The rain falls like an ocean of love upon the earth, each drop a universe in itself. Each glistening branch reaches it darkened fingers up toward God. The ground is soaking. The rain is quenching the thirsty earth with its life-giving touch. It flows into me and invigorates me as I listen to the rain. My soul is nourished. Gratitude springs up into me. The chirping of the birds fills up the air. The rain purifies me. I reach up... Read more
Due to the #MeToo movement and #BelieveSurvivors, there have been many articles written about sexual abuse. We live in the brutal Stone Age when it comes to believing women when it has occurred. I cannot believe how corrupt and immoral this society has become, to the point that even elected officials or persons of authority who have committed these immoral acts are not scrutinized or blamed. Our elected officials used to be put on such a high standard of decency and... Read more
When I began to practice Islam, I couldn’t pray Salah (obligatory prayer). The idea of formally praying was daunting. I didn’t see myself praying in the formal sense. I started my pursuit toward Islam by making small commitments. I read the Quran (in English) every night before I went to bed. I lifted my hands toward the dingy ceilings of my bedroom, the room that I’ve spent the entirety of my childhood in and now the first half of my... Read more
Mental illness is one of those topics that used to be taboo but is starting to be discussed more openly. People are trying to learn more, raise awareness, and get the help and support they need for themselves and their family members. As we know, mental illness does not discriminate; it affects about 1 in 5 adults in a given year, and Muslims are not immune. However, there is still a lot of stigma and misinformation about mental illness and health... Read more
I was only 8 years old when I was introduced to the formal concept of “Fearing God” while in school. Prior to this realization, my parents and other family members had only taught me of His love and generosity. Learning of this new concept so abruptly confused me; how could love and fear reside in the same space? The idea that I had to fear God was one that caused a great deal of conflict within myself. What troubled me... Read more
I remember how I felt when I first met my spouse, and right after we got married. I think most people remember the feeling of those first few weeks and months. Falling in love, wanting to spend every minute together, and making sacrifices without thinking of them that way. Every relationship requires sacrifices, but the great thing about the early days of love is that sacrificing is easy for us. For most people who recently entered a relationship, the partner... Read more
Many people ask what the meaning of life is. It does not depend on your culture or which religion you follow; we all look up at the stars in the night sky, into its vastness and wonder what our purpose on Earth is. Astronomers and physicists say there are trillions of planets that may support life, even in our own galaxy. Physicist believe there are multi-universes, with multiple Bangs. Yet they say that our universe may be the only one... Read more
Written by Pamella Bowen I was on the scene when the Muslim community of Temecula Valley broke a Ramadan fast at the Islamic Center on Nicolas Road. My friend Stephenie Khan invited me. I had been receiving nudges from God for months (maybe years) that I needed to get over my fear of Muslims. Recently, someone said to me, “Fear is not of the Lord. Fear is the Accuser’s way of keeping the house of God divided.” Father Tim preached... Read more
I just turned sixty a few months ago and, for a couple of days, it was a mind-blowing experience. Many of my friends turned sixty this year and were really depressed about it. This is the entrance of being a senior adult. Gone is our youthfulness; many of us already have gray hair and wrinkled skin, loose skin around our necks, and cellulite on our legs. We no longer fit society’s definition of what is sexy and beautiful. Our minds... Read more
On a rainy summer morning, I make myself a fresh cup of chai (not Starbucks or any other imitations) and grab my laptop. I hope for this to be one of those days where ideas pour onto my paper with ease. I sit across from my laptop; it looks at me with disdain. I have been struggling with writer’s block and what seems to be a loss of creativity as of late. What I thought to be a divine flow... Read more
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