April 29, 2012
There is Sabr for anger.There is Du’a for sustenance.
Be rational.

There is Sabr for anger.
There is Du’a for sustenance.

Be rational.

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Filed under: Islam Muhammad WWMD motto Art 
April 15, 2012
والله أعلمُ بالـصـواب
And Allah knows best.

والله أعلمُ بالـصـواب

And Allah knows best.

1:57pm  |   URL: http://tmblr.co/ZyB2BwJhdtZu
  
Filed under: Islam dietary food haraam law pork Art 
April 12, 2012

Daxuexi Lane Mosque
Xi’an, China
684 AD / 64 AH

April 12, 2012

Badshahi Mosque
Lahore, Pakistan
1673 AD / 1083 AH

April 12, 2012

Dome of the Rock
Umayyad Dynasty, Jerusalem
691 AD / 71 AH 

April 12, 2012

On the 2nd day of CSPKL2012, speakers were given a guided tour at the Islamic Arts Museum. The exhibits were stellar. Here are a few compiled and assorted sets of miniature mosques from all over the Muslim world. 

Starting off, 

Syeikh Zayed Grand Mosque Complex
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
2007 AD / 1430 AH

April 11, 2012

Anonymous asked: Salam,i saw you at the CSP event the other day. I was determined to give you a thumbs up to actually have a substance to your art work(compared to others that was there). I'm glad someone like you are still in touch with the intellectual discourse such as from Sheikh Hakim Murad.Would like to share with you a book by Syed Muhammad Naquib Al-Attas- Historical Fact and Fiction. Hope this could give you the change you need/want . ;) jzk

Wasalam,

Ever since I was introduced to his lectures on YouTube by a good friend a while back, Shaykh Abdal Hakim Murad has been my cornerstone of an ideal contemporary Muslim (a leader, even) I aspire to be.

I was quite apprehensive about being a speaker at CSP in fear of misconstrued intent from both the audience and my own consciousness.
Eventually, after so many positive discourse among like-minded practicioners of faith, and having you share this information nullifies my initial reluctance. Moreover, the surprise presence by Shaykh himself was so mind-blowing that I am now beyond glad I agreed to attend the event.

I have perpetually heard mentions of Syed Naquib during my studies but have not yet read any of his materials to date. This should be a good start. Thank you so much for recommending :)

Jazakallah!

2:54am  |   URL: http://tmblr.co/ZyB2BwJQxmLo
  
Filed under: Answers 
April 10, 2012

I still haven’t gotten over the fact that Creativity & the Spiritual Path Kuala Lumpur 2012 has ended. Feeling very blessed and humbled by such transient symposium. Newly bonded friendships, brothers and sisters from all over the world during that three days are already greatly missed. I profusely express my gratitude towards everyone who has made this possible.

View full album here (photography by www.firdausmahadi.com)

Creativity & the Spiritual Path

12:39am  |   URL: http://tmblr.co/ZyB2BwJMqQCh
  
Filed under: CSPKL2012 
April 8, 2012
Meeting Shaykh Abdal Hakim Murad in person was indeed life-changing.

Meeting Shaykh Abdal Hakim Murad in person was indeed life-changing.

4:50pm  |   URL: http://tmblr.co/ZyB2BwJI8w2k
  
Filed under: CSPKL2012 
April 8, 2012
Thank you for those who came and enjoyed my presentation.

Thank you for those who came and enjoyed my presentation.

4:46pm  |   URL: http://tmblr.co/ZyB2BwJI8cT4
  
Filed under: CSPKL2012 
March 4, 2012
Misconception about Islam: The Crescent & Star
We often see them on top of minarets, domes, and tombs in many Muslim societies. There’s nothing wrong with it, but I would like to share some historical facts.
The Crescent & Star symbols were not used until the 15th century following the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453. The symbol of the city was in fact the crescent moon (an iconography dedicated to Virgin Mary - often associated with the crescent, being regarded as the queen of heaven).
The Ottoman Turks adopted the symbol of the city which had since become their capital as the emblem of their state, hence by extension of Islam.
Mosques in Japan and China are great examples of religious architectural assimilation. They still retain the basic structure of Buddhist and Shinto temples, however idols and figurative carvings are replaced by Islamic calligraphy executed in respective local styles.
Here is an example of a mosque in Hanzong, Shaanxi, China.

Misconception about Islam: The Crescent & Star

We often see them on top of minarets, domes, and tombs in many Muslim societies. There’s nothing wrong with it, but I would like to share some historical facts.

The Crescent & Star symbols were not used until the 15th century following the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453. The symbol of the city was in fact the crescent moon (an iconography dedicated to Virgin Mary - often associated with the crescent, being regarded as the queen of heaven).

The Ottoman Turks adopted the symbol of the city which had since become their capital as the emblem of their state, hence by extension of Islam.

Mosques in Japan and China are great examples of religious architectural assimilation. They still retain the basic structure of Buddhist and Shinto temples, however idols and figurative carvings are replaced by Islamic calligraphy executed in respective local styles.

Here is an example of a mosque in Hanzong, Shaanxi, China.

March 4, 2012
Misconception about Islam: Jihad.
Jihad roughly translates as a “struggle” to inculcate the Muslim faith best as one can, in which its eventual purpose would lead to structuring a harmonious society.
Holy wars took place in history to defend Islam ONLY when necessary (also in cases where sent emissaries were executed).
Terrorism is an intensification of the reason for failure. Suicide bombing is a perfect example of that. It’s more a revenge. Far from an inner, spiritual struggle.

Misconception about Islam: Jihad.

Jihad roughly translates as a “struggle” to inculcate the Muslim faith best as one can, in which its eventual purpose would lead to structuring a harmonious society.

Holy wars took place in history to defend Islam ONLY when necessary (also in cases where sent emissaries were executed).

Terrorism is an intensification of the reason for failure. Suicide bombing is a perfect example of that. It’s more a revenge. Far from an inner, spiritual struggle.

February 22, 2012

A strip inspired after a series of lecture by Sheikh Abdal Hakim Murad on Contentment (Riḍā)

February 21, 2012

Shaykh Abdal Hakim Murad talks about Women, Modesty and Hijab in Islam. 

This is a very good interview. I am intrigued by his eloquence and poise in rationalizing issues faced by contemporary Muslims. Please watch it if you can spare a little time and do share this with your friends - especially to those who are curious about Islam.

February 10, 2012
سبحان ربى الأعلى و بحمده

سبحان ربى الأعلى و بحمده