wash.

The idea can be expanded into other items and areas…such as book drives and so on…try and stick within the community, town or city…these acts can then become extremely effective in our backyards.

The Random Acts of Poetry thing:

Okay…honestly…We didn’t come up with this idea (here’s the official link to Random Acts of Poetry). I think the League of Canadian Poets came up with it (I may be mistaken)…and the idea isn’t for everyone but it does seem to coincide very well with the remembrance of blessings and beauty that is integral to Ramadhan. Carolyn Souaid, a poet involved in the RAP project, describes the appeal…

“Poetry is often perceived as a bitter pill. This will be an opportunity to knock poetry out of the ivory tower. An opportunity to hear a real flesh-and-blood poet, an invitation for the everyday person on the street to slow down a little and enjoy a literary burst of energy for what it is —nourishment for the soul”

The idea goes that you recite a poem to a random person. The poem must be recited in its entirety. This is harder than you think. The more poetry you know, the better…and try to make it relevant to the person’s situation if you could. It can be used as a form of dawa’a (to remind others of the miracle of beauty) and remembrance so pick some suitable poems. I’ve got recommendations if y’all are interested (Sufi poetry is a huge hit with people). Try and pick some well know poems as well, well known authors, preferably commenting on beauty, nature, faith, patience…so on and so forth. You don’t even have to make a day of it. Try and do it wherever you find yourself. Downtown…in the Library…at the Grocery store…wherever.

Just try not to freak people out and try and avoid hassling people. The point is to give their days a high point, give them a smile and remind them of the beauty of language (the poems don’t have to be in English…but you should follow the recitation with a translation). We ended up trying this downtown (at Street Support) and it was a huge hit. People were slackjawed, laughing and generally had a good time with it. We even ended up inspiring some folks (we recited to) downtown to join us in further recitations and they ended up sharing dinner with us that evening. They loved it!

Granted…this could take some effort and time to implement. But as I said, doing it wherever you find yourself can be quite easy. It also helps us get over our fears of starting a conversation.

————————
So here are 2 ideas from the 15 on our list. I figure I’ll keep posting ideas. In all honesty…these are simply ideas for our beloved contributors and our constant (and not-so-constant) readers. Some may not be for you (I’m sure some of you don’t think they’re very good ideas). Still…they’re starting points, blueprints to be changed, modified and eventually implemented in different ways. I figure if we keep throwing out ideas, someone’s going to find something they’ll really enjoy and they could go on to implement into their own schedules. At the end of the day…all that matters is we do SOMETHING!

Next time on the list:
The Big Brother/Big Sister/Mentor thing

Alright…back to my much neglected studies y’all…Let me know what you guys.

————–
Salaams, Much Love and Respect
-TWS Out

Charity Art Auction for Muslim Women October 3, 2006

Salaam and Greetings of Peace:

Below is a note from Sister Kelly at the Islamic Artists Yahoo Group, about a worthy act of charity and kindness for all you artists out there, or those that would like to contribute artwork. 

Salaam Alaikum guys and gals:

I hope your Ramadan is going wonderfully!

I just wanted to let you know about a sadaqa-art opportunity.  There is an organization in Central Texas  that is looking for artwork donations.  They want to auction off your works to raise money.  Here is their website http://www.ctmuslimaat.org/index.html  They are using the money to help battered and abused Muslims and to promote social activism amongst Muslim women in the central Texas community. 

If you don’t mind sparing a piece of work, you can email Sister Adeela Gill at agill@ctmuslimaat.org  for more info.  It’s a great way to spread some baraka in the month of Ramadan and to bring wider exposure to your work.  The day of the show will be November 18th, 2006 and you can tell her Sister Kelly sent ya!

Ya Haqq!

Giving and Receiving multifold more September 24, 2006

Salamaat,

I performed a very inconsequential act of kindness yesterday, something small, a gesture that bordered on obligation anyway. But that is not the point of this post today.

 

I want to illuminate the incredible feeling of being blessed and being on the receiving end of a thoughtful, warm and priceless gift.

 

My son woke up with a cold yesterday. Poor baby, he was sniffling, coughing, and clingy. I tried to do my best all day (and was able to fast too!) and handle my little bundle with care.

 

After Iftaar, my husband volunteered to babysit him, giving me the non-anticipated honor of attending Taraweeh/night prayer. I tried to dissuade him, half heartedly of course, because I was DYING to go:

 

me: but baby he is sick!

him: it’s okay, he is with me, I’ll take care of him…

me: but his bath?

him: i got it

me: and bedtime?

him: I can rock him to sleep, i’ve done before

me: *runs off instructions of bedtime prep*

him: *escorting me out the door before I change my mind*

 

To put this in perspective let me explain something, I went from being a mosque socialite (pre-baby) to a voluntary exilee because I refuse to subject other souls to the wailing and tantrums of a baby-in-tow. I haven’t been to Friday prayers in forever, and before forever, around last Ramadhan I managed one Taraweeh with baby safely handed to my mom (and of course he cried his heart out); so that was my first and last time.

 

Standing in line, listening to the most soulful voice of the old Shaykh leading us, was one of those indelible moments I carved into my being. I knew, depending on how baby acted, this might be the last time I would be standing there, so I was riveted.

 

If I had any worries for Sufyan, that side of me was completely silenced by the deep evocative recitation in front of me. I couldn’t help but feeling that if a soul could speak, purely, it would sound like that voice emanating from the Shaykh. It was deepset, heavy, slow, purposeful, every word was enunciated so perfectly, I felt my core being pulled into those timeless verses. There was no space in me to turn away, let my mind wander, or even spare thoughts of where I was and what I was doing. From the beginning to the end, I was arrested in prayer, and by the time we murmured our final greeting of peace; I felt cleansed, empty, and tranquil.

 

I had no anguish, or tears, just a silent effacement of my own existence and the knowledge that I am nothing without Him.

 

I came home and wasn’t even surprised that my little man behaved the whole time, and he was already snug in bed, ecstatic to see me and be comforted before his little head drooped and his little eyes closed, his little lips remained open struggling to compensate for his overstuffed nose.

 

I felt so overwhelmed and grateful; I fell asleep with a “with a prayer for my beloved in my heart and a song of praise upon my lips.”

 

Thank you ya Abu-Sufyan, my adoration and respect for you never ceases.

 

When I see the media denigrating both *Arab* and *Muslim* men, all I have to do is take a look at my husband and shake my head “they got it wrong, so wrong…”

 

Peace and Mercy to you and your loved ones.

(cross-posted at lightnessofbeing.wordpress.com)

My tiny act of kindness September 23, 2006

   Salaam and Ramadan Kareem to everyone!

This post is an unsophisticated version of an unsophisticated post from my most unsophisticated blog. Please bear with me; I write this without coffee:-)

I like to believe that my life actually began after I got married so, my random acts of kindness, I thought, must begin with my husband. Although I didn’t particularly do anything today, I started work on my campaign yesterday. Yesterday we went to Dubai to meet my husband’s best friend who was visiting the country and was leaving last night. I know that my husband doesn’t like to travel alone on long journeys and it takes about 4 hours to get to Dubai so I agreed to go but made sure that I kept the kids out of his hair. I volunteered to spend six hours with the children in Ibn Battuta Mall. That wasn’t a very easy task because I had to take the kids to the toilet without help. They never want to go at the same time to ensure Mama makes multiple trips to the public toilets. It was also a marathon keeping them away from pricy toy stores especially since the new Superman doll is in store. And without the ringmaster (husband), my male cub is very hard to control. By the time my husband returned, I had a terrible headache, was dizzy, and felt like I was outside my body. The children were very tired too. But, if I were to do it again, I would. I loved being with the kids and my husband enjoyed the time with his friend after years.

Today, I sent Ramadan Mubarak e-cards to many people. I especially remembered to send it to this one family that was extremely close to us but then chose to completely ignore us. I thought at least twice before hitting on the ‘send’ button because they had very badly hurt my heart last year. Then, I thought: Allah is watching me; I’ll end up telling Maliha anyway, which would upset her and her spoil her campaign; and “what the Heaven!” I’m in merry mood for Ramadan. Eventually, I pasted a smile on my virtual face and sent the card.

Bottom-line: I’ve been a good girl:-)  

Salaam,

Saly

Act of Kindness – Book Drive for Iraqi Kurdistan September 23, 2006

Salaam Dear Brothers and Sisters:

Ramadan Mubarak to all who chance upon this! And for those that wish to perform an exceptional and easy act of kindness and benefit to deserving brothers and sisters, and children, consider donating books for Iraqi Kurdistan. They need all kinds of books in English.  Here is a link to the complete information… Books for Iraqi Kurdistan.

Ya Haqq,  

Irving

Onto the Labor of Loving and Giving September 23, 2006

Salamaat,

Welcome to the Kindness Campaign. I am so happy ya’ll signed up, there’s nothing like a collective sense of belonging and positive energy to fire up the spirit and get us excited to do more.

I have given everyone authoring rights; so post away. If I have forgotten you or you want to sign up, please drop me a line/comment and I would be happy to add you.

A couple of reminders:

 

a) You don’t have to post everyday, I know this may be a burden for some people *cough* me *cough*.

b) Keep your kindness acts small, relevant, consistent: I know I have a tendency to go all out for like three days and then get burned out.

c) Most of all, enjoy it:) Your positivity, smiles, your spirit, will be manifested in everything you do. So give with love and you will reap miracles

May God accept your fast, prayers, and elevate you to greater Heights:) amin.

Peace and an abundance of beauty to you and yours (amin).

 

I leave you with this timeless words of one of my favorite poets/philosophers/teachers: Gibran.

 

On Giving:

 

You give but little when you give of your possessions.
It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.
For what are your possessions but things you keep and guard for fear you may need them tomorrow?
And tomorrow, what shall tomorrow bring to the overprudent dog burying bones in the trackless sand as he follows the pilgrims to the holy city?
And what is fear of need but need itself?
Is not dread of thirst when your well is full, the thirst that is unquenchable?

 

There are those who give little of the much which they have–and they give it for recognition and their hidden desire makes their gifts unwholesome.
And there are those who have little and give it all.
These are the believers in life and the bounty of life, and their coffer is never empty.
There are those who give with joy, and that joy is their reward.
And there are those who give with pain, and that pain is their baptism.
And there are those who give and know not pain in giving, nor do they seek joy, nor give with mindfulness of virtue;
They give as in yonder valley the myrtle breathes its fragrance into space.
Through the hands of such as these God speaks, and from behind their eyes He smiles upon the earth.

 

It is well to give when asked, but it is better to give unasked, through understanding;
And to the open-handed the search for one who shall receive is joy greater than giving.
And is there aught you would withhold?
All you have shall some day be given;
Therefore give now, that the season of giving may be yours and not your inheritors’.

 

You often say, “I would give, but only to the deserving.”
The trees in your orchard say not so, nor the flocks in your pasture.
They give that they may live, for to withhold is to perish.
Surely he who is worthy to receive his days and his nights, is worthy of all else from you.
And he who has deserved to drink from the ocean of life deserves to fill his cup from your little stream.
And what desert greater shall there be, than that which lies in the courage and the confidence, nay the charity, of receiving?
And who are you that men should rend their bosom and unveil their pride, that you may see their worth naked and their pride unabashed?
See first that you yourself deserve to be a giver, and an instrument of giving.
For in truth it is life that gives unto life while you, who deem yourself a giver, are but a witness.

 

And you receivers… and you are all receivers… assume no weight of gratitude, lest you lay a yoke upon yourself and upon him who gives.
Rather rise together with the giver on his gifts as on wings;
For to be overmindful of your debt, is to doubt his generosity who has the freehearted earth for mother, and God for father.