Reflections on ALIM 2006

"Ok... ALIM 2006... I gotta tell you... it's been awesome... honestly, before my arrival; I didn't have a clue as to what I should expect. Coming from abroad (Abu Dhabi, U.A.E), I was obviously hesitant with the fact that I'd be interacting with a crowd who have been living in completely different conditions... but I must say, its been absolutely incredible. The bonds I've made with the guys down here will truly last a life time, Inshallah.

About the course itself, well, the fact that it concentrated on three aspects of learning (intellectual, spiritual and textual) rather than what I expected, which was one aspect (textual), really took me by surprise. It started off with a bang by Dr .Jackson… being himself and getting right down to business with the Seerah of the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W). The initial encouraging burst of enthusiasm amplified through Dr. Jackson really did set the tone for things to come.

To come was a series of talks by such distinct, intellectual and unique individuals, who really strive for knowledge (not only knowledge of Islam, but knowledge in its entirety), which really did broaden my view on Islam. Not only did ALIM enrich me with knowledge, but equipped me with the intellect and mental strength to apply this knowledge to present day issues and conflicts facing Muslims.

Alongside the scholars' classes, the social aspects of ALIM are really something which will remain with me for a lifetime, Inshallah. Being able to mix with people from different backgrounds, from literally all over the world, was an experience which will be difficult to forget. And to be honest, the ease with which we were able to mix and bond really caught me by surprise. (The frequent soccer and wrestling was awesome guys!)

Another surprising venue of knowledge which I was able to drive past thanks to ALIM was the different areas of Islam within Islam. Confused? So was I… I'm actually referring to sects within Islam. We had the chance to get an in depth view of the beliefs of "different" Muslims, and how we as a community should or shouldn't act or react.

All in all, the entire ALIM team not only endowed us with sheer knowledge, but made us think and decide for ourselves, leaving us with a killer combination… knowledge and an open mind."
~ Adil Yusuf

 

Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem
Al-Hamdulillaah wa Salaatu wa Salaam ala Rasooli-laah

"When I reflect on my experience at ALIM 2006, I think of new horizons up ahead, and the challenges of the future for us as Muslims in America. With the Prophet (saw), the Sahabah, and the generations that followed as a backdrop, knowing that we will never even come to their shoe tops. However, with what we have had deposited in us by our beloved scholars we can at least rest in the awareness that just walking under the bar that has been set for us by them, we can hopefully make a better life for ourselves as Muslims and contribute something special to our families, our communities, and our nation. Let this be our prayer and let their be no turning back. "
~Abu Muhammad

ALIM ALIM ALIM- An ALIM grad ought to know better

"An ALIM grad ought to know that life is too short, too wonderful and too complicated to engage in useless conversations. An ALIM grad simply listens and understands that they are not the only tree in the forest. An ALIM grad is empowered with a scholar’s mind, a mind that resonates with years of experience, learnedness, and patience: a mind of Shaykh Ali, Imam Muneer, and Dr. Jackson.

An ALIM grad is now content with what Allah requires of him, and is pleased to serve him. An ALIM grad starts his journey grasping for air and ends the journey inhaling pure clean intoxicating air.

As an ALIM Grad my experience was fulfilled with a love and content of Allah, Islam, The Prophet (pbuh), its history, contributions, and the manifestations that came about from the classroom extending to the dorm rooms. I not only learned what is required to be a Muslim but also as a human and what it means to be part of the human experience.

This past month will always echo in my actions and understanding of my life. The life long brotherhood and the opportunity to develop relationships with the scholars was what made this month one of the most memorable of my life"
~ Adam Motiwala

In the name of Allah the most Beneficent and the most Merciful. The Creator and Sustainer.

"It is in Him that I seek refuge and it is Him that I find solace. It is only He who is worthy of worship and it is only He who is free of any need or partner.

The value of time is priceless; no matter how hard we search it is something that one can never gain more of. What is allotted to us is allotted to us. It is this characteristic of time which makes it so valuable and yet so wasted.

But this month at ALIM is something that, inshaAllah, will not be of the category of wasted time. The bonds that one makes here are worth the time spent to attain them. And the perspective one gains will, iA, be of benefit.

For indeed a time will come when we will desire more time, but it will be too late. And indeed a time will come when we seek the comforts of our world but they will be of no avail. Because from the moment we are born we are constantly being chased by death, and if there is a universal amongst humanity it is surely that everyone must face death. As such, any time spent increasing in eman will be of benefit. Because 3 things follow you to your grave but only 1 remains. Your family and wealth accompany you to your resting place but as soon as the dirt covers your body they leave you, but our deeds, good or bad, remain with us. iA this last month can be of those deeds that will be a joy for us. Not only in this life but in the hereafter as well.

And if I have wronged anyone then forgive me, and if you feel as if I have wronged you then please forgive me for it was not my intent to do so. May Allah raise us amongst His righteous slaves, and may we meet again, in the best of this world and in the best of the hereafter."

Ws
~ One of your brothers from cali.

Assalaamu alaikum

"My ALIM experience was a really pleasurable one and its benefits came two fold. I was privileged enough to meet some amazingly nice brother’s from all over America and even some from different parts of the world and I think that was the most pleasant part of the whole trip. But also being able to sit with some very knowledgeable teachers was also amazing and to sit and listen to their views and gain from their knowledge is something that I would prescribe on anyone who is at all interested in the beauty of Islam.

The program stresses often that it is not here to give the students an Imam boost, rather a different insight into Islam, however it sure left me wanting to do more for Islam and the different views and opinions I received allows me to take it back to where I came from. I feel really happy that there are so many amazing brothers and sisters who are striving for the best interest of the religion and I pray Allah rewards them with the highest levels of Jannah.

I am already sad with the idea of going home - the nature of spending time with those whom you get close to and sitting with the teachers naturally binds you together. I will be really sad when I have to leave these guys. I have grown to love them dearly and made some great friends. I hope that I will be able to see them again and keep in close contract."
~ Assad (London)

"My major reason for coming to ALIM 2006 was because I felt that the knowledge I had as an American Muslim was sorely lacking, especially for one who wishes to make a positive impact in this society. For example, I was completely unable to follow the basic terminology that people throw around in lectures and halaqas, whether they refer to sects, fiqh, history, or anything else. Additionally, I felt totally inadequate defending or explaining our beautiful deen when I talked to non-Muslims, especially on the more controversial issues. As a result of my lack of understanding, my spirituality and overall confidence was at an all-time low, and I knew that I needed to do something to help myself.

While ALIM did give me a lot of the background knowledge I was searching for, it also endowed me with many other things that I didn’t expect. For example, ALIM gave me the ability to think critically about many of the concerns within Islam. All of the students also benefit strongly from the lecturers that make this program possible, especially Dr. Jackson, Dr. Fareed, and Shaykh Ali, who are some of the most dynamic personalities I have ever encountered. Finally, the sense of brotherhood that one finds here far surpassed anything I could have asked for, and I will keep in touch with the friends I made here long after the program ends. To be completely honest, I have never had a better sense of the potential Islam has than during my experience at ALIM 2006. "
~ Fareed Riyaz

"The knowledge and wisdom I have acquired at ALIM will be so beneficial in the future. This program did more than just bombard me with tons of Islamic facts, but actually opened my mind up to new ways of thinking. All of the core scholars possess unique qualities that made them essential elements to the program. Dr. Jackson with his dynamic speech, sincerity, and practicability on Islamic application, Sheikh Ali with his supreme humbleness and grandfather-like wisdom (“You can’t not love Sheikh Ali”), and Dr. Fareed with his incredible intelligence and expansive historical knowledge.

The scholars opened my eyes up to the human elements of Islamic history and made me realize that not all of it was so glorious. Muslims have been taught this selective sanctified history that wasn’t always true. I have learned the place for tolerance and diversity within Islam that I didn’t know existed. The program has left me with a new sense of courage, and moral balance. I am more comfortable and able to encounter non-Muslims as well as Muslims with different practices. Dr. Jackson really makes a lot of sense when he explains that we have to be real Muslims and stop living these Islamic ideals. I will never forget his quote, “We have to be real and work towards the ideal, because if were living an ideal, life will force the real out of you” The program helped me to understand that in life, there are
many ways of doing things, and Islam is no exception. Inshallah, I will be able to take the wisdom I have learned and better my self, my community, and in the end become close to Allah."
~ Hanif Abdul-Majeed

"ALIM is a great program that is unmatched in its engaging and thoughtful education of Islam. ALIM opened my mind and heart to a whole new realm of Islamic knowledge, thinking, and attitude about Islam and Humanity, which differed in many respects to what I had been fed throughout the many years of Sunday schools and Islamic conventions. In ALIM I had an excellent opportunity to learn about the “inside track” of what Islam was and is really about in this day and age. By that I mean that I received an unadulterated true account on a lot of topics ranging from the sahabah to the prophet. I learned through formal and informal methods about Islam and our role in this society. I enjoyed the personal time that I spent with the scholars in which they would divulge wisdom and knowledge that I tried to soak up to use when I got back home. Where else can you get this?

I enjoyed the time I spent with my brothers playing basketball, soccer, ping pong, or pool. Before I arrived at this program I thought playing games was the last thing I would do however it became something like a routine. The trips to other mosques, restaurants, and landmarks were awesome. It gave me a new perspective on the diversity of Dearborn and Detroit.

The real fun comes in the classroom and meeting people from all over the world who have come for a common cause: learning Islam. I really enjoyed ALIM because it gave me a bigger picture of Islam and our true role in society. I enjoyed the teachers who were not oblivious to the realities we as young Muslims face day in day out. What I mean is that they interact with you like they really know your situation but with the wisdom that is beyond what many of us receive back at home.

I view my experience at ALIM, among other things, as a launch pad to greater Islamic knowledge. I thank all the people involved with this program. They did a wonderful job. They rekindled my thirst for Islamic knowledge."
~ Ismail Husain

"My experience at the ALIM program likens unto dawn: just as the radiate, burning sphere sun with its tenuous strands of light ascends above the darkness of an early morning sky cloaked with the massive expanses of gray morning clouds, bathed with feigning white celestial lights and sprinkled with distant, seemingly imperceptible stars to efface the blackness of twilight, so has the ALIM program—with its unorthodoxy being the metaphorical strings of light—succeeded in shedding some much needed illumination into the oblivion of my dim comprehension of this truly beautiful religion and of humanity in its entirety. This program has bestowed upon me not only a deep, resounding love for Islam, its history, and its contributors, not only a sense of brotherhood, but ALIM has also endowed me with a profound comprehension of humanity, the true human experience, and—most importantly—my places within the latter two. In the company of the scholars, doctors, and Muslims from literally around the world, I learned the true essence of the religious experience. Listening to and participating in animated lectures and discussion of relevant historical analyses and controversial contemporary issues infused me with a more pristine, mature and realistic mentality, as oppose to the ignorant and quixotic mentality I found myself harboring and feeding at the outset of my conversion (or reversion). The weekly jaunts to local mosques and community centers in the Detroit area opened my encrusted eyes to the varying actualities of the Muslim presence in America. Lastly (but surely not least), the presence, intimacy and proximity of mythical scholars of Islam—with their resonating profundity of speech and insight--energized and strengthened my conviction (imam).

It is with immense and utter despair that I must recognize and come to terms with the reality of Time, its potency over man (surely by Allah’s will), and its inevitable impact on the totality of all creation. I watched with great remorse as the light of ALIM—much like the sun—slowly set behind the horizon of time, distance, and circumstance. I watched as newfound friends and stellar, intellectual imparters of wisdom waltzed out my Life. I watched with regret as another influential epoch of life and of my Muslim experience faded beyond the darkness and into the abyss of the Past. The finality of lectures, group meals and photos, twilight soccer games, and sessions of “Taboo” enveloped me with an deep sense of despondency. However, despite this inevitable, the wisdom and knowledge that ALIM has provided me will always burn brightly and with an unceasing fervor (Insha’Allah—God willing). Now, though the program for me has long ended and though it has long since sunken below the seemingly infinite vastness of time and space, the knowledge and understanding rest and is ingrained perennially in my heart and mind. Invigorated and Revitalized I am…and thus shall I make a difference."
~ Yunus

"I believe that what is taught at the ALIM Program is something that every young Muslim should learn. The fact is, a typical Sunday school education, while sufficient to instill a sense of Islam in our youth, is often inadequate to prepare the generations of Muslims who grow up in America to reconcile their Islamic heritage and their everyday realities of living here. Having gone through the institutions of higher learning in America, I found both the substance and style of what was taught at ALIM especially relevant. Many times, Muslim responses to criticisms fall short of the intellectual rigor necessary to engage in any meaningful discourse. Especially in light of the current world's view of Islam, apologetic answers simply won't cut it anymore. However, that is not to say that Islamic tradition is irrelevant; indeed, it is the foundation from which any consequential discussions can take place. What I liked most about the ALIM Program, therefore, was it's extensive (given the amount of time available) treatment of the traditional sciences and Islamic history so as to give students grounding in our past. Throughout the learning process, many contemporary (and often controversial) issues were raised and the scholars did a remarkable job of critically engaging the students to look beyond polemics and platitudes in order to uncover the real essence of issues. For example, issues that many Muslims living in the West have difficulties justifying to our non-Muslim friends were tackled head on and thoroughly. The scholars were serious, humorous, terse, garrulous, cordial and sometimes downright brutal—but always engaging and enlightening

In addition to the classes, there are other aspects of the program as well. The camaraderie and 'asabiyah' that we developed are something that can only be had in an environment like this. The food was alright and the planning and coordination hit a few snags. And I can only imagine that the reason for living where we did was to give us a sense of how hot hell must be. But the purpose of the program was to teach us about Islam in all its aspects. In that sense, it achieved it purpose and more. JazakAllah"
~ Zubair Chao

"As a counselor and first time attendee of the ALIM program, I am going to have to write two reflections, one as a student and the other as a counselor.

I feel very lucky to have had the chance of being the brothers’ counselor for the 2006 ALIM program. I think I can take bragging rights in saying that our group of guys was probably the best group any previous ALIM year has seen. After going through some ice breakers and trying to get to know some of the students and seeing them interacting with themselves, I started to see a high potential for good chemistry and mutual respect in our group. My approach from that point on was just to take a more laid back and minimal approach in terms of imposing rules and regulations, and allowing more space for friendship development and bonding. I found this to be very effective in creating a positive atmosphere that was continuously uplifting and encouraging towards one another. We definitely bonded quickly as a group, and all shared the responsibilities of waking each other up for fajr, setting up the lecture halls and other fun related stuff. Again, I did not have to do much.

Even though my counselor responsibilities took a good deal of my time, my primary goal in attending the program was to benefit as a student – and that I definitely did. Though there was so much material I had never been exposed to, even the material that I was familiar with beforehand was taught in a way that was new and original in its applicability to our society and times. More than anything I feel I have built a foundation of knowledge and understanding that will be the base of future studies and readings. My only regret is not having attended ALIM before."
~ Kiarash

"It’s often the sudden, last minute decisions that can have a lasting effect on one’s life. My decision to come to ALIM was just that. I decided just a few days before the beginning of the program to attend, and was quite unsure what to expect. As I went through the program, I realized just how much of a paradigm shift needs to occur in order for our communities to flourish. From Dr. Jackson’s Sirah class to Sheikh Ali’s account of the development of Aqidah, I was introduced to an entirely new perspective of traditional knowledge.

My experience at ALIM was unlike any other because the knowledge that I gained far transcended what can be captured within the confines of a book. The factual knowledge we gained was complemented by a deeper understanding of the intricacies of the deen. ALIM provided an unbiased, often times painfully true view of Islam and Muslims. On one hand I was forced to break out of my comfortable bubble and face up to the challenges that Muslims face in establishing a strong and lasting identity in America. On the other hand, the scholars inspired us with their brilliant insights and thought provoking questions that empowered us to return to our communities and work for effective change. The scholarship of the teachers, their willingness to openly address any pressing issues and their genuine concern for the intellectual and spiritual development of their students led to an intense learning experience. The former combined with the experience of living with a dynamic group of incredibly smart and genuinely kind girls allowed me to gain a better understanding of myself, my religion and my relationship with Allah.

As I look back, I realize that there is nothing more that I could have asked for from this experience. Coming to ALIM was a last minute decision that I will definitely benefit from for years to come."
~ Aisha Ahmed

"It’s hard to convey in words the frustration, understanding, and love for Islam I felt at the end of this program. Each day my Imam (frankly, the little I did have) was put to the test--at times, ripped apart. Yet gradually I found that this internal wrestling and introspection summed into greater trust and faith in not only God, but myself. As Imam Muneer memorably puts it, this is just like weight lifting with your faith. Though our muscles and Imam will be torn and sore, they will inevitably be stronger.

From the very first day I was enamored and humbled by the scholars and fellow students. By the end of Dr. Jackson’s seerah class I had genuine affection and respect for the Prophet (pbuh). Truly, I had no idea I could feel such emotion about the Prophet (pbuh), until Dr. Jackson described intimately his death in Aisha’s arms. This is exactly how ALIM feels: intimate. The renowned scholars will be within arms reach, have lunch with you, laugh with you, scream at you, and give you some of the most profound and personal thoughts you will ever hear.

Yet, this is not the only source from which I drew personal growth. I could not have asked for a warmer, smarter, or kinder group of girls to have spent the summer with. As cheesy as this probably sounds, the most difficult part about ALIM wasn’t dealing with my understanding of Islam being flipped upside down--as hard as that was; It was saying goodbye to the girls."
~ Ammara Abbasi

"ALIM 2006 was an experience that I’ll never forget, only because I feel I’ve learned what I wouldn’t have been able to anywhere else. Not only do the scholars teach you more here than they would in a university, but you benefit from the motivated and intellectual atmosphere that they bring as well. Everyone attending is here for the same purpose: to learn from some of America’s best Muslim scholars. And this shared incentive allows us to build relationships and bonds that you won’t find anyone else.

I’ll never forget the people I met here and the experiences we had together, and Inshallah I’ll be seeing more of them in the future. I will take everything I learned from this program, both in and out of the classroom, with me forever. And I feel like I’ve gotten the inspiration I’ve always needed to explore the many facets of my Muslim identity. Islam’s rich history and vibrant culture are very important for our interpretation of it today. Only when we truly understand all of this, can we really seek fulfillment and contentment as Muslim Americans in today’s world. The scholars do a wonderful job in laying the foundations for this type of understanding, and if given the opportunity to do so, I highly recommend that you take it!"
~ Annum Masroor

"Within one month, the ALIM program succeeded in tearing down almost every fabric of the foundation of my Islam and forced me rebuild it, piece by intricate piece. This slow reconstruction put me in a situation to reexamine my beliefs and perceptions of Islam, people, and the world. ALIM worked to correct misconception, offering a diverse unrestricted display of the realities of Islam. The program did more than simply present the rulings and the facts, but it also demonstrated the workings and processes of Islam. Providing an intimate environment, ALIM also gave me the opportunity to be surrounded by the company of diverse students and a team of the some of the most brilliant and insightful scholar, who challenged my intellect and my values. After physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion, I have secured a better understanding and appreciation of the multiple aspects of Islam, its resilience and pluralistic nature. Throughout, this whole process, I have gained memories, gone through experiences, and met people I will never forget. "
~ Hamnah T Siddiqui

"I came to ALIM to improve my relationship with Allah. On the surface it would seem that ALIM's intellectual approach would not create an environment suited to this goal. However, ALIM scholars have given me a perspective that I know will inform my personal relationship with Allah as well as my dealings with my community and the world. Having a better understanding of the sources of Islamic knowledge such as the Quran and Hadith have strengthened my faith. Understanding how the Prophet and his successors were human being with both strength and nobility has given me hope. Lastly, the sisterhood earned by spending a month in a shared pursuit of knowledge and understanding is invaluable. I leave ALIM with a better understanding of my purpose as a Muslim in my world and an appreciation of the dedication of ALIM organizers and scholars."
~ Sara Mujahid

"Just as many of the people before me ALIM transformed my perspective on Islam. Dr. Jackson, Sheikh Ali, and Imam Muneer together provided a good balance of the traditional, the provocative, the old and the new. The scholars and organizers provided a safe space to analyze and question my Islamic beliefs, and constantly challenged every student to do so. Not only did I benefit from the classes, but the diversity of people I met and the impressions they made on me made my experience rewarding. Our Friday field trips and extracurricular activities provided an opportunity to foster new friendships and reflect on many of the subjects we learned in class. ALIM's overall message of tolerance and self evaluation will stay with me forever, inshallah. I encourage everyone to take time out of their schedules and attend ALIM--it is extremely difficult to walk away from this experience without being eternally changed."
~ Anonymous

" I'll admit that I came into this program oblivious to the problems of our society and not knowing what I can do to improve or where I can start. The first thing I learned was that I have to improve myself then understand the bigger picture before I can bring any sort of effective change to my community. When I was told that I was one of the youngest ones, it made me have second thoughts about coming to ALIM because I felt I wouldn't know what I was going learn about and how I was going to handle it. I'll admit it was overwhelming in the beginning with the different teaching styles of the scholars which I believe was very effective in the end. The scholars left a lasting impression on my mind which I believe was very effective. I not only learned about the many aspects of Islam but also myself and other sisters who came from different backgrounds with different experiences to share. Now, I'm leaving with new good habits, meaningful friendships, and a different perspective of the world. I'm glad I came."
~ Anonymous

"I have never felt as young as I have this summer at ALIM. At age 16, I am definitely the youngest, with some students who are only a couple of years older, and some who are double, maybe even triple my age. What I can say now, at the end of ALIM is that I learned a lot, not only from the scholars about my religion, but from the mature Muslim environment that I was surrounded by. I leave ALIM with not only a new sense of Imam and a number of new friends, but with a knowledge that has given me stronger means of representing my religion. For some of the elder attendees, ALIM must have definitely been a great program, but for me at the age I am at, it was a life changing experience. I love and will miss every student, every scholar, and every organizer at ALIM, and I can sincerely say that my summer at ALIM is one that I will never forget."
~ Nushmia Khan

"Looking back at this month there are several aspects of ALIM that come to mind: the scholars’ intriguing classes, the sisterhood, the Friday field trips, and the deep discussions outside of class. Each one of us comes in to this program with our own vision of Islam and the scholars help you critically evaluate what you know. The scholars each have their unique style in presenting their perspective on Islam: Dr. Jackson’s dynamic stories and lectures on the Seerah, Imam Muneer’s engaging class discussions, and Sheikh Ali’s warm approach to Fiqh. This program inspires you to continue on your quest for knowledge and to be a more active Muslim within your community."
-Mariam Siddiqui

"I came into ALIM with an arrogant, tempo-centric, self-righteous state of mind and left extremely humbled and empowered. Dr. Jackson’s dynamic narrative brought the Seerah to life and instilled within me a deeper appreciation for our beloved Prophet (SAW), not only as a role model but as a human. Dr. Fareed forced me to question the very reason of my existence and beliefs. At times, it seemed like my world was crumbling around me. However, the critical analysis of my beliefs and the many facets of Islam enabled me to appreciate the complexity and pluralistic nature of this deen and everything seemed to come back together. It is with this renewed and holistic view of Islam that I leave ALIM."
~ Nur Zeinomar

"Alhumdulillah, Jazakallah Khair to ALIM staff and organizers. I have benefited in ways known (discovered), unknown (not yet discovered). The multi dimensional look at belief and practices was profoundly ingeniously implemented. The communitive commonalities brought about the greatest sense of awareness, appreciation, closeness…..

The bonds among both professors, students, brother to brother, sister to sister where both unsolicited and unabatedly obtained."

All praises to Allah
Jazakallah khair
May Allah grant us all light upon light
~ Zubaidah

"I can’t tell you how I’ve changed through the ALIM program or how it has affected me. Quite frankly, I’m just not sure yet. I know I have changed, rather then feeling that I have, but I know I will become more aware of the extent ALIM has changed me once I am back at home, and struggling to implement what I’ve learned this past month. There are things you learn at ALIM you know you’re not going to bring up at dinner or at the next community gathering, but there are things that you know will forever impact the way you see Islam and the Muslim around you. Now we are about to embark on ALIM stage II, dealing with what we’ve learned away from the isolated environment of Madonna University.

I know the way I look at Islam will never be the same. Right now, though, I’m still reeling, trying to contextualize, associate and define, but I’m sure I will have to go over all my notes, the recordings, and handouts to truly get the most out of the ALIM experience. There is only so much you can understand and retain while being sleep deprived. The “mental furniture” that has been shifting this past month will finally get a chance to settle down, once the mere threat of having the rug pulled out from beneath me has dissipated.

Nothing can be completely perfect, of course. I definitely have regrets, like not participating more in class and in discussions. But all the good I’ve gleamed from the program, such as being in great classes and meeting some wonderful people, outweigh any and all regrets. Before I came I thought coming to ALIM was just an opportunity that once shouldn’t pass up. Now I know that’s true."
~ Anonymous

" For me, ALIM was more than just an enlightening academic program in Islamic studies. It was the development of a new mindset, a new way of looking at Islam and my relationship with Allah. Over the course of just one month I felt a major evolution take place within me as I was continually exposed to the many different facets and interpretations of Islamic studies. Rather than endorse one particular understanding, the scholars challenged me to open my mind to differences of opinion and to come to my own educated conclusions. Furthermore, the scholars took my understanding of Islam to a higher level by placing it in the context of real life circumstances (rather than just abstraction) and constantly integrating major life lessons into the subject matter.

It is clear that their well-developed teaching methods have grown from extensive experience and a sincere commitment to the intellectual and spiritual development of their students. I particularly appreciate the way in which the scholars challenged my biases and assumptions and showed me how to detect and address them within myself. Thus I feel prepared and empowered to engage in my faith more critically and honestly, and to agonize through difficult issues in a constructive way. I no longer feel intimidated by my faith, but rather I feel closer to it and more excited to learn more about it. Now that the scholars have provided me with the "big picture" of Islam, it is my job to make sure that I never lose sight of it as I continue developing my relationship with Allah, my relationships with others, and trying to make a meaningful contribution to this world. Lastly, I feel that ALIM has combined the best of both academic and religious studies. This accomplishment is so rare and yet Muslim-Americans are in such dire need of it.

The most important things I am taking from this program are a deep confidence in my Muslim-American identity and a phenomenal network of diverse and dedicated students who are now to me like family.
~ Sarah Rashid

"Having had attended ALIM in the past I was certain that I knew exactly what I was getting into. Thirty days of learning, fun, bonding, and exciting activities. A tough first week, a black out in the middle of the program, ending with an emotional departure that caught me by surprise. That was what I had expected coming into the program this year… only this year was going to be different. As counselor this year, I had the responsibility of making sure twenty one girls have a summer just as amazing as the one I had experienced three years earlier. Little did I know this year would be entirely different for me. Week one was right on target, it felt like a year. The next three weeks brought a lot of fun times and a perhaps a few troubles as it flew by. I had to keep one thing in mind that my only intention was to make this experience as beautiful for others as it was for me.

The group of sisters presented to the ALIM program this year were amazing. Each unique in her own way and each very independent and strong. From the start I thought, “I know I’m lucky to have an amazing group like this one”. As you each go your own ways, I only ask this of you, please remember the good times you had here. Never forget the difficulties we faced, as they are lessons to us all, something we will one day look back at and think, just maybe we are stronger because of it. Remember the friendships you have made, remember the classes you learned so much from. Remember your teachers, forgive their shortcomings, remember their enthusiasm and energy and remember to pray for them. I ask you each to remember that I wanted to give you each an experience that you would treasure and I want you to know that all those involved wanted the best for you.

As we part, remember that my feelings have not changed. I love you each dearly for the beautiful people that you are. I will continue to pray for you each, for your success, and for your happiness. Always remember that the bonds you made here are ones that are unique; they are special, a blessing, never forget that. Remember each other in your duas. Remember all the laughs, perhaps some tears, and that strange feeling inside you that you felt on the last day as you bid a temporary farewell to your life long sisters who you were blessed to meet just twenty eight days earlier. Stay in touch with each other and always remember each other in your duas. You are on this earth for the same purpose and facing many of the same challenges. You are each other’s strength now, honor that blessing and responsibility and thank Allah (SWT) for it every day. May Allah (SWT) bless you and protect you all always."
Much Love, your sister,
~ Hanaa

Wanna read more reflections?
Click here to read the reflections from ALIM Summer 2005