While We Sleep...
By Imam Zaid Shakir · March 18, 2009
*********************Recently, I had the opportunity to accompany a team of fellow teaching candidates and Faculty of Ed. professors to Singida, Tanzania to help rehabilitate an orphanage our faculty has adopted. I went in expecting many inequities against orphaned children. The one that left my heart pierced was the reality of these children -named Fabiano, Rose and other non-indigenous European names. Many of these children wore crosses. But they were Muslim. As teachers, we're taught of our many roles is to ensure we affirm identities and give agency to our students. These children ran to us, myself a "Hijabi" and another Kufi wearing brother, with a Qur'an primer in hand. This one boy recited verses of the Quran written at the back of the book. In the girls room, this little girl tapped her hand over the heads of some of the other girls, stating "Musalman". When I raised my hands to my ears to ask through gestures if they prayed, one little girl called the Adhan. Another one ran, took off her shorts, and put on a longer, traditional Kanga skirt. Many of them are Muslim, its seen in their enthusiasm for Islam, but some of their names have been changed and they no longer consider themselves Muslims -overtly at least. Not only are they stripped of their religion, but also their family identity. It breaks my heart, but Allah guides and protects. The brother on the trip stated, "Well, we can't get angry at those that come here and help and in turn the children embrace there faith. We can only wonder, 'Where are the Muslims?'" Your journal answers his question. So, Alhamdulillah, of course there are many Muslims doing their part for an equitable world. May Allah bless you/them/us all, and move the entire Ummah to similar action, backed with sound intention (another struggle). Please pray for the children. Our faculty has applied for grants, please pray that they come through as the children and our team are both anticipating our return. I often wonder if we did them wrong by going, because they were devastated to see us leave, they cried as if their world crumbled, and that in no way was flattering. May Allah bless and keep them safe.
Comments (33)
musicalchef
March 21, 2009
Thank you for the wake-up call. Are there any Muslim relief organizations active in Africa that one can join?
a sister
March 27, 2009
Asalamu Alikum, Alhamdulillah, I randomly came across this posting today -- to find my own comment (a couple hours after joyfully receiving letters from some of the children at the Orphanage). JazakAllah, as I am sure those that read it prayed for the children -- and others like them. God is SO GREAT and KIND. These children have beautiful hearts-- they are such dignified persons. Their humanity is so thorough, that they always give preference to others first. This was true when we were there as well. Their most-pressing, self-identified need was reliable food. Yet, when we brought food, they took us by the pinky fingers, and graciously summoned us to eat first and then with them. Similarly, all the letters are full of love, gratitude, prayers, and dignified responses -- asking for not more than what should already be theirs -- books, access to education, and genuine human relationships. Their greetings and prayers were extended not just to me, but our entire team, and all the people over here... and so they are meant for everyone. Likewise, just wanted to share some excerpts from the various letters. The following is from the eldest boy at the orphanage who is like a father to the rest, "I think good is with you there in Canada... I believe one day I shall meet you that is because I love you. I pray for your protection from our God up to that day when we shall meet together. I gave a lot of thanks to our God because he protected me from when you left here, my heart was full of tears, but now I am so fine because I know we are together." Such gratitude, simply because he was remembered through a letter that was sent to him. He lived in a bus shelter from age 11-14 and that is probably only a hint as to why his understanding is imbued in realism.... "My future plan, I expect if God will bless me to graduate in my studying, I want to be a good doctor to save the lives of people, because there is a shortage of doctors here." When asked what he wanted --contributions to his studies and science books (biology, chemistry, physics) and a special gift which he hopes will be a big surprise. Another child wrote: "I am good, thanks to God that I am still alive and I'm continuing well with my studies. But, I'm worried about you, because it's so long time since we were together in Tanzania. It was painful when you all left, but I wish we will meet again." Alhamdulillah, this blog is a means for their voices to be heard (something they hoped for). Walikum Asalam WarahmatAllahi WaBarakatu
Farah Z
May 1, 2009
Assalamualaikum. Thank you for such a moving story. After reading this entry and other similar ones, I feel that I'm very much needed by people who are less fortunate because Allah has given me multitudinous gifts; a financially stable and supportive family, a good education background, helpful circle of friends and most importantly, the opportunity to learn the Deen of Allah. Just 3 weeks ago I went to a retreat held here in Christchurch which Shaykh Usama also attended. I feel deeply affected when he said that other people have rights over us (and vice versa). Having all these gifts in my life makes me think that I have to contribute something to the society. I also remember Shaykh Hamza said in one of his video lecture that Prophet Muhammad(pbuh) loved the women because of their loving character. Allah specially makes women to be creations of tenderness and care. I personally believe that there are reasons why Allah rewards women with such quality and I'll utilize it. Insha Allah.
runescape gold
October 7, 2009
Pretty good post. I just came across your site and wanted to say that I have really liked reading your posts. Any way I
Married date
September 7, 2010
Interesting and informative. Would like to know more on this subject.
Ashley Madsion
October 4, 2010
Very Good information, I have Digged this site for future and will keep a eye on your other posts.
Mail order bride
November 5, 2010
Nice blog, but it's not clear how to subscribe to RSS?
fideli insurance
November 27, 2010
Could be the greatest read that I read in my life!
Avari
April 26, 2011
Wow! That's a really neat asnwer!
transformers 3 movie
July 9, 2011
Efficient a bunch of volunteers and cutting open an exciting new design inside your neighborhood. Your web web pages provided us with treasured knowledge for you to works of art along. You
generic viagra no
July 9, 2011
Simply put i have a baby different web masters really should take on this site to give an example , extremely neat and amazing user gratifying trend .
canadian generic cialis
July 13, 2011
Beautiful blog! A tad too spammy despite the fact that
canada viagra Independence
July 21, 2011
Will you be lived in by using dealing back links?
purchase viagra online with paypal
August 9, 2011
This incredible website is awesome. I just always find something new & distinct right here. Appreciate your this files.
Handy ortung kostenlos
August 24, 2011
I just without a doubt realize everything you currently have thought. Literally, My husband and i shopped through your other sorts of web content and I believe that you're definitely appropriate. Champion with this on-line webpage.
viagra for cheap
August 26, 2011
Thnx a whole lot for this particular! My husband and i haven
sildenafil citrate 100mg
September 2, 2011
It
handyortung app
September 3, 2011
Are you interested utilizing exchanging backlinks to your site?
buy viagra in international
September 10, 2011
Will you be entertained by means of interchanging web links?
Crosby
October 12, 2011
It is Awesome! Thanks a lot.
alexk765
November 2, 2011
Very nice site! is it yours too
TofaporgeSora
November 14, 2011
Nice post :) Foken refs
Jaundalynn
November 25, 2011
That's going to make tinhgs a lot easier from here on out.
alexd613
December 4, 2011
Very nice site! is it yours too
SuperDumb
February 4, 2012
Very good article. The visual content displayed right here is actually of quite substantial quality. I most certainly will take advantage of this site more frequently for check ip
Online writing service
February 11, 2012
That is some excellent information published here. I thank you for fantastic content material. I 'm creating a research paper concerning state policies and your web-site helped a good deal. I am a school student and if you're in a not enough time I strongly recommend to seek out support for Research Papers in APA . Cheers!
Writing service
February 11, 2012
That is just some good stuff authored here. I appreciate your fantastic content. I 'm composing a research paper with regards to national politics and your internet site aided a whole lot. I am a school student and if you are in a deficiency of time I recommend to seek support for Essay Writing . Cheers!
Motivation to lose weight
April 7, 2012
3PDYBC Wow, great article post.Thanks Again. Great.
Motivation to lose weight
April 7, 2012
eXuBxe Thanks so much for the article post.Really looking forward to read more. Fantastic.
Motivation to lose weight
April 7, 2012
atypGF Wow, great article.Really thank you!
Dissertation Help
April 16, 2012
Your photographs are extraordinary. I adore the subject matter, it gets your website visitors fastened to your web site. I am a university student and i'm now filled with term papers, order dissertation research papers, book reports essays papers and other assignments. I absolutely want to produce my own, personal essays yet some aid is usually welcome. I want to make use of solidwriters.com for my final buy dissertation project . I came across them by way of search engine . Can keep you published on the success.
TimurDumb
April 17, 2012
I would like to give thanks to you for your weblog. You've gotten a considerable amount of entertaining material therefore, the website is worth your time. I'm a college student in New york and I have got an important school assignment scheduled this week. I'm really jammed as well as get writers-block at the moment as I am researching. Need another person to assist me modify the cost-free article I discovered on the web critique of spike lee's "jungle fever" essay . That document meets my personal specifications nonetheless is authored in a poor style and there are syntax mistakes. Do you consider I should proceed? I am simply in need of support, therefore any kind of advice would be wonderful.
insibref
September 3, 2012
you love this? top replica bYYrrYqv [url]http://www.topdesignerreplicahandbags.com/[/url] DYaDxzhb
More Notes
On The Passing of Lindsey Graham
Imam Zaid Shakir · July 12, 2026
“It is not the least ironic that Lindsey Graham should pass away at a time the country is celebrating its 250th anniversary. Graham represented the genocidal impulse that has stained American history. As Americans we do not like discussing the fact…
Note
The American/Israeli War on Iran: Part One
Imam Zaid Shakir · April 22, 2026
The savage, unprovoked American/Israeli attack on Iran illustrates an old play, as far as the American side is concerned. It is amazing that the same script is rolled out for each violent, imperialist episode, yet there are still people who line up…
Note
Imam Jamil, Imam Talib: Two Mountains
Imam Zaid Shakir · January 11, 2026
Owing to a very difficult and challenging couple of months, I was unable to sit down and share my thoughts on the passing of two giants who impacted me and many others in profound ways. Those two giants are Imam Jamil al-Amin and Imam Talib Abdul…
Note