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Emerging Voices - Issue 1 - January 2004 |
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Emerging Voices Hi there! AA, This is the first issue of the first volume of Emerging Voices of ISNA High, the brand-new newsletter of ISNA High School. I'm proud to introduce this hip new way to convey messages and notices to all the students and staff. We tried to make this newsletter as interesting as possible and tried our best to include things you want. I would appreciate it very much if ISNA High students contributed any piece of writing from a course that involves informative and imaginative writing. And guys, remember, you can always give us your U. S. S. W. entries! Anything will be greatly appreciated and I hope this newsletter will help the voices of ISNA High emerge. Wasalam, Hira Khan Editor "My Dream" Manal Rostom I look into her eyes, they are lost, confused. Her mind is fresh, alive, and ready to learn. I take her young mind, still growing and mold into something new. She does not know, does not understand, but from the moment I begin teaching her, I am determined to get through her. At first, it is hopeless. She does not respond, but I do not lose hope. She seems to be affected afterwards but there is no real change. I am so close to giving up, so close to the edge of my cliff. But then, I see creases on her forehead- she is thinking, analyzing. There is hope yet. I cannot wait until I've opened up her mind and can jump right in, but my dream is still a long road away, and there will be barriers on that road. Often, I get frustrated. My head wants to explode in rage, but my heart tells me to look into her eyes, to see the hidden treasures in her mind. I don't give up; I work harder. Then one day, when I'm breathless, tired and about to give up, I feel a sudden surge of energy run through her body. She is shaking. I look up and her face is flushed. I look into her eyes and I feel a veil has been removed from them. She can see, she understands. Her face, overwhelmed, amazed at the immense world around her, is overjoyed with the sudden muse. She is a new person, a changed person; she sees life differently. I'm changed as well. She completes a part of me I never knew was empty. My happiness and satisfaction flows through my whole body. I have given her knowledge- she has given me more: she has helped me drink from the cup of life. The Drifter Berina Gacanin Once I was, Now I'm not. Once I loved, Now I hate. Once I felt joy Now I feel pain. Now all that's left is my boat I am a drifter drifting afloat. "Love is not the attribute of the self-righteous and the perfect. It is the attribute of the humble, those who have realized their own nothingness, those who have failed in love." (From The Knowing Heart) Heaven Madlin Al-Ali River sweet flowing nectar Honey-milk at my feet I'm young My beauty everlasting I eat ripe fruits Wear fine green silk. I am tranquility. Peace surrounds me Here I live for eternity. God Osman Hersi O sovereign of day and night You are light upon light You sent us a guide And by it we abide You command, we obey: we are mere clay; God make us virtuous, You love those who are righteous; To You we pray Creator of day Our Creator Most exalted Sustainer. Surah-al-Baqarah 2 - verse 4 2: 4: And who believe in the Revelation sent to them, and sent before the time and (in their hearts) they have the assurance of the Hereafter. This ayah talks about the believers' faith in the Quran. It is trying to explain to the Muslims how significant the Quran is to us and Allah (SWT) tells us that if we have a strong faith in the truth of this holy text, then we are assured of a positive hereafter. If we truly read the words of Allah (SWT) and follow the guidance given to us, we would surely become one of the lucky people who enter the gates of Heaven. The believers are given the assurance from Allah (SWT) of a positive end: deep in their hearts they know they would enter paradise and this motivates them to do even more good deeds. Just because we believe we have done enough good deeds to please Allah (SWT) doesn't mean we stop doing them, because being constant in our actions is what Allah (SWT) loves to see from His followers. So, entering the gates of heaven is not hard at all, it is all written in the Quran; all we have to do is follow its teachings and deal with our obstacles as commanded to us by Allah (SWT) Nida Shahid "When someone truly changes his/her mind, s/he o has changed the most powerful device that was ever given to him/her for change" (From The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem) Strength Ahmed Mudathir Strength comes in many ways Learn to respect yourself and your mind will be at home; mental strength is stronger than physical ability; mental endurance is nobler than physical mobility; don't rush life; don't rush yourself. Time teaches Strengthens; True strength is wisdom And true wisdom is strength. Remember to use your mind Before your fist Mind over matter Rids all risks. Racism Isa Ramadan Do you remember When we used to pray For racism to go away? Still, puddles of blood- covered street; Still people pull their trigger A I have a st and sh we black,white
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