Creating Community: Unity Beyond the University

Asalaam alaikum,

I recently attended the MSA East Zone Conferece in Newark, NJ. Alhumdulillah it was a wonderful event and really great experience. I actually ended up learning alot from the different seminars. This post, along with the next few ones, will be the notes that I took while at the in different seminars while at the conference. I needed a good place to store them, and I don't want to take up space in my computer and don't want to risk losing a thumb drive, so I figured, "Hey, why not on this blog that I created yet never write in?" Hehe. I have a weird way of taking notes, so I'll just list everything in bullet format.

The title of this seminar was Creating Community: Unity Beyond the University, and it was given by Khalid Latif.

• Unity does not mean uniformity. We should not expect all Muslims to follow our strict cultural/religious rules as to what is normal and what constitutes being a "real" Muslim. The Prophet, SAW, used to seek out those who were seen as outcasts by society. The true meaning of unity is coming together despite our differences.
• Allah's SWT mercy is granted only to those that are merciful--> Sincere concern, seeking good for others, doing good for others. "None of you believes until they like for others all that they want for themselves".
• Al Deen Nasiha: Nasiha is an all encompassing word which means to seek the good with your relationship with one another. Being true, doing good, seeking the greatest, widest, and most lasting benefit.
• Get involved in your communities. Even though we may not realize it, our communities really do need us.
• Get involved in seeking the good in your communities. Although there may be some negative aspects to all communities, remember that they also all have some positive aspects.
• When someone (in your local Muslim community or otherwise) treats you in a bad way, do not respond by how you feel; respond the way that you think would be most pleasing to Allah SWT. And if you do happen to snap, apologize.
• This one's a big one: ****Don't do good for praise or for thanks; do it because it is what pleases Allah SWT.****