Reflections Of A Muslimah

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?

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. :)

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!

Assalāmu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullāhi Wabarakath,

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.

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

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.

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

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

Assalam Alaykum warahmutallahi Wabarakath

Yesterday night i stumbled upon a blog that shocked me. After reading it i couldn't sleep properly and that is why i felt the need to express my thoughts. [I won't be putting the blog up here.] I know Prostitution is rampant in Dubai, sleeping around has become common and it's all happening regardless of the fact that this is a Muslim Country but it being talked about so openly made me open my eyes a bit more. I'd read Newspaper articles, magazines and seen documentaries which tell us how common 'picking people up' had become in Dubai's society. Malls, Hotels, Roads. The only difference is it's all done under cover and isn't that out in the open.

What really saddened me was that a lot of people who take part in it are Muslims. Regardless of the fact if they are Indian, Lebanese, Pakistani, Emirati, Jordanian, South African and so on. [Considering the multitude of nationalities present in the United Arab Emirates.] And i'm not even talking about prostitution, let's put one-night stands, illicit relationships and everything else into the mix.

[Before i go on i'd like to mention that not everyone is involved in it and alhamdulilah there are decent present still present.]

Subhanallah, what is our Ummah coming to? I was absolutely disgusted by some of the things i'd read. About how Men and Women were involved in adultery and/or other haraam relationships. And suprisingly a lot of these come from good and wealthy families.

I kept on thinking to myself, don't these people remember Allah subhanna wa ta'ala and don't they fear him?

Don't they remember their graves and the worms?

Don't they remember their akhira?

Haven't they come across the verses from the Quran and hadiths which talk about illegal sexual intercourse and illicit relationship?

Don't they know that this is the pathway to hell and everything in this dunya will be left in this dunya?

Don't they know how painful it will be when our souls will be pulled out from our bodies? And according to ours sins the pain will either increase or decrease. Subhanallah, even the Prophet sallalahu alayhi wasallam was not exempted from it.

There is a hadith that talks about what the implication for the one who commits illegal sexual intercourse or drinks will be:

Hadith - Sahih Bukhari 8.800B, Narrated Ikrima from Ibn Abbas:

Allah's Apostle said, "When a slave (of Allah) commits illegal sexual intercourse, he is not a believer at the time of committing it; and if he steals, he is not a believer at the time of stealing; and if he drinks an alcoholic drink, when he is not a believer at the time of drinking it; and he is not a believer when he commits a murder." 'Ikrima said: I asked Ibn Abbas, "How is faith taken away from him?" He said, Like this," by clasping his hands and then separating them, and added, "But if he repents, faith returns to him like this," by clasping his hands again.

Allah subhanna wa ta'ala says in the Quran:

"Verily, those who love that indecency should spread among the believers deserve a painful chastisement in the world and in the Hereafter. Allah knows, but you do not know." Al-Nur (The Light) Chapter 24: Verse 19


Allah subhanna wa ta'ala is aware of every single thing we do. How can they forget that?

[33:54] If you do a thing openly or do it in secret, then surely Allah is Cognizant of all things.

Don't let it be too late for repentance. There will be no return to correct our mistakes once we die.

[23:64] Until when We overtake those who lead easy lives among them with punishment, lo! they cry for succor.

[23:65] Cry not for succor this day; surely you shall not be given help from Us.

Allah subhanna wa ta'ala mentions about what will happen to the people who turn aside from what he says:

[ 23:71] And should the truth follow their low desires, surely the heavens and the earth and all those who are therein would have perished. Nay! We have brought to them their reminder, but from their reminder they turn aside.

[2:206] And when it is said to him, guard against (the punish ment of) Allah; pride carries him off to sin, therefore hell is sufficient for him; and certainly it is an evil resting place.

The punishment in the Hell-Fire:

Say, "The truth is from your Lord": Let him who will believe, and let him who will, reject (it): for the wrong-doers We have prepared a Fire whose (smoke and flames), like the walls and roof of a tent, will hem them in: if they implore relief they will be granted water like melted brass, that will scald their faces, how dreadful the drink! How uncomfortable a couch to recline on! [Al Kahf - Verse 29]

Allah subhanna wa ta'ala talks about those people who compliment each other and laugh about their wrongdoings:

29. Verily! (During the worldly life) those who committed crimes used to laugh at those who believed.

30. And whenever they passed by them, used to wink one to another (in mockery);

31. And when they returned to their own people, they would return jesting;

Al-Mutaffifin

If these reminders arn't enough i don't know what is. I see our Youth [And from the youth i mean everyone from the age of 12 into their 30's] and i see them in their fast cars with their music blaring high. If you have been in Dubai even for a few months you'll know the amount of deaths that happen because of car accidents. Death can strike us at any time, do you want to die in a state where there is music blaring around you? We will be brought up on the day of judgement in the same state in which we died. Do you want to stand up infront of Allah subhanna wa ta'ala when you have committed all these major sins?

Truly this life of this dunya is not worth it. This is why we are put under so much difficulty. It is from Allah subhanna wa ta'ala. This is also why the kuffar are able to torture and imprison is. It is because we are so involved in this worldly life. We've forgotten Allah subhanna wa ta'ala and our Imaan is down in the dumps. If the Muslim Ummah united under the banner of Islam we would be strong.

But no, majority of the People are more concerned with what movie they want to watch, how much money they want to make, which girlfriend/boyfriend they are dating, if they look good enough and are more bothered with going to concerts then doing dhikrallah and praying their Salaah and reading the Quran.

May Allah subhanna wa ta'ala guide us and make us better Muslims. Ameen.