Azra, Dental Medicine

LOCATION: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo

HOBBIES & INTERESTS: Great lover of medicine and science

CHOSEN HADITH / AYAH: “By the morning brightness. And the night when it covers with darkness. Your Lord has not taken leave of you, nor has He detested.”

It’s been always my word of console and strength to continue. We often fall into depressive situations, especially today, when we have everything, but in fact, we have nothing. The Qur’an is the cure, the Qur’an is the advice, the Qur’an is our best friend and speaker, simply said, the Qur’an has saved us and the Instructions for a Happy Life.

Every Qur’ans surah, each ayah, has HIS message and instruction. The problem is in us. We do not read the Qur’an enough, or we may read it, but we do not understand it, nor do we try to understand it.
The Qur’an ayah that I stated should be taught by every man, it has an extremely strong message, an extremely calming call, acts relaxing on a man, and gives him new hope, the hope of not being complete. In particular, psychiatrists would recommend studying these ayahs, I think this would ease their work with patients.

During my studies, I have acknowledged how perfect God is, and His creation – the human body. Every single cell has its own purpose, and only if all of them work together, and help each other the whole body will work properly. That is how Muslims all around the world should be, and Islam taught us how good we must be in our lives. Everybody has its own purpose but only if we work together, and help each other, we can become like we were in the golden age of Islam when we were at the peak when scientific, social and cultural works flourished.

No one has been created in vain; every man has his purpose, and each individual has his share in the community. In this way, Islam helps us to get out of depression, and look at life from another angle. From the corner where we all are important in some way.

Bekir – Theology student

Location: Tuzla, Bosnia, and Herzegovina

Hobbies & Interests: Football, video games, crime books, and movies.

Chosen Ayah / Hadith: Prophet Muhammed pbuh. said: ”If any of you becomes angry, let him keep silent.’’ He repeated this sentence three times.

To explain why I choose this hadith, I’ll write a short story, and my story explains everything. It is known who is the king of the forest. The lion is significant in appearance and is strong, and therefore he is the king of the jungle. The lion as a lion, king as king, strong and powerful ordered all animals in the forest to bring him food every day. That’s the way it was. every day they brought him food, he would have eaten and left the rest to other animals. One day foxes were supposed to bring food. The lady waited, waited, fairly hungry, and therefore he was angry and just when he went to ask her, the fox came, but her empty hands. “Where is lunch?” The lion asked. “Forest Excellency, I had no other way out, but what I brought to you gave you another lion that is stronger and bigger. That’s not all, he’s still saying he’s from now on the king, not you. That’s why I gave it to your lunch. “The lion, as hungry, was even angrier and asked the fox where the lion was. “Come quickly, show me!” The fox led him to the edge of a breakthrough, on whose floor was the water. When he looked, his figure appeared in the water. He crazed with anger and jumped without hesitation … At that moment he realized that he was caught in the trap of a deep breakthrough, and the fox began to laugh.

We can see what rage and angry behavior brung to the lion, nothing good that’s sure. So this is the reason why I always have this hadith on my mind. And this is part of life where Islam and Muhammed pbuh. helped me. Because of this story and this hadith I learned how to be patient, and how to ”hold” my anger in every situation I came to.

This may be a little strange comparison, or it is presented in the simplest way, but it is also relevant. How many times have we been in the position of a lion? I am sure, many times, in different situations with different people profiles. Every time I did something and I did not think before, or allowed hatred and anger to take hold of me, it had negative consequences for my relationship with other people. On many occasions, I have shown my anger towards my best friend, not taking into account that this is just the current state in which I am, and not what I really am and how I feel. For this reason, this hadith, or message of Prophet Muhammad pbuh. it helps me in my everyday life and maintain relationships with other people, and avoiding the troubles in which we can find ourselves if we allow anger and hatred to overcome and overwhelm our reason.

Why did the lion allow it to be deceived? The answer is simple, because at that moment, while he was angry, he did not take into account the fact that the job of a liar was to deceive, to squabble. The other thing, he took the wrong weapon for the fight, namely, that which is called anger. It was enough just one second to stay and see the situation, he would realize that it was a reflection of a lion, not a lion.

Ademdin – programmer, virtual assistant

Location:Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Hobbies& Interests: Everything about technology. I like computers, cell phones and any other form of technology. I’m currently working on programming, and I’m going to try programming in the future. Also successful on the Internet as a virtual assistant.

Chosen Ayah / Hadith: “Allah does not burden anyone with any of his possibilities.” (El-Bekara, 286)
“I can not do it, it’s impossible (something to change, to do, to achieve)!”, The words we often hear and which are one of the great reasons for the devastating state of the Islamic ummah. The root of these words is the state of mental disability, although the limitations that people impose on themselves are not real, but only umancy. Indeed, incapacitated minds only produce defeat.

There is no doubt that in life there are things that are impossible to execute. A lot of situations tell us that in life there are things that are beyond our means. However, this is not the subject of this speech, because otherwise we would be drawn into a long discussion and in the end justify the words: “I can not, it is impossible”, trying to give this illusion a justification and justification from the aspect of Islam!
Many generations of people use these phrases as guides that lead them through life, as a way of thinking that makes them accept the state they are in, while at the same time they feel satisfied because they can not do anything.

I’m amazed by the incredible backlog of people, regardless of his great potential for success and progress. I have thought a lot about this and I realized that the most common reason for this backwardness, though there are many, is the illusion that we can not do something, that it is impossible. This illusion has turned into a principle. We live in it and function in it.

This ayah helps me to realize that every goal is worth the effort and that we should strive to achieve what we are striving for in our lives, that is, in fact, Islam. We often look at Islam as a lifestyle, not just as a religion. However, Islam can also be viewed from another perspective, as the art of life. I say this, convinced that Islam allows us to live a life full of lungs, at the same time remaining within the limits of Islam.

Ayman, Pharmacist

Location: Gaza City

Interests and Hobbies: I’m mainly interested in reading books on philosophy and the fundamentals of Islam. As a pharmacist, I find myself reading medical articles, latest new scientific discoveries and modern types of medicine.

My chosen Ayah or Hadith: The Hadith that always comes to my mind is when the Prophet (PBUH) said: “All creatures are sons of Allah, and the dearest to you to Allah are the ones who are the most beneficial to their sons”. This Hadith is an invitation for all human beings to work for humanity without any discrimination, or restrictions regardless of the sector the ideology and overlooking the minor differences that some extremists use to divide our Ummah.

I am a pharmacist and I have previously worked as a pharmaceutical salesperson. Due to my long experience, I could easily notice the degradation of the general economic situation and how it directly affected every aspect of life here in Gaza, particularly the medical sector. The siege negatively impacted our jobs, sales, etc.

However, when I recall the story of the prophet during the siege of Taif, and how he and his people were living in very bad conditions, yet with their faithful and patient; “So, verily, with every difficulty, there is a relief” (94:5). Since the prophet is my role model, I believe eventually, we will reach the light at the end of the tunnel.

The siege did not only affect our jobs but also affected our daily life directly to the point that the grief of losing souls became a daily basic affair. Shortage of necessary medical supplies, medical equipment, food supplies, and electrical power are some of the factors that contributed to our grief.

What motivates me to keep going on is my belief that everything happens for a reason, and if Allah put you through a difficulty, then it’s only because he knows you’re able to get through it inshAllah.

Awatef, Artist.

Location: Gaza City

Hobbies and interests: I’m mainly interested in drawing, painting, and arts and crafts. I love reading literature in all its forms. I’m interested in sports as well, swimming in particular.

My chosen Ayah: I live by the Ayah that says: “And mankind has not been given of knowledge except a little.” (17:85). This Ayah is a great reminder for me that whatever level of knowledge I reach can never be the end. I should never stop chasing any learning opportunities for you can learn from anyone and from anything. You can learn something from a story, from a little kid, form your peers, and even from just meditating on your own. Only Allah has the full knowledge of everything.

I have been gifted with the talent of drawing. I have always been into creative art, especially visual art, whose products are to be appreciated primarily for their imaginative, aesthetic content. I now work as an art teacher but I always seek developing myself and talent. Thus, I participated in a great number of art exhibitions both locally and internationally.

My latest local exhibit was hosted in the French Consulate in Gaza, it was my very first sole exhibition and it was a great challenge yet I was welcomed by the great numbers of people who visited and supported me. It was an exceptional experience. As for my international exhibitions, my works were presented in Jordan, Canada, Britain, and others. My work traveled to these places without me, I dream of standing next to my work, explaining it and seeing the appreciation in the eyes of the visitors. However, I’m deprived of this right as traveling out is extremely complicated and restricted.

In my work, I mostly focus on changing the theme and not sticking to one idea as to have an international view and appeal. Generally, in my work, I focus on the Palestinian woman, on how strong yet fragile she can be how much she suffered, and how much she endured. The Palestinian woman is one with great patience and mercy, with immense power; and I try my best to illustrate that in my work, to show her journey, and to demonstrate the hardships she goes through.

What motivates me is my faith in Allah. He gives me hope; the hope to travel accompanying my work whether internationally or in my own country.

Amira: Writer

Location: Gaza City

Hobbies and interests: I’m interested in reading, coloring, and writing. I’m keen on the idea of changing the whole educational system design in the Middle East. At the same time, I’m an advocate for Cancer, health and educational rights. I believe in being the voice for the voiceless.

My chosen Ayah: I really love Al-Kursi verse which says: “Allah. There is no god but He – the Living, the Self-subsisting, Eternal. No slumber can seize Him nor sleep. His are all things in the heavens and on earth. Who is there can intercede in His presence except as He permitteth? He knoweth what (appeareth to His creatures as) before or after or behind them. Nor shall they compass aught of His knowledge except as He willeth. His Throne doth extend over the heavens and the earth, and He feeleth no fatigue in guarding and preserving them for He is the Highest, the Supreme (in glory).

This Ayah makes me feel safe, especially when I first got diagnosed with an immune system dysfunction. It made feel fearless and I felt like it was my shield from everything. I really love it; it makes me feel at ease.

One of my passions is helping people; anywhere and anyone. I started as a story-teller for cancer patient kids, and now I plan cancer awareness campaigns. I used to be super active during university. I mostly helped freshmen. I used to participate in many events, I believe in “Do the best of this life to be of use”. Every few months, I travel for my medical check-up, and when people know I’m from Gaza they would be surprised since the media portrays a certain image of us but I portray the opposite of that image. I gave them a very positive image of us; that we hold on life no matter what we go through.

I’m a proud fibro-warrior and a mental-illness advocate. When I was first diagnosed, my faith was shaken. I didn’t know how to deal with it. I’ve always been good with helping people, yet I didn’t know how to help myself. I felt like I was alone. Until I heard the Kursi- verse in my dream. When I woke up, I didn’t feel alone anymore, I could feel that Allah granted me this Ayah as a reminder that He’s always protecting me.

“I’m for truth, no matter who tells it. I’m for justice, no matter who it is for or against. “Malcolm X. Believe in yourself, fight for what you love and always help others.

Zayoon, a lawyer to be.

Location: Gaza City

Hobbies & interests: I’m a human rights activist, and I’m extremely passionate when it comes to seeking justice for those who need it, that’s why I majored in and graduated from the College of Law. Plus, I like watching different videos, listening to music, watching series, and writing. I’m really into participating in voluntary work events and helping to positively affect people’s lives and truly change them for the better.

My chosen Ayah: “Allah does not change what is in a nation unless they change what is in themselves.” (Al-Raad:11).I always put this Ayah in front of me as it’s a perfect reminder for the person that he is the only one who has enough power whether to improve himself or to destroy himself and that he should not be sitting waiting for change to happen and not taking the initiative to change from within. And our condition in the world as Muslims is never going to change unless we change the way we treat our brothers, sisters, families, and communities.

What my motivation and enthusiasm lately led me to participate in was a camp for the young freshmen; I was a leader in this project and I gave these freshmen everything I believe I needed to have when I was a freshman myself. The youth here in Gaza are living in the worst conditions a person can ever imagine, they are full of negative, depressing and bleak emotions; as they believe they’re being trapped in this big prison that kills their hopes and dreams without any warnings. Therefore, the aim of this camp was to give these young people a ray of hope, and a place to let off steam, a new community in which they can make new friends and connections, and just a new way to have fun!

As a fresh graduate from Gaza, like many others, I dream of studying for a master degree outside of Gaza. Unfortunately, we are living in a state of despair where there is no hope, no stable political situation, nor a good general situation of the country; needless to mention the economic situation; and all these circumstances combined to kill the aspirations and the dreams of the young people and force them to look for opportunities outside of their hometowns. Keeping in mind that traveling out of here is almost impossible for the majority of people due to the suffocating siege. Moreover, what adds salt to the injury is being looked at by the Western societies as the bad guys and the terrorists. Of course, it’s all because of the media which leaves aside the good work that Muslims do and only focus on the bad things. I feel like there is this big international conspiracy to make Islam look bad. However, personally, I believe that the image of Islam has a little bit improved that it used to be, and I hope it only gets better, and I hope that people stop ruining the images of any religion with their actions.

Safaa, a Psychology student.

Location: Gaza City.

Hobbies and interests: I like reading stories on mental illnesses and psychopathy, I usually tend to follow the development of some patients and their treatment sessions. I’m also interested in watching psychology related T.V. shows and series. I like reading and writing motivational stories. I’m interested in photography as well.

My chosen Ayah: The closest Ayah to my heart is: “When My worshipers ask you about Me, I am near. I answer the supplications of the suppliant when he calls to Me; therefore, let them respond to Me and let them believe in Me, in order that they will be righteous” ( Al –Baqarah- 1:186). This Ayah is my favorite for it always reminds me of how much significant my Duaa and prayers are, and how much prayers can change one’s life. It reminds me how good Allah has been with us and how much he blesses us every day and that we have to thank Him by making Duaa.

“Unlike the secular approach, the Islamic viewpoint does not differentiate between scientific knowledge and religion, but rather believes they work hand in hand”. Since I majored in Psychology, I had realized how important emotions and feelings are, and the enormous effect they have on people’s success in life. One of the main reasons that urged me to choose this field was to help the traumatized people of Gaza, especially the children, who have been through three devastating wars, different strikes, unstable political situations, and the suffocating siege. Being a survivor in these kinds of situations was a blessing and a curse, but Allah asked us to be patient and so we tried. The last war was right after I finished high school, so when it was the time to choose my major, it wasn’t hard to decide what I wanted to do. I wanted to be the person that people go to in order to feel lighter after letting it all out, I wanted to be the well of secrets where they feel no shame, no embarrassment, no judgmental looks. So alhamdulillah I fulfilled my ambitions and became the person I wanted to be, I helped so many people who now meet me with a smile on their faces and a Duaa from their hearts.

Regrettably, the relationship between the Western countries and Israel is quite strong and that added some points to the advantage of Israel and gave it a great help in ruining the image of Islam and Muslims, especially the Muslims of Palestine. Israel is now promoting the image of Palestinian as terrorists using their propaganda and media to convey false and one-sided stories to the naïve people who believe everything they see on T.V. Therefore, one of my wishes is for the world to see the real Muslim Palestinians with their true colors.

Rania – working mum

Location: Gaza City

Interests and hobbies: Drawing is what I do in my free time, next to embroidery. Very soon I’ll be announcing my own exhibition in which I will introduce my paintings & drawings. In General, I’m interested in the field of my study, I’m currently preparing my proposal to proceed what I began within my Master’s thesis which is about searching for causes of water pollution with parasites; I have sent to several donors to adapt my research.

My chosen Ayah: The Ayah that I’m living by and for is:” Your Lord has ordered you to worship none except Him, and to be good to your parents. If either or both of them attain old age with you, do not say: “Fie on you”, nor rebuke them, but speak to them with words of respect”. (Al – Isra 17:23). My mother and my father are everything in my life. I always seek whatever makes them happy and comfortable, sacrificing my own comfort for their sake. I follow this Ayah in every aspect of my life, and it isn’t because I’m so religious or whatsoever, but because I strive to be one of these people who have their parents’ blessings in their journey of life.

Gaza is such a beautiful city, every detail of it is absolutely stunning. The only thing that it misses is some “calmness”, for this city is crowded with the noises of people mourning or cries for help. Anyone who visits this city talked about how different it is compared to what they heard or what they imagined Gaza would be. I haven’t lived here since I was born, I came to Gaza when I was 18 years old, I completed my university studies. I live like any individual in this community, I have my job, my four kids to whom I focus on giving the best educational opportunities possible and I aspire that they get to the highest places in life. I’m a person who does not like to stay in their place and wait for destiny to do its job because that’s not what my religion has taught me, thus, I prepared myself for my Master degree, 15 years after my B.H. degree, and now I have registered for a Ph.D. in my field.

Personally, I do not actually care about the way the Western world views Islam or Muslims, for Islam doesn’t wait for anyone to give their opinion on it. And I’m pretty sure if the West really knew what Islam is and what it’s all about, they would have respected it and they would have realized that it’s the only religion that actually acknowledged and granted women their rights and that everything that has been promoted against it is incorrect and unfair.

Nazek – Photographer

Location: Gaza City.

Hobbies and interests: I’m mainly interested in photography, leadership-related events, caricature, human development sessions.

My chosen Ayah: The Ayah that affects my life the most is: “You do not know, perhaps after that Allah will bring a new event” (Al-Talaq 65:1). This Ayah is the first thing that comes to my mind whenever I feel down. When I feel like all the doors are closed, when there’s no hope in changing what has been done, no way to undo mistakes. This Ayah comforts me in my worst times, it tells me that everything happens for a reason, and you never know what’s good for you and what’s not, only Allah has this knowledge and He’ll only give us what we can bear.

In my point of view, living as a Muslim is kind of challenging these days. People, including Muslims themselves, misinterpret the instructions of Islam and they miss the actual point of it and the core of Islam. When I want to practice my hobby which is photography, I’m usually met with the strangest looks form passersby. They find it weird that a girl like me is out there doing what she wants, they think that Islam deprives the woman her freedom, and they confuse between what is Halal and what used to be socially unaccepted, with a great focus on the word (used to be). Basically, this is one of my main struggles, so in case I wanted to make some photo sessions, I tend to go too far places or in the very early mornings; which can be highly dangerous for girls in this society, so it’s a great risk to take. Therefore, I wish people really dig into what is right and wrong in Islam and stop using the horrible traditions that were once normal, but now they’re extremely unfair and sexist.

Regarding the Western view on Islam & Muslims, I believe it is generated from movies, T.V. shows, and series; It’s always a Muslim with a beard and an Arabic name who’s behind all the terror and crimes in the Western countries so people are brainwashed to link terror attacks and crimes with Muslims.

Personally, on the local level, when I’m applying for scholarships, it’s almost impossible to get accepted; some people don’t get accepted because they’re from Gazaothers get accepted but could not make it through and travel abroad, and it’s all due to the siege that I wholeheartedly wish to vanish as soon as possible so people can move on and live like the rest of the world.

Khader – Pharmacy student.

Location: Gaza City.

Hobbies & interests: I’m interested in doing voluntary work, and reading fiction and non- fiction books. I’m deeply interested in science-related books, videos, YouTube channels, etc.

My chosen Ayah: “Verily, the noblest of you in the sight of God is the one who is most deeply conscious of Him. Behold, God is all-knowing, all-aware.” – (Al-Hujurat 49: 13). I chose this Ayah for it clearly shows that Islam pays no attention to differences in color, gender, origins, or social status. All people belong to the same origin; Adam and Adam were created from dust. Rather, people are different from each other by their faith and piety, and that’s the only difference that Islam cares about. Therefore, we can see that Islam is in no way based on racism or sexism.

As a Muslim living in Gaza, and seeing the horrible economic situation increasing, I had to fulfill my part in doing the good deeds. And since Islam taught me to help those in need, I decided to start a voluntary team, consisting of me and my colleagues- the RBCs team; referring to Red Blood Cells which mainly help in the process of recovery of the human body, and we wanted to be the real-life representation of them. We were motivated by Thawab (spiritual merit) and the prayers of the people to whom we gave our helping hands. The beginning was tough, but so are all beginnings. We were blessed to have supporters and other seekers of goodness. Now, our team is well-established and well-known in the community. If I had the chance, I would not hesitate to widen our work and to include more Palestinian cities or to have a network of communication with other college students in the West Bank. However, unfortunately, we are unable to do that due to the siege that Gaza has been under for more than a decade. It deeply affects us, as young people, the way Western societies view us. It actually puts more burden on our shoulders. We are viewed as terrorists, delusional, untrustworthy, etc. And most likely, one would find these kinds of views in someone who had never interacted with a Muslim and had never had the chance to know what Islam really is. Therefore, one of my wishes is for people to actually dig into the roots of Islam, the real Islam, not the Islam conveyed by the media that strives on making Muslims look bad for mere political purposes. Islam is all about peace, forgiveness, and patience. And I believe that Muslims worldwide should all work together in better understanding to their own religion so that they can help to convey the true message of Islam, and have people accept us as the people we are. These false images on Islam made by the minority of Muslims; they’re even less than minorities, may I say- who have radical perspectives should never represent the millions and millions of Muslims around the globe.

Basma – Make-up artist, fashion designer.

Location: Gaza

Hobbies & interests: My hobbies are drawing, fashion-related activities, designing, and reading. I like reading about the history of religions, especially Islam and about the biography (seerah) of the prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him). I also enjoy tennis and volleyball.

My chosen Ayah: I like the Ayah in which Allah speaks to the Muslims and says “It is not by your fancies, nor by the fancies of the People of the Book. Whosoever does evil shall be recompensed for it” (Al-Nisa-4: 123). This Ayah shows that the majority of people have the same way of thinking and the way of extremism but their beliefs differ, and eventually, as I personally believe, no society has the absolute truth; however, the truth is approached by some people in different societies.

Generally, the way the Western societies view Muslims and Islam is kind of discriminative in my opinion. As there are no conversations between the involved parties, it’s only extremism, radicalism, blame-shifting and there’s hardly any interactive discussions or conversations amongst the people involved. And on the other hand, the injustice the Palestinians are suffering from whether at home or in the diaspora weighs more burned on this nation.

The Muslims of Gaza are trying their best to live like the rest of the world. We love life, we love fashion, we love following and interacting with other cultures and countries via social media and international websites whether in Europe, India, or the States. We love to experience, to learn, to travel, to follow the latest fashion trends, and to make mistakes and learn from them. We’re just like any other people but with the siege surrounding every aspect of our lives, denying us our rights and dreams, but it can in no way stop us from striving to live the life we deserve.

As a mum of three kids, I wish that my kids grow up to be the Muslims this country needs, I wish that Allah always guides them to what is best for them. I always teach them about Islam, about their hometown, I teach them to never judge people based on to their appearances for appearances are so deceiving and that’s what Islam taught me.

Sead – Student

Location: (Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina)

Hobbies & Interests: Everyday socializing with my friends. I play basketball and football. Games and movies. Exploring the history of my country as well as the general history of the world.

My chosen Ayah / Hadith: “Allah will not change the condition of one nation until they change what is in themselves.”
This verse is the direction I’m trying to lead through life. Since the society I am surrounded it has picked up many immoralities of the modern world, this ayat can help us all to change our attitude towards life in general so as to be a useful individual to our community, and so that when we invest our maximum, Allah will help us to change our lives, and to bring it fully in line with Islamic guidelines.

What I want to advise everyone today is not to look at Muslims, but to learn about Islam. Islam is perfect and Muslims are not. Every man in the world has the ups and downs, mistakes and successes, and so also the Muslims through his history. Once they were at the top, today they are in the shadow of modernism and the West. Therefore, today’s Muslims are living Islam more and more, and more and more efforts are being made to modernize, so it is very important that someone who is trying to present Islam in a wrong way is not understood as Islamic. Islam is a religion of peace and no violence and terrorism. For the last time I repeat, Islam is perfect and Muslims are not, learn about Islam.

Islam is a religion that helps me to spend my whole life on myself and to improve myself every day as a useful member of my community. Only a community with successful individuals can survive. Therefore, Islam gives me the power to persevere in the path of acquiring knowledge.

Elvedin – Theologist

Location: (Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina)

Hobbies & Interests: I’m a member of music group named “Rejjan” and we’re singing religious songs. I’m enjoying playing many sports such as football and basketball. I was also a member of our high school shooting club.

My chosen Ayah / Hadith: “None of you will believe until you love for your brother what you love for yourself.” My religion is teaching me that people should always think about others and not be selfish in anything. Because when one society has high-quality individuals, even in small numbers, that community will become the same eventually. Also, this hadith is saying to us that humanity should always come first, and if we’re living according to this, we will feel inner peace. In this hadith is also a message that others have rights in our deeds and our lives.

Nowadays, the main problem for my religion is a generalisation. People are learning about Islam and Muslims through media, amplifying individual criminals and their deeds. This is very incorrect because the media is serving wrong information especially in the sphere of terrorism where Muslims are so many times represented as terrorists. Indeed, that is not true, because Islam is a religion of peace. But also, there’s one thing that should not be forgotten, Islam and Muslims are two different things. Islam is perfect but Muslims are not. Like every other human alive some Muslims also have carried out sins and it’s possible for him to make a bad decision. Having said this, people should not judge Islam and other Muslims through the sins of those individuals. The best thing we can do is to get to know the truth of Islam itself, ignoring mistakes of people who represent themselves and not Islam.

As a Muslim, as someone who is trying to live his faith and religion, I’m always keeping close to this hadith WANTING OTHERS WHAT YOU WANT FOR YOURSELF. In that way, I’m making friends with like-minded people.

With my religion Islam, I have my light which helps me and guides me through my path of good. With Islam, I’m feeling the strength and I have a recipe for a successful life, and that is believing in God and believing God. And I’m sure after rain the Sun will rise again.

Ali

Location: Ilidža, Bosna i Hercegovina

Hobbies & Interests : My interests are working in the non-governmental sector, working with children and youth, creating graphics solutions (books, posters, etc.).

My chosen Ayah / Hadith: Ayah: “Whoever obeys Allah and works with good deeds, awaits His reward with His Lord, they will not be afraid of anything and will not grieve for anything.” (El-Bekare, 112)

What we show in our heart (faith) by doing good deeds. The believer is obliged to give every good man a helping hand and to help him as much as he can and never make it difficult. Because the religious principle is to make things easier, not harder for us. True faith is the faith that manifests itself through doing good deeds. By doing good deeds, we demonstrate an uncompromising loyalty to our Creator. Only by work and good deeds we are preparing for Judgment Day. Allah, s.w.t. and the Prophet, (Peace Be Upon Him) will see our works. We must not disparage what we do because, indeed, there is some work that we do, we think it’s a small thing, but maybe Allah would reward us manifold, because Allah s.w.t. fulfils his promises! The health and time in this world that the Lord has given us we have to maximize.

A Muslim can not be satisfied with being good only for himself. Today is such that a Muslim must always keep up with the times. And how true is the modern Mulsim? Faith teaches us that in everything we must be best, that we do all the work we do in the most proper way. The regulations for which the Muslims are charged are not without reason. Regulations teach us precision, loyalty, awareness and respect. The Muslim must not be bitten by the snake twice from the same hole. We must awaken all our potentials and work on what the Lord has given us. If a Muslim lives through his life with the verse “Learn, in the name of your Lord,” he can not be on the wrong path, because he will always search for and seek for something better and more useful for him and for other people. For me Islam is the wind in the back, in Islam I find comfort. In Islam, I find strength. In Islam, I find sincerity and perfection. Everything our Lord orders us is not there for no reason and when we understand it only then we can make progress.

Lamija – Student of management and organization

Location: Zvornik, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Hobbies: Singing, playing the cello, reading books, watching movies, member of spiritual music assembly, volunteering in a marketing agency, love to work with children

My chosen Ayah / Hadith : Allah SWT says, “You do not like something, and it can be good for you, you love something, and it turns out evil for you. “But Allah knows, and you do not know.” (El-Bakar: 216). Also, we have a hadith about this: “Know that all that touched you, it was not possible for you to pass, and all that passed by you could not befall you.”

“Do not be said about the bad things that happened to you, because you do not know what wisdom is, and the secret of everything that happens” Aid el Karni. If a man thinks well of his Creator, he will understand how He gives him a reward, or erases sins, with any temptation and trouble. It is the realisation that a sincere believer is always and uninterrupted in gain. And if he directs his thoughts only to this transient world, his misfortune will not end. Salvation is in the relationship between the goods and the Lord because only He knows the secret and the ultimate outcome of every temptation and an accident that occurs. After every temptation and distress must come to salvation, this is the law of Allah, like the change of day and night.

Dr Karl Pang in his book “Contemporary Man Seeking Himself” says: “The reason for the illness of every patient who has spoken to me over the past 30 years is the lack of faith and quivering in convictions. They cured themselves when they returned to their faith. “Man works lives and dies with faith. So, faith is a key aspect of my life. It helps me to realistically accept the circumstances in which I live and not to succumb to the troubles that life brings with me. Faith helps me to relieve effort, it makes it easier for me to bear sadness and gives me strength in weakness, in the end, it gives me spiritual strength and mental health.

What does Islam mean to me? Sometimes I ask myself that question. What is the difference in Islam? What is the main instruction in Islam? The answer is very simple, it’s hidden in Islamic greetings, and one source of prayer, wishing peace upon every other Muslim I meet when I say “Assalam o Alaikum” —  which translates to “may peace be upon you”

Islam is not a radical religion. Islam is the faith of peace, respect for people and their common life. That’s the main definition of Islam. I love to mention one quote every day: If Islam means being dedicated to God then In Islam we live and we all die. That is what Islam means to me, and what I would love to say about our religion.