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: 

“Be grateful for your life, every detail of it, and your face will come to shine like a sun, and everyone who sees it will be made glad and peaceful.” (Rumi)