tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-115802762024-03-13T13:39:59.032+04:00Reflections Of A MuslimahVeiled Muslimahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06547216732501795559noreply@blogger.comBlogger161125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11580276.post-81733625172317349462011-04-10T00:48:00.000+04:002011-04-10T00:48:49.947+04:00A full circle<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">It's been so long that I don't even know where to start. I don't know if anyone is reading this anymore but it seems appropriate to draw a full circle and come write here on my first ever blog. It's been a long journey on the blogosphere since I left blogger. I've changed blogs, hosts, blogs, hosts and taken long breaks from writing altogether.<br />
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I really miss the community and friendship I'd built here but I suppose it wasn't to last. I now blog under my real name: http://www.hamnaahmed.wordpress.com - In fact it's fairly new and I hope it is my final blog. I've also become a twitter addict, so if you're on twitter, feel free to contact me: @hamna_<br />
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</div>Veiled Muslimahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06547216732501795559noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11580276.post-89850459199841401272009-06-23T21:05:00.000+04:002009-06-23T21:06:38.527+04:00SighAssalāmu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullāhi Wabarakath,<br /><br />Oh dear Blog - I miss thee. :(Veiled Muslimahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06547216732501795559noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11580276.post-87901129241492901752009-05-15T15:09:00.004+04:002009-05-15T15:22:34.820+04:00Wordpress or Hadithuna?So I've been really thinking of shifting blogs now. I'd thought about it earlier too, but well, i chickened out because it seemed so much of a hassle. But I've been thinking about it seriously this time around and I've realised it's about time I did it.<br /><br />Honestly speaking, I don't enjoy blogging here anymore, there is something about the blogger interface which makes it seem like a chore instead of something I'd enjoy.<br /><br />No offense to Blogger though, it's served for quite a few years and the option of having the different numerous wonderful templates without hosting your own blog is a plus, but there is something about it that has becoming... unattractive. Not to mention that you have to re-add all the widgets everytime you change blogs.<br /><br />So I've decided to do a fresh start, bloggers change blogs at least once in their lifetime and I haven't even done it once.<br /><br />However, I'm a bit indecisive about where to shift too.<br /><br />There is <a href="http://www.wordpress.com/">Wordpress</a> - which is famous for it's clean interface but it has very limited templates. And I have a thing for templates... However Wordpress home to all sorts of people will give you a global readership.<br /><br />Then there is <a href="http://www.hadithuna.com/">Hadithuna </a>- the Muslim version of Wordpress with numerous templates but a very Muslim-Only readership.<br /><br />Thoughts?Veiled Muslimahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06547216732501795559noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11580276.post-22018498925841224072009-04-25T22:24:00.004+04:002009-04-25T22:33:22.809+04:00Capturing VersesAssalāmu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullāhi Wabarakath,<br /><br />There are some verses in the Qu'ran which capture your heart and don't let go. :-)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://quran.islamicnetwork.com/images/9_111.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 492px; height: 184px;" src="http://quran.islamicnetwork.com/images/9_111.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 153, 153);"></span><blockquote><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 153, 153);">Verily, Allah has purchased of the believers their lives and their properties; for the price that theirs shall be the Paradise. They fight in Allah's Cause, so they kill (others) and are killed. It is a promise in truth which is binding on Him in the Taurat (Torah) and th</span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 153, 153);">e Injeel (Gospel) and the Quran. And who is truer to his covenant than Allah? Then rejoice in the bargain which you have concluded. That is the supreme</span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 153, 153);"> success.</span></blockquote><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://quran.islamicnetwork.com/images/9_112.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 469px; height: 166px;" src="http://quran.islamicnetwork.com/images/9_112.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 153, 153);"><blockquote>(The believers whose lives Allah has purchased are) those who repent to Allah, who worship Him, who praise Him, who fast (or go out in Allah's Cause), who bow down (in prayer), who prostrate themselves (in prayer), who enjoin (people) for Al-Ma'ruf (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all what Islam has ordained) and forbid (people) from Al-Munkar (i.e. disbelief, polytheism of all kinds and all that Islam has forbidden), and who observe the limits set by Allah (do all that Allah has ordained and abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds which Allah has forbidden). And give glad tidings to the believers.</blockquote><br />Surah At-Tawbah 111-112<br /><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;">May Allah subhan'na wa ta'ala make us among them! Ameen.<br /></div><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 153, 153);"><br /></span> </div>Veiled Muslimahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06547216732501795559noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11580276.post-12220979680561444032009-04-19T22:04:00.003+04:002009-04-19T22:29:08.044+04:00Sunday ThoughtsBetween a crashed laptop, laziness and attempts to finish my work on time I've been neglecting this blog. <span style="font-style: italic;">[I know, I know. This happens more than it should, but whatever.]</span><br /><br />There is something I'm not good at and thats organising myself and discipline of my<span style="font-style: italic;"> nafs</span>. Not to mention Satan does well to act on his promise by encouraging us to waste time.<br /><br />I've recognised two of my weaknesses:<br /><br />Fiction and daydreaming.<br /><br />I love picking up a good book and reading. I can get so involved in it that hours will simply pass by without me noticing and if its an exceptionally good one - the plot and thoughts stay in my mind for a while.<br /><br />If its not one thing its the other, and the time can just fly by without me getting any Qur'an or assignment done.<br /><br />Argh. I guess it's a good thing my laptop crashed, having personal computers can be addicting and a waste of time. [IE- Surfing the net without cause].<br /><br />But I guess disciplining your nafs is a test by Allah. And I'm hoping I pass.Veiled Muslimahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06547216732501795559noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11580276.post-4941045640709348992009-04-11T11:54:00.002+04:002009-04-11T11:57:10.966+04:00Recitation of the Qur'an: Tawfeeq As-SayeghAssalāmu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullāhi Wabarakath,<br /><br />Lately I've been listening to <span style="font-style: italic;">Qari Tawfeeq As-Sayegh</span>. :-) Masha'Allah, his recitation is touching and clear.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/8hgERcAejuc&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/8hgERcAejuc&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Veiled Muslimahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06547216732501795559noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11580276.post-68160932638559639532009-04-03T11:24:00.004+04:002009-04-03T11:33:40.480+04:00My Worst days...are the days I end up delaying Fajr. It weighs on my back the whole day. :-( I don't know what happens, but sometimes my alarm just doesn't go on [or maybe it does and I switch it off in my sleep] Wa Allahu aalam - but its <span style="font-style: italic;">such</span> a guilty feeling.<br /><br />And no matter how many times you pray it, if its <span style="font-style: italic;">qadhaa </span>- it just doesn't give you the same feeling.Veiled Muslimahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06547216732501795559noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11580276.post-59562146338070747552009-04-01T21:14:00.002+04:002009-04-01T21:16:26.941+04:00The AkhiraAssalāmu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullāhi Wabarakath,<br /><br />I came across this clip on Youtube. It's chilling but a reminder that we need to keep reminding ourselves with.<br /><br />May Allah SWT save us from the torment of the fire! Ameen.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><object width="445" height="364"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/v3SZwQwsJVM&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/v3SZwQwsJVM&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="445" height="364"></embed></object><br /></div>Veiled Muslimahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06547216732501795559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11580276.post-40489621896435824792009-03-31T20:20:00.004+04:002009-04-04T20:03:13.895+04:00It's Raining! It's Raining!It's been raining for the past few days and I absolutely love the weather. I thought Summer was back with a bang because it had gotten incredibly hot the week before and then all of a sudden it was raining and cold again.<br /><br />I can't seem to get enough of it! And it actually hailed a bit as well which is surprising because we're technically in the desert. People really need to give a thought to global warming.<br /><br />Coming back to the rain, it is such a blessing of Allah SWT. But I remember when this weather actually started there was a huge wind-storm & it reminded of the verses in the Qurán which talk about the coming of wind before disaster strikes.There are two types of winds, one that is a bringer of good tidings and one that is the bringer of torment and destruction by Allah. Looking at the raging wind that day I was praying it was the one that brought good news, because surely the destruction of Allah Azza wa jal can strike anytime.<br /><br />May Allah subhanna wa ta'ala keep all of us on the straight path and make this rain a blessed rain! Ameen.Veiled Muslimahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06547216732501795559noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11580276.post-67871108816496138232009-03-29T13:52:00.005+04:002009-03-29T14:13:07.989+04:00The danger of solitudeThey say being alone is more dangerous with your <em>nafs </em>than being with people in the open. With people, you are easily able to control your actions and keep yourself from sinning but when you are alone, with only your nafs present and nobody to keep you in heel - that is the real test.<br /><br />That is the time Satan tries his level best to get to you, to whisper in your heart and mind, making the bad seem so beautiful. That is the time when your Imaan is <em>tested</em> - if you believe and worship in Allah as if you see because although you see him not - he sees you.<br /><br />I've realised & experienced that the more closer you try and become to Allah and come into the deen, the harder Shaytan tries to tempt you away from the straight path. And the only protection which you may attain is only through asking Allah and trying harder to come closer to him.<br /><br />But sometimes people slip - we are all humans. When this happens, one should never give up hope, for the doors of mercy of Allah are open for those who sincerely repent.<br /><br /><blockquote>O you who believe! Enter perfectly in Islâm (by obeying all the rules and<br />regulations of the Islâmic religion) and follow not the footsteps of Shaitân<br />(Satan). Verily! He is to you a plain enemy. (208) </blockquote><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><div align="center"></span>May Allah keep us all steady on his path and protect us from the whisperings of Satan. Ameen.</div>Veiled Muslimahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06547216732501795559noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11580276.post-16398400064796785232009-03-28T14:25:00.004+04:002009-03-28T14:42:39.073+04:00Appreciating Muslim WomenhoodI got this letter e-mailed to my inbox. I think it's exceptionally beautiful and an inspiration for all those struggling Muslim Women out there. :-)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 153);"><span style="font-family:Lucida Sans Unicode;"> A letter from a Christian to Muslim Women</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 153);"><span style="font-family:Lucida Sans Unicode;"> </span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 153);"><span style="font-family:Lucida Sans Unicode;"> By Joanna Francis</span></span><br /></div><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);"><span style="font-family:Lucida Sans Unicode;"><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Writer, Journalist - USA</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">March 7th, 2007</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">By Joanna Francis</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Writer, Journalist - USA</span><br /><br /></span></span><p style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">Between the Israeli assault on Lebanon and the Zionist “war on terror,” the Muslim world is now center stage in every American home. I see the carnage, death and destruction that have befallen Lebanon, but I also see something else: I see you. I can’t help but notice that almost every woman I see is carrying a baby or has children around her. I see that though they are dressed modestly, their beauty still shines through. But it’s not just outer beauty that I notice.</p><p style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"> I also notice that I feel something strange inside me: I feel envy. I feel terrible for the horrible experiences and war crimes that the Lebanese people have suffered, being targeted by our common enemy. But I can’t help but admire your strength, your beauty, your modesty, and most of all, your happiness.</p> <p style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">Yes, it’s strange, but it occurred to me that even under constant bombardment, you still seemed happier than we are, because you were still living the natural lives of women. The way women have always lived since the beginning of time. It used to be that way in the West until the 1960s, when we were bombarded by the same enemy. Only we were not bombarded with actual munitions, but with subtle trickery and moral corruption.</p> <p style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"><strong>Through Temptation</strong></p> <p style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">They bombarded us Americans from Hollywood, instead of from fighter jets or with our own American-made tanks. They would like to bomb you in this way too, after they’ve finished bombing the infrastructure of your countries. I do not want this to happen to you. You will feel degraded, just like we do. You can avoid this kind of bombing if you will kindly listen to those of us who have already suffered serious casualties from their evil influence. Because everything you see coming out of Hollywood is a pack of lies, a distortion of reality, smoke and mirrors.</p><p style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"> They present casual sex as harmless recreation because they aim to destroy the moral fabric of the societies into which they beam their poisonous programming. I beg you not to drink their poison. There is no antidote for it once you have consumed it. You may recover partially, but you will never be the same. Better to avoid the poison altogether than to try to heal from the damage it causes.</p> <p style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">They will try to tempt you with their titillating movies and music videos, falsely portraying us American women as happy and satisfied, proud of dressing like prostitutes, and content without families. Most of us are not happy, trust me. Millions of us are on anti-depressant medication, hate our jobs, and cry at night over the men who told us they loved us, then greedily used us and walked away.<br /></p><p style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">They would like to destroy your families and convince you to have fewer children. They do this by presenting marriage as a form of slavery, motherhood as a curse, and being modest and pure as old-fashioned. They want you to cheapen yourself and lose your faith. They are like the Serpent tempting Eve with the apple. Don’t bite.</p> <p style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"><strong>Self-Value</strong></p> <p style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">I see you as precious gems, pure gold, or the “pearl of great value” spoken of in the Bible (Matthew 13: 45). All women are pearls of great value, but some of us have been deceived into doubting the value of our purity. Jesus said: <span style="font-style: italic;">“Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you” (Matthew 7: 6).</span> Our pearls are priceless, but they convince us that they’re cheap. But trust me; there is no substitute for being able to look in the mirror and seeing purity, innocence and self-respect staring back at you.</p> <p style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">The fashions coming out of the Western sewer are designed to make you believe that your most valuable asset is your sexuality. But your beautiful dresses and veils are actually sexier than any Western fashion, because they cloak you in mystery and show self-respect and confidence.<br /></p><p style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">A woman’s sexuality should be guarded from unworthy eyes, since it should be your gift to the man who loves and respects you enough to marry you. And since your men are still manly warriors, they deserve no less than your best. Our men don’t even want purity anymore. They don’t recognize the pearl of great value, opting for the flashy rhinestone instead. Only to leave her too!</p> <p style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">Your most valuable assets are your inner beauty, your innocence, and everything that makes you who you are. But I notice that some Muslim women push the limit and try to be as Western as possible, even while wearing a veil (with some of their hair showing). Why imitate women who already regret, or will soon regret, their lost virtue? There is no compensation for that loss. You are flawless diamonds. Don’t let them trick you into becoming rhinestones. Because everything you see in the fashion magazines and on Western television is a lie. It is Satan’s trap. It is fool’s gold.</p> <p style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"><strong>A Woman’s Heart</strong></p> <p style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">I’ll let you in on a little secret, just in case you’re curious: pre-marital sex is not even that great. We gave our bodies to the men we were in love with, believing that that was the way to make them love us and want to marry us, just as we had seen on television growing up. But without the security of marriage and the sure knowledge that he will always stay with us, it’s not even enjoyable! That’s the irony. It was just a waste. It leaves you in tears.</p> <p style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">Speaking as one woman to another, I believe that you understand that already. Because only a woman can truly understand what’s in another woman’s heart. We really are all alike. Our race, religion or nationalities do not matter. A woman’s heart is the same everywhere. We love.<br /></p><p style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">That’s what we do best. We nurture our families and give comfort and strength to the men we love. But we American women have been fooled into believing that we are happiest having careers, our own homes in which to live alone, and freedom to give our love away to whomever we choose. That is not freedom. And that is not love.</p> <p style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">Only in the safe haven of marriage can a woman’s body and heart be safe to love. Don’t settle for anything less. It’s not worth it. You won’t even like it and you’ll like yourself even less afterwards. Then he’ll leave you.</p> <p style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"><strong>Self-Denial</strong></p> <p style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">Sin never pays. It always cheats you. Even though I have reclaimed my honor, there’s still no substitute for having never been dishonored in the first place. We Western women have been brainwashed into thinking that you Muslim women are oppressed. But truly, we are the ones who are oppressed; slaves to fashions that degrade us, obsessed with our weight, begging for love from men who do not want to grow up. Deep down inside, we know that we have been cheated.</p> <p style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">We secretly admire and envy you, although some of us will not admit it. Please do not look down on us or think that we like things the way they are. It’s not our fault. Most of us did not have fathers to protect us when we were young because our families have been destroyed. You know who is behind this plot.</p> <p style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">Don’t be fooled, my sisters. Don’t let them get you too. Stay innocent and pure. We Christian women need to see what life is really supposed to be like for women. We need you to set the example for us, because we are lost. Hold onto your purity.</p><p style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"> Remember: you can’t put the toothpaste back in the tube. So guard your “toothpaste” carefully!</p> <p style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">I hope you receive this advice in the spirit in which it is intended: the spirit of friendship, respect, and admiration. From your Christian sister with love.</p><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153); font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family:Lucida Sans Unicode;">* This article is republished with the kind permission of the author.<br /><br />The original canbe found on Crescent and the Cross. Joanna Francis is a writer and<br />journalist. She manages her own blog.</span></span>Veiled Muslimahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06547216732501795559noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11580276.post-71837049597459628322009-03-21T23:49:00.004+04:002009-03-21T23:58:13.902+04:00Sometimes... you want things so badly. And you wonder why Allah <em>azza wa jal</em> didn't give them to you or why you couldn't attain them. And no, I'm not talking about materialistic things. People might have these things and not realise how Allah has blessed them.<br /><br />Obviously, there is wisdom and judgment of Allah behind everything. And sometimes, somethings are not given to a person for a reason. Maybe there is some good in it and we, as mere humans may not realise it and somethings might seem good for us but in reality are not.<br /><br />So in reality, a person should strive and attain for good. If Allah wills, then who will stop him/her from attaining it? At the same time, there is a constant reminder that I give myself and we all should give to ourselves is that if Allah azza wa jal means to give us something, no one will take it away.<br /><br />In the end, <em>Alhamdulilah</em> in all situations.Veiled Muslimahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06547216732501795559noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11580276.post-72829159989149129982009-03-15T21:54:00.005+04:002009-03-15T21:59:40.341+04:00Joining the Twitter NetworkOkay, so I too have joined the Twitter bandwagon.<br /><br />Actually, I joined it a few months ago but didn't really use it. I'm back on it though.<br /><br />I can be found at: <a href="http://twitter.com/ha09h">http://twitter.com/ha09h</a><br /><br />If you're a fellow blogger, add me. :)<br /><br />On a side note, I don't usually have sibling arguments, but when they do happen, they suck. People in general all need to learn to <span style="font-style: italic;">forgive & forget. </span>It'll make life easier for a lot of people<br /><br />And my second side note, in case you're wondering where everything disappeared, I'm using a 1 Column template and everything else is at the bottom. I think I'm obsessed with templates - can't stay with one too long!Veiled Muslimahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06547216732501795559noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11580276.post-18134796503868444562009-03-11T22:26:00.005+04:002009-03-11T23:09:30.877+04:00Girls who dress like MenOn Monday I went to Jumeirah Beach Park with my friends. On Monday, the Jumeirah beach is exclusively for Women and so Women who wear Hijab can enjoy the beach. The Park is very strict about who enters and who doesn't, only letting Women in.<br /><br />Although it was a fun day, on the way back what I saw had me panicking to put my <span style="font-style: italic;">Niqaab </span>on. Parked inside the parking lot in the Park were cars which had boys standing outside them. Or what I <span style="font-style: italic;">thought</span> were boys. I was first surprised, because Men were not allowed inside the Park at all and then to my horror I realised these were<span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> girls</span> pretending to be boys.<br /><br />This was not just one or two, these were whole groups of girls together which had 'guys' in them too. I remembered how my friend had called me when she was visiting this same beach a month back, telling me about how she had seen these girls pretending to be boys. I could hear the shock in her voice and only when I saw what she had seen did I realise why she was so shocked.<br /><br />These girls who were pretending to be boys had made themselves to be so much like a boy that it was hard to differentiate between a real boy and them. The only way I realised they were in actuality girls was because they were in a all Womens beach. They had their hair absolutely cut short, jelled, they wore shorts and full boy clothes. They spoke and met others of their groups, girls and 'guys' just how guys might meet them. They walked and hung around just like boys would and they even drove cars the same way.<br /><br />And to top it all, these were Arab Muslim youth, with the girls who were not pretending to be Men actually wearing <span style="font-style: italic;">Abayas. </span><br /><br />All I could think was that if the <span style="font-style: italic;">Ahzaab</span> of Allah does not come on us, then what will? My friend repeatedly kept on saying<span style="font-style: italic;"> Allah yahdeekum - </span>and I really hope Allah gives them <span style="font-style: italic;">hidaya. </span><br /><br />But there were some questions that kept on running around my head after what I saw. What led these teenagers to do something like this? And I'm sure not all of them are young, especially if they were driving Cars, some of them could possibly be in their early twenties. Where are their Parents? You cannot be like that without your Parents finding out, especially with the hair-cuts. Why isn't anyone trying to speak to them about their condition?<br /><br />Surely something in such large groups cannot pass the attention of the community at large? These are our children of tomorrow.Veiled Muslimahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06547216732501795559noreply@blogger.com57tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11580276.post-84221506049140710032009-03-04T11:32:00.002+04:002009-03-04T11:54:29.391+04:00Sick!Is it just me or have people been falling ill lately?<br /><br />I've been down with fever, a cold, a headache and a backache. <span style="font-style: italic;">Sigh. </span>And sleepless nights because of the fever that keeps on going up and down. I don't want to take too many pills because the last month I've literally been surviving on painkillers for various different reasons.<br /><br />I have a feeling it's do with the changing weather. I was so sure Winter was gone a few weeks back, but just day before yesterday it got 'Cold' again.<br /><br />But still, I guess I'm better than a lot of people, alhamdulilah. Better than people who are dying of starvation or don't have medication to treat themselves. So <span style="font-style: italic;">Alhamdulilah aa'la kulli haal. </span>Veiled Muslimahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06547216732501795559noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11580276.post-21342417524846512872009-02-25T20:51:00.003+04:002009-02-25T21:37:56.508+04:00A warning for us in the Qur'an & reflectionAssalāmu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullāhi Wabarakath,<br /><br />As Muslims we sometimes have the thought that we're the chosen Ummah - the one which will ultimately gain success and then we sit back and fall into pits of laziness. However, if we look at the Qur'an, in numerous places it talks about how there were many nations before us which were destroyed and put in trials and tribulations because they left the path of Allah.<br /><br />It says in Surat Al-An'am:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://quran.islamicnetwork.com/images/6_6.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 505px; height: 190px;" src="http://quran.islamicnetwork.com/images/6_6.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><blockquote style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">Have they not seen how many a generation before them We have destroyed whom We had established on the earth such as We have not established you? And We poured out on them rain from the sky in abundance, and made the rivers flow under them. Yet We destroyed them for their sins, and created after them other generations</blockquote><br /><br /><br />If we look at the first five chapters of the Qur'an it mainly mentions the People of the Book [Jews & Christains], their straying from the path, how they disobeyed Allah and how ultimately Allah placed his curse upon them for doing Kufr against him. But as how everything in the Qur'an has balance - their good qualities are mentioned too. However, the general idea is that we reflect on their situations, the mistakes they did and try and not do the same things.<br /><br />There is a verse in the Qur'an in Surat Al-Ma'idah which has a severe warning for the Muslims.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://quran.islamicnetwork.com/images/5_54.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 580px; height: 213px;" src="http://quran.islamicnetwork.com/images/5_54.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a><blockquote style="font-style: italic;"><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">O you who believe! Whoever from among you turns back from his religion (Islam), Allah will bring a people whom He will love and they will love Him; humble towards the believers, stern towards the disbelievers, fighting in the Way of Allah, and never afraid of the blame of the blamers. That is the Grace of Allah which He bestows on whom He wills. And Allah is AllSufficient for His creatures' needs, AllKnower.</span></blockquote><br /><br />Allah SWT is not incapable of removing us and bringing another nation instead of us. He is not incapable of doing anything. Why is it then that we do not reflect & reform?<br /><br />There was nations who in their times were the most developed and well to do, yet they were ultimately destroyed for not believing in Allah <span style="font-style: italic;">azza wa jal</span>. The World is temporary and the benefit found in this world is temporary. Regardless of how educated and how wealthy you are, it does not mean anything if you are not following the path which Allah SWT has dictated.<br /><br />So then, what are we to do?<br /><br />If we look at the verse above, it mentions the <span style="font-style: italic;">Sifaat</span> that we as Muslims should have and characteristics Allah wants in us.<br /><br />They are:<br /><br /><ul><li>An Ummah he loved & those who love him back</li></ul><br />If you love someone unconditionally, no doubt you obey them, you long to do all that they want just to make them happy and obtain their love in return. This means, that we need to adopt and have unconditional love for Allah <span style="font-style: italic;">subhanna wa ta'ala,</span> to obey him in his commands and to strive to earn his pleasure and love.<br /><br /><ul><li>Humble towards the believers</li></ul><br />In this there is a huge lesson to learn for us. If we look at the Muslim Ummah today, even though love exists amonts us, tribal, cultural and <span style="font-style: italic;">madhab[istic]</span> divisions, [which don't actually promote love], are more.<br /><br /><ul><li>Stern towards the disbelievers</li></ul><br />Ah... And what are we doing? Allying and helping the Kuffar against our own Brothers & Sisters in Islam.<br /><br /><ul><li>Fighting in the way of Allah</li></ul><br />Now, the people who go out for Jihad, we ourselves, call them 'terrorists'. Our Ummah does not appreciate or encourage fighting for the sake of Allah anymore, and those who do are very few, although the station of those of fight for the sake of Allah is one of the most highest station.<br /><br /><ul><li>Never afraid of the blame of the blamers</li></ul><br />This is something I too have to work on. How many of us don't do things because we are afraid of mockery and ridicule? How many Sisters don't wear Hijab & brothers don't keep beards because of what people say? This is just a small issue, the concept of 'not fearing the blame of the blamers' is a very large problem in our society. We are so afraid of people of what people will say and do, that we forget to fear Allah.<br /><br />May Allah Subhanna wa ta'ala make us of those who he loves and those who love him! Ameen.Veiled Muslimahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06547216732501795559noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11580276.post-58552820319172412412009-02-20T15:15:00.006+04:002009-02-20T16:43:22.616+04:00Thoughts On PolygynyAssalāmu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullāhi Wabarakath,<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.oneviet.com/archives/images/polygyny-2007-10.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 234px; height: 178px;" src="http://www.oneviet.com/archives/images/polygyny-2007-10.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Polygyny [A form of Polygamy where a Man has more than one Wife] has indeed been a most controversial topic. In our times it isn't as desired. Even in traditional societies most Men opt to take only one Wife although it maybe legal to take more than one.<br /><br /><br /><br />n Islam Polygyny is allowed. It says in the Qurán:<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://quran.islamicnetwork.com/images/4_3.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 580px; height: 166px;" src="http://quran.islamicnetwork.com/images/4_3.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"></span><blockquote><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">And if you fear that you shall not be able to deal justly with the orphan girls, then marry (other) women of your choice, </span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">two or three, or four but if you fear that you shall not be able to deal justly (with them), then only one</span><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"> or (the captives and the slaves) that your right hands possess. That is nearer to prevent you from doing injustice. [Surat An-Nisa : 3]</span></blockquote><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"></span><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;">Obviously Allah <span style="font-style: italic;">azza wa Jal</span> is the most just and the most wise - therefore the verse that permits Muslim Men to take more than one wife also has a clause - that those Women have to be treated equally and with justice.<br /><br />The discussion on Polygyny is vast and includes both pros and cons. However, this is not what I mean to actually discuss.<br /><br />I was just looking at my own views about polygyny and how they had changed over the years and they prompted this post. I went to a British School and I studied with a wide range of people from all around the World. I'm really grateful for the upbringing and experiences I had. However, I recall my views on Polygyny then. I too, affected more by Western influence then my own religion considered Polygyny to be taboo & and a thing of the past. I frowned upon Polygynous marriages and felt exceptionally sorry for Women who were involved in them.<br /><br />When I started 'practicing' Islam in the truest sense of the word and not just someone who fulfilled the condition of praying five times a day and not committing big sins - my views on polygyny changed drastically.<br /><br />I accepted it as a part of Islam, a command in the Qurán and a Sunnah of the Prophet Sallalahu alayhi wasallam. I no longer was shocked or surprised when I heard someone was involved in a Polygynous marriage. I don't know when the change started, but I think Allah Azza wa Jal softens your hearts and gives you understanding of the religion when you strive to come closer to him. Also, I became more and more exposed to Women who were in Polygynous marriage. And no, these weren't old Women or grandmothers but young Women in their twenties. In fact, two of my friends are involved in polygynous marriages and it was their own decision to come into such a marriage.<br /><br />Obviously, a Polygynous marriage is not what every Woman can handle. You need to have a lot of taqwa and Imaan to go through it.<br /><br />Secondly, not all Men should actually go ahead and marry another Woman if it's going to break his household to the extreme. I heard of a Woman who committed suicide when she heard her husband married another Woman.<br /><br />There is a lot of Western critique of Polygyny which is practiced in Muslim Countries and this critique extends to the Prophet Muhammad Sallalahu alayhi wasallam for taking more than wife. It should be noted here though, that most of the Wives of the Prophet sallalahu alayhi wasallam were either old, widows or divorced and were in fact given his protection when they entered into the marriage and this argues their claim that the Prophet Muhammad SAWs married Women because of his own personal desires.<br /><br />I find this critique of Islam by the West to be hypocritical. Considering how dating and having illicit relationships with different partners is the norm there. In fact, compared to that the Islamic system of such a thing is better. It protects the Women involved, gives them their rights and they can't be just 'thrown' away or changed.<br /><br />I was doing some research on Polygyny and I was surprised to find that it is not only Islam who permits polygyny. In fact, Polygynous marriages have been quite common in different parts of the World in the past. Including China and is also permitted in some parts of Christianity. Here is a wikipedia article on it: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polygyny">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polygyny</a><br /><br />Saying all of that, I still wouldn't involve myself in a Polygynous relationship. I still believe in a One Man & Woman marriage, however I wholeheartedly defend the Islamic concept of Polygyny against critique because above everything else, it was practiced by the Prophet Salallahu alayhi wasallam.<br /><br />What some people fail to realise is, [Including Muslims] that there is a difference between not liking something for yourself and not liking the concept itself. Polygyny is a part of Islam & therefore needs to be defended, however, there is choice in the matter involved so you can choose to not be involved in a polygynous relationship.<br /><br />Ridiculing the concept of Polygyny is where the trouble arises as it is ridiculing the Qurán & Sunnah.<br /></div></div>Veiled Muslimahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06547216732501795559noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11580276.post-58071139169542960812009-02-15T19:29:00.006+04:002009-02-15T20:29:28.666+04:00Fascinated with Fiction<div>Since I was a kid, I loved reading and I loved writing. I've always had a fondness for the written word. When I was a kid, I would read what all kids read at that age. Magic, Rabbits, Stories of Princesses and faraway kingdoms. I would be transferred to a land of beauty, magic, adventure and excitement.<br /><br />As I grew older, my taste developed according. I picked more <em>'sophisticated' </em>books, adding Biographies, Classics, Plays of Old, Islamic books and Real-life Novels. In high school I picked Literature as a subject and I aced the last five years in my O and A levels. There was not an assignment that I would do that I did not get an A or B. A 'C', for my teachers was a disappointment where I was concerned.<br /><br />It was during those years that I was introduced to analysing plays and different works of literature. Of Shakespeare and other such classical authors. My love for literature on the whole grew exceedingly.<br /><br />My teachers told me I had talent - talent that I should put to good use. And therefore, I started writing after that. I've written a few articles here and there, I've helped people analyse work and now, the field that I will going into is involved with the written word.<br /><br />However, through it all, I haven't gotten over reading fiction. Of indulging in fascinating stories [regardless if they're real or not!] over a cup of hot tea.<br /><br />I can read straight for hours and hours and not care about anything else if I find the book interesting enough. [Except for Salah obviously]. But I try and not to do that, infact I haven't done that in quite a while alhamdulilah - until recently. Time is valuable & whatever you do is written down by the Angels.<br /><br />Something made me feel guilt though... I was out with my friend in Dubai Festival City, and we passed Magrudys, at which I insisted that I just quickly needed to go and browse the fiction section. I hadn't read a good book in sometime and was curious to see what was available.<br /><br />To which she said,<br /><br /></div><div><em><strong></strong></em> </div><div><em><strong>Fiction? What for? You're just wasting your time reading nothing but lies. Get an Islamic book instead.'</strong></em><br /><br />I sighed and laughed and made my way in the bookstore.<br /><br />But what she said stuck with me. </div><br /><div></div><a href="http://blogs.kcls.org/librarytalk/Breaking_Dawn_cover.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right; width: 302px; height: 431px;" alt="" src="http://blogs.kcls.org/librarytalk/Breaking_Dawn_cover.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I've realised it is so easy to get caught into a fascinating world that does not exist. A World of magic, love, art, beauty and the supernatural. Also, I've realised, speaking from experience that sometimes it <em><strong>does </strong></em>take a toll on my<span style="font-style: italic;"> Imaan. </span>Maybe not so much, but it <em>does.</em> I have a harder time concentrating in Salah, especially if it is a particularly exciting book that I haven't finished yet. When I read, I tend to get so involved with what is happening. Almost as if I'm there. I'm happy when the characters are happy and I'm sad when the plot is sad.<br /><br /></div><div> </div><div> But... as she said, they're all nothing but lies, aren't they? And that is the truth of it.</div><br /><div></div><div>Quitting on movies and music was not so hard on, alhamdulilah. It just happened naturally over time. Good cannot exist with bad in your heart, I've realised. One overpowers the other. When you have Qur'an and constant remembrance playing in your heart again and again, you stop finding such things interesting or exciting. A lot of people are shocked that I do not do these things anymore. <strong>[Music & Movies] </strong>- sometimes labeling me or or thinking it I'm sure with the most famous label of <em>'extremist'.</em> Heh. I don't mind it much. I am spiritually satisfied and that is what matters to me. I do not feel the <em><strong>need </strong></em>or <strong><em>want</em></strong> to do or listen to these things. And sometimes this is hard to explain to others.</div><br /><div></div><div>But Books, I'm sure can't be that bad. With movies and Music, there is Shariah involved. While books, I feel are harmless. What I do need to do is though, cut down the the amount I read [fictional] during a day when I'm reading a particularly good book. </div><br /><div></div><div>Like now for example... I too, like millions of people around the World is caught in the fascination of <strong>Isabella Swan</strong> & <strong>Edward Cullens</strong> world. Of Vampires, Werewolves & the supernatural. </div><br /><div></div><div><strong>[I know! Some people are going to be shocked about this coming from me and my blog which has usually been about Islam - but whatever. We're normal too. And sometimes I just <span style="font-style: italic;">love</span> killing stereotypes. ;)]</strong></div><br /><div></div><div>I'm on the fourth volume now: <strong>Breaking Dawn.</strong> And I must say, it's an interesting read to an extent. If you have the taste for reading fiction, particularly Vampire and Werewolf fiction. In fact, I don't understand what all the hubbub was about<strong> Twilight</strong> [The first book in the trilogy] I found the writing to be almost... <em>abrupt.</em> The plot was good overall, but the writing style was what I had complains about. In contrast, her other three books are what I found better and exceptionally more interesting. </div><br /><div></div><div>What I do feel bad about is that I finished the second book in the trilogy in one and a Half days and the third in a two days. I'm halfway through the fourth one and it's only been half a day. I've been neglecting doing things which are more beneficial to me. Like going over the<span style="font-style: italic;"> Qur'an</span> that I will be tested on tomorrow morning, like going out for a walk and exercising, like writing an article for someone, like cleaning the clutter in my room and table...<br /><br /></div><div> </div><div></div><div><span style="font-style: italic;">Sigh.</span> I think I need to add <span style="font-weight: bold;">'discipline</span>' to one of the to-do things in my life. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Veiled Muslimahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06547216732501795559noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11580276.post-83389362017822580712009-02-12T20:35:00.007+04:002009-02-12T21:07:49.998+04:00Recitation of the Qurán: Qari Ziyad PatelAssalāmu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullāhi Wabarakath,<br /><br />I came across this recitation and i've been listening to this over and over again.<br /><br />MashaÁllah he is beautifully talented and gifted from Allah. A beautiful qiraat is not easy to come by, it requires time and effor, sometimes years for a person to perfect. And some people are just blessed by Allah with beautiful voices when it comes to reciting the Qurán.<br /><br />Qari Ziyad Patel is from South Africa and has one of the most sweetest voices which does not fail to move the heart.<br /><br />Here he recites some of my favourite verses from Surat An-Nur [The Ayah of Nur]:<br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/zg8mJti4jRo&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/zg8mJti4jRo&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></p><br /><br />Recitation of the Qurán in a beautiful manner while fulfilling its rights of pronounciation is a comman from Allah both in the Qurán and Sunnah. <br /><br />In Surah Al Muzammil it says:<br /><br /><em>..and recite the Quran in a slow, (pleasant tone and) style - [Surah Muzzamil, verse 4:]</em>Veiled Muslimahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06547216732501795559noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11580276.post-38162966907959978052009-02-07T12:35:00.007+04:002009-02-08T01:02:18.239+04:00Imam Nawawis 40 Hadith Seminar in Dubai!<div>Assalāmu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullāhi Wabarakath,</div><br /><div> </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.kalemah.org/images/stories/banners/40had1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 522px; height: 219px;" src="http://www.kalemah.org/images/stories/banners/40had1.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><em><blockquote>Imagine the Prophet (peace be upon him) surrounded by his beloved Companions, as they sit and listen to his most precious words, revelation from above the seven heavens. Would you like to recreate even a fraction of what that must have been like? Would you like to listen to the same exact words that had flowed from the Prophet’s lips, preserved intact 1400 years later? Do you want to strengthen your knowledge about Islam, increase your eeman & be in a gathering where angels surround you?</blockquote></em><br /><br /><br /><div><a style="color: rgb(0, 204, 204);" href="http://www.kalemah.org/">Kalemah</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 204, 204);"> </span>is organising a 2 day intensive Seminar conducted by Shaykh Muhammad Salah from Huda TV in Dubai. I'm absolutely excited and alhamdulilah grateful for volunteering for this blessed event. It will take place at Dubai Chambers on March 6th & 7th 2009<span style="font-style: italic;"> bi'idnillah.</span><br /><br />The seats available are 200 and just yesterday registration was full however, they still have a waiting list in case somebody cancels. So if you haven't already registered, do so now by going on their website!<br /><br />Click<a style="color: rgb(51, 204, 255);" href="http://www.kalemah.org/index.php/whats-new/222-40-hadeeth-seminar"> here</a><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 255);"> </span>for more information.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div><object width="480" height="291"><param name="movie" value="http://www.dailymotion.com/swf/k1msMQUOwzLmmkWdjC&related=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.dailymotion.com/swf/k1msMQUOwzLmmkWdjC&related=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="480" height="291" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always"></embed></object><br /><b><a href="http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x89des_40-hadeeth-seminar-registration-now_shortfilms">40 Hadeeth Seminar: Registration Now Open!</a></b><br /><i>Uploaded by <a href="http://www.dailymotion.com/usmanzk">usmanzk</a></i></div><br /></div><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div>Veiled Muslimahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06547216732501795559noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11580276.post-65957314084257205442009-02-05T23:53:00.003+04:002009-02-06T00:06:15.604+04:00Gaza... No more?Is it just me or has all the hubub died down? No, don't get me wrong. I'm happy that there are no more current air-strikes in Gaza but Palestine is still a Country oppressed and Gaza is still suffering.<br /><br />But, why do I feel that we've become silent once again. That the fund-raising, the rallies, the protests - they've all died down?<br /><br />Do we only rise when worse comes to worse and become silent again when it's not so bad? Or when it's something that we've become indifferent to? Is that what our state has become?<br /><br />Our lands are still under attack. Our people are still oppressed. Our leaders still need to either step down or be changed.<br /><br />However, I have a feeling we will again become silent spectators. This is our state and it is a pathethic state. Everything will go back to normal and we will only think a thought or two when we, maybe, read the newspaper. <em>'O, those poor Iraqis'</em> or <em>'Oh, my Muslim Brothers & Sisters in Palestine'</em> - and then we'll go back to earning a living, meeting our friends, laughing and forgetting.<br /><br />Until another Muslim Country is attacked. Until more people are killed in brutal genocide.Veiled Muslimahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06547216732501795559noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11580276.post-18207559487427525022009-02-03T21:08:00.005+04:002009-02-03T21:46:35.067+04:0014 Babies?!My Sister mentioned this to me the other day and then I saw this on Yahoo News.<br /><br />This is so interesting! A Woman had 8 children and they're all healthy and kicking. And to add to that, she already has six children!<br /><br />Although, I don't know how she would be able to handly 14 children at one go. If she can, props to her. I know for a fact, that with children who even have a one year age gap, Mothers still have a hard time handling them and apparently, Nadya Suleiman is not married but is going to support them on her own.<br /><br />Let's just say, I think she has her work cut out for her.<br /><br /><blockquote><p>The six boys and two girls, the second octuplets born alive in the United States, have garnered worldwide attention as media have attempted to find out more about the mother and her family. Hours after media gathered outside the Whittier home, Kaiser issued a statement on behalf of the mother requesting privacy.<br /><br />"Please know, in our own time, we will share additional details about this miraculous experience," the statement read. "The babies continue to grow strong every day and make good progress. My family and I are ecstatic about all of their arrivals. Needless to say the eighth was a surprise to us all, but a blessing as well."<br /><br />Within hours, media had camped out at the family's home in Whittier, where the babies' grandfather pulled up in a minivan in the evening and briefly spoke to The Associated Press. Beside him were two children — a 7-year-old and 6-year-old — who said they were excited to have eight new siblings.<br /><br />But the grandfather warned that media may have a tougher time finding the family after the babies are released from the hospital.<br /><br />"We have a huge house, not here," said the man, who would only identify himself as Ed. "You are never going to know where it is."<br /><br />The mother also has two children, ages 5 and 3, and 2-year-old twins, neighbors told the Times.</p><p>Suleman said her daughter had embryos implanted last year, and after finding out she was pregnant with multiple babies was given the option by doctors of selectively reducing the number of embryos. The woman declined.<br /><br />"What do you suggest she should have done? She refused to have them<br />killed," Suleman told the Times. "That is a very painful thing."</p></blockquote><br /><br />You can read the whole article <a href="http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/us_world/Mom-of-Octuplets-Lives-with-Parents-Has-6-Other-Kids.html">here. And here.</a>Veiled Muslimahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06547216732501795559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11580276.post-4482152369879427112009-02-03T00:13:00.006+04:002009-02-03T00:31:36.095+04:00Recitation of the Qurán: Ayat Al-Kursi<div align="left">Assalāmu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullāhi Wabarakath,<br /><br />Shaykh Muhammah Mohaisany never fails to send chills down my spine with his recitation of the Qurán. Although people may argue that other <em>Qurr'a</em> have better recitation in terms of <em>tarteel</em> and<em> tajweed</em>, his recitation has so much emotion, passion and strength behind it. It is as if he is feeling <em>every </em>verse and that feeling transfers to you too.<br /><br />I especially love his recitation of Ayat Al-Kursi:<br /><br /><br /></div><p align="center"><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/CkMfd3InWZM&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/CkMfd3InWZM&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></p><br /><br /><br />The verse of the throne has many benefits & narrations attached to it. It is the most beautiful and the most greatest verse of the Qurán. And the most greatest verse revealed to the Prophet Sallahu allayhi wasallam .<br /><br />One such a<em>hadith </em>that pertain to Ayat Al-Kursi is that if anyone reads this verse after every prayer will be entered into Paradise.<br /><br /><br /><blockquote><p>It was narrated that Abu Umamah Al-Bahili (radiAllahu anhu) said: </p><p>The Messenger of Allah (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said: </p><p><strong>"Whoever recites Ayat al-Kursi immediately after each prescribed Prayer, there will be nothing standing between him and his entering Paradise except death." </strong></p><p>[an-Nasa'i, Ibn Hibban, ibn Sunni, at-Tabarani, ibn Hibban - Sahih] </p></blockquote>Veiled Muslimahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06547216732501795559noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11580276.post-68962429477165693452009-02-01T19:38:00.002+04:002009-02-01T19:41:22.101+04:00Slack-errrI slack sometimes. And when I do, I slack really badly. This is one part of me that I really want to make better. The part that gets lazy & doesn't feel like doing any work. The part that somehow or the other ends up reading Isha at 12 or 1 AM regardless of the intention to read it early. The part that leaves the work to be finished till the last minute. The part that leaves things unorganised and loathes the fact that it is left unorganised.<br /><br />Sometimes I'm normal. At other times, I'm a bad case of a Slack-errr.Veiled Muslimahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06547216732501795559noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11580276.post-9669531104933189812009-01-27T21:34:00.006+04:002009-01-30T16:00:46.493+04:00A Baby burned - GazaAssalāmu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullāhi Wabarakath,<br /><br />I came across this video on this <a href="http://istherefoodonmyniqaab.blogspot.com/2009/01/aynal-islam-aynal-muslimeen.html">blog</a> and I'm not sure the shock of what I watched has actually settled in yet.<br /><br />I keep on realising how many blessings Allah <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">azza wa jal </span>has blessed me with. The comfort of my house, the food I eat, the clothes I wear and yet I know I'm not grateful enough.<br /><br />This video is not for the weak-hearted. It's about a toddler, a baby, who was killed in Gaza. Burned. My Sister is pregnant and about to give birth and I know the feeling of attachment a Woman has with her child. I also know how innocent and adorable little children are... truly a blessing of Allah.<br /><br /><object width="450" height="370"><param name="movie" value="http://www.liveleak.com/e/13b_1231773588"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.liveleak.com/e/13b_1231773588" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="450" height="370"></embed></object><br /><br />I think only people with cruel soulless hearts can do something like this. Something so inhumane. The Israelis said they did not intentionally target children, but this is a lie. Doctors and other witnesses said Children were deliberately killed and from short-range.<br /><br />Why so? My Sister and I were discussing it and it all seems so similar to what Pharoah did to the people during his time- the children at that time were killed so that they could not defeat the Pharoah.<br /><br />We all know generations after generations of Palestinians are involved in defending their Country... could this have been one of their policies?<br /><br />Wa Allahu Aaalam... :(<br /><br />I have to give it to the Palestinians for their sabr and tawakkul in Allah. I noticed that whenever they came upon the dead they would say,<span style="FONT-STYLE: italic"> 'HasbunAllah wa na'mal wakeel'</span> <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">[Allah is sufficient for us and he is the best disposer of our Affairs]. </span>A Muslim is required to call to Allah in times of need and calamity and our first reaction to any calamity is a test from Allah.<br /><br />At the end, the doctor says,<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"> 'Where is Islam? Where are the Muslims?' -</span> and that is something we should all be thinking. <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Where are we?</span><br /><br />May Allah SWT easen our affairs. Ameen.Veiled Muslimahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06547216732501795559noreply@blogger.com10