STANCE of a MUSLIMAH

Luminosity Introduced

2007-03-31T01:16:00.000-05:00

Asalaam Alaikum Warahmat ALLAH Wabarakatu:

Well it's been 3 months since I've blogged here, because I've been at a different location mainly, (http://suhaa.myminaret.com). My husband, children and I have moved to the City of the Prophet Muhammad (peace & blessings be upon him) which is in Saudi Arabia, Madinah. I've written about our experiences over there and begun describing the differences over there in comparison to the US (sort of) where I lived all my life up until now. There are virtues everywhere on Earth. In the US there are things I miss like the respect for time, but there are things that I probably couldn't get anywhere else in this world, and that is being part of a community that loves Allah as a whole. Islam is perfect and Muslims are not! Likewise, not everyone here is the ideal Muslim or Muslimah and some you find following culture more than for the sake of the true Islamic ways. But only in Jannah will perfection be everywhere and in everyone as Allah prescribes. So I invite you to follow my journey in hopes I can give you a glimpse of the Luminosity of Madinah and in hopes that your heart will be softened towards the radiance of this Holy Site. I pray that with my learnings and findings your heart will have increased desire to appreciate the richness of this land, being encouraged to visit for a pilgrimage, read up on the blessings of Madinah, or even make a plan to move here, God-willling. This goes for all of those just learning about Islam too, because to understand Islam..we need to understand the story of the luminous city of Madinah.
May Allah guide us all to do what pleases Him the Most.
...and Allah knows best.

New Blog: "Luminosity"

2006-12-29T13:15:00.000-05:00

Asalaam Alaikum Warahmat Allah Wabarakatu and Dear Readers to all:

Eid Mubarak to all of you. This is it for my blog...this one anyway! I got another one started, and will make public now!
It's called "Luminosity" and you can find it at:

http://suhaa.myminaret.com

There I've begun discussing our plans for hijrah to Madinah and inshaAllah I hope to be able to share with all of you our journey as it relates to the beauty of Islam and the luminosity of this special place. I've gone through many emotions from excitement to nervousness, but with trust in Allah no one can be despaired. Having spent a few days in Madinah 4.5 years ago I had no knowledge that plans for living there would ever become in effect. But Subhan'Allah...Allah is the Best of Planners, even when things seem scary at times. This is my test...and although censorship is widespread there, I hope that this new blog will get through it and depict a picture of radiant images in your mind of Madinah, and informative links on hijrah as it relates to Madinah or as it relates to hijrah for Allah Alone.

As I've mentioned before, utopia is not to be found here on Earth, but perhaps contenment in one's heart is the real utoptia of this world that we must try to find..and one can only do so by worshipping Allah as they should insha'Allah..

May Allah guide us all, and grant us the means of living pious lives following the footsteps of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). May Allah accept these efforts from me and accept our efforts in striving for His Cause...because that is the only way Utopia will be acheived inshaAllah...

Fi'amanAllah, I leave you by the Protection of Allah...
Suhaa

My Hijrah Insha'Allah

2006-12-25T21:50:00.000-05:00

Asalaam Alaikum Warahmat Allah Wabarakatu:

Lots going on around here...and anything that falls under the category of moving to another country is what's going on now. Insha'Allah my family and I- meaning husband and 4 small kids-are skipping the only home I've ever known, the US to a land in which the complete opposite is emphasized in so many ways. The ultimate "pro" is that the place God-willing we're heading to is Madinah Munawarra, the 2nd holiest city for Muslims. The ultimate "con" is leaving my dear parents whom I've been near and close to pretty much all my life...and leaving my new baby nephew, brother and sis-in law. Not to mention my daughter's hearing care services. Insha'Allah *God-willing, our lives will be different, but life should never be about life itself, it should be about making the grade that earns us increased Mercy from the Most Merciful, Ar-Rahman..leading to a placement in the Hereafter.

So in a few days insha'Allah, between all the crazy emotions of ending my life here for now, and objectively preparing for this endeavor in the luminous city of Madinah, insha'Allah, I hope to introduce to you my new place on the web depicting a hijrah to Madinah, 2007 style. From the most "powerful" country in the world to the most sincere and perhaps righteous place on Earth.

I know, some of you are probably thinking that there is no such place of perfection. That is so true, utopia only happens in Jannah/Paradise. But Allah has created beautiful virtues for every place on Earth, and the feeling I had in Madinah...and that is shared with Muslims world-wide is a beautiful virtue that can be seen by the soul for those who truly seek guideance from Allah...and that is the most special kind of beauty there is.

May Allah always guide us and protect us from the materials of this donia...

Please keep me and my family (those going insha'Allah and those staying insha'Allah) in your duaa..

and don't forget it's Dhul-Hijjah so let's all have a bit more patience (especially ME!!!)

May Allah reward you all................

Wooden Spoon

2006-12-16T05:41:00.000-05:00

Having witnessed a debilitated man who was a professor, an author of many award-winning books, and a poet unable to utter one word; having been at the bedside of a 32 year old mother of a young boy unable to comb her hair or get a bowl of cereal ready for her child; having had the experience of changing diapers of elderly people in fear that they would lie there too long without the attention they deserve; and teaching a child how to play with a ball are experiences I am reminded of when reading this forward below. Every independent ability we are granted can be taken away...and most likely will be if we live long enough. Allah tells us in the Quran {22:5}:

"Oh mankind! If you are in doubt about the Resurrection, then verily! We have created you from dust, then from a Nutfah (mixed drops of male and female sexual discharge i.e. offspring of Adam), then from a clot (a piece of thick coagulated blood) then from a little lump of flesh, some formed and some unformed (miscarriage), that We may make clear to you (i.e. to show you Our Power and Ability to do what We will). And We cause whom We will to remain in the wombs for an appointed term, then We bring you out as infants, then give you growth that you may reach your age of full strength. And among you there is he who dies young, and among you there is he who is brought back to the miserable old age, so that he knows nothing after having known. And you see the earth barren, but when We send down rain on it, it is stirred to life, it swells and puts forth every lovely kind of growth."

That verse is the proof, and no doubt..you walk into any nursing home, any hospital, any school with children who have almost any sort of disability you will see the truth of this verse, whether you are a Muslim or not. For me, perhaps this was the verse that hit my heart so deep when I could no longer make sense of being with friends in their craziness one night and the next morning going in to help these people through my first days of this profession of occupational therapy. This was a decade ago, when I could see the clarity of it, and yet today I still find deeper meaning in this verse.

So as far as parents go, well even though I am a parent of four young children alhamdulilah...I know I still don't give my parents the attention they deserve. I honor them, but I am limited in how I can serve them due to my role as a mother and wife. So I am left to make duaa for them, to supplicate to Allah to show them Mercy, grant them Forgiveness, and overlook their faults granting them increased belief, patience, and righteousness as they grow older...as we all grow older, the best of the Hereafter. Ameen.

"And your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him. And that you be dutiful to your parents. If one of them or both of them attain old age in your life, say not to them a word of disrespect, nor shout at them but address them in terms of honour." {Quran, 17:23}

So read this, and even though this might be an extreme example for most practicing Muslims, it is the reality of many people in this society. I hate to say this, but this is also why there are so many nursing homes too in this country. May Allah guide us and remind us of the times when it us that were dependent on our parents. So when and if the time comes that they lose their independence..it shouldn't be a matter of deciding what to do with them, but it should be a matter of something that is a given. This is the least that can be done for all the hardships they went through in raising us..and still that wouldn't count for much. Allah is the Witness.
Read this forward I just got.

THE WOODEN BOWEL
A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and a four-year old grandson. The old man's hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step faltered. The family ate together nightly at the dinner table. But the elderly grandfather's shaky hands and failing sight made eating rather difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor. When he grasped the glass often milk spilled on the tablecloth. The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess. "We must do something about grandfather," said the son. I've had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor. So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner. There, grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner at the dinner table. Since grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl. Sometimes when the family glanced in grandfather's direction, he had a tear in his eye as he ate alone. Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food. The four-year-old watched it all in silence.
One evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor. He asked the child sweetly, "What are you making?" Just as sweetly, the boy responded, "Oh, I am making a little bowl for you and mama to eat your food from when I grow up." The four-year-old smiled and went back to work. The words so struck the parents that they were speechless. Then tears started to stream down their cheeks. Though no word was spoken, both knew what must be done. That evening the husband took grandfather's hand and gently led him back to the family table.
For the remainder of his days he ate every meal with the family. And for some reason, neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth soiled. Children are remarkably perceptive. Their eyes ever observe, their ears ever listen, and their minds ever process the messages they absorb. If they see us patiently provide a happy home atmosphere for family members, they will imitate that attitude for the rest of their lives. The wise parent realizes that every day that building blocks are being laid for the child's future.
Let us all be wise builders and role models. Take care of yourself, ... and those you love, ... today, and everyday!

Dues of Clarity

2006-12-08T21:56:00.000-05:00

Whatever problem, situation, stress or hardship we face...we need to know, accept, and strive to pass the one true thing about this life: it's nothing but a test. So through your tears, my heart, our beings, and the breaths we take, know that nothing is true if it's not from within. Rather than mourn the difficulty, which seems to be an obvious right, let's be reminded that it is those off-moments of life that are a stepping ground to where the door of utopia opens up. don't cry so much as to refuse the plunge, cry only to let those poisonous tremorring thoughts out. our souls will be purified if our intention is clear. Clarity arrives after the haul of effort. No matter where I am, or where you are, whoever you are, and whoever I am...Allah will test you be it you are Muslim or not. Allah is Al-Muhaymin, the Protector...so who are you to deny that? and who am I not to trust?

May Allah guide us, grant us patience with trials, and firm our souls on faith so that we are of the successful...in the Hereafter, and in this struggling life. All Praise is due to Him alone. Do we pay enough dues?

"Surely, We shall continue to test you, till We know the ones who struggle hard for Allah and remain steadfast; and We will TEST you in all your affairs!" {Quran, 47:31}

Kid Talk

2006-11-28T17:58:00.000-05:00

My daughter, Mercy, who's in KG shared with me an interesting conversation with another girls in her class.

Mercy: "My mom's here, I see her car!"

Classmate: "Why does your mother always wear that thing on her head?"

Mercy: "Because she's Muslim, and that's what Muslim ladies wear."

Classmate: "They can only be your color (pointing to Mercy's arm).

Mercy: "No, Muslims can be brown too!"

Mercy is 5 & 1/2 , while her friend is 6 & few months.

(Just to complete the picture for you, her classmate is very light skinned, and Mercy is white but darker than her..for whatever that means!!)

"Oh people! Verily, We have created you of male and female, and made you races and tribes that ye may know each other. Verily, the most honourable of you in the sight of God is the most pious of you; verily, God is All-Knowing, All-Aware!"

{Quran, 49:13}

Message from Imam Masood

2006-11-20T07:10:00.000-05:00

Sunday, Nov 19 Update
A message from Imam Masood to the community was obtained through a phone conversation with Imam Masood. {read below}

Some of the treatment concerns that the Imams had were resolved. MAS will continue to communicate with the immigration officials to help ensure that the Imams are well treated.

The Imams were unable to obtain a Quran, and were separated from each other.

MAS Freedom is made aware of other individuals (many in the same location as Imam Masood) who were detained in the same day for immigration violations.

One brother “NM” has a family of 4 children. He is not on religious visa. MAS Freedom is providing financial assistance for families and legal representation for these individuals.

Please help support this effort by donating generously. Prophet Muhammad PBUH said: ”Allah comes to the aid of those who come to the aid of others”.

please click the title above to donate to the Muslim Legal Defense Fund, and find out other ways to help inshaAllah. Below is a letter my girls wrote in hopes to put a smile on his face. May Allah reward you, and facilitate ease for our Ummah...granting patience and steadfast in living life and facing hardships through the worship of our Creator.

A Message From Imam Masood on Sunday Nov 19 Night
This is a message and advise to the community received from Imam Masood by phone on Sunday Nov 19th 8:15 pm:

"I am grateful to Allah SWT for all his blessings. I am also grateful to my brothers and sisters for their support. I advise myself and everyone to fear Allah, and be righteous. I ask you to make Dua, and pray, not only for me, but for all those in the world who are going through difficulties, some much more than what we are experiencing. Please do not underestimate the power of the Dua and supplication to Allah SWT.
Your brother, Hafiz Masood

from my girls (hope you'll get your kids involved too inshaAllah)

"Asalaam Alaikum.

Dear Imam Masood

We are making duaa for you, your son and all the Muslims like you taught us too. We hope you get out of jail soon inshaAllah. We love you so much. We feel bad that you are in jail, because you were my favorite teacher. Thank you for always being at the masjid, but we miss you so much now. Thank you for teaching us how to be good people. You always made me laugh in school. We hope Allah will protect you and all the Muslims in trouble. We love you. We hope you get out of jail soon, inshaAllah."

Sign, 7yrs. old in 2nd grade
Mercy, 5yrs. old in KG

May Allah unite our Ummah..

Please Sign

2006-11-19T13:39:00.000-05:00

http://www.petitiononline.com/ImamsMA/

but more importantly, make duaa.
may Allah reward you for doing so..

remember what Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught us:

"Whoever relieves a believer of distress in this world, Allah will relieve him of some of the distress of the Day of Resurrection. Whoever makes things easy for those who are in difficulty, Allah will make things easy for him in this world and in the next. Whoever conceals (the faults of) a Muslim in this world, Allah will conceal him (his faults) in this world and in the Hereafter. Allah will help the slave so long as the slave helps his brother."

[Mishkaat al-Masaabeeh, 1/71, hadith no. 204.]

NO CHARGES, but JAIL

2006-11-17T19:57:00.000-05:00

I was at Imam Masood's house today visiting for a few minutes with his wife and one of his daughters. They are people of faith, barely words spoken, faces with hope for Allah's Help. Please do whatever you can. Even if you don't know these people, please make duaa for them. Even if you have heard just one good thing about this Imam please write to the officials below. This is an attack against Islam. He has not been allowed to even speak with his family. There is not even a consideration of bail at this point. He has no criminal record, and has been here for nearly 20 years. Take this personally, and if you are on the side of justice then contact, donate, and pray that Allah grants his family patience and them protection. Funny thing how they say "innocent until proven guilty". May Allah show no mercy on the oppressors here, and oppressors everywhere. Ameen.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In the Name of God, The Most Gracious, The Most Merciful

ALERT: UPDATE ON INTIMIDATION AND ARREST OF IMAMS OF ICNE AND ISGL, MAS Boston Freedom Foundation Islam Center of New England – www.icne.net

Update on Intimidation and Arrest of Imams of ICNE and ISGL Imam Masood (Islamic Center of New England, Sharon), his son (Hassan) and Imam Abdul Hannan (Islamic Center of Greater Lowell) were arrested by immigration officials Wednesday on alleged immigration violations. No criminal charges have been brought even though it was claimed that this was related to an immigration fraud ring around the Northeast. But at most, Imam Masood has been charged with a minor administrative technicality. MAS Boston and ICNE leaders have been speaking to the lawyer, and the families to provide much needed support.Press releases have been sent (see www.masboston. org). MAS Boston has provided interviews with NPR, the Boston Globe, and local media to present the strong Muslim community support for their leaders and their outrage over their treatment. MAS Boston leaders met with Immigration officials, officials from the Attorney General's office, the FBI, and other law enforcement officials to strongly express the community's outrage and support for their leaders - demanding that they allow the Imams to post bail, that they give them access to proper Muslim food and prayer facilities, and that they resolve this in a speedy manner to avoid further aggravating a very frustrated Muslim community.Immigration officials came in large numbers to this meeting and resolved to work to accommodate these demandsImmigration officials agreed to arrange for MAS Boston President,Masjid/board representative, and a few family members to visit the Imamstoday to ensure that they are in safe and appropriate conditions.Check www.masboston. org frequently for more detailed information, recent news articles, and more on what you can do to help.

ACTION REQUESTED
1. Pray for the safe and speedy release of both Imams.
2. Contact your local representative and MA Senators, (a) to inform them of the situation, (b) ask them to help ensure the fair, speedy, and respectable treatment of the Imams.
Senator Edward Kennedy (617)565 3170
Request to speak to Tom Cohan, (ext. 119)
Senator John Kerry (617) 565-8519
Request to speak to Carmen Velazquez3.
Plan to come out in a show of support for the imams on the hearing at the JFK Building on the third floor on
Tuesday 8:30 AM.

The more people that come, the stronger the message to officials that Muslims will not sit idly by and accept intimidation. More details of this will be sent soon. Please help MAS Freedom to continue to defend and empower our community. Your contributions will allow us to help the families, pay for legal fees, and increase our ability to support the community. Your tax deductible donations can be mailed to MAS Boston, 1 Broadway, Third Floor, Cambridge, MA 02142 OR given online at www.masboston. org

The Imam

2006-11-16T21:02:00.000-05:00

http://www.icne.net/

Please read this, and make duaa for him and his family. This is a test for all of us. Then ask yourself something, who do you think will be next? Are we hypocrites that we could care less and ignore situation after situation without flinching? Who do we fear more the people or Allah? Who do we trust more, society or Allah? Who do we love more our nationality or our Islamic creed? We all live on the land of Allah, but we all don't follow His Way. Wake-up your pulses, Warm up your hearts..and realize something. Realize that Allah has it all Planned out.. serenity and destruction. Which side will we be on?

Please make duaa for this Imam, his family, and leaders across the world that are even in more severe situations. This is just the icing of the cake..and yet I pray not for a domino affect of this situation.
It's not about immigration. It's about belief. Allah is watching you, and knows the inner secrets of your soul.

Oh Allah purify our intentions....and protect our Muslims brothers and sisters who suffer continuously, and forgive us for our arrogance, pride, and the meat we eat carelessly. We are of the losers if you show no Mercy upon us. So accept our plea, and our duaa that we make for our Muslim Ummah that is filled with believers who struggle. Grant them patience, steadfast, taqwa and eman..
Ameen.

High-School Article

2006-11-09T14:38:00.000-05:00

Hello to all and Asalaam Alaikum Warahmat Allah to the Ummah,

Soon after Eid, our Muslim holiday that follows the holy month of Ramadan, my husband forwarded me some questions via email that had been sent to him by a neighboring high-school student of the university he works at. She must have found his name in the university directory or something. This young lady, Nadia Jennings is a writer for her school paper called "The Villager" of Westport High School. I jumped on this, and she ended up giving me a call, and we exchanged emails so I can help explain points of Islam that she would present. I asked her for permission to put it here in hopes to spread the reality of Islam further..so this is more for you who aren't Muslim but just want the highlighted basics of what Islam is all about. Although she is totally cool with revealing her name, I am not! So wherever my real name was placed, it was modified to my nickname of "Suhaa".

ISLAM
by Nadia Jennings
11/06
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The religion of Islam is used to put together a life that reflects the guidance of God.

Suhaa, a Muslim woman, explained how her absolute devotion to God (Allah) was the most important aspect of her life. “There is one God and my day to day life revolves around getting closer to God,” she said. “The biggest thing about Islam, that a devoted Muslim holds true, is that everything is completed through worship of God.”

According to crystalinks.com/islamic.html, the Islamic belief is understood in the teachings of God (Allah) through His Last Messenger Muhammad. “The will of Allah, to which man must submit, is made known through the sacred scriptures, the Qur'an (Koran), which Allah revealed to His Messenger, Muhammad,” www.crystalinks.com/Islamic.html said. “In Islam, Muhammad is considered the last of a series of prophets (including Adam, Noah, Jesus, and others), and his message simultaneously consummates and abrogates the "revelations" attributed to earlier prophets.”

The Qur’an, according to spaceandmotion.com, is the sacred book of Islam in which Muslim’s use as a personal guide through life. “The Qur'an (Koran) is the sacred book of Islam,” spaceandmotion.com said. “Muslims believe that the Qur'an available today is the same as that revealed to Prophet Muhammad and by him to his followers, who memorized his words... Muslims assert that the main written record of revelation to mankind is the Qur'an, which they believe to be flawless, immutable and the final revelation of God…The Qur'an is regarded as an infallible guide to personal piety and community life, and completely true in its history and science.”

According to spaceandmotion.com, Muslims also follow the teachings of Prophet Muhammad. “The Qur'an is the foremost source of Islamic jurisprudence; the second is the Sunnah (the practices of the Prophet, as narrated in reports of his life). The Sunnah is not itself a text like the Qur'an, but is extracted by analysis of the Hadith (Arabic for "report") texts, which contain narrations of the Prophet's sayings, deeds, and actions of his companions he approved.”

Suhaa explained the role Islam had in her life. “I try to apply Islam throughout my life by following the teachings of the Holy Quran and the lifestyle of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him),” she said.

According to www.spaceandmotion.com, the Five Pillars of Islam are the fundamental aspects of the Islamic religion.
“These five pillars are the most important obligations of a Muslim under Sharia law, and which devout all Muslims will perform faithfully, because they are essential to pleasing Allah.”

According to www.spaceandmotion.com, they explain the Five Pillars of Islam and how it affects Muslim spiritual life. “The Five Pillars of Islam is expressed in the Quran (Koran), which is a practical doctrine that encourages Muslims to pray 5 times a day, fast during Ramadan, pilgrimage to Mecca, declare 'There is no god but God, and Muhammad is his prophet' and pay money to the poor,” spaceandmotion.com said.

According to www.icbwayland.org , there holds information on how Muslim’s live their life’s according to their Islamic belief’s.
"Islam is an Arabic word which means peace and submission,” the website said. “As a religion, Islam calls for complete acceptance of the teachings and guidance of God (Allah). A Muslim is one who freely and willingly accepts the supreme power of God and strives to organize his or her life in total accord with the teachings of God. He or she also works for building social institutions that reflect the guidance of God.”

Farah Khan, who is a Muslim, explained how the Islamic religion has affect on their daily actions. “Islam is a religion, as well as a way of life, thus Muslims practice their beliefs through the way they live their daily lives,” she said. According to Khan anyone who accepts the teachings of Islam may be accepted. “All it takes to become a Muslim is to affirm the fundamental beliefs and to declare verbally one's acceptance to God-by saying: “I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship but God, and that Muhammad is the final prophet of God,”” she said. “This is all it takes to become Muslim. No witnesses are required, and there are no further complications. Once one has affirmed their beliefs and has verbally declared one's acceptance of Islam, they are Muslim.”

Khan said that both women and men share different roles in the Islamic religion, although spiritual they are equal. “Men and women are spiritually equal in Islam; superiority is only by piety,” she said. “Both men and women are expected to believe the same, and to perform the same 5 pillars (although there are some differences in some of the lesser details). Each gender has certain strengths and unique traits, and there are some differences based on this. Many of the details of the roles of men and women vary widely between different Muslim societies.”

Suhaa explained how responsibilities are broken into
segments to create a successful family. “There are certain rules for men and women in order to create a partnership,” she said. “It works in harmony with one another. Everyone is held accountable for his or her personal actions. That is what we call equality.”

Khan said that Muslims views of the afterlife surround the Day of Judgment. “Muslims believe that this world will one day come to an end, and all human beings will be brought back to life to face judgment for their lives: their choices, their beliefs, words and actions,” she said. “After judgment, there is eternal life. Heaven is a place of eternal bliss, and Hell is a place of eternal suffering.”

Suhaa explained how Islam is not just a religion but also a way of life, through the Sharia law. “We are taught specific ways on how to deal with various issues,” she said “For example when dealing with people {in agreements} there is a contract that needs to be signed. There are restrictions on alcohol and certain foods. There are certain ways that men dress and women dress. It is like a constitution, a rule to live by. They do not restrict us, but are meant to guide us. It is a social law, found in the Qur’an. It holds specific things to do on a daily basis.”

Another Death

2006-10-31T13:16:00.000-05:00

Asalaam Alaikum Warhmat Allah,

Just a short post to remind everyone to turn to Truth to ALLAH. We are all created by Allah and we will all return to Him for accountability. The community I live in has faced so many deaths of young people over the past few years. Malik Al-Mout (Angel of Death) has taken yet another young soul away. May Allah make this and all deaths as a reminder that in this life nothing and no one will last forever, and let it be a reminder to us that every tiny spec of a deed good or bad will be judged. May Allah grant Muslims peace who are alive and peace who are now dead..surely we will all die and surely we will all rise again. Let us encourage one another towards goodness and beleif that there is only One God and that Muhammad is the last Messenger. Do not shy away from the truth and let us fear Allah more than we fear our families, friends and this society.

People are celebrating death on halloween and others are mourning it, subhanAllah.

Inna Lillahi wa Inna Lillahi Rajiyoon.
We are all created by Allah, and to Allah we will all return.

"No soul can die except by Allah’s leave, and at a preordained time. We will bestow (the benefits) here (in this world) upon anyone who wants (the results and) rewards (of his effort) in this world. We will bestow (the benefits and the rewards) there (in the hereafter) upon anyone who desires the reward in the life after death. Soon, We will reward the grateful ones!"

{Quran, 3:145}

Every soul shall have to taste death! The day of Resurrection is when you can and shall receive your dues to the fullest extent the consequence of your deeds. That Day, whoever is pulled away from hell, and is ushered into the paradise, will really have triumphed. The life of this world is nothing but an illusive enjoyment, a mere deception.

{Quran, 3:185}

Niqab Debate

2006-10-28T16:57:00.000-05:00

Asalaam Alaikum Warahmat ALLAH & Greetings to all of You..I have many things I'd like to address here in reflection to what has happened during Ramadan for Muslims around the world, but I need to address this right now and share this article with all of you. If you are Muslim please read this, and if you are not, please read this!! Islam is real and we all need to be educated, and even further educated of what the Truth of Islam is. SO read this attentively, and my Muslim brothers and sisters think twice before saying something is more cultural than religious. To my readers of all faiths please know who we are as people, we are those who have families and people who strive for righteousness. Please recognize me and women who cover as those who strive to worship God, not because of our husband's order, but that of God's. Be advised and remember this next time you see a woman covering her face, she is a social being and requests that you view her for what is in her mind and not the beauty that she hides from you (that goes for some of us Muslims too!) (please click on the title above to read more of the article below)

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Important advice to the Muslim community in light of the debate over the veil
Sunday, 15 October 2006

All praise is due to Allah and may His peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family and all his Companions.

In light of the ongoing debate over the veil and the comments made by Jack Straw and others, we the undersigned would like to present the following important advice to the Muslim community here in the UK, irrespective of school of thought, sect or organisation.

1. The Muslim community should remain united regardless of its differences and opinions about the veil. This request is in response to the countless number of Quranic and Prophetic traditions that command Muslims to be united. Among these is the Quranic verse that says, ‘Hold fast, all together, to the rope of Allah and do not be disunited.
"Hold fast, all together, to the rope of Allah and do not be disunited. " [Quran, 3:103]

2. We strongly condemn any attempt by any individual or organisation to create disunity in the Muslim community. We see such a move as an attempt to create friction and disruption in the whole society through indirect discrimination. It is the nature of modern pluralistic societies to be constituted from different communities coexisting peacefully as a single political entity. It is completely irrational, when trying to achieve community cohesion, to instigate disunity and racial tension.

3. The veil, irrespective of its specific juristic rulings, is an Islamic practice and not a cultural or a customary one as is agreed by the consensus of Muslim scholars; it is not open to debate.

The veil, irrespective of its specific juristic rulings, is an Islamic practice and not a cultural or a customary one as is agreed by the consensus of Muslim scholars; it is not open to debate.
We advise all Muslims to exercise extreme caution in this issue, since denying any part of Islam may lead to disbelief. Not practicing something enjoined by Allah and His Messenger (Salla-Allahu alaihi wa sallam) - regardless its legal status (i.e., whether obligatory, recommended or praiseworthy) - is a shortcoming; denying it is much more serious. Allah says in the Qur’an: ‘It is not for a believer, man or woman, that they should have any option in their decision when Allah and His Messenger have decreed a matter. And whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger has indeed strayed in a plain error.’ [translation of 33:36]

4. We recognise the fact that Muslims hold different views regarding the veil, but we urge all members of the Muslim community to keep this debate within the realms of scholarly discussion amongst the people of knowledge and authority in the Muslim community. Allah says in the Qur’an, ‘When there comes to them news of some matter touching (public) safety or fear, they spread it (among the people); if only they had referred it to the Messenger or to those charged with authority among them, the proper investigators would have understood it from them (directly).’ [translation of 4:83] In another Quranic verse, we read the following instruction, ‘So ask those who know if you know not.’ [translation of 16:43 and 21:7]

5. Furthermore, we warn Muslim individuals and organisations to avoid seeking to capitalise on this debate in order to further political or personal interests. Such despicable tactics are judged by Islam as working against the interests of our faith and the Muslim community, and are, accordingly, a matter condemned in the strongest possible terms. Allah says in the Qur’an, ‘The believers, men and women, are Awliya' (allies, helpers, friends, protectors) of one another.’ [translation of 9:71] The Prophet (Salla-Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said, ‘A Muslim is the brother of a Muslim; he does not oppress him, betray him, mislead or fail him.’

6. We would like to call upon all members of the Muslim community to show solidarity against criticising the veil or any other Islamic practice as this might prove to be a stepping-stone towards further restrictions. Today the veil, tomorrow it could be the beard, jilbab and thereafter the head-scarf!
Today the veil, tomorrow it could be the beard, jilbab and thereafter the head-scarf!

Such a strategy, unfortunately, has been widely used by many European countries. Similarly, we feel that this campaign may be employed to gauge the response of the Muslim community. Therefore, our reply should be firm, sending a clear and powerful message to those who are trying to promote the banning of the veil or any other common Islamic practice. We, the Muslim community, will not tolerate such attitudes nor will we compromise on our values and common customs. All Muslim women, especially those who wear the veil, should play a major role in this response since their voice will be the most effective.

7. We understand the viewpoint of those who may find the veil a barrier to communication. However, we believe that the level of discomfort caused is insignificant, particularly when compared to the discomfort and problems that result from other common and less widely condemned practices such as sexual promiscuity, nudity and alcohol consumption by other segments of society. Moreover, we feel that it is against the interests of the whole society to single out a significant part of it, such as the Muslim community, or to put them under the spotlight and abuse them for their practices, as is now an oft- recurring theme in the media.

8. The unexpected and ruthless reaction of the media over the past few weeks on this issue gives an indication that there is a political agenda behind this campaign. It is very disappointing that the media and many politicians dealt with this issue as if it is the greatest national concern. This becomes more apparent when observing the already tense climate facing Muslims, which is contributing towards creating hostility in the wider society against the Muslim community. Therefore, Muslims should take this matter seriously and defend the veil with all their ability. This could be a battle of 'to be or not to be' for Muslims in the UK. We urge all brothers and sisters to strive in countering these attacks by utilising the various avenues open to them we urge all brothers and sisters to strive in countering these attacks by utilising the various avenues open to them
including sending letters to the relevant authorities, their MPs, human rights activists, and so on. The most important guideline to observe is to react in a wise, sensible and responsible manner and avoid any action that might be used as an excuse for furthering any unfavourable agenda.

9. We would like to advise the sisters who observe the veil/ niqab in the work-place or in educational premises to avoid making it a matter of dispute between them and their employers or school authority. Such disputes will attract more unnecessary media attention, and thus may cause various negative consequences including the imposition of certain dress codes in work places, and in turn, used as justification to legislate further restrictions on wearing it in other areas.

10. Finally, let it be noted that we appreciate the noticeable level of understanding and tolerance shown by considerable parts of the wider society towards many Islamic practices. However, we ask all society to deal with the Muslim community without prejudice, and to exercise genuine openness and tolerance towards Islamic practices, even those they may not like, as this is the real test of tolerance to others.
we appreciate the noticeable level of understanding and tolerance shown by considerable parts of the wider society towards many Islamic practices. However, we ask all society to deal with the Muslim community without prejudice, and to exercise genuine openness and tolerance towards Islamic practices, even those they may not like, as this is the real test of tolerance to others.

Furthermore, we urge people to be supportive for a woman’s right to wear the veil as on one hand, this complies with the values upon which western civilization was founded - the protection of human and religious rights; and on the other hand, these practices aim to promote values of modesty, decency and good-manners all of which should be the aspiration of any peaceful society.

We conclude by asking Almighty Allah to guide us to that which is better and to make truth and justice prevail in British society as a whole.

25th Ramadan 1427
17Th October 2006
Signed (in alphabetical order):1. Dr Daud AbdullahDeputy Secretary General, Muslim Council of Britain (MCB)2. Khurram Bashir AminTrustee and Editor, Monthly Dawn, Central Mosque, Birmingham3. Munir AshiChairman, Dar ul-Isra Islamic Centre, Cardiff 4. Dr Muhammad Abdul BariSecretary General, Muslim Council of Britain (MCB)5. Shakeel BeggImam, Lewisham Mosque, London6. Mufti Mohammed Zubair ButtSharia Adviser, Institute of Islamic Jurisprudence, Bradford7. Moulana Ilyas DalalHead teacher, Ilaahi Masjid, Dewsbury8. Dr. Khalid FekryImam, al-Taqwa Organization, London9. Sulaiman GaniLecturer in Islamic Studies, Tooting Islamic Centre, London10. Moosa GoraIslamic Scholar, Jame Mosque Batley, West Yorkshire11. Shaykh Haitham Al-HaddadDirector of Muslim Research and Development Foundation (MRDF), London12. Dr. Suhaib HasanSecretary, Islamic Sharia Council U.K. & Ireland; Chairman, Masjid and Madrasa Al-Tawhid Trust, London13. Muhammad ibn IsmailImam, Al-Medinah Masjid, Brighton14. Hafeezullah KhanEditor-in-chief, Sirat-e-Mustaqeem, Monthly Magazine, Birmingham15. Dr Khalid KhanImam, Lambeth Islamic Cultural Centre, London16. Wakkas KhanPresident, Federation of Student Islamic Societies (FOSIS)17. Shaykh Amjad MohammedHead Teacher of Olive Secondary School, Bradford18. Shaykh Ashraf OsmaniImam, Markazi Masjid Northampton (MMN), Northampton19. Ismail PatelChairman, Friends of Al-Aqsa, Leicester20. S. M. Abdul QayumHead Imam and Khateeb, East London Mosque, London21. Abdul Fattah SaadDirector of al-Muntada al-Islami Trust, London22. Qari Zakaullah SaleemImam, Green Lane Mosque, Birmingham.23. Massoud ShadjarehChair, Islamic Human Rights Commission24. Mohammad SawalhaPresident, British Muslim Initiative (BMI), London25. Shaykh Haytham TamimChairman of Utrujj Foundation, Educational, Training and Research Institute, London26. Mawlana Abdul Hadi UmriPresident - Islamic Judiciary Board, Birmingham27. Dr Imran WaheedRepresentative of Hizb ut-Tahrir Britain, London

It's Ramadan

2006-09-22T15:52:00.000-05:00

Asalaam Alaikum Warahmat ALLAH Dear Muslims and Special Greetings to everyone,

Saudia Arabia has announced the sighting of the new moon, which means the 9th month of the lunar year calandar. So in our community we will be fasting, as well as (hopefully) Muslims everywhere else. This month called Ramadan is a month that Muslims around the world will partake in what we believe is ordained upon humanity. To worship the Only One God through fasting, and purifying our souls through focussing our lives on the purpose of life itself, and by ridding of all its distractions.

As much as this blogging has been intended to lay the truth of Islam through my research and personal experiences as a Muslimah in the West, there are other things I need to focus on. So my blogging, amongst other things during this month will stop God-willing.

I pray that every Muslim benefits from these days and that we do not forget the well known authentic hadith that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) has taught us that the first 10 days Allah releases more of His Mercy, the 2nd ten, He distributes His Forgiveness, and the last 10 days He frees people from Hell-Fire. I also pray that He does this to people to maybe you..who are on the verge of doing an extra deed by wearing a headscarf, or do something to change your life positively like embrace Islam as yours. These things are between each soul and the Creator of all souls.

May Allah bring us all closer to Truth no matter who you are (or I am) and that we take advantage of these special days.

Ramadan Mubarak to all of you.

Your Sister, Suhaa.

"Oh you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become God-fearing."

(Noble Quran, 2:183)

Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said:

"Whoever fasts during Ramadan with faith and seeking his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven. Whoever prays during the nights in Ramadan with faith and seeking his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven. And he who passes Lailat al-Qadr (The Night of Power) in prayer with faith and seeking his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven." (authentic saying: Bukhari)

Wass'Wassa

2006-09-19T20:03:00.000-05:00

I hate you. I despise your arrogance when you instill criminal thoughts in the hearts of my race, my human race. To the beggar’s face you kick dirt in their eyes, to the oppressed babies you deprive them of warm arms. Rejoicing at the sound of gossip or the view of hostile neighbors. Laughing when blood is pouring forth and patience is absent. You grow on jealousy between siblings, and an illegal 2nd glance on a billboard is all it takes to motivate you further. Well to you, and to all your slaves, I say go to HELL. Just because you seem to be the norm, does not make your mischief a popular vote on Judgment Day. You are a Loser stealing a mind here, or a heart there. But never will you steal the soul of which is protected and guarded by sincere intentions of seeking Allah. Praises belong to Allah for in a few days you’ll be locked up. Ramadan is a blessing for us, against you. I vow to your Creator who gave you Jannah, (but blew it with your egotism) to rebel against you and against what you have taught me throughout my 30 years of life. I pray that Allah gives Muslims the strength to hate everything about you, even those tiny sly incidents that seem trivial. I pray that Allah grants non-Muslims the courage to accept Islam as their own. Ramadan is the month we are given to rectify our wrongdoings and God-willing it is easier to do so than any other month. So to you Loser, don’t even think of coming near my family, brothers, my sisters, and me it’s not going to happen. Hurting us in Palestine, Afghanistan, South Africa and the West is long gone for this month. So I pray to Allah to protect the Muslims from committing faults, as the burden of The Cursed Satan, Iblees is gone for a while. Iblees if you are reading this: GET LOST, WE HATE YOU. We seek refuge in Allah from the Cursed Satan. Ameen.

Hey LOSER, I’m going to pray Ishaa..and I will fight your Wass’Wassa whispers by knowing that Allah is Watching me..can't wait until you are chained up.

"Satan threatens you with poverty and bids you to inappropriate conduct. God promises you His forgiveness and bounties. God cares for all and He knows all things."

~The Quran {2:268}

Political

2006-09-18T23:19:00.000-05:00

Asalaam Alaikum Warahmat Allah and Hello Readers..

I haven't posted anything in a while because I've been so busy with everything life has entailed. I hope to have one post out before the start of Ramadan, God-willing, which is this very weekend.

I just came across this post that should be read by anyone claiming pride to be an American, and should be read by anyone living in the West really. Think twice before waving that US flag. I know lots of good come out of a place like the US. But we have to remember that just because we are here this doesn't translate in meaning we are blessed. We are all tested with what is given and what is taken away. Technology, freedom of religion, speech...and whatever else. Along with that comes the ugly too, and no, I'm not saying its a result of it but it does tag along..immorality, deceit, hypocricy. I'm not one to get into politics. But I am a Muslimah living in the West and it's affecting me..

9/11 was a wake-up call to enlighten the world of the horror that people across the world have been living prior, and continue to live today. I hate what happend then, and I hate the events of 9/11 even more today. But this is one of many issues that consumes me on a daily basis. I hate that people call Islam responsible, and I hate that some Muslims feel a desperation to do something so horrific. This is a World War III, or as Bush made reference to the Crusades...well I won't go there now.

This world is corrupted and continues to spiral down. I worry about my kids and babies being born. So rather than saying "God Bless America" I rather say God Protect Children. They will be at the forfront of this as they get older, but they are growing up with it..

Just read the link by clicking on the title above..

Prisoner Said..

2006-09-01T19:53:00.000-05:00

I read this today, and couldn't help but think...this land of freedom of democracy could be the land that strips me away from everything and everyone I love, (unfortunately I am not just singling out the US with that statement). It could have been my husband, father, or brother. May Allah give these men and their families strength, courage, and steadfast similar to that of Prophet Yusuf (Joseph-peace and blessings be upon him). For the Muslims out their..we need to supplicate more for the oppressed that they put their trust and reliance in Allah with patience. We will be asked of what we did to help our brothers and sisters. For the non-Muslims out there, hope you can see why some would say that this is not only a war against terrorism, its actually a war of terrorism's opponent, Islam.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Friday 08/25/06
From: Abu Qatada Ali Asad
To: Honorable Claude M. Hilton

"Your honor! Over this last year I’ve had the opportunity to attend a number of sentence hearings in this courtroom. I’ve learned that defendants are given the opportunity to make a statement which supposedly will be considered in the making of a final decision about their fate. The true purpose of this procedure is still unclear to me. Common sense tells me that a man at the verge of imprisonment would likely say whatever seems convenient to move the court towards a favorable decision for him. Most convicts will then use this opportunity to beg the court for a lesser sentence.

I, on the other hand, find hesitation in my heart to ask you to do that. This is truly not in the spirit of disrespecting the court but solely because truth is always clear like daylight and is not a matter of negotiations. If a person is guilty, he should admit so from the very beginning; and if from the beginning the person sincerely proclaims his innocence, he should not then turn to dishonesty and come to a sentencing hearing to then admit any guilt.

Your Honor! Today, standing in front of you and with Allah as my witness I tell everyone that I am innocent of what I am convicted and don’t deserve to spend a single day in prison. Today, as I am separated from my parents, my brother, sister, my wife, my children, students, and friends I say that God knows well I would never support terrorists.

I am not surprised the Government is asking for a lengthy sentence in the name of a crime I did not commit. It won’t be the first time that a person is wrongly accused and unjustly imprisoned. For the imprisonment of innocent people is as old as the so-called “civilization” itself. There is at least one person whose false imprisonment is not denied by those who follow the heavenly revealed scriptures, namely Jews, Christians, and Muslims. They all agree upon the truthfulness of this story, the life of Prophet Joseph (peace be upon him), who was imprisoned because he refused to obey his master’s wife.

He refused to agree to a false plea because it was against the command of His Lord even though he faced indefinite imprisonment. He was later released to eventually become the King of Egypt. True Justice always prevails. Rather than an “Islamic extremist” I am a man who believes in the message of the prophets and messengers and do not differentiate between them. And this is the religion that I follow.

The dishonest government of today is not much different from the wicked government who governed Egypt some 4,000 years ago. The only difference between the two is that those ancient governments did not imprison people in the name of “democracy” but rather they committed injustice without any pretext of law. On the contrary, these modern descendants of injustice make use of the false claims of honesty when they are acting unjustly. Allow me to explain. They first endorse the necessary unlawful laws that would justify their own unlawful practices and then “lawfully” imprison people like me. That is to say, the governments in the past were honest in their dishonesty and did not hide the fact that they were imprisoning people to safeguard their own interests, and not those of the community. But these modern disciples of injustice cast innocent people into prison to remove the so-called “threat” they feel from this 3rd grade teacher standing here today. In short, the rulers in the past were mere tyrants. Today’s rulers are also shameless liars.

The government stated that I am not here because of my beliefs, regardless of how despicable my beliefs are. Well, these prosecutors do not represent America. In fact, they are misleading American people and are a danger to the whole of society. And with great regret I say, their individualistic view to protect their careers by committing injustice against others will eventually bring this beautiful land down. Nations live as long as their justice does, when justice falls so does the nation.

Islam tells us to stand up against injustice. It is for this reason that I reject the opportunity to lie against myself and against others in exchange for a shorter sentence. And no matter what the result is today, I know that eventually the justice will prevail. Anyone who has transgressed against me in this trial should know that on the Day of Judgment I will not be happy till I take from them just as they have taken from me in this world. Those who have separated me from my parents, those who participated in making my children orphans, those who separated me from my brother, my sister, and everyone else, and those who have made my wife like a widow today, I pray to Allah to give you exactly what you have given me.

I am 29 years old. My elderly parents await my sentence knowing well that they may not live long enough to see my release. None feels more honorable than my mother who sits here in this courtroom with her head raised with pride and honor that her son did not break the principles that she instilled in him. Her advice remained, “Son, if you haven’t done anything wrong, you haven’t done anything wrong. It makes no difference if they offer you 4 years or 45 years. You haven’t done anything wrong, you haven’t done anything wrong.” But they grieve over the incarceration of their beloved son. If my parents die before my release, I ask them to plead and complain to Allah that a piece of our heart was taken away by the government of the United States of America because of some toy paintballs. Toy paintballs . . . the fate of which is unknown to both the government and the defense.

Lastly, Your honor! To tell you a little bit about myself, I was born in Lahore, Pakistan and went to one of the best primary schools there. I was later admitted to the best secondary school called Aitchison College. This school was built in 1876 at the time of the British colonization of the Indian subcontinent – way before the conflict in Kashmir ever started. I successfully finished 10th and 11th grades there and in 1994, came to United States. I finished high school at Watkins Mill High School in Gaithersburg, MD in 1995 and enrolled in Montgomery College, initially as a Criminal Justice major. That major changed to Information Systems and I finally graduated from the University of Maryland. I always maintained a job. I supported myself and my family. I worked hard to pay for my school and I never had to take any loan to pay for my tuition. I studied Arabic language and taught it to both Muslims and non-Muslims at As-Salik Arabic institute.

Twelve years have gone by and many things have changed in the world we live in, and a lot of changes have taken place in our lives. One thing however remains the same. No one ever received any harm either from my words or my actions. As my father frankly put it, “With all the allegations and witnesses the government produced in this trial, and with all the investigations and arrests that they have made, and with the billions of tax dollars that they have used against my son, not a single person on the face of the Earth came forward to testify that he even received a prick of thorn from my son Ali.”

The prosecutors suggested during the trial that these sentiments might be expected from a member of my family. But none put it more bluntly than the respected juror who convicted me when he told the Washington Post, that he thought the case “shouldn't have been brought at all. It was very insignificant." And he said the whole investigation was "way too minor, regardless of whether they convicted 11 people.” "

I thank my wife for standing next to me in these hard times and also the community that did not abandon me. I thank my parents to raise me the way they did and I am grateful to them.

SubhanakaAllahuma Wa bi Hamdik, Wa AshhaduAnLa Ilaha IlaAalh Wa Ashhadu AnaMuhammadan RasoolAllah
Thanks
Abu Qatada Ali Asad

(click above on the title to read more God-willing)

Anonymous

2006-08-30T19:59:00.000-05:00

Asalaam Alaikum Warahmat Allah Dear Muslims, Welcome Friends, and a special greeting to those who leave me comments here in hopes to defame, insult, and further destroy the beautiful stance of Islam by ignorant sayings, and arrogant thoughts....
I'm not sure who you are when any of you read this, but I know who I am, and I know that ALLAH is watching me, and HE KNOWS my intentions better than I know what they are, and yes even when it comes to blogging. Having started this back in January I intended on setting some things straight in hopes to enlighten people what Islam is and what it is not by sharing my knowledge and experiences as a Muslimah. I am fully aware that many people who come here are not Muslim yet hold true to many of Islamic teachings, respectfully. I am also quite aware that Islam is a gift implanted in hearts to people who sincerely strive to know Al- Khaliq, the One Creator. For this reason I have placed much hope in Allah that He will guide many people who have yet to embrace Islam, and draw Muslims like me and others closer to Him. This is a sincere supplication to God. So any Muslims out there reading this please say "AMEEN!".

There, having said all that, there are losers in this life who are full of themselves and wish to live as free spirits. All I have to say to that is "Whatever", and especially if you have no desire to seek the Truth. Something that I will never be able to get is this though. Why is it, you so-called free souls feel so above us (not just Muslims, but anyone believing in the monotheism of Allah?). Mother nature isn't going to save you, why would she if she follows the order of the One Who knows your status after death. What makes you feel so justified in transgressing the bounds just because it doesn't make sense to you?? What makes you think that just because something seems so backwards is wrong and because you feel good about something it's right? This type of gaining knowledge assumes you know it all..umm isn't that a bit too proud of yourself seeing that you don't have a clue what it is that regulates your own heart. Doctor, I don't care how high you are..stop and think. You call me a bigot towards the people of Lot, an oppressed little thing who's submissive without a voice, or anti-life entertainment because I've boycotted movies. You say I fight democracy, raise my kids in a bubble, and maybe because the West is the only place I've ever lived in call me brainwashed.

Well Mister, Ms., Mrs. or Miss Anonymous to you , and all of you hidden souls..when you can come and respectfully disagree in a way that does not aim at disgracing the one pure way of life prescribed for me and for you, then and only then will your stance be expressed here at my stance. Until then, just a few more words for you, and no doubt they are the most effective in getting this message across because they were meant for your heart to feel..so get rid of that numbness within you and feel the Signs all around you, and read Chapter 109 in the Noble Quran to get off my case, and perhaps to let guideance soften your heart.

"Say: "Oh Disbelievers

(disbelievers in Allâh, in His Oneness, in His Angels, in His Books, in His Messengers,

in the Day of Resurrection, and in Al-Qadar, etc.)!
I worship not that which you worship,
Nor will you worship that which I worship.
And I shall not worship that which you are worshipping.
Nor will you worship that which I worship.
To you be your religion, and to me my religion."

(Islâmic Monotheism).

Mouth Sealed

2006-08-25T09:31:00.000-05:00

People say "talk is cheap". Anyone can say anything, but saying something just for the sake of saying something can get us into trouble. This is why Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him taught us:

"Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should either say something good or keep silent."

(source: Al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 1376)

Muslim or not, don't we all say "If you don't have anything good to say, then don't say anything at all." Or at least its seems most people say it, so let's remember that and keep our mouths shut when we feel like exploding the most, or are in a mood for some gossipish entertainment that will do nothing but fry us deeper (really) and increase any vanity we already possess. We all know the right thing to do, so let's not be hypocrites.

May Allah guide Muslims and non-Muslims in accepting all that Allah has given humanity within the true teachings of Islam.

You Rebellious?

2006-08-14T19:35:00.000-05:00

I don't want to melt. I don't want to melt into society. Been there, done that. I don't want that for myself nor that of my children. To melt into society is to accept wrongdoings as a norm, and to accept corruption as a norm causes desensitization. Call me a fundamentalist, call me a "fascist", but don't call me an American, and don't call me an Egyptian either for that matter. I am nothing but Muslim. Stare if you want, but it would be great if you would keep your eyes connected to mine long enough for me to share a smile. I do speak your language, I do feel blessed although tested to be in the West, I am educated and contrary to what you think, I do respect many of you. My confusion rambles in constant wonder of the state of security you are in, or lack of concern what happens after death. I eat pizza and I love to kick back on the beach collecting seashells and rocks with my children. My flavor is that of astonishment to the creations I am indulged in there and everywhere. My backyard are kids fighting playfully and dragonflies floating around, landing on our hands and shoulders. How could I deny the Signs? How could you not take a second to reflect. It's not luck, and it's not you're hard work, do you know what it is that causes you to read this so comfortably? Highschool is over, it's not about fitting in with society, it's about fitting in with what is on the Right. I love beauty and I aspire for it, not for you to see, but for Allah to Witness. My costume is sacred as it is the shelter to my soul. This costume is fragile and needs the coat for its protection. Not from the sun, but from temptation and loss of modesty which is half of what I believe. You hear it, I hear read it. Everything is done for a reason. But what is that purpose? I won't share it with you, because somewhere deep down in your heart it was engraved, that knowledge. So why do you deny and fear others when the Truth is already with you? Who am I to judge you? Then again, who are you to judge me? What support is it you seek? Friends to share hobbies or outings that rebel against what is real to you? If selfish desires aren't foes, and reflecting for a sec is a hardship then why are you even reading this? Unblock the view and be for real, let the common sense pour into your heart and that is the only place you will find contenment with being "you" whoever it is you are and I am. Be content, not rebellious. Get those glances, don't take your soul for granted, be brave, be rebellious against the deserved things. Majority doesn't rule here..it's an image that will prove to be defeated on the Day. How are you rebellious? This way or that way?

"Verily, Allah is not ashamed to set forth a parable even of a mosquito or so much more when it is bigger than it. And as for those who believe, they know that it is the Truth from their Lord, but as for those who disbelieve, they say: "What did Allah intend by this parable?" By it He misleads many, and many He guides thereby. And He misleads thereby only those who are Al-Fasiqoon (the rebellious, disobedient to Allah)." {Quran, 2:36}

"Your Stone"

2006-08-03T05:16:00.000-05:00

Allah asks each of us, whoever you are and whatever background we have:

"...And what is wrong with you that you fight not in the Cause of Allah, and for those weak, illtreated and oppressed among men, women, and children, whose cry is: "Our Lord! Rescue us from this town whose people are oppressors; and raise for us from You one who will protect, and raise for us from You one who will help." {Quran 4:75}

Seriously, what is wrong with us?? Don't we know that supplication is the best tool to get what we want? Don't we want this corruption to end? Don't we beleive that the reward of the Hereafter is so much bigger than we can even contemplate? How many times did I or YOU ask Allah to help those being stripped of everything..did we ask Him last week, is once enough? What is it, out of sight of mind?? This excuse will not hold valid on Judgement Day. Don't we believe that this situation we see on the tube can be happening to us?

On a slightly different note , but along the same lines, I've been wanting to post lyrics of a song by Sami Yusuf & Outlandish that gave me chills once again yesterday as I was listening to it. (Um'Ibrahim beat me to it, check out her blog posting of them as with other notes too by clicking the title above). I see those war images in my mind of Muslims being killed at the cost of arrogance and tyranny, especially those children who look like those of my own, men with beards resembling my own husband, tall strong men like my brother- being carried away on planks, and women who look like my dear mother- who scream due to true anxiety that many of us may never experience in our lifetime; added to people like these are the entire Palestinian, Iraqi, the Lebanese civilizations who share my love for ALLAH (God) holding onto patience and their dignity. By definition I am an American Egyptian, but by heart I carry nationality of the oppressed nations...not the nation of those who oppress and dictate democracy in a hypocritical fashion, and glorify terrorism as justifiable concept on their own terms. May Allah grant the oppressed security in their faith, worship, and deny them from losing hoping and rememberance that all affairs will return to ALLAH for justice. Allah is the Most Just, Most Fair, Al-Hakeem, Al-Adl.

Try Not to Cry

by:

Sami Yusuf & Outlandish

You...you’re not aware...That we’re aware

Of your despair

Don’t show your tears

To your oppressor

Don’t show your tears

{Sami Yusuf}

Try not to cry little one

You’re not alone

I’ll stand by you

Try not to cry little one

My heart is your stone

I’ll throw with you

{Isam}

‘Ayn Jalut where David slew Goliath

This very same place that we be at

Passing through the sands of times

This land’s been the victim of countless crimes

From Crusaders and Mongolsto the present aggression

Then the Franks, now even a crueller oppression

If these walls could speak,imagine what would they say
For me in this path that I walk on there's only one way

Bullets may kill, bones may break

Still I throw stones like David before me and I say

{Sami Yusuf}

You...you’re not aware

That we’re aware

Of your despair

Your nightmares will end

This I promise, I promise

{Lenny}

No llores, no pierdas la feLa sed la calma el que haze

Agua de la arena

Y tu que te levantas con orgullo entre las piedras

Haz hecho mares de este polvo

Don’t cry, don’t lose faith

The one who made water come out of the sand

Is the one who quenches the thirst And you who rise proud from between the stones Have made oceans from this dust

{Waqas}

I throw stones at my eyes’cause for way too long

they’ve been dry plus they see what they shouldn’t

from oppressed babies to thighs

I throw stones at my tongue’cause it should really keep its peace I throw stones at my feet’cause

they stray and lead to defeat

A couple of big ones at my heart’cause

the thing is freezing cold

But my nafs is still alive and kicking

unstoppable and on a roll

I throw bricks at the devil so I’ll be sure to hit him

But first at the man in the mirror so I can chase out the venom

{Isam}

Hmm, a little boy shot in the head

Just another kid sent out to get some bread

Not the first murder nor the last

Again and again a repetition of the past

Since the very first day same story

Young ones, old ones, some glory

How can it be, has the whole world turned blind?

Or is it just ’cause it’s only affecting my kind?!

If these walls could speak, imagine what would they say

For me in this path that I walk on there’s only one way

Bullets may kill, bones may break

Still I throw stones like David before me and I say...

{Chorus}

Try not to cry little one

You’re not alone I’ll stand by you

Try not to cry little one

My heart is your stone, I'll throw with you, I'll throw with you"

Mercy

2006-07-29T12:01:00.000-05:00

Allah the Most deserving of Glorification, created concepts, such as Mercy, along with its implication, and examples of its existance. Acts of Mercy can be viewed through reflected upon viewing almost any scene of nature, children, and even people who are poverty struck. If we realize and truly believe that everything good comes from Allah we still will never be able to encompass the mass amount of Mercy He has produced for all of humanity. It's beyond intense. Subhan'Allah. He is Ar-Rahman. The Most Merciful. Allah is Al-Kareem. The Most Generous. But us idiotic creatures are those who complain regardless and we get so terribly impatient that we ignore the Mercy He that never stops granting!! Not just to Muslims, but non-Muslims and everything Allah has Designed & Created is blessed with His Mercy. Check out this hadith below, and think..what side of the fence are we on? Where do we consider ourselves to be? Are we too confident, or are we at a loss of hope? Another thing to think about is that Allah has only revealed one small part of Mercy...which to the person who reflects is actually pretty endless!

One of the Companions of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him, and them) named Abu-Huraira reported that heard our Prophet Muhammad, Allah's Last Messenger (pbuh) saying:

"Verily Allah created Mercy. The day He created it, He made it into one hundred parts. He withheld with Him ninety-nine parts, and sent its one part to all His creatures. Had the non-believer known of all the Mercy which is in the Hands of Allah, he would not lose hope of entering Paradise, and had the believer known of all the punishment which is present with Allah, he would not consider himself safe from the

Hell-Fire."

Prophet Muhammad

(Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him)

(~related by Imam Bukhari)

Seek It

2006-07-25T20:54:00.000-05:00

In the Name of Allah,

I get one of these below once a week..you all should subscribe to it God-willing. Whether you are a Muslim, just learning about it, or just interested in Islam. I couldnt resist but post this one because we all take things as if we are entitled to it and we all need to step back and acknowledge Who is the Source of every possession we 'supposedly' own! Isn't it amazing how little time we spend on asking Allah to forgive us yet we enjoy the Bounty He Grants us any opportunity we get, which pretty much is like all the time?! It's actually greedy of us if you think of it that we aren't as grateful as we need to be, and many of us don't even have a goal of becoming more grateful, as if we are grateful enough!! Subhan'Allah (All Glory belongs to Allah). This also reminds me of the hadith that Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) says that being rich isn't about having the luxury and materials of this life, but its about having contentment in your soul. To have that contenment we need to feel Allah with us, not just know by the facts He is. SubhanAllah. I'm posting this one because I of all people need to be reminded of this. The story of Prophet Noah (Nuh-peace be upon him) never ceases to amaze me, even with my limited knowledge of who this pious servant of Allah really was. But I have an special interest in learning about him lately, that's not the point here though.

Read on!

"Qur'an, from the story of Nuh with his people:

"Next I appealed to them publicly; then I broadcast it to themand confided with them privately, proclaiming: 'Seek forgiveness from your Lord; He is so Forgiving. He causes the sky to send torrents down upon you and He supplies you with wealth and children, and grants you gardens and even grants you rivers."

- Surah Nuh, (Chapter Noah): 78/9-12

Lesson from these verses:
Whatever you are seeking in life,
knock on the doors of forgiveness
and they will both open.

Suggestions on how to implement: http://www.Powerworkshops.org

in the "Free Stuff" section.

With best wishes to see you succeed at the highest level! ~Muhammad Alshareef"

TRUST

2006-07-23T04:56:00.000-05:00

"If Allah helps you, none can overcome you; and if He forsakes you, who is there after Him that can help you? And in ALLAH Alone let believers put their TRUST." {3:160}

"And We have sent down to you the Book (this Quran) in truth, confirming the Scripture that came before it and Mohayminan (trustworthy in highness and a witness) over it (old Scriptures). So judge between them by what Allah has revealed, and follow not their vain desires, diverging away from the truth that has come to you. To each among you, We have prescribed a law and a clear way. If Allah willed, He would have made you one nation, but that He may test you in what He has given you; so strive as in a race in good deeds. The return of you all is to Allah; then He will inform you about that in which you used to differ." {5:48}

"Say: "Nothing shall ever happen to us except what Allah has ordained for us. He is our Maula (Lord, Helper and Protector)." And in Allah let the believers put their trust. "{9:51}

"I put my trust in Allah, my Lord and your Lord! There is not a moving creature but He has grasp of its forelock. Verily, my Lord is on the Straight Path (the Truth)". {11:56}

"And to Allah belongs the Ghaib (unseen) of the heavens and the earth, and to Him return all affairs for decision. So worship Him and put your trust in Him. And your Lord is not unaware of what you people do." {11:123}

Plan Change!

2006-07-21T05:06:00.000-05:00

"If Allah helps you, none can overcome you; and if He forsakes you, who is there after Him that can help you? And in ALLAH Alone let believers put their trust."

{Quran, 3:160}

From time to time within the past 6 months (and usually when the kids are asleep at night, but sometimes after the early dawn prayer) I've written about different things here on this blog in hopes to enlighten people by giving non-Muslims a reality check (quite politely ofcourse) of the true stance is on Islam. There have been few comments here and there positive and negative, and some moderated. Allah Knows what my intention was and is for these writings, He is All-Aware.

For now though, my direction in that little bit of time I have to complete this hobby, is to a bare minimum. There are other duties I have to be more committed too. Reading Quran, learning to read better in Arabic (much better), and learning how to be more patient with my children are just a few. All of these goes along with a major goal ahead of me, to homeschool!

God-willing I plan to homeschool for the first time. My 2nd grader is excited and I hope that Allah will facilitate ease on me and her. For KG and 1st Grade we enrolled her in an Islamic School. They were great at teaching her how to read, using strong a strong curriculum in Math too. The teachers were wonderful, Masha'Allah (what God wills). This academy, such as any place, has things to work on too, with Allahs's Will they could overcome these challenges. May Allah bless and guide the students there.

So our overall decision, which we made with Istikhaara (Prayer in Seeking Guideance), did not come quickly. It took lots of thought, research in its pros and cons (because there is no such thing as an ideal situation in any matter in this life-that only exists in Jannah/Paradise), and trust in Allah to help us choose what is best. Our choice to homeschool Sign is with the desire that it will nourish her personality with more confidence and strength as a growing Muslimah.

I understand that many people claim that homeschooling children limits them socially, and I am not here to fight that claim although I do not agree if an overall plan is set to seek means for interaction with peers. Homeschooling can be something that lasts up until college, but for us we just want to try it out for the next few months! (Insha'Allah). People wonder, and I wonder how this will be done with my 3 year old son around and their baby sister who's 14 months, I wonder too! In a classroom of 25 kids with 1 teacher there are distractions and perhaps on a larger scale. I know that there are at least 2 million homeschoolers out there and most of them are bigger families as well. I am not promising this will be easy on any of us, and I am not saying Sign will respond positively to it either. But I know that Allah will ask me on Judgement Day for the personality make-up of my children and what I did to protect them, encourage them, guide them in best they have potential for, and really know them too.

I believe lots of benefits can come out of both public and private schools for different reasons. I have only heard of what positive things may be fostered out of homeschooling, and for us its worth the shot. Every family is different, every child has different needs (so no, my other daughter Mercy will remain at her oral-deaf school for now, God-willing.) Who knows, maybe they'll go to a public school together next year, another Islamic school, or be homeschooled together, or even no school (may Allah forbid!). The point is none of us have a clue as to what will happen to us and the people we love from one day to the next, its through Allah's Wisdom that anything happens.

We have just finished the math placement test with Calvert Homeschool Curriculum, and have begun the enrollment process with Ad-Duha Institute which is also a homeschool curriculum for Islamic and Arabic studies. You can check out their websites below. Ad-Duha has a collaboration with Calvert so if you wanted you can order everything from Ad-Duha and deal with only them. They do not make a profit, but the benefit is that this may simplify things on the homeschooler by giving one contact(Muslims) instead of 2.

www.ad-duha.org
www.calvertschool.org

About the blogging break, inshaAllah (God-willing) I will try to copy and paste Verses from Quran and Sayings from Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). This will be easier on your eyes and softer to your heart than just my words of my own, God-willing!

May God guide us all to the Straight Path.

Ameen.

Name Game

2006-07-19T20:07:00.000-05:00

"You Alone we worship, and You Alone we ask for help for each and everything."

{Quran 1:5}

What’s in a name? The sound, the ease on the tongue, the uniqueness of it or just the way it flows? My favorite name growing up was “Jessica”, and thinking back it was probably because one of my friends had an older sister with that name. For whatever reason “Lisa” was a favorite too. I wonder if my brother remembers these names I loved especially when we played our little pretend school thingy. Language is a pretty amazing thing, a gift. Without it you wouldn’t be able to read these words, and I wouldn’t be able to express them. There are an endless amount of languages and in many styles of oral communication and sign language along with everything in between (and yes there are many others like cued speech, or audio-verbal) and included in these forms are all the other methods of communication through body language and facial expressions. Then of course is an accent thing. Groups of people speak with various accents from all over earth. What means “Hey” in American English here in New England, might mean “Howdy” down South. What means “Laban” (milk) in Egyptian Arabic, might mean Halib (in normal Arabic! J) Glorified is Allah who has given us this mean to communicate and grant us with means of sharing our hearts and minds through a process that is almost always taken for granted. All Praise is to Allah alone. Alhamdulilah.

Understanding that language itself is such a complex system granted to humanity, it’s no wonder that names sound different, strange, or sometimes even obvious. History and current events demonstrate that names of societies, places, or events are labeled to describe them or the leaders somehow.

What leads me to all of this is that I was listening to an Imam (a Muslim leader who gives sermons) online. He mentioned something that I hadn’t thought of before, nor do I remember it ever being pointed out to me. Masha’Allah (what God wills), may Allah reward him for this useful information. Ok, so we all know there are like a billion different religions right? (Maybe not a billion, but you get the point) Well out of the endless list of religions that people follow, only one religion is NOT named after a person or a place. Check out my research below:

Bahai: named after the religion's founder, a man named Bahaullah

Buddhism: named after the religious founder, man named Budha
Christianity: named after the word Khristos that is a Greek translation from the Hebrew word meaning Massiah
Confucianism: named after a male Chinese Philosopher, Kung Fu Tzu

Druze: named after Darazi who is one of the 1st 3 founders
Hinduism: à named after Hind, which is a region between the Himalayas: and the Indus River
Judaism: named after Judah which was one of the Tribes of Israel
Zoroastrianism: named after an ancient Persian philosopher Zoroaster

Taoism: named after Tao Te-Ching one of the “fathers” of this belief system
Sikhism: named after Gobind Singh, (and even the word itself, “Sikh” that comes from the Sanskrit language means a “deciple”.)

ALLAH SAYS:
"Mankind were one community and Allah sent Prophets with glad tidings and warnings, and with them He sent the Scripture in truth to judge between people in matters wherein they differed. And only those to whom (the Scripture) was given differed concerning it after clear proofs had come unto them through hatred, one to another. Then Allah by His Leave guided those who believed to the truth of that wherein they differed. And Allah guides whom He wills to a Straight Path."

{Quran 2:213}
I have more examples for proof, but you probably get the point I’m trying to make here. If not let me explain. ISLAM is the ONLY Religion, Faith, Prescribed Way of Life that it’s name "ISLAM” is NOT taken from a human, nor taken after a thing! This would make sense and support the claim that us Muslims are hoping people would just understand. That notion is the following: Islam is the One True Relgion commanded for all of humanity throughout the history of time, from the creation of the first human, Adam (may Allah send him peace) to the last person to ever be born. There’s One God Who indeed created differences amongst people, languages and looks yet every human has blood, every human has organs, and every human has the natural inclination to do the right thing in worshipping God the way He ordained us too, right from the moment of conception. People make the differences in that and follow faiths because their parents did, their society did, their culture did but not because they thought, and not because they were sincere in knowing the Truth for what it purely is: The Truth! Now please, those of you who are not Muslims and are thinking I am really wack, ask yourself this, what proof do you have that you are following the Right Way? Does it really make sense to you that God the Creator of the stars and oceans would seek a son when He is the Originator of everything? Does the concept of Atheism make sense to you even when you see the planets floating effortlessly? Does it make sense to you that you should seek God through speaking to an idol that human hands have made? Our minds are so limited that we choose to believe irrational things sometimes, but with a purified heart, I mean really sincerely wanting to know Truth, then one will find it. This is a promise from Allah. No matter what faith one currently has. The True Relgion is so much simpler than all this. ISLAM is the ONE prescription of life for everyone.

Way back when I was in Miami I had to take an elective course. I chose Theology. My professor was not one of my biggest fans. She would ask questions and I would be left to answer things that did not comply with what was in one of the course textbooks. I remember her asking: “What was the religion of Jesus, Moses, and Ibrahim” (may Allah have mercy on them all). Someone yelled out that they were all Jewish. Well me and my big mouth said that we Muslims believe that they are Muslim and I got into the same shpeal that they were all sent to humanity to teach one message of Islam, and that people make differences and these differences spread like gossip and people believe gossip for facts. Anyways, I ended up with barely a 'C' and I had to do extra credit in that course because at first she gave me an incomplete. She was not happy with me, but I could have cared less!!

I’ve gotten side-tracked again. Back to the naming game. So ISLAM is the one faith that is name for what it is, and not named after the most Muslims, not named after the most sacred of places, and certainly not even named after any object. ISLAM is the only religion with a name the signifies the concept of worshipping God. A simple name for a simple religion: “Salema” In Arabic, is the root word for words such as peace, submission and obedience. Islam itself means to Submit one’s will to the Will of God. Basically this means to accept that we are nothing without Allah, and that the whole purpose of this life is to worship through praying and living within the limits and means Allah has given to us without stepping on boundaries. We should never underestimate the smallest of deeds, good or bad because they will all be on the Scale on Judgment Day. To believe in this concept is crucial in being a real Muslim.

Let me also point out that Allah promises those who are sincere in finding truth..will find it, those who love Allah more than the life of this iddy biddy tiny life, will proclaim it, and those who trust in Allah more than their families, husband’s and wives and everyone they claim to respect are going to hold firm to the truth: ISLAM. They will realize that Islam is a Devine prescription of life detailing what to do, how to do what, and what to avoid. We tiny specs, called humans didn’t create life. And contrary to some people’s belief we life is not random! So I know, there’s cloning, and I know there are technological advancements, therefore I won’t get into the intricate design of the heart or even something as simple as a piece of grass! But wait a minute, what about the SOUL? You know you have one, right? But you can’t see it, touch, and feel, or even smell it. Ironically, you can purify it, improve it, rectify it, and be at peace with it. Our bodies are just costumes.

If my long-winded rambled entry was unclear and unorganized let me just say the my whole point of this entry is to say that ISLAM is the only faith ever known to be named for exactly what it stands for and is. Submission and Obedience through Peace to the Will of Allah; that is the True Islam. Named by ALLAH, not just my God, but everyone's.

"Truly, the religion with Allah is Islam. Those who were given the Scripture (Jews and Christians) did not differ except, out of mutual jealousy, after knowledge had come to them. And whoever disbelieves in the evidences, of Allah, then surely, Allah is Swift in calling to account." {Quran, 3:19}

Edible?

2006-07-04T21:16:00.000-05:00

“Forbidden to you for food are: Al-Maytatah (the found dead animals), blood, the flesh of swine, and the meat of that which has been slaughtered as a sacrifice for others than Allah, or has been slaughtered for idols, or on which Allah’s Name has not been mentioned while slaughtering, and that which has been killed by strangling, or by a violent blow, or by a headlong fall, or by the goring of horns - and that which has been partly eaten by a wild animal - unless you are able to slaughter it (before its death) and that which is sacrificed (slaughtered) on An-Nusub (stone altars). Forbidden also is to use arrows seeking luck or decision, (all) that is Fisqun (disobedience of Allah and sin). This day, those who disbelieved have given up all hope of your religion, so fear them not, but fear Me. This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion. But as for him who is forced by severe hunger, with no inclination to sin (such can eat these above-mentioned meats), then surely, Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. They ask you (Oh Muhammad) what is lawful for them as food. Say: "Lawful unto you are At-Tayyibat (all kinds of Halal, lawfully good) foods which Allah has made lawful. And those beasts and birds of prey which you have trained as hounds, training and teaching them in the manner as directed to you by Allah; so eat of what they catch for you, but pronounce the Name of Allah over it, and fear Allah. Verily, Allah is Swift in reckoning."

{Noble Quran, 5:3-4}

The ideal Muslim is the one who thinks, plans, and acts upon the teachings in the Noble Quran and uses it as a reference to every endeavor in life, or at least tries too. By adopting the lifestyle Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught and exemplified, we can see how the Words of Allah is prescribed for all of humanity, not just Muslims themselves. The one similarity every creation has, is its own purpose of existence. All of us specs, human, rock, clouds, bees, and penguins were all created to worship The Creator of it all. That’s it. Many people live their lives, and probably most do, without a clue as to what life is supposed to be about. While others have their ‘made up’ reasons of living life to the fullest without the belief in accountability. For example, as a mother, I have been given the role of raising children, this however is not my assigned purpose. Confusion breeds on ignorance, and ignorance breeds on the absence of reflection. The concept of eating purified, ‘Halal meats,’ is one of those issues, which needs clarification for several reasons. But the main reason I can see is that does not fit the norm of American culture to eat “halal” or even kosher products. McDonald’s, KFC, and easy foods for kids like nuggets or even marshmallows become inaccessible to the Muslim who desires to respect Allah’s Judgment even while eating.

The soul of every animal is a creation of Allah, and nobody has permission to open the exit door of this life on earth, without taking consent from its Creator, our Creator. By avoiding this principle, the act of killing an animal for self-indulgence is an impermissible murder. Needless to say, hunting as a sport for the fun of it, is not tolerated at all in Islam. Because Islam looks at the sacredness of a soul this way, be it human, or a even a bug, then we can understand why those who believe in God as Muslims follow the prescription established in eating meats which are slaughtered in the least harmful, and painless way as possible. Sacrificing a life given to a cow, or chicken through praising God at the very moment of slaughtering, is aimed at gaining God’s approval and blessings; and acknowledging that it’s life consisted of praying and glorifying the Most Beneficent, it’s Creator in ways that may or may not be apparent to us. Allah understands their languages, which we are significantly limited in that understanding. “Bismillah, Allahu~Akbar”. The utterance of this powerful statement “In the Name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest”, is witnessed and recorded as a sign of gratitude and obedience to the Master of this universe, ALLAH, the Glorified when another soul is relieved of this life.

Animal murder and insensitive cruelty that is imposed on many creatures due to poor butchering technique and mechanical methods amongst other approaches is extremely far from the teachings of Islam. We can then understand why hunting as a sport for the sake of fun or pleasure is disrespectful towards Allah and his creation, making it absolutely forbidden; even if a murdered animal is found, it is not accepted in the Noble Quran for it to be consumed, but this is a rule that may be broken under the circumstance that absolutely nothing else is found to eat for survival. All things come from Allah.

There is something really humbling and purposeful seeing or even taking part in the experience of slaughtering an animal. Having been involved in skinning a few was an event that made my eyes stream tears, my heart pound like a rush, and my body nearly tremble. Needless to say, this was not easy for me, nor did I even choose to do it, but my husband made me do it! Subhan’Allah, All Glory belongs to Allah, because it was also in those few events that I was enabled to appreciate my food a little more, and respect Allah’s creations even further. Alhamdulilah, All Praises belong to Allah.

You know what may seem ‘coincidental’ to some, is that even in the true teachings of Christianity and Judaism, the establishment of eating properly slaughtered meats, animals sacrificed in the Name of God has been rendered. Unfortunately today, and at least here in the US, it’s almost unheard of that those in the Christian faith apply this basic understanding to their daily lives or hold true to this value. Most of the people I have ever known claim to be part of the Christian Faith. In the Noble Quran, Allah tells Muslims that we can eat the meats of the People of the Book (Christians and the Jewish) given that they follow their own rulings of sacrifice, because it is the same rules that are established for Muslims. However, 2 points here. Christianity has evolved so much in the practice of its people and even in scriptures, that to investigate their means of slaughtering is warranted rather than accepting it as a given. There is still a large segment of the Jews that do apply these similar teachings of God, but even here questions arise at times of how it is done. Is it done in the least harmful manner to the animal? Is it done while glorifying God? Has the technique or method been altered over time so much that a new technique is accepted as an authentic manner? Clarity is in Islam; the method of slaughter prescribed has never been modified from the ordered revelation over 1400 years ago. However, we see Muslims not always following the ways established. Could it be due to a lack of knowledge, ignoring knowledge, or maybe not even accepting knowledge? May Allah have Mercy on us and forgive us for our shortcomings. Islam is a perfect system and way of life, and Muslims should always aim to strive in that way to rectify wrongdoings. These are just things to think about.

In Muslim predominant nations like Egypt, Muslims don’t worry about this at all, whether a food is halal or not. But this does not give them a green light to take this simple principle for granted. To be human is to love food, no doubt about that. But to eat what is permissible means we accept that Allah knows what is best for our bodies to keep us strong, but even more so what keeps are souls in alignment with our purpose here on earth: to worship Allah Alone. Passing up those McDonald’s burgers and those steak & cheese subs wasn’t too hard when I came to the understanding of Allah’s prescription a few years ago, Alhamdulilah. Praise Allah. All of us, whether Muslim or not should aim our lives to be in an awaken and conscious state of gratitude that Allah has blessed us with, because the more gratitude we express in our hearts the closer we come to desiring more of Allah’s pleasures versus justifying our personal desires of instant gratification. Be it for taste buds, or for whatever else.

In the Noble Quran there are numerous verses in which Allah describes the necessity of eating purified foods that are of accepted and blessed by Him:

“So eat of that on which Allah’s Name has been pronounced (while slaughtering the animal), if you are believers in His Revelations. And why should you not eat of that on which Allah’s Name has been pronounced at the time of slaughtering, while He has explained to you in detail what is forbidden to you, except under compulsion of necessity? And surely many do lead mankind astray by their own desires through lack of knowledge. Certainly your Lord knows best the transgressors.

{6:118-119}

Do not eat the meat of the animals over which the name of Allah is not invoked at the time of its slaughter. That is an impious and an immoral act. Satan certainly incites his minions to engage you in arguments about what is, and is not a sin. If you follow them you would surely become one of those who associate partners with Allah.

{6:121}

The two kinds of flowing water on the earth are not alike. One is sweet, refreshing and quenches the thirst. The other is bitter and brackish. Yet, from both of them you attain fresh meat to eat, and extract pearls to wear. You see huge ships plough through the waves so you may seek His blessings and earn your livelihood. Perhaps you will feel grateful!

{35:12}

He has forbidden you only the Maytatah (found dead animals), and blood, and the flesh of swine, and that, which is slaughtered as a sacrifice for others than Allah. But if one is forced by necessity without willful disobedience nor transgressing due limits, then there is no sin on him. Truly, Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

{2:173}

“…Then, when they are down on their sides (after having been slaughtered), eat thereof, and feed the beggar who does not ask, and the beggar who asks. Thus have We made them subject to you that you may be grateful.”

{22:36}

If you are a Muslim buying your ground beef for a cookout from the local grocery market; if you are a Muslimah who feeds her baby the Gerber Stage 3 chicken and rice; if you aren’t even Muslim at all but loves God, be it a Christian or a Jew, shouldn’t these verses above make you think, reflect, and entice you to learn more about the essence of what it is you eat?

Especially if you believe in

Accountability?

(please refer to the article I've linked to this post by clicking on the title above, I wish I would have read it before writing this!)

May God guide us all.

"A Mesage!"

2006-06-24T20:56:00.000-05:00

Dear Readers,

I found this post on another blog which I admire because it often depicts reminders to me of the natural ways of Islam. I'm linking to this article I just read. I'll warn you, it's pretty intense because it's made to wake Muslims up by rechecking what and where our priorities are. So it's geared to the Muslim eyes. The Imam quoted is my favorite to listen too. I've mentioned his CD series on the Hereafter and the Prophets before on this blog. May Allah reward him. Anyways, this post isn't about Imam Anwar A-Awlaki, it's about what he said. So check it out by clicking on the title above.

May Allah guide us all, Muslims closer to practicing Truth and Non-Muslims closer to accepting it.

Curiosity

2006-06-19T22:17:00.000-05:00

I wish I could remember being 5 and 6 having deep questions and concerns about the purpose of life. But I don’t. I’ve always known about God and took it as that. He Sees us and is with us. Although my curiosity was not of who, what, how, or why in terms of big thoughts, I would most often think of God growing up with mentally recalling the sight of the huge mountains of New Hampshire on our summer family trips and even just by staring at my hand wide open, trying to figure out how wiggling my fingers was at all possible. All Glory belongs to Allah and not the physicians, nor the scientists. These 2 recurring thoughts kept me grounded. May Allah reward my parents for pointing these things out.

Friday was Sign’s last day of 1st Grade, masha’Allah (what Allah wills happens). That’s another thing I have yet to understand. How did she grow out of her baby and toddler years so quick that now she is almost 7, God-willing?? That is beyond me. To keep her busy, I found some small chapters and verses from the Quran translated in a way for children to understand, using the language they know. With a pencil I wrote out the words (in English, God-willing I will have her write it in Arabic too) of the Verse of the Throne, Ayat A-Qursi 2:255). She then traced it, and I had her do this rather than free hand to practice letter formation and neatness. Sign still has a few more pictures to draw on a few pages of “her Quran”. Obviously before all this we talked about it’s meaning, and her summary of it was very cute and appropriate for a child who just finished 1st Grade: “Allah never gets tired and can do everything by Himself.” Masha’Allah, what God wills. I don’t deny my desire for all my children to memorize Quran, I pray that Allah will make it easy on their tongues to recite. But even more, I aspire for them to understand it, so it will be easy on their hearts and be used for every action or decision they partake in life. Here’s what’s in her new book:

"In the Name of ALLAH, the Caring and Kind. Allah! There is no god but HE, the Living, Who doesn't need anyone else but whom all others need. HE never gets tired and HE never needs to rest. To HIM belongs space and the earth; who can say anything without His permission? HE knows everything people have done and will do, and no one can understand what HE knows, unless He wants them too. HIS throne covers over space and the earth and He doesn't get tired in protecting them. HE is the Most High, the Boss of everyone and everything!"

Please click on the title of this post to get a link of Quran translations made easy for elementary and middle school kids. This is where I got the above translation (original is Arabic) is from, but just tweaked it a little bit. Oh, and I should also mention that it would be good to mention to our children that the complete meaning of Quran can not be understood in its entirety in any other language than Arabic (even English). Honestly, I didn’t remind Sign of this today, but insha’Allah (God-willing) I’ll have to do it tomorrow.

It’s been hard to share things like this on my blog before because I do not care to expose my children in any way and especially the quotes they come up with, But I thought by doing so, it might be a reminder to all of us that children will be kids and it’s up to us to explain things to them in a compassionate way fulfilling their curiosity, before society and environment does. Children are vulnerable to losing their natural love for Allah if set up in wrong atmospheres. As for example, my children have many Disney movies, granted I’ve screened them and haven’t allowed them to watch ones like Mulan or The Little Mermaid. But now I’m thinking, well what was so much more Islamic about Aladdin or Cinderella? Anyways, my faults are many when it comes to raising my most precious gifts, and I was reminded when Sign said to me as Mercy was testing me big time “Mama, Allah is watching you.” Praise God, I am happy that she said that and for what it’s worth, it did get me in check. May God reward her for that. (Say Ameen/Amen!)

So about those spontaneous questions, and how I managed my way out of them hoping to have answered simply and to the point! These are just a few of recent ones they’ve come up with!!

Mama, how big is the sky? I mean where does it end?
It keeps going way-way up higher than the clouds, higher than the planets in space. It even goes up higher than Jannah (Paradise), and Allah is higher than all of that put together! He is the Highest, and the Biggest. But He Hears and Sees what you do and think.

Mama, who will bury the last person alive?
Maybe animals, but not everyone who dies is buried. Some drown; some are burnt to ashes, while others die being stuck somewhere somehow. But everyone how deeply buried they are, or how deep in the ocean they may be will be alive again for Allah’s questions. He sees kids when they hide under their beds snacking on something they shouldn’t too.

Mama, how did Allah make Himself?
I have no idea, He didn’t tell us, maybe you can ask Him in Jannah, but we still might not be able to understand even if He tells us.

Mama, what’s the last number?
It’s a secret that only Allah Knows, He didn’t tell us. But there has got to be a last number because there is a first and last, beginning and end to everything except Allah Himself. He’s always been there, and will always be there.

Mama, she told me that some Muslims are going to Hellfire first?
All Muslims who love Allah, believe that He doesn’t have any helpers, and that Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) is the last of many Messengers will go to Paradise. But some of them will walk over Al-Sirat (the Bridge/Straight Path that everyone will walk across towards Paradise; the Polytheists, Disbelievers, Hypocrites will end up falling into Hellfire) slower than others, and there’s going to be more hard tests for Muslims who don’t do as they should on Judgment Day, Those Muslims that didn’t try their best in life will think their forever home is going to be Hellfire. But out of Allah’s Kindness, He will forgive them because they believed in the Shahada (declaration of faith that there is One God, and Muhammad is the Last of all Messengers) out of faith and not just to show-off.

May Allah always guide us in guiding our children to live pious lives filled with blessings that they can reflect and be humbled upon, while pleasing Allah so much that HE counts them as the inhabitants of Paradise. Ameen.

Converses

2006-06-13T12:05:00.000-05:00

{Quran, 19:1-58}

KAF HA YA AEEN SAD

A mention of mercy of your Lord to His slave Zakariya /Zacharia. When he called out to his Lord a call in secret, saying: "My Lord! Indeed my bones have grown feeble, and grey hair has spread on my head, and I have never been unblessed in my invocation to You, Oh my Lord! Surely I fear my relatives after me, since my wife is barren. So give me from Yourself an heir, who shall inherit me, and inherit the posterity of Jacob (inheritance of the religious knowledge not the wealth, etc.). And make him, my Lord, one with whom You are Well-pleased!”

(Allah said:) "Oh Zachariah! Verily, We give you the glad tidings of a son, His name will be Yahya /John. We have given that name to none before."

He said: "My Lord! How can I have a son, when my wife is barren, and I have reached the extreme old age??"

He said: "So it will be. Your Lord says; It is easy for Me. Certainly I have created you before, when you had been nothing!"

Zachariah said: "My Lord! Appoint for me a sign."

He/Allah said: "Your sign is that you shall not speak unto mankind for three nights, though having no bodily defect."

Then he came out to his people from Al-Mihrab (a private praying place) he told them by sign language to glorify Allah’s Praises in the morning and in the afternoon.

"Oh Yahya/John! Hold fast the Scripture/Torah."
And We gave him wisdom while yet a child. And made him sympathetic towards people as a mercy from Us, and purity from sins. And dutiful towards his parents, and he was neither an arrogant nor disobedient (to Allah and his parents). And Salamun/ PEACE be on him the day he was born, the day he dies, and the day he will be raised up to life again!

And (oh Muhammad) mentioned in the Book (Quran) the story of Maryam, when she withdrew in seclusion from her family to a place facing east. She placed a screen (to screen herself) from them; then We sent to her Our Spirit (Angel Gabriel), who appeared before her in the form of a perfected man.

She said: "Verily! I seek refuge with the Most Beneficent from you, if you do fear Allah."

(Angel Gabriel) said: "I am only a Messenger from your Lord, to announce to you the gift of a righteous son." She said: "How can I have a son, when no man has touched me, nor am I unchaste?" He said: "So (it will be), your Lord said: That is easy for Me (Allah): And (We wish) to appoint him as a sign to mankind and a mercy from Us (Allah), and it is a matter already decreed." So she conceived him, and she withdrew with him to a far place (i.e. Bethlehem valley about - miles from Jerusalem).

And the pains of childbirth drove her to the trunk of a date palm. She said: "Would that I had died before this, and had been forgotten and out of sight!" Then a voice spoke from below her, saying: "Grieve not! Your Lord has provided a water stream under you. And shake the trunk of date palm towards you; it will let fall fresh ripe-dates upon you. So eat and drink and be glad, and if you see any human being, say: “Verily! I have vowed a fast unto the Most Beneficent (Allah) so I shall not speak to any human being this day." Then she brought this infant to her people, carrying him. They said: "Oh Mary! Indeed you have brought a thing Fariya (an unheard mighty thing). "Oh sister of Haroon/Aaron (not the brother of Moses, but he was another pious man at the time) Your father was not a man who used to commit adultery, nor your mother was an unchaste woman." Then she pointed to him. They said: "How can we talk to one who is a child in the cradle?" He (Iesa/Jesus) said:

“Verily! I am a slave of Allah, He has given me the Scripture and made me a Prophet; And He has made me blessed whosesoever I be, and has required of me prayer, and charity, as long as I live. And dutiful to my mother, and made me not an arrogant, unblessed. And Salam (peace) be upon me the day I was born, the day I die, and the day I shall be raised alive!"

Such is Iesa/Jesus, son of Maryam. A statement of Truth of which they doubt. It befits not the Majesty of Allah that He should beget a son. Allah Deserves all Glory. When He decrees a thing, He only says to it, "Be!" and it is.

Iesa/Jesus said: "And verily Allah is my Lord and your Lord. So worship Him (Alone). That is the Straight Path.” Then the sects differed. So woe unto the disbelievers (who claim Jesus is the son of God). How clearly will they see and hear, sharply! The Day when they will appear before Us! But the wrong-doers and polytheists are in plain error. And warn them (Oh Muhammad) of the Day of grief and regrets, when the case has been decided, as they are now in a state of carelessness, and they believe not.

Verily! We will inherit the earth and whatsoever is thereon. And to Us they all shall be returned. Mention in the Book (Quran) Ibrahim. Verily! He was a man of truth, a Prophet. When he said to his father:

"Oh my father! Why do you worship that which hears not, sees not and cannot avail you in anything? Oh my father, Surely there has come to me of knowledge that which came not unto you. So follow me. I will guide you to a Straight Path. My father, worship not Shaitan/Satan. Verily! Shaitan/Satan has been a rebel against the Most Beneficent. My father! Verily! I fear that a torment from the Most Beneficent may overtake you, so that you become a companion of Shaitan/Satan.

He (Ibrahim’s father) said: "Do you reject my gods, Oh Ibrahim? If you don’t stop this nonsense, I will indeed stone you. So get away from me safely before I punish you."

Ibrahim said: "Peace be on you! I will beg Forgiveness of my Lord for you. Verily! He is unto me, Ever Most Gracious. And I shall turn away from you and from those whom you invoke besides Allah. And I shall call on my Lord; and I hope that I shall not be unblessed in my invocation to my Lord."

So when he had turned away from them and from those whom they worshipped besides Allah, We gave him Isaac and Jacob, and each one of them We made a Prophet. And We gave them of Our Mercy, and We granted them honour on the tongues (of all the nations, everybody remembers them with a good praise).

And mention in the Book/this Quran was Moses. Verily! He was chosen and he was a Messenger, and a Prophet. And We called him from the right side of the Mount, and made him draw near to Us for a talk with him. And We bestowed on him his brother Haroon/Aaron, a Prophet out of Our Mercy too. And mention in the Book/Quran Ismail/Ishmael. Verily! He was true to what he promised, and he was a Messenger, and a Prophet.

And he used to enjoin on his family and his people the prayers and the charity, and his Lord was pleased with him. And mention in the Book/ Quran Idris/Enoch. Verily! He was a man of truth, and a Prophet. And We raised him to a high station.

Those were they unto whom Allah bestowed His Grace from among the Prophets, of the offspring of Adam, and of those whom We carried in the ship with Nooh/Noah, and of the offspring of Ibrahim and Israel and from among those whom We guided and chose. When the Verses of the Most Beneficent, Allah were recited unto them, they fell down prostrating and weeping.

~and for a sensory approach to learning about the real Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus may Allah bless them both: http://www.sparklywater.com/files/flash/maryam.swf

Here's a thought. this chapter in Quran, granted to us, meaning HUMANITY, not just Muslims, but to everyone, by GOD, is named "MARYAM". A woman, one of the most pious believers, and one of the most loved people by GOD. Just another proof against the hyped up stereotypes against females in the stance of

TRUE Islam.

Huda

2006-06-11T06:09:00.000-05:00

"Therefore, treat not the orphan with

oppression..."
{Quran, 93:9}

Huda is her name. In arabic 'Huda' means guideance. Oppressed in a land of tyrany, and now oppressed all alone. May Allah guide her and give her strength as she lives the rest of her life without any of her siblings and parents, and the visions of her family being killed., just because they decided to have a picnic at the beach. Let's pray that Huda has patience and let's just all reflect for a second here, it could have been us leaving our children..click on the title of this post to see what happened, and let's all think twice before we complain.

Huda is not alone, as Allah Promises:

"And We shall set up balances of justice on the Day of Resurrection, then none will be dealt with unjustly in anything. And if there be the weight of a mustard seed, We will bring it. And Sufficient are We as Reckoners. "

{Quran, 21:47}

May Allah grant her patience and steadfast. While we are comfortable, they are not. We are no better than them. Allah is Witness of all things. Let us not forget them when talking to Allah in our supplications. May Allah grant her Huda, and reunite her with her family in Paradise/Jannah...and this goes for all those like Huda (that's happening to them as I type, and as you read) that's happening with every breath we take. I am angry. May Allah strike His Wrath on the oppressors who laugh. AMEEN.

Techno-Wudu!!

2006-06-08T21:04:00.000-05:00

So I'm not the kind of person to laugh out loud when reading something on the net or in a book. But this was absolutely hilarious. Turns out, it's not even a joke, it's totally for real!!

In Islam, Muslims hold cleanliness as a part of faith. It's even more important that we are in a state of wudu, purity. To do this we start off with our hearts by setting an intention to spiritually clear our minds and follow through with passing water over our hands, mouth, nose, forearms, ears, head and feet. Simple enough, right? This simple routine is done before each prayer (5xs/day).

Well, check this out, as an occupational therapist, I can see how this can help people who have limited mobility to get their feet clean for instance...maybe anyways! But c'mon now, if this becomes widespread, they'll be thikr/rememberance 'talking' beads glorifying Allah for you, and someone else suggested there might even be digital prayer rugs!!

I mean, maybe if they can make something like this wheelchair accessible, then I would find it a bit less funny!!

(Click the title of this post above for an article on it, and this link below to check out the pictures )
http://www.osamasaeed.org/AutoWudu1.pdf

may Allah forgive me for finding this so comical..as I guess it can be beneficial to some inshaAllah..right?? (say Ameen/Amen!)

SubhanAllah, we love things that make our lives easier, but let's try to remember that by going through struggle or hardship..with patience, we become closer to gaining Allah's Pleasure, even with wudu!!

It's all about intentions too though.

"Surely God loves those who turn to Him and those who care for cleanliness." (Quran, 2:222).

Unveiled Fact

2006-06-06T09:58:00.000-05:00

The thing that inspires me the most in my life to improve my ways, lifestyle, and reflect on the ongoing scenarios and situations that life has for me is reading through Quran, and learning about the gestures of Prophet Muhammad, his family, and companions (peace and blessings be upon them). I can’t help but imagine what, or who, and how I would be if I were part of that society, amongst the first of those to witness the prophethood of the Last Messenger of Allah. With Allah’s wisdom, I was born more than 1,400 years later and now I have been blessed by the use of my fingertips and mind, typing on a thing we call a technological advancement, laptop. I am certainly no better than they were, and yet Allah gave me this tool to learn, maybe teach, and definantly to communicate. But as much as I am blessed, I am even more assessed. Anyways, this isn’t about how times have changed and all. Actually, something totally different.

Although Angel Gabriel said these words (below) to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), this Verse is directed to all of humanity as an order to be educated, and a lesson for those who reflect that knowledge does not come from me or you, only our Creator, He is the Source of all knowledge.

"Read! In the Name of your Lord, Who has created (all that exists), [Has created man from a clot (a piece of thick coagulated blood). Read! And your Lord is the Most Generous, Who has taught (the writing) by the pen (the first person to write was Prophet Idrees (Enoch)Has taught man that which he knew not." {Quran, 96:1-5}

Islam places an enormous responsibility on gaining knowledge through education. Here in the West, the phrase that often comes to mind is “knowledge is power.” Only recently, has it been granted a right to everyone in seeking it. Not too long ago the color of one’s skin determined if such a privilege should be given. Then of course the common hearts of the people denied access to this “power” to people like me, women. If these supposed righteous leaders had studied history they would have witnessed that Islam gave this right and responsibility on everyone who claimed to love Allah/God. Isn’t ironic that this “highly advanced” society just recently came to terms with this ancient law? Isn’t also ironic that a western proud civilization that thrives on education feels self-sufficient without paying dues of glorifying the Most Generous? Glory belongs to Allah.

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught us:

“The seeking of knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim.”

All knowledge comes from Allah, if we know something, learn a skill, are able to accomplish a task, even as simple as lacing or tying shoes, it is because Allah has given us the ability to coordinate our finger tips, poke them through the holes of our sneaks with such precision, accuracy, and pressure so not to fumble it all together. We can’t take pride in something like that. A baby who has that tight reflexive grasp is what the health and sciences call an important step of motor development, but it's more than that, it can be looked at as form of security Allah promises that child when held on tight, or perhaps the baby's form of worship to God. If we just stop for a second, and contemplate that everything in this life, every single tiny spec of a “useless” piece of object we have in possession, is actually a thing of value that we are tested by, then maybe we can begin to think out of the box, and really appreciate things for face value, rather than hypothesizing this and overlooking the simple things, pure things, true things, and purposeful things we are allowed to interact with and feel.

Before I lose myself again, let me get to my point. I’ve been studying Niqaab lately. Trying to figure it all out. I do not wear it. For those who don’t know, it’s the face veil that some Muslim women decide to wear, and if done for the right reason, it is to preserve modesty, but a little more than the headscarf and long Islamic woman’s dress. Years ago, even after I began wearing hijab (scarf on my head with loose clothes) people would ask me about ‘Niqaab’. I would ignorantly respond that those in Saudi, or seen on TV from other parts of the world are doing it because of culture, and I would just leave it at that. Maybe it wasn’t only my ignorance, but maybe it was my fear that if I told them many Muslim women choose to cover their faces and wear black that they would view the stance of Islam as something oppressive to women, and even girls. If I had thought of it, I would have to challenge my disrespectful view of it, and maybe I just didn’t want to have to deal with that. Maybe I wasn't brave enough to really comprehend Niqaab's meaning, or even partial meaning of it. May Allah forgive me.

From time to time I see them, and say “Salaam”. You know, those women wearing all black, covering their faces, and I just didn’t understand, nor did I find it necessary too. I knew that in Islam a woman needs to cover everything modestly (meaning no skin tight this or that) except her face & hands, and I was doing it. I Praise Allah for guiding me in doing that.

It was almost 4 years ago that my ill-represented thoughts changed completely. Having visited the best places on Earth directly impacted my relationship with Allah in ways that I can not explain. Makkah & Madinah. Over there distraction from worshipping Allah is completely minimized. There was no room to gossip, no excuses to get in the way of praying Fajr on time, even with my 13 month and 2 ½ year old daughters. None of that happens there, and there was no desire to do anything or think of anything but of the Hereafter. When my eyes laid on the aerial view of the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah, while landing my excitement was one of contenment and gratitude for being invited to this place. My attachment began then, and it continues to this day. Alhamdulilah. I again have to praise Allah for instilling this love in me for the grounds that our Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and my role models, the Mothers of the Believers, lived and died in. May Allah send peace and blessings upon them.

Modesty is a distinguishing characteristic of true Muslims. Both men and women. So a Muslimah here in the US or West who wears hijab and dresses as commanded by Allah/God in Quran, might be seen who isn’t as modestly dressed as women over there in the state that is mostly run by Islamic Law/Shariah (with some exceptions ofcourse). I remember being in the airport in Jeddah, saying to my husband that if Allah invites me to come here again, I would wear Niqaab, and now I say, black too. Wearing a long white scarf with white flower designs (you know those that anchor down to the wrists) and my faded peach very loose dress (jilbaab), lowering my gaze, I still felt somehow exposed as it seemed like every other woman was much more covered than I. Here in the US, I could care less if I stand out, because I know that I am still much more modestly dressed, and this is a commandment of God. In a weird way, dressing im my jilbaab gives me a sense of gratitude that I am a Muslim, and grants me confidence in helping others learn about this great way of life, Islam. Over there though, although my dress still accepted by God, I didn’t want to stand out because I knew that modesty of that culture is emphasized, rightfully so. The culture over there is based on Islam, and the thing that makes Islam different from other faiths in the way it is practiced today is modesty. (Although we know that Modesty is also demanded in both Christianity and Judaism). It’s like if you associate yourself with people who are doing positive things, you tend to be encouraged in doing positive things yourself. People are social beings and social support is something we all seek out. Invited to a wedding we dress up because its “socially important”, or having some sort of business meeting we see men in ties and jackets, because that is “socially important”. To fit into an all-American lifestyle we keep an eye on what ‘Gap’ says is cool or what the latest ‘Old Navy’ feature is. If we wear it just for the comfort, then we wouldn’t fear wearing things that don't fall into the mainstream. But if we wear it just for the sake of fashion, then what does that say of us? Followers of what exactly? We all do it, and maybe even Muslim women who wear Niqaab do it too. But the honorable thing is, they do it within their limits of exposing their physical beauty Allah has given them. These women are free; they need not live their lives based on the opinions of Sarah-Jessica Parker, or supermodels like Tyra. They value themselves enough to demand respect and wish not to be seen as anything less than the honorable position Allah has granted them. They are doctors, teachers, engineers who study, work, hard and yet they know that their roles as mothers, wives, daughters, and caretakers are of the most important. This is the nature of any woman, but some women, maybe most, deny them and adopt other desires that do not fall into the role of true femininity. If we could open up our minds and hearts we could understand that just because a woman chooses to cover her face out of modesty, does not make her oppressed. Allah tells humanity in the Quran that believing women should cover so not only for the sake of modesty, but so they may be known! Muslim women are teachers of Islam to the world. If people could negate their misconceived notions and just look & listen unbiased, they might be able to see the proof of wisdom behind covering all up. If they could see a historical view of great women figures of the past, they would see them too all covered-up and successful as physicans, business-women, etc. Let's not forget the first person to accept the Truth Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) related was a woman, the first 'Muslim' after him was a woman! What God wills. Islam came to rectify the mistreatment of women, and one way was to defend her natural stature of modesty.

To rectify my ignorant explanation of Niqaab. I’d also like to state very clearly , it is a religious 'extra' women may choose to do in Islam, and if done for the sake of Allah then there is reward with it too. Some women choose to cover their faces here in the West. You may have even seen them. But rather than thinking, wow, she’s a ghost, a ninja, oppressed, repressed, she’s this or that.. Just think , it might be that it is that woman who is granted eternal bliss, in Paradise, because she aims at following her natural inclination of preserving her modesty. She may be one who is an architect who designs a bridge connecting the continents! Or one who Allah allows to find the cure for Cancer. Or even the most compassionate liberated mother of 6 who has patience beyond belief!! Her heart is left for Allah to judge, and for you to look at to reflect upon. If what’s in the heart that counts, and many of us believe this, then why do we oppose a woman who chooses to hide her physical beauty?

The most gentle, kindest women I have ever met in my life were those in Madinah. At the entrance of the women’s section of this noble, illuminated place, which actually seemed like a palace, my sisters were stood. Women guards all in black with only a peak of their eyes expressed gestures and words were pleasing to my baby girls as they said ‘awe & ooh’, Islamic style, praising the Creator of my daughters, and supplicating God to protect them. I’ve had a few turning points in my life, and the women of Madinah were tools that Allah Chose to instill in me a deeper love of being a part of the Muslim community, but even more so a feeling of serenity of being a Muslimah. May Allah send my family & me to Madinah again. I got the sense from these women that they were free, they taught me a deeper sense that a woman should be judged according to her deeds and not her fashion sense.

I can’t say that I would never wear Niqaab. I must acknowledge that the best women of all time wore it, and if my goal is to be like them, then Niqaab has to be a consideration. Knowledge is the enemy of ignorance, and ignornance does nothing for Islam but glorifies oppression amongst other things. Rebel against stupidity to discover the Truth from the lies. Know Islam, know Allah, have an open heart and seek knowledge. To make assumptions is to suppress righteous actions and behaviors. We will never be better without His Help.

Please click on the title of this post to read profiles of women wearing niqaab, it might just challenge us to look at them differently next time.

May Allah strengthen the belief of all Muslims and may Allah bring those who are not Muslim into guidance. May Allah keep us steadfast in doing the right thing, for Him and no one else. Ameen.

By Chance?

2006-05-23T21:38:00.000-05:00

" On the Day when those who disbelieve (in the Oneness of Allah Islamic Monotheism) will be exposed to the Fire (it will be said): "You received your good things in the life of the world, and you took your pleasure therein. Now this Day you shall be recompensed with a torment of humiliation, because you were arrogant in the land without a right, and because you used to rebel and disobey(Allah)."

{Quran, 46:20}

What is it exactly that makes us hold onto "chances?". What does it even mean? We all say it "Chances are this.." or "Odds are that.." But Allah is the Best of Planners, and it is His Wisdom that determines what happens, how it happens, where it happens, who it happens to, and why it happens. Every detail of life is His Will.

Last night my husband and I were talking about reliance on Allah to decide, and His Hearing of all supplications (in Arabic, duaa) made to Allah Alone (and even by polytheists, or others who claim the neccesity to have a 'middle-man' for that matter). Where-ever we are He is there, knowing the depths of our souls, even without a fraction movement of the lips. He is All-Aware.

We all make duaa (don't we?), asking God to guide us in this life and bless us with the best in the Hereafter, or at least most of us maybe, I would say that those who are not Muslim who believe in One Eternal God would ask for this too. Here's my question though, I have thought of. "Why is it He Chooses to answer them at times and refuse at other times?" Well, I've got an answer too. It's because for the Strong Believer, (a Mu'min) he/she knows that Allah Knows what is best for a person, that the person's mind is limited, and even though those who are strong in faith might ask Allah for something that harms the that faithful servant rather than aids him/her reaching Allah's Reward, here or in our afterLife. As far as someone who doesn't believe or even care to seek Allah's Help, then Allah wouldn't have a reason to answer supplication. Although because He is the Most Kind, Most Patient, Most Merciful, He answers their calls, and demonstrates Mercy on them so they may take heed and reflect.

In return of Allah answering our supplications, what do we do? We rejoice for having an answered prayer, then we forget how that happened in the first place, and end up taking credit for something we feel we've earned ourselves, rather than being grateful, ending with a feeling of self-sufficiency which leads to AROGANCE. SubhanAllah/ All Glory belongs to Allah. We are so stupid and idiotic. Everyone needs to find the Truth in their souls, and if they find it, they have to be courageous enough to claim it.

Allah says: {Quran, 10:21}

"And when We let mankind taste of mercy after some adversity has afflicted them, behold! They take to plotting against Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.)! Say: "Allah is more Swift in planning!" Certainly, Our Messengers (angels) record all of that which you plot."

So back to the "chances" thingy. There are no such things as chances or coincidences. If you hold something up in the air and let it go, it's going to fall. This is a law of gravity, of physics, is one created by ALLAH, not by you or by me. If one studies hard, they get good grades, again..a principle set by ALLAH. If one "accidently" gets into a car "accident", this is also a scenario that was planned while that driver was still in the womb of his/her mother. Oh, and isn't this why we are told to say "God-Willing"? I plan, you plan, but Allah is the Best of all Planners. Allah is surely the Greatest.

"And never say of anything, "I shall do such and such thing tomorrow." Except (with the saying), "If Allah will!" And remember your Lord when you forget and say: "It may be that my Lord guides me unto a nearer way of truth than this."" {Quran, 18:23-24}

Allah gives us the will to decide between faith and disbelief, wrong and right actions. It is relative to the situation we are presented with. Tomorrow I could die, today even. But will I choose within the next hours of my life to be grateful for all that was given to me or be proud of my accomplishments? Allah Knows what I will do and with the freedom He has given me, therefore it is already written, my future. But because I don't have a clue what my future is, and you don't either, we have to assume that we will do our best. This is the hope Allah has given us until the moment of death.

Let's pray that we are of the grateful ones and not those who are arrogant enough to deny the blessings of Allah. Learn more about destiny, free will, and all tht good stuff by clicking on the title of this post.

Colors Submit

2006-05-21T22:24:00.000-05:00

Allah gave each of them a gift before bedtime, the growing loves of my life. Praises belong to Allah. An enormous perfect rainbow bright and vivid! Glittery strong at the bottom staring at my family and seeming to glide right into the tree-tops. It must have been complete, though our eyes did not witness it. As it rained while sunny bright, we noticed its shadow before it vanished first. All Glory belongs to GOD/Subhan'Allah!! I had never seen one so huge in my life, and the shadow..well it was like a faded twin! Although we didn't see it form, we saw the colors get deeper and more shiny rich. My husband went out in the rain to click a picture of it before it was to die away. Thinking about it now though, it had a quick life. A life that worshipped Allah. Sounds silly to some, but I swear by everything in me it's true. This rainbow's lifespan was at least 8 minutes, just up there in the sky worshipping our Creator, its Creator. Shy and beautiful at first, radiant and confident for the next few moments, and ending its existance modestly and warm. All I kept thinking, was why did Allah choose two to appear in so much magnitude and grace before our eyes? Humbling no doubt. Subhan'Allah. The kids can't wait to slide down rainbows in Jannah/Paradise. (God-willing, InshaAllah). What God Wills, the colors of Felicity are far more attractive and not anything we even have the ability to preceive. This rainbow was more proof against those who fail to reflect. Although perhaps it was also alive to give people hope in Allah's Mercy and Grace.

"Have they not observed things that Allah has created, (how) their shadows incline to the right and to the left, making prostration unto Allah, and they are lowly?"

{Quran, 16:48}

Everywhere

2006-05-21T07:09:00.000-05:00

"Oh you who believe! Bow down, and prostrate yourselves, and worship your Lord and do good that you may be successful. "

{Quran, 22:77}

1.5 Billion and increasing. Everywhere you go, Muslims are there. Click on the title above to see the proof. Ever wonder why Islam is the fastest growing religion on Earth, and the second largest in the world? Or why the Muslim population has increased by 235% over the past 50 years? Why Christianity has increased by only 47 percent, Hinduism by 117 percent, and Buddhism by 63 percent. Makes you wonder how Islam is the second largest religious group in France, Great Britain, and USA? Or why a religion that seems to oppress women has a ration of coverts 4 women to 1 man? As a Muslim this is not needed for me to confirm my beliefs, but it does prove that the people of this world is a little bit better than I sometimes think. Just something to think about. Click on the link below to read the proof.

(there is slight differences in numbers comparing different sources, they are all quite similar):

http://islamicweb.com/begin/results.htm

Return

2006-05-19T08:13:00.000-05:00

"He will forgive you your sins, and admit you to Gardens beneath which Rivers flow, and to beautiful mansions in Gardens of Eternity: that is indeed the Supreme Achievement." {Quran, 61:12}

One of the things that keeps me afloat in life is hope that whatever is that I am doing is the right thing and that I have a chance of be granted God’s Mercy. Everyone has ‘skeletons in the closet’. Here in the US, this phrase is in reference to those who have secrets that people wish not to be revealed. In Islam, if someone has given up a bad act or deed, it is best to conceal it, not sharing one’s forbidden acts with others, even to those closest to you. The reasoning of this is that there is more harm in exposing corruption than hiding it. If someone displays wrongdoings openly, like current day talk show hosts who make their living off of it, then there is a greater susceptibility of these situations becoming the norm and therefore we people get immuned and feel like the deception, fraud, nudity, and something as “simple” as vulgar language, is simply common and totally accepted. Islam is not just about an individual practicing his/her religion. Its about a total concept of community with Muslims and non-Muslims. I remember sitting in an Intro to Philosophy class when I was in college, almost a decade ago. My professor said something that I hadn’t considered before which I hold true to. He taught us that the 6:00 news is really not news. I don’t even remember what his name is, but I recall him saying it was chitchat gossipy scandals that point the finger dramatizing the lives of civilians. You know when you have those turning points in your life? Well this was one of them for me. At that time in my life I was also pregnant with my first child, and I thought he was so right that I began to wean myself away from trash talk like Ricki Lake (another talk show) and even those fashion magazines which relate to absolutely nothing about reality nor anything of which I aspired to be, nor wanted for my baby. Alhamdulilah, Praises belong to Allah.

It’s real tempting sometimes for me to turn on the TV and watch Oprah or even Dr. Phil, but what do these have to do with me? My beliefs? My purpose? My being??!! Absolutely NOTHING. So then I start to think what is it that glamorizes the life of people who are completely lost and unsuccessful in this life and certainly in the next if they don’t smart up? I don’t have the answer, and I can sit here and blame Shaitan/Satan. But didn’t Allah give me a will? He did give me, little speck me, a will to defy the nonsense in this world. It will be me, not my parents nor my husband, which will be accountable for what I do-see-hear-touch, or indulge in. So my constant struggle, my jihad, is just that. My life is supposed to be a representation of the path Allah has established for humanity, and the path that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) has explained, and the path that the 4 best of women of all of humanity, Maryam: mother of Jesus (pbuh), Khadija: wife of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) Essya: wife of the wicked Pharoah, and Fatima: daughter of Prophet Muhammad(pbuh). May Allah grant them the best for their pious and righteous ways.

But all of this is not about me, its about repenting. We are insignificant without Allah. We are not better than the next. One who has strong faith in Allah may lose it all in a second, and one who is a Kaafir, an atheist, may end up with the strongest of faith. It’s happened in history, and it happens all the time. For this reason, we all have to rectify ourselves, no matter how holier than thou we may be, or think we are! Another point is that although it could be that a bad situation we partook in is a learning situation, this does not mean we should say, what many people today say “I don’t regret anything of my past because I learned from it.” I don’t know, I don’t think this is right. It’s cool to admit our faults, but it’s not ok to proclaim that without our faults we wouldn’t have been guided. Because we don’t have a clue as to what or wouldn’t have happened. Just like we don’t have a clue as to what state of faith, or lack of we will die in. Maybe its through those faults that we felt weak and felt we needed to ask Allah for guidance and therefore supplicated for Him, so we got it. But this does not justify us saying that our past is something we should credit for getting to the point of further faith or closer to Truth. I don’t even know if that makes sense to whoever of you is reading this. All I mean is, to acknowledge you’ve done something wrong is the first part in solving it. Whether Muslim or not, be reminded to “return”, to repent, to seek Tawbeh. Allah is the Most-Merciful. Surely, with repenting comes guideance.

Enough of my rambling, and check out this article I’ve linked to the title of this post.

"And turn you all together in repentence to Allah O Believers, that you may be successful." »[Qur'an, 24:31] In the Quran, Allah also tells us: «"Surely Allah loves those who turn unto Him in repentence and loves those who purify themselves."» [Qur'an, 2: 222]

May Allah forgive all of us and may we be amongst the inhabitants of Jannah. Ameen.

k-9 & Islam

2006-05-09T12:30:00.000-05:00

Dogs are loved animals by the elderly, children, adults who are healthy, and those afflicted with various conditions. They are considered part of the family here in the US. This is to be taken quite literally too. Many couples even choose to have dogs rather than having children, and often times are referred to as their babies. Whenever we hear the phrase “man’s best friend”, everyone knows it means a pet that is a dog. Sipping beverages with shared cups, sleeping in the same bed, licking faces of babies, having doggy day-care systems, a potty to buy for a pup, and schools to teach polite humanly manners for the sake of having a "socially appropriate" K-9 friend are all too common.

My 5 year old came home the other day from school relaying a conversation she had with one of her teachers. They were talking about dogs and so 'Mercy' told Ms. Teacher “Dogs are fun, but they are dirty.” Teacher says: ”Dogs are not dirty?! Who told you that?” Mercy says: “Yeah they are, my mommy said that!” After Mercy shared with me the conversation a few days ago I felt compelled to teach Ms. Teacher what the Islamic stance is on dogs. I have always wondered how to politely inform others that I don't want their "babies" licking me, jumping on me, or touching me in any way, or my children for that matter. My mom suggested to tell people that we are all allergic to dogs, while I've been known to just say that my kids are afraid of them (which is actually partially true because of an incident that happened to one of them at the age of 2.5, but thats a whole other story I won't get into now). I am not happy about using these excuses, but I just haven't figured out a way to explain what my perspective, the Islamic perspective is on dogs without insulting their care-takers. After last week's conversation at Mercy's school, and this weekend's comment from a dog-owner at the park: "Oh, they don't want to play with you" said in a sad tone to her golden, long-haired dog, I have been compelled to set some things straight here! The last thing I want is for people to assume that just because Muslims don't share a crazy love towards dogs, does not by any means indicate that Islam is hateful towards them or even animals in general.

This is how it really is. True Muslims love to be clean, so much so that anything that interferes with purity is considered a hardship or burden. Wouldn't you agree that most people love to be clean anyways? So with Muslims, its not just about a feeling of cleanliness one feels after a morning shower, its about purity throughout the day and night. This is one of the reasons why we wash our hands, arms, face, rinse our mouths, head, behind our ears, and feet up to our ankles about 5 times/day before we pray to God. This is the most basic of rituals and duties of a Muslim. In Quran, Allah tells us:

"Oh you who believe! When you intend to offer prayer, wash your faces and your hands (forearms) up to the elbows, rub (by passing wet hands over) your heads, and (wash) your feet up to ankles. If you are in a state of Janaba (i.e. post sexual relations), purify yourself (bathe your whole body)." (Al-Ma'idah 5:6) "Truly, Allah loves those who turn unto Him in repentance and loves those who purify themselves (by taking a bath and cleaning and washing thoroughly their private parts, bodies, for their prayers etc.)." (Al Baqarah 2:222)

The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said:

"Cleanliness is half of faith and Alhamdulillah (Praise be to Allah) fills the scale, and SubhanAllah (Glory be to Allah) and Alhamdulillah (Praise be to Allah) fill up what is between the heavens and the earth, and prayer is a light, and charity is proof (of one's faith) and endurance is a brightness and the Qur'an is a proof on your behalf or against you. All men go out early in the morning and sell themselves, thereby setting themselves free or destroying themselves." (Sahih Muslim)

My findings about the way Islam sees dogs have been from reading authentic sayings of Prophet Muhammad (peace & blessings be upon him), Quran, particularly the story in the chapter Al-Kahf, along with scientific knowledge of the innate qualities of dogs from random sites maintained from people whom seem to love them more than anything or even anyone else, and not least on the list, vets whom have posted information that every k-9 owner should know.

To backtrack for a second, everything has been created with a purpose, and ALL of creation with the same purpose of worshipping God alone; not only people, but rocks, birds, clouds, grass, pigs even, and yes dogs. God has never created a single creation without purpose, without that purpose. As humans we have the ability to reason, reflect, and write. These abilities are not given to other creations, not even at the very least. We have the ability to do, act, proceed, and accomplish things that don't constitute factors within primitive ways. This fact alone does not make us wiser. What makes us exceed from other “creations of God” is the use of our abilities, our given talents in the path of reaching God’s Pleasure. Having said all that, it is not right for anyone who calls himself a Muslim, who claims to love Allah, and who aims to be steadfast in attaining Allah’s Compassion to put down any of His creations, even pigs..even dogs!! When I say put down, I mean be cruel, or even disrespectful towards them. Prophet Muhammad (peace & blessings be upon him) was quoted saying:

"A prostitute was forgiven by Allah, because, passing by a panting dog near a well and seeing that the dog was about to die of thirst, she took off her shoe, and tying it with her head-cover she drew out some water for it. So, Allah forgave her because of that." (Bukhari, Muslim)

Several roles are attributed to dogs. Dogs can be trained to be different things for different people, they can learn to be loyal companions of people. They do demonstrate certain intelligence, feelings, playful, and can be even taught to respect to authority, to at least some extent. Dogs are also known to be protectors. These resourceful qualities Allah has granted dogs make them useful towards humans in ways that other animals may not be. For these reasons, through Islamic Law, also known as Shariah, it is allowed to use dogs for hunting, farming, herding livestock. The Shariah Council in the UK has even lifted the ban for people who are blind, deaf, or handicapped back in 2002, to utilize guide dogs in facilitating their ease towards independence, and facilitate safety. So in Islam dogs can certainly be utilized in helping any typical person get particular jobs done, as well as being a compensatory aid for those afflicted with certain conditions. These are valid points in the benefits of caring for dogs, however to be fair, we have to consider that there are many people who are disabled, or have been handicapped without the use of dogs too, and do just fine without them as well. Also, many people farm, herd livestock, and hunt without a k-9 companion.

So again back to the point where Muslims, like me, (called crazy) are saying things about dogs being ritually impure. Here are a few things I found. Worms! Toxocara canis is a roundworm found in dogs. The eggs of these worms are also found in dog feces (sorry about the details!!). Supposedly it causes stomach-aches, sore throats, asthma, and to my surprise in rare cases causes blindness. The eggs can remain active in the soil for many years long after the dog mess has disintegrated. Dogs, by their very nature are hunters, eat carrion, and blood even if they are domesticated. When allowed to run free, they will eat dead animals if they find them. They are not particular about where they leave their excrement and have been known to even relieve themselves on human legs. Although they are smart, their understanding is limited so their strong territorial instinctive drive can come across very harsh if the dog is unfamiliar with who you are. As loving, wonderful, and beautiful even, dogs can be, these characteristics do not, and cannot ever change their nature, which keeps them impure animals.

For this reason of impurity Muslims are educated not to have dogs as pets for the sake of just companionship. As explained, to have them for assisting them for specific causes is permissible so long they avoid the licks, sharing the bed etc. Prophet Muhammad (peace & blessings be upon him) taught us:

"If a dog drinks from your vessel, wash it seven times." (Bukhari, Muslim)

It makes it difficult on the Muslim to live a clean lifestyle due to the very nature of a dog, no matter how many doggy camps, doggy lessons, or doggy schools he/she’s been too. And for the record, there are many people who are not Muslim who would also agree! To have compassion for dogs is a must, as for all animals, to have mercy on them is also a must, but to consider them as clean animals is a false attribute to them, and this needs to be remembered. Below is a quote taken from an article. You can read it in full by clicking on the title of this post above.

"...Dogs in Islam
Many Muslims have misunderstood Islam’s teachings regarding dogs, and this misunderstanding has led to the mistreatment of these animals. The Prophet said, “Purifying a container that a dog has licked (in order for human’s to use it) is done by washing it seven times, the first washing being with dirt.”2 However, according to some scholars, a dog’s fur is considered pure3. Nonetheless, Muslims are discouraged from keeping dogs inside their homes, as the Prophet has been reported as saying that angels do not enter into a house that has a dog.
However, just because one does not keep a dog inside the home and doesn’t drink after it, that does not give one the right to neglect it, mistreat it, or kill it. The usefulness of this creature of God is indisputable. No other animal can compete with it in its loyalty to its caregiver, its abilities as a guard, and its talent for hunting. In fact, the Qur’an narrates in Surat Al-Kahf, or “The Cave,” the story of some pious youths who took refuge in a cave from the persecution and violence of the unbelievers. That these righteous people had a dog with them, and the fact that Allah mentions the dog and counts the dog among them, indicates that dogs are permitted to live among people. [And you would have thought them awake, whereas they were asleep. And We turned them on their right and on their left sides, and their dog stretching forth his two forelegs at the entrance (of the cave as a guard)] (Al-Kahf 18:18).
So dogs may be used for guards as well as for hunting, as the Qur’an also states: [They ask you about what is lawful for them (as food); Say: Lawful unto you are (all) things good and pure: and those beasts and birds of prey which you have trained as hounds, training and teaching them (to catch) in a manner as directed to you by Allah; so eat what they catch for you, but pronounce the name of Allah over it and fear Allah, for Allah is swift in reckoning] (Al-Ma’idah 5:4).
In two separate hadiths narrated by Abu Hurayrah (the cat-loving Companion), the Prophet told his Companions of the virtue of saving the life of a dog by giving it water and quenching its thirst: one referred to was a man who was blessed by Allah for giving water to a thirsty dog. The other was a prostitute, who filled her shoe with water and gave it to a dog that was lolling its tongue in thirst. For this deed she was granted the ultimate reward: eternal Paradise.
Islam asks people to reflect upon this and be aware of each person’s duty toward God’s creatures, which He has put on earth for our use, not for our abuse. When the Prophet was asked if God rewarded acts of charity to the animals, he replied, “Yes, there is a reward for acts of charity to every beast alive.”"

Gay Corruption

2006-05-02T11:50:00.000-05:00

Living in the only state in USA that legalizes marriage for homosexuals, the ideal state that promotes the so-called rights of gays and lesbians, and the state that is quickly encouraging tolerance in the minds of public school children through lies that this is natural, through lies that there is no harm, and through lies that people who condone this are ignorant is an enormous threat to justice. It was 1997, I had just started wearing hijab (about a year or so) and had moved down to Florida to complete my BSc. in occupational therapy. I also worked in a nursing home down there as a licensed assistant OT. The best thing that Allah did for me was place me with another Muslimah to room with in an apartment my father had bought. Although she was in medical school, and I was in a completely different university, this worked out. It was a hard thing to leave my family, but Allah then appointed me to meet my husband 2 days after I moved down there. I couldn’t help but praise Allah for that.

That 1st year having lived so far away from everything I ever knew prepared me for what I am seeing today. Allah’s will to have me work in South Beach, Miami was a small detailed phase of my life that allowed me to witness what the typical lifestyles of people who lived in the town of Sodom in Palestine, must have been thousands of years ago. Having walked into a facility aimed at nourishing people and caring for them during times of weakness while seeing men flirt with one another and women holding hands in the streets to show their attraction towards each other were repulsive, distasteful, disturbing sights. My rehab director was a gay speech therapist who lived with his partner for 10 plus years, plus 6 other people who openly committed sodomy, with “gay-pride” as they call it. They would always ask me questions of Islam. “Why do I have to cover my hair?” “What do we Muslims believe?” You know, the basics. Some of them didn’t ask, but seemed to like me, for whatever that is worth (and honestly, I could care less- because even if they did like me, I am sure they still thought of me of that weirdo girl ‘who’s got no flavor to work it’!!). I remember sitting beside a resident in the rehab gym as I was having her ride an upper extremity bike for endurance training, when the female rehab aide, the only african-american working in that building, and only a couple years younger than me at the time 18 or 19, starting inquiring about my beliefs as a Muslim. She asked: “Can a person who’s gay be a Muslim?” Maybe it was the other way around. But the point is, I said: “No, Muslim can not be gay, and gays can not be Muslims! It doesn’t work like that!” Let me just add there were “gay” ears all around me, one was sitting right beside me.

So my point in all this is I am seeing more and more around me everywhere I go. I don’t go to too many places, but the places I do go to, like BJ’s (a wholesale store) is filled with people who flaunt this lifestyle. The colors of the rainbow are so beautiful but they have even ruined that beauty. The librarian of my daughter’s public school is part of this community, the indoor play-place we went to last week is a member of this warped inner-society, even the petting zoo we overheard inappropriate conversations regarding their corrupted views. I didn’t think I would have to teach my children about the story of Prophet Lot (peace & blessings be upon him) until they get to be a lot older. But now I am rethinking, it’s actually got to happen much sooner than that. When I read that a man was arrested when trying to dismiss his son so not to be exposed to a storybook celebrating the gay lifestyle not too long ago, and only a few cities away from where I am, it frightened me. As a mom I am worried, but as a Muslimah Mama I pray to Allah to guide my children away from the corruption that they grow up questioning everything and accepting what is true, even if they are the only ones. Call me homophobic, I won’t get offended, say I am discriminating, I’ll say “whatever”. What is wrong is clear, and what is right is clear. I do not need the majority vote to justify what I know as truth in my heart, what is true in Quran.

May Allah guide us all in guiding our children. Please check out the link about who Prophet Lut (Lot) by clicking on the title of this post, and if you have children do not hesitate to educate them, it might be their time to know.

Almighty Allah revealed:

""The people of Lot (those dwelt in the towns of Sodom in Palestine) belied the Messengers when their brother Lot said to them: 'Will you not fear Allah and obey Him? Verily! I am a trustworthy Messenger to you. So fear Allah, keep your duty to Him, and obey me. No reward do I ask of you for it (my Message of Islamic Monotheism), my reward is only from the Lord of the 'Alamin (mankind, jinn and all that exists). Go you in unto the males of the 'Alamin (mankind), and leave those whom Allah has created for you to be your wives? Nay, you are a trespassing people!"
They said: "If you cease not, 0 Lot! Verily, you will be one of those who are driven out!"
He said: "I am, indeed, of those who disapprove with severe anger and fury your (this evil) action (of sodomy). My Lord! Save me and my family from what they do."
So We saved him and his family, all, - except an old woman (his wife) among those who remained behind. ""{Quran 26: 160-171}

Mama Guilt

2006-04-23T20:32:00.000-05:00

"Allah (SWT) has created human beings and blessed them with the longest childhood among His creations. We have a lot to learn about life, creation, and our Creator and what we learn requires a lot of time to learn, understand, and implement. Teaching and conditioning from childhood is our best bet at retaining all of the vital information provided to us by Allah. So, childhood remains the most critical time by which to set up an Islamic foundation.However, Allah (SWT) also gave us the potential to change ourselves. He has granted opportunities and second chances to those whose parents did not raise them to be good Muslims; through His mercy and forgiveness, He has given us all the chance to start again. Though it is not easy to accomplish, with sincerity, azeema (back bone), and mothabarah (persistence), all children can become good Muslims."~Sahar Kassaimah, IslamOnline

Allah has blessed me and is now trialling me with 3 daughters and 1 son. Praise Allah. Everyday brings new challenges with a household of 4 kids under the age of 7. It does not help either when I lose it and snap for reasons unjustified. I know, I haven't heard of a mother guilt free. But my goal is to limit that guilt as much as I can by rectifying my parenting techniques. I lose it too much, my patience. Yet, I love them and want to see them as real strong Muslims. It would be nice I guess to see them educated as doctors, engineers or holding some high rank positions as adults. But honestly, and Allah knows what is in my heart, I just want these kids to be good Muslims. Not like good Muslims I see or know, but better, much better than that. So then I have to ask myself, if I flip over something ridiculous like the kids laughing too hard while their baby sister is sleeping..then how I enable that goal to become a reality?? There is no other time I feel more guilty than when they are all asleep. I just pray that Allah helps guide me in guiding these kids giving them what they need to make it as those who are guarded and protected on Judgement Day. So here I am posting all this so I can share with all of you a fatwa (religious ruling) on raising kids. This is the hardest job of my life because I have no guarantee of its outcome, I can only pray that they reflect upon the 'Sign's of Allah, are granted with Allah's' 'Mercy', become Strong Believers, and live their lives with 'Sincere Devotion'. (these are the meanings of my children's names). Anyways, below is a reminder for myself more than anyone else. It's taken from www.zawaj.com.

"Indeed, Allah creates children with pure innate nature, and whatever defects that happen later is the result of bad education. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, is reported to have said: “Every child is born on Fitrah (man’s innate disposition to monotheism), his parents make him Jewish, Christian or a fire worshipper.” (Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim) That is why Islam has ordered parents to take care of their children and to bring them up according to the Islamic manners. Focusing more on the very interesting question you have raised, we would like to cite the following: Allah Almighty has entrusted parents with their children. Parents bear the responsibility to raise up their children in the Islamic way. If they do that they will be blessed in this life and in the Hereafter, and if they don't, they will get bad result during their life and in the Hereafter. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) is reported to have said: “All of you are guardians and all of you are responsible for things under your guardianship; the ruler is a guardian (managing his state’s affairs) and he is responsible for things under his care, the man is a guardian over his family and responsible for them, the woman is a guardian of her husband's house and she is responsible for it. All of you are guardians and responsible for things under your control.” (Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
The Prophet, (peace and blessings be upon him) did not excuse any one from responsibility that Allah has put on every individual to build the Islamic society: the ruler is responsible: the man and woman are responsible.... all within their capabilities, domains, and authorities... and the loss of Islam from our Muslim Ummah these days is nothing but a result of the neglect of responsibility. Men and women, fathers and mothers share the responsibility to raise up, educate, and build the new generation in the correct method and the right way. Man has in him the good and bad tendencies, so parents must encourage and grow the good tendencies in the child so he can become a useful person that helps himself and his people. Referring to this, Allah Almighty says: "Oh' you who believe, protect yourselves and your families from a fire whose fuel is men and stones." (At-Tahreem: 6) The protection of yourself and your family from Hell-Fire won't be with anything but good education, the practice of good morals, and the guidance to nobility. Islam does not distinguish between male and female with regard to the education requirements.

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) is reported to have said: “Whoever has a daughter, tutors her on good morals, educates her well and feeds her properly; she will be a protection for him from Hell-Fire.” What do we mean by good education? The good education means the physical, mental and moral preparation of the child so he can become a good individual in the good society.
Methods for Moral Upbringing:
1- Showing the values of good deeds and their
effects on the individuals and society; also showing the effects of bad deeds, all within the child's capability of understanding.
2- Parents should be a good example
in their behavior because children like to imitate their parents in their sayings and their deeds.
3- Teaching the child the religious principles.
and tutoring him in worship, taking into account the child's capability of understanding. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) is reported to have said: “Order your children to pray at the age of seven.”
4- Treating children nicely and kindly.
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) taught us that practically. When he was praying as an Imam with the people, his grandson Al-Hasan, son of his daughter Fatimah, may Allah be pleased with them rode his back while he was bowing. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, lengthened his bow. When he finished his prayer, some attending Companions said, “You lengthened your bow?” Then the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, answered, “My grandson rode my back and I hate hastening him.”
5- One of the important things that parents must teach their children is to choose the good company and to the avoid the bad one, because children are always influenced by the company they keep. The bad behavior can be easily transmitted through bad company. So the Prophet, (peace and blessings be upon him),warned us by saying, “Man is inclined to get influenced by his friend's manners, so one must be careful in choosing friends.” (Reported by Abu Dawud & At-Tirmidhi)
6- Encouraging the child's sense of belonging to the Muslim Ummah, by teaching him of the brotherhood between Muslims, teaching him to care for Muslims in any land, and that he is part of the Muslim body, to feel joy when Muslims are joyous, to feel sad for Muslims' sadness, and to do best to achieve the Muslim Ummah’s goals.
All of this can be done practically through:
A- Taking children to Mosques and introducing them to their brother in Islam regardless of race, language, or origin.
B- Teaching the children the history of the Prophet, (peace and blessings be upon him) and his Companions and the history of Islam, bearing in mind the child's capability of understanding.
C- Encouraging children to sympathize with Muslim problems and to contribute to the solutions such as the poverty problem and to donate some money to the hungry Muslim children.
D- Taking part in the celebrations and festivals with Muslims, and sharing picnics and creating ties with their Muslim brothers of the same age.
E- Imbuing in children the feeling of love of Allah, His Prophet, Muslims, and all people. This love will lead to special behavior towards all those loved.
These are general guidelines to raise our children Islamically, so every Muslim must take care of his children and know the correct path that must be followed. This will help us do the job we are entrusted to do as Allah proscribed, as well as the responsibility the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, has clarified, with aim of protecting the future generations of Muslims, as Allah Almighty says:
"And Say Do deeds! Allah will see your deeds..., and And you will be brought back to the All-Knower of the unseen and the seen. Then He will inform you of what you used to do." (At-Tawbah: 105)

Times 4

2006-04-19T21:15:00.000-05:00

This is the first post that I have forwarded to someone prior to publishing on this site. Although I am not a co-wife, I am a woman and can feel for women who are. For that reason I wanted to assure that this article is based on True Islam and not that of my emotional stance. Of all people whom I trust of opinion, it is my husband who I trust the most in fair dealings. He backed me on this and gave me the green light to set free on my blog without need for correction. But just as a side note I've talked to him about this in the past because it is only been recent that I have been able to justify this in my heart not just my mind. (By clicking on the title above you can check out a good article written by Dr./Imam Jamal Badawi on greater details pertaining to the history of polygamy in the 3 monotheistic religions .) All Praises belong to God alone. Here I go again...

Ok, so I am having one of those pain in the neck thoughts about something that has been driving me nuts for some time, at least to some extent. I love everything about Islam. Islam is a perfect way of life, and yes, for everyone. The problem is people. Islam is perfect and people are far off from that, not excluding myself. I have been reading up on the topic of “Polygamy”. It is justified. It is moral. It is correct. It is even perfect. Polygamy is all these things under specific circumstances! First, let me get something straight, and clear up a messed up misconception of polygamy in Islam. In no way, I mean NONE whatsoever, is a man able to marry more than one woman for the sole purpose of justification of a man’s egotistical satisfaction, as many people, even those who consider themselves Muslims, believe. To be a True Muslim, we need to not only follow the rulings of Quran but we have to understand them. The way we understand them is by following the way of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Any decision we make as Muslims has to be in the frame of “What would the Last Messenger (pbuh) do?, How would he do it?”

So having said that, let me backtrack for a second. Islam is about getting down to basics. Quite literally too, modesty is not only the way one dresses, but it’s about the way Muslims eat, sleep, work and interact with one another male or female. Islam teaches us how to do these individual tasks, and for that reason, we will be held accountable for every single minuscule detail in our lives. Everything “insignificant” is actually quite significant. Living large because life is short is a reckless mentality in the heart of a true Muslim. Moderation is key, so key! I am not saying not Islam tells Muslims they shouldn’t seek the pleasures of this life, I am saying that Islam tells people to always have the goal of the Hereafter and that we should love to do good deeds for the ultimate purpose of reaching Paradise.

Ok, so back to this Polygamy issue. Allah tells us in the Quran:

"If you fear that you shall not be able to deal justly with the orphans, marry 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 (marry) only one…" (Qur’an 4:3)

Dr. Jamal Badawi points out what this Verse (Ayah) really means:

1 That polygamy is neither mandatory, nor encouraged, but merely permitted.

2 That the permission to practice polygamy is not associated with mere satisfaction of. Rather, it is associated with compassion towards widows and orphans, a matter that is confirmed by the atmosphere in which the verse was revealed.
3 That even in such a situation, the permission is far more restricted than the normal practice that existed among the Arabs and other peoples at that time when many married as many as ten or more wives.
4 That dealing justly with one’s wives is an obligation. This applies to housing, food, clothing, kind treatment…etc., for which the husband is fully responsible. If one is not sure of being able to deal justly with them, the Quran says: "then (marry) only one." (Quran 4:3) This verse, when combined with another verse in the same chapter, shows some discouragement of such plural marriages. The other verse plainly states: "You are never able to be fair and just between women even if it is your ardent desire…" (Quran 4:129) The requirement of justice rules out the fantasy that man can "own as many as he pleases." It also rules out the concept of a "secondary wife", for all wives have exactly the same status and are entitled to identical rights and claims over their husband. It also implies, according to the Islamic Law, that should the husband fail to provide enough support for any of his wives, she can go to court and ask for a divorce.
5 The verse says "marry," not kidnap, buy or seduce. What is "marriage" as understood in Islam? Marriage in Islam is a civil contract, which is not valid unless both contracting parties consent to it. Thus, no wife can be forced or "given" to a husband who is already married.

So this all leads back to the teacher and love of Muslims, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). We know that he himself was married for 25 years to only one woman, the first Muslim by the way after Prophet Muhammad (received his first revelation). Her name was Khadija (may God be pleased with her). It was only after her death, did the Last Messenger (pbuh) married other women. He married a woman who no one wanted to marry, he married an elderly woman, he married a widow. The purpose of these marriages was NOT for fulfilling a man’s desire and living life with women all over him. NO IT WASN’T LIKE THAT. Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon this most humble man, married women out of a legal responsibility to take care of them when no other humble man would! He did this to teach the Muslim men to look out for the female victims of society whom no one has their best interest at heart except those who fear God and believe that accountability will occur!!

Men are allowed to marry up to 4 women under circumstances that anyone can digest easily. Its not about men abusing this right of theirs to get married to a 2nd, 3rd, or 4th wife for the sake of their own entertainment. Nothing annoys me more than when I’ve heard or read somewhere that a man can marry more than one woman rather than just “hooking up”. Marriage is something SO SACRED in Islam. So you can imagine me, as a woman, how ticked I get every time I hear that excuse. Hypothetically, if a man has children, a God-fearing good wife and another woman comes along who has embraced Islam and there are no pious men for her for whatever reason, then I can understand. If a wife is terminally ill and has children and the husband seeks to marry another woman, I can also get that. My point, is the point of polygamy justification, as ruled in Islam. It means a man marries for a justified reason, out of responsibility, out of compassion and mercy for another woman, or even for that first woman, not for feeding into his testosterone. Because if a man has everything and then goes out looking for some more, then that in itself is NOT JUSTICE done towards his first wife. Surely, Allah is a witness over all things. Let’s also keep a mental note of the fact that Allah tells men that it will be easier for them to stick with one wife as it will be difficult to be fair and just. So polygamy if practiced, needs to be done for the same careful purposes Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) did it. Not for adorning himself in life, and not for the sake of the materialistic principle that having more is better. Period!

He DOES Micro-Manage!

2006-04-11T21:17:00.000-05:00

Married 10 years to a Muslim man, Allah bestowed no children upon them. Describing her respect and admiration for him she seems to be a bit too content that he sought a separate way from her upon his return from Hajj, holy pilgrimage. So pleasantly surprised she seemed to meet me, a jilbaab dressed Muslim woman, as she greeted me with “Asalaam Alaikum” (Islamic greeting of peace) and used common terminology like “Insha’Allah” (God-Willing) when appropriate. Impressed by her demonstrating love for the wisdom of Quran and respect for Islam as a fascinating and enriching way of life, all I could think of was to seek God’s assistance, and wonder what the purpose of my meeting her really was. Was God’s Plan that she could be introduced to a fresh look of Islam compared to the negative picture she has painted in her mind? Could it be that God placed and timed our meetings on a slow yet ongoing basis so that she can look at me and recheck her warped thoughts of Islam?

Today, I figured it out. I am so gullible. Certainly, I at least new she had some sort of chip on her shoulder for this Jihad guy and his Palestinian family. I mean, I could see her eyes & stature be filled with emotions when she told me that she is so happy for him that he’s happily married to a “wonderful” Jordanian woman that doesn’t speak English, and a father of twin boys. Somehow she expresses a love for his family too, yet ironically her “mother-in-law”, (no, she doesn’t refer to Jihad as her EX, although she is currently married to another British man), supposedly hates her beyond belief. This 40-something year old woman who claims to love Islam is the same woman who said something like: “who cares if someone takes a little cookie, that doesn’t belong to them, God is too big to micro-manage the details of life…punishment is equal to guilt. I knew I never could be Muslim when I had asked a Imam about using someone else’s egg to get pregnant he said this was absolutely forbidden, yet when I asked an Episcopalian Minister he taught that anything that people love, God loves…” SHOUDLN'T THAT BE THE OPPOSITE SOMEHOW?!!!!

Only after these words hit my ears did it finally become clear, it was not the family of her ex-husband she had an issue with as much as it was her issue with my way of life, Islam.

I needed to play it cool though and just kept bringing up the similarities in our beliefs, for many reason. 1. I know that what I say, do, or act plays a heavy role on the way she sees Muslims (like many people’s misperceptions) 2. Obviously knew this was yet another test for ME, as God was using me as a tool for His Service 3. I didn’t want to challenge her so much as she seemed too emotionally involved to think straight plus, well, just trust me on this one! 4. We work together there in the oral-deaf preschool that my daughter attends. (Which reminds me, the way this whole rambled conversation thing got started was that I brought in markers made to be drawn on windows for my fine motor group. The kids loved it, and as an OT I loved vertical writing as it promotes wrist extension and upper extremity endurance & strength. But that’s a whole other story.)

We got started talking about painting and how in her experience arabs in general do not like the Arts. I made mention that I love doing crafts with the kids but the only exception is that we never use food as a medium. Somehow I managed to affend her with this and she said that because God is so beautiful that using food is a wonderful way to demonstrates God's beautiful creations. "Umm, ok." I politely said, I can undertand that point but would rather use God's other creations to do so rather than food that people are literally dying from a lack of!

So you see my point here? I hope. I don’t understand. I don’t really understand the confidence factor of some people talking about the afterlife as if its all peachy when they have no proof of it. I even asked her what her view of Jesus (peace and blessings be upon him) and she told me that he was the greatest man who ever lived and that she “thinks” he was born to the Virgin Mary (may God be pleased with her). Now read on these next statements, can you believe these rampling in her mind?! She said “I’m not sure, but I don’t really care!” SubhanAllah (Glory belongs to God). Another hypocritical statement it surely was. How could she believe that Jesus was the best human yet not care if his mother was the best of all women?! Having said all that I am starting of a happening yesterday.

On another reflective stance, a random act of kindness given towards my son, 'Strong Believer' who God-willing turns 3 at the end of this month. He was having so much fun through the simple things of life that normal toddlers love. On a carousel carefree and, mashaAllah (what God wills) happy that he just splurged himself on 2 rides while we were waiting for Nena and his baby sister 'Sincere- Devotion' to check out of the grocery store. All I had were pennies left for change, and the slot only took quarters. Alhamdulilah (Praise Allah) it was a beautiful spring day, so I told 'Strong-Believer' he can pretend to be galloping along on the blue sattled horse for a few minutes. People walking in and out of the supermarket some smiled and nodded while others pretended not to even have glanced. Then a well-fit elderly man walked out at a moderate pace towards us with a big smile on his face and pulled out a perfect coin for my sweety and popped it right into that desirable slot! "Here helper, you get another ride for being a good boy for Mama!" Truly touched, he didn't even look back to see my toddler on the horse or anything. This elder probably didn't even think about this, and how much of an impact it had on me. I couldn't help but pray that he becomes one of the Muslims. So that's just it. We know there are so many good people in this world. So many willing to give charity not to show off. So many devoted to being optimistic within a dull situation. So many people who care for others in a compassionate way. I don't get it though. Why is it these people who are loving, like 'Mercy's' teachers, my children's pediatricians, the nurses I work with..why is it they are not Muslim?! I have mentioned this several times to my husband. My curiosity as to what makes it so hard for someone to just say "There is One God, and Muhammad is the Last Messenger", you know, the Shahada. I am not even talking about the practice of Islam now, just the cornerstone statement, belief at this point. I mean, they certainly have enough proof that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) existed and was a prophet. They have more details of the Hereafter than in any other faith. They have the knowledge that the Noble Quran has not been changed, not one letter since 1400 years ago. C'mon with that fact alone, some brains must declare BINGO!! It has got to enter the heart! I don't get why people are so secure in their thoughts, that they will be in a safe place when they die, and yet they shutter to talk about death and act so afraid?! I don't get why many of these "good" people say same-gender marriages (happening here) are not ok, but they are fine about homosexuality. Oh, and I can't comprehend for what purpose do people feel like they are here in this world without fair accountability, or how they feel they have a right to just enjoy their lives while souls are constantly being lifted. Can't they see that Allah is One in by listening to the birds sing praises in the early dawn? Can't they see that no one and nothing is complete except Him? Can't these good people ever wake-up to the fact that we, humanity, are all in it together..that we need to encourage random acts of kindness. To really know the meaning behind anything there has got to be faith that there is truth to be found.

“It is Allah who creates you and takes your souls at death; and there are some of you who are sent back to a feeble age, so that they know nothing after having known (much): for Allah is All-Knowing, All-Powerful” -Quran (16:70)

"He it is Who created the heavens and the earth in six Days and then Istawa (rose over) the Throne (in a manner that suits His Majesty). He knows what goes into the earth and what comes forth from it, what descends from the heaven and what ascends thereto. And He is with you (by His Knowledge) wheresoever you may be. And Allah is the All-Seer of what you do." {57:04}

Very Edge

2006-04-02T05:36:00.000-05:00

After Fajr salah (early morning prayer) I was blessed to have a few minutes to read Quran. Only 1/2 of my kids were awake and they were quiet enough. Often times before I open the Quran I ask Allah to show me Ayat (verses) that will make me reflect on a current situation on my mind, or to clarify something to me that I question or am puzzled about. I then open to a random page and point with my eyes closed to an Ayah (verse, sign) & without getting personal, I'll just say this is what I came upon. May Allah accept my supplication to Him & accept yours. If you haven't asked Him for anything in a while, do it NOW...before Angel of Death knocks on your body. Make that "anything" supplication for Guideance to be drenched into your heart.

ALLAH is talking to YOU in Quran, Muslim or not!!!{22:1-18}

"Oh humanity! Fear your Lord and be dutiful to Him! Verily, the earthquake of the Hour (of Judgement) is a terrible thing.

The Day you shall see it, every nursing mother will forget her nursling, and every pregnant one will drop her load, and you shall see mankind as in a drunken state, yet they will not be drunken, but severe will be the Torment of Allâh.

And among mankind is he who disputes concerning Allâh, without knowledge, and follows every rebellious (disobedient to Allâh) Shaitân (devil) (devoid of each and every kind of good).

For him (the devil) it is decreed that whosoever follows him, he will mislead him, and will drive him to the torment of the Fire.

Oh mankind! If you are in doubt about the Resurrection, then verily! We have created you (i.e. Adam) from dust, then from a Nutfah (mixed drops of male and female sexual discharge i.e. offspring of Adam), then from a clot (a piece of thick coagulated blood) then from a little lump of flesh, some formed and some unformed (miscarriage), that We may make (it) clear to you (i.e. to show you Our Power and Ability to do what We will). And We cause whom We will to remain in the wombs for an appointed term, then We bring you out as infants, then (give you growth) that you may reach your age of full strength. And among you there is he who dies (young), and among you there is he who is brought back to the miserable old age, so that he knows nothing after having known. And you see the earth barren, but when We send down water (rain) on it, it is stirred (to life), it swells and puts forth every lovely kind (of growth).

That is because Allâh, He is the Truth, and it is He Who gives life to the dead, and it is He Who is Able to do all things.

And surely, the Hour is coming, there is no doubt about it, and certainly, Allâh will resurrect those who are in the graves.

And among men is he who disputes about Allâh, without knowledge or guidance, or a Book giving light (from Allâh),

Bending his neck in pride (far astray from the Path of Allâh), and leading (others) too (far) astray from the Path of Allâh. For him there is disgrace in this worldly life, and on the Day of Resurrection We shall make him taste the torment of burning (Fire).

That is because of what your hands have sent forth, and verily, Allâh is not unjust to (His) slaves.

And among humanity is he who worships Allâh as it were, upon the very edge (i.e. in doubt); if good befalls him, he is content therewith; but if a trial befalls him, he turns back on his face (i.e. reverts back to disbelief after embracing Islâm). He loses both this world and the Hereafter. That is the evident loss.

He calls besides Allâh unto that which hurts him not, nor profits him. That is a straying far away.

He calls unto him whose harm is nearer than his profit; certainly, and evil Maula (patron) and certainly an evil friend!

Truly, Allâh will admit those who believe (in Islâmic Monotheism) and do righteous good deeds (according to the Qur'ân and the Sunnah) to Gardens underneath which rivers flow (in Paradise). Verily, Allâh does what He wills.

Whoever thinks that Allâh will not help him (Prophet Muhammad) in this world and in the Hereafter, let him stretch out a rope to the ceiling and let him strangle himself. Then let him see whether his plan will remove that where at he rages!

Thus have We sent it (this Qur'ân) down (to Muhammad) as clear signs, evidences and proofs, and surely, Allâh guides whom He wills.

Verily, those who believe (in Allâh and in His Messenger Muhammad), and those who are Jews, and the Sabians, and the Christians, and the Magians, and those who worship others besides Allâh, truly, Allâh will judge between them on the Day of Resurrection. Verily! Allâh is Witness over all things.

See you not that to Allâh prostrates whoever is in the heavens and whoever is on the earth, and the sun, and the moon, and the stars, and the mountains, and the trees, and Ad-Dawâb (moving living creatures, beasts, etc.), and many of mankind??? But there are many (humans) on whom the punishment is justified. And whomsoever Allâh disgraces, none can honour him. Verily! Allâh does what He wills."

OT Month

2006-04-01T11:58:00.000-05:00

When I was 17 graduating from high school I did not know what field I wanted to pursue. I kind of wanted to be a teacher, physical therapist and psychologist all at once. At a college fair I learned about Occupational Therapy. It was exactly what I wanted. Alhamdulilah, I graduated with my ASc., took the boards and began working with my license 2 years later at 19. Having worked for a few years plus the experience I wanted to purse my BSc. in it. I know that Allah/God placed me in this direction to show and teach me some of the most important lessons of life. Almost 10 & 1/2 years later I am still being taught that the differences amongst people are huge in every detail of living. Truly no two people are the same, and yet everyone has circumstances that are designed to be reflected upon. Being an occupational therapist humbles me, and reminds me that everyone has challenges in life, but that the ones who seem most content and at peace with themselves are those who are grateful, Muslim or not. Allah has put me in positions of evaluating many elders along the years who are physically and mentally incapable of everything..with them my time is focussed on family intervention and things like positioning and splinting to prevent further deformity or bed soars. Allah has put me in the faces of children who are severely handicapped with cerebral palsy with a role of teaching their mothers how to feed them in the easiest way. Allah has placed before my eyes a mother in her 20's with 3 small children, who got into an accident and lost both her legs. I was left to teach her how to get around in her own home with adaptive equipment. Allah has showed me people with significant schizophrenia at a state facility, and I had a goal for that 40-something year-old man to perform money management skills adequately with proper social skills with supervision; oh and another 45 year old man who was living in a nursing home because of Multiple Sclerosis...yup for the rest of his life. My question is this: how can someone see all these things and not be awake to the power and glory of Allah?? Everytime I get stressed out about something stupid, I try remind myself of these incidents. I have no right to be stressed!!! SubhnaAllah. I pray that my work in OT is accepted by Allah. Because at the end the REAL paycheck granted by Mercy, in the Hereafter, is what really counts. Below is what OT is all about. I adapted it from the link that you'll find by clicking the title of this post above. I know the differences can get confusing and often times it's difficult to distinguish between who's doing the physical therapy vs. occupational therapy. I'm the OT with an "O" & I work lots with those with the "P"! So, for whatever it's worth or not worth(!)... April is OT Month..

The person who needs occupational therapy could be your father or mother facing changes because of aging. It could be your child, frustrated with being unable to do the seemingly simple things the other children at school can do. It could be you or your spouse coping with illness or the results of an accident. It could be anyone who, for whatever reason, can't do the things in life they want or need to do because of a chronic or sudden change in functional ability.

Occupational therapy is therapy based on performing the meaningful activities of daily life (self-care skills, education, work, or social interaction), especially to enable or enhance participation in such activities despite impairments or limitations in physical or mental functioning. Occupational therapy is for individuals of all ages-to improve skills that help them perform daily tasks at home and at school, at work and at play.

Occupational therapy practitioners are skilled professionals. Their education includes the study of human growth and development, with specific emphasis on the social, emotional and physical effects of illness and injury. They help individuals with illnesses, injuries, certain conditions or disabilities get on with their "occupations" of living.

Occupational therapy is a unique profession that considers the whole picture when it comes to a person's treatment including the individual's abilities, the task to be performed, and the environment in which the task takes place.

In a team of healthcare specialists, a surgeon, for example, will operate on your injured knee. A physical therapist will devise a series of exercises to help the knee heal properly with a maximum range of motion. An occupational therapist will ask, "What do you need your knee to do? What activities do you want to do, so you can adapt (the way you walk, drive, move around at home, etc.) to that knee," thereby determining the right treatment for keeping you mobile and an active participant in your own life.

Children: About one-third of occupational therapy practitioners work in school systems, pediatric hospitals, and health care facilities helping millions of children. This places OT practitioners on the frontlines of information about child health and wellness. Within the school system, occupational therapy helps children facing physical, cognitive, or mental health challenges that affect their school performance, socialization, and health. School-based occupational therapy assessment and intervention focuses on certain areas: Activities of daily living: caring for self-needs such as eating, dressing, and toilet habits. Education: achieving in the learning environment. Play: interacting with age-appropriate toys, games, equipment and activities. Social participation: developing appropriate relationships and engaging in behavior that doesn't interfere with learning or social relationships. Work: developing interests and skills necessary for transition to community life after graduation.

To find out how your child can receive occupational therapy through school, The National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities (NICHCY) has a good reference document that provides detailed information: The American Occupational Therapy Association offers Tip Sheets for Consumers to help you cope with specific medical situations facing your child.

Adults: Occupational therapists perform a variety of services for individual adults, such as rehabilitation therapy after a work injury or accident. Occupational therapists also work in consultation with employers and community based organizations on a number of fronts, from program and facility design to day-to-day operations. Occupational therapists serve as advisors to manufacturing and service companies in areas covering wellness, ergonomics, and rehabilitation. Community organizations, government agencies, even construction companies confer with occupational therapists to develop programs to meet the needs of specific populations in the area of community mobility, wellness, facility design, and universal accessibility. The American Occupational Therapy Association offers Tip Sheets for Consumers to help individuals cope with specific medical situations, and to determine how an occupational therapist can help improve wellness and accessibility in the community.

Elderly: Nearly one-third of occupational therapy practitioners work with older adults. They perform many types of activities, employing many types of therapies, with the overriding goal of helping older adults regain or maintain a level of independence that will allow them to age in place for as long as possible. Occupational therapy has been proven effective for seniors living with various medical conditions or recovering from surgery. In addition to working with individuals to increase strength or regain important life supporting skills, occupational therapists work throughout a community, counseling families, local governments, and community groups to ensure that each is doing what it can to help older adults maintain their independence.

Karbala Bands

2006-03-30T20:36:00.000-05:00

At the risk of being pointed out as jumping on the bandwagon with these rubber bands, I'm posting this here! Here in the US these rubber bands come in different colors and they serve the purpose of encouraging people to give money to specific causes. I came upon this yesterday. Black bands that say "KARBALA" on one side & "ONE NATION, ONE UMMAH" on the other. I am not sure if all proceeds go to charity or what, I'm pretty sure they do. So for all those who love the idea of wearing these (Muslim or not), and need a kick to give charity..then this is something you'll probably want to jump on to yourself. (click on the title of this post to order them or to just check them out).

ALLAH (GOD) has taught us in the
Quran:

"O believers, be you securers of
justice, witness for God. Let not detestation for a people move you not to be
equitable; be equitable - that is nearer to God-fearing." (5:8)

"...Whoso slays a soul not to
retaliate for a soul slain, nor for corruption done in the land, should be as if
he had slain mankind altogether." (5:32)

Selfless Desire

2006-03-23T13:07:00.000-05:00

Human rights are innately known by all walks of life, they are universal. Feeding an orphan is a responsibility, not an extra credit assignment. Picking up an elderly man's dropped keys at the grocery store is a responsibility, not an excessive chore. Holding the door for a mom pushing her daughter in a wheelchair (even if she's far behind) is a responsibility, not a tremendous mission. It seems that most people get this part of serving others.

But there's a flipside of people's perception to those with impairments, disabilities, and/or handicaps that many people continue to hold true. Having had endless experiences with various people of different cultures, mentalities, illnesses, delays, and of different ages over the past 10 years, I know that one thing is certain. Every human regardless of their strengths and weaknesses deserves and desires to have their dignity nurtured. No matter how young, how old, how sick, how healthy. We all want it, we all need it, and we all deserve it. But the ugly truth is apparent when people are referred to as their diagnosis, when the handicapped parking spot is taken "for just a couple of minutes", when people are looked and judged according to their weaknesses rather than viewed through their strengths. No human is complete, and yet no person is incomplete.

Islam, not just a religion, has but a system prescribed by God, has instilled universal rights, and continues to spell them out for anyone and everyone, Muslim or not. So much so, that Prophet Muhammad (peace & blessings upon him) taught humanity that "No one is a true believer until you wish for your brother what you would wish for yourself." (authentic saying: Bukhari & Muslim). This means that all the amenities that are out there for people has to be out there for all people regardless of what "issues or tests are laid out to be dealt with by individual beings.

God created everything and everyone in perfection. A boy born blind born was a child born with a Plan. A girl born deaf was a child born with a Plan. A girl born with cerebral palsy was a child born with a Plan. People can either feel sympathy in their hearts that in essence does not lead to encouraging these people with hardships simplicity. Or they can feel empathy, which fosters motivating and creative means in giving others a chance to succeed. Realizing their weaknesses and incapacities in a view of optimism, and opportunity will enable people to appreciate what they take for granted, and it will provide a means of support for those with impairments, disabilities, or handicaps an opportunity to flourish into their potential. Accommodating others should not be a thing we do whenever we can, it has to be a thing we always do blindly! Glory belongs to God. SubhanAllah.

Islamic rulings demand the wealthy to give wealth, the educated to educate, the truly pious people to really care enough to make a difference and comprehend that no two people are alike. So just because a child has specific weaknesses that most children don't, and just because by a country or state does not enforce specific schools or institutions to provide with special needs”; it should be emphasized that all Islamic schools should be “equipped” by strong faith in worship, and “required” by Allah to serve all Muslim and even non-Muslim children in the community regardless of their challenges. This becomes even truer if the setting is one of Islamic nature.

Rights that have the most direct impact on educating any child or adult include but are not limited to are: Equality; Social welfare; Basic necessities of life; Individualized Education Own Dignity & Respect Have Opportunity; Benefit of the doubt.

In regards to educating our kids, IDEA 97, a U.S law states that special education is a set of services to support the needs of children with disabilities to succeed in general education classrooms. So, it is no longer acceptable for private schools in nature who fear God, and hope for His Support to discriminate against children who were created with by God's Plan in perfection. Especially since, it is not these laws that should govern compassion. It is the Law of God, in Quran that must.

We did not earn our knowledge, our money, our home, or our health. We do not decide to have children, nor do we know where we live tomorrow. Everything that we see, hear, touch, feel, taste, and live by are not our own, they are tools that God has given us to reach Him and strive with to stay on the Straight Path of faith. Therefore, it is not right that people look down upon others, it is not right that some feel proud to have earned something…anything, and it is not our hard efforts that make something happen or work.

We as a people, Muslim or not have to continue seeking means to reach God, and if it means accommodating others to do so, to give others a chance, then surely the reward will be with God. It’s not extra credit, its not out of the way, it’s not something we should pat ourselves for. It’s a responsibility that God will ask each of on. What did you do to help another soul? What did you do to show your mercy on someone else? What did you do with the means that were lent to you to fight for the rights of others? What did you do?? Every deed counts. Sometimes the ones you don’t consider are the most important ones to complete.

So please remember the next time you see anyone with a need, do not define them by that: He or she is a person with an issue, not an issue that happens to be a person. A disabled lady is a lady with a disability. An amputee is a man with an amputated leg. That is the least we can do, and in result we will see the person first for who she or he is, and not the disability they own.

Sisterhood Modesty

2006-03-12T20:45:00.000-05:00

This is for my dear Muslim sisters who strive to be the most modest Muslimahs they can be. We cover our bodies and protect our beauty for no other reason than to please God. This is our prescription to follow. Our femininity is sacred when we leave our homes, and should be sacred within them. We cover not just from protection of the luring eye of men, we cover ultimately because we trust in Allah's prescribed means of negating all those girly petty reasons that foster vain materialism and unwarranted jealousy. So think about this Islamic Ruling that is often ignored or passed by next time your expected to be at sisters house for some party..ok? Let's always be in the forefront of teaching our little daughters too inshaAllah.

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What is a woman permitted to uncover in front of other women and mahrams?

Praise be to Allaah.
The Standing Committee for Academic Research and Issuing Fatwas issued a statement on this matter, which reads as follows:

Praise be to Allaah, the Lord of the Worlds, and blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad, and upon all his family and companions.

The believing women at the beginning of Islam were extremely pure, chaste, and modest, which was the blessing of belief in Allaah and His Messenger and following the Qur’aan and Sunnah. Women at that time used to wear concealing garments, and it is not known that they used to uncover themselves when they met one another or when they met their mahrams. The women of this ummah followed this mode of behaviour – praise be to Allaah – generation after generation until recently, when corruption and impropriety entered the way women dress and behave for many reasons, which we do not have room to discuss here.
Because of the large number of questions that have been sent to the Standing Committee for Academic Research and Issuing Fatwas about women looking at women, and what women should wear, the Committee is telling all Muslim women that women are obliged to have an attitude of modesty, which the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) described as being part of faith and one of the branches of faith. One aspect of the modesty which is enjoined by Islam and by custom is that women should cover themselves, be modest and adopt an attitude and conduct that will keep her far away from falling into fitnah (temptation) and doubtful situations.
The Qur’aan clearly indicates that a woman should not show to other women anything other than that which she shows to her mahrams, that which she customarily uncovers in her own home and when doing housework, as Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “…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 Islam…"[Quran 24:31]
If this is the text of the Qur’aan and this is what is indicated by the Sunnah, then this is what the wives of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and the womenfolk of the Sahaabah used to do, and the women of the ummah who followed them in truth until the present day. What was usually uncovered in front of the people mentioned in this verse is what women usually uncover when they are at home and when doing housework, which is difficult to avoid, such as uncovering the head, hands, neck and feet.
With regard to going to extremes in uncovering, there is no evidence in the Qur’aan and Sunnah that this is permissible. This is also the way that leads to a woman tempting or being tempted by other women, which happens among them. It also sets a bad example to other women, as well as being an imitation of kaafir women, prostitutes and immoral women in the way they dress. It was proven that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever imitates a people is one of them.” Narrated by Imam Ahmad and Abu Dawood. In Saheeh Muslim (2077) it is narrated from ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Amr that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) saw him wearing two garments dyed with safflower, and he said: “These are from the clothing of the kuffaar –do not wear them.”

It is also narrated in Saheeh Muslim (2128) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “There are two types of the people of Hell whom I have not seen: people with whips like the tails of cattle, with which they beat the people, and women who are clothed yet naked, misguided and leading others astray, with their heads like the humps of camels, leaning to one side. They will not enter Paradise or even smell its fragrance, although its fragrance may be detected from such and such a distance.”
The meaning of the phrase “clothed yet naked” is that the woman is wearing clothes that do not cover her, so she is clothed, but in fact she is naked, such as when she wears a thin dress that shows the colour of her skin, or a dress that shows the outline of her body, or a short dress that does not cover part of her limbs.
So what Muslim women have to do is to adhere to the guidance followed by the Mothers of the Believers (the Prophet’s wives) and the womenfolk of the Sahaabah (may Allaah be pleased with them), and the women of this ummah who followed them in truth, and strive to cover themselves and be modest. This is farthest removed from the causes of fitnah and will protect them from the things that lead to provocation of desires and falling into immorality.
Muslim women must also beware of falling into that which Allaah and His Messenger have forbidden of imitating kaafir women and prostitutes, in obedience to Allaah and His Messenger, and in the hope of attaining the reward of Allaah, and for fear of His
punishment.
Every Muslim must also fear Allaah with regard to the women who are under his care, and not let them wear things that Allaah and His Messenger have forbidden, such as provocative clothes, or clothes that are revealing or tempting. He should remember that he is a shepherd and will be responsible for his flock on the Day of Resurrection.
We ask Allaah to set the Muslims’ affairs straight, and to guide us all to the straight path, for He is All-Hearing, Ever-Near and Ever Responsive. May Allaah send blessings and peace upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon his family and companions. Fataawa al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah, 17/290 It also says in Fataawa al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah (17/297): What a woman is permitted to uncover in front of her children is that which is customarily uncovered, such as the face, hands, forearms, feet and so on.
And Allaah knows best.

2 Extremes, 1 Day

2006-03-07T22:16:00.000-05:00

"No, I’m good. I’ve been canning all night and I’ve got enough. Really. Thanks anyway. You’re young; you don’t know what the real world is like out here, just wait until you get to be 45. I’m 51 and I’ll tell you this, don’t trust anyone, there is no meaning; especially the ***** (a nationality) and *****, but the ***** too. This guy has been working my area, if you see him, don’t tell him you saw me. He has no nerve; everyone knows this is my location. Just run the other way, he’s no good, none of them are. He got on my radio frequency. See you don’t know because you’re so young. I got my friend a job yesterday, she really needed it. But I’m all good. No, I don’t know anyone who would need it. I’m ok; you need not worry about me. Just one more week of this cold weather to go. You should get going, because it’s so brutal out here. 20 or 30 years out here you learn to survive, but you just learn to be careful. Don’t trust anyone."

Waking up that morning there was a plan. A master plan was already set for me to come across this woman on my way into the skilled nursing & rehab facility I work in. Everyone has a different take on life, and it’s so ironic how 2 precious newborns end up with minds and thoughts poles apart from one another as adults. This woman, only a few years younger than my own mother, has no belief in “trust”, and mocked the idea of God creating humanity with a purpose to worship throughout every detail of our lives. Perhaps one day she will see, that even with her, God has imparted Mercy upon. She was dressed warm, and her canning earned her 3 trash bags full of potential money, to eat a warm meal rather heading to the local soup kitchen.

All day I thought of this other soul roaming the streets. That night my husband, the kids & I were invited over another Muslim family’s home, not their house. Little did I know I would be exposed to a reverse situation. Masha’Allah what God wills, happens. A house of royalty, no less it was, at least for this donia/life. This house was a mansion filled with jeweled details embedded in the fabrics of curtains, marble floors with crystal chandeliers floating on top, glass doors with high textile ceilings and lofty yet plush furniture. Not very child friendly (‘Strong Believer’, my almost 3 year old son was a little too excited!!)

I’m really into listening to Imam Anwar Al-Awlaki’s stuff. A few days before this extreme day came, he explained the first 4 things all of will be asked upon. 1. Prayer: did we pray 5xs/day as prescribed? 2. Time: what did we do with it? Waste it & procrastinate? 3. Earnings: How did we get the money we have? Did we steal, gamble, partake in interest, or sell forbidden goods of this world like alcohol etc. & 4. Spend: How did we distribute our money? Did we spend it carelessly and use it just for amusements without expecting judgment? This makes me think of all the times I order this or that from Gap Online, even the clearance items.

Let us be reminded that for everything we think own, it is given and it is a trust, it is not something that belongs to us, but something that is on loan as a trial. By keeping this thought in mind we will find ourselves being more grateful to Allah, our Creator, the Most Generous. Accountability will happen. Praise God for what you have, because there is no assurance you will have it tomorrow. What is easy on the eyes and hearts is not in this world, it is only in Jannah/Paradise. So let that be it our goal. Think, did we pass those quizzes today, or should we study through reflection for the next day? I know I need to study, and hopefully I'll get it tomorrow inshaAllah/God-willing..

May Allah forgive our shortcomings and keep us on the Straight Path. Ameen.

Mother's Perspective on Prayer

2006-03-03T08:47:00.000-05:00

Salaam & Hello to All:

My dear sister in Islam, Um Ibrahim, is working up a Prayer Manual for Muslim Mamas. This is the first section of her "book" that she needs to publish! (InshaAllah) Its geared to Muslim mom's but God-willing anyone needing a a motivator to get going with Prayer will be encouraged. May Allah reward her. (Click on the title of this post to read more of her blog entries, including the table of contents of this manual)...& may Allah reward and guide all of us. Ameen.

"Chapter 1: Committing to the Quantity
Section 4: A Reflection on Prayer, from a Mother’s Perspective
Allah subhanahu wa taala is always telling us in the Qur’an to reflect on the nature around us, our own selves, and his commandments – including Prayer. So let us reflect on prayer from the point of view of a mother. Why did Allah command us to pray? There are five things that bring us happiness as mothers, from our children.
The first thing gives true joy and satisfaction to a mother is when we ask our child to do something and she does it. By praying, we are obeying Allah so he will be pleased on seeing us leave whatever we were doing and go to pray.
Secondly, do you remember how happy you felt when your child started talking? All that time he had been listening to your words and trying to imitate a few words here and there and now finally he can put a sentence together and repeat what he learned. From this, you can see why Allah wants us to memorize Qur’an and recite Qur’an in our prayers. He wants to see what we have learned of His words and is pleased on hearing us recite the Qur’an.
Thirdly, our hearts rejoice when we hear our child says ‘I love you Mommy’ with a hug and kiss, or when she says ‘Thank You’. So imagine how pleased Allah is when we supplicate to Him. In Ruku’ we say ‘Subhana Rabial ‘Atheem which means ‘Glory be to Allah, the Greatest’. In Sujud we say ‘Subhana Rabial A’la which means ‘Glory be to Allah, the Most High’. That is why we get so many blessings from supplication and are advised to do it after the prayer, throughout the day, and before sleep.
Fourthly, let’s not forget the relief a mother feels when her child says ‘I’m sorry’, especially when it’s sincere. Ah, now we can realize the importance of sincerity in prayer and du’a. When your child says sorry only because you told them to say that or they say it in an uncaring way, it only helps a little in soothing your anger. But when they say sorry on their own in that sad voice, then your anger magically disappears. In our prayers when we come up from the first sujud (prostration) we make the du’a ‘Rabbi Ighfirli wa liwalidayyi’ which means ‘O Allah forgive me and forgive my parents’. Allah is giving us a chance to ask for forgiveness in our prayers. We benefit by getting our sins forgiven, and he becomes more pleased with us from our repentance, if it was sincere.
Lastly, a mother is happy to hear her child ask for help when they’re frustrated instead of crying and having a tantrum. A mother loves to help her children. The same can be said of the du’a you can say during and after your prayers. Here, Allah is giving us a chance to ask for His help, because He loves to help us. During your prayer the most powerful position to make du’a in is in the last Sujud (prostration). Here you are prostrated in the most humble position before your Lord who created you and blessed you with many things, so it is most conducive to sincerity.
May Allah help us all in fulfilling this important an beneficial obligation with sincerity and grant us all its rewards and benefits.
Ameen. "

The Right

2006-02-28T12:37:00.000-05:00

Someone's been making me think about an issue lately. Why should we eat with our right hands? Even if we are left handed? Growing up I never really knew. I just did it because my mom said it was the suitable thing to do. Then this weekend someone brought it to my attention by just asking "Why?" Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) always used his right hand, I knew this and I knew that there was at least some importance to it in the Quran. So my answer was "Sunnah", implying that if the Last Messenger did it then I want to be his copycat. But having looked into it the past few days with detail I came up with this.

Searching for verses from the Noble Quran on “Right Hand” in the index, I came up with “Righteousness” amongst other words. I asked God in my heart, not even whispers from my lips, that I would find knowledge of the significance of it. I then opened the Book and the first verse my eyes laid upon was:

And those on the Left Hand (i.e. those who will be given their Record in their left hands), Who will be those on the Left Hand? (As a disgrace for them, because they will enter Hell). [56:9]

Allah saw what my request was in me, and SubhanAllah/All Glory belongs to God, there it was!! There are no coincidences in life. The word “coincidence” is a word made up by our enemy, the Cursed Satan/ Iblees. Every aspect of every detail is planned, things do not happen just for the sake of nothing. Anyways, I continued to search and this is what I found in Noble Quran:

And the Book (one’s Record) will be placed (in the right hand for a believer in the Oneness of Allah, and in the left hand for a disbeliever in the Oneness of Allah), and you will see the Mujrimoon (criminals, polytheists, sinners, etc.), fearful of that which is (recorded) therein. They will say: "Woe to us! What sort of Book is this that leaves neither a small thing nor a big thing, but has recorded it with numbers!" And they will find all that they did, placed before them, and your Lord treats no one with injustice. {18:49}

And those on the Right Hand, who will be those on the Right Hand? {56:27}

For those on the Right Hand. A multitude of those (on the Right Hand) will be from the first generation (who embraced Islam). And a multitude of those (on the Right Hand) will be from the later times (generations). And those on the Left Hand Who will be those on the Left Hand? {56:38-41}

And if he (the dying person) be of those on the Right Hand, Then there is safety and peace (from the Punishment of Allah) for (you as you are from) those on the Right Hand. {56:90-91}

On the Day you shall see the believing men and the believing women their light running forward before them and by their Right Hands. Glad tidings for you this Day! Gardens under which rivers flow (Paradise), to dwell therein forever! Truly, this is the great success! {57:12}

Oh you who believe! Turn to Allah with sincere repentance! It may be that your Lord will remit from you your sins, and admit you into Gardens under which rivers flow (Paradise) the Day that Allah will not disgrace the Prophet (Muhammad, peace & blessings upon him) and those who believe with him, their Light will run forward before them and with (their Records Books of deeds) in their Right Hands they will say: "Our Lord! Keep perfect our Light for us and do not put it off till we cross over the Sirat (a slippery bridge over the Hell) safely and grant us forgiveness. Verily, You are Able to do all things." {66:8}

Then as for him who will be given his Record in his Right Hand will say: "Take, read my Record! {69:19}

Then, as for him who will be given his Record in his Right Hand, {84:7}

They are those on the Right Hand (the dwellers of Paradise), {90:18}

These are not all of them either, while there are also many revealing the companions of the left hand..but I didn’t want to go there now!

So then that question may arise from all of this. Why did God choose the right over left? Muslims are encouraged to ask questions, to seek knowledge. Not only encouraged, but are commanded to do so as well. The ruling is to seek knowledge that will benefit us in attaining a closer relationship with our Creator, and to admit that we are ignorant and there is no possible way for us to understand every aspect of every detail. We are not made to always to always “get it”. There is knowledge with Allah that is not with us. Reason or faith? Well in Islam, Muslims should have a balance of both. Some Muslims have faith and follow Islam blindly without really appreciating the wisdom behind the ways. While others follow Islam as long as every detail makes sense. Islam is a religion and way of moderation. So that balance of both is a must, of reason and faith in order to fully comprehend teachings that God has prescribed, and Prophet Muhammad (peace & blessings be upon him) has taught. This is what Jihad really is, an internal struggle to not only figure out the purpose of life but to implement it with faith that it is the only way of life God will accept, like it or not. If you do not like it, then ask yourself why? What is it in you that prevents you, me from just doing it? What makes us so confident, even arrogant like, or even the opposite, so careless that we have given up hope in Allah? Being a Muslim is much more than accepting Islam as yours. Being a Muslim is a duty upon every one, a responsibility to all of humanity. Free will is following your natural love for seeking Truth, Fitra. Free will is not doing whatever you desire. Let us not underestimate accountability. Let’s be those who accept our book of deeds in our right hand. Let’s not only practice the use of our right hand in accepting good things like food in this world, but also be of those who accept the best of all things with anticipation utilizing our right hand on Judgment Day.

May Allah accept our deeds and may we be among those who receives glad tidings in our right. Ameen.

Allah Knows Best.

Felicity

2006-02-25T21:31:00.000-05:00

Taqwa is having an obsession and feeling compelled in always having sincere devotion to God. One has taqwa when there's a combination of having so much hope for God's Mercy & Compassion while having the fear of God's Wrath & Displeasure. Someone who has taqwa in their hearts should never feel so confident that they are safe and that the good deeds they do are even accepted (good action doesn't always mean appropriate intention). A strong believer, a Mumin, can't feel like its a hopeless case and that he/she is doomed to God's Punishment. If this were to happen then it may cause him to give up his hope in God all together which means he/she denies the essence of a Muslim's belief in God being the Most Merciful.

"Surely those of taqwa shall be in the midst of Gardens and fountains." [15:45]

What kind of life are we living here? Well for one, we all have access to a computer, a home, and probably more than double of what we really need to survive, or even really need to live comfortably. Hmm, what does living comfortable even mean? Let's just face it. We are all materialistic. Our attachment to this world and the trinkets and gadgets are all these "thingys" that ultimate mean NOTHING. I mean come on, are we being IGNORANT here? What is it about these things that drives us towards them? Easy. Sense of beauty, feeling rich, dominating control, empowerment through free-will? Are we that loved and that blessed by God, that we are the priveledged? WAKE-UP! Totally NOT.

If we look at life as if its something we own, I mean you own your life and I own mine, then yeah, it would be ok to think of everything we have as rightfully ours I guess. This is not reality though. Reality is living consciously. It is not a God-given right to live large, it is a God-given TEST. Life is not about life, its actually about death and what happens after it. The problem is people who seem to be awake are actually sleeping because they don't see it this way, nor do they even
care.

All Glory belongs to our Creator. You are less than a speck, and I am sure that I am even less than that! So who are you, and who am I to bypass the thoughts of our FINAL DESTINATION upon death? What makes us so sure that we are going to a good place? If we claim to be unsure of that then what makes us overlook that most important aspect, purpose, and reason for the life we have been given??

I want Jannah to be mine. I really really want to make it to Paradise. Wanting is not enough. How could the most pure and incredible place (for a lack of better words) be reached? We know the law of what works in this life. Work hard and youll get it. This law was set by God. Go to school, you get a degree. Stay a few extra hours you get a bigger paycheck. Exercise and your muscles get strong. This is all good in this life. But what are you, what am I, really doing for the real thing? The real payoff?? I want to be in a colorful and most serene place beyond what our limited minds can even encompass. Nonstop pleasure. Nonstop luxury. Nonstop confidence that God is pleased by me, and you.

But at least let's just day dream for a bit. Create this picture. Pretend you are in Jannah for a minute. You are so tall, 60 yards maybe. You are 33 years old, but those who died young vs. those who died old are known. You just made it into Jannah. During the life you lived on earth, you were patient and grateful for all difficulties so now you are entitled to a welcoming meal as an inhabitant of Paradise. Your first drink is the most beautiful drink called 'Salsabeel'. The ground of Jannah is of white sparkled sand, more pure and more bright than you could ever have witnessed. You are adorned with fabrics of the finest silk and a green, a color with more beauty than you have ever seen. Pearls & gold and raised thrones are all yours. YOURS. Fruits juicier than you could ever think of. No need to relieve yourself their, and no need to worry or complain of anything. Ill feelings of jealousy and negative words of gossip are absent. Rivers of milk whiter than fresh snow, and reserves of honey to indulge in with purity. Perfection in every freckle of a spot, for you are an honored guest of God. Allah, who has given you your final return, your eternal home, greater than just the most remarkable mansion. You are given at the very least 10 times of what you could have had on earth. No doubt, and that's just if you, & I make it to the first floor.

God(Allah) told humanity in Quran:

Allah hath promised to believers men and women gardens under which rivers flow to dwell therein and beautiful mansions in gardens of everlasting bliss. But the greatest bliss is the Good Pleasure of Allah: that is the supreme felicity. {9:72}

There no sense of fatigue shall touch them nor shall they (ever) be asked to leave. {15:48}

Gardens of Eternity which they will enter: beneath them flow (pleasant) rivers: they will have therein all that they wish: thus doth Allah reward the righteous. {15:31}

Who has, out of His bounty, settled us in a home that will last: no toil nor sense of wearness shall touch us therein. {25:35}

So we have to keep daydreaming. Dreams of a hypothetical reality, fuel our hopes, no matter how far we've gone all wrong, and no matter how far we've strayed. As long as you are alive in this current life, you can rectify, to make it to Felicity. A place much bigger than life. Let's go. May Allah guide you, guide me, and guide all of us to Jannah. (...and protect us from its opposite).

Multi-Task & Learn

2006-02-22T20:43:00.000-05:00

Avoiding music, not enough time to read important stuff, and always having background noise of 4 small kids around makes it quite challenging to pay attention to anything with great detail. My husband first bought me the "Lives of the Prophets". Good things to listen too while multi-tasking. Its a series that Imam Anwar Awlaki presents from Adam to Jesus (peace be upon them all). Now here's the thing. I totally recommend this for everyone. But especially to those with English as a strong language. Arabic will do too because all quotes he gets from authentic Hadith and Quran, and for whatever reason if they are questionable sources he tells you. I treasure these CD's because this Imam creates a very detailed picture in your mind of who our leaders were and paints descriptive situations of the Hereafter. Yesterday he was talking about the status of women, particularly our 4 role models of Maryam, Essya (wife of pharoah), Khadija (wife of Prophet Muhammad-pbuh), & his daughter, Fatima. May God be pleased with all of them. Well, I lost it. I couldn't stop crying,,crying out of guilt. These women endured so much, and Imam Awlaki encouraged Muslim women of today to be reminded of them while feeling blessed to be women who strive to serve God. Anyways, my point is, although these may be a bit on the expensive side, they are a good investment to have to listen to especially when you feel like you have been doing enough. The most exciting thing about this post is this: you can all listen to many of his inspiring lectures by clicking on the title of this post above (there are lots of other great speakers and resources there too).

Imam Al-Awlaki of Dar Al-Hijrah Islamic Center in Falls Church, Virginia is also the Muslim Chaplain at George Washington University. He holds a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Colorado State University, a M.A. in Education Leadership from San Diego State University and is currently working on a Doctorate degree in Human Resource Development at George Washington University.He is the author of a series of Audio lectures on the "Lives of the Prophets", covering the stories of the Prophets from Adam to Jesus (pbuh) of which over 20,000 copies have been published. The series is drawn from Imam Ibn Kathir's "Al-Bidayah wa An-Nihayah". He also has a series called The Hereafter"

For the record, I haven't actually heard his series on Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). But I can't wait to do so inshaAllah. May Allah reward Imam Awlaki and may Allah spread Truth everywhere in a way that people will understand, accept..

Sincere?

2006-02-21T14:21:00.000-05:00

Islam is all about intentions.
Kinky hair, blue eyes, wide shoulders, or freckled skin is not something we earn, nor something that we own. These are given to us on loan to take care of. These modalities that we are utilizing are a manifestation of the soul God has given to each human being. People are so ironic. Some seem to be so humble and generous, while others seems to be so arrogant and loud. Just like there are no two finger prints exactly the same, there are no two hearts with mirrored intentions. Deeds. Deeds are accomplished for Multiple reasons, maybe even multiple reasons at the same time. People accomplish things, travel earth, give of themselves, and show respect to each other. But what does it all matter? I mean, why be generous if you do it for yourself? Why are people reinventing the wheel here? There are so many people who believe the most important thing in life is to love one another and be kind. But what's the point of that if there is minimal or even no accountability if one isn't good? What justifies people in thinking they are doing enough of good causes? What justifies them in thinking that their good actions will be rewarded in the Hereafter? Can't they see that this life is just a short ride? I mean, what really gives them the confidence that a good action here will result in a good reward their?
If people say with God is the Final Return, and if they believe that the Hereafter is True, then why do they live for this life without thinking about what happens after death? If we know the reality of all this why do we choose to look the other way? Why do you do what you do?

ALLAH KNOWS BEST!

Words of Wisdom

2006-02-18T07:15:00.000-05:00

Here's something I like to read from time to time. Over 1400 years ago this speech was given from the leader of all Muslims and the most positive role model for all. He was a man who lived directly by God's Final Book, QURAN..He was a man, nothing more, just a man of the most pure intentions. May God guide us all in being more like this Last Messenger of God.........

Prophet Muhammad's (peace & blessings be upon him) last sermon was delivered on the 9th day of Dhul-Hijjah (name of lunar month) 10 A.H in the Uranah Valley of Mount of Rahmeh (Mercy) in Arafat (near Makkah, and in Saudia Arabia):

"Oh People, lend me an attentive ear, for I do not know whether, after this year, I shall ever be amongst you again. Therefore listen to what I am saying to you carefully and take these words to those who could not be present here today.

Oh People, just as you regard this month, this day, this city as Sacred, so regard the life and property of every Muslim as a sacred trust. Return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners.

Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you. Remember that you will indeed meet your Lord, and that He will indeed reckon your deeds. Allah has forbidden you to take usury (Interest), therefore all interest obligation shall henceforth be waived...

Beware of Satan, for your safety of your religion. He has lost all hope that he will ever be able to lead you astray in big things, so beware of following him in small things.

Oh People, it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women, but they also have right over you. If they abide by your right then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Do treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners and committed helpers. And it is your right that they do not make friends with any one of whom you do not approve, as well as never to commit adultery.

Oh People, listen to me in earnest, worship Allah, say your five daily prayers (Salah), fast during the month of Ramadhan, and give your wealth in Zakat. Perform Hajj if you can afford to. You know that every Muslim is the brother of another Muslim. You are all equal. Nobody has superiority over other except by piety and good action. Remember, one day you will appear before Allah and answer for your deeds. So beware, do not astray from the path of righteousness after I am gone.

Oh People, no prophet or apostle will come after me and no newfaith will be born. Reason well, therefore, O People, and understandmy words which I convey to you. I leave behind me two things, the Qur'an and my example, the sunnah and if you follow these you will never go astray.All those who listen to me shall pass on my words to others andthose to others again; and may the last ones understand my wordsbetter than those who listen to me directly.

BE MY WITNESS O ALLAH THAT I HAVE CONVEYED YOUR MESSAGE TO YOUR PEOPLE"

Satan's Meeting

2006-02-16T19:57:00.000-05:00

And indeed, We created man from sounding clay of altered black smooth mud.
And the jinn, We created aforetime from the smokeless flame of fire.
And (remember) when your Lord said to the angels: "I am going to create a man (Adam) from sounding clay of altered black smooth mud.
So, when I have fashioned him completely and breathed into him (Adam) the soul which I created for him, then fall (you) down prostrating yourselves unto him."
So, the angels prostrated themselves, all of them together.
Except Iblîs (Satan), - he refused to be among the prostrators. (Allâh) said: "O Iblîs (Satan)! What is your reason for not being among the prostrators?"
[Iblîs (Satan)] said: "I am not the one to prostrate myself to a human being, whom You created from sounding clay of altered black smooth mud."
(Allâh) said: "Then, get out from here, for verily, you are Rajîm (an outcast or a cursed one).
And verily, the curse shall be upon you till the Day of Recompense (i.e. the Day of Resurrection)."
[Iblîs (Satan)] said: "O my Lord! Give me then respite until the Day they (the dead) will be resurrected."
Allâh said: "Then, verily, you are of those reprieved,
Until the Day of the time appointed."
[Iblîs (Satan)] said: "O my Lord! Because you misled me, I shall indeed adorn the path of error for them (mankind) on the earth, and I shall mislead them all.
Except Your chosen, (guided) slaves among them."

(Allâh) said: "This is the Way which will lead straight to Me. Certainly, you shall have no authority over My slaves, except those who follow you of the Ghâwîn (Mushrikûn and those who go astray, criminals, polytheists, and evil-doers, etc.). {Quran 15:26-42}

Asalaam Alaikum Warahmat Allah and Hello to All:

I have done search upon search to find out who wrote this (below) and came up with 'Anonymous'. I could not help but think that perhaps an Angel of God wrote this to warn us, remind us, and steer us away from the deception of Satan. May God protect all of us, our parents, offspring from the materials of this life. Ameen.
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"Satan called a worldwide convention of demons. In his opening address he said:

""We can not keep Muslims from going to Mosque. We can not keep them from reading their Quran and knowing the truth. We can not even keep them from forming an intimate relationship with their God/Allah aiming their lives to follow the lifestyle of His Last Messenger, Muhammad. Once they gain that connection with Allah, our power over them is broken. So let them go to their Mosques. Let them have their covered dish dinners, but STEAL THEIR TIME, so they do not have time to develop a relationship with Allah and His Last Messenger Muhammad. This is what I want you to do:

Distract them from gaining hold of their Allah and maintaining that vital connection throughout their day! Keep them busy in the non-essentials of life and INVENT innumerable schemes to occupy their minds. TEMPT them to spend, spend, spend, and borrow, borrow, borrow. PERSUADE the wives to go to work for long hours and the husbands to work 6-7 days each week, 10-12 hours a day, so they can afford their empty lifestyles. PREVENT them from spending time with their children. As their families fragment, soon, their homes will offer no escape from the pressures of work! OVER-STIMULATE their minds so that they cannot hear that still, small voice. ENTICE them to play the radio or cassette player whenever they drive. Keep the TV, VCR, CDs and their PCs going constantly in their home and see to it that every store and restaurant in the world plays music constantly. This will jam their minds and break that union with Allah and His Last Messenger Muhammad. Fill the coffee tables with magazines and newspapers. Pound their minds with the news 24 hours a day. Invade their driving moments with billboards. Flood their mailboxes with junk mail, mail order catalogs, sweepstakes, and every kind of newsletter and promotional offering free products, services and false hopes. Keep skinny, beautiful models on the magazines and TV so their husbands will believe that outward beauty is what's important, and they'll become dissatisfied with their wives. Keep the wives too tired to love their husbands at night."Give them headaches too!"If they don't give their husbands the love they need, they will begin to look elsewhere. This will fragment their families quickly! Give them story books to distract them from teaching their children the real meaning of Prayer. Keep them too busy to go out in nature and reflect on God/Allah's Creations. Send them to amusement parks, sporting events, plays, concerts, and movies instead. Keep them busy, busy, busy! And when they meet for spiritual fellowship, involve them in gossip and small talk so that they leave with troubled consciences. Crowd their lives with so many amusing causes they have no time to seek power from Allah. Soon they will be working in their own strength, sacrificing their health and family for the good of the cause. It will work! It will work! "

It IS quite a plan. The demons went eagerly to their assignments causing Muslims everywhere to get busier and more rushed, going here and there. Having little time for their Allah or their families. Having no time to tell others about the power of Allah and His Messenger Muhammad to change lives.""

The Cursed Satan/ Shaitan ar-Rajeem. His plan is in full-force and currently in effect. Today and tomorrow. NOW. Is Iblees working you?

Teach Kids Death

2006-02-15T20:26:00.000-05:00

How many of us talk with our kids about DEATH? DEATH is such a normal thing. Actually, death is the biggest reality of life but we totally downplay it. Then when Azraeel/Angel of Death is appointed to take one's soul, we all do something..we just pause. SubhanAllah/Glory belongs to God. None of us has a clue as to when we'll die or when our children will or our husbands. It can happen tonight, tomorrow, so soon. This is why we need to try to remind ourselves of it. We can do this by aiming at not preoccupying ourselves with the materials of this life. Every single fraction of an action should be directed at pleasing Allah. I know I struggle with this. $5.00 spent on stickers the other day for my kids..I'm not sure if that deed is accepted or not especially when I think of what 5 bucks can do for someone, or even for a family in other parts of the world. Its not easy to live a humble life here, I'm assuming anywhere anymore, truly a Jihad. But during that pause when one thinks of DEATH, I can't help but feel pretty insignificant infront of my Creator/Allah.

Last night after 'Sincere Devotion' fell asleep, 'Sign' and 'Mercy' were talking about a friend they have who is an orphan, and so much that Mercy began pretending "I don't have a mommy & daddy anymore so i'm going to live with you(Sign)". This happened during the day. I didn't comment of at the time because I want them to feel that DEATH is normal. So before bedtime, I was on the couch with my little team, when I began talking to them about Jannah, it was storytime. They were indulged by possibilities of trees made out of gold and swimming in rivers of milk. 'Sign', my oldest who's 6, she didnt want to see dinosaurs in Jannah, but my 4 1/2 yr old 'Mercy' wanted to see dragonflies. This is typical talk that we've done on several occassions before. They love it. So then I asked them what do they think happens to our bodies? 'Sign' was able to tell me that it gets buried. So I went further with that because my chatty preschooler 'Mercy' had nothing to say as she was awaiting the next vivid description. "...It's put in a a box underground, waits for Judgement Day, and then the gets lots of presents if the person was a good Muslim and Allah gives the Muslims lost of things...". I tried telling them about al -Ruh/The Soul. You know, that it is something we can't see but we all have a different one inside our bodies. MashaAllah, I think they got it, to the extent a little kids can.

I'm telling you all this because I swear by Allah, He is the BEST of Timers and Planners. After Salat-Jummuah/(Friday Sermon & Prayer) today, there was a Janazah (Funeral). SUBHAN'ALLAH. Everything I explained to the kids just last night happened before their eyes today. YES. I let them see the box. Allah, the Lord of this Universe, even made our car park beside the hearse as we were waiting for the final paperwork to be completed so the burial could start.

This was my golden opportunity. I was so humbled and tearful yet excited and encouraged. 'Mercy' asked what's the man's name that is in the box? (which we didnt know). While 'Sign' said: "I want to see the box go underground..". 'Strong Beleiver' was just hungry and wanted to go home to eat, (can you blame him, he's 2!). My husband turned up the Quran and told the kids to be quiet so the deceased Muslim can listen to the Quran (as you know they can hear us before we leave the funeral-hadith/Allah knows best). The girls ended up seeing the "box" being put under and people shoveling dirt on it.

I have so many things I need to improve on. Allah knows I am far from fault-free, especially when it comes to mothering..the list goes on & on. But one thing I know for sure, and I encourage ALL of you to do is talk to your children about DEATH!. Even a very young age, especially at a young age! Not only should they know about Jannah(Paradise) & Hellfire...they NEED to know about Angels, Cursed Shaitan. Try to teach it to them in ways you know they will understand. Never underestimate the ability of your children to understand Allah's Laws, even about DEATH.

Maybe if a bug dies, or a flower is no longer blooming can be a way to introduce DEATH. Allah grants us these opportunities to teach and explain to our blooming children that this donia is temporary and we are actually on are way to a permanent home. But what we do on this trip will determine where are home will be. The last thing young kids need is a scare of Hellfire. Let them be aware of it, definantly, but make a huge deal of Jannah, get them psyched about Jannah. Make them beleive that its the coolest place to be. 'Mercy' told us she wants a trampoline in Jannah, even bigger the biggestone she's seen. 'Sign' really wants to fly like birds.

I would also like to remind you of a some words of wisdom. Prophet Muhammad (peace & blessings be upon him) taught us that we should ask Allah for 4 things at the end of each prayer right before we say salaamat to the Angels: (after you say "innaka hamidun majeed"):

Ibn 'Abbas reported that the Messenger of Allah (may peace he upon him) used to teach them this supplication (in the same spirit) with which he used to teach them a surah of the Qur'an. He would thus instruct us: "Say, O Allah I we seek refuge with Thee from the torment of Hell, and I seek refuge with Thee from the torment of the grave, and I seek refuge with Thee from the trial of Masih al-Dajjal. and I seek refuge with Thee from the trial of life and death." {Sahih Hadith: Muslim}

By talking to our kids more about the realities of this Life and the truth of the Hereafter, we remind ourselves of the inevitable.

May Allah forgive me if I've said anything in error; and may Allah bless all children with the proper Islamic upbringing so they keep their Fitra (natural love for Islam & Allah).

Hoopla of Love

2006-02-13T23:20:00.000-05:00

"And among His Signs is this, that He created for you spouses from among yourselves, that you may find repose in them, and He has put between you affection and mercy. Verily, in that are indeed signs for a people who reflect" (Quran 30:21).
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They say Valentine's Day is a light and fun holiday, we should all lighten up. Hmm, well if this were true then one can not have the belief in their heart that God will Judge on Judgement Day. Every single action we complete is in record. All actions we commit will be presented either for us, or against us. Even Valentine's Day. First of all, I think most people know its origin, right? You know that story that revolved around pagans, and how it transferred into lives of saints, then ofcourse Hallmark is all over it cashing in, roses are expected by women, preschool kids are learning about the heart shape, teens in highschool get the privledge of sending secret admirer chocolates..and everyone seemed to forget something very important here. Its origin, and the fakeness of it all.

Deception! Deception, because everyone seems to have forgotten why Valentines is supposedly crucial to their beleifs as a whatever: Jew, Hindu, Buddhist, and even people claiming to be Muslim. Glory belongs to God.

Love in Islam is so sacred. Precious love for children. Honorable love for parents. Sacred love for spouse. Glowing love for family. Commited love for community. All because of the most powerful love of all, a serving love for God/ALLAH.

There's no concept in Islam of doing something just for the heck of it. Everything is accounted for, and intention is looked at first. SUre, we are all at fault of off intentions sometimes. But if someone wants to express or proclaim their love for something or someone why should it be emphasized only on one day? Why does it need to be in the form of flowers and chocolates? Don't get me wrong I love those things, I just don't see why only on one day this is so special as they say. I love my family, my children, parents and brother. I love my sister -in-law and people in general. So why do I have to limit my attention to them on Valentine's day? Instead of accepting the norm of society, why not question it?

Kids are so impressionable. They need to know why this and why that. Its sometimes hard, but if you foster in them the greatest love of all, a love for God and Prophet Muhammad (peace & blessings be upon him) by reminding them and talking to them about all the beautiful things in history, by pointing out God's gracious glorious ways seen by the view of a single most eloquent rose, then the concept of love for God thorugh every action my be instilled in their hearts.

Protect them from feeling they need to partake in senseless holidays like this one. Teach them about the what True love really is. Its trust in Allah, and the practice to do what is right. Instead of having them toy around with the the idea of hearts, candies, chocolates and the yummies. Remind them that everyday should be a day of love because Allah loves them and wants the best for them. Oh, and about all those sweets, maybe doing a search on them on the internet to find out how they are made or where exactly sugar comes from will give them a deeper appreciation of a love for goodies, a deeper appreciation for God. Put God first on every occassion. Especially on an occassion that proclaims love.

I hope my little girl doesn't throw a fit when I tell her she's not going to pre-school tomorrow morning, especially when her 1st grader sister who's in an Islamic school will , God-willing/InshaAllah. Maybe by teaching kids at a young age about everything and exposing them to truth about all things at a rate they can understand, will simplify the decisions and actions they take when they are teens or adults. God willing. May God protect all children, and guide us all on the Straight Path.

True Love is love for someone or something that is given to please Allah. The hoopla of Valentine's Day simply negates this.

Check out what our reply should be when someone says "I love you". Prophet Muhammad (peace & blessings upon him) taught us..you'll see it at the top of this post.

Backwards

2006-02-12T21:28:00.000-05:00

The most influential man, the best character, a leader with strength, but most humbled was he. Al-Amin, the Trustworthy.

Do you not see that many things in this life are just simply backwards? Abortion is a woman's right to kill a baby yet the death sentence is considered uncivilized. Modesty is a no longer understandable concept come Spring, yet homosexuality is publicly celebrated. Loving parents is unquestionable, but throwing them in a far away nursing home is understandable. Being religious is an honor in people's eyes, especially if one is deemed "recognized".

People are just so messed up, for the most part anyway. Priorities are not in check. I remember way back in high school, you know, the crazy place in the middle of chaos, well there was this questionnaire. I don't even remember for what class it was. Anyways, it asked us to rate what was most important to us. Back then, although I was not wearing hijab nor had 1/2 as much knowledge of Islam, I rated religion being #1. I am not sure why I did it, because looking back then, I hadn't really practiced Islam for my inner self as much as I did for just the sake of doing it. Make sense? My freshman year in college is when I really woke up. I lived on campus and knew that I would not fit in. Being protected from my parents, not allowing me to sleep over friends houses, and not being crazy about me hanging out at McDonald's friday nights after those high school football games..finally all made sense to me..in college. I finally began to appreciate my parents refusing to let me do this or that while growing up.

It was then my heart started to obsorb the true meaning of Islam. Submit. Submitting my backwards will to God. The more I learned about it for myself, rather than relying on the Sunday school teachings, or what my dear parents have taught me, the more I wanted to know. I began a journey back then that has not stopped, Praise God. I am not a convert, revert, or whatever you'd like to call it. I was brought up in a Muslim home and most of my ways are picked up from my parents. May God reward them. But having said that, I can not deny that there was still a turning point, this is when my Muslim persona really began to emerge. I Praise God for introducing me to Prophet Muhammad (peace & blessings be upon him)

There is no way, I can be a who I am today without the most important figure in my life. My parents have always taught me to stick up for myself. My husband provides much knowledge and support to my Islamic being.

More than the loves of my life, it is Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) who inspires me, encourages me, and nourishes me with his humble, generous, and noble character. He had dynamic responsibilities, yet he lived the most simple life. As an educator, he never made people feel small, unwanted, or insignificant. Growing up as an orphan instilled a love for needy children and was an extra support to the elderly. In his own home, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was one who's life was about simplicity and contentment. Despite his position as leader, the Prophet Muhammad never behaved as if he was greater or better than other people. He was a man of dignity and honor, but only to please his Creator. Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) is one which Muslims aim to emulate in every action. You want to know what true Islam is, then you need to know who this man was, and who is in the hearts of over a billion Muslims.

Corruption of this society, of this world will go on, backwards thinking will continue, and yet the true teaching of God through Prophet Muhammad (peace & blessings be upon him) will continue to guide Muslims, and anyone who seeks Truth.

It is He Who has sent down the Book (the Qur'Ã¢n) to you (Muhammad SAW) with truth, confirming what came before it. And he sent down the TaurÃ¢t (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel).

{3:3, Noble Quran}

Doctor Bee

2006-02-12T14:24:00.000-05:00

I came across this nicely written piece about one of God's Creations. What's in that honey? It reminded me that every single thing worships Allah. As controversial this may seem, it makes me question pediatricians who say that babies should not consume honey before they turn a year old.

Allah (All High) said: "And your Rabb [Lord] inspired the bees, saying: "Take you habitations in the mountains and in the trees and in what they erect. Then, eat of all fruits, and follow the ways of your Rabb made easy [for you]." There comes forth from their bellies, a drink of varying colour wherein is healing for men. Verily, in this is indeed a sign for people who think." (Qur'an 16: 68-69)

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I am the doctor, I am the handicraft of medicine. You come to me to take your medicine from my pharmacy, the one that I prepare myself to heel you Insha-Allah (if Allah wills) from your diseases. The medicine I make never tastes bitter to annoy whoever takes it; on the contrary, it is sweet and delicious and everybody likes it. In fact it has many colors and many odours, it smells like roses in the garden, flowers and basil, or even jasmine. The colours of my medicine are pure and beautiful: pure white, red, or yellow.Its heeling power is guaranteed, and the patient does not need a medicine check from the physician; furthermore, whoever takes it would never have any side effects or any complications because it heels and strengthens, always useful and never useless.None of the whole creatures can ever make that medicine because this is my secret and nobody else can have it. In fact, no creature at all taught me this secret; moreover, I never went to school and never studied at any university. However, I am so good at manufacturing that heeling medicine.Do not wonder at this speech, and do not say: "How should we believe? These are just dreams." In fact, I am not dreaming or lying, but I am telling the truth and nothing but the truth.Do you want' to know who taught me that secret? He is the Great Creator Allah (All High) who created me and taught me the right path and guided me by His inspiration and simplified this manufacturing ability for me.Allah (All High) created a great factory in my minute body, in which there are very minute instruments that make this medicine. After that, He permitted me to go and suck materials from fruits and roses' nectar that would never harm the rose; then I mix that nectar in my body to let my instruments work with the Aid of the All-Powerful Allah (All High) to extract a perfect fare medicine, pure and very useful. Do you know now who I am?Yes, I guess you knew that I am the BEE and the medicine I make is honey. I am a very tiny overactive creature that never becomes tired or lazy or even sick. I usually do my work with firmness and never feel bored, but rather spend my whole life making honey.Allah (All High) inspired me to build my well-organized shelter, so I build it as a hexagonal shape, strongly fixed from its ends; then He let me fly easily using my tiny wings in order to fly in the valleys and the green fields sucking flowers' nectar and tasting all fruits before I return home. And when I return I empty all what I have collected and store it, then I go back again, and so on, feeling no fatigue or boredom.As a matter of fact, I do not ask you any recompense for my effort except to respect my limits and consider my existence. Therefore, I do not like anybody to attempt my life or fight me because, we bees, do not like aggression and we love to live safely.However, if anybody attempts to endanger our life, we are so brave and our weapons are our stinging needles. Our soldiers sacrifice their lives for the defense of their kingdom and they are fierce in their battles for a sting would certainly cost the bee its life. That is because its stinging needle is attached to its guts, and when it sticks it into somebody its bowels would go out of its body and it dies terribly as you see.Allah (All High) has honoured us in His Book and specialized us by naming one of the Surahs (chapters) of His Book by our name and has granted to us the honour of His inspiration. Not only that, but He (All High) predestined our lives and guided us to the way of our work. If you want to know something about our kingdom or the organization of our government, then our kingdom does not differ much from yours, and our government resembles yours to a high extent.We have a Queen who rules us and that we obey and guard. The work is divided among us: some make the wax, others work in honey and another team builds the shelters while the others bring water. We usually get very early in the morning, and our drone has been an example as people say: "he wakes as early as a drone."Some of our members keep flapping their wings to refresh the air of the cell, and some are the soldiers and yet some others are just males. We shall go back now, my dear friends, to my medicine.Honey has been mentioned in the Qur'an, and Allah (All High) described it as a cure for people, and it is a sterilized medicine where no microbe or insect can live. And if you want to be sure take some honey and put an insect in it and you will find out that it will be dead in a few seconds.Honey is a cure for so many diseases, and it is the medicine that was recommended by our Prophet Muhammad [peace be upon him (PBUH)] who said: "Do have the two cures: Honey and the Qur'an." (Ibn Majah)Moreover, the name of honey was mentioned in the Qur'an when Allah (All High) mentioned the rivers of Paradise: "The description of Paradise which the Muttaqun [the pious] have been promised [is that] in it are rivers of water, the taste and smell of which are not changed, rivers of milk of which the taste never changes, rivers of wine delicious to those who drink, and rivers of clarified honey [clear and pure]..." (Qur'an 47: 15)It was reported in a Hadith [tradition of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)] narrated by Bukhari and Muslim that a man came to the Prophet and said, "My brother has some abdominal trouble." The Prophet (PBUH) said to him: "Let him drink honey," - the man came for the second time and the Prophet said to him "Let him drink honey." - He came for the third time and the Prophet said, "Let him drink honey." - He returned again and said, "I have done that." The Prophet then said, "Allah (All High) has said the truth, but you brother's abdomen has told a lie. Let him drink honey." So he made him drink honey and he was at last cured.Some doctors said that the patient mentioned in the Hadith had the following situation: That man had some harmful wastes gathered in his abdomen. So when he drank honey for the first time, the wastes were disintegrated, and they got out of his body gradually, wastes were out of the patient's body and he was cured by the Power of Allah (All High).Have you been acquainted now with my whole life, dear friends? I guess you love me now and you are no more afraid of me, because as you see I do not harm except the one who harms me since my stinging costs me my life.So be my close friends and let me do my job that Allah (All High) has taught me and inspired me, and peace be with you.Doctor Bee[From: "Birds and Animals Mentioned in the Holy Qur'an" By: Nour M. Jaffala]
Monday : 01/03/2004

http://www.islamweb.net

Muslims & Jews Share

2006-02-09T12:08:00.000-05:00

Millions of Muslims just might be fasting today. Maybe millions of Jews too. Today is Ashura. A day that commemorates the day that God saving the Children of Israel from Pharaoh. A day fasted by a common leader , prophet for both Muslims and Jews: Moses (peace and blessings be upon him). Here's what happened.

When Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) entered Madinah, he found that the Jews there fasted to a day called 'Ashura.' The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) asked them the reason of their fasting. The Jewish people replied: â€œThis is a blessed day. On this day God saved the Children of Israel from their enemy (in Egypt) and so Prophet Moses fasted on this day giving thanks to God.â€� Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said, â€œWe have more claim to Moses than you.â€� So Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) fasted on that day and commanded Muslims to fast on this day. (Al-Bukhari, hadith 1865) For Muslims to be distinguished from the Jewish community, it is preferred to fast as one of the following:

1. Fast for three days: on the 9th, 10th, and 11th of Muharram

2. Fast the 9th and 10th of Muharram, or

3. Fast only the 10th of Muharram.

{Oh, and this picture above is a satellite view of Sinai and the Red Sea, valid for history.}

Please remember this special day of sacrifice and make supplication to God to enlighten us with continued faith. Ameen.

God Knows Best.

Hijab vs. Anarachy

2006-02-08T12:37:00.000-05:00

Everytime I get into the car I love to listen to this song. It's by Dawud Wharnsby Ali. Hijab is much more than just covering up hair and putting up with the heat in the summer. It keeps me and Muslim women grounded to truth and builds confidence in my heart that people should see me for who I really am. People are always talking and saying things that "its what's on the inside that counts". Well, for me and other Muslim women wearing hijab, we are examples of professing that ideology they speak of. The concept of "larger than life", materials: well that is what I aim to shy away from. Simplicity is a Muslim's ongoing goal, only then will contentment in one's heart be reached, that is the true definition of being rich. Muslim women, we are from everywhere on the globe. Next time you see her, you know, instead of asking her where she is from, ask her what you really want to know, "Why do you cover?" Chances are you'll get the same answer: "Because God told me to...as a form of protection from ill people, and as a form of protection to remind myself of my purpose of this life."

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The Veil:

They say, â€œOh poor girl you are so beautiful you know itâ€™s a shame that you cover up your beauty so.â€�She just smiles and graciously responds reassuringly,â€œThis beauty that I have is just a simple part of me; this body that I have, no stranger has a right to see. These long clothes and shawl I wear ensure my modesty. Faith is more essential than fashion, wouldnâ€™t you agree?â€� This hijab, this mark of piety,is an act of faith, a symbol, for all the world to see.A simple cloth, to preserve her dignity. So lift the veil from your heart to see the heart of purity.

They tell her, â€œGirl donâ€™t you know this is the west and you are free? You donâ€™t need to be oppressed, ashamed of your femininity.â€� She just shakes her head and she speaks so assuredly, â€œSee the billboards and the magazines those lines the check-out isles, with their phony painted faces and their air-brushed smiles? Well their sheer clothes, and low cut gowns, they are really not for me. You call it freedom, but I call it ANARCHY.â€�

This hijab, this mark of piety, is an act of faith, a symbol, for all the world to see. A simple cloth, to protect her dignity.So lift the veil from your heart to see the heart of purity.
Lift the veil from your heart to see the heart of purity.

Islamaphobia

2006-02-07T16:56:00.000-05:00

Islam. So many ways to define it. But only one way to define it correctly. So many ways of practice. But only one way to practice it truthfully. So many ways to view it. But only one way to view completely. One prescribed religion, one way of life, one Book in authenticity, One God. Not just for me, not just for Muslims. For all of humanity back then, for all of humanity today, and for the entire human race until Judgement Day. We live. We go through tests. We die. We ressurect. We are judged. We are rewarded or We serve time. One Message was delivered to you. One Message was delivered to me. Corruption deceives Truth. Has it corrupted what was placed in your heart, your God-given right? Our time will come. Yours is on its way. Judegement Day.

I love him and I want to be like him in every way. He is my leader and taught me to be kind to orphans, how to be clean, how to love my neighbor and that they have a right over me (even if they are not Muslim-and even if they do not think highly of me because I am). The Trustworthy taught me to be honest, and teaches me my role as a mother, a wife, a daughter, and a sister. The more I read about him, the more I am humbled by his character. Patience was a virtue of his. He was abused and tormented by people who had hearts sealed towards any amount of guideance. Kind, gentle, and playful with children was he. Know who he was. A man, a noble man who instilled the rights of women, saved female babies, stood up for the elderly and respected the ill.

God Watches & Listens to all affairs. God is the Most Fair. For those who disrespect any of God's Messengers (peace & blessings be upon them), just a reminder..those comments will catch up to you. If not now, then certainly later. Let's wake each other up. Islam is not to be feared of. Prophet Muhammad (PEACE be upon him) is not to be feared of. IGNORANCE, and there is tons of it, that is what people should be afraid of. Question hypocricy. Question lies. Question the SOURCE. Only then True Islam will shine and be seen for what it is, what it really means. SUBMISSION to God. One Message sent to all of humanity. From Noah to Moses, from Abraham to Jesus...to yes, Muhammad: peace & blessings be upon them all. Not a hard concept to understand. Not something to be afraid of. Quran is a Sacred Book, it has not been changed in over 1400 years. God protects it and has promised to do so until the end of this world. You will never find 2 different books sharing the same name : Quran. This is fundamental in Islam. The only change that happens is within the people.

Islamaphobia is caused by gullability. Not everything is true and not everything is a lie. Read with the intention to know. Read with your fears left aside. Read while keeping those images in your mind away. If you really want to know Islam, If you really want to know who Prophet Muhammad: Peace and blessings be upon him, and if you really want to understand then all you have to do is sincerely read. If you sincerely read, then avoid commentaries, avoid the hypocrites, avoid the corruption. Read the history, the facts, the true story of Prophet Muhammad: peace & blessings be upon him. Only then you may come to know. Avoid ignorance, stay away from stereotypes, ask questions, and seek knowledge.

89 & Unsure

2006-02-04T20:16:00.000-05:00

Walking into his room I noticed he was half asleep & half awake. He seemed surprised to see me. Well he had seen me once last week, but short term memory at 89 years is kind of shady, at least for him. I went in there with a plan to focus intervention on sitting/standing balance. Although I should have known he wouldn't have been washed & dressed by the nursing aids. It was not an occupational therapy goal set for him, to become more independent with self care, but I ended up helping him out with some of it to challenge his balance sitting at the edge of the bed. The nursing aid loved this, they are always hoping it is part of OT intervention, they have such a demanding job.

Anyways, as I was saying, I shocked him. He looked at me and then started a long conversation :

"Are you a nun?"

No, I wear this scarf because I am Muslim.

You're not a nun? (he's hard of hearing and does not have hearing aids for whatever reason)

No, I am Muslim.

Oh, you're a Moslem!

Yeah.

That's nice.

How about you get up out of bed?

OK..but are you a Modern Muslim? You seem like all of us, you don't cover your face or wear black??

Some women cover their faces, its all about modesty in every aspect of a Muslim's life. At the very least the clothes have to be loose and everything covered but the hands and face.

But you look so modern...a modern Moslem (more like Mozlum!!)

There are many of us living in this modern world, you look modern too!

(he laughed)

Ok, so let me explain something. I'm thinking this guy has lived most of his life already, and he seems really interested..so I started asking him questions like what his faith is, especially after he inquired if I believed in the Ten Commandments! Ok, so for me, it is important I work on the treatment plan, but who am I kidding, it was an open shot and I just had to go with this conversation.

He expressed that although he is Catholic he doesn't really have a religion, that he is confused and has no idea. SubhanAllah/Glory belongs to God. As unsure as he seemed, he appeared to believe everything I was saying by commenting: Yeah that makes sense! Or it could just be my gullability too!! This 89er mentioned the belief in One God. I was explaining how Islam defines Jesus (peace and blessings be upon him). It was a foreign idea to him that the trinity is not something Muslims hold true and that Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) is not God. SubhanAllah. Every time I would say something, he would look at me and say "But you're just like everyone else, you're a good person" Once he continued on with that and said, "But most of them (Muslims) are not like that, right?" Again, my gut was telling me he was falling for it, the Truth! I corrected him ofcourse and I loved his curiosity.

So then talk about our permanent home began. I explained that Muslims view life as an Exam, if a person worships One God and devotes all actions to please that One God by following the examples of the great men who were there to teach us: from Noah to Abraham, to Moses and Jesus and Muhammad (peace & blessings upon them) then we've got a good place waiting for us in the Hereafter.

Then he had random questions that I answered like Fridays is the Muslim's holy day rather than Saturday of the Jews and Sundays of the Christians. Another back to my head scarf/hijab, do I take it off at home and whether I was married or not. I had to answer that I am a mom. Alhamdulilah/Praises belong to God. Oh, and if Muslims repent to anyone? He was especially agreeable with this point, that there is a direct relationship with God by every individual person.

So after I finished helping him wash his back, and arms while he was sitting at the edge of the bed (and about his balance, it was fair, he just started to lean at the end) and after I put on his hospital gown around his shoulders, the nursing aid walked in and my 30 minute session with him was up.

I left his room walking down to another unit for another resident of the nursing home making duaa/supplication that he will die not except in a state of Iman and that he be a companion of mine of Jannah/Paradise. But first, I have to make it there! I hope, I pray.