“What can we do to help Muslims?”
This is the one question I am asked every time I do a book reading or give a talk on Islam.
I was in a church talking to a group of, oh, maybe 70+ people.
TO-DO LIST: 2017
Never once in my life did I meet my New Year resolutions—until 2016. Either I set the bar too high, got discouraged at no instant gratification, or simply ran out of steam. What was the one resolution you made year after year, and never met? I will tell you mine: lose weight. Until 2016. No, it wasn’t losing weight—though I actually did—but that wasn’t my resolution. It was the summer of 2014, and I was reading books on how to write a book.
Read moreTwo Prophets; Two Birthdays
Pakistan celebrates the Prophet Muhammad's birthday
It’s the prophets birthdays! Prophet Jesus yes, (peace be upon him) but also the prophet who followed 600 years later. That’s right. Yesterday it was Prophet Muhammad’s 1,446th birthday (peace be upon him). It isn’t always like that i.e. Muslims and Christians are celebrating the prophets’ birthdays in December. You know why?
Read moreWhen You Go In Loaded, & Leave Empty Handed. Or Is It The Reverse?
I was engulfed by hugs. This is not what I had come prepared for. I had been invited to come to a Wellness Day celebration at a church, where I had taken a table in the exhibit hall, to display my wares—my book. I had lugged the bag-on-wheels, laden with heavy, hard cover books,
Read moreMy Muslim New Year Prayer
As Muslims begin their new year, I will reflect on what my father said to me when I was just fifteen. Before I go there, a word of caution on protocol and a bit of background. Protocol: I advise that you not greet your Muslim friends with a cheery ‘Happy New Year’. Muslims around the world will ring in the new year, not with bells and whistles, but with reflection and tears.
Read morePOST HAJJ: So What's The Point of It
“Just landed,” a text from my son, as we got off the exit for Kennedy Airport. Alhamdulillah! I clutched the bouquet of flowers—a far cry from the garlands of roses that every one of the twenty-plus relatives drapes around a Hajji walking off the plane at airports in Pakistan. I had hurriedly picked up the bouquet
Read moreHAJJ DAY 5: FAREWELL
Dear son,
Today is the last day of Hajj. It’s 10 a.m. in New York, and I am waiting to hear from you. You will be returning from the Jamaraat after the third and final throwing of the stones. I hope it was not too crowded. Ever wondered what happens to all those pebbles? Three million pilgrims throwing 21 pebbles three days in a row?
11:00 a.m. Just got your text message.
HAJJ DAY 4: Do You Believe in Miracles
Dear son,
12:00 Noon
When I didn’t hear from you until noon today, I wondered if I should start worrying. It is 7 pm in Mecca, and by now you should have returned from the Jamaraat, after hurling stones at the devil—or rather, the pillars signifying the devil. It’s a 105 F in Mecca today and an hour’s walk to the site, and then back. I am sure you kept water, salt tablets, an umbrella for shade, and had good walking shoes. Accidents happen at that site, and I am praying that you made it back safely, with the grace of God.
2:00 p.m.
Thank you my dear for your text message.
HAJJ DAY 3: Eid Ul Adha
Dear son,
While we are deep in sleep, the sun would have risen over Muzdalifa and you would have rolled up your sleeping bag and boarded the bus (or train) to head back to your tent in Mina. How was the night under the stars? Was the ride back uneventful or did you hit a lot of traffic? And how are you doing in your ihram? You have been in the two pieces of white sheets for over a day now, in the scorching heat.
HAJJ DAY 2: In The Plain of Arafat
Pilgrims on Mount Arafat & in the Plain of Arafat
Today is the day of Hajj. I can picture you waking up for Fajr prayer just before dawn. Was it 4:50 a.m.? I checked the prayer time online. Did you say your prayers in the tent? Probably. What did you have for breakfast? And as soon as you finished, your group leader must have ushered you all to the waiting bus, bound for Arafat, east of Mecca. Today, on this day of atonement, your mommy and Dad and millions of Muslims are fasting from daybreak to sundown.
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