Blogging has slowed as of late I feel and not just for myself but for many other writers. Either the Muslim blogosphere is taking a breather or it has reached its own natural conclusion. The reality of it lies somewhere in the middle I would venture to guess.
For myself, my blogging here will continue, though who can say how often I plan to update. Much of what I have wanted to say has been said, either directly by myself or by other bloggers. I feel that there has been a fairly adept analysis of the current situation and now it’s time for more important, quieter work. I am also somewhat disheartened with the cropping up of certain types of blogs that seek to expose or depose certain personalities. I understand their intent I think but I do not think this is the type of positive energy or building our community needs at this point. So instead, I plan to put the focus of my more recent and continuing work here: The Ma’rifah Blog. This will serve as the location where I’ll be posting khutbahs [audio and text] I deliver, thoughts and writings for halaqas, and over all, things of a more directly religious nature. The last year has seen me stepping into a different role, focusing more on religious and spiritual matters, specifically as a khatiyb, and thus, steering away from the cultural critiques that this blog became noted for. Not to worry, such analyses and critiques find their way into my khutbahs to be sure.
So for now, I will be concentrating on work that relates more to the minbar and the heart and letting the social analyst take the afternoon off.
Marc has an extensive background as an educator, having taught such diverse subjects as ESL, Arabic, and Islamic studies in both the Detroit area and now in Philadelphia. In 2008, he receive his certificate [ijāzah] in the rules of delivering the Friday sermon [ahkām al-Khutbah] from Imam Anwar Muhaimin of the Quba Institute. Marc now works as a public speaker and khatib in the greater Philadelphia area and many points East and West.
As salam aleikum,
I just found your blog yesterday via your podcast. Alhamdulillah, great setup here.
I also take a spin on Muslim life via social sciences at my blog…
Assalaamualaikum-
I like your “new” direction as I am also transitioning in my thought. The writings on The Ma’rifa Blog are what I need now, Masha’Allah.
Wa ‘alaykum salaam Samira.
al-Hamdulillah, I’m glad you found it useful. May Allah guide us all.
Amin.
I am interested to see how your online presence will continue to grow and develop as time moves on bro! I guess many of us are not young cats anymore as we were in the heyday of blogs and the epic battles we had back then; we have transitioned in to different roles in life. The interesting thing for me is to see how the connection to our faith develops with us and informs us.
Salaams Dawood. I was just thinking of you. I happened across a Youtube video of Habib Umar Bin Hafiz visiting Australia.
I’m not sure how or if the online presence will grow. I have a number of misgivings about the whole online thing after doing it for several years now. My misgivings are based upon observations of the community and how disconnected Muslims seem to be. The scarry part is that they think they’re connected but they’re not. I suppose that is a major part of the reason why I decided to step away from the screen a bit and step up on the minbar – to try and get more involved and not simply another pixelated personality on the net.
How are things for a transplanted Brit in AussieLand?
I agree with your assessment 100% there… which is why I have been spending my time in books (study wise) and with a few local teachers recently. I am actually feeling pretty depressed by the whole online scene to be honest, it’s nothing more than an illusion.
And yes, Habib Umar graced these shores recently, I was lucky enough to attend a converts-only dinner with him and benefit from his wisdom alhamdulillah, although I have a long way to go!
How’s married life treating you?