Author Archives: najaaba

Life is a series of breaths, the first being the unexpected inhale and the last being the anxious exhale.  But even before we are born into the world, breath defines us.  Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said that when the fetus is … Continue reading →

I walked on the shoreTo gaze at the sea.Then one still mornMy reflection I saw.A drop of water!A miniature oceanFrom the great sea of Love. I inched toward the waterIt pulled me in!I fell, resistance goneTumbling, flailing, overcome.Too much to … Continue reading →

One of the most difficult times of my life was after the birth of my fourth child, when I suffered from severe post-partum depression.  Like many kinds of hardship that leave us broken open, healing involved a process of deep … Continue reading →

My first Quran was the 1934 translation by Abdullah Yusuf Ali.  With English and Arabic text side by side, plus ample commentary, it was a good introduction to the Muslims’ holy book.  However, I didn’t find it an easy read.  … Continue reading →

The concept of “home” has always been a big issue in our house.  The children grew up among American, German, Egyptian and Kuwaiti cultures, making them what is known as “third-culture kids” or TCKs.  This special breed of people, having … Continue reading →

I’ll never forget that kiss – an unexpected display of affection from Busybee.  I had leased her to improve my equestrian skills and with the hope of training her for a therapy program for autistic children.  But she had a … Continue reading →

If love is a sublime and sought after emotion, then it follows that unconditional love is even more lofty and desired.  We seek love because it is enjoyable, affirming, exhilarating. We usually love others for their positive traits – their … Continue reading →

One of the companions of Prophet Muhammad said, “I haven’t seen anyone smile more often than the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him.”  With that, one would assume he was particularly cheerful, since smiling usually is an … Continue reading →

The teacher walked into the classroom with a big smile as I and my 20-odd classmates waited to hear our final marks.  We had spent the term memorizing 20 pages of the Quran.  Every Wednesday, the teacher called students one … Continue reading →

The Transformative Power of Ramadan

When we meet someone new, we usually introduce ourselves with our name and a relevant role.  “Hello, my name is Teresa.  I’m Salem’s mother.” Likewise, when God sent His message, the Quran, He began with an appropriate introduction:  His name, … Continue reading →

It is not unusual to sometimes feel overwhelmed by the many responsibilities of modern life – family needs, work schedules, social commitments, and the pressure to develop professionally or face obsolescence.   It’s also not uncommon to lack focus because of … Continue reading →

The essence of Islam can be found in a single statement, the “kalimah,” which embodies both its doctrine and practice.  We hear this statement five times a day from the minarets:  “There is no god except Allah and Muhammad is … Continue reading →