February 2002: Page 1, 2, 3, 4

Submitters Perspective

Page 3

Women in Islam

Cont’d from page 2

Many of the chapters are capped with personal stories from sisters around the world. These are women who have been subjected to both the best and the worst of Islam, and their experiences enlighten, sadden and amuse the reader. It’s a wonderful way to show the whole picture. Lisa talks a lot about culture and that cul-tural difference is apparent in these stories, but the underlying truth also shows clearly—we are all united in our submission to God.

I hope that we can all find ways to make this wonderful book available to our Muslim and non-Muslim friends. Only through enlightenment can we change the way Islam is perceived and prac-ticed. It’s for the benefit of every-one’s soul. As Lisa says: For the righteous believers there is happi-ness in this world as well as in the hereafter. It does not matter whether these believers are male or female. In my view, we can be truly happy only if we are not op-pressed, nor oppressing others. Oppression hurts both the op-pressed and the oppressors.

 

Lydia


Ed.’s note:

You can get Lisa Spray’s book Heart’s Surprise (Paperback, 260 pages, ISBN 097148130X) from ICS/Masjid Tucson, POB 43476, Tucson AZ 85733. The price for a single copy is $16.95. Two to nine copies are $13.00 per copy. Ten or more copies are $10.00 per copy. Prices include the shipping.

ANYWAY

People are often unreasonable,
illogical and self-centered;
forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you
of selfish, ulterior motives;
be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win
some false friends and true enemies;
succeed anyway.

If you are honest and frank,
they may cheat you;
be forthright anyway.

What you spend years building,
they may destroy overnight;
build anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness,
they may be jealous and scorn;
be joyous anyway.

The good you do today,
they often will forget tomorrow;
do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have,
and it will never be enough;
give the world the best you've got anyway.

You see, in the final analysis,
it is between you and GOD;
it was never between you and them, anyway.


God be Glorified...

Author unknown; submitted by sister Maryam