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In the city of Bursa, the Ulu Camii is famous for its 192 inscriptions that adorn its walls, considered amongst the greatest examples of Islamic calligraphy. At its center, however, lies a fountain which to this day is a great example of the relationship between leadership, responsibility, adherence to Islamic law and the creativity of human expression.

He called people to realize this existence through love. He saw that love is only real when it leads to the One. Mawlana Rumi loved Allah. To him, love was the means, not the goal! Al-Madina's group, now visiting Turkey on their spiritual tour, made a stop in Konya to visit Mawlana Rumi. Here are few images from their visit two days ago, and it's a chance to share some of Rumi's poems:

In a world where neglect or mock grief masquerade as following the example of the best of creation, peace & blessings upon him & his family, we are often remiss of the reality that we have a choice (ikhtiyar) to whom we love and honor. Many of the faithful claim to love the Prophet (peace & blessings upon him & his family) and those that surrounded him of his family and companions, Yet how can we claim love if we know little or nothing about who they were? Moreover how did we get here, and how can we change?

The classic Talaa AlBadr, the song commemorating the arrival of the Prophet in Madina, remixed with additional lyrics to reflect the state of the hearts, pain, hope, and immense love of the Prophet that Muslims feel. It is through this love that we connect with ourselves, the community, and most of all, with the Divine.

The word "Tarbiyyah" linguistically means increase, growth, and loftiness. Al Raghib Al-Asbahani explains that the word Tarbiyyah in Arabic means “to cause something to develop from stage to stage until reaching its completion." Are you growing into your full potential?

What is the role of an imam? How does it differ from other religious traditions? And how is it seen specifically in the American Muslim context?

By now you have either seen the youtube parody or heard the news of 60 reported women protest drivers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia yesterday..

On this and every Friday, let us not forget the value of time and the precious opportunities Allah gives us. Even if we work all day, hustling between work, Jummah, and then back to work again, hardly taking a breath. Read a brief tafsir of Surat al-Asr.

Imagine a tree rooted in Anatolia, yet casting a wide shadow and bearing fruit that spreads and benefits the entire globe. From Japan to America, individuals found rest under its shade, and were bestowed with abundant fruits satiating their spiritual thirst and hunger. This is a tree that without expecting anything in return, rendered its service to anyone without discrimination of any type. This looming tree symbolizes the life and teachings of the late Islamic scholar Muhammed Emin Er, who passed away on Thursday night of 27 June 2013. His farewell was marked by those he touched from around the globe who came to give their final respects, and make amends for any past transgressions.

Reflecting on Divine Omnipotence should guide us to the reality that only through Divine Grace can we truly change ourselves, our communities, and our destination.

So I have to admit I do have a Netflix account. While sifting through suitable cartoons for the kids to watch, I come across the occasionally intriguing documentary. One recent find was “ I Am” by Tom Shadyac. If his name escapes you, you may know some films he wrote/directed such as : Ace Ventura, The Nutty Professor, Liar Liar and Bruce Almighty. I Am tackles our obsessive addiction to material wants, and neglect of spiritual realities. Check it, let me know your thoughts.

The Messenger Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) said that wisdom is the lost property of a believer, wherever he/she finds it they have a right to it. I think there is great wisdom in Chaplain Barry Black's comments to the house and senate.