Prayer Books

I am looking for prayer books and I am wondering if you all have any suggestions. I currently have:

Psalms (David)

Sirach

Psalms of Islam

They can be of any religion as long as its about God, to God, thanking God, happiness, joy, good fortune etc. I'd love a Buddhist one :). Think happy thoughts.

If you have suggestions, leave them in the comment section. English books only please.

Not Obviously Muslim Headwraps

Ok ladies I need your help.

Due to my current state of confusion I'm feeling really self conscious when I wear a scarf in an obviously Muslim way. I do so because frankly its the easiest way to fulfill the requirements needed for me to enter a mosque. However, it is making me uncomfortable because I don't feel very Muslim right now; I feel like a poser.

Anyone have a suggestion on what I can do? I know I can do a spanish wrap but then I have to wear a turtleneck and its getting awfully hot. Or I can wear 2 scarves, one on my head one around my neck.

Eh, its just so much easier to throw on a square scarf and be done. Maybe I can just deal with being uncomfortable.

Circle: An Islamic Culture

Sorry I've been a bit quiet, I haven't had much to say. But I thought I'd mention what was talked about in Circle since so many have been talking about culture. We discussed how to develop a new culture for our generation that combines the culture of the parents (or Eastern Culture), American Culture, and Islam. All of the youth present were very interested in finding a way to break down some of the un-Islamic practices of the Aunties and Uncles and to find a way to start emphasizing what Islam really says. All were interested in trying to stop the backbiting that is heavily present in the mosque. What I gathered from them was that in the Desi (Indo-Pakistani) community gossip is a huge problem. Its all people do at the mosque. And of course their was an interest in loosening some of the separation rules between the men and women that didn't exist in the prophet's time (complete separation, no conversations with opposite sex, not knowing your spouse at all before marriage etc). These are very cultural practices that history clearly states were not the only way to do things while Muhammad (as) was alive (everyone prayed together, he had conversations with women, the Prophet was friends with his wife first etc). There was also a great interest in breaking down the racism and prejudices present in different ethnic communities so the first generation could be more free to befriend and/or marry whomever they please. Yes, there are even some parents who won't let their kids have friends outside of their ethnicity much less outside of their school or religion. Its a big problem when trying to create unity and spreading a good image of Islam.

But how do you change the behavior of your elders when you are told to respect them? One young man brought up the verse about how you should obey your parents unless they are asking you to do something which is against your religion. Many of these elders are asking just that of the youth (backbiting, limits on marriage due to prejudice, barring the women from the mosque etc). Another suggested that you need to befriend someone who is more influential at the mosque and when you have a good idea respectfully suggest it to that person and then let that person suggest it to the community. They all agreed that we can't change the elders but we can slowly change the behavior so by the time we are the elders changes will have been made for the better of the second generation.

And we kinda had to stop there because it got really late.

What do you think, as first generation and converts and students/friends of Islam, we can do to improve the condition of the ummah and wipe out some of the un-Islamic things present in our communities today?

How Much of Shariah Law Do You Have to Follow?

This is something I have been wondering for a long time. How much of Shariah Law are you required to follow? Or more so: In what way are you required to follow Shariah? I know a muslim should follow the Qur'an, follow the pillars, follow the prophet. But how much of our lives should be conducted by Shariah Law? This law was barely developed at the time of the prophet, he did not construct the Shariah Law we have today. So how do we know that this is what the prophet wanted the muslims to follow? Shariah Law is a combination of the Qur'an, Hadith, the Ulama, and fiqh (If you are Shia you would add the Imams to the list). Shariah is understood through the opinions of educated men on a variety of topics concerning the lives of muslims drawn from these sources. But how many of these "opinions", however extensively educated, are we to follow?

Now, I have to admit that the marjas have helped me to understand Shariah. But each one has their own opinion of what is and is not halal, haram, recommended, or not recommended. But they are helpful to look at for an answer. That is why you pick one, so you don't have five hundred opinions flying at you. Some have really great answers to questions and they really can show you that not all of Shariah Law is bad. Some of it is helpful and logical. Some of it is great and did amazing things for law in general around the world. Some of it changed the rights of women as well. But this doesn't mean that they have done away with rules that simply don't make a lot of sense. Or that seem to go against what the Qur'an and what the prophet taught. A lot of rules have multiple, and opposite, interpretations. I will give you a few examples.

A woman's hair must at least come to her shoulders. Anything shorter is haram. She must consult her husband if she even so much as wants to trim her hair. if he says no then she is not allowed to cut her hair. (You aren't suppose to have short hair because men have short hair and you will be imitating a man which is haram. But I'm pretty sure its my biology and not my hair that makes me female. Although I do think it is polite to ask your spouse what he/she thinks prior to making a big physical change. Not all marjas agree with this. Some think its fine providing it is not a man's haircut and its ok with your husband. Everyone says you are not allowed to shave off your hair....not sure why.)

Being stoned to death is considered the required punishment for adultery. (In the Qur'an it is lashing after excessive proof is given for the adultery. The lashing is also not suppose to kill the person. In some opinions, the punishment of stoning only applies to women).

One can eat food prepared by a Christian or a Jew providing the meat is halal or its vegetarian but cannot eat anything prepared by a someone who is not "of the book" (Hindu, Buddhist, etc.) That food is considered haram even if the meat is halal. (Some say it does not matter as long as the food is halal).

A muslim man may temporarily marry a Christian or a Jew but it is highly unrecommended that he permanently marry one. It is also highly unrecommended that a shia marry a sunni. (The Qur'an says a muslim man may permanently marry any person of the book, which of course would include other sects of Islam. There are a couple of marjas (such as Ayatollah Khomeni) who say marrying anyone other than a muslim is haram. Some say its not a problem at all providing the children are raised muslim. Above is Sistani's ruling).

Jews and Christians are commonly considered najis, although it is not improbable that they are Pak, but it is best to avoid them. -Sistani (The holy Qur'an says that Jews and Christians are part of the "People of the Book" and should be welcomed as part of the Ummah. Therefore, according to the Qur'an, there is no chance that they are najis. Sayyid Khameni and Fadlullah disagree with this statement and say they are Pak. This again belongs to Ayatollah Sistani. There are also views that Trinitarian Christians are not included in the "People of the Book" because they do not believe in "One God" even though they do)

This could go on forever so I will stop now. The opinions on music are ENDLESS. Same with women and their menstrual cycle. And food, clothes, movement, gatherings etc. I find this horribly stressful. I do not want to worry every five seconds wondering if what I am doing is haram. Its far too many rules for any one mortal person to handle. Plus, there are so many opinions. As you can see, the marjas can't even agree amongst each other.

So what do you all think? How much should Shariah Law govern the life of a muslim? Do we take it and follow without question or do we let it be a guide but ultimately make our own decisions?

Would I Believe In Jesus If I Wasn't Born Christian

I've been thinking a lot about this the past few days. Would I believe in Jesus and his gospels if I was not born Christian. I'm not sure to be honest. I think Jesus would be really hard to get to know from the outside. The more historical information I read the less likely the Bible even seems possible. The more it becomes a brilliant work of myth. If I wasn't born Christian would I believe Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, walked on water, and rose again. Most likely no. I would severely question this. Especially when you find out how far after Jesus' death the gospels were written. These people didn't even know him! The information is no more credible than a game of telephone.

So knowing this why do I still believe that the Gospels hold truth? Why do I still believe that Lazarus was raised, Jesus walked on water, and rose. A lot of it is these stories are engrained into my head. Another is the Qur'an re-confirms how special Jesus was. And there is a beautiful message in the Gospels. I do think that somehow they are divinely inspired. And the other reason is this: Does it harm anyone to believe the Gospels are true? No. It only does good. So I believe that the stories hold truth even if their truth only lies in their message, their "myth" as Aslan would say.

So then my ajoining question is: Do you need to grow up Muslim to believe in Muhammad? Muhammad may not have been so fantastical, "magical" as Jesus so you don't have to try to wrap your head around those concepts. But Muhammad was more human which becomes equally confusing. He did questionable things (raids, lead war). Most of his questionable actions had a valid reason but it still seems odd for a prophet. Now, we don't know much about the the ruling prophets (David, Solomon, Joseph) so we can't be sure that they weren't very similar in their behavior. I think he was a good man with great intentions but there are just some things I struggle with. And I worry that I will never get past them because I was not born believing he was a prophet. I'm still working on developing my relationship with Muhammad. I'm working on understanding him and the message he brought. I love his message, I believe in The Qur'an, but I'm still unsure about its messenger. Sometimes I think Muhammad's sole purpose was to bring us the Qur'an. He wasn't suppose to really do anything else which may account for his very human attributes. But I don't know. I need more time to get to know him. I need more books. I have read Aslan's No god but God, Ramadan's Messenger, and I have Armstrong's Muhammad. Anyone recommend one more?

Peace be upon all the prophets who came with God's message whether we know of you or do not.

Halal Substitute?

Anyone know a halal substitute for red wine or brandy? This is for cooking purposes.

Thanks!

To follow the leader....

To follow the leader do you need to be able to see them? An interesting point was brought up to me earlier today that I would like to discuss.

In Islam you can have women Sheikhs. Their roles function almost the same as men except they can't lead congregtional prayer in a mixed setting (bending over in front of men is a no no) or when they have their period. I was fine with this until I thought:

Wait. Half the time we, the women, cannot see the Sheikh. So technically the woman Sheikh could lead prayer on the women's side and the men just wouldn't be able to see for once. You don't even need to be a Sheikh to lead prayer, anyone can do so.

I have yet to find anything that contradicts this being ok other than men simply wouldn't like it. We no longer pray in spaces where men pray in front of women. We now have separate spaces, separate rooms and often the women only can hear the prayer leader, but not see him. So why should it matter if the men can't see the prayer leader? In this type of secluded setting shouldn't it be ok for a woman to lead mixed congretional prayer?

I would say yes. So its interesting that I've never heard of anyone doing this. Rarely do I even see a woman speaker speak to a mixed audience. Are the men trying to keep us from rising to their level? Are women just not interested? Or have women excepted that they cannot do these things because that is what they are taught?

Now of course some mosques are equipt with cameras so the women can see. Or better yet, a divided with a front area that is open so the prayer leader can pray in the middle, in view of both parties. So I suppose the arguement could be that if a man leads everyone gets to see if the mosque is equipt properly. But it still makes me wonder.

I'm not sure but I'd love to hear what you all think.

Why the Sheet?

You've all see these. Better yet, you've seen the women draped in sheets at the mosque. Now, I get using a "sheet" when you are not dressed appropriately for prayer but why use it when you are in an abaya? Isn't that traditionally what one prays in anyway?

Or better yet, why do we need to make sure we are in extra flowy clothing while praying at all? No men are around anyway and most likely the women in Muhammad's time just prayed in their regular clothes. So what is the purpose behind it? I've asked a few women and all they can give me is blank stares because, in the end, they don't actually know why (I'm getting "I don't know" from the people at school a lot lately). I've gotten that its to make sure we are praying in something clean while being in front of our Lord. Ok that I can accept, even I throw an abaya on while I'm home for that reason. But if that is the case then shouldn't it be something nice like an abaya and not a sheet? If we are going back to the idea that we are being clean and presentable for an audience with God then shouldn't we wear something nice? I think so.

I can't stand the sheets. They are so hard to pray in. I won't wear one at school (I wear abaya anyway) but so many of the women will, even with abayas. Maybe it gives them privacy in group prayer I don't know. But no one has been able to adequately explain it.

Anyone here know? Is there a reason that all prayer garments look like bed sheets?

Praying on Time, Little Help?

Let's talk about something I like! Praying!

So I really enjoy the salat. REALLY REALLY. Its so beautiful, and moving, and YAY!

Fujr is usually never a problem because unless I'm sick I don't really have anything stopping me from doing it besides getting up.

But I obviously cannot do them all on time because I have to go to work. Now, if I get home at a normal time I can do Dhur and Asr when I get home then Maghrib and Isha a couple of hours later. Its not my preferred way to do it but it works. I run into issues when I don't have time to do any of them. I cannot do more than 2 at a time for I simply cannot concentrate. I don't want to just run through the motions but I also have to get them done.

Like last night. I went to a movie after work and did not come home till midnight. I was exhausted. I literally sat down and fell asleep. On top of that this morning I had a bad headache and couldn't get up for Fujr. Now I have 5 prayers to make up. I have 10 to do total O_O. It makes you just not want to start at all. I will do them of course but I wish there was a better way.

Any suggestions?

Also, can anyone provide me with a definition for Du'a? I want to make sure I am using proper prayers for Qunoot. My understanding is Qunoot does not need to be in Arabic but it must be a Du'a. And I was told a Du'a is a prayer asking or thanking God for something. Now the kicker is some believe it has to be from an accredited source (Psalms of Islam, Qur'an, an Imam, etc). Some say it can be anything as long as you are thanking or asking.

I ask this because their is a prayer I have said every day since I was 1o and I would like to incorporate it. Some will know it as the Act of Contrition. I will share it now:

My God I am sorry for my sins with al my heart

In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good I have sinned against you

Who I love above all things

I firmly intend, with your help, to do penance, to sin no more,

and to avoid whatever leads me to sin

(Yes there is a Jesus part tagged on at the end that I didn't learn till I was in my late teens and I never used it).

Thanks!

Will There Be Another Prophet?

This is something I have thought about for a long time. Sadly, it has been really difficult to research the idea so its rather poorly developed but I thought I would open it up for discussion.

I find it difficult to believe that God won't eventually send another prophet to clean up our mess. And when I say prophet I mean a major one as there do seem to be smaller figures also sent to us by God to guide us but they are not as significant as say Abraham, Moses, Jesus, Muhammad (Peace be upon them). An example of someone that I think was aided by God to teach us but wasn't on the "level" of these men would be Ghandi, Buddha, Martin Luther King. People who made a significant impact in the improvement of man, but not to the same level as the prophets mentioned above.

Its rather easy to accept that another Ghandi might show himself. Ghandi did not bring with him a religion or words from God or even ask for a following of people. He tried to save the people and teach the world about being a good person. I guess this is sort of like the concept of a Saint or the family of the prophet. But what if God eventually decided we've screwed up so significantly that he needs to send another prophet to show us the way? Think of it this way:

The Jews start having issues with practice. They were doing their duties but weren't living the teachings of God. Thusly, in comes Jesus to show them the way to being good people and following the path of God.

Few hundred years later the Christians start doing all sorts of things and loose sight of the teachings of Jesus, just like the Jews. In comes Muhammad to re-iterate the path that God wants for the world.

We seem to need a constant reminder of how to be good people. So for me, its rather easy to think that God may eventually send someone else to remind us before the end of the world. Could be Jesus returning at that point or it could be someone else if that person came before the final moments of our world.

But here is the other issue for me personally: Do I have to believe that Muhammad will be FOREVER the last prophet? Right now I can say yes he is but I can't with conviction say no one else will ever show up. That is putting a limit on God which I do not have the right to do.

What do you all think? Do you think eventually another prophet may come to remind us of God's message for us?

What Makes a Religion Right For Someone?

This is essentially what I am trying to figure out: What makes a religion the "right" religion for an individual?

I honestly don't know but I'd love to hear your thoughts. I'm rather puzzled on the subject myself. I can't even begin to answer this. I will explain what my issue is once I've heard your thoughts. I don't want to sway opinions because I am really interested in reading what you think.

After collecting the "data" I'll make a post about it. Could be interesting :)

Salaam

Looking for a Translation/Transliteration of the 5 Daily Prayers

Salaam,

Does anyone know a website where I might find the 5 daily prayers with english translation and transliteration of the Arabic? I would like to start learning the prayers, but I do not just want to choose a website. I would rather someone recommend one to me so that I know the information is correct.

I am having a lot of trouble learning to pray. The book I have is so confusing, and all the "prayer words" are in Arabic so I don't have any idea when you move from one position to another because I can't read the words. Help! I'm going to need one of the sisters at the school to teach me after all. Maybe Sister A or Sister F can help me.

Any suggestions are more than welcome. I'd like to at least learn the words in english so I can start saying the prayers much like one says Du'a. Then I can move into actually doing the 5 prayers. And I need to make a cheat sheet that tells me when to change position etc so I can practice when I'm at school.

Thanks in advance!

Question/Compulsion Part 2

My post below made me think of something else.

How many of you that believe only your religion goes to heaven have had anyone close to you who belonged to another religion die or have family members or close friends of another religion?

This is my main issue. I would love to have you all answer this question, I think it could be truly fascinating to see the results.

I take the stance that many groups could be eligible for Heaven because I have a lot of friends and family who are not the same religion. I have an issue with believing that a wonderful person dedicated to God and doing good could go to Hell simply for being the wrong religion. I am suppose to believe that Mother Teresa, or Ghandi, or Martin Luther King, or Buddha could have gone to Hell because they were the "wrong" religion despite all the good they did for the world. That is not just, that is rather ridiculous.

Here are examples to my thinking:

If I were muslim I would then have to believe my parents will go to Hell simply for being Christian. Despite the fact that they are both good people and that my mother is particularly dedicated to her religion.

I am suppose to believe that my friend who is firmly dedicated to the belief in one God and doing good for others will go to Hell because she does not associate herself with one organized religion but chooses to follow her own path.

I am to believe, if I stayed Christian, that My Love and his family, all great believers in God and charity, will go to Hell because they are not Christian.

I am to believe that my aunt who passed almost a year ago could have gone to Hell because she was Jewish. Despite her years of working with children, her involvement in charity, and her time she gave to volunteering at a hospital even into her late 80s. I am suppose to believe that this wonderful woman could have gone to Hell only because Judaism might have been the "wrong" religion.

Do you see what I am getting at? Do we see how this view lacks the mercy and justice God is suppose to possess? We are imperfect beings who like to see things in black and white but the world functions in shades of grey. We do not have the right to condemn another group of people. God is the only one who can judge us and we should leave it up to Him.

Making a Post Only for Watchers or Second Blog?

Does anyone know how to create a post only your watchers can see?

I know I am getting to a point where things are going to start happening.  I would like to blog about some of these more personal things but I don't want them available to the open masses.  I would like to conceal them in the event that a family member might stumble upon my blog.  It also keeps all the anons away.

Or would it be better to open a second blog like a couple of people have done and only post those things on a closed network?

What do you think?

Kosher: Can it be halal?

I thought I would open this up to its own discussion.  I have learned from my post on "How Do You Eat Halal When You Are Ill?" that kosher can sometimes pass for halal food.  I would LOVE to learn more about this.  I live in a heavily populated Jewish area with lots of jewish resturants and foods.  Kosher is way more accessible.  

It would make sense to me that muslims would also be allowed to eat kosher meats.  They follow the same, if not stricter, dietary regulations and the rules come from a holy book.  The purpose is rather similar but I don't think kosher focuses as much on the kind treatment towards the animals as zabiha.  Either way, both are high quality and good for you.

Anyone have info on this?  So many things would be easier if kosher also counted.

Also, say you live in a place that does not have halal meat.  Are you then expected to be vegetarian?  Because the only way to get meat is mail order and that is EXPENSIVE.

Added Note 11/3: 

I have come to gather that for the most part kosher meat is permissible but zabiha should be preferred.  I went to sunnipath.com and it took a long time to find a real answer.  Most said it was not permissible because it is jewish (Palestine conflict).  Other websites had similar info, couldn't put aside petty differences to give a real answer.  Seems though that its a good way to go providing it does not have alcohol in it (but I have a bone to pick with that too because once alcohol is cooked it is no longer bad for you and you can no longer get drunk).  

How Do You Eat Halal When You Are Ill?

I started thinking about this today as I drank my Campbell's Chicken Noodle Soup.  All I have been able to eat the past six days is chicken soup and chicken breast.  Now, correct me if I'm wrong, but in the states they do not sell canned halal chicken soup.  I was always told that when you are ill you should eat whatever you crave.  I also crave a hamburger but there are no halal hamburger places that deliver either.  Obviously I am breaking my "halal meat only" rule while I'm sick because frankly its necessary.  But it still makes me wonder what I would do if I was muslim.  Would I need to switch to veggie soup?  Would I have to try and cook while feeling like death simply because there is no place for me to order something halal?  No one likes to cook while sick but there is no one else to cook for me.  I am all by myself :(.

What do you do for food while you are ill?

Book On Muhammad (PBUH)?

Anyone know of a good book on the prophet Muhammad(PBUH)?  Something about his life, who he was as a person.  I have realized that although I have been studying the religion for quite some time I have neglected my studies on its messenger.  I have spent more time studying Jesus (PBUH) in Islam than Muhammad (PBUH).  Which makes sense since Christianity is what I come from and I am trying to make sense of a rather large change but knowing the prophet of a religion is important in the quest to gain a well rounded understanding.

Any thoughts?  If there is a collection of hadiths by the prophet in print I would love that as well!

Why Can't I Get The Respect Without The Scarf?

I talked with a friend of mine today about this.  She is fascinated with my excursion into Islam and I was telling her about how I've been out in hijab and how I loved how I was treated.  And she said to me:

"Thats wonderful!  It's too bad we can't get that type of respect anyway."

I stopped and thought, "You know, why can't we get that type of respect without a scarf?"  Why does it take a scarf to get a man to give me space on the train or for them to say "excuse me" before passing?  Or if they do bump in to you they apologize at least.  Or to let me go first through the door so as to not shove me ( I LOVE that one the most).  Shouldn't they do that anyway because I am a woman and it is respectful/polite to do so?  What happened to manners in this world.  Even when I am in modest clothing sans scarf I still do not get the type of respect I deserve as a woman.  My personal bubble is constantly invaded.  Yes I live in a very crowded place but that does not excuse rudeness or disrespect.  

Any thoughts ladies?

Why are women so mean to each other?

Seriously, does anyone know why? I really don't understand. You don't see men going out of their way to purposely bring another man down or to slander their reputation. So why do women do it so often? What do we gain by the gossip, by bringing other women down?

Any thoughts? I think jealousy can have a lot to do with it.

Anyone know where I can find info on....

Major Sin 48. Making statues and pictures 

NOT making a deep, inner post.  :)  And yes I have known about this "sin" for awhile.  I just want to know if anyone knows where i might find info on what exactly this sin is referring.  Because if it refers to what it could refer to, I'm done.  

I also want to know why it isn't just written as idolatry because that is the sin they are talking about, not art.

Thanks ladies :)

Salaam