SHAFAQNA- As a young Muslim woman living in Canada, it’s a phrase all too familiar to me. I feel pressured by everyone around me to regularly apologize for the horrific acts committed by extremists all around the world. I fear my religion will always be used to explain my behavior. I have to constantly smile and be happy because I don’t want to come off as rude or angry; I must remember to go out of my way to show the world that Muslims are not bad people, that we are not terrorists.
SHAFAQNA – What is Nowruz?
It is a day that marks the New Year across parts of the Middle East, the Balkans, the Caucasus and Asia. It can be spelled Novruz, Nowrouz, Nooruz, Navruz, Nauroz or Nevruz depending on the region.
SHAFAQNA- Chastity and veiling
Fatimah (A.S) was the highest example in chastity, honor, and veiling for all Muslim women.
Imam Ali (A.S) said, ‘Once, a blind man asked permission to visit Fatimah (A.S), but she asked him to stay behind a screen. The messenger of Allah (A.S) asked Fatimah (A.S), ‘Why did you screen him though he is blind and could not see you?’
SHAFAQNA- Charity to the poor
Fatimah (A.S) was charitable and too kind to the poor and the deprived. She, her husband, and her two sons were meant by these Qur’anic verses, (And they give food out of love for Him to the poor, the orphan, and the captive. We only feed you for Allah’s sake; we desire from you neither reward nor thanks. 76:8-9).
Fatimah (A.S) milled wheat and barley for her poor neighbors who were unable to do that. She carried water to her weak neighbors who could not get water.
SHAFAQNA-
Hazrat Fatimah (A.S) was different from all women in her high qualities and noble characteristics that took her to the highest rank of virtue and perfection. She was an example of her father’s morals and mentality. She resembled him in his deep faith in Allah the Almighty, asceticism, and refraining from pleasures of this life. Here, we talk about some of Fatimah’s characteristics:
SHAFAQNA – Oh My Lady,
Such sweetness lingers
I hear your name
to wish for myself
be you~
flower, treasure,
like a gem,
precious pearl
in all this world..
