Prophet Yusuf and Caring for Society

Have you ever noticed how things become heavier the longer you you carry them - at least all the things that trap you in this world? Microwaves and couches, envies and grudges.. That's what I remember most from the last deep roots event.  
 
The event began with Br. Feras reminding us about lessons gleaned from the life of Yusuf (AS) - a man we remember for his love of humanity, for his courage to forgive and his ceaseless service to those he was blessed to serve. Then it was our turn to step into his shoes as we helped a local shelter re-furnish their renovated apartments. My most enduring memory is of a relatively light mattress that weighed exponentially heavier once it had made its way up to the third floor. The last stretch to its apartment was excruciatingly painful. It reminded me to just let go of dense weight, forgive unconditionally, travel light and to save the heavier stuff for our scales.

Horseback Riding and Beach Picnic

The horseback riding and beach picnic event produced by MAS Youth was indeed an event to remember. I’m very glad that I went to the event and I dreadfully regret the thoughts I had earlier of whether I should go or not for I have made some valued memories, got to know people better, and learned lessons that helped increase my iman in a way I never thought of before.

When I arrived at MCA, I saw many familiar faces but was a bit disappointed on how many people actually showed up for the event. Yet this disappointment was quickly forgotten as I realized that as the event progressed, it was much easier to get to know people that I did not really know. I have already ridden a horse once before so riding a horse was not a new thing for me as I quickly grasped how to control my horse. When I received my horse named “Marmalade” I was glad I got to ride this horse as it was much more gentle and patient than many of the other horses that the others rode. The scenery was downright beautiful as we rode past many trees and then rode beside the beach as we can hear the soft serene sound of the waves rolling ashore. As the horseback part of the event was coming to a close, I remembered all the excited faces that everyone projected as people exchanged their experiences with one another. As the event progressed, we all then drove to another beach to have our picnic. From there, we introduced each other and settled down for lunch which was very tasty. After lunch, we all expressed our reflections of the event so far and a beautiful talk was given relating our experiences we had horseback riding with our relationship with Allah. The event then closed with a game of beach football which was very intriguing for me as I never played football in sand before and found it enjoyable despite the fact that I do not play football very often.

This event was indeed a lot better than I than I expected as I do hope MAS Youth continue with the good work as I do plan on attending more of their events.

Ramadan Qiyam with Ustadth Suhaib Webb

True to its name the Deep Roots project is deep. It calls for the recognition and reflection of a relationship so vital yet so easily overlooked; that of the created and his creator. The latest project, which was in the format of a qiyam, focused in on this relationship in a way that made it very personal and private. Amidst the serenity of a masjid we were asked to reflect on a self that we often ignore; the self that reflects our station with Allah (SWT). We were to search deep within ourselves to rediscover that self by reinvigorating our personal relationship with Allah (SWT).

Imam Suhaib Webb so brilliantly in his charismatic and inviting style, MashaAllah, mentioned some ways in which we could do this. Among these ways were that we increase in our supplication to Allah (SWT), that we increase in our praying of the night prayer, that we increase in dhikr and that we constantly reflect on our state.

This reminder to reflect on our state brought some to tears. Only Allah (SWT) truly knows what occupies our hearts and fills our days. How shameful that we sometimes let petty things fill a space that should be filled with our love for Allah (SWT). To think that Allah (SWT), the All-Merciful, has given us so many ways by which to know Him and to receive His blessings yet we fail time and time again to take up these wonderful opportunities. Allah (SWT) is not in need of us as He is All-Sufficient. It is WE who are in need of him yet in His mercy we are not left to our own devices to figure out how to get His help. As Imam Suhaib Webb reminded us, if we remember Allah (SWT) He will remember us. This qiyam gave us the opportunity to spend some personal time remembering Allah (SWT) and emphasized the importance of this. As Khala Nihad highlighted in her short khatera, Allah (SWT) is not just THE creator but He is OUR creator. For me, the Deep Roots project qiyam reminded me that I am never alone when I am alone with My Lord. Relationships do not get any deeper than that.