A Diamond’s Light – Reflections on the Teachings of Usama Canon

On the Importance of Leading Through Example

“I may never remember a single lecture of his, but I will always forever remember his akhlaq, his mannerisms, and his respect for elders.” My dad said this to me after an interaction earlier this year with Usama. The best way to learn from Usama is to sit quietly and watch. He is always the favorite uncle to children and the favorite son to elders. Every person who becomes close walks away thinking they are his favorite.  Through him, we see the character traits we are meant to emulate.

“He teaches us how to be the perfect embodiment of the best of the East and the West. He is ‘The Cultural Imperative’ in flesh, being in this world in a way that neither appeals to the politics of identity nor compromises the principles of religion, while being a son of the soil through and through. “He teaches us through his example how to bring meaning with passion to everything you do. He shows us how to adorn excellence with beauty in everything he touches, and he returns us to first principles.” – Ustadh Hisham Mahmoud, Allentown, PA

“I asked God to send me a place that I would enjoy learnings and be myself. He sent me Ta’leef. I asked God for more understanding of Quran and how to be a better person. He sent me Brother Usama Canon.” – Sophia Rush, Chicago, IL

“One of my favorite books in English is by the former president of Yugoslavia, Alija Izetbegovic — Islam Between East and West. To him, part of Islam’s uniqueness is its refusal to force the hapless choice between living fully and living righteously. Of course, nothing could plunge young Muslims more deeply into double-consciousness (where they want both to be and not to be Muslim) than this unresolved dichotomy. And yet, the way out can never be a matter of words alone.

“Young people (in fact, all people) need models, to ensure them that the ideal is real. And, this is what I have seen in Usama, virtually from the time I met him. Usama always exudes a certain confidence, a boldness and a certain mellow intensity. I don’t think even he is fully aware of it. But alongside his swagger, his unrehearsed commitment to a God-centered life, and his effortless display of learning, he shows young people (and even some of us ole-heads) a clear alternative to hollow self-indulgence as well as some of the frail utopian religiosity that so often passes for Islam.

“This is what attracts so many people to him (and probably confuses if not repels many others who remain stuck in the unresolved dichotomy). And this is part of what continues to buoy my confidence in the future of Islam in this land. Even from the distance that has kept us separate, Usama has always meant more to me than I think he will ever know. Or maybe, God willing, he knows now.” – Dr. Sherman Jackson, Los Angeles, California

“Usama teaches me the true meaning of Muslim masculinity. I think anyone who interacts with Usama even briefly cannot help but notice his impeccable manners, his respect for elders and the wise, and his compassion and love for those younger than him. One can’t help but marvel at his larger than life personality, gregarious yet imbued with humility. One can’t help but appreciate his immaculate sense of grooming and style, his bespoken attire.

“It’s easy to almost overlook these things or even dismiss them as “hip” but with Usama there’s no pretentiousness about these things, it’s who he is and what comes natural to him or speaks of his upbringing. That’s the masculinity Usama exemplifies.” – Parvez Ahmed, Fremont, California

These reflections are only snippets of the teachings that Usama Canon imparts regularly as he inspires us to keep continuously learning from him. Usama repeatedly says, “Too blessed to be stressed. Too anointed to be disappointed.” I interpret that to mean that when you count your blessings, you won’t stress about other things. When you try to raise your spiritual state, you won’t be disappointed by things or others because you trust the One.

Now more than ever, I hold onto his words close to my heart and remind myself that the light and warmth that emanates from special souls such as Usama Canon is God’s light. It never stops shining.

Suroor Raheemullah is a director of health and wellness and global mobility at a global manufacturing firm. She is a volunteer board director at the non-profit Muslim Women’s Alliance, which is focused on developing and empowering Muslim women. She is also a dedicated supporter of Ta’leef Collective. Twitter: @sraheemullah1; Facebook: Suroor Raheemullah; Instagram: @suroor714