We all have our struggles. Check out what is Steve's biggest struggle that has been going on for a very long time and for many people.
Different Folks, Different Strokes
Is religion really a thing of a past? By the way, I get a lot of these interesting comments. But hey, keep it coming! Steve and I would love to hear from you guys anytime!
How was the Quran Preserved
Steve shared his notes when he learned how the Quran was preserved. Check it out!
Does God Exist?
A very common question - does God exist? Well, Steve shared his diary with us on his thoughts on "Does God Exist?"
Muslims in Portugal?!
I can't believe there are Muslims everywhere?! Just met Fernando today and he is a Muslim from Portugal! Who would have thought -Muslims in Portugal - Cristiano Ronaldo is from there!
Gratefulness
Steve has asked me to ponder on gratefulness. And here is what I came up with. What are you grateful for everyday?
You Will Be Featured on a Movie
Everyone will eventually be the star on a movie. Check out my text conversation with Chen.
Why you should love your mom...
Many Western people think that Muslims are a backwards people since some countries with a majority Muslim population are at an earlier stage of technological development.
Sometimes people also jump to conclusions that the countries are not technically advanced because Islam is a backwards religion. It easy to extend these assumptions to saying Muslims mistreat and oppress women.
Here are some interesting facts about the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him regarding women.
In 7th century Arabia women had few if any rights. Boys were preferred at birth and small girls were often buried alive out of shame.
The Prophet Muhammad forbid infanticide and establish explicit rights for women.
The revelation the Prophet Muhammad received from God granted women the rights toinheritance, property, social and marriage rights, including the right to reject the terms of a proposal and to initiate divorce. The Prophet Muhammad and his followers implemented these rights and ushered in the modern era of empowerment of women.
Women during the time of the Prophet were active in all spheres of society. They participated in the social, economic and intellectual affairs of the day. The Prophet Muhammad had consultations with the women in the community regarding policies and legislation. Women had the opportunity to question the Prophet and the rulers concerning such legislation.
The women in the generations that followed could overturn wrong verdicts based upon evidence based practices.
The Prophet Muhammad continually strove to establish the rights of woman as equals before God. This included elevating the status of a woman many times above her husband. Women should receive much higher respect given the important role played in family and educating children. The Prophet Muhammad would continually reprimand men for their poor treatment of women and children.
One of the most famous sayings of the Prophet Muhammad was that, "Heaven lies at the feet of mothers." The meaning is that we must humble ourselves at the feet of our mothers in honor of the suffering of child birth and the importance of child rearing.
Why I Love the Quran
Many of my friends haven't ever had the opportunity to read the Quran. There is no need to be scared about reading someone's religious books.
That is why I have prepared this guide to understanding what the Quran is all about. It has lots of historical information and other facts that give some background.
It really is a very unique book. See why so many people over the ages have been impacted by the Quran.
Are you ready?
I believe in the hereafter. I have to otherwise, what would I do with myself. What would be the purpose of my being here? I believe that before we proceed to the hereafter, there will be a Q and A session between yourself and God. So what would be your answers if these questions were asked to you:
How did you spend your life on Earth?
How did you spend your youth?
How did you earn and spend your wealth?
How did you use the knowledge you acquired?
Are you ready to answer these questions?
What do you know about time?
Have you ever thought of how long is your time here on earth? Well, if you haven't really thought of it then, you must watch this video. I love how Mr. Chen explained the concept of time and our purpose in this world. As a Muslim, this is what we work on everyday, every action, every word and every intention - the life in the hereafter.
More goodies for your tummy!
I hope that you will try this classic recipe - a good one for those that just loves chocolates! Enjoy!
How to Quote the Quran?
Advice on how to use words of the Quran:
It is unfortunate that many people use the Quran and its verses out of context. Here is a popular example:
Quran 9:5 Slay the pagans where you find them
Who is this verse referring to? What were the circumstances? What is the context of this verse?
People use this verse to jump all over Muslims as violent more than anyone else. A fair observer should read the surrounding verses that speak about the rights and obligations outlined in the treaties the people had at the time.
God describes the attitude of some of the opponents of the prophet Muhammad who were continually attacking the weaker Muslim community. “They do not observe toward a believer any pact of kinship or covenant of protection. And it is they who are the transgressors.”
So what is the result if a hostile group or nation refuses to abide by treaties and golden rules of human rights? All just states employ punitive measures. Many of the conflicts of the 20th century were to restore justice and fight oppression. It was a situation similar to this that the verse describes.
The surrounding verses also repeat many times the need for leniency and restoration of peaceful conditions.
What is the lesson? Understand the full context of the situation. Be just and fair in your assessment. Hold everyone accountable to the same standards.
You can eat with anything!
Fantastic with anything! Try it and let me know.
Hajj - Universality Unbound
Hajj is one of the most amazing gatherings on earth
I can't believe Steve actually went for Hajj. For those who haven't heard of Hajj - it is the annual pilgrimage to Mecca. Muslims must do pilgrimage at least once in their life if they are physically and financially able.
It is a gathering of around 2 million people. I've heard that you see the most amazing things on Hajj. Can you imagine seeing people from every corner of the world?
I can see why Steve used it as an example of the universality of human beings.
Ammi's Butter Cookie Recipe
Yummmm, the best Butter Cookies Ever
If you want to taste the best pleasure ever.... our old family favorite.
Steve's First Blog Post
So why is it that Muslims hold the Prophet Muhammad in such high regard? People ask - do we just blindly follow him?
Mujeeb asked me to elaborate on my diary. The Prophet Muhammad knew he had a role to guide all of humanity through the ages. God told him he was the final Prophet.
That made me think. How is it one person could guide humanity through the centuries? Wouldn’t that mean he’d have to give so many different rules for different times?
It is pretty amazing when you look at how the Prophet did it so simply. He guided people to take the easy path and the path with the most benefit.
You would see the Prophet adopting whatever was good from the diverse cultures around him. There is a universal concept in Islam that almost everything is good and lawful and only a small handful of things are prohibited – and for good reason as they create more harm.
I think that is why the Prophet was so successful capturing peoples imagination through the ages. His mercy and empathy for all circumstances is felt. At the same time he empowered people take all that is good from whatever society or culture they belong to.
God knows best…
Steve Williams
Welcome to an ALL NEW TV SERIES
Hi Everyone, I'm Mujeeb,
Welcome to my new TV Show! Well, it's not on TV yet, just the Internet. But hey, TV is old school. The Internet rocks - don't you agree?
So you may be asking what is the show all about? We celebrate all the good things in life. Food - I love food, especially sweets. Stay tuned for some great recipes.
We also love our friends and family - so don't be surprised if you see some of them on the show as guests.
Well that's about all for now. Best thing - stay tuned. Join us on social media and maybe you can come on the show too!
I'm secretly inviting my friend Steve as surprise guest
Hey there, Mujeeb again,
My friend Steve is going to be my surprise guest on the very first episode! Wait til you see his face when I start recording.
Steve is super nice guy. We've been friends for a while now - let's see how it goes with my very first guest.
Join us on February 8, 2016 for our launch! I can hardly wait....
Story Not Known to Many
After Steve left, I had this urge to really find out more about what does monotheistic religion mean. So here is what I found out. Check out this cool book that my cousin Muhammad did for me. Let me know what you think. I would love to hear your feedback.