I Am Famous

Hola

Yes, the time for me, a loyal and dedicated Video Googler, has finally come: I've made Google Video. So forget the fact that I uploaded the video and stuff, it's still cool!! I'm a fricken pioneer!

The video clip is of me and my boy Farooq from about 1.5 months ago when we went to Boston (where he currently works), then NYC, and then to Connecticut. In the clip, you can tell just how happy I was to be 1) free from my mother's supervision [haha, just kidding, Mom!] and 2) in a state of excstasy listening to Kelly Clarkson.

1. Go to http://video.google.com
2. In "Search," type in either "Farooq" or "Imran Shakur"
3. Enjoy and watch, much to my own embarassment, it over and over again...

Stay tuned for more NYC video clips and following that, amazing basketball footage...

MANHATTAN, BABY! QUEENS!!!

All in a Day's Work...

Hi

Today was a hardcore day of sending various links on the NSWGL (North Side Work Group Listserve -- FYI: I change that name all the time). Anyway, you'll be surprised to know that I didn't contribute to this list, which includes everything from Chuck Norris to desi butter chicken, at all. Yes, I am full of surprises..

Enjoy...

1. The truth about Chuck Norris. Yes, he's that amazing, folks.
2. Hyderabadi Joke. What the heck did they say? I didn't understand a word, but it sounded soooo guju-like that I couldn't help to laugh.
3. Such greats like Shaykh Faraz Rabbani, Ahmed Abdul-Jaleel, Farooq Alikhan, and myself all agree that desi butter chicken is to die for. There is nothing like. Yes, nothing.
4. Farooq graced us all with a cleanest/dirtiest city report. It has really impacted my life on a day-to-day basis. Really. Many thanks, Farooq.
5. Sayeed Shariff's recent Hajj video clips, mashaAllah! SubhanAllah, to be in a place of such tranquility and beauty. InshaAllah!
6. Jens of Sweden? Huh? This sounds like it should be some sort of massage therapist group or some kinda of jewelry store. Instead, it takes you to a better type of jewelry store: cool gadgetry.

Alright, so that was it for the most part. Good, random fun here. Keeps us going through out our long, stressful days at work.

Cheers

On Fatherhood...

AA,

SubhanAllah, I was lucky enough to visit Shaykh Faraz Rabbani's blog today and through that come across Shaykh Suhaib Webb's blog. I guess I'm a little happier than normal visiting Sh Faraz's/Suhaib's blogs because of a really, really beautiful blog entry Sh Suhaib recently wrote on: Fatherhood and its inherent importance.

Often times, for one reason or another, I find myself thinking about how I will be to my wife and children inshaAllah. How I can possibly take on this tremendous role of being a great father and a great husband (of course, all the while maintaining my greatness in being a great son, grandson, brother, cousin, friend, etc. -- haha, just kidding, everyone!). I guess I "worry" about it because at this point in my life I KNOW that there's so much I need to work on in improving myself. Alhamdullilah, I'm grateful for what I have and who I am, but of course I know that there's sooooo much more for me to do. Really, what it comes down to is being a man of integrity (a point that Sh Suhaib mentions) and being consistent (in everything).

Now, don't think I'm a loser or anything, people. I handle my business one way or another, mashaAllah; but I also don't want to fool myself into believing I'm perfect. The "sufi" in my blog title is far off in actually who I am right now, but is dead-on on whom I want to be. The real sufis (please save me your ignorant perceptions on what that is if it's negative) are men in every sense of the word. Let's not get that twisted. I confidently say this because I see and realize it more and more on a daily basis. Their integrity, selflessness, knowledge, humbleness, love, and demeanor fills the heart with a purpose, contentment, and most definitely inspiration (such are the benefits of being amongst such company; too bad for me that I cannot experience it for every breath of my life).

You see, my problem is maintaining that feeling of inspiration/purpose. Or building upon it when I do have it. It's things like that that I want to improve on. Being at a certain level iman-wise. There are of course other levels (i.e., emotional and financial) that are also important to consider. Okay, I'm getting more into my (current) thoughts on marriage, so let's get back to the topic at hand...

Growing up, you can find yourself hating or at least questioning why your parents raise you the way they do. Like in terms of their strictness, over-protectiveness, and things of that nature. But the older I get and the more I think about the need and desire for getting married and then having my own kids, the more I understand why our parents behave that way. They want the best for their flesh and blood. They want to protect them whenever possible so that their children can avoid going through, put simply, crap. Of course, the difficulty here is managing this process and implementing your unique style in the spirit of the Sunnah. This is why articles like Sh Suhaib Webb's are so critical for us to read; regardless of being married or having children.

Adding on to the following statement I just made: "But the older I get and the more I think about the need and desire for getting married and then having my own kids, the more I understand why our parents behave that way..." AND the more I worry about how I've treated my own. From a selfish point-of-view, what goes around, comes around, right? From every other possible point of view, FRICK! Where's my friggen adab and reverence for my own parents (mother)?! If I have these perceptions of what I would like to be when I am a father (loving, religious, patient, etc.) and how I would like my kids to be raised like (good Muslims), should I not then question myself on how I act towards my own mother? Again, don't get the impression here that I'm this dissident punk out wreaking havoc, but just know that I acknowledge the need for self-improvement, which is something everyone has to do at one point. InshaAllah, this is my point in life. So I think first steps, for someone like me, prior to manifesting Sh Suhaib's advice is to analyze your own situation/personality/mannerisms as critically and objectively as possible. Upon a self-realization on the need to improve xyz in your life comes the need to follow through and do something about it. Once you do that and become, here's that key word again, consistent in the 'new' you, then you can begin to think more seriously in a pragmatic way about marriage and then children/being a good father. However, it's important to note that this in no way down plays what Sh Suhaib has to offer. Most importantly, to be able to make this change(s) in one's life, you have to call upon Allah's tremendous Favor and Mercy. Afterall, no good can come your way if Allah does not Will it.

You know, I could go on-and-on here, but I won't. Instead, I request that you make dua for me and take some time to read Shaykh Suhaib Webb's amazing and inspiring advice on "Five Foundations of Fatherhood."

Fi Aman Allah

Bears: A Great, Great Season...Now Over :(

Hi

Screw you. Yeah, you. The bandwagon Chicago Bears fan. You don't feel my pain after seeing the best defense (technically, #2 overall) lose their edge today. Or my pride, sympathy, and sorrow for seeing my man Rex Grossman essentially apologize after the game and then commit to learning from his mistakes and prepare for next year despite leading his offense to 21 points in only his second game of the year (and this after coming from a serious injury). Or how my heart ached to see Brian Urlacher in the locker room with his head down -- forcing himself on occassion to meet eye-to-eye with reports (or in other words, with Chicago). You're probably clueless as to my paradoxical feelings on wanting and not wanting to knock out Urlacher for failing to raise his crew up to the same level as the previous meeting between the Bears and Panthers. Or my disappointment that our trash talking this past week against the pansy Panthers (yeah, I said it) doesn't hold up anymore.

And you definitely don't understand how I can forgive the Monsters of the Midway for not coming through after a 29-21 playoff loss at home. Well, let me fill you in: It's called being a fan. A true fan, that is. Sure, I'm depressed over today's loss, but I'm also hopeful. Hey, our team is relatively young, mending from injuries that have plagued and hindered us since the '01 playoff run, and extremely promising. Rex commands the respect of the O with his leadership and desire to win. Our back-up Orton also holds the team's admiration considering his 10-5 record...as a rookie. We still have the Monsters of the Midway. And they now have the bitter taste of a playoff loss in their mouth, which can only inspire a team like this to great things. And we got the best coach in the league who has engineered a great, great team. Hopefully, we'll still have Ron Rivera, too (please don't go coaching your own team as yet, Rivera!). We've got Vasher and Bernard Berrian actualizing their potential in their respective positions. And, as always, we've got me and other fans like me.

Sigh. Well, the football season is over for me today. Who cares about Seattle's amazing year? Or how Denver knocked out the former Super Bowl Champions, Brady and the Pats? Or even how the Steelers pulled off a dramatic upset over Indy? All that seems anti-climatic. Yes, you can tell that I was one of those foolish fans that believed the Bears would make it all the way the Super Bowl. I kept telling everyone, "Defenses win championships." It's like I got all that thrown back at my face...

Actually, let me take the moment to make replies I know I'm going to have to eventually make:

To my STL friends: I'm sorry, did the Rams play this year? Or are they going to be sent back to LA?

To my Wisconsin family: I've heard that Favre recently checked himself into a retirement community. Hope that works out for the best. All those beatings (= sacks, interceptions) he took from us...ouch! Hope your prides are still in tact.

To all other haters (please stand up while reading this): Where was your team in the playoffs? Uh huh, that's what I thought. Sit down, punks.

To Umar: Whatever. Do you even know what football is? And yes, the Bears were playing football today. Our D just didn't play their usual game, but, hey, this builds character. And don't post anything now about the GB FUDGE Packers either.

To Ali: May Allah give you strength when you go back to enemy territory (Madison, Wisconsin) tomorrow. May Allah reward you, brother! Ameen! I got yo' back!

To Nani Ami & Mom: Please make dua for my team for next year. Yes, Mom, my team lost, but we still had an amazing year and I still love them. But for now, I need a hug!!

Da Bears

Yep, more Google Videos

Hi

Alright, I admit; I'm hardcore addicted to Google Video (video.google.com). It's fricken awesome. And it's even better now because they allow you, for the most part, to download videos as Windows Media, PSP, or (my favorite) iPod video files.

Here are some key words I frequently search for:
"Michael Jackson" : Dang straight, homie. Albeit personal issues, the guy can DANCE!
"Punjabi" : Need I explain?
"Bhangra"
"Bollywood"
"Naat" or "Nasheed"
"Islam"

From MJ to Islam, I'd say that pretty much covers it all, right? ;)

Alright, so check it out:

In this first one, this guy is juggling the soccer ball like it's a part of him. Now that's skillz!

You've probably seen this one. The dog is fricken crazy!

Another classic: Matrix meets Japan meets Ping Pong.

Last, but not least:
Where do fobs get the audacity to videotape themselves dancing!! I mean, what's wrong with the world? Why are fobs magnets for humiliation? Oh well, enjoy...NACH BALIYE!!

That's it for now...As Always, Stay Tuned...

Latest View-worthy Google Videos...

Hi

The first one is a dream come true. It reaffirms my Punjabiness, my lover-ness, my legend, and...Oh hell, it just reaffirms my manhood. Enjoy Ashwaira Rai & Madhuri in Devdas once again!

Keep it real. Stay purple: 2pac up in here, ya'll!

White people love Bollywood. Umm...maybe a little too much?! I have this song, too...seriously!

This one sparks the following feelings: Embarrassment, laughter, and anger. A buncha desis trying to get down to Usher's song Yeah. Yeah, maybe not, guys! Everyone dance!

Now this is how dancing is meant to be. The desi gangsta's opening move is HOT! (The rest kinda sucks, unfortunately.)

Lastly, we have a SNL new classic with two "thugs" rapping about chronic. Well, the Chronicles of Narnia, that is. Thug life and cupcakes forever!

Thanks for stopping by, folks. Until next time!

Google 4 Life

New Year / Dhu'l Hijjah

AA

Alhamdullilah, the New Year has begun and hopefully it's a continued better year for everyone. What's also kinda nice is that 2006 also starts off with the ten best days on earth, mashaAllah: Dhu'l Hijjah.

I'm pretty sure that today is the first day of Dhu'l Hijjah. InshaAllah, I'm able to fast these days and most especially on Arafah!

Courtesy of none other than Shaykh Faraz Rabbani, here's a link to a reminder about taking advantage of these days:

http://qa.sunnipath.com/issue_view.asp?HD=7&ID=751&CATE=105

Remember me in your prayers, please!

Best

The Chicago Bears

2005 NFC North Division Champions

Monsters of the Midway (II)

1st Round Bye for the Playoffs

Killer of Bret Favre and the GB Fudge Packers

Number One Defense

The Return of Rex (ie, the return of a better, higher caliber offense)

The Quest for the Super Bowl (defenses win championships)

The "In YOUR FACE, UMAR" Team

The "Wish you were a real fan, Umar" Team

The "Don't front like a fan now, Umar" Team

Da Bears, Baby

Seriously, I find myself crying with the happiness they give me. In life, my priorities are: Islam, Family, Bears, Friends, Work, Bears, Bears, and Bears. I mean, I'm the fan that's like, "Give Bret Favre respect because he's a good person?! FRICK THAT!! He needs to play in a wheelchair."

Holla

Boston, NYC, Conneticut Weekend II

(Continuing from previous post...)

...Farooq's hotel. The hotel room was pretty standard, but had a nice big bed. Holla! ;)

The picture above is some random shot in Boston. The tree looks really beautiful, mashaAllah. Actually, I was constantly impressed with the beauty of the East Coast. This was most especially noticed when I was visting my cousin Saud Bhai in Connecticut. Seriously, I'd be content just staring at the hills and trees...

We hung out a little bit at the hotel and played around with my latest and easily one of the best birthday gifts (insert unspecified indivduals name here) I ever got...an iPod Video. Farooq downloaded a few episodes from Lost and The Office on there and the quality is perfect!

So we went back to Boston (Farooq's hotel is in the burbs) and ate at a small Arab store where the guy had some Arab TV channel coming in that was showing a Ms Lebanon beauty pageant. So we hung out there for a few hours. Haha, just kidding. We ate some decent Arab food and then checked out the rest of Boston, or as much as we could for one night. Highlights included: eating at Top of the Hub (had a bird eye's view of Boston), looking at the Citgo sign (of which I couldn't stop taking pics of for some reason), and going to the restaurant Cheers. All good stuff. Boston, if I haven't told you this before, is in fact Lincoln Park tranformed into a city of its own. So, yes, I liked it.

Next morning we headed out to NYC, baby. Obviously the highlight of the trip. The day started off beautifully (as you can tell by the pic to the right) but namely because of the breakfast we got: McDonald's hash brown, mcgriddles, and egg & cheese sandwiches. Oh, and a glass of oj and milk for the nutrional value of it, of course. :)

The drive from Boston to NYC is not bad at all. You're looking at about 3 hours, which is essentially my total commute from home to work and back, so it was nothing to me!! Farooq's rental car was the Ford Freestyle which we were both equally impressed with.

As soon as we got into NYC, we saw the weirdest and coolest stuff: A sign that simply read "Worst President Ever" and then another one with some yahoo-di hospital saying that they take care of people, but it had a pic of a gora yahoo-di larkee helping out an old kalu woman. I mean, how fricken believable is that, dude?!

As we cruised into NYC, listening to Hot 97 which was appropriately playing a 50 cent song, I was instantly mezmorized by it all. Imagine Chicago, but times 1,000,000 and you basically have New York City. It's fricken massive. I'm still surprised by it, actually. You look down a street in Manhattan and for as long as the eye can see, all you will see on the right and left are buildings galore. Unbelievable!


And then there are like fifteen gazillion bridges everywhere. Some of them kinda shabby and others simply beautiful.

Somehow, though, before ever exiting the car, we at least another hour or so trying to find out where the hell we were supposed to go. Our destination was Manhattan to see if my cousins were going to be around, but we somehow ended up in like BK (Brooklyn, ya hearrd?) or the Bronx. After finding out where we were supposed to be, Farooq calls a friend to meet up for lunch, but we somehow get lost again (thanks a lot, Farooq) and end up in like Queens or something. But it was worth it because of the picture on the left. Some random backboard and hoop was ripped off of somwhere and put at this bus stop. I had to get out of the car and take a picture. In trying to get the right angle, I took my time, which rightfully pissed off Farooq because he was worried about getting shot or something like that (wimp!).


Oh, when we finally found some place to park, and took our first steps (well, my first steps) on NYC soil...err, concrete, that is...the first New Yorker encounter I had was some crazy dude who was aggresively parking his car and yelling at someone he cut off saying, "You fag! This is New York!" and other things about how he's a man and blah, blah, blah. That was hysterical because it totally played into NYC stereotypes. I guess it's all true; everyone in New York must be jerks! Well, almost everyone. I can't put my boy Murtaza (yes, ladies, it's true...he is single) on that list b/c he hooked me and Farooq up INSANE style, mA!! He was busy all day at work, but made time to do the following:

1) Called me to tell me that we can chill at his place (I think I kinda forced myself there, though)
2) Took a break from work and picked up some famous NY strawberry cheesecake (frick! I don't want to be reminded on how amazing that was!)
3) Gave Farooq and me (his roommates also helped out with this) a broken down plan of what to hit up in order to maximize the little time we had there
4) Late, late night took us to a restaurant, then another one (so I could experience NY pizza), and then a store that had the best chocolates in NYC
5) And then finally tried to force me or Farooq to take his bed, but we finally convinced him not to do that.

Alhamdullilah. MashaAllah, a truly good friend and guy in general to do all that. A big debt owed to him, fo sheezy!!

Onwards...

Times Square.

Wow. Seriously, what can you say about this other than all the noor that's emitted from this baraqa-filled place? Haha, just joking. But, seriously, it's so sick out there, man. I was blown away by it all. I think everyone should go to NYC just to experience Times Friggen Square. I know, I sound like a total sucker or like a little kid going to the candy shop for the first time, but just keep in mind that I don't get out too much, okay?! So go easy on me...

Soon after Times Square, Farooq and I found ourselves to be in front of the famous 53rd & 6th halal gyros & chicken corner food stand. HOLY FRICKNESS, man. Tears run down my cheeks as I think about that food now. Sigh. WTF, Chicago?! Why don't we have things like that?! Could you imagine the profitability on that?

Okay, other things I saw included: Macy's, Radio City, Trump, Columbus Circle, saw Central Park from a distance, Union Square, saw Empire State Building of course, saw Statue of Liberty from a far, far distance (looked pretty nice, actually), cousins' pimped out apartment, NYU, and other stuff that I'm probably leaving out. So, considering we were there for just one night in the Big Apple, I think we saw and did a lot!!

The next day, before departing Boston, we made a huge pit stop to go see Saud Bhai for a couple hours. SubhanAllah, that was also a really nice time and when I left I did regret not being able to stay there longer or better plan out my time. But, mA, I was happy to have seen them (but we did like 90 all the way to the airport so that I didn't miss my flight!) and their beautiful home. :)

All-in-all, an off the hook weekend that I wish didn't end! Mad, mad JZK to Farooq for hooking a brotha up with an incredible wknd...

Cheers!