"Are you still alive?"

 As salaamu 'alaikum! Greetings of peace!

I received a message today from a reader asking if I was still alive, in light of the delay in updating the blog.

I truly appreciate the concern, I am, by the grace of God, not only still alive, but- as the expression goes- " Alive and kicking".

Perhaps the core question is that of activity, i.e. if I am still active in terms of religious and intellectual pursuits. In Southern Nevada, I am indeed still at work, doing what I can to share information on Islam, to serve the community and its cause. 

Yes, not only am I still active, I am currently working on an important writing project. I won't get into details at this time, rather I chose to wait until closer to the date of publication before a more formal announcement. 

Our Friday prayer khutbahs as well as weekly Qur'an study sessions are streamed  on the mosque Facebook page ("The Masjid Ibrahim").  We also upload content (various lectures, clips) on YouTube  ( https://www.youtube.com/@ImamShams ). Readers of the blog are also invited to follow the mosque Facebook page as well as to subscribe to our YouTube channel. 

In accordance with Allah's blessings, the last three years have also been spent in a great deal of traveling. I typically create photo albums for my personal Facebook page, however we have privacy settings in place, so that only Facebook friends can view. 

Below are some photos of both some of our activities as well as travel. I encourage everyone to follow the Quranic mandate to travel, to see God's creation. 

( In University of California Los Angeles, Library, Asaas Al Balaaghah by the great linguist and mufassir, Zamakhshari)

(At the Grand Canyon)

( In the Coconino National Forest, Arizona)

                                                                 (Goree Island, Senegal)

                    

                                                                               ( Podcast)

                                             

                                            (Eid UL Fitr 2025 at Masjid Ibrahim, Las Vegas, Nevada)

                                                        (Outside UCLA Los Angeles)