Musings of the amused

“Myra…”

“Hmm…?”

“You remember that question Alysson asked me in the car just now? About whether I like the US better than Brunei…”

“Uhuh”

“well… I said Brunei is home…but I LOVE the US for one thing”

“…Islam”

“Islamic education…I had the chance to do so many things related to Islam here, RIS and deen intensive..and you know what, you have some of the best scholars in the western sphere here. You have Zaytuna and so many other Islamic programs and institutes, it’s amazing, SubhanaAllah”

“Hmm…yeah, I’ve never really thought of that”

“You know, Kyla mentioned this to me before…there was a hadeeth or something like that,prophesying of Islam’s rise from the west…”

“Hmm…yeah…”

“and I remember Shaykh Yahya mentioning that one of the signs of the end of days (akhir zaman) is when the sun rises from the west, and he said if you read that metaphorically, the sun represents Islam and as you can see, Islam is rising from the west now…”

* * *

Last night, or rather during the wee hours of the morning, with sleep slowly creeping into our tired eyes, Myra and I were finishing up the last strands of our conversation.

What you have read above is a re-collection of that talk.

Alhamdullilah, and Praise be to Allah the Exalted indeed, I have learned and experienced so much since arriving in America.

I didn’t know this until I got here, but really, there really is a beautiful and prospering Islamic community in the States. I cannot tell you how utterly in awe and admiration I am of the Muslims living in this country, MashaAllah.

It rarely really ever crossed my mind about Muslims living in America. If you are or were like me, then your views of this country were gleaned from stupid Hollywood movies, Friends, CSI, Highschool Musicals and Archie comics.

Plus, the awful news and ‘authentic’ CNN coverage of the bearded man sitting on a pile of rocks in Afnenastan……oh..woe to the foreign Muslim girl treading into hostile waters.

But really. No.

Sure, the airport security and immigrations port I must admit, didn’t really throw the warm welcome that I was hoping for, but yeah…I attributed their grumpiness and scariness to my really graceful and bellowing in the wind, flamboyant hijab. I mean you could really read their minds : “Dang-it. Why is she not wearing them black hijabs…she looks nuthin like a terrorist” *cue* >> me gazing at them with puss-in-boots eyes and pout trying to curb their disapointment…gee..

and suree… soon after being unwillingly let go to collect my suitcases to run after my next and final connecting flight (which too bad, I missed because of the long time I was kept, being tested for my knowledge of the difference between American cricket and Indian baseball)…indeed, soon after that, a Chris Tuckerlike airport personnel tried to (ewww) hit on me assist me…really…=)…no actually. mmbarijap pulang…but you know, I kept consoling myself , Nothing ever happens without Allah willing it, so it was Allah’s will that I was forced to stay at that airport in Newark for the night, stranded, acutely aware of my difference, frightenedly thinking “Is this how Americans are like?…unsmiling, cold and grossly rude”

but Allah suffices me.

It was actually one of the hardest moments of my life. It makes sense you know, why Islam discourages women from traveling alone, why a mahram is needed. It really does make a lot of sense. Traveling is dangerous business, especially at night. I thought to myself…”Like as if I would allow my sister or my girl cousins to do this. Not only would I be worried and scrambling about like a heedless chicken, I would give them one heck of an earful if they dare do what I did“

ok. I have to get back to my books now. But for todays post, I’ll leave you with some other useful information, in True or False form. I should know =P I’ve been sitting here for quite some time now, Alhamdullilah.

Some commonly asked questions

Do Americans really sound like they do on TV, ala La-la and Zac Efron?

Answer- True. They have toothpaste too.

Is Bush really their president?

Answer- True. Unfortunately.

till then…

We End for now with an Apology for Aicha’s unwarranted neglect of the blogging

My apologies to those expecting more from me. This is a horrendous excuse, I guess I haven’t really attached myself to this whole blogging business. And I haven’t really finished this post properly. urang atu mau read something. so here ye go. InshaAllah, I’ll post something better soon. If time, willingness and presence of creativity and ideas permit.

on a last note, I hope to make it clear that the majority of Americans I have met are really good people. REally. Alhamdullilah. It was only my first few hours in America, I encountered some of the bad apples. (then again, sana arah aipotty atu urangnya andang notorious sikit for being cold and unfriendly..but what can you do laa..sitting in that cubicle for hours on a stretch…flush pun nada…hehe..kesihann). But on those good amazing people, on those good and inspiring sisters and friends…I have yet to devote a post on.

I believe, this one of the benefits of living in another country, interacting with people and adapting with a different culture than your own…the removal of false preconceptions and the bridging of understanding and love.

The following picture was taken at Camp Allen, Houston during the Deen Intensive retreat winter 2008.

MashAllah, I really love this place and the amazing people it brought together for the sake of Allah Subhanahuwataala.

That pier is where I usually sit to reflect and gaze at the breathtaking panaroma unfolding before me. I have never been so happy and at peace than when I was here, learning at the feet of scholars and amongst fellow Muslims and Muslimah desiring to better and perfect their dean.

I miss this place so much. and I miss the sisters there so much. and I miss the shaykhs too =)

CA

so at peace, I could stay like this for the rest of my life.