Ep 29 – Not a Controversy

In this episode of Matcha Talk, Samia and Samar have a lighthearted conversation about:

• Global Mawlid celebrations
• How it is *not* a controversy – as per dictionary definition
• Importance of celebrating diversity in thought
• Finding the purpose of celebrations in spirituality
• Looking for ways of growth and fulfillment
• Samar’s longboard learning adventure
• Push vs. Pull goals

+ MENTIONS

Sacred Footsteps Instagram Account (look for highlights titled “Global Mawlid)

BASIC BREAKDOWN

This episode of Matcha Talk begins with the mention of the poll on instagram where the listeners requested wanting an audio version of the episodes available on YouTube as well.

Samar reminds everyone to not forget to use #matchatalk to have an online discussion.

Samia shares a little of what to expect in this episode where Samar wrote that she wants to share a life dream and Samia wants to share something about global celebrations on the Islamic tradition.

Samia begins by sharing an awesome Instagram account, Sacred Footsteps, that she just came across where they are showing history and travel from a Muslim’s perspective. Normally, huge celebrations happen during mawlid but due to COVID, it was not possible. She said it was wonderful to see all of the little celebrations happening throughout the world – in Spain, in southwest Asia, Middle East, in the US.

Samia mentions that we have something like this, a mawlid where some people celebrate it and some don’t, then there are some people who are in extremes on both sides. But if we are going to a scholastic tradition, there is a debate and as long as there is a debate, then both opinions are equally respected.

Samar reminds everyone that we are not scholars and to not take fiqh from us.

Samia mentions how beautiful it was to see different ways people are “Musliming.”

Samar says it is beautiful to see people celebrating the same thing with their cultural panache. She shares her Indonesian friend’s experience where for Eid, they get together and apologize for offenses that may have occurred before this Eid. They legitimately do this and hold fast to this, it is not a lip service.

They continue a discussion over cultural appreciation and loving diversity in traditions and values. It would be great to see more Muslims sharing of how the international Muslim community celebrates spiritual holidays.

Samia shares her experience where she would love to see more spirituality in holidays rather than the emphasis on cultural differences. She pulls out the definition of Controversy and classifies Mawlid as not being a controversy at all, rather just a difference of opinion. What is clearly wrong is takfeer that happens as a result of Muslims not having manners while discussing such nuanced issues. Samia shares how she does not like to use this word, “Controversy” in relation to Mawlid.

Samar shares her story where she had been wanting to learn long boarding for so long but she stifled that desire for years for one reason or another. By fate of circumstances, her coworker offered to teach long boarding to Samar and she was taken by surprise. So she managed to learn something which had been wanting for a long time in a manner that just has to be Divinely Ordained.

Samia shares the pull vs. push goals and how Samar’s long boarding seemed to have fallen in the “pull goals” category.