Summary
This article reflects on the importance of self-respect and community pride, urging Muslims to care for their masajid, schools, and Islamic centers. It emphasizes that welcoming environments, cleanliness, and good manners positively represent Islam and strengthen communities.
TIME SLIPS AWAY, so quickly. Often we think we have more time than we do—when the sun is shining, you get preoccupied with day-to-day stuff and before you know it, your day is gone and it’s dark outside again.
That’s how life is for everyone.
This past week I went on a short trip with the family, just a few hours away from my home town, and we ended up staying overnight there. Once again, the time had gotten away from us, and it was late and we were tired. It was a good decision to stay, because it gave us time to see more and do more.
The time we were there went by so fast, I felt like I only had time to blow out the dandelions that we had found. Suddenly, with one short huff, all the seedlings were flying in the wind and it was time to go home. We all wished the trip had lasted a little longer.
We went there because I was on a quest for something special, and I did find something special there…but it was not what I was originally looking for.
Life is like that too sometimes, and most of the time, that’s a good thing.
The place we visited was a small, quaint town where (it appeared and felt like) time stood still.
All around town were old buildings with interesting architectural details, seemingly untouched after all these years. In the local neighborhood, we discovered many large and stately Victorian homes…. this town was pure history, up close and personal.
We never saw any children there, although we did take a walk at a historic park. The people there were mostly elderly and all very pleasant and polite; no hateful or suspicious glares to be found, there were only smiles and welcoming waves as we, complete strangers, drove by.
As we arrived in town, I noticed that the small shops and sidewalks were so tidy—it was clear that these people took the time to care about those types of things; through their mannerisms and style you traveled through their streets and got a strong sense that they were proud of their neighborhood, that they had self-respect.
I felt a longing for that for our community, for us all to experience. I felt a deep sadness as well.
Self-respect and pride in our community is something that we, as Muslims,(at least for the most part) seem to sorely lack.
Our masajid are rarely as clean as they should be and their lawns rarely tidy. “Muslim owned and operated” grocery and retail stores are no better. And, although there are a few exceptions here and there, most are in disrepair due to simple neglect—including those that amazingly started out being newly renovated or were built brand new.
It made me wonder why that is…why, as a community, do we not take more pride in our Islamic centers and masajid?
Looking out my car window, passing through the historic town center, I noted every storefront—each one more than 100 years old, yet in pristine condition kept with love and care by the elderly shop keepers.
Later in the day, I revisited the main street shops. The stores were run by either a single elderly person or an elderly husband and wife team…. they had no helpers to wash the windows, take out the trash, or clean their restroom…yet everything was very clean. When I entered their store, they greeted me with a friendly smile and while I shopped, they organized. I felt welcomed and comfortable being there, and cannot wait to return. And, even if I never get a chance to get back to that little town, I will always have a fondness in my heart for it.
Our Islamic centers deserve better treatment; they deserve our respect and care, but before we can achieve that we must have self-respect.
We must endeavor to make our masajid become that special place that embraces our multi-cultural heritage and presents our religion in the best possible light – both in attitude and in environment.
There is something to be learned from the inviting ways of those whose manners and sense of pride inspire a welcoming feeling for all who visit.
People who feel welcomed may return in embrace or, in the least, hold a fondness in their hearts for all time, passing that feeling on to others.
The first impression we give will either be our first or our last.
I would have never thought twice about an old rundown, inhospitable town.
It is time for us to attain self-respect for ourselves, our Islamic centers, masajid and schools – but we need to remember that, time will not stop and wait.
Frequently Asked Question
Answering the most relevant questions to help you better understand the article.
A visit to a small historic town where residents maintained clean surroundings, welcoming attitudes, and visible pride in their community inspired the author’s reflections.
The town’s tidy shops, well-kept buildings, and friendly residents conveyed a strong sense of self-respect and pride in the community.
The residents were described as pleasant, polite, welcoming, and respectful toward strangers passing through their community.
The author expresses concern that many Muslim communities lack sufficient self-respect and pride in maintaining their Islamic institutions and surroundings.
The article notes that many are not maintained as well as they should be and sometimes fall into disrepair through neglect.
Because they are important community institutions that deserve respect, care, and maintenance reflective of their significance.
The author argues that Muslims must first develop self-respect before they can properly care for their masajid, schools, and Islamic centers.
They should embrace the community’s multicultural heritage and present Islam in the best possible light through both attitude and environment.
Visitors who feel welcomed may return, develop positive feelings toward the community, and share those impressions with others.
The article reminds readers that time will not stop and wait, making it important to pursue self-respect and better stewardship of Islamic institutions now.
72 Comments
I’ve been waiting for this article.
I’ve been waiting for this article.
I’ve been waiting for this article.
Not sure what I am looking at, what are the white toilet like things for?
These are not toilets, but places to perform ritual washing for prayers, also known as ablution or wudu in Arabic. I am not certain why this picture was used since I am not the editor of this publication. But I am pretty sure it is in regards to the self-respect of being tidy and clean that the article talks about as its main theme.
Oh, thanks for the explanation, makes sense now. Sure is clean!
Oh, thank God. I thought it was the actualization of one of my most terrifying recurrent dream themes: public pottying…….=-O
I am not Muslim so I doubt I would be allowed in a Masjid. My knees definitely would not bend for a squat anyway! Oh my ?
I am not Muslim so I doubt I would be allowed in a Masjid. My knees definitely would not bend for a squat anyway! Oh my ?
Not sure what I am looking at, what are the white toilet like things for?
These are not toilets, but places to perform ritual washing for prayers, also known as ablution or wudu in Arabic. I am not certain why this picture was used since I am not the editor of this publication. But I am pretty sure it is in regards to the self-respect of being tidy and clean that the article talks about as its main theme.
Oh, thanks for the explanation, makes sense now. Sure is clean!
Oh, thank God. I thought it was the actualization of one of my most terrifying recurrent dream themes: public pottying…….=-O
bwahahaha. I think you learned it from me.
Some of the Masjids in Saudi Arabia have toilets as holes in the floor. I pray your balance for squatting is good. Mine wasn’t do to bad knees. Not good, not good at all!
I am not Muslim so I doubt I would be allowed in a Masjid. My knees definitely would not bend for a squat anyway! Oh my ?
Claudia, the only masajid where non-Muslims are prevented from entering are in Mecca and Medina.
If you are prevented from entering a masjid, ever, in any way, know this is not Islamic or allowed in Islam.
Not sure what I am looking at, what are the white toilet like things for?
These are not toilets, but places to perform ritual washing for prayers, also known as ablution or wudu in Arabic. I am not certain why this picture was used since I am not the editor of this publication. But I am pretty sure it is in regards to the self-respect of being tidy and clean that the article talks about as its main theme.
Oh, thanks for the explanation, makes sense now. Sure is clean!
Oh, thank God. I thought it was the actualization of one of my most terrifying recurrent dream themes: public pottying…….=-O
Ps- can’t wait to visit my daughter in Saudi Arabia and see some of these things.
Claudia Waldron Anytime. I hope you have a lovey time in Saudi!
Stephanie Siam oh my! That is quite scary. We would have made terrible dudes. ;)
I dunno. I’m getting purty good at beard-growing.
bwahahaha. I think you learned it from me.
Some of the Masjids in Saudi Arabia have toilets as holes in the floor. I pray your balance for squatting is good. Mine wasn’t do to bad knees. Not good, not good at all!
I am not Muslim so I doubt I would be allowed in a Masjid. My knees definitely would not bend for a squat anyway! Oh my ?
Claudia, the only masajid where non-Muslims are prevented from entering are in Mecca and Medina.
If you are prevented from entering a masjid, ever, in any way, know this is not Islamic or allowed in Islam.
Thanks, I hope to go next summer.
A lot of the hotels have malls in them . Much shopping to do.
A lot of the malls have small cities in them. Shopping….basically the ONLY thing to do. Hahahha.
Not sure what I am looking at, what are the white toilet like things for?
These are not toilets, but places to perform ritual washing for prayers, also known as ablution or wudu in Arabic. I am not certain why this picture was used since I am not the editor of this publication. But I am pretty sure it is in regards to the self-respect of being tidy and clean that the article talks about as its main theme.
Oh, thanks for the explanation, makes sense now. Sure is clean!
Oh, thank God. I thought it was the actualization of one of my most terrifying recurrent dream themes: public pottying…….=-O
Ps- can’t wait to visit my daughter in Saudi Arabia and see some of these things.
Claudia Waldron Anytime. I hope you have a lovey time in Saudi!
Stephanie Siam oh my! That is quite scary. We would have made terrible dudes. ;)
I dunno. I’m getting purty good at beard-growing.
bwahahaha. I think you learned it from me.
Some of the Masjids in Saudi Arabia have toilets as holes in the floor. I pray your balance for squatting is good. Mine wasn’t do to bad knees. Not good, not good at all!
I am not Muslim so I doubt I would be allowed in a Masjid. My knees definitely would not bend for a squat anyway! Oh my ?
Claudia, the only masajid where non-Muslims are prevented from entering are in Mecca and Medina.
If you are prevented from entering a masjid, ever, in any way, know this is not Islamic or allowed in Islam.
Thanks, I hope to go next summer.
A lot of the hotels have malls in them . Much shopping to do.
A lot of the malls have small cities in them. Shopping….basically the ONLY thing to do. Hahahha.
These are not toilets, but places to perform ritual washing for prayers, also known as ablution or wudu in Arabic. I am not certain why this picture was used since I am not the editor of this publication. But I am pretty sure it is in regards to the self-respect of being tidy and clean that the article talks about as its main theme.
Oh, thanks for the explanation, makes sense now. Sure is clean!
Oh, thank God. I thought it was the actualization of one of my most terrifying recurrent dream themes: public pottying…….=-O
Ps- can’t wait to visit my daughter in Saudi Arabia and see some of these things.
Claudia Waldron Anytime. I hope you have a lovey time in Saudi!
Stephanie Siam oh my! That is quite scary. We would have made terrible dudes. ;)
I dunno. I’m getting purty good at beard-growing.
Yes I agree Theresa , we as a Muslim community need to address this issue .. It is a part our deen to take good care of the environment … I know many sisters who say they are depressed .. It would help their health to get out in the garden to tidy it up n grow some plants to nurture the soul.. This teaching needs to be revived ?
Yes I agree Theresa , we as a Muslim community need to address this issue .. It is a part our deen to take good care of the environment … I know many sisters who say they are depressed .. It would help their health to get out in the garden to tidy it up n grow some plants to nurture the soul.. This teaching needs to be revived ?
Yes I agree Theresa , we as a Muslim community need to address this issue .. It is a part our deen to take good care of the environment … I know many sisters who say they are depressed .. It would help their health to get out in the garden to tidy it up n grow some plants to nurture the soul.. This teaching needs to be revived ?
Have you ever noticed, that the owners of the cleanest, nicest, most expensive homes can often be lacking in matters of the heart? Such as love, empathy, and compassion for others?
Have you ever noticed, that the owners of the cleanest, nicest, most expensive homes can often be lacking in matters of the heart? Such as love, empathy, and compassion for others?
Best to have a nice combo
Have you ever noticed, that the owners of the cleanest, nicest, most expensive homes can often be lacking in matters of the heart? Such as love, empathy, and compassion for others?
Have you ever noticed, that the owners of the cleanest, nicest, most expensive homes can often be lacking in matters of the heart? Such as love, empathy, and compassion for others?
Cannot agree about what you said about Masajidhs. Coming from sri lanka. Grocery stores are same regardless of the owner.
Cannot agree about what you said about Masajidhs. Coming from sri lanka. Grocery stores are same regardless of the owner.
Cannot agree about what you said about Masajidhs. Coming from sri lanka. Grocery stores are same regardless of the owner.
Cannot agree about what you said about Masajidhs. Coming from sri lanka. Grocery stores are same regardless of the owner.
Cannot agree about what you said about Masajidhs. Coming from sri lanka. Grocery stores are same regardless of the owner.
I am not Muslim so I doubt I would be allowed in a Masjid. My knees definitely would not bend for a squat anyway! Oh my ?
Claudia, the only masajid where non-Muslims are prevented from entering are in Mecca and Medina.
If you are prevented from entering a masjid, ever, in any way, know this is not Islamic or allowed in Islam.
Thanks, I hope to go next summer.
A lot of the malls have small cities in them. Shopping….basically the ONLY thing to do. Hahahha.
On a recent trip to Turkey i was amazed.. Istanbul is the cleanest most beautiful city i’v seen east or west. its spring so the entire city is in bloom colourful flowers everywhere! along the roads was what i called botanical art, pictures made of flowers n plants, flower on the lamp posts n along the rails of bridges. n almost no litter n its not like there r ppl cleaning up all the time so that means there isnt a culture of littering. the countless masjids i visited all well maintained n impeccably clean, one is in awe bcoz they r centurys old yet not scruffy or untidy in any way even the artwork so well preserved.. masha Allah. May Allah protect Turkey n may it continue to prosper