From the Chaplain's Desk

COLLEGE PARK, MD –

The day of ‘Ashura’ is right upon us.

It is a day with much significance and I encourage all to research its history. A common thread throughout many of the epic events that underpin the day is sacrifice for Truth.

This is very relevant given the sometimes confusing social justice (or lack thereof) platforms arising today and how they fit (or don’t fit) into Prophetic teachings.

[Read more…] about Prophetic Privilege

COLLEGE PARK, MD –

If we’ve been granted enough years on earth, most of us have a relationship in which we have, or should have, some level of authority.

This is most evident in the relationship between parents and children. And how often are there issues of authority between parents and children nowadays?

This unpleasant and unfortunate scenario occurs very often and it is a complex issue with a number of factors, and it’s only getting more complex as the world becomes more globalized.

I believe we can isolate one of the biggest factors: when a person in a position of authority mistakes their authority for a license to control those entrusted to their care.
[Read more…] about Authority and Control Cannot Coexist

COLLEGE PARK, MD –

Last week we delved briefly into the purity of intention and the mission of the Prophet Muhammad; we can take just as valuable of a lesson from the Prophet Noah, peace upon them both.

Prophet Noah was a man of determination and preparation. Most people aren’t, though.

While his countrymen thought they were safe in the desert from torrential disasters, our Prophet Noah knew better.

He had the insight to know a storm was coming, and that he needed to prepare for it.
[Read more…] about Build an Ark or Drown in the Flood

COLLEGE PARK, MD –

When the Prophet Muhammad, peace upon him, entered Mecca towards the end of his mission in a position to take vengeance upon his former adversaries, he did not do so.

He had the strength to give up taking the proverbial “pound of flesh.”

How could someone endure so many tribulations at the hands of his enemies (a great deal of them were his kin), and then pardon them when he could have punished them?
[Read more…] about A Pound of Flesh?

COLLEGE PARK, MD –

It’s nice to be back in the swing of things after our recent Fundraising Dinner. I’d like to extend my gratitude to all of you, our supporters, for showing such an outpour of generosity just a few short weeks ago.

As I contemplated on that outpour of giving, for which we heartily thank Almighty God, I began wrestling with a thought: there is a point in our giving where we can begin to feel a bit of entitlement creep in.
[Read more…] about Give, Give and Give Some More