Muriel (Maryam) Simmons
Muriel Simmons is a teacher, poet, herbalist, speaker, and nursing mother's counselor. She has an Associate's degree in early childhood Education from the Community College of Philadelphia.
Muriel is also a member of the Mayor's Commission for Literacy in Philadelphia. She has been writing various literary works since 2005. and has written a book of poetry entitled, Poems from the Niche of the Heart. She is a member of: The Women's Wellness, The Jewels of Philadelphia, The Muslim Women Writers' Workshop International, The United Muslim Women's Conference in Philadelphia and the Regional Network. The Regional Network publishes brochures and books that support and educate both Muslim women and children. Muriel has been an educator of children from the range of infants up to and including high school, in Philadelphia PA and Camden, New Jersey.
She has also been a keynote speaker at the Women's Committee of Masjid As-Saffat Annual Women's Conference in Baltimore, Maryland. She is currently working as a learning coach for 2nd and 3rd graders in Philadelphia. Muriel is also in the process of writing a children's book, Socks on the Line. to be published in the fall of 2016. She currently resides in the Germantown section of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The following is Maryam's essay: Quranic Arabic is Essential Knowledge
Quranic knowledge opens the mind of the believer. The knowledge validates the secure life style that Allah (SWA) gifts us. The knowledge also brings clarity about the path of goodness, truth and righteousness this Quran brings to us. A firmness of knowing why one person would submit to the beautiful life of Islam is given. We have a direct connection to the Creator. One can understand the need for a life of safety and trust. There are those of Allah’s creation who do not agree that the language of the Quran, Arabic is essential.
Quranic language, Arabic allows one the direct connection needed to communicate with the Creator. There is communication we receive from every surah and the ayats contained within the surah. We are not just reciting the first Surah the Fatihah for practice; it is an introduction of the believer, ne who recites it and the Creator of it. The Creator, Allah, explains who is to the reciter. The exchange and communication takes place for the believer over seventeen or more times each day. Every time one recites the Fatihah.
The Quranic language knowledge helps us to understand what is required of a true believer. The length of each letter gains meaning. The speed of recitation allows us to hear the emphasis when needed. The rest between letters and words are also noted for our understanding. The way a surah begins can tell whom Allah is speaking to and why. The tone and pitch of the words and most importantly the message we are to gain from each and every word.
The knowledge that Allah endears our minds and souls will increase is a comfort we can get nowhere else in the universe, except from this book. I find that it comforts me to know when I see any Arabic word I can interpret it for myself. The struggle is worth every letter of not having to depend on what someone else believes on what is being said in ayats or a surah. I can say Alhamdulillah! This is what Allah is saying to me. It sounds and feels goods.
Submission is the most important component in the life of a Muslim. Quranic knowledge gives that reason to submit. There are Muslims who have submitted and have proven that it works. Praying every day does not feel like a chore or hardship but a pleasure. It opens more dialogue with your Creator. The ability to see the reward of what submission brings to those who make use of it becomes even clearer. Insight to roles of all creation that submit to the Creator is defined. All creation doesn’t just mean mankind but all that exists on earth and the entire universe. The ant, the spider, the elephant, the cow, and the camel and their roles of submission are seen and they are consistent in their duty. The sun when it rises and at its decline gives us a reason for the obedient submission of the entire universe.
All this wonder, amazement and understanding from our Creator. The birds in flight are a sign of why we should submit. We are only exposed to the part of the Universe Allah gives us. Every part of the universe bows too without pause. The knowledge gained allows use of the senses, to succumb. We will do it with great joy as does all of Allah’s creation. In doing so we preform a duty required by our Creator, which is complete, total and strict obedience.
Muriel is also a member of the Mayor's Commission for Literacy in Philadelphia. She has been writing various literary works since 2005. and has written a book of poetry entitled, Poems from the Niche of the Heart. She is a member of: The Women's Wellness, The Jewels of Philadelphia, The Muslim Women Writers' Workshop International, The United Muslim Women's Conference in Philadelphia and the Regional Network. The Regional Network publishes brochures and books that support and educate both Muslim women and children. Muriel has been an educator of children from the range of infants up to and including high school, in Philadelphia PA and Camden, New Jersey.
She has also been a keynote speaker at the Women's Committee of Masjid As-Saffat Annual Women's Conference in Baltimore, Maryland. She is currently working as a learning coach for 2nd and 3rd graders in Philadelphia. Muriel is also in the process of writing a children's book, Socks on the Line. to be published in the fall of 2016. She currently resides in the Germantown section of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The following is Maryam's essay: Quranic Arabic is Essential Knowledge
Quranic knowledge opens the mind of the believer. The knowledge validates the secure life style that Allah (SWA) gifts us. The knowledge also brings clarity about the path of goodness, truth and righteousness this Quran brings to us. A firmness of knowing why one person would submit to the beautiful life of Islam is given. We have a direct connection to the Creator. One can understand the need for a life of safety and trust. There are those of Allah’s creation who do not agree that the language of the Quran, Arabic is essential.
Quranic language, Arabic allows one the direct connection needed to communicate with the Creator. There is communication we receive from every surah and the ayats contained within the surah. We are not just reciting the first Surah the Fatihah for practice; it is an introduction of the believer, ne who recites it and the Creator of it. The Creator, Allah, explains who is to the reciter. The exchange and communication takes place for the believer over seventeen or more times each day. Every time one recites the Fatihah.
The Quranic language knowledge helps us to understand what is required of a true believer. The length of each letter gains meaning. The speed of recitation allows us to hear the emphasis when needed. The rest between letters and words are also noted for our understanding. The way a surah begins can tell whom Allah is speaking to and why. The tone and pitch of the words and most importantly the message we are to gain from each and every word.
The knowledge that Allah endears our minds and souls will increase is a comfort we can get nowhere else in the universe, except from this book. I find that it comforts me to know when I see any Arabic word I can interpret it for myself. The struggle is worth every letter of not having to depend on what someone else believes on what is being said in ayats or a surah. I can say Alhamdulillah! This is what Allah is saying to me. It sounds and feels goods.
Submission is the most important component in the life of a Muslim. Quranic knowledge gives that reason to submit. There are Muslims who have submitted and have proven that it works. Praying every day does not feel like a chore or hardship but a pleasure. It opens more dialogue with your Creator. The ability to see the reward of what submission brings to those who make use of it becomes even clearer. Insight to roles of all creation that submit to the Creator is defined. All creation doesn’t just mean mankind but all that exists on earth and the entire universe. The ant, the spider, the elephant, the cow, and the camel and their roles of submission are seen and they are consistent in their duty. The sun when it rises and at its decline gives us a reason for the obedient submission of the entire universe.
All this wonder, amazement and understanding from our Creator. The birds in flight are a sign of why we should submit. We are only exposed to the part of the Universe Allah gives us. Every part of the universe bows too without pause. The knowledge gained allows use of the senses, to succumb. We will do it with great joy as does all of Allah’s creation. In doing so we preform a duty required by our Creator, which is complete, total and strict obedience.
