by Seeme Gull Hasan

Rabi-Ul-Awwal is a day that occurs on the 12th day of the third month of the Muslim calendar; it is the historical day when Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) was born. Incidentally, on this year of 2008, the birthday falls in the third month of the Gregorian calendar, as well. With that said, we recognize March 20th 2008 as the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday.

This is the day Muslims all over the world will give thanks for the life of the Prophet PBUH. His life is a guideline for all Muslims. He was brave and never backed off from the path of right and fair, even if it led to war. Yet he was the first one to forgive his enemies and provide for them. He prided in keeping himself looking good. His wisdom was great and therefore his teachings, even though complicated, were explained in the most simple of terms. His struggles and suffering were borne with ease. He made it all look so simple. His daughter adored him, his wife loved him and his son in law looked up to him.

There was no one, who once they got to know him, did not respect him. Let us all follow in his footsteps and preach a message of love, hope and flourishment.

May peace and love be upon all of you

Seeme Gull Hasan President, Muslims For America

By Seeme Hasan

Imam Hussien on the 9th day of Muhrram, the day before the battle of Karbela, seated in his tent, looked at his followers, and remarked, “Yazids fight is with me and not you. You should not have to suffer for me. So I ask you to leave this area. I also realize that it will be embarrassing for you to leave, when I am looking at you. So to make it convenient for you, I will turn off the light in the tent. Then you can all leave in the darkness.” What Imam Hussien did not realize is, that he could turn off the light in his tent, he could turn off the light in the other tents. In fact, he could turn off all the lights around the world, but his own light is so strong that it shines through like a beacon. His light is so strong that it wraps around us and is in us. His light becomes a part of our soul. Thus the saying, I am in Hussien and Hussien is in me. We are the recipients and he is the point of light.

Today I will trace the last ten days of Imam Hussien’s life, and talk about the points of light that reflect our American values. Yet they are not just American, they are the philosophy and the foundation of the thinking and beliefs of Imam Hussien.

As the Imam was traveling to Karbela he ran into the General and the General’s troops who were headed to fight with Yazid against the Imam. Imam Hussien was told that the men had been lost for days and had run out of water. They and their animals were extremely thirsty. So Imam Hussien ordered that the water that Imam Hussien’s party was carrying for themselves, be given to the General and his men to quench their thirst. The Imam said make sure everyone drinks as much as they want. Then, further ordered give water to the horses also. The followers of Imam Hussien pointed out that the General was the enemy. Why should they help him by quenching his thirst?

Here was the 1st point of light.

Imam Hussien did not want to prejudge against the General. He considered that the General was innocent until proven guilty. Word of mouth is not enough. Rumors and innuendoes are not enough. Before you label a person of some misdeed make sure you have seen them do so. What the General would do in the future Imam Hussien did not know. He was accepting the General for who he was on that day. So if you desire to help a fellow human being do so. Don’t listen to rumors or innuendoes.

This is not only for humans but for animals too. Be kind to animals too. In fact, be kinder because they cannot talk. Try to figure out their needs. If you think they are thirsty then you must give them water. Read the rest of this entry »