Thursday

WOMEN IN ISLAM

How do women fit into islam? What is their fate?
This has been the subject of many a debate
for the believing men and women, is a great reward'
this is from surah al azaab, the words of our Lord
it can be seen from reading the holy Quran
that a woman has some privilege over a man

Praying is exempted during menstruation
here islam gives women consideration
a woman after marriage becomes a wife
for nine long months she carries new life
during childbirth she is exempted to fast
islam is against the burying of girls in the past

They can pray at the mosque or even at home
they may marry or divorce , its their choice, their own
after marriage she can retain her old maiden name
and is rewarded for treating all her offspring the same
once they are married they should live pious lives
and the best men are those who are best to their wives

Islam shows equality my sisters and brothers
don't forget paradise lies at the feet of your mothers
women in the UK had property rights from 1938
this right was given by islam, 14 centuries to date
in the UK, women could vote from 1918
this was stated 1400 years ago in islam our deen

Women can work and lead a happily married life
but shouldn't neglect her role as mother and wife
a woman for her child's upbringing, deserves her credit
islam also gives a woman the right to inherit
a woman's status in islam, we should never neglect
in islam they are favoured and deserve their respect

Sunday

Mind is a tool, not a reference

One of the most misunderstood issues among Muslims today is the role of the mind (Aql). As a result of this misunderstanding, the Muslim Ummah has suffered from a distorted outlook. Because the mind is used to formulate ideas and concepts about life, then misunderstanding the function of this tool will lead to misuse of the mind, which will ultimately result in a consistent pattern of incorrect ideas, thoughts, and concepts. Therefore, it is crucial for the Muslims to understand how Islam defines the role of the mind.

Role of the Mind in the Islamic Aqeedah

When it comes to the issue of establishing the foundation of the Islamic Aqeedah - the belief in Allah (swt) as the One Creator, the belief in the Qur'an as the Book of Allah, and the belief in Muhammad (saaws) as the Messenger of Allah (swt) - the mind is used to its full capacity. Allah (swt) created the human being and distinguished the human being with the capacity to think. And in the Qur'an, Allah (swt) addresses the human being to think and ponder about the universe to come to the realization that Allah (swt) exists. Furthermore, Allah (swt) orders the human being to think and ponder about himself to come to the realization that the human being must depend upon Allah (swt) to provide a system and way of life for the human being. Also, Allah (swt) instructs the human being to think and contemplate about the Qur'an itself, to arrive at the conclusion that the Qur'an is the Book of Allah, thereby establishing Muhammad (saaws) as the Messenger of Allah.

This use of the mind is necessary when it comes to the issue of belief because of two reasons. First, Allah (swt) ordered us to establish the truthfulness of the Islamic Aqeedah through the intellectual method, and He condemned those who built their belief on other means such as emotion, doubt, conjecture, imitation of forefathers, or following the masses. Secondly, the belief or Aqeedah is the most central issue for the human being, and it is the foundation that defines the outlook and behavior of the human being. Furthermore, the belief is the reference that provides the thoughts and concepts, the criterion for measuring all things, as well as the source for solutions and answers to all issues - for human beings as individuals as well as for society. Therefore, it is essential that the Aqeedah be erected upon a solid foundation that is built upon conclusive proofs. Any doubt in the Aqeedah will translate into a shaky foundation that will be prone to compromise, influence by foreign ideas, inconsistency, and weakness. And absolute certainty cannot be established except through the intellectual method, which is the process of examining the reality as it is, enabling one to build thoughts based on definite facts.

How Islam Defines the Role of the Mind for Muslims

Once the human being establishes the truthfulness of the Islamic Aqeedah and enters into the fold of Islam, then Islam becomes the reference point that defines the thoughts, outlook, and behavior of the Muslim. In addition, Islam also defines the role of the mind. In Islam, the mind is a tool that is used to understand the reference, but it does NOT serve as a reference itself, nor can be used to question the validity of any aspect of the reference or to pass judgment on the reference. The Message of Islam, once proven correct, does not need to justify any of its contents. Therefore, in Islam, the mind is used to understand the Islamic rules and what Islam expects from the Muslims, but once this understanding is reached, then the attitude of the Muslim should be as Allah (swt) described the believers in the Qur'an: 'We listen, and we obey.'

The evidence that establishes this role can be deduced intellectually and textually. On the intellectual level, the foundation of the Islamic Aqeedah rests upon two points, the first one being the realization that Allah (swt) exists as the One Creator, and the second point being the realization that we as human beings must depend upon Allah (swt) to provide us with answers and with a system of life. The existence of Allah (swt) is established through an intellectual study of the universe, which conclusively proves that Allah (swt) exists. And the dependency of human being to Allah (swt) is established through an intellectual study of the human being. The human mind is limited in its scope, and is subject to bias, error, and influence from the environment. Therefore, any attempt by the human mind to define the system of life or to provide answers and solutions to the questions and issues that humanity faces will be subject to mistakes, error, inconsistency and bias. This fact leads us to the realization that the human being must depend upon Allah (swt) to provide us with the correct system and the correct solution to our questions and problems. Because Allah (swt) is the Creator, then His Knowledge is unlimited and is not prone to error, mistakes, or inconsistency; thus, it follows naturally that the system that Allah (swt) provides is correct, and once it is proven that Islam is that system, then the Muslim should submit to everything that emanates from Islam with the contentment that whatever emanates from Islam is from Allah (swt) the Creator.

On the textual level, the role of the mind is established by the many Qur'anic ayat and hadiths that clearly order the Muslims to obey Allah (swt) and His Messenger (saaws) unconditionally. Once we establish that the Qur'an is the Book of Allah, this means that whatever is mentioned in the Qur'an is from Allah (swt) the Creator. And the Qur'an explicitly orders the Muslims to submit to Allah (swt) and the Messenger without conditions. As such, the role of the mind becomes a tool that is used to understand what Allah (swt) and His Messenger (saaws) said.

Some Additional Points to Keep in Mind

That being said, two additional points must be kept in mind. First, stating that the mind has a well-defined role does not constitute 'narrow-mindedness' or 'closed mindedness.' If it is meant by narrow-mindedness or closed-mindedness that we refer to a specific point of view, then all human beings are narrow-minded and closed minded because all human beings have a reference point. However, if it is meant by narrow-mindedness that we close our minds to other opinions that are WITHIN the framework and boundary of Islam, then this should be fought against because such a state of mind will kill creativity and productivity in the Ummah. Equally dangerous would be to extend our minds beyond the perimeters that Islam defined and to open our minds to accept any opinion, regardless of whether it conforms with Islam or not. Such a mentality would open the door for influence by foreign thoughts and would dilute the purity of the Islamic concepts, which would pollute the thinking of the Ummah and lead to stagnation and confusion. There is a difference between narrow-mindedness and being FOCUSED. We as Muslims should use our minds, but we should have the focus and the clarity to realize that the use of our minds should not extend beyond the boundaries set by our reference, which is Islam.

Secondly, Islam defines the role of the mind in other aspects and not just in issues related to the Deen. Regarding issues related to science, technology, or issues of an administrative nature, Islam gave the mind an unrestricted role. For this reason, we find that the Prophet (saaws) would be extremely vigilant in ensuring that the Muslims would refer exclusively to Islam in their belief, thoughts, values, outlook, legislation, and culture. However, the Prophet (saaws) borrowed the concept of the trench from the Persians and utilized this technology in the Battle of Al-Ahzab, and he would send some Muslims to Yemen (which was not Muslim at the time) to learn how to manufacture swords. In addition, the Prophet (saaws) changed his opinion and accepted the opinions of others on technical issues, but when it came to issues related to concepts, belief, or legislation, the Sahabah would submit to Allah (swt) and His Messenger (saaws) totally and completely.


What Went Wrong?

Muslims in the past clearly understood the role of the mind in all aspects. The Muslims understood that the Aqeedah must be established intellectually, and as a result, Islam was built upon a solid foundation. As a result, the Muslims had no difficulty in submitting to the revelation unconditionally, and this strong foundation created within the Muslims a great intellectual momentum on all fronts. On the linguistic and juristic fronts, the Muslims established such fields as Usul ul-Fiqh, Fiqh, Usul ud-Deen, Ilm ul-Hadith, and Tafseer in order to facilitate understanding of the Islamic text. On the scientific and technological fronts, the Muslims excelled in all sciences and technologies in order to establish and advance the supremacy of Islam and to facilitate the implementation and propagation of the Islamic Message.

However, with time, the Muslims lost this understanding of the role of the mind. It began when Muslims began to debate issues that are beyond the thinking process. In this context, Ilm ul-Kalaam was borne, and Muslims began to discuss issues that are beyond the human mind, such as Allah's Essence and Allah's Attributes. Eventually, this provided fertile ground for the emergence of Sufism and Muslim 'Philosophers,' which further pushed the use of the mind above and beyond its limits. All of these influences succeeded in weakening the strength of the Aqeedah of Islam and caused a shift in the Muslim mentality. Rather than building the Islamic Aqeedah through profound intellectual study established upon concrete proof, the Islamic Aqeedah was established upon abstract metaphysical arguments that were grounded in speculation, conjecture, and superstition. This state of weakness caused the Muslims to become easily influenced by the Western Culture and civilization, and along with this culture came the Western definition of the role of the mind.

Nowadays, the understanding of the mind's role among Muslims is the diametric opposite of what it should be. Rather than establishing the belief through intellect, the Muslims adopt Islam through 'faith' and blind following. The Islamic Aqeedah is taken blindly in the absence of the profound intellectual process that Allah (swt) ordered humanity to use in establishing their belief. However, when it comes the Akham Shariyah, rather than utilizing their minds as a tool to understand the reference, Muslims have begun to refer to the mind itself as a source for their thoughts, their actions, their values, and as a reference to address issues and measure things. This confused status can only be attributed to the influence of the Western culture and the definition of the mind's role as espoused by the West. In the West, the mind is completely divorced from belief, and as a result, belief cannot be proven intellectually and must be taken on 'faith'. This separation was a by-product of the Secular Aqeedah of the West, in which Allah (swt) was removed from life, and Deen was detached from the life affairs. As a result, the West looks to the human mind as the source for laws, rules, and legislation, and as the criterion and reference.

As the Muslims were declining, the West began to experience a dramatic revival, and as a result, the Muslims became fascinated by the West and began to adopt their culture and outlook. Therefore, it was a natural consequence that the Muslims began to view the role of the mind according to Western standards. The level of confusion was so severe that Muslims would prohibit themselves from adopting the science and technology of the West while turning a blind eye when it came to adopting the culture, outlook and thoughts of the West, even though Islam allowed us to adopt science and technology from foreign cultures and civilizations but strictly prohibited us from adopting their culture and way of life.

Today, understanding the role of the mind according to the West has become an accepted norm among Muslims. The situation has deteriorated to the extent that Muslims will go as far as citing so-called 'Islamic' justifications to promote this view. Concepts such as 'Shariah was revealed for our benefit' and 'the mind is a source of Shariah' only reinforce this twisted thinking. Therefore, it is crucial for the Muslims, if they are serious about revival, to address this issue. Revival of the Ummah will begin by reviving the thinking of the Muslims, and this cannot be done without developing a clear and correct understanding of how Islam defines the very tool that we use in thinking.

May Allah (swt) help us in understanding Islam correctly so that we can fulfill our responsibilities and worship Him in the correct manner.

Saturday

Whosoever is awake (to the material world) is the more asleep (to the spiritual world); his wakefulness is worse than his sleep. Faith brings relief to the heart from pain & suffering, Weakness of faith leads to despair & torment.
Mathnavi of Maulana Rumi

I asked for Strength

I asked for Strength.........
And Allah gave me Difficulties to make me strong.
I asked for Wisdom.........
And Allah gave me Problems to solve.
I asked for Prosperity.........
And Allah gave me Brain and Brawn to work.
I asked for Courage.........
And Allah gave me Danger to overcome.
I asked for Love..........
And Allah gave me Troubled people to help.
I asked for Favors.........
And Allah gave me Opportunities.
I received nothing I wanted ........
I received everything I needed!

Sunday

Show reverence for the womb that bore you.
Honor, respect, defend, protect...
And cherish the womb that bore.
Listen to her when she speaks.
Her words are overflowing with
Wisdom, her words are Strong
With significance ... not weak.
She is the one who loves you indeed,
So when she advises take heed.
Because, she would never
Intentionally mislead.
Show reverence for the womb
That bore you!
When deserted by your
Fair weather friends and at your
Wits end, stranded in a state of despair,
Believing that no one cares ...
Go home to the one that loves you.
Before it becomes too late,
Demonstrate that for her,
Your love is great.
Because ... one day Ummi's fate
Will be sealed in her tomb.
So, while you still can,
SHOW REVERENCE
for THE
WOMB
that bore you.
Honor, respect, defend,
protect ... And cherish
the womb that bore you.
Obey Allah and obey
His Messenger by
OBEYING all that your mother request,
except that which contridicts islam.
If you aquire the correct knowldge
to know the differance
than you shall never displease
the one who created you
nor the one who bore you.

Equality


Equality for all they say
so much for equality
if some people are more equal, its not equality

preach it all you want
but i hear wispers
are they muslim? are they terrorists?

they come and ask me if I like America
I want to lie and say yes
But I don't lie and I saw no

They think I am a terrorist
sisters come and tell me that they feel insulted
that I shouldn't have said that

Sisters are whispering
about what horrible things I said
that I should make up for it

they stay far away
they think I am one of those misguided muslims
that is only out to destroy the west and non-muslims

no, i'm not
I am simply a Muslim
and I want to state my opinions

the west expects me to stay quiet
watch news of muslims being slaughtered by western invaders
watch the news people talk like everythings OK?

Laa! I don't think so!
how can they do that?
Expect me to sit quiet

while brothers are dying and sisters are crying
sisters with no brothers or husbands
sisters alone to defend themselves

while soldiers with no respect for woman
throws confused, crying sister to the ground
my anger is elevated

her husband, father, and brother
just tied up and blindfolded sitting on the the ground
they should be defending her, but can't defend themselves

they throw her to the ground and search her
they have no respect
she is a woman, a mother, her children watch everything

scarred for life
poor children
see their father beaten, their mother is on the ground

what can they do, still young
all they can do is wait
wait untill they are older, so they can join in hateful deeds

can you expect I stay quiet
am I supposed to 'support our troops'
support the war on freedom and Islam codename 'War on Terror'

I don't think so
I don't support the US
I'm supposed to like them?

Laa! The US is not the best country!

Because she wanted,
To learn that day,
Stepping in to a place,
Fearful of what they'd say.

Aware of the glances,
And the looks, paranoid
Of eyes darting towards
And away, her face to avoid

Just imagined not real,
Not shunned or pushed
Out into the cold
Not welcomed, just hushed

Momentary contact
Strained during prostration
Humbled unity in prayer
forgotten, in muttered invocation

But they both judged
As both sisters watched
Momentarily smiling
Eye contact blocked

Welcomed today?
Perhaps not.

Losing another sister
As she walked out
Lost peace that she hoped
She'd confirmed her doubt

Maybe next time? Maybe not.

Saturday

I remembered ibn Tamiyah who said:
"What can my enemies do with m? My paradise is in my heart it goes with me wherever i go. To put me in prison is tolet me have a private devotion to Allah. To execute me is matyrdom. And to kick me out of my land is journeying the path of Allah".
Sheikh Ali Al-Tamimi's Last Words

Rights Of Muslims

Rights of the Neighbour

1. Deal with him in a nice and friendly manner .

2. Protect the honour of his wife and children .

3. Occasionally you should send gifts to his house . Especially if he is poor.In such a case you should definitely send some food to him .

4. Do not cause him any harm . Do not quarrel with him over trivial matters .

Rights of the Travelling Companion

1. Just as a person has a neighbour at home, he also has a neighbour when travelling. That is, a travelling companion with whom you embark on a journey or coincidentally joins you during the course of the journey . The rights of such a person are similar to those of a neighbour.

2. His rights can be summed up as follows: give preference to his comfort over your own comfort . Some people display a lot of selfishness with regard to other travellers when travelling by train or other modes of public transportation . This is a very evil habit .

Rights of the Weak and Old

Those people who are in need, such as orphans, widows, the weak, the poor, the sick, the cripple, travellers, beggars, etc. have additional rights . They are:

1. You should help them financially .
2 . You should undertake their tasks with your own hands and legs .
3 . You should console and comfort them .
4 . You should not refuse to fulfil their needs and wants .

Rights of Human beings

1. Do not cause financial or physical harm to innocent people .
2 . Do not argue with anyone without any valid Shar'î reason .

3. If you find someone in problem, in poverty, or sick, help him, feed him, treat his sickness .
4 . When meting out punishment, do not transgress the limits in the different methods of punishment that have been laid down in the Sharî‘ah.

Rights of Animals

1. Do not encage an animal which you will not be taking any benefit from . Removing nestlings from their nests, causing harm to their parents, etc . is a sign of extreme mercilessness .

2. An animal that is suitable for consumption should not be killed merely for amusement .

3. You should make proper arrangements with regard to food, drink, providing rest, and taking care for the animal that you utilise for your work . Do not impose any work on it that is beyond its capacity, nor should you beat it more than necessary .

4. The animal that is to be slaughtered or killed on account of it being harmful should be slaughtered or killed quickly . Do not cause it any agitation . Do not take its life after having starved it .

Additional points

If there is any shortcoming in fulfilling the rights of a person, fulfil that which can be fulfilled or else, ask for forgiveness. For example, you are still owing someone some money or you cheated someone, etc . (In such a case you should try and pay the debt, but if you cannot do so, then seek forgiveness from the person) . As for the right which can only be forgiven, seek forgiveness for it, e . g . you spoke ill of a person or beat him (In such a case, it is obvious that you cannot pay him anything . Instead, you will have to seek his forgiveness) .

If, due to some reason, you cannot fulfil their rights nor can you seek their forgiveness, then you should continue making du‘â for these people. It is possible that on the day of judgement Allah Ta'âlâ will try and influence them to forgive you . However, later if you are in a position to fulfil their rights or seek their forgiveness, then do not hesitate in doing so .

As for the rights that are due to you and there is a hope of their being fulfilled, then be lenient when asking for them. As for those where there is no hope of their being fulfilled or, they are such that they cannot be fulfilled, such as ghîbah, then although there is the hope of your receiving rewards in return for them on the day of judgement, however, more reward has been mentioned with regard to forgiving them in this world . It will be much better if you forgive them completely or absolve them completely . This is especially when the person earnestly seeks forgiveness from you .


Truly in the heart there is a void that can not be removed except with the company of Allah. And in it there is a sadness that can not be removed except with the happiness of knowing Allah and being true to Him. And in it thereis an emptiness that can not be filled except with love for Him and by turning to Him and always remembering Him And if a person were given all of the world and what is in it, it would not fill this emptiness

‘Good and evil can never be equal. Repel (evil) with that which is better, and see how, then, someone between whom and you was enmity shall become a true friend. Yet none is given such goodness except those who are patient; none is given this but the most fortunate.’
(al-Fussilat 41: 34-5)

“Among the Believers are men who have been true to their covenant with Allah: Of them some have died and some (still) wait: But they have never changed (their determination) in the least.” 33:23
This verse clearly shows that not all believers are men in the eyes of Allah. Only those who stay the course to fulfill their covenant with Allah are men in the eyes of Allah. They are ready for any and all consequences.

Impove Each Day; so that your Today becomes Better than your Yesterday, and your Tomorrow Becomes Better than your Today!

"Acquire knowledge because doing so is good. Seeking it is worship. Reviewing it is glorifying Allah. Researching it is jihad. Teaching it to the ignorant is charity." Mu`adh ibn Jabal (ra)

What Kind of Sister are you?


Imagine yourself in each of the following situations and answer truthfully what you would do, choosing the answers a, b, c, or d. Then score yourself to find out what type of sister you are.

1. While walking down the street, you see a sister-in-Islam, who is unknown to you, coming your way. Do you:
a) not give salaam (greeting of peace), instead you go about your business.
b) smile at her then if she says salaam to you first then you will say salaam to her.
c) agonise over whether you should say salaam then wish you had given her salaam because it is too late - she is already gone.
d) say salaam to her.

2. You are sitting in your car and are about to drive off, when a sister-in-Islam whom you don't know, knocks on your window. You wind your window down and she desperately asks if she can get a lift to the next suburb. Do you:
a) ascertain how desperately she needs to go and only then if it was on your way that you give her a lift.
b) give her a lift but you notice how far it is and you keep checking the time.
c) without hesitation you give her a lift.
d) not give her a lift, afterall, she could be some mad woman - you can never be too sure these days!

3. Your sister-in-Islam, who is in some sort of financial difficulty, says to you, "I need fifty dollars", and you have in your possession $50. Do you:
a) asks her what she needs it for.
b) give her the $50.
c) pretend you didn't hear because she didn't actually asks you for it.
d) tell her, "here, take $25."

4. You have bought a favourite food which you have been craving for. Just as you are about to eat it your favourite sister-in-Islam knocks at your door. You open it to find that she has brought another sister-in-Islam that she wants to introduce you to. Do you:
a) invite them all to share your food.
b) put your food away but when they are leaving you call your favourite sister-in-Islam aside to give her some of your food for her to take home.
c) excuse yourself for a moment, then eat as much as you can of the food to satisfy your craving, then invite them in to share the remaining food.
d) wait until they all leave so that you can sit down to enjoy your food.

5. Your sister-in-Islam has been admiring your new dress. Do you:
a) give her one of your old dresses that is similar to this one but not as nice.
b) wait until you have worn it a few more times then give it to her.
c) wait until she asks, yet hoping that she doesn't.
d) give it to her as soon as you can.

6. Your sister-in-Islam wants to ask you for a favour. Do you say to her:
a) "What can I do to help you?"
b) "It depends on what you asks me for."
c) "I don't know if I can do it."
d) "If I can then I'll do it."

7. You have just done your sister-in-Islam a favour. Do you:
a) feel good that you were able to do it for her.
b) thank Allah for your good deed.
c) feel proud that you have done a good deed.
d) feel that now she owes you one.

8. Someone has just praised your sister-in-Islam. Do you:
a) rush over to tell her immediately.
b) tell her when you next see her.
c) forget about it.
d) tell her when you remember about it.

9. Your best sister-in-Islam is unmarried but she really wants to marry. However, she cannot find anyone. Do you:
a) tell her when you know of someone available.
b) offer your husband to her (for her to be a second wife).
c) console and commiserate with her.
d) go out of your way to find her a husband.

10. There is one fault that you notice in your sister-in-Islam. Do you:

a) tell other people about it.
b) confront her with it.
c) make excuses and allowances for her, as we are all human and very few of us are without faults. d) become suspicious of her character.

11. You have been entrusted with a secret from your sister-in-Islam. Another sister-in-Islam asks you about it. Do you:
a) admit knowledge of it but refuse to divulge it.
b) hint at it without giving it all away.
c) tell her, but also tell her not to tell anyone else.
d) deny any knowledge of it.

12. Your sister-in-Islam has angered you. Do you:
a) tell everyone about her faults and secrets and never forgive her.
b) refuse to talk to her at all because you will never forgive her.
c) seek refuge with Allah and refuse to talk to her for 3 days.
d) seek refuge with Allah and forgive her immediately.

13. While discussing the correct way to raise children, you disagree with your sister-in-Islam's view. Do you:
a) insist that you are right and she is wrong.
b) tell her your viewpoint then keep silent on this topic.
c) tell her that you are right then change the subject.
d) have a heated debate about who is right.

14. You have been told, "So and so said that you are not a good Muslim! She said......." Do you:
a) find out who said it then say some things about that person.
b) ignore it and immediately change the subject.
c) listen to all of what is being said then ignore it.
d) listen to all of what is being said and find out who said it then ignore it.

15. Someone is saying nasty things about your sister-in-Islam. Do you:
a) stop them from saying anymore.
b) listen to it but you hate what is being said.
c) go somewhere where you can't hear it.
d) join in the discussion.

16. Your sister-in-Islam insists that you tell her her faults because she sincerely wishes to improve herself. Do you:
a) recount all of her faults including the ones she already knows of then and there, regardless of whether you are in private or not.
b) advise her then and there, regardless of whether you are both in private or not.
c) recount her main faults then and there.
d) advise her gently when you are both in private.

17. Your sister-in-Islam comes to you and advises you in private. Do you:
a) get annoyed because she noticed your fault.
b) thank her and accept her advise and try to improve yourself.
c) become offended and angry at her and tell her her faults.
d) listen to her advise, accept it then ignore it.

18. Your sister-in-Islam needs to use your telephone but is too shy to ask. Do you:
a) insist that she uses your telephone after you have found out who she wants to call.
b) insist that she uses your telephone.
c) pretend you don't know about it.
d) insist that she uses your telephone to make a local call but if it's a long-distance call you ask her to pay for it.

19. While walking down the street, you see a sister-in-Islam fall down. Do you:
a) rush over to offer help.
b) wait to see if she can get up by herself, if she can't then you offer her your help.
c) wait to see if anyone will help her, if no-one helps then you offer her your help.
d) go on your way because you don't know her.

20. When you agree to meet your sister-in-Islam at a certain place and at a certain time, do you usually:
a) arrive an hour late.
b) arrive 1/2 an hour late.
c) meet her at the appointed time.
d) arrive 5 to 10 minutes late.

Now go to the end of this article for the scores, then read the category that you have scored (scoring totals are based on the Chi-distribution curve):

Scores:
For each answer that you have chosen, write the corresponding score for that question, then tally the total to find out which category you have scored.
1. a=1, b=3, c=2, d=4.
2. a=2, b=3, c=4, d=1.
3. a=2, b=4, c=1, d=3.
4. a=4, b=3, c=2, d=1.
5. a=2, b=3, c=1, d=4.
6. a=4, b=2, c=1, d=3.
7. a=3, b=4, c=2, d=1.
8. a=4, b=3, c=1, d=2.
9. a=2, b=4, c=1, d=3.
10.a=1, b=3, c=4, d=2.
11. a=3, b=2, c=1, d=4.
12. a=1, b=2, c=3, d=4.
13. a=2, b=4, c=3, d=1.
14. a=1, b=4, c=3, d=2.
15. a=4, b=2, c=3, d=1.
16. a=1, b=3, c=2, d=4.
17. a=2, b=4, c=1, d=3.
18. a=3, b=4, c=1, d=2.
19. a=4, b=2, c=3, d=1.
20. a=1, b=2, c=4, d=3.


71-80 = Excellent Sister
Praise be to Allah that we have a sister-in-Islam like you among us. You know the true meaning of sisterhood.

You are an excellent sister to everyone. To you, a sister is any woman who is Muslim, regardless of race, nationality or whether you know her or not.

If a sister needs your help, you will tirelessly help, even if it means you will have to forgo something just so your sister can have it. You prefer your sister to yourself because you put her needs before your own.

Once you have helped your sister, you thank and praise Allah for giving you the opportunity to do a good deed.

You are humble and are patient towards your sisters. You do not pick faults with them nor do you gossip about them. Everyone wants a sister like you!

Al-Ghazali calls this the 'third degree' of brother/sisterhood, which is the highest level.

There is limited counselling at this level since you are content with Allah and whatever He has given you, and you are at peace with people and yourself. The main recommendation is to continue to make duas (supplications) to Allah to keep you on this true path, and to continue to praise and thank Allah.

51-70 = Good Sister
Praise be to Allah that you are a good sister. You treat your sister as you would yourself. Whatever you have you share it with your sister. You feel upset because she has not got something and so you share it with her equally.

Al-Ghazali calls this the 'second degree' of brother/sisterhood, which is the middle level.

What stops you from attaining the highest level of sisterhood is your inability to place yourself second to your sister. Something else which stops you from being an excellent sister is that although you treat your sister as you would yourself, you limit this treatment to the sisters whom you know closely. Those sisters whom you do not know, you treat as mere acquaintances.

How, then, to overcome these two obstacles?

As to the first, use the affirmation, "My sister's needs come first". Also, always ask yourself, "What does she need that I may give it to her?" If you constantly have these thoughts foremost on your mind then you will remember your sister and her needs and will try to fulfil them as if they were your own. That is, you will fulfil them 100% and not merely 50%.

Similarly, as to the second obstacle, say to yourself whenever you see a sister that you do not know, "She is my sister-in-Islam. I must say salaam to her". After you have said this to yourself then immediately say "salaam" to her. The reason for this is clear in the following hadeeth: Abu Huraira (r) reported in Sahih Muslim that the Messenger of Allah (s) said, "By Him in Whose Hand is my soul, you will not enter Paradise until you have iman (faith), and you will not have iman until you love one another! Shall I not guide you to something which if you do it then you will love one another? Spread the greeting of salaam amongst yourselves."

Once you say salaam you will begin to love each other, and once you love one another, you will begin to treat her as if you have known her all your life.

Finally, like with all other things in your life that you want, you must supplicate to Allah to strengthen your sisterly love to others. Ask Allah to make you selfless so that you can put your sisters' needs first.

Now go on to read what it says under 'Excellent Sister' so that you may learn from it.

21-50 = A Sister
Praise be to Allah that you are a sister. You treat your sister to whatever you have in excess. That is, if she needed something and you have more than you need to satisfy your own needs, then you will give it to her.

Sometimes you are a good sister and at others you are not so good - it depends on your moods and needs.

Al-Ghazali calls this the 'lowest degree' of brother/sisterhood.

Obviously the one thing that stands in your way of becoming a full-time good sister is the satisfaction of your needs.

To overcome this shortcoming, you need to learn to give your sister what she needs spontaneously without consulting your needs first. Ibn Umar (r) said that a sahaba (r) was given a sheep's head to which the sahaba (r) said, "My brother so and so needs it more than I do". And so he sent it to that brother. That brother then sent it on to another. Thus it was passed from one to another till it came back to the first sahaba (r), after it had gone through seven hands. Although the sahabas (r) were all hungry, each one had thought of the others first. This is how it should be.

To get into the habit of thinking like this, whenever you have something, say to yourself, "My sister so and so may need it more than I do," then pass it along to her.

Now read under 'Good Sister' and learn from that, then make supplications to Allah to help you to reach that level of sisterhood.

1-20 = Not A Sister
You should learn to praise Allah so that He will purify you.

The minimum requirements of a Muslim female is to be a sister to other Muslim females. If you come under this category then you are not a sister. You do not understand what it means to be Muslim. Being a Muslim means to be concerned and caring for others' needs, especially your sisters-in-Islams'.

Prophet Muhammad (s) said, "When a companion accompanies a companion, if only for one hour of the day, he will be asked to account for his companionship, whether he fulfilled his duty to Allah therein or whether he neglected it."

To overcome this deficiency in your character, you must convince yourself firmly that, "I am a Muslim. And as a Muslim I must give my sisters-in-Islam their rights because I will be accountable for it."

Next, start reading books on 'Brother/Sisterhood in Islam' and 'Muslim Character and Personality'. Then make supplications to Allah to help you to become a better Muslim, and therefore, a sister.

I ask You to carry me,
You make me walk

I ask You to provide for me,
You make me reach

I ask You to protect me,
You make me learn

I ask You to lay a path for me,
You make me work

I ask You to let me rest,
You make me carry on

Where do I go?
I do not know

What do I do?
Only You can know

Why? I ask Why?
You, have always known

The questions I have,
Answers I’ll never find

All that I know
That You already made the plan

Nothing more I can do
No more questions can I ask

All I can do
Is put my trust in you Allah(SWT)

My heart and eyes open with You,
Impossible obstacles are overcome with You,
When Your name is mentioned, light sparkles;
Come to my spirit, don’t burn me with longing!
For the love of God, don’t leave your servant alone!

I am a palace guard, You are the Sultan,
You’re a mercy to those who’ve lost their way,
If I’m a body, You’re the life in it;
Come to my spirit, don’t burn me with longing!
For the love of God, don’t leave your servant alone!

Lovers seek You everywhere,
The sherbet of your lips is a remedy for every problem,
If I am troubled, where is my remedy?
Come to my spirit, don’t burn me with longing!
For the love of God, don’t leave your servant alone!

I’m a disgrace with many sins,
Stumbling, I have no strength left,
I don’t know what will become of me beyond.
Come to my spirit, don’t burn me with longing!
For the love of God, don’t leave your servant alone!

Once all seasons were spring,
I’m afraid those days have all darkened,
Have mercy! My road has become very steep.
Come to my spirit, don’t burn me with longing!For the love of God,
don’t leave your servant alone

Some who say that they were born
Into the Islamic fold
Allow the binding fear of God
To gradually lose its hold.

They early learn to fast and pray
And recite the Holy Book,
They make the Hajj and pay Zakat
And swine they will not cook.

So after this they proudly say
That they are Muslims true
And venture forth to western lands
Where Muslim men are few.

Their eyes and minds are then amazed
At everything they see,
And soon their hearts admire the men
Who cause such things to be.

But those men seek to make this world
Their haven of delight,
And therefore they create their own
Standards of wrong and right.

So when a Muslim looks to them
As models for all men,
Unwittingly he begins to slip
Gradually into sin.

At first, perhaps, he misses a prayer
Or rushes one on through.
Then, busily pursuing the western ways,
Perhaps he misses two.

He reads the Book a little less,
And less he gives the poor;
The challenge to raise his standard of life
Now means a little more.

Perhaps he’ll even being to gamble
Or taste some wine or beer,
His acts distinguish him not from those
Who have no Godly fear.

The path he follows gradually leads
The way the worldly seek,
And his religion becomes a task
To practice once a week.

What! Six days he gives himself,
And God he gives but one!
But still he claims to be a Muslim
‘Cause he’s a Muslim’s son.

He who serves his own desires
But one place will he dwell;
God shall seize him by the neck
And throw him into Hell!

Your father’s nor your mother’s faith
Will save you from the Fire,
If you consider this world to be
Your innermost desire.

But wait! Wherever you are, your life
Can surely be turned around,
And the God you placed upon your tongue
Can in your heart be found.

Conversion not only occurs with those
Who do not know the way,
It occurs also with those well-versed
Who gradually go astray.

Forget, therefore, how you were born;
God judges not your birth.
By the purity of your heart at death
Will He determine your worth.

Those who say that they were born
Into the Islamic fold,
Like others, they must submit themselves
As clay for God to mould.

Thursday

Your hope in my heart, is the rarest treasure
Your Name on my tongue, is the sweetest word
My choicest hours, Are the hours I spend with You
O Allah, I can't live in this world, Without remembering You
How can I endure the next world, Without seeing Your face?
I am a stranger in Your country And lonely among Your worshippers:
This is the substance of my complaint.

Such are my sisters in Islam.


No longer shackled by the oppression
of miniskirts and see-thru shirts,
my sisters stand proud.

Covered by cloth and more so by conviction
submission to Allah, they stand apart from the crowd.

The taunts, the jeers, the stares, the leers
never fazing or dissuading them from following the deen.

Real women they be, the epitome of femininity
strong, secure, complete human beings.

Not slaves to the world of fashion
which is always askin'
for women to dress in as less as they can.

Their hijab is for the sake of Allah
in imaan and taqwa
they refuse to be objectified by man.
Such are my sisters in Islam.

Imagine the day you'll be called to account


Imagine yourself after you pass away
Imagine your grave through night and through day
Wishing that you did not do as they say
Wishing that you had got up and had prayed.

Imagine, my friends, the day that you died
Imagine all of the tears that they cried
Remember how it felt when your body was tied
Remember how it felt in the grave which you lied.

Imagine the day you'll be called to account
Imagine the sum to which your life will ammount
Think for a moment of the deeds which you mount
Think for a moment how much they will count.

What will they say of you when you are dead?
What will they say, what will be said?
Will they speak of all the poor who you fed?
Will they remember all the Qur`an that you read?

Think not of them, but of Allah, Lord of mankind and jinn
Think of Allah when tempted to sin
Think of the paradise which you will dwell inDon't wait till later to think what might have been.

Monday

Privilege as a Woman


"Given my privilege as a woman, I only degrade myself by trying to be something I'm not - and in all honesty - don't want to be: a man. As women, we will never reach true liberation until we stop trying to mimic men, and value the beauty in our own God-given distinctiveness."

Sunday

Life is a Journey


If everything was laid before you
If everything was straight forward
If everything happened the way you’d want it to happen…

But that is not the case, because

Life is a journey, a journey, which is a test,
a test in which you must seek the truth,

And since the journey is temporary
Tempory, which has to come to an end…

The truth, which you must learn, and implement.
Learn and Implement before it is too late,


To find God when you are just One.

Easier said... It's easier said than done,
A Muslim for someone to become.

But when life's been mostly dark and gray,
A little light goes a long way.

To find God when you are just one. One who stands against others, including fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters and society?

This is the real test, not easy, a life time of struggle and sacrifices because every corner you turn you feel the loss of your family and culture, you will see the darkness and cruelty of the real world in its full form.

But the rewards both in the duniya and hereafter are worth it. In the duniya you will see the real world, you will suffer and lose in your struggle against injustice but it is this very reality that strengthens your faith and belief in Allah that secures your hereafter in Jannat.

As it has been said “this world is paradise for the disbelievers and a prison for the believers” When light finds you, what fortunate fate.

Do not be ungrateful because you do not like the realities of the world for it is this reality that will guide you to the truth.

I know It's easier said than done, but I am living the truth the reality, I don’t like it, I sometimes wavier in my imaan and taqwa but I am grateful Allah has blessed me with problems and difficulties that remind me that I am not to get comfortable with this mortal life, that he has decreed a better life and place in the hereafter.

My problems and difficulties bring me back to Allah keeping hope in his promises and miracles. I anticipate my death because I believe in the hereafter and I long to be in that better place in hope to find peace.

I pray Allah just give me a small place in his gardens for me to sit, I do not wish for anything else except my children be by my side. We do not require a lot of space just a small area will suffice.

Ya rubb Ameen
Aishah Dec 2004

Perfection is for God alone.


Outstretched hands I have attempt to grasp like a brass ring,
I reach, extending my arms as far as possible.
Clawing my way towards I reach but cannot
Alas I beseech your mercy as much as I try
I cannot attain perfection.
Perfection is for God alone.
Forgive me all I can offer is myself and my sincerity to struggle towards you.

In the name of He who knew the contents of my womb

Bismillah ir Rahman ir Rahim

In the name of He who knew the contents of my womb
I realize this womb is the birthplace of compassion
The birthplace of mercy you makes us as (Um) Mother
Motherhood is compassion from you
Motherhood is compassion towards children
Um is only a vehicle of your infinite mercy
Rahim is only a vehicle of your infinite compassion
How blessed I am as a woman to be part of this triangled relationship
To feel within me your mercy
How fortunate that you entrusted to me for a brief period of time
To carry and for a lifetime, to nurture a soul.

Who will be the Garment for my Soul

O Allah! Please grant me one
Who will be the garment for my soul
Who will satisfy half of my deen
And in doing so make me whole
Make him righteous and on your path in all he'll do and say
And sprinkle water on me at Fajr reminding me to pray
May he earn from halal sources and spend within his means
May he seek Allah's guidance always to fulfill all his dreams
May he always refer to Qur'an and the Sunnah as his moral guide
May he thank and appreciate Allah for the woman at his side
May he be conscious of his anger and often fast and pray
Be charitable and sensitive in every possible way
May he honor and protect me and guide me in this life
And please Allah!
Make me worthy to be his loving wife and finally,
O Allah! Make him abundant in love and laughter
In taqwa and sincerity in striving for the hereafter “Ameen”

Friday

A believing man

The Messenger of Allah
(Allah bless him and
give him peace) said:

"A believing man should
not hate a believing woman.
If he dislikes something in her character,
he should be pleased with some other ­
or another­ trait of hers."

Riyad al-Salihin: Muslim,
from Abu Hurayra
(Allah be pleased with him)

Thursday

FUNNY, ISN'T IT?


Something to think about...

-Funny how a $20 bill looks so big when you take it to Masjid, but so small when you take it to the market.

-Funny how long it takes to do Zikr for an hour, but how quickly a team plays 60 minutes of basketball.

-Funny how long a couple of hours spent at Masjid are, but how short they are when watching a movie.

-Funny how we can't think of anything to say when we pray, but don't have difficulty thinking of things to talk about to a friend.

-Funny how we get thrilled when a baseball game goes into extra innings, but we complain when a "Tarahvi" during Ramadan is longer than the regular time.

-Funny how hard it is to read a Para in the Quran, but how easy it is to read 100 pages of a best selling novel.

-Funny how people want to get a front seat at any game or concert, but scramble to get a back row at Masjid so that scramble out.

-Funny how we need 2 or 3 weeks advance notice to fit a Masjid event into our schedule, but can adjust our schedule for other events at the last moment.

-Funny how hard it is for people learn a simple preaching well enough to tell others, but how simple it is for the same people to understand and repeat gossip.

-Funny how we believe what the newspaper says, but question what the Quran says.

-Funny how everyone wants to go to heaven provided they do not have to believe, or to think, or to say, or do anything.

-Funny how you can send a thousand 'jokes' through e-mail and they spread like wildfire, but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing.

FUNNY, ISN'T IT?

Wednesday


Islamic ART Posted by Hello

Sunday

Real Culprits Appear as the Champions of Womens Rights!

Yes, Islam has not given women rights, according to the West’s standards. Islam does not even considers these as "rights" but a mere deception of rights.

Their so-called rights are cheap devices to drag women out of the safety of their homes into public life, to rub shoulders with men, to satisfy the cravings and lusts of evil men and to be properly exploited by men. These depraved men take pleasure when women appear semi-clad in public, deprived of their dignity and stripped of their honour and respect. All kinds of ruses are used in order for women to shed more of their clothing (and modesty) to delight these lecherous men.

Beauty contests, fashion parades, movies, theatre, art ... these are some of the many devices used to achieve this aim. Poor women! they hardly understand the game being played with them. They become willing partners in their own slaughter! This is precisely what Islam never wants for women.

Islam is the only "obstruction" in their evil designs. So, Islam is quickly labeled as being backwards, repressive and an opponent of women’s rights. It is an ironic tragedy that the very saviour of women’s rights has been labeled as the enemy, while the real culprits are hailed as the champions of women’s rights!


Quran 2:186 Posted by Hello

The Believers

The believers, men and women,
are protectors, one of another,
they enjoin what is just and forbid what is evil,
they observe regular prayers,
practice regular charity,
and obey God and His Messenger.
On them will God pour His mercy,
for God is Exalted in power, Wise.
[ Quran 9:7 ]

They say "look at the muslim woman" Having all the virtues Of the pious women, humble to their Lord, Of the women who have memorized the Quran by heart and who do extra In prayers, alms-giving, then recitation of the Quran, defending the unjustly treated, carrying the burdens of many responsibilities. She was a guardian of orphans and widows, a pillar of the community, ensuring harmony.

Opening the Eyes of the Spirit

For Muslim men and women,
for believing men and women,
for devout men and women,
for true men and women,
for men and women who are patient and constant,
for men and women who humble themselves,
for men and women who give in charity,
for men and women who fast (and deny themselves),
for men and women who guard their chastity, and
for men and women who engage much in God's praise,
for them has God prepared forgiveness and great reward.
[ Quran 33:35 ]

Opening the eyes of the spirit takes a certain courage and a moment of decision...The moment of realization that maybe it is all real is where submission to God begins. It is not the end of the story by any means, but only the beginning.

Salvation With Allah

One Day you shall see the
believing men and the believing women,
how their Light runs forward before them
and by their right hands.
(Their greeting will be),
"Good News for you this Day!
Gardens beneath which flow rivers!
To dwell therein forever!
This is indeed the highest Achievement!"
[ Quran 57:12 ]
Losing hope on so many occassions,
my salvation was with Allah.
Through His guidance alone I was able to endure....
For Allah is with those who believe, with those who follow His path.

Women as Equal Partners

And among His Signs is this,
that He created for you mates
from among yourselves that
you may dwell in tranquillity with them,
and He has put love and mercy
between your (hearts),
verily in that are signs for those who reflect.
[ Quran 30:21 ]

Islam brought women from the position of chattel in marriage to that of equal partners. In the matter of divorce, she changed from a completely impotent bystander, to one who could initiate divorce proceedings and claim her rights of dowry and inheritance. From a position of legal nonetity, she became a legal personality in the full sense of the term, able to hold property, entitled to a just share of her husband's and family's inhereitance property. Socially, with education equally required of her as well as of every man by Islam, she rose to a position of social and cultural influences and service. Even in religio-cultic practices and duties, woman was asked and expected to play a role equal to that of man, in so far as her special physical characteristics and maternal duties allowed.


Taking Account Posted by Hello

Saturday

Women in Early Islam

O mankind!
We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female,
and made you into nations and tribes,
that you may know each other.
Verily the most honored of you
in the sight of God is (one who is)
the most righteous of you.
And God has full knowledge and
is well acquainted (with all things).
[ Quran 49:13 ]

Her position in early Islam was really an exemplary one, one that should be studied and known by every woman as well as every liberationist in the twentieth century, in Canada as well as in the Muslim World. The Muslim woman, if she is true to the principles of her religion, has lessons in equality to teach the Westerner, and her descendants in the East have to learn anew the role demanded of them by their religion. Orientalists and orientals zealous for modernization should cease to put the blame on Islam, a blame which instead deserves to fall on their own ignorance of the faith and on the political and social decline which their nations suffered in the past.

Friday


Signs for the People who Know Posted by Hello

Monday

I haven’t opened it for a while…

I haven’t opened it for a while…

It sits dusty on my shelf…

Pieces of paper, post-its, marking the pages…

I once read with…emotion, reflection, understanding…

Now I look...I feel…the coolness of its spine, the fresh, clean pages…

The smell…the dust fills my head…a scent…

Once oh so familiar…now a distant memory…nostalgic...

I open a random page and …I read…I cry…I realize…

I trace the script with my fingertips…

I have missed my friend…our conversations at dawn…

The tears that washed away…the blemish, the sin…emotion, reflection, understanding…

I hug it…ashamed at my own weakness…my lack of love…my mountainous burden...

I hide my face from reflection, understanding, and myself emotion…

Oh Allah…make me steadfast…make me one who loves you through your book…

Through Your words…through Your Prophet…through Your signs…

Help me for I am weak…who is there to answer the prayer of the sinner?

I am dependent on you…. answer my prayer…forgive me...

ya Rabb…ya Rabb…ya Rabb…ya Rabb…

Sublime be Your Majesty…

Epilogue…

It doesn’t sit on my shelf…it sits in my heart…emotion, reflection, and understanding…
I wish…ameen…

I Blink

I blink.

And as my eyelashes embrace The world changes.

One more child is ruthlessly beaten.

One more wife is abused shamelessly.

Another child is born into a home That can never support it.

Another dies from utterly severe Starvation in Africa.

One more mother cries because she knows That without food, her baby will die.

One more girl is raped And killed in a local slum.

One more crime is committed Without just punishment.

One more baby girl is given up in Asia Because her family does not want her.

Ten more soldiers are murdered in what America knows is an unjust war.

One more man is slaughtered while unfalteringly Fighting for his dignity.

One thousand more tears splash down Into the abundant sea of sorrow and regret.

One million more hearts are shattered and Neglected without a second glance.

Countless backs stabbed and Left to bleed in humiliation.

Another pair of eyes blink in front of a TV set. They belong to the person who does not

hear the screams, Feel the pain.

A person who can never learn to care. They blink passively as if a single blink does not

matter.

The world can change in the blink of an eye.

But some things, Some things will never change.

A Drop of Islam

A Drop of Islam
Islam is a single droplet
Perfect Clear
A gift from above
Islam is an ocean
Glorious Alive
Those within cannot live without
Islam is a great wave
Rising Gaining momentum
Only the foolish turn their backs
Islam is the first drop of rain
Patter Relief
Bringing life to empty dust
Islam is a storm
Consuming Expansive
A voice that booms across the land!
Islam is the first sweet sip
Cool Fresh
Quenching the burning thirst
Islam is a thundering river
Powerful Mighty
Awesome in it's strength
Islam is a still pool
Quiet At peace
Magnificent in it's silence
Islam is a torrential rain
Pouring Storming
We step carefully lest we fall
islam cleanses dust from the feet
Rinsing Purifying
Washing the heart of burdens
Islam is a deep well
Bubbling up Overflowing
Joy rising in the heart
Islam is a clear drop of purest water
Unclouded Pristine
Through it, we see the other side

Sunday

Paradise

Whatever we do, we’ll pay the price
In the depths of hell or in paradise
For the believer, this life is just like a cage
For the unbeliever, it’s the ultimate stage
Little does he know about the awaiting reward
Which is full of luxuries, where no-one gets bored
You’ll enter the gate of paradise, if it’s in your fate
Your deeds and actions will determine by which gate
No worldly things will you ever miss
On entering the gate, you’ll be surrounded by bliss
Four rivers will be granted by the Divine
containing water and milk, honey and wine
People will live in mansions built high
Where they’ll live forever, no-one will die
It’s bricks will be made of silver and gold
The climate will be perfect, not hot and not cold
A hundred years it will take to circle a tree
Surrounded by loved ones for all eternity
There will be no calls of nature, no-one will sleep
There will be no worries, no one will weep
When people sweat, it will smell of musk
Allah SWT will be praised from dawn till dusk
Everyone will be aged 30 or 33
And they’ll stay at that age for eternity
The inhabitants will be wearing a beautiful green gown
Sitting on thrones, wearing a crown
People will be happy, there’ll be no remorse
To visit others, they’ll have a flying horse
Men will have 2 houris as their wives
Who will remain with them for the rest of their lives
On Friday there will be a dinner for people of all races
And a bazaar where people can exchange their faces!
When walking along there’ll be many meetings
With prophets and angels, exchanging greetings
Such is the ecstasy that will then prevail
When Allah SWT removes His veilThere will be no kings, there will be no peasants
And everyone will see the Divine Allah’s presence
There are 100 levels to paradise and we should pray
That Al Firdaus, the highest will be where we stay
Allah SWT has showered us with His graceAnd we have to be worthy to show our face
Whatever we do, we’ll pay the price
In the depths of hell or in paradise

Ya Allah

Today, upon a bus,
I saw a girl with golden hair.
and wished I was as fair.
When suddenly she rose to leave,
I saw her hobble down the aisle.
She had one leg and wore a crutch.
But as she passed, gave a smile.
Ya Allah, forgive me when I whine.
I have 2 legs, the world is mine.

I stopped to buy some candy.
The lad who sold it had such charm.
I talked with him, he seemed so glad.
If I were late, it'd do no harm.
And as I left, he said to me,
I thank you, you've been so kind.
It's nice to talk with folks like you.
You see," he said, "I'm blind."
Ya Allah, forgive me when I whine.
I have 2 eyes, the world is mine.

Later while walking down the street,
I saw a child with eyes of blue.
He stood and watched the others play.
He did not know what to do.

I stopped a moment and then I said,
“Why don't you join the others, dear?"
He looked ahead without a word.
And then I knew, he couldn't hear.
Ya Allah, forgive me when I whine.
I have 2 ears, the world is mine.

With feet to take me where I'd go.
With eyes to see the sunset's glow.
With ears to hear what I'd know.
Ya Allah, forgive me when I whine. I've been blessed indeed, the world is mine.

FACTS OF LIFE

The most destructive habit.................... "Worry "
The greatest Joy..............................."Giving"
The greatest loss................"Loss of self-respect"
The most satisfying work..............."Helping others "
The ugliest personality trait............."Selfishness "
The most endangered species........."Dedicated leaders "
The greatest "shot in the arm".........."Encouragement "
The greatest problem to over come.............."Fear"
The most effective sleeping pill........"Peace of mind "
The most crippling failure disease............"Excuses"
The most powerful force in life.................."Love"
The most dangerous pariah.................."A gossiper "
The worst thing to be without................... "Hope"
The deadliest weapon......................."The tongue"
The two most power-filled words............... "I Can"
The greatest asset.............................."Faith"
The most worthless emotion................."Self_pity"
The most beautiful attire......................"SMILE !!!"
The most prized possession................"Integrity"
The most powerful channel of communication....."Prayer"
The most contagious spirit................."Enthusiasm"
The most important thing in life.................."GOD"


Quran 55:37-38 Posted by Hello


Quran 16:125 Posted by Hello

Friday

What's the Point of Going to Jumah?

What's the Point of Going to Jumah? A Man Answers A Muslim wrote a letter to the editor of the Jammat newspaper and complained that it made no sense to go to Masjid every Friday.

"I've gone for 30 years now," he wrote, "and in that time I have heard something like 3,000 sermons. But for the life of me I can't remember a single one of them. So I think I'm wasting my time and the Imam they are wasting theirs by giving sermons at all.

"This started a real controversy in the "Letters to the Editor" column, much to the dismay of the editor.

It went on for weeks until someone wrote this clincher:"I've been married for 30 years now. In that time my wife has cooked some 32,000 meals. But for the life of me, I cannot recall what the menu was for a single one of those meals. But I do know this: they all nourished me and gave me the strength I needed to do my work. If my wife had not given me those meals, I would be dead today."

No comments were made on the sermon contents anymore.

"The lips of the righteous nourish many . . ."

Saturday

The Women

Women was made from the rib of a man.
She was not created from his head to TOP him.
Nor from his feet, to be stepped upon.
She was made from his side, to be close to him.
Beneath his arm, to be protected by him.
Near his heart, to be loved by him.

Friday


Straight Path Posted by Hello


Quran 6:94 Posted by Hello

Wednesday

Sometimes we.....

Sometimes we do not feel like we want to feel
Sometimes we do not achieve what we want to achieve
Sometimes things that happen do not make sense
Sometimes life leads us in directions that are beyond our control
It is at these times, most of all that we need to remeber allah
who as our creator and understand us better than any other
He is our eternal source of support,
Remeber Allah is here for those of us who call upon him
and remember that though things may be difficult now tomorrow is a new day inshallah

We need to.......

We need to.......
      
We need to feel more to understand others
We need to love more to be loved backWe need to cry more to cleanse ourselves
We need to laugh more to enjoy ourselves
We need to establish the values of honesty and fairness when interacting with people
We need to establish a strong ethical basis as a way of life
We need to see more than our own little fantasies
We need to hear more and listen to the needs of others
We need to give more and take less
We need to share more and own less
We need to realize the importance of family as a backbone to stability
We need to look moreand realize that we are not so different from one another
We need to create a world where we can all peacefully live the life we choose
We need to create a world where we can once again trust each other inshallah

Each & Every Day Inshallah

Each & Every Day Inshallah

May you have...
Enough happiness to keep you sweet
Enough trials to keep you strong
Enough sorrow to keep you human
Enough hope to keep you happy
Enough failure to keep you humble
Enough success to keep you eager
Enough friends to give you comfort
Enough wealth to meet your needs
Enough enthusiasm to look forward
Enough faith to banish depression
Enough determination to make each day better than yesterday!
Ameen

Saturday


Quran 14:34 Posted by Hello

Friday

The importance of Salaat

Salaat is a basic pillar of Islam
It is mentioned again and again in the Quran
The importance of prayer is in seven hundred places
But in the Masjid, do you see many young faces?
Praying in the Masjid gives 27 times the reward
Pray with the intention that you’re pleasing your Lord
When you walk to the Masjid, just remember within
You gain a reward and you’re losing a sin
For every step towards your destination
This is a blessing from Allah SWT to his creation
The Quran has foretold, that before you are dead
‘say your prayers before your prayers are said’
our Prophet SAWS said about those who miss prayer
fifteen punishments they’ll have to bear
six in this life, three on passing away
three in the grave and three on judgements day
for missing Fajr at the start of the day
the glow of the face is taken away
the punishment for missing the salaat of Zohar
there will be no blessing from your income no more
for missing Asr, the middle prayer of the day
the strength of the body is taken away
by missing Maghrib, remember one thing
you will not be benefited by your offspring
for missing Ishaa at the end of the day
the peace of your sleep will be taken away
while seeing elders pray at the Masjid door
remember as a young person, your reward is 70 times more
read Salaat punctually, read it with care
on Judgement day, we will be asked about prayer
that’s the first question, so take this advice
Salaat is the key to paradise
spread this word to Muslim sisters and brothers
Salaat will separate Muslims from others
Salaat is a blessing which Allah SWT gave
it will intercede and protect us in the grave
when it comes eventually, to the day of rising
the believers body washed by Wudhu will be shining
for the believers who are regular in offering Salaat
it becomes a light of guidance on the As-Siraat*
don’t miss the prayer Asr at any cost
it will be like your family and wealth is lost
the Ayat-ul-Kursi after fard, should be read
it will lead you to paradise (insha Allah) after you’re dead
not reading Salaat will lead you to hell
surrounded by serpents in a deep well
read your Salaat whilst still in your prime
and read the Durood Shareef** in your spare time
you’ll get ten rewards, the Lord (Insha Allah) will accept your please
and you’ll be closer to Allah SWT by ten more degrees
so embrace Islam with all your heart
and remember the key is reading Salaat


Thursday

Thoughts

The secret of health for mind and body is not to mourn for the past, not to worry about the future, but to live in the present moment, wisely and earnestly,Inshallah.

Inshallah, today i will try to
"Fear less, hope more,
Whine less, breathe more,
Talk less, say more,
Hate less, love more."

Problems are opportunities in disguise.
If I did not face problems I would just drift through life,
and I would not gain inner growth.

I was always looking outside myself for strength
and confidence but it comes from within.
It is there all the time.

Misery is optional therefore I must use adversity to get stronger I shall beleive in my abilities and I will find the courage and heart to keep trying. Take to heart only those things which can make me stronger. True faith is not beleiving in the possible, but trusting the impossible.

Guidance to hijaab

I was recently asked by a non-Muslim whether or not I fear the reactions of others to my covering. My only fear is the reaction of ALLAH to me denying something He has placed in my heart to do. I fear ALLAH.

My Guidance to hijaab came shortly after becoming Muslim eary 1992. I was so excited and happy to find the "truth" after searching most of my life in actual fact that is mostly all of my childhood, the light of ISLAM found me humbly appreciative and thirsty for more.

Upon opening ALLAH'S Most HOLY QUR'AN, one of the first ayahs I was drawn to:

"And say to the Believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what appear thereof; that they should draw their veils over their bosoms and not display their beauty except to their husbands, their fathers, their husbands' fathers, their sons, their husbands' sons, their brothers or their brothers' sons, or their sisters' sons, or their women, or the slaves whom their right hands possess, or male servants free of physical needs,or small children who have no sense of the shame of sex; and that they should not strike their feet in order to draw attention to their hidden ornaments. And O ye Believers! Turn ye all together towards ALLAH, that ye may attain Bliss."
HOLY QUR'AN 24:31

For me, wearing hijaab marked my entrance into a much closer relationship with our Allah. ALLAH certainly knows best and the command to hijaab was made very clear to me. I knew I must submit and in the submission free myself of any fears I had of any form of rejection. Acceptane by ALLAH through obedience was my only aim and with ALLAH on my side, who else do I need?

I was and am so grateful to ALLAH for His Guidance and felt that this so-called "sacrifice" was little payment in return for finding the truth that is ISLAM. Little did I know this "sacrifice" was an immense blessing, the benefits of which I cannot begin to innumerate. So little by little I began to see the wisdom of ALLAH'S commands to cover.

Initially I received the taunts and tests that accompany first hijab, and then veiling. It was not easy, but it did make me focus more and more on ALLAH. The more I focused, the stronger I became, Alhamdulillah. At one point I felt a weariness at dispelling the ignorance to ALLAH'S (SWT), Most HOLY QUR'AN. It was then I made du'ah to ALLAH: "Ya, ALLAH. Please help people understand ISLAM so that others may share its joy and so that we will not be so abused and taunted." Alhamdulillah!! three more of my friends became muslim the same year, more and more people were becomming informed and educated about islam. The atmosphere changed from one of complete misunderstanding to an acceptable tolerance, if not respect for ISLAM only by the Grace of ALLAH.

A true transformation was also taking place inside of me. I had always felt the reaction to my appearance must only be the surface of what ALLAH intends when He says:

". . . draw your veils over your bosoms. . . ."

So I prayed that ALLAH would help me see the true beauty of hijaab. From that point of prayer on I could see ALLAH'S help in relation to my "purdah" in day to day activities. I was opening myself more and more to ALLAH'S Guidance and He, Mercifully, was showing me the way.

This is when ALLAH opened my eyes to the peacefull spiritual nature of hijaab. With hijaab, because there is less accessibility to the outside world, I can choose to be in constant prayer/communion with our Creator, insha ALLAH, and therefore more accessible to His Guidance.

When ALLAH speaks to us through His Most Holy Qur'an. He takes us as far as we are willing to go. We set our own limits. ALLAH is certainly Most Gracious and Patient with us.


Wednesday

Reverts to Islam

The joy, exhilaration, and lifetime importance of accepting Islam can often be accompanied by a sense of being overwhelmed and unsure of how to best approach the new dimensions of one's life. So many details, one might think, so many books, so many rules. Look again, Islam is not an obscure, complicated religion. It is the natural religion, and as such, it is a way of life, so there is no need to panic.

Fundamentals Quiz

How to do the Quiz

This is a multiple choice test. Please select the best possible answer for each question.

Q 1. What is the official name of the religion practiced by Muslims?

(a) Mohammedanism
(b) Deen-e-Ibrahimi(Abraham’s religion)
(c) Islam
(d) deen-e-fitrah (natural religion)

Q 2. What type of religion is Islam?

(a) polytheism
(b) worship of Muhammad
(c) Kaaba worship
(d) monotheism

Q 3. What is the chief ‘Pillar of Belief’ in Islam?

(a) Prayers
(b) Belief in Oneness of God
(c) Belief in Life after Death
(d) Belief in Supernatural

Q 4. How many items of Islamic Belief system are called "pillars’ of belief?

(a) one
(b) 5
(c) 10
(d) 3

Q 5. Is belief in the Hereafter a part of the Islamic Belief system?

(a) essential
(b) optional
(c) desirable
(d) no

Q 6. Should a Muslim believe in all Prophets or only in Muhammad?

(a) all known or unknown prophets of God
(b) only the Semitic prophets
(c) only Muhammad
(d) Biblical Prophets

Q 7. Are Muslims required to believe in angels?

(a) archangels only
(b) all innumerable angels
(c) not necessary
(d) selectively

Q 8. Should a Muslim believe in Revealed Books?

(a) all
(b) only Torah and Gospel
(c) only Quran
(d) optional

Q 9. In what Islamic month is fasting obligatory?

(a) Zul-Hijjah (the pilgrimage month)
(b) Ramadan (the 9th month)
(c) Muharram (the 1st month)
(d) may fast in any month

Q 10. What is the rate of Zakat to be given yearly to the poor? (on accumulated wealth by end of each year)

(a) 10 %
(b) 5 %
(c) 2.5 %
(d) 7.5 %


Q.11. Is pilgrimage to Mecca essential for all Muslims?

(a) all
(b) only those who can afford
(c) on men only
(d) on residents of Saudi Arabia only

Answers Displayed Following Sunday


Quran 18:109 Posted by Hello

Hijaab

In the Western world, the hijab has come to symbolize either forced silence or radical, unconscionable militancy. Actually, it's neither. It is simply a woman's assertion that judgment of her physical person is to play no role whatsoever in social interaction. Wearing the hijab has given me freedom from constant attention to my physical self. Because my appearance is not subjected to public scrutiny, my beauty, or perhaps lack of it, has been removed from the realm of what can legitimately be discussed.

Unity

"It is from numberless diverse acts of courage and belief that the muslim ummah and its history is shaped. Each time a man stands up for his faith, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring, those ripples build a current that can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance".

Dawah

"When we treat person as he is, we make him worse than he is, when we treat him as if he already were what he potentially could be, we help him to be what he should be".

Patience

"Patience with others is Love, Patience with self is Hope, Patience with God is Faith".

Character

Be thankful when you don't know something,
for it gives you the opportunity to learn.
Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.
Be thankful for your limitations,
because they give you opportunities for improvement.
Be thankful for each new challenge,
because it will build your strength and character.
Be thankful for your mistakes.
They will teach you valuable lessons.
Be thankful when you're tired and weary,
because it means you've made a difference.
It's easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who
are also thankful for the setbacks.
Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles,
and they can become your blessings!!

Balanace Sheet of Life

Our Birth is our Opening Balance
Our Death is our Closing Balance
Our Prejudiced Views are our Liabilities
Our Creative Ideas are our Assets
Heart is our Current Asset
Soul is our Fixed Asset
Brain is our Fixed Deposit
Thinking is our Current Account
Achievements are our Capital
Character & Morals, our Stock-in-Trade
Friends are our General Reserves
Values & Behaviour are our Goodwill
Patience is our Interest Earned
Love is our Dividend
Children are our Bonus Issues
Education is Brands / Patents
Knowledge is our Investment
Experience is our Premium Account
The Aim is to Tally the Balance Sheet Accurately
The Goal is to get the Best Presented Accounts Award