Retreat this week!!!

Salaam alaikum everyone,

Ok, so I am super excited for this weekend. From Friday to Sunday, the MAS (Muslim American Society) branch in Boston is having a spiritual retreat in the mountains of New Hampshire. Basically a bunch of college-aged and young professionals gather together for a few days and listen to lectures, pray together, eat together, play together, etc. It's a chance to build new friendships and, more importantly, strengthen our iman. I went to the one last year, and it seriously changed my life. It was during that retreat that I had my first "spiritual epiphany" (I wrote about it a few posts back), and Subhanallah it was amazing. I am really hoping, Insha'Allah, that this retreat will nourish my soul and help me get closer to ALLAH.

I'll tell you all about it next week after I come back Insha'Allah, so expect a nice long post!

If you haven't been on an Islamic retreat before, I would HIGHLY recommend it. It truly does boost your iman, and you meet some great people there; I met several people at last years retreat that I have become quite close to, Alhamdulillah.

Hmmm...I think it's time for a lighter post

...Yes, this blog is well overdue for some lighthearted fun. :)

I'm going to take an informal survey with completely random questions (basically whatever pops in my mind). I'll give you my answers next to them. I would love to hear your answers Insha'Allah!

Favorite beverage and why?: This is a toughie. I'm going to say mango lassi (it's like drinking a milkshake, only healthier!) and ice cold lemonade or limeade (nothing beats it on a summer day).

Favorite place you've traveled to and why: I loved my time in Beijing. I was only there for a few days, but it was amazing how much culture and history was here. There's also a good-sized Muslim population there, Alhamdulillah. Insha'Allah I'm applying to summer language programs in Beijing for this summer. Please make du'a for me that I get into one! (not just to learn the language, but also so I can be away from home and be able to practice Islam freely :P)

Favorite cartoon strip: The Boondocks (SO funny, but in a smart, biting way) and Garfield Minus Garfield. It's not in papers; it was created by this guy who basically erased Garfield from all the panels and left Jon standing there talking to himself (and having existential crises all the while). Check it out online; it's hilarious.

Favorite Surahs from the Qur'an (if you have any) and why: I haven't finished reading all of the Qur'an, but I really like al-Fatiha (if you're going to introduce non-Muslims to any part of the Qur'an, make it this Surah), Surah Maryam (so touching), Surah Ta Ha (I love the story of Musa (as)), and Surah Rahman (the simple question "Then which of the favors of your Lord will you deny?" is so profound).

If you were forced to move to a Muslim majority country, where would you want to go?: I would choose Malaysia. I think it's a great example of a nation that is diverse and (generally) tolerant while still maintaining its Islamic identity. And Bahasa Malaysia (the national language) is so beautiful, Masha'Allah.

Favorite type of meat (or if you're vegetarian, favorite non-meat dish) and why?: When I do eat meat I usually eat chicken breast because it's healthy and absorbs the flavors of spices and sauce really well, but give me a big juicy steak any day and I'll eat the entire thing.

Worst movie you've ever seen: Titanic: The Animated Musical. It blatantly rips off the real Titanic movie, as well as countless Disney/Don Bluth animated films. It's on Youtube. Watch it if you dare.

Did you sleep with a stuffed animal/security blanket when you were a kid? What was it/what was its name? Do you still sleep with it now?: I have a security blanket, no name, that I still sleep with. It used to be white with silky edges; now it's a grey rag.

Post away!