Over the past 3 days, I had the pleasure of attending this year’s Reviving the Islamic Spirit convention in Toronto, Canada with over 20,000 attendees and some of the most inspiring speakers from around the world. Speakers that do not only speak knowledgeably but also practically. They do not only preach, but give you examples of how to better your life and the lives of others tangibly. This convention has transformed me, and I’m sure many others. This is just a few highlights of what I have gained: Many view religion as a rule book – Haram and Halal. I myself believed that for a while, however it is not! My beautiful religion, Islam, is a guideline to live your life righteously. The Quran is an advice book, whether we choose to follow that advice falls on us in consequence. An amazing speaker Nouman Ali Khan said that if you had an exam tomorrow and I told you go study, would your response be “why, is it the law?” It is a recommendation that will help better you, whether you choose to take it or not is up to you. We put too much emphasis on those 2 words, especially on children. Children should grow up knowing WHY they should or shouldnt do something based on reason not enforcement. This life is a journey and we are all on our own path and our own speed. So, we have the capability to find our own explanation of things, differential of what others around us might believe. I for one have many life questions that have not yet been answered which I’m sure most of you have as well, but while we are on that path to discovering what we see as truth, we might as well be kind while we are on our journey. When I say kind I don’t mean “oh, I love your skirt, where did you get it” type of kindness, but genuine kindness. The type of kindness you see on someone’s face and when you walk away you think to yourself what a nice person that was. I have met a countless number of those people over the past few days and it is inspiring. We all go through hardships so even though one might not reciprocate your kindness, the test of true kindness is if you still continue to be kind. Faith is hard to achieve, but even if it cannot be achieved and even if you are not sure of what you believe in, just ask yourself one question: When I die, will I be happy with what I did with my life and how I treated people? Life has become a lot about individualism and not about community. Imam Khalid Latif shared stories with us about people that have struggled in life without a support system and end up committing suicide. People, including myself, are too busy with their own lives and what is happening on social media rather than being there for one another in a way where we do not only exchange information but we communicate. I will try to better myself, and I encourage everyone to do the same. I salute and appreciate anyone who has read all the way till the very end. I hope I made a difference to at least one person. May we all live peaceful and honorable lives, happy holidays!
Posted on: Tue, 30 Dec 2014 00:43:16 +0000
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