New Islamic Directions - Imam Zaid Shakir

While We Sleep…

By Imam Zaid on 18 March 2009

The following comment is by a sister who responded to one of the postings we made concerning our visit to Mali. What she mentions here is applicable to all of the Muslim parts of Africa, with the possible exception of Egypt and some other parts of North Africa. Generally speaking, as Muslims we are grossly neglecting Africa, the first Muslim majority continent, while our coreligionists are covertly and overtly being robbed of their religion and cultural heritage. May we be blessed to be more concerned and involved in stemming this nefarious tide.

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Recently, I had the opportunity to accompany a team of fellow teaching candidates and Faculty of Ed. professors to Singida, Tanzania to help rehabilitate an orphanage our faculty has adopted. I went in expecting many inequities against orphaned children. The one that left my heart pierced was the reality of these children -named Fabiano, Rose and other non-indigenous European names. Many of these children wore crosses. But they were Muslim. As teachers, we’re taught of our many roles is to ensure we affirm identities and give agency to our students. These children ran to us, myself a “Hijabi” and another Kufi wearing brother, with a Qur’an primer in hand. This one boy recited verses of the Quran written at the back of the book. In the girls room, this little girl tapped her hand over the heads of some of the other girls, stating “Musalman”. When I raised my hands to my ears to ask through gestures if they prayed, one little girl called the Adhan. Another one ran, took off her shorts, and put on a longer, traditional Kanga skirt. Many of them are Muslim, its seen in their enthusiasm for Islam, but some of their names have been changed and they no longer consider themselves Muslims -overtly at least. Not only are they stripped of their religion, but also their family identity. It breaks my heart, but Allah guides and protects.

The brother on the trip stated, “Well, we can’t get angry at those that come here and help and in turn the children embrace there faith. We can only wonder, ‘Where are the Muslims?’”

Your journal answers his question. So, Alhamdulillah, of course there are many Muslims doing their part for an equitable world. May Allah bless you/them/us all, and move the entire Ummah to similar action, backed with sound intention (another struggle). Please pray for the children. Our faculty has applied for grants, please pray that they come through as the children and our team are both anticipating our return. I often wonder if we did them wrong by going, because they were devastated to see us leave, they cried as if their world crumbled, and that in no way was flattering. May Allah bless and keep them safe.

comments

By musicalchef on March 21, 2009 -- 6:05am

Thank you for the wake-up call. Are there any Muslim relief organizations active in Africa that one can join?

By a sister on March 26, 2009 -- 9:54pm

Asalamu Alikum,

Alhamdulillah, I randomly came across this posting today—to find my own comment (a couple hours after joyfully receiving letters from some of the children at the Orphanage).

JazakAllah, as I am sure those that read it prayed for the children—and others like them.

God is SO GREAT and KIND.

These children have beautiful hearts—they are such dignified persons. Their humanity is so thorough, that they always give preference to others first. This was true when we were there as well. Their most-pressing, self-identified need was reliable food. Yet, when we brought food, they took us by the pinky fingers, and graciously summoned us to eat first and then with them. Similarly, all the letters are full of love, gratitude, prayers, and dignified responses—asking for not more than what should already be theirs—books, access to education, and genuine human relationships. Their greetings and prayers were extended not just to me, but our entire team, and all the people over here… and so they are meant for everyone. Likewise, just wanted to share some excerpts from the various letters.

The following is from the eldest boy at the orphanage who is like a father to the rest,

“I think good is with you there in Canada… I believe one day I shall meet you that is because I love you. I pray for your protection from our God up to that day when we shall meet together. I gave a lot of thanks to our God because he protected me from when you left here, my heart was full of tears, but now I am so fine because I know we are together.” Such gratitude, simply because he was remembered through a letter that was sent to him. He lived in a bus shelter from age 11-14 and that is probably only a hint as to why his understanding is imbued in realism…. “My future plan, I expect if God will bless me to graduate in my studying, I want to be a good doctor to save the lives of people, because there is a shortage of doctors here.” When asked what he wanted—contributions to his studies and science books (biology, chemistry, physics) and a special gift which he hopes will be a big surprise.

Another child wrote:
“I am good, thanks to God that I am still alive and I’m continuing well with my studies. But, I’m worried about you, because it’s so long time since we were together in Tanzania. It was painful when you all left, but I wish we will meet again.”

Alhamdulillah, this blog is a means for their voices to be heard (something they hoped for).

Walikum Asalam WarahmatAllahi WaBarakatu

By Farah Z on May 1, 2009 -- 12:31am

Assalamualaikum.

Thank you for such a moving story. After reading this entry and other similar ones, I feel that I’m very much needed by people who are less fortunate because Allah has given me multitudinous gifts; a financially stable and supportive family, a good education background, helpful circle of friends and most importantly, the opportunity to learn the Deen of Allah.

Just 3 weeks ago I went to a retreat held here in Christchurch which Shaykh Usama also attended. I feel deeply affected when he said that other people have rights over us (and vice versa). Having all these gifts in my life makes me think that I have to contribute something to the society. I also remember Shaykh Hamza said in one of his video lecture that Prophet Muhammad(pbuh) loved the women because of their loving character. Allah specially makes women to be creations of tenderness and care. I personally believe that there are reasons why Allah rewards women with such quality and I’ll utilize it. Insha Allah.