Before I really dwelved into my studies of Islam, “Shariah” was a big bad word that meant oppression and authoritarian regime. In reality, “Shariah” is much simpler and much more peaceful: it stands for “path” or “way”. In short it is the way of life of Muslims . For example, prayers are Sharia, as in they are part of the path to God. Anyone who has studied Islam to any extend, including those who have read this blog, know that Islam is much more than simple belief but is definitely a way of life. But again, so are most faiths in … Continue reading Shariah: God’s law or People’s law?

(TITLE TRANSLATION: The Bible will kill the Church and mankind will kill God) I take my title from the lyrics of a wonderful French-Canadian musical called Notre Dame de Paris (Hunback of Notre Dame) inspired by the famous novel by Victor Hugo. In this scene, Frollo (the priest) and Gringoire (the poet), discuss discoveries in science and technology–albeit based on 15th century Florence–such as the printing press and the rumours of round planet! *GASP!* They speculate that the world is about to change forever as all the new technologies will come to destroy the traditions and science will come to … Continue reading La Bible tuera l’Église et l’homme tuera Dieu

I am extremely happy and proud to announce that last night, July 28th, I did my declaration of faith. My wonderful boyfriend lead the declaration while in front of a number of friends! Thanks to everyone! The journey is faaaaaaar from over, but this is definitely a step in the right direction. Thank you to everyone who have kept me in their thoughts and prayers: peace and blessings to you all! Continue reading I’m a Muslim!!!

Peace and blessings, As you may now know, I am scheduled to take my Shahada (official conversion to Islam) over the weekend. I am excited, I am anxious and, yes, I am scared. I don’t think that anyone in North America in a post 9/11 wouldn’t be. I know far too well how my brothers and sisters in Islam are depicted in the media. Similarly, I also know how extremist some Muslims can be. I feel once again, stuck between two worlds. Growing up, I was always the “daughter of the gay guy” to my straight peers, and the straight … Continue reading Last minute fears…

Of every aspects of Islam, the duty of charity placed on every Muslim is probably my favourite. Many people often forget that we are one large brother/sisterhood of humanity, charity is the epitome of all moral and just treatment of our fellow man. The Golden Rule dictates to treat others as you would like to be treated. Prophet Mohammad (pbuh), in one of the hadith states: “Not one of you truly believe until you wih for others what you would wish for yourself” (An-Nawawi’s Forty Hadith 13, p. 56) That in itself is the true Islam but to go above and beyond is … Continue reading Five pillars examined: 3 – Charity (Zakaat)