Your Page
This is a page for you to raise an issue, ask me a question, or start another conversation about something you’ve read here. When I read other blogs, I want to ask the owner questions about his/her life experiences, background, etc. but I don’t like to diverge from the subject at hand.
Perhaps I am not too presumptive in wondering whether my readers have the same urge. This page is for those who do.
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Marahm 
I read your most recent post, “Do You Want to Know How I Got Rid of Them?” Duct tape has so many uses and it was made apparent with the reading of your post that it can be used to exclude cockroaches. Those of us who are practitioners of integrated pest management (IPM) would classify your approach as “Mechanical Exclusion.” I should mention that I have been practicing IPM for no less than 18 years.
Marahm, might I assume correctly that you are a Muslim or one who submits to God? I am a very unorthodox Christian and I suspect that if I had known the Prophet Mohammad we would have looked upon most Jews and Christians in much the same way. I am regarded by some as a theologian. I have a good grasp of Biblical studies and have had a limited amount of exposure to the Qur’an and even less exposure to the Sunnah.
I simply seek a better understanding of Islam and frankly, I am as leery of books on Islam meant for those who are not adherents as I am of books on Christianity meant for those who do not subscribe to such tenets. There is much misinformation.
Might you be willing to share? Before going further and should you decide to proceed, you will need to know that the only frames of reference that I would prefer to use are the Qur’an, the Sunnah, and the Bible (Old and New Testaments).
What do you think?
AlHumdullilah fi kulli haal?
I read your response to my inquiry as to what “AlHumdullilah fi kulli haal” means. The precept and your understanding are precious and do you perceive that because Allah loves His own that that which might beset us is for our betterment?
BTW, do you use a Mac or PC? If you use a Mac the following website may be of interest:
http://www.smi.uib.no/ksv/ArabicMac.html
During the eighteen years of your practice, have you ever heard of anyone else using duct tape? “Mechanical exclusion” sounds like the best approach, doesn’t it?
Yes, I am a Muslim, but not much of one (God forgive me) since returning to the States. I would be willing to share my story with you, my experience of becoming Muslim after having been raised Christian, but I am not interested in debating theological foundations, or using scripture to prove anything.
I think blogging has become a wonderful source of not only information, but the translation of information into daily life, as bloggers report their activities from within the framework of their spiritual beliefs and practices.
You will learn much by seeking out enriching, informative, and inspirational blogs that are written from an Islamic perspective; there are many. By commenting on them as you have on mine, you will develop the acquaintance you seek.
So, I will be happy to share with you whatever I can share– thank you for asking!— and apologize ahead of time for my inadequacies.
Thanks for the ArabicMac site. I will keep it handy for any Mac user who might need it. Currently, I run a PC, a laptop, to be exact.
And yes, I do believe in the idea behind the expression “Alhumdulliha fi kulli haal.” This is a common expression that many Muslims remember when faced with an unpleasant or disappointing event.
I too believe in the idea behind the expression “Alhumdulliha fi kulli haal.”
I will check and see if there might be comparable software/font program for a pc. If I find something, I’ll let you know.
I am NOT interested in debating theological foundations either. However, to substantiate that which is believed, it may be difficult to not bring into play scripture.
What I mean is the expression, Alhumdulliha fi kulli haal probably has its roots in the Qur’an . . . yes?
This has not been a “rough” day but there has been much accomplished in the hours. I am exhausted.
On the use of duct tape: I know that there have been times when our personnel have used duct tape to exclude or direct arthropods; however, I can assure you that not even Lucille Ball has ever used as much! 🙂
Mechanical exclusion is an excellent IPM procedure but it is best suited to keeping pests in the outdoors. When an apartment within a building is the locale wherein mechanical exclusion has been practiced — the marauders will either find another course into the apartment or become a pest to your neighbor.
Baits or a nonvolatile control medium (boric acid, diatomaceous earth, silica gel) placed in cracks, crevices, or voids AND then performing exclusionary tactics with a clear silicone caulk might be a better way to go.
I am not much of a blogger — are these communiques open to the public-at-large?
Yes, my blog is open to the public. If you’d feel more comfortable moving this conversation over to email, that would be OK with me, or I could start a dedicated thread.
As for bringing scripture into play for substantiating what is believed, I think the effort is futile. I think the root of so much misunderstanding comes from people waving their scriptures, saying, “See! See what is written.”
The other party certainly sees what is written, but either doesn’t believe it or offers an entirely different perspective. However, certain Qur’anic verses hold truth not only for Muslims but for all people.
“There is no compulsion in religion.” This is from the Qur’an. Who would deny it? Who would believe it, given the state of world affairs today?! Ironically, I’ve seen more Muslims than anyone claiming that there is, indeed, compulsion in religion.
It is my understanding that compulsion means: an irresistible impulse to act, regardless of the rationality of the motivation
The definition was found in the American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, Third Edition (software that was included with a computer that I had many years ago).
There are times when people will do just about anything — and then some — to defend that which they fervently believe. The love of religion and the religion of love can serve as irresistible impulses causing people to act compulsively.
Might it be that the Qur’an sets forth, “Let there be no compulsion in religion” so that those who fervently embrace Islam will not become transgressors of Allah’s will by acting irrationally and in so doing shame Him?
Should anyone attempt to hasten the penalty due men for their transgressions and in so doing become like those whom they destroy?
In conclusion, should we conceal truth so that the infidel might remain in darkness until the light that opens his eyes will be the fire in which he will find his companions?
Here is an interesting website that I found today:
http://www.bibleandkoran.net/index.php
Jay, I love how your posts make me rethink what I’ve already thought about. You are right in the definition of “compulsion”, yet I (and many people) have always interpreted that verse to mean that there is no forcing of religion by one person over another. Your interpretation, using the dictionary definition of the word, makes beautiful sense.
I’d have to go to the Arabic original to find out whether this meaning is included or even dominant in the verse. Translating the Qur’an has always been a rough job, precisely because its shades of meaning would necessitate adding words to translated verses. Translators usually satisfy themselves with the one most obvious meaning.
I’ll check out the website later tonight when I’ve got more time for reading. Thanks.
Your concluding question elicits an immediate NO from me, but that doesn’t mean we should shove religion down someone’s throat. More later.
In essence, I would say that placing faith on the back of another when it belongs in the heart and soul is an effort in futility.
It is my understanding that faith is given to us by Allah; therefore we are powerless to do likewise.
To share truth with another is to cultivate the soil for the implantation of faith, I don’t believe that this works contrary to Allah’s will.
However, should we attempt to burden another with that which is not ours to give — I would say that in that we transgress Allah’s will and shame Him!
Those who are burdened with an imposed faith cannot comprehend that there are those who for the joy of it all, carry in their heart and soul a faith implanted by Allah!
I must take exception to your poetically written idea. I do not believe in sharing “truth.” I do not believe in evangelical activities.
To share one’s “truth” with another does not cultivate anything. It merely opens the listener to a new perception.
Sharing “truth” usually involves an ulterior motive. The truth that is shared is usually the “only” truth. Would the sharer be so eager to share if the listener moved right past that truth and discovered another truth altogether different from the one being “shared”?
If faith is placed by Allah, then why are so many people so eager to share their “truths”? If you believe that faith is placed by Allah (and I do beleive that) you have no need of sharing.
Unless someone asks, and even then, one must be careful.
If Mohammad had decided not to share truth — where would you be?
I do not believe “in” sharing truth. I do not believe “in” evangelical activities. To say that someone believes from within that which is of human origin is to say that we are not of Allah but rather “in” that which is of our own invention.
The perceptions of mankind cloud truth and because there is not a single viewpoint that is capable of encompassing the whole truth — we all have deficiencies in our understandings.
Might you still have too much of the Christian-American ideology in you? I would understand. There are evangelists who go out into the world with their gospel in hand and bread in the other. They feed the hungry from their loaf of bread and in exchange they press for an oath of belief in that which they say. They return from their journey boasting of the number of conversions they have witnessed. Very proud of their accomplishments are they and as an afterthought, they might credit the author of faith.
As I have previously stated, I inherently believe that faith is the gift of Allah or as I most often call Him, God Almighty. If someone has faith implanted in their heart and soul — it cannot be destroyed or stolen by a mere mortal.
You have good reason to distrust. Regardless of whether a person is a Muslim, a Christians or of another religion — those who jointly practice the tenets of a particular religion seldom trust each other. So why should you trust me — a mere mortal who professes to be an unorthodox Christian?
I would NEVER ask anyone to trust “in” me, I am much to frail; rather trust “in” Allah and from such a vantage point (being in Him) your vision will be far less obstructed.
In closing my dear Marahm remember this: faith is where the journey begins and in not sharing our faith or progressing its truth — we suppress faith.
It is said of the People of the Book: “Why do you clothe truth with falsehood, and conceal the Truth, while you have knowledge?” God forbid that we should do the same!
“If Mohammad had decided not to share truth — where would you be?”
If this question were asked of me by another Muslim, I would understand it, but from a non-Muslim, I am suspicious, indeed!
The answer is simple, in any event. I would be a believer in another religion.
This conversation has inspired me to take it to the main blog, in the form of my current post, “Sharing the Truth.” I hope you’ll continue to post there. I hope other readers will join in.
Oh, a whole page for meeee! 😛
OK, should I move my discussion here (plus other questions) since I seem to have hijacked that other post…?
Now imagine this man
saying, ‘I hate how it disregards the weather’.
LOL! Onslow! I love that program.
However, to imply that an uncovered woman is anything similar to Onslow– simply because her head is not wrapped– is more than a stretch.
Good try, though.
No, you haven’t hijacked the post, but you are welcome to comment here.
‘However, to imply that an uncovered woman is anything similar to Onslow…’
I wasn’t doing that. I just thought it was funny 🙂
Jay said: “However, should we attempt to burden another with that which is not ours to give — I would say that in that we transgress Allah’s will and shame Him!”
Allah is above(greater than) the “Shame” of Mortals. You cannot “shame” your Creator. Maybe you mean it in a diferent sence than what you wrote or was implied but thew way I read it, I was offended.
Maybe your first step on the road to whatever enlightennment you choose should be to define “God Almighty.” In Islam we have strict rules that govern “Who is God/Allah”. If you like I can give you a list of discriptions (basic not extensive I’m not a full scholor) of what Muslims are requires to believe who God is. I’m sure you can find lists among your current theology too to compare it with.
I don’t like going on and on in depth about this on blogland (esp other poeple’s blogs) so just let me know if you’d like a list and I’d be happy to work out a way to get it to you.
AMW: It is difficult, sometimes, to carry on these kinds of conversations via blogs, but still an interesting excercise, and we can still learn from each other.
Jay seems to have moved on, unfortunately; his comments were thought-provoking, and I’m sure he didn’t mean, “shame Him”, literally, as you are correct in stating that we are not capable of shaming Allah.
Question:
I notice there are different fonts on different posts. How are you doing this? I can’t find a freaking font button on WordPress.
You are right, Fatemeh, there is no font button on WordPress. I use Windows Live Writer, a wonderful little program that is very easy to use and lets you compose off-line. Here is the link:
http://www.windowslive.com/explore/writer
Fancy fonts are not very popular, I’m afraid, because some people have difficulty reading them. I’ve stopped using them, but I still like to experiment with basic fonts and colors.
‘…we can still learn from each other’
TV taught me everything I know 🙂
TV is underrated.
Finally deleted my blog, I don’t want to ever blog again 😀
Huh? WHAT?
I am disappointed. I will miss your blog.
Well, please keep in touch, and never say never!
Salaams Marahm:
How do you make those beautiful images? Is it a special kind of technology? Or camera lens?
Salaam, Safiyyah, Thank you for asking about my images! I have so much fun making them; I can sit for hours churning them out.
Almost any photo can be transformed into something remarkable, though the best transformations start with clear, simple photos. The clue in is the software. I use two popular programs: Adobe Photoshop Elements (6) and Microsoft Digital Imaging Suite, Anniversary Edition.
You have to experiment, take an image through a series of transformations. I never envision the finished image when I start. I simply take a photo, and change it again and again via the filters, and I am always surprised at the result!
As Salaamu Alaikum My Dear:
Please email me, Insha Allah, at Jihadlevine at yahoo dot com. I cannot locate the emails we were exchanging.
I bought the Adobe Photoshop Elements. Ended up getting Elements 7. As you can imagine, I have some questions 🙂
Asslamualikum Marahm
Just to tell you that i liked this idea of a section for you readers…:)
Wa aleikum asalaam, MubMaj; welcome! I look forward to more of your comments.
IAM MOUSTAFA LEBANESE MUSLIM SUNNY WORKING AND LIVING IN RIYADH AND IAM GLAD TO READ ALL OF THESE BLOGS AND I WOULD LIKE TO SHARE AND TO DISCUSS IT WITH YOU .
Welcome, Mustafa! Please feel free to read and comment here.
thx MARHAM
i realy enjoyed all what did i read and its my first time i share with such discussion and iam ready to explain about our religion ISLAM how it is so clear and capable to solve the problems of all people with or in an convienience way with proofs and in a very easy simple way .and how ISLAM gave every body muslims and non muslems there rights completely and didnt disgrace any body at all .for that you can find in the court of NY its written in the main hall JUSTICE OF OMAR. because they know that ISLAM is a fair religion for every thing and every one .Also in FRANCE and BRITAIN most the rules in courts and laws are from our religion ISLAM .
so pls every body here feel free to discuss any topic and blog it here to share with .thx for accepting me as one of you .
Moustafa, most readers of my blog are either Muslims or open-minded to Islam, so we focus upon our own experiences living as Muslims, especially those of us who are living cross-culturally.
as salaamu alaikum Marahm, in sha Allah, you are well. I followed a link from American Bedu to your blog. I enjoyed reading a few of your posts and would like to receive your updates in my e-mail. However, I couldn’t find a place to sign up on your blog. Can you assist me, please? By the way, I am also a convert. I am currently living in the Gulf and I also prefer being in the religious majority. 🙂 I totally empathize with you!
ma’a salaamah
as salaamu alaikum marahm, I am a convert currently living in the Gulf. I found a link to your blog on American Bedu. I thoroughly enjoyed reading a few of your posts. So much so that I’d like to receive them directly in my e-mail. However, I couldn’t find a place to sign – up on your blog. Can you provide some guidance please? By the way, I totally empathize with you: I also prefer being in the religious majority. Living in a Muslim country is a nice expierence on many levels, along with the usual challenges of living in another country. Much success to you!
ma’a salaamah
P.S.
Any hints for picking up Arabic? 😀
Wa aleikum assalaam, lkarim! Thank you for your comments. Do you have a blog? I’d love to hear more of your experiences in the Gulf.
Regarding subscribing to my blog, thank you for your interest. There used to be a button you could click for subscribing, but WordPress now uses the “Follow” button, which I had neglected to add until today when you raised the subject, so jazakhallahu khair, and a double thank you!
As for Arabic language– one of my favorite topics– I recommend http://www.naturalarabic.com, as well as the resources Iisted on the right sidebar of the blog. Residing in the Gulf, you should have access to excellent language tools. Your local madrassa probably has a woman’s Qur’an class, where you learn not only the Qur’an, but how to pronounce classical Arabic beautifully.
wa alaikum as salaam, jazakum Allahu khairan for the very upbeat and considered response. I am actually attending a Qur’an class…subhaanAllah, is EXTREMELY slow going! I’ve also taken a couple of Arabic language classes. I don’t know…lol….I’d be happy just to be able to understand the khutbah and the Qur’an…fine, if I never speak Arabic fluently…can you tell that I’m at the end of my “language” rope? 😀 I’ll check out your links, in sha Allah. I don’t have a blog…yet. 😉
ma’a salaamah!
Unfortunately, your experience with Arabic is typical for Westerners. I came to the end of my “language rope” many times, and actually stopped studying Arabic for ten years. I’ve resumed, and I’ve accepted that I’ll never be fluent, but I’m no longer studying for fluency. I’m studying because Arabic is the language of the Qur’an, and a most beautiful language apart from the Qur’an.
In contrast to my experience with Arabic, I’ve studied Italian, and became nearly fluent in less than half the time I’d spent on Arabic. The only thing I can say is, “Alhumdillulah fi kulli haal.” (Praise God in all situations).
Alhamdulilah fi kulli haal….I thinking that I’m going to focus purely on learning Quranic Arabic, it’s the one with the most benefits & blessings, right?
Leanna, right! You’ll never regret learning anything of Qur’anic Arabic, but if you are married to an Arab, I strongly advise you to learn his dialect. Unless you do so, he can hide any number of things right under your nose. It happened to me.