In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful.
I am beginning my blog, though it was something that I had actually been resisting for a long time because I am not really a “computer person.” And I am troubled by a lot of the so-called social networking: Facebook, Twitter, and all of the other social networks because I am committed to and believe in real community, not virtual community—in actually interacting with human beings in conversations. A lot of these social networks are taking people away from time spent in leisure alone or with others in social communion. In fact, studies are now showing that young people are spending more and more time in these virtual worlds and less with family and friends. I go to UC Berkeley on occasion, and I see young people everywhere with their ears plugged into increasingly smaller gadgets, listening to God-knows-what, oblivious to the people and the stunning nature around them, seemingly in another world. I would like to see more human interaction and discussions that are not limited to pixilated images on computer screens.
On the other hand, I am, in essence, submitting to the very real fact that people are deeply involved in social networking, and I suppose in some ways it is akin to the Qur’anic verse, “Resist with the same weapons with which you are being aggressed upon.” So, here I am doing what I never thought I would be doing—blogging.
In this blog, I hope to address some of the issues affecting our community in the West, and on occasion, add my bean to the hill of beans concerning events occurring in other places also. I would also like to reflect publically on matters that I experience at any given time. For instance, I recently had a horrible experience at San Francisco airport that resulted in a formal apology and an on-going investigation sparked by Senator Feinstein’s response to my letter of complaint.
Furthermore, I know that I am very fortunate in having many people respond to the messages that I have been trying to convey over the years, and I have been really overwhelmed by the general goodness in our community. There are always naysayers and critics. Criticism is not a bad thing, and I am always open to criticism. However, I am disturbed by the harshness that we find in some segments of our community and with how much cruelty some people react when they come across others who may not share their views.
I would also like to discuss some of the books I am reading at any given time. For instance, I am currently reading Robert George’s The Clash of Orthodoxies and Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities with my two older boys. And in Arabic, I am reading Sidi Ahmad Zarruq’s biography of his teacher Abu al-’Abas al-Hadrami as well as a new commentary of Sidi Khalil’s Mukhtasir in Maliki fiqh.
These are all areas of interest that I can write about. This is my first entry, and I hope to continue to blog and see what type of response I get. I am certainly open to suggestions of topics that people are interested in. All that I request is that we maintain the civility of our tradition, which is what we call adab.
Al-scotlandi Posted on 11/01/2011
Salaaam wrwb, my dearest shaykh brother hamza yusuf! Love you soooo much for the sake of Allah!! I just discovered these blogs! And am soooo happy :D I just really wish I get to meet u one day! Please come to Scotland (Glasgow) soon….!! :D may Allah protect you and preserve you :D
WS
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Sheik, Assalamualikom,
I need you have taken the word IQRA seriously than most of us. You are a blessed light from above to the Muslim community. I hardly ever make suggestions to others, most of all i have never even cnocived the sentiment of writing to your blog, but came across it when i was on twitter. Just like you sheik i despise this virtual reality, I love human interaction, because i feel it is something very indispensable to the human existence and if we lack that real human interaction, we are avoiding reality in a way and living our lives as dead people. But one thing, I think our youth are suffering identity crisis in this multi-cultural society, so my suggestion to you sir would be to make a lecture regarding youth identity crisis, because believe it or not, you can change their way of life. May THE MOST MERCIFUL grant you paradise!
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Assalamu alaikum Sh Hamza,
I’m so happy you’re blogging. Your work has made a tremendous difference in my life. May Allah swt protect you.
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Asslam Alaikum
Like the many who have mentioned above; I’m really looking forward to knowing the books that you recommend to read, I’ve been wanting to expand my literature for a while, so inshAllah this will be beneficial.
Another request would be to talk about ways to constructively and pratically implement Islam in our lives, from volunteering, to family life, school, friends…how to be much more ACTIVE in our faith, inshAllah.
Asalam Alaikum
Misssissauga, Ontario, Canada
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
SALAAMS SHIEKH
I know the social networking is time wasting to an extent but rather than complain and shun we as Muslims need to engage pro actively and develop stronger online relationships and presence to defend Muslims and Islam.
Mohammed Abbasi
Assoc.Of British Muslims
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Salamu Alaikum from the Netherlands!
Wonderful blog and i really enjoy listening to your lectures especially the series with Dr Umar Faruq Abdallah (Attributes of Allah) and the amazing commentary on Imam Ghazali’s ”Alchemy of Happiness”
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Assalaamu aulaykum warahmatullah ya Sheikh,
Alhamdulilah, it is always a pleasurable learning experience to read and listen to what you have to say. It is really a blessing to have learned people in our community like yourself who not only have the depth of knowledge in Islam but the breadth of worldly knowledge to compliment your Islamic knowledge and speak to the hearts of born Americans (especially converts) such as myself.
I am happy to see you include the books you are reading, as I have a thirst for reading and always have made sure to take note of books that you mention in your lectures and writing (such as The Case Against Adolesence, as well as the ones regarding the negative effects of TV).
I pray that Allah keeps you on the path of knowledge and scholarship, and that He makes it easy for you to continue enlightening those of us who crave Islamic knowledge presented in an intellectual, balanced manner that speaks to the heart. I also pray that He blesses you and your family, ameen.
Wasalaam,
Angelique
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
I am very lucky to write on this blog. I like a very beautiful book these days.You can be the happiest woman in the world by Dr.A id al- Qarni.Its a book i read everyday. Secondly U are very right that our new generation is not having a relation with Allah. They have their own world, they think we are very new generation, with new ways and new ideas.Whereas i think they have no roots, just worldly products. How to bring them on line and make them true muslims.
Waleed Ahmed Posted on 04/15/2011
Asalmoalykum Shaykh!
Allahdullilah! You’ve started blogging! Would you believe that I had planned to advice you to start blogging when you would have Inshallah come to RIS this year? Many scholars have very effectively used this tool to communicate with the community to educate and advice on emerging issues. I felt that your presence was missing from the scholarly blogsphere at a time it is much needed.
I look forward to reading your work. Jazakallah for starting this much needed project.
Your student from Toronto,
Waleed Ahmed
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
thanks shiekh “Hamza”for offering us such opportunity to communicate with you.A
icha
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Jazak Allah we Kheir for letting us know what you are reading…in the vast world of books and the amount of time required to know what to read next, this information is very helpful.
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Asalam Alaykum Sheikh Hamza,
Thanks for all you’re doing. I remmember the first time we met and I learned from you in a real halaqa was in 1997 Toronto Deen Intensive. Many years ago but it seems like yesterday. It changed my life and to this day I continue to get inspiration from you talks, books, and now blogs ;)
I hope I’ll get a chance to meet with you again, to tell you face to face Jazakum Allah Kheir.
Wasalam,
Sherif Rifaat
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Assalam alaikum Sheikh,
alhamdullilah, I am very pleased to find your blog. I am praying that you will comment of the Muslim response the the environmental problems facing society, particularly those of us living in the west where we consume much more of the earth’s resources that is our fair share, and consequently also produce much more that our share of the pollution that is affecting all of us. Thank you in advance for your enlightening comments.
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Alhamdulilah, all praises due to Allah who has, out of his Wisdom, put this idea into your heart. I have indeed longed for this moment Ya sidi Hamza. May Allah bless you.
Shirwa’
London
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Salam alyk ya Shaykh alkareem.
Masha’Allaah. I’d just like to tell you how much I love you for the knowledge and good morals which you possessed. And I sincerely think you’re amongst one of the best and great example of true Ahlel Sunnah wal Jama’ah scholars in the American soil. May Allaah increase your knowledge and equip you in every aspect so as to continue your noble task ie. Da’wah as long as Allah wills. And may Allah reward you, with abundant of good deeds and Jannah. Allahumma ameen.
S.M.A. al-Attas, Singapore.
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Habibi Hamza,
Nice to hear your positive words. InshAllah you and your family is well. I’m pleased to see that you are “blogging” and getting your word out there. I hope to see you soon. Please keep up the good work, all you do is good work.
With love,
Omar Salem
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
This is great news. May Allah reward your efforts.
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Assalaamu alaykum our dear Shaykh Hamza Yusuf
I am very pleased to have discovered this blog – although I couldn’t believe it were you until I had read it!
I’m very excited and pleased that you are doing it, it’s great for us seekers who love to follow you but yearn for a teacher like yourself to be closer and more personal to us, because such teachers are so seldom found in areas such as my own in England.
Allah reward you,
Ibrahim
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Asalamu alaikum Sh. Hamza, I was told that people, in general, dislike those who make them think. However, you have challenged many of my beliefs and thoughts–made me start to think instead of just “take in”….and I can’t say I’ve ever felt negatively towards you for that. It was because of you that I’ve stopped watching television. At first it was just reactionary….but then as time passed on, I started realizing what exactly being addicted to television and media had been doing to my SOUL…I FELT the difference of what it was and is still doing to me even though i no longer watch tv for 6 hour periods at a time. I agree, it is an honor for us that you’ve decided to share with us your blog. jazakAllah khayr.
-Beenish from Washington D.C :)
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
salam
kooooooooooooooooooool keep it up :)
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Asalamu Alaikum
Wallahi I am really happy about this and look forward to reading some of your thoughts on current issues.
May Allah bless and accept this and all of your endeavours.
Akmal UK
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
JazakAllah khayran for your efforts and insight Sheikh Hamza. I really look forward to reading and thinking more about your thoughts!
Since you mentioned adab, I have a very specific question. Recently Marty Peretz came to my university to be honored with a research fund, and students, including myself, protested – including holding up signs, and also following him while shouting many things – one of which included “racist fool”
That struck a chord, maybe because Marty is an old man, but I felt like it wasn’t following Prophetic PBUH adab. But, then one of my classmates mentioned that during the time of the Prophet PBUH, there was one leader in Mecca called Abu Jahil, an name the PBUH himself used to describe Amr ibn Hisham. What context did PBUH use that expression – to his face, in company, in dua? I really can’t imagine PBUH raising his voice save on the battlefield.
In retrospect, I wouldn’t take away any part of the protest, save that one expression, which bothered me because it sounded condescending. I’m curious as to what you may think.
JazkaAllah Khayran!
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Salaam alaikum,
I am happy to hear that although resistant to the idea of blogging and social networking your wading into it. As a fellow Muslim and blogger I can tell you its a great way to reflect, inform, educated and share making real connections with people along the way.
I will be adding your blog to my blog roll and I look forward to your posts.
Wa alaikum salaam wr wb
Sister Ally
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Great to see that you’ve started blogging. I’ve always wanted an intelligent and informed analysis of current events. Pray that you can provide some clarity in these troubled times.
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Salama’likoum,
I am totally agree about the thing that the more we have means to communicate (internet, etc…) the less we really communicate…with our familly etc… I would like to seize the opportunity to thank you for all your speechs. It really helps al hamdulillah. Especially, one speech in which you explained the importance of learning the arabic langage. SoubhanAllah, Allah gave you the gift to touch people, really. And after your speech, it was like “a click” for me that I should learn arabic langage in more serious and intensive way. Now, I can read the Quran in arabic and I can understand the Imam during prayers, it’s just enjoyable. Even if I know that this langage is the Divine langage and it will never have an end. Well, JazakAllahokheir. I am going to stop here otherwise, I can write a book :). May Allah give the best here and when you will meet Him. Ameen.
NB : I have another thing to add just in case you will have time to respond to my question. I can see that you will participate to many events. So my question is : Are you going to participate in an event in France ? (email : malika8023@hotmail.com)
JazakAllahokheir in advance.
Salama’likoum
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Assalamualaikum ya Shaykh, it would indeed be interesting to have you blog. We can now have your thoughts on current events as soon as they happen and seek guidance, if need be.
InsyaAllah this blog will bring benefit to both writer and reader.
Salam from Singapore,
Faruq
P.s. Singaporean Muslims would greatly welcome your presence on our shores!
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Assalamu alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,
As always, Sheikh Hamza’s nuggets of wisdom are greatly anticipated and appreciated. I’m interested in the comments about technology. This is a sentiment I share and feel strongly about. The medium which can be used for harm in the hands of some, can, in the hands of others, be harnessed for beneficial purposes. With all the negative aspects one can attribute to the internet (and there is certainly more harm than good), every cloud has a silver lining; if the internet is going to exist anyway, then at least we should put it to good use. Thanks to Sheikh Hamza, and technology, I’ve been able to watch/listen to scores of hours of lectures, talks, debates etc. which has, in turn, changed my life (for the better). So long as we don’t use it as an alternative to reality, or for propagating lies, spreading porn, or other haram purposes, but rather for education, communication and other virtuous deeds then I think we should embrace it. I have never been more convinced that Sheikh Hamza’s stance on television and computers is something to be taken very seriously and that the technological entertainment world is a very real threat to society and to the lives of individual human beings. And this conviction is based on very sound reasoning and information conveyed to me by Sheikh Hamza … via the internet.
Those who profit from it will continue to pedal the haram, so thank you for providing us with a halal alternative. It’s down to us to decide what we consume.
May Allah bless you,
Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Salaam Alaykum,
Dear Shaykh,
You have probably heard this before and it is probably not relevant and you could ignore any comment I have to say, however, a smile and a kind word from a man in your position goes makes a seemingly inconsequential act on another human being can make or break their day. Your part of a greater eco-system wether it is electronic, biological, physical, metaphysical or otherwise and why you would not engage the world through every available pen if you may is beyond the likes of me. May Allah reward you and protect your progeny, kith, kin, and ex-neighbours.
Fadlul alami ala aabdi ka-fadl li ala adnaakum.
your brother,
bilal
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Assalamualaikum Shaykh Hamza,
First, being a Muslim-user of social media (some, not all), I am happy to know that there is now one more way to learn more from you. Alhamdulillah.
Second, if you can advise the younger generations on how they can make a positive and progressive mark for Islam (become good ‘P.R.’ as you once said in your lectures in regards to image of religions), that would definitely help. A lot of us young (college) students know that we can make a change and create real positive impact- but quite honestly do not know where to begin! Are there certain career paths we should focus in on, or specific things we can implement in our personal lives (not only to better our status with God, but especially for the betterment of the Muslim community as a whole).
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
assalaamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh!
dear brother,
I share your views and concerns about the increasing use of electronic media and the distancing of society from the natural surroundings in which there are the amazing signs of Allah. It seems that whatever i am doing i am almost always surrounded by young people. Almost all of them are becoming more and more engrossed in their portable gadgets,to such an extent that it is difficult to carry on a meaningful converstion with them. They seem hardly able to concentrate for more than thirty seconds and they do not even realize that this is not normal. I am writing to you now because i think i remember your mentioning in one of your lecturers that the Prophet salla Allahu alaihi wasallam, said that we should teach our children horseback riding, swimming and archery. I wish you would elaborate further on the benefits of the pursuits of these and or give us sources that we can investigate. I am grandmother now and feeling a bit desperate as to how to save the next generation from what seems to be the in evitable loss of their humanity.
As you know,here in the west it has become popular to try to equalize, actually degrade everything. They think it necessary to trounce on everything in an effort to elevate themselves. Please talk about the importance of the sacred, its various degrees, the danger of disregard for and loss of the awareness of it and our need for the divine. I realize that this is a tall order but anything you could offer would be greatly appreciated. Please list titles of literature you are aware of so we can pursue this more in depth than you may have time for. may Allahu reward you magnficently for your many wonderful contributions to the enlightenment of our darkening times. Ameen!
Asalaamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa baratuh!
sincerely,
ana lillahi
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
It’s a blessing to hear from you Shaykh Hamza, Alhamdulillaah that Allaah swt has put acceptance for you in the heart of the audience and He swt blessed you with knowing what real Islam is all about..the essence of Islam ! God bless you Shaykh and we’re following up your blog inshaAllaah..
Appreciations and Regards from Lebanon, we hope you do favor us with visit here :) JAK !
Please let the admins of your fanpage in Facebook Sh. Hamza to follow up in this thread..
Thank you
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Assalamu alaykum Sh Hamza,
InshaAllah this comment reaches you. This is a suggestion for a blog post:
I am certain many readers here would like to know your top ten favorite books from the Western tradition. Also what magazines do you read on a regular basis? If you were stuck on a desert island, what one book from the Western tradition would you take with you?
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
I love the fact that you are starting a blog. A lot of youth including myself are influenced by you, and I believe that a blog is a good way to reach out to a lot of us. I hope that you continue and that inshAllah we are all enlightened by your ideas and teachings. Thank you!
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Asalem alaykum Sheikh Hamza,
Thank you for creating this blog. I look forward to reading your updates and benefitting from your knowledge and experience.
With love from the land ‘down under’,
Mohammed A Baddah
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Dear Shaykh Hamza,
Assalam alaikum
Thanks for starting this blog which would give a chance to many of us thousands of miles away to interact with you.
The virtual world has both sides to it. I completely agree that sites such as Facebook are like ‘soft addictions’ and we often find from people what are just ‘Facebook comments’ – been there so will just write something. They consume a lot of time which could be used at other places. But on the other hand they allow an interaction with friends and family spread across the globe which is very hard otherwise. Perhaps in the Islamic context, ‘maintaining balance’, may be the word.
Secondly, your point about maintaining adab is so important, as the diseases from our hearts start reflecting in conversations, and kill so many discussions.
Thanks again for starting this and I would eagerly look forward to your blogs.
Faisal
Michigan
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Assalam o Alaikum waRahmatullah,
May Allah accept this effort of yours, and make this blog of yours a radiant and guiding light in cyberspace, just as you’ve been the light in my life. I thank Allah first and foremost for guiding me towards you, and then my sincere gratitude to the shining wasila that is you, for making me a better person. May Allah bless you abundantly and grant you highest maqam in Jannah for guiding this Ummah, Ameen.
Allah blessed us with a son in January, and he’s now 8 months old. We named him Hassan after the Prophet (Sallallahu alayh wasSallam)’s poet (RadiAllah Anhu). My dua is that he becomes one of the supporters of this deen, Insha`Allah, and consequently would like his upbringing to be according to Islamic principles.
Dear Shaykh, would you be kind enough to shed some light on raising up children to make them the human beings that Allah wants them to be ? My query is more about how to educate him in the current educational system (pre-school, school, college,etc) vs. madrassa system? or both?
Any recommended readings would be highly appreciated.
JazakAllah Khayr.
wasSalam,
Saeed Mazhar.
saeedmazhar@gmail.com
Karachi, Pakistan
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
بارك الله فيكم و كثر من امثالكم
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
SalamAlaikem brother Hamza,
Just wanted to say that I appreciate your stance on virtual networks, but am very thankful for your journey into more online communication. I had the pleasure of attending your lecture here in the Sultanate of Oman and look forward to continued learning from your insights. May Allah grant you the Khair in this effort.
Anwar.
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
salam shiekh Hamza
i’m so happy to hear that
i was waiting for this long time coz we really benefit from your talks a lot
and you are right about the virtual society , but this has become one of the tools
of connections to the other world
btw, I’ve had a dream in which you are helping me with something and i guess this is its tafseer coz you will give us a lot of knowledge and wisdom inshallah
may Allah bless you and your family and keep you strong and protected
جزاكم الله خيرا
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
I agree with Hamza that unfortunately, there are many muslims who do not have the intellectual capacity &/or willingness to understand this deen & as such, criticise others whose views are different to their own. This is the age of reason – and the intellect -which is the ultimate gift God has given to mankind – must be used to get closer to Him. Hamza understands the western world from within & thus attempts to explain Islam to an audience in the language & thought patterns that they are familiar with to dispel myths, superstitions etc in the western mind. Keep it up hamza – I and others like me are with you – may Allah increase you in knowledge, eeman, wisdom & may sakinah descend upon you and upon those whom you love – Ameen
Your brother
Ameen Majeed (uk)
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
BaarakalLaahu feeka Shaykh Hamza. You are a guiding light in an age of darkness.
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Welcome to the Cyper community,.
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
As-salaamu alaykum wa rahmatullah, Shaykhna,
Welcome to the blogosphere. Having heard you speak for what seems like half a generation at ISNA/INCA, it’s nice to see your written views on current events, intertwined with the spirituality you have been ingraining in us, insha’Allah. I hope you don’t mind if I repost some of your published articles our Muslim Women’s Blog from time to time.
JazaakAllahu khayran for your efforts, and look forward to reading more,
Sofia Chaudhry
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
Salaamu alaykum Sheikh Hamza,
enjoyed reading your first blog.
Ayaz Khan
Anonymous Posted on 04/15/2011
I am sincerely looking forward to this blog :)
Anonymous Posted on 04/14/2011
alhamdoulilah. may GOD increase your knowledge at all times and give you and your family blessings,well-being and safety at all times.
ousman
Anonymous Posted on 04/14/2011
i liked your idea of resisting with the same weapon everyone is fighting with shykh Hamza.i will be looking forward to reading more from you.
although i know you must be very busy,it would give me great pleassure if you had time to check out my own blog at hopeandfaithtogether.blogspot.com
may Allah bless you
Anonymous Posted on 04/14/2011
Asalamualykum Shaykh Hamza!
Ahlan wa sahlan to the blog world.
You probably are aware of this, and I remember in one of your lectures you termed them “n’aql heads”, on the internet they are known as “trolls” or people who post comments only to add fuel to the fire and inflame arguments. Hopefully you’ll get some help moderating this blog, because trolls are everywhere on the web.
I’m also willing to help you or the people helping you run the blog, inshaAllah.
Anyways, it’s great to see online!
Ma’salaama,
Amir aka MR
Anonymous Posted on 04/14/2011
Assalamu alaikum wa rahmutullahi wa barakatu hu,
Alhumdullilah it was wonderful reading your blog. I totally agree with you upon children losing social skills. Inshallah may Allah guide the ummah to what is right and not what they percieve to be right eg Facebook and twitter.
We have become a nation of watchers. Watching and reading about other peoples lives is sad.
Anonymous Posted on 04/14/2011
Jazakullah Sheik for taking the time out to do your blog. As myself and many friends of mine have been inspired and moved from your words in the past several years since I first saw you at a conference in Virginia. I am a physician and will be presenting at grand rounds at the hospital tomorrow (metro DC area), and the title of the lecture is Palliative Care in Islam. I spoke to you briefly about that when I met you at the RIS convention in LA several months ago, and you directed me to read The Muslim Patient by Aziz Sheik. Wonderful book and I love your chapter in the book about Islamic Medical Ethics. Once again thank you for all that you do and changing my life! Feimanillah
Anonymous Posted on 04/14/2011
great news sheik Hamza and thanx a lot for bearing to share your amazing knowledge with simple people like us
this is the dream which i had couple a days
i guess it came true
jazaka Allahu khayran
Anonymous Posted on 04/14/2011
Assalam aleikoum,
I am happy to learn that you’ll start a blog. Internet and social networking can have negative effects, but the interesting thing about it is that you connect and share your thoughts with millions of people worldwide.
They can be a positive thing, especially if it deals with our Oumma and issues we’re facing daily as Western Muslims. I’m sure relevant and interesting thoughts will be shared here.
Hoping to read new posts soon,
Assalam aleikoum
Dieynaba (France)
Anonymous Posted on 04/14/2011
Bismillah Hir Rahmanir Rahim
As-Salamu Alaykum Dear Shaykh Hamza,
I am really overjoyed to see you blogging. For years i have been following your lectures , seminars, talks and writings online and offline. I really like the idea of discussion of the books your are reading. I know that you are a voracious reader and has an great appetite for good books. This is a great opportunity for us to do some of things which is done by some one we always look up to.
I’m very much looking forward to this. May Allah keep you and your family in the best of good health .
Mashrur Aarafat
London , UK
Anonymous Posted on 04/14/2011
May God reward you tremendously, Shaykh Hamza. Your contributions to society are undoubtedly felt and always needed. Please continue to give us insights into religion and life. I can honestly say that your efforts and counsels have positively changed my life and I will never cease to pray for you and your family.
- Amjad Tarsin
Anonymous Posted on 04/14/2011
mashallah
i’m so happy to hear that because we really benefit from your talks a lot
subahanallah i just had a dream of you sheik Hamza in which you were helping me in something
i guess this is the tafseer of it coz you will help in increasing our knowledge and our love towards Allah the Almighty and His prophet PBUH
THANK YOU VERY VERY MUCH SHEIKH
جزاك الله خيرا و جعلها في ميزان حسناتك ان شالله انت و اولادك و زوجك
سلام
Anonymous Posted on 04/14/2011
Islam is spreading to many places and there is a hunger to learn—but not enough teachers to teach. That is why the internet is so useful. People who would not have access to Muslim scholars—can now hear what they say or read what they write even if they are on the other side of the globe from them. There is also the matter of the generation gap. Young Muslims need guidance from someone who understands the tensions they are living in—the tensions between modernity and tradition, between societies expectations and ones spiritual inclinations….here in the East especially where societies are changing so fast….Sometimes, scholars who live in the West, understand these tensions better than the elders in the East.
The internet has advantages because people of similar spiritual level can help each other learn and grow—and they can be from anywhere in the world—so you can find many fellow travellers on the same road and friendships makes the going easier.—-especially during these tough times.
Anonymous Posted on 04/14/2011
“I would also like to discuss some of the books I am reading at any given time”
I like this idea very much and I am enjoying your blog a lot.
Anonymous Posted on 04/14/2011
As-Salamu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh
Thank you for all the hard work and prayers you perform for the Muslim community in general, for your nation and fellow citizens, and for humanity at large. I immensely appreciate all that you have done for the youth in making Islam intelligible and palatable in this age of confusion.
I see this move on your part as guided by Providence, so God willing, power to you, may God grant you success in this khayr.
Some topics that I would love to see discussed here, would be prophetology and perennial wisdom in a simplified way with clear logical structure. I feel like the personalities and stories of the prophets is by far the most alluring of all subjects for the youth. They are, to me, the epic heroes of myth, with the stark difference that there is great historical evidence as to their actual existence.
I like to see rigorous scholarship in researching about the lives of sages cross-culturally, and to demonstrate to all of humanity once and for all that the ‘Way’ has always been one and the same amongst any civilization and culture. This ‘Way’ of life is essentially about ‘love.’ Love is the way by surrendering to God’s irresistible Will, in other words sacrificing or letting go of one’s attachments to the ego, the delusion of thinking oneself a micro-god, in order to achieve peace, spiritually and socially. At the root of this is certainty in ultimate Reality and Truth that transcends our linguistic and religious diversity.
If we are ever going to have a world community with peace prevailing and the inspirations of love and wisdom governing every human being’s heart, then I feel like, our scholars need to address this crucial issue of demonstrating clearly (almost in an Aristotelian fashion) and effectively, that Islam is not a middle-eastern or Abrahamic “religion” only, but that it is “truly” universal in scope, where the wisdom of other valid spiritual traditions is constantly and sufficiently utilized and integrated. It’s time for a grand renewal of the “Way” and expansion of thoughts and spirits.
Sorry, for the long stream of thoughts. I’m excited for this. Please pray for me.
Peace be with you dear Shaykh and God protect your family.
Anonymous Posted on 04/14/2011
Inshallah I hope to see many many more blog posts on your insights :)
Anonymous Posted on 04/14/2011
salaam
I’m very happy you are blogging. InshAllah this will be good in a way where you can share your positive views and we can learn inshAllah as many look up to you.
I am interested in the topic on how to get help, for I am a single mom and its very very tough. My Ex husband was abusive and despite that I tried to make it work in various ways but it takes two so I had to leave. Now I am in a situation with a child and would like to know your thoughts and advice.
JazakAllahu khair
Anonymous Posted on 04/14/2011
Salam,
iA this blog will be an immense source of Rahma for our community.
Jz,
SB
Anonymous Posted on 04/14/2011
I am so happy that you are doing this. Using the new media to spread your teachings and ideas will be most effective in reaching out to an even wider (and young) audience. I look forward to reading your blog entries! Thank you.
Anonymous Posted on 04/14/2011
Excellent, mashaallah. I for one shall be back for more practical knowledge on contemporary Muslim issues and promoting.
BarakAllah,
Zaufishan
http://www.muslimness.com
Anonymous Posted on 04/14/2011
I’d be interested in hearing Shaykh Hamza’s perspective on the recent claim by Stephen Hawking regarding the creation of the universe — see: http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/sep/18/questions-life-cosmology-stephen-hawking
What is the appropriate muslim response, as claims such as this can plant seeds of doubt in people.
Anonymous Posted on 04/14/2011
Selam a lekum Shaykh Hamza:
May Allah (sbut) infinitely reward you for all the service you have done for Him, guard you and your family and give you a long life. :) amin.
I have followed your lectures, talks and books over the past few years. I have benefitted tremendously from them. I am forever in your debt.
Everything you have said in the past and up to the present about television, films and the internet is absolutely true. These media are weapons of mass distraction which are destroying people’s lives. I stopped viewing television a few years and have not missed it since. Some people in my family are addicted to television and I can see the deleterious effects it has on them just as you right pointed out in your lecture addressing young people (ISNA 2000).
I will continue to check your blog regularly and recommend topics of suggestions if I am allowed to do so.
Thank you for your time in reading this post sir.
jazakallah khairun
selam a lekum
hamid (staten island, new york)
Anonymous Posted on 04/14/2011
Walaikum salam,
I am actually the first entry? or are the entries not visible/uploaded? In any case. This is Shadee, and I’m typing here from the Yale lab in New Haven.
I would have to agree that eventually a person has to submit to the changes in the world in order to be effective. I try to establish my type of balance . E.g. in the evenings in my house we shut the technology off.
I think most people would agree that what we would love most from this blog is two things:
a)your personal stories. Not to be flattering but in all seriousness, Allah has given you a gift of having neat happenings in your life. Keep sharing them. When you tell a story it’s loaded with so much noor, because all your stories have to do with the search for truth and Islam. b)The interaction, albeit virtual. People love to be listened to. People love a good listener who replies. So give our comments some R&R (read and reply) so that we feel involved.
Peace and blessings to you, your family, and your blog,
shadee elmasry
Anonymous Posted on 04/14/2011
Asalamu alaykum,
can you write more about our Prophet pbuh and how can we apply sunnah of our beloved Prophet pbuh in this modern world. for example, how can we reise children and etc.
May Allah reward you for your work and God bless you and your family.
Anonymous Posted on 04/14/2011
What I liked most is the idea of discussing a book. I always wanted such a place to discuss my opinions especially with a very famous thinkers like Shaikh. Hamza Yussef.
Anonymous Posted on 04/14/2011
Masha’allah, may Allah most Kind facilitate your endeavor with God given success(tawfiq); Ameen. If possible, I would like to to read about how today’s true scholars of Islam living in the West spend their day; just as you have started off with. Ma’salaama.
Anonymous Posted on 04/14/2011
Assalamu ‘Alaikum Shaykh,
I feel and understand your apprehension. And while I have been “blogging” and networking virtually for about two years, there seems to be a miss in connecting with people.
I am eager to follow along on this journal your beginning and will definitely have a link from my site to this one.
Barik Allahu Fiik,
Youssef Ismail
Anonymous Posted on 04/14/2011
السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته
Your use of the “Resist with the same weapons…” in the blogging concept is fantastic :). I understand your point about the face to face interaction and your point on the harshness when we disagree.
I am glad you have decided to blog and I think you’ll find that facebook, twitter and especially blogging are all different in many ways. For example, linkedin.com is excellent for finding professionals, and twitter is great for having a direct connection with people that are interested in what you have to say. As for facebook, I am not too sure :).
I too resisted twitter until I started it a few months ago, and I think the positives outweigh the negatives. Looking forward to more of your posts.
ibrahim.isa@nonprofitmuslim.com
Anonymous Posted on 04/14/2011
Asalaam ‘alaykum sheykh :-)
This sounds like an exciting endeavour. I pray that it will be as benefitial and inspiring as so many of your wonderful contributions to the Muslim community. I’ve learnt so much from your talks and books.
Hope you visit us in Australia sometime soon!
Allah give you success…
Pranjal
Anonymous Posted on 04/14/2011
Asalaamu wa Alikum,
Dearly beloved Sheikh. I worry of the same concerns. I have tried to supplement my FaceBooking with more time spent with living beings and also to physically write letters and send them to friends and family. A practice I have been inspired to do after listening to an Abridged Audio Book of Steven R. Covey’s “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People”.
It is a growing concern I believe. When you get on a train and all is silent, because people have headphones on and are on their laptops, or smartphones or Notebook machines.
Yet the people speaking to one another are seen as uncivil, for they disturb the trancelike state of others with their electronic devices.
Even books are now moving onto these LCD tablets.
Do we envision a world-view where it is better to even leave our bodies completely and just exist as entities plugged into the internet?
Anonymous Posted on 04/14/2011
Assalam o’ alaikum Warahmatullah. I am so glad to have literally stumbled on to your blog. It is my first time ever reading and commenting on a blog writing. Since I heard you the first time on a you tube video I loved the lectures I have read and have listened to on various medias. May Allah protect you from the tricks of shaitaan especially kibr. I hope and pray that all of us become more muaddab in all our dealings; as without it we have no hope of ever reaching the stage of Ishq (love), which I believe is the true essence of abudiat. (I hope you and other readers will forgive my poor and unilaterally inclined expression of the English language). JazakAllah and keep up the good work
Anonymous Posted on 04/14/2011
Assalaamalaikum Sidi and may Allah bless all your efforts. A Tale of Two Cities is probably my least favourite Dickens novel! I would probably go for Bleak House or David Copperfield. Please continue to update your blog as there are many of us out there like myself who have followed your career for a long time and have eagerly waited for the day when you would dip your feet in the social networking pond.
Imad
Anonymous Posted on 04/14/2011
Assalaamu Alaikum, Shaykh Hamza,
Any way you can utilize to continue to teach and guide us is a blessing, alhamdulillah. JazakAllahu khayr for all that you do for us. I would love to continue to hear about what books you are reading as well as learn more about your thoughts about different political events as they occur, insha’Allah. We need scholars like you to help us put things in perspective, insha’Allah. May Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) give you tawfiq. Aameen.
Wassalaam,
Hina
(your neighbor in San Ramon) :)
Anonymous Posted on 04/14/2011
JazakAllah Khair and May Allah help you in all of your endeavors.
Topic Suggestions
- What is the complete islamic world view (+ book references)?
- What exactly did colonialism do to islamic understanding, and is it all negative?
- What are some positive work that is being done by Muslims in America (things that will have long term beneficial consequences)?
- Have you shielded your children from any types of knowledge/environment? Is so how and why?
- Few indispensable things that every Muslim must have?
- Your current biggest concern for the Muslim community?
- This is specific but What did you think of Carl W. Ernst’s work Following Muhammad: Rethinking islam in the contemporary world?
I thank you for listing your current readings and I hope you will continue to let us know of books that you thing we should read.
JazakAllah khair again, and keep us in your Dua’s
Omar Syed
Toronto, Canada
Anonymous Posted on 04/14/2011
I was very glad to find this blog!
I don’t live in the US though, I live in the Arab world and I was impressed by your beautiful thoughts and spirituality since watching the programme Rihla which was broadcasted by MBC a few years ago and since then I have been trying to find more articles/books/interviews.. by you!
I realise that you care more about people in your country, but I wanted to tell you that here in the Middle East, there are alot of people who have great respect and appreciation for you and what you do!
Thank you for being very inspiring
Allah bless you
A Muslim sister
Anonymous Posted on 04/14/2011
Welcome! I am just happy and thrilled to see you blog! What ever you will write I am sure it will be beneficial to so many, just like your talks and speeches. I am anticipating for your next blog already.
Anonymous Posted on 04/14/2011
Assalamu Alaykum Sheikh Hamza,
Learning about the launch of your new blog came to me as a delightful surprise…Bas Alhamdulillah, I speak on behalf of the Muslim community when I express my gratitude for this new “blogging” effort–I believe it’ll be a great addition to the Islamic atmosphere many Shuyookh have created in the virtual world (i.e. Sh. Muhammad AlShareef’s numerous blogs/sites, Ustadh Abu Eesa Niamatullah’s Facebook page, which has attracted quite a crowd! and several others).
You are most certainly right, Sheikh, folks in this modern era have developed a fervor for technology and media–and an unhealthy one, at that! However, we can never completely eliminate Facebook/Twitter/Blogs from our lives, so how about utilizing the popularity of such media to our advantage?
Just as you’ve done here :-)
Jazakum Allahu Khayr for initiating yet another positive influence in today’s virtual atmosphere (your lectures have been circulating around YouTube for quite some time–that counts as the first). I’m looking forward to your future posts, Insha’Allah.
WaSalam,
Rania Abuisnaineh
Anonymous Posted on 04/14/2011
Topic suggestion: Allah, and His Greatness. Allah, Allah, more Allah. We go to school, we interact in our sphere’s, read book reviews, hear about domestic issues, but we need more Allah. My 2 cents.
Anonymous Posted on 04/14/2011
Assalamu alaikum Shaykh Hamza,
Thank you for taking time to share your thoughts with us. I would, of course, love to see you in person and listen to your insights. Until then, i’ll be a faithful reader of your blog. Some connection is better than none at all. Keep my family and I in your duas. I look forward to your future entries.
Warmest regards,
fadwa
Anonymous Posted on 04/14/2011
May Allah(swt) bestow all your endeavors with barakah! Awaiting anxiously to read your blog, inshallah~Humeira
Anonymous Posted on 04/14/2011
In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful.
As a student of yours, a supporter of Zaytuna and a techie, this is welcome news. Your perspective and critique of current events and issues is important to us, in shaping our thinking and approach to the same.
In addition to the topics you’ve stated below, some other suggested topics – Islamic perspective to issues plaguing society (individualism, greed, financial systems, etc), impact of human to machine interaction at the expense of human to human interaction, role of people of faith in society, etc.
Anonymous Posted on 04/14/2011
It’s an honor to make your virtual acquaintance.
I wholeheartedly agree with your reservations about the impact of social media on human interactions, but on that same note, we must take stock of the sheer number of Muslims relying on what you so aptly term “Shaykh Google.”
Even those of your students, like myself, that laugh when you make reference to that term, do from time to time rely on increasingly popular sites like SeekingIlm.com and SunniPath.com.
Mas’ud Ahmad Khan’s website, years before the “Cambridge Mosque Project” started posting the lectures of Sh. Abdal Hakim Murad, was one of the most popular destinations for students of traditional sacred knowledge. That site has been functional for almost 15 years!
And I thank Allah that this is the case. Because had it not been for these intrepid brothers, students would have no recourse to seeking out which threads to pull at to unwind the veil of our tradition, other than problematic sites like IslamQA.com.
So this is my question to you, on the theme of civility. Since there is no shortage of, nor difficulty in finding, sites that host the seemingly perpetual debate on virtually everything in our faith between the dialectic of Sufi versus Salafi, could you provide your students with spiritual advice on how to be at peace in their hearts when surrounded by this debate.
I recently moved from a place in the US where this debate is virtually non-existent to a city where these lines are sharply drawn. And those of our beloved Brothers and Sisters that are trying to adhere to the Minhaj of the Salafiyeen are in the majority, either by volition, or more commonly, through lack of awareness and the easy (and comparatively cheap) availability of Islamic books of a particular slant.
How would you council those of us that are committed to traditional learning, not on the level of argumentation, but on the level of adab and spiritual contentment, to cope with the inherently abrupt, oftentimes rude, and frankly aggressive attitude, that seems inherent in these fellow Muslims?
Was salaam!
Anonymous Posted on 04/14/2011
Dear Sheikh, please could you explain the symbolism of the sandal, as I have seen many people wear it like a talisman, as though it protects them?
JZK
Anonymous Posted on 04/14/2011
assalamou alaykom shaykh hamza, let me tell you that i really enjoyed your blogging and please continue writing, your words are influentual and your thoughts are really informing . rihab from Tunisia
Anonymous Posted on 04/14/2011
Dear sheikh Hamza,
Would like to know from you, what is your intake about a woman wearing the hijab in the west. I love the hijab, I beleive in it and I feel comfortable in it. But in a society where a woman is stigmatised because she wears it is quite hard. What is your intake please?
Maya Al-juburi
Anonymous Posted on 04/14/2011
السلام عليكم
since you are talking about books i wanted to ask did you read “trance formation of america” and can you comment on it and thanks in advance
Anonymous Posted on 04/14/2011
Assalamualykom Shayk
Alhamdullilah, praise be with Allah that we all get to read your entries instead of listening to your lectures via you tube or other mp3 media.
I understand and acknowledge the issue of ppl are spending more time with virtual community instead of real person. But, blogging is for me can be used as a part of Jihad. Speading the words of Allaah to a bigger mass and reaching to the younger generation is important. In the increasingly destructive and violent world we live in it is crucial to make Islam more approachable and current. Sometimes some ppl are unreachable via face to face interaction. I am staying on the other end of the world (malaysia) therefore the chance of listing face to face ur lectures = difficult.
Keep it up Shayk! so looking fwd to read ur entries!
Anonymous Posted on 04/14/2011
Assalamu’alaikum wrt. wbr. Shaykh Hamza Yusuf.
Masha’Allah. I look forward to reading your future entries. May Allah shower you and your family with blessings, and grant all of you goodness in this life and the hereafter. Ameen!
-Muhammad Halim
(Singapore)
Anonymous Posted on 04/14/2011
So, what exactly happened to you at the airport, Sheikh?
Anonymous Posted on 04/14/2011
Dear Sheikh Hamza,
Many of us deeply appreciate your hesitation. It brought tears to my eyes that despite it you would push yourself to do what you were averse to, for our sake. I hope you know we are that much more grateful to have priviledged access to your reflections and your more immediate thoughts.
Sincerely,
Ruqayyah Ahdab, Canada.
Anonymous Posted on 04/14/2011
Shaykh Hamza: assalamu’alaikum warahmatuLlahi wabarakatuh. AlhamduliLlah! I’m so looking forward to reading your blog entries. Your voice is very much welcome by many; one that speaks sensibly, intelligently & spiritually to the issues that we, as a community (or individual), are facing or grappling with. And I especially like your willingness to share your thoughts on the books you are reading. I hope that will encourage many of us to take up the readings, and be inspired to share and have a fruitful exchange of ideas; insha’Allah.
Anonymous Posted on 04/14/2011
Looking forward to real discussions about the real topics that affect us today.. thank you.
Anonymous Posted on 04/14/2011
As-salamu alaikum,
May this reach you in the best state of health and iman. Ameen.
Alhamdulillah, its a true benefit for the awwam to be able to connect to our ‘Ulema in such a manner.
One quick suggestion: it might be prudent to add some “share this” functionality so that the blog posts can be shared on social networking sites like facebook, twitter, and google buzz.
May Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) grant you and your family tawfeeq and tayseer. Ameen!
wassalam
Anonymous Posted on 04/14/2011
As-Salamu Alaykom and Jazaka Allah khayran, Sheikh Hamza. Welcome to the blogging world!
I’m looking forward to reading your blog and benefitting from you insha’Allah.
May God grant you tawfiq and wisdom, ‘Amīn.
Anonymous Posted on 04/14/2011
Mashallah Sh. Hamza…looking forward to continue learning from you in this new setting allhamdulilah!
Anonymous Posted on 04/14/2011
Dear Shaykh Hamza,
Great to see you employing this very personal form of communication. We look forward to your insights and your experiences which are indescribably beneficial to many living in the West. We look forward to this valuable opportunity to comment and engage with you via this medium, which is not always possible for those of us who live outside of the States or your regular speaking trail.
It must be said that this is certainly a privilege for us, as we can only imagine how challenging it must be to be a public personality everyone wants a piece of in one form or another. So, thank you for sharing.
We hope that we can do justice to your time and generosity and eagerly await the opportunity to see the world through your eyes. Your reflections on all things literary will be particularly delightful.
In peace,
Sevda and Stuart