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In Times of Terror: Voices From Within.
Mystic
10/02/01 at 08:43:31
I am moving through pages of history, intricately woven into lines that are threatening to obliterate my very existence. “Terrorists domestically and abroad are going to feel the ‘wrath’ of America and her allies”. The implications are all too clear. All of us that have dwelled in the comfortable, albeit apathetic embrace of the West, feel its all too tightening grip. Despite our outright condemnations, our “pledges of allegiance”, blood drives, and press statements; we find ourselves categorically accused. Despite the fact that we have consciously embraced the west with all her faults, falsities, and contradictions; we find ourselves openly disgraced. Despite the fact that we too have come to cherish her rhetoric of democracy, ideals, and freedoms; we find ourselves dangerously cornered. Lady liberty is forcing down our throats the bitter piece of American pie that has been served to the millions of our dying brothers and sisters all around the world for decades, despite the fact that we resolutely turned a blind eye to their plight. Our helplessness domestically is mirrored globally in the Islamic Ummah at large. Afghanistan is preparing her ravaged, starving population for a meager defense from the imminent western onslaught. Pakistan is squirming under the pressure of being pitted against her neighbor. The rest of the Islamic world is doing what is politically correct and necessary, while holding her breath for the inevitable. More innocent blood will flow down rivers of terror to quench U.S thirst for revenge. “What are we going to do?” Muslims are lamenting. “We are finished. It is all over!” some sigh resignedly feeling the cold claws of dread clutching their depths. Some have not left their houses since that fateful Tuesday, alternating between prayer and silent agony. Most of us continue living in the shadows of  our routine, alert, responsive, and ceaselessly praying for our safety. For all of us though, this is a rude awakening from our lethargic slumber. The spiritual message underlying the frantic surface is all too clear. No land is too safe and secure, and no group of people immune from the dire repercussions of injustice. Relative to the height and glory of the past Islamic Civilizations, the global spirit of Islam is dismal. Our collective powerlessness, however, is a mere reflection of us individually. We are a generation of fragmented, apathetic individuals all too ready to compromise our very souls via Islamic ideals for a far lesser price of assimilation and comfort. Our spiritual reservoirs have been precariously lurking on the verge of emptiness for too long, as we continued to deliver our basic religious obligations (just enough to get us by with minimum guilt). The realization that we lack the ultimate control of our destinies has finally set in. Before giving into public hysteria and despair, we have to remember that it is through trials and tribulations that we are tested. What we are going through is merely a testimony of Allah’s love and mercy for us. We do have the ultimate source of Power and Might to tap into. This is the time to cease our self deceptions, gather our senses, and truly contemplate the very basis of our existence. There is no short term solution for the “ummah”. There is no magic “Duah” that will erase the magnitude of what we are facing. There is an immense amount of building that needs to be done. The foundation starts with each of our souls. It is imperative on each of us to heal the many spiritual maladies and diseases we are suffering from. We need a complete overhaul of our spiritual equipment starting from the basic Salat, to the very way that we think, act, and talk. The remedies are clearly outlined in the Quran, Sunnah, and many scholarly works done on Tawassuf and Tazkiya. Our sincerity in approaching Allah will be rewarded with immense blessings, guidance, and light. Opening our esoteric eyes will gear us communally to movement. At this level we can strategically implement the many ways we can work together and facilitate a self reliant Islamic way of life, that will guarantee the preservation of our spirit. This stage, however, will be doomed (as it has in past efforts) if we do not purify our own selves first. The usual petty bickering, disorganization, and inaction will remain dominant as long as we are not committed to the ultimate goal. Islam challenges us to rise to the very heights of our spiritual selves in light of the absolute Truth. The world is a preparatory ground, and we do have all the resources we need, right at this moment, to begin working. This struggle is a mere continuation of the endless fight for truth, freedom and justice that has been passed on by generations of visionaries throughout time. This struggle transcends race, religion, geography, or borders; this struggle transcends the quest for the material world into the realm of spiritual liberation and ascension. We seek refuge from Allah from the evil within our souls and bad consequences of our deeds. (Amin) The very preciousness of each moment is weighing on my soul. Tears of repentance, conviction of faith, and the struggle for self reform are melting into the sacred sweetness of Ibadah. I am walking through my soul’s garden, appalled at the sight of overgrown weeds, poisonous tentacles, and stifled growth. I have been negligent for too long. My season for earnest uprooting, cultivating, and nurturing has begun. I hear the birds rejoicing in the skies; I feel the sun rays penetrate my being, the grandeur of the universe still remains unperturbed despite this fleeting madness. I am bearing witness to Allah, and to Him I give thanks for indulging me a peek into this spiritual wilderness. To Allah, I pray for Strength, Mercy, and Guidance for all of humanity. To Allah, I pray for perseverance to elevate us into the heights of spiritual ecstasy, thrones of dignity, and a firm connection to the certain bliss of His Divine embrace (Amin). -Maliha Balala.
NS

Re: In Times of Terror: Voices From Within.
se7en
10/02/01 at 15:37:14
as salaamu alaykum, :o You wrote this?  It is amazing, subhanAllah.   Can I send this to some people? <talk about awesome first impression>

Re: In Times of Terror: Voices From Within.
flyboy_nz
10/02/01 at 21:25:12
assalaamu alaikum, I'm astounded as well, MashaAllah!  This is very honest and very well written...are you a journalist, sister?  I'd also like to send this to some friends of mine if you don't mind. wasalaam, Ahmed

Re: In Times of Terror: Voices From Within.
Mystic
10/03/01 at 07:56:53
Jazakumu Allahu Khayran for your kind responses. Yeah, I did write it after much soul searching and contemplation, because the last thing I wanted to do was add to the hysteria that has been brewing since the tragedy. Alhamdullillah for facilitating me with the words to capture the conflicting emotions I was bombarded with. Please, do feel free to share with anyone who might benefit out of this. And no, I am not a journalist... I do looooovve writing though:) Peace and blessings, Maliha.

Re: In Times of Terror: Voices From Within.
solehah
10/04/01 at 10:32:45
Salaam Subhanallah that is beautiful writing indeed sister.  You are very talented indeed, ALhamdulillah. Wassalam

Re: In Times of Terror: Voices From Within.
BroHanif
10/05/01 at 18:27:16
that was very beautiful, your words express so much in such little sentances. Masha-allah. I've just been reading the book 'Road to Mecca' and I was longing for a muslim to write works like him, I think my dua has been answered. Allah be praised. So when do you start to write a book about us Muslims ? Journalist or not you've got talent sister, don't let it go to waste !. Hanif
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