Who Inspires You?

"Most Exalted is GOD, the only true King. Do not rush into uttering the Quran before it is revealed to you, and say, "My Lord, increase my knowledge." --Quran 20:114

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In our discussion this week, we are going to look at inspirational people of faith. As we come to this topic, think about those people who have inspired you through their words, their deeds or in other ways. Is the person someone you know personally? Is the person an historical figure? Has the person inspired you to act intentionally or unintentionally? Is the person of the same faith or of a different faith or philosophy?

I can think of many people who have inspired me in my life. The members of my family are a group of people who have inspired me, sometimes intentionally and sometimes unintentionally. My family continually positively challenges my faith by helping me further seek what it is that has brought me to this path on which I am.

My family is not the only group of people who have positively challenged me lately. I have been taking part in interfaith discussions with Christians through Understanding Islam sessions sponsored by a local church. The purpose of these discussions is to learn about Islam and learn about ways that Christians and Muslims can stay strong in each respective faith, but also learn how to build bridges with one another. The people in these sessions have made me really stop to think about why I am Muslim, what makes me a Muslim, how my beliefs are different from other religions/philosophies and how my beliefs are the same. I have enjoyed each discussion and look forward to developing lasting relationships with the people I meet.

I believe some of the most inspiring people of faith in my life are those who may not always agree with how I approach my spiritual path. I constantly look for ways I can ask God to "increase my knowledge" and believe this is absolutely done through these relationships.

How do you find inspiration in your faith?

Please share your thoughts with us at 8pm on Friday, October 2.

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Kelly
American Islamic Fellowship
info@americanislamicfellowship.com

Ashes to Ashes

When my friend asked me to go to and Ash Wednesday service with her, I jumped at the chance. My friend is Catholic and I had never been to an actual service in a Catholic Church. I'd only sat through a couple funerals, which apparently were Vatican I because they were mostly in Latin. I had been to several Ash Wednesday services in my life, but mostly at Episcopal or Methodist Churches. Always looking for a new adventure.


On the way, my friend and I discussed what we were giving up for Lent, a Christian season of fasting and prayer I think of as a "Ramadan light". She had not decided anything yet. I had a clear choice, fast food. I had discussed this intent with both my mother and sisters just the night before that. Usually when it comes to Lent, the thing I am giving up blasts out like a cannon in front of me. This year was no different.


I walked into the cavernous sanctuary and the place was incredibly packed. I never remember the day being this popular. Nice to think about all the others who are sacrificing along with me. I observed the service and saw how close it was to the ones I'd already experienced and how close the words spoke were to the intentions I'd heard many times during Ramadan. The priest came around to put ashes on foreheads and before I could react, he put them on my head as well. He spoke the words of Mark 1:15 as he put the ashes on, "Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel." I immediately took in these words and thought of the part of the Qur'an which it talks about the Gospel and how it is a guide. I smiled knowing my own secret in the room in which I stood and how much I hope I would live these words as I had the ashes put on my head.

As the service went on, I was able to contemplate my own beliefs, internalize prayers as others were spoke and connect with the reason why others, even though they have other practices, were part of a very similar journey. I also thought of my grandfather, who was a Catholic, and felt like I was holding his hand through a shared experience.


The ashes are taken from the palms of the previous year's Palm Sunday. The palms represent the high honor given to Jesus as he entered Jerusalem. Wearing those ashes help me honor a man I considered to be a fabulous teacher. Here, I was able to learn through a journey he had taken.


Sacrifice and remembrance are two things I bring with me through Lent. I celebrate it as a way to connect to my friends and family, but also because, like Ramadan, it helps me remember those who have no choice but to sacrifice a lot.

Opportunity to Make a Difference - International

Here is an opportunity to have your voice heard in an international project called the Charter for Compassion. Led by author Karen Armstrong and supported by the TED Prize, the Charter for Compassion Project is aimed at bringing together people from all walks of life and focused on the shared human concept through many philosophies and religions of The Golden Rule. You can contribute your thoughts to the charter and your stories about your faith and compassion you have experienced or given in you life.

From the Charter for Compassion website:

The Charter for Compassion is a collaborative effort to build a peaceful and harmonious global community. Bringing together the voices of people from all religions, the Charter seeks to remind the world that while all faiths are not the same, they all share the core principle of compassion and the Golden Rule. The Charter will change the tenor of the conversation around religion. It will be a clarion call to the world.

Video about the Charter for Compassion

Feel inspired and share your compassion with the world!

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Kelly
American Islamic Fellowship
blog@americanislamicfellowship.com