Our faith played the largest role in our decision. There are many in Islam who say birthdays are haram; I’m not comfortable going that far, and I’m not the haram police. It seems to me that it can enter the realm of idolizing, albeit just for one day. Strangely, what seems to bother people the most about our decision is the lack of presents. Really, is that what matters? I mean, I’d like to think that the moments that stick in my girlies’ heads now and when they are older are made up not of wrapping paper and plastic, but instead the bits of joy in the time we spent together. Stuff is just stuff – and our decision to cut out the gift-giving part of birthdays falls in with our increasing interest in minimalism. I can’t reconcile myself to a surplus of new possessions when my Prophet (peace be upon him) and his companions were so bereft of items to eat or sell for food that they routinely went around with rocks tied to their stomachs to allay the hunger pangs. I am a soft, modern, wimp. Yes I am. The least I can do is try harder in the way I feel is best.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
minimalist inspiration
i discovered two wonderful blogs
