The Muslim Identity: Revival Week (2017)
Ah, university. There’s really no particular way of describing the experience as it often comes as a blur of emotions, experiences and series of life-long lessons. But perhaps one of the more clearer things we notice as Muslims on campus is the fitnah. Sure, we hear the same advice of “lowering your gaze” and “don’t free-mix” – but what about the fitnah that appears in an ideological form?
The theme for this year’s Revival Week was aimed at addressing the question of the Muslim Identity in a time where hostility is common while neighbourly acts are scarce. It’s a time where our beliefs and mannerisms are constantly being scrutinized – causing us to be self-conscious of lifting our feet unto the public wash basin and praying in public. And so, the light needs to be directed at the preservation of the Islamic identity to revive the brother and sisterhood.
Our first day of Revival Week started off with another one of our famous BBQ’s accompanied with a talk on the importance of righteous companions. The theme for this talk was further discussed in the sisters halaqa session on Wednesday with Umm Jamaal Ud-Din. When asked for reflections, the brother and sisterhood both agreed that “having good companions is like having bubble wrap around you all the time… as they are our safety net for when our iman falls low.”
The iman boost continued with a discussion around what it meant to be part of the ummah. The importance of this discussion was triggered by a reflection on the state of the ummah today. It was led by our very own Sr Soofia, who reinspired the sisters by acknowledging the fact that, “[we]…are a part of something bigger, a transnational collective of over a billion people…[so] know that you are an intrinsic part of the ummah…and you mean a lot to it.” This ties in with the first topic of having righteous companions who encourage us to be the best Muslim we can be; as the ummah starts with each of us individually.
And so comes the end of another Revival Week. Perhaps this small week dedicated to the Muslim Identity is what ignites a series of growth and contemplation within our brother and sisterhood, inshAllah. But for now, keep hustling and keep pushing forwards. Challenge the status quo and embrace your deen without feeling self-conscious. (And yes, that means washing your feet like a boss).
We would also like to say a big Jazakamullah Kheiran to the brothers and sisters who make events like this possible through the tawfiq of Allah Ta’ala. Never underestimate your contribution to SUMSA – whether it was with set up, planning, speaking or any other task.
May Allah accept.
