SKYWALKER: The Art of Faith-Life Balance

by Noor H. Salem

SkyWalker came to town, and no, it’s not related to Star Wars. It was an extraordinary event which came to the Tawheed Center of Farmington Hills on Saturday, and brought many with their new year’s resolution baggage. Almost one hundred students joined for a OneLink workshop hosted by Qabeelah Ittihaad Michigan.

The speaker, Dr. Nasser Karimian, did a remarkable job motivating the students to walk away inspired, motivated, and ready to take on their goals. He gave motivational words to take back control, strengthen your weaknesses, and balance your life, properly. “Failing to plan, is planning to fail,” he said, as he continuously interacted with his audience.

The entire workshop was structured into five main areas of life: intellectually, spiritually, physically, socially, and financially. With each section being better than the last, Dr. Nasser had some students sitting on the edge of their seats. Dr. Nasser affirmed how the community has serious imbalance; if you are aiming to pray Fajr in the first row every day, but are not merciful to your family, or harm those around you with your tongue, then you are imbalanced. If you are trying to be at optimal health and are obsessed with your physical appearance, yet, you backbite, slander, lie, or cheat, you are spiritually empty.

While going through all five stages, Dr. Nasser gave incredible tips for habitual change. “Have a bookshelf, and allow your children to follow by example,” he stated as he preached the importance of reading, daily.

Moreover, Dr. Nasser advised to have a time for yourself every day to read, while putting away your phone or computer to minimize distractions. Learn, self-develop, and share beneficial gem with others.

While covering the importance of spiritually and social skills, Dr. Nasser quoted the Qu’ranic verses and ahadith and summed up with,

“Say good or remain silent. Control your temper. Mind your business. Treat others as you like to be treated.”

He promised that if you were to follow these four simple pieces of advice, subsequently you will transform your character remarkably.

As the Prophet (saw) advises us, in the famous hadith:

“Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him say something good, or else remain silent.” [Sunan Ibn Majah Book 36, Hadith 46]

The day was full of interactive sessions, personal development tips, question and answer sessions, and a surplus of inspirational guidance.

OneLink is the latest launch of Al Maghrib Institute, providing one day seminars for a twist to a full weekend tradition. Qabeelah Ittihaad Michigan, Al-Maghrib’s chapter of Southeast Michigan, was founded in 2005. As of today, the Qabeelah has hosted more than 69 seminars and one-day seminars. Their mission is to help their communities by providing them with opportunities to seek Islamic knowledge in a fun, engaging, and extraordinary way. It’s more than just sitting in a classroom and taking notes- bonds are built, memories are made, and seeds of friendship are planted. They’ve had more than four students complete the Al-Maghrib degree audit to its entirety, two of which are now Al-Maghrib instructors themselves.

The Qabeelah hosts seminars on various topics, covering Qur’anic Tafseer, pillars of faith, beautiful patience, Fiqh of marriage, modesty and clothing, ethics and manners in Islam, history, and many more heart-warming courses. Other than hosting seminars several times a year, Qabeelah Ittihaad’s volunteers get together to put their knowledge into action: they give back to their community. Of the many projects conducted, they’ve made almost 300 personal hygiene packages, brought hot food to a homeless shelter, helped pack clothing for the needy, and much more. They work as a team, strive as a team, and experience the incredible fruit of their efforts as a team, alike. Respect, integrity, manners, optimism, and helpfulness are all qualities of Qabeelah Ittihaad volunteers.

Dr. Nasser Karimian received his Bachelor of Arts of Degree from Concordia University with a Major in Religion and a Minor in Classical Arabic Language. He went on to earn a Master’s Degree in the History and Philosophy of Religion from the same university. In 2014, he completed the Bayyinah Dream Program and is currently studying under Sheikh Abdul Nasir Jangda at Qalam Seminary. He is also pursuing his Ph.D. from International Islamic University Of Malaysia (IIUM) in Usul al-Din and Comparative Religion. Dr. Nasser has traveled throughout the US, UK and Canada giving lectures on Islam to various Islamic youth groups.

The seminar lasted until the evening, but the inspiration and motivation walked out in the hearts of the students. It may not be the first day of this new year, but it definitely might have been the spark for many to initiate their goals- once and for all.