As-Salaam Alaikum My Siblings,
We pray to Allah that each of you is doing well including within your virtual studies. We pray your virtual learning experience has been one of peace and positivity. Our Prophet said, “Seek knowledge even if you have to go to China.” If you imagine traveling the path in the pursuit of knowledge, it makes a virtual learning environment EASY! As your brother, I think about you and what you are facing during these most challenging times. Between Covid-19 and the impact on your educational journey, the economy, and the political chaos, it could be quite disturbing for the human soul. These same challenges can be the fuel for tremendous growth, so keep the faith.
I can vividly recall the 9/11 attacks in the city of my birth, New York City, 19 years ago and how it made me feel. There was lots of tension in the air in America and around the world, similar to the tensions we are feeling today, but for different reasons. As Allah brought us through that time, He will do so again. Those times did present Muslims, and our friends, the opportunity to bring greater clarity about Islam to the American public. When there’s confusion, the human soul’s tendency is to yearn to see clearly. Let us be secure knowing that our religion speaks to the nature of humans, which is peace and oneness.
Oneness of humanity should be our focus in these divisive times. Our greeting is peace, the name “Muslim” is derived from the word for peace, and our religion's name of Islam is also derived from the word for peace. Don’t allow the circumstances in our environment to make us angry and depart from our Muslim form in words and deeds. Our Prophet, prayers and peace be upon him, once told someone "do not be angry.” Meaning, resist anger when it arises in us. There is plenty happening in our world that can disturb our spirit, but we are to resist it for it is like feeding the flames of a fire. Remember Allah instructed the fire to be cool for Abraham. We know that ill passions and appetites that are not lawful for the religious community can burn out innocent, good, healthy human sentiments. They can make us hard, insensitive, apathetic, and void of love and kindness for one another.
Al-Islam encourages all humans to strive as in a race to all that is useful. Our Prophet said, “The best of you is the one most useful to society.” Lastly, our Prophet was a reflection of G-d's Word, the Qur'an. His wife Aisha, G-d be pleased with her, said he was the Qur'an living, walking among us. Let us cling heavily to the Qur'an and the excellent model of Muhammed.
May Allah be with us.
Your brother,
Imam Waheed
