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by Omar Sallam Writing is a word that elicits many emotions. For a student, it is a nightmare that grows with a looming deadline. For a writer of a will, it serves as a dilemma. For a novelist, however, it is long lived committed love. Regardless of time, place, culture, or age group, words in their written or spoken form are one of the most powerful experiences along the journey of life. With words we start a day, break the ice in a newly formed group, and end conversations. Words formally form a family in Islam and word ends them as well. Words are what enter you into faith and others considered blasphemy remove you from it. Words have started wars between countries, and others have started an internal war of doubt within us or even depression. Human blood was first shed, not much later than a word of threat. One of the sons of Prophet Adam, driven by envy, threatened his brother that he will “kill” him. Sadly, he would carry out this indescribable act. More regretfully, humans are still struggling to minimize killing in a military-driven world politics scene.
On the contrary to this example, the word “read” would break the silence in the Hira' cave and spark the light of faith in Arabia. The same Qur'an that started with the word “read” would gradually shatter the internal idols that people followed all the way to the actual statue idols fostering not only a community but a whole world civilization. It is also in the same Qur'an we learn that every word we say we are held accountable for. With such knowledge of their value and a realization of their potential, we must ask, why not use words as a cultural tool? At a time of discontent with globalization, world trade agreements, and unjust economical policies, we are seldom told to invest in one our greatest treasures, our words. In fact the Qur'an highlights that the ability of expression in understandable and eloquent way is a distinguishing human characteristic. Reflecting on this uniqueness, along with the investment value of words, their emotional power, and historical influence we are glad to open a previously closed door on our website to receive articles and contributions. We are hoping that through this door, words can enter and walk straight into our hearts to touch them, since hearts are the key to positive change. Take part in this change, and warm up your pens or keyboards! Send us your gems; you words! Yearning hearts and minds await! |
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