New Islamic Directions - Imam Zaid Shakir

I AM…

By Imam Zaid on 27 March 2009

“I AM…” is a poem by Hamza Abdul Malik who is one of our young scholars. Hamza, has memorized the Qur’an in both Warsh and Hafs and has studied Arabic and Shari’ah in Syria, Yemen, and is currently studying in Egypt. He wrote this poem after his wife’s eighty-year old grandmother took Shahada!

I AM…

I am who I am because..
Allah made me who I am

I am that dirty vagabond who sleeps in the alley,
but if it wasn’t for my prayers…
God would have punished the entire city,
but since He loves me so,
He shows them mercy and pity.
So don’t step on me when you see me sleeping
and don’t hold your nose up when you see me weeping,
For if you saw what my tears mean on the Day of Judgment
you wouldn’t be so fast in passing your baseless judgment.

I am that…
Muslim stripper that everyone hates,
who was “doomed to hell” or at least “at its gates”
but one night after the club closed I was in the streets…
and I saw a starving dog looking for something to eat,
so I used up the last of my dollars and nickels,
and I bought a hamburger and I took off the pickles,
and I gave it to the dog… and even though he still looked the same
little did I know that it was my fate that had changed
Allah saw this deed I did that no one thought of
so He gave me paradise just for me showing it so much love

I am that…
Muslim who prays five salats a day,
who stays in wudu to keep devils away,
who goes to the masjid and smiles to everyone, who..
goes to itikaf with his daughters and sons but…
eats the flesh of his sister’s and brothers and…
fights his father and curses his mother… and
doesn’t show mercy to his wife and his kids, so he…
punches his wife right under the eyelids… and he
beats his children as hard as he can cuz…
that’s only way he can feel like a man…
and Allah only gives him respite, so…
he could repent from his sins and set his record right… but
if he isn’t forgiven by his kids and his wife then…
he’s got a world of pain coming to him in the next life…

I am that…
Old woman eighty years of age whose…
got so much wisdom they call her a sage and..
she lays on the bed and before she dies she…
calls her granddaughter to come by her side… and
she tells her she’s ready to die with Islam… so
she tells her granddaughter, “go get the Quran..” and…
she reads the verse “Tell those who disbelieved: if they stop, all their past will be forgiven.”
and she stopped right there cuz her hands were shiverin’... and
she realized that she could not die a “kaffa” so she…
raised up her index and took her shahada… and
her hand fell and she took a gasp… and
that was the end because it was her last.. and
her life was sealed by that last saying so…
she went straight to Jenna without even praying…

I’m that..
orphan who never got a chance in his youth to..
share his talents and spit his truth… until
he left the hood and went to the woods to…
find seclusion and the essence of good… he
was inspired by God and was taught how to read… but
not in the way that we’d like to believe.
He.. reads the hearts, the souls and the mind
He… reads the heavens and reads its signs
He… reads the lines and he reads the lips
of.. the ancient prophets and the ancient scripts
and he… teaches the people through actions and deeds.. and he
carefully plants his wisdom in the hearts like seeds
he teaches the lesson that we can all learn…

“To Allah we belong and to Him we shall return”

comments

By Another Abdul Malik on March 31, 2009 -- 9:14am

Mash’Allah Humza,

Thank you for the reminder. May Allay give us the foresight to look beyond our own nose and protect us against ourselves!

Keep them coming,

By Taha Abdul-Basser on March 31, 2009 -- 12:58pm

Ma sha’Allah. Moving! May Allah accept!

By Ibrahim on April 1, 2009 -- 11:58am

Amazing. Jazaakallahukhairan

By Umm Yusuf on April 9, 2009 -- 11:21am

wow… i read it outloud and it flows so nicely. it gave me the chills non-stop. mashaAllah… i just wish i could see this piece performed… it sounds like performance art, anyway. its poems like these that inspire me to writemy own. you know, it almost reminded me of the brother ...i forgot his name.. who wrote “im not angry, i am anger. im not dangerous, i am danger.” etc etc….subhanaAllah i forgot the brothers name.
anyway…may Allah reward both of you and keep the poetry coming.

By Noor on April 12, 2009 -- 6:01am

First I thank you for this beautiful poem, I like it so much, it is very impressive.
Making mistakes is not the sin itself, but not thinking and trying to correct our mistakes and not feeling regret for what we did is the sin itself.
Asking forgiving form people is not enough to correct our mistakes, as we have to ask Allah with honest hearts to forgive us. Unfortunately people sometimes do not forgive but Allah do if we are honest.

Last, I would like to emphasize that no one, no one love us as Allah do, even our parents. All might let us down but Allah never let his honest slaves down, Never.

By NOUR on April 15, 2009 -- 3:34am

JAZAKALLAH KHAYRAN, WHAT A WONDERFUL PIECE.
TRULY I AM A MUSLIM, WITH ALL PRIDE
AS A MUSLIM, ALWAYS REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE AND HOW GREAT YOUR ANCESTORS WERE.
MAY ALLAH BLESS ALL TRUE MUSLIMS.

By Sara on July 18, 2009 -- 3:33pm

Masha’Allah! Amazing writing. This poem is beautiful. I enjoyed reading it so much I didn’t want it to end. Marvelous poetry, tremendous meaning, strong SPIRIT!

By Daliah on August 2, 2009 -- 3:17pm

Subhanallah!! wa Allahu Akbar!!

Mashallah, ya akhi! You truly have a keen intuition about the essence of Islam.

I found this in a search for “muslim stripper”, because I, myself, am a dancer.

I LoVe what I do and I have continuous guidance from Allah, always revealing to me solid and transforming truths that carry me into my practice of Islam.

I feel as though I am dancing as David danced, before the Lord. ....each human I encounter is, to me, a blessing from Allah.

Many females come to visit Club 939, where I work, and they love my natural, nurturing, mothering essence….they come back repeatedly.

I used to teach Islamic studies in the Masjid, now I share the PeaCe that pervades aLL life….with aLL.

Allah is all-encompassing, omnipotent, ever-pervading!!! There is NOTHING that is not him…................alhamdulillah!!

we are free….....and I am probably the biggest nerd you know, who eats pure, organic foods, practices yoga, reads sceientific research on spiritual strength and cell-level treatment…...does not watch television, speaks of goodness and light, and honors the life of every human soul…...

....but I AM that “Muslim Stripper”........and I beg my Potent, Powerful Lord, Allah, to grant you higher than the highest of Jennah…..and to shower you with perpetual, expansive peace.

May every breath you take be filled with light, truth, and guidance from Allah.

Assalamu ‘alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu…..inna

By HQ on September 26, 2009 -- 11:47am

To Umm Yusuf - that brother’s name is Amir Sulaiman

By Ferial on October 20, 2009 -- 10:48pm

Stumbled upon your site. Quite the delight. What Lovely, Beautiful words this young brother wrote…Subhanallah. Beauty can still be found where you least expect it, in a world that becomes uglier to the senses with each passing moment. Makes one pause and sigh and enjoy surprises like this even more.

Read your reply to being a muslim “rock star”. It made me smile. Such passion and precision in your words. I heard you give a khutbah this year on domestic violence and I saw you after the Jumaa prayer. Tall, lanky, ordinary man you were, wearing a thin coat (in the midst of hardcore winter weather) and looking pale and tired from travelling the lecture circuit.Your voice was rough and raw from fighting a cold.

Have patience brother. Although it is important and one’s duty to defend one’s self, always remember that we only have to justify ourselves, our actions and accompanying intentions to Allah, Rabb al 3alameen. Alhamdulillah…

By jim holloway on February 1, 2010 -- 7:38pm

full of deep understanding and empathy, it reads like rap and cries out to be performed. It is not for us to judge anyone, we can’t even accurately judge ourselves!

By insurances names on December 9, 2010 -- 6:25am

Great read! You might want to follow up to this topic…

By Laverne Contreras on December 23, 2010 -- 5:40am

I’m thrilled that you said that post?!

alternative medicine

By Lina on December 23, 2010 -- 11:55pm

, are you sure?

home alarm systems

By Lamont Stinson on December 25, 2010 -- 6:26am

I wonder what has to say about that =D

alarm systems

By Stevie on December 26, 2010 -- 12:36am

Great post, I have been after something like that?

chat bremen

By Lindsey Puckett on December 26, 2010 -- 8:33pm

Great writing! I wish you could follow up on this topic..

Davidoff 5000

By Art Cline on December 27, 2010 -- 11:19pm

Could be the most amazing page I read all day!!

-Warmest regards,

dog grooming

By Etta on December 28, 2010 -- 11:39pm

I wonder what will change with this :)

-My regards

home security

By Grant on December 30, 2010 -- 11:39am

I have to hear what will change with this :P

-My Regards,

the art of approaching

By Madelyn Gamble on December 31, 2010 -- 9:41pm

Great writing! You might want to follow up on this topic?

chat bremen

By Juliette Huffman on January 1, 2011 -- 7:45pm

The most amazing blog I read in my life :D

rihanna good girl gone bad live

By Tommie on January 2, 2011 -- 9:01pm

Great writing! Maybe you could do a follow up on this topic!!

Warm Regards,
Isabel

alternative medicine college in india

By Shelton on January 7, 2011 -- 12:04am

Maybe the top page that I read this month :D

chiropractic institute in india

By Lou Joseph on January 9, 2011 -- 12:56am

Great blog post, I have been waiting for something like that?!

Bettie

acne skin care

By Fidel Quintero on January 10, 2011 -- 9:46pm

Great writing! Maybe you could do a follow up to this topic?

Patti

alarm systems

By Patricia on January 15, 2011 -- 3:25am

I’m pleased that you said that :P

Lilly

video sexe

By Timothy on January 18, 2011 -- 2:36am

I’m pleased that you said this?!

Kind regards
Pamela

Benefits of Natural Handcrafted Soap

By Sean Fuentes on January 21, 2011 -- 4:53am

Great post! You may want to follow up on this topic!!

english bulldogs for sale

By Latasha on January 24, 2011 -- 7:11am

Could be the most amazing page I read this year??

bach flower course

By Janette Gore on January 27, 2011 -- 1:02am

Great read! I want to see a follow up to this topic??

Kindest regards,
Kirsten

parketarstvo

By Elba Sharp on January 29, 2011 -- 6:41am

I am curious exactly what Quinn will do with that..

-Kindest regards
Meredith

Benefits of Natural Handcrafted Soap

By Brice Serrano on January 30, 2011 -- 3:05am

Great post! I want you to follow up on this topic :)

alarm systems for the home

By Esperanza Hatfield on February 1, 2011 -- 6:07am

The most influential thing I read all week :P

Regards
Toni

credit repair

By Dane James on February 2, 2011 -- 7:53am

This is the top paper I read all month???

Tas Ransel

By Reyna Polk on February 3, 2011 -- 6:47am

Great post, been waiting for something like that :P

Alphonso

claripro review

By Inez Parrish on February 4, 2011 -- 4:04am

Great read! Maybe you could do a follow up to this topic?

Sincerely
Lamont

moncler jackets

By Rachel on February 7, 2011 -- 1:01pm

Great post, I have been waiting for that?

gume

By Mara on February 9, 2011 -- 12:40am

Great read! You might want to follow up to this topic?!?

debt relief

By Patrica Quintana on February 11, 2011 -- 2:50am

Great writing! Maybe you could do a follow up on this topic =D

Butik Online Murah

By Teresa on February 12, 2011 -- 10:58am

I am glad you said that..

Sallie

Butik Online Murah

By Lazaro on February 14, 2011 -- 4:48am

Great read! I wish you could follow up on this topic..

padron

By Elias Mays on February 16, 2011 -- 5:10am

Great writing! Maybe you could do a follow up on this topic…

Bridgett

Homemade Soap

By marketing plan on December 8, 2011 -- 1:32pm

Thank you webmaster for such a meaningful blog post. I am impressed with your view on New Islamic Directions - Imam Zaid Shakir.

By cheapbuysolos on January 30, 2012 -- 1:33pm

In an age of ever changing technologies, Bluetooth Headphones are a welcome change. Bluetooth stereo headphones are wonderful simply because they bring all the advantages of great sound good quality and mix it with the added functionality of wireless electronic accessories.

Bluetooth headphones add a lot of flexibility and mobility to anyone that loves to listen to music. The best part about these Bluetooth stereo headphones is that they may be wireless. This can be great simply because it makes it effortless for a person to become in a position to operate on other errands without having to worry about wires obtaining within the way.

An additional wonderful feature about wireless Bluetooth headsets is that they are wonderful for any person that likes to listen to music whilst they exercise. You can listen for your favored songs and playlists even though you’re running and jogging without annoying wires slapping against your body with every stride that you take. Not just that, you also do not must weave the wires via your clothes so that they connect for your mp3 player. Bluetooth Stereo Headphones also permit you to scroll <a >Toms shoes</a> among songs and manage the volume all via controls that are discovered appropriate on the headset. This way you don’t have to reach around inside your pocket to attempt and locate your mp3 to alter the settings.

Last of all, these wireless headphones are extremely inexpensive and you are able to get them at any nearby or on the web retailer. All you should do is ensure you do somewhat investigation to be able to find the very best value for your funds.
Article Source: http://www.toms-us.com

By Atiq on February 12, 2012 -- 5:02am

I am rlaely pleased to read that…..feeling happiness inside my heart ….. Hope that I can always follow this way

By Motivation to lose weight on April 8, 2012 -- 6:35am

NkbXx5 I really like and appreciate your article post.Really thank you! Want more.

By Thesis Writing Service on April 15, 2012 -- 7:38pm

Very nice posting. Great concepts embraced. Enjoy your web page. buy dissertation on here All the best ..

By TimurDumb on April 17, 2012 -- 7:52am

I would like to say thanks to you with respect to your weblog. You’ve gotten an abundance of intriguing content hence the site is worthwhile. I am a undergraduate in Ohio and I have got an important term paper scheduled immediately. I’m frozen and get writers block presently as I am researching. Simply need a person to help
me revise the free article I recently found on-line arranged marriages essay. That report matches my requirements but is authored in an unsatisfactory style and there are syntax blunders. Do you think I would proceed? Now i’m simply eager for help, thus almost any advice would be great.