Reflections Of A Muslimah

A full circle

2011-04-10T00:48:00.000+04:00

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.

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_

Sigh

2009-06-23T21:05:00.000+04:00

Assalāmu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullāhi Wabarakath,

Oh dear Blog - I miss thee. :(

Wordpress or Hadithuna?

2009-05-15T15:09:00.004+04:00

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.

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.

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.

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.

However, I'm a bit indecisive about where to shift too.

There is Wordpress - 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.

Then there is Hadithuna - the Muslim version of Wordpress with numerous templates but a very Muslim-Only readership.

Thoughts?

Capturing Verses

2009-04-25T22:24:00.004+04:00

Assalāmu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullāhi Wabarakath,

There are some verses in the Qu'ran which capture your heart and don't let go. :-)

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 the 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 success.

(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.

Surah At-Tawbah 111-112

May Allah subhan'na wa ta'ala make us among them! Ameen.

Sunday Thoughts

2009-04-19T22:04:00.003+04:00

Between a crashed laptop, laziness and attempts to finish my work on time I've been neglecting this blog. [I know, I know. This happens more than it should, but whatever.]

There is something I'm not good at and thats organising myself and discipline of my nafs. Not to mention Satan does well to act on his promise by encouraging us to waste time.

I've recognised two of my weaknesses:

Fiction and daydreaming.

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.

If its not one thing its the other, and the time can just fly by without me getting any Qur'an or assignment done.

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].

But I guess disciplining your nafs is a test by Allah. And I'm hoping I pass.

Recitation of the Qur'an: Tawfeeq As-Sayegh

2009-04-11T11:54:00.002+04:00

Assalāmu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullāhi Wabarakath,

Lately I've been listening to Qari Tawfeeq As-Sayegh. :-) Masha'Allah, his recitation is touching and clear.

My Worst days...

2009-04-03T11:24:00.004+04:00

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 such a guilty feeling.

And no matter how many times you pray it, if its qadhaa - it just doesn't give you the same feeling.

The Akhira

2009-04-01T21:14:00.002+04:00

Assalāmu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullāhi Wabarakath,

I came across this clip on Youtube. It's chilling but a reminder that we need to keep reminding ourselves with.

May Allah SWT save us from the torment of the fire! Ameen.

It's Raining! It's Raining!

2009-03-31T20:20:00.004+04:00

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.

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.

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.

May Allah subhanna wa ta'ala keep all of us on the straight path and make this rain a blessed rain! Ameen.

The danger of solitude

2009-03-29T13:52:00.005+04:00

They say being alone is more dangerous with your nafs 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.

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 tested - if you believe and worship in Allah as if you see because although you see him not - he sees you.

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.

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.

O you who believe! Enter perfectly in Islâm (by obeying all the rules and
regulations of the Islâmic religion) and follow not the footsteps of Shaitân
(Satan). Verily! He is to you a plain enemy. (208)

May Allah keep us all steady on his path and protect us from the whisperings of Satan. Ameen.

Appreciating Muslim Womenhood

2009-03-28T14:25:00.004+04:00

I 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. :-)

A letter from a Christian to Muslim Women

By Joanna Francis

Writer, Journalist - USA

March 7th, 2007

By Joanna Francis

Writer, Journalist - USA

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.

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.

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.

Through Temptation

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.

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.

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.

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.

Self-Value

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: “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). 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.

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.

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!

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.

A Woman’s Heart

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.

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.

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.

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.

Self-Denial

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.

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.

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.

Remember: you can’t put the toothpaste back in the tube. So guard your “toothpaste” carefully!

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.

* This article is republished with the kind permission of the author.

The original canbe found on Crescent and the Cross. Joanna Francis is a writer and
journalist. She manages her own blog.

Sometimes

2009-03-21T23:49:00.004+04:00

... you want things so badly. And you wonder why Allah azza wa jal 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.

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.

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.

In the end, Alhamdulilah in all situations.

Joining the Twitter Network

2009-03-15T21:54:00.005+04:00

Okay, so I too have joined the Twitter bandwagon.

Actually, I joined it a few months ago but didn't really use it. I'm back on it though.

I can be found at: http://twitter.com/ha09h

If you're a fellow blogger, add me. :)

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 forgive & forget. It'll make life easier for a lot of people

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!

Girls who dress like Men

2009-03-11T22:26:00.005+04:00

On 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.

Although it was a fun day, on the way back what I saw had me panicking to put my Niqaab on. Parked inside the parking lot in the Park were cars which had boys standing outside them. Or what I thought 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 girls pretending to be boys.

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.

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.

And to top it all, these were Arab Muslim youth, with the girls who were not pretending to be Men actually wearing Abayas.

All I could think was that if the Ahzaab of Allah does not come on us, then what will? My friend repeatedly kept on saying Allah yahdeekum - and I really hope Allah gives them hidaya.

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?

Surely something in such large groups cannot pass the attention of the community at large? These are our children of tomorrow.

Sick!

2009-03-04T11:32:00.002+04:00

Is it just me or have people been falling ill lately?

I've been down with fever, a cold, a headache and a backache. Sigh. 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.

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.

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 Alhamdulilah aa'la kulli haal.

A warning for us in the Qur'an & reflection

2009-02-25T20:51:00.003+04:00

Assalāmu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullāhi Wabarakath,

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.

It says in Surat Al-An'am:

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

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.

There is a verse in the Qur'an in Surat Al-Ma'idah which has a severe warning for the Muslims.

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.

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?

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 azza wa jal. 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.

So then, what are we to do?

If we look at the verse above, it mentions the Sifaat that we as Muslims should have and characteristics Allah wants in us.

They are:

An Ummah he loved & those who love him back

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 subhanna wa ta'ala, to obey him in his commands and to strive to earn his pleasure and love.

Humble towards the believers

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 madhab[istic] divisions, [which don't actually promote love], are more.

Stern towards the disbelievers

Ah... And what are we doing? Allying and helping the Kuffar against our own Brothers & Sisters in Islam.

Fighting in the way of Allah

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.

Never afraid of the blame of the blamers

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.

May Allah Subhanna wa ta'ala make us of those who he loves and those who love him! Ameen.

Thoughts On Polygyny

2009-02-20T15:15:00.006+04:00

Assalāmu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullāhi Wabarakath,

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.

n Islam Polygyny is allowed. It says in the Qurán:

And if you fear that you shall not be able to deal justly with the orphan girls, then marry (other) women of your choice, two or three, or four but if you fear that you shall not be able to deal justly (with them), then only one or (the captives and the slaves) that your right hands possess. That is nearer to prevent you from doing injustice. [Surat An-Nisa : 3]

Obviously Allah azza wa Jal 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.

The discussion on Polygyny is vast and includes both pros and cons. However, this is not what I mean to actually discuss.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polygyny

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.

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.

Ridiculing the concept of Polygyny is where the trouble arises as it is ridiculing the Qurán & Sunnah.

Fascinated with Fiction

2009-02-15T19:29:00.006+04:00

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.

As I grew older, my taste developed according. I picked more 'sophisticated' 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

To which she said,

Fiction? What for? You're just wasting your time reading nothing but lies. Get an Islamic book instead.'

I sighed and laughed and made my way in the bookstore.

But what she said stuck with me.

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 does take a toll on my Imaan. Maybe not so much, but it does. 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.

But... as she said, they're all nothing but lies, aren't they? And that is the truth of it.

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. [Music & Movies] - sometimes labeling me or or thinking it I'm sure with the most famous label of 'extremist'. Heh. I don't mind it much. I am spiritually satisfied and that is what matters to me. I do not feel the need or want to do or listen to these things. And sometimes this is hard to explain to others.

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.

Like now for example... I too, like millions of people around the World is caught in the fascination of Isabella Swan & Edward Cullens world. Of Vampires, Werewolves & the supernatural.

[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 love killing stereotypes. ;)]

I'm on the fourth volume now: Breaking Dawn. 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 Twilight [The first book in the trilogy] I found the writing to be almost... abrupt. 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.

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 Qur'an 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...

Sigh. I think I need to add 'discipline' to one of the to-do things in my life.

Recitation of the Qurán: Qari Ziyad Patel

2009-02-12T20:35:00.007+04:00

Assalāmu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullāhi Wabarakath,

I came across this recitation and i've been listening to this over and over again.

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.

Qari Ziyad Patel is from South Africa and has one of the most sweetest voices which does not fail to move the heart.

Here he recites some of my favourite verses from Surat An-Nur [The Ayah of Nur]:

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.

In Surah Al Muzammil it says:

..and recite the Quran in a slow, (pleasant tone and) style - [Surah Muzzamil, verse 4:]

Imam Nawawis 40 Hadith Seminar in Dubai!

2009-02-07T12:35:00.007+04:00

Assalāmu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullāhi Wabarakath,

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?

Kalemah 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 bi'idnillah.

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!

Click here for more information.

40 Hadeeth Seminar: Registration Now Open!
Uploaded by usmanzk

Gaza... No more?

2009-02-05T23:53:00.003+04:00

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.

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?

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?

Our lands are still under attack. Our people are still oppressed. Our leaders still need to either step down or be changed.

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. 'O, those poor Iraqis' or 'Oh, my Muslim Brothers & Sisters in Palestine' - and then we'll go back to earning a living, meeting our friends, laughing and forgetting.

Until another Muslim Country is attacked. Until more people are killed in brutal genocide.

14 Babies?!

2009-02-03T21:08:00.005+04:00

My Sister mentioned this to me the other day and then I saw this on Yahoo News.

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!

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.

Let's just say, I think she has her work cut out for her.

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.

"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."

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.

But the grandfather warned that media may have a tougher time finding the family after the babies are released from the hospital.

"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."

The mother also has two children, ages 5 and 3, and 2-year-old twins, neighbors told the Times.
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.

"What do you suggest she should have done? She refused to have them
killed," Suleman told the Times. "That is a very painful thing."

You can read the whole article here. And here.

Recitation of the Qurán: Ayat Al-Kursi

2009-02-03T00:13:00.006+04:00

Assalāmu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullāhi Wabarakath,

Shaykh Muhammah Mohaisany never fails to send chills down my spine with his recitation of the Qurán. Although people may argue that other Qurr'a have better recitation in terms of tarteel and tajweed, his recitation has so much emotion, passion and strength behind it. It is as if he is feeling every verse and that feeling transfers to you too.

I especially love his recitation of Ayat Al-Kursi:

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 .

One such ahadith that pertain to Ayat Al-Kursi is that if anyone reads this verse after every prayer will be entered into Paradise.

It was narrated that Abu Umamah Al-Bahili (radiAllahu anhu) said:
The Messenger of Allah (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said:
"Whoever recites Ayat al-Kursi immediately after each prescribed Prayer, there will be nothing standing between him and his entering Paradise except death."
[an-Nasa'i, Ibn Hibban, ibn Sunni, at-Tabarani, ibn Hibban - Sahih]

Slack-errr

2009-02-01T19:38:00.002+04:00

I 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.

Sometimes I'm normal. At other times, I'm a bad case of a Slack-errr.

A Baby burned - Gaza

2009-01-27T21:34:00.006+04:00

Assalāmu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullāhi Wabarakath,

I came across this video on this blog and I'm not sure the shock of what I watched has actually settled in yet.

I keep on realising how many blessings Allah azza wa jal 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.

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.

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.

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.

We all know generations after generations of Palestinians are involved in defending their Country... could this have been one of their policies?

Wa Allahu Aaalam... :(

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, 'HasbunAllah wa na'mal wakeel' [Allah is sufficient for us and he is the best disposer of our Affairs]. 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.

At the end, the doctor says, 'Where is Islam? Where are the Muslims?' - and that is something we should all be thinking. Where are we?

May Allah SWT easen our affairs. Ameen.

A trip to Ras Al - Khaimah

2009-01-26T15:59:00.012+04:00

We decided to visit Ras Al Khaimah yesterday in search for snow. We left Dubai around 3:30pm and it was a long drive all the way to Ras Al Khaimah. We planned to visit Al Jees mountain and see the much talked about snow but we turned back halfway up the mountain because by the time we reached the sun was setting and the road back was slippery and dangerous. So although we didn't reach the intended place and see snow I still had fun.

Sometimes living in Dubai makes you forget the other emirates and their beauty which are in the same Country. Dubai is such a contrast to all the other emirates but for some reason, while I was in Ras Al Khaimah I found it more peaceful. Although it didn't have Dubais [fake] glamour and glitz there was something about it which was touching. Small kids running around playing, Masajids after every corner, trees and mountains. It reminded me of old Dubai. People were more down to the earth in RAK, and you actually felt you were in a 'Muslim Arab' Country. I liked the little boards on the way to make dua, do adhkar and I really liked this particular one on a signal which reminded people to to do istighfaar while you are waiting for the signal to open. :)

Dubai, on the other hand, makes you feel like you're in the West.

I didn't see a single Woman without Hijab, in fact, majority of the Women I saw were Niqaabis [Women who cover their faces] and I know for a fact that in Dubai wearing the Niqaab among Muslim Women is becoming less and less. I didn't feel so odd over there because I fit right in.

Anyway, although we didn't come across any snow, I took a few snaps of the mountains. :)

Women, Vanity & Recession

2009-01-23T23:04:00.006+04:00

There is talk about recession everywhere. Of people leaving their cars on the airport and running away because they don't have money to pay their loans. And people cutting down on their extravagance and their spending.

However, how does or did the recession affect Women?

I wanted to book myself for an appointment at the Salon the other day so I asked my Sister to call and do it for herself and me. The Woman told us she was booked for three days continuous.

Laughingly she said, 'Recession? What recession? People should come and look at my parlour! When it comes to Women and their beauty, there is never any recession!

Which, in my opinion, I think is true to an extent.

Speaking of the recession though, I've realised that although it might have affected some people drastically, others are just complaining because they have to cut down on their extra extravagance and luxury. All I have to say to that is, be happy you have food to eat!

Grrr!

2009-01-21T19:44:00.006+04:00

Sometimes it's so hard for me to be satisfied with things. It's a bad habit of mine. For eg. I thought I liked my previous template, but then I became unsatisfied with it and I spent the whole of yesterday changing templates trying to find the one I liked. Till now I've still been unsuccessful.

It's not just about templates, its these random phases I go through when I'm dissatisfied with everything around me. I have this bad habit of regretting everything I do, including the food I ordered in some restaurant. A good friend of mine keeps on trying to get me rid of it and I've given her the privilege to yell at me when I do it.

It's something I want to get over though, because I am better then a lot of people around the World, alhamdulilah. I was just thinking yesterday, when I was doubling over with pain because of my teeth that what about the people who are suffering and have no medication? A video of a boy who had his arm and leg cut off him in Gaza kept on running through my head. I had painkillers to get my rid of my pain... and he had nothing.

I need to stop thinking of the 'what could have been's....' Sigh. Everything is qadr of Allah.

Including....

Never ending toothache!

2009-01-20T16:42:00.003+04:00

I'd mentioned in a post a couple of months back about an extremely painful never ending toothache.

And now it's back... worst than ever. I actually did get a check-up done and I found out that it is my wisdom teeth which are giving me a problem.

I need to get them extracted, but I'm being a wimp as usual. :*(

However, the pain is becoming unbearable and I'll have to have the courage to get it done, inshaAllah.

I've been living on painkillers for the past few days. Keep me in your prayers!

It Rains...

2009-01-14T22:35:00.006+04:00

... and yet I can't seem to enjoy myself or the weather. It's 11:30 PM and its been thundering and raining heavily here in Dubai for past 30 minutes.

I always look forward to Winters. I love the Rain, the cold. Winter for me brings pleasant memories and thoughts. It is an artists dream, a musicians music, it is art and poetry, it is natural beauty and rain is a mercy from God. And yet, this time around I can't seem to enjoy it because every time I do a picture flashes in front of me of a people tortured, children murdered.

We're in such a mess. My heart feels so heavy.

Bush reportedly rejected Israeli plea to raid Iran

2009-01-11T14:29:00.003+04:00

This was on Yahoo News. Part of me was surprised and part of me wasn't.

Let's just say, things could've become much 'bloodier' last year.

WASHINGTON – President George W. Bush rejected a plea from Israel last year to help it raid Iran's main nuclear complex, opting instead to authorize a new U.S. covert action aimed at sabotaging Iran's suspected nuclear weapons program, The New York Times reported.

Israel's request was for specialized bunker-busting bombs that it wanted for an attack that tentatively involved flying over Iraq to reach Iran's major nuclear complex at Natanz, where the country's only known uranium enrichment plant is located, the Times reported Saturday in its online edition. The White House deflected requests for the bombs and flyover but said it would improve intelligence-sharing with Israel on covert U.S. efforts to sabotage Iran's nuclear program.

The covert efforts, which began in early 2008, involved plans to penetrate Iran's nuclear supply chain abroad and undermine electrical systems and other networks on which Iran relies, the Times said, citing interviews with current and former U.S. officials, outside experts and international nuclear inspectors who spoke on condition of anonymity. The covert program will be handed off to President-elect Barack Obama, who will deciding whether to continue it.

According to the Times, Bush decided against an overt attack based on input from top administration officials such as Defense Secretary Robert Gates, who believed that doing so would likely prove ineffective and could ignite a broader Middle East war.

Source - Read Full Article

For once, Bush took the right decision in his life - we do not need more innocents dead. Firstly, with his army spread between Iraq & Afghanistan they would be weak in man-power. Secondly, this would not sit well with other Countries. Also, Iran isn't exactly a weakling.

I had a feeling last year, either the US would ally with Israel to invade Iran or the US would ally with India to invade Pakistan. Maybe I was wrong, as alhamdulilah, it did not happen. But there is still this year and I hope Obama has a little more sense and sound wisdom compared to Bush to not go on a killing rampage. [Although so far he hasn't shown it when it comes to the Gaza crisis!]

Not to mention, both Iran and Pakistan are powerful Muslim Countries, with defense forces to be reckoned with and nuclear power. I could understand why they're both a threat to the US & Co. Pakistan holds the keys of Afghanistan. The resistance in Afghanistan recruits and trains in Pakistan, where also thousands of other Muslim fighters come in from all over the World for training. Iran represents a threat merely because it holds nuclear power, and implements Shariah within its lands.

I was listening to a lecture by Imam Anwar Al - Awlaki, and the Khilafah is something the West could not stand and therefore, strives to prevent it. What is a Caliphate? A Caliphate system is the uniting of Muslim Countries under one ruler with the implementation of Shariah law within ts lands. There are numerous reasons why the West would not like this idea, although Non-Muslim Countries would be left out of this. Financially, economically, strength-wise, a Caliphate system is a threat to the West.

In the end though;

وَمَڪَرُواْ وَمَڪَرَ ٱللَّهُ‌ۖ وَٱللَّهُ خَيۡرُ ٱلۡمَـٰكِرِينَ

And they plotted and Allâh plotted too. And Allâh is the Best of those who plot. (3:54)

May Allah SWT unite the Muslim Ummah and make us victorious over our enemies. Ameen.

Dua for Gaza - Muhammad Al Lu7aidan

2009-01-05T22:07:00.004+04:00

Assalāmu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullāhi Wabarakath,

The Prophet Muhammad SAWs said:

"The dua of a Muslim for his brother/Sister (in Islam) in his absence is readily accepted. An angel is appointed to his side. Whenever he makes a beneficial dua for his brother the appointed angel says, 'Aameen. And may you also be blessed with the same.'" [Sahih Muslim]

I came across this beautiful dua [supplication] by Muhammad Al Luhaidan for Gaza and it brought tears to my eyes.

Reminder to Fast on Ashura [Tomorrow!]

2009-01-05T21:46:00.007+04:00

Assalāmu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullāhi Wabarakath,

This is just a small reminder to fast tomorrow, the 10th of Muharram insha'Allah.

The fast of the day of 'Aashooraa. (tenth day of Muharram) is recommended, as its excellence has been mentioned in (a number of) ahaadeeth. From them, is the saying of the Prophet (saws): "Certainly the fast of the day of 'Aashooraa. is regarded by Allaah as an expiation for the sins of the previous year".

One of the reasons why Muslims fast this day is because this is the day Moses [Musa] Alayshisalam was victorious over Pharoah.

Also, when the Prophet (saws) arrived in Madeenah he saw the Jews fasting (on this day), so when he asked them (about this), they said: "Certainly, this is the day when Allaah made Moosaa victorious and destroyed Fir'own". So the Prophet (saws) said: We have more of a right to Moosaa than you". So he fasted (that day) and ordered it to be fasted.

It is a Sunnah - and recommended to fast a day with it. Either a day before [The 9th] or the day after [The 11th].

As for the ninth, then it has not been confirmed that the Prophet (saws) fasted it, however, it has been narrated by Ibn 'Abbaass and others that the explanation (tafseer) of the day of 'Aashooraa. is that it is the ninth. And it has been narrated that he (saws) said: "If I am (still) here next year, then certainly I will fast the ninth (day of Muharram)" and in (another) narration: "along with the tenth (day of Muharram)". And he (saws) said: "Differ from the Jews; fast the day before it (the ninth) or the day after it (the eleventh)".

Don't forget to make a lot of Dua for Gaza if you are fasting inshaAllah. For the dua [supplication] of the fasting person is never rejected by Allah.

PS - The reason why my commenting system was not working before because I was trying the option of 'Comment form embed' in blogger - and I forgot to switch it off. Apparently, it doesn't appear on my blog.

Graphic Video of Israeli Attack on Gaza 1/1/09

2009-01-04T14:49:00.007+04:00

Assalāmu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullāhi Wabarakath,

La ilaha illal lah... Ya rabb...

http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=3b3_1230864719

This is what the media is not showing us....

[Warning: The above is graphic]

:*(

These Quránic verses come to mind:

وَلاَ تَحْسَبَنَّ الَّذِينَ قُتِلُواْ فِي سَبِيلِ اللّهِ أَمْوَاتًا بَلْ أَحْيَاء عِندَ رَبِّهِمْ يُرْزَقُونَ

Think not of those who are killed in the Way of Allâh as dead. Nay, they are alive, with their Lord, and they have provision- (169)

فَرِحِينَ بِمَا آتَاهُمُ اللّهُ مِن فَضْلِهِ وَيَسْتَبْشِرُونَ بِالَّذِينَ لَمْ يَلْحَقُواْ بِهِم مِّنْ خَلْفِهِمْ أَلاَّ خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلاَ هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ

They rejoice in what Allâh has bestowed upon them of His Bounty, rejoice for the sake of those who have not yet joined them, but are left behind (not yet martyred) that on them no fear shall come, nor shall they grieve. (170)

يَسْتَبْشِرُونَ بِنِعْمَةٍ مِّنَ اللّهِ وَفَضْلٍ وَأَنَّ اللّهَ لاَ يُضِيعُ أَجْرَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ

They rejoice in a Grace and a Bounty from Allâh, and that Allâh will not waste the reward of the believers. (171)

الَّذِينَ اسْتَجَابُواْ لِلّهِ وَالرَّسُولِ مِن بَعْدِ مَا أَصَابَهُمُ الْقَرْحُ لِلَّذِينَ أَحْسَنُواْ مِنْهُمْ وَاتَّقَواْ أَجْرٌ عَظِيمٌ

Those who answered (the Call of) Allâh and the Messenger (Muhammad SAW) after being wounded; for those of them who did good deeds and feared Allâh, there is a great reward. (172)

الَّذِينَ قَالَ لَهُمُ النَّاسُ إِنَّ النَّاسَ قَدْ جَمَعُواْ لَكُمْ فَاخْشَوْهُمْ فَزَادَهُمْ إِيمَاناً وَقَالُواْ حَسْبُنَا اللّهُ وَنِعْمَ الْوَكِيل

Those (i.e. believers) unto whom the people (hypocrites) said, "Verily, the people (pagans) have gathered against you (a great army), therefore, fear them." But it (only) increased them in Faith, and they said: "Allâh (Alone) is Sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of affairs (for us)." (173)

فَانقَلَبُواْ بِنِعْمَةٍ مِّنَ اللّهِ وَفَضْلٍ لَّمْ يَمْسَسْهُمْ سُوءٌ وَاتَّبَعُواْ رِضْوَانَ اللّهِ وَاللّهُ ذُو فَضْلٍ عَظِيمٍ

So they returned with Grace and Bounty from Allâh. No harm touched them; and they followed the good Pleasure of Allâh. And Allâh is the Owner of Great Bounty. (174)

إِنَّمَا ذَلِكُمُ الشَّيْطَانُ يُخَوِّفُ أَوْلِيَاءهُ فَلاَ تَخَافُوهُمْ وَخَافُونِ إِن كُنتُم مُّؤْمِنِينَ

It is only Shaitân (Satan) that suggests to you the fear of his Auliyâ' [supporters and friends (polytheists, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allâh and in His Messenger, Muhammad SAW)], so fear them not, but fear Me, if you are (true) believers. (175)

Gaza - Five daughters dead in one family

2009-01-02T20:01:00.006+04:00

Five daughters. Imagine that. Gone in one go.

I come from a family of Five Sisters and the bonds we have are unbreakable. We're together through thick and thin. Some of the happiest and memorable moments I have spent were with my Sisters.

In the on-going Israeli massacre of Gaza, among hundreds that were killed and are still being killed was the story of a family which lost five daughters.

Washington Post reports:

JERUSALEM, Dec. 29 -- Trapped in the rubble, Iman Balousha, dressed in her green pajamas, said she could hear her sisters' cries. "Mother! Mother! Where is my mother? Pull me out!" Their muffled voices slipped through the toppled bricks.

Early Monday, an Israeli airstrike on the Jabalya refugee camp in the Gaza Strip destroyed the family's house, located next to the Emad Aqeel mosque, the intended target, which was also flattened. Rescuers tried frantically to save the girls. Iman was lucky: She was half-buried in the debris.
One by one, the cries stopped, Iman recalled in an interview. She could see the leg of her 4-year-old sister, Jawaher, whom her family called Ayah. She could touch her hair. But minutes later, Ayah stopped breathing.

"I've lost five sisters," Iman, 16, said at a relative's house Monday evening, her soft voice fading. Tears slid down her face. Her mother, Samira, held her 16-month-old son, whose face was bruised and specked with dried blood.

"Does my 12-days-old baby have a rocket with her?" Samira demanded. "Or my son, does he have a missile with him? Or did my daughters have AK-47s beside them? Why did they target them?" The five daughters who died were ages 4 to 17.

What really hurts is that they were aged from four to seventeen. Children and teenagers. These are the ones being killed in this inhumane War.

How can anyone justify this?

Samira Balousha carries her surving child, Mohamad while crying over the body of her daughter, Jawahar, during the funeral.

Mourners carry the bodies of the five members of the Balousha family killed in the air strike.

A mourner lifts the body of four-year-old Dina Balousha, one of five members of the same family - including three children and two teenagers - killed in an Israeli missile strike.

May Allah subhanna wa ta'ala accept them as martyrs and give them patience. Ameen.

New layout & New Year

2009-01-01T16:07:00.007+04:00

So I finally changed my layout. I'd been considering doing it for such a long time - a complete re-vamp. But the only thing that kept me from doing it is because I spent quite a few hours re-adjusting my previous template and I would loose all my widgets [Mainly my link-list] if I made a change to another template.

I like blogger, but the only thing I don't like is the loss of widgets. It's hard to put in links in one by one. Anyway, I still went through with the change and lets just say I was sick and tired of finding a template I was satisfied with. I was up till 3 AM yesterday trying to find a good one which I liked and I still couldn't find one. Especially with the 100's of excellent blogger templates out there. Anyway, I finally found this on: 'http://www.btemplates.com'.

I also don't like the commenting system of blogger. Its... old and very ugly.

I'd been also considering making another more private day-to-day life blog, why? Because, [I've mentioned this before], I don't feel 'comfortable' blogging here anymore. Simply because the people who read this blog are usually people I know in real-life. Sucks, isn't it? It's not like I have anything to hide... but the comfort level isn't there anymore. But I decided against it because it's a hassle keeping running numerous blogs.

It's a start of a New Year - both Islamic and Gregorian. Once upon a time, 2009 seemed so far away, but here we are, living in it. I usually don't celebrate New Years and I think the people who do, do it because they just need an excuse to drink alcohol and party. As for resolutions... I don't have anything specifically planned for this Year, but just general resolutions that I seem to have had for myself for a while.

I hope to become a better person, religiously, spiritually, mentally and physically. And I guess, this is a never ending process which can't be contained in one year. :)

Gaza - A Massacre

2008-12-30T13:05:00.007+04:00

Assalāmu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullāhi Wabarakath,

I know I haven't blogged for a while. I went through one of my phases where I lost the inclination to write/blog here. But I'm back, I guess. I might just change the layout completely.

There were so many things that I wanted to blog about initially, Muntadar Al-Zaidis shoe-throwing incident, The Mumbai attacks, The War Of Terror and other things.

Is it just me, or our current World situation just keeps on getting worse?

The Gaza attacks were the last straw. It is absolute indiscriminate killing. It's sickening. Open random bombs dropped on civilians. The blockade which resulted in people dying. What is more shocking is the case of our current so-called 'Muslim' leaders today of our nations. They are silent, probably calling for another 'meeting' and doing nothing. Absolutely nothing to help the Muslim Ummah. Weak, pathetic and cowardly. They're happy as long as they don't upset the superpowers of this World: USA & Israel. Sickening, isn't it?

The death toll that I checked last night for Gaza was around 300, and I'm sure it must've increased by today. My heart bleeds for Gaza, for the Palestinians, The Iraqis, The Afghanis, for the Prisoners in Gitmo and Afghanistan and the Somalis. For the Women who are raped, the Children that are killed, the Men who are tortured. For all those who suffer. And yet, all we do is, protest. And protest. And protest. After a while, our voices die down and no action is taken.

The genocide goes on. We need more then to just voice our anger, our thoughts. We need a constant voice, we need action, we need to make sure our voices don't die down again. We need to unite.

Eid Mubarak!

2008-12-08T08:27:00.002+04:00

Assalāmu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullāhi Wabarakath,

Wishing all of you and your loved ones a happy Eid. Eid Mubarak/Eid Sa'eed :)

Have a good one inshaAllah.

[Picture source]

'And in Death, there is certainty.'

2008-12-06T20:18:00.005+04:00

Assalāmu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullāhi Wabarakath,

I think about death sometimes, and its a really check for me personally, in terms of my actions and deeds. Whenever I'm falling 'off' the path, i just need to remind myself of death. It says in the Qur'an, 'Every soul shall taste death'. Every soul, every breathing thing, will one day finally end. There is no cure to death and no coming back. It will come to the youngest, the oldest, the rich andthe poor. No mansion or palaces or guards will save you from it.

To me, death is the only certainty in this uncertain life. Ironic, isn't it? That the only certainty one has, is the end. Everything else is unpredictable - unknown. Your next breath, your next second and your next action is unknown. When I was studying Literature they would make us repeatedly discuss subjects like death, life, greed, lust, balance, vice, etc. And an oft repeated theme about death was that it was the only one thing that was certain. Sometimes characters would depend on it as a relief from the pain they would in this World, while at other times they were so sick of mundane rituals that they called 'life', a life without purpose, that they longed to just end. If anyone is going through a depressive mood, pick up a play by Samuel Beckett!

I came across this video on Youtube by Aqimsalatak, and its a wakeup message to all those Muslims who are straying off the path, thinking they can waste away their youth for the dunya and become 'good Muslims' when they're older:

:(

Jazak'Allahkhairan to the people behind Aqimsalatak! MashaAllah, very powerful videos.

Masalama

PS: Don't forget to fast tomorrow, the day of Arafah! The day that will expiate sins of two years, inshaAllah.

The First ten days of Dhul Hijjah

2008-11-30T00:40:00.003+04:00

Assalāmu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullāhi Wabarakath,

The first ten days of dhul Hijjah are upon us, alhamdulilah. Please take advantage of them because we never know if this is the last time that we will come upon such blessed days.

These are a couple of ahadith pertaining to the benefits/advantages of these blessed days:

There is immense Reward in doing any good deed in these days.

The Prophet Sallalahu alayhi wasallam said, as narrated by Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him): “There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allaah then these ten days – i.e., ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah).” They said: “O Messenger of Allaah, not even jihad for the sake of Allaah?” He said: “Not even jihad for the sake of Allaah, unless a man goes out himself with his wealth and does not come back with anything (i.e., he expends all his wealth and is martyred).” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 969.

It is a Sunnah to fast these days

It was narrated from Hunaydah ibn Khaalid from his wife that one of the wives of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to fast nine days of Dhu’l-Hijjah and the day of ‘Ashoora’ and three days of each month – the first Monday and two Thursdays.” Narrated by Imam Ahmad, 21829; Abu Dawood, 2437; classed as da’eef in Nasab al-Raayah, 2/180, but classed as saheeh by al-Albaani.

Recite the takbir!

‘Abdullaah ibn ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him and his father) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "There are no days greater in the sight of Allaah and in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Him than these ten days, so during this time recite a great deal of Tahleel ("La ilaaha ill-Allaah"), Takbeer and Tahmeed." (Reported by Ahmad, 7/224; Ahmad Shaakir stated that it is saheeh).

The day of Arafah

These ten days include the Day of `Arafah, on which Allah perfected His religion. Fasting on this day will expiate for the sins of two years. These days also include the Day of Sacrifice, the greatest day of the entire year and the greatest day of Hajj, which combines acts of worship in a way unlike any other day.

O you whose hard heart is as dark as the night, is it not time that your heart was filled with light and became soft? Expose yourself to the gentle breeze of your Lord’s mercy during these ten days, for Allaah will cause this breeze to touch whomever He wills, and whoever is touched by it will be happy on the Day of Judgement. May Allaah bless our Prophet Muhammad and all his Family and Companions.

Excerpted from: http://www.islamqa.com/en/ref/1699/dhul%20hijjah

Here are some more tips: http://abuhatim.wordpress.com/2008/11/27/making-the-most-of-the-blessed-days-of-dhul-hijjah/

Ach-Choo!!

2008-11-27T22:49:00.004+04:00

Assalāmu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullāhi Wabarakath,

Is it just me, or is every other person catching a cold/flu these days? My Sister became really ill the other day and I caught it too. My sore-throat has eased a bit now alhamdulilah, but I've been sneezing continuously today. [Not to mention I sound like a hoarse frog right now!] I went out with my friend and I kept on sneezing which resulted in quiet a few rounds of, 'Alhamdulilah, Yarhamukallah, yahdeekumallah' and this continued for quiet sometime until we came to a point where we'd start laughing when I would sneeze.

I've always heard that the reason why a Muslim should say Alhamdulilah when he or she sneezes is because your heart stops for a second and therefore, you thank Allah azza wa jal for a giving you back life. Scary isn't it? :( But I don't know any actual daleel [evidence] for this, does anybody have any?

When Adam [Alayhisalam] was created and Allah subhanna wa ta'ala blew his soul into his body, he woke up sneezing, therefore Allah azza wa jal commanded him to say, 'Alhamdulilah'.

It was proven in the hadeeth of Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Allaah likes the act of sneezing and dislikes the act of yawning, so if any one of you sneezes and praises Allaah (says “al-hamdu Lillaah”), it is a duty on every Muslim who hears him to say to him, “Yarhamuk Allaah (may Allaah have mercy on you).” As for yawning, it is from the Shaytaan, so if any of you feels the urge to yawn, he should suppress it as much as he can, for when any one of you yawns, the Shaytaan laughs at him.” (Reported by al-Bukhaari, 10/505)

It was also reported from Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “If any one of you sneezes, let him say ‘Al-hamdu Lillaah,’ and let his brother or his companion say, ‘Yarhamuk Allaah.’ And if he says to him, ‘Yarhamuk Allaah,’ let him say, ‘Yahdeekum Allaahu wa yusliha baalakum (May Allaah guide you and correct your thinking).’” (Reported by al-Bukhaari, 10/502)

So guys, keep your cold & flu Panadols near you!

An Update?

2008-11-24T00:11:00.003+04:00

Assalāmu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullāhi Wabarakath,

This blog needs an update, but the owner of this blog [IE - ME] is the epitome of laziness and currently as busy as a bee. Sigh.

I'm just not getting enough time these days for things, or maybe I'm not organised enough? Sometimes I wish I had more energy in me so that I would be able to give up sleeping in the afternoons and get everything done, but alas, it is not to be. [Besides I love napping ;)]

Winds Of Change

2008-11-13T21:21:00.004+04:00

Assalāmu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullāhi Wabarakath,

So I can feel the winds of change coming to Dubai. I can't wait for Winter to arrive! The weather is changing and it's getting cooler by the day and I'm loving it. I love the cold weather, especially the nights. :) We've started going for frequent walks outside around the house.

I love going by the beach, specifically Jumeirah beach, and having coffee by the sea during Winter. It's a beautiful experience and I haven't done that in a long time, I think I'm going to with my siblings once the cold hits Dubai. I wonder if we're going to see rain this year?

Voting for Obama and the mourning of villagers

2008-11-06T08:12:00.005+04:00

Assalāmu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullāhi Wabarakath,

So Obama has won the American elections. I wouldn't exactly be interested in the American Presidency, but who becomes president in the United States indirectly concerns the World, or more specifically Muslim Countries. I wonder what will his foreign policy consist of and/or what are his plans with Iraq and Afghanistan? Secondly, I hope we don't see a War in Pakistan/Iran, inshaAllah.

Speaking to a few American Muslims I know were voting, they said the American Muslim Community although didn't approve of either, were choosing the 'lesser of two evils'. To add to the hype, on his blog, Imam Anwar Al-Awlaki has caused quite the stir by voicing his opinions in three posts on the impermissibility of voting in an American democracy. He makes some very valid points, although I have to do my own research on 'voting from a Shar'i perspective' as there is a difference of opinion involved among the Ulema when it comes to this.

However, what I extremely detested was the slandering of the Imam and his character just because some people did not agree with his views. There is a manner of disagreeing and a manner of respect involved, especially when it comes to dealing with Shyookh. Sadly, this involved Muslims.

I came across this article this morning, which spoke about how a U.S Airstrike in an Afghani village turned a Wedding to a Mass burial ground. Allahu'l musta'an.

On a side note, I was sick and tired of seeing people donate their status to the American elections on facebook. People that weren't Americans or even living in America. Why don't we get so hyped about other Countries' elections? Hmmph.

Lion King - Can You Feel The Love Tonight?

2008-11-02T01:21:00.004+04:00

As a Kid I would love watching cartoons and as I grew older, although the excessive passion for them died down, I still really like cartoons! I think we're all still kids at heart someway or the other. One of my favourite was Lion King and still is, till date. No matter how much I tried not to, I couldn't help but uncontrollably weep at the part where Mufasa dies and I'm sure I'll still manage to cry now if I watch that part again.

Anyway, I watched this tonight on YouTube, it's [one of] my favourite part[s] of the whole cartoon. I also really like the beginning, 'Circle of Life'. Mufasa has such a kind-hearted face and Simba is an adorable Lion.

Enjoy! :)

U.S Raids Syria

2008-10-30T17:52:00.004+04:00

Assalāmu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullāhi Wabarakath,

This has been all over the news. It is so sad and pathetic at the same time and highly angering. Why do they think they can attack and kill and raid any Country they want? Why are we not doing more then protesting this?

And like always, the victims are innocent civilians, including Women and Children.

You can read more about it here:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7698820.stm

Here are a few pictures from Yahoo:

Syrian students shout slogans against the U.S. as they wave a poster of President Bashar al-Assad during a demonstration in Damascus October 30, 2008. Thousands of Syrians held a government-backed demonstration in Damascus on Thursday to protest against a U.S. military raid in the east of the country that has put a further strain on U.S.-Syrian ties.

An image grab taken from official Syrian television showing victims of what the Syrian media reported was a US attack on a building in the village of Al-Sukkiraya, near the Syria-Iraq border. Iraq has said the deadly raid was targeting an area used by insurgents plotting attacks on its soil, as Damascus protested about what it branded a cold-blooded war crime by US forces.

(AFP)

Syrian villagers mourn for the victims during a mass funeral in the village of Sukaria, in the Bou Kamal area near the Iraqi border October 27, 2008. A deadly raid on the Syrian side of Iraq's border, blamed by Syria on the United States, targeted an area used by insurgents for attacks on Iraq, Iraqi government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh said on Monday.

REUTERS/Khaled al-Hariri (SYRIA)

A Syrian man mourns near the body of a relative who died a day before when U.S. military helicopters launched an attack on Syrian territory, before a funeral procession in the Sukkariyeh Farm near the town of Abu Kamal in an area of farms and brick factories about five miles (eight kilometers) inside the Syrian border, on Monday, Oct. 27, 2008. Blood stained the dusty earth Monday as anguished villagers on the outskirts of farming town near Iraq buried loved ones they say were killed by an American helicopter raid inside Syria.

(AP Photo/Hussein Malla)

Syrians carry coffins of their realtives who were killed yesterday in a US military raid on the village of Sukkiraya, on the Syria-Iraq border. The United States mounted a rare cross-border raid into Syria to kill the head of a smuggling network feeding arms and foreign fighters to Iraq, a US official said Monday, signaling a more aggressive approach to insurgent sanctuaries.

(AFP/Ramzi Haidar)

A Syrian man sits next to blood staining the floor in the village of Sukkiraya, on the Syria-Iraq border, the scene of what the Syrian media reported as a deadly US military strike. US forces in Iraq staged a "successful" raid into Syria against foreign fighters, an American official said Monday, as a furious Damascus accused Washington of "terrorist aggression.

"(AFP/Ramzi Haidar)

Syrian villagers pray over coffins during a mass funeral for victims of a raid in the village of Sukaria in the Bou Kamal area, near the Iraqi border October 27, 2008. (Khaled al-Hariri/Reuters)

In an image made from APTN Television an amateur video shows a pointing to a covered body in Syria after a raid Sunday Oct. 26, 2008, in Sukkariyeh, Syria.

(AP Photo/APTN)

Syrian protesters gather at Youssef al-Azmi square during a demonstration against the U.S. raid on a village near the Syrian-Iraqi border last Monday, in Damascus, Syria, Thursday Oct. 30, 2008. Hundreds of Syrian riot police ringed the shuttered and closed U.S. Embassy in Damascus on Thursday, as tens of thousands of Syrians converged on a central square for a government-orchestrated protest to denounce a deadly U.S. raid near the Iraqi border.

(AP Photo/Hussein Malla)

Here is a video by Al-Jazeera covering the Syria raid:

I wonder if President Bush ever feels remorse for all the innocent Women, Children and Men he has killed in thousands till date. If the United States thinks these type of raids will cut down on foreign fighters and military activity, they are wrong. Raids like these will do nothing but anger the people and increase resistance against the United States. I have no doubt, at least one or two of the relatives of the killed, if not more, from children to older Men will have thoughts about training as fighters for Jihad against the United States and entering into Iraq.

How can you attack a nation, and expect no resistance? On the other hand, the Muslim/Arab World should take a much harsher stand officially against raids and attacks like these. 9/11 took place on American Soil, and Bush wiped out two full Countries leaving them as new-born babies. However, this is too much of an idealistic wish if I say so myself. Our leaders are so involved and dependent on the West, that they cannot do anything except watch as their people are ruthlessly slaughtered.

Allahul Musta'an.

May Allah azza wa jal give sabr to the relatives of the deceased and may he bring from among us leaders who are good for us and may those who oppress, taste their own oppression one day.

Ameen.

Women: Emotional Creatures?

2008-10-28T15:19:00.012+04:00

....I'm usually a very calm person. I reflect calmness. I'm the sort of person people flock to for advice, my siblings look up to me for religious advice and I have the ability of listening to people without judging them. So in turn, people pour out their feelings, thoughts, bad habits, and all their problems.

However, sometimes, like all other Women, I go through dangerously versatile mood swings. There are days, like today for instance, that I'll be upset at the most silliest and ridiculous things. Inconsequential things. For example, today I went with my Sister to place an order for an Abaya today, and the man who usually stitches it was gone out of the Country, instead there was someone else in his place and on top, I forgot to keep a sample Abaya. I'd been so looking forward to getting another one stitched that I wanted to cry while leaving the shop. Not to mention, I turned into a grumpy, grouchy, sulking and highly irritated person.

When I go through one of my very versatile moods swings, I turn from the calm and serene 'Muslimah', to this unrecognisable monster who literally wants to bash something. I'll sulk the whole day, not speaking to anyone in my family, itching to pick a fight with my Sisters at the smallest of things. In fact, I even let it affect any work I do. I wonder what a lot of people would think if they ever came across this side of me, heh.

Day before yesterday, when I turned into this unrecognisable Monster, I was browsing the Internet and came across this on Imam Anwar Al-Awlakis website: Link

Which made me cry and made me feel so grateful for whatever I had. It also made me realise how ungrateful I become when going through these crazy mood swings. Maybe Allah subhanna wa ta'ala wanted me to go through that post, just at that moment, knowing how I was feeling.

In conclusion, it's true, and we can't deny it, Women are emotional creatures. If some of you have it to the extreme, check this out: Link

[Just for the record, apparently, Men go through mood swings too! ;) ]

Racism: An Ugly disease in our Ummah

2008-10-26T19:20:00.005+04:00

Assalāmu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullāhi Wabarakath,

I'd written this article for a Dubai Magazine, but oddly enough the Awqaf didn't approve of it, although they loved it.

There are numerous diseases which exist within our Ummah, especially in this day and age. But one of the deadliest is racism. It is so ugly, that when it raises its head society does not function properly. It is able to end all the bonds between Brothers' and Sisters' which Islam carefully builds. It causes distress, leads to pride and puts a black spot on our hearts.

When Islam came it managed to abolish this ugly disease which was very prevalent then, and is again now. The Arabs in Mecca, especially the Quraysh considered themselves to be the most superior and of the highest caliber compared to other people. Tribalism was another common disease which was found at that time, and sadly is till now in some parts of the world. When Islam came it acted as a unifying force, bringing people together of all backgrounds and culture together. It increased the bond of brotherhood and sisterhood between the people and built it on nothing but purely faith. The people did not look down upon each other because of their colour anymore, but loved each other simply because they were Muslims.

The Prophet sallalahu alayhi wasallam delivered a severe warning against racism or tribalism and those who practiced it.

It is narrated by Abu Dawud that the Messenger of Allah (saw) said, "He is not one us who calls for `Asabiyah, (nationalism/tribalism) or who fights for `Asabiyah or who dies for `Asabiyah."

This is indeed a very harsh warning for anyone who has any prejudice or hate in their hearts towards other people based on race or colour. Or anyone who supports their kinsmen or tribesmen in wrong simply because of nationalism.

Today we see this happening in the Muslim World. Where people believe they are better then others because of their heritage, nationality or colour. When Islam came, it combined black, white and red into one. Some of the much respected Sahaba [Radiallahuanhum] were of different backgrounds, yet they came together in the path of Allah.

Bilal Ibn Rabbah [radi allahu anha], the first Muazzin of Islam who was the one of the closest companions to the Prophet Sallalahu alayhi wasallam was an African slave of dark colouring from Abysinnia. Salman Al-Farsi, another Sahabah, with whose help the Battle of the Trench was possible, was of Persian origin. It is transmitted by at-Tabarani and al-Hakim that in one incident some people spoke very lowly about Salman al-Farsi. They spoke of the inferiority of the Persian in relation to the Arabs, and upon hearing this Messenger of Allah (saaw) declared,

"Salman is from us, the ahl al-bayt (the Prophet's family)."

Why is it then, when among the companions, those whom we hold in very high regard, there was no racism or tribalism but we have such problems arising in the Muslim Ummah now? When Islam came, it joined the wealthy, the poor, the king and the slave together. In the sight of Allah, a persons colouring or wealth does not matter, what matters is their deeds that they did in this World.

Allah subhanna wa ta'ala says in the Qur'an, [Translation of meaning]:

Verily, the most honourable of you with Allâh is that (believer) who has At-Taqwa [i.e. he is one of the Muttaqûn (pious - see V.2:2). Verily, Allâh is All-Knowing, All-Aware. (49:13)

And,

The Prophet Sallalahu alayhi wasallam said:

"An Arab is no better than a non-Arab. In return, a non-Arab is no better than an Arab. A red raced man was not better than a black one except in piety. Mankind are all Adam's children and Adam was created out of clay." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim, on the authority of Abu Musa]

Once Abu Dharr, another companion of the Prophet sallalahu alayhi wasallam had an argument with Bilal, and in his anger he said to Bilal, 'You son of a black woman!'. The Messenger of Allah [Sallalahu alayhi wasallam] became extremely upset at this and he said to Abu Dharr, 'This is too much, Abu Dharr!, He who has a white mother has no advantage which makes him better than the son of a black mother.' Abu Dharr came to his senses and was so affected by this he put his head on the ground saying that he would raise it again until Bilal radi allahu anha put his foot on it.

Look at this beautiful example, subhan'Allah! Look at the anger of the Prophet sallalahu alayhi wasallam at Abu Dharr [RA] for saying that to Bilal [RA] and look at Abu Dharrs humility after realising his error. And now look at us, there is division in our Masajids according to nationality or colour where people make their own groups. When such divisions arise within the Ummah, the Ummah becomes weak and cannot defend itself. The Muslims are supposed to be one, to help each other in times of need and to be there for each other.

Allah subhanna wa ta'ala says in the Qurán [Translation of the meaning]:

The believers, men and women, are Auliyâ' (helpers, supporters, friends, protectors) of one another

(9:71)

The Prophet sallalahu alayhi wasallam has said:

"The believers, in their love, mutual kindness, and close ties, are like one body; when any part complains, the whole body responds to it with wakefulness and fever." [Muslim]

When Muslims anywhere suffer in the World, it is our duty to respond to them, to help them in whatever means we can regardless of their race or nationality.

In another ahadith, the Prophet sallalahu alayhi wasallam has said:

"Every Muslim is a brother to a Muslim, neither wronging him nor allowing him to be wronged. And if anyone helps his brother in need, Allah will help him in his own need; and if anyone removes a calamity from [another] Muslim, Allah will remove from him some of the calamities of the Day of Resurrection; and if anyone shields [another] Muslim from disgrace, Allah will shield him from the disgrace on the Day of Resurrection." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim, on the authority of `Abd Allah ibn `Umar].

Allah suhbanna wa ta'ala says in the Qur'an [Translation of the meaning]:

'And hold fast, all of you together, to the Rope of Allâh (i.e. this Qur'ân), and be not divided among yourselves, and remember Allâh's Favour on you, for you were enemies one to another but He joined your hearts together, so that, by His Grace, you became brethren (in Islâmic Faith), and you were on the brink of a pit of Fire, and He saved you from it. Thus Allâh makes His clear to you, that you may be guided.' [3:103]

Allah subhanna wa ta'ala has created all of us from Adam and Hawwa, we are all offspring of them, in the forms of different colours and race and instead of looking down upon those among us who are different, we should embrace this diversity and come together as Brothers and Sisters in Islam.

May Allah subhanna wa ta'ala remove this disease from our Ummah and our hearts.

Ameen.

The Irks and Perks of Blogging

2008-10-24T01:49:00.002+04:00

Assalāmu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullāhi Wabarakath,

When it comes to blogging, there are irks and then there are perks. After a blogger is established for a couple of years he or she will experience downfalls and rewards. Like it is with everything else, blogging has its advantages and disadvantages. These irks and perks come in different forms and sizes, according to what is being blogged about, the background of the blogger and how much the amount of traffic the blog receives on an average.

I’m going to share some of mine. In the past month or so, I’ve been advised by different people to ‘tone down’ what I write on my blog for security/political reasons because a lot of my posts are Islamic themed. At first I was a bit flustered if not angry, but considering this advice came from people I dearly respect, trust and look-up to, it actually made sense to an extent. It is always better to take pre-cautions, especially when blogging about Islam/Political issues, considering the amount of people that are picked up and imprisoned for being 'too vocal', even in Muslim Countries.

Before somebody attacks me on this, No, I am not being a coward or scared. Just being careful.

A couple of years back, I was as anonymous as any other blogger on the blogosphere. But over the years, my blog address somehow got around and people came to know who I was. So a lot of the people who actually read my blog know me in real-life. One may ask, ‘Why should this matter?’ The answer to which is, it does. A lot. There is this sense of freedom one experiences when one is anonymous and I’ve felt it. Believe it or not, individuals feel safer and much more comfortable sharing their personal life with strangers compared to people they actually know. Now I think twice about what I write, simply because I don’t want people confronting me in real life about what I wrote one particular day on my blog!

I've noticed that over the years, I've started catering to what my readers expect to read when they come here, instead of what I personally feel like blogging about. And that, I feel, makes blogging loose its essence, not to mention, you actually start feeling uncomfortable blogging about other issues or experiences.

However, there are advantages to blogging too. One obviously being, you get to express yourself freely and can communicate with the wider public from the comfort of your home whilst still remaining anonymous. Blogging proves to be a very good medium for inter-activeness, communication and reaching out to the masses, uniting on different issues or discussing other subjects. Blogging also helps in wiping out stereotypes of different cultures, religions and people because different people around the World come together on the blogosphere, to share their thoughts, opinions, political views, religious views, et al, offering reasonings, explanations and other views about their culture and what they believe in.

In the recent years, blogging has become many things for people. A money-making invention, a place to vent your thoughts, a place for serious discussion or just informational websites run by people. In fact, now, Politicians, Islamic Scholars, Celebrities and other such people, realising the benefits that come with are jumping on the blogosphere. With it coming as without cost, it has become one of the most highly used mode of communication.

All in all, blogging comes with its set of interesting issues.

Irshad Manji Vs. Dahlia Mogahed

2008-10-21T00:06:00.004+04:00

Assalāmu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullāhi Wabarakath,

I saw this video on Imam Suhaib Webbs Blog, it is an interesting 'debate' between Irshad Manji and Sister Dalia Mogahed which is about a month old.

If you don't know who Irshad Manji is, here is a little information about her. She is a so-called 40 Year Old 'reformist Muslim' in Canada, who absolutely does not stand for Islam. A feminist and a writer, her very job and aim in life it seems, is to malign Islam and mainstream Muslims. She continuously calls for ijtihad and the re-interpretation of the verses of the Quran and a re-interpretation of classical and traditional Islam. Not to mention her opposition to Hijab and banning of alcohol. She feels classical Islam, which is followed by Muslims worldwide and has been since the time of the Prophet sallalahu alayhi wasallam is not 'appropriate' for 21st century. A companion to the likes of Salman Rushdie.

Dahlia Mogahed really seemed to have kept her cool and made some very calculated and intellectual responses. MashaAllah.

May Allah guide her, the likes of her, and all those whom she has misguided. Ameen.

Generation Faithful: Young and Arab in the Land of Mosques and Bars

2008-10-08T19:18:00.005+04:00

Assalāmu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullāhi Wabarakath,

A disco in Dubai exemplifies the emirate's moderating influences.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — In his old life in Cairo, Rami Galal knew his place and his fate: to become a maintenance man in a hotel, just like his father. But here, in glittering, manic Dubai, he is confronting the unsettling freedom to make his own choices.

Here Mr. Galal, 24, drinks beer almost every night and considers a young Russian prostitute his girlfriend. But he also makes it to work every morning, not something he could say when he lived back in Egypt. Everything is up to him, everything: what meals he eats, whether he goes to the mosque or a bar, who his friends are.
“I was more religious in Egypt,” Mr. Galal said, taking a drag from yet another of his ever-burning Marlboros. “It is moving too fast here. In Egypt there is more time, they have more control over you. It’s hard here. I hope to stop drinking beer; I know it’s wrong. In Egypt, people keep you in check. Here, no one keeps you in check.”
In Egypt, and across much of the Arab world, there is an Islamic revival being driven by young people, where faith and ritual are increasingly the cornerstone of identity. But that is not true amid the ethnic mix that is Dubai, where 80 percent of the people are expatriates, with 200 nationalities.
This economically vital, socially freewheeling yet unmistakably Muslim state has had a transforming effect on young men. Religion has become more of a personal choice and Islam less of a common bond than national identity.
Dubai is, in some ways, a vision of what the rest of the Arab world could become — if it offered comparable economic opportunity, insistence on following the law and tolerance for cultural diversity. In this environment, religion is not something young men turn to because it fills a void or because they are bowing to a collective demand.
That, in turn, creates an atmosphere that is open not only to those inclined to a less observant way of life, but also to those who are more religious. In Egypt, Jordan, Syria and Algeria, a man with a long beard is often treated as an Islamist — and sometimes denied work. Not here in Dubai.
“Here, I can practice my religion in a natural and free way because it is a Muslim country and I can also achieve my ambition at work,” said Ahmed Kassab, 30, an electrical engineer from Zagazig Egypt, who wears a long dark beard and has a prayer mark on his forehead. “People here judge the person based on productivity more than what he looks like. It’s different in Egypt, of course.”

Read the whole article here:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/22/world/middleeast/22dubai.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

I first saw this on the UAE Community Blog, and then later it was e-mailed to me by a friend.

Although I find New York Times to be biased, especially their articles in 'Generation Faithful', this was a good read. The article gives you an in-sight into Dubai, 'the land of Mosques and Bars.'

In the end though, I truly believe your decisions are based on your actions. Yes, the environment and other outer-factors might influence you but no one is forcing you to go clubbing or drinking in a bar, whilst no one is forcing you to attend a Mosque for your prayers. It depends on you as an individual that you make the right choices.

Killing Mickey Mouse: Sheikh Saleh Al-Munajjid responds

2008-10-05T18:55:00.005+04:00

Assalāmu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullāhi Wabarakath,

There was a recent hype caused on the Internet and in the media by the controversial 'Memri Tv'. Memri TV is Jewish owned, that is and in of itself should make people, especially Muslims think twice about believing in anything they produce or relying on them. They should confirm from authentic resources, especially if it has to do with Muslims/Arabs. And considering their previous videos/article it is very obvious their only aim is to malign, ridicule and portray Muslims and the teaching of Islam in a bad light.

The hype was cause by a video translation in which Shaykh Saleh Al-Munajjid, a very prominent Islamic Scholar, called for the killing of Mickey Mouse, the cartoon character. It was blown out of proportion, with people, including Muslims calling him extremist/fanatic, but this is the aim of Memri TV. There were a lot of things that were not taken into account, like that fact that Shaykh Saleh Al-Munajjed, was obviously joking.

In this video, Shaykh Saleh Al Munajjid, responds back. [May Allah reward him].

When Things Go Awry

2008-10-03T03:36:00.005+04:00

Assalāmu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullāhi Wabarakath,

I was going to title this post, 'When things fall apart', but considering things aren't falling apart alhamdulilah, I didn't want to alarm my readers. :)

I'm hoping this passes so I can look back and call it a moodswing, or maybe when I slipped a ladder or two. Or maybe it's just a plain melancholic mood. Whatever it was, I was feeling it for the past few days and it's related to a couple of things. My Imaan is for some reason on the down-low and I think this is because of my own actions. Sometimes, it seems hard to stand as an individual in the big bad World with opposition coming in. Sometimes it seems so easy to leave what you stand for and take the easy step/way out. To blend in, to be what people want you to be. Besides that, the actions of some other people around me are alarming and causing me distress. But in the end, each to their own , eh? Also, this is the Sunnah of the Prophet SAWs, to go through trials and tribulations, no matter how small or big.

It says in the Qurán, 'Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest', and I've experienced this enough times myself. Contemplating the restlessness and the distress of my heart, I realised there was only one remedy, the remembrance of Allah. Its always soothed me before, when things look bleak and the World looks too big and important, the solace and comfort is always there when I need it. I sat down to read Surat Kahf after my Isha prayers tonight, and although I've read it so many times, there were some that I stopped and pondered over, which in turn soothed me. I've noticed this so many times, when I am in distress or just troubled, the Qurán seems to be speaking directly to me.

I'd like to share a few:

إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَعَمِلُواْ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتِ إِنَّا لَا نُضِيعُ أَجۡرَ مَنۡ أَحۡسَنَ عَمَلاً

Verily As for those who believed and did righteous deeds, certainly We shall not make to be lost the reward of anyone who does his (righteous) deeds in the most perfect manner. (30)

وَٱضۡرِبۡ لَهُم مَّثَلَ ٱلۡحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا كَمَآءٍ أَنزَلۡنَـٰهُ مِنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ فَٱخۡتَلَطَ بِهِۦ نَبَاتُ ٱلۡأَرۡضِ فَأَصۡبَحَ هَشِيمً۬ا تَذۡرُوهُ ٱلرِّيَـٰحُ‌ۗ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىۡءٍ۬ مُّقۡتَدِرًا

And put forward to them the example of the life of this world, it is like the water (rain) which We send down from the sky, and the vegetation of the earth mingles with it, and becomes fresh and green. But (later) it becomes dry and broken pieces, which the winds scatter. And Allâh is Able to do everything. (44)

ٱلۡمَالُ وَٱلۡبَنُونَ زِينَةُ ٱلۡحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا‌ۖ وَٱلۡبَـٰقِيَـٰتُ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتُ خَيۡرٌ عِندَ رَبِّكَ ثَوَابً۬ا وَخَيۡرٌ أَمَلاً۬

Wealth and children are the adornment of the life of this world. But the good righteous deeds, that last, are better with your Lord for rewards and better in respect of hope.

وَيَوۡمَ نُسَيِّرُ ٱلۡجِبَالَ وَتَرَى ٱلۡأَرۡضَ بَارِزَةً۬ وَحَشَرۡنَـٰهُمۡ فَلَمۡ نُغَادِرۡ مِنۡہُمۡ أَحَدً۬ا (٤٧) وَعُرِضُواْ عَلَىٰ رَبِّكَ صَفًّ۬ا لَّقَدۡ جِئۡتُمُونَا كَمَا خَلَقۡنَـٰكُمۡ أَوَّلَ مَرَّةِۭ‌ۚ بَلۡ زَعَمۡتُمۡ أَلَّن نَّجۡعَلَ لَكُم مَّوۡعِدً۬ا

And (remember) the Day We shall cause the mountains to pass away (like clouds of dust), and you will see the earth as a levelled plain, and we shall gather them all together so as to leave not one of them behind. (47) And they will be set before your Lord in (lines as) rows, (and Allâh will say): "Now indeed, you have come to Us as We created you the first time. Nay, but you thought that We had appointed no meeting for you (with Us)."

May Allah subhanna wa ta'ala make us steadfast on the religion and the relieve the distress of our hearts and may he enter us into into Paradise. Ameen.

On a side note, my timings have become so messed up. I haven't been able to sleep the last two nights, hence here I am blogging at 4 AM and will be staying up another hour before I sleep. I think this has to do with Ramadan. I really hope they go back to normal soon inshaAllah. I love my sleep not to mention it is causing problems with all the work I have to do.

Eid Mubarak

2008-09-29T22:12:00.004+04:00

Assalāmu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullāhi Wabarakath,

Like every year, I depart with this month with great sadness. I couldn't help but cry tonight in prayer, knowing that it would be the last night of blessed Ramadan 2008 and that this could possibly be my last Ramadan. Who knows when the Angel of Death can strike? I long to spend one Ramadan near the Kaabah in Mecca, I pray Allah grants me this once, in my lifetime.

May Allah subhanna wa ta'ala allow us to access many more Ramadans and allow us to benefit from them. Ameen.

Wishing all of you and your loved ones, Eid Mubarak.

Allahumma taqabbal minna siyamana wa qiyamana wa salatana wa du3a-ana innaka Anta As-Sami’-ul Al’alim

Ramadan - A Month of Fasting, not Feasting

2008-09-14T17:37:00.006+04:00

Assalāmu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullāhi Wabarakath,

As the month of Ramadan comes by, Muslims all around the World go into a frenzy. Families stock up a few days or weeks before the first fast comes around. The supermarkets are full, with Women haggling over spices and other foodstuff that they'll make during Ramadan for Iftaar. This year, a couple of days before Ramadan started I was passing by a very crowded supermarket when I noticed a sign outside that said, only two pieces of rice and wheat were being allowed for an individual each because of the fear of running out of stock.

And no, they weren't giving it out for free, these things were being sold.

In all this hubbub and madness that takes place, the true essence of Ramadan in lost. People have started thinking of Ramadan as a festival of feasting, so much so, that when the fast is broken, because of the amount of food that is eaten, the physical healthy benefits of fasting is lost. When you go to the marketplaces during Ramadan, there are signs everywhere of 'Ramadan discounts' or 'Ramadan Festivals'. Ramadan has turned into a marketing month, where people use it to sell of their goods and try and earn as much as money as they can whilst also attracting Muslims who should actually be worshiping Allah. Not doing shopping.

But, in truth, Ramadan is a month of Ibaadah, [worship] of Allah subhanna wa ta'ala. It is a month of Qurán, as the Qurán was revealed during this month. It is a month of being extra generous, practicing patience and reviving your spiritual self.

It is NOT a month of Iftar parties, where the Women of the house-hold cook from morning till Iftaar, wasting away their days during Ramadan when they should be engaging in worship. In fact some people even miss their prayers or don't fast at all because they need to prepare for the iftar party! Iftar parties aren't wrong, but when they're done in excess and the remembrance of Allah subhanna wa ta'ala is not done in them, there is where they go wrong. Late-night volleyball and Cricket matches that go up till Suhoor or T.V Programs that people watch from after Iftar till suhoor. We have truly lost the meaning of Ramadan.

The month of Ramadan is a blessed month, a month where the mercy of Allah subhanna wa ta'ala descends on us, a month where the reward is tripled and where people are taken out from the hellfire.

Allah subhanna wa ta'ala says in the Qurán:

"Ramadhan is the (month) in which the Qur'an was sent down, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (Between right and wrong). So every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting…" Qur'an (2:185)

The Sahaba [Companions of the Prophet SAWS] radi allahu anhum would stand in long prayers during the month of Ramadan, reading the Qurán and asking for the forgiveness of Allah subhanna wa ta'ala. They would spend their times doing nothing but Ibaadah, not wasting a minute. And why not? There are Angels who from the beginning of time have been doing prostrations to Allah subhanna wa ta'ala, and on the day of judgement will still say, 'Our Lord, we have not thanked you enough!'

And look at us! We do our fardh [compulsary] prayers and we think it is enough.

Allah subhanna wa ta'ala says in the Qurán about fasting:

"Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may attain taqwaa." [2:183]

There are various definitions of taqwa, the most common one being: To fear and love Allah and to be God-Conscious. And know, that the reward for Taqwa is Paradise as is mentioned again and again in the Qur'an.

Allah says [in meaning] : "This is the Book; in it is guidance sure without doubt to the Muttaqeen [people of Taqwa]. Who believe in the Unseen are steadfast in prayer and spend out of what We have provided for them. And who believe in the Revelation sent to thee and sent before thy time and (in their hearts) have the assurance of the Hereafter. They are on (true) guidance from their Lord and it is these who are the successful. (al-Baqarah 1:1-5)

A person might wonder, how does one attain taqwa just by refraining from food and drink? The answer to which is, fasting in the month of Ramadan is just not about refraining from food and drink. It is refraining from everything that is haraam and that which is specified specifically for this month.

The Prophet Muhammad Sallalahu alayhi wasallam has said: "Perhaps a person fasting will receive nothing from his fasting except hunger and thirst." [Ibn Maajah, Ad-Daarimee, Ahmad, al-Baihaqee, Saheeh]

When a person intends to fast, he should fast from backbiting, watching haraam, listening to that which is haraam and should refrain from being hurtful or evil to others. For as the hadith says, maybe a person might receive nothing, no reward, no benefit from his fasting, except hunger and thirst. This should exist all throughout Ramadan, and not stop when the Iftar breaks.

Sadly, we see this happening around us all the time. Muslim Women still dressed in inappropriate clothing during Ramadan, and they're 'fasting'. People backbiting others, and still 'fasting'. Muslims not offering their five daily prayers, and are 'fasting'. SubhanAllah! What benefit is your fast?

The Prophet sallalahu alayhi wasallam has said Ameen to those who do not attain forgiveness in the month of Ramadan and he has warned them of hell-fire.

Abu Hurairah also narrated that the Prophet, salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam said, "Jibraa'eel, `alaihi assalam, came to me and said, 'Whoever reaches the month of Ramadan and does not have [his sins] forgiven and so enters Fire, then may Allah distance him, say aameen". So I said "aameen". [Ibn Khuzaimah, Ahmad and al-Baihaqui : Sahih]

Why would anyone be so stupid and so ignorant, when the month of Ramadan comes by, a month where the mercy is bountiful, where-in doing any good deed is rewarded hundred to seven hundred times more then normal, where-in fasting the right way attains him forgiveness and a ticket to Paradise, not take advantage of it?

The rewards and virtues of Fasting are numerous. In fact, Allah azza wa jal has said that the reward for fasting is insurmountable, something that we cannot imagine because it is a deed done solely for him.

"Every action of the son of Adam is given manifold reward, each good deed receiving then times its like, up to seven hundred times. Allah the Most High said, 'Except for fasting, for it is for Me and I will give recompense for it, he leaves off his desires and his food for Me.' for the fasting person there are two times of joy; a time when he breaks his fast and a time of joy when he meets his Lord, and the smell coming from the mouth of the fasting person is better with Allah than the smell of musk." [al-Bukhaaree]

Fasting expiates ones sins and protects the person from hell-fire. Fasting will intercede for you on the day of judgment, a day where you will counting your good deeds, the day that is longer then 50,000 years, the day when only a few will be provided shade and the other will be drowning in their own sweat.

On the Day of Judgement, "Fasting will say: O My Lord I prevented him from food an desires so accept my intercession for him." [Ahmad, al-Haakim and Abu Nu'aim, Hasan]

We pray to Allah Ta`ala to make this Ramadan a means for us to access Paradise, to forgive us ours sins and to accepts our Prayers, our Qiyaam and our fasts. Ameen.

What's Stopping You...

2008-09-11T00:29:00.004+04:00

... from asking for forgiveness?

Allah the Almighty has said in a beautiful hadith:

“O son of Adam, so long as you call upon Me and ask of Me, I shall forgive you for what you have done, and I shall not mind. O son of Adam, were your sins to reach the clouds of the sky and were you then to ask forgiveness of Me, I would forgive you. O son of Adam, were you to come to Me with sins nearly as great as the earth and were you then to face Me, ascribing no partner to Me, I would bring you forgiveness nearly as great as its.”

(al-Tirmidhi, 3540; classed as hasan by Shaykh al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Jaami’, 4338)

Do it. Repent. Now.

Before it is too late.

Give... for the sake of Your Lord...

2008-09-05T02:17:00.003+04:00

Assalāmu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullāhi Wabarakath,

As Muslims giving charity is a very necessary part of our faith, not to mention obligatory. It is repeated again and again in the Qurán and Sunnah to give to the poor and needy, to help those who are in need. In Ramadan, we find that the Prophet sallalahu alayhi wasallam was more generous then his usual generous self.

But giving in charity isn't just a 'Muslim' thing, it is and it should be a human thing that should concern all people from all religions. There are those out those who suffer who we should just give for the sake of helping a brother or sister in humanity; out of love and kindness.

A lot of people say that it is hard to find needy people in Dubai, to a certain extent that may be true, but it is not THE truth. There are poor and needy people in the U.A.E, they might not be so obvious but they exist. And not to mention, we need to look no further then construction sites to find those who are needy.

This Ramadan, make a difference. Start to give, even if it maybe a dirham and continue this good deed outside of Ramadan. Give to those who appreciate every moutful they get. Those who work in the hot summer heat without feeling the cool air of the AC. Give to those who live from paycheck to paycheck. Those who struggle to just merely exist.

Start with Nakheel, all you need to do is sign-up with your Name, and you'll be donating water for a 100 Dhs. A few simple clicks.

Go to:- http://www.ramadan.nakheel.com

Abu Hurayrah reported that the prophet sallalahu alayhi wasallam said, 'When a person dies, his actions come to an end except in respect to three things that he leaves behind: a continuous charity, beneficial knowledge that helps others, and righteous children who pray for him.'

By no means shall you attain Al-Birr (piety, righteousness), unless you spend (in Allâh's Cause) of that which you love; and whatever of good you spend, Allâh knows it well. (3:92)

Ramadan Kareem!

2008-09-01T22:20:00.007+04:00

Assalāmu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullāhi Wabarakath,

I haven't been able to update as much, but I just wanted to wish everyone, Ramadan Kareem!

Alhamdulilah Allah azza wa jal has allowed us to enter into this blessed month once again and we should take advantage of it as much as we can. Remember, the Month of Ramadan is special and anyone who leaves the month of Ramadan without taking advantage of it and attempting to get their sins forgiven is indeed one of the losers in this world and the hereafter.

Taqabbalallahu minna wa minkum!

Shaykh Sa'ad An-Númani al-Madani - End of Surah Maryam

2008-08-25T17:03:00.009+04:00

Assalāmu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullāhi Wabarakath,

MashAllah, Shaykh Sa'ad Nu'mani has a beautiful recitation. Apparently this Shaykh, who is a direct descendant of Imam Abu Hanifa [R], has the ability to imitate various Qurra around the World. He was born in Karachi, Pakistan and shifted to Medina, Saudia Arabia where he grew up and studied ilm. He has led taraweeh prayers in the Holy city of Medina.

Here is his recitation of the end of Surah Maryam which I absolutely love:

Ali [RA], the Armour and the Christian

2008-08-23T23:10:00.002+04:00

Assalāmu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullāhi Wabarakath,

During his Caliphate, ‘Alî b. Abî Tâlib – Allah be pleased with him - saw some armor of his with a Christian. He decided to take the matter up legally, so he took the dispute to Shurayh (the Judge).

‘Alî said, “This is my armor, and I have not sold it nor given it away.” Shurayh said to the Christian, “What have you to say about what the Amîr of the Believers claims?” The Christian replied, “It is my armor, although I do not regard the Amîr of the Believers to be a liar.”

Shurayh then turned to ‘Alî, “O Amîr of the Believers, do you have any proof (of ownership)?” ‘Alî laughed and said, “Shurayh is correct, I have no proof.” So Shurayh judged that the armor was the Christian’s. The Christian took it and began to walk away but then returned.

He proclaimed, “As for me, I testify that this is the judgment of the Prophets – the Amîr of the Believers himself takes me to his judge and the judge rules against him! I bear witness that there is no deity deserving worship but Allâh and I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allâh. By Allâh, the armor is yours o Amîr of the Believers. I followed the army when you were on your way to the Battle of Siffîn and the armor came out of your equipment.”

‘Alî said, “If you have accepted Islâm the armor is yours.” And then he put him in his horse. Al-Sha’bî (the reporter of this incident) said, “I was later informed by those who saw this man that he fought the Khawârij (alongside ‘Alî) at the battle of Nahrawân.”

Ibn Kathîr, Al-Bidâyah wa Al-Nihâyah Vol.8 p5

The Boy Next Door

2008-08-16T01:45:00.008+04:00

Assalāmu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullāhi Wabarakath,

He is the boy next door. No, not my neighbour. But the boy who sits every Friday night next to Kalemah and watches the cars pass by. With every car that comes and parks his head turns curiously and watches it till the passengers get out and leave. Curiosity that is almost childlike in its innocence.

I sometimes wonder what goes around in his head. Wheel-chair bound, disabled, watching as us, the 'normal' people walk past and go on with our daily lives. I wonder if he has ever walked? Ever been out and about, visiting places, getting out of the house? Does he have friends? Does he feel content? Is he social or does he stay indoor 24/7?

He made me realise the numerous blessings Allah subhanna wa ta'ala has blessed us with, which we take for granted. Like walking, having hands, feet, eyes and just being normal.

Allah subhanna wa ta'ala says in the Qur'an in Surat Ar-Rahman:

فَبِأَىِّ ءَالَآءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ

'And which of your lords blessing will you deny?'

I've come to expect him every Friday Night sitting next to Kalemah. I've come to expect him to be there sitting in his wheelchair, in his white clothes, looking at each Car come in and park. I can sense his fascination with all these numerous cars that arrive yet this fascination speaks of something much deeper. Although it's usually dark when we go that we can barely see him; I can sense his longing and helplessness that reverberates in the air around him.

There are so many people around the World, including the Emirates who suffer in the same way. Little children, Men, Women and sadly we barely give them a thought. A lot of youngsters, especially those who are considered to be abnormal are ostracized from community on the whole. 'Normal' people, especially children don't want to be friends with them. People do not want to make eye-contact with them.

It should be our duty as humans and Muslims to reach out to these people with special needs. To help in anyway we can, even though it may be in a form of smile, for even smiling is a charity.

I hope Allah subhanna wa ta'ala easen his pain, and that of others like him and may we become grateful for all the blessings we have. Ameen,

Toothache :*(

2008-08-11T16:23:00.006+04:00

Assalāmu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullāhi Wabarakath,

For the past few days I've been having a persistent toothache. Two of my left teeth have been hurting really badly and I can't figure out why. I really wish it would go away because I can't stop not thinking about it and the pain just borders on being bearable. Also this puts a dent on my eating habits.

It started all of a sudden in the morning one fine day. It could be that I have a cavity in my teeth or I'm having too many sweet things. However I've never had this problem before when it comes to sweet things.

I was hoping it would magically disappear in the upcoming days without me having to do anything but I have a feeling I'll have to visit a dentist and that puts me in another dilemma. I don't know any female dentists and I don't want to go to a male dentist. I'm sure female dentists exist in Dubai but its the searching that will be a hassle. Also I'm so swamped with things right now that I don't think I'll have time to go. [Other then the fact that I'm slightly lazy].

Sigh.

Duas would be appreciated.

Prisoner 650 - The Grey Lady Of Bagram

2008-07-31T16:37:00.003+04:00

Assalāmu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullāhi Wabarakath,

As we went on with our daily comfortable lives, a Muslim Woman, a Sister, a Mother and a Wife, lay screaming on a prison floor in Bagram Bay, Afghanistan. She has been there for the past five years, brutally tortured, raped and psychologically abused by Soldiers who claim to come from a civilised Country, but in essence are actually animals. So much so, that she is now insane.

There are no special facilities for her, she is told to shower and use the toilet just like all the other Men do.

She is known as the Grey Lady of Bagram and now confirmed to be, Dr. Aaafia Siddiquie, a Pakistani Woman, neuroscientist, a Mother of three children who was imprisoned by American Soliders and shipped to Bagram Bay Prison in Afghanistan. A Prison that is known for its torture and harsh interrogation tactics. Her children have also been missing. She has been charged with connection to Al-Qaeda, shooting at officers and/or having bomb-making instructions. Charges which are absolutely ridiculous.

Other male prisoners in Bagram Bay have not seen her, but they have heard her chilling screams. Moazzem Baig, a former prisoner reported that after he heard her screams, he thought they were from his wife.

Ms. Ridley read the text from the book's section covering Mr. Begg's stay in Bagram, “I began to hear the chilling screams of a woman next door… Why have you got a woman next door? They told me there was no woman. But I was unconvinced. Those screams echoed through my worst nightmares for a long time. And I later learned in Guantanamo, from other prisoners, that they had heard the screams too.”

http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=63032&sectionid=3510304

Subhan'Allah, how can even a so-called 'Muslim' government hand over a Woman to the US, who are known for their torture and abuse? And how can we as Muslims stay silent for so long on this matter?

During the time of Mutassim, a Caliph, when a Muslim Woman who was imprisoned cried out, and it was related to him, he sent a whole army to free her, and yet we stay silent while our Sisters are tortured in secret prisons.

Imam Anwar Al-Awlaki talks about her on his blog:

When some Jews dared to uncover a Muslim woman, it didn’t take long for the banners of the Muslim armies led by the Messenger himself to hover around their fortresses. They where defeated by the Muslim forces, and the entire Jewish Community, (not just the perpetrators) where driven out from Madina — all of them, down to the last man. This is how serious such a matter is.

Centuries later, a Muslim woman was taken prisoner by the Roman Army and called for help from the Abassid Khalifah of the time, al Mu’tasim. He immediately ordered a mobilization of forces and led those forces himself in an attack of Roman territory in response to the call of a single Muslim woman. The response to her plea from the Muslims of that time was the complete severance of diplomatic relations, and Declaration of War against the superpower of the time.

But today, no one knows or even seems to care about this woman who has disappeared into US custody for years.

http://www.anwar-alawlaki.com/2008/07/23/prisoner-650/

Aaafia was known to be very active in the Muslim Community. She distributed Qurans in Prisons and Schools in her stay in the US. She organised Dawah tables and wrote guides on how to teach Islam to others. She was described as being a kind Woman.

A Poem was dedicated to her:

A Glorious Dawn…A Better Day

To Dr.Afia Siddiqui - prisoner # 650 in American custody

Another dawn …another day,
Disgrace; insult is thrown our way;
Yet shamelessly on their golden perch
The spineless look Oh how they sway!

As if there is no Lord above,
They with the devil-hand in glove;
Selling our dearest values and souls,
For gold and power – push and shove!

This crime you saw they so denied,
To filthy scum they sold the bride;
Yet the mighty Creator seeing it all
Unveils the gruesome act they hide!

Amongst ravenous wolves the fair one lies,
As from brutish hands she helplessly flies;
A suffering sister sane no more,
Her anguished screams - they rent the skies.

And this is all the pride they boast?
Our tormentors they daily host;
Brothers with whom I shared the cup,
sadly how far apart today we coast!

When comes a ‘Qasim’ to stem this rot?
Of Allah and His Messenger forgot!
Of cheaply selling our heritage which,
With submission and sacrifice was dearly bought.

And yet the brave will go the way,
Afia! Our elders pray, the younger fight-
For a glorious dawn… a better day!

[Fawaz Siddiqui]

Allah Subhanna wa ta'ala says in the Qurán:

And what is the matter with you that you fight not in the cause of Allah and for the oppressed among men, women, and children who say, “Our Lord, take us out of this city of oppressive people and appoint for us from Yourself a protector and appoint for us from Yourself a helper”?

This is exactly what we should be asking ourselves. What is the matter with us that we sit silent when our brothers and sisters and brutally tortured. Especially our Sisters, our Mothers. Aaafia could have been any of us and it is our right and duty to help her in any way we can.

Allahumma fukka kayda asrana wa asral muslimeen!

Busy As A Bee

2008-07-23T17:41:00.004+04:00

Assalāmu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullāhi Wabarakath,

Ever heard of the phrase, 'Busy as a bee?' Well, Im sure we all have. Currently the phrase fits me like a glove.

Teaching is a hectic, yet fun, job. I've begun my teaching at Kalemahs, Noor Ul Ilm Islamic Summer Retreat, and so far it has been really nice. However, it is very tiring too. Although I just teach three days a week, when I get back home, I just shower and sleep for the next few hours.

This is the first time I've ever officially 'taught' in a class-room, and I like it. I've been thinking about it, and maybe I should pursue it instead of Journalism, but journalism is something I've always liked and wanted to work with. [Decisions, decisions.] Whenever I mention that I wish to do Journalism to people, I get a mixed reaction. I think the reason is that being a Journalist to people means, 'out there and daring' sort of profession which someone who is a Muslim Woman & practicing isn't fit for. But I have to disagree, I think Muslim Women can handle Journalism just fine, besides, you don't have to be on T.V. There are different branches within Journalism that one can pursue [And aren't so 'daring']. And we need Muslim Journalists these days to dispel the myths about Islam that we see in the media.

I was initially teaching kids before, from the age-group of 7-11 year Olds, and then some changes happened and I was put to teaching teenagers. I was a tad bit nervous at first, simply because teenagers are smarter compared to children and you need to be confident and speaking at their level for them to like you. But alhamdulilah, apparently they liked me quite a bit, so I was happy how the class went. Besides I'm younger compared to the other teachers, and could relate to the issues they're dealing with now because it wasn't so long ago that I had to deal with similar issues.

And therefore, blogging has been pushed down the list of my things-to-do. I wanted to update more, but I just couldn't do it, especially with the busy schedule I'm running in. I haven't been using the net much and haven't had the chance to 'keep in touch' with everything and everyone. For me, blogging is a way to let out my thoughts and at the same time, polish up my writing skills. I've always been fond of writing. A friend, who also blogs, suggested that I start writing for online Islamic magazines or sites, and I've thought about it. It seems like an interesting idea.

Here is a link she sent: http://www.muslimwriters.blogspot.com.

It a great site to know of all the writing markets & opportunities that are currently open for writers, especially Muslim Writers.

InshaAllah, I shall try and update as much as I can.

Ma'asalama

P.S- Is it just me, or has it gotten excessively hot compared to last summer?. :(

British woman faces jail for sex on Dubai beach

2008-07-11T23:15:00.004+04:00

Assalāmu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullāhi Wabarakath,

This is the latest talk of the town in Dubai. It's utterly disgusting, and I really really hope she gets what she deserves.

It reminds of the various ahadith which mention that people will start committing illegal sexual intercourse on the streets and immoral activities will be spread. And then the hour will come. Subhan'Allah, this is happening in a Muslim Country. Wa - iyadhbillah.

A British businesswoman is facing six years in a foreign jail after she was allegedly caught having drunken sex on a beach in Dubai.
Michelle Palmer, manager of a publishing firm, was arrested after a police officer reportedly found her and a British holidaymaker in a compromising position on Jumeirah Beach in the Arab state.
The 30-year-old is thought to have been charged with having sex outside marriage - considered an offence in Dubai - as well as indecent behaviour in public, being drunk in public, and assaulting a police officer.
Miss Palmer told the Sun that she fears she will be 'made an example of' under the strict laws of a country where even mild public displays of affection are frowned upon.
She faces and her fellow accused face a sentence of between three months and six years in jail in the state, one of seven that makes up the United Arab Emirates.
She told the newspaper: "Because this is known everywhere they're going to make an example of us and we're going to get a higher sentence.
"We are in so much trouble and my family and everybody are affected. Until someone is in this situation they could never know what it's like. It's bad - it's so, so bad.
"They are being pushed into a corner to make an example of us. I'm panicking - my mum is on anti-depressants. I can't say anything else. I've got to go."
Miss Palmer, is said to been drinking champagne during a brunch with colleagues last Friday before agreeing to go for a walk on the beach with a friend of a colleague.
When the pair were allegedly found having sex by a policeman, he is said to have let them off with a caution. However, later, after the couple were discovered in the same position, they were arrested, and Miss Palmer is said to have become aggressive.
The exclusive residential area, which boasts a number of luxury hotels, is popular with Western expatriates. Although alcohol is available to non-Muslims in hotel bars, it is an offence to drink or be drunk in public.
A Foreign Office spokesman said: "Two British nationals were arrested in Dubai. The case is currently under investigation.'

What I find more pathetic is that she is actually trying to defend herself and get people to sympathise with her. Utterly disgusting.

Source

Living In My Own World...

2008-07-09T23:41:00.006+04:00

Assalāmu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullāhi Wabarakath,

We had a meeting the other day where all the Sisters gathered at Kalemah [Islamic Center] to discuss the upcoming Islamic Summer camp. I've been going to this center a lot and it's become like second home, with the Qurán, Tajweed and Tafseer classes. The feeling of being there is ultimately different and very beautiful, simply, I think, it is because it is a place where we all gather for the sake of Allah subhanna wa ta'ala. And I've become very close to some of the Sisters there.

After lunch at Kalemah a friend and I decided to go to City Center for coffee and check out the sales. The Dubai Summer sales are on everything gets discounted. Although I live near City Center [A Mall], I don't go there much and sometimes months pass by and I don't go. The reason[s] for this is one, it is always too crowded and secondly, it is a place of fitna. The clothes some Women wear these days never fail to amaze me. [And I'm sure the Men are amazed ten times more].

So we finally went there, and after a few minutes, I started feeling this feeling of being very disheartened. I asked my friend if she felt the same way, and she said she did. A feeling that maybe it was the wrong decision, coming here. We felt that we were slightly sticking out, especially with our Niqaabs. Slightly off-topic, is it just me or are there less Women adopting Niqaab these days? Or maybe they've stopped frequenting City Center too... heh.

How some people are dressed, is extremely shocking. I know Dubai has become pretty westernised and liberal compared to a couple of years ago, but it never fails to shock me when I see someone walking around half-naked. Or even if they're wearing clothes, they are so fitted that it leaves nothing to the imagination. This is, after all, still a Muslim City.

I then remembered something a friend of mine had said a few days ago to me. That I was basically, 'living in my own World'. The statement was regarding me not going out and about beyond a few malls [Mainly Dubai Festival City - calm and less crowded] and other places that I frequent and not being aware of all that was happening around me. And to an extent, I realised it was true. I guess the reason I was shocked was because I'd built up a routine without realising it, of me either staying at home, mixing with only the religious crowd, or going for my Islamic classes and attending lectures. And the max I stay out is 10 [Even that is slightly stretching it]. Basically, I've been living in my own cocoon.

When people sometimes talk about the ills of Dubai, they still manage to surprise me. [And that surpises them because they expect me to know it all]. I'm not surpsied because I'm denying it, but because it is always shocking. I know that clubbing, prostitution and the drinking of alcohol happens quite frequently here but I guess when you're not exposed to it so much and finally see it happening, it is intensely appalling.

No wonder so many Shyookh and people of knowledge have reported to have seen dreams of the torment of Allah subhanna wa ta'ala hitting Dubai.

So maybe I *am* living in my own World and need to get out more, but I think considering the fitna that surrounds us these days, I'd rather not. Heh.

And Allah subhanna wa ta'ala knows best.

Noor Ul Ilm Childrens Islamic Summer Retreat

2008-07-09T01:39:00.003+04:00

Assalāmu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullāhi Wabarakath,

Noor Ul Ilm is the first of it's kind being organised in Dubai by Kalemah. It is an Islamic Summer Retreat/Camp [Conducted in English] for those of you interested in sending their Children to one during the holidays. I'm personally working with it and so far, there is a lot being put in it and the response has been good, alhamdulilah.

KALEMAH is proud to announce the official launching of Noor-ul-Ilm's first-ever summer activity. Activate your children's minds, let them explore their creativity and socialize with other Muslim children. Let this summer be the best your child has ever had, inshaa'Allaah. Registration is now open!

Noor-ul-Ilm Children's Summer Retreat

Duration: From July 20 – August 14, three times a week (Sundays/Tuesday/Thursdays)

Time: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Age Groups: 7-10 (boys), 7-11 & 12-16 (girls)

Venue: Asmaa' bint Al-Nu'maan All-Girls' School, Twar 3, Dubai

Activities: Qur'aan and Du'aa memorisation, The Noble Messengers of Allah, Glimpses of Islamic History, Manners and Etiquettes, Arts and Crafts, Field Trips, and more.

Fees: DHS100 registration fee only

Injustice In Morocco

2008-07-04T15:26:00.009+04:00

Assalāmu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullāhi Wabarakath,

We feel anger when the Kuffar abuse our Brothers' and Sisters'. And there are numerous cases of this happening all around the World, however it is extremely disheartening when our own so-called 'Muslims' happen to do the same.

Pictures were released from the outside of jails of Morroco, where Wives, Sisters, Aunts were protesting against the abuse of the prisoners who were their Brothers, Husbands, Fathers. The story is that these prisoners were imprisoned for being practicing Muslims, which translates into being 'Extremist' for those who hate Islam.

SubhanAllah. These Men do not fear Allah.

Allah subanna wa ta'ala says in the Qurán:

ٱلَّذِينَ يَسۡتَحِبُّونَ ٱلۡحَيَوٰةَ ٱلدُّنۡيَا عَلَى ٱلۡأَخِرَةِ وَيَصُدُّونَ عَن سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ وَيَبۡغُونَہَا عِوَجًا‌ۚ أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ فِى ضَلَـٰلِۭ بَعِي

Those who prefer the life of this world instead of the Hereafter, and hinder (men) from the Path of Allah and seek crookedness therein - They are far astray. [14:03]

إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ فَتَنُواْ ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَ وَٱلۡمُؤۡمِنَـٰتِ ثُمَّ لَمۡ يَتُوبُواْ فَلَهُمۡ عَذَابُ جَهَنَّمَ وَلَهُمۡ عَذَابُ ٱلۡحَرِيقِ

Verily, those who put into trial the believing men and believing women, and then do not turn in repentance, (to Allâh), then they will have the torment of Hell, and they will have the punishment of the burning Fire. (85:10)

What really angers and saddens me and I'm sure others too, is that these so-called Muslims do not preserve the sanctity of Muslim Women. Islam gives Muslim Women respect and grace and others are required to give them that respect. What these filthy Men have done is disgusting.

Why are Muslim governments bowing down to the Kufaar instead of bowing down to Allah subhanna wa ta'ala? Where are the Muslims masses and their anger at the injustice that is happening around the World? Something like this would never have happened during the time of the Prophet SAWS or even during the time of the Khulafa ar-rashidun. If it did, it would have been severely avenged. The Prophet SAWS punished him who dared to speak poetry about Muslim Women, and yet we stay silent while are Sisters in Islam are kicked. And that is exactly what those who are standing in the background did.

May Allah subhanna wa ta'ala humiliate them as they humiliate our Sisters. Ameen.

[The original video can be watched here:

http://ia360919.us.archive.org/1/items/mrocko/OppressingMorocco.rmvb

Dedicated to Dilawar - Another Shaheed among the Shuhadaa'

2008-06-23T16:33:00.006+04:00

Assalāmu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullāhi Wabarakath,

When I read about this, I cried and anger burned inside my heart. Subhan'Allah, this is what they do to our Brothers' and Sisters'. He is one among many who suffer through this and are still suffering even now. When will the Muslim Ummah wake up? May Allah subhanna wa ta'alas curse be upon those who torture and abuse innocent people. Ameen ya rabb. Insha'Allah, not a day will go by where they will not suffer for their wrong doings, in this World and the hereafter.

Dilawar, our brother, was a young 22 year old Afghan taxi driver and farmer, living a normal life, trying to make ends meet when he was detained by the occupiers, American forces.

They tortured him so much, with no mercy, that he ultimately died. He had been hit so many time that his leg tissues were falling apart.

The brutality at Bagram peaked in December 2002 , when U.S. soldiers beat two Afghan detainees, Habibullah and Dilawar, to death as they hung by their wrists.

Dilawar died on Dec. 10 , seven days after Habibullah died. He'd been hit in his leg so many times that the tissue was "falling apart" and had "basically been pulpified," said then-Lt. Col. Elizabeth Rouse , the Air Force medical examiner who performed the autopsy on him.

Had Dilawar lived, Rouse said in sworn testimony, "I believe the injury to the legs are so extensive that it would have required amputation."

http://news.yahoo.com/s/mcclatchy/20080618/wl_mcclatchy/2969819

When he asked for Water while being interrogated, the animals punched him in the face and put a hole at the bottom of the bottle.

Mr. Dilawar asked for a drink of water, and one of the two interrogators, Specialist Joshua R. Claus, 21, picked up a large plastic bottle. But first he punched a hole in the bottom, the interpreter said, so as the prisoner fumbled weakly with the cap, the water poured out over his orange prison scrubs. The soldier then grabbed the bottle back and began squirting the water forcefully into Mr. Dilawar's face.
"Come on, drink!" the interpreter said Specialist Claus had shouted, as the prisoner gagged on the spray. "Drink!"
At the interrogators' behest, a guard tried to force the young man to his knees. But his legs, which had been pummeled by guards for several days, could no longer bend. An interrogator told Mr. Dilawar that he could see a doctor after they finished with him. When he was finally sent back to his cell, though, the guards were instructed only to chain the prisoner back to the ceiling.

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/05/20/international/asia/20abuse.html

Allahul Musta'an. May Allah subhanna wa ta'ala grant him the highest level of Jannat Al-Firdaws. Ameen.

What are we doing? When will the Muslim Ummah wake-up? They treat our Brothers' and Sisters' like dirt and yet, we stay silent. Subhan'Allah. What is worse is that these pathethic so-called human beings knew that he was innocent. Knew he had nothing to do with anything.

Allah subhanna wa ta'ala says in the Qur'an in Surat Al-Burooj:

إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ فَتَنُواْ ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَ وَٱلۡمُؤۡمِنَـٰتِ ثُمَّ لَمۡ يَتُوبُواْ فَلَهُمۡ عَذَابُ جَهَنَّمَ
وَلَهُمۡ عَذَابُ ٱلۡحَرِيقِ

Verily, those who put into trial the believing men and believing women (by torturing them and burning them), and then do not turn in repentance, (to Allah), will have the torment of Hell, and they will have the punishment of the burning Fire.

Brownies!

2008-06-21T00:13:00.006+04:00

Assalāmu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullāhi Wabarakath,

Day before yesterday, I made chocolate brownies for my niece and nephew. And I feel like sharing my beautiful brownies with the World, because they turned out pretty well. They would've been better, but I ran out of walnuts to add.

I've always enjoyed Cooking/Baking, but my skills aren't so good and my experience is limited. InshaAllah over the summer I'm going to experiment and see how far I get. In fact, when I was a kid, I used to watch these T.V shows, where the Women would make spectacular dishes, and then I would go into our kitchen, close the door and pretend I was on Television making my own dish. I would be fascinated at how she'd put all the ingredients in separate bowls and then add all of them together, and voila! Amazing delicious food, lol.

But, also considering how half of my household is trying to eat healthier this summer, I think I need to stop tempting everyone [Including myself ;)].

'Crazyblueh?'

2008-06-17T19:00:00.006+04:00

Assalāmu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullāhi Wabarakath,

I'm sure a lot of people must wonder about my blog address, crazyblueh. The name is more suited to a blog dedicated to a rock band then a Muslimah writing about Islam and other subjects. I'm defenitely neither crazy or blue.

Well, I actually started this blog a long time ago, when I was slightly more immature, uninteresting and uncreative, and initially this blog was just a normal blog. Also, when I was making this blog I remember my mind could not come up with a decent name. It was when I'd started practicing that it became the 'Reflections Of A Muslimah'. I really dislike the blog address though and often I've thought about shifting to wordpress or starting a new blog with a better address. But I've used this blog for a long time, and everyone has their links as this address.

So therefore, my blog address, unfortunately will most probably stay the same. :(

I've thought about moving to Wordpress a lot, but I don't like the fact that you have to host your own weblog to add any changes or use themes that you want, and usually you need to buy decent blog addresses. I was also having problems transferring it through FTP to a free host, and I found it a hassle. So I most probably would be staying here, but if anybody has any suggestions, feel free to share. Or should I move? I wish I was able to import one blogger blog to another blogger blog. Actually, I even booked a reflectionsofamuslimah.blogspot address, but I realised I couldn't import the contents of this blog to that.

What does the 'H' stand for? The 'H' in all these names stands for my name, therefore it adds a bit of uniqueness.

And while we're at the topic of usernames, I don't like VeiledMuslimah either anymore, I think, well, it sounds a little cheesy. I wish I had something much more better, like Ummblog.
Lol, I totally fell in love with her name, Masha'Allah, for those of you don't know what it means, Umm is pronounced as Omm and means Mother, in this case, Mother of blog.

But oh well, you work with what you have. ;)

A Wife Is A Wife

2008-06-09T22:28:00.005+04:00

Assalāmu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullāhi Wabarakath,

There was a post on MuslimMatters sometime back which I found very humorous. It was titled, 'A Wife is A Wife, no matter who you are'.

Some of the captions people gave for the picture were hillarious and exceptionally funny.

i think he asked her whats wrong, and she said you should already know

Lioness: Can you hear anything?
Lion: Hold on, I’m trying to make out what they’re saying! Something about a transfer to San Diego???

Lioness: Those blasted humans! Next time they come bring us food I’m gonna have them for lunch!

He should just say, “I’m sorry honey!“.

WHAT DO YOU MEAN SECOND WIFE?????????????

Lioness: I want to go to an AlMaghrib course, i want to go, YOU PROMISED MISTER! Grrrrrrr

Lion: I know honey, but i..i..i..ummm….c..c..can..t…can i have my keys please.

Lioness: *twinkle in the eye* you need your keys eh? hahahaha

Lion: uh oh

yes, yes, darling, you haven’t gained a pound and that new hide looks just perfect.

Lioness: I’ll repeat the question again: do I look fat?!

Lion: Well..

Go sit in the corner and stay there until you’re ready to apologize.

Yeesh, all I said was it could use a little more salt.”

Lion: I just wanted to go hang out with the boys! Take it easy honey!

Lioness: take it easy?! TAKE… IT…. EASY?!?! I’ll show you EASY! RAAWWRRRR

Lion: ahh..**whimpers** please please i’m soorryyy! I won’t do it again!! **backs into a corner*

READ MY JAWS! Not another wiFe!

Lion: Oh wheres the watch i bought you ….i see our not wearing it???

Lioness: You have never bought me a watch……..

Lion: Oh ummmm……i bought it for my other wife ….ummm……so anyways…………

Lioness………..WHAATTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

'The Dust Will Never Settle Down' by Imam Anwar Al-Awlaki

2008-05-31T10:00:00.005+04:00

Assalāmu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullāhi Wabarakath,

Yep, you guessed it, another lecture out by my favourite Imam, Imam Anwar Al-Awlaki.

May Allah subhanna wa ta'ala give him ajar for speaking the haq and grant him Jannat Al-Firdaws. Ameen.

The Kuffar thought that my imprisoning him they would make him quiet, but Allah azza wa kal is the best of planners and he is sufficient for us. The Imam speaks out as strongly as ever. He has also graduated from the University of Jail, just like Yusuf alayhisalam did.

He speaks the truth in times where we have people who compromise their deen for the dunya including so-called Ulema who fear the Kuffar rulers more than they fear Allah azza wa jal.

The Messenger of Allah, Muhammad, sallalahu alayhi wasallam, the most beloved person to walk on this Earth, is to whom we owe our complete loyalty too.

It is part of our Emaan to love him more than our ownselves, our wealth, our lives and our children and family.

A famous phrase of the Sahaba radi allahu anhum would be, 'May my Father and Mother be sacrificed for you, Ya Rasullallah'. And they went against their Brothers, Fathers and Mothers for the sake of Allah and his Messenger.

It is our duty to defend the honour of the beloved Muhammad As-Salatu was salamu ‘alayk, and the deen that belongs to Allah subhanna wa ta'ala. Especially these days, where they mock the Messenger and use the book of Allah as 'target' practice, wal-`iyadhubillah.

But are we really defending the Prophet Muhammad sallalahu alayhi wasallam? And what are the rulings concerned those who defame, mock and insult our beloved Messenger continuously?

Imam Anwar Al-Awlaki talks about this and gives us the example of the Sahaba radi allahu anhum, and the rulings concerning those who would mock and insult the Prophet sallalahu alayhi wasallam.

“For he who hates you (O Muhammad), he will be cut off (from posterity and every good thing in this world and in the Hereafter)” [al-Kawthar 108:3]

You can listen to the lecture here:

Or here: http://www.kalamullah.com/anwaral-awlaki.html

Alhamdulilah

2008-05-25T13:21:00.008+04:00

Assalāmu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullāhi Wabarakath,

I realise sometimes we don't truly appreciate what we have and then these 'reminders' pop up from places you don't expect and then you realise, the blessings from Allah subhanna wa ta'ala.

When I'm going in the Car, sometimes I look at the labourers working in the hot sun while I'm cool and cozy in my air-conditioned car. They work hours and hours, sweating and hot for a meager wage. They go back to small bunkers and don't even have proper living conditions while I come home to a house, family, food, animals.

My problems seem so minuscule compared to those labourers. While I worry about my clothes, or my exams or because of a silly reason, which may seem so huge at that time, it is nothing compared to what the Iraqi Women have to go through. Especially those who have to resort to prostitution or sell their girls to get food in their stomachs. Or those Women and Girls who have been raped in Iraq and Afghanistan. The torture, the terror and the horror they have to face, similar to what Abeer Qassim Hamza faced when she was raped, killed and burned. I shudder to think about what her last moments had been like, the terror and the helpless fear she must have faced while they did that to her, subhan'Allah.

Then you have the Palestinians, the terror those people live in and have been living in for so long. The Children are taught since kindergarten how to avoid bullets in School, while I went through a fun and loving schooling. The psychological impact that must have on them is awful. And more than 4000 Palestinians children have been kidnapped, shot to death and imprisoned by Israeli soldiers. In the recent Gaza crisis they were starved to death and had no food or water, while I almost have two to three dishes at home to choose from. I even have a choice in food, while there are those who go hungry and ultimately die.

And, subhan'Allah, how can I forget my brothers' who are imprisoned in the prisons of the Kuffar, especially in Guantanamo Bay? Their torture and horror is indescribable. They are put in small cages, without seeing their families or Parents. They are tortured brutally, their beards shaved off. Some of them have died because of 'harsh interrogation tactics', and it makes me weep. Allahul Musta'an.

Sometimes we have arguments at home among siblings or the family, but who doesn't? At that time they seem to big, but there are families out there who have Fathers who abuse and torture their children, families who don't love each other, who don't eat together or talk among each other. That silly argument which everyone forgets with the passage of time is nothing.

At least I don't go hungry, or have to search in dustbins for pieces of food, like the poor street children of Egypt, Africa or Pakistan do. I have a cupboard full of clothes to choose from, while there are those who stitch and re-stitch garments again and again because they have no other clothes to look through.

I was speaking to someone who went through a divorce, at that time it was very hard. But, recently, we heard a case of a girl who is abused, physically and mentally by her husband and subhan'allah, the divorce this someone I know went through seemed so trivial, because her husband was respectful and so were were his Parents when she was going through that divorce. But this girl we heard about, is beaten and kicked by husband, but she wont ask for a divorce because she has children.

Our lord has blessed us with so much, that no matter how much we try to thank Allah we will never be able to do so.

Sometimes we go through situations which to us, may seem extremely huge and tough, but in reality, they would be nothing compared to some other people around the World.

فَبِأَىِّ ءَالَآءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ

Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both (jinn and men) deny? (13)

Ar-Rahman - Holy Qur'an

10 Beneficial Reminders

2008-05-23T23:38:00.007+04:00

Assalāmu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullāhi Wabarakath,

Ten different phrases that are short, easy, and light, but will give you what no eye has seen, no hear has heard, and what no mind has imagined.

Enjoy (and implement):

1 - "Whoever says: 'Glorified is Allah, the Most Great, and praised is He' [Subhan Allah al-'Adhim wa bi-Hamdih] will have a date palm planted for him in Paradise." ['Sahih al-Jami'' #5531]

2 - "Whoever is stricken with sadness, grief, sickness or hardship and says: 'Allah is my Lord, without any partners' [Allahu Rabbi, la sharika lah], then it will be removed from him." ['Sahih al-Jami'' #6040]

3 - "Whoever ate something, then said: ‘Praise be to Allah who has fed me this food and provided it for me, without any strength or power on my part’ [al-Hamdu lillah aladhi at'amani hadha wa Razaqnih bi ghayr hawlin minni wa la quwwa] is forgiven his past and future sins. And whoever wears a garment and says: ‘Praise be to Allah who has clothed me with this garment and provided it for me without any strength or power on my part' [al-Hamdu lillah aladhi kasani hadha at-thawb wa Razaqnih bi ghayr hawlin minni wa la quwwa] is forgiven his past and future sins.” ['Sahih al-Jami'' #6086]

4 - "Whoever enters the marketplace and says: 'There is none worthy of worship except Allah who has no partners, for Him is the Dominion, and for Him is all Praise, He brings life and He causes death, and He is Alive and does not die, in His Hand is all good, and He is able to do all things,' [La ilaha ill-Allah, Wahdahu la sharika lahu, lahul-Mulk, wa lahul-Hamd, yuhyiyy wa yumit, wa Huwa Hayyun la yamut, bi Yadihil-Khayr wa Huwa 'ala kulli shay'in Qadir] then Allah will write one million good deeds for him, and will wipe away one million of his bad deeds, and will raise him one million levels and will build a home for him in Paradise." ['Sahih al-Jami'' #6231] [There is doubt about this narration, 'Imam Bukhari said it is hadeeth "Munkar" it is fabricated and even for those whom use weak hadeeth in fada2il al 2a3mal (virtue of deeds)wont be suffce for them as its even lesser than "very weak". Credit goes to Mass for pointing this out, Barakallah Feek]

5 - "Whoever controls his anger when he is able to act upon it, then Allah will call him to come in front of all of the Creation so that he would let him choose from the Hur al-'Ayn and marry from them whomever he pleases." ['Sahih al-Jami'' #6518]

6 - "Whoever asks Allah for Paradise three times [Allahumma inni as'aluk al-Jannah], then Paradise will say: "O Allah! Enter him into Paradise!" And whoever seeks protection with Allah from the Fire three times [Allahumma najjini min an-Nar], the Fire will say: "O Allah! Protect him from the Fire!"" [Reported by at-Tirmidhi, and it is authentic]

7 - "Whoever seeks forgiveness for the believing men and the believing women, Allah writes for him - for every believing man and woman - a good deed." [Reported by at-Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah, and Ahmad, and it is authentic]

8 - ‘Abdullah bin Mas’ud said: "Whoever reads 'al-Mulk' (chapter 67 of the Qur'an) every night, Allah will protect him from the torment of the grave. At the time of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), we used to call it al-mani’ah (that which protects). In the Book of Allah, it is a chapter which - whoever recites it every night - has done very well." ['Sahih at-Targhib wat-Tarhib' #1475]

9 - “Whoever asks Allah sincerely for martyrdom [Allahumma inni as'aluk ash-shahadah], Allah will cause him to reach the status of the martyrs even if he dies in his bed.” ['Sahih al-Bukhari' #1909]

10 - "No one witnesses that there is none worthy of worship but Allah and that I am Allah's Messenger - truthfully, from his heart - except that Allah makes the Fire of Hell forbidden to touch him." [Reported by Muslim, Ahmad, and al-Bayhaqi]

Translated by Abu Sabaayaa

Taken from: http://www.kalamullah.com/misc.html
Picture Source: Link

The Polytheistic Kalash Tribe of Pakistan

2008-05-21T00:31:00.010+04:00

Assalāmu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullāhi Wabarakath,

I came across this on Yahoo News. Although I don't agree with their practices or culture, I thought they made an interesting read. I'd also like to add that I don't endorse the way the article has been written.

May Allah subhanna wa ta'ala guide them to the straight path. Ameen.

When I ran across these jaw-droppingly striking pictures, I couldn't believe I'd never heard of the Kalash Tribe — and I wanted to rectify that immediately. The tribe lives nestled in the North-Western Province of Pakistan. Protected by the Hindu Kush mountain range lives this culture of people Muslims call Kafirs or “infidels”. Among the region known as Kafiristan lies the town of Brir, considered one of the last remaining settlements of the Kalash — or “wearers of black."

Its inhabitants consider themselves the direct descendants of Alexander the Great. The 3,500 souls are the last enclave of pagan tribespeople.

Incredibly, the Kalash have not changed much over the centuries. They make their own wine, elevate animals to religious status and believe in mountaintop fairies. To find out more about the tribe, read more.

Their gods, like those of the ancient Greeks, are split up into male and female deities and they claim they once belonged to highly literate culture until their books were burned by barbarian tribes. Shown in these pictures celebrating their annual Spring festival, the Kalash still maintain a fertility rite where a teenage boy is sent alone into the surrounding woods for a year and when he returns is treated to a feast and the mating rites to as many of the Kalash women he chooses.

They struggle to preserve their identity from encroaching Islamic rule, deforestation, and entrepreneurs who take advantage of their simple natures — as well as the assault of the Justin Timberlake/cell phone/jeans avalanche of the modern world. Here's to hoping they resist — I'm so taken with the fact that real diversity still exists in our ever-shrinking world.

Have you heard of the Kalash?Have you ever seen such beautiful pictures? Is it possible to maintain an untouched culture in our modern age?

Taken from: http://www.citizensugar.com/1641958

[Site may come as blocked in Firefox in UAE, use IE].

Love on Girls' Side of the Saudi Divide

2008-05-17T01:45:00.008+04:00

Assalāmu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullāhi Wabarakath,

There was a recent article in New York Times in a 'series of articles examining the lives of youth across the Muslim world at a time of religious revival' called 'Love on Girls' Side of the Saudi Divide'.

The article gives an inside into the lives of Saudi Women and girls, their way of life, the gender segregation, the face-veil and the hopes and dreams of these girls.

Here is an excerpt:

The separation between the sexes in Saudi Arabia is so extreme that it is difficult to overstate. Saudi women may not drive, and they must wear black abayas and head coverings in public at all times. They are spirited around the city in cars with tinted windows, attend girls-only schools and university departments, and eat in special “family” sections of cafes and restaurants, which are carefully partitioned from the sections used by single male diners.
Special women-only gyms, women-only boutiques and travel agencies, even a women-only shopping mall, have been established in Riyadh in recent years to serve women who did not previously have access to such places unless they were chaperoned by a male relative.
Playful as they are, girls like Ms. Othman and her friends are well aware of the limits that their conservative society places on their behavior. And, for the most part, they say that they do not seriously question those limits.
Most of the girls say their faith, in the strict interpretation of Islam espoused by the Wahhabi religious establishment here, runs very deep. They argue a bit among themselves about the details — whether it is acceptable to have men on your Facebook friend list, or whether a male first cousin should ever be able to see you without your face covered — and they peppered this reporter with questions about what the young Saudi men she had met were thinking about and talking about.
But they seem to regard the idea of having a conversation with a man before their showfas and subsequent engagements with very real horror. When they do talk about girls who chat with men online or who somehow find their own fiancés, these stories have something of the quality of urban legends about them: fuzzy in their particulars, told about friends of friends, or “someone in my sister’s class.”

Although the author tries to present the article in a neutral light, there is obvious bias in it. The Women and Girls are portrayed as being oppressed and suppressed and some of the comments that were left by readers were filled with ignorance, hate and were very insulting.

Sad how backwards and sad the society is over there
— David g, Houston
It's humanizing and relieving to understand that, despite the severity of their oppression, these women still have joy and desires. But I guess in the NY Times, like in Saudi Arabia, boys stories come first.

— EKO, DC I have a dream that someday we will have a Christian church built in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, where men AND women are sitting side by side as equals and no one is wearing a veil of oppression.

— chris, new york

With restrictive lives like this, where nothing is left to individual initiative, it is no surprise that Saudis, and Arab Moslems in general, have contributed so little to the intellectual accomplishments of the world.
— Jim S., Cleveland
These young women are such perfect examples of the Stockholm Syndrome--the captives identifying with the captors. This is one of the saddest articles I have read in a while.
— brendan, nyc

The comments just show nothing but the ignorance of the people. Contrary to popular belief not everybody wants to live or likes living the 'Western way'. One needs to live in a conservative Muslim Society and needs to understand the religious reasoning behind certain situations to truly understand why some people live/dress/act the way they do.

Gender segregation and modesty is greatly emphasised in Islam. Women-Only beaches, libraries, parks and other such places within the Muslim World are a blessing, especially for those of us who practice Hijab/Niqaab and these Countries cater to the needs of its Women. A lot of people, usually Non-Muslims cannot conceive why Muslim Women would choose to wish to cover their face, or even their heads and body with Hijab. It has a religious and spirtiual connotation to it, and one must be part of a certain society and familiar with particular religious values to understand the reasoning behind it.

In the sea of ignorant comments that were made, there were a few which came from reasonable people:

Great story, great topic, very well written - an objective view on a world few of us are familiar with.

While many of us westerners are shocked or outraged at what we see as a severe aspect of Saudi culture, it is alas theirs, not ours. It is funny how so many Christians here are quick to pass judgment.

How can a citizen of a country that worships the likes of Paris Hilton be so quick to judge what is or is not immoral?

— poliko, Tbilisi

I really liked this one because it really hits the point. 'How can a citizen of a country that worships the likes of Paris Hilton be so quick to judge what is or not immoral?'

And that is the truth! Why are people, who live in a society which is extremely materialistic and where adultery, incest, fornication, same-sex marriages and other such happenings are the norm even thinking about passing judgement on other people? Who made them the higher authority on how people should behave, live and act?

Ma'asalama

The Battle of Hearts & Minds - Lecture by Imam Anwar Al-Awlaki

2008-05-13T15:22:00.007+04:00

Assalāmu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullāhi Wabarakath,

In this sensational new lecture, Imam Anwar Al-Awlaki talks about how the Kuffar plan against the Muslims, their hidden agenda and the battle for the Hearts and Minds in Muslim Lands.

May Allah subhanna wa ta'ala protect the Imam and reward him for speaking the truth.

May Allah subhanna wa ta'ala give victory to the Mujahideen.

Ameen.

Time - A blessing

2008-05-07T23:24:00.004+04:00

Assalāmu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullāhi Wabarakath,

Often we overlook the blessings Allah subhanna wa ta'ala showers us with. One particular blessing that I want to mention is time. There are times when I've realised the importance of time too late. We all fall victim to daydreaming, procrastination, laziness and the like at certain points in our life. In conclusion, we waste time.

From an Islamic point of view, there is no going back. Time is too important and wasting it is doing nothing but harming the individual. We are encouraged to hasten to do good deeds, because we never know when death might come upon us.

So glorify the praises of your Rabb (Only God and Sustainer) and be of those who prostrate themselves (to Him). And worship your Rabb until there comes unto you the Hour that is certain (i.e., death). (Qur'an 15:98-99)

It says in a hadith related by Ibn Abbas:

The Prophet (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) said, "Grab five things before five others: your youth before your decrepitude, your health before your illness, your wealth before your poverty, your leisure before your work, and your life before your death." [al-Hakim in al-Mustadrak]

And:

The Prophet (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam), used to call on Muslims to take the initiative to do good deeds before any obstacles arise. For instance, he said, "Lose no time to do good deeds before you are caught up by one of seven calamities awaiting you: a starvation which may impair your wisdom; a prosperity which may mislead you; an ailment which may damage your health; an old age which may harm your senses; a sudden death; the Dajjal (Antichrist); or Doomsday, which is indeed the hardest and most bitter." [at-Tirmidhi, al-Baihaqi]

Therefore managing time wisely is also important in Islam. As it is in our day to day life.

I for one have a hard time managing my time, especially when it comes to studying or work. I have a habit of procrastinating and delaying things until the end, and then it is either too late or the outcome of that action is not that productive.

Often I fall victim to procrastination and delay endlessly things I need to be doing or I find myself surfing the Internet. Right now I am about to give finals and find studying constantly slightly hard. I for one need to manage my time wisely when it comes to studying. But the fitna of the Internet is easy to fall into, especially tith numerous social networking sites like fasad[face]book, Orkut, Myspace et. al being addicticve. I don't use any of them except for facebook, and I've disabled my account now alhamdulilah. I've realised the amount of time I spent on it is nothing but a waste which I could spend doing other more beneficial things.

Secondly, I'm a regular member of various Islamic message boards and although there may be some good in it because I for one have learned and come across a lot of issues and subjects I wouldn't be aware of if I wasn't on it and also, you come across people who are similar to you in your views. But the key is not to get addicted or 'overstay' your time. Often getting into religious heated arguments, [Usually Fiqh issues, Salafi Vs. Sufi, Islam Vs. Progressives, Sunni Vs. Shiite, Aqeedah differences and others] is very easy. And although refutation on certain topics is required sometimes and is necessary, spending too much time arguing will not benefit anyone.

Simply because usually the other person already has a firm view on things and a set belief and will most likely, not conform to your views. [Exceptions aside]. You need to check yourself when all you can think about your whole day is how you are going to go online and argue with that certain person.

We also need to remind ourselves of the hadith of the Prophet sallalahu alayhi wasallam: “Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should speak a good word or remain silent. [Bukhari/Muslim] and The prophet (S.A.W.) says in another authentic hadith reported by Imam Abu-Dawud, "I guarantee a house in the surroundings of Paradise for the one who stopped being aimlessly argumentative even if he is right."

Online politics [as I like to call it] is very much common. Therefore in the past few days I've been less active on the Internet on the whole and alhamdulilah it has helped. Generally, the average human tends to go away from living the 'real' life and relying more and more on technology. Sometimes I think about the days when technology was scarce and people still called and met other people or wrote letters, instead of being stuck to their computer screens like glue. [For this reason too I have been able to blog less and will not be able to reply to comments until June]

Applying the lessons of the above ahadith in our daily lives is only beneficial to us, be it from an Islamic point of view, concerning our ibaadah or our salah, or from a wordly point of view, concerning studies and work among other things.

Human beings have a habit of never being satisfied with what they have, we always want or wish for more. Most times this leads to our downfall.

I know a lot of Women [both Muslim and Non-Muslims alike] long for children after they get married, and if they are barren or for some medical reason cannot have children, mourn it for the rest of their lives and make themselves and the people around them equally miserable.

I know a Sister who was in this same situation, and she related her experience of how she could not have children after she got married because of medical reasons. However, after mourning the thought that would never have her own children for a couple of years, she realised the futility of mourning and longing for something she could not have and instead became closer to Allah subhanna wa ta'ala.

She is now a student of knowledge, who has studied under quite a few shyookh and a da'iya [One who gives and spreads dawah/ilm]. And now she says that maybe there is a blessing in the fact that she does not have children as she would not have been able to dedicate so much time to the deen or in spreading and helping Islam.

In contemporary times, and even in the past, often Women [And even Men at times] bear the brunt of society especially if they are divorcees or widows and/or they think their life is over if they are divorced. As Muslim Women we should have a more positive outlook on things. And maybe there is some good in what is meant for us that we may not know off. Instead of wallowing in self-pity, we should try to better ourselves as an individual, both spiritually and from the outside.

The Qur'an warns us not to be ungrateful in Surat An-Nisa [Verse 78]:

And if some good reaches them, they say, "This is from Allâh," but if some evil befalls them, they say, "This is from you (O Muhammad SAW)." Say: "All things are from Allâh," so what is wrong with these people that they fail to understand any word?

Secondly, if you are a true believer, then know that Allah subhanna wa ta'ala is with those who believe and keep steadfast and surely, the trials you are put through will pass.

In conclusion: Use your time wisely and be grateful to Allah azza wa jal.

Ma'asalama

'No More Soft Islam'

2008-05-02T00:16:00.002+04:00

May Allah subhanna wa ta'ala grant our brothers and sisters sabr and free the prisoners from the prisons. Ameen.

'Whisperings from Shaytan - Don't wear Hijab properly'

2008-04-09T22:54:00.005+04:00

Assalāmu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullāhi Wabarakath,

This is a video I came across, called, 'Whisperings from Shaytan - Don't wear Hijab properly'.

Apart from me finding it a little funny for some reason, it does actually have a very important message to give. There are a large number of Women who although may don Hijab, don't do it properly or don't do it for the right reasons. A lot of Women, especially girls tend to fall into the entrapments of Shaytan when it comes to wearing Hijab.

On a side note, I'd like to add that a lot of girls who first delve into the world of Hijab are hesitant about it, especially if they don't have a strong backing or support and therefore the Hijab starts out as a half-hijab or the small ones. We shouldn't be judgmental of these Women and insha'allah, make dua that they start wearing Hijab properly.

Ma'asalama

Back on the Blogosphere

2008-04-08T15:16:00.007+04:00

Assalāmu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullāhi Wabarakath,

It's been ages since I last posted. Two months to be exact. I have come back from my little unexpected hiatus, there were too many things to do and honestly, I'd lost the inclination to blog for sometime. I had a Wedding to attend last month and quite a few other things that I needed to get sorted. I also got terribly sick in between, and amidst fainting spells and fever, blogging didn't quite have a chance. I had in fact started a post, but I found that I couldn't make myself complete it, so I let it go.

I don't have anything particularly interesting to add right now, except that I've realised a certain habit of mine. When I'm stressed about studying or other things, I tend to eat more then I usually do to avoid the situation. Now this can prove to be fatal, because you don't get your problems solved by avoiding them and secondly, looking at how most Women have a slow metabolism and store fat more quicker, I'll be putting on weight. [And who wants to be doing that?] All those gym work-outs and cooking healthy food for myself will go to waste if I keep on indulging in Chocolate Chip Ice-cream from Baskin Robins every time I get stressed.

Before I leave, I'd like to share a quote that I'd come across:

It is reported from Al-Fudayl ibn ‘Ayyaad that he said:

"If you can be unknown, do so. It doesn’t matter if you are not known and it doesn’t matter if you are not praised. It doesn’t matter if you are blameworthy according to people if you are praiseworthy with Allaah, Mighty and Majestic."

Al-Bayhaqi, Az-Zuhd Al-Kabeer p.100

I found this to be excellent advice, and very profound. Because as Muslims, there will always come a time where you will be tested in your faith. And secondly, it is the nature of Man to want acceptance and fame, and sometimes what the society around you considers 'normal' will not always go hand-in-hand with your faith.

In the end, the acceptance of Allah azza wa jal, to whom we will all return, is all that truly matters.

Ma'asalama

'A Message to all Muslim Sisters'

2008-01-27T23:43:00.000+04:00

Assalāmu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullāhi Wabarakath,

Brother Abu Ahmad says it all in this short video. Masha'Allah it is very profound and emotive. We all need reminders like this once in a while. Especially in this day and age when you walk out with your Hijaab, Niqaab, Abaya or Jilbab and people have the tendency to give you odd looks, even in Muslim Countries. It is hard being a Muslim Woman and sadly so many of our Muslim Sisters are turning away from the religion and compromising their deen for the dunya.

Stay strong and make your role-models not the Women of this World, but the Wives of the Prophet Muhammad Sallalahu alayhi wasallam and the Women of the believers like Sumayya, the first martyr in Islam and Nusayba bint Ka'b, who defended RasoolAllah against the enemies of Islam and be proud of your legacy. Remember, ultimately the reward is with Allah subhanna wa ta'ala and your struggle in this World will not go in waste.

[You need to turn off the Qur'an playing on the left hand corner]

It's your right to be a Princess!

Gaza Solidarity

2008-01-26T18:58:00.001+04:00

Assalāmu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullāhi Wabarakath,

Gaza has been recently bombarded by Israeli forces and blockaded from supplies and fuel resulting in death, sickness and starvation. Women and Children have died because of Israeli aggression.

Palestinians in Gaza are deprived of water, food and electricity. Slowly, but surely, the people are dying - fading away If this isn't depriving people from their basic human right, what is? The terrorist state of Israel is delibrately killing innocent people, and we stay doing absolutely nothing. Hundreds and thousands of innocent people are suffering for absolutely no reason. They are being denied medical supplies or any sort of medical treatment. Allahul Musta'an.

Recently, in their deperation the Palestinians in Gaza breached the Egypt/Palestinian border. They went on to shop for basic supplies like food and water.

At the very least, show your solidarity with the people of Gaza, make dua for them and pray to Allah subhanna wa ta'ala that their suffering is easened.

These are a few videos that give us a hint about the reality of Gaza and the amount of suffering they go through:

[You need to switch off the Qur'an playing from the left hand bottom side]

Children Of Gaza

Israels blockade of Gaza

Humanitarian Impact of Israeli Blockade

Palestinians break out from Gaza Siege

What have these people done to be starved to death and denied their rights as human beings?

In a hadith of RasoolAllah, it was narrated that the Muslims are like one body, if one part is hurt, the other feels it too.

Are we really feeling it? If so, are we doing enough about it?

Ma'asalama

Free Fouad Al-Farhan

2008-01-24T14:24:00.000+04:00

Assalāmu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullāhi Wabarakath,

A newstory of a Saudi blogger being arrested for his views has been circulating the internet.

We've come to a sad state when our governments feel the need to arrest people for their views.

Fouad Al-Farhan, was arrested by Saudi authorities on Tuesday, 11th of December in Jeddah for his views that he blogged about concerning social reforms, missing Islamic values and political prisoners within the Country. He also has two children.

It is the truth that although Saudia Arabia follows Shariah law, there is a need for reform within the Country, both from an Islamic and social aspect. The increasing number of homosexuality and the importance that is given to cultural values more then Islamic values borders on hypocrisy. As for political prisoners and prisoners of faith, it is common knowledge that a lot of people get arrested within Muslim/Arab countries for being too 'religious', are accused of terrorism or when they criticise the government among other things.

The case of Fouad is not an exception, thousands of people have been arrested in the past and the future all over the World for standing against injustice and speaking the truth.

I feel we are nearing the time when speaking the truth is a struggle.

You can stay updated by visiting: Free Fouad - A website dedicated to his plight.

Ma'asalama

When A Murderer Was In Town...

2008-01-18T08:48:00.002+04:00

Assalāmu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullāhi Wabarakath,

In the recent tour of President George W. Bush to the Middle East, United Arab Emirates was too a stop. And ultimately, a public holiday was called on January 14th, more for security reasons then celebratory. [Although I wasn't objecting to the holiday, I got to sleep late] A holiday which abruptly put a stop to the running of the whole Country. The holiday itself was called in a short period of time and the diversion of roads without notice caused massive traffic jams.

Secondly, in some parts of Dubai, people were literally under house arrest and the roads were closed down. The President was given a marvelous entry and provided with high security.

I find it ironic that when our Muslim Brothers and Sisters are suffering and dying, Mulim/Arab lands are welcoming the one who has the blood of millions of innocent people on his hands. The blood of our brethren in Palestine, Afghanistan and Iraq.

He is open about supporting the terrorist state of Israel but he has the audacity to go out and speak against Iran. In fact, all his rants revolved around Iran and the 'threat' it poses.

What is more sad is we have Muslims who greet him with welcome and are in awe of him. They forget that just across the border, in this same region in fact, people are loosing their lives and loved ones. That their homes have been destroyed because of him. They are so amazed that he is the 'President of the United States' they cannot think beyond that.

This e-mail was forwarded to me by a friend a few days later after the President left. And it's a bit sad and funny at the same time. It was titled, 'Khooosh 7ejaab'. And you'll see why.

Sad really, when we have Muslim Sisters willing to shake hands, kiss and take pictures first of all, with a Non-Mehram man and secondly, of all people, George W. Bush. I think these pictures wouldn't have made much of a difference if she wasn't wearing Hijaab, but ultimately she is representing Islam and Muslims to a certain extent when she puts it on, especially to the media and it is our duty as Muslims to represent Islam properly when we go out.

And I doubt that if any of the Presidents or Shaykhs of Muslim/Arab Countries went and visited him, he'd go to such lengths to provide security, give people a public holiday and stop businesses and close down malls.

Wa Allahu a3lam, I don't know what is so great about the man that everyone in the pictures seemed so flustered and happy about. I wouldn't care less if he went and rot in a bin.

Ma'asalama

Shower Of Mercy

2008-01-15T19:02:00.001+04:00

Assalāmu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullāhi Wabarakath,

It has been constantly raining in Dubai for the past few days, and I've been falling in love with the weather.

Considering how we get this Weather only once in a blue moon, I've decided to take full advantage of it. I've been out in the car for drives, drinking hot-coffee/tea, spending time with friends, while over-looking the rain. And of course, trying to get my work done, which is hard because of how the weather tends to affect us.

I've been feeling almost lazy and indolent and I'd rather just sit outside in my garden with a hot mug of green tea then do anything productive. But human life is a reality, and we have to get back to work and tackle the little problems life sends us this way and that.

Rain is also a mercy and blessing of Allah subhanna wa ta'ala.

In the famous battle of Badr, in the history of Islam, a battle between truth and falsehood, when the Prophet Muhammad Sallalahu alayhi wasallam went out to fight the Quraysh, and made dua, Allah subhanna wa ta'ala sent rain as a mercy for the believers.

It was revealed in the Qur'an regarding this in Surah Al-Anfal:

إِذۡ يُغَشِّيكُمُ ٱلنُّعَاسَ أَمَنَةً۬ مِّنۡهُ وَيُنَزِّلُ عَلَيۡكُم مِّنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ مَآءً۬ لِّيُطَهِّرَكُم بِهِۦ وَيُذۡهِبَ عَنكُمۡ رِجۡزَ

ٱلشَّيۡطَـٰنِ وَلِيَرۡبِطَ عَلَىٰ قُلُوبِڪُمۡ وَيُثَبِّتَ بِهِ ٱلۡأَقۡدَامَ (١١)

(Remember) when He covered you with a slumber as a security from Him, and He caused water (Rain) to descend on you from the sky, to clean you thereby and to remove from you the Rijz (whispering, evil-suggestions) of Shaitân (Satan), and to strengthen your hearts, and make your feet firm thereby (11)

The rain was a blessing for the Muslims because it made the ground steady for them to fight and it purified the people. The Muslims were only few in numbers, only between 300 and 400 and the Quraysh numbered around 1300 men strong, 100 horses and a great number of camels. But Allah subhanna wa ta'ala still gave the Muslims victory and the Prophet Muhammad sallalahu alayhi wasallam considered those who fought in the Battle of Badr the best of the Muslims and the angels who fought in the Battle of Badr, the best among the angels.

Secondly, there are more chances of your dua being accepted during rainfall.

Our beloved Prophet Muhammad Sallalahu alayhi wasallam (peace & blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:

"Two are the du'as that are never returned: the du'a made when the prayer is being called, and at the time of rainfall." (Abu Dawud)

So don't forget to take advantage of this beautiful weather.

However, I've realised Dubai, or U.A.E for that matter isn't well equipped to deal with rain. I've been hearing the police sirens going on constantly throughout the day and that means there have been a lot of accidents. I also heard cars flooded and people got stranded. May Allah subhanna wa ta'ala make it easy for the people and I hope everyone gets home safely Insha'Allah.

Ma'asalama

Conditions and Rulings of Hijaab

2008-01-06T15:10:00.000+04:00

Assalāmu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullāhi Wabarakath,

I know there are various articles and posts on Hijaab already floating around the blogosphere and the Internet in general. [And why not? Considering the Hijaab has been a hot-topic for ages and is still considered a contraversial subject]

However, sometimes we tend to overlook the basics and the rulings/conditions of Hijaab, although some of us might already know or be aware of them. Secondly, with all the in-depth and detailed articles on Hijaab, it is hard to find something that puts the basics of Hijaab out there.

Before I start, I'd like to point out that in this post when I refer to the Hijaab, I mean the head and body covering done by Muslim Women which covers everything except the face and hands. Although there is a difference of opinion among the Ulema about the Womens face and hands being awrah, I do not want to get into it in this post.

The word ħijāb (حجاب) comes from the Arabic Word 'Hajaba', which means to 'cover, hide, protect'.

The Qur'an uses the term 'Hijab' in various places:

وَمَا كَانَ لِبَشَرٍ أَن يُكَلِّمَهُ ٱللَّهُ إِلَّا وَحۡيًا أَوۡ مِن وَرَآىِٕ حِجَابٍ أَوۡ يُرۡسِلَ رَسُولاً۬ فَيُوحِىَ بِإِذۡنِهِۦ مَا يَشَآءُ‌ۚ إِنَّهُ ۥ عَلِىٌّ حَڪِيمٌ۬

It is not given to any human being that Allâh should speak to him unless (it be) by Revelation, or from behind a veil, or (that) He sends a Messenger to reveal what He wills by His Leave. Verily, He is Most High, Most Wise. (42:51)

وَإِذَا قَرَأۡتَ ٱلۡقُرۡءَانَ جَعَلۡنَا بَيۡنَكَ وَبَيۡنَ ٱلَّذِينَ لَا يُؤۡمِنُونَ بِٱلۡأَخِرَةِ حِجَابً۬ا مَّسۡتُورً۬ا

And when you (Muhammad SAW) recite the Qur'ân, We put between you and those who believe not in the Hereafter, an invisible veil (or screen their hearts, so they hear or understand it not). (17:45)

From this we gather that in the light of the Qur'an and Sunnah, the term 'Hijab' ultimately means to cover, to protect, shield or place a barrier in between. Muslim Women are too required to cover themselves and have been doing so since the past 1400 years.

The verses revealed in the Qur'an regarding Hijaab and Muslim Women were:

وَقُل لِّلۡمُؤۡمِنَـٰتِ يَغۡضُضۡنَ مِنۡ أَبۡصَـٰرِهِنَّ وَيَحۡفَظۡنَ فُرُوجَهُنَّ وَلَا يُبۡدِينَ زِينَتَهُنَّ إِلَّا مَا ظَهَرَ مِنۡهَا‌ۖ وَلۡيَضۡرِبۡنَ بِخُمُرِهِنَّ عَلَىٰ جُيُوبِہِنَّ‌ۖ وَلَا يُبۡدِينَ زِينَتَهُنَّ إِلَّا لِبُعُولَتِهِنَّ أَوۡ ءَابَآٮِٕهِنَّ أَوۡ ءَابَآءِ بُعُولَتِهِنَّ أَوۡ أَبۡنَآٮِٕهِنَّ أَوۡ أَبۡنَآءِ بُعُولَتِهِنَّ أَوۡ إِخۡوَٲنِهِنَّ أَوۡ بَنِىٓ إِخۡوَٲنِهِنَّ أَوۡ بَنِىٓ أَخَوَٲتِهِنَّ أَوۡ نِسَآٮِٕهِنَّ أَوۡ مَا مَلَكَتۡ أَيۡمَـٰنُهُنَّ أَوِ ٱلتَّـٰبِعِينَ غَيۡرِ أُوْلِى ٱلۡإِرۡبَةِ مِنَ ٱلرِّجَالِ أَوِ ٱلطِّفۡلِ ٱلَّذِينَ لَمۡ يَظۡهَرُواْ عَلَىٰ عَوۡرَٲتِ ٱلنِّسَآءِ‌ۖ وَلَا يَضۡرِبۡنَ بِأَرۡجُلِهِنَّ لِيُعۡلَمَ مَا يُخۡفِينَ مِن زِينَتِهِنَّ‌ۚ وَتُوبُوٓاْ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ جَمِيعًا أَيُّهَ ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنُونَ لَعَلَّكُمۡ تُفۡلِحُونَ

And tell the believing women to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts) and not to show off their adornment except only that which is apparent and to draw their veils all over Juyubihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms,) and not to reveal their adornment except to their husbands, or their fathers, or their husband's fathers, or their sons, or their husband's sons, or their brothers or their brother's sons, or their sister's sons, or their (Muslim) women (i.e. their sisters in Islâm), or the (female) slaves whom their right hands possess, or old male servants who lack vigour, or small children who have no sense of the feminine sex. And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment. And all of you beg Allâh to forgive you all, O believers, that you may be successful (24:31)

These verses are considered the verses which make Hijaab obligatory upon Muslim Women once they reach the age of puberty.

They are required to cover from all Men except for those that the Verse above mentions.

"...and not to reveal their adornment except to their husbands, or their fathers, or their husband's fathers, or their sons, or their husband's sons, or their brothers or their brother's sons, or their sister's sons, or their (Muslim) women (i.e. their sisters in Islâm), or the (female) slaves whom their right hands possess, or old male servants who lack vigour, or small children who have no sense of the feminine sex..."

Secondly, a Muslim Woman can expose infront of other Women, the elderly or the children. There is no Hijaab infront of them.

However, there is a common misunderstanding within Muslim Communities that Hijaab is either just covering the hair or clothing. Infact, a Womans 'Hijaab' refers to everything, her way of speaking, how she interacts with others and so on. Secondly, Hijaab refers to covering everything modestly, including the body. I've seen a lot of Women and Girls who may wear the headscarf but their arms are uncovered or their hair or neck is showing. This is not considered the correct Hijaab and it does not fulfill the conditions of Hijaab.

Baba Ali, who runs UmmahFilms did a video on Hijaab, titled 'That's not Hijaab' which I find to be relevant to this issue.

Why do Muslim Women cover?

The above is a question which is asked constantly by both Muslims and Non-Muslims alike. We may give reasons that it protects from harm and conceals, but the ultimate reason and answer is because it is the command of Allah subhanna wa ta'ala. And as Muslims, it is our duty to obey Allah subhanna wa ta'a.

The Qur'an says:

وَمَا كَانَ لِمُؤۡمِنٍ۬ وَلَا مُؤۡمِنَةٍ إِذَا قَضَى ٱللَّهُ وَرَسُولُهُ ۥۤ أَمۡرًا أَن يَكُونَ لَهُمُ ٱلۡخِيَرَةُ مِنۡ أَمۡرِهِمۡۗ وَمَن يَعۡصِ ٱللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ ۥ فَقَدۡ ضَلَّ ضَلَـٰلاً۬ مُّبِينً۬ا

It is not for a believer, man or woman, when Allâh and His Messenger have decreed a matter that they should have any option in their decision. And whoever disobeys Allâh and His Messenger, he has indeed strayed in to a plain error. (33:36)

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓاْ أَطِيعُواْ ٱللَّهَ وَأَطِيعُواْ ٱلرَّسُولَ وَلَا تُبۡطِلُوٓاْ أَعۡمَـٰلَكُمۡ

O you who believe! Obey Allâh, and obey the Messenger (Muhammad SAW) and render not vain your deeds. (47:33)

A lot of critics of Islam and Hijaab, say that Women are forced to wear the Hijaab because of Men and/or it is their Men-folk who make them wear it. The above is a refutation of this claim. The Hijaab is a commandment of Allah subhanna wa ta'ala, and that is one of the main reasons why Muslim Women don it.

Now, after we've established this fact, I will go on to look at some of the many reasons why Muslim Women choose to wear Hijaab and the benefits of covering. The Qur'an give us two reasons why Muslim Women should cover,

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلنَّبِىُّ قُل لِّأَزۡوَٲجِكَ وَبَنَاتِكَ وَنِسَآءِ ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَ يُدۡنِينَ عَلَيۡہِنَّ مِن جَلَـٰبِيبِهِنَّۚ ذَٲلِكَ أَدۡنَىٰٓ أَن يُعۡرَفۡنَ فَلَا يُؤۡذَيۡنَۗ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ غَفُورً۬ا رَّحِيمً۬ا

O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies That will be better, that they should be known (as free respectable women) so as not to be annoyed. And Allâh is Ever Oft¬Forgiving, Most Merciful (33:59)

First of all, Muslim Women are automatically known as being 'Muslim' because of their Hijab. It is a symbol of Islam and people can recognise a Muslim Woman because of her Hijaab. The Hijab ultimately demands respect, especially when you walk in the streets and the Markets.

Secondly, everyone knows a Woman is attractive. That is how Allah subhanna wa ta'ala has made her. The Hijab acts as a shield between being 'hit-on' and 'checked-out' by Men. You are far less likely to be the victim of cat-calls or suggestive comments if your cover compared to exposing and wearing fitted clothing. This is a fact.

Thirdly, wearing the Hijaab decreases the vanity and pride some of us might possess.

Fourthly, a Muslim Woman who wears Hijaab is rejecting the call of the so-called fashion industry and the Media, which preaches that a Womans looks and physical body is everything. An industry which actually exploits Women and turns them into slaves of the 'Modern World'. We see it happening everyday, in magazines, on the T.V and in the malls. Women and their bodies are used to sell and market products and cater to the 'needs' of society. Islam teaches Women to think, to develop their mental capabilities and gives more importance to an individuals intelligence and not to judge someone just because of their physical appearance.

Conditions Of Hijaab

There are certain conditions which pertain to Hijaab.

Firstly:

It should cover all the body apart from whatever has been exempted.

Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies (i.e. screen themselves completely except the eyes or one eye to see the way). That will be better, that they should be known (as free respectable women) so as not to be annoyed. And Allaah is Ever Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”

This aayah clearly states that it is obligatory to cover all of a woman’s beauty and adornments and not to display any part of that before non-mahram men (“strangers”) except for whatever appears unintentionally, in which case there will be no sin on them if they hasten to cover it up.

[The 'unintentionally' some Ulema say refer to the face and hands. While others say that too is awrah.]

Secondly:

It should not be see-through but instead thick.

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “During the last days of my Ummah there will be women who are clothed but naked, with something on their heads like the humps of camels. Curse them, for they are cursed.” Another hadeeth adds: “They will not enter Paradise or even smell its fragrance, although its fragrance can be detected from such and such a distance.”

(Narrated by Muslim from the report of Abu Hurayrah).

Ibn ‘Abd al-Barr said: what the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) meant was women who wear clothes made of light fabric which describes and does not cover. They are clothed in name but naked in reality.

Transmitted by al-Suyooti in Tanweer al-Hawaalik, 3/103.

Thirdly:

It should not tight and should be concealing.

Usaamah ibn Zayd said: “The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) gave me a thick Egyptian garment that was one of the gifts given to him by Duhyat al-Kalbi, and I gave it to my wife to wear. He said, ‘Why do I not see you wearing that Egyptian garment?’ I said, ‘I gave it to my wife to wear.’ He said, ‘Tell her to wear a gown underneath it, for I am afraid that it may describe the size of her bones.’

(Narrated by al-Diyaa’ al-Maqdisi in al-Ahaadeeth al-Mukhtaarah, 1/442, and by Ahmad and al-Bayhaqi, with a hasan isnaad).

Fourthly:

It should not resemble the clothing of Men

Abu Hurayrah said: “The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) cursed the man who wears women’s clothes, and the woman who wears men’s clothes.”

Fifthly:

It should not be a garment of fame and vanity.

Ibn ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: “The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: ‘Whoever wears a garment of fame and vanity in this world, Allaah will clothe him in a garment of humiliation on the Day of Resurrection, then He will cause Fire to flame up around him.’”

(Hijaab al-Mar’ah al-Muslimah, p. 54-67).

[Taken from IslamQ&A]

Like I mentioned above, in todays time we see a lot of Sisters wearing Hijaab but not in the correct manner. I have a few things to say about this, firstly we shouldn't judge or be harsh in our words if we correct them because it could put them off it completely. A lot of Women struggle with the Hijaab, and the 'half-Hijab' or 'Bun-Hijab' is a starting point for some Women.

With them, we should be gentle in our dawah because at least they are thinking of covering and we should make dua for them. However, at the same time, we need to be clear about what is correct and what isn't. Wearing tight jeans and a t-shirt with a head-scarf does not constitute as Hijab and neither does having a scarf that covers half of your head. And we should do it for the sake of Allah not because of cultural reasons.

The Media, especially the Western Media, has long portrayed Muslim Women who cover in a negative light. The Hijab or Niqaab is very rarely portrayed in a positive light. Either we're seen as being oppressed, uneducated, forced to cover, illiterate or as being mysterious and alluring. There are a lot of misconceptions about the Hijab and the face-veil and the Hijab has been banned in quite a few countries, like France and Turkey, who claim to be following the 'Modern World' and say that they allow their citizens 'freedom'.

What is freedom when you do not allow your people the basic human right to wear a piece of clothing which they feel is extremely important to their beliefs? How is that simple piece of clothing a 'threat'?

And Allah Subhanna wa ta'ala knows best.

Interview of Imam Anwar Al-Awlaki

2008-01-01T22:39:00.000+04:00

Assalāmu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullāhi Wabarakath,

In my previous post, I had mentioned that Imam Anwar Al-Awlaki was released from Prison in Yemen. He was interviewed by Moazzem Baig, a former detainee of Guantanamo Bay.

This is his interview online.

Moazzam Begg: When were you arrested? On what grounds were you held? Were there any charges made against you?

Anwar Al-Awlaki: Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Raheem[i]. I was arrested in mid-2006. Initially I was held because I entered as an arbitrator in a local issue here, a tribal issue. I was an arbitrator in that issue and I was arrested until that issue… because the government wanted to solve that issue rather than have it solved tribally.

MB: Right.

AA: After that, they began asking me questions about my local Islamic activities here, and later on it was becoming clear that I was being held due to the request of the US government. That was what they were telling me here, and that the Americans wanted to meet me.

MB: Subhan Allah[ii]. Well, that’s something that we can share together. I’ve also been held at the request of the Americans for quite some time.

The other question is that the media reported that your incarceration was due to having some knowledge, or some people who were involved in 9/11 at your sermons. Could you clarify any of this at all?

AA: That was one of the issues that the Americans asked about but I don’t know if I was held because of that, or because of the other issues that they presented. But it was one of the issues that they enquired about.

MB: Can you describe a little bit about what your prison conditions were like? What was your individual cell was like?

AA: For the first nine months, I was in solitary confinement in an underground cell. I would say that the cell was about 8 feet by 4. It was about 12 feet high. It was clean. No interaction with any other prisoner was allowed for the entire nine months. After that, they moved me to the upper floor. The same thing, it was solitary confinement, although the restrictions were less, and the room was larger, it was about, maybe three times the size of the initial room, the initial cell. I spent there the remainder of my period, which was one and a half a years.

I was allowed for the last month and a half… they moved another person into this room, for the last month and a half. So for a year and a half, minus this month and a half, I was in solitary confinement, with the exception of the last month and a half.

MB: Subhan Allah. Did they place any restrictions on you in terms of what you were allowed to have in your cell, how you were allowed to interact with other prisoners, or in any way, other than you have already stated?

AA: When I was in the underground cell, there were restrictions on family visits, restrictions on any food that my family would send me, there were restrictions on books. I was not allowed pen and paper, and no exercise whatsoever. I hadn’t seen the sun for the entire period. What else… No interaction at all with any person except with the prison guards.

Later on, when I moved to the upper level, even though I was still in solitary confinement, but the restrictions were less. Visits from the family were more frequent. They would allow me food from home twice a week, and I was allowed more books. So things were better during the last period of the time I spent in detention… I don’t want to say sentence, because there wasn’t any sentence.

MB: That’s one of the questions I was meant to ask you. You were never charged with a crime, is that correct, and you were never put through any legal system?

AA: I wasn’t charged with anything. I was held for interrogation. When interrogation was over, I was released.

MB: Did any foreign interrogation take place? Did any Americans or any other foreign nationals interrogate you?

AA: Yes, the US did interrogate me. Officials from the US.

MB: And do you know if that was the FBI? Did they identify themselves as FBI, CIA, NSA or anything?

AA: Yes. They were FBI.

MB: Okay. And how was their attitude towards you… how did they deal with you as a person, how did they regard you?

AA: There was some pressure, which I refused to accept and that led to a conflict that occurred between me and them, because I felt that it was improper behaviour from their behalf. That led to an issue between me and them during the interrogation. That was solved however, later on, and they apologised.

MB: Al Hamdulillah[iii]. Were you able to have contact with your family at all, during the imprisonment, of course you’ve already said that they restricted from you letters, phone calls, and so forth, for the first nine months, I think you said. But afterwards, did they allow you this contact?

AA: Yes, towards the latter period of my imprisonment, I was allowed visits from my family, once a week.

MB: How often were you interrogated, by either local officials or foreign officials? Was it something regular, or was it something sporadic?

AA: The interrogation was on and off for a year.

MB: Is there any truth in the rumour that you were placed under house arrest prior to this and that you were banned from speaking in public?

AA: No, no that’s not true. I haven’t been placed under house arrest, nor have I been banned from speaking publicly.

MB: There was also something that said that you were being punished in prison because you were teaching some of the other prisoners. Is this true also, or could you elaborate on that?

AA: No, I didn’t have a chance to deliver any lectures because I was in solitary confinement for the entire period except the last month, which was only me and another person, so I wasn’t in touch with other prisoners.

MB: Are you allowed to travel outside the Yemen? Obviously, many people want you to come to the United Kingdom and elsewhere, to come and give lectures, and you’ve only been out a few days! I think this is based on a question from a lot of your supporters, subhan Allah. Are you allowed to travel outside the Yemen to give lectures?

AA: Well, I would like to travel. However, not until the US drops whatever unknown charges it has against me.

MB: Yes, and that would be my advice to anybody who would be in that sort of situation is to be aware of that.

Can you tell us any of the lessons that you’ve learnt from being incarcerated that you would like to share?

AA: In sha’Allah[iv] this is something that I plan to do in a lecture or more, and I would leave it to that point.

MB: In sha’Allah… and is that one of your plans for the future? Do you have any other plans for the future that you’d care to elaborate upon, or is it something that you’d wish to wait and see how time evolves?

AA: You mean, in terms of lectures?

MB: Lectures, and just life in general. Not just lectures but generally, in the future – what does the future hold?

AA: I have a few opportunities open at the moment and I haven’t chosen yet among them. I’m still sort of studying the situation at the time being.

MB: What was your response to the outpouring of support and concern, the campaigns, petitions, Facebook groups and the messages that you’ve received since your release – what was your response to this? How do you feel?

AA: Al Hamdulillah, it was very moving to know that there were brothers and sisters out there who were making du’a[v] for me. Al Hamdulillah Rabbil-Alameen[vi]. I believe that I was released due to the du’a of a certain righteous person who was making du’a for me, because RasulAllah (salla Allahu alayhi was-salam)[vii] says that when a person makes du’a for his fellow brother, an angel makes du’a for him, and RasulAllah (salla Allahu alayhi was-salam) says that the du’a for your brother Muslim is an accepted du’a. So I believe that it was due to these people, who were making dua for me, that I have been released, and I would like to thank them very much and say jazaakum Allahu khairan.[viii]

MB: In sha’Allah, and I pray that the du’a that they made for you is also made for all the other Muslim prisoners around the world, in sha’Allah, and that they will all be released.

Could you please give some words of advice, to the other prisoners and the prisoners’ families in terms of your experience, and how they might benefit from your words?

AA: My advice to them is the saying of Allah, azza wa jall[ix], “You might dislike something but there is a lot of good in it for you”.[x] And the hadith[xi] of RasulAllah (salla Allahu ‘alayhi was-salam), Whatever decree Allah has decreed for the believer it is good for him. So if Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala[xii] has decreed that a certain person should be in prison, and that if Allah azza wa jall has decreed for a certain family that one of their members is in prison, we, as believers should believe that this decree is good and there is a hikmah, there is wisdom in it, and we should all have the trust and faith in whatever Allah azza wa jall has destined for us; because RasulAllah (salla Allahu ‘alayhi was-salam) used to say, in the du’a, ‘As’aluka ridha fil-Qadhaa’, I ask You to make me satisfied and happy with what you have

decreed for me. This is the first word of advice.

The second word of advice is this is a test for your sabr, patience; and patience is the one deed in which Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala has promised an open reward. “Only those who are patient shall receive their reward in full, without reckoning.”[xiii] There is no limit on their reward that Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala gives for the Sabireen, the patient.

Finally, one should always believe that the strongest weapon that they have is du’a. They should never underestimate the power of du’a. ‘Umar ibn Al-Khattab[xiv] used to say, I’m not worried about Allah not accepting my prayers but I am worried about the way I pray to Allah azza wa jall. Allah will accept the du’a, Allah will respond to the it, it’s just that we have to do it properly, with sincerity.

MB: SubhanAllah, jazaakAllahu khair. One of the things that we used to do in Guantanamo, one of the things that I learnt, was Surat Yusuf[xv] used to be the most often, the most resonating surah that I used to read, and contemplate on, simply because Yusuf (‘alayhis-salam) was thrown in prison for something he didn’t do. And when I read that, in prison, it was totally different, my attitude towards it, and I began to cry in a way that I never would have thought was possible. Did you feel any particular verses from the Qur’an, any particular aayaat[xvi] or sahaba[xvii] stories, were relevant to how you were faring your time in prison?

AA: Well, the feeling I had when I was reading Qur’an – every surah, every ayah was totally different when I was reading it in the cell, compared to when I was reading it when I was outside.

MB: Yes, absolutely, ma sha’Allah[xviii].

AA: That was particularly true with Surat Yusuf but I can say that this has been the case with every single ayah and every surah in Qur’an. It was in a totally different light when I was reading it in prison.

MB: It’s quite amazing, because in prison, for us, in Guantanamo, they took everything away from us, our clothes, our families, our food, our life, everything and the only thing that we had that was familiar to us was the Qur’an, even though it was a different version or a different print, but it was the only thing that we could look at that was familiar. Everything else - the land, the area, the prisons, even the accents of the people that were speaking were totally unfamiliar except the word of Allah.

AA: Subhan Allah, and because they took everything away and gave the Qur’an, that is why the Qur’an had this different meaning. ‘Uthman ibn ‘Affan[xix] used to say that if our hearts were clean and pure we would never satisfy our thirst from Qur’an. It is because of the distractions that are going around us, that we don’t get the most benefit from Qur’an. But when a person is in that solitary environment, all of the distractions are taken away and his heart is fixed on the word of Allah azza wa jall, the ayaat of Qur’an open into a completely different – they give a completely different meaning.

MB: Absolutely. Do you have or have you had interaction with people who have been in Guantanamo, in prison or after release, have you been able to speak to them or see how they’ve fared since their release at all?

AA: There were some brothers who were brought from Guantanamo and handed over to the Yemeni government and spent time in the PSL prison where I was but I didn’t have a chance to interact with them. I heard that they passed through while I was there. However, I never had a chance to interact with any of them yet.

MB: In sha’Allah may you interact with them in jannah[xx], insha’Allah

AA: In sha’Allah… I would really like to know how it was over there.

MB: In sha’Allah. Finally, I suppose it’s a question for Cageprisoners. Do you have any words about your feelings towards organisations like Cageprisoners are; what you think of our work, good or bad?

AA: The brothers and sisters at Cageprisoners are fulfilling the order of RasulAllah (salla Allahu ‘alayhi was-salam) which was stated in Bukhari[xxi], ‘Seek the release of the prisoner’, and they are at the forefront of fulfilling this command of RasulAllah (salla Allahu ‘alayhi was-salam) so I ask Allah azza wa jall to reward them and assist them in their efforts.

MB: Barak Allahu feek[xxii]. JazaakAllahu khairan, ya Shaykh.

AA: Wa iyyakum.[xxiii]

You can send a message to Imam Anwar by emailing us at contact@cageprisoners.com

http://www.cageprisoners.com/articles.php?id=22926