[Hadith]
Allah’s Messenger, sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam (peace be upon him), said, “Be
honest, for verily honesty leads to righteousness, and
righteousness leads to paradise.”
[Lessons from this Hadith]
Live your life in a way that if someone was to open the door on
you at any moment, you would have nothing to hide. This is true
success. Think of something that you may be ashamed people will
find out about, and take some action right now to stop doing
it.
With best wishes to see you succeed at the highest level!
- Muhammad Alshareef
There once lived a pious man who was enslaved to a wicked master. The righteous slave wanted to teach his master a lesson that he would not forget, a lesson that would make him change his ways.
The Master told him one day to plant wheat. The slave took the opportunity. He went and collected seeds of barley and planted them. As the season drew near, the master was enraged to see that after all this work and time the slave had planted the wrong seed. In his thrashing rage, he scolded the slave saying, “Why did you do this?”
The righteous slave said, “I had hope that the barley seeds would come out as wheat.”
The Master said, “How can you plant barley seeds and expect it to come out as wheat?”
The slave stopped and said quietly, “How can you disobey Allah and expect for His bounteous mercy? How can you openly challenge his Deen and hope for Jannah.”
The Master was stunned and silent. He understood. “You have taught me something today that I had never realized. You are free for the sake of Allah.”
Frequently Asked (and sometimes avoided) Questions
How do I pray while I’m at school/work?
Why can’t I stop looking/thinking obsessing about girls!?
Are beards mandatory for males?
Are mortgages (interest) permissible?
Is smoking cigarettes/shisha/hookah/weed/grass/paper/anything allowed?
Will Allah forgive me as long as I pray if I’m nervous/scared to wear the Hijab?
Allah says in the Quran: “Let there be no compulsion in religion. Truth has been made clear from error. Whoever rejects false worship and believes in Allah (God) has grasped the most trustworthy handhold that never breaks. And Allah hears and knows all things.” [Surah al-Baqarah: 256]
Ever wondered whats life like for Saudi women? Never thought about it? I bet you’ve wondered if they ride camels to work. Don’t feel bad, I’ve wondered the same thing. Then again, I continue to believe people in Texas ride horses and use the word ‘mosey.’
Two videos along the lines of MTV CRIBS Saudi Edition, but done in a slightly more tasteful manner. I emphasize the word slightly. Whoever made the program (is it Dutch?) is in need of some serious diversity training classes. The kind that teaches one not to ask stupid questions. Aside from practically inquiring if Saudi women take showers with the abaya on, the orientalist interviewer and ‘rare species’ Discovery Channel style cinematography in the beginning was a bit annoying, to say the least. Thankfully Susan’s charming and engaging responses overshadowed the interviewer’s insipid and unintelligent questioning. The videos are definitely educational, entertaining, and informative, despite being interrupted every so often by an interviewer with the mentality of a 19th century European imperialist. Makes one question who exactly is close-minded.
See accompanying Notes
(made while viewing the videos)
VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED: Videos May Painfully Shatter Preconceived Notions
|Notes|
- Okay, first off it is quite brave of the young lady to allow the world into her home. I can imagine talking to a camera crew from my room: *points to unidentified pile of clothing* “…and these are in-between ‘clean’ and ‘dirty’.” Don’t Ask. It’s a college thing.
- Popular to contrary belief, Cotton/Nylon/Fabric does not hinder cognitive ability or creative talent. Let’s try that one more time. Dressing Modestly Does Not Mean Your Stupid.
- Pretty neat camera shots during the shopping mall scene. It’s official, women can never have enough shoes.
|Notes|
-Where on earth is Oprah not?!
-You know you want a driver. Shh….you know you do.
-Despite the interviewer’s loaded question regarding the status of Saudi females ‘having to be resilient,’ Susan delivers a profound statement: “I think women all over the world have to do that.”
-Sometimes, people don’t want to accept the answer you’re giving them. Even if it’s the truth.
- Susan’s answers makes you wonder who really took journalism classes.
-Fact: No matter what country your in, visiting the Gynecologist is disturbing. Especially for the guys.
