As individuals, when we think about our responsibilities, they often revolve around things directly related to us, like our families, jobs or our studies. But are we aware that Allah has given us another duty as well? This responsibility concerns the entire well-being of the Earth we live in.

How often is it that we find ourselves and our children to be wanting something out of a strong impulse or an urge, rather than there actually being a need for it in our lives?

Abu Hamzah Anas bin Malik narrated that the Prophet Muhammad, 

peace and blessings be upon him, said: 

"None of you will believe until you love for your brother what you love for yourself." 

(Bukhari & Muslim)

Thanksgiving is presented as a holiday for families to gather and be thankful. Its history and relevance to Indigenous people is one of colonization and genocide.

Thanksgiving has been a national holiday in the U.S. since President Abraham Lincoln declared it as such in 1863. Although President Lincoln holds a respected place for Americans of African descent, he is considerably less revered by Indigenous populations.  

Hidden within every suffering, adversity, grief or discomfort are a myriad of spiritual bounties and blessings for the believer.

A couple of Ramadans ago I wanted to try something different with my kids. Their ages ranged from 2 to 13 years at the time, but I hoped to figure out an activity we could all benefit from. I decided to make a gratitude board using the following verse from the Quran as a theme: