The Meaning of Sabr and Shukr

I was going to write a piece on the different meanings of "sabr" and "shukr," as it is the name of this blog. For those who don't know, shukr translate to gratitude. However, there is no word in English that comprehensively covers all the complexities of the word "sabr." Wiki gives a concise defenition: 1.)To actively or passively bear physical challenges and 2.) to remain spiritually steadfast.

However, since sabr and shukr are very important aspects of spirituality, the book Hayatul Muslimeen by Shaykh Ashraf Ali Thanwi devotes an entire chapter to its discussion. I was going to post the chapter, but since I don't own rights to the book, I'd rather not take the chance (!) :)

Here's the link, so check it out if you'd like! >> http://www.al-islam.edu.pk/islamic%20books/ch-23.htm

Till next week, insha'Allah!

- Sumeyya

Last Sunday's Halaqa: Contentment

During the halaqa this week, our teacher said a few words about giving thanks and bieng content... which reminded me of the quote I have up on this blog, "Our problem is that were fundamentally discontended with what we have. This is the major fitna of the modern world" (Talib al Habib).

Try this excercise sometime (I think this was also mentioned in the same halaqa many months ago): On a drive home (no matter how long or short) start naming everything you have to be thankful for, outloud: everything and anything, from small to big, general or specific, material things, your good characteristics, certain people in your life, opportunities you've had, etc. etc. etc. When I tried this on a 20 min. drive home, I was completely shocked: there was not a moment -- not one -- where I had to stop and think, "Hmm, what else?" The words kept flowing and the list was endless: subhanallah. I never thought an excercise so seemingly innocent could have such a profound impact.

When we look at everything we have -- the clothes we wear, the houses we live in, the food on our table, our health, the fact that we have a personal home computer, the air we breathe, the free time we have to spend hours on the blognet, the friends, parents and supportive people in our lives... -- you can't help but wonder, what did I do deserve this? Specifically the part about bieng born a Muslim and inheriting Islam since our birth (or through conversion)... this was just a matter of destiny and Allah (swt) has blessed us by choosing us to be witnesses of His message.

What did we do to deserve this special rank? It could have been just as easy for Allah to have us born into a non-Muslim family, or for us to never find out about true Islam and the peace it offers... Alhumdulillah, I am a Muslim. I thank Allah for blessing me with his light, and pray that He, in his infinite mercy, grants me contentment with His prescence alone. Ameen.

Edit: I found this quote in an article/lecture, "Unity Through Schools of Thought," by Abdul Hakim Murad and thought it went nicely with this post:
"Islam, and this has always been my experience as a newcomer to Islam who knew for many years the alternative: Islam is a gift. This is how we have to see it. It is our most precious possession. It is through Islam that we strive for peace and justice and harmony in the world and it is through Islam that we strive also for eternal joy and serenity in the presence of our Creator."