My New Photoblog

For quite sometime now I've had an itch to create a photoblog independent from this blog. One of the reasons I've never proceeded with this project is because I never thought my photos were worth displaying on their own. Although I still feel the same, I've decided for the sake of better organization to separate my photographs from my written posts. So I present you with my first photoblog!

Click here

I would love your feedback. Enjoy!

Thank you,
Organica

Are You a Calculating Muslim?

There is a person in my life I hesitate to call a friend for many reasons. She happens to live close. I am occasionally summoned to assist with a thing or two in her life. We don't have much in common, and most conversations revolve around her needs and wants. The best I could describe her as a burden to anyone she comes in contact with. A leech.

Recently I was chatting with a common friend about my dilemma: on one hand I care to help someone in need, but when it comes to her? I absolutely hate what I do for her. I almost always regret and complain about everything I do. My friend suggested I disregard these feelings and focus on the REWARD of doing good deeds. Who cares if I hate it?

And that's how this post came to life.

I have a problem with someone telling me to do something 'just for the REWARD.' How many Muslims do things for the REWARD and not because they really care?

From my understanding, intentions are the foundation to any deed. If my intentions is to merely gain reward, have I really fulfilled the conditions to construct a good deed worth rewarding? Is it still a good deed if I hate the good I am doing?

When someone falls sick in the community, people flock left and right to visit and call the sick person. Suddenly people who have been absent in that person's life, appear out of nowhere--out of obligation--to gain reward. Why is our understanding of good deeds, as a community, so elementary?

I find when my intentions are to improve my character my actions are more fulfilling on all levels than trying to figure out my total rewards per transaction deed.

I think it's time for Muslims to stop acting like good deeds are an opportunity to score the highest number of tickets to cash in heaven. Do it because you care. After all, this world ain't a Dave & Busters.