Khatira – Islamic Center In Stillwater https://icstillwater.org Stillwater, OK Tue, 17 Jun 2025 12:38:52 +0000 en hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.7 https://icstillwater.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/cropped-site_logo_wide_small-32x32.png Khatira – Islamic Center In Stillwater https://icstillwater.org 32 32 The Power of Silence https://icstillwater.org/the-power-of-silence/ https://icstillwater.org/the-power-of-silence/#respond Tue, 17 Jun 2025 12:27:11 +0000 https://icstillwater.org/?p=12053

The Roar of Your Silence:
Forging Greatness Undisturbed

Look around you. Each of us is an individual, standing on the precipice of a personal journey. From the very moment we draw our first breath, to the solitary challenge of an exam, to the unique name etched on every official document, our existence is fundamentally singular. And when our time here concludes, we depart from this world, just as we arrived: alone.

Given this inherent, undeniable individuality, I ask you: Why should we not be appraised, judged, and held accountable for our actions and deeds entirely on our own? Why do we ever believe we can apologize for our missteps, excuse our wrongdoings, by uttering the feeble justification, “We were told to do this or that“? If being alone is the profound norm of our existence, then the choices we make, the path we forge, rest solely and unequivocally with us.

On this unique path towards our grandest dreams, it is an absolute certainty that we will encounter noise. Not just literal noise, but the cacophony of doubting voices, the unsettling quiet of friends who drift away, and the sharp, baseless criticisms that echo around us. This isn’t mere background static; it’s a powerful, insidious distraction that, if allowed, can utterly derail the most determined among us.

Yet, there’s a profound truth, beautifully articulated by the writer Tawacy, that serves as our guide:

“Pay no mind to the unnecessary chatter of those who choose to leave. The day will surely arrive when the resounding echo of your triumph will become their deepest regret.“

This isn’t just an inspiring quote; it’s a strategic blueprint. It urges us to cultivate an unshakeable resilience, to remain laser-focused on our objectives, and to understand that our very achievements are the most articulate, irrefutable answer to every doubt and every desertion. So, how do we transform this external clamor into fertile ground for growth, and this focused quietude into a launchpad for ultimate success? Let us explore five critical principles.

First, and perhaps most crucially, you must never allow external noise to drown out your inner voice. Throughout your journey, critics will emerge, judgments will be cast without merit, and departures will leave a lingering sense of misunderstanding. This unproductive noise, this meaningless chatter, doesn’t warrant a single moment of your precious attention. Its sole purpose is to divert you, to pull you off course. Learning to filter it, to concentrate fiercely on your authentic voice—the one that clearly defines what it desires and why it moves forward—is an act of profound maturity and genuine wisdom. It is your true north.

Secondly, understand this fundamental truth: the departure of some individuals is, more often than not, a blessing in disguise. When people distance themselves, the initial sting can be sharp. Yet, reflect for a moment: was their presence truly a support, or more of a distraction? Their exit often creates an invaluable void, quickly filled by peace, by clarity, and by a surge of revitalizing energy. This fading “noise” allows your mind to settle, to quiet, fostering an environment where more substantial progress can finally be built.

Thirdly, embrace silence. It is, unequivocally, success’s greatest ally. The road to significant achievement is frequently a solitary one. It is within the quiet confines of silence—far from the scrutinizing gaze of onlookers—that we dedicate ourselves to arduous work, that we endure setbacks, and that we rise again with renewed determination. It is within this unassuming discretion that the very seed of your ambition genuinely takes root and flourishes. There is no need to engage with mockery or critique; simply allow your unwavering dedication and your eventual results to speak volumes on your behalf.

Fourth, remember that success generates its own powerful, undeniable echo. When you persevere with unshakeable conviction despite the pervasive skepticism of others, an inevitable moment arrives when your success resounds powerfully across every landscape. The very individuals who once disregarded, underestimated, or outright criticized you will unmistakably hear the widespread reverberation of your accomplishments. And that compelling echo will serve as their stark, silent reminder: *you* forged ahead where *they* chose only to disbelieve.

And finally, our fifth principle: Build for self-fulfillment, not for external validation. The potential regret that others may feel about your journey is not, and should never be, your objective; it is merely a natural consequence. Your paramount motivation must consistently stem from your own deepest dream, your personal evolution, and the profound sense of intrinsic pride that accompanies genuine effort and growth. Do not strive to prove a point to anyone; rather, build to achieve your own most authentic self, to fulfill your own highest potential. Everything else—recognition, respect, and even that powerful echo—will organically follow.

Conclusion:
So, as you continue to step forward on your unique and vital path, remember Tawacy’s profound insight: external noise—the fleeting chatter, the whispers of doubt, the currents of negativity—deserves neither your precious attention nor your vital energy. What truly matters, what profoundly changes everything, is your steadfast commitment to moving forward, quietly, with unshakeable faith, resolute determination, and absolute integrity.

Because, my friends, the most potent “noise” you will ever make… the most resounding statement you will ever utter… is the undeniable sound of your triumph, resonating loudly in the vast silence left by those who lacked faith in you.

Go forth. Be silent. And let your success roar!

]]> https://icstillwater.org/the-power-of-silence/feed/ 0 And He taught Adam all the names https://icstillwater.org/and-he-taught-adam-all-the-names/ https://icstillwater.org/and-he-taught-adam-all-the-names/#respond Tue, 27 May 2025 22:20:11 +0000 https://icstillwater.org/?p=11973

Many people say, “I learned such-and-such in the last year,” or “I learned such-and-such in the last 5 years…” And it’s an undisputed wisdom that we will continue to learn until we die. These experiences, which confirm that we learn new things about life every day, have always been and will remain present in the noble verse: “And He taught Adam all the names…” (The verse continues beyond this excerpt). This verse, in particular, carries philosophical implications of utmost depth.

I’ve often asked myself, “Why names? Actions are more important.” Yet, our Lord taught our master Adam (peace be upon him) all the names, including the names of actions. Ask anyone who tells you they’ve learned a lesson from life, and you’ll find them speaking of nouns, not verbs. They won’t say, “I learned to eat or to drink or to walk or to fear,” but rather, “I learned eating, or drinking, or fear, or caution, or reading, or understanding people, or…” All are nouns; all are new experiences. From this perspective, two points emerge (among many deeply fundamental existential matters):

  1. That humanity was created to learn. The context of the verse suggests that the successor to those who were on Earth (a very long topic!) is a creature (man) capable of learning and evolving. This is unlike, for example, Neanderthals, who remained static until their existence ended. It’s also unlike animals, whose behaviors, upon observation, we find are fixed and unchanging; they are born with them and live by them without deviation. By comparison, we understand that humans are in a constant state of learning.
  2. That we learn about events or through events. This literally means constantly learning new names or experiencing new names for actions that are always new to us.

The question arises: Adam (peace be upon him) learned all the names, so how can I say that we are in a constant state of learning? What will we learn if he already knew “all the names”?

The answer is simple: We, as individuals, learn some of what Adam learned, according to our destinies that we pursue. However, we will never encounter new destinies that Adam (peace be upon him) did not know about. From our experience and observation of our surroundings, we find that we are rediscovering some of what Adam knew, due to the decline, regression, and delay in the level of knowledge. How could it be otherwise, when among the signs of the Hour is the lifting of knowledge until ignorance prevails and people behave without restraint?

As for the word “these” (a demonstrative pronoun) in the noble verse, it signifies yet another miracle! It indicates that all actions (or the names of actions) are creations just like us, brought into existence by God’s command “Be!” Thus, love is a creation, and death is a creation (and it will be “slaughtered” after every person knows their final destiny).

These words just came to my mind, and I’m writing them down instantly.

]]> https://icstillwater.org/and-he-taught-adam-all-the-names/feed/ 0 Those people https://icstillwater.org/those-people/ https://icstillwater.org/those-people/#respond Wed, 19 Mar 2025 23:33:36 +0000 https://icstillwater.org/?p=11719

ثق تماما أنهم لا يكرهونك لعيب فيك، ولكن لأن وجودك يمحق (يلغي علشان اللي مستواهم تعبان في العربي!) وجودهم.

Be certain that they do not despise you for any flaw, of your own, but because your very presence diminishes their own.

Some people resent us not for any flaw but because our presence challenges theirs. The statement, “Rest assured, they do not despise you for any flaw of your own, but because your very presence diminishes their own,” highlights the dynamics of insecurity, jealiousy, hatred and grudges that drive them. Recognizing this allows us to navigate relationships with wisdom and resilience.

]]> https://icstillwater.org/those-people/feed/ 0 Sagesse: https://icstillwater.org/sagesse/ https://icstillwater.org/sagesse/#respond Mon, 03 Feb 2025 19:36:39 +0000 https://icstillwater.org/?p=11465

It could be meaningles s to write in French for English speaking audience. But I really miss my French! Here is: Un  réflexion est profondément inspirante et pleine de force.

Je suis fier de moi parce que j’ai survécu aux jours où je pensais ne pas pouvoir y arriver. Aux moments où le poids du monde me semblait insupportable, où je ne savais pas comment j’allais tenir une heure de plus – encore moins jusqu’au lendemain –, et pourtant, je m’en suis sorti. J’ai tenu bon, même quand tout en moi voulait abandonner. J’ai avancé, pas à pas, même lorsque le chemin était incertain, même lorsque j’avais l’impression qu’il n’y en avait plus du tout.

Survivre à ces jours n’a pas été facile. Ce n’était ni gracieux ni beau. C’était chaotique, douloureux et brut. Mais je l’ai fait. Je me suis relevé pour moi-même, même quand personne d’autre ne le pouvait. J’ai trouvé en moi une force dont j’ignorais l’existence, et j’ai continué d’avancer, même lorsque tout semblait s’effondrer. Et ça, c’est quelque chose dont je peux être fier.
Parfois, survivre, c’est simplement réussir à sortir du lit quand son cœur est lourd. D’autres fois, c’est respirer à travers la douleur, s’asseoir dans le silence et laisser les larmes couler sans honte. La survie n’a rien à voir avec la perfection ni avec le fait d’avoir tout sous contrôle – c’est choisir de rester, de se battre, de guérir et de croire, même faiblement, que de meilleurs jours viendront.
Aujourd’hui, en regardant en arrière, je vois tout le chemin parcouru. J’ai grandi d’une manière que je n’aurais jamais imaginée. J’ai découvert une résilience dans les ténèbres et trouvé de la lumière là où je pensais qu’il n’y en avait plus. Ces jours difficiles m’ont appris des leçons précieuses que je porte avec moi chaque jour : je suis plus fort que je ne le pense, plus courageux que je ne le ressens et plus capable que je ne l’imagine.
Je suis fier de moi parce que je n’ai pas laissé ces jours sombres me définir. Ils m’ont façonné, certes, mais ils ne m’ont pas brisé. Je suis toujours debout. Je suis toujours là. Et chaque jour où je choisis d’avancer est une victoire, aussi petite soit-elle.
À tous ceux qui lisent ceci : sachez que survivre aux jours difficiles est un accomplissement dont vous devez être profondément fiers. Célébrez-vous pour les batailles que vous avez menées et gagnées, même silencieusement, même si personne ne les a vues. Vous êtes là, et c’est tout ce qui compte.

Translation:

I am proud of myself because I survived the days when I thought I couldn’t make it. During the moments when the weight of the world seemed unbearable, when I didn’t know how I would last another hour – let alone until tomorrow – and yet, I made it. I held on, even when everything inside me wanted to give up. I kept moving forward, step by step, even when the path was uncertain, even when I felt like there was no path at all.

Surviving those days wasn’t easy. It wasn’t graceful or beautiful. It was chaotic, painful, and raw. But I did it. I got back up for myself, even when no one else could. I found within me a strength I didn’t know existed, and I kept moving forward, even when everything seemed to be collapsing. And that’s something I can be proud of.

Sometimes, surviving is simply managing to get out of bed when your heart is heavy. Other times, it’s breathing through the pain, sitting in silence, and letting the tears fall without shame. Survival has nothing to do with perfection or having everything under control – it’s about choosing to stay, to fight, to heal, and to believe, even weakly, that better days will come.

Today, looking back, I see all the distance I’ve traveled. I’ve grown in ways I never imagined. I discovered resilience in the darkness and found light where I thought there was none. Those difficult days taught me precious lessons that I carry with me every day: I am stronger than I think, braver than I feel, and more capable than I imagine.

I am proud of myself because I didn’t let those dark days define me. They shaped me, yes, but they didn’t break me. I am still standing. I am still here. And every day that I choose to move forward is a victory, no matter how small.

To everyone reading this: know that surviving difficult days is an achievement you should be deeply proud of. Celebrate yourself for the battles you’ve fought and won, even silently, even if no one saw them. You are here, and that’s all that matters.**

]]> https://icstillwater.org/sagesse/feed/ 0 Proverbe français https://icstillwater.org/proverbe-francais/ https://icstillwater.org/proverbe-francais/#respond Mon, 03 Feb 2025 19:25:53 +0000 https://icstillwater.org/?p=11457

Parfois il vaut mieux ne pas crier son bonheur trop fort, car la jalousie a le sommeil léger.

English:
Sometimes it’s better not to shout your happiness too loud, because jealousy is a light sleeper.

]]> https://icstillwater.org/proverbe-francais/feed/ 0 Words of Wisdom 3 https://icstillwater.org/words-of-wisdom-3/ https://icstillwater.org/words-of-wisdom-3/#respond Mon, 19 Aug 2024 16:05:36 +0000 https://icstillwater.org/?p=8478

‏تعلمت من سورة يوسف أن المتآمرين وأهل المكائد يخسرون ولا ينتصرون ..وان الله الحكم العدل يختبر الانسان بالابتلاء ليصنع علي عينه. وتعلمت من سورة يوسف أن الحق يعود لأصحابه وإن طال الزمن.

والله يعلم وانتم لا تعلمون.

I learned from Surah Yusuf that conspirators and schemers ultimately lose and do not succeed. And that God, the Just and Wise, tests a person with trials to shape them under His care.

I learned from Surah Yusuf that the truth returns to its rightful owners, even if it takes time.

And God knows while you do not know.

]]> https://icstillwater.org/words-of-wisdom-3/feed/ 0 Words of Wisdom 2 https://icstillwater.org/words-of-wisdom-2/ https://icstillwater.org/words-of-wisdom-2/#respond Tue, 13 Aug 2024 20:02:33 +0000 https://icstillwater.org/?p=8424

إن أدق الأسئلة وأصعبها إجابة على الإطلاق، هذه التي تتعلق بالتعريفات الأساسية التي نبني بها فهمنا لما حولنا. أما ما يُبني عليه هذا الفهم، فحسبنا أن نتفق على صياغة السؤال، وهذه قصة أخرى.

— حاتم حجاب

The most profound and difficult questions to answer are those related to the fundamental definitions “with” which we build our understanding of the world around us. As for what this understanding is based “upon,” it suffices for us to agree on the right formulation of this question, and that is another story.

— Hatim Hegab, PhD

]]> https://icstillwater.org/words-of-wisdom-2/feed/ 0 The Ten Rules Of Dealing With Hardship https://icstillwater.org/the-ten-rules/ https://icstillwater.org/the-ten-rules/#respond Sat, 10 Aug 2024 23:16:33 +0000 https://icstillwater.org/?p=8347

The Ten Rules Of Dealing With Hardship

القواعد العشر للتعامل ﻣﻊ ﺍﻟﺸﺪﺍﺋﺪ🤍:
ﺍﻟﻘﺎﻋﺪﺓ ﺍﻷﻭﻟﻰ: (ﻟﺴﺖَ ﻭﺣﺪﻙ)
ﺍﻟﻘﺎﻋﺪﺓ ﺍﻟﺜﺎﻧﻴﺔ: (ﻻ ﻳﻘﺪﺭ ﺍﻟﻠﻪ ﺷﻴﺌﺎ ﺇﻻ ﻟﺤﻜﻤﺔ)
ﺍﻟﻘﺎﻋﺪﺓ ﺍﻟﺜﺎﻟﺜﺔ: (ﺟﺎﻟﺐ ﺍﻟﻨﻔﻊ ﻭﺩﺍﻓﻊ ﺍﻟﻀﺮ ﻫﻮ ﺍﻟﻠﻪ، ﻓﻼ ﺗﺘﻌﻠﻖ ﺇﻻ ﺑﻪ)
ﺍﻟﻘﺎﻋﺪﺓ ﺍﻟﺮﺍﺑﻌﺔ: (ﻣﺎ ﺃﺻﺎﺑﻚ ﻟﻢ ﻳﻜﻦ ﻟﻴﺨﻄﺌﻚ، ﻭﻣﺎ ﺃﺧﻄﺄﻙ ﻟﻢ ﻳﻜﻦ ﻟﻴﺼﻴﺒﻚ)
ﺍﻟﻘﺎﻋﺪﺓ ﺍﻟﺨﺎﻣﺴﺔ: (ﺍﻋﺮﻑ ﺣﻘﻴﻘﺔ ﺍﻟﺪﻧﻴﺎ ﺗﺴﺘﺮﺡ)
ﺍﻟﻘﺎﻋﺪﺓ ﺍﻟﺴﺎﺩﺳﺔ: (ﺃﺣﺴﻦ ﺍﻟﻈﻦ ﺑﺮﺑﻚ)
ﺍﻟﻘﺎﻋﺪﺓ ﺍﻟﺴﺎﺑﻌﺔ: (ﺍﺧﺘﻴﺎﺭ ﺍﻟﻠﻪ ﻟﻚ ﺧﻴﺮ ﻣﻦ ﺍﺧﺘﻴﺎﺭﻙ ﻟﻨﻔﺴﻚ)
ﺍﻟﻘﺎﻋﺪﺓ ﺍﻟﺜﺎﻣﻨﺔ: (ﻛﻠﻤﺎ ﺍﺷﺘﺪﺕ ﺍﻟﻤﺤﻨﺔ ﻗﺮُﺏ ﺍﻟﻔﺮﺝ)
ﺍﻟﻘﺎﻋﺪﺓ ﺍﻟﺘﺎﺳﻌﺔ: (ﻻ ﺗﻔﻜﺮ ﻓﻰ ﻛﻴﻔﻴﺔ ﺍﻟﻔﺮﺝ ﻓﺈﻥ ﺍﻟﻠﻪ ﺇﺫﺍ ﺃﺭﺍﺩ ﺷﻴﺌﺎ ﻫﻴﺄ ﻟﻪ ﺃﺳﺒﺎﺑﻪ ﺑﺸﻜﻞ ﻻ ﻳﺨﻄﺮ ﻋﻠﻰ ﺑﺎﻝ)
ﺍﻟﻘﺎﻋﺪﺓ ﺍﻟﻌﺎﺷﺮﺓ: (ﻋﻠﻴﻚ ﺑﺪﻋﺎﺀ ﻣﻦ ﺑﻴﺪﻩ ﻣﻔﺎﺗﻴﺢ ﺍﻟﻔَﺮَﺝ)

  1. You’re not alone.
  2. God does not decree anything except for a reason.
  3. The One who brings benefit and repels harm is God, so rely only on Him.
  4. What has befallen you was never meant to miss you, and what missed you was never meant to befall you.
  5. Understand the true nature of this world, and you will find peace.
  6. Think well of your Lord.
  7. God’s choice for you is better than your choice for yourself.
  8. The greater the hardship, the closer the relief.
  9. Do not worry about how relief will come; when God wills something, He prepares the means in ways you cannot imagine.
  10. Turn to the One who holds the keys to relief in prayer.
]]> https://icstillwater.org/the-ten-rules/feed/ 0 A Lesson To Rethink https://icstillwater.org/a-lesson-to-rethink/ https://icstillwater.org/a-lesson-to-rethink/#respond Sat, 03 Aug 2024 07:57:26 +0000 https://icstillwater.org/?p=8284

صُدم مجتمعنا بثلاث حالات وفاة خلال شهرين. آخر حالة كانت الليلة لشاب باكستاني رقيق يدرس الدكتوراه في الهندسة الميكانيكية. وجده أصدقائه ميتا في بيته.
أي كلام يقال سيكون مكرراً، بل ونحفظه جميعاً لكننا لا نعتقده أو نؤمن به وكأننا أخذنا عهداً بأننا لن نموت أو أننا سنعمر ألف عام.

هو درس وليفهمه كلٌ كما يريد.

Our community has been shocked by three deaths in two months. The latest incident occurred last night, involving a gentle young Pakistani man who was pursuing a PhD in mechanical engineering. His friends found him dead in his home.

Any words said would be repetitive, and we all know them by heart, yet we neither believe nor accept them, as if we have made a vow that we will never die or that we will live for a thousand years.

It is a lesson, and everyone can interpret it as they wish.

]]> https://icstillwater.org/a-lesson-to-rethink/feed/ 0 The Impossible Wishes https://icstillwater.org/impossible-wishes/ https://icstillwater.org/impossible-wishes/#respond Thu, 06 Jun 2024 05:32:42 +0000 https://icstillwater.org/?p=7449

The Impossible Wishes:

The impossible wishes are the wishes the Quran told us will be asked for by the nonbelievers. Nonbelievers, when they realize that all they have been warned of is true, will start to make these wishes that will never be fulfilled.

These impossible wishes are:

  1. Woe to me! Would that I were dust! )[Qur’an 78: 40]
  2. He will say: “Alas! Would that I had sent forth (good deeds) for (this) my life!” [Qur’an 89: 24]
  3. But as for him who will be given his Record in his left hand, will say: “I wish that I had not been given my Record! [Qur’an 69: 25]
  4. Ah! Woe to me! Would that I had never taken so-and-so as a friend! [Qur’an 25: 28]
  5. On the Day when their faces will be turned over in the Fire, they will say: “Oh, would that we had obeyed Allah and obeyed the Messenger (Muhammad SAW). [Qur’an 33: 66]
  6. She said: “Would that I had died before this, and had been forgotten and out of sight! [Qur’an 19: 23]
  7. And (remember) the Day when the Zalim (wrong-doer, oppressor, polytheist, etc.) will bite at his hands, he will say: “Oh! Would that I had taken a path with the Messenger (Muhammad SAW). [Qur’an 25: 27]
  8. Oh! I wish I had been with them; then I would have achieved a great success (a good share of booty). [Qur’an 4: 73]
]]> https://icstillwater.org/impossible-wishes/feed/ 0