Never lose hope

Dalia Mogahed gave a talk at RIS this morning on the political situation in the middle east -- on the wars and daily tragedies that are tearing the region apart today.

At the end of the talk, she told us to never lose hope.

And reminded us of the story of Musa 'alaihi salaam.

When he and his people reached the shoreline, they stood facing the Red Sea as Pharaoh's army approached imminently from behind.  The situation was hopeless -- by secular standards.

But then, God told him to strike his stick and He parted the sea.  And they were saved.

God didn't need Musa to strike his stick.  He could have parted the sea on His own without any action from Musa.

But He told Musa to strike his stick.

And there's something to learn from that too.

We must never lose hope in God's help and His mercy.

Our job is only to do our part and be witnesses to God's miracle.

Be a gift

At the Reviving the Islamic Spirit Knowledge Retreat this year, a sister from Quebec asked Dr. Tariq Ramadan what Muslims should do when they live in a community that is increasingly hostile to them and the practice of their religion.

She's joined others in opposition to Quebec's proposed values charter.  Meanwhile, her friends who wear the hijab have difficulty finding jobs and are faced with increasing animosity and abuse on the streets.

She asked, at what point do you just leave?

His response...

When they try to portray you as a threat, be a gift.
Stay.  And be a gift.

Courage and the comfort zone

I've always admired courage -- speaking out against injustice, challenging the status quo, doing what's right in the face of everyone telling you you're wrong.  That's what makes a hero.  Heroes have the courage of their convictions.  I've been reading about these heroes since I was a kid.

By definition, courage can only be exhibited outside the comfort zone.  Trying to be courageous while staying in your comfort zone is about as meaningful as trying to swim on dry land.  Just as swimming only exists in the presence of water, courage only exists in the presence of fear or uncertainty.

My good friend Nazima reminded me of this today.  Because they are frightening and uncomfortable, it is in those times when the odds seem stacked against us and we don't know how it's going to turn out -- that's when we have the chance to display courage.