Muslim Mamas tribe - Page 11

[umsami]

Originally Posted by Summertime Mommy

umsami, thanks so much for your post, thank all of the others who replied as well. I love the analogy mamefati used about us being like children to Allah, I think that we probably forget that too much. I would love to go to Jummah, but my kids get out of school at almost the exact same time, so it is virtually impossible for me to go, since I am the one that picks them up, I have considerred picking them up early on Fridays, but I don't know how the school would react. I think I am going to start picking a time, even if it is just one prayer a day and doing it without making excuses, that would help a lot, I think. I am glad that I am not the only person who has ever been in this place, and just realizing that helps a lot.

This spring, I am taking intro to Islam and Islam in Africa in school, and I am super excited about it. I feel like I will finally have the time to sit down and really read and study our beautiful faith, without getting a hard time from the hubby for not studying my coursework.

Assalamu Alaikum:

Sounds like you have a plan. I totally think you will refall in love with Islam when you start your courses. You are totally not the only one... there's a book by Jeff Lang called "Struggling to Surrender". It really really spoke to me.

So... what is everybody planning for Eid?? What are your traditions?? We usually do new clothes...although hubby and I probably will wear our stuff from last Eid as we didn't get to go due to the entire family being very sick. The kids get one or two toys. I usually buy bagels or donuts for before we go to the masjid...and then when we come home, we make fattah.

Insha'Allah, we'll make Eid cookies again (sheep shaped for Eid or maybe Kaaba brownies)... and I usually decorate with balloons and Eid banners and such.

What about you???

[avent]

I'm a little lost about Eid. We usually go to my parents' house but as I mentioned upthread they went to Hajj. They live several hundred miles from here so I'm really not familiar with what's available locally. I think we're going to have to do something pretty mellow (no Kaaba brownies!)

[Summertime Mommy]

I have no idea what to do for Eid. It will be our first year and as most of you know, dh is not Muslim, so whatever we do will have to be low key. The crappy thing is, that I am afraid it will be seriously overshadowed by Christmas (my whole family except me and the kids are Christian) which I haven't figured out a way to get out of yet without causing all sorts of problems.

On a completely unrelated topic, could anyone tell me where to get those really long scarves that I see the sisters around here wearing all the time. They fall past the middle of back, and are really gorgeous but I am too shy to stop and ask someone where they got it. I guess I am not so much wonderring where they come from, but what to look for. Right now all I have are 2 al-amira style hijabs, and I really would like to get something a little more nice looking.

[Lisa Lubner]

...which I haven't figured out a way to get out of yet without causing all sorts of problems.

Just out of curiosity, get out of what?

[Lisa Lubner]

Also... My son is the only Muslim in his class. We are pretty low key about it, but I asked if the class was doing anything about Eid this year since it falls so close to the other holidays. They said they weren't just because there weren't any muslims in the class... not knowing that we are muslim.

So they asked me to come in and talk to the class... ideas anyone?

[umsami]

Originally Posted by Summertime Mommy

I have no idea what to do for Eid. It will be our first year and as most of you know, dh is not Muslim, so whatever we do will have to be low key. The crappy thing is, that I am afraid it will be seriously overshadowed by Christmas (my whole family except me and the kids are Christian) which I haven't figured out a way to get out of yet without causing all sorts of problems.

On a completely unrelated topic, could anyone tell me where to get those really long scarves that I see the sisters around here wearing all the time. They fall past the middle of back, and are really gorgeous but I am too shy to stop and ask someone where they got it. I guess I am not so much wonderring where they come from, but what to look for. Right now all I have are 2 al-amira style hijabs, and I really would like to get something a little more nice looking.

For scarves, try hijabgirl.com and veiledbydesign.com You can learn how to pin them on youtube.com Just look under how to hijab or how to shayla. (I'll try and find the links)

I'm friends with tons of converts and we all deal with the same issues re: Christmas. I honestly think that the easiest thing to do is to celebrate Eid, but also understand that your family will celebrate Christmas and will want to include your kids. My parents usually send gifts... and so we open a few on Eid...and leave one or two for Christmas too...talking about the grandparents. When they're older, I'll use it as an opportunity to talk about how we all love Jesus as a Prophet... but view him slightly differently. For now, they're too young. The only way I can get my parents to respect our holidays is to respect theirs...KWIM?

I am the queen of Al Amirah hijabs. With kids and a lack of dexterity, there's nothing better.

[umsami]

Originally Posted by Lisa Lubner

Also... My son is the only Muslim in his class. We are pretty low key about it, but I asked if the class was doing anything about Eid this year since it falls so close to the other holidays. They said they weren't just because there weren't any muslims in the class... not knowing that we are muslim.

So they asked me to come in and talk to the class... ideas anyone?

How old are the kids??

I would try and keep it as similar to what they know... so talk about the story about Abraham in the Bible. I'm not sure how much I'd go into sacrificing his son... if they were young, KWIM?? There was an interesting thread awhile back on religious studies on how Ibrahim/Ishmael (depending on whom you believe was on the chopping block) was not a kid as depicted in most pictures.. but an older person. I think that's important to point out.

What I would do is bring a picture or two of the kaba... talk about it beign the house of God... the pilgrimmage. Maybe see if they can figure out how long of a trip it is from where you are.. and talk about how hard it would be to make that before the age of the airplane. Talk about the honorary title given somebody who makes hajj, etc.

I'd also talk about the phrase in English of "Mecca"... like the mecca of whatever... and how that comes from Mecca.

I'd talk about how cool the whole complex is... air conditioned marble floors, etc. Number of people who make hajj each year. Show pics.

Maybe even make a mini hajj path in the classroom... make one desk safa.. one desk marwan... maybe a place to throw seven nerf balls at the devil... etc.

Talk about how kids get new clothes, eidee, etc.

I'd also probably bring in food. Kahk, Mamool, Baklavah...something like that. Maybe some amr deen (no idea on spelling) or the Pakistani Rose drink stuff.

If you have access to the book, "Muslim Child" by Rukhsana Khan she has a great story about how a wealthy man visits an orphanage every Eid to pass out samosas. One year... a small boy who is very poor finds some money in one of the samosas... so gives it to the man, saying he must have dropped it while making the samosas. The man decides to adopt him explaining that every year he has put money in one of the samosas, but nobody has ever confessed to finding it. He was waiting for an honest boy to be his son. (or something like that... it's been awhile. )

[Summertime Mommy]

Originally Posted by Lisa Lubner

Just out of curiosity, get out of what?

All of the Christmas stuff. I don't mind a little bit of it, but we have a big family, so we have a lot of celebrations that we are expected to attend. It makes it hard because I want to respect my family, but I also want to let my kids know that it isn't really "our" holiday.

[Lisa Lubner]

There really isn't any reason you can't enjoy Christmas with your family like you have in the past. There are quite a few scholars that say it is fine to celebrate it as long as you aren't in danger of committing shirk. Unless you just really don't like Christmas anyway. There are a lot of good teaching moments during the holiday season. Lot's of opportunity to talk about the differences and similarities between Muslims and the Ahlul Kitab, etc.

[umsami]

OK, If you're a convert who sometimes missing pork products.. this article will probably cure you of that.

Note: It's very disturbing. If you have any veggie tendencies, I probably would not recommend reading it.

Pig-Brain Mist Suspected in Workers' Disease

Blech!

Oh a happier note, I made sheep cookies for Eid. We're going to decorate tonight after my eldest has karate at the local Islamic center. I'm way psyched!

[msiddiqi]

so when did you guys actually start doing things focused on the kids (like making cookies etc) - DS is 2 and a half and I feel like THIS is the year to do it but I'm still trying to get life together with our newborn. I feel like such a bum
I'd love some easy ideas, that wouldn't require me to go to the store and buy too much stuff cuz I went to the grocery store with both of them and I think that is my last trip alone with them for the week.
Btw, when are you guys celebrating Eid? I follow the global opinion, though, I know the local is valid as well... but I'm hearing THREE dates now. At least before it used to be two, but now three.... I'm so confused. I don't even know what day would be the one I'm supposed to follow if I'm going by global, because now there are calculations used too.
Hey umsami, I remember you mentioning you were nearby - where do you send your son to karate? Would you mind PMing me? Also, how old do the kids have to be? DS likes a lot of physical activity, and me, well, I save that for DS and DH to have their wrestling matches. But I am trying to find places to take him.... maybe Gymboree? But I also heard in Brooklyn there is a Muslim Youth Center that has a gym etc too? Ever been there?

[Mama Aminah]

Originally Posted by msiddiqi

Btw, when are you guys celebrating Eid? I follow the global opinion, though, I know the local is valid as well... but I'm hearing THREE dates now. At least before it used to be two, but now three.... I'm so confused. I don't even know what day would be the one I'm supposed to follow if I'm going by global, because now there are calculations used too.

We are celebrating Eid on December 19. I believe this is the opinion of ISNA and our Mosque goes by this. Mecca has said that the 1st day of Thul-Hijja was Monday which would make Eid on the 19th. May Allah accept it Insha-Allah.

[msiddiqi]

Originally Posted by Mama Aminah

May Allah accept it Insha-Allah.

: insha'allah, for all of us. Did Saudi declare Hajj based on moonsighting because I had heard they started calculations and the global opinion I follow requires seeing it with the eyes.

[umsami]

Originally Posted by msiddiqi

Hey umsami, I remember you mentioning you were nearby - where do you send your son to karate? Would you mind PMing me? Also, how old do the kids have to be? DS likes a lot of physical activity, and me, well, I save that for DS and DH to have their wrestling matches. But I am trying to find places to take him.... maybe Gymboree? But I also heard in Brooklyn there is a Muslim Youth Center that has a gym etc too? Ever been there?

That's where we go for Karate. It's on Bath Avenue in Bensonhurst. They have a great indoor gym/play area on the first floor. That's also where they put the women and children during Eid prayers which is nice. The play area is designed for older kids... maybe 5 or 6 and up... but my kids have always had great fun running around there.

The reason I'm making cookies today/tonight is because my son is talking so much about Christmas.. I feel like I have to hype up Eid a bit. I bought Pilsbury dough.. .mixed in some extra flour.. and cut it out. Nothing too fancy, but my kids think I'm fab.

We're celebrating on Thursday. I thought everybody was? Of course, I could be totally wrong!

[mamefati28]

Originally Posted by msiddiqi

: insha'allah, for all of us. Did Saudi declare Hajj based on moonsighting because I had heard they started calculations and the global opinion I follow requires seeing it with the eyes.

We were told on the 21st, so I guess they saw the moon on the 10th.
I have always thought that it was 11 days after they see the moon.

[umsami]

Assalamu Alaikum:

The BBC has a reporter's daily hajj diary online:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7144222.stm

Also, the President of Iran is peforming Hajj. I don't like the guy at all... but I'm hoping this is a good sign for perhaps allowing more Shi'ites into the KSA for hajj.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7141994.stm

[umsami]

Oh.. a few other fun articles:

Heard at Mecca: "Are you single?"
http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/1205/p01s01-wome.html

Sufism May Be Powerful Antidote to Islamic Extremism
http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/1205/p13s02-lire.html

And...

British Muslims Want the Christ BAck in Christmas
http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/1212/p06s01-woeu.html

[Dandelionkid]

I'm sorry I don't have time right now to look through this whole thread- maybe this question has come up before. I am not a muslim- can you tell me if this is the appropriate place to ask questions about islam? I don't intend to offend- I just began reading about it on the internet and I am wanting to be informed about the religion.
How do peace loving muslims (the majority I know) reconcile their peaceful nature with the violence of some Koran verses and the actual life of Muhammed? Once again I don't want to debate- I just want to understand.

Thanks

[Mama Aminah]

Originally Posted by mumster

I'm sorry I don't have time right now to look through this whole thread- maybe this question has come up before. I am not a muslim- can you tell me if this is the appropriate place to ask questions about islam? I don't intend to offend- I just began reading about it on the internet and I am wanting to be informed about the religion.
How do peace loving muslims (the majority I know) reconcile their peaceful nature with the violence of some Koran verses and the actual life of Muhammed? Once again I don't want to debate- I just want to understand.

Thanks

You are more than welcome to ask questions. I feel it is nice to hear this type of question so that we know how non-Muslims are viewing Muslims. We should take this as a very serious task to educate those that want to be educated.

So, to answer your question, I am a convert to Islam (about 10 years now) and I am still learning about my religion everyday. I have found that some non-Muslims like to take verses of the Quran out of context to make them seem violent. Many of the verses that I am sure you are referring to have conditions for the violence. For instance, if someone is harming you or your family. The Prophet Muhammed (pbuh) was involved in many battles during his life due to the fact that some people were against him and wanted him dead. He had no choice but to fight. It is very interesting to read abou the life of the Prophet Muhammed (pbuh). He had such a hard life and was still the most peaceful and generous person and did everything for the sake of Allah.

I am sure other Sisters here will have more facts but I just wanted to put in my understanding of it. That is a good question.

[msiddiqi]

mumster, I just ordered a book by Martin Lings, called Muhammed. I'm currently listening to a lecture based on it. He was a British scholar who converted to Islam. I have read that it is one of the best biographies out there - especially for non-Muslims looking to understand Islam better (since the author sort of presented a lot of the information so non-Muslims could grasp it better).
I don't know if you have the time, but maybe you could pick a copy of it up. Otherwise, there are some really knowledgable (I consider myself still in the process of learning) moms on this board like Mama Aaminah mentioned so hopefully they'll be able to help you out.