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Free Doll pattern

Binth Mohammed Anwar — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 06:35:37 +0000

Assalama'laikum i was searching from net to buy rag doll for little cousin who is almost 4 years. There is a doll called Aisha doll and Fathima doll too.from http://aishadolls.com website but they are out of stock and found out a amish faceless dolls but these are too expansive when i add shipping cost. so i was really disappointed and then i found this web site where own rag dolls can be easily prepared..so i would like to share with my sisters those who want to try this out..Free Doll Pattern for Simple Rag Dolls

rag doll pattern
This free doll pattern can be your jumping off point into the world of making dolls! It is easy enough for even beginning sewers and more advanced crafters can customize it to make it their very own design.

Simple rag dolls in this style have been made for hundreds of years and you can make one in the classic style with hand-stitching or you can save time and use your sewing machine.

For this free doll pattern I suggest using a sturdy bottom-weight fabric such as canvas, linen, denim or upholstery fabric for your dolls if they are to be loved by children. These fabrics will make a much sturdier doll, but you can also try classic quilting cotton too as it is hard to resist the many prints and colors available.
For stuffing you can use polyfill, wool, bamboo, cotton or even cut up fabric scraps. Some people like to partially fill their rag dolls with beans or rice to give a heavier weight, but this is not recommended for children under the age of three or children who are rough on their dolls or you'll have a giant mess later. If you really want to weight your doll you can also sew a little fabric packet filled with rice or beans that you slip inside of the doll, this will give an added layer of no spill protection.

free doll patterns

Here is the http://www.make-baby-stuff.com/support-files/free-doll-pattern.pdf for the head, legs and arms and here is http://www.make-baby-stuff.com/support-files/free-rag-doll-pattern.pdf to download. However, after seeing the free doll pattern photo instructions below and understanding the process you'll soon realize that you don't even need this pattern! You can easily draw out the simple shapes on your fabric and make your very own custom doll. For example, a longer body and shorter legs will look like a longer dress, make the bottom of her dress wider for a fuller dress, add curve to the arms, add thumbs, a bigger head...this free doll pattern is just a jumping off point! Once you understand the basics of sewing rag dolls you can make your very own design.

Step One
photo banner instructions
First, cut out your pattern pieces, 2 head, 2 body, 4 arms and 4 legs. You can use the free doll pattern above or you can draw your own directly onto your fabric. Make sure your arms and legs aren't too large compared to your body and head or it will be difficult to tuck them inside and sew the outer edges as explained below.

Step Two
free doll pattern instructions

Next, sew both head circles to the body panel and sew the arms and legs pieces together, with right sides facing each other. Then turn the arms and legs right side out. A pencil or a chopstick can be a handy tool to help with pulling them right side out if you have trouble.

Step Three
stuff doll legs

Stuff the legs and the arms with your stuffing of choice. Please note, in the photo above, the stuffing shown was used to stuff just one leg...so you may need more stuffing than you think! The amount you use is up to you, whether you want a softer, more floppy doll or a firm doll. Reshape from the outside by rolling the legs or arm tubes between your hands.

Step Four
Now place one head & body panel right side up and pin and then sew on the doll arms as shown. You are sewing from the "inside out" and this might be unfamiliar to new sewers, so make sure you are sewing the arms onto the right side of your fabric, with the hands pointing in. Do the same thing with the legs on the bottom, point the feet towards the head and sew the open leg edges to the right side of the fabric.

Step Five
tuck in doll legs

Next, you'll need to fold up your arms and legs to get them out of the way. You can use pins, safety pins or even tape to tape the arms down. The legs easily fold up toward the head. You need to secure them out of the way to sew the top head/dress panel down.

Step Six
rag doll sewing

Lay your second head & body panel right side down on top of the folded up legs and arms. Pin the outer edges all the way around except for the very top of the head. You should have a little body and head packet with the wrong side of the fabric exposed. Sew all around the edge (except for the top of the head) sewing right through the ends of each arm and leg where you've already sewn, where they attach to the body.

Step Seven
rag doll turn out

Turn your doll right side out through the top of the head that you left unsewn. You should now have a flat doll with arms and legs securely attached! Stuff the body and the head through the hole in the head.

Step Eight
sew doll head

After you've finished stuffing the body and head, you can stitch the top of the head shut. If you plan to add hair it doesn't need to be perfect as it will be covered up. For yarn hair in two pigtails, take one piece of your very thick yarn (make sure it is washable) and cut to the length you desire for the hair. Next, cut several same size pieces of yarn.

Step Nine
sew doll hair

Stitch the yarn down on the center part line, starting at the front and continue all the way down the back of the head. Use thick embroidery floss and make sure to pull tight and sew on very securely. I usually use several pieces of embroidery floss and sew over the center part a few times to make sure that even if one thread were to break there are others securing the hair on. Next, create pigtails by pulling the yarn hair to the sides of the head and stitch it onto the sides of the head. You can then either braid the remaining yarn or leave as yarn pigtails.

tadah!! your doll is compleated. http://www.make-baby-stuff.com/free-doll-pattern.html you can find this but with a step 10 included which is making of the eyes and mouth...

Simple Blueberry Torte

UmmIbrahim — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:52:02 +0000

It doesnt get any easier than this:

Ingredients

1 graham cracker crust (store bought or make your own)
1 8 oz. packagae cream cheese
1 can condensed milk
1/3 cup sugar
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 can blueberry pie filling (you can use any pie filling)

Directions

1. Mix together cream cheese, sugar, condensed milk, and lemon juice until smooth

2. Pour into pie crust

3. Refrigerate 2 hours or until set.

4. Top with blueberries and serve!

Yum!

Course: Muslimah Gems- 2 April 2010 @ Ebrahim College

hikmah — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 16:06:35 +0000

'MUSLIMAH GEMS'
(Allah be pleased with them all)
Sisters' Only One Day intensive
Friday 2nd April 2010 - 9:30am-5:00pm
Ebrahim Community College , 80 Greenfield Road, London E1 1EG

A discovery into the History of the lives of the female Sahabiyyat, Tabi’at, Muhaddithat, Faqihat, Waliyyat and living female role models like never before!

A one day intensive to enlighten women how to live like the females of the past. Depictions from every quarter of their lives will prove to remove the associated notion that Islam has denied women any rights. Come join us to discover the females that excelled in various fields from 'Aqidah, Hadith, Fiqh and purification of the soul to Philosophy, Mathematics and Medical Sciences. Be transported back in time to the days of these amazing females for an extensive review of their accomplishments and achievements.

Study the biographies of many including some of which are:
-Hajar 'alayha al-salaam (wife of Ibrahim 'alayhis salaam)
-Mother of Musa 'alayha al-salaam
-Ummuhaat al-Mu'mineen (mothers of the belivers) radhi Allahu ‘anha
-Daughter's of the Messenger peace be upon him
-Ma'adha bint 'Abdullah 'Adwiyyah rahimaha-Allah
-Daughter of Imam tahawi rahimaha-Allah
-Khayzuran (Queen of the 3rd Abbasid Cliph Mahdi) rahimaha-Allah
-Mother of Shaykh Abul Hasan Ali nadwi rahimaha-Allah and many more.

Topics (in light of the lives of the pious females):
-Reviving the intellectual advances and zeal for knowledge of the Muslim women of the past
-The female scholars of the past
-The worship of pious ladies
-Good character traits
-Enhancing the beauty of a woman
-Living as a Muslimah in face of trials and tribulations

Taught by Ustaadhah of the famous courses 'The Ideal Muslimah'and 'Path to Paradise'.

A course for serious dedicated students to pursue a path of inner beautification and enhancement. Spaces are limited.

Ticket price: £15 (including course notes) 10% discount for early birds booking before 14/03/10.
Sisters' who attended the Path to Paradise course - £10

All profits go towards Muslim Hands' Orphan Home project insha'Allah.

To enrol, email mhislamiccourses@gmail.com
[S] - 077457 54118/ 078522 89393

Certificates of attendance will be included.
This event has kindly been sponsored by Aleaf Windows UK 0800 028 4747

Concealing the Faults and Weaknesses of Others

UmmIbrahim — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 13:42:56 +0000

abridged from "Freedom of Expression in Islam" by Kamali

Avoiding harm to others and concealing the weakness of one's fellow human beings is a prominent theme of the moral teachings of the Quran and the Sunnah. The message here is conveyed in a variety of forms, context and ideas, all of which are indicative of Islam's emphasis on the honour and dignity of the individual, and of his or her right to privacy safe from the encroachment of others.

Thus according to a hadith:

"If a person conceals the weakness of a Muslim in this world, Allah will conceal their weakness in the hereafter" [Al Nawawi, Riyad al Salihin p 135, Hadith no 245; al Ghazali, Kitab Adab p 344]

A variant version of the same message is reported in another hadith, which states:

"Whoever protects the honour of his brother, will have Allah protect his countenance from the fire on the Day of Judgement" [Al Nawawi, Riyad al Salihin p 488, Hadith no 1530]

In yet another hadith we read:

"Do not harm Muslims, and do not revile them, nor pursue their imperfections. For verily, whosoever pursues the imperfections of his brother shall have his own imperfections pursued by Allah" [Sunan of al Tirmidhi, as quoted in Principles of State and Government in Islam, p 85]

Concealing the faults of, and respecting the privacy of others is again the theme of the following hadith:

"The Muslim who helps another when the latter's honour and dignity are under attack, shall be helped by Allah, Glorious and Sublime is He! - at a time when he would wish for Allah's help. But he who forsakes a Muslim whose dignity is under attack, shall have Allah forsake him at a time when he would wish for Allah's help" [Al Ghazali, Ihyaa Ulum al Din; Kitab Adab al Suhbah p 369]

It was reported that one night when Caliph Umar was patrolling Medina, he saw a man and a woman committing adultery. The following day the caliph informed other Companions and asked them whether he should enforce the prescribed penalty (hadd) for zina (fornication) on the basis of his own observations. To this Ali replied that the law of Allah stated clearly that four witnesses were required to prove zina, and that this provision was to be applied equally to the caliph. Other companions are also reported to have concurred with Ali's opinion.

While quoting this report, al Ghazali observes that this is strong evidence that the shariah demands the concealment of sins (satr al fawahish); it also discourages spying on or reporting the private affairs of others. [Kitab al Adab p 345-6]

It is noted that concealment (satr) is recommended only with regard to persons who are not generally known to engage in corrupt and harmful activities. As for those who are notorious, it is recommended that their evil is not concealed and that the matter is reported to the authorities.

Exposing the faults of others by casting aspersions, or spying on them, is particularly reprehensible. Thus according to a hadith, people are warned:

"Beware of suspicion. For suspicion is the most untrue form of speech; and do not spy upon one another and do not revile one another." [Sahih Muslim, Kitab al birr wal silah, Bab al nahy an al tajasus]

Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal was once asked about the correct meaning of the following hadith:

"When you hear something form or about your brother, ascribe to it the best interpretation until you can no longer do so"

To this, he replied:

"Find an excuse for him by saying, 'Maybe he said this, or maybe he meant such and such'"

It is further reported in another hadith:

"Whoever is offered an apology from a fellow Muslim should accept it unless he knows that the person apologising is being dishonest" [Mishkat al Tabrizi, Vol III Hadith no 5052]

Commenting on these hadiths, Tuffah has rightly observed that, despite the occurrence of the word brother (akh) therein, they are of general import, and their scope is not confined to Muslims, the reason being that in Islam justice and benevolence (adl wa ihsan) are not confined to Muslims alone. The question of the way people treat fellow citizens in society, their brothers and sisters in humanity, is closely linked with the Quranic concepts of adl and ihsan, and these do not admit if any restriction that would compromise their objective application. [Tuffah, Masadir pp 89-90]

This indeed is the main point of the following Quranic text:

"And let not the hatred of a people harm you into being unjust. Be just, for it is closet to piety (taqwa)" [Surah 5: verse 8]

Furthermore, Hasan, the son of Ali is reported to have said:

"If a man abuses me in one ear and then apologises to me in the other, I shall accept his apology" [Al Maqdisi, al Adab, I p 341]

Thus it is evident that silence takes priority over speech when it comes to exposing the faults and weaknesses of others.

'One should not talk about the defects of others even if one is asked about them. One must try to avoid prying and asking personal questions about the private lives of others" [Al Ghazali, Kitab Adab pp 242-43]

For tolerance and forgiveness are necessary in order to encourage an atmosphere of fraternity in the community.

Paradise (jannath)

Binth Mohammed Anwar — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 14:58:26 +0000

Explanation of the hadeeth:
“Anyone who possesses a speck of Pride in his heart will not enter Paradise”

Author:Shaikh-ul-Islaam Ibn Taimiyyah
Source:Majmoo‘-ul Fataawaa (vol. 7, pg. 677-679)
Produced by:al-manhaj.com
Shaykh-ul-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah (rahimahullaah) was asked:
Regarding the Prophet’s statement: “Anyone who possesses a speck of pride (kibr) in his heart will not enter Paradise” – Is this hadeeth specific only to the believers or (is it specific only to the) unbelievers? If we were to say that it is specific for the Believers then (is not) our statement trivial considering (the fact that) the believers shall enter Paradise due to their Eemaan. If, on the other hand, we were to say that the hadeeth is specific for the unbelievers then what is the relevance of the statement (since it is already known that the unbelievers shall not gain admission to Paradise?

He (rahimahullaah) answered:
(Another) authentically reported wording of (this particular version of the) hadeeth is, “Anyone who possesses half a mustard seed of Pride (kibr) in his heart will not be granted admission to Paradise. And anyone who possesses half a mustard seed of Eemaan will not enter the (Eternal) Fire.” [1]

Kibr that openly opposes and negates Eemaan results in the banishment of the one who holds it from entering al-Jannah as is found in Allaah’s statement:

“And your Lord said: "Invoke Me, I will respond to your (invocation). Verily! Those who scorn (yastakbiroon – Have kibr) My worship, they will surely enter Hell in humiliation!" [Surah Ghaafir: 60]

This is the Kibr of Iblees (the Devil), Pharaoh and all the others who possessed the Kibr, which invalidated Eemaan. This is also the Kibr that the Jews possess and those whom Allaah has described to us by saying:

“Is it that whenever there came to you a Messenger with what you yourselves desired not, you grew arrogant? Some, you disbelieved and some, you killed.” [Surah Al-Baqarah: 87]

Al-Kibr, in its entirety, openly opposes the essentials of al-Eemaan. As such he who has an atom’s weight of Kibr in his heart will not act upon that which Allaah has prescribed, nor will he abstain from that which Allaah has prohibited. Instead his Kibr shall result in his disavowal and rejection of the truth and instill in him contempt of others. This, precisely, is the explanatory definition of al-Kibr provide by the Prophet as is found in the complete version of the initial Hadeeth [“The one who possesses an atom’s weight of Kibr in his heart shall not be granted admission to Paradise.”]

He (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) was asked: “[But] O Messenger of Allaah! A man likes to have fine clothing and footwear. Is this included in Kibr?” He responded, “No. Allaah is Beauty and loves Beauty. Kibr is the rejection of truth (Batrul-Haqq) and condescension of others (waa ghaamtun-naas).” [2]

The statement “Batarul-Haqq” denotes distain and rejection of the Truth, while “ghaamtun-naas” implies contempt and condescension of others from amongst mankind.

Therefore the one who possesses half a mustard seed of it (Kibr) rejects the Truth that he was ordered to accept and act upon. At the same time, the Kibr instills in him a sense of condescension that inculcates in the individual an oppressive demeanor producing transgression over the rights of others.

The one who neglects his obligations (due to his rejection of them) and is oppressive to others from amongst the creation is not to be amongst the people of Jannah (while in this state), or deserving of it. On the contrary, such an individual is to be counted amongst the people who are threatened with punishment!

His (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) statement: “Anyone who possesses a speck of Kibr in his heart will not be granted admission to Paradise” implies that the individual is not from the people of Jannah and is not deserving of it. But if he repents, or he possesses Hasaanaat (righteous deeds) that expiate his sins, or Allaah has given him Ibtillaah (trials and tests) in the form of calamities that have expunged his sins, or similar things; then for that individual the recompense of Kibr – which originally was a barrier for him to enter Jannah – is eliminated and he gains admission (to it). Similarly Allaah, due to Divine Grace, may forgive the individual (the sin of) Kibr. [3] None shall gain admission (to Paradise) while possessing an atom’s weight of Kibr. As a result, those (scholars) discussing this Hadeeth, and other Hadeeth that have a similar theme, have stated:

“Unconditional admission (to Paradise) – that is not in conjunction with punishment (for the sin of Kibr) – is what is being negated in this Hadeeth; not the admission to Jannah that is granted to those who have entered the Fire (to be purified and cleansed) and then are allowed admission to Paradise thereafter. (On the other hand) if a hadeeth explicitly declares that a particular person is in Jannah or that a particular person is from the People of Jannah, it would then be understood that he would enter the Jannah and not enter the fire (beforehand).”

After this clarification we come to understand the true meaning of these narrations as being that the one who possesses an atom’s weight of Kibr in his heart is not from the people of Paradise (up to that point) and shall not gain admission into it without punishment (for his sin). Surely he deserves punishment – due to the enormity of the sin – similar to those who perform the Major (Kabaa’ir) sins. Allaah may punish him in the Fire as long as He wishes, but none from amongst the people of Tawheed shall remain in the Fire eternally.

This is to be the way we understand all the Hadeeth that have a similar meaning. This understanding is to be used when seeking the meaning of his (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) statement: “The one who severs the ties of the womb shall not enter Jannah”[4] or “You shall not enter Jannah until you believe. And you shall not believe until you love one another. Shall I inform you of something that if you do you shall (truly) love each other? Spread the greetings of Salaam amongst yourselves.”

This is the understanding that we are to have when pondering over the ahaadeeth that contain threats of Punishment. In this way we understand that the hadeeth is general and can be attributed to both the unbelievers and the Muslims.

If one was to say: “All the Muslims enter Jannah due to their Islaam.” The response is that not all Muslims enter Jannah without punishment. Surely the people who have been threatened (with punishment in the Hereafter due to their sins) shall enter into the Fire to remain in it for the period that Allaah so wills even though they are not unbelievers. The individual who has some Eemaan coinciding with major sins may enter into the Fire and exit from it as a result of the Shafaa‘ah (Intercession) of the Prophet or by other reported means as articulated by the Prophet when he (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:

“My Shafaa‘ah is for the people who commit Majors Sins from amongst my Ummah.” [5]

And he (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said as is reported in the Saheeh: “I shall bring out of the Fire the one who possesses half a mustard seed of Eemaan.” [6]

In this way we understand what is in store for those whom Allaah has threatened with punishment – the murderer, fornicator/adulterer, the one who consumes intoxicants, and the one who misappropriates the wealth of the orphans, the one who witnesses falsehood and others who perform the deeds of the people of major sins. They – even if they are not unbelievers – are not deserving of the Jannah that they are promised (as Muslims) without first being (cleansed and purged through) punishment.

The madh-hab (way and belief) of Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa‘ah is that the Foosaaq (deviant sinners) from amongst the general body of Muslims are not going to be eternally punished in the Fire as held by the Khawaarij[7] and the Mu‘tazilah.[8] They are not complete in their religion (Deen), Eemaan and obedience to Allaah.[9] They have good and bad deeds that necessitate a measure of punishment and reward. This is a concise dissertation regarding the issue.

Footnotes:

[1] Translator’s Note: Reported by Imaam Muslim, Abu Dawood and At-Tirmidhee on the authority of Ibn Mas‘ood. See Islaah al-Masaajid, checked by Shaykh Al-Albaanee rahimahullaah.

[2] Translator’s Note: Reported by Imam Muslim (54), Ibn Khuzaymah, Abu Dawood, At-Tirmidhee and Ibn Sa‘d on the authority of Ibn Mas‘ood. At-Tabaraanee reports it on the authority of ‘Abdullah bin Salaam

[3] Translator’s Note: Allaah the Most High says in Surah an-Nisaa’ (4:48): “Verily, Allaah forgives not that partners should be set up with him in worship, but He forgives what is besides that to whom He pleases, and whoever sets up partners with Allaah in worship, he has indeed invented a tremendous sin.”

[4] Translator’s Note: Reported by Imaam Muslim (1765 – Abridged) al-Haakim, al-Bayhaqee, Abu Dawood, and at-Tirmidhee on the authority of Jubayr bin Mut‘aam.

[5] Translator’s Note: Turn to the Chapter “Shafaa‘ah for the People of Major Sins” (Pg. 61-108) in the highly beneficial book of the world-renowned Muhaddith, Shaykh Muqbil bin Haadee al-Waadi‘ee (rahimahullaah) titled: “Ash-Shafaa‘ah.” In the chapter the Shaykh reports seventy-six (76) ahaadeeth showing that those who perform Major sins are not excluded from the Shafaa‘ah of Allaah’s Messenger (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). This particular hadeeth can be found in the book on page 85, hadeeth number 56. Shaikh Abu ‘Abdir-Rahmaan Muqbil bin Haadee reports that the Hadeeth is collected by at-Tirmidhee (v. 4, pg. 45) on the authority of Anas and Jaabir. He then states: “And this hadeeth is Hasan Saheeh Ghareeb (good and authentic yet scarce in this mode). The Hadeeth is reported by Ibn Khuzaymah (pg. 270), Ibn Hibbaan as is stated in the Mawrid (pg. 640), and al-Haakim (vol. 1, pg. 69) said: ‘This hadeeth is authentic and meets the requirements set by Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim even though they did not narrate it.’” Later on Shaykh Muqbil wrote: “Al-Haafidh Ibn Katheer said in his Tafseer (vol. 1, pg. 487) that its chain of narration is Saheeh and meets the requirements set by Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim.” The Shaykh then takes us step by step through the chain of narration and proves convincingly that the hadeeth does not meet the requirements of Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim due to the presence of Mu‘aamar reporting from Thaabit. For further detailed analysis turn to pg. 85-88. In Shaykh al-Albaani’s Saheeh al-Jaami‘, he declares the hadeeth Saheeh on the authority of Jaabir, Ibn ‘Abbas, Ibn ‘Umar, Ka‘b bin ‘Ajrah and Anas.

[6] Translator’s Note: This is a segment of the famous Hadeeth of Shafaa‘ah collected by Al-Bukhaaree (vol. 13, pg. 472)

[7] Translator’s Note: Khawaarij is the plural of Kharijee – They are those who declared that a Muslim becomes a disbeliever due to committing a major sin alone.

[8] Translator’s Note: The Mu‘tazilah deem the one who does not agree with their understanding of Tawheed (7 false principles) is deemed a Mushrik. They believe that the sinners who are Muslim shall be in a place between Jannah and the Fire. Their beliefs are built on false logical deductions that led them to negate many of the Names and Attributes of Allaah. They were the deviant group who opposed the Imaam of Ahlus-Sunnah, Ahmad Ibn Hanbal by falsely claiming that the Qur’aan is created and not the Speech of Allaah.

[9] Translator’s Note: The Murji’ah believe that sins, major or minor, do not affect faith and that Eemaan neither increases nor decreases. They claim that actions are not part of faith and that people do not vary in faith.

What would you ask Allah(swt) for?

Neilam Iqbal — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 22:51:27 +0000

Asalaam alaikum sisters,

A few days ago I was driving home from work and, as usual, I was stuck in traffic for quite a while. It is one of those times when I am forced to sit and wait with nothing to do. I had the Quran with translation playing on the car stereo and decided to take the time to ponder over the verses... In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah(swt) mentions "Thus Allah makes clear to you the verses [of revelation] that you might give thought."

As I listened, I came across one verse in Surah Al-e-Imran which made me think deeply about the Hereafter:

"Those - their reward is forgiveness from their Lord and gardens beneath which rivers flow [in Paradise], wherein they will abide eternally; and excellent is the reward of the [righteous] workers." (Surah Al-e-Imran, Al-Quran 3:136)

If, InshaAllah, I am granted Paradise as an eternal resting place and I am able to ask my Lord for anything I desire... what would I ask for? Of course, there is the usual desire for Allah(swt) to be pleased with me, for eternal happiness and contentment, and for my family & friends to be with me.

But what else do I desire? One thing I would love to ask for is the ability to see all the major events in history. I love researching on different types of history and have so many unanswered questions... How were the ancient Egyptian pyramids built? What were those men thinking when they assassinated Malcolm X? etc. Wouldn't it be amazing to have all those questions answered and to be able to see those things happening as if you were right there? How about seeing Prophet Musa(as) striking the Red Sea with his staff and splitting it in two? Or witnessing Prophet Isa(as) speaking to the people from his cradle?

I pray and make du'a that Allah(swt) grants us all a place in Paradise, and helps us all to stay on the correct path which pleases Him. Ameen

Well that's on my wish list! So sisters, what would YOU ask Allah(swt) for?

The Forbiddence of Photography

Binth Mohammed Anwar — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 12:42:49 +0000

Ahaadeeth from the Prophet sallallaahu’alaihiwasallam:

Allaah’s Messenger said: “Those who make these images will be punished on the Day of Resurrection and it will be said to them, ‘Make alive what you have created.’” [Bukhaaree and Muslim]

Narrated ’Aaishah radiyallaahu’anhaa: Allaah’s Messenger sallallaahu’alaihiwasallam returned from a journey when I had placed a curtain of mine having images over the door of a chamber of mine. When Allaah’s Messenger sallallaahu’alaihiwasallam saw it he tore it apart and said: “The people who will receive the severest punishment on the Day of Resurrection will be those who try to make the like of Allaah’s creation.” [Bukhaaree]

The Prophet sallallaahu’alaihiwasallam forbade taking the price of blood, the price of a dog and the earnings of a prostitute. He also cursed the one who took or gave ribaa (interest), the lady who tattooed others or got herself tattoed, and the image maker. [Bukhaaree]

The most severely punished people on the Day of Resurrection would be the image-makers. [Bukhaaree and Muslim]

Every image-maker will be in the fire of Hell. A soul will be made for him for every image which he has made and it will punish him in the Hell-fire. [Muslim]

Allaah the Glorious and Exalted said, “Who is more a wrongdoer than one who tries to create creation like My creation. Let him create a small ant or a grain of wheat.” [Muslim]

A neck will come out from the Fire on the Day of Resurrection. It will have two eyes which see, two ears which hear, and a tongue which speaks. It will say, ‘I have been entrusted with three: every rebellious oppressor, everyone who calls on another god along with Allaah and the image-makers. [Tirmidhee – Saheeh]

The Islamic Ruling Concerning Photography, Conversation With Shaykh Naasiruddeen Al-Albaanee

This issue is related to a previous research of ours. Many of the scholars of (the people of) Sunnah today hold the view that the image made by a camera is not the same as the image made by hand.

As for me, I am of those people who say that this differentiation between the picture made by hand and the picture made by camera is a contemporary literalist (dhaahiree) view—i.e., inflexible thinking which has become a trial for those who differentiate between the picture made by hand and that made by camera.

But, what shall we do? Shall we say that these people are astray and have gone outside of the Qur’aan and Sunnah because they have differentiated between the picture made by hand and that which is made by camera, while that which is made by camera is still a picture made by hand. So, let them leave the camera to make a picture by itself. You will not be able to take a picture of anything except by using your hand.

It is a necessity for the photographer to direct the camera towards that which he wants to photograph. In the end, it is necessary for him to press or squeeze the button to snap the shot. Therefore, this is also a picture made by hand.

I have already said to some of those who have deviated from the correct position in the issue—as we see it—I said: You differentiate between this picture and that one, and say this one is forbidden (haraam) because it is made by hand—by pencil or pen or paint—and this is lawful (halaal) because it was made by camera, and they are exactly the same.

There are those who are called artists, as they claim to be. One of them may begin to produce a statue/idol (sanam) and may take days or perhaps months. Now it is possible, by just the push of a button and there will be a number of these statues reproduced. They will come out one after another, complete perfect statues.

I said to him: What is your view of this? Is this permissible? He said: It is not permissible. I said: But, this was not made by hand. It was made by a machine or instrument. So, he was stumped, unable to respond.

What is the intention of all this? We are still not able to say that these people are astray. But, we only say: perhaps he made ijtihaad (he struggled to fmd the truth) and missed the mark; that is as long as he remains with us, following the Qur’ aan and Sunnah. As for those who may state clearly that they are not seeking the judgment from the Qur’aan and Sunnah, but are instead following the position of their Imam or Shaykh or something like that—then, these have clearly went out from the Qur’aan and Sunnah.

How did the camera reach this state (in its development), so that just by pressing a button a picture comes out in one minute? How did it reach this level? By dreams! or by work? It reached this level by (the work of) the hand. So, this is why I said: contemporary literalist (dhahiree).

I didn’t want to get into details in this issue because that which we mentioned was only in passing, since the original question wasn’t about this matter. But, if you want to go into detail, then I would say: This is like the saying of some of the literalist (who say): ‘the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) prohibited anyone to urinate in stagnant water. It is prohibited to urinate in it directly. But, if someone urinated in a vessel, then poured the urine from that vessel into the water— this is permissible.’

Why? Because it is not considered, linguistically from the literal expression of the hadith, that he urinated in stagnant water. He urinated in an empty vessel. Therefore, it is not considered [by the literalist] that he urinated in stagnant water. So, if he urinated in an empty vessel, then poured this urine from the vessel which was empty and then became filled with urine—if he pours this urine in stagnant water, then the literalists say this is permissible.

I am amazed by the intellect of a man, a respected scholar, who knows the principles, the fundamentals and the branches (of fiqh) saying something like this. What is the difference between one who urinated directly (in the water) and one who urinated indirectly (in the vessel)? What is the difference between the one who urinates in a pond whose water is called maa’ as-samaa’ from the rain. They say this is not permissible, because it is stagnant water....

What is the difference between this and if we connect to this river, this pure water, a tube or a pipe-line. Then the urine goes through the pipe-line until it reaches the water. What is the difference between the two? This is just stagnant thinking. This is a form of the same thing; except this is contemporary, and that is from a time that has passed.

Just as we used to think that the Mu ‘tazilah (a deviated sect from the past) were gone, that their affair and their deviation was all gone; suddenly we see them coming out today, but with other names.

We used to think that the Khawaarij (a deviated sect from the past) were also fmished. Then suddenly here they are again, but in the name of the Qur’aan and Sunnah. And so it is!

In the issue of the camera, it is necessary that we should not be unmindful. First of all, it was created and designed by the hand; and not by one hand, but by so many hands. And how many people have worked to improve it until it reached its present stage.

You should have seen the camera in the early days, when it was necessary to develop the picture by soaking it in different solutions, and work with it until the image became visible. Now, nothing remains except to squeeze the button and the picture comes out showing the person as he is exactly.

But, why did we look at the means (camera) and not look at the goal (picture)? The picture (for example) made by hand, of a naked woman, and the one made by a camera, of a naked woman—what is the difference between the harm of this one and that one?

There is no difference at all! So, what inflexible intellect and stagnant thinking it is to say that this picture is forbidden because it was made by pencil or pen or paint, but as for this one, it was made by camera, (so it’s not forbidden). As long as the effect is the same, i.e., the corruption and harm from these two pictures is the same.

[Here someone asked, what is the difference between the still photograph and the motion pictures on television. Is there any difference between the two?]

Shaykh al-Albaanee responds:

We don’t see any difference between the two. The important thing is that we believe that Allah has not made anything forbidden except because of what is in it of harm. This harm could be apparent and obvious to some of the people, and it could be hidden from some of the people. By this we mean that it is incumbent for the Muslims to submit to the Islamic judgment, whether the wisdom of it is apparent to him or hidden from him.

Pictures have been forbidden! So (one might ask) why have pictures been forbidden? The reason has been clearly mentioned in some of the hadith. It is because of mudaahaat li-khalqi-llah (the attempt by some people to imitate the creation of Allah, to make something like Allah’s creation). And this is what you have just previously hinted at.

Some of the scholars have mentioned another reason (for the prohibition of images), and that is that it was the cause of misguidance and corruption of some of the previous nations. So, we are able to say: Verily, the prohibition of images has two causes or reasons.

The first is because of the mudaahaat li-khalqi-llah. The second is because of what is called sadd adh-dharee’ah (closing the ways or means to something harmful), since this picture might one day be the cause of some people deviating from at-Tawheed (the worship of Allah Alone).

Allah has mentioned this in the Qur’aan in the history of Nooh (Noah, peace be upon him) and his people who said to him, when he invited them to the worship of Allah Alone:

وَقَالُوا لَا تَذَرُنَّ آلِهَتَكُمْ وَلَا تَذَرُنَّ وَدًّا وَلَا سُوَاعًا وَلَا يَغُوثَ وَيَعُوقَ وَنَسْرًا
وَقَدْ أَضَلُّوا كَثِيرًا

And they have said: you shall not leave your gods, nor shall you leave wadd, nor suwaaa’, nor yaghooth, nor ya’ooq, nor nasr (names of the idols), and indeed they have led many astray

[Nooh 71:23, 24]

See the saying of Ibn Abbaas (may Allah be pleased with him and his father), as narrated in Saheeh al-Bukhaaree and the tafseer of Ibn Jareer and others besides them, that these five were righteous servants of Allah. Then, the accursed Shaytaan came to their people and made (their actions) fair-seeming to them.

The first thing he made fair-seeming to them was their deviation from the path that they were on previously, to not bury these five men in the cemetery where they used to bury their dead. Instead, they should bury them among their homes. Shaytaan made this evil act seem good to them to lead them off the straight path. He never comes with anything until he makes it appear good in the minds of the people whom he wants to lead astray....

As they say today when justifying the erection of statues in the Main Square: [This is] so that the people would be reminded, when they pass by these statues, of their heroes whose persons the statues represented. The people would wish to be like them. In this way Shaytaan suggested to them to put their graves amongst their houses, so that they would be reminded of them and their righteous deeds, and make them the focus of their attention.

Then a generation passed, and the second generation came, so he suggested to them that these graves, if rain and floods came, might carry away the graves—so take them to a place of honor and make statues of them. In this way Shaytaan takes the people little by little and leads them to evil in such a way that they don’t notice it. The same way that it is said in some countries there are people who walk with fire under their feet and they don’t feel anything.

So, what is the difference [between the two pictures, one made by the hand and the other made by the camera] from the perspective of al-mudaahaat ii (the attempt to imitate Allah’s creation)—which is the first cause of the prohibition of images that is mentioned in the text of the hadith—and from the perspective that images are prohibited because of what is called
sadd adh-dharee ‘ah (closing the ways and means to evil or harm)?

The picture which is harmfiul—whether its harm is to someone’s character (from immoral pictures) as was just mentioned; or the picture from which we fear someone may be exalted in the way that only Allah should be exalted—there is no difference between whether it was made by hand or by camera.

But, some people feel that in the camera there is no “mudaahaatan li.” But, I say the “mudaahaatan” (imitation) is more so. That is because, if you brought an expert artist, and put someone in front of him, and he draws everything that his sight can see—however strong his sight might be, there might still be a strand of hair that he doesn’t see with his eye. So that will escape him, and not appear in his picture.

As for the photograph, nothing at all escapes it. It captures the person in the same way that Allah formed him, exactly as Allah created him. So, how can it be said, about this camera which is made and operated by hand, that there is no mudaahaatan li. No, the camera is much more so!

The proof is that you find some pictures of some of the rulers and kings— Hussain here—for example, and other than him; it is possible that the cloth which the picture is painted on is twelve feet, very high [while he is a small man].

So, if you looked at the picture, the photograph, you will fmd a big difference between this picture made by a camera and that which is made by paint on cloth. Which of them is more detailed and exact? That which is made by camera, or that which is made by paint and brush? Subhaan Allah! Here the “mudaahaatan” (imitation) is more.

Therefore, the camera and the making of pictures by it is more dangerous than making pictures by hand. Especially since the camera can produce a number of pictures in a matter of moments, while the artist may spend day and night to produce one picture.

[Someone here asked: If someone looks in the mirror and his image is reflected in the mirror, and he looks at that image—is this considered “mudaahaatan li” (an attempt to imitate Allah’s creation)?]

Shaykh al-Albaanee responds:

No, and may Allah bless you. But, we will say that if that image was captured and given permanent form (like on film), then it would have become a picture. As for this image in the mirror, I know that the scholars of the Muslims used to look at themselves in the mirror and arrange their hair. So, this is a case of incorrect comparison (qiyaas ma’a-l-faariq— comparing something with that which is not similar to it). This image (in the mirror) is not permanent.

[Here someone began to compare the image in the mirror to television and video.]

Shaykh al-Albaanee responds:

You were saying what is the difference between the reflection in the mirror and television or video. We say the difference is very much. We say to you now: stand in the mirror; come now and give me the image which you saw in the mirror. You are not able to do so. But, if it was given permanent form, it would become like a video and be forbidden. The harm comes from it having permanent form, not from that which has no permanence.

[Taken from The Islamic Ruling Concerning Tasweer compiled by Abu Muhammad Abdur-Ra’uf Shakir]

A problem with the 'Thread Tools' in the Forums menu

fatisahid — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 19:58:54 +0000

Salaam 'alaykum dear Admin sisters,

Please something seems to have happened to the 'Thread Tools'; the pop-up menu is not coming up for us to select 'Edit Thread'. I just posted something in one of the group forums and wanted to edit some errors, but the tool was not responding. I also want to modify some already posted threads, but I am not enabled.

Please do check out the problem.

Thank you,

Ma'a salaam,

Fatisahid

I am new but ..

Mariyam Shifa — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 14:31:35 +0000

i am not so new member but havnt been here in sz nor doing any activity my studies are so much that i am having less time being here, but still love every bit of SZ....hope to have new friends and love to share alot..

Letter from Aafia Saddiqui - My Dead Nation

muwahida22 — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 14:27:59 +0000

Letter from Aafia Saddiqui - My Dead Nation

My name is Dr. Afia educated from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (USA) with three children and aim of helping my nation with my high class education is very pleased from your help.

I was kidnapped from my own country by my brothers and sold to America. I was brutally treated, raped, tortured, again and again given name prisoner 650. I prayed for my Muhammad Bin Qasim for every second of my years in prison in a Muslim country Afghanistan.

I am sister of 1/5 world's Muslim population. My nation is historically famous in defending and protecting their citizens right from the beginning. Hazrat Omar (RA) Said, if a dog dies near river Arafat, Omar will be responsible on day of judgment.

At the moment I can't walk on my own, one kidney is removed, bullet wound in my chest, denied any medical and legal aid and not sure whether I will be alive or not.

I would like to revoke my status of sister. I am a proud Muslim, follower of Hazrat Muhammad SAW, daughter of Hazrat Abubakar, Hazrat Umar, Hazrat Usman and Hazrat Ali and Companions and their true followers. I don't want to be your sister.

They are my protectors and I will seek Allah's help not yours.

I don't want to be Pakistani who has 600,000 troops and special force SSG but fail to protect me, they sworn to protect me but refused when I was looking at them for help.
My so called Muslim Ummah having millions of soldiers, guns, tanks. Automatic weapons, fighter plans, submarines and yet they failed to save me.

Don't worry about day of judgment you won't be answerable as you are not my brothers in Islam. You are Arabic, Persian, Palestinians, African, Malaysian, Indonesian, South Asian but not Muslims.

I am sorry if hurts you but you can't imagine how hurt I am.'

[END OF LETTER]

herioc women of our ummah! where are you?

ngady — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 14:17:08 +0000

Bismillahi rahmaani raheem

Truly, successful are those individuals who out of the midst of this confusion rose up and decided to stand up for this religion. They've adorned themselves with the valour and have dedicated their very souls to the Creator Most High. Indeed, Allah said;

"Say, Indeed, my prayer, my rites of sacrifice, my living and my dying are for Allah , Lord of the worlds" ( 6:162)

It's often said that behind every great man stands a great woman and surely this must be the case for the ghurabah of today and those of yesterday. What about the mother who handed over her dear son in full submission to her Lord? My words will not be able to give justice to what sacrifice this takes. Only a mother will be able to begin to understand the true commitment that it takes to exchange the delight of her eyes for the Pleasure of her Lord.

And what of the wife who puts forth her husband for this blessed cause? It's very difficult to exaggerate the role in which a husband plays in the life of his wife, for he is her protector, breadwinner and the father of her children. This wife however, puts her trust in Allah alone and with tears flowing from her eyes and joy in her heart encourages her husband to travel to a land a far so that he may liberate this precious Deen.

Glad tidings to such a wife who refuses to be satisfied with a man who sits comfortably at home while his brothers and sisters in Islam are being exterminated by the kuffar!

Women have often become too satisfied with this world and have preoccupied themselves by searching for a spouse who will merely bring them worldly treasures. Often in today's society we find that Muslim women have followed the footsteps of the modern kaafirah who searches for nothing more than a partner that has the most luxurious car.

Have you not heard of the story of Umm Sulaym (ra) who challenged the polytheistic beliefs of Abu Talha al Ansari at the moment of his proposal? She cared less about his abundant wealth and social status and simply asked that her dowry be his conversion to Islam. How about the story of the wife of Habib ibn Maslamah al Fihri (may Allah be pleased with them both) who took part in the battle that her husband was leading against the Byzantine army? Before the battle had begun she asked her husband, "Where will I meet you when the fighting becomes intense and the ranks of the army are moving like waves?" He (being a soldier of Allah) replied, " You will find me either in the tent of the Byzantine commander or in paradise". The battle begun and the fighting became intense and the companions fought bravely. Allah had blessed the Muslims with victory over the Byzantine army and as promised, Habib ibn Maslamah rushed to the tent of the Byzantine commander to meet his wife. SubhanAllah, but to his amazement, his wife had already entered the tent and was waiting for him there!

My sisters, this was the bravery and the valor of the women before us! They were women who saw past the materialistic mirage of this world and who pushed their husbands to success. So, my sisters, this is sincere advice to myself and to you do not be the reason why your husband does not strive for this religion. The disbelieving women are supporting and sending out their sons and husbands in the so called "war against terror", yet we, the believers, who have been given the chance to dwell in the highest levels of paradise, shy away and are terrified at the thought of sending our men to the lands of jihad. My sisters, your husbands, sons and brothers will die tomorrow whether they are hit by a car or plagued with cancer, so why not loose them in the most honorable way?

Social psychologists often argue that altruistic acts are only preformed when one takes the perspective of the suffering other which then leads to empathic concern. So, taking this principle into account, when the child in Iraq cries out as his leg is blown off onto the streets, know that he is your son. Know that when the mothers and daughters of this ummah are raped and humiliated, then indeed it is as if you are being raped and humiliated. So why do we hold on tight to the men of our household when the state of our ummah is such?

How is it that we watch our brothers and sisters being massacred all over the world and then simply turn the other cheek and continue to live a life of blindness? Surely, Allah will take us into account for our actions. Fear Allah my sisters, and do not let the love of this dunya hold you back. Hope for your reward from Allah ta'ala and truly you will be successful.

What is meant by lowering the gaze?.

ummhussain — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 21:12:44 +0000

Praise be to Allaah.

Firstly:

Lowering the gaze (ghadd al-basr) means restraining the gaze and not allowing it to wander or dwell upon anything.

Ibn Faaris said in Mu’jam Maqaayees al-Lughah (4/307):

Ghayn and daad indicate restraining, as in the phrase ghadd al-basr (lowering the gaze)… End quote.

Ibn al-Manzoor said in Lisaan al-‘Arab (7/196):

Lowering the gaze (ghadd al-basr) means restraining it. End quote.

Secondly:

In Islamic terminology it refers to a number of things:

1 – Refraining from looking at people’s ‘awrahs, which includes the beauty of a non-mahram woman.

Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah (may Allaah have mercy on him) said in Majmoo’ al-Fataawa (15/414):

Allaah, may He be glorified and exalted, has enjoined us in His Book to lower the gaze, which is of two types: refraining from looking at ‘awrahs and refraining from looking at the site of desire.

The former refers to a man refraining from looking at the ‘awrah of another person.

The second refers to looking at uncovered parts of a non-mahram woman. This is more serious than the former, just as alcohol is more serious than dead meat and blood and pork, and the hadd punishment should be carried out on the one who drinks it, because these haraam things are not as desirable as alcohol may be. End quote.

2 – Refraining from looking into people’s houses and things that are behind closed doors

Ibn Taymiyah says in Majmoo’ al-Fataawa (15/379):

Just as lowering the gaze includes not looking at the ‘awrahs of other people and other haraam things, it also includes refraining from looking into people’s houses. A man’s house conceals his body just as his garments conceal him. Allaah has mentioned lowering the gaze and guarding one’s private parts after the verse about asking for permission to enter, because the house covers a person just as the clothes on his body do. End quote.

Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allaah have mercy on him) said in Madaarij al-Saalikeen (1/117):

Haraam kinds of looking include looking at ‘awrahs, which is of two types: the ‘awrah behind a garment and the ‘awrah behind doors. End quote.

3 – Refraining from looking at what people have of wealth, wives, children, worldly goods and so on.

Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Look not with your eyes ambitiously at what We have bestowed on certain classes of them (the disbelievers), nor grieve over them. And lower your wings for the believers (be courteous to the fellow‑believers)”

[al-Hijr 15:88]

Ibn Sa’di said in his Tafseer (434):

i.e., do not admire them in such a way that you will distracted with desire for the worldly pleasures enjoyed by those who live in luxury and by which the ignorant are deceived. You should be content with that which Allaah has given you of the seven oft-repeated verses and the Holy Qur’aan (cf. al-Hijr 15:87). End quote.

He also said (p. 516):

i.e., do not be impressed and do not look repeatedly admiring worldly pleasures and those who are enjoying them, such as delicious food and drink, fine clothing, beautiful houses and adorned women, for all of that is the adornment of this world in which those who are deceived rejoice. And those who do wrong enjoy it by ignoring the Hereafter. But it will all soon end and cease to be, and those who love it will die, then they will regret when regret will be to no avail, and they will realize the state they are in when the Resurrection begins. Allaah has made it a test and a trial, so that it may be known who will be deceived by it and who will be better in deeds. End quote.

Thirdly:

The scholars have mentioned many benefits of lowering the gaze, including the following:

Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allaah have mercy on him) said in al-Jawaab al-Kaafi (125):

There are a number of benefits in lowering the gaze:

1 – It is obedience to the command of Allaah, which brings happiness to man in this world and in the next. There is nothing more beneficial to a person in this world and in the next than obeying the commands of his Lord, may He be blessed and exalted, and those who are happy in this world and the next can only attain that happiness by obeying His commands, and those who are doomed in this world and in the next are only doomed because they ignore His commands.

2 – It prevents the poisoned arrows (of the shaytaan), which may lead to his doom, from reaching his heart.

3 – It creates a heart that is devoted to and focused on Allaah. Letting the gaze wander distracts the heart and keeps it far from Allaah. There is nothing more harmful to a person than letting his gaze wander, as it creates alienation between a person and his Lord.

4 – It strengthens the heart and brings it peace, just as letting the gaze wander weakens it and makes it sad.

5 – It brings light to the heart, just as letting the gaze wander brings darkness to it. Hence Allaah mentioned the verse of light immediately after the command to lower the gaze, as He says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Tell the believing men to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts…”

[al-Noor 24:30]

Then straight after that He says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Allaah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The parable of His Light is as (if there were) a niche and within it a lamp”

[al-Noor 24:35]

i.e., the likeness of His light in the heart of His believing slave who obeys His commands and heeds His prohibitions. If the heart is enlightened blessings will come to it from all sides, but if it is darkened, calamity and evil will come to it from all places. Whatever exists of innovation, misguidance, following whims and desires, avoiding true guidance and turning away from the means of happiness and focusing on the means that lead to doom, that will be recognizable by means of the light that is in the heart. If that light is lost then one will left like a blind man stumbling in the darkness.

6 – It generates true insight which can distinguish between truth and falsehood, sincerity and lies. Allaah rewards His slave for his good deeds with something similar and if he gives up something for the sake of Allaah, He will compensate him with something better than it. So if he lowers his gaze and refrains from looking at things that Allaah has forbidden, Allaah will compensate him with enlightenment; he will compensate him for restraining his gaze for the sake of Allaah, and will open to him the doors of knowledge, faith and true insight which he only attained by means of the light in his heart. The opposite of that is the blindness which Allaah attributed to the homosexuals, which is the opposite of insight. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Verily, by your life (O Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), in their wild intoxication, they were wandering blindly”

[al-Hijr 15:72]

7 – It creates a heart that is steadfast, brave and strong. Allaah will give him both insight and power and strength, as it says in the report: “The one who goes against his whims and desires, the shaytaan flees from his shadow.”

On the other hand, the one who follows his whims and desires will feel a sense of humiliation, indignity, worthlessness and insignificance, which is the punishment which Allaah has decreed for those who disobey Him as al-Hasan said: “Even if they ride the finest of mounts, the effect of sin will never depart from them. Allaah insists that the one who disobeys Him will be humiliated.”

Allaah, may He be glorified and exalted, has connected strength to obedience to Him, and humiliation to disobedience to Him. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“But honour, power and glory belong to Allaah, and to His Messenger (Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), and to the believers”

[al-Munaafiqoon 63:8]

“So do not become weak (against your enemy), nor be sad, and you will be superior (in victory) if you are indeed (true) believers”

[Aal ‘Imraan 3:139].

Faith is both words and deeds, inward and outward. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Whosoever desires honour, power and glory then to Allaah belong all honour, power and glory [and one can get honour, power and glory only by obeying and worshipping Allaah (Alone)]. To Him ascend (all) the goodly words, and the righteous deeds exalt it (i.e. the goodly words are not accepted by Allaah unless and until they are followed by good deeds)”

[Faatir 35:10]

i.e., whoever desires power, let him seek it by means of obedience to Allaah and remembrance of Him, by speaking good words and doing good deeds. In Du’aa’ al-Qunoot it says: “he is not humiliated whom You have befriended, nor is he honoured who You take as an enemy”. Whoever obeys Allaah is His friend in as much as he obeys Him, and he will have support and honour from Him commensurate with his obedience towards Him. Whoever disobeys Him is His enemy in as much as he disobeys Him, and he will have humiliation from Him commensurate with his disobedience towards Him.

8 – It blocks the shaytaan from a means of entering his heart, for he may enter with looking, and penetrate the heart faster than the wind blowing through an empty space, and he may present to him the image that he looked at and make it attractive, like an idol to which his heart becomes devoted, then he encourages him and gives him hopes, and fans the flames of desire in his heart, adding the fuel of sin which could not have reached his heart without looking at that image. So his heart becomes inflamed and surrounded with fire on all sides, resulting in infatuation and frustration, and he is in the midst of it like a lamb in the oven. Hence the punishment for those whose desires were fuelled by haraam looking is that in al-Barzakh they are placed in an oven of fire.

9 – It distracts one from thinking of what is in one’s best interests, so his affairs become neglected and he follows his whims and desires and neglects to remember his Lord. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“and let not your eyes overlook them, desiring the pomp and glitter of the life of the world; and obey not him whose heart We have made heedless of Our remembrance, and who follows his own lusts, and whose affair (deeds) has been lost”

[al-Kahf 18:28]

10 – Between the eyes and the heart there is a connection which means that the one is affected by the other, and if one of them becomes good, the other will also become good, and if one becomes corrupt the other will become corrupt. If the heart becomes corrupt the gaze will become corrupt, and if the gaze become corrupt the heart will become corrupt, and similarly if one is sound the other will also be sound. End quote.

And Allaah knows best.

The Family Bed in Islam

ngady — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 15:56:03 +0000

The Family Bed in Islam
by Maria Hussain, a freelance writer from New Jersey

The family bed is an aspect of traditional family life, which has largely become a thing of the past. Even Muslims have adopted the unnatural Western cultural practices of confining the baby to a separate room away from its parents and replacing breast-feeding with bottle-feeding.

"Modern" parents try to put the baby to sleep in a crib away from human touch. The parents will then spend countless nights awake, coaxing their baby to sleep, only to have him wake up as soon as he is put down in the crib. In order that the baby will stop disturbing the parents' sleep, it is considered necessary for children to develop "independence" at an early age. That is why doctors in the West push parents to teach the baby to sleep through the night alone, which can only be done by teaching the baby that no one is available. The standard American baby handbook, What to Expect the First Year (Eisenberg) advises:

"If you can tolerate an hour or more of vigorous crying and screaming, don't go to the baby, soothe him, feed him, or talk to him when he wakes up in the middle of the night. Just let him cry until he's exhausted himself-and the possibility, in his mind, that he's going to get anywhere, or anyone, by crying-and has fallen back to sleep. The next night do the same; the crying will almost certainly last a shorter time…You may find that earplugs, the whir of the fan, or the hum of voices or music on the radio or TV can take the edge off the crying without blocking it out entirely. If you have an intercom from the baby's room, the magnified crying may be particularly grating. You can reduce that problem by turning it off when the crying starts. If baby is truly hysterical, you may hear him anyway. If you can't hear him at all, set a minute timer for twenty minutes. When the buzzer rings, turn the intercom back on to see if he's still at it. Repeat this every twenty minutes until the crying stops."

Is it any wonder that American youth feel alienated and depressed? Today's young people are characterized by a lack of connection with the home and family and a deep insecurity about whether they are loved. This feeling of distance from others is most likely something which started at infancy. If we gave our child the message since he was a baby that we are only available if and when it is convenient to us, who can blame them when they have problems later on in his life. If feels afraid and alone, it will not occur to him to ask his parents for advice, but he will instead turn to love substitutes and develop bad habits. Could you respect someone who sat by and knew you were crying and didn't try to help you solve the problem?

As Muslims, we want to create a strong emotional bond with our children that will last into our old age, when we will become dependent upon our children to take care of us, as Islam demands. We definitely do not want to give our children the message that we were not available when they needed us.

Some parental advocates are starting to wake up to the dangers of isolating a baby in this way. According to SIDS researcher James J. McKenna,

"Nighttime parent-infant co-sleeping during at least the first year of life is the universal, species-wide normative context for infant sleep, to which both parents and infants are biologically and psychosocially adapted…Solitary infant sleep is an exceedingly recent, novel, and alien experience for the human infant - a sensory - deprived microenvironment for which not all infants are equally prepared biologically."

Research reveals lower Sudden Infant Death (SID) rates in cultures where mothers sleep in close proximity to or in contact with their infants during the first year of life (Mothering, No. 62, Winter 92). Babies are less likely to mysteriously stop breathing when they are in close contact with another human being, especially the mother. This disproves the idea that the danger of rolling on top of one's baby and smothering them justifies depriving the child of your warmth. This tragedy occurs very rarely, and usually it involves parental use of drugs or alcohol putting the parent into a deep sleep. Under healthy circumstances, a mother is highly tuned into her baby even in sleep. She would be no more likely to roll over on top of her baby and not notice them struggling to squirm free than she would be likely to roll over and fall off the bed. Most infant smothering happens when a baby is laying face down in a thick quilt.

Statistically, a baby is actually more likely to die when left alone in their crib where no one notices them. In the entire kingdom of nature, no mother sleeps away from her infant, leaving it defenseless against predators. All mammal babies sleep curled up next to their mothers, suckling sweetly. If a baby cries in the night, it is because they want their mama! Who can blame them? Close physical contact is also essential to the swift recovery of a premature infant. It is recommended for weak and small babies to be held skin to skin with a parent for several hours a day. This is called the "kangaroo hold" and can be done by keeping him in a sling under your shirt or jacket (leaving ample breathing room) during the day.

A Muslim mother is available to her child. A Muslim father is available to his child. We know that with parent-child attachment comes the emotional security that is necessary for developing a healthy inner self-confidence. The message we want to get across to our child is, "If you have a problem, come to me. If you are afraid, tell me about it. If you are lonely, I am here." We are not interested in cultivating independence before the child is ready for it.

The Holy Prophet prescribed separating the children in their beds by the age of ten:

"Order your children to observe Salat when they reach the age of seven and spank them for not observing it when they reach the age of ten, and arrange their beds (for sleeping) separately." (Abu Dawud)

This hadith implies that before the age of moral reason, small children are not required to sleep alone. Islam has no prohibitions against parents sleeping in the same bed with a small child. In practice, a Muslim baby should sleep with its parents, especially while they are still breastfeeding. Since the father is usually only home at night, being near the baby during sleep is beneficial to the bonding process. Sleeping with their mother also gives the baby the opportunity to nurse on demand, which is important for Muslim mothers wishing to complete the full term as prescribed by Allah.

"… His mother bears him in weakness upon weakness, and his weaning takes two years - Be grateful to Me and to your parents." (Quran 31:14)

Compare the two situations: A child cries in the night. The mother pulls them to her breast, with both drifting back to sleep next to each other. And, a child cries in the night. Mother or father gets out of bed, warms a bottle, and brings it to the child. Parents take turns rocking the baby back to sleep, slowly put him down, and tiptoe away from the crib. Which couple got the most sleep? Experienced mothers know that an infant will sleep soundly through the night as long as they can smell their mother nearby and feel her warmth, and if they awaken hungry in the night, they will only cry for a second until the child finds the breast and nurses back to sleep. There is no stress on the mother, disturbing of the overworked father, getting up out of bed, or tears in the night. Sleeping with a small child gives them the security that you are there. As far as the baby is concerned, they are completely happy.

As a baby grows into a child, their need to be near others while they are sleeping does not go away. Those children who have been trained to sleep in their own beds will still find countless ways to disrupt their parents' sleep, requesting glasses of water, trips to the washroom, somebody to close the closet door, check under the bed for monsters, etc. I recall many nights in my own childhood lying awake in bed, obsessing and panicking about the concept of death and other heavy issues, but knowing I was not to disturb my parents. Patrick C. Friman, a clinical psychologist and director of clinical services for a boy's counseling center explains, "It's not pathological, it's not a disease, and it's common in industrialized cultures," where children usually sleep apart from parents (NJ Star-Ledger).

Children come up with these ploys because they are frightened of how it feels to be alone, drifting into unconsciousness. Instead of engaging in power struggles with small children over intimate issues, parents can opt to allow the child back into their bed even if he/she has their own bed as long as they are under the age of reason. This differs according to each child. The hadith mentioned above points to 7 - 10 as a maximum age, although another hadith from Abu Dawud describes the age of reason as the time when a child can distinguish his right hand from his left.

Newlyweds, when planning your marital bedroom furniture, consider buying a king-sized futon to lie on the floor. That will serve you for years to come as a child-safe family bed, where the father will have room to snuggle with mother and baby rather than being banished to the couch, as often happens when new parents discover that the baby doesn't want to sleep in their crib and takes over the honeymoon bed. Even if you don't plan to have children immediately, a large bed is still a very comfortable sleeping option and it will save you time and effort in the future.

Azza Nowari- Great Muslima

ngady — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 15:47:07 +0000

salamz! read this short story of an exemplary musilma azza nowari(rahmatulah alaihi).azza was a woman that had become very religious in college, wearing a niqab, a black hijab covering all but her eyes, and sometimes spending the whole night reading the qur'an.her wedding was very pious, with separate areas for men and women, and no music, photographs, or light hearted humour.

the couple had four daughters, fatima (b.1981), umayma, nabila (b. 1986) and khadijah (b. 1987), and a son Mohammad, who was a "delicate, well-mannered boy" and "the pet of his older sisters," subject to teasing and bullying in a traditional all-male environment who preferred to "stay at home and help his mother." Ten years after the birth of mohammed, azza gave birth to Aisha, who had Down syndrome.

After american bombardment of taliban officials building at gardez, azza was pinned under debris of a guesthouse roof. Concerned for her modesty, she "refused to be excavated" because "men would see her face." her four-year-old daughter aisha had not been hurt by the bombing but died from exposure in the cold night while the rescuers tried to save azza. they both died following 9/11. may allah put them in the finest palaces of jannah,ameen.

The strangest pregnancy cravings revealed

Mariyam Shifa — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 12:39:14 +0000

what are the most irresistible food when your pregnancy? well Coal, ice, toothpaste and sponges top the list of bizarre cravings,These were coupled with more traditional cravings including, in order of popularity, chocolate, ice cream, sweets & spicy food / chilli (equal), pickled onions, tropical fruit, curry & doughnuts (equal), Marmite, peanut butter, potatoes and nuts. Mums also reported some peculiar combinations of foods craved whilst expecting – pickles and peanut butter polling top (33 per cent), followed by Marmite mixed with ice cream (18 per cent), with other mothers yearning for more unique crazy combos, with tuna and banana, fried eggs with mint sauce and sponge cake with tomato sauce whetting appetites! Ice cream and crisps, Yorkies dipped in yoghurt and pickles and ice cream also showed up on the top of wacky cravings lists. The ladies in waiting reported overwhelmingly that their cravings began in the second trimester of their pregnancies (47 per cent). Week one of pregnancy out of 40 was reported as the top instance of when mothers briefly felt their first flush of cravings. More than half of the mums surveyed with multiple children reported cravings weren’t consistent across their different pregnancies (73 per cent), while more than a third of mums with children of each sex saying their cravings were different whilst carrying a boy and a girl.

Do comment on below and write about your craving food while you were pregnant..

Private Hairdressing.

Traveller — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 21:39:47 +0000

Salaams,

Does anyone knows a hairdresser that does cutting,highlights from home.

Looking for a sister in east london.

Jazakallah

Traveller

Rock and Roll Hijab

ummhussain — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 10:24:35 +0000

Asalam alaikum sisters.
I was reading with great saddness the article below and look at the way the heading generalises that Muslim women like rock?

Hijab-wearing women rock!
Why hijab-wearing Muslim women have a real affinity for hard rock

God gave rock'n'roll to you! So US rock band Kiss chanted in the early 90s, a cover of the original song by British group Argent. My relationship with this "divine" gift started early. At 12, I riffled through my brother's vinyl collection and emerged a fan of U2, Faith No More and Led Zeppelin.

Recently, aged 31, I set out in my coolest headscarf to see the best live band in the world: Muse, on their Resistance Tour. I looked around, but spotted not one of my species – an "undercover Muse-lim", as one friend dubs me. But there are others.

Shabana, a solicitor and mother of three, has listened to rock music for as long as she has worn a headscarf. She has dragged her husband to a Jon Bon Jovi gig; her son has taken up electric guitar. "People are always surprised to find out about my rock collection," she says. "They take one look at my headscarf and assume I'll be into choir music!" I know the feeling.

So does Arub, an architecture student and Kerrang! subscriber, who says that she and nearly all her hijab-wearing friends would rather listen to Linkin Park than shallow pop. "Rock appeals because it rebels against the norm, it sells on the angst of not belonging – something women in hijab relate to," she says. "It's the natural choice for a hijabi."

Arub's words strike a chord. When, at 18, I decided to wear a headscarf, some friends said I would belong even less to a country where I was born, bred and buttered. But being in a minority can give confidence: I was surer of my identity and even of my Britishness. I feel the relevance of rock instinctively as lyrics from my album collection pulsate in my head: "I will never know myself until I do this on my own . . . I will break away, I'll find myself today"; "Don't be afraid of what your mind conceives /Stand up for what you believe."

The call of rebellion, the claim for independence: there is an affinity between rock music and those like me, Shabana and Arub – women secure in both their faith and music taste.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/feb/14/why-muslim-women-like-hard-rock

Marriage annulled because of deceit.

ummhussain — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 10:39:43 +0000

An Arab country's ambassador to Dubai has had his marriage contract annulled after discovering the bride was cross-eyed and had facial hair.

The woman had worn an Islamic veil, known as the niqab, on the few occasions the couple had met.

The envoy, who has not been identified, told a Sharia court her mother had tricked him by showing him pictures of the bride's sister, Gulf News reported.

He only discovered the deception when he lifted the woman's veil to kiss her.

The court had annulled the marriage contract but rejected a $130,000 (£83,000) compensation claim for gifts he had bought his intended, the report said.

instant messeging

sauliha — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 13:05:06 +0000

i would like instant group messeging for all users logged in.sort of like a chat room.conversations are so much more stimulating when you recieve replies instantly.i often forget to check for replies on email and forums.my friends are often not logged in at the same time as i am and it takes time to make friends with those who are logged in at the time,via mail.just a suggestion :)let me know what you think.

Orange Julius

UmmIbrahim — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 21:18:13 +0000

A fast and easy treat:

4 cups fresh squeezed orange juice
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla flavor
2 eggs
24 ice cubes

Blend all ingredients until smooth.

surprise surprise

mammyluty — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 12:56:38 +0000

asaalam alaikum sisters

i have some news i need to share,inshallah.am pregnant with my second child,my first is 8 mmonths.i just knew like two weeks ago,n am so happy,,,have been sick lately but not like before so alhamdullilah,inshallah make duas for me Allah make it easy for me n all those who r expecting.

What didn't you know before you got married?

ummhussain — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 22:05:49 +0000

Asalam alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakhatu married or once upon a time married sisters.

I think this is going to be fun I will mention one for now till a lot of sisters start posting and inshallah I will post more.

Okay the question is what didn't you know before you got married?

Well for me I didn't know that I had to wash my hair so often and suddenly realising styling your hair so beautifully really is not worth all that trouble.lol

How do I change my display location on my profile?

purityoftruth — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 09:18:42 +0000

Can someone tell me how I can change my location on my profile and also how do you edit or delete your blogs?

thanks

salam

The question of having children

amalshakeb — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 21:13:02 +0000

There is a growing tendency in men these days not wanting to have kids. In such a situation what does a wife do? Fight with her husband to a have a child, or just carry on living with this emptiness? And what if she does pressurise him into getting pregnant and he offers her no support? How does one come to a mutual conclusion?

memeber posts???

ngady — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 19:16:46 +0000

slmz,wud like to find out how i could read all posts that a memeber has posted so far,cuz u can do that with the other forums. W/alam!

Is Imaam Anwar Al Awlaki dead?

ummhussain — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 15:05:18 +0000

Asalam alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakhatu?

I have heard and read some reports saying Imaam Anwar Al Awlaki is dead is this true? Are there any confirmed reports?

One of them is the one below

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/8429370.stm

Muslim / Sufi Tradition

BINT-E-BAHU — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 15:22:22 +0000

Poets in the Muslim / Sufi Tradition

Abu-Said Abil-Kheir (967 - 1049)

Ahmad al-Alawi (1869 - 1934)

Abu 'l-Husayn al-Nuri (? - 908)

Khwaja Abdullah Ansari (1006 - 1088)

Farid ud-Din Attar (1120? - 1220?)

Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia (1238 - 1325)

Sultan Bahu (1628 - 1691)

Abdul-Qader Bedil (1644 - 1721)

Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai (1689 - 1752)

Bulleh Shah (1680 - 1758)

Seyh Ibrahim Efendi (1591 - 1651)

Yunus Emre (1238 - 1320)

Baba Sheikh Farid (1173 - 1266)

Seyh Galib (1757 - 1799)

Mahsati Ganjavi (12th Century)

Mirza Ghalib (1797 - 1869)

Hafiz (1320 - 1389)

Hafiz (Daniel Ladinsky) (1945? - )

Hallaj (9th Century)

Ayn al-Qozat Hamadani (1098 - 1131)

Bibi Hayati (19th Century)

Muhyiddin Ibn 'Arabi (1165 - 1240)

Umar Ibn al-Farid (1181 - 1235)

Ibn Ata' Illah (1250 - 1309)

Allama Muhammad Iqbal (1877 - 1938)

Fakhruddin Iraqi (? - 1289)

Nazrul Islam (1899 - 1976)

Ahmad Jami (1048 - 1141)

Kabir (15th Century)

Baba Afzal Kashani (13th Century)

Omar Khayyam (11th Century)

Hamid al-Din Kirmani (? - 1238)

Najmoddin Kobra (1145 - 1221)

Baba Kuhi of Shiraz (980? - 1050)

Lalan (1775? - 1891?)

Moulana Shah Maghsoud (1914 - 1980)

Niyazi Misri (1616 - 1694)

Imadeddin Nasimi (1369? - 1418)

Gharib Nawaz (1142? - 1236?)

Shah Nematollah Vali (1330 - 1431)

Niffari (Muhammad ibn al-Hasan an-Niffari) (? - 965)

Qushayri (? - 1074)

Rabia (Rabi'a Al-'Adawiyya) (717 - 801)

Rahman Baba (1653 - 1711)

Rasakhan (1534 - 1619)

Jelaluddin Rumi (1207 - 1273)

Saadi (1207? - 1291)

Mohammad 'Aref San'at (1800 - 1849)

Hakim Sanai (1044? - 1150?)

Sarmad (? - 1659)

Mahmud Shabistari (1250? - 1340)

Ala al-Dawla Simnani (? - 1336)

Ummi Sinan (16th Century)

Sultan Valad (1240? - 1312)

Bead Embroidery

huda — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:50:01 +0000

Anyone here love bead embroidery?.

I`m beginner in this beadwork and i would like to share some of my projects. Those who love embroidery, dont forget to post your project here.

Signature

huda — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:20:10 +0000

Salam alaikum,

I couldnt find where can i add signature. Please help me.

Help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mazeedah — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 13:40:13 +0000

I have alot of pimples all over my face. I have tried lots of medications. pls do anyone have an idea of what i can use or do to reduce the pimples

A Bed of Roses

liana — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 09:04:51 +0000

A Bed of Roses Collection

A Bed of Roses is a 5 series set of unique lectures in Arabic and English by Shaikh Adnan Abdul Qadir (Kuwait) on the guidelines that Islam provides in developing a loving and harmonious environment in the home. Shaikh Adnan expounds upon each topic using his unique style of delivery; quoting examples from the Quran, authentic sunnah and from his profound experience. A must buy for anyone wishing to strengthen their relationship with their spouse and/or children.

InsyAllah.. my we all benefit from this lecture..

taken from: http://www.kalamullah.com/videos.html

Jailed for fighting off burglars.

ummhussain — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 22:04:04 +0000

A millionaire businessman is facing jail for attacking a career criminal who had held his family hostage at knifepoint.

Munir Hussain, 52, was told he would be killed when three raiders invaded his home.

He and his wife, their teenage daughter and two sons were ordered to lie on the floor of the living room with their hands behind their backs.

Munir Hussain (front right) and his brother Tokeer (left) were convicted but the jury failed to reach verdict on their nephew Wahleed (behind)

But the Hussains' teenage son managed to escape through a window and when the men realised that, two of them fled.

Hussain then threw a coffee table at the third man, 56-year-old Walid Salem, hitting him in the face. His older son Awais, 20, joined the fight and although Salem tried to escape he was bundled into a nearby garden.

Neighbours in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, then saw several men beating him with weapons including a cricket bat and a metal pole. He was left with injuries including a fractured skull and bruising on the brain.

Hussain denied attacking Salem, claiming it was a group of local youths. But a jury at Reading Crown Court found him guilty of inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent.

His brother Tokeer, 35, was convicted on the same charge but the jury failed to reach a verdict on their nephew Wahleed Hussain, 20.

Judge John Reddihough freed the brothers on bail until October 9, but warned them that this did not mean they would not be jailed. The maximum sentence for GBH with intent is life.

A family member said last night: 'This is one more shocking blow for a man who thought he had suffered enough last September. We are absolutely devastated, it's hard to believe in justice any more.'

In a further twist, legal sources said Mr Salem would be eligible for criminal injury compensation - with a fractured skull worth around £6,000 - even though he recovered to commit further crimes.

The court heard that Salem, from Borehamwood, had a long criminal record, with over 50 convictions.

In contrast, Munir Hussain, an engineer by training, had an impeccable character. He came to Britain in 1964 and founded a company which employs nine people and had a £2.4million turnover last year.

In 2004 he won the Business Link small business of the year award. He is a former chairman of the Wycombe Race Equality Council and chairman of the Asian Business Council, which he helped found.

Targeted: The Hussain's detached home in High Wycombe

Defence barrister Michael Wolkind, QC, said: 'The robber ruined his life, traumatised his wife, threatened his children with a knife. Who is the real victim?'

He said if Hussain was convicted 'Walid Salem wins again'.

Mr Wolkind added: 'We are really sorry that the thief, cheat, robber, possessor of stolen credit cards, carrier of a knife, the person who threatened to kill Munir and his family, the disgusting career criminal who invaded the home of a good family, got hurt. We mean that most sincerely.' Prosecutor John

Price, QC, admitted: 'Walid Salem is not someone for whom anyone would feel any instinctive sympathy and on this night he was engaged with others, which makes it worse, in a grave crime, intent, it seems, on causing harm to the occupants in that house. A family, with children.

'There is therefore a sense - and there is no point in hiding from it - of responding, as one might over a drink in a public house, "well he got his just desserts didn't he?".'

Mr Price said that when the Hussains fought with Salem inside the house: 'They were acting entirely lawfully in defence of themselves and their families.

'If they had stopped there, they would not be where they are now. But they did not.'

He said witnesses had told of seeing three or four Asian men encircling Salem in a garden, ' kicking and stamping on him as he lay there' for several minutes.

The court had heard that Hussain, his wife Shaheen, 49, sons Awais, 20, and Samad, 15, and daughter Arooj, 18, were ambushed by a knifeman wearing a balaclava at 11pm on September 3 last year after returning to their detached home from prayers at a local mosque.

In a police interview, Hussain compared his case to that of Tony Martin, jailed for life in 2000 after he shot dead a teenage burglar at his isolated farmhouse in Norfolk.

After a national outcry, his murder conviction was reduced on appeal to manslaughter and his sentence to five years.

If you use force which is 'not excessive' against burglars then the law is on your side

The Government has promised that people who fight back against burglars will find the law is on their side, so long as they do not use excessive or disproportionate violence.

Last year's Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill contained clauses to protect them from prosecution if they act instinctively and out of fear for their safety.

Justice Secretary Jack Straw said: 'Law-abiding citizens should not be put off tackling criminals by fear of excessive investigation.

'For a passer-by witnessing a street crime or a householder faced with a burglar, we are reassuring them that if they use force which is not excessive or disproportionate, the law really is behind them.'

salaam from London, UK

Claudia73 — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 16:11:15 +0000

Salaam aleikum sisters, my name is Claudia, I am 36 y.o. , I am Italian and I live in London, Uk (unfortunatelly!!!!)

I have been Muslim for a bit over one year, been wearing the hijab from the first day ,i am married to an egyptian and i have 2 kids. I am very open minded, logic and I consider myself an educated person on all fields. I say things the way they are right at people's faces, because I think is very dishonest to say it at people's back.

I am also involved (from a big distance ) in the cause of Native Americans and I try to help anyone as best as I can. My other passion are sharks I know ..........I am different ahhaahhahahahah

I am a makeup artist and skincare consultant and very proud of it. i have been criticized and even attacked by some sisters because of my job. Unfortunatelly people take matters in the wrong way.... what can we do .... there is no such thing as normal ... we are all different and that's what makes us beautiful !!!

I hope to meet someone here in London...

Love to you all

Claudia

Homemade Gnocchi

UmmIbrahim — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 14:38:44 +0000

My son made these for dinner the other night. They were delicious, simple to make, and so much tastier than the ones I have had from the store. Serve it with your favorite sauce and enjoy!

Ingredients

1 large baking potato (1 c mashed)
2 eggs
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup ricotta cheese
8 teaspoons butter, clarified
1 cup romano cheese, grated
3 cups flour

Directions

Boil potato and mash.
Combine potato with eggs and salt and whip until fluffy.
Add ricotta cheese, butter, Romano cheese and flour.
Knead until smooth.
Shape into 1/2" rolls and cut into 1" lengths.
Make impression with thumb in each piece, then lightly dust with flour.
Drop into boiling salted water and cook only until they rise to the surface.
Drain and serve with tomato sauce and grated cheese.
Note: Before cooking, gnocchi may be flash frozen on a cookie sheet, then place in plastic bag in freezer.

WIFE ABUSE

abeeda — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:05:03 +0000

Physical, mental and emotional abuse of wives is something that has been around foe ages and does not look like it will be going away, women mostly suffer in silence, lets discuss this issue and see how we can either avoid or try to look for a remedy.

The difference between punishments and trials

ummhussain — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 20:30:29 +0000

Question:

Allah menitions in the Quran that when an evil befalls us it is due to what our own hands have earned. Also our beloved Messenger, Muhammad (sallalahu 'alayhi wassallam) said in a hadith that the most tried are the Prophets, then those in piety after those. So therefore in our day to daylife when things go wrong in our lives how do we decide whether it is due to our sinfulness or that Allah loves us . and therefore sends a trial upon us
Jazakallahu khairun.

Answer

Praise be to Allaah.

Punishments are what happen to people in return for their evil deeds. Trials are tests which are sent to try people, and people may be tested by good things or by bad.

Concerning punishments, Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “Whatever of good reaches you, is from Allaah, but whatever of evil befalls you, is from yourself…” [al-Nisa’ 4:79]

Concerning the phrase “is from yourself”, Qutaadah said: “[It means] the punishment is for you, O son of Adam, because of your sin.” Abu Saalih said that “whatever of evil befalls you, is from yourself” means “because of your sin, and I [Allaah] am the One Who decreed it for you.” (Tafseer Ibn Katheer).

Allaah also says (interpretation of the meaning): “And whatever of misfortune befalls you, it is because of what your hands have earned. And He pardons much.” [al-Shoora 42:30]

Ibn Katheer, may Allaah have mercy on him, said: “[It means] whatever misfortune happens to you, O people, is because of evil deeds that you have already done, and ‘He pardons much’ refers to evil deeds – He does not punish you for them but He pardons them. ‘And if Allaah were to punish men for that which they earned, he would not leave a moving (living) creature on the surface of the earth…’ [Faatir 35:45 – interpretation of the meaning].”

Concerning trials, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “If Allaah loves a people, He tries them, and whoever has patience will have patience, and whoever is anxious will be anxious.” (Reported by Imaam Ahmad; Saheeh al-Jaami’, 1706).

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) also said: “The extent of the reward will be in accordance with the extent of the trial. If Allaah loves a people, He tries them, and whoever is content will have contentment, and whoever is angry will have anger.” (Reported by al-Tirmidhi, 2320; Saheeh al-Jaami’, 2210).

The following outlines how one may tell whether a given event is a punishment or a trial:

If the misfortune results from doing an act of obedience to Allaah, such as being wounded in jihaad, or losing money when migrating for the sake of Allaah, or losing a job because of becoming Muslim or increasing one’s commitment to Islam, then this is a trial. Whoever bears it with patience will be rewarded, but if one reacts angrily then one will earn the wrath of Allaah. If the misfortune results from sin, such as sexually-transmitted diseases or illnesses caused by drinking alcohol and taking drugs, and so on, then this is the kind of punishment that comes in this world (as opposed to being deferred until the Hereafter). If the misfortune is connected neither to a good deed nor a sin – such as other kinds of disease and sickness, losing a child, or failing in business – then it depends on the person’s situation. If he is good and devout, it is a trial, and if he is sinful, it is a punishment.

The misfortune may be a punishment to atone for sins, or it may be a trial aimed at raising a person’s status and increasing his hasanaat (good deeds/rewards) – this may be determined by whether a person is obedient or disobedient. A person should not praise himself, rather he should criticize himself for his shortcomings and strive to attain perfection. He will benefit from misfortunes in any case, if he has patience and hopes for reward. And Allaah knows best.

Islam Q&A

The Under-Twenty Clinic: Menarche

abeeda — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 19:30:44 +0000

Many girls suffer from pre-menstrual syndrome, yet feel shy if their mothers or sisters know of the onset of their period and the pain that accompanies it. The reaction of each girl to her first menstruation differs according to the amount of knowledge she has regarding it beforehand. So, what are these reactions and how can she overcome menstrual problems?

Irregularity in periods

Eighteen-year-old S. ‘Abdul-‘Atheem, says, “I was not surprised by menstruation as I had an inkling of it from my friends. However, [when it occurred], for four months, it was irregular and accompanied by severe pain in my lower abdomen, back and left leg. It only became regulated three months ago.”

Fear

S. ‘Abdullaah, who is seventeen years old, says, “My menstruation started when I was in second preparatory. I was baffled to find a stain of blood on my clothes; when my father asked me about it, I rushed to my room and burst into tears. I did not know anything about menstruation until my mother put me at ease.”

In contrast, M. Ahmad says, “I was not surprised when my period started as I used to hear my elder sisters subtly mentioning it. So, when I did start to menstruate, I did not even tell anybody for four months, until my elder sister came to know by accident. I would feel embarrassed if anyone knew about it, especially during [my missed days of fasting in] Ramadhaan.”

Dr. Nihaal Mohammad Badee’, a gynecologist, states that some physical changes that accompany menstruation include lethargy, an inclination to excessive sleep, digestive disorders and psychological stress. During this phase, girls may feel shy, reclusive and fearful of people knowing of her menstruation from a spot of blood on their clothes, perhaps.

Characteristics of menstruation

The average duration of menstruation is three to eight days. During this period, girls may feel the need to change their clothes twice or thrice a day. It comes only once every month, starting off as irregular, which may annoy some people but is natural. However, if this irregularity lasts more than two years, there is a need to go to the doctor.

The mother’s role and the girl’s nutrition:

Dr. Badee’ adds: “[Before] menstruation starts, the girl starts to gradually change. The mother should observe these developments and begin treating her daughter as an adult. Moreover, she must draw closer to her [during this time], making her understand the changes that are happening to her so that it would not become frightening when she actually starts to menstruate. The mother should also teach her daughter on how to deal with her menses. She should take good care of her nutrition by giving her food that contains vitamins and iron, like fresh vegetables, especially carrot and watercress, and honey which is curative for all people. Also, the girl should consume all kinds of fresh fruit and drink a lot of milk. The mother should also teach her daughter rulings regarding prayer, fasting and other matters that apply during her menstruation.”

Offensive bloggs

Aisha-Firdaus — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 18:53:42 +0000

I would like to report who ever this is. Satisfydude. We shouldnt have such things on the site its not useful or apopriate.

NASIHA(ISLAMIC ORDERS)

BINT-E-BAHU — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 12:53:20 +0000

Nashiha

The Nasiha [advice] of Shaykh 'Abd'al-Qadir al-Jilani Radi Allahu ta'ala anhu

Shaykh 'Abd'al-Qadir al-Jilani Radi Allahu ta'ala anhu taught Muslims and preached to non-Muslims in Baghdad. His nasiha (advices) and mawa'iza (sermons, discourses) were written down by scribes as he delivered them and they have been compiled and handed down through centuries as classics of Muslim spirituality. One of the beauties of his discourses is that you feel he is addressing you directly.

His major spiritual works, that is, the kutub (books) he wrote, as well as collections of his discourses are:

Al-Ghunya Li Talibi Tariqi'l Haqq (Sufficient Provision for Seekers of the Path of Truth)
This kitab (book) is a comprehensive explanation of Arkan al-Iman (Pillars of Faith), Arkan al-Islam (Pillars of Islam), and Ihsan (Spiritual Excellence). It is a kitab (book) on Hanbali fiqh (jurisprudence) with special emphasis on salaah (obligatory five times daily prayer). It is indispensable for those who want to do tabligh (propagate Islam) as it deals with amr bi'l ma'ruf wa nahi anil munkar (enjoining good and forbidding evil).??

Futuh al-Ghaib (Revelations of the Unseen), a collection of 78 discourses.

Al-Fath ur Rabbani (The Endowment of Divine Grace).
This a collection of 72 discourses, the main message of which is to raise yourself up to such spiritual heights as to devote your whole life in worshipful service of Allah, purely to earn His Rida (Pleasure) and His Qurb (Nearness) without hoping for any other reward in the Hereafter. In these discourses, he admonishes the munafiqin (hypocrites) who forget their religion and who cringe before kings and princes for worldly gain.

Jila al-Khatir (Purification of the Mind), a collection of 45 discourses.

Sirr al-Asrar (The Secret of Secrets).
This kitab (book) explains matters related to shari'a (sacred law), tariqa (spiritual path), haqiqi ma'rifa (knowledge of spiritual realities) and tasawwuf (spiritual culture).

Malfuzat (Talks & Sayings).

Khamsata 'Ashara Maktuban (Fifteen Letters).

These were written in Persian and translated into Arabic by 'Ali ibn Husam ud-Din al-Muttaqi, Rahmatullahi 'alayh (passed away 977 A.H/1569 C.E).

Besides the Qur'an al-Karim and Hadith shareef, these can be considered to be required minimum reading for someone who aspires to be an 'aalim (scholar).

To catch a glimpse of his nasiha (advice), perhaps the best place to begin is to see how he advises his own son Shaykh 'Abdur Razzaq, Rahmatullahi 'alayh. He advised him to acquire eight character traits that are basic to tasawwuf (spiritual culture). These are:

Sakha (generosity) of Nabi (Prophet) Ibrahim, 'alayhis salam (peace be upon him)

Rida (joyful contentment with whatever Allah ordains) of Nabi Is-haq, 'alayhis salam

Sabr (patience) of Nabi Ayyub, 'alayhis salam

Ishara (symbolic instruction) of Nabi Zakariyya, 'alayhis salam

Ghurba (life as a stranger in far-off lands) of Nabi Yusuf, 'alayhis salam

Lubs us suf (the wearing of Sufi clothes) of Nabi Yahya, 'alayhis salam

Siyaha (wandering travel) of Nabi 'Isa, 'alayhissalam

Faqr (worldly poverty with spiritual riches) of Nabiyyuna wa Habibuna wa Shafi’una Muhammad Mustafa, (Salla allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam).

(cited by Al-Hajj Isma’il ibn as-Sayyad Muhammad Sa'id al-Qadiri, in al-Fuyudaat ur Rabbaniyya, Emanations of Lordly Grace, p. 40).

His mawa'iza (exhortations, discourses) deal with various subjects. For example, the first few discourses in Futuh al-Ghaib (Revelations of the Unseen) are on "The essential tasks of every believer", "Sharing good advice", "Being tried and tested", "Spiritual death", "The nature of this world, detachment from which is strongly advised", "Passing beyond the creation", "Removing the cares of the heart", "Drawing near to Allah", "Disclosure and contemplation", "The self and its states", and "Controlling carnal desire".

The theme of each discourse is supported with verses of the Qur’an al-Karim and Hadith Shareef. For example, in the First Discourse of Al-Fath ur Rabbani (The Endowment of Divine Grace), he quotes the following verse of the Qur’an al-Karim:

Surely, Allah is with those who are patient. (2:153)

And in the Sixth Discourse of Futuh al-Ghaib (Revelations of the Unseen, p. 17-18), he quotes this Hadith Qudsi which is dear to the heart of every Muslim (translation is by Shaykh Muhtar Holland).

In a sacred tradition (hadith qudsi) the blessed Prophet Salla allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam related that Allah (Exalted is He) says, "My servant constantly approaches Me through supererogatory acts of worship until I love him, and when I love him, I become his eyes with which he sees, his hands with which he holds, and his legs with which he walks." In another version, the wording is: "So through Me he hears, through Me he sees, and through Me he understands."

This Hadith Qudsi has been narrated by Hadrat Abu Hurayra, Radi Allahu ta'ala 'anhu and reported by Imam Bukhari, Rahmatullahi 'alayh (194-256 A.H, 810-870 C.E).?

The essence of his teaching is to achieve qurb Ilallah (nearness to Allah) in the sense of achieving His love, as He is our Khaliq (Creator) and the Musabbib ul Asbab (the Original Cause of all the causes). The description of someone who has attained nearness to Allah is succinctly summarised in Futuh al-Ghaib (Revelations of the Unseen, p. 12, translation is by Shaykh Muhtar Holland).

"Gone forth from his own self out into his Master's work, he now sees nothing but that Master and His work, and neither hears nor comprehends from any other source. If he perceives at all, if he does hear and learn, His speech is what he listens to, and His knowledge is what he comes to know. His favour he enjoys, through His nearness he prospers, through His proximity he is graced and honoured, by His promise he is pleased and reassured. With Him he feels at peace, and in His discourse he takes delight, while from all others he recoils and shrinks away. In remembrance of Him he finds refuge and support. In Him, the Almighty and Glorious, he puts his faith and in Him he places his trust. By the light of His awareness he is guided as he wraps and clothes himself therein. Strange marvels of His science he discovers, and of the secrets of His power he is apprised. To Him he listens and from Him he learns, then for all this he offers praise, gives thanks, and turns to prayer."

The next step to take is perhaps to open another

Salaams from Houston

MWMuslimah — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 22:43:43 +0000

As Salaamu Alaikum, my name is Janette Grant but my friends and family call me Isahah and have since I reverted to Islam in 1998. I look forward to meeting everyone and wish you all much peace and many blessings!

mental illness

asmapandor — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 19:47:56 +0000

Salams sisters,i have been away for a while as i've been battling with, one of my list of many, mental illnesses this time it's OCD which is causing me anxiety and depression. Inspite of being on medication i'm still struggling. I don't know what to do are there any sisters out there who know more about this and can help me.

Islamic/ Modest Swimwear www.modestkini.com

modestkini — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 17:13:04 +0000

Salaam alaykum dear sisters.

As Modestkini we would like to introduce you our swimsuits which are designed for modest women. We are the first company in Europe, offering such products and we have the largest selection to suit different levels of modesty. Elhamdulillah we have been serving to women from different faiths.

www.modestkini

We will be very happy to receive your ideas and comments to further develop ourselves and also appreciate if you can promote us among the Muslim community as many of our women still does not know where to find this type of swimwear.

We are looking an answer to these questions:

-why there is very little interest in modest swimwear from the Muslim community?

-Is it because Muslim women do not know about it or they do not like swimming?

Jazak Allah for your help and support.

Umran

Overcoming the Problem of Large Dowries

abeeda — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 01:48:21 +0000

FROM ISLAM WEBLADIES

Costly dowries are one of the greatest obstacles to marriage. The Sharee‘ah provides a practical solution to this problem in the Book of Allaah The Almighty and in the verbal as well as practical Sunnah of the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. In the Quran, Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {And marry the unmarried among you and the righteous among your male slaves and female slaves. If they should be poor, Allaah will enrich them from His bounty, and Allaah Is All-Encompassing and Knowing.} [Quran 24 32] In the Sunnah, the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: “Among the signs of a blessed woman are that her betrothal, her dowry and her womb [giving birth] are made easy.” [Ahmad]

With regard to the practical Sunnah, the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, never gave a dowry to any of his wives or took a dowry for any of his daughters that was more than 500 dirhams: Abu Salamah asked ‘Aa’ishah “How much did the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, pay as a dowry for his wives?” She said, “His dowry was twelve ounces and a Nashsh. Do you know what a Nashsh is?” Abu Salamah replied, “No.” She answered, “Half an ounce; this [the twelve and half ounces] equals 500 dirhams, and this was the dowry that the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, would give to [any of] his wives."[Muslim]

Ibn ‘Abbaas said: “When ‘Ali married Faatimah the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said to him: ‘Give her something [i.e. a dowry].’ ‘Ali replied, 'I have nothing [to give to her as a dowry].' The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: ‘Where is your armor [that is called] Al-Hutamiyyah?’ So he brought it and gave it to her.”

Also, a woman came to the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, and said, “O Messenger of Allaah! I have come to give you myself in marriage [without a dowry].” The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, looked at her. He looked at her carefully and fixed his glance on her, then lowered his head. When the woman saw that he did not say anything, she sat down. A man from his Companions then got up and said, “O Messenger of Allaah! If you do not want her, marry her to me." The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: “Have you got anything [to offer as a dowry]?”The man said, “No, by Allaah, O Messenger of Allaah!” The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said to him: “Go to your family and see if you can get something.”The man went and returned, saying, “No, by Allaah, I have not found anything.” The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said:“[Go again] and look for something, even if it is an iron ring.” He went again and returned, saying, “No, by Allaah, O Messenger of Allaah! I could not find even an iron ring, but this is my loincloth [he did not have an upper garment].” He added, “I can give half of it to her." The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: “What will she do with your loincloth? If you wear it, she will not have a part of it, and if she wears it, you will not have a part of it.”The man sat down for a long time and then got up (to leave). When the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, saw him leaving, he ordered that he be called back. When he came, the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: “How much of the Quran do you know?...”

‘Umar said, "Do not demand costly dowries for women!"

The Sharee‘ah has made the dowry a means of honor for women, so women should not therewith be rendered as a commodity that is bought and sold. There is no woman greater, more honorable or nobler than Faatimah whom the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, married off in return for a suit of armor. We do not say that large dowries are prohibited, but we do call for moderation.

Fighting the Habit of Giving Extravagant Weddings

We will not go into much detail here, and only mention two examples:

1 – The marriage of the best man in the world:

When the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, married Safiyyah and the marriage banquet consisted merely of butter, simmered milk and dates.

2─ The marriage of the cream of women of Paradise, Faatimah Az-Zahraa’ :

‘Ali said, “What the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, prepared as a trousseau for Faatimah was a velvet gown, an animal- skin bottle and a pillow that was filled with Ithkhir [a sweet smelling herb].”Jaabir said, “We attended the wedding of Faatimah and we never witnessed a wedding better than it. We filled a mattress with fiber, brought dates and raisins and ate. Her bed on her wedding night was the skin of a ram.” When ‘Abdur-Rahmaan ibn ‘Awf got married, the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said to him: “Offer a banquet, even if with one ewe.”

The Guardian of the Bride May Offer Righteous Men to Marry the Woman Under his Guardianship

If the guardian of a young woman finds a righteous, religious, suitable man, he may offer him to marry the woman whom he is responsible for, whether she is his daughter or relative. There is nothing wrong with this and is, in fact the way of reasonable people. ‘Umar did so, as it was narrated thathe said: 'When [my daughter] Hafsah bint ‘Umar was widowed by her husband, Khunays ibn Huthaafah As-Sahmi, who was one of the Companions of the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, and someone who had fought in the battle of Badr and who died in Al-Madeenah. I met 'Uthman ibn 'Affaan and offered him Hafsah in marriage, saying, ‘If you wish, I can marry Hafsah bint 'Umar to you.' On that, he said, ‘I will think it over.’ I waited for a few days and then he said to me. ‘I am of the opinion that I shall not marry at present.’ Then, I met Abu Bakr and said, ‘If you wish, I will marry her to you - Hafsa bint 'Umar.’ He kept quiet and did not give me any reply and I was, therefore, angrier with him than I was with ‘Uthmaan. Some days later, the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, asked her hand in marriage and so I married her to him. Later, Abu Bakr met me and said, ‘Perhaps you were angry with me when you offered me Hafsah in marriage and I gave no reply to you?’ I said, ‘Yes.’ Abu Bak said, ‘Nothing prevented me from accepting your offer except that I knew that the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, had mentioned her and I would not have disclosed the secret of the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, but had he [i.e. the Prophet] given her up, I would have accepted her.’[Al-Bukhaari]

This was the understanding of ‘Umar and who among us is better than ‘Umar?

We ask Allaah The Almighty to guide the Ummah to all that leads it to goodness.

AN ARTICLE FROM ISLAM WEB LADIES

abeeda — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 01:42:07 +0000

We have previously spoken about the causes of spinsterhood and then about its impact and harms. It is now necessary to speak about the practical solution to this problem that has become phenomenal in many Muslim societies.

At the outset, I would like to state that this calamity has not occurred overnight or by chance. Our society has caused it and it has been increasing it through our customs, traditions, and obsessions that contradict our religion.

Although the problem has become complicated and aggravated - due to numerous old and new reasons - the solutions are still in our hands if we truly want to be free of this affliction. I do not mean that the remedy is easy; it is a difficult and long path that requires collaborated efforts, united hands, and the participation of all people whether they be fathers, mothers, callers to Islaam, judges, teachers, Imaams, media professionals, or others.

Before we try to find remedies for an ailment, we have to know the reasons behind the ailment itself, so we may choose the most useful treatment and most effective remedy. Never did Allaah The Almighty create an ailment except that He created a remedy for it. Whenever the remedy of an ailment is obtained, the ailment will be cured, with the Permission of Allaah The Exalted.

We have looked into the causes behind this ailment and mentioned only some of them, due to the lack of time. To all the causes of this problem, there is one solution: to return to the religion; to return to Islam; to return to the purified Sharee‘ah.

This solution is not only meant to solve the problem, but for us to continually abide by the rules of our Sharee’ah. This is in general.   Before we go into detail, I wish to state that Allaah The Almighty revealed this Sharee‘ah and this religion to purge the hearts of people, purify their souls, make their lives happy, ease everything for them that is related to this life and the Hereafter, and grant them spiritual and physical happiness. Whoever adheres to the Sharee‘ah will be eternally happy in his life and in the Hereafter; and whoever ignores it or exchanges it for anything else - whatever it may be - Allaah The Almighty will ruin his life and make him blind and misguided away from the path that would lead him to happiness in his Hereafter. Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {…Then whoever follows My guidance will neither go astray [in the world] nor suffer [in the Hereafter]. And whoever turns away from My remembrance - indeed, he will have a depressed life, and We will gather him on the Day of Resurrection blind. He will say, ‘My Lord, why have You raised me blind while I was [once] seeing?’ [Allaah] will say, ‘Thus did Our Signs come to you, and you forgot them; and thus will you this Day be forgotten.’ And thus do We recompense he who transgressed and did not believe in the signs of his Lord. And the punishment of the Hereafter is more severe and more enduring.} [Quran 20:123-127]

When the Ummah (Muslim nation) abided by the Sharee‘ah, these problems were unheard of, except for some exceptional cases which cannot be taken as a rule. When the Ummah abandoned the teachings of its religion and was open to cultural invasion, plagues, diseases, and afflictions appeared among its people. If we return to Allaah The Almighty, He will return to us. Allaah The Almighty Says (what means):

{It is expected, [if you repent], that your Lord will have mercy upon you. But if you return [to sin], We will return [to punishment]} [Quran 17:8]
**{Indeed, Allaah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves}**[Quran 13:11]

Treating this problem lies in the following:

1-    Rebuilding the Ummah’s religious and creedal structure: The Ummah’s sound creed has been tampered with so that many people are confused about their faith and belief in Allaah The Almighty and His Messenger, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. The certainty of many people has weakened to such a degree that they are no longer sure that if a person wants to marry seeking chastity, Allaah The Almighty will help him, expand his sustenance and provide for him from where he expects and from where he does not expect. Marriage has no longer become an act of worship in the eyes of some people. It has become a form of lust instead of being a good deed that is meant to please Allaah The Almighty and to gratify one’s needs chastely. Some people have come to the point that they cast doubts about some Sharee‘ah-established rulings, such as the permissibility of polygyny. Instead of taking polygyny as a solution, they use its permissibility to attack Islam and its adherents. Added to that is the fact that hearts are not certain that solving the problems lies in obeying Allaah The Almighty and His Messenger, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam.

2-    Rebuilding morals: This could be done through replanting the correct concepts in people's minds, especially young children. We have to teach them to be pure and chaste and strengthen in their hearts the meanings of honor, magnanimity, protecting honor, chivalry, manhood, excellence, modesty, and lowering the gaze, especially with the invasion of satellite television channels and other media that aim at destroying all meanings of virtue while promoting vice and immorality.

Almost everything that is presented to our sons and daughters is a call to immorality. It is a misleading call for displaying charms, showing body parts, and destroying every fort of virtue. Women's magazines publish nothing but makeup, nudity, the latest ‘fashions’, and celebrities’ love stories. Men's magazines publish the topics of sports, love, or sex. Other magazines only write about marital betrayals and drug-related stories, causing the reader to believe that life is made up of only these things. Films are, as we all know, are just like brothels in Muslim households. The media do not highlight normal family life or the virtues of marriage; they only present lust that corrupts people. With all of this, nothing can protect the youth except early marriage, for those who can financially afford it. Those who cannot afford to get married have to preserve their modesty and chastity. The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: “O young people, whoever among you can marry should marry, for it helps lower the gaze and protect the private part; whoever could not marry should fast, for it diminishes sexual desire.”

pls join

abeeda — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 22:54:43 +0000

salam sisters pls join this educative web site

ISLAMWEBLADIES ON ISLAMWEB.NET

Thnx

Whats Your View?

kisu — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 14:35:38 +0000

Assalamu Aliakum,

I'm a working mother of a one year old baby. It's quite challenging getting a good islamic based day care in Nigeria. so, i leave my son at home with a baby sitter who is not a muslim. i really don't know how good it is for his up bringing but the nanny is quite friendly and my son enjoys her company so much. please what do you think, any suggestions?

gift for my family

mammyluty — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 01:28:31 +0000

salam

am looking for something to buy for my mother cos il visit her soon inshallah in manchester bt i dont know what to get her!any ideas ?something that is unique n special,i was thinking of flowers and chocolates.or ?

celebrating chrismas

mammyluty — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 00:48:45 +0000

asalam alaikum sisters

i just wanted to ask is it halal to celebrate chrismaas with ur non muslim parents?expecially a non muslim mother?if its haram what do u do?i know chrismmas is haram.

HI FROM NIGERIA

ummamir — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 19:24:33 +0000

MY NAME IS NAFISA, I AM MARRIED WITH A 21/2 YR OLD BABY BOY, I'M A WORKING MOTHER, AND WOULD LIKE TO MEET OTHER SISTERS ESP THOSE WHO ARE WORKING MOTHERS TOO

kindness towards the parents

esperanza — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 23:42:56 +0000

Salamu alaikum wa rahmatullah wa barakatu

what do you do to please your parents? in which way do you especially make your mother glad??

wa aleikum salam

Are Boyfriends Allowed in Islam? Very Interesting

abeeda — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 05:31:32 +0000

By: Umm Abd Al-Rahman

In the media, in the world, boyfriends are the natural sequence that will eventually lead you to your lifetime partner, your husband. “Boyfriends” are one of Satan’s famous marketing schemes to corrupt, demoralize, weaken and destroy the individual, marriage, the family and the society at large.

When I first opened “The Message of the Qur’an” translated by Muhammad Asad, an Austrian Jew who came to Islam, I was shocked at the second page which read, “For People who Think”. This statement startled me. I was being addressed as an intelligent, thinking human being and was inspired by this to read on with an open, thinking mind. Allah Most High has innately blessed us with the capabilities to think, to reason, to contemplate and discern instinctively what is good/beneficial or bad/harmful for us. When we use our intelligence to think about what a boyfriend is it becomes very interesting. The difference between a friend who is a boy, and a boyfriend, is that a boyfriend is allowed to touch and use a woman’s body for his pleasure.

What happens when a man and a woman gaze in each others eyes and shake hands? It can be like a fireworks show. All sorts of physiological, psychological, emotional, and spiritual reactions can take place by a simple look and a simple handshake. I know because I have experienced this, as innocent as my intentions were.

After I became a Muslim, I understood the wisdom of what Allah Most High told us in Surat An-Nur, 24:30-31 :

“Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their private parts. That is purer for them. Indeed, Allah is acquainted with what they do.”

“Tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their private parts and not expose their adornments (both natural beauty such as hair or body shape and that with which a woman beautifies herself of clothing, jewelry, etc.) except that which appears thereof and to wrap their headcovers over their chests and not expose their adornment except to their husbands, their fathers, their husbands’ fathers, their sons, their husbands’ sons, their sisters’ sons, their women, that which their right hands possess or those male attendants having no physical desire or children who are not yet aware of the private aspects of women. And let them not stomp their feet to make known what they conceal of their adornment. And turn to Allah in repentance, all of you, O believers, that you may succeed.”

And the Prophet, may the prayers and peace of Allah be upon him said, “It is better for you to be stabbed in the head with an iron needle than to touch the hand of a woman who is permissible to you.” (At-Tabarani)

I wished that I would have had these instructions when I was younger which would have prevented me from much mental anguish, depression and wasting the precious time of my youth chasing after guys and playing ego games with them to pump up my self-esteem and be “cool”. I was a slave to the world and Satan’s suggestions that he swears are true, like:

“Everyone has a boyfriend, you see how natural it is in all the films and T.V. programs.” “You have to try it, it is so fun and exciting and the physical affection will make you feel loved and important, valued and cool.” “If it feels good, it must be O.K. to do.” “You have to get experience before you get married!” “Put some fun in your boring lives!” “Times have changed. Take off your chains and be free and modernize yourself!” “Go for it!!!!” “Be cool!” “Be popular!” “Try it, you’ll like it!”

One thing may lead to another, and the woman may find herself enslaved in a relationship she cannot get out of because of threats from her ‘boyfriend’ that he will expose her picture or their forbidden relationship to her parents. Allah Most High said,

“O you who have believed: do not follow the footsteps of Satan. And whoever follows

the footsteps of Satan, indeed, he enjoins immorality (sexual misconduct) and wrongdoing.”

(Surah An-Nur 24:21)

These days Satan’s voice is getting louder, and louder, and louder, through the obscene music videos in live color, the popular music and obscene lyrics, the popular T.V. shows and films and commercials that are all telling you, urging you, pleading with you to get a boyfriend, NOW! Don’t delay!!!! It’s fun! It’s exciting! Follow your desires and be cool!

There is a saying: “When you play with matches, you get burned” – physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually – when playing around with guys. A woman is raped every 45 seconds in America. (Dirty Lies by Michael Parenti) Boyfriends can easily rape their girlfriend. Ask yourself: will he marry you, if you get pregnant? If you get HIV? If you get a STD (Sexually Transmitted Disease)? Who will support the illegitimate child? What sin did that innocent child commit that s/he does not have a secure, loving family home with a father and a mother present? What about the mental anguish and depression and possible suicide attempt by the woman? She just wanted to be “cool” and “fit in” and “follow her friends who also had boyfriends”. What about her future, which now has a big stain on it?

This is a very serious offense that will affect you the rest of your life that occurs in a few minutes of hot passion. This is “For People Who Think! Would you settle for a boyfriend or a husband?

fighting boredom in marriage

mammyluty — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 23:38:08 +0000

asalam alikum

first i feel realy guilty that i have to look for advice for in these matter.ok its one year since i got married and at first it was realy exciting despite bieng financially unstable.we used to do alot of fun stuff n silly things that realy brought laughter in us.but now we r just there,i mean its just boring.at first i was ignoring the thought of it but i think its a problem now.we dont do any thing apart from going shopping to buy some few things which mostly he does it himself.n going to the mosque.

i tried a few things like changing the house setup evry now n then cooking diffrent things n charming him wth jokes n geting him to watch funny movie.but he doesnt pay attention.he doesnt compliment on anything good that i do.now its just the baby that is making us laugh..otherwise its just me watching tv n him on the laptop or studying in the same sitting room.n i just got angry n decided not to talk to him.i dont know what to do n i know if i tell him hes going to take it as an offence n hurt which i dont intend to n will make matters worse.is it me?am i asking for too much or am just bieng unfair on him.am just scared maybe its the shaytan fooling me.please any ideas how to make ur marriage more exiting n fun.

Eid mubarak

azima_21 — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 13:17:00 +0000

Assalamu alaikum to all my sisters around the world,

Eid Mubarak

love you for Allah's sake

xxx

Eid ul adha

Ummabdallah — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 12:55:55 +0000

Assalaaaaaam aleikum wr wb dear sisters around the world!!!!!!!!

Eid mubarak to all of you, may you and your families have a blessed eid and lots to come amin

Lub from your sister in al maghrib

EID MUBARAK

abeeda — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 16:14:06 +0000

EID MUBARAK TO ALL SISTERS

Here we say "BARKA DA SALLAH"

How do you say it in your area

social friends

mammyluty — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 22:19:37 +0000

online courses

mammyluty — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 19:35:49 +0000

aslam alaikum

does anyone know any website about free online courses to learn at my own confort at home?have tried searching but all in vain any help will be appreciated.barrakallahu feek!!

As salamu aleikum from france.. and germany..

inkinka — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 09:35:40 +0000

As salamu aleikum sisters,

I registred on this site just a few days ago.. out of curiousity and the need to be around nice sisters that i can share my thoughts and feelings with. inshallah i will find that here.

I am a german girl but currently studiing in france.

I am raised in a christian family but i started my search when i was 16 and converted to islam at the age of 18... now i am 23, almost 24 and very very grateful that Allah had this mercy to lead me towards him.

well, i read that i am supposed to say at least one interesting thing about me.. hehehe.. so what else can i say...

I am single, studiing international business and want to work and settle in a gulf country one day, inshallah.

The reason for a gulf country is that i somehow feel attracted to these countries even if i have never been there and also because i believe that these coutries are probably the only ones accepting me to work with hijab in the hotel management, which is what i would like to work one day, inshallah...

apart from studiing i love to design and sew my own abayas, i love to be with my family and friends, i love going for a walk or just going out with friends for coffee or dinner...

inshallah i could provide you all with at least one interesting information

i wish youall a very nice day,

take care and ma salamah,

Laura

sisters to do beauty treatments

kauthar1 — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:17:46 +0000

salam alaikum i am looking for a sister who can give me a Wax, (legs, arm etc) any sisters based in london who can help?

jazakAllah khair.

Bookclub

Ni*mah — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 20:56:55 +0000

Asalamu Alaykum sisters,

I love reading especially Islamic books. I just recently finished the book Rahiqul Makhtoom( Sealed Nectar), but there were somethings in the book I didn't understand. I would've loved other's opinions on it, but of course don't know who else to ask at the moment which gave me this idea of starting a book club here in SZ. Just want to know who else would be interested in this. InshaAllah let me know, and we can maybe form a group. I just want to get an idea of how many people would want to participate.

Let me know your opinions.

salam

respect

mammyluty — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 20:22:51 +0000

salam all

i have an issues dat need advice,ok,back home i had a friend she was ok bt a bit of a bad influennce cos i was not marrid by then n she didnt have good moral values bt i still befriended her.nwy as tym went by she became like a family friend we cooked in our house in ramadhans eid n all the occasions.part of my family including my dad n my uncle dont like her as they claim that she was not a good person up untill now.so wen i came in uk we were still friends but just a few months ago my dad called me saying that my freind insulted him big time in the public back home reason cos my dad kicked her out of our house for trying to interfere wth family stuff n bieng nosy.n my dad told me never to call her again.i was mad to hear wat happend bt i culdnt do anythng.nwy i havent talked to her since then n she knows that am mad,i saw a few miss cals frm her untill she gave up.do u thnk am doing the ryt thing not talking to her for insulting my father in the public or i should continue colling her like normal.its not like shes really bad bt its her behaviour that turns people off.please dont take it as backbiting her am just telling the truth n making sure am doing the ryt thing.any advice will b apreciated pls.

Turning Sex Into Sadaqa

ummhussain — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:35:58 +0000

an act of voluntary kindness pleasing to God]
An excerpt from 'The Muslim Marriage Guide', By Ruqaiyyah Waris Maqsood.

"Women shall have rights similar to the rights upon them; according to what is equitable and just; and men have a degree of advantage over them." (Quran, 2:216)

They do indeed! This passage of the Holy Quran was revealed in connection with the rights of women following a divorce, but it also has a general sense. One basic right of every person taking on a contract never to have sex other than with their own legitimate partner is that each spouse should therefore provide sexual fulfillment (imta') to the other, as part of the bargain.

Now, every man knows what sexual things please him--but some men, particularly those who have not been married before and are therefore lacking experience, don't seem to know much about how to give the same pleasure to the woman; even worse, some men do know but they can't be bothered to make the effort. Yet this is vital if a marriage is to succeed and not just be a disappointing burden for the woman, and it is a vital part of one's Islamic duty.

It is not acceptable for a Muslim man just to satisfy himself while ignoring his wife's needs. Experts agree that the basic psychological need of a man is respect, while that of a woman is love. Neither respect nor love are things that can be forced--they have to be worked for, and earned. The Prophet (s) stated that in one's sexual intimacy with one's life partner there is sadaqa (worship through giving):

God's Messenger(s) said: "In the sexual act of each of you there is a sadaqa." The Companions replied: "0 Messenger of God! When one of us fulfils his sexual desire, will he be given a reward for that?" And he said, "Do you not think that were he to act upon it unlawfully, he would be sinning? Likewise, if he acts upon it lawfully he will be rewarded." (Muslim)

This hadith only makes sense if the sexual act is raised above the mere animal level.

What is the magic ingredient that turns sex into sadaqa, that makes it a matter of reward or punishment from Allah? It is by making one's sex life more than simple physical gratification; it is by thought for pleasing Allah by unselfish care for one's partner. A husband that cannot understand this will never be fully respected by his wife.

Neither spouse should ever act in a manner that would be injurious or harmful to their conjugal life. Nikah is the sacred tie between husband and wife, that sincere and devoted love without which they cannot attain happiness and peace of mind.

"Of His signs is this: that He created for you spouses that you might find rest in them, and He ordained between you love and mercy." (Quran, 30:21)

Now, every Muslim knows that a man has a right on his wife. However, because nikah is a contract never to seek sexual satisfaction outside the marriage bond, Islam commands not only the women but the men in this respect, and makes it clear that if a husband is not aware of the urges and needs of his wife, he will be committing a sin by depriving her of her rights.

According to all four orthodox jurists, it is incumbent upon the husband to keep his wife happy and pleased in this respect. Likewise, it is essential for the wife to satisfy the desire of the husband. Neither should reject the other, unless there is some lawful excuse.

Now, it is fairly easy for a woman to satisfy a man and make herself available to him, even if she is not really in the mood. It is far harder for a man to satisfy a woman if he is not in the mood, and this is where an important aspect of male responsibility needs to be brought to every Muslim man's attention, and stressed strongly.

The jurists believed that a woman's private parts needed "protecting" (tahsin). What they meant was that it was important for a Muslim husband to satisfy his wife's sexual needs so that she would not be tempted to commit zina out of despair or frustration.

A Muslim wife is not merely a lump of flesh without emotions or feelings, just there to satisfy a man's natural urges. On the contrary, her body contains a soul no less important in God's sight than her husband's. Her heart is very tender and delicate, and crude or rough manners would hurt her feelings and drive away love. The husband would be both foolish and immoral to act in any way unpalatable to her natural temperament, and a man selfishly seeking his own satisfaction without considering that of his wife is a selfish boor. In fact, according to a hadith:

"Three things are counted inadequacies in a man. Firstly, meeting someone he would like to get to know, and taking leave of him before learning his name and his family. Secondly, rebuffing the generosity that another shows to him. And thirdly, going to his wife and having intercourse with her before talking to her and gaining her intimacy, satisfying his need from her before she has satisfied her need from him." (Daylami)

This is another of the things implied by the saying that one's wife is "a tilth unto you." (Quran, 2:223) The imagery is that of a farmer taking care of his fields. According to Mawlana Abul-Ala Mawdudi:

"The farmer sows the seed in order to reap the harvest, but he does not sow it out of season or cultivate it in a manner which will injure or exhaust the soil. He is wise and considerate, and does not run riot." (Afzalur Rahman, Quranic Sciences, London 1981, p.285)

Likewise, in the case of husband and wife, the husband should not just:

“Take hold of his wife and rub the seed and finish the business of procreation. The damage in this case could sometimes be irreparable, because a woman, unlike a farm, is very sensitive and has emotions, feelings, and strong passions which need full satisfaction and attention in a proper and appropriate manner.” (Afzalur Rahman, Quranic Sciences, London 1981, p. 286)

If this is not taken into consideration, and the wife is not properly prepared to start lovemaking, or is unsatisfied when it is finished, there could be many psychological and physiological complications leading to frigidity and other abnormalities. Indeed, many husbands eventually become disappointed with their wives, believing them to be frigid or unable to respond to their activities (unlike the sirens on the film or TV screen), and they wonder what is wrong with them. A possible explanation will follow in a moment.

Allah created male and female from a single soul in order that man might live with her in serenity (Quran, 7:189), and not in unhappiness, frustration and strife. If your marriage is frankly awful, then you must ask yourself how such a desperate and tragic scenario could be regarded by anyone as "half the Faith." According to a hadith:

"Not one of you should fall upon his wife like an animal; but let there first be a messenger between you." "And what is that messenger?" they asked, and he replied: "Kisses and words." (Daylami)

These "kisses and words" do not just include foreplay once intimacy has commenced. To set the right mood, little signals should begin well in advance, so that the wife has a clue as to what is coming, and is pleasantly expectant, and also has adequate time to make herself clean, attractive and ready. As regards intimacy itself, all men know that they cannot achieve sexual fulfillment if they are not aroused. They should also realise that it is actually harmful and painful for the female organs to be used for sex without proper preparation. In simple biological terms, the woman's private parts need a kind of natural lubrication before the sexual act takes place. For this, Allah has created special glands, known to modern doctors as the Bartholin glands, which provide the necessary "oils."

It is still possible to read old-fashioned advice to husbands that a desirable wife should be "dry"--which is remarkable ignorance and makes one really grieve for the poor wives of such inconsiderate men. Just as no one would dream of trying to run an engine without the correct lubricating fluids, it is the same, through the creative will of Allah, with the parts of the female body designed for sexual intimacy. A husband should know how to stimulate the production of these "oils" in his wife, or at the very least allow her to use some artificial "oils." This lack of knowledge or consideration is where so many marital problems frequently arise.

As Imam al-Ghazali says: "Sex should begin with gentle words and kissing," and Imam al-Zabidi adds: "This should include not only the cheeks and lips; and then he should caress the breasts and nipples, and every part of her body." (Zabidi, Ithaf al-Sada al Muttaqin, V 372) Most men will not need telling this; but it should be remembered that failure to observe this Islamic practice is to neglect or deny the way Allah has created women.

Insulting a wife with bad marital manners.

Firstly, a husband must overcome his shyness enough to actually look at his wife, and pay attention to her. If he cannot bring himself to follow this sunna, it is an insult to her, and extremely hurtful. Personal intimacy is a minefield of opportunities to hurt each other--glancing at the watch, a yawn at the wrong moment, appearing bored, and so on. A husband's duty is to convince his wife that he does love her--and this can only be done by word (constantly repeated word, I might add--such is the irritating nature of women!), and by looking and touching.

Many people believe that the expression in the eyes reveals much of the human soul. Certainly the lover's gaze is a most endearing and treasured thing. Many wives yearn for that gaze of love, even after they have been married for years. If you cannot bring yourself to look at her while paying attention to her, she can only interpret this as a sign that you do not really love her. And even though it may be irritating to you, and seem quite superfluous, most women are deeply moved when a man actually tells her that he loves her.

Sex is clean!

A modest upbringing is part of good character. The Prophet (s) himself said: "Modesty brings nothing but good." (Bukhari and Muslim) But another, also important, part of Islamic teaching says that all of Allah's creation is beautiful and pure, particularly when it is part of the body of human beings, who are designed as His deputies upon the earth. In some religions, people traditionally believed that the woman's private parts are in some way unclean, or dirty, or even evil.

My 3 1/2 year old son is singing xmas songs!!

Lolo06 — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:33:22 +0000

Sallam alikom sisters

I am in need of some very urgernt advice. my Son is 3 1/2 and goes to nursery 2 1/2 hours a day for free. this is available to all children over 3 i think.

he started in Sept 09 and he is singing xmas songs!! the school he goes to is just a standard primary school. theres not many muslims where we are so its mainly christians that go there. he is in a xmas play which they didnt tell me about, i only found out a couple of days ago.

im very shocked at how quickly he has picked up on these things. its like 3 yrs worth of hard work down the drain. im really concerned about him starting school next yr aswell.

can you please advise me on what to do. and how is everybody else coping with their children being at school.

jazakallah khir

hair breakage

mammyluty — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:14:40 +0000

salams to all

i have an annoying problem i have african hair n its black n hard it was long but now it stopped growing n iits short n i relaxe it sometimes but my hair is all over my house it breaking big time i dont know wat to use.i tried cuting it all of n it grew back wth the same problem n i hate it.please help wth any advice its realy annoying cos its not growing at all.

Brother Abubakar Umar

halima_abubakar — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 08:48:31 +0000

it is with a heavy heart i write this, the state of my nation is worrisome.

Brother Abubakar was assasinated on thursday by an unknown group, he was shot in his head through his skull, and then he was put in his car and was burnt to death by this unknown group of people, he is survived with 3 children and a young wife.

May Allah forgive him and be pleased with him. please pray for him and may Allah give his family the fortitude to bear this loss. ameen

baby food

mammyluty — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 22:10:37 +0000

salam mothers

i have a 5 month old son i started weaning him since 3 and half months,i know it was too early i was just excited.nwy he only eats packed food like baby rice cereal cerelac or friuts that r in powder form.when i make him mine like potatoes n carrots he doesnt eat or mashed bananas.any tips or any recipes dat will apeal his taste buds.il appreciate it inshallah

Will I ever get married?

esperanza — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:05:51 +0000

Salamu aleikum wa ramatu'llah wa barakatu,

my dear sisters in islam; i do not know where to begin but this matter metioned in the topic does really put pressure on me.

I'm still young though, turned 20 in april, however I wish to get married. Marriage is half of deen, as mentioned several times in this forum.

I'm just afraid of my maktab(destiny)! I mean.. what, if I never find somebody to get married to. That's what I'm really scared of! I do not know how to handle such an situation.

I have to admit that long ago I just wanted to get married in order to be married. Now, it is that I want to be married since I consider marriage as something so unique and as something like a shelter for husband and wife towards each other.

I read a lot about sbar, about tawwakil and I know, hamdullah, that everything is already decided by Allah und that the books of our lives are already written, what I am afraid of is the fact of staying unmarried.

Thank you for reading my post

Going for Hajj.

ummhussain — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 07:47:49 +0000

Asalam alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakhatu

How are you and your family? Are you going for Hajj this year inshallah?

I am not because I cannot afford to at the moment.

Sister maimunah

abeeda — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 05:01:45 +0000

I lost my dear friend Maimunah Ali Sa'ad on last sunday,she had been battling with her condition of sickle cell anemia from birth but you cld never tell by just looking at her, very beautiful and optimistic, she loved kids and was the eldest in her family, when I saw her last about a month b4 her demise, I never thot that would be the last time I would see her again. May Allah bless her soul and re-unite us in jannah, Amin

I WISH

abeeda — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 02:42:05 +0000

Hi lets use this topic to say some of the things (even the crazy ones) we secretly wish we cld do or change. I'll start

I wish men cld experince labour pains even if it just once

14 tips on how to deal with wedding stress

abeeda — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 02:06:31 +0000

by Sound Vision Staff Writer

While weddings are supposed to be joyous events that bring families together, they are also a major source of stress.

Getting things started on time, making sure no detail is missed, ensuring everyone is properly dressed and on their best behavior: these are just some of the hassles and difficulties involved in getting ready for a wedding.

Here are some tips that can help you deal with pre-wedding stress:

1. Remember to say "Aoutho billahi minash Shaytan ir Rajeem" (I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Shaytan)

What could be better? Remembering Allah when you're about to blow your stack will Insha Allah (if Allah wills) help you calm down. Repeat it as often as necessary.

2. Establish a system of Shura (consultation)

Who should suggest where the wedding should take place? Who makes the final decisions in the event of a deadlock?

Decide on a system of consultation where ideally everyone has input into how things will be run. Also decide who has the final say. This will reduce tension and stress.

3. Decide wedding groundrules and conditions

How will proper Hijab be maintained at the wedding reception? How will the food be served? How will prayer be accommodated during the event?

These are crucial issues that must be dealt with right from the start. Once they have been discussed and agreed upon, that's one less source of tension and conflict to deal with.

4. Delegate and divide up tasks

Who will take care of the menu and calling the caterers? Who will book the hall?

Don't dump the entire responsibility for the wedding on just one or two people. Get as many responsible people involved as possible. Then let them do their job and don't meddle unless there is a big problem. If this is done properly, people will be more calm and less stressed.

5. Remind yourself that this is the last time you will be together with your family in a long time

Who wants to leave behind memories of fights, tears and hurt feelings?

It's better to leave on a good note instead of a sour one, especially if you are moving to another city or country. This also means making the most of whatever time you have left with your parents and brothers and sisters. If the stress of the wedding is making you snap at parents or siblings, try to use tip number one above, and learn to grin and bear the tension as much as possible.

6. Take everyone away from the scene

Is your home environment developing into an explosion waiting to happen?

If things are getting stressful and hectic at home, see if you can arrange a one or two-day getaway with the family where no one talks about the wedding plans, they just have fun. Insha Allah, everyone will come back more refreshed and hopefully, less stressed. If one day is too long, consider devoting an afternoon or evening away from the pre-wedding scene.

7. Get away yourself

Can't take the whole family away for a few hours, let alone a day?

Then consider taking an afternoon away from everyone. But don't go furiously banging out the door in anger and/or frustration. Make sure to let parents know where you're going so they're not worried. Go to the mosque, library, Islamic center, for a drive, or anywhere Halal that can help you relax and take a break from the stressful environment.

8. Avoid arguing over petty things

How should spoons and forks be set up? What color should tablecloths be at the Walima?

When it comes to weddings, the emotionally tense environment can lead people to make mountains out of molehills. How spoons and forks are placed on tables may never have mattered before, but they may become a hot topic of debate between parents and the bride/groom-to-be.

Try to avoid arguing over petty things. Remember that it's better to have a simpler wedding and that in the end, it's not the minute details of your Walima that will really make your marriage or your relationship with your family members successful.

9. Remember the intention behind the tension

Why is your mother insisting you wear that horrid dress on your wedding day? Why is your father insisting on you getting to the hall on the day of the Walima by taking the most complicated route?

It's not because they're your worst enemies. It's because they love you and want what's the best for you. Reminding yourself of the intention behind the source of conflict will help you realize that while you are getting stressed over the disagreements over certain issues pertaining to the wedding, behind that disagreement there is love and concern. Your family, especially your parents, want what's best for you and that's what motivating them.

On the actual wedding day

10. Begin by remembering Allah

Did you ever have one of those days when virtually everything seemed to be difficult until the end?

Don't let your wedding day be one of these days. Start off the day right by thanking Allah at Fajr prayer (the prayer before sunrise) for allowing you to make it this far on this journey of life. Follow this up by reciting Quran aloud.

Make this Dua (supplication) after Fajr and Maghrib (the prayer after sunset) prayers: Bismillahillazi la yadurro ma ismihi shaiun fil arde wa la fis samae. WA hoal aliul azeem.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) used to say this Dua at these times. Its translation is: "I begin with Allah's name, with Whose blessings nothing can harm on the earth or in the heavens. He is the the Highest and the Greatest."

11. Go for a walk

This preferably should be in the morning, before others are awake. It will give you time to clear your head and mentally prepare for the day ahead. Follow this up with a deep shower.

12. For extreme stress

If you are really stressed out, say this Dua: Ya hayyio Ya Qayyum, be rehmatika astaghiso. The translation of this is "I beg for Your mercy, Ya Allah, the Living, the Everlasting Manager of the world."

13. Write it all down

Is your mind racing, thinking of all the things you have to do on this day?

Then it's time to empty it responsibly. Make a detailed to do list. This will ensure you have a record of what needs to be done without making you feel more stressed.

14. You are not alone

Are you the only person to ever get married or organize a wedding?

Of course not! Remember that billions of human beings in the past have done this. You are not alone. Take comfort in the fact that those butterflies in your stomach have flown in the insides of generations upon generations of individuals before you.

© 2002 Sound Vision Foundation, Inc.
http://www.soundvision.com

6 Etiquettes of Seeking a Spouse:

abeeda — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 02:02:53 +0000

An Islamic Perspective

Muslim conferences and conventions (like the one being held by the Islamic Society of North America & Muslim American Society, Imam W. D. Mohammad, this Labor Day weekend) are just one of the many places Muslims in North America often meet potential spouses either to make a decision or to initiate the marriage communication process.

Other places include fundraising dinners, regional seminars, lectures, at the home of a relative or friend, and the local mosque.

Sadly though, Islamic guidelines pertaining to proper conduct between the sexes are not always respected at these meetings.

It is not uncommon to see or hear about potential candidates meeting in private, brothers and sisters “scoping the territory” for a spouse that looks good at Muslim events like conferences or lectures, or starting up a flirtatious conversation with someone they are interested in. None of these things fall within the guidelines of Islam.

Below are some Islamic principles,both general and specific, to consider if you will be be meeting or seeking a potential spouse for yourself or someone else at a conference, lecture, the mosque or another event:

1. Ask yourself: Why am I getting married.

‘Because all of my friends are' is not a legitimate reason. This is a good question to ask even if you are meeting the person to make a final decision because it will be a reminder about the real purpose of marriage from an Islamic perspective.

Marriage, from an Islamic perspective, is part of faith and it is part of the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him).

As well, “my intention should be I am looking for someone with whom I will build a family,” says Imam Muhammad Nur Abdullah of St. Louis, Missouri, a member of the North American Fiqh Council. He has conducted pre-marriage counseling in the U.S. for the last 20 years.

“Marriage is a commitment and relationship that starts in this Dunya (world) and will continue Insha Allah in Paradise together,” he adds.

2. Ask yourself: what am I looking for in a spouse.

Abu Hurairah related that the Prophet Muhammad said: “Men choose women for four reasons: for their money, for their rank, for their beauty and for their religion, but marry one who is religious and you will succeed” (Bukhari, Muslim).

This of course, applies to women as well.

However, religion it seems, is not always foremost in the minds of many people. In fact, it's probably the last factor on too many Muslims' list.

According to Tasneem Qadeer, one of the seven volunteers who runs the Islamic Society of North America's matrimonial service, being a doctor or a lawyer is much more important to many Muslim women than piety.

And the men are not any better. Many matrimonial advertisements for instance, demonstrate a key demand for a wife who is “fair, slim and beautiful”.

“If we want to have healthy Muslim families then Deen has to be first,” says Aneesah Nadir, Director of Social Services for the Arizona Muslim Family Health and Social Services in Tempe.

She is one of the co-developers of the program “Marriage the Islamic way”, which teaches various aspects of marriage such as how to find a spouse, the wedding and the post-wedding marriage relationship with your spouse.

3. If you're looking for a spouse lower your gaze.

This may seem like a contradiction, but it's not. Looking for a spouse who has the right qualities and whom you are physically attracted to does not mean throwing out the obligation to lower the gaze for both sexes and leering or ogling the person.

“Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and be modest. That is purer for them. Lo! Allah is aware of what they do” (Quran 24:30).

“And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and be modest, and to display of their adornment only that which is apparent, and to draw their veils over their bosoms...” (Quran 24:31).

“Scoping the territory”, from this perspective, would not be Islamically acceptable.

Imam Nur Abdullah notes that looking at a potential mate is recommended according to the Hadith:

Narrated Jabir ibn Abdullah: The Prophet said: “When one of you asked a woman in marriage, if he is able to look at what will induce him to marry her, he should do so. ...” (Abu Dawud).

This means the two potential spouses can look at each other but not ogle or stare.

Abdullah also notes there is no limit on the number of times the two people can look at each other.

However, both should fear Allah and remember the purpose of this is to satisfy the need for physical attraction to the person you are marrying.

He also notes it is not permissible for a man to see a potential wife without Hijab, since he is not her Mahram (a relative with whom marriage is not possible, or legally her husband). Abdullah says seeing her face and hands are enough to determine attraction.

4. Get someone to help

Marriage is not something to throw yourself into all by yourself. Getting the help of someone, especially parents, relatives, an Imam, and/or respected and trustworthy members of the Muslim community to either look for the right spouse and initiate and participate in a communication process is very important.

In fact, even some non-Muslims have come to see this as a more viable way of meeting someone instead of getting involved in the disappointing dating game or picking someone up in a nightclub or bar.

Involving others, by the way, does not mean signing over your right to say yes or no to a marriage proposal. It simply increases the likelihood of finding out important information about a prospective partner in a way that maintains rules of Islamic modesty (i.e. not meeting alone, see next point).

Getting that third party involved also helps verify if the person you are interested in is decent, honest and respectful. This person(s) often checks out references, asks about the individual's character and behavior, and looks out for your best interest in general.

This person should be a trustworthy Muslim, since you are seeking a Muslim in marriage, and would want someone familiar with the Islamic way of doing things.

For those blessed with Muslim parents, remember that they are probably your best allies and helpers in seeking the right husband or wife. They have known you all of your life, and have your best interest at heart.

However, parents must be open and attentive to what their children are looking for, and never forget the element of choice. Ultimately, it is their son or daughter who is going to make the final decision. They must never become too pushy or aggressive, whether this pressure is being applied on their own son or daughter, or on the person s/he is interested in.

If parents, other family members, an Imam or members of the community are not available, you can also try seeking a husband or wife through the matrimonial services offered by a number of different Muslim organizations.

Always ask for references

This is also where your “third party” comes in handy. Not only will they be able to be your reference. They can also check out a prospective mate's references.

A reference can include an Imam who knows the brother who proposed to you, a sister who knows the woman you may want to marry well, a family friend, a boss, a co-worker, and/or business partner.

A note about honesty and references: the people you ask may know something not very nice about your prospective spouse. Remind them that if they reveal this information, they would not be backbiting from the Islamic perspective. In fact, in the case of seeking marriage, complete information should be given about an individual, both good and bad.

The advice of one of the companions of the Prophet, Umar Ibn al-Khattab can help in this regard:

A man came to Umar ibn al-Khattab and spoke in praise of another. Umar asked him: “Are you his nearest neighbor such that you know his goings and his comings?”

“No.”

“Have you been his companion on a journey so that you could see evidence of his good character?”

“No.”

“Have you had dealings with him involving dinars and dirhams [money] which would indicate the piety of the man?”

“No.”

“I think you saw him standing in the mosque muttering the Quran and moving his head up and down?”

“Yes.”

“Go, for you do not know him...”

And to the man in question, Umar said, “Go and bring me someone who knows you.”

(quoted from Islam The Natural Way by Abdul Wahid Hamid, p. 66)

This gives you three types of people you can ask about a prospective mate's character: a neighbor, business colleague or someone who has traveled with them.

5. When you meet, don't be alone

Umar related that Rasulullah said: “Whenever a man is alone with a woman the Shaytan makes a third” (Tirmidhi).

Also, Ibn Abbas related that Rasulullah said: “Not one of you should meet a woman alone unless she is accompanied by a relative within the prohibited degrees” (Bukhari, Muslim).

Meeting alone, in the hotel room of one or the other potential spouse for example, is forbidden.

The two cannot be in a situation where no one else can see or hear them.

Instead, a discreet, chaperoned meeting should be set up. The chaperone, while allowing the two to talk, is in the same room, for example.

As well, parents or guardians should set a time limit, recommends Winnipeg-based social worker Shahina Siddiqui. A whole day, for example, is too long for this kind of a meeting.

6. When you speak, be businesslike and to the point.

The purpose of meeting and talking to each other must also remain within Islamic guidelines. That means no flirtatious speech of a sexual nature on either side.

Imam Nur Abdullah says some of the topics discussed can include each other's interests, financial situation of the man, who is Islamically responsible for providing for his wife and children, and the two potential spouses' relationship with their parents.

He notes that conversations between potential mates cannot be talking just for the sake of talking. There should be a firm and clear intention of either pursuing engagement and marriage, or, if one of the two or both the man and woman feel they are not compatible, a quick end to the relationship.

This ensures both sides are safe from getting hurt more than they could in this kind of a situation and remain within the bounds of Islam, Insha Allah.

With regards to questions pertaining to a person's sexual history (for example, has s/he had a boy/girlfriend, does s/he have any type of sexually transmitted diseases), Imam Nur Abdullah says these things have to be investigated at the very beginning, when the communication for marriage begins. This is not something that should be brought up at the last stage.

Other topics that should also be discussed at the early stages include level of Islamic knowledge and practice, future career and education plans, home making skills and where the couple will live right after marriage and in the future (state and/or country).

The Imam also says the couple can even get a blood test to ensure both are healthy. Some states even require this before marriage.

Seeking marriage is something highly recommended in Islam. While looking for a potential mate should be something Muslims help each other with, this cannot be done at the expense of Islamic rules pertaining to modesty and respect between the sexes.

Please note: If you will be attending the ISNA convention, the Islamic Social Services Association is having open house at ISNA on Sunday Morning at 8:30 to 9:30. You can get more information about this at the information booth, where you can ask about Sr. Aneesah's marriage program. It is also useful for anyone interested in social services can be professional.

Marriage preparation according to Islamic traditio

abeeda — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 23:40:06 +0000

According to Islamic tradition, marriage should be entered into for the sake of Allah. Marriage is, therefore, Ibadah(worship).

Allah's guidance should be sought on all matters, particularly the decision to marry and who to marry. Likewise, when we experience problems we must call on Allah to help us through the trying times.

Allah says in Sura Ghafir, "And your Lord said: Invoke Me (believe in Me alone and ask Me anything) I will respond to your (invocation). Verily, those who scorn My worship (i.e., they do not believe in My Oneness or ask Me), they will surely enter hell in humiliation"(Quran 40:60).

Intrinsic Islamic traditions that facilitate marriage preparation and education and consequently positive marital outcomes include prayer, Dhikr, the requirement of a Wali (guardian) for women who have not been married, the obligation to study the religious practices, the use of arbitration and importance of Nasiha or advice giving.

Marriage preparation, according to Islamic tradition, includes the study of the religious practices and traditions so that the believer has knowledge of Islam in its various facets including marital life.

According to Habib Ahmad(1996) the methodology used by the Sahaba in their acquisition of knowledge included the prioritization of educational objectives.

Al'Ilm al-Shar'i , that is, the knowledge pertaining to Islamic faith, acts of worship, and necessary transactions and daily dealings of a Muslim, must be our first priority in our educational pursuit.

Study of Allah, the articles of faith, prayer and other matters of Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) are primary. Then other obligatory acts of worship and guidelines for business transactions, family life, community affairs, Dawa (inviting to Islam) with Muslims and non-Muslims and Arabic language should be next.

The Key to the Garden (Al Haddad, 1990) outlines the areas of Islam that Muslims must be taught first. This outline lists conditions of marriage among the first things a Muslim should know after the five pillars and behaviors that lead to major sin.

In an interview in 1997 Sheik Shamudeen, a well known religious leader formerly in the metropolitan Phoenix area, indicated that, as part of his study in Madinah (in Saudi Arabia

This class covered general as well as intimate issues in marriage. The inclusion of such a class as part of the training of future Imams suggests the importance of marital issues in Islamic study. Training of Dawa workers and community leaders must also include discussion of family and marital issues.

Istikhara

The prayer of Istikhara (decision making), a tradition of Prophet Muhammad, should also be undertaken in the selection of a mate, asking Allah's guidance in the choice of the mate best to assist one in preserving his or her Iman (faith) in order to prepare for the Ahkirah (Life after death). If Istikhara is performed sincerely asking Allah's guidance in the choice of a mate the marriage will be established at the outset on the best foundation.

The Holy Quran and Sunnah of the Prophet are rich with wisdom and the best examples of appropriate Islamic behavior in family life. It is important that those seeking marriage study the examples put forth by Allah and His Messenger in choosing a mate as well as resolving marital problems.

The Wali

The requirement of a Wali or Wakkil (guardian or agent) for women who have not been married and the tradition of family involvement in arranging the marriage are also important aspects of preparation for marriage so that those with good sense and wisdom about the potential spouse's personality, strengths and weaknesses will assist them in making the best selection of a mate and will adequately inspect the references of the future mate.

The habit that has been developing of choosing a mate without the involvement of family or community elders and without a Wali seems to be contributing to many of the marital problems in our community.

The Life of 'Umar ibn Al Khattaab Extended preview

ajrumiyyah — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:51:50 +0000

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This series is over 20 hrs long and features Q&A which was not included in the audio release.

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The Life of Umar Ibn Al Khattaab extended trailer - By Imam Anwar al Awalaqi from Qadimoon on Vimeo.

DATING DELIMMA

abeeda — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:46:49 +0000

HI,

I dont know if sisters from other countries and cultures experience this but where I come from it goes like this

Boy sees girl, then he talks to her and if she approves, they exchange numbers and she gives him her addy, then he starts coming to her house to visit her mostly at night and unattended, when they understand each other he sends his elders to her house and they seek permission to ask for her hand in marriage..................................... they get married.

Now we all know this is not in conformity with islamic guidelines esp the meeting unattended and now the new trend of "going out"

but here if the first thing you tell a guy that approaches you is " MEET MY DAD FIRST" its very likely dat you wont see him again or he might think you are too desperate.

Wats the culture like were you are? PLS SHARE

Assalama Alaykum!

layla24 — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:30:43 +0000

Im 20 years old, i live in Toronto, Canada.

Alhamdulilah, i was born a muslim. I started practicing 2 years ago, and i just recently became a niqabi.

One thing about myself is that i want to become a writer inshallah. Reading and writing is my passion.

Mashallah this forum is so cool, inshallah we can all benefit.

I NeEd Advise~!!

liana — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:55:15 +0000

i have friend who just decided to wear hijab, though in few month later she took it off.

i'm not sure what are the reasons. but i did try to talk to her. from the way she explained i guess she realy need help from other sis too, to support her.

Hope sis in here are wiling to share any advises so that i can pass to her. i was really sad coz i dont want to lost her, as muslimah sis. InsyAllah May Allah open her heart one day..

"hope she will see that we cant do good thing to pay it with the bad thing. more likely to say you reading al-quran.. so Allah will not gonna punish you if you exclude some of the obigatory thing that Allah has responsible us to follow it."

Obedience to husband v having one's own opinion

Lisa78 — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:54:24 +0000

I'm not married yet, but just wondering how one balance's obedience to one's husband while keeping one's own opinion?.

don't want an other baby

hurma — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:04:11 +0000

Salam sisters.. I have 3 kids rndllah! my youngest is 22 month, he stil sleep with me and breastfeed at night, my body is so tired, my husband want an other baby, but really i dont want, i find it already hard to look after the 3 all on my own as i dont have any familly here! but i dont think he understand, plus i really dont find anything lovely about being pregnant and giving birth , the last one was horrible , i was so sick and the birth ,i thought i was going to die! anyway Do I have to just be pregnant if my husband want to?, of course if i had a baby I would love him!! But I really dont feel ready at all to do it all over again!..waiting for your comment!!

Noses surgery

hurma — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:58:04 +0000

Salam sisters!! I feel like i just send silly topics.

May allah forgive me... I have a big nose, w my husband told me if iam nothappy with it I can have surgery,, and now he seem keen for me to have it, so i guess he doesnt like my nose and now i really feel so aware that it is just big, i know it is vain , i should be greatfull to allah ... please i would love to have your viewa on this!!! and is surgery forbiden?

Some Commonly Quoted Fabricated

ummhussain — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 07:24:42 +0000

The hadeeth of the Messenger that he (Sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam) said, "Allaah says, 'I was a hidden treasure, and I wished to be known, so I created a creation (mankind), then made Myself known to them, and they recognized Me.'"

As-Sakhaawee (d.902, the student of ibn Hajr al-Asqalaanee) said, "ibn Taymiyyah said, 'this is not from the words of the Prophet (SAW), and there is no known isnaad for it be it saheeh or da'eef.' And az-Zarkashee and our Shaykh (ibn Hajr) followed him (in this verdict)." ['al-Maqaasid al-Hasanah' of as-Sakhaawee (no. 838)]

As-Suyutee (d.911) said, "this has no basis (laa asla lahu)" ['Durural Muntathira' of as-Suyutee (no.330)]

al-Ijloonee (d.1162) said, "this saying occurs often in the words of the sufis, who have relied on it, and built some of their principles on it."[ 'Kashf al-Khafaa' of al-Ijloonee (no.2016)]

al-Albaanee (contemporary) says, "this hadeeth has no basis" ['Silsilah ad-Da'eefah' (1/166)]

The hadeeth, "Allaah says, 'were it not for you (O Muhammad) I would not have created the universe.'"

As-Saghaanee (d.650) said, "maudu (fabricated)" ['al-Ahaadeeth al-Mawdoo'aat' of as-Saghaanee (pg. 7)]

and likewise al-Albaanee ['Silsilah ad-Da'eefah' (1/450 no.282)]
ash-Shaykh Mulla Alee Qaaree (d.1014) said, "maudu, but it's meaning is correct…." ['al-Asraar al-Marfoo'ah' of Alee al-Qaaree (pp 67-68)], and quotes two narrations to prove this:

a.The hadeeth related by ibn Asaakir, 'were it not for you, the world would not have been created'. Ibn al-Jawzee (d.5** related this and said, "maudu (fabricated)" ['al-Mawdoo'aat' of ibn al-Jawzee (1/288)] and likewise as-Suyutee. ['al-Laa'ee' of as-Suyutee (1/272)]
b.The hadeeth related by ad-Dailamee, "O Muhammad! Were it not for you, the Garden would not have been created, and were it not for you the Fire would not have been created." Al-Albaanee said, "it is not correct to certify the correctness of it's meaning without establishing the authenticity of the narration from ad-Dailamee, which is something I have not found any of the scholars to have addressed….Suffice to know that ad-Dailamee is alone in reporting it, then I became certain of it's weakness, rather it's flimsiness when I came across it in his 'Musnad' (1/41/2)….." ['Silsilah ad-Da'eefah' (1/451 no.282)]

The hadeeth related from the Messenger (SAW), "I was a Prophet while Adam was between clay and water" and the hadeeth, "I was a prophet when there was no Adam and no clay"

ibn Taymiyyah said, "This has no basis. Neither from the point of view of transmission or intellect, for not a single scholar of hadeeth mentions it and it's meaning is invalid. For Adam was never in a state in which he was between clay and water, for clay consists of water and mud, rather he was in a state between the spirit and body.

Then these misguided people think that the Prophet (SAW) was physically present at that time, and that his person was created before all persons, and they support this with ahaadeeth which are lies (against the Prophet), for example the hadeeth that he used to be Light surrounding the Throne…" ['Radd alaa al-Bakree' of ibn Taymiyyah (pg. 9)]

as-Suyutee said, "maudu" and endorsed the above words of ibn Taymiyyah. ['Dhail al-Mawdoo'aat' of as-Suyutee (pg. 203)]And he also says about the second hadeeth mentioned above, "this is something added by the general masses" [ 'ad-Durural Muntathiraa' (pg. 155 no. 331)]

az-Zarkashee (d.794) said, "as-Suyutee made clear that these two ahaadeeth have no basis, and that the second was something added by the general masses. And ibn Taymiyyah preceded him in this, and ruled that the wordings were rejected and that they were lies, and as-Sakhaawee endorsed this in his 'Fataawaa'…" 'Sharh al-Muwaahib' of az-Zarkaanee (1/33)]

as-Sakhaawee said, "as for what is common on the tongues, 'I was a Prophet while Adam was between clay and water'" then we have not found it with this wording not to speak of the addition, 'I was a Prophet when there was no Adam and no clay.'" [ 'al-Maqaasid al-Hasanah' (pg. 386 no. 837)]

In the above words of ibn Taymiyyah, he refers to the following authentic hadeeth, "I was a prophet while Adam was between the spirit and body" narrated by at-Haakim and others [See 'Silisilah as-Saheehah' of al-Albaanee (no. 1756) for detailed documentation.]

But this hadeeth is explained by the narration of at-Tirmidhee in which the Prophet (SAW) was asked, "when was the Prophethood made obligatory for you" to which he replied, "while Adam was between the spirit and the body" [At-Tirmidhee chpt. 'The virtues of the Prophet (SAW)' (vol. 10 of the commentary of al-Mubaarakfooree.)]

Meaning when Adam was is the state in which the soul was about to enter the body. [ 'Tuhfatul Ahwadhee bi Sharh Jaami at-Tirmidhee' (vol. 10, chpt. 'The virtues of the Prophet (SAW)') of al-Mubaarakfooree (d.1311)]
And by the hadeeth related in the Saheehs of al-Haakim and ibn Hibbaan, "I was written as a Prophet in the presence of Allaah while Adam was intertwined in his clay."

As for the hadeeth, 'I was the first Prophet to be created and the last to be sent' narrated by Abu Nu'aym in 'ad-Dalaa'il' (pg. 6) and others then this is weak (da'eef) as declared by al-Munaawee and adh-Dhahabee (d.748) and al-Albaanee. ['Silsilah ad-Da'eefah' (2/115 no.661) for detailed documentation.]

Salam from Ireland

Lisa78 — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 19:12:52 +0000

Hi I'm Lisa, 31 and considering reverting to Islam. I'm really attracted to the Islamic concept of a woman although I've quite a bit to consider before taking my shaddah.

I'd like to ask others whether it was the role that Islam prescribes for your gender that specificaly attracted you to Islam ? Or what attracted you to Islam.

There also seems to be quite a few different interepretations and I'd like to explore them here if I could!

Thanks

Lisa

my day

abeeda — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 04:39:34 +0000

salam all

today I had to work night ie from 10pm to 6;20am infact i am still in the office.

Maya's Mamas awesome chocolate cake

UmmIbrahim — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 13:04:25 +0000

Salaams all, if you are looking for that great chocolate cake recipe, here it is! I made it a few weeks ago and it was gone within the day. Now I am about to bake another one, but thought to share it with all you cake lovers! Hope you enjoy!

Ingredients

For the cake

2 1/2 cups loosely packed brown sugar
2 1/4 cups sifted flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 cup butter, softened
3 eggs
3 unsweetened chocolate squares (80g, or 85% or higher)
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 cup sour cream
1 cup boiling water, and
1 pinch salt

Butter cream frosting

1 lb butter (soft)
2 lbs icing sugar
1 tablespoon milk (as needed)

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F.
Melt chocolate in microwave (30 seconds at a time) or in a double boiler.
Grease two 9-inch cake pans.
Sift together flour, baking soda, and salt.
In a separate larger bowl of an electric mixer, beat butter until light.
Add sugar and continue beating.
Add eggs one at a time, scraping bowl well after each addition.
Beat on high speed for 5 minutes.
Add vanilla and chocolate.
Stir in sifted dry ingredients alternately with sour cream (starting and ending with flour, i.e. add some flour, then some sour cream, then more flour -- etc).
Stir in boiling water.
Pour into pans.
Bake for 35 minutes (start testing for doneness after about 27 minutes; if there are a few moist crumbs on the tester, it's ok to take it out).
Cool in pans for 5 to 10 minutes. Remove to a rack and let cool completely before icing.
To make the frosting: Mix all the frosting ingredients together in mixer. Once it is well mixed, frost the cake generously.
Enjoy :-D.

Hadith for saying "BismiAllah" wanted

nurhrii — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 22:22:46 +0000

Salam Alaikum everyone,

I am looking for a hadith or a verse in the Holy Qur'an, that tells me when it is good to say "BismiAllah".

Can anyone help me, please?

It would be most appreciated.

Thank you and God bless you.

Wasalam

nurhrii

Prayed istikhaarah but still got divorced.

ummhussain — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 19:54:22 +0000

Question: A while ago a man proposed to me and I accepted him after my mother and I prayed istikharah more than once. We had our contract done, but six months later he divorced me for unknown reasons from his side. I mean unconvincing reasons like: he has cold feelings towards me after he was badly in love with me. This made me depressed and made me hate all men who do not care but about themselves. I do really hate men and I do not want to be engaged again. Because the first time everything was just fine, I mean “traditional marriage” and I prayed istikharah before I accepted this marriage. Note: this man works in a bank, is it possible that Allah is punishing me because I accepted to marry one works in a bank? Despite praying istikharah more than once.

Answer: Praise be to Allaah.

We understand your feelings about this matter, which has caused you hardship and pain, but it may be that it is very good for you, and you will come to understand that later on, in sha Allaah.

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “How wonderful is the situation of the believer, for all his affairs are good. If something good happens to him, he gives thanks for it and that is good for him; if something bad happens to him, he bears it with patience, and that is good for him.” Narrated by Muslim (2999).

The believing woman accepts the decree of Allaah and knows that Allaah is more merciful towards her than she is herself, and that calamities increase the believer in reward and status, if he is patient and seeks reward.

Secondly:

If the young man who proposed to you was working in a riba-based bank, then praise Allaah for having diverted him from you, and that you did not become his wife, eating from his haraam wealth. This is the result of istikhaarah, praise be to Allaah, because the result of istikhaarah may not be immediately apparent, and both parties may go ahead, then Allaah diverts one or both of them from completing the matter. You may be completely certain that Allaah has chosen the better of the two for you, and that what happened of making the marriage contract then divorce, is a test from Allaah, and it is good and beneficial, even though it may cause you some sorrow and pain.

Undoubtedly you made a mistake when you accepted this young man, as the first thing you should look for is religious commitment and good character. The one who works with riba, either recording it or witnessing it or anything else, is lacking in good character and is exposing himself to the curse and being banished from the mercy of Allaah, so how could a believing woman accept him as a husband and father of her children?

Praise Allaah and give thanks to Him for this blessing, and learn a lesson from this experience, for if a person is saved one time, he may not be saved again.

It is very strange for a person whom Allaah diverts away from evil as a sign of mercy and kindness, to still be upset about his loss.

Ibn Mas’ood (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: A person may think of some trade or position of leadership until it is made available to him, then Allaah looks at him and says to the angels: Divert it away from him, for if it is made easy for him he will enter Hell. So Allaah diverts it away from him, but he keeps saying, So and so beat me to it, So and so humiliated me, when it is nothing more than a bounty from Allaah, may He be glorified and exalted.”

Thirdly:

With regard to the frustration that has befallen you and your determination not to go through this again, it is better for you not to have this attitude. If a person fails once it does not mean that he will fail every time, rather you can learn from what has happened so that it will motivate you to make a good choice next time, on the basis of religious commitment and good character.

We ask Allaah to increase you in faith and piety, and to bless you with a righteous husband and righteous offspring.

And Allaah knows best.

Islam Q&A

Project idea anyone?

Leelee — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 21:48:18 +0000

Salaam sisters,

This might be the wrong forum um catergory to put this topic in, I have a project due next Monday and I need to make a mosque. I;ve seen some students old projects, 3-d mosques cut out of all sorts of things from scratch and the result is really splendid. Now, I want to do a good job with mine get a good grade, and I need to put some effort into this. Problem is I do not want it to be like the other work I;ve seen. I want it to be unique, different...So um a little help from you would be nice, any ideas?

Example; papertowel rolls for the minaret..

Something similar to that but of course much smaller, and it must be very detailed; hence 3-D Mosque Project. SO any ideas??

Should I ever get married?

shebahpink — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 22:55:50 +0000

As salaam mu alykum sisters

I am 18 years old. I wonder if I should ever get married. I worry about get married. I know getting married Is half of your deen. But I hear sooooooooooo many stories of bad marriages, quite a lot. It seems rare for a husband and wife to love each other. It seems rare to have a good marriage. I don’t think I have the strength to be with someone that I dislike and I have to listen to, knowing I’m in the wrong. Sadly I also have a bad relationship with my step father. Sometimes I worry that I would marry a man and my relationship with my husband would be just as bad as the one I have with my stepfather. Only I would have to listen and stay with my husband. If I upset or disobey my husband It would be my fault. I would not be able to get away from my husband.

I worry about ever having children and my husband taking them away from me. I also worry about having a husband marrying another woman. I know polygamy is from the deen. But I just don’t ever want to have the feeling of jealousy.

Should I get married?

GEMS Archive

halima_abubakar — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:38:19 +0000

Gems Archive

· When we want to mention our companion's faults, remember our own faults.

· Be steadfast in our deen (religion) because when we get closer to Allah, the tests will begin. The deeper the faith the harder the tests will be.

· Imam Bukhari (rahimullah) was so pious that he could truthfully say "I have never told a lie"

· All we have to decide is what to do with the time we are given.

· He who wishes that people always remember him with goodness is neither God-fearing nor sincere.

· Do not sit idle, for indeed death is seeking you- Hasan al-Basri

· People count with self-satisfaction the number of times they have recited the name of God on their prayer beads, but they keep no beads for reckoning the number of idle words they speak. - Abu Hamid al-Ghazali

· Allah places the heaviest burden on those who can carry its weight.

· Knowledge is of two kinds: that which is absorbed and that which is heard. And that which is heard does not profit if it is not absorbed. - Ali ibn abi Talib (radiAllah anhu)

· Tawakkul: Make Du'a, Do our best, And leave the Rest To Allah.

· Why do we seek more knowledge when we pay no heed to what we already know?

· If we make dhikr we won't become stressed, If we are getting stressed we are not doing enough dhikr.

· Whoever desires to purify his heart, then let him prefer Allah to his desires- Ibn al-Qayyim

· Shaitan is always looking for an opening to get us. Drive him away with Dhikr.

· Seven days without prayers makes one WEAK.

· Say the truth even if it may be bitter.

· To admonish our brother in private is to advise him and improve him. But to admonish him publicly is to disgrace and shame him.

· To know oneself is to study oneself in action with another person.

· Our own soul is nourished when we are kind; it is destroyed when we are cruel.

· Do not do good deeds so that people mention you. The true believer hides his good deeds just as he hides his sins

· We can't do anything about the length of our life, but we can do something about its width and depth.

· Stinginess has nothing to do with how much money you have, Neither does generosity. It’s about how much heart you've got.

· Constantly thinking about someone is a sign of true love - so how often do those who claim to love Allah remember Him?

· A son will never appreciate how much his parents have sacrificed for him, and how ungrateful he was, until he experiences parenthood himself

· Sins slowly suffocate the heart, and abandoning sins brings life to the heart.

· Choose everlasting joy over temporary enjoyment.

· Your souls are precious, and can only be equal to the price of Paradise. Therefore, sell them only at that price.— Ali ibn AbiTalib

· May Allah have Mercy on the man who shows me my faults.— ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab

· What hand do we think we will get our book, on the Day of Judgment?

· There is sunrise after a whole night of darkness.

· When we know first-hand that any pleasure a sin gives me will be followed by deep regret and disgust, why is it that we continue to sin?

· By our misguided love for the physical Book (Qur’an), we have made it "untouchable".

· Try reversing matters: start seeing the good in others, and concentrate on the faults in us. We'll be a better person for it!

· Only that which is done for Allah lasts forever.

· "We are nothing but a number of days, when a day passes then a part of us has gone." Hassan al-Basri

· "Of the signs that Allah has turned away from a person is that he becomes occupied with that which does not concern him." Hassan al-Basri

· Is it not amazing how numerous and frequent are our sins and yet still Allah continues to overlook and shower His Mercy and Bounty on us?

· If we ever find ourself rushing through salat (prayer) to make it to another engagement, it's time to reorganize our priorities.

· No it's not feasting, it's fasting

· "How frail is man! If only he feared Hell as much as he feared poverty, he would surely enter Paradise!"

· As true love of Allah increases, yearning for worldly pleasures decreases.

· "Knowledge is not measured by how much is memorized, but rather by how much it is acted on." Imam al-Shafi`i (d. 204)

· "Indeed, a person forgets knowledge that he had learned because of a sin that he performs." Ibn Masud

· "What is this world but a dream that a sleeper sees - he delights in it for a few moments, and then wakes up to face reality" Hasan Basri

· Estimate how many lines of blogs, internet, twitter and news have we read today, and then compare that with how many lines of Quran recited.

· No human is perfect; we all have our hidden sins. Hypocrisy is to delude our self into denying our own sins and allow arrogance to grow within us.

· Stand up for what is right, even if you’re standing alone!!

· We don’t have to be great to start but we have to start to be great. [Start now, not tomorrow]

· The only thing we can’t recycle is wasted time

· If we don't try to wake up for Fajr, there is really no benefit in us waking up at all.

· Wahb ibn Munabbih (d. 110) said, “Whoever claims to be smart, but does not concentrate on the Hereafter, is lying.”

· "Whoever does not find happiness in the dhikr of Allah, prayer, and reciting the Quran, will not find it anywhere else" -Hasan Basri

· Do not ask Allah to guide our footsteps, if we are not willing to move our feet.

· We will take NOTHING with us to our grave, except our good deeds purely done for the sake of Allah.

· "Don't let the day of fasting be the same as the day you don't fast."

· Do we have to see someone dying in order for us to come closer to Allah?

· What have we prepared for the Akhirah (HereAfter)?

· Remember DEATH for it is the beginning and NOT the end.

· Work for the Akhira (Hereafter) as if you will die tomorrow and work for the Dunya (the present world) as if you will live forever. That's deep, Subhan Allah.

· Jannah is Expensive, what PRICE are we willing to pay?

Very Important.CANCER KILLER

ammi — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 08:34:50 +0000

ASSALAMU ALAIKUM SISTERS. I JUST RECIEVED THIS MAIL FROM MY COUSIN. I DONT KNOW HOW TRUE.BUT I THINK WE SHOULD TRY AND MAKE SOME RESEARCH ABOUT THIS PERTICULER FRUIT.

PLEASE CONTRIBUTE.

CANCER KILLER DISCOVERED

Guyabano, The Soupsop Fruit

The Sour Sop or the fruit from the graviola tree is a miraculous natural cancer cell killer 10,000 times stronger than Chemo.
Why are we not aware of this?
Its because some big corporation want to make back their money spent on years of research by trying to make a synthetic version of it for sale.

So, since you know it now you can help a friend in need by letting him know or just drink some sour sop juice yourself as prevention from time to time.
The taste is not bad after all. It’s completely natural and definitely has no side effects.
If you have the space, plant one in your garden.
The other parts of the tree are also useful.

The next time you have a fruit juice, ask for a sour sop.

[cid:image001.jpg@01CA4D6A.AC5C9060]

How many people died in vain while this billion-dollar drug maker concealed the secret of the miraculous Graviola tree?

Th is tree is low and is called graviola in Brazil , guanabana in Spanish and has the uninspiring name "soursop" in English.
The fruit is very large and the subacid sweet white pulp is eaten out of hand or, more commonly, used to make fruit drinks, sherbets and such.

The principal interest in this plant is because of its strong anti-cancer effects.
Although it is effective for a number of medical conditions, it is its anti tumor effect that is of most interest.
This plant is a proven cancer remedy for cancers of all types.

Besides being a cancer remedy, graviola is a broad spectrum antimicrobial agent for both bacterial and fungal infections, is effective against internal parasites and worms, lowers high blood pressure and is used for depression, stress and nervous disorders.

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If there ever was a single example that makes it dramatically clear why the existence of Health Sciences Institute is so vital to Americans like you, it's the incredible story behind the Graviola tree.

The truth is stunningly simple:
Deep within the Amazon
Rainforest grows a tree that could literally revolutionize what you, your doctor, and the rest of the world thinks about cancer treatment and chances of survival.
The future has never looked more promising.
[cid:image003.jpg@01CA4D6A.AC5C9060]
Research shows that with extracts from this miraculous tree it now may be possible to:
* Attack cancer safely and effectively with an all-natural therapy that does not cause extreme nausea, weight loss and hair loss
* Protect your immune system and avoid deadly infections
* Feel stronger and healthier throughout the course of the treatment
* Boost your energy and improve your outlook on life

The source o f this information is just as stunning: It comes from one of America 's largest drug manufacturers, the fruit of over 20 laboratory tests conducted since the 1970's!
What those tests revealed was nothing short of mind numbing...
Extracts from the tree were shown to:

* Effectively target and kill malignant cells in 12 types of cancer, including colon, breast, prostate, lung and pancreatic cancer..
* The tree compounds proved to be up to 10,000 times stronger in slowing the growth of cancer cells than Adriamycin, a commonly used chemotherapeutic drug!
* What's more, unlike chemotherapy, the compound extracted from the Graviola tree selectively hunts down and kills only cancer cells.
It does not harm healthy cells!
The amazing anti-cancer properties of the Graviola tree have been extensively researched-- so why haven't you heard anything about it?
If Graviola extract is as half as promising as it appears to be-- why doesn't every single oncologist at every major hospital insist on using it on all his or her patients?

The spine-chilling answer illustrates just how easily our health-- and for many, our very lives(!)--are controlled by money and power.

Graviola--the plant that worked too well

One of America 's biggest billion-dollar drug makers began a search for a cancer cure and their research centered on Graviola, a legendary healing tree from the Amazon Rainforest.

Variou s parts of the Graviola tree--including the bark, leaves, roots, fruit and fruit-seeds--have been used for centuries by medicine men and native Indians in South America to treat heart disease, asthma, liver problems and arthritis.
Going on very little documented scientific evidence, the company poured money and resources into testing the tree's anti-cancerous properties--and were shocked by the results. Graviola proved itself to be a cancer-killing dynamo.

[cid:image004.jpg@01CA4D6A.AC5C9060]
But that's where the Graviola story nearly ended.

The company had one huge problem with the Graviola tree--it's completely natural, and so, under federal law, not patentable. There's no way to make serious profits from it.

It turns out the drug company invested nearly seven years trying to synthesize two of the Graviola tree's most powerful anti-cancer ingredients.
If they could isolate and produce man-made clones of what makes the Graviola so potent, they'd be able to patent it and make their money back.
Alas, they hit a brick wall. The original simply could not be replicated.
There was no way the company could protect its profits--or even make back the millions it poured into research.

As the dream of huge profits evaporated, their testing on Graviola came to a screeching halt.
Even worse, the company shelved the entire project and chose not to publish the findings of its research!

Luckily, however, there was one scientist from the Graviola research team whose conscience wouldn't let him see such atrocity committed.
Risking his career, he contacted a company that's dedicated to harvesting medical plants from the Amazon Rainforest and blew the whistle.

Miracle unleashed
When researchers at the Health Sciences Institute were alerted to the news of Graviola, they began tracking the research done on the cancer-killing tree.
Evidence of the astounding effectiveness of Graviola--and its shocking cover-up--came in fast and furious....

....The National Cancer Institute performed the first scientific research in 1976.
The results showed that Graviola's "leaves and stems were found effective in attacking and destroying malignant cells." Inexplicably, the results were published in an internal report and never released to the public...

...Since 1976, Graviola has proven to be an immensely potent cancer killer in 20 independent laboratory tests, yet no double-blind clinical trials-- the typical benchmark mainstream doctors and journals use to judge a treatment's value- -were ever initiated..

[cid:image005.jpg@01CA4D6A.AC5C9060]

A study published in the Journal of Natural Products, following a recent study conducted at Catholic University of South Korea stated that one chemical in Graviola was found to selectively kill colon cancer cells at "10,000 times the potency of (the commonly used chemotherapy drug) Adriamycin..."

....The most significant part of the Catholic University of South Korea report is that Graviola was shown to selectively target the cancer cells, leaving healthy cells untouched.
Unlike chemotherapy, which indiscriminately targets all actively reproducing cells (such as stomach and hair cells), causing the often devastating side effects of nausea and hair loss in cancer patients.

...A study at Purdue University recently found that leaves from the Graviola tree killed cancer cells among six human cell lines and were especially effective against prostate, pancreatic and lung cancers...
Seven years of silence broken--it's finally here!

A limited supply of Graviola extract, grown and harvested by indigenous people in Brazil , is finally available in America .

The full Graviola Story--including where you can get it and how to use it--is included in Beyond Chemotherapy:
New Cancer Killers, Safe as Mother's Milk, a Health Sciences Institute FREE special bonus report on natural substances that will effectively revolutionize the fight against cancer.

[cid:image006.jpg@01CA4D6A.AC5C9060]

From breakthrough cancer and heart research and revolutionary Amazon Rainforest herbology to world-leading anti-aging research and nutritional medicine, every monthly Health Sciences Institute Member's Alert puts in your hands today cures the rest of America --including your own doctor(!)--is likely to find out only ten years from now.

Hijab question.

Jasmine — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 15:19:51 +0000

Asalaam alaikun,

I was told that if a woman is single (no man for protection), and living in a place where Muslims are not well liked, it is ok to not wear the head scarf in order to keep herself from standing out and thus being harmed or mistreated. Because Allah (SWT) wants things to be less difficult for the believers. Is there a hadith on this? I was told there was a story that the Prophet (pbuh) told about this situation. Can someone please share the ruling or hadith?

For those who do not pray Nawafil(optional)Prayer.

ummhussain — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 14:58:30 +0000

Assalamu alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barkatuhu,

QUESTION

What is your advice to someone who has stopped praying the Sunnah prayers in the daytime and does not pray anything at night?

ANSWER by Shaykh Muhammad 'Umar Baazmool, instructor at Umm Al-Quraa University in Makkah

There is nothing more outstanding as advice than the hadeeth of the Messenger (sallallaahu 'alayhe wa sallam), when he said:

"The very first thing a servant will be asked about on the Day of Judgement is the prayer. If it is found to be deficient, then it will be said, 'Doesn't he have any optional prayers?' If it is found that he has optional prayers, then they will fill the void, and thus his prayers will be accepted, and the rest of his deeds will also be accepted." [1]

And the Messenger (sallallaahu 'alayhe wa sallam) was asked about a dream that Ibn Umar had, so he (sallallaahu 'alayhe wa sallam) said:

"What a good man 'Abdullaah ibn Umar is, so long as he prays at night." [2]

So then consistently praying the optional prayers, the most important of them being the Witr prayer and the (12) Sunnahs throughout the day and night, is from the most important of all affairs to the Muslim. This is because you, O Muslim, by way of them, compensate for the lapses found in your obligatory prayers.

And the Prophet (sallallaahu 'alayhe wa sallam) clarified in a hadeeth that a man may pray but he may only be credited with half of it, another may pray but only be credited with one third of it, and another may pray but only be credited with one fourth of it... [3]

The meaning is that it often occurs that the people have shortcomings in their prayers, while it is obligatory to offer them, completing them perfectly. So have you actually offered all of your prayers completely and perfectly according to the Sharee'ah?

So then you must take care to consistently offer optional prayers, you must take care to consistently offer the Witr prayer, you must take care to offer the other optional prayers consistently. It has been related that Imaam Ahmad said about the one who does not consistently pray the Witr prayer, "He is an evil man, his witness is not to be accepted."

So how could a Muslim who has no work keeping him from his worship become lazy and then abandon these (optional) prayers. No doubt, he has caused himself to lose a great amount of good, and to miss an opportunity to obtain tremendous virtues, while being free to do them and try to keep consistency in offering them.

I ask Allaah to excuse us and him, and to be gracious.

There is a hadeeth of the Messenger (sallallaahu 'alayhe wa sallam):

"May Allaah have Mercy on the one who offers four (rak'ahs) before 'Asr prayer." [4]

When you do not pray this prayer, four rak'ahs before the 'Asr prayer, you have prevented your own self from being included in those whom the Messenger (sallallaahu 'alayhe wa sallam) supplicated for, those who pray this prayer.

The Messenger (sallallaahu 'alayhe wa sallam) said:

"Whoever consistanly prays twelve rak'ahs throughout the day and night, a palace will be built for him in Paradise." [5]

When you abandon the rawaatib prayers, and you do not pray these twelve rak'ahs, you have deprived your own self from this virtue.

Most of the optional prayers have great virtues attached to them, described by the Messenger (sallallaahu 'alayhe wa sallam). So then, O Muslim, how can you lose out, how can you not be concerned about it?

And Allaah knows best.

FOOTNOTES

[1] Collected by At-Tirmithee, Aboo Daawood, An-Nasaa'ee, and others, see Saheeh Al-Jaami'is-Sagheer wa Ziyaadah #2020.

[2] Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree #1122 (3/10 of Fat-hul-Baaree)

[3] see Saheeh Sunan Abee Daawood #796

[4] Saheeh Sunan Abee Daawood #1270

[5] Saheeh Sunan Abee Daawood #1250

Covering feet

ummhussain — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 20:16:04 +0000

Asalam alaikum warahmatullah

I told a sister once that she should not wear sandals and cover her feet according to what I have been told and read she told me she can because there is a diffrence of opinion no one had ever told me or even pointed out there was a difference of opinion in this matter at all.

Anyway I have been doing my research since she mentioned that and there really is a difference of opinion, it is a really long article for those who would like to read more click here

The great Hanafi jurist, Imam al-Haskafi (Allah have mercy on him) states in his renowned Durr al-Mukhtar:

“The Awra for a free woman (i.e. not a slave, m) is her full body including her descending hair according to the correct opinion, except for the face, hands and feet”. (See Radd al-Muhtar, 1/405).

It is also worth mentioning here that although the Fatwa position in the Hanafi Madhab is that the feet are not included within the Awra, but there is another strong opinion (within the madhhab and according to other Madhabs, such as the Shafi’is), that they are part of Awra, and must be covered. As such, legally, one will not be sinful for exposing them, but it would be advisable as a precautionary measure to cover them.

Moreover, (according to the Fatwa opinion), it is only allowed to uncover the feet up to the ankles. Anything above the ankles is from the Awra without a doubt. Many women wear veils, Burqas and Jilbabs that normally cover the ankles, but reveal the leg area above this while walking (especially in the wind, sitting and coming out of a car, etc), thus they commit the sin of exposing What is considered Awra according to all.

Therefore, we need to emphasise the importance of covering the feet. Covering the feet is just as important as covering the face if not more, for the face is not considered part of Awra, whilst, there is a strong opinion in the Hanafi Madhhab (and the Fatwa opinion in the other madhhabs) that the feet are.

Those who strongly call for and emphasise the necessity of covering the face (not that I object to them) must also realise that the feet are just of the same importance. At times, all the emphasis is laid upon the face, whilst the woman is seen to expose the area above the ankle while walking and there is no realisation that a sin is being committed.

Drinking Alcohol your way to health?

ummhussain — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 09:32:49 +0000

Asalam alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakhatu,

I came across this article and I thought to share with you as it is quite interesting. These the kind of arguments my sister likes to bring up when I tell her how alcohol is bad for her health. The highletd part was most striking for me as Allah has alread told us this in the Qu'ran

“They ask you (O Muhammad) concerning alcoholic drink and gambling. Say: ‘In them is a great sin, and (some) benefits for men, but the sin of them is greater than their benefit’”

[al-Baqarah 2:219]

SUNDAY, Oct. 18 (HealthDay News) -- Just about every month -- if not every week -- a new study emerges touting the health benefits to be gained from a daily glass of wine or a pint of dark beer.

The benefits related to cardiovascular health have become well-known. A study released in mid-July, for instance, found that moderate alcohol consumption reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease in women by increasing the amount of "good" cholesterol in the bloodstream and reducing blood sugar levels.

But other studies have linked a daily drink, most often wine, to reduced risk of dementia, bone loss and physical disabilities related to old age. Wine also has been found to increase life expectancy and provide potential protection against some forms of cancer, including esophageal cancer and lymphoma.

But don't invest in that case of Pinot noir just yet.

Experts with the American Cancer Society and the American Heart Association say that though these studies do show some benefits to moderate drinking, the health risks from alcohol consumption far outweigh the potential rewards.

Drinking any alcohol at all is known to increase your risk for contracting a number of types of cancer, said Susan Gapstur, vice president of epidemiology for the American Cancer Society. These include cancers of the mouth, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, liver, colon/rectum and breast.

"At the end of the day, if you are at very high risk for cancer, you might want to limit your alcohol consumption even further," Gapstur said. "It's a lifestyle modification you can make, and we don't have as many lifestyle modifications for preventing cancer as we do for coronary heart disease."

There also are other health risks from moderate drinking, including liver damage and accidents caused by impaired reflexes, said Dr. Jennifer Mieres, director of nuclear cardiology at the New York University School of Medicine and an American Heart Association spokeswoman.

The health benefits from drinking generally are related to the antioxidants and anti-inflammatories found in red wines and dark beers, Mieres said, but those substances can be found in a number of different fruits and vegetables.

"When it comes to disease prevention, you're better off changing your diet to include fruits and vegetables and get your antioxidants and anti-inflammatories from natural sources," she said.

For example, people can get resveratrol -- the antioxidant found in red wine that's believed to provide most of the drink's health benefits -- from drinking grape juice just as well as from drinking wine, Mieres said.

"For people that don't drink, not drinking is important," Mieres said. "You can get the same benefits of drinking from leading a heart-healthy lifestyle. To me, it's not worth the risk to start drinking. But for people who enjoy a glass of red wine or enjoy drinking, the key is to stick to the definition of moderation," she said.

Moderate drinking is defined as one drink a day for women and two drinks a day for men. What counts as one drink are:

12 ounces of regular beer or wine cooler
8 ounces of malt liquor
5 ounces of wine
1.5 ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits or liquor

Drinking anything more than that on a daily basis is known to lead to a host of health problems that can reduce your life expectancy, Mieres and Gapstur said.

"I think the take-home message is, if you don't drink, don't start to help protect yourself from coronary heart disease because there are so many other things you can do," Gapstur said. "If you already drink, you might want to limit your consumption."

Though the studies touting the positive health effects of alcohol are scientifically accurate, they also appear to play into people's desires for quick fixes to complex problems, Mieres said.

"To prevent heart disease, 50 percent of the work has to come from you," she said. "Prevention is a big piece, and you have to be accountable. You have to make lifestyle changes, and that's very tough to do. People look for easy ways to get heart-healthy benefits, and drinking is an easy way to do that. It's a known human tendency: Let's find an easy way out that doesn't involve a lot of thought or work."

Doubt about my Niqab-plz help

Aisha-Firdaus — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 06:22:36 +0000

•salamu alaikum

•

i have been very sad lately about my niqab and today was the last, and i just started to cry..

•. I have many doubts as i keep reading things that make me very disheartneed. And make me feel like im doing something i dont need to. Like i must wasting my time.. It been just about 8 months since i started Alhamdulilah, although there were many hurddles i bore them with patience by the comfort that im pleasing my Rabb.

I remember when i was going to start wearing it, it felt soo right. I felt like i would be pleasing my Rabb and i could feel more secure. I would feel uncomfortable whenevr i go out and im stared at. I felt like the niqab was by protection, earn my the respect i want i.e men dont brush against me on the streets or in store, they move aside. Men dont just approach me. The ones who do are very respected and with good intetions etc

but now its different im having doubts bcoz of all the things im reading around and pple keep stating things like "islam is a deen of ease so why impose hardship on youur life". Some sisters have made very horrible comments. It has been abit diffcult, i.e i was the only girl in Uni with it, i got stared at abit on the streets, the heat is abit taunting sometimes. But still my Rabb always found a way to make it easy for me and give me Rahma all through that. And soon it was accepted my most pple around me. Evn creepy family members that made afew rude comments. They ddnt suddenly start liking it but at least they shut up abt it.

•Note i take the rulling on niqab to me mushtahab-prefered/recommended but to be obligatory.

Maybe its because im not at the peak of my iman these days thats why im feeling like this. But the thought of taking it off is just going to feel like im going back a step after i took a step forward in deen. im doubting even the sincerity of my intentions of why i started wearing it.

•And recently one of my dearest frinds, dear to me has decided to take hers off. And she was my first inspiration to start wearing it, as she was my age, social status, culture, race. Basically shes the easiest person to relate to. We went against social beliefs etc now without her i feel so alone. Despite being in different countries studying, it just felt good to knw i wasnt alone and she was half way across the world doing the same.

•

Im just really sad coz i dont knw what to do. The thought of taking it off does mak me sad. I just feel so lost plz can someone just tell me what to do and just say something.. Well im not drop dead hot or anything but i do get some attention with just hijabsometimes. Anyway plz just say something

•Fi amanillah.x

An attempt to learn something about everyone in SZ

Ni*mah — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 03:58:35 +0000

Asalmau Alaykum sisters

I understand that SZ is filled with many sisters from all over the world. So InshaAllah I would like for us to get to know eachother a little better, because it is hard for everyone to go through everyone else's profile and read all about them. This an attempt for all of us to get a little open and learn about eachother. I feel like I'm an open book in SZ subhanaAllah, i'm always asking for advice and updating you all about my life..lol. I have many freinds in SZ but we don't all really know eachother. So sisters let's have alittle fun and learn about eachother.

I'll start InshaAllah.

I'm from Somalia originally, been in the u.s for a very long time(too long), and i really want to go back to Africa and see my homeland again actually I would love to travel the world. I love reading and reciting Quran. I'm single at the moment, InshaAllah hoping to get married soon hopefully within the next year or so,(make dua for me sisters that everything goes well). I come from a big family like most africans, ( i have 16 brothers and sisters) and I love food! I think that's the only thing I'm not picky about in my life. As long it is halal and cooked well, I can eat it.

some questions you must answer

1. Where are you from? how many brothers/sisters do you have?

2. what is one thing you love to do?

3. Tell us one thing you have not shared with us in your profile and few people know about you.

4. What countries have you visited so far besides your own country?

5. what are you currently doing?

WARNING: ALL THAT VIEW THIS POST MUST ANSWER ATLEAST SOME OF THE QUESTIONS(PLEASE)

wish all of you the best!

salams

I need some encouragement and advice.

Jasmine — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:07:06 +0000

Asalaam Alaikum,

I'm not sure if this is the right heading to post this under. If it is not, please forgive me. I have just recently left my husband. He was very emotionally abusive to me and the children. And had begun to get physical. It is tough to be in this position. I have so many feelings going through my mind and heart. So many questions about what to do. I was hoping there were other sisters here that could share their stories and give me some advice and encouragement. I hope that I have come to the right place.

Jasmine

I'm new

Jasmine — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:01:02 +0000

Asalaam Alaikum,

I am new to this forum, but look forward to getting to know you and gain some wisdom and advice.

Jasmine

Vocabulary Inquiry

Leelee — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 01:25:42 +0000

asalaam alikum sisters

I'm making some flashcards to help me study and memorize the arabic words and other vocabulary words related to my Islamic course, and I'm wondering if anyone can tell me what is Secular Law; if you could give me a description of it and an example that would be great shukran.

Egypt cleric 'to ban full veils'

Leelee — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 08:53:18 +0000

Egypt cleric 'to ban full veils'

The niqab has become increasingly popular among Egypt's Muslim radicals

Egypt's highest Muslim authority has said he will issue a religious edict against the growing trend for full women's veils, known as the niqab.

Sheikh Mohamed Tantawi, dean of al-Azhar university, called full-face veiling a custom that has nothing to do with the Islamic faith.

Although most Muslim women in Egypt wear the Islamic headscarf, increasing numbers are adopting the niqab as well.

The practice is widely associated with more radical trends of Islam.

The niqab question reportedly arose when Sheikh Tantawi was visiting a girls' school in Cairo at the weekend and asked one of the students to remove her niqab.

The Egyptian newspaper al-Masri al-Yom quoted him expressing surprise at the girl's attire and telling her it was merely a tradition, with no connection to religion or the Koran.

So what do you guys think about this?

wslm

muna — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 06:52:23 +0000

wslm,

I am new to the site.

I live in Cape Town, South Africa.

Married with two kids.

I teach hifthul-Quraan to girls, but my real passion is teaching Arabic Grammar.

Hope to make some interesting contacts.

Wslm

Muna

"BRITISH CONVERTS/ REVERTS TO ISLAM"

nurhrii — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 20:07:04 +0000

Salam Alaikum to all of you,

Participants for research project needed!!!

I am looking for BRITISH ORIGIN convert/ revert Muslim women and men between 20 and 35 years old who are interested in participating in a long-term project to provide a current interpretation and explanation of lifestyle change of Islam, sexuality and body awareness.

This project is part of a PhD thesis in Islamic Studies and the proposed title is:

“Crossing Borders – Bridging the Gap”

Converts to Islam in Germany and the United Kingdom

- Behavioural changes between religious duty and intimacy -

If you are interested in having a personal interview to chat about your experiences and participating in this survey, please contact me at cn223@exeter.ac.uk

Please do NOT email me here, as I need to have valid official communication with prospective participants through my university e-mail address. Many thanks for that in advance.

All participants will receive an information leaflet, a questionnaire to prepare for the interview and a consent form.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Best wishes and Wasalam

nurhrii

1 in 4 people in the world are Muslim

ummhussain — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 19:32:57 +0000

The global Muslim population stands at 1.57 billion, meaning that nearly 1 in 4 people in the world practise Islam, a landmark study has claimed.

Britain has a total of 1,647,000 Muslims - just 2.7 per cent of the British population, and 0.1 per cent of the global Muslim population, the report claimed.

The Pew Forum report also revealed that Germany has more Muslims than Lebanon - or North and South America combined.

Enlarge

This 'weighted' map shows each country's relative size based on its Muslim population. Click to enlarge

It claimed that about five per cent of Europe's population practises Islam - and that there are more Muslims living in Asia than in the Middle East.

Until now, experts have largely been guessing at the precise number of Muslims in the world, with estimates from one billion to 1.8 billion.

But the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life report, released today, finally pinpoints the number of those practising the world's second largest religion, behind Christianity.

The three-year-long project also provided some surprising statistics. For instance, Germany has more Muslims than Lebanon, China has more Muslims than Syria, Russia has more Muslims than Jordan and Libya combined, and Ethiopia has nearly as many Muslims as Afghanistan.

'This whole idea that Muslims are Arabs and Arabs are Muslims is really just obliterated by this report,' said Amaney Jamal, an assistant professor of politics at Princeton University who reviewed an advance copy.

The report provides further evidence that while the heart of Islam might beat in the Middle East, its greatest numbers lie in Asia: More than 60 per cent of the world's Muslims live in Asia.

Enlarge

A map compiled by the Pew Forum shows relative sizes of Muslim populations around the world

About 20 per cent live in the Middle East and North Africa, 15 per cent live in Sub-Saharan Africa, 2.4 per cent are in Europe and 0.3 per cent are in the Americas.

While the Middle East and North Africa have fewer Muslims overall than Asia, the region easily claims the most Muslim-majority countries.

While those population trends are well established, the large numbers of Muslims who live as minorities in countries aren't as scrutinized.

The report identified about 317 million Muslims - or one-fifth of the world's Muslim population - living in countries where Islam is not the majority religion.

About three-quarters of Muslims living as minorities are concentrated in five countries: India (161 million), Ethiopia (28 million), China (22 million), Russia (16 million) and Tanzania (13 million).

In several of these countries - from India to Nigeria and China to France - divisions featuring a volatile mix of religion, class and politics have contributed to tension and bloodshed among groups.

The immense size of majority-Hindu India is underscored by the fact that it boasts the third-largest Muslim population of any nation - yet Muslims account for just 13 per cent of India's population.

'Most people think of the Muslim world being Muslims living mostly in Muslim-majority countries,' Grim said. 'But with India ... that sort of turns that on its head a bit.'

The report also revealed that:

Europe is home to about 38 million Muslims, or about five per cent of its population. Germany appears to have more than 4 million Muslims - almost as many as North and South America combined. In France, where tensions have run high over an influx of Muslim immigrant laborers, the overall numbers were lower but a larger percentage of the population is Muslim.
Two-thirds of all Muslims live in 10 countries. Six are in Asia (Indonesia, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Iran and Turkey), three are in North Africa (Egypt, Algeria and Morocco) and one is in sub-Saharan Africa (Nigeria).
Indonesia, which has a tradition of a more tolerant Islam, has the world's largest Muslim population (203 million, or 13 per cent of the world's total). Religious extremists have been involved in several high-profile bombings there in recent years.
In China, the highest concentrations of Muslims were in western provinces. The country experienced its worst outbreak of ethnic violence in decades when rioting broke out this summer between minority Muslim Uighurs and majority Han Chinese.
Of roughly 4.6 million Muslims in the Americas, more than half live in the United States although they only make up 0.8 percent of the population there. About 700,000 people in Canada are Muslim, or about two percent of the total population.

Global religion: Muslim women in Britain (file photo). A new report has shown that nearly one in four people in the world are Muslim

Pew officials call the report the most thorough on the size and distribution of adherents of the world's second largest religion behind Christianity, which has an estimated 2.1 billion to 2.2 billion followers.

The arduous task of determining the Muslim populations in 232 countries and territories involved analysing census reports, demographic studies and general population surveys, the report says. In cases where the data was a few years old, researchers projected 2009 numbers.

The report also sought to pinpoint the world's Sunni-Shiite breakdown, but difficulties arose because so few countries track sectarian affiliation, said Brian Grim, the project's senior researcher.

As a result, the Shiite numbers are not as precise; the report estimates that Shiites represent between 10 and 13 per cent of the Muslim population, in line with or slightly lower than other studies.

As much as 80 per cent of the world's Shiite population lives in four countries: Iran, Pakistan, India and Iraq.

A future Pew Forum project, scheduled to be released in 2010, will build on the report's data to estimate growth rates among Muslim populations and project future trends.

A similar study on global Christianity is planned to begin next year.

The Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life is part of the Pew Research Center, an American think tank based in Washington, D.C.

The Center tracks issues and trends shaping the United States and the world.

MY DEAR SISTER with guest speaker YVONNE RIDLEY

Um_Khuwaylid — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 15:24:15 +0000

German Sis says Salam :-D

nurhrii — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 14:08:53 +0000

Salam Alaikum to all my sisters here,

I am not sure where to post an introduction since I am only new to the site since today.

InshaAllah this note reaches you in good health and happiness.

I am German sister who embraced Islam in Oct. 2007, alhamdulillah.

Until 10 days ago I lived in Bremen, Germany, however I have moved to Bristol in the UK. Now I am here to continue my research in Islamic Studies, since I am doing a PhD in this area. My thesis is a comparative one of German and British male and female converts/ reverts to Islam. InshaAllah I will also meet some nice interested people here.

However, I am here first to say Salam and Hi. Since having moved, I have tried to settle in, and I have already met up with a sister I know here...yeah!!!

Do I have any hobbies? Yap: Reading A LOT, movies, writing letters and cards (handwriting of course), anything oriental really but with a hint of a Turkish weakness . I love cooking, knitting and crocheing (oh yeah...and I am far from being a granny )

Anyhow, I would love to meet sisters, particularly now in the UK area. If you fancy getting in contact, I would be really happy.

If this introduction post is not supposed to be here, then please let me know...thanks so much.

All the best for now. Love you for Allah.

Wasalam

nurhrii

Introducing myself as nurhrii

nurhrii — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 13:37:21 +0000

Salam Alaikum to all my sisters here,

I am not sure where to post an introduction since I am only new to the site since today.

InshaAllah this note reaches you in good health and happiness.

I am German sister who embraced Islam in Oct. 2007, alhamdulillah.

However, I am here first to say Salam and Hi. Since having moved, I have tried to settle in, and I have already met up with a sister I know here...yeah!!!

Anyhow, I would love to meet sisters, particularly now in the UK area. If you fancy getting in contact, I would be really happy.

If this introduction post is not supposed to be here, then please let me know...thanks so much.

All the best for now. Love you for Allah.

Wasalam

nurhrii

I am sad and hurt

hannaan — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 21:40:16 +0000

Its incredible how the ones you love the most can hurt you so so much and then pretend that nothing ever happened,with no apologies , nothing. sisters pls put me in your duas because now i no longer feel anger,just resentment and hurt,and I really dont no if i can let this one go all in the name of "patience" cos I have noticed the more I let go,the worse the"rules" get and Im really beginning to think iv had it.May Allah guide us all to the right path and make it easy for us no matter what.Amin. marriage is just amazingly difficult,for me that is! I am not even making sense anymore ,I guess its the hurt and frustration talking...

Medication problems

Ummabdallah — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 12:55:05 +0000

Assalam aleikum wr wb sisters,

Im back with a new queston

Alhamdulillah my preagnancy have showed to pretty easy so far. I have headache and feel uncreadeble tried and eat few but alhamdulillah I havent been troubled with nausea or other bad things, only some bad pains in my stomach specially in the morning but alhamdulillah.

I went to get an analytic to see if i needed anything in my body and found out that I need iron. They gave my a pill, which both hade iron and folic in it. But subhanAllah I felt very very bad and yesterday I tryed to not eat any medication at all. before I only eat folic which I think almost all preagnant women eat the 3 first month.

Anyway yesterday I didnt eat anything and today is the first time since I started on any of the medication, that I have felt very very good alhamdulillah.

I then tryed to eat my old folic pils and another iron pill which a sister gave me and subhanAllah one hour after I started feeling bad again.

Is it possible that it would be better for me not eat anything at all and just eat fx. food with much iron in??

Is it dangarous to now eat the folic pill more that around 1,5 - 2 month?? (its possible I one have eat it one month because i only finished one paket)

Unfortunally I cant go to the doctor unlest it is an ermagency here. The syster in thins place it TERRIBLE subhanAllah. I have tried to make my papers so it was possible but it is just not possible for me make for one reason or another.

I had to go you morocco to an privat doctor and analytic place to tjeck if everything was good but subhanAllah I dont have the money to go there all the time. Also I have to relie on a sister and her husband which Im alrealdy is live with at the moment until we found our own house, so I really dont want to make it more difficult for them

So I really hope that there is anybody whom can give my any advice inshallah. Im in week 9 now if this has anything to say....

Jzk Allahu khair

Umm A

Giving everything up for Allah's sake

ummhussain — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 06:07:58 +0000

Dear brothers & sisters in Islam.

My journey to Islam was full of Love, Pain, Suffering, & Wisdom. I came from a life where I had everything handed down to me. Driving luxury cars, Wealth, Modeling, Attending the best schools, & living a life where everything was given to me in my hands. My entire life changed in the matter of a blink of an eye when I learned of this new Religion “ISLAM”

As my family had a personal relationship with the Vatican/Pope John Benedict lll & the Roman Empire, I truly was stuck between living a So called luxury lifestyle or my Entire family were to disown me because of this new Religion that occurred to me.

So at the age of 17 and about to be an early graduate to attend a Cosmetology/School of Fashion in California, My family made me choose whether to stay with them and live my dreams of being a cosmetologist/Model/Famous fashion Designer or pursue my ambition of being a Muslim.

I had in one hand A life of everything a person could dream of, Or life of Abandonment/Shamefulness/& Homelessness. All this was solely depended on my choice to Staying Christian/Roman Catholic or Attaining my entire focus towards learning about Islam.

I couldn’t believe it that my entire life changed in one night. I never could have ever imagined that instead of getting up and going to school the next day, I was headed at the age of 17 to a bus stop with all my savings and a few clothes in my backpack for the sole purpose of committing to another Religion. My life began as a homeless kid in the Downtown Saint Paul Area where I was living in and out of my friends Cars/Apartments/Rooms whatever was available for Seven months. I really had no-one to turn to as I promised to not ruin My grandfathers close relationship with the Vatican and my Family name.

I was then found by a Sister in the community who introduced me to a Somalian family who took me in as I had nowhere else to go. I was kind of pressured into becoming a Muslim at the time because I had no-where to go and the family didn’t really feel comfortable with a non-Muslim at the time living in their home. So I was at my breaking point and never wanted to commit to a lifestyle that didn’t have any meaning to me what so ever, though it was rather a comfortable life of luxury/wealth/ you name it or truly giving up everything to be a Muslim. So I did it and left everything behind me and decided to become a Muslim August 29th of 2004 at the Inver Grove Islamic School with Sheikh Hussein and a few friends as my witness at a yearly convention to prepare for Ramadan.

My life changed dramatically within a matter of weeks as right after I thought I could start over, I was diagnosed with a really bad case of Nephritic Lupus and a rare blood clotting deficiency called Factor Five Leiden Disorder. I was so confused at the time because I had come from a life where I was perfectly healthy, Good looks, and plenty of money to keep me satisfied. I couldn’t decide whether to believe my Family that this was a punishment from God for abandoning the Catholic Church or My First real test from Allah/God. I took in a deep a breath and looked up into the ceiling at the doctor’s office and said to God, “If I’m living for something, let it be that It’s a Muslim for my heart no-longer belongs to Catholicism” I made my decision right then and there when I felt a huge burst of cold air that brush against my body and the agony I felt from the pain of my joints which have immensely swelled over night. Ok Allah it’s just me and you and I submit myself entirely to your Religion and will leave everything behind me as I have nothing else to live for.
I have been through ups and downs and bumpy corners throughout my journey to Islam as it has impacted my life in ways I couldn’t imagine. The loss of all my hair, physical appearance, and ability to attain a normal life was all taken away from me in the blink of an eye. I ended up alone in a low income apartment practically dying of pain and agony all by myself with no family or anyone to help me fight this disease. I was so alone and depressed with only the healing of listening to the Quran and praying that God had a plan for me if not in this life but the Hear after. I was surviving off of $200.00 in cash assistance and Medicaid to pay for my medical bills for quite a long time.

So I am here today and fighting with everything I got to show everyone that Islam is the only thing that makes a believer a believer of God and that this life is nothing because I’m a walking, breathing, living proof that having a luxury lifestyle is nothing if you don’t have faith in Allah and Islam. I pray that I can accomplish fighting this disease as it could potentionally kill me any day now and come out to the public and let my story be widely renowned. I really would love to publish my novel about coming to Islam as I feel it could change the many lives of those who are truly lost and confused about their own beliefs and choice makings in life. I cannot imagine myself living or dying a non Muslim. I just want to see the community and let my story be known as I feel it could change many lives. It’s the month of Ramadan and we all need to come together and fight for the truth to come out about our religion and show everyone the real picture of Islam.

I really would love to meet the Twin City Muslim community inshallah as it gives me hope which the doctors here at Regions are not giving me. Everything comes from allah SWT and I will not forgot any of those who came to see me/thought of me/ and or prayed for me to recover. I have no one but Allah and when and if I leave this hospital bed I want everyone to know that I gave up and fought with everything I had for Islam and wanted only people to see the real truth about Islam. Thankyou to everyone who stood by my side, Allah will indeed reward you all inshallah.

Ramadan Kareem
Your sister in Islam
Zayna

Against the Law to babysit for a friend?

ummhussain — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 16:01:16 +0000

Ofsted inspectors in England have been told by ministers to show "common sense" in interpreting laws on friends helping each other with childcare.

Two mothers had been told it was illegal to look after each others' children without being registered.

The reciprocal arrangement had been seen as providing a "reward".

A spokesman for the Department for Children, Schools and Families said childcare rules were not intended to "interfere in informal arrangements".

Ministers are trying to clear up confusion over the regulations in England covering parents who help each other with childcare and babysitting.

But so far there is no new guidance on the regulations introduced in 2006 - which appear to require compulsory registration for parents who have a regular after-school arrangement for looking after each others' children.

In Buckinghamshire two mothers, both police officers, were told by children's services watchdog Ofsted that they were breaking the law by caring for each others' children without undergoing registration and checks.

The two detective constables, Leanne Shepherd, from Milton Keynes, and Lucy Jarrett, from Buckingham, told the BBC how Ofsted insisted they end their arrangement.

'Shocked'

Ms Shepherd said: "A lady came to the front door and she identified herself as being from Ofsted. She said a complaint had been made that I was illegally childminding.

"I was just shocked - I thought they were a bit confused about the arrangement between us.

"So I invited her in and told her situation - the arrangement between Lucy and I - and I was shocked when she told me I was breaking the law."

The accusation was that the reciprocal arrangement represented a "reward" - and as such the mothers would have to be formally registered as providers of child care.

Interpretation

The Department for Children, Schools and Families has been arguing that this is not how the Childcare Act introduced three years ago should be interpreted.

In particular, it wants a different view of what represents a "reward".

The law makes no distinction between the financial reward gained by someone paid to look after children and the reward in time and convenience gained by families who have private arrangements to help each other with childcare.

A spokesman for the children's department said it was now "working with Ofsted on their interpretation of the word 'reward'."

"We must ensure a common sense and measured approach which does not penalise informal arrangements but retains a balance between over-regulation and protecting children."

'Bureaucracy gone mad'

Under the complex childcare rules, it is illegal for an unregistered parent to collect someone else's child from school and look after them for more than two hours, if this is a reciprocal arrangement and so providing a "reward".

This would mean that after-school play-dates - where families helped each other by taking home each others' children on different days - would not be permissible without registration and inspections.

There are exemptions for this - allowing relatives to look after children in their family and the restrictions do no apply if children are in their own home or between the hours of 6pm and 2am.

The suggestion that it would be illegal for friends to help each other with childcare has provoked an angry response.

Michele Elliott, director of children's charity Kidscape, said the decision defied common sense and would impose extra childcare costs on families.

She described the rules as "bureaucracy gone mad".

Siobhan Freegard, who founded the parents' networking website Netmums, said that hard-pressed parents would think "this is the last straw".

This dispute over child care regulations follows recent controversy where it emerged that a child protection vetting scheme would mean that more than 11 million adults in England would have to undergo checks.

Problems Accessing Website

creativeastro — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 13:43:19 +0000

Bismillahi Rahmani raheem
Asalam alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakhatu

I am sure most of you have been trying to access the SIstersZone website with very little or no success over the last couple of days. This is because we have been having problems with our webhosting company.

I also have been affected by this therefore I was not able to inform you of the problems I am having with the hosting company

In light of the issues I am experiencing from our current hosting provider, we have taken steps to change to a new different one in the coming week inshallah. In the meantime you might still occasionally experience difficulties in logging in but I have been reassured by the company that this will not happen.

Please accept our apologies for the inconvenience that the outages may cause you and thank you for your understanding during this difficult time - rest assured I am doing everything within my power to get answers and a resolve. Thank you for your understanding, patience and support.

Your Sister In Islam
SZ Administrator

P.S:Some of you may receive this email more than once, please ignore the rest.

How was your Eid?

ummhussain — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 09:29:48 +0000

Asalam alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakhatu

In the area I live in their are a handful of Muslims I see whilst shopping once in a while. There are no Mosques and the nearest is about 30minutes drive away or an hour to an hour and a half by Bus, including the walking to the bus station and the Mosque so we do not feel the Eid atmosphere at all where we are.

We as a family travel to a different Mosque which is in a town with more Muslims than we have here but they are concetrated in a small area but it does feel like Eid there a lot more than here. That is where we find most Halal shops and Islamic clothing and bookshops.

Eid preparation started the night before the Eid Salah, I bathed all the children and showed them their Eid clothes and gave them their presents before they went to bed.. After Fajr I woke the two smaller ones up to dress them up because the two older ones had already woken up because they were very excited.

We left the house just after 7am because the first and only Salah and speech in English was starting at 7.30am but in reality started just before 8am. We each received plastic bags to put our shoes in which we took in with us, I was greatful for that because I had left mine at home. I do not like to leave my shoes on the racks because it will be very difficult to find shoes afterwards because of the number of people.

A sister who had become a Muslim about a month ago also came to the Mosque and she liked it but she lost her shoes, she was told to come back after the last Salah because there were too many people but anyway a sister helped her look for them but she could not find them so she ended up walking in her socks.

Anyway, I had invited her to a sisters house for breakfast so we went there by car and she got some trainers from this sister, alhamdulillah so she had some shoes to go home in. We left the sisters house after lunch around 5pm then we left to go to another sisters house where we left after 9pm. Before the new revert sister went back home we went back to the Mosque to try and find her shoes but the doors were locked and the sign ont the office door said closed till Wednesday, I will try and go back and look for them. Maybe some one picked them up by accident and when they realised took them back.

The children had fun playing with the their peers and the adults chatted and ate.

How was your Eid?

EId Celebrations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

deeba123 — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 14:07:42 +0000

My dearest sisters sallams and may Allah accept all of Our fasting and Duas during this speacial time of year. It is truley specail here. It starts by fajr giving praise to our Rab and then the Eid prayers follow. 3 days of Eid here how nice. Big fireworks display late tonite. This is the kids day here showing off all thier new clothes that their parents bought. Candy and wonderful gift bags been prepared to give out at the masjids for all the kids. the custom or one of the traditions is to let the kids enjoy these days by sharing what they have to give and offer at the masjid. The Haraam was too packed up i would not have to been able to get a cab i would have to walk home. today is also a day to catch up on some much needed rest after the long nites of prayer. Part 2 coming soon

Eid Mubarak Everyone!!!

Ni*mah — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 00:14:54 +0000

Asalamu Alaykum all,

So for us in the u.s, tomorrow is Eid for us InshaAllah. I would like to say to all of you Eid Mubarak, Kulu A'am wa antum bi Kheyr! Taqabalalaahu Minna Waminkum.

Wish all of you a wonderful Eid filled with much celebrations, happy and fun moments with family and freinds

love you all for Allah's sake.

6 Days of Shawwal

ummhussain — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 19:05:05 +0000

Asalam alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakhatu

Hope you all had a beneficial and rewarding Ramadhan and may Allah make those of us who became better in terms of worship during this month to continue with the good deeds for the rest of our lives and improve each day inshallah and for those of us where Ramadhan came and went without gaining much of knowledge of deeds, may Allah make us who improve when the next Ramadhan comes if we are still alive

May we all be able to fast the six days of Shawwal as well to get as much deed as we can by Allah's will and Mercy. Mentioned in the hadeeth of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), “Whoever fasts Ramadaan then follows it with six days of Shawwaal, it will be as if he fasted for a lifetime” (reported by Muslim, no. 1984),

You can start fasting six days of Shawwaal from the second day of Shawwaal, because it is haraam to fast on the day of Eid. You can fast the six days at any time during Shawwaal.

These days do not have to be fasted immediately after Eid al-Fitr; it is permissible to start fasting them one or more days after Eid, and they may be done consecutively or separately during the month of Shawwaal, according to what is easier for a person. There is plenty of room for maneuver in this matter, and this is not obligatory, it is Sunnah.

Your Sister In Islam

Umm Hussain

Zakaat al-fitr

ummhussain — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 14:46:47 +0000

Praise be to Allaah.

Sadaqat al-fitr is obligatory upon every Muslim who is self-supporting, if he has one saa’ or more than he needs of food for himself and his family on the day and night of Eid.

The basis for that is the report narrated from Ibn ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him) who said: “The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) enjoined zakaat al-fitr, a saa’ of dates, or a saa’ of barley, upon all the Muslims, slave and free, male and female, young and old, and he commanded that it be paid before the people went out to pray.” Agreed upon; this version was narrated by al-Bukhaari.

And Abu Sa’eed al-Khudri narrated: “We used to pay zakaat al-fitr when the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was alive, a saa’ of food or a saa’ of dates or a saa’ of barley or a saa’ of raisins or a saa’ of dried yoghurt.” Agreed upon.

It is acceptable to give a saa’ of the local staple food such as rice etc.

What is meant by a saa’ here is the saa’ of the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), which is four times the amount that may be held in the two hands of a man of average build. If a person does not pay zakaat al-fitr, he is sinning, and he has to make it up.

We ask Allaah to give you strength and to make our words and deeds and yours righteous.

And Allaah is the Source if strength.

Is it normal that.....

Ummabdallah — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 12:55:49 +0000

Assalam aleikum wr wb my dear sisters.

Alhamdulillah Allah have blessed me in this fantistic month of ramadhan by becoming pregnant.

I dont know exactly how far I am but I thing that I around week 6-8, so it's still very new mashaAllah.

Because I have been sick in ramadhan, with an infection and a virus I havn't been able to fast unfortunally I wanted to start fasting again after the virus was out of me, but because I still felt that I had the infection (in my abdorment) and I dint eat very good, I was afarid that it would have a bad effect on the baby. Then I started to eat better I though that I could fast but Every time my stomach are empty I feel like its burning inside me. Its not possible for me to do anything and I feel very very bad.

I have desided to not fast and wait to I feel more stabil inshaAllah, but I would really like to know if it is normal to feel so bad when your stomach is empty. I try eat few but many times at day but still some times its starting. specially n the morning which is very bad for me because in dont like eat anything went waking up (that new after I became pregnant)

I really like to be fresh and enjoy my pregnantcy, but it the moment its very difficult, bacause at the same time I feel very tried and headache most of the time.

Is ther eany advice from sisters whom have more experiance in this??????

Lub from your sister Umm A

Until Now my ramadhan has been...

Ummabdallah — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 19:46:54 +0000

Assalam aleikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh my dear sisters.

I hope you all have had a beneficial ramadhan until now and I hope that it will conteinue to the end of ramadhan and for the rest of you life inshaAllah.

This is my first ramadhan our of Denmark and it have been quiet... ehm... eventful so far.

My Ramadhan started out very very good mashaAllah. I had make a plan for what to read and do during the days andI was doing very good alhamdulillah. I didn't feel hungry but I really needed water. But alhamdulillah I managed to get trough anyways.

One day my husband started to feel sick, and after some days He ended up going to the ER . The problem here is that either me or my hsuband have papers here, so it is not very easy going to the doctor or things like that. But Alhamdulillah it is possible. The other problem is that here if you are muslim (specially moroccan) the doctores are very racist and dont tke good care of you. (I live in an occupied area in morocco own by spain)

Well my husband came to the Er, and they just told him that he got him self a virus. he next evening then still felt very bad, he went back to the ER and alhamdulillah this day there was a very good doctor.

He found that my husband had got a whole in the stomach and needed an akut operation. Now Alhamdulillah my husband feel better but is still very weak.

I too, didnt feel good. I thoughd that I might had got an infection in my abdorment. So I went to the ER and foundt out that I DID have an small infection, but got a present too..... IM PREGNANT ALHAMDULILLAH.

So I went up to my husband and to him the news to make him feel better after the operation.

Same day, I went to visit a sister whom just had an miscariage. And later this evening another sister, whom expeacted trins, had an miscarage with all 3 subhanAllah.

Me and my husband have for around 6 month lived in a very very bad house. No windows, no kicthen, and a lot of other bad things. ow because my husband has been operated and im pregnant, a sister and her husband felt bad for letting us back in this house (May ALLAH swt reward them ameen) So they have opened up there house for us, and we now live with them. That means that now we dont have a place to live, but We still live better than we have lived in long time mashaAllah.

All these things have happend and it have really made my refelct upon the power of Allah.

One minut we can have verything or nothing and the next moment verything has changed. I feel that I have seen the power of Allah with my own eys then the things happen. not only thing you know and have heard of... No I was right there... it was my life that changed from one moment to another.

Until now it have been a blessed ramadhan when with the things that have apeared bad. It is the qadr of Allah, nad He do what he wills. May AllaH Swt bless the to sisters with better for there loss and all the other sisters around the world and may He forgive All the believing men and women, protect them from hellfire and give them jannah ameen.

I wish you all a wonderful EID when it comes to you - EID MUBARAK-

Sister Safiyah - May Allah be pleased with her.

ummhussain — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 11:25:24 +0000

Asalam alaikum warahmatullah

I learnt with great sadness last night that my sons ex teacher at nursery passed away on Friday 11th September 2009, yes in this Holy Month of Ramadhan after a long battle with cancer. I did not speak much with her but the few times I did she was full of praise for him and she loved him.

I phoned the nursery my son used to go to last year a few weeks ago and they asked me to make du'a for her because she was not well and she had gone for Umrah. It really brought tears to my eyes and still does when I think about her because she really was a lovely sister and the children loved her. My son was saddened when she had to leave becasue of her illness and he told me that she bought them all lollipops before she went away and he always wanted to go back and see her.

I take comfort in the fact that her death has signs of a good ending

1.) Dying on a Friday - Dying on the night or day of Friday, because the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “there is no Muslim who dies on the day of Friday or the night of Friday, but Allaah will protect him from the trial (fitnah) of the grave.” Narrated by Ahmad, 6546; al-Tirmidhi, 1074. al-Albaani said: When all its isnaads are taken into consideration, this hadeeth is hasan or saheeh.

2.) Dying of a stomach disease- I have read that a person who dies of a stomach illness is Shaheed. Dying of a stomach disease. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “… and whoever dies of a stomach disease is a martyr.” Narrated by Muslim, 1915.

3.) Dying in the Holy Month of Ramadhan- in this month the gates of paradise are open and gates of Hell closed.

May Allah grant her Jannah Firdaus( the highest level of Paradise, comfort her in the grave and make it spacious and full of light and that she sees her place in paradise and be of those who can't wait for judgement day because they want to occupy their places in paradise. May Allah also comfort her husband and family she has left behind who stood by her in her times of pain and suffering.

She did not have any children of her own but she touched the hearts of many children.

I love her purely for Allah's sake.

New Sister

Mazeedah — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 17:02:21 +0000

Ramadan Kareem Sisters and Happy Eid in advance. I hope to Learn more about Islam.

Sister In Need of Our Du'a

ummhussain — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 16:22:20 +0000

Khadija Podd waited two weeks after her husband's arrest to speak to hi

The wife of a man held in a Spanish prison for almost four years on terrorism offences is preparing to fly out for his trial.

Mohammed Fahsi, 40, was arrested at his home near Barcelona in January 2006 and remanded in custody.

Khadija Podd, 42, of Nottingham, has claimed that her husband has been tortured during his detention.

Now Amnesty International is backing her calls for a change in Spanish law to end "incommunicado detention".

'Severe rights restrictions'

According to the charity, Mr Fahsi's trial will be held in Madrid later this month.

The couple, who have two children, were living in Barcelona when Mr Fahsi was arrested and Ms Podd has since moved back to Nottingham.

Ms Podd said her husband was held for four days without access to a lawyer and it was two weeks before she was able to speak to him.

Under Spanish laws, detainees can be held "incommunicado" for up to five days and for up 13 days if suspected of terrorism-related offences.

Mohammed Fahsi's case is being used in an Amnesty International campaign

Ms Podd said: "The first contact I had with him was two weeks later. Until then I didn't have a clear idea of where he was or his treatment."

Amnesty is using Mr Fahsi's case to highlight its campaign to stop such detention procedures.

Nicola Duckworth, Amnesty's Europe and Central Asia programme director, said: "Incommunicado detention must be relegated to the past.

"No other European Union country maintains a detention regime with such severe restrictions on the rights of detainees.

"It is inadmissible that in present day Spain anyone who is arrested for whatever reason should disappear as if in a black hole for days on end."

The last ten Days of Ramadhan

ummhussain — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 15:43:41 +0000

10 Steps to Maximising the Last Ten Days of Ramadan

The last ten days of Ramadan are very precious indeed:

Allah's Messenger used to exert himself in devotion during the last ten nights to a greater extent than at any other time." (Muslim).

Hazrat Aishah (Ra) reported that during the last ten days of Ramadan; the Messenger of Allah would wake his wives up during the night and then remain apart from them (that is, being busy in acts of worship). (Bukhari)

Hazrat Aisha (Ra) reported that with the start of the last ten days of Ramadan, the Prophet (Saw) used to tighten his waist belt (i.e. work hard) and used to pray all the night, and used to keep his family awake for the prayers. (Bukhari)

So we need to tighten all of our belts especially in these last ten days and do as much as we can to thank Allah and worship him and ask him for forgiveness.

Here are some ways that we can all make the best of these precious last ten days of this most blessed month:

1. Make a timetable for oneself for the last ten days

One should make a timetable for oneself so that one can make the best of these last 10 precious days.

One can include the times that one will read the Qur’an and how much one will read like one juz (Chapter) or half a juz etc as well as certain Nafil prayers one will do throughout the day and night and any worship that one will do etc.
One should strive to make time the to worship on at least the last odd nights of the last ten days as these are the nights where it is said that it is most likely to be Laylat ul Qadr (The night of power).

Making a structured timetable may help one to better organise oneself especially in these precious days 10 days.

2. Spend the last 10 days in I’thikaaf

I`tikaf is the seclusion and staying in the Masjid with the intention of becoming closer to Allah by doing constant remembrance, glorification and worship of Allah Ta’aala.

One should perform as many Nafil prayers as possible and recite much of the Qur’an and its meanings, read books on Islam and keep ones lips moist with the constant glorification and remembrance of Allah ta’aala.

`Aishah radhiya Allahu `anha reported that the Prophet, salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam, "Used to perform i'tikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan until Allah the Mighty and Majestic, took him. (Bukhari and Muslim)

Abu Said reported that the Prophet (S) said: "Whoever makes I`tikaf with me is to make I'tikaf during the last ten [nights]." (Bukhari)

We can also do what’s called Nafil I’thikaf where one can obtain reward for as long as one is in the Masjid even if it is for a short while.

So every time we enter the Masjid we should make intention of doing Nafil I’thikaf for as long as we are in the Masjid we will get rewarded inshallah depending on how long we stay. If we don’t stay at the Masjid for the full ten days then we should at least strive to stay at the Masjid as much as possible during the odd nights or last 5-7 days.

3. Recite the Qur’an abundantly

Az-Zuhri used to say upon the coming of Ramadan, “It is only about reciting the Qur’an and feeding the poor.”

Ibn Al-Hakam said, “With the advent of Ramadan, Malik would completely forsake studying Hadith and having sessions with other scholars [so that he can concentrate on reading the Qur'an].”

Abdur-Raziq said, “When Ramadan came, Sufyan Ath-Thawri would give up all acts of (voluntary) worship and devote himself to the recitation of the Qur’an.”

Both fasting and recitation of the Qur’an in Ramadan act as intercessors with Almighty Allah for the true believer who observes them.

In this respect, the Prophet salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam said,

Fasting and the Qur’an will intercede on behalf of Allah’s servant on the Day of Judgment. Fasting will say, “O my Lord! I prevented him from food and desires during the day, so accept my intercession for him.” And the Qur’an will say, “O my Lord! I prevented him from sleeping by night, so accept my intercession for him.” The intercession of both will thus be accepted. (Ahmad)

This is the month of the holy Qur’an so we should strive to recite as much of it as we can especially during the last ten nights of Ramadan as there is a special merit to reciting the Qur'an in the nights of Ramadan. For indeed, the night brings an end to the busy daily affairs, the enthusiasm is roused and the heart and the tongue mount upon reflecting. And Allah is the one in whom we seek assistance.

Hazrat Anas radhiyallahu anhu reports that Rasoolullah sallallahu alaihi wasallam said: "Whoever reads the Quran, Allah grants that person ten good deeds for every letter. And for one who hears the Qur’an being recited, Allah grants a good deed for every letter, and such a person will be resurrected among those who will recite and ascend the stages of Jannat."

The reward for reading a letter of the Holy Qur’an in this blessed month is also very much increased so its 70 good deeds or MORE for reading just one letter so lets make the best use of these precious last few days and read as much of the Qur’an as we can!

4. Strive to gain forgiveness

One should strive and do their utmost to gain the mercy of Allah in these last ten days especially. If one leaves Ramadan without gaining the mercy of Allah then surely they are the most unfortunate ones and are the biggest losers in this world and the next.

Aisha (Ra) said: “I asked the Messenger of Allah: 'O Messenger of Allah, if I know what night is the night of Qadr, what should I say during it?' He said: 'Say: O Allah, You are pardoning and You love to pardon, so pardon me.' “

"Allahumma innaka 'afuwwun tuhibbul 'afwa fa'fu 'annee" (Ahmad, Ibn Majah, and Tirmidhi).

Abu Huraira narrated that the Messenger said: “Whoever stands (in prayer) in Laylatul Qadr while nourishing his faith with self-evaluation, expecting reward from Allah, will have all of his previous sins forgiven.” (Bukhari and Muslim).

The best times to ask for forgiveness are just before the time of breaking ones fast and before Sehri after one reads the Tahajjud prayer. These are the times we should concentrate on repenting the most as these times duas are more readily accepted.

We should sincerely repent for past and present sins with the intention of not repeating them again and ask of Allah Ta’aala to help us prevent ourselves from doing them again and ask Allah to perfect our characters and to help us improve ourselves in everyway possible.

5. Do Parents Khidmat (Help)

We should always be the best towards our parents at all times and not even say “uff” to them and in Ramadan and in particular the last ten days we should increase ourselves in helping our Parents and being the best towards them and making them happy and smile.

A man asked Prophet Muhammad "What kinds of deeds are best in the sight of God?" He replied, "To pray on time, to be good and kind to parents, and to struggle in the path of God" (Al-Bukhari).

The reward for being good and kind toward one's parents was mentioned on several occasions by Prophet Muhammad (Saw), emphasizing that those who are obedient to their parents and to God also will be in the highest places in Paradise.

Allah (Glory and Greatness be to Him) mentions in Noble Qur'an:

"And your Lord has commanded that you shall not serve (any) but Him, and goodness to your parents. If either or both of them reach old age with you, say not to them (so much as) "Ugh" nor chide them, and speak to them a generous word. And make yourself submissively gentle to them with compassion, and say: O my Lord! Have compassion on them, as they brought me up (when I was) little." Noble Qur'an (17:23-24)

A man asked Prophet Muhammad(Saw) "What kinds of deeds are best in the sight of God?" He replied, "To pray on time, to be good and kind to parents, and to struggle in the path of God" (Al-Bukhari).

Prophet Muhammad (Saw) also indicated that the pleasure or anger of Allah is in the pleasure or anger of parents, and that Muslims who are kind to their parents earn forgiveness from Allah. The importance of gaining the pleasure of one's parents was also emphasized by Prophet Muhammad (Saw) when he said that the earnest prayers of parents for or against their child are always answered by Allah.

So if our parents are angry or unhappy with us then how do we expect our fasts and deeds to be accepted? How do we expect to gain the mercy and forgiveness from Allah? Now is the time to ask our parents to forgive us for any wrongs we have done towards them and any unhappiness we have brought towards them and start from now to make them the happiest so that Allah may be the happiest with us.

6. Do much Superogatory Prayers (Nafil)

Superogatory prayers(Nafil) are one of the best ways to get close to Allah Ta’aala as well as filling up our good deed accounts. We have to invest as much as we can into the hereafter to just to this world.

Abu Hurairah reports that the Prophet sallallahu alehi wasallam said: "The first thing that the people will be called to account for on the Day of Resurrection will be the prayers. Our Lord will say to the angels although He knows better: 'Look into the salah of my servant to see if he observed it perfectly or been negligent in it. So if he observed it perfectly it will be recorded to his credit, but if he had been negligent in it in any way, Allah would say: See if My servant has any supererogatory prayers. Then if he has any supererogatory prayers, Allah would say: Make up the deficiency in My servant's obligatory prayer with his supererogatory prayers.' Thereafter all his actions will be examined in like manner" (Abu Dawud).

Rabi'ah ibn Malik al-Aslami reported that the Prophet sallallahu alehi wasallam said: "Ask (anything)." Rabi'ah said: "I ask of you to be your companion in paradise." The Prophet said: "Or anything else?" Rabi'ah said: "That is it." The Prophet sallallahu alehi wasallam said to him: "Then help me by making many prostrations (i.e., supererogatory prayers)." (Muslim)

The mother of the believers, Umm Habibah Ramilah bint Abu Sufyan (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that she heard the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) saying: “A house will be built in Paradise for every Muslim who offers twelve units of Prayers other than the obligatory ones in day and night, to seek pleasure of Allah.” (Reported by Muslim)

Here are some Nafil prayers we can all do everyday:

The Two Rakat before Fard of Fajr:

`Aishah, the mother of the believers, quoted the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) as saying: “The two rak`ah before Dawn (Fajr) Prayer are better than the word and all that which it contains.” (Reported by Muslim)

Salaatul Ishraaq (Sunrise prayer-15-20 mins after sunrise) 2 or 2x2 Rakat of Nafil

Rasulullah is reported to have said, 'He who performs Fajr Salat with Jamaat and remains seated in the same place while engaging in Dhikr until after sunrise and thereafter performs 2 Rakaats Nafil Salat, (Ishraaq), he will obtain the Thawaab of one Hajj and one Umrah.' (Tirmidhi).

Duha Prayer (Salaatul Chasht-Breakfast prayer to be prayed before Zawaal(Midday)

'Salat al-Dhuhaa consists of 2 - 12 Rakaats and it is preferable to perform 8 Rakaats.' (Raddul Mukhtaar vol.1 pg.505)

The Prophet (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) is reported to have said that: Whoever prayed twelve rakaats at the time of Chasht, then Allah will, as a reward, prepare a palace of gold for him in Paradise. [Mishkat, Tirmizi, Ibn Majah]

4 Rakah Sunnah before Fard of Zuhr, 2 Rakah Sunnah and 2 Rakah Nafil after Fard of Zuhr

Umm Habibah (may Allah be pleased with her) narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Whoever sticks to the habit of offering four rak`ahs before Noon Prayer and four rak`ahs after it, Allah will shield him against the Hell-Fire.” (Reported by Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi)

4 Rak'aah Sunnah of Asr

Messenger (sallallaahu 'alayhe wa sallam) said: "May Allaah have Mercy on the one who offers four (rak'ahs) before 'Asr prayer." (Abu Dawud)

If anyone enters a mosque, he should offer two rak`ahs before sitting.

Abu Qatadah (may Allah be pleased with him) the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) as saying: “If any one of you enters a mosque, he should pray two rak`ahs before sitting.” (Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

2 Rakat after doing Wudu (Ablution)

Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said to Bilal (may Allah be pleased with him): “Tell me about the best of your deeds (i.e. one which you deem the most rewarding) since your embracing Islam because I heard your footsteps in front of me in Paradise.” Bilal (may Allah be pleased with him) replied: “I do not consider any act of mine more rewarding than that whenever I make ablution at any time of night or day, I perform Prayer for as much as was destined for me to do.” (Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim)”

The MOST REWARDING Superogatory Prayer of all is Tahajjud

Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) has said: In Paradise there is a castle reserved for those who read Tahajjud and the Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) further adds, those who pray at night will enter paradise without having to account for their acts in this life.

It is recommended that you recite in your prayers as much of the Sacred Quran as you know. If you happen to know by heart the whole of the Sacred Quran you may, in at least 3 nights or most 4 nights of Tahajjud effectuate the complete reading of the Sacred Quran.

Otherwise, you may recite 3 Surah Ikhlas (Qul Hu Allahu Ahad) after your "Alhamdu..." in every Rakat and you will thus derive full benefits of the full recital of the Sacred Quran in every Rakat.

During the month of Ramadan one should awake a little earlier for Sehri and make time to pray Tahajjud Salaah for the reward is magnified so much more in Ramadan and duas are even more readily accepted than at any other time of the year. We should be reading Tahajjud EVERY night in the last ten days of Ramdan for any of these nights may be the night of POWER.

The dua's at the time of Tahajjud are very readily accepted by Almighty Allah and one should repent and ask of Allah and try to cry in their dua's at this time, if one cannot cry due to the hardness of ones heart due to sin then at least one should make the face as if one is crying. Just as a mother tends to her baby quickly and promptly when it cries the same way Allah attends to his servant quicker when they are crying.

Salaatul Tasbih

Our beloved Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) had taught this Nafil prayer to his Uncle, Hazrat Abbas (RA) and told him; He who performs this prayer will have his past and future sins forgiven.

The Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) has recommended to read this prayer daily on each Friday or once a month or once a year, in case of this not being possible, to read it even once in one’s life. This Nafil prayer provides limitless benefits both in the material and spiritual life.

Ibn al Mubarak says: “The tasbih prayer is a greatly desired act and it is desirable that one should punctually observe it and never neglect it.

How to perform this Salaah

‘Ikrimah reports from Ibn ‘Abbas that the Messenger of Allah said to ‘Abbas ibn ‘Abdal-Mutalib: “O ‘Abbas, O Uncle, shall I not give you, shall I not present to you, shall I not donate to you, shall I not tell you ten things which, if you do, Allah will forgive your first and last sins, past and present sins, intentional and unintentional sins, private and public sins? The ten actions are: pray four rak’at, reciting in every rak’ah al-Fatihah and a surah. And when you finish the Qur’anic recitation of the first rak’ah, say, while standing, ‘Subhanallah, al-hamdulillah, wa la ilaha illallah, wa Allahu Akbar‘ ['Glory be to Allah. All praise is due to Allah. There is no God except Allah. Allah is the greatest.'] Fifteen times. Then make ruku’, and while you are in ruku’, say the same ten times; then stand, and say the same ten times. Then go down and make sajdah, and while you’re in sajdah, say the same ten times. Then sit after the sajdah, and say the same ten times. Then make sajdah, and say the same ten times. Then sit after the second sajdah, and say the same another ten times. That is seventy-five [repetitions of the phrases] in each rak’ah. Do that in each of the four rak’at. If you can pray it once a day, do so. If you cannot, then once every Friday. If you cannot do that, then once a year. And if you cannot do that then once in your life. “

We should try to read it EVERY night in the last ten days of Ramadan and get COUNTLESS rewards inshallah

Also don’t forget that the Reward of Salaah multiplied 70 times or more by use of Miswaak

‘Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) has reported that,

“The prayer before which the Miswak is used is seventy times more excellent than that before which it is not used.”

7. Increase in Dhikr (Rememberance of Allah)

We should glorify Allah night and day, especially in these last ten days of the blessed month of Ramadan. Remembering Allah much through acts of dhikr brings much peace and tranquillity to the heart. It also gives us a sense of taqwa (fear of allah), a consciousness that makes us realise that Allah Almighty is ever near and that we should always strive to please Him.

"…Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest." (13:28)

Remembrance of Allah indeed is the greatest virtue. (29:46).

Here are some beneficial Dhikr and glorification we can do throughout the last ten days and nights of this blessed month and throughout the year Inshallah:

Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said: "Is anyone of you incapable of earning one thousand Hasanah (rewards) a day?" Someone from the gathering asked, "How can anyone of us earn a thousand Hasanah?" Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said: "Glorify Allah a hundred times by just saying “Subhanallah” and a Good deeds will be written for you, or a thousand sins will be wiped away.” (Muslim 4:2073)

Hadhrat Abu Dharr [Ra] narrated that Rasulallah [Saw] said: “Should I not tell you of one treasure of the unlimited treasures of Paradise?” I replied spontaneously “Oh Rasulallah (Saw) that would be an honour indeed!” Rasulallah (Saw) said: “That rare treasure is LA HAWLA WA LA QUWWATA ILLA BILLAH.” (“The strength to do good and to refrain from evil comes from the grace and mercy of Allah!” - (Ibn Majah)

Hadhrat Jaa'bir [Ra] narrated that Rasulallah [Saw] said: “For the person who recites SUB-HAN'ALLAH HIL AZEEM WA BI-HAM'DIHI, [Pure and perfect is Allah in his glory and praise], - A date palm will be planted for him in Paradise” (Tirmidhi)

The Virtues of reading the First Kalimah: The word of purity or the kalima-e-tayyabah.

Lā ilāha illā-llāh, Muḥammadur Rasūlu-llāh

(There is no god except Allah, Muhammad (Saw) is His Messenger)

Hadrat Zaid bin ‘Arqam (Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah ( ) said: “Whoever says La ilaaha illal-laahu… sincerely will enter the Paradise.”

It was said: And what is the [sign of] sincerity? He said: “That this kalimah stops him from those things which Allah has forbidden.” (Tabaraani in Awsat-ul-Kabeer)

The Virtues of reading the Third Kalimah: The word of glorification or the kalima-e-tamjeed

Subhāna-llāhi, wa-l-hamdu li-llāhi, wa lā ilāha illā-llāhu, wa-llāhu akbar. Wa lā hawla wa lā quwwata illā bi-llāhi-l-aliyyi-l-azīm

Glory be to Allah. And praise be to Allah. And there is no god except Allah. And Allah is the Greatest. And there is no power and no strength except with Allah, the Most High, Most Great.

Ibn Mas’ood (Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah ( ) said: “When I met Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) in the night of Mi’raaj he asked me to convey his Salaam to my Ummah and to tell them that the Paradise has a fertile soil and sweet water, and is like a vast field. And its plants are [the words above].” Another version says: “Whoever recites the words above, a tree in Paradise is planted for him for each word he says.” (Virtues of Dhikr; Tirmidhi)

Virtues of reading the Fourth Kalimah: The word of Oneness of Allah or the kalima-e-tawhid:

Lā ilāha illā-llāhu waḥdahu lā sharīka lahu lahu-l-mulku wa lahu-l-ḥamdu yuhyi wa yumītu wa huwa ḥayyu-llā yamūtu abadan abada, ḏū-l-jalāli wa-l-ikrām, biyadihi-l-khayr, wa huwa alā kulli Shay-in qadīr.

There is no god except Allah, Who is Alone and has no partners. For Him is the Dominion and for Him is all praise. He gives life and causes death. And He is Living and will never ever die. Owner of Majesty and Honor: In His Hands is all goodness. And He has power over all things.

Abu Hurairah (Allah be pleased with him) reports that the Messenger of Allah (Saw) said: “A person who recites: Laa ilaaha illal-laahu wahdahu laa shareeka lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu wa huwa ‘alaa kulli shay-in qadeer, a hundred times daily will have reward equal to that of freeing ten slaves and one hundred good deeds will be written for him, and one hundred of his sins will be lifted from him, and for the whole day, he will remain immune from the Shaytaan until the evening, and on the Day of Judgment, no one will exceed him in merit except one who has done [these phrases] more.” (Bukhari,Book #75, Hadith #412)

Its SO easy and quick to Earn 500 good deeds in a few minutes in Ramadhan.

If you were to manage 500 good deeds every day of Ramadan, you would receive (70 times 500 = 35000) multiplied by 30 days..........1,050,000 deeds! One million fifty thousand deeds!

Just say Subhanallah 100 times, Alhamdullilah 100 times, Allahu Akbar 100 times, La ilaha il Allah 100 times and Astaghfar allah 100 times.

8. Make much dua

We should be very busy in Dua as much as we can especially in the last ten days and nights of the blessed month of Ramadan. How unfortunate is the one who does not make use of these last ten nights to supplicate to his lord.

We find many reassurances throughout the Quran for those who make Dua.

Allah the Exalted, has said: "And your Lord says: Pray unto me: and I will hear your prayer" (Quran 40:60), "Call upon your Lord Humbly and in secret" (Quran 7:55), "When My servants question thee concerning Me, I am indeed close (to them): I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he calleth on Me" (Quran 2:186),

"Is not He (best) who listens to the (soul) distressed when it calls on Him, and who relieves its suffering." (Quran 27:62)

Aisha radhiallaahu anha said, "No believer makes Dua and it is wasted. Either it is granted here in this world or deposited for him in the Hereafter as long as he does not get frustrated."

In fact, it is a gaining Allah’s displeasure and anger to never make Dua, "Whosoever does not supplicate to Allah, He will be angry with Him." [Saheeh Jaami`as-Sagheer #2414]

So let us occupy ourselves in much Dua especially the times when it is most readily accepted like just before we break our fasts and also at Tahajjud time. Thos who do not make the best of this opportunity has surely lost out greatly.

Allah Almighty says in the Qur'an:

"When my servants ask you concerning me, (tell them) I am indeed close (to them). I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he calls on me." [2:186] The place of duaa is so high to Allah, that the Prophet had said: "Nothing is more honourable to Allah the Most High than du`a."[Sahih al-Jami` no.5268].

He also said: "The most excellent worship is du`a." [Sahih Al-Jami` no. 1133];

9. Seek out Laylatul Qadr (Night of Power)

So valuable is this Night of Qadr that the Quran devotes a special surah to
it “Lailatul Qadr is better than a thousand months” [97:3] This one night surpasses the value of 30,000 nights. The most authentic account of the occurrence of the Night indicates that it can occur on any one of the last ten, odd numbered nights of Ramadan. We should strive to stay up at least on the odd nights of the last ten days because if we pray on these nights then surely we would have caught this most powerful night and this would mean we would have a reward of 83 YEARS OF WORSHIP!

Some special prayers and Dhikr for Laitul Qadr

1. Seeking Forgiveness.

Hazrat Aa'ishah radhiyallahu anhaa asked the Prophet sallalahu alayhi wasallam that if she happened to get the night sublime what prayer should she say. The Prophet sallalahu alayhi wasallam replied that she should say the following prayer :

"Allahumma innaka afuwwun kareemun tuhib-bul af-wa fa-afo anni"

(O Allah, You are the One who grants pardon for sins, loves forgiving, so forgive me.)

2. Reciting Astaghfar.

The following should be recited as much as possible:

"Astaghfirullah hallazi la-ila-ha illa huwal Hayyul Qayyumo wa atu-bu ilaihe"

(I seek forgiveness from Allah, the Almighty; there is no God but He. He is self-Existent, the Eternal and I return to Him)

3. Reciting Surah `Inna anzalnahu...'

"Inna anzalnahu fee lailatul Qadr, Wa maa adraka maa lailatul Qadr.
Lailatul Qadri khairum min alfi shahr. Tanazzalul malai-katu var-roohu
fee ha bi izni Rabbihim min kulle amr. Salaamun heya hatta matla-il fajr."

Want all your lifes previous sins forgiven?

Abu Hurayrah (radhiallahu `anhu) narrated that the Messenger (sallallahu
`alayhi wa sallam) said: "Whoever stands (in qiyaam) in Laylat ul-Qadr out of faith and expectation (of Allah's reward), will have ALL of his previous sins forgiven." (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

It is also the Night when all ordainments for the year are decreed. Allah (T)
said, which means:

{By the manifest Book (the Quraan) that makes thing clear. We sent it (this
Quraan) down on a Blessed Night (i.e. the Night of Qadr) in the month of
Ramadaan. Verily We are ever warning [mankind that Our Torments will reach
those who disbelieve in Our Oneness of Lordship and in Our Oneness of
Wordship]. Therein (that night) is decreed every matter (amran) of
ordainment} (The Smoke 44:2-5)

SO LET US WORSHIP ALLAH EVERY ODD NIGHT (21,23,25,27,29) IN THE LAST TEN DAYS OF RAMADAN AND GAIN THE COUNTLESS REWARDS AND FORGIVENESS THAT IS PROMISED TO THOSE PEOPLE WHO STAND IN PRAYER ON THESE MOST IMPORTANT AND BLESSED NIGHTS!

10. Assess and evaluate yourself and make the changes for the rest of the year!

While the practice of fasting during Ramadan is widely followed, the instruction about self-evaluation has largely been forgotten.

Self-evaluation means to assess where you are in life, set goals for the future, and think of what you can do to get there. The process of self-evaluation makes you pro-active in directing your life. Unless we take the initiative our lives will be shaped by circumstances.

We need to assess ourselves and since this month made us prevent ourselves from doing many of the sins we may usually do why should we go back to those sins now that we have stopped or reduced them?

Let us continue with the good habits that we have gained and acquired in Ramadan and take them with us throughout the rest of the year.

If we continue the rest of the year with the evil we committed before Ramadan then know that we are risking the acceptance of all of our fasts and good deeds because Ramadan is not merely just for abstaining from food and evil for just one month but is a time to train ourselves to change for the better in everyway so that we may become god fearing and pious and continue that way the rest of the year.

We should strive to continue the good we have done in Ramadan throughout the year and discontinue the evil that we left before Ramadan and NEVER go back to it.

May Allah guide us all to the right path and make us pious servants of his. Ameen.

MY DEAR SISTER with geust speaker YVONNE RIDLEY

Um_Khuwaylid — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 19:09:52 +0000

SOUTH AFRICAN SISTERS FINALLY GET IDH CLOTHING

ummi_ammarah — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 00:05:17 +0000

South african sisters can purchase IDH and Lawung fashion brands at ABSOLUTE AWRAH in lenasia, extension 1 , 6 Guineafowl street. The ABSOLUTE AWRAH store strives to provide modest yet fashionable clothing for muslims. Awrah means that portion of the body that one must cover and the two international brands as well as the stores custom made abayahs aim to invite younger muslimahs to dress modestly by providing quality , affordable and comfortable abayahs.

The Company was started by three female members of the same family , all of whom have drastically changed their lifestyles and now wear hijaab and niqaab.

Sister Sumaya of Absolute Awrah says " Now that I wear hijaab and niqaab full time, I realized that younger South African muslimahs do not have a wide selection of abayahs to chose from ..the choice is limited to black , beaded and crystal adorned abayahs....I wanted something I would be comfortable in , taking my kids to the beach in , or for a family picnic and to the zoo, the Islamic design house range is perfectly suited to my needs and we decided to investigate importing the clothing to share with our sisters at home , hence Absolute Awrah was born."

Sister Faaiza , head designer says " We hope , Inshallah that we can encourage younger muslims to dress modestly , after all modesty does look good, and the imported and custom brands at our store are suited for the working woman as well as the woman at home".

Sister Ashrafah says " Inshallah we will encourage younger woman to wear modest clothing ...for us it means throwing over a jilbaab and we ready to go , for women who do not wear jilbaab but want to make a transition from western wear to hijaab , the range is ideal as it is fashionable , colourfull and modest ..the perfect wear for the beautifully proud muslimah that you are"

Absolute Awrah will cloak your awrah in style. They are available in South Africa on +27832720632 or +27832828164 and +27832615088

SISTERS CHARITY IFTAR EVENT

kat84 — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 12:27:09 +0000

Assalamu Alaikum Sisters,

ONLY A WEEK LEFT...
HAVE YOU BOUGHT YOUR TICKETS?? Come on sisters this is YOUR chance to show YOUR support and help the Needy Palestinians.

We have some fantastic prizes and items up for auction and ALL PROCEEDS will go towards Interpal's Ramadan Appeal (feed the fasting program)

Auction items
1) A meal for four at The Grill Restaurant www.thegrillrestaurant.com
2) Eid Hamper (packed with a wide range of goodies chocolates, scarf's, perfume and Arabic courses (tbc)
3) Cake
4) Art work (calligraphy)
5) Bridal Henna art

Tickets: £25 ONLY - include a full 3 course meal at Mumtaz Restaurant (10 min walk from Regents Park Mosque)
Eid Goody Bag: First 15 to book will receive an preparation to Eid goody bag

To buy your tickets call 0208 961 9993 or email us with your full contact details at events @interpal.org

Note this date in your diary!

Sisters Charity Iftar
Date: Sunday 13th September
Time: 6:45pm- 9:00pm
Venue: Mumtaz Restaurant 4-10 Park Road , London NW1 4SH
Tickets: £25

Please also circulate the flyer to all on your contacts.

See you all there, Insh’Allah

Salam Sisters! I am new to SistersZone

yasminessa — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 20:49:03 +0000

Assalamu Alaikum Sisters,

My name is Yasmin and I am from Edison, NJ. I just joined SistersZone and am looking forward to interacting with many wonderful sisters.

About two months ago, I created a new free magazine for Muslim women. I would like to share it with you. It is available for free at www.mbmuslima.com. Please read it and share it with your fellow sisters. Also, register for free in order to receive updates. So far, there have been two published issues both available in PDF format on the website (www.mbmuslima.com)

jazakAllah khair!

Sister Yasmin

The Muslim Woman's Hijab

ummhussain — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 18:37:18 +0000

Praise be to Allaah.

The scholars have based the conditions of the hijaab (covering) which Muslim women must wear in front of non-mahram men on the evidence in the Qur’aan and Sunnah. So long as a woman adheres to these conditions, she may wear whatever she likes in public places and elsewhere, and her hijaab will be considered Islamic. These conditions may be summarized as follows:

The hijaab must cover her entire body

It should be thick enough to conceal what is underneath it

It should be loose-fitting, not tight

It should not be so attractive as to call men’s attention to it

It should not be perfumed

It should not be a dress of fame and vanity (i.e., it should be extravagant or excessively opulent)

It should not resemble the dress of men

It should not resemble the dress of kaafir women

It should not be adorned with any crosses or pictures of animate beings

Further discussion of each of the above points will appear soon, in sha Allaah.

Islam Q&A
Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid

Introducing myself

Princess_Bushra — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 17:45:12 +0000

Salam Sisters!!

Ramadan Mubarak!

I joined a couple of days ago and didnt notice this.

My name is Bushra and im from Manchester in UK! I hope i can get to know some of you Insha'Allah.

I look forward to talking with you Insha'Allah

Helping my friend become a better Muslim

Princess_Bushra — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 16:05:57 +0000

Salam Sisters,

Ramadan Mubarak, I hope it's going well for all of you.

At the moment I am going through a very hard time as I have found out one of my very good Muslim friends has turned against Islam and has started drinking every now and then. I have been very upset about this. I want to help her prioritise Islam, I know the intention has got to come from the heart, but her heart is not completely set on it as her friends are a bad influence and she still sees them.

Does any sisters know of any Du'a or anything I can do to pray for her to become a better person.

I would really appreciate any feedback as I have been extremely upset over this

Jazakhallah khair

holiday homes

asmapandor — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 14:43:52 +0000

Salams sisters,i have an idea that i would like to share. Are there any sisters with holiday homes in Britain or abroad who would like to rent them out to sisters and thier families on SZ. As you know sometimes holidays turn out to be so expensive when you book hotels through agents e.t.c this way we would be helping each other.

Jazakomullah.

Tasting the food while fasting

UmmIbrahim — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 00:32:18 +0000

Asalaamu alikum,

I have heard numerous times that it is permissible for a fasting person who is cooking for guests to put her finger in the food and lick it to check for the taste/seasonings etc. Have any of you heard it? Do any of you know of any evidence for this?

Jazak Allah khairn

Armpit and pubic hair (i.e. the fitrah)

dr-asiyah — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 21:09:46 +0000

Hair which we are commanded to remove or shorten. This is known as Sunan al-Fitrah, such as removing the pubic hairs, trimming the moustache and plucking the armpit hairs. That also includes shaving or cutting the hair of the head during Hajj or ‘Umrah.

The evidence for that is the hadeeth of ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) who said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Ten (actions) are part of the fitrah [natural inclinations of man]: trimming the moustache, letting the beard grow, using the siwaak (tooth-stick), rinsing the nose with water, clipping the nails, washing the finger joints, plucking the armpit hairs, shaving the pubes and washing oneself with water after relieving oneself.”

Zakariyya said: Mus’ab said: And I forgot the tenth but it may have been rinsing the mouth with water.

Narrated by Muslim, 261

(from islam-qa.com)

Eyebrow plucking

dr-asiyah — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 21:07:39 +0000

Hair which we are forbidden to remove, which includes the eyebrows. The action of removing the hair of the eyebrows is called al-namas.

The evidence for that is the hadeeth of ‘Abd-Allaah ibn Mas’ood (may Allaah be pleased with him) who said: I heard the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) say: “Allaah has cursed the woman who does tattoos and the one who has them done, the woman who plucks eyebrows (al-naamisah) and the one who has it done (al-mutanammisah), and the one who files her teeth for the purpose of beauty, altering the creation of Allaah.”

(Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 5931; Muslim, 2125)

(from islam-qa.com)

Maternity abayat etc

dr-asiyah — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 23:50:34 +0000

Asalaamu 3alaykum

advice needed! I'm starting to expand (alhamdulillah) and anticipate working until nearly the end of the pregnancy. I tend to wear jalabeeb/abayat as have to look vaguely smart (i.e. can't wear my huge overhead abaya/khimar) but really don't think there'll be room for two after a while!

Have trawled google to very little avail (found one for about 60 quid!!!).

Does anyone know where I can get maternity wear? Or will I have to improvise with normal high street maternity wear?

Jazaki Allah khayr!

Amy/Asiyah

salaam sistaz!!!!

mariyam — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 18:02:35 +0000

salaam all sistaz, juz thought i'll pass by n giv an intro of miiself lol!!! well im mariyam n im frm bradford, im in year 11 n im 15 yrz old, great website u got here 2 btw, im proud to be a memba lol!!!

Taraweeh - Night Prayer

ummhussain — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 18:28:56 +0000

Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to encourage us to pray at night in Ramadaan, without making it obligatory. Then he said, Whoever prays at night in Ramadaan out of faith and the hope of reward, all his previous sins will be forgiven. When the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) died, this is how things were (i.e., Taraaweeh was not prayed in congregation), and this is how they remained during the khilaafah of Abu Bakr (may Allaah be pleased with him), until the beginning of the khilaafah of Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him).

Amr ibn Murrah al-Juhani said: A man from Qudaaah came to the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and said, O Messenger of Allaah! What do you think if I testify that there is no god except Allaah, and that you, Muhammad, are His Messenger, and I pray the five daily prayers, and fast in the month (of Ramadaan), and pray at night in Ramadaan, and pay zakaah? The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: Whoever dies on that will be among the siddeeqeen (those who tell the truth) and the martyrs.

Praying qiyaam in congregation

It is allowed to pray qiyaam in congregation, indeed it is better than praying individually, because this is what the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) did himself and explained its virtues. Abu Dharr (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: We fasted Ramadaan with the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and he did not lead us in qiyaam at all until there were only seven days left, when he led us in prayer until a third of the night had passed. When there were six days left, he did not lead us in qiyaam. When there were five days left, he led us in prayer until half the night had passed. I said, O Messenger of Allaah, I wish that you had continued until the end of the night. He said, If a man prays with the imaam until he finishes, it will be counted as if he prayed the whole night. When there were four nights left, he did not lead us in qiyaam. When there were three nights left, he brought together his family, his wives and the people, and led us in qiyaam until we were afraid that we would miss al-falaah. I asked, What is al-falaah? he said, Suhoor. Then he did not lead us in qiyaam for the rest of the month.

(Saheeh hadeeth reported by the authors of Sunan).

The reason why the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) did not continually lead the people in praying qiyaam in congregation

5 - The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) did not lead them in qiyaam for the rest of the month because he feared that it would then become obligatory, and they would not be able to do it, as is stated in the hadeeth of aishah reported in al-Saheehayn and elsewhere. Following the death of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), that fear was no longer a factor, because Allaah had completed the religion. The reason for not praying qiyaam in congregation during Ramadaan no longer applied, and the previous ruling, that congregational prayer is something prescribed in Islam, remained in effect. So Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him) revived the practice, as is recorded in Saheeh al-Bukhaari and elsewhere.

Women can pray qiyaam in congregation

Women can attend the prayers too, as is stated in the hadeeth of Abu Dharr referred to above. Indeed, it is permissible to appoint an imaam just for them, apart from the imaam of the men. It was proven that when Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him) gathered the people to pray qiyaam, he appointed Ubayy ibn Kab to lead the men and Sulaymaan ibn Abi Hathmah to lead the women. Arfajah al-Thaqafi said: Ali ibn Abi Taalib (may Allaah be pleased with him) used to command the people to pray during the night in Ramadaan, and he would appoint an imaam for the men and an imaam for the women. I was the imaam for the women.

I say: this is fine in my view so long as the mosque is big enough so that they will not disturb one another.

Number of rakahs of qiyaam

7 The number of rakahs is eleven, and it is preferable in our opinion not to exceed this number, following the practice of the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), because he never did more than that in his life. Aaishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) was asked about how he prayed in Ramadaan. She said, The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) never prayed more than eleven rakahs (of qiyaam), whether during Ramadaan or any other time. He would pray four, and don't ask me how beautiful or how long they were. Then he would pray four, and don't ask me how beautiful or how long they were. Then he would pray three.

(Reported by al-Bukhaari, Muslim and others).

8- A person may do less than that, even if it is only one rakah of witr, because of the evidence that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) did this and spoke about it.

With regard to him doing it: Aaishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) was asked how many rakahs the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to pray in witr? She said, He used to pray four and three, or six and three, or ten and three. He never used to pray less than seven, or more than thirteen.

(Reported by Abu Dawood, Ahmad and others).

With regard to him speaking about it, he said: Witr is true, so whoever wishes can pray five, and whoever wishes can pray three, and whoever wishes can pray one.

Source Islam QA

Welcome Ramadhan

ummhussain — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 19:08:36 +0000

It was narrated that Abu Hurayrah said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:

“There has come to you Ramadaan, a blessed month which Allaah has enjoined you to fast. In it the gates of heaven are opened and the gates of Hell are closed, and the strong devils are chained up. In it there is a night that is better than a thousand months, and whoever is deprived of its goodness is indeed deprived.”

Narrated by Ahmad, 9213; al-Nasaa’i, 2106. classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Nasaa’i, 1992.

This hadeeth brings glad tidings to the righteous slaves of Allaah of the onset of the month of Ramadaan, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) told the Sahaabah (may Allaah be pleased with them) that it had come, but he was not merely informing them, rather he was giving them glad tidings of a great occasion which is properly appreciated by the righteous who preare themselves for it, because he (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) explained what Allaah has prepared in this month of the means of attaining forgiveness and the pleasure of Allaah. There are many such means, and whoever misses out on forgiveness in Ramadaan is indeed deprived. It is by the grace and blessing of Allaah to His slaves that He has prepared for them this great occasion in which they can compete in doing acts of worship and earning great reward.

The one who is truly blessed is the one who makes the most of months, days and hours, and draws close to his Lord by doing the acts of worship prescribed at those times. (Ahaadeeth al-Siyaam by al-Fawzaan, p. 13)

Ramadaan has come, in which the gates of Paradise are opened and the gates of Hell are closed. The reason – and Allaah knows best – is that there is a great deal of goodness in Ramadaan and people turn more to the means of attaining forgiveness and Allaah’s pleasure. So there is less evil on earth, as the strong devils are chained up and the Muslims occupy themselves with fasting, reading Qur’aan, remembering Allaah and all kinds of righteous deeds and good words. Ibn al-‘Arabi (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: “The gates of Paradise are opened to increase hope, so that people will focus on striving to attain it, and to encourage the patient. And the gates of Hell are closed so that sin will decrease and good deeds will take the place of bad deeds and the route to hellfire will be blocked.

This explains to us why many sinners repent and turn to Allaah, and are keen to worship and obey Him and attend the mosques in this blessed month.

Ramadaan has come, and with it the caller who says: “O seeker of good, go ahead; O seeker of evil, desist.” So answer this call, O Muslim, and hasten to do good deeds.

Ramadaan is one of the special occasions in life. Blessed is the one who makes the most of it, spending its nights in prayer and supplication and its days in fasting, reading Qur’aan, giving charity, upholding the ties of kinship, seeking knowledge and doing righteous deeds.

Our righteous forbears, the companions of the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and those who followed them in truth paid a great deal of attention to Ramadaan and rejoiced at its coming. They would pray to Allaah to cause them to live to see the next Ramadaan, then they would ask Him to accept it (their fasting and worship) from them.

They used to fast its days, protecting their fast from anything that would invalidate it or detract from it such as idle talk and entertainment, backbiting, malicious gossip and lies. They would fill its nights with qiyaam al-layl and recitation of Qur’aan. They would take care of the poor and needy by giving them charity, treating them kindly, feeding them and giving food to the fasting to break their fast.

They used to strive in worshipping Allaah and they used to strive in jihad against the enemies of Islam, fighting for the sake of Allaah so that the word of Allaah would be supreme and all religion would be for Allaah.

The great Battle of Badr, in which the Muslims were victorious over their enemies, took place on the 17^th of Ramadaan.

The Conquest of Makkah took place on the 20^th of Ramadaan, when the people entered the religion of Allaah in crowds and Makkah became the centre of Islam.

The month of Ramadaan is not a month of laziness and sleep, rather it is the month of jihad, worship and work.

So we should welcome it with joy and happiness, and celebrate and honour this occasion.

How can we not do that in the month that Allaah has chosen for the obligation of fasting and has prescribed qiyaam al-layl, in which He revealed the Qur’aan to guide mankind and bring them forth from darkness to light?

How can we not rejoice in a month in which the gates of Paradise are opened and the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained up, when the rewards for good deeds are multiplied and people are raised in status, and sins are forgiven?

We should make the most of the opportunity of being alive, healthy and young, and spend our lives worshipping Allaah and obeying Him. “And whosoever obeys Allaah and His Messenger, he has indeed achieved a great achievement (i.e. he will be saved from the Hell‑fire and will be admitted to Paradise)”[al-Ahzaab 33:71 – interpretation of the meaning].

We should make the most of the opportunity of the arrival of this blessed month to renew our covenant with Allaah to repent sincerely at all times from all sins and evil deeds, and to continually obey Allaah all our lives, heeding His commands and avoiding what He has forbidden, so that we may be with the successful on the Day whereon neither wealth nor sons will avail, except him who brings to Allaah a clean heart. (cf. al-Shu’ara’ 26:88-89).

Majmoo’at Rasaa’il Ramadaaniyyah, by Jaar-Allaah, p. 6

May Allaah help us and you to do that which He loves and which pleases Him

Listenings Ears

f_delaide — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 15:39:35 +0000

Salam Sisters,

Ramadhan kareem,im a liittle confused and unhappy because this is the first time in my nine years of being a muslim i wnt be fasting(really painful)

I have ulcer and when the pain comes its very painful to the extent that i feel it in my back an cant sleep at nite most times.I have been placed on drugs for two weeks and being adviced to stay away from fasting for a while.

I want to ask that what can i do to feel the effect of ramadhan though i wake to cook for my hubby, pray tarawih and read the quran.

About feeding a person how will i do that because i knw repaying might be a bit difficult and my friend said she monetised(that is paid sum amount of money to some1) for the entire month.I cant feed a person as i go to wrkand get back just abt the time for iftar.

Pls any sister there to advice on how to go about it i need to know what to do?

Non-Alcoholic Vanilla Extract

UmmIbrahim — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 14:28:34 +0000

Want to make vanilla extract but don't like using vodka or other types of alcohol? Well, here you are. Takes some time, but well worth the effort!

Ingredients

2 vanilla beans
1 1/2 cups glycerin
1/2 cup warm water

Directions

Slit beans down the middle, and scrape down seeds.
Place both in glycerin and warm water.
Place in a dark jar (or a light jar in a dark place).
Let sit for a month or so.
Shake often.
Strain. (optional).

...on an emotional rollercoaster

ppylm — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 17:55:37 +0000

Asalaamu alaikum sisters! and ramadan marbaruk to you all. This is my first ramadan and due to complicated circumstances I am doing it alone. I don't even know what i want to say am up and down and all around. I have no sisters around me and found this website ahamdulilah. because my knowledge of islam is still young and i readily acknowledge that i am impatient, may allah guide me to attain greater patience during ramadan. I have completely lost what i wanted to say... feel a bit silly really. Inshaallah allah will set me on the straight path as i so desire. I hope you are all having a meaningful ramadan and may our faiths and love for allah grow stronger everyday. Thank you for listening (or reading which ever i should type) Salams and duas to you all. Maryam x

vanilla essence

dr-asiyah — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 14:57:38 +0000

Asalaamu 3alaykum,

does anyone know where I can get vanilla essence (in the UK)?

-not fake 'flavouring'

-alcohol free

vanilla pods are soooo expensive! Dr Oetker use to do an alcohol free version but lately it seems to have become alcoholic.

Many thanks Akhwaat!

Amy/Asiyah

Choose your friends wisely.

ummhussain — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 17:40:19 +0000

"Know that not everyone is suitable to be your friend..."

1 - Allaah (subhana wa ta'ala) said:

{"Ah! Woe to me! If only I had never taken so-and-so as a friend! He indeed led me astray from the Reminder after it had come to me!"} [al-Furqan; 28-29]

2 - The Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu alayhi wassallam) said:

"A person is upon the way of his friend. So, let one of you look to whom he keeps as a friend." ['Sahih al-Jami'' (3545) and 'as-Silsilah as-Sahihah' (927)]

3 - 'Abdullah bin Ahmad bin Hambal (rahimahullaah) said:

"My father went out to Tarsus on foot, and he performed two or three Hajjs on foot, and he was the most patient of people upon being alone."

['Tarjamat al-Imam Ahmad'; p. 18]

4 - Ibn al-Qayyim (rahimahullaah) said:

"Know that the greatest of losses is for you to be preoccupied with one who will bring you nothing but a loss in your time with Allaah - the Mighty and Majestic - and being cut off from Him, a wasting your time with the person, a weakening of your energy, and the dispersing of your resolve. So, if you are tested with this - and you must be tested with this - deal with him according to how Allaah would wish, and be patient with him as much as possible. Get closer to Allaah and His Pleasure by way of this person, and make your getting together with him something to benefit from, not something to incur a loss from.

Be with him as if you are a man who is on a road who was stopped by another man, who then asks you to take him on your journey. Make sure that you are the one who gives him a ride, and that he is not the one giving you the ride. If he refuses, and there is nothing to gain from travelling with him, do not stop for him, bid him farewell, and do not even turn back to look at him, as he is a highway robber, regardless of who he really is.

So, save your heart, be wary of how you spend your days and nights, and do not let the Sun set before you arrive at your destination."

['al-Wabil as-Sayyib'; p. 45]

5 - Ibn Jama'ah (rahimahullaah) said:

"So, it is upon the student of knowledge to abandon socialization, as abandoning it is from the most important things that the student of knowledge must do - let alone with members of the opposite gender - especially with those who spend most of their time in play, and spend little of their time in thought, as the nature of individuals can rob you.

The harms of socialization include the passing of life without any benefit, as well as the decline of wealth and religious practice, if this socialization were to occur with the wrong people.

The student of knowledge should not mix except with either those who he can benefit, or can benefit from. And if he is offered the friendship of one who will waste his time with him, will not benefit him, will not benefit from him, and will not assist him in reaching his objective, he should politely end the relationship from the start before it progresses to something deeper, as when something becomes established, it becomes more difficult to change it. There is a phrase that is constantly on the tongues of the Fuqaha': 'Repelling something is easier than removing it.'

So, if he requires someone to befriend, let that person be righteous, religious, pious, wary, intelligent, full of benefit, having little evil, good at complying, rarely conflicting, reminding him if he forgets, cooperating with him when he is reminded, helpful if he is in need, and comforting if he is in distress."

['Tadhkirat as-Sami' wal-Mutakallim'; p. 83]

6 - Ibn Qudamah al-Maqdisi (rahimahullaah) said:

"Know that not everyone is suitable to be your friend. You must verify that this potential friend has the neccessary characteristics that make friendship with him something to be desired. The one you seek to befriend must have five characteristics:

He must be intelligent, as there is no good in befriending an idiot, as he will only harm you when he wants to benefit you. By intelligent, we mean one who understands things as they are, either on his own, or if they are explained to him;

He must have good manners, and this is a must. One who is simply intelligent might be overcome by anger or desire, and obey his desire. Thus, there would be no benefit in befriending him;

He must not be a fasiq, as such a person would not fear Allaah, and whoever does not fear Allah cannot be trusted;

He must not be an innovator, as his abundance of innovation is feared from befriending him;

He should not be eager for the dunya."
['Mukhtasar Minhaj al-Qasidin'; p. 126-132]

Imam al-Aajuri said: "Such a person should make the Qur’aan a fountain for his heart, rectifying by it whatever has become corrupt in his heart. He should take on the qualities of the Qur’aan and adorn himself with a beautiful character whereby he becomes distinguished from the rest of the people who do not recite or memorise the Qur’aan."

Ramadan in Saudi Arabia

deeba123 — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 22:10:21 +0000

Sallams to all my sisters. Ramadan greetings to all. I would like to share with you some of the activiites that happens in this Kingdom in the Holy month. Everything is reversed in that you sleep for most of the day and you are up for the night. People are very kind to you during this month as well. There are many invitations that you get to break fast and to have dinner with families. This is a quite different experience for me. i came from a place that everyday there is always a fresh meal that is cooked at the mosque on which you go. i missed that, I have not experienced breaking the fast at the Haraam yet but the month is young yet. The community mosque where we pray at was full for Isha prayers and Taraweh we pray 8 rakaats and the witr. which is not bad. At the Haraam it is all 20 raKAAATS YOU HAVE TO GO THROUGH painstaking if you got to go to the bathroom that is a whole other story lololol.i had to walk from the Haraam one night all the way to my home because the taxis took forever to actually get one that was empty. Anyways learning experiences all over this month and hoping to give more details soon sallams

Suhoor and Iftar

ummhussain — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 20:45:35 +0000

Asalam alaikum warahmatullah sisters

I would just like to ask what time Suhoor and Iftar in your city/country of residence.

For me Fajr starts at 4.31 so I have Suhoor about 4.15am and Iftar/Maghrib is at 8.18pm.

Common Ramadhan Mistakes

ummhussain — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 13:00:10 +0000

Taking Ramadaan as a ritual

For many of us Ramadaan has lost its spirituality and has become more of a
ritual than a form of Ibaadah. We fast from morning to night like a zombie
just because everyone around us is fasting too. We forget that its a time to
purify our hearts and our souls from all evil....we forget to make dua,
forget to beseech Allaah to forgive us and ask Him to save us from the Fire.
Sure we stay away from food and drink but that's about all.

Although the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said:

"Jibreel said to me, 'May Allaah rub his nose in the dust, that person to
who Ramadaan comes and his sins are not forgiven,' and I said, 'Ameen'. Then
he said, 'May Allaah rub his nose in the dust, that person who lives to see
his parents grow old, one or both of them, but he does not enter Paradise
(by not serving them) and I said, 'Ameen'. Then he said, 'May Allaah rub his
nose in the dust, that person in whose presence you are mentioned and he
does not send blessings upon you,' and I said, 'Ameen.'" (Tirmidhi, Ahmad,
others.)

Too much stress on food and drink

For some people, the entire month of Ramadaan revolves around food. They
spend the ENTIRE day planning, cooking, shopping and thinking about only
food, instead of concentrating on Salaah, Quraan and other acts of worship.
All they can think of is FOOD. So much so that they turn the month of
'fasting' into the month of 'feasting'. Come Iftaar time, their table is a
sight to see, with the multitudes and varieties of food, sweets and drinks.
They are missing the very purpose of fasting, and thus, increase in their
greed and desires instead of learning to control them. It is also a kind of
wa ste & extravagance.

'.....and eat and drink but waste not by extravagance, certainly He (Allaah)
likes not Al-Musrifoon (those who waste by extravagance) ' [al-Araaf :31]

Spending all day cooking

Some of the sisters (either by their own choice or forced by their husbands)
are cooking ALL day and ALL night, so that by the end of the day, they are
too tired to even pray Ishaa, let alone pray Taraweeh or Tahajjud or even
read Quraan. This is the month of mercy and forgiveness. So turn off that
stove and turn on your Imaan!

Eating too much

Some people stuff themselves at Suhoor until they are ready to burst,
because they think this is the way to not feel hungry during the day and
some people eat at Iftaar, like there is no tomorrow, trying to 'make up for
the food missed.' However, this is completely against the Sunnah. Moderation
is the key to everything.

The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: 'The son of Adam does not
fill any vessel worse than his stomach; for the son of Adam a few mouthfuls
are sufficient to keep his back straight. If you must fill it, then
one-third for food, one-third for drink and one-third for air.' (Tirmidhi,
Ibn Maajah. ).

Too much food distracts a person from many deeds of obedience and worship,
makes him lazy and also makes the heart heedless.
It was said to Imam Ahmad: Does a man find any softness and humility in his
heart when he is full? He said, I do not think so.

Sleeping all day

Some people spend their entire day (or a major part of it) 'sleeping away
their fast'. Is this what is really required of us during this noble month?
These people also are missing the purpose of fasting and are slaves to their
desires of comfort and ease. They cannot 'bear' to be awake and face a
little hunger or exert a little self-control. For a fasting person to spend
most of the day asleep is nothing but, negligence on his part.

Wasting time

The month of Ramadaan is a precious, precious time, so much so that Allaah
calls this month 'Ayyamum Ma'doodaat' (A fixed number of days). Before we
know it, this month of mercy and forgiveness will be over. We should try and
spend every moment possible in the worship of Allaah so that we can make the
most of this blessing. However, there are some of us who waste away their
day playing video games, or worse still, watching TV, movies or even
listening to music. Subhaan Allaah! Trying to obey Allaah by DISOBEYING him!

Fasting but not giving up evil

Some of us fast but do not give up lying, cursing, fighting, backbiting,
etc. and some of us fast but do not give up cheating, stealing, dealing in
haraam, buying lotto ticket s, selling alcohol, fornication, etc. and all
kinds of impermissible things without realizing that the purpose of fasting
is to not stay away from food and drink; rather the aim behind it is to fear
Allaah.

"O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for
those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqoon (the pious)" [al-Baqarah
2:183]

The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: 'Whoever does not give up
false speech and acting upon it, and ignorance, Allaah has no need of him
giving up his food and drink.' (Bukhaari)

Skipping Suhoor

The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: 'Eat suhoor for in suhoor
there is blessing.'(Bukhaari , Muslim).
And he (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: 'The thing that differentiates
between our fasting and the fasting of the People of the Book is eating
suhoor.' (Muslim)

Not fasting if they missed Suhoor

Some people are too scared to fast if they miss Suhoor. However, this is a
kind of cowardice and love of ease. What is the big deal if you missed a few
morsels of food? It's not like you will die. Remember, obedience to Allaah
overcomes everything.

Delaying breaking fast

Some people wait until the adhaan finishes or even several minutes after
that, just to be 'on the safe side'. However, the Sunnah is to hasten to
break the fa st, which means breaking fast whenever the adhaan starts, right
after the sun has set. Aa'ishah (RA) said: This is what the Messenger of
Allaah (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) used to do. (Muslim)

The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: 'The people will continue
to do well so long as they hasten to break the fast.' (Bukhaari, Muslim)

Determine to the best of your ability, the accuracy of your clock, calendar,
etc. and then have tawakkul on Allaah and break your fast exactly on time.

Eating continuously until the time for Maghrib is up

Some people put so much food in their plates when breaking their fast and
continue eating, enjoying dessert, drinking tea, etc., until they miss
Maghrib. That is obviously not right. The Sunnah of the Prophet (pbuh) was
that once he broke his fast with some dates, them he would hasten to the
prayer. Once you are done with the prayer, you can alw ays go back and eat
some more if you wish.

Missing the golden chance of having your Dua accepted

The prayer of the fasting person is guaranteed to be accepted at the time of
breaking fast.
The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: 'Three prayers are not
rejected: the prayer of a father, the prayer of a fasting person, and the
prayer of a traveler.' (al-Bayhaqi, saheeh by al-Albaani).

Instead of sitting down and making Dua at this precious time, some people
forego this beautiful chance, and are too busy frying samosas, talking,
setting the food, filling their plates and glasses, etc. Think about
it....Is food more important than the chance to have your sins forgiven or
the fulfillment of your Duas.

Fasting but not praying

The fasting of one who does not pray WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. This is because
not praying constitutes kufr as the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Ala iyhi wa Sallam)
said: 'Between a man and shirk and kufr there stands his giving up prayer.'
(Muslim)

In fact, NONE of his good deeds will be accepted; rather, they are all
annulled.
'Whoever does not pray 'Asr, his good deeds will be annulled.' (Bukhaari)

Fasting and not wearing Hijaab

Not wearing the Hijaab is a major sin as it is obligatory for Muslim women.
(See Surah Nur, Surah Ahzaab). So fasting and not wearing hijaab certainly
takes away enormously from the rewards of fasting, even if does not
invalidate it.

Not fasting because of exams or work

Exams or work is NOT one of the excuses allowed by the Shariah to not fast.
You can do your studying and revision at night if it is too hard to do that
during the day. Also remember that pleasing and obeying Allaah is much more
important than 'good grades'.. Besides, if you will fulfil your obligation to
fast, even if you have to study, Allaah will make it easy for you and help
you in everything you do.
'Whosoever fears Allah, He will appoint for him a way out and provide for
him from where he does not expect, Allah is Sufficient for whosoever puts
his trust in Him.' (Surah at-Talaaq 2-3)

Mixing fasting and dieting

DO NOT make the mistake of fasting with the intention to diet. That is one
of the biggest mistakes some of us make (esp. sisters). Fasting is an act of
worship and can only be for the sake of Allah alone. Otherwise, mixing it
with the intention of dieting may become a form of (minor) Shirk.

Praying ONLY on the night of the 27th

Some people pray ONLY on the 27th to seek Lailat ul-Qadr, neglecting all
other odd nights, although the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said:
'Seek Lailat ul-Qadr among the odd numbered nights of the last ten nights of
Ramadaan.' (Bukhaari, Muslim).

Wasting the last part of Ramadaan preparing for Eid

Some people waste the entire last 10 days of Ramadaan preparing for Eid,
shopping and frequenting malls, etc. neglecting Ibadah and Lailatul Qadr.
although, the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) used to strive the
hardest during the last ten days of Ramadaan in worship (Ahmad, Muslim) and
not in shopping. Buy whatever you need for Eid before Ramadaan so that you
can utilize the time in Ramadaan to the max.
Aa'ishah (RA) said: "When the (last) ten nights began, the Messenger of
Allaah (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam)) would tighten his waist-wrapper
(i.e., strive hard in worship or refrain from intimacy with his wives), stay
awake at night and wake his family." (Bukhaari and Muslim).

Iftaar parties

Although inviting each other for breaking fast is something good and
encouraged, some people go to extremes with lavish 'Iftaar parties' with all
sorts of disobedience to Allaah, from flirting, mixing of the sexes and
hijaab-less women, to show-off and extravagance, to heedlessness to Salaah,
and Taraweeh to even music and dancing.

great initiative to use your wedding dress

umm_hamza — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 15:37:34 +0000

Asalamalaykkum,

i came across this web site, they collect used wedding dresses to help those sisters who could only dream of wearing such beautiful dresses,

what a great feeling to know you have helped your sisters on the most important day of their lives

www.blessedbrides.co.uk

ramdhan kareem to all my sisters

What is the right age to get children used to fast

ummhussain — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 05:41:03 +0000

Praise be to Allaah.

Firstly:

Fasting is not obligatory for young children, until they reach the age of adolescence, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The pens have been lifted from three: from one who has lost his mind until he comes back to his senses, from one who is sleeping until he wakes up, and from a child until he reaches the age of adolescence.” Narrated by Abu Dawood, 4399; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Abi Dawood.

Nevertheless, children should be told to fast so that they can get used to it, and because the good deeds that they do will be recorded for them.

The age at which parents should start to teach their children to fast is the age at which they are able to fast, which will vary according to each child’s physical makeup. Some scholars have defined this as being ten years of age.

Al-Kharqi said:

When a child is ten years old and is able to fast, he should start to do so.

Ibn Qudaamah said:

This means that he should be made to fast and told to do so. And he should be smacked if he does not do it, so as to train him and make him get used to it, just as he should be made to pray and told to do it. Among those who were of the view that a child should be told to fast when he becomes able to do it were ‘Ata’, al-Hasan, Ibn Sireen, al-Zuhri, Qataadah and al-Shaafa’i.

Al-Awzaa’i said: If he is able to fast for three consecutive days without interruption and without becoming weak, then he should be made to fast Ramadaan. Ishaaq said: When (a child) reaches the age of twelve I think that he should be made to fast so that he gets used to it.

The age of ten is more likely, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) enjoined smacking children for not praying at this age, and regarding fasting as being like prayer is better, because they are close to one another, and because they are both physical actions that are pillars of Islam. But fasting is harder, so attention should be paid to when the child becomes able for it, because some may be able to pray who are not yet able to fast. End quote.

Al-Mughni, 4/412

This is what the companions of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) did with their children; they would tell those who were able to fast to do so, and if one of them wept because of hunger, they would give him a toy to distract him, but it is not permissible to force them to fast if it will harm them in cases of physical weakness or sickness.

Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen said:

A young child should not be forced to fast until he has reached the age of adolescence, but he may be told to fast if he is able to do it, so that he may get used to it and it will be easier for him after he reaches puberty. The Sahaabah (may Allaah be pleased with them) – who are the best of this ummah – used to make their children fast when they were young. End quote.

Majmoo’ Fataawa al-Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen, 19/28, 29

And the Shaykh (may Allaah have mercy on him) was asked:

My young son insists on fasting Ramadaan even though fasting is harmful for him because he is so young and his health is not good. Should I use force with him to make him break his fast?

He replied:

If he is young and has not yet reached puberty, he is not obliged to fast, but if he is able to do it without hardship, then he should be told to do so. The Sahaabah (may Allaah be pleased with them) used to make their children fast, and if the younger ones cried they would give them toys to distract them. But if it is proven that it is harmful to him, then he should be stopped from fasting. If Allaah has forbidden us to give youngsters their wealth if there is the fear that they may abuse it, then it is more appropriate that they be stopped from doing something if there is the fear of physical harm. But that should not be done by force, because that is not appropriate in raising children. End quote.

Majmoo’ Fataawa al-Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen, 19/83

Secondly:

The parents can encourage their children to fast by giving them a gift each day, or by exploiting the spirit of competition between them and their peers or those who are younger than them. They can encourage them to pray by taking them to pray in the mosques, especially if they go out with their father and pray in different mosques each day. They can also encourage them by rewarding them for that, whether that is by praising them or by taking them out on trips sometimes, or buying things that they like, etc.

Unfortunately some fathers and mothers fall far short in encouraging their children, and there are even some who stop their children doing these acts of worship. Some of these fathers and mothers think that mercy and compassion mean not making their children fast or pray. This is completely mistaken according to both the shar’i point of view and educational wisdom.

Shaykh Muhammad ibn Saalih al-‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him) said:

Allaah has enjoined fasting upon every Muslim who is accountable, able to do it and not travelling. As for young children who have not yet reached the age of puberty, fasting is not obligatory for them, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The pen has been lifted from three” and he mentioned young children until they reach puberty. But the child’s guardian must tell him to fast if he reaches an age where he is able to do so, because that comes under the heading of training him to implement the pillars of Islam. We see some people leaving their children alone and not telling them to pray or fast, but this is wrong, and he (the parent) will be responsible for that before Allaah. They say that they do not make their children fast out of kindness and compassion towards them, but in fact the one who is truly kind and compassionate towards his child is the one who trains him to acquire good characteristics and to do righteous deeds, not the one who refrains from disciplining and training him in a beneficial manner. End quote.

Majmoo’ Fataawa al-Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen, 19/19, 20

Thirdly:

The parents can fill their children’s time with reading Qur’aan and memorizing a small portion each day, reading books that are suited to their level, letting them listen to tapes which combine useful content with fun, such as nasheeds, and bringing them video tapes that are useful for them. The “al-Majd for Children” channel does all of this things, and time can be set aside each day for children to watch it and benefit from it.

We would like to express our appreciation for our sister’s concern about her children’s upbringing. This indicates that there is still goodness in Muslim families. But many people do not do well in bringing out their children’s intellectual and physical potential, and they become lazy and depend on others. They also do not care about encouraging them to do acts of worship such as fasting and praying, so many children grow up in this manner and their hearts are devoid of worship after they grow older, and it becomes difficult for their parents to direct them and advise them, whereas if they had paid attention to this matter from the outset, they would not have ended up regretting it in the end.

We ask Allaah to help us to raise our children well, to make them love worship, and to help us to fulfil our duties towards them.

And Allaah knows best.

Islam Q&A

Ramadan Resolutions

Ni*mah — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 00:28:19 +0000

Asalamu Alaykum,

I'm so excited that Ramadan is here. It just gives me this great hope to improve myself and to get closer to Allah. i'm sure everyone has atleast one thing they want to do, not do, or improve this Ramadan. Please share with us how you plan to get closer to Allah this Ramadan and how you plan to use your spare time.

InshaAllah I plan to pray the Taraweh as much as I can. Also, I am planning to turn the tv off night and day, and the computer as well. I don't want to waste one minute of this beautiful and holy month. May Allah help me to fulfill these goals and you too with your goals.

Guide to Train Kids this Ramadan

ummhussain — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 15:22:21 +0000

Guide to Train Kids this Ramadan

The Prophet Muhammad [Peace be upon him] said"No father has given a greater gift to his children than good moral training." (Tirmidhi),

The many aspects of Ramadan--fasting, prayers, moral values, charity, Quran, family, Eid-- provide a valuable opportunity to train kids. Whether they are your own kids or kids you teach, education or training isn't an automatic or easy process. Children don't bring empty minds and fill them with what we say. Training requires effort, energy and a few techniques to take off.

Here are some training tips and techniques to transform your children's minds and memories this Ramadan:

Let them get their Hands Dirty

Show them practically how to do things,whether it be fasting,charity,zakaat ,zikr, salaah etc

Children learn by "doing". On average, students retain 75 percent of a lesson when they learn through hands-on activities compared to five percent through a lecture or 10 percent through reading (Brunmer, Jerome, "The Process of Learning").

If, for example, you want to teach your kids the concept of Zakat, get them to help you calculate your Zakat, decide where to send the money, and mail the envelopes. Action and implementation can occur while children learn, not necessarily after!

The Prophet used to take his daughter Fatima with him when he went for prayer at the Kaba in Makkah. Later, in Madinah, he would bring his grandchildren, Hassan and Hussain, to the Masjid as toddlers before they knew how to pray.

A concept becomes real and important to children when they experience it rather than simply read about it. They'll remember how to do it years later when you may catch them telling their friends, "I've been calculating Zakat since I was a kid!"

Involve their Emotions

When children get emotionally involved in an activity, they rarely want to leave it. Video games and TV shows target children's emotions.

Stories, songs, skits, crafts and games grab children's emotions. Once a child is interested and excited, she is more likely to stay attentive till the end and get the message you want to give. Just as we remember events in our lives that were emotionally significant, children remember concepts learned through activities that were "fun", "funny", "exciting" or "different".

Don't be afraid to stir some fun into your training-you don't have to lose any content. Write a song about Eid, create a Hadith treasure box, organize a Ramadan trivia night, or read a story about Ramadan in Madinah. If they enjoy it, the kids will come back for more!

Try and be innovative within the confinements of Sharia. Organise a family iftaar and allow the kids to each do a little act before iftaar. e.g. one could read a qiraat,another could recite a nasheed,another could give a small motivational talk about Ramadhan etc etc!

Reveal the Purpose

We often hear students complain, "Why do we have to do this?" or "This math exercise is pointless". Unfortunately, we often hear responses like, "Because I'm telling you to," "Because you have to", or worse, "You'll get a new CD player if you finish the book".

Like us, if children don't see the purpose or importance of an action, they won't have the motivation to complete it. To avoid getting similar comments from your kids about prayer or fasting, make sure they understand the purpose. Before you begin any lesson, whether it's a story about the Companions of the Prophet or an Eid craft, explain exactly why you are the doing the activity and what benefits the children will gain from it.

When we give material rewards to our kids, we significantly reduce the intrinsic sense of value they have for that activity. We create children who may temporarily perform to a certain standard but who aren't likely to continue the performance without the carrot dangling in front of them. These kinds of values must come from inside.Remind your children that they are doing acts of worship to please Allah, not you. Explain why we need to please Allah and how every action, including washing dishes or math homework, will help us achieve that goal. If children are praying only to please you, when you leave, their motivation and prayers will disappear, but if they do to please Allah they will do it forever!

If children are motivated to fast Ramadan or complete the Quran for a material incentive (like a CD player), they may never develop a love of Allah or an intrinsic desire to perform the action. They may, instead, learn to value material rewards and when the rewards disappear, the actions may disappear with them.

Help your children understand that, for Muslims, rewards don't necessarily come in this life. They may have to wait for the bigger and better rewards of the hereafter. Therefore always emphasize the pleasure of Allah and remind them about their ultimate destination which is to obtain Jannah.

Highlight the Big Ideas

"Education is what remains after one has forgotten everything he learned in school."

Ask yourself how many equations or formulas you remember from your Grade 12 Math textbook. It may be five or two or none. Let's be honest - most of us retained very little of the details we learned.

Children will not retain all the Fiqh rulings of Zakat or Wudu or Salah and they won't need to! Make sure the little that they retain is exactly what you want them to remember. Focus on the big ideas, such as the awareness that Allah is watching us, that we get our rulings and solutions in life from the Quran and the Sunnah, that prayer is a means of self-purification, etc. Repeat these ideas every day in different ways. While your children instil these principles in their minds, show them how to learn the rest on their own, when they need it.

Help your kids learn "how to learn". Teach them where to find the Fiqh and other islamic information they need or how to do research on a topic and who to ask for information. They will be better prepared if they master the basics and know how to get the specifics.

Let them Lead!

Children often take responsibilities more seriously than adults. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, appointed young adults like Ali, Anas and Usamah ibn Zaid, young adults, for important assignments that sometimes required them to lead even older and more experienced Companions.

Give children leadership over important tasks and step out of the picture. Assign one child to wake up all his siblings for Suhur. Let someone else be in charge of updating the Iftar time every evening. Allow the children to plan, budget and buy Eid gifts for all the relatives. Let them choose which task they want to "be in charge of". Let them be involved practically in charitable acts.

Allow children to make mistakes and realize on their own what they should have done. Experience often trains better than instruction. Once a child goes out into the cold without a jacket, he'll remember, before you can remind him, to put on his jacket next time.

Train kids to be responsible for their own learning. If a child asks, "Does brushing teeth break my fast?" a simple "yes" or "no" may give her the answer, but won't provide any long-term training. Ask her instead, "Where can you look to find that answer? Let's do some research."

Begin the month of Ramadan by asking your children to do a research project on what breaks the fast and what does not. If they find the information themselves, they are likely to remember it and know exactly where to get it again next year.

Get Excited!

"Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire."

Kids catch on to your enthusiasm. Show some excitement and passion about the topic you're teaching. Show your kids that you "can't wait" for Ramadan to begin. Be cheerful at prayer times. Tidy the house in anticipation of Eid. Let them select their best clothes to wear.

The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, taught by example. His character and actions motivated people to love and emulate him. Be the example you want your kids to be. Make a genuine effort to love the activities you want your kids to love. You HAVE to be involved with them. There is NO SUBSTITUTE for parental guidance and supervision.

Combine Love with Learning

Abu Huraira reported that al-Aqra' b. Habis saw the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, kissing Hasan (his grandson). He said: I have ten children, but I have never kissed any one of them, whereupon Allah's Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him, said: He who does not show mercy, no mercy would be shown to him. (Hadith-Muslim)

Show children that you love them, regardless of how they perform. Allow each child to progress at his own pace. Saying, "look at your cousin Aminah-she's already finished the fifteenth juz", will only lower your child's self-esteem and discourage what she's already accomplishing.

Excessive competition and comparison can often result in helplessness and lack of motivation for children who learn in different ways or at a slower pace. Allow children to judge their own progress and compare themselves to their former level rather than that of others.

Stress the Importance

In a diplomatic manner stress the importance of each action you want them to carry out. The sayings of our beloved Prophet Muhammad [peace be upon him] are replete with examples on how to encourage people in a positive way. Get a book on the Virtues of Ramadan and choose a convenient time to read these sayings of our beloved Prophet Muhammad [peace be upon him] to our family. Kids learn more by way of encouragement then by way commanding them.

Most Important!

We must make dua to Allah to assist us in our tasks as without the help of Allah we can’t achieve anything! Ramadhan is an occasion which is full of moments when duas are accepted. It would be great if the family could make dua together before iftaar. The parent could start the dua and then each person gets a turn to ask Allah while the others say Ameen. The parent will then end the dua when its time for iftaar.

Remember the example we set is important! Children are observant!

Make this Ramadan the beginning of a memorable and long-lasting training experience for you and your children! Indeed your children are your greatest investment!

Prophet Muhammad[peace be upon him] said, “When a man dies his actions come to an end except for three: an ongoing charity; knowledge that benefits others, or pious offspring[children] who pray for him”.

assalamualaikum everyone!!!!!

amatulwadood — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 16:33:37 +0000

assalamualaikum everyone.

My name is amina.I am 17 years old.I have completed my school till grade tenth alhamdulillah and now i am learning the holy quran.I have memorised 11 juz alhamdulillah.I have three sisters and one brother and they all arer learning quran alhamdulilah except the small one (coz she's very small).Please pray for me and my family.

may allah guide us all,ameen

amina

Ramadhân: Have You Got What It Takes

ummhussain — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 10:46:43 +0000

Ramadhân: Have You Got What It Takes?
by Abu Eesa

There are things in life which are not very important, those which are quite important and then those things which are absolutely vital for our collective well-being.

Let this be a reminder to me and anyone else who wishes to read on – there is simply nothing more vital for us in our very short and limited lives than to take absolute maximum benefit from the blessed month of Ramadhân.

The really interesting thing about the statement of Allah, the Most High: “So remind (them), for indeed the reminder benefits those who have faith,” [Al-Qur’ân 51:55]

is that those who have the pure characteristics of faith do indeed benefit, even though human nature by itself would seem to oppose that. Isn’t that sadly true? When someone believes they know what to do, they don’t necessarily appreciate being told again how to do it. If someone believes that they’ve heard everything they need to hear, it takes a seriously patient and magnanimous person to sit there and hear it again.

By now we’ve certainly heard all the Prophetic narrations on the blessings of this very special time; a time in which our righteous ones delight as the gates of Paradise are flung open, and in which our sinful ones breathe a sigh of relief and take time to reflect as the gates of Hell are locked up.

So at this moment of clarity, where the stomachs, hearts, eyes, ears, tongue and mind are all enjoying their greatest moment of purity, let us all try and make sure that we profit from the following points gleaned from the advice of our Pious Predecessors …

1. Make sure that this blessed month becomes a period of accounting for your actions, a revision of your daily routine, an opportunity for the betterment of your life for all your years to come. To enter Ramadhân not believing it to be so will be a total loss. You’ve actually made it all the way here now, so let’s reap the harvest! Think about all those who were aiming for this month but found a dark grave instead. Reflect on all those who woke in the morning but found that their evenings never materialised.

Consider for just a second as our scholars said: if you can’t change your ways and gain at such a blessed time then at what time will you change?!

2. Try to make sure you perform all of the tarâwîh prayers in congregation for the Prophet, peace be upon him, said: “Whoever prays with the Imam until he leaves, it is written for him that he prayed the entire night.”

3. Do not be wasteful or extravagant with your wealth, for not only is that impermissible, but you reduce the opportunities of giving more in charity for which you could be rewarded for. They said about the Prophet, peace be upon him, that he gave in charity especially during Ramadhân like the one who didn’t fear or even recognise poverty.

4. Commit yourself to continue after Ramadhân that which you have prepared yourself to do during Ramadhân. The salaf would say: “The sign of one’s fasting being accepted from him in Ramadhân is the continuation of his good actions and character after Ramadhân.”

5. Remember: this is a month of worship and hence action, not lethargy and sleeping. This is even more relevant here in the West considering winter is so close with its short days and long nights. It is well known from the Companions, in emulation of the Prophet, upon whom be peace, that they used to say: “Reap the benefit of winter by fasting its days and standing (in prayer) during the nights.”

NB: I assume this article was written a number of years ago when Ramadan fell in the West during the winter months.

6. Make your tongue habitual in the dhikr of Allah so that you don’t become from those: ” … who do not remember Allah except little.”

7. When you feel the pangs of hunger, just remember how weak you actually are, how dependent you are upon food and other such necessities from the immense blessings of Allah, may He be glorified.

8. Make a concerted effort to permanently leave that which doesn’t benefit you, but rather causes you harm. This is even more so when you are fasting. Maymûn used to say: “The weakest of fasts is that in which only food and drink is left out.”

9. Remember: your actions are a trust from Allah so audit yourself like any successful company does; have you performed and fulfilled your deeds as is deserving of them? This obviously applies to all our actions such as prayer, dhikr, manners but particularly fasting. Ibn Rajab, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “Our fasts need istighfâr to make up for their deficiencies, and good deeds to intercede for them.”

10. Hasten to seek forgiveness from those whom you have oppressed in any way, before they take from your (very few) good deeds. Don’t forget, the greatest oppressive tool is the tongue so tether it as strongly as possible. Sha’bi narrated that ‘Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, said: “Fasting is not just refraining from food and drink, but refraining from lying, falsehood, backbiting and swearing (by Allah).”

Abu al-’Âliyah, may Allah have mercy upon him, used to say: “The fasting one is in a continual state of worship until he says about another person that which they would not like to hear.”

11. Strive to feed the fasting one so that you can obtain a reward equal to his. Ibn ‘Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, used to always break his fast sharing with the poor; if any of his family tried to prevent him from that, he would refuse to spend the night with them. It was also reported from him that whenever someone would come to him asking for food, he would give them his share and then return home to find his family had eaten what was left of food in his house. He would not let on and would end his fasting day without eating anything.

12. Know that Allah is the Most Generous and that He is the Most Merciful. He accepts the repentance of the penitent, more so than ever at such a special time.

13. If you have committed a sin or done something wrong which Allah, may He be glorified, has concealed for you from the people, know that this is an opportunity for you to seek repentance for those mistakes. Hasten to seek forgiveness and make sure that you do not return back to that sin.

14. Try to increase your knowledge of the explanation of the Qur’ân (tafsîr), the narrations of the Messenger, his biography (sîrah), and the principles of our religion – to seek such sacred knowledge is one of the highest forms of worship.

15. Stay away from such company and people which don’t benefit you; try to accompany righteous good folk as much as you can. Good people always spread their blessings to others.

16. Going significantly early to the Mosques is a sign of great love and desire to please Allah; a sign that you are in need of him at all times, not just those times in which all the congregation are together. Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, said: “The Companions would often spend much of their fast in the Mosque so as to purify it (i.e. purify the fast itself from useless talk, gossip, backbiting etc).”

17. Pay attention to those who are under your authority such as your family, guiding them to that which will benefit them in their dîn, for they will far more willingly take their example from you than from other people.

18. Do not go to extremes by preparing many different dishes for the iftâr meal. This leaves the women of the house no opportunity to benefit during the daytime of Ramadhân such as reciting the Qur’ân etc., especially if they are just busy cooking all day.

19. Reduce the amount of time you spend shopping in the night-time during Ramadhân, especially the last ten nights. This will prevent you wasting your time at such a precious and blessed period of your life.

20. Strive to spend these last ten special nights of Ramadhân standing in prayer. Remember: there is one particular night amongst these ten, known as laylat al-qadr which is in fact greater than a thousand months of worship. Surely to hit the jackpot on such a night is beyond our wildest dreams yet it is a jackpot available to everyone with no need to purchase a ticket and no need to take any risk – that’s gambling dîn style.

21. Don’t forget that ‘Eid is a special day of thanksgiving to our Lord, so don’t make it a day where you lose control of yourself, wasting all the good works of your heart and soul as it kept your desires in check for the entire month.

22. Set aside for yourself, even but for a small time, a period of isolation in the mosque known as i’tikâf – you will probably never enjoy such an intensely beneficial period for your soul to reflect upon how it is so cultured by day-to-day life in the 21st Century. This period of respite for the heart, mind and soul will allow you to replenish your vital organs with what they really need – the elixir of life which is nothing other than to be immersed in the worship of Allah, the Most Exalted.

23. On the festive day of ‘Eid as you enjoy yourself with your family, take a brief moment to remember all those brothers and sisters of ours who are orphans, stricken by poverty, famine and war. Know that if you have the ability to make a difference, hasten to such an excellent deed; if you are unable, do not forget to thank Allah for His unlimited favours He bestows upon us.

24. Set aside for yourself regular days of fasting throughout the year – don’t just make your relationship with fasting limited to Ramadhân only. Now that you have seen the rewards on offer for the fasting one, his special entrance of ar-Rayyân in Paradise, his supplication which is not rejected, his closeness to his Lord during his fast, his moment of joy as he breaks it, his increased ability to refrain from the bad and embrace the good – now that you’ve actualised these benefits, carry them over to the six days of Shawwâl just after Ramadhân which is equivalent to fasting the entire year! Don’t forget also the middle three ‘bright’ days of every month, Mondays and Thursdays when our actions are presented to our Lord, as well as a host of other special occasions to double up from such as the Days of ‘Arafah, Tâsû’ah, ‘Âshûrâ’ etc.

25. Finally, reflect upon your overall condition; make an audit of all your daily affairs so that you can identify areas for improvement and rectification. These will include: sticking to the congregational prayers, paying zakât fully and on time, maintaining your family ties, being honourable with the parents, being mindful of your neighbours, rectifying old feuds and problems between previous friends and colleagues, cutting out extravagance and the wasting of wealth, culturing and educating those under your guardianship, being concerned with the affairs of your fellow Muslim brothers and sisters around the world, delighting in and then acting upon sincere advice, protecting oneself for riyâ’ (showing off), loving for your brother that which you love for yourself, not allowing yourself to fall into the trap of backbiting others. Carry on reciting the Qur’ân and reflecting deeply upon its meanings and last but certainly not least, humble yourself as you listen to His Words being recited.

The list could simply go on and on – surely there are enough points here to make even the most heedless one reflect upon their state and consider changing their actions for the better.

O Allah, give us the ability and strength to make this Ramadhân our Ramadhân, a time for change and maturity, a time for quality and success, amîn.

May the Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon His Beloved Messenger, his family and all those who follow in his footsteps until the Final Day.

Sports!

Muslimah-N — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 20:14:17 +0000

Assalamu alaikum its me again!

So what type of sports do you all play? Do any of you enjoy foot-ball (soccer).

It's quite fun. I personally looooooooooove football. Tell me what you all like to play. It would be interesting to know.

Wassalaam

Muslimah-N

Asalaamu alaikum wa Rahmatullaah

saadia — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 15:41:59 +0000

To the sisterhood!

I signed up to this ages ago but never got around to actually coming back! Well, here I am...

My name's Saadia, I'm from Berkshire, in UK. I'm looking forward to meeting a lot of you and Inshaa'Allaah making some new friends. My brief biography is on my profile so won't bore you with it here, but glad to be one of the 'gang' and inshaa'Allaah hope to get to know some you soon!

Your Sister in deen. xx

Make dua for the Sister and her family

ummhussain — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 17:08:14 +0000

By Yvonne Ridley

Dr Aafia Siddiqui cut a lone figure as she slowly turned her head around to survey the packed courtroom in New York a few days ago.

With her sad brown eyes, she peered beyond her off-white veil and olive green jilbaab which covered her frail body.
May be she was looking for a friendly face, but with the exception of one kind individual, she was to find herself completely alone - and not for the first time.

The brutal truth is we Muslims - and I include myself in this - have once again abandoned her in her hour of need.

With the exception of her closest family, Aafiya was almost completely forgotten as the years rolled by following her kidnap and disappearance from Karachi in Pakistan in March 2003.

Her cries for help from the dungeons of Bagram, home to some of the most unimaginable cruelty, were ignored by her American tormentors.

But the harrowing images and piercing screams of Aafiya, were eventually recounted by those who survived the Bagram experience.

Aafiya was brought back into our conscious by ex-Guantanamo detainee Moazzam Begg. Through his book Enemy Combatant and from the graphic accounts of other Bagram survivors who also heard her screams and by the few who saw her there we now know the mother-of-three was brutalised and tortured in Bagram.

One account comes from ex-Guantanamo and Bagram detainee Binyam Mohammed who has given me an irrefutable eye witness statement confirming Aafiya was held in Bagram.

We now know thanks to Binyam and other once lost souls, that Dr Aafiya Siddiqui is Prisoner 650, The Grey Lady of Bagram.

And as we edged closer to the truth about her detention Aafiya suddenly reappeared in Afghanistan where she was shot by US soldiers. The FBI concocted a story which fools no one but the US judiciary.

Despite the platforms we have shouted from, the letters we have written and the petitions we have signed, she is still in the hands of her tormentors.

And those Americans who are clearly responsible for her kidnap, torture, detention and shooting are hoping that we Muslims will eventually run out of energy and lose interest in the plight of Aafiya once more.

And shamefully, they’ve just about got their wish.

As Aafiya interrupted court proceedings to firmly reject government allegations that she tried to kill American soldiers and FBI agents in Afghanistan, very few listened.

“ I did not shoot anybody, and I did not fire at any body,” Dr Siddiqui, 37, told the District Court, which was holding the hearing to determine whether she is competent to stand trial.

Governmment psychiatrists claim she is faking symptoms of mental illness in the hope of avoiding a criminal trial set for in October.

But for this one account below, Aafiya’s court appearance would have gone unrecorded.

I want you to read his words, and be thankful there is still someone around who will stand up and defend his sister.

“Today, when Sister Aafiya came and sat covered in her off-white veil and a olive green jilbaab that covered her whole body except for her eyes, she turned back to see a court room filled with non-muslims and only one muslim. She glanced once past me and returned for a second look. Perhaps I was the only face she felt was not in there to harm her. That is how she feels towards everyone else including her own defense attorneys.

“As the proceedings went on, she broke her silence as well as the court rules and spoke in her own defense saying she never shot anybody, nor is she against America. America has been framed in a war because of a misunderstanding. She has knowledge of those who caused it and this knowledge she has is the reason that all this has happened to her, because they don't want anyone to believe what she has to say about them."

“She also complained about physical harm as recent as THIS MORNING in the form of ‘forced gynecological exams ordered by the court’ that left her ‘aching all over.

“Today's hearing was in order to determine whether she is fit to stand trial or not. While both sides argued back and forth, Dr. Aafiya broke in from time to time to correct misleading statements from the witnesses saying ‘I want the world to know this’ after she corrected the false information.

“One such outburst from her resulted in the judge being forced to break for 5 minutes so the defense is able to calm her down. When she came back, she said ‘this court is the worst court ever’. At one time she told the judge that she wanted to relieve her attorneys but the judge didn't take her seriously and asked the attorney speaking at the time to continue speaking.

“It's funny that the hearing is to determine whether Dr. Aafiya Siddiqui truly understands and comprehends what she says, but when she said I want to relieve my attorney now, the judge reacted as if she doesn't understand what she is saying and is psychotic. If that is the case then why not approve the defense's motion that she is in fact psychotic and as a result the case should be dismissed and she should be given medical help?

“We have 56 or so muslim countries in the world but one Aafiya Siddiqui who has 5 years of her life declared "missing" sat in her chair surrounded by non-muslims, sympathetic and non sympathetic HELPLESS.

“No one from the Muslim leaders is able to pick up the phone and give a stern notice along the lines of ‘hands-off Afia Siddiqui’. Perhaps this is because many of them are oppressors and crooks themselves, and if they say something, Americans will put them in their lowly place by reminding them of what the leaders themselves have done.

“It truly saddens my heart to see the helplessness of the Muslims that such an egregious thing is happening but no one who has power can take a stand against it.

(Muslims in America pave the power to do something about this; the only question is, will we? Time will tell. - MS).”

I really don’t know who is MS, but I am eternally grateful to the brother for being there for Aafiya, for standing by her while we have failed her so badly.

It is vitally important our dear sister knows that there are Muslims out there who do care for her and I would urge each and every one of you to write to her.

Avoid sending anything too detailed or political, just a little note or card to let her know we are standing by her.

And to those Muslim brothers and sisters in New York, I beg you please do all that you can for Aafiya.

New York is home to 1 million Muslims and more than 100 masjids. This is the city where Tableeghi Jamaat has strong footings, where Salafis and Sufis are active. This is the city where Shias have their huge centers and where Pakistani Americans have a population of more than 300,000.

Despite this only one brother showed up in court.

Indeed the shame is on all of us.

But it is not too late.

Please, if you do nothing else today, do this ... send the sister a note, a card a letter and tell her she is not alone, that we will not abandon her, and that you love her for the sake of Allah (swt) for she is our sister in Islam.

Send your mail to:

AAFIYA SIDDIQUI #90279-054

MDC BROOKLYN

METROPOLITAN DETENTION CENTER

P.O. BOX 329002

BROOKLYN, NY 11232

AMERICA

* Yvonne Ridley is a patron of Cageprisoners. For a full history of Aafiya’s story go to www.cageprisoners.com

Too many women 'not on safest pill'

ummhussain — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 16:57:16 +0000

Studies out today have suggested that too many women are not using the safest brands of the contraceptive Pill.

Experts at Leiden University Medical Centre in Holland say that although all types of the combined pill increase the risk of venous thrombosis, some carry higher risks than others.

Venous thrombosis includes deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the leg or arm, and pulmonary embolism.

The study found that women taking pills containing a progestogen called levonorgestrel (for example, Microgynon) had the lowest risk of thrombosis. Meanwhile, those on contraceptives containing desogestrel (for example, Mercilon or Marvelon) had the highest risk.

Current NHS advice is that women should be on pills containing levonorgestrel - but this research has shown that many may not be.

Of the group of 1,524 women, who had an average age of 37, 859 had suffered a deep vein thrombosis of the leg, 495 had had a pulmonary embolism and 111 had had both. Another 59 had suffered DVT in their arm.

Of the total group, 72 per cent had been on the Pill at the time they suffered their thrombosis.

The results showed that taking the Pill increased the risk of suffering thrombosis fivefold compared with women not on the Pill.

The results held true even when factors like family history of disease and body weight were taken into account.

how to deal with work

zaynab-uk — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 10:17:05 +0000

Assalamu alaikum sisters,

I am newly converted (and so happy!) I work for a well known department store in a small town & think there may be trouble when I go back to work in a few days...

I have seen hijabs in the uniform cupboard; however I am concerned as we all wear trousers & fitted shirts & don't know if this will be suitable for me. Also we have tests each month called 'mystery shoppers' who are people sent in pretending to be real customers. They rate us on our customer service style & we get into loads of trouble if we fail on anythingThe main thing that I am concerned about is that we have to maintain eye-contact with all the customers. I know that I should not look males directly in the eyes, especially during Ramadan.

Any advice would be gratefully appreciated, thank-you!

Beautiful Poem Mashallah

ummhussain — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 23:58:43 +0000

If I help a child to read at school, I'm called a Teacher
If I teach my child to read at home, I'm just a mother.
If I plan lessons for a class, I'm called a Curriculum Coordinator
If I educate my children at home, I'm just a mother.
If I sit and talk to children an hour each, a week, addressing their needs, I'm a Speech Therapist.
If I patiently engage and help my autistic child every minute of every day, I'm just a mother.
If I look after a patient in the hospital, I'm called a Nurse.
If I nurse my child when they're ill, awake all night: none able to replace my reassuring presence, I'm just a mother.
If I manage my boss's office, I'm called a Secretary
If I organise my children's lives and my home, a place for everything and everything in its place, I'm just a mother.
If I prepare a meal in a restaurant, I'm called a Chef.
If I cook nutritious meals daily, made with love, remembered forever, I'm just a mother.
If I work late worrying about a deal for clients, how to make them as much money as I can, I'm a Career Woman.
If I stay up worrying and planning my children's future, the future of our world, I'm just a mother.
If I went out with colleagues and peers for dinner, comparing notes on the industry, I'd be Networking.
If I went out picnicking with a local mother & toddler group, comparing notes on parenting, I'd just be a mother.
If I sing on a stage, I'm an Artist.
If I sing a lullaby every night, the only voice that they want, the only voice that will do, I'm just a mother.

By Fatima Barkatulla

Abortions on under-14s revealed

ummhussain — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 23:30:15 +0000

Abortions were carried out on almost 100 girls aged 14 or younger last year in Scotland, figures have shown.

The statistics were contained in response to a freedom of information request by a Scottish newspaper.

Almost 3,000 girls under 15 had terminations between 2001 and 2008, eight of whom were 12-years-old.

Previous official figures have only given numbers for the under-16 age group in general, with no further age breakdown.

Public Health Minister Shona Robison said the figures, obtained by the Daily Record newspaper, gave "cause for concern".

She said: "The number of 12 and 13-year-olds who get pregnant and have terminations is low but it is still a cause for concern.

"It is, however, important to note that the latest statistics show no rise in pregnancies in under-16s."

Sex education

She said the government was working with health boards and councils to ensure "appropriate" education on sex and relationships was delivered in all schools.

The figures revealed 343 abortions were carried out on girls under 16 last year.

Of these, 248 were 15, 82 were 14, and 13 were under 14.

Since 2000, a total of 2,871 abortions were performed on girls under 16.

Of these, 2,081 were aged 15, a further 695 were 14, 87 were 13, and eight were 12.

'Wrong strategy'

Peter Kearney, a spokesman for the Catholic Church in Scotland, said: "These are appalling and distressing statistics.

"If anything it indicates that the government's sexual health strategy, which was created by the last administration and perpetuated by the current administration, is working perfectly.

"Because part of that strategy was fast and instant access to widespread abortion services. Unfortunately, it is completely the wrong strategy."

Abortions on under-14s revealed

ummhussain — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 23:30:08 +0000

Abortions were carried out on almost 100 girls aged 14 or younger last year in Scotland, figures have shown.

The statistics were contained in response to a freedom of information request by a Scottish newspaper.

Almost 3,000 girls under 15 had terminations between 2001 and 2008, eight of whom were 12-years-old.

Previous official figures have only given numbers for the under-16 age group in general, with no further age breakdown.

Public Health Minister Shona Robison said the figures, obtained by the Daily Record newspaper, gave "cause for concern".

She said: "The number of 12 and 13-year-olds who get pregnant and have terminations is low but it is still a cause for concern.

"It is, however, important to note that the latest statistics show no rise in pregnancies in under-16s."

Sex education

She said the government was working with health boards and councils to ensure "appropriate" education on sex and relationships was delivered in all schools.

The figures revealed 343 abortions were carried out on girls under 16 last year.

Of these, 248 were 15, 82 were 14, and 13 were under 14.

Since 2000, a total of 2,871 abortions were performed on girls under 16.

Of these, 2,081 were aged 15, a further 695 were 14, 87 were 13, and eight were 12.

'Wrong strategy'

Peter Kearney, a spokesman for the Catholic Church in Scotland, said: "These are appalling and distressing statistics.

"If anything it indicates that the government's sexual health strategy, which was created by the last administration and perpetuated by the current administration, is working perfectly.

"Because part of that strategy was fast and instant access to widespread abortion services. Unfortunately, it is completely the wrong strategy."

France bans 'burkhini' bathing suit

ummhussain — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 14:01:12 +0000

A Muslim woman has been denied access to a public swimming pool in France for wearing a head-to-toe swimsuit.

Emerainville Mayor Alain Kelyor said the 35-year-old woman was not allowed to swim in the pool while wearing the "burkhini".

Officials claimed the outfit was unhygienic and potentially harmful to other swimmers.

The woman, a convert to Islam, complained to police that the ban is discriminatory.

The incident adds to controversy over the wearing of the head-to-toe burkha or other full-body coverings worn by some Muslim fundamentalists. President Nicolas Sarkozy wants them banned.

http://news.uk.msn.com/world/article.aspx?cp-documentid=149150998

HOUSEHOLD HINTS AND TIPS

Aishamahomed — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 21:08:47 +0000

HINTS AND TIPS

Almonds: To remove the skin of almonds easily, soak them in hot water for 15-20 minutes.

. Ants: Putting 3-4 cloves in the sugar container will keep the ants at bay.

. Biscuits: If you keep a piece of blotting paper at the bottom of the container, it will keep biscuits fresh for a longer time.

. Apples: Apply some lemon juice on the cut surface of the apple to avoid browning. They will keep and look fresh for a longer time.

. Banana: Apply mashed banana over a burn on your body to have a cooling effect.

. Bee and Scorpion Sting Relief: Apply a mixutre of 1 pinch of chewing tobacco and 1 drop of water. Mix and apply directly and immediately to the sting; cover with bandaid to hold in place. Pain will go away in just a few short mintues.

. Bitter Gourd (Karela): Slit Karelas at the middle and apply a mixture of salt, wheat flour and curd all round. Keep aside for 1/2 an hour and then cook.

. Celery: To keep celery fresh for long time, wrap it in aluminum foil and place in the refrigerator.

. Burnt Food: Place some chopped onion in the vessel having burnt food, pour boiling water in it, keep for 5 minutes and then clean.

. Chili Powder: Keeping a small piece of hing (asafoetida) in the container that stores chili powder will keep fresh for a long time.

. Chopping: Use a wooden board to chop. It will not blunt the knife. Don't use a plastic board, small plastic pieces may go with the vegetables.

. Coriander/Mint: You can use dried coriander and mint leaves in coarse powder form in vegetable curry or chutney, if fresh ones are not available. To keep them fresh for a longer time, wrap them in a muslin cloth and keep in a fridge.

. Cockroaches: Put some boric powder in kitchen in corners and otherplaces. Cockroaches will leave your house.

. Coconut: Immerse coconut in water for 1/2 an hour to remove its husk.

. Dry Fruits: To chop dry fruits, place them in fridge for half an hour before cutting. Take the fruits out and cut them with a hot knife (dip it in hot water before cutting).

. Dough/Rolling pin: If the dough sticks to the rolling pin, place it in freezer for a few minutes.

. Egg peeling off: Make a small hole in the egg by piercing a pin before boiling it. You will be able to remove its skin very easily.

. Egg fresh: Immerse the egg in a pan of cool salted water. If it sinks, it is fresh; if it rises to the surface, it is certainly quite old.

. Garlic: Garlic skin comes off easily if the garlic cloves are slightly warmed before peeling.

. Green Chilies: To keep the chilies fresh for a longer time, remove the stems before storing.

. Green Peas: To preserve green peas, keep them in a polythene bag in the freezer.

If you add half a tsp of fenugreek(methie) seeds to the lentil and rice mixture while soaking, dosas will be more crisp.

. Fruits: To ripen fruits, wrap them in newspaper and put in a warm place for 2-3 days. The ethylene gas they emit will make them ripe.

. Frying: Avoid deep frying. Substitute deep frying with stir frying or oven bake. Don't pour the oil, but make a habit of spraying the oil in the utensil for cooking. Heat the utensil first, then add oil. This way oil spreads well. You will use less oil this way.

. Lemon/Lime: If the lemon or lime is hard, put it in warm water or microwave for 5-10 minutes to make it easier to squeeze.

. Lizards: Hang a peacock feather, lizards will leave your house.

. Milk: Moisten the base of the vessel with water to reduce the chances ofmilk to stick at the bottom.

Keep a spoon in the vessel while boiling milk at medium heat. It will avoidsticking the milk at the bottom of the vessel.

Adding half a tsp of sodium bicarbonate in the milk while boiling will notspoil the milk even if you don't put it in the fridge.

. Mixer/Grinder: Grind some common salt in your mixer/grinder fro some timeevery month. This will keep your mixer blades sharp.

. Mosquitoes: Put a few camphor tablets in a cup of water and keep it inthe bed room near your bed, or in any place to avoid mosquitoes.

. Noodles: When the noodles are boiled, drain all the hot water and addcold water. This way all the noodles will get separated.

. Onions: To avoid crying, cut the onions into two parts and place them inwater for 15 minutes before chopping them.

Wrap the onions individually in a newspaper and store in a cool and darkplace to keep them fresh for long time.

. Oven: Watch from the oven window to conserve energy because the oven temperature drops by 25degrees every time its door is opened,

To clean the oven, apply a paste of sodium bicarbonate and water on thewalls and floor of the oven and keep the oven on low heat for about half anhour. Dried food can easily be removed.

. Paneer: To keep paneer fresh for several days, wrap it in a blottingpaper while storing in the refrigerator.

Do not fry paneer, immerse it in boiling water to make it soft and spongy.

. Papad: Bake in microwave oven.Wrap the papads in polythene sheet and place with dal or rice will preventthem from drying and breaking.

. Pickles: To prevent the growth of fungus in pickles, burn a small grainof asafoetida over a burning coal and invert the empty pickle jar for sometime before putting pickles in the jar.

. Popcorn: Keep the maize/corn seeds in the freezer and pop while stillfrozen to get better pops.

. Potato: To bake potatoes quickly, place them in salt water for 15 minutesbefore baking.

Use the skin of boiled potatoes to wipe mirrors to sparkling clean.

Don't store potatoes and onions together. Potatoes will rot quickly ifstored with onions.

. Refrigerator: To prevent formation of ice, rub table salt to the insidesof your freeze.

. Rice: Add a few drops of lemon juice in the water before boiling the riceto make rice whiter.

Add a tsp of canola oil in the water before boiling the rice to separateeach grain after cooking.

Don't throw away the rice water after cooking. Use it to make soup or add itin making dal (lentils).

Add 5g of dried powdered mint leaves to 1kg of rice. It will keep insects atbay.

Put a small paper packet of boric powder in the container of rice to keepinsects at bay. Put a few leaves of mint in the container of rice to keepinsects at bay.

. Sugar: Put 2-3 cloves in the sugar to keep ants at bay.

. Tomato: To remove the skin of tomatoes, place them in warm water for 5-10minutes. The skin can then be easily peeled off.
When tomatoes are not available or too costly, substitute with tomato pureeor tomato ketchup/sauce.

Place overripe tomatoes in cold water and add some salt. Overnight they willbecome firm and fresh.

. Tamarind:Tamarind is an excellent polish for brass and copper items. Ruba slab of wet tamarind with some salt sprinkled on it on the object to bepolished.

Gargles with tamarind water is recommended for a sore throat. .

. Vegetables: Don't discard the water in which the vegetables are soaked orcooked. Use it in making soup or gravy.

To keep the vegetables fresh for a longer time, wrap them in newspaperbefore putting them in freeze.

Chop the vegetables only when you are ready to use them. Don't cut them intoo advance. It would spoil their food value.

. Sink (Blocked): To clear the blocked drain pipe of your kitchen sink, mix1/2 cup sodium bicarbonate in 1 cup vinegar and pour it into the sink,and pour about 1 cup water. In an hour the drain pipe will open.

. Soup Salty: Place a raw peeled potato in the bowl, it will absorb theextra salt.

. Yogurt: If the yogurt has become sour, put it in a muslin cloth and drainall the water. Then add milk to make it as good as fresh in taste. Use thedrained water in making tasty gravy for vegetables or for basen curry.

To keep the yogurt fresh for many days, fill the vessel containing yogurtwith water to the brim and refrigerate. Change the water daily.

CHICKEN QUICHE

Aishamahomed — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 21:04:23 +0000

THIS IS A RECIPE FOR THOSE PEOPLE WHO MAKE THINGS IN ADVANCE (ESPECIALLY RAMADAAN) CAN BE FROZEN AND HEATED IN THE OVEN.

CHICKEN QUICHE

BASE

60g margarine or butter

1 cup flour

1 egg

2 tblsp lemon juice

FILLING

1 cup cubed chicken fillets

1 tsp chicken marinade

¼ tsp crushed garlic

¾ tblsp chilies sauce

1tsp crushed green chilies – according to taste

¼ tsp pepper

1 tblsp tomato sauce

1 tblsp mayonnaise

2 tsp lemon juice

Cook chicken and shred

Make base dough and roll out either in individual pans or one casserole dish.

Throw chicken over bases

Beat 1 x 250ml fresh cream till thick and almost peaked.

Add 1 beaten egg, more sprinkles of salt and pepper.

Pour over the chicken.

Slice thin slices of tomatoes and green peppers

Sprinkle cheese

Baked in preheated oven (180) for 25 – 30 mins

Switch off oven.

Leave in oven for 5 min

If frozen, warm in oven before serving..

MIXED VEGETABLE CASSEROLE &JACKET POTATOES

Aishamahomed — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 20:59:22 +0000

MIXED VEGETABLE CASSEROLE

THIS IS A SIDE DISH WHICH CAN BE SERVED IN BRAAIS OR WITH ANY MEAT DISHES

2 Cups mixed vegetable
2 potatoes(big) - cubed
Braise the mixed vegetable and the cubed potatoe with salt and pepper with little butter till potatoes done.
Make a cheesy white sauce with 3tblsp butter, 1tsp crushed garlic, 1tsp crushed green chillies, 1/2 cup grated cheese, with 2tblsp flour and 2cups milk....
butter +- 6 - 10 slices white bread and cut into small squares.
In casserole dish layer the mixed vegetable and potatoes, pour sauce over and arrange buttered bread squares over the sauce.
Bake in oven on 180degrees for+- 25-30 mins or till bread is brown.

ANOTHER IS JACKET POTATOES

5 MEDUIM POTATOES, SCRUBBED AND PRICKED - microwave on high for 10 - 15 mins
Cut in halves and scoop out, taking care not to tear jackets
mash and add -
5 tblsp mayonnaise, 1 cup creamstyle sweetcorn, 1 processed onion (water squeezed out) , finely chopped green peppers, 3 tblsp melted butter, salt and pepper.
Fill jackets up with the mash and sprinkle cheese and origanum and grill till cheese melts.

these are two of the nicest things to go with a braai ..............

CHOCOLATE FALOODA

Aishamahomed — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 20:56:18 +0000

1 litre milk

2 full tsp agar agar (falooda powder)

2tblsp mazeina

1 tblsp cocoa

2 tblsp nesquick

2 tblsp milo

1 tblsp coffee powder.

Boil altogether for a while +- 20-25mins. pour into your setting mould. Once set overturn into your desired plate and drizzle with melted "cadbury" chocolate Topics:

DESERT IN A HURRY....

Aishamahomed — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 20:51:29 +0000

no time to make a dessert?

Take a can of condense, a small can nestlecream, and a can of peaches or any fruit of choice.

Blend altogether and place in freezer for little while. Set and ready to eat. Do not let it freeze.

Another recipe,

250ml fresh cream, 250ml sour cream and a big can of crushed pineapple. Beat fresh cream and sourcream together and add pineapples. Let cool in fridge and viola!!! ENJOY.

Sorry have'nt mastered the photo shots yet. But promise you will enjoy these mmmmm....... waistexpanders.....

HALEEM WITH JUNGLE OATS AND WEETBIX....

Aishamahomed — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 17:50:06 +0000

HALEEM WITH JUNGLE OATS AND WEETBIX....

Haleem is the most nutritious soup to have and the way we have made it, it also has fibre, carbs and proteins….

This recipe that I am writing can be halved or made full amount and frozen for the next time.

PLEASE TRY IT LADIES ESP, THOSE WHO DO NOT KNOW ABOUT IT…

IT LOOKS LIKE HARRERA…AND IS VERY FILLING.

½ chicken, cut up into pieces (or boney mutton)

Wash and marinade with :-

½ tsp tumeric powder

1 – 2 tsp crushed green chillie(according to taste)

2 tsp ginger/garlic

1 tsp jeera, a few peppercorns, elatchie, cinnamon sticks & some cloves

2 tsp dhana/jeera powder

2 tsp soomph(fennel seeds)

In a pot braise 2 processed onions in a little oil and add marinated chicken and boil with some water till meat is flaky. Add 2-3 tsp tomato paste and boil….

Meanwhile boil ½ cup jungle oats in 2 cup of water – Whizz with handblender or liquidize with 4 – 5 cakes of weetbix added . Whiz it fine.

Remove all bones from the pot.(you can leave it if desired)

Add the oats mixture to the above pot of boiled meat.

Mix well and temper with:-

1 tsp jeera – braise till dark and add to pot

2 onions sliced fine :- braise in ghee till dark caramel and add to pot

1 full tsp crushed garlic – braise in very little oil and add to pot

Lastly cut some dhania and throw in some whole green chillies and 2tsp garam masala.

boil awhile and then really enjoy!!!!!

A FEW HOUSEHOLD TIPS

Aishamahomed — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 17:47:06 +0000

When storing tomato sauce, spray your plastic container with nonstick cooking spray first. This prevents the red sauce from staining the container and makes clean up easier.		To remove a buildup of soap scum from shower walls and doors - without endlessly scrubbing - simply sponge on full strength, liquid dishwasher gel, then rinse.
If a desk or bureau drawer sticks, you can get it to glide smoothly by rubbing it's runners with fine grain sandpaper, then a candle or piece of soap .		When fixing a cup of warm milk, prevent it from boiling over by rinsing the pot with cold water before you pour in the milk.
Don't toss out week old carrots and celery that have wilted. Use them to make broth; simmer veggies until the fall apart, strain and refrigerate the liquid - or freeze for up to 2 months.		To make your home smell warm and welcoming, sprinkle cinnamon on a piece of aluminum foil, place inside a warm oven - and leave the door open. (Even if you don't bake, this makes your house smell so good a Christmas)?
Ever get those leather shoes drenched in a sudden downpour? Protect their shape and guard against shrinkage by stuffing wet footwear with newspaper before leaving them to dry.		Rewhiten kitchen appliances that have yellowed with age by mixing 1/2 cup bleach, 1/4 cup baking soda and 4 cups warm water. Wipe on and let set for 15 minutes. Rinse; repeat if necessary.
Store sewing bobbins in empty aspirin bottles. The threads won't get tangled, making your next sewing project much easier.		Next time you boil potatoes, rather than pouring the water down the drain, use it as a nutrient rich soup stock, or mix it with powdered milk to give mashed potatoes an extra dose of vitamins and flavour.
If you love to nibble carrots but hate to peel them, here's a fast and easy way to remove the skin: put carrots in a small colander and place in a pan of boiling water. Turn off the heat and let sit for five minutes. Transfer carrots to cold water, then drain. Slide skins off with fingers, no peeler necessary.		To make sure your toddler doesn't slip and fall in his new shoes, improve the traction by lightly scratching the soles with a piece of sandpaper.
Clean food encrusted cast iron pots and pans with oven cleaner. Spray it on, let it stand one hour, then wash with hot soapy water and dry.		When you buy new glassware, plates and bowls, remove the sticky price tags (and glue residue) by wiping with mineral spirits on a cotton ball. Simple and fast.
Need to remove bloodstains from clothing. Of course the faster the better. Soak in cold water immediately, remember hot water will set the stain. Hydrogen peroxide is very good for removing blood stains. The fresher the easier of course, but even dried blood comes out with a little effort. The hydrogen peroxide seems to do no damage to any fabric I've tried it on.		Save on boneless chicken breasts by doing the boning yourself with a sharp knife. To bone chicken breast, partially freeze or (defrost) them first. As well as, beef, pork or lamb, that is to be, cut into thin slices before cooking. They are much easier to handle if partially frozen.
Prevent raw potatoes from sprouting buds by tossing them into your fridges produce bin - along with one apple.		To remove burnt-on food from a skillet, fill it with soapy water and bring to a boil. The food particles will loosen, making them much easier to wash away.
Silence? squeaky metal bed springs with a coat of spray on furniture wax.		Keep sneakers and canvas shoes spotless with carpet shampoo. Simply dip an old toothbrush in the shampoo and rub in the canvas until it gets foamy. Wipe away the shampoo - and dirt - with a clean cloth.
Store lemons and limes in empty egg cartons. They won't roll around - or get lost - inside the fridge.		To keep pasta warm for up to an hour without overcooking, place it in a colander set above a pot of simmering water. Cover until needed.
When baking muffins, quick cool the pan by placing it on a wet towel as soon as you remove it from the oven. The muffins will slide out much easier.		Ripen an avocado fast by placing it in a plastic bag with a piece of banana peel.
To soften brown sugar, just add a crust of bread and reseal your container. The brown sugar will soften right up.		Before arranging a bouquet of dried flowers, mist them with water, then place in a plastic bag for 30 minutes. They'll be less brittle and much more manageable.
	Need to Thicken Gravy? Use instant potato flakes
	Run out of Catsup? Use 1 cup tomato sauce, 1/2 cup sugar and 2 tablespoons vinegar and mix well.
	Make Powdered Sugar: Mix 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Place in a blender at medium speed for about 1 - 2 minutes.
	No Corn Syrup in the House? Mix 1 cup sugar with 1/4 cup of water.
	Cupboard is empty of molasses? Use honey as a replacement.

CHICKEN STUFFINGS

Aishamahomed — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 17:42:06 +0000

CHICKEN STUFFINGS

THERE IS A SELECTION OF SEASONINGS AND STUFFINGS.

CHOOSE FLAVOURS TO SUIT YOUR TASTE……….
(tHESE CAN BE STUFFED IN DEBONED MUTTON OR LAMB OR BEEF)

HERB STUFFING

60g butter

1 large onion, finely chopped

250ml mushroom

Rind of 1 lemon and orange

10ml mixed herbs

125ml chopped parsley and mint

500ml fresh bread crumbs

2 eggs beaten

Heat butter; add onion and sauté, add mushrooms, rind and herbs and sauté for 3 minutes.

Add rest of ingredients’

Lastly add beaten eggs.

Livers and Mince stuffing

250 g chicken livers

30ml butter

1 onion – chopped

1 tsp crushed garlic

20ml fresh herbs((5ml dried)

1tsp coriander/cumin powder

1tsp crushed green chillies

250g chicken or mutton or beef mince, cooked

250ml fresh bread crumbs

Salt and pepper to taste

1 egg beaten….

Roughly chop chicken livers,

Sauté in butter

Add onion, garlic, herbs and stir-fry for 2-3 min

Add rest of ingredients and allow to cool.

Stuff the chicken.

Vegetarian stuffing

30g butter

1 large onion- processed

250ml mixed vegetables (frozen packets)

125ml dhania, shallot and mint, chopped

1 tsp cumin (jeera)

1tsp crushed garlic

½ tsp crushed green chillies

Salt to taste

250ml brown bread crumbs

1 tsp parsley

11tsp thyme

Melt butter, add cumin and garlic and allow to sizzle

Add vegetables and sauté lightly

Add rest of ingredients and mix well

Rice and mince stuffing

30g butter

250g cooked mince (any mincemeat of choice)

250g cooked rice

2tsp paprika

2 grated apples

1 tsp coriander and cumin powder (dhana/jeera)

1 tsp lemon juice

Melt butter, add all ingredients and toss well.

JALAPENO TRAMAZZEINE

Aishamahomed — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 17:38:31 +0000

I have a recipe which is tried by us and worth making

JALAPENO TRAMMEZINE

3 – 4 pita bread

CHICKEN FILLING

2 cups chicken cooked in 1tsp salt

½ tsp crushed pepper

1 tsp crushed green chilies

½ tsp crushed cumin

½ tsp crushed garlic

Boil till dry….

To the dry chicken add ¼ cup sour cream

¼ cup mayonnaise

8-10 jalapenos, drained &finely sliced

before toasting on ridged pan sprinkle
2 cups grated cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

Jalapeno sauce ( I use the Woolworths green jalapeno sauce)

Combine sour cream, mayonnaise, jalapeno, and above cooked chicken.

Cut a pocket in the pita and fill with chicken mixture.

Sprinkle cheese and jalapeno sauce over chicken mixture.

Warm on a pan with ridges and serve.

HERTZOGGIES

Aishamahomed — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 17:36:03 +0000

DOUGH

250g butter or marg

1 1/3 (100g) cup desiccated coconut

1 cup water

½ cup sugar

3 cardamom pods

Apricot jam

Cream butter and sugar

Add oil

Add eggs and beat well sift in baking powder and flour and mix to a firm dough

Roll dough and cut using fluted cutter and place in patty pans

FILLING

1 1/3 (100g) cup desiccated coconut

1 cup water

½ cup sugar

3 cardamom pods

Apricot jam

Boil water, sugar, and cardamom until sugar dissolved and add coconut.

Cook a further 3-5 minutes and set aside to cool

Spoon approximately 1 tsp coconut filling in half of each cup

Bake at 180degrees for 15-20min or until done

Remove from oven and cool

7th International Writing Competition 2009

THE_S — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 17:26:15 +0000

I was just wondering if anyone else on this site has heard of it and, if so, will be entering it?

CALLING EDUCATORS, PARENTS, AND ESPECIALLY YOUNG WRITERS AND THINKERS

The Islamic Foundation is a leading centre of academic research in Islamic studies. We are also pioneers in publishing stories for Muslim children in the English language, having been among the first to do so back in the 1970's. The purpose of this competition is to nurture creativity and imagination among writers of all ages. We are looking for new and emerging talent to help us realize our objective of producing quality books with strong moral and Islamic values. Our aim at Kube Publishing is to produce the kind of books which children and teenagers would want to pick up and read time and time again.

ON THE WAY TO BEST-SELLER SUCCESS

Some of the winning entries from previous competitions that have gone on to become best-selling books for the Islamic Foundation. They include:

· Umar and the Bully

· Hannah and her Grandma

· The Colour Blind Boy

· Our Grandma

· A School Girl's Hero

· The Miraculous Happenings in the Year of the Elephant

DISCOVERING NEW TALENTS

Thanks to this competition, several gifted new authors have been discovered and have gone on to get their work published by us and other mainstream publishers. Books written by writers like Zaynab Dawood, Deborah Woodthorpe, Maryam Sinclair, Batool Haq, Farah Alvi and Lisa Dhar have inspired other budding writers to come forward and write.

CLOSING DATE

Due to popular demand and requests, the closing date for receipt of entries for the 7th International Writing Competition has been extended to the 31st of December 2009.

The shortlist date will be announced soon. For full details of terms and conditions, see below.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

The competition is open to anyone of any age - children, teenagers and adults. All entries must be written in the English language, and must be the entrant's own original, unpublished work. Only one entry per person may be submitted in each category. Every submission must includeb a cover page giving the following details:

* Full Name

* Date of Birth

* Full postal Address, including country

* Contact telephone number(s)

* Email Address

* Category

* Target age group

As a guide to what we are looking for, you may find it helpful to read some of the Islamic Foundation's publications for children. Stories must be suitable for one of the target categories and any of the age groups listed below, and should have a moral message, or at least subtly illustrate a moral point. On the other hand, they must be stories, not sermons!

Contact

Seemeen — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 12:34:49 +0000

Salaam,

Could anyone give me the direct email id and/or phone number of an Islamic scholar?

dr. bilal philips or someone like him?

jazakum Allaho khayran

fee amaan Allah

natural henna hair color..

kauthar1 — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 13:44:09 +0000

salam sisters i wish to color my hair naturally iAllah, lol those whites they dnt get any less as the yrs go by

Am using henna at the moment but wanted ur tips/ideas of any other natural ways to color ur hair? also henna doesnt wash out easily so would be nice to get tips on this,..

jazakAllah khair!

The flavor of Ramadan!

UmmIbrahim — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 20:20:20 +0000

Salaams ladies!

People from all around the world have different traditions of special foods served special for ramadan. Lets share some of our favorites.

Something that has become tradition for us is the following recipe for sweet saffron rice. We sometimes throw a handful of shredded coconut into it as well. Its a pretty versatile recipe:

Saffron Sweet Rice -- Zarda Pullao

A sweet Indian cinnamon and sugary rice we especially enjoy in Ramadan at the time of breaking the fast. The saffron gives it a warm, pleasant taste and aroma, and it makes a beautiful presentation with its bright yellow color in individual serving dishes.

Ingredients

crumpled up saffron thread, about 1/4 teaspoon
1 tablespoon warm milk
1 cup long grain rice
1/4 cup pistachios
1/4 cup butter
3 cardamom pods
1 stick cinnamon
1 1/2 cups water
1 dash yellow food coloring
1/2 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons sugar
1/8 cup golden raisin

Directions

Put the crumbled up saffron into the tablespoons of warm milk and let it sit for 1-2 hours.
Wash the rice well, then put it into a large bowl with about 5 cups of water and leave it to soak for 1/2 hour. Drain completely.
Melt the butter over medium heat in a heavy oven-proof pot with a tight-fitting lid. (you will be placing it into the oven later on so this is important).
When the butter is hot put in the pistachios and toast them lightly (they will get a kind of golden tint) this takes about a minute or two. Remove the pistachios with a slotted spoon and set aside.
Now, put the cinnamon stick and cardamom pods into the same butter. Stir and fry for 1 minute.
Now, put the drain rice into the butter with the cinnamon and cardamom and stir and fry for about 3 minutes.
Add water, food coloring, and salt. Stir and cook until all of the water is absorbed.
Now put in the saffron milk, sugar, and raisins. Mix together, cover, and place it into an oven set at 325°F for 25 minutes.
When finished, place into a pretty serving bowl, or individual serving bowls (take out the cinnamon and cardamom first) and sprinkle with the pistachio nuts.
Enjoy!

A Grandmother Who Completed Memorizing the Qur'an

deenprogress — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 11:21:43 +0000

As Read by Dr. Saleh as Saleh

Al-Hamdulillaah (All-Praise is due to Allah), the One Who said (what means): "And in truth We have made the Qur'aan easy to remember; but is there any that remembers?" Surah 54: 32

Many all over the world memorize the Qur'aan, and it is not strange to see the youth memorizing the Noble Qur'aan and an early age. Al-Hamdulillaah, the One who made the Qur'aan easy for remembrance, had made it easy for Umm Saalih age 82. In an interview with Umm Saalih, she was asked the following questions:

Q1: "What was the reason that drove you to memorize the Qur'aan after so many years?"

She said, "I always hoped to memorize the Qur'aan from the time I was young. My father always used to invoke Allaah for me to become one of the memorizers of the Qur'aan, like himself and like the elder brothers of my family who memorized it. So I memorized in the beginning about three parts and then after I completed the age of thirteen, I got married and became busy with the household and the children. After I had seven children, my husband died. They (the children) were all young so I took the time to raise them and educate them, and then after they grew up and got married, I had more time for myself. Therefore, the first thing I directed myself to focus upon was the Qur'aan.

Q2: "Tell us about your journey with the Noble Qur'aan."

She said, "My younger daughter was going to high school and she was the closest of my children to me and the most beloved, because she stayed with me after her older sisters got married and got busy with their lives, and because she was a quiet girl, upright, loving, and good. In addition, she was interested in learning the Noble Qur'aan, and her teachers encouraged her.

Furthermore, she was very enthusiastic and always told me of many women who were driven by this great motivation to memorize the Qur'aan, and this is where I started."

Q3: "Tell me about your way of memorization."

She said, "We assigned ten verses (meaning her and her daughter who was going to high school). So each day after Asr, we used to sit together. She reads and I repeat after her three times. Then she explains the meaning to me, and after a while, she repeats that three times. On the next morning, she repeats them to me before she goes to school.

She recorded also the recitations of Ash Shaykh al Husary, Rahimuhullaah, repeating each verse three times and thus I continued to listen most of the time. Therefore, the next day we would go to the next ten verses if my memorization was good. Otherwise, we would postpone taking additional verses until the day after. Moreover, we assigned the day of Friday to review the memorizations of the entire week. And this was the journey from the beginning."

Then she said, "Over four years and a half, I memorized twelve juz" according to the way I described to you. Then this young daughter got married. When her husband knew of our task concerning the memorization, he rented a house close to me, close to my house, so that he could allow the continuation of the memorization. In addition, he, May Allah reward him used to encourage us and sometimes sit with us listening, explaining and teaching.

Then after three years of her marriage, my daughter got busy with the children and the household and our schedule was interrupted, but that did not make her give up. To the contrary, she sensed that my eagerness for the memorization was still established so she looked for a special good teacher to continue the journey under her supervision. So, I completed the memorization by the success of Allaah and my daughter is still working to finish the memorization of the Glorious Qur'aan. She has a little left, In Shaa Allaah Ta'aala.

Q4: "This motivation of yours, did it have an effect on other women around you?"

She said, "It really had a good strong effect. My daughters and stepdaughters were all encouraged and worked on learning and teaching the Qur'aan to their children and learning it themselves.

Q5: "After finishing the Noble Qur'aan, don't you think about working on memorizing hadith?"

She said, "Now I have memorized ninety hadith and In Shaa Allaah I will continue the journey. I depend, in my memorization, upon the tapes and upon the Qur'aan radio station. At the end of each week, my daughter comes and checks for me the memorization of three hadith, and I am trying now to memorize more.

Q6: "Over this period of memorization of the Qur'aan, did your life change? Was it affected in one way or another?"

She said, "Yes, I went through a major change and I tried always, all praise is due to Allaah, to obey Allaah before I started the memorization. However, after I started the task of memorization, I began to feel a self-comfort, a great self-comfort and all worries began to move away from me. I even reached the stage of freeing myself from all these excessive worries concerning fearing for the children and their affairs, and my morale was boosted.

I had a noble objective to work for and this is a great Ni'mah (Favor) from Allaah . upon me, since we know that some women, when they get old and they do not have a husband, and their children got married, may be destroyed by the empty time, thoughts, worries, and so forth. But, AlHamdulillaah, I didn't go through this and I made myself busy with a great task and a great objective.

Q7: "Didn't you think at one point, to join one of the circles focusing on teaching the Noble Qur'aan?"

The answer was, "Yes, some of the women suggested this to me, but I am a woman who got used to staying at home, and I don't like to go out everyday, and Al Hamdulillaah, my daughter sufficed me from all difficulty and I was so happy while I was learning from her. My daughter had set an example in goodness and righteousness which we rarely find in our days.

She started this task and journey with me while she was an adolescent and this is a critical age many people complain of. She used to pressure herself so that she could have spare time to teach me, and she used to teach me with kindness and wisdom. Her husband was a good help to her and he exerted a lot of effort. I ask Allaah . to give them success and to bring their children up on uprightness."

Q8: "What do you say to a woman of your age who wishes to learn and memorize the Qur'aan yet she is worried about it and feeling unable to?"

She said, "I say to her there their shall be no despair with the firm, sincere and truthful determination. Begin with sincerity, firm determination and dependence on Allaah at each time. And remember that at this age you should have the time for yourself. However, do not use your time to only go out or to sleep and so forth. Rather, busy yourself with righteous work.

Q9: "Now what would you say to a woman who is still young? What would you advise her?"
She, may Allaah preserve her, said: "Preserve Allaah and He will preserve you. Make use of the favor of Allaah bestowed upon you from health and ways and means of comfort. Use that to memorize the Book of Allaah. This is the light which enlivens your heart, your life and your grave after you die.

And if you have a mother then exert the effort to teach her, and there is no better favor upon a mother than one of her righteous children aiding her to be close to Allaah."

Wedding Invitations

Anila Islam — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 16:19:50 +0000

Salaam Sisters

Insh'allah you are all in the best of health.

I was wondering if any UK sisters would be able to help me....i'm looking for wedding invitation cards and im pretty sure if not on this site maybe in the Sisters Magazine i saw an advert from a sister who designs/sells lovely unique wedding invites. However i just cant remember the name of the website at all!!

Or if anybody knows of a website that sells lovely designs for a muslim wedding then please do let me know.....

Jazakhallah

Your sister in Islam

Fasting in Shaban

UmmIbrahim — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 14:17:09 +0000

Usamah ibn Zaid inquired: "O Messenger of Allah, I never find you
fasting in any month like you do during the month of Sha'ban." The
Prophet responded: "That is a month the people neglect. It comes
between Rajab and Ramadan. It is a month in which the deeds are
raised to the Lord of the Worlds. I love that my deeds be raised
while I am fasting."

This is related by Abu Dawud, an-Nasa'i, and by Ibn Khuzaimah in his Sahih.

I was hoping to find some posts here

NM123 — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 10:02:28 +0000

Asalaamu Alaikum,

Inshallah all is well with you. I love designing and creating- Anything related to art. I was hoping to find some posts here from before hand. I guess ill be the first . I was recently asked by a client to create 3 pieces for her neices ages 7, 8, and 9. I had to keep them children friendly but still make them look elegant. The images arent the best quality. The paper i created is actually lightly shimmery which sparkles. I would love any feedback!

Asalaamu Alaikum

*note: im trying to get the images attached, but they wont shop up. Here is the direct link http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/album.php?aid=93624&id=74177547629

Its the last three images: "Hidayah, Nemah, & Saaima"

Life Coaching Toolbox - East London Workshop

TheMuslimCoach — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 13:19:53 +0000

If you have always wanted to do something more with your life,

then this is the opportunity you have been waiting for!

The Life Coaching Toolbox will give you the skills to implement

inspirational life coaching techniques successfully into your everyday life.

The Life Coaching Toolbox

Instructor: Sr. Farzana Khundmir BSc (Psychology)

Sisters only session: 9am-3.20pm

Instructor: Br. Zeeshan Hashmi BSc (Psychology)

Brothers only session: 3.30pm-9pm

Date: 2nd August 2009

Location: LMC, 46-92 Whitechapel Road, London, E1 1JX

The Life Coaching Instructors:

Sr. Farzana trained under Sheikh Muhammad Alshareef (Director of Almaghrib Institute), and has a degree in Psychology from UCL. She now runs the life coaching service at www.themuslimcoach.com. She has previously done a regular slot on UnityFM, and has done various workshops and presentations.

Br. Zeeshan trained under Sheikh Muhammad Alshareef, and is a current helpline worker for the Muslim Youth Helpline. He also has a degree in Psychological Sciences and volunteers for Almaghrib Institute.

Buy tickets online

Those days...

Muslimah-N — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 13:31:29 +0000

Assalamu alaikum...

Well i was just wondering if any of you get those day when you just want to sit down with a book and some junk food and read. I admit I do! . By junk food i mean chocolate,crisp or anything like that. Let me know because i was thinking maybe its just me being fat. lol.

Muslimah N

Mosque open day for non Muslims, Leicester, UK

Umu_Abdillah — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 23:50:26 +0000

Asalamualaykum wr wb

Please forward this flier to all the non Muslims you know and to Muslims who want to bring a non Muslim with them or help out on the day and give dawah, email it to your colleagues, friends, family, print it out and put it up at your work place or uni or collage or local GP/Dentist school/takeaways, every where you name it. Please get the word out any way you can. Jizakallah kheir.

Please message me if you want to help out on the day. Jizakallah kheir

A Letter to All My Sister

liana — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 04:42:57 +0000

بسم الله الر حمن الرحيم

Word to My Sister

My Dear Sister,

Know, my dear Muslim sister, that you are man's sister and half of humanity. You are a mother, wife, daughter, sister, aunt, grand daughter or grand mother. The Prophet said, what translated means, Women are, indeed, men's partners. [Abu Dawud]

You are a member of the great nation of Islam, the best nation ever produced for mankind. No other nation on earth has more great men, leaders and conquerors than this nation. It is the nation of guidance and the straight religion, and it leads humanity to righteousness and truth. It transforms people from worshippers of slaves to worshippers of the Lord of slaves, from life's pressures to the pleasures of the Life after, and from the injustice of other religions to the justice of Islam.

Your ancestors, great women of Islam, were one of the main reasons for this great nation to take this great place among all nations. Allah, Who granted Islam to this nation, made a high place for Muslim women, and decreed that they share in the responsibilities of enjoining truth, forbidding evil and raising the flag of Islam. He said, what translated means,

"The believers, men and women, are loyalists of one another, they enjoin righteousness and forbid evil, they offer their prayers perfectly and give the Zakat, and obey Allah and His Messenger. Allah will leave His Mercy on them. Surely Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise." [Noble Quran 9:71]

Allah has given Muslim women what they can bare of orders and duties. He is the God Who knows His creation,

"Should He not know what He created? And He is the Most Kind, All-Aware (of everything)." [Noble Quran 67:14]

My dear sister, you are called upon today to truly become an active member of the Muslim nation, strive to establish victory for Allah's Word, implement the Quran and help build the generation of Iman.

What Do Your Enemies Want From You?

There are those who want to distract you from doing your duty. They want to distract you from meeting your noble obligation, that is, to defend the religion of Allah and raise His Word high. Those enemies use many methods:

First: They distract you from what Allah created you to perform of worship, belief and Da'wah (propagating Islam). They use this worldly life as their bate: Jewelry stores, fashions that originate in non-Muslim countries, new models all the time, desires raised, hunger that can never be satisfied, pleasures and competition for them and endless ways for joy. Allah did not create us for this. Indulging in these matters is usually accompanied by wasting time and money and igniting enmity and competition between the rich and the poor.

Second: They ignite enmity between you and man. To those sinners, you are a daughter that is put down, a humiliated mother, an abused wife and an oppressed sister! Men are always unjust, hypocrites, dictators, freedom- preventers and suppressers, according to them. There is a fabricated war that those evil ones are starting for no reason other than to direct you to rebel against your father, be arrogant with your brother and disobedient to your husband. They do not call for justice, mercy and unity. They call for hatred, arrogance and destruction.

Third: They do not stop at their call for rebellion against parents, brothers and husbands, rather, they plot against Islam. They call upon you to rebel against the obligations of Islam and the decrees of the All-Knowing King. Islam, to them, is unjust and Islamic laws are imperfect and restrictive. They call upon you, day and night, to rebel and insist on the disobedience of this religion. They try to rid you of your religion. They try to rid you of comfort and safety under generous parenthood, happy marriage and good brotherly relations.

Those devils portray piety and honor as chains on freedom. To them, Hijab does not cover the head, but also covers the mind; prayer, fasting and Zakat are a waste of time and effort; and obedience to husbands is slavery and a return to the stone age. They distorted all facts and changed all truths, all to serve their evil goals.

My Dear Sister,

The goals that your enemies and the enemies of your religion are seeking to achieve are well known. They want you to be available for them to fulfill their evil desires whenever they wish. They want you to be a mistress that has no honor. They want you to be found everywhere, on roads and in places of sin, without honor, religion or manners. They seek for you only what they want you to do.

The Western world has gone through this all. Women of the West are the part of society that is facing injustice and dishonor. They strive to please men who keep changing partners and seek pleasures but with no responsibility and no consideration of the evil consequences of their sinful actions.

O Muslim sister, read and know about those women who discarded shyness and honor and followed their desires, what was the result of their deeds? Was their end honorable and desirable, or was it a shameful and hated end?

Advice For My Sister In Islam

Be proud of your religion and the religion of your ancestors. Be a good example for your sons and daughters and sincere in your belonging to this mighty nation.

Know that honor is an honor to all wise people, and that adultery is dishonorable to all nations, even if some called it freedom. Know that adultery is also done with the eyes by seeing, with the ears by listening, and with the mouth by kissing, as was mentioned in a Hadith related by Imam Muslim.

Your happiness is in being an obedient and believing daughter, a loyal and generous wife and a pious and merciful mother.

Know that prayer is the cornerstone of Islam. Fasting one day, for the sake of Allah, takes your face seventy years away from Hellfire, as the Hadith, related by Al-Bukhari and Muslim, states.

Charity is a major cause for gaining forgiveness and for repentance to be accepted.

Those women who are showing parts of their bodies to men, will not enter Paradise or smell its fragrance and are cursed, as in the Hadith related by Imam Muslim.

Hijab is an honor and protection for you. Hijab must be modest in color and not exotic, wide and thick and not revealing, different from the dress of non-Muslim women and men.

My Dear Sister,

These are words from the heart. These are words of good and sincere advice.

Beware of the loyalists of Satan who want to lead you astray.

Be a slave of Allah, righteous and descendent of righteous women and know your role in building this great nation.

Perform your duty and do not be a cause for destruction. Be a maker of righteous generation that will lead mankind, again, to what is right and proper, to the great religion of Islam.

This article appeared in a recent issue of the "Muslim Creed" [Vol. 3 No. 2, February 1995] a free of charge Islamic Magazine meant for the dissemination of the Islamic creed, knowledge and Methodology of Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jama'ah in the light of the Quran and the Authentic Sunnah as understood and practiced by the Salaf. It is published by "The Dear of Islamic Heritage."

from: http://www.islamswomen.com/articles/words_to_my_muslim_sister.php

They were youths, yet mature youths.

liana — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 04:20:50 +0000

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

They were youths, yet mature youths.

"...They were youths, yet mature youths, their eyes fresh and free of evil, their feet refrained from approaching falsehood and futility.

They sacrificed and expended themselves in worship and in withholding themselves from sleep. They sold their souls which were to pass away for souls which would never die.

Allaah saw them in the latter part of the night, bending their backs, reciting the Qur'aan. Whenever one of them came to an Aayah mentioning Paradise, he would weep, longing for it. Whenever he came upon an Aayah mentioning the fire he would groan out of fear, as if the Hell-fire were directly in front of him.

The earth devoured their knees their hands and their foreheads (out of their constant prostration). They joined exhaustion in the night with exhaustion in the day. Their colour becoming yellowed and their bodies emaciated through standing long in prayer and frequent fasting - whilst they regarded their own actions to be negligible before Allaah.

They fulfilled their covenant with Allaah and attained Allaah's promise."

So let us hasten to be like them and to resemble them, since, as it was said: We are not in comparison to those who came before except like small herbs growing beside the trunks of tall palm trees.

And as 'Abdullaah Ibn al-Mubaarak said: Do not mention us whilst mentioning them, the fit and healthy when he walks is not like the crippled.

To say or not to say something

Ni*mah — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 05:56:56 +0000

Asalamu Alaykum all,

I've been having a little dilama these days. I know that in Islam it's not right to look for our Muslim brother's and sisters' faults and shortcomings. It's also good for one to mind their business and keep their opinions and suggestions to themselves about other people's lives unless asked of course. But I"m just wondering, exactly to what extent? What if I notice some things that are not right that one of the Muslim sisters or brothers is doing...do I keep quite about it or do I correct the person. For example, I see someone praying salat, and I notice many different mistakes in the way the sister is dressed, the way she's doing the sujuud, etc. What would I do in this case? Should I keep quite or say something to her? What if I notice someone who is a mature person of normal and healthy mind, but who does not pray when everyone else gets up for prayer. Do I still keep quite and not say anything? I know how important especially salat is so most of the time I feel guilty when I see someone performing salat in a wrong way or not praying at all, and I didn't say anything about it.

I'm definitly not looking for people's faults/mistakes because I know i'm human also and I make tons of mistakes all the time, but I somehow notice these things. And then the other thing is; I really don't know how to go about it. I don't know whether I'm right in keeping quite about what I just saw or if I've just sinned because I didn't say anything to the person. I think this a problem that some of us are having, because I see some sisters at the masjid or at school, or whatever who notice whatever I notice and then they wait until the person leaves and then they will say, 'oh, did you see what she was wearing' or 'she wasn't supposed to do that' and that itself will just become backbiting because there's no point to even say anything when the person leaves. They will not benefit from anything anybody has to say after they left.

InshaAllah I want to see what your suggestions are in cases like this. How do you go about it, especially if you don't know the person or you're not that close to them?

Give me your opinions, advices, and suggestions...I'm asking for it ya'll

salam

Asalaamu alaykum warahmatullah

UmmMusaIbraheem — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 22:21:34 +0000

Asalaamu alaykum warahmatullah.

Im new on this site,only jus discovered it alhamdolilah.

Bit abt me: My names Nabila and i have one child. Im frm a muslim background bt have been practising for jus under three years now alhamdolilah. Used to study at university and work part time as an airport security officer bt now im a house wife alhamdolilah. Really im on here to get to know sisters from all different walks of lifes. Insallah look 4ward to hearing from u guys. Tke care X

Awrah infront of women

Umu_Abdillah — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 23:33:05 +0000

Asalamualaykum wr wb

Im sure we are all aware that there is awrah infront of women, not just infront of men but I just wanted to remind sisters that the requirement isnt just to cover the skin around the awrah with a piece of material but the requirement is that the clothes must also be loose around the body so it doesnt reveal the shape of it.

Remember sisters, we dont have to compromise on looking nice, there are plenty of modest loose clothing that doesnt reveal our awrah that we can wear to parties and weddings etc.

Here is an article by sheikh Al Albaanee. Please pay attention to the parts in bold. Jizakallah kheir.

The Ruling Concerning Praying in Pants
Imaam Muhammad Naasirud-Deen al-Albaanee Translation by Maaz Qureshi Version 1.0

The Ruling Concerning Praying in Pants
Imaam Muhammad Naasirud Deen akAlbaanee

The Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) prohibited the man who was praying in saraaweel without a waist wrap over them!
[1]: Shaykh al-Albaanee (d.1420H) was asked about praying in pants, so he replied, It is not permissible of course, it is either makrooh (disliked) or haraam (unlawful). 2
[2]: Shaykh al-Albaanee was asked if pants constitute resemblance of the disbelievers and what is the ruling upon praying in pants, so he answered, There is no doubt that they are a resemblance of the disbelievers. However, these pants that you are considering have another problem. Since, even if they were not a resemblance of the disbelievers, there is another reason for their prohibition, though resemblance of the disbelievers is enough of a prohibition due to the statement of the Prophet (alayhis-salaam) in the well-known hadeeth, Whosoever resembles a people, then he is from them. And he said to a man he saw wearing the clothes of the disbelievers, These is from the clothes of the disbelievers, so do not wear them. 4 Pants have another problem that is obligatory upon our brothers who adhere to the Sharee ah of our Lord the Blessed and Exalted and the Sunnah of our Prophet (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam), it is obligatory upon them to take note of the fact that there is a very evil problem with pants. That problem is that pants display the awrah and they show much of that which is considered shameful. Whenever a Muslim stands to pray with pants and he performs rukoo and he performs sajdah, then they cup his awrah. So it is not permissible for the Muslim to wear pants, and especially not when he wants to stand in front of Allaah the Blessed and Exalted. 5
Shaykh al-Albaanee said, And the pants (bantaloon) have two problems:
The First Problem: Wearing them is imitation of the disbelievers. And the Muslims used to wear the baggy saraaweel, which some people still wear today in Syria and Lebanon. So the Muslims did not know about the pants up until they were colonized. Then, when the colonialists had retreated, they left behind their evil effects, which the Muslims adopted due to their desires and their ignorance.
The Second Problem: The pants cup the awrah. And the awrah of the man is from his knees to his navel. And it is obligatory upon the one who is praying to be far removed from whatever constitutes disobedience to Allaah whilst he is performing prostration to Him. So you will see the shape of his buttocks. Rather, you will even see the shape of what is between them!!
So how can this person pray (with such an appearance) whilst he is standing in front of the Lord of the worlds?
And from the amazing affairs is that many of the Muslim youth object to the tight clothing for the women, because such clothes show their bodies, but this youth has forgotten about himself. So he has fallen into that which he opposes. And there is no difference between the woman who wears tight clothes which show the shape of her body and between the youth who wears pants, because they also show his buttocks. So the buttocks of the man and the buttocks of the woman are both awrah. Both of them are the same. So it is obligatory upon the youth to pay attention to this due to this problem, which has become prevalent amongst them, except for the one whom Allaah wills. And how few they are! 6
1 Hasan: Related byAboo Daawood (no. 541) and atTahaawee in Sharh Ma aaniyyilAathaar (1/382). It was authenticated by alAlbaanee in SaheehuUaami (no. 6830).
2 Refer to the taped series, Silsilatul-Hudaa wan-Noor (tape no. 26).
3 Saheeh: Related by Aboo Daawood (no. 4091) and Ahmad in his Musnad (2/50). It was authenticated by al-Albaanee in aLlrwaa ul Ghaleel (no. 1269).
4 Related by Muslim (no. 3872), an-Nisaa ee (no. 5221) and Ahmad in his Musnad (no. 6677).
5 Refer to the taped series, Silsilatul-Hudaa wan-Nom (tape no. 229).
6 Refer to aI-Qawlu1 Mubeen fee Akhtaa i1 Musalleen (p. 20-21) of Mashhoor Hasan Salmaan.

Teen Corner

liana — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 22:47:50 +0000

Assalamua'laikum~

i would like to request a forum dedicate for all teen. Here a special articles for teen can be post specifictly for teen.

hope my idea will be consinder.

shukran~

Low self Esteem: A Disease Amongst the Youth

liana — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 22:44:14 +0000

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

By: Sr Aysha Khanom

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful, The Most Kind

It’s a silent one, but the affects are at large. It is one of the main causes of depression in the youth. It could be one of our closest friend, colleagues that suffer from it, or someone in our household, whether it is siblings or our own children. It’s hard to recognize it in some, and in others it is easier. We could be the ones who are impacting on it, without realizing, not that it is of any fault of our own, but it’s something which is rarely brought to attention, and rarely admitted by those that suffer from it. Those that haven’t experienced it, will have difficulty understanding it, or relate to it. It stems from a form of irrational thought. It is a major barrier or an obstacle that one suffers from, and there are no set solutions you can give to people that have low self esteem because it’s all what they have developed in their own mind, or in their ‘own world’.

The effects of it many of us underestimate, for some it has a lesser degree of affect, they may not interact well with people, may want to be alone a lot, lack confidence or lack of self belief, or low educational attainment, for some it leads to drug abuse, suicidal thoughts, and committing crimes, many of which Islam condemns. One that suffers from it, takes negative comments to heart, and receptive to what others think of them. They always evaluate themselves- which is praiseworthy in Islam – yet it is a lot of negative evaluation, which blinds them from the good they have, which causes a veil for them to see their inner good, and leads to a vicious cycle. Some aim to please people, and this can affect a person’s deen, as we should intend to please Allah only in all that we do. It varies depending on what age they are.

Alhamdulilah, we know Islam is a cure for all things, especially on individual reformation. Relating it from personal experience, I hope this can benefit us all insh’Allah, and see the beauty of Islam. Also recognize its dangers so we can prevent what leads to self destruction.

Before dealing with the effect, one needs to deal with the cause. Although the cause cannot be usually rewound and changed, knowing its causes can lead to its solution. The causes are many, without going too much into detail.

From childhood, a child may be criticized negatively with those around them, which leads to lack of self worth. A child needs to be praised and told that they have done well for them to recognize their abilities and the praise gives them their confidence. Many parents have full time jobs, and cannot devote their time enough to their child. This lack of attention is another cause. Children need a lot of time and especially love. The more you speak to a child, you will find them more talkative from a young age and their language is very rich. Playing with children, with their toys, and encouraging them to play with other children, helps them have better social skills. The ages between 2-10 is a crucial time for kids and affects them for majority of their life. Finally, it could be from traumatic events which took place earlier in life, which put insecurities in them and put their confidence low. The crucial issue lies with the parenting style.

If we look deep into it, it’s what leads to a lot of sins. As mentioned before, it can lead to drug abuse, and crime. A dangerous one for women, especially the younger ones, is the attention of the opposite sex, the attention of the opposite sex makes their esteem feel a little higher, and so their beauty is taken advantage of. They may feel loved and seek a lot of attention, and also get attention, and feel somewhat uplifted from their insecurities, whereas in reality, it’s feeding the low esteem in a bad way, which only leads to more self damage.

Without getting psychological about it all, inshAllah I am putting forward how Islam came about to bring its cure, for me and it will for inshAllah many others.Believing that turning to the deen was a way out of it, I began posing questions about how to deal with low esteem on Islamic forums, and how it was affecting me in my everyday life. I found many came forward and also had said they had the same issue, and in different forums people were asking the same question.

It really is a battle you have everyday within you, no matter how much a person tells you how good you are or what potential you have, you will never think that of yourself. Anytime you receive any negative remarks, all you think about is that, and you then feel more worthless. I looked at the Prophet’s (saw) character; he was an outgoing and friendly person, just perfect in every way. Suffering from low esteem will get you nowhere near implementing his character. I have many ambitions, whether I get there or not is up to Allah, but having this problem I thought to myself, I can’t get anywhere being the way I am. You feel trapped within yourself. I didn’t worry too much about the cause, but I knew it had to be dealt with. I found no way to get help for it, as many say see psychologists etc. Alhamdulilah that was a blessing in itself that I had no access to any. Many times I suffered from depression, it got pretty bad. Du’a was my first step, asking Allah to help me overcome it. I read a lot about purifying the heart and the Akhlaq of a good Muslim, using Prophet’s (saw) example as my practical guide.

It takes courage and motivation; you can do anything, as long as you are not your own barrier, because that is the only barrier. I used the Prophets (saw) example and over time my confidence grew, I put myself out there and aimed for sincerity. Constant dua was what gets one through and remembering the ayat where Allah says Allah doesn’t change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves. In whatever we do, we have to make the effort as a way for the barakah to come through.

How do we prevent this from happening to our children? Giving children time and love, teaching them both negative and positive criticism. Not expecting too much from our child, but help guide their steps slowly in each stage of their life. Parents have high expectations from children, some expect too much and it becomes a burden on them feeling that they may fail. Not that we shouldn’t aim high, but going easy on them and helping- rather than making- them make their decisions.

This is a critical issue, and although briefly mentioned the effects are what sometimes may feel impossible to overcome. One needs determination and sincere intention. We have the Prophet (saw) as a practical guide, we have Islam and Allah as our Wali (protector), which gives us hope in all situations. There will be some that aren’t aware that this is the root of their problems, and maybe those close to them can help tackle it. Alhamdulilah, there is much potential out there, and it needs to be spread. It needs to be spread by interaction, channeling and filtering ones contribution through all walks of life.

I pray Allah gives us strength and the ability to overcome our inner struggles and shortcomings. Ameen

Let Allah be the ruler of your hearts, not the duniya (World).

How to handle Pronography

liana — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 22:31:27 +0000

بسم الله الرحن الرحيم

by SoundVision

It’s hard, especially when you’re a teenager and bombarded with images of sexuality: that hot-looking scantily clad guy or gal in the magazine, grinning at you and luring you; or the persistent emphasis on sex in the movies (even Toy Story!); or the pervasive links to pornography and ad banners that pop up while you may simply be checking your e-mail or researching something for school. How does a young Muslim protect him or herself from all of this?

Below are some tips that can help:

Tip 1 – Know what is Halal and what’s not

We may think only hard core pornography is Islamically unacceptable. This is not true. Improperly dressed men and women, sexual situations, foreplay, kissing, touching, dirty jokes: none of these are Islamically acceptable. Talk to a trusted Muslim friend, family member of the same gender or an Imam about this. Bring it up and ask them to give you the Islamic perspective.

Tip 2 – Remember your accountability to Allah

In America and some other countries, you’re fully responsible for your actions when you turn 18. In Islam, you’re fully accountable as soon as you understand these things. So that means that from that point onwards, you cannot assume looking at this stuff is no big deal. Your eyes will testify about what you looked at on the Day of Judgment. Remember that Allah is always watching. He is Most Just and Merciful, and He rewards us for the good and punishes us for the bad we do.

Tip 3 – Become conscious of the Haram

Too often, it’s easy to dismiss that billboard with the spandex-and-bikini-top-clad blonde girl advertising gum, or the guy in tight leather pants and no shirt advertising perfume. When you see it, remember the Islamic perspective, your accountability to Allah, and lower your gaze. Do the same for television and the internet. If you keep doing this, insha-Allah, it’ll become a habit, and eventually an automatic reaction.

Tip 4 – If feeling overwhelmed, remember Allah

In situations where you feel overwhelmed and can’t get yourself to switch the channel, close the browser window or turn your eyes away from the billboard, ask Allah’s help. You don’t necessarily need any heavy duty, long Du’as. “La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah” (there is no power or ability except with Allah) is short, simple, and reminds you who is really in control and can help you out of this.

Tip 5 – Seek refuge in Allah from Shaytan

Shaytan lured you into this mess. Seeking refuge in Allah (saying awthu billahi minash Shaytan ir rajeem), will help you resist him and his whisperings to continue looking at the material.

Tip 6 – Get up and leave

If you feel unable to control looking at the screen or the magazine, leave the situation. Get out of the living room, your bedroom where the internet is, or where you’ve been reading the magazine. Take a walk. Just do something to physically get out of the situation.

Tip 7 – Avoid those involved in pornography

If one of your friends is into pornographic magazines, websites, dirty jokes etc. either help him or her change through gentle and sincere advice, or abandon frequent contact with them. Their compulsion will affect you, so it’s best to stay as far away as possible, by remembering the danger to yourself, your Deen, and your relationship with Allah.

Tip 8 – Stay away from places where it’s found

Sometimes it’s on a billboard on a highway and you can’t miss it. But often times, you’ll notice certain parts of your city (the seedier ones) tend to be filled with this kind of material (where there are usually strip joints, for example). Avoid these places as much as you can. If it’s on your way to school, try to change your route. Also, in summer, stay away from the beach.

Tip 9 – Surf or watch TV when others are around

The temptation to sneak a look at dirty pictures or that bikini-clad babe is heightened when you’re alone in your room watching television or surfing the internet. Try to avoid late night TV and internet surfing. Instead, watch or surf when others are around so you can resist the urge to sneak a peek, thinking no one’s watching (and remember Allah is always watching). It is a good idea not to have TV or computer in the bedroom anyway. Living room or study room are better place for this stuff.

Tip 10 – Remember your example

If you have younger brothers and sisters, think of the bad example you’re setting for them. What message will they get if they barge into your room and catch you watching Baywatch or flipping through Playboy.

Tip 11 – For brothers, remember your mom and sister

Disgusting right? Exactly. No one in his right mind would look at his mom or sister the way many of us look at the Baywatch babes or the girls on the internet or in magazines. Remember mom and your sister, and that should sicken you enough to stop, insha-Allah.

Tip 12 – Have someone watch over you

If you really feel you’re becoming addicted to this kind of material, try to watch TV, surf the internet with someone else. You don’t have to tell them why you’re doing this, but this method can perhaps keep you in check and help you avoid looking at pornography or other similar material. After all, Shaytan tempts us most easily when we’re alone. Sitting in the company of a family member or good Muslim friend will insha-Allah, help.

Tip 13 – Fast

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) advised us to fast to cool passions. This should be a method we use to handle the desire aroused by pornography and similar material.

Tip 14 – Do Tawba and return to Allah

If you do end up watching the bad stuff, repent to Allah. Seek His forgiveness, reaffirm your faith in Him, and do good deed to compensate for that sin. He is All-Forgiven as long as you are sincere.

Tip 15 – Repent again and fine yourself

If you lapse, do tawba again. Allah is All-Forgiving as long as we mean it. But then you need to discipline yourself by promising to yourself that if I did it again, I will pay this much in charity or fast for a day.

The message is that don’t give up on yourself. Keep trying. Struggle is life. Shaytan could be creative. And with the help of Allah, you will be the winner insha-Allah.

taken from;

http://alirfad.wordpress.com/2008/06/08/tips-for-teens-on-how-to-handle-pornography/

Sunnahs Neglected in Ramadhan

ummhussain — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 18:13:27 +0000

Sunnahs Neglected In Ramadaan

By Shaykh Muhammad Naasir ud Deen al-Albaanee
Taken From Silsilah al-Hoodaa wan-Noor, Tape # 590

Question: "Could the Shaikh give us some words of benefit for the blessed month of Ramadaan, on this fine occasion"

Shaikh al-Albaanee, may Allaah have mercy upon him said, "Allaah, the Exalted and Most High, says in the Noble Quraan:

"O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may become people having Taqwaa."
Soorah al-Baqarah (2):183

So in this aayah, as will not be hidden to all those who are present, Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic, informs the Ummah of Muhammad, sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam, through this aayah, that He has made Fasting obligatory upon them just as He had made its like obligatory upon the nations before us. This is a matter that is well-known to all of the Muslims who read this aayah, and clearly understand its meaning. But what I wish to speak about is something else, a matter which very few of the general people notice-‹and this is the saying of Allaah, the Exalted and Most High, at the end of this aayah:

So that you may become people having Taqwaa.

So Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic, when He commands His believing servants, or obligates them with some Legislation, (then He) usually just mentions the command, without explaining the wisdom for it. This is because the general wisdom behind Allaah's, the Mighty and Majestic, placing duties upon His servants is that He should test them by it, so that it should become apparent (as to) those who will obey Him and those who will disobey Him, the Exalted and Most High.

However in this aayah, He mentioned something that is not found frequently in the Noble Quraan, which is that He mentioned the reason for the order to Fast, by His Saying:

So that you may become people of Taqwaa.

So the wisdom behind the Believers to fast is not just that they should prevent themselves from enjoyable and permissible and good things, even though this is an obligation upon the fasting person - but this is not the only thing that is required and intended by this Fasting. So Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic, concluded His command to fast by His Saying:

So that you may become people of Taqwaa.

Meaning: that the wisdom behind the prescription of Fasting is that the Muslim should increase in obedience to Allaah, the Exalted and Most High, in the month of Fasting, and become more obedient than he was before it.

Then the Prophet, sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam, clearly stated and completely clarified this point of divine wisdom, by his, sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam, saying, as is reported in the Saheeh of al-Bukhaaree (no. 1903), that he sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam, said,

"Whoever does not abandon falsehood in speech and action, then Allaah has no need that he should leave his food and drink."

Meaning: that Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic, did not intend and desire, by the obligation of Fasting - which is to withhold for a stated time, well known to you all - that they should only withhold from eating and drinking. Rather they should also withhold from that which Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic, has forbidden with regard to sins and acts of disobedience to Him; and from that is falsehood in speech and action.

So the Messanger, sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam, is emphasizing the aayah:

So that you may become people of Taqwaa.

i.e. that you should, as an act of worship to draw you closer to Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic, in addition to withholding from food and drink, also withhold from forbidden actions such as backbiting, carrying tales to cause harm to people, false witness, lying and so on, with regard to those forbidden manners that we are all aware of.

Therefore it is obligatory that all the Muslims should be aware that actions which disrupt the Fast are not just the physical acts, which are generally known, which are eating, drinking and sexual intercourse. The Fast is not just that you withhold from this. Therefore some of the scholars differentiate, and divide those things which disrupt the Fast into two categories, and this is what I intend by this talk of mine at this time that is blessed, if Allaah wills.

This is especially important since those who deliver Khutbahs and admonish the people during Ramadaan, when they speak about those things which disrupt the Fast, then they only speak about the material things, those things that we have just mentioned‹eating, drinking and sexual intercourse. But what they should do, as sincere advisers and people who give reminder to the Muslims in general, is to concentrate a great deal upon the second category of things which disrupt the Fast.

This is because the people have become used to thinking that Fasting is just to refrain from the first category, to withhold from the material things. But there is another category of things which disrupt the Fast, which we are able to call the non-material things which disrupt the Fast.

So you have just heard his, sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam, saying,

"Whoever does not abandon falsehood in speech and action, then Allaah has no need that he should leave his food and drink."

Therefore every fasting person should examine himself and see: is he just withholding from the material things, or is he also withholding from those non-material things?

Meaning: has he made his manners and behaviour good when the blessed month of Ramadaan comes? If that is the case, then he has fulfilled the Saying of Allaah, the Exalted and Most High, at the end of the aayah:

So that you may become people of Taqwaa.

But as for he one who restricts himself in his fasting to just withholding from food and drink, but who continues and persists upon the evil manners which he was upon previously, before Ramadaan, then this is not the Fasting that is desired and required from the wisdom behind the legislation of this noble month, which our Lord, the Mighty and Majestic indicates in His Saying:

So that you may become people of Taqwaa.

So therefore we advise and remind our brother Muslims that they should remind this other category of things, those that are non-material, which disrupt the Fast, and it is something which the admonishers and those who seek to direct the people to the correct way rarely speak about, not to mention the general people, who are not aware of this category of things which disrupt the fast, i.e., the non-material things.

This is what I wanted to remind our brothers who are present in this fine gathering about, if Allaah wills, so that it may be cause of their increasing in acts of worship seeking to draw closer to Allaah, the Exalted and Most High, in this blessed month, the month of Fasting, which is such that we hope that Allaah, the Exalted and Most High, will guide and grant us all the success of fulfilling the due right of this blessed month, which is that we withhold from both the material and the non-material things which disrupt the Fast.

Then in addition to this word, I hope that you will pay attention to some affairs which have been neglected by the majority of the general Muslims, indeed and also by those having knowledge.

There is a hadeeth which is very often neglected because of another hadeeth, because the majority of people are unable to reconcile in practice and application between them. So this hadeeth is his, sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam, saying,

"My Ummah will continue to be upon good for as long as they hasten to break the fast and delay the pre-dawn meal."

So here two matters were mentioned, and they are neglected by most of the people, and they are: hastening to break the fast, and delaying the pre-dawn meal (Suhoor).

As for neglect of the first matter, which is hastening to break the Fast, then in the view of some people it contradicts another hadeeth, which is his, sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam, saying,

"My Ummah will continue to be upon good for as long as they hasten to pray the Maghrib Prayer."

So here we have two commands, to hasten with two matters. So it appears to some people that we cannot hasten to perform both of them together. But reconciling between the command to hasten with breaking the Fast and the command to hasten to pray the Maghrib Prayer is a very easy matter. So it is something which our Prophet, sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam, made clear to us by his action and practice. So he, sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam, used to break the Fast with three dates. He would eat three dates. Then he would pray the Maghrib Prayer, then he would eat again if he found that he needed to eat the evening meal.

But today we fall into two offences:

(i) Firstly we delay the Adhaan from its legislated time. Then after this delay comes another delay, which is that we sit down for a meal - except for a few people who are eager and pray the Maghrib Prayer in the mosque. But the majority of the people wait until they hear the Adhaan, and then they sit down to eat as if they are having a dinner, or their evening meal, and not just breaking their fast.

So the Adhaan these days - in most of the lands of Islaam, is, unfortunately, I have to say, and not just in Jordan, and I have known this from investigation, in most of the lands of Islaam - the Adhaan for Maghrib is given after the time it becomes due. And the reason for this is that we have abandoned adhering to and applying the Islamic rulings, and instead we have come to depend upon astronomical calculations. We depend upon the timetable.

But these time-tables are based upon astronomical calculations which count the land as being a single flat plane. So they give a time for this flat plane, whereas the reality is that the land, particularly in this land of ours varies, varying between the depression of valleys and the elevation of mountains. So it is not correct that a single time be given which covers the shore, the planes and the mountains. No, each part of the land has its own time. So therefore whoever is able in his place of residence, in his city or his village, to see the sun set with his own eye, then whatever time it sets at, then that is the hastening that we have been commanded with in his, sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam, saying, which we just mentioned,

"My Ummah will continue to be upon good as long as they hasten to break the fast."

So the Prophet sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam, was careful to implement this Sunnah by teaching it, and by putting it into practice. As for his teaching, then he, sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam, said, in the hadeeth reported by al-Bukharee in his Saheeh (no. 1954),

"If the night appears from this side," and he pointed towards the east ,"and the day has departed from here," and he pointed towards the west , "and the sun has set‹then the fasting persons fast is broken"

What does, 'the fasting persons fast is broken' mean? It means he has entered under the ruling that he should break his fast. So then comes the previous ruling where the Messenger, sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam, encouraged hastening to break the Fast, and the Messenger, sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam, used to implement this, even when he was riding on a journey.

So it is reported in the Saheeh of al-Bukharee (no.1955) that the Prophet, sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam, ordered one of his Companions to prepare the Iftaar for him. So he replied,

'O Messenger of Allaah it is still daytime before us'.

Meaning: the light of the sun, so even though it had set, yet its light was still clear in the west.

So the Messenger, sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam, did not respond to what he had said, rather he re-emphasised the command to him to prepare the Iftaar.

So the narrator of the hadeeth who said,

'we could see daylight in front of us',

Meaning: the light of day, the light of the sun,

'when we broke our fast'. (?) said,

"If one of us had climbed onto his camel he would have seen the sun."

The sun had set from here, and the Messenger, sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam, ordered one of the Companions to prepare the Iftaar. Why? To hasten upon good,

"My Ummah will continue upon good for as long as they hasten to break the Fast."

So what is important is that we notice that the Iftaar which is legislated to be hastened must be done with a few dates.

Then we must hasten to perform the Prayer.

Then after this the people can sit and eat as they need.

This is the first matter which I wanted to remind of, and it is how to reconcile the two matters which the Prophet, sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam, commanded we should hasten to perform.

The first being the command to hasten the breaking of the Fast, and the second being the command to hasten to perform the Maghrib Prayer. So the Iftaar should be done with some dates, as occurs in the Sunnah, and if dates are not available, then with some gulps of water. Then the Prayer should pray in congregation in the mosque.

Then the other matter which I want to remind of is what occurs in the previous hadeeth,

"And they delay the pre-dawn meal"

Meaning: what is required here is the opposite to the case of the Iftaar. So he, sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam, commanded us to hasten to perform the Iftaar. But as for the Suhoor, then it should be delayed.

But what happens today is totally contrary to this, since many people eat their Suhoor before the appearance of Fajr by perhaps an hour. This is not befitting. This is contrary to the Sunnah shown by the saying of the Prophet, sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam, and by his practice.

So the Companions of the Prophet, sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam, used to leave the Suhoor so late, that one of them would almost hear the Adhaan and he would still be eating. He delayed the Suhoor.

Indeed there is an authentic hadeeth reported from the Prophet, sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam, which shows the ease afforded by Islaam, which is to be counted as one of the principles of Islaam, which the Muslims are proud of, especially with regard to the matter of Fasting, since Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic, concluded the aayahs concerning Fasting with His Saying:

"Allaah desires ease for you, and He does not desire to make things difficult for you."

So from this ease is his, sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam, saying,

"If one of you hears the call to Prayer and the vessel is in the hand of one of you, then let him not put it down until he fulfils his need from it."

"If one of you hears the call to Prayer and the vessel", the vessel containing food, whether it be milk, some drink, water, anything which a person may take as Suhoor, and he hears the Adhaan, then he should not say, Now the food is forbidden by the Adhaan being heard for the person who has had enough of it. It is not allowed for him to then have any more, whether it be a drink, or some fruit, when he has had his fill of whatever he was eating. But as for the one who hears the Adhaan and he has not yet taken what he needs from the food and the drink, then the Messenger, sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam, made that lawful for him. So he clearly said, in the clear and eloquent Arabic language,

"If one of you hears the call to Prayer, and the vessel is in his hand, then let him not put it down until he fulfils his need from it."

And what is meant here by the call is the second call, the second Adhaan. It is not the first Adhaan, which they wrongly call the Adhaan for withholding (al-Imsaak). We must know that there is no basis for calling the first Adhaan the Adhaan for withholding (imsaak). The second Adhaan is when we are to withhold, and this is clearly stated in the Quraan, since Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic, says:

"And eat and drink until the white thread of dawn becomes clear to you from the black thread of the night."

So eating becomes forbidden at the start of the time of the Fajr Prayer. There is no separation between these two things. There is no withholding from food and drink for a quarter of an hour, or less than that, or more than that, before the start of the time for the Fajr Prayer. Not at all. Because the Prayer becomes due when the true dawn appears, and food becomes forbidden for the fasting person when the true dawn appears. So there is no separation between these two matters at all.

So therefore there occurs in the hadeeth agreed upon by al-Bukharee and Muslim, from the hadeeth of ¹`Abdullaah ibn `Umar ibn al-Khattaab, radiyallaahu `anhumaa, that the Prophet, sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam, said,

"Let not the Adhaan of Bilaal deceive you"

meaning, the first Adhaan,

"because he gives the Adhaan in order to awaken the person who is sleeping, and so that the person who wishes to eat the pre-dawn meal can do so. So eat and drink until Ibn Umm Maktoon gives the Adhaan."

Ibn Umm Maktoon, and his name was `Amr, he was a blind man, and he was the one about whom the Saying of Allaah, the Exalted and Most High, came down:

"He frowned and turned away, that the blind man came to him"

Soorah `Abasa (80):1-2

to the end of the Aayahs. So he used to give the second Adhaan, the Adhaan which means that eating becomes prohibited, and that it is now time for the Fajr Prayer. How had he used to give the adhaan when he was blind? This is a question which naturally occurs to some people. So `Amr ibn Umm Maktoom used to climb upon the roof of the mosque, and he could not see the dawn, but he would wait until someone passing by saw the dawn. So when someone saw that the dawn had appeared and spread across the horizon, then they would say to him, It is morning. It is morning. Then he would give the Adhaan.

So you will notice here that the Adhaan of 'Amr ibn Umm Maktoom was after the Fajr had appeared, and had been seen by the people whilst they were walking in the streets. So the when it was said to him, "It is morning. It is morning," he would give the Adhaan. So therefore there is latitude in the affair, since the muadhdhin would be delayed in giving the Adhaan until he heard the people telling him, "It is morning, it is morning." And then Allaah's Messenger, sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam, said,

"If one of you hears the call to Prayer and the vessel is in his hand, then let him not put it down until he has fulfilled his need from it."

So Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic, spoke truly when He said at the end of those Aayahs relating to Fasting:

"Allaah desires to make things easy for you, and He does not desire to make things difficult for you."

and,

"And that you should complete the number of days, and that you should glorify Allaah by mentioning takbeer for His having guided you, and that you should be thankful."

So therefore from the Fiqh that is to be criticised, and which runs contrary to this Sunnah, is that a person says, "If someone hears the Adhaan and has some food in his mouth, then he must spit it out." So this is over strictness, and (ghuluww) exceeding the limits in the Religion, and the Lord of all of the creation admonished us, and reminded us, in His Book and in the Sunnah of His Prophet, sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam, that we should not exceed the due limits in our Religion. So He said, in the Noble Quraan:

"O people of the Book! Do not exceed the limits in your religion, and do not say anything about Allaah except the truth."

And our Messenger sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam, said to us, or he, sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam, said,

"Beware of (ghuluww) exceeding the limits in the Religion. Because those who came before you were destroyed by their exceeding the limits in their Religion."

So when Allaah's Messenger, sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam, has made it clear to us that there is in the matter of a persons taking suhoor, latitude and a margin of ease, to the extent that he said,

"If one of you hears the call to Prayer whilst the vessel is in his hand, then let him not put it down until he has completed his need from it."

So it is opposition to Allaah and to the Messenger that a person says that one who hears the adhaan whilst he has food in his mouth must spit it out upon the ground. This is not from the Sunnah. Rather this is contrary to the Sunnah, and is contrary to the clear command of the Messenger, sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam,.

And I have been asked many times, so I will not leave the need for such a question, but rather I will precede you in it, by stating that this hadeeth is to be found in some of the most famous books of the Sunnah. From them being the Sunan of Aboo Daawood, and it is the third book from the well-known six books. The first of which is Saheehul-Bukhaaree, the second being Saheeh Muslim, and the third being the Sunan of Aboo Daawood.

This hadeeth is to be found in it, and it is likewise reported by Aboo Abdullaah al-Haakim in his Mustadrak, and it is likewise reported by the Imaam, the Imaam of the Sunnah Ahmad ibn Hanbal, rahimahullaah, in his tremendous book known as the Musnad of Imaam Ahmad.

So the hadeth is not a strange hadeeth, rather it is a well-known hadeeth, and was reported by the Imaams of the sunnah in the early times, and with an authentic chain of narration.

So here I say, to conclude this talk, since perhaps some of you have questions, which we will answer if Allaah wills, so I conclude it with his, sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam, saying

"Allaah loves that His allowances be acted upon just as He loves that His prescribed duties be carried out,"

and in one narration,

"Just as He hates that disobedience to Him be committed."

So there are two narrations, "Allaah loves that His allowances be acted upon just as He loves that His prescribed duties be carried out", and the second narration is, "as He hates that disobedience to Him be committed."

So therefore the Muslim should not practice false piety, and (as a result) refrain from obeying the Prophet, sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam, in that which he encouraged us upon and clarified to us. And what has been said is sufficient, and all praise is for Allaah, the Lord of all of the creation."

Adultress given UK Asylum.

ummhussain — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 14:02:35 +0000

A Saudi Arabian princess who had an illegitimate child with a British man has been granted asylum in the UK, the Independent newspaper has reported.

It said the married woman was allowed to stay after telling a judge that her affair left her at risk of being stoned to death in her home country.

The woman, who has been given anonymity by a court, is married to a member of the Saudi royal family, the paper said.

The Home Office declined to comment on the case.

The Independent says the woman is one of a small number of Saudi Arabian citizens whose asylum claims are not acknowledged publicly by either country's government.

Sharia law

The woman reportedly began a relationship with a British man - who is not a Muslim - during a visit to London and later became pregnant.

After giving birth secretly in the UK, she took a case to the Immigration and Asylum tribunal, it is claimed.

Under Saudi Arabia's Sharia law system, adultery is punishable by public flogging or execution.

In 2008, the country's courts ordered the execution of 102 people, according to human rights group Amnesty International.

The latest case appears to echo that of another member of the Saudi royal family, 19-year-old Princess Mishaal bint Fahd, who was executed in 1977 after admitting adultery.

When a controversial film about the case, Death of a Princess, was shown in the UK, Saudi authorities responded by expelling the British ambassador in Riyadh.

Women in the Bible VS Women In Quran

ummhussain — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 22:00:23 +0000

Women in the Qur'ân and Women in the Bible

In the Name of Allâh, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful

by Sultana Yusufali

Qur'ân: "And the believers, men and women, are protecting friends one of another; they enjoin the right and forbid the wrong, and they establish worship and they pay the poor-due, and they obey Allâh and His messenger. As for these, Allâh will have mercy on them. Lo! Allâh is mighty, wise." (9):71

Qur'ân: "And they (women) have rights similar to those of men over them in a just manner" (2):228

Qur'ân: "Whoso does an ill deed, he will be repaid the like thereof, while whoso does right, whether male or female, and is a believer, (all) such will enter the garden, where they will be nourished without stint." (40):40.

Bible: "Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. For Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression." (1 Timothy 2:11-14)

Bible says: "Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience as also saith the law. And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church." (1 Corinthians 14:34)

Bible says: "Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, as christ also is the head of the church, he himself being the savior of the body. But as the church is subject to christ, so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything." (Ephesians 5:22-24)

Qur'ân: "And of His signs is this: he created for you spouses from yourselves that you might find tranquillity in them, and he ordained between you love and mercy. Lo, herein indeed are signs for folk who reflect." (30):21

The Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: "The best believers are the best in conduct, and the best of you are those who are best to their wives." (Tirmidhi) narrated by Abû Hurayrah

Bible: "A bad wife brings humiliation, downcast looks, and a wounded heart. Slack of hand and weak of knee is the man whose wife fails to make him happy. Woman is the origin of sin, and it is through her that we all die. Do not leave a leaky cistern to drip or allow a bad wife to say what she likes. If she does not accept your control, divorce her and send her away" (Ecclesiasticus 25:25).

Qur'ân: "...But consort with them in kindness, for if you hate them it may happen that you hate a thing wherein Allâh has placed much good." (4):19

Bible: If a father / husband does not endorse his daughter's / wife's vows, all pledges made by her become null and void, in other words a woman cannot make any contract on her own without the permission of a husband or father: "but if her father forbids her when he hears about it, none of her vows or the pledges by which she obligated herself will stand ....Her husband may confirm or nullify any vow she makes or any sworn pledge to deny herself" (Numbers. 30:2-15)

In Islam a woman's wealth is her own and her husband has no rights over it:

Qur'ân: "...and covet not the thing in which Allâh has made some of you excel others. Unto men a fortune from that which they have earned, and unto women a fortune from that which they have earned. (Envy not one another) but ask Allâh of his bounty. Verily! Allâh is knower of all things." (4):32.

Bible says: "A virgin who is raped must marry her rapist (if they are "found")- (Deut 22:28-29) "if a man happens to meet a virgin who is not pledged to be married and rapes her and they are discovered, he shall pay the girl's father fifty shekels of silver. He must marry the girl, for he has violated her. He can never divorce her as long as he lives" Deuteronomy 22:28-30

Qur'ân: "And those who launch a charge against chaste women, and produce not four witnesses (to support their allegations) - flog them with eighty stripes; and reject their evidence ever after: for such men are wicked transgressors" (24:4)

The Bible blames Eve for the original sin: (genesis 3:12-16) "and the man (Adam) said, the woman (Eve) whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat. And the Lord god said unto the woman, what is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, the serpent beguiled me, and I did eat..unto the woman He said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee."

In the Qur'ân, both Adam and Eve share the blame for eating from the tree. This can be seen in the Qur'ân in such verses al-Baqarah (2):36, al-A'raf (7):22-24. They were also both forgiven by God Almighty for this sin.

Qur'ân: "O Adam dwell with your wife in the garden and enjoy as you wish but approach not this tree or you run into harm and transgression. Then satan whispered to them in order to reveal to them their shame that was hidden from them and he said: 'your Lord only forbade you this tree lest you become angels or such beings as live forever.' And he swore to them both that he was their sincere adviser. So by deceit he brought them to their fall: when they tasted the tree their shame became manifest to them and they began to sew together the leaves of the garden over their bodies. And their Lord called unto them: 'did I not forbid you that tree and tell you that satan was your avowed enemy?' They said: 'our Lord we have wronged our own souls and if You forgive us not and bestow not upon us Your mercy, we shall certainly be lost' " (7:19-23).

The Bible says that giving birth to a female child makes a woman more "unclean" than if she had a male child. Leviticus 12:2-5 "Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, if a woman have conceived seed, and born a male child: then she shall be unclean seven days; according to the days of the separation for her infirmity shall she be unclean. And in the eighth day the flesh of his foreskin shall be circumcised. And she shall then continue in the blood of her purifying thirty three days; she shall touch no hallowed thing, nor come into the sanctuary, until the days of her purifying be fulfilled. But if she bear a female child, then she shall be unclean two weeks, as in her separation: and she shall continue in the blood of her purifying sixty six days."

Ecclesiastics 7:26-28 "and I find more bitter than death the woman who is a snare, whose heart is a trap and whose hands are chains. The man who pleases God will escape her, but the sinner she will ensnare....While I was still searching but not finding, I found one upright man among a thousand but not one upright woman among them all."

Qur'ân: "And their Lord has heard them (and he says): Verily! I suffer not the work of any worker, male or female, to be lost. You proceed one from another." (3):195.

Qur'ân: "And whoso does good works, whether of male or female, and he (or she) is a believer, such will enter paradise and they will not be wronged the dint in a date stone." The Noble Qur'ân, an-Nisâ (4):124.

Qur'ân: "Whosoever does right, whether male or female, and is a believer, him verily we shall quicken with good life, and We shall pay them a recompense in proportion to the best of what they used to do." (16):97.

"A man asked the prophet Muhammad sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam: 'whom should I honor most?' The prophet replied: 'Your mother'. 'And who comes next?' Asked the man. The prophet replied: 'Your mother'. 'And who comes next?' Asked the man. The prophet replied: 'Your mother'. 'And who comes next?' Asked the man. The prophet replied: 'Your father' " (Bukhari and Muslim).

Bible says that a woman must cover her head as a sign of man's authority over her:

"And every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonours her head - it is just as though her head were shaved. If a woman does not cover her head, she should have her hair cut off; and if it is a disgrace for a woman to have her hair cut off or shaved off, she should cover her head. A man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God; but the woman is the glory of man. For man did not come from woman, but woman from man; neither was man created for woman, but woman for man. For this reason, and because of the angels, the woman ought to have a sign of authority on her head" (1 Corinthians 11:3-10).

Bible: 1 corinthians 11:5-10: "But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head."

Bible: 1 corinthians 11:13: "Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto god (with her head) uncovered?"

The Qur'ân teaches that a woman must be covered out of modesty and to protect her from harassment:

Qur'ân: "Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty......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 ordinarily appear thereof; that they should draw their veils over their bosoms...." (24:30,31).

Qur'ân "O prophet, tell your wives and daughters and the believing women that they should cast their outer garments over their bodies (when abroad) so that they should be known and not molested" (33:59).

According to the Bible (Numbers 27:1-11), widows and sisters don't inherit at all. Daughters can inherit only if their deceased father had no sons.

Qur'ân: "Unto the men (of a family) belongs a share of that which parents and near kindred leave, and unto the women a share of that which parents and near kindred leave, whether it be little or much, a legal share." (4):77.

Bible: Leviticus 15:19-30 "And if a woman have an issue (her period/menses), [and] her issue in her flesh be blood, she shall be put apart seven days: and whosoever toucheth her shall be unclean until the even. And every thing that she lieth upon in her separation shall be unclean: every thing also that she sitteth upon shall be unclean. And whosoever toucheth her bed shall wash his clothes, and bathe [himself] in water, and be unclean until the even. And whosoever toucheth any thing that she sat upon shall wash his clothes, and bathe [himself] in water, and be unclean until the even. And if it [be] on [her] bed, or on any thing whereon she sitteth, when he toucheth it, he shall be unclean until the even.....(It goes on and on)."

Source: Toronto Star Young People’s Press
Courtesy Of: SunnahOnline.com

Assalamu alaikum all!

Muslimah-N — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 19:47:24 +0000

Assalamun alaikum!

I wanted to give my salaams to all of you. I hope I benefit from this site and I would like to get to know most of you. Okay so one interesting thing about me...I really don't know.

Well I guess I can say I would like to be a receptionist one day. Insha'allah.

I hope I'm not too boring

wassalaams

Muslimah-N

Hijab in the swimming pool!

dr-asiyah — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 19:09:29 +0000

Aslaamu 3alaykum,

I really miss swimming! Alhamdulillah my local baths are in a Muslim-majority area and there are regular women only sessions with female lifeguards (how great would it be to have Muslim women training to be lifeguards?!).

How about this as a halal swimsuit?

-leggings

-bikini/tankini top (for the support!)

-loose, knee length petticoat over the top.

do you think it needs tweaking before I dive in?

Jazakum Allah khayr! Amy/Asiyah

Asalaamu 3alaykum wa ra7matullah!

dr-asiyah — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 18:45:57 +0000

Asalaamu 3alaykum wa ra7matullahi wa barakutuhu akhwaati!

I'm Amy (known in some circles as Asiyah! masha'Allah, what an inspiring woman), and I'm 26. From Yorkshire, UK, originally; studied in Edinburgh and now living in the muslim epicentre of Britain, Birmingham.

I became a Muslim whilst at university 5ish years ago and come from a Christian background. A year later I met my husband in the mosque car park (very romantic) and we're now expecting our first baby alhamdulillah (who may well become a permanent Asiyah if it's a girl!).

I'm a doctor and am about to embark on the psychiatry training scheme, and love my job - it's such a privilege to try and help people insha'Allah. I'm a part time munaqaba (i.e. not at work) and attend Green Lane Masjid in the main (but not exclusively! Let's break down the barriers of politics in our masajid!!).

Would love to get to know you all insha'Allah.

With love for the sake of Allah, Amy/Asiyah

Assalamu alaikum, sisters....

THE_S — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 18:29:13 +0000

I am S. This site looks very interesting. So do the members. I hope I learn a lot from all of the sisters here, young or experienced, inshallah. Hmm....one interesting fact about myself? I guess that would be my plans to be a muslim author one day, inshallah. Hope to hear from you soon.

Wassalamu alaikum

When you visit rich friends

ummhussain — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 18:17:42 +0000

Once while visiting a very rich friend, the maid approached me and.....

Question: what would you like to have, fruit juice, soda, tea, chocolate, cappuccino, frapuccino or coffee?
Answer: Tea please.

Question : Ceylon tea, Indian tea, herbal tea, bush tea, honey bush tea, iced tea or green tea?
Answer: Ceylon tea please

Question : how would you like it, black or white?
Answer: white

Question : milk or fresh cream?
Answer: with milk

Question : goat's milk or cow's milk?
Answer; with cow's milk please

Question : freezeland cow or Afrikaner cow?
Answer: umm, think I'll just take it black

Question : would you like it with sweetener, sugar or honey?
Answer: with sugar

Question : beet sugar or cane sugar?
Answer: cane sugar

Question : white, brown or yellow sugar?
Answer: Oya, forget about the tea, just give me a glass of water instead

Question : mineral water, tap water or distilled water?
Answer: mineral water

Question : flavored or non-flavored?
Answer: Abeg, I think I'll just die of thirst. Which kind wahala be dis?!

Shaykh al-Munajjid on Michael Jackson.

ummhussain — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 16:21:43 +0000

Question: Asalamu alaykum. I feel sad about what some Muslims are saying […] after the death of the singer Michael Jackson. Some people are praying forAllah’s mercy on him…

Answer: Wa alaykum as-Salam wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu. Ok.. Look, this is one of the ways Allah tests His slaves. The death of Michael Jackson is a test for people. A trial. “Indeed we tried Sulaiman…”

Are we greater than him so that we will not be tested? If Allah tried the Prophets, will he not test normal people? So.. what is the test? This is it.. “So that He can see what they will do.” What will they say?

This person.. it is said that he accepted Islam… and that his brother accepted Islam… and that he invited him to Islam… and so he accepted.. and that he was going to live in Bahrain… and that he went there to live, blah blah blah…

But has this been confirmed? Yes there were rumors. Strong rumors? Yes. Have there been various sources for this? Yes, in this matter, this did occur. But has this been confirmed? Allah knows best. Did the man really accept Islam? Allah knows best. Did he remain a Muslim after he accepted Islam? Allah knows best. His brother who accepted Islam, did he accept Sunni Islam, or did he accept Ahbash, Qadiani or […]? Allah knows best.

The matter is that those who have… I mean there are some people, if one were to come to them and say, “By Allah he accepted Islam!” Have you heard him recite the Shahadah? You yourself.. have you heard him recite the Shahadah? Have you heard from anyone who heard him? Is there anyone you trust that heard him recite the Shahadah? “No.” Allah knows best! We cannot delve into this topic. Maybe… But what is apparent? What is apparent? That the person died in a state of blatant sin. At the very least, he died as a sinner. Because by consensus, or by various reports, he sold about 100,000 tickets worth 80 million dollars for his concert in London.. So he was still sinning. They said that he wanted try to make a comeback after his setback in singing.. and now.. Allah knows best. But the general ruling is that he was a blatant sinner. The person continued this blatant sin. It has not been confirmed to me personally that he repented from music, or that he stopped, or that he rectified his affairs. Allah says… “Those who repent, rectify, and clarify...” Has it been confirmed that he repented? No. This has not been confirmed to me. Rather, the apparent fact is that he continued in his state of blatant sin. Ok. Is he a sinning Muslim? Meaning that he accepted Islam and continued to sing… because.. money! Money! Money! So.. Allah knows best.

So the least we can say that what was apparent was that he was a sinner. What is apparent and clear that he continued to sell tickets for the sin of music.

But what is the general principle? The general principle is that he is an infidel. It is his disbelief that is apparent. If it is confirmed that a person accepts Islam, he can pray for his forgiveness and mercy. But for those who it is not confirmed, we do not wash him, shroud him, nor do we pray the funeral prayer for him. We do not pray for his forgiveness or mercy.

Some people say that he changed the way Allah created him. Ok, maybe.. something which happens before.. ok for example, someone goes and changes his color to white, do we say to him if he repents, “Go turn it black again”? This will require operations, problems, etc. Its over. If he repents he repents. Finished. We are finished. We don’t say, “Change your color back to what it was,” or do this and that. Its over.

So the death of Michael Jackson is a trial for people. There are some people who even passed out! The problem with these infidels is that once a person dies, they start to bring out his songs, which increase the dead in their torture in their graves. They do not have any mercy! Actually they think that this is being loyal to him - to spread his heritage, ideology, accomplishments, blah blah blah.

So what is our stance? All praise and thanks be to Allah, a singer has died. This is a blessing. A person who was a trial for people, one they call, the “King of Pop”. The King of Pop! Alhamdulillah… This King of Pop died, for us this is good news. Even if he accepted Islam and died in a state of blatant sin. A sinner such as this has died. Alhamdulillah. The King of Pop died. Good! One of the leaders of music in the world left. He perished. The leader of music perished… maybe he was the most famous… I don’t know if there was anyone more famous than him. He may be the most famous. He perished! A lesson for those who say, “O people, this person died, he was only 50.” He perished! Did his wealth help him? No. Did his music help him? No. Did his fame help him? No. Where is he now? In a lab, getting an autopsy! Getting an autopsy! So that they can find out the reason for his death. Did he die from drugs or something else, blah blah blah… Allah knows best. He had a heart attack…blah blah blah. Its over.

Anyways, do we say he is in Hellfire? No. Do we say he is in Paradise? No. Its over. His death is lesson. The least one can say is “O Allah give us a good end. Alhamdulillah. We ask Allah to take us in a state of Iman. We ask Allah to take us in a state of obedience. See how this one met his end? See in what state he died? You know his death is a lesson.”

As for feeling sympathy… you know soon there will be many articles written. I am sure that the secularists in the newspapers [in Saudi]… there will be tons of things written about Michael Jackson. Some people will defend him, others who sympathize… So soon, those who liked Michael Jackson will say, “You know maybe he accepted Islam, why are you happy he died.” Soon will see people sympathize. Those who follow their desires will start to sympathize with him. Of course they will give examples. For example, they will bring some people who have suffered a breakdown, people in streets who fell, some who passed out.. blah blah blah. A leader from the leaders of evil has perished for us is news which brings us joy. That’s it. As for his end, he has a Lord who will judge him, we have not say in this. We do not delve into this. We do not delve into this.

Quick mini pizzas

Sogie — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 15:59:07 +0000

Quick mini pizzas

you need:

A packet of puff pastry

Tomato ketchup

Thinly sliced tomatoes

Grated mozzarella cheese

Few slices of olives

Few slices of salami, cut into stips

Your favourite topping

Cold butter, cut into small cubes

How to make:

Cut rounds from the pastry

place them on a greeced baking tray

spread some ketchup on each rounds

place few strips of salami

or your favourite mince mixture

Do not load the pastry with toppings

place thinly sliced tomato

sprinkle with grated cheese

top with sliced olives

sprinkle few tiny cubes of cold butter

now bake in a moderate hot oven for 20-25 min.

enjoy while they are warm.

Home school in Cape Town

carimah — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 06:38:37 +0000

As'salaam'alaykum

INsha'Allah I hope to start next year. I am looking for anyone who is home schooling in Cape Town. What activites do your kids do ? Most places seem to operate at schools.

Unable to conceive

ummhussain — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 22:39:43 +0000

Question
I am unable to conceive children due to sterility are there any specific dua'a to be said in such a case ?

ANSWER

Praise be to Allaah.

You may pray the du’aa’ of Zakariya (peace be upon him), who said:

“Rabbi laa tadharni fardan wa anta khayr ul-waaritheen (O my Lord! Leave me not single (childless), though You are the Best of the inheritors).” This is a beautiful du’aa’ which is very appropriate in this case. Also suitable is another prayer of Zakariya: “Rabbi hab li min ladunka dhurriyyatan tayyibatan innaka samee’ al-du’aa’ (O my Lord! Grant me from You a good offspring. You are indeed the All-Hearer of invocation).”

The story of Zakariya contains valuable lessons for us. Allaah has told us this story in several places in the Qur’aan. For example, in Soorat Aal ‘Imraan, where He tells us about Maryam (peace be upon her) He says (interpretation of the meaning):

“So her Lord (Allaah) accepted her [Maryam] with goodly acceptance. He made her grow in a good manner and put her under the care of Zakariya. Every time he entered al-mihrab [a praying place or private room] to (visit) her, he found her supplied with sustenance. He said, ‘O Maryam! From where have you got this?’ She said, ‘This is from Allaah.’ Verily, Allaah provides sustenance to whom He wills, without limit.

At that time Zakariya invoked his Lord, saying: ‘O my Lord! Grant me from You a good offspring. You are indeed the All-Hearer of invocation.’

Then the angels called him, while he was standing in prayer in al-mihrab, (saying): ‘Allaah gives you glad tidings of Yahya, confirming (believing in) the Word from Allaah [i.e., the creation of ‘Eesaa], noble, keeping away from sexual relations with women, a Prophet, from among the righteous.’

He said, ‘O my Lord! How can I have a son when I am very old and my wife is barren?’ Allaah said: ‘Thus Allaah does what He wills.’

He said: ‘O my Lord! Make a sign for me.’ Allaah said: ‘Your sign is that you shall not speak to mankind for three days except with signals. And remember your Lord much, and glorify (Him) in the afternoon and in the morning.’”[Aal ‘Imraan 3:37-41]

In Soorat Maryam, Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“(This is) a mention of the mercy of your Lord to His slave Zakariya.

When he called out to his Lord (Allaah) – 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 unblest in my invocation to You, O my Lord!

And verily! I fear my relatives after me, since my wife is barren. So give me from Yourself an heir, -

Who shall inherit me, and inherit (also) the posterity of Ya’qoob [inheritance of religious knowledge and Prophethood]. And make him, my Lord, one with whom You are well-pleased!’

(Allaah said): ‘O Zakariya! Verily, We give you the glad tidings of a son. His name will be Yahya. We have given that name to none before (him).’

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!’

[Zakariya] said: ‘My Lord! Appoint for me a sign.’ He 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 praying-place or private room] and told them by signs to glorify Allaah’s Praises in the morning and in the afternoon.”[Maryam 19:2-11]

In Soorat al-Anbiya’, Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“And (remember) Zakariya, when he cried to his Lord: ‘O my Lord! Leave me not single (childless), though You are the Best of the inheritors.’

So We answered his call, and We bestowed upon him Yahya, and cured his wife (to bear a child) for him. Verily, they used to hasten on to do good deeds, and they used to call on Us with hope and fear, and used to humble themselves before Us.”

[al-Anbiya’ 21:89-90]

Thinking about the story of Zakariya (peace be upon him) is very beneficial for anyone who is infertile. One may also ponder the story of Ibraaheem and his wife Saarah, whom Allaah rewarded for their patience with Ishaaq when Ibraaheem was very old. He was also given another son, Ismaa’eel. Allaah tells us that His khaleel (friend) said (interpretation of the meaning):

“All praises and thanks be to Allaah, Who has given me in old age Ismaa’eel and Ishaaq. Verily! My Lord is indeed the All-Hearer of invocations.”[Ibraaheem 14:39]

In all situations, the Muslim should accept and be content with the decree of Allaah, even if he is to remain infertile for the rest of his life. It could be that his patience may be better for him than a child. Everything that Allaah decrees has wisdom and a reason behind it, and everything is subject to His Will and Command. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“To Allaah belongs the kingdom of the heaven and the earth. He creates what He wills. He bestows female (offspring) upon whom He wills, and bestows male (offspring) upon whom He wills.

Or He bestows both males and females, and He renders barren whom He wills. Verily, He is the All-Knower and is Able to do all things.”

[al-Shoora 42:49-50]

May Allaah bless our Prophet Muhammad.

Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid

Assalaamu aleikum wa rahmatullah wa barakaatuh

UmmJibril — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 14:58:56 +0000

Assalaamu aleikum wa rahmatullah wa barakaatuh.

(I have already write here in this topic before, but very short, so I think I'll describe a little bit more about myself and my life now inshaAllah!)

I am a Swedish revert, 42 years old with two grownup children from my jahiliyyah and two adorable grandchildren.

Sadly my children are not muslims, but inshaAllah one day they will walk the right path too...

I am married to a wonderful Libyan man who I met one month after I took my Shahada Alhamdulillah. He is 14 years younger than me which no one can see because of the khimar, lol. I mean, it is not easy to guess age on a woman who cover up like we do. Well. I show my face but I have never been much in the sun so my skin is like well preserved.

I suffer a lot of depressions and anxiety and have done so since 1990. Alhamdulillah I feel better since I come to islam, even if I still are kind of sick.

Me and my husband really try to live as good as we can in the religion but we have a long way to go to... For example the niqab and the beard - I have niqab sometimes but I am not so strong yet to have it always. And my husband, he had the wonderful muslim beard, and now he made it a little shorter, but he want to have it the right way again.

And with my family and at school/work it is a never ending compromise... But I don't complain - I pray to Allah that He will give us the strenght and the curage we need to practice islam the way we think and belive is the right way. InshaAllah it will come...

I started to be interested in islam after a lot of searching in Christianity. I had so many questions and I never get satisfied by the answers, and the non-answers, I get there. One day I started to talk about islam with a muslim (not very practicing) co-worker. I asked him the "standard question" about hijab (why do muslim men have to force their women to cover their head), and when he answered me that hijab-women see the western non-muslim women as oppressed, then I was hooked up on islam, Alhamdulillah! After many conversations with this man I started to read by my self, Quran. After a couple of years I come in contact with a revert-group in a mosque in Stockholm. And from there, Alhamdulillah when I come in contact with these sisters, and the knowledge - subhanAllah, no words can describe the happiness I felt. After going there like two months i took my Shahada, Allahu akbar! Now I am not in the group, I have taken my religion a bit further than they feel is necessary, but I have only love and warm feeings for these wonderful sisters!

Assalaamu aleikum wa rahmatullah wa barakaatuh

Noor as-Swediyah

Tuesday

UmmJibril — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 14:21:44 +0000

Assalaamu aleikum wa rahmatullah wa barakaatuh.

I write about my tuesday because it was a very fine day full with khayr, Alhamdulillah.

I did invite three very good and fine sisters in islam to have some icecream and cake in my home after duhr. Alhamdulillah we had a fun afternoon, everyone of them have a babygirl about 1 years old so we had happy time all of us, the small and the grown up!

Alhamdulillah we were talking a lot abouit islam and everyday life. Perfect combination of pleasure and khayr.

I feel very humble and grateful for knowing all my wonderful sisters in islam Alhamdulillah. As a revert I really can see the different in friendship in islam and in the non-islamic life. I have been a muslim for 1 year and 8 months now and my love for Allah and islam is growing stronger and stronger. I could never guess in my wildest imagination how perfect and complete islam is and how Allah protect us by islam.

Allahu akbar!

Ya Allah guide us all, purify all our hearts, and let us live and die being true and steadfast Muslims

Assalaamu aleikum wa rahmatullah wa barakaatuh,

your sister in islam

Noor as-Swediyah

How was your first Ramadhan?

ummhussain — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 13:56:15 +0000

Asalam alaikum warahmatullah

My first Ramadhan was actually last year even though I had been Muslim for 4 years because I was either breastfeeding or pregnant. It went really well for the first two weeks but I found it really difficult the last week or two. I got really thirsty and I could not understand why and I almost broke my fast a couple of times but I carried on because I thought it must be the shaytaan.

I remember on Eid day a lot of sisters I knew were asking me if i was pregnant and I said of course not and one of the siters said she waas pretty sure I was and I should do a pregnancy test which I did and it was positive.

This really explains why I found it so difficult the last week or two which is the time it should be even easier considering I had fasted the first two weeks with no problems

whats for supper tonight sisters?

Sister-Ahmed — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 11:37:37 +0000

Asalamu alaikum

I am sure some of you out there get quite fed up thinking what to cook to supper everyday so lets share some ideas on what we are cooking....

I am making cheddar melt steak, baked potatoes and pasta salad with passion fruit lemonade.

Jumma mubarak

Marriage without a Wali.

ummhussain — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 21:12:43 +0000

The marriage contract done in this manner is not valid, because it is not valid for a woman to give herself in marriage, rather it is essential that her guardian (wali) be present and give his consent. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “There is no marriage except with a guardian.” Narrated by al-Tirmidhi (1101); classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Irwa’ al-Ghaleel (1893).

And the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Any woman who gets married without the permission of her guardian, her marriage is invalid, her marriage is invalid, her marriage is invalid.” Narrated by al-Tirmidhi (1102), classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Irwa’ al-Ghaleel (1840).

Islam forbids a woman to get married without a wali (guardian), and it regards a marriage contract done without a wali as invalid. A kaafir cannot be the wali of a Muslim woman, so if none of her family are Muslims, then the leader or mufti of the Muslims, or the imam of the Islamic center, should stand in as her wali.

Ibn Qudaamah said: A kaafir cannot be the wali of a Muslim woman under any circumstances, according to scholarly consensus.

Fasting Questions, ideas, concerns.

Neerja — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 19:06:37 +0000

So as you may know this is my first Ramadan, so I have a few questions, and I am very grateful for this forum just for that reason.

1) What about bad breath? I work for the public and breath and body order is a natural concern. (Remember I live in the USA).

2) How does the working person deal with fatigue? Starting the day at O Dark thirty, with no food or water, nothing! Until Dusk!

3) Prayers and Masjid? I understand we need to attend Masjid more through out Ramadan? Can someone explain this to me? I only attend Masjid on Fridays.

4) I need advice on how to stay focused on Allah during work hours, when we have duties to our positions, and work for non-Muslims, and for people who don’t understand the significance of Ramadan?

5) Any advice on celebrating Ramadan with a non-Muslim family?

6) If for health reasons I can’t fast, what poor person should I feed? Do they have to be a Muslim? Or can I donate to the homeless shelters?

7) Getting as ill as I do, when I fast, I was wondering if I could maybe eat small (very small) portions of plain rice, or something along that thought so I can experience some of the discipline, the rest of you sister are experiencing?

8) If I can successfully fast, how do I deal with acid reflux? I have to stop eating around 5 or so, so I don’t get it at night while I’m a sleep. It truly hurts.

9) Now during Ramadan, we are to focus on Allah and be the very best Muslim we can? Right?

10) Are there any Sister’s here who might be feeling a bit anxious about Ramadan, being their first one or whatever reasons you may have?

I'm not complaining, well maybe a bit, but this is all very new to me and I have never done anything like this. I pray Allah will help me to succeed and forgiv me if I should fail.

So, my goal is to start fasting Monday the 20^th , but I just remembered I will be on holiday, so maybe not such a good idea, so maybe Thursday the 23^rd, and see how things go.

Oh and what activities do you do during Ramadan? I understand we are to complete reading the Qur’an, and such, so any advice to help out a new sister would be greatly appreciated!!! Allhamduallah.

Diabetic and Fasting

ummhussain — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 13:34:25 +0000

Question: I have diabetes typeII wich is NIDM non insuline depend diabetes, I don't use any medicine, I only controll diet and I do litle phisical exercise to keep in right level of my sugar(blood).
I have this decease one year and two monhts. Last Ramadan I fasted some days but I could n't continue do to my low level of sugar(blood). This year I feel good (Alhamdu Lillah)I ONLY feel pain in my brain during fasting!? So my question is, is it my DUTY to fast dispite my desease? Can test my blood during fasting times; "causing blood to come from my fingers"?

Answer

Praise be to Allaah.

It is prescribed for sick people not to fast in Ramadaan, if fasting will cause harm or make the sickness worse, or if they need treatment during the day in the form of medicine or pills that must be swallowed, because Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“and whoever is ill or on a journey, the same number [of days which one did not observe Sawm (fasts) must be made up] from other days”[al-Baqarah 2:185]

And the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Allaah loves people to avail themselves of His concessions (rukhsah) just as He hates them to commit sin.” According to another version, “As He loves His commands to be obeyed.”

With regard to taking blood from veins for testing etc., the correct view is that this does not break the fast, but if it is done often, it is better to leave it until night-time. If it is done during the day then to be on the safe side that day should be made up, because this is akin to cupping.”

(Fatwa of Shaykh Ibn Baaz (may Allaah have mercy on him), from Fataawa Islamiyyah, vol. 2, p. 139)

Sickness is of various kinds:

1 – That which does not affect the fast, such as a light cold or mild headache or toothache, and the like. In this case it is not permissible to break the fast, even though some of the scholars permitted that because of the aayah (interpretation of the meaning):

“and whoever is ill…”[al-Baqarah 2:185]

But we say that this ruling is based on a reason, which is that not fasting is easier. If that is the case, then we would say that not fasting is better, but if fasting does not have an effect on him then it is not permissible to break the fast, and he has to fast.

2 – If fasting is difficult for the sick person, but it does not harm him, then it is makrooh for him to fast and it is Sunnah for him to break his fast.

3 – If fasting is difficult for him and will cause him harm, such as a man who has kidney disease or diabetes and similar cases where fasting will cause harm. In this case fasting is haraam. Hence we may see that some mujtahids and sick people make a mistake when fasting is difficult for them and may harm them, but they refuse to break their fast. We say that they are mistaken because they refuse to accept the kindness of Allaah and the concession that He has given to them, and they are harming themselves, although Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“And do not kill yourselves”[al-Nisa’ 4:29]

al-Sharh al-Mumti’ by Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen, vol. 6, 352-254.

Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid

Who is excused from fasting?

ummhussain — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 13:29:44 +0000

Question: What are the reasons for which one may be excused from fasting in Ramadaan?

Answer:

Praise be to Allaah.

One of the ways in which Allaah has made things easy for His slaves is that He has only enjoined fasting upon those who are able to do it, and He has excused those who are unable to fast for a legitimate shar’i reason. The legitimate reasons for which one may be excused from fasting are as follows:

1 – Sickness

Sickness means everything that means that a person is not healthy.

Ibn Qudaamah said: the scholars are agreed that it is permissible for the sick person not to fast in general. The basis of that is the aayah in which Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“but if any of you is ill or on a journey, the same number (should be made up) from other days”[al-Baqarah 2:184]

It was narrated that Salamah ibn al-Akwa’ (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: “When this aayah was revealed – ‘And as for those who can fast with difficulty, (e.g. an old man), they have (a choice either to fast or) to feed a Miskeen (poor person) (for every day)’ [al-Baqarah 2:184 – interpretation of the meaning] – those who wanted not to fast could do that, and pay the fidyah (i.e., feed one poor person for each day). That remained the case until the following aayah was revealed, i.e., the verse:

‘And as for those who can fast with difficulty, (e.g. an old man), they have (a choice either to fast or) to feed a Miskeen (poor person) (for every day)’

[al-Baqarah 2:185 – interpretation of the meaning] – so it abrogated it.”

The sick person who fears that fasting may make his sickness worse or that it will slow down his recovery or damage a part of his body, has the option of not fasting, and indeed it is Sunnah for him not to fast and it is makrooh for him to complete his fast, because that may lead to his death. So he has to be cautious and protect himself. Moreover, if the sick person is very ill, that makes it permissible for him not to fast. But if a healthy person fears difficulty or tiredness, it is not permissible for him to break his fast, if all that happens to him when he fasts is that he becomes tired.

2 – Travelling

In order for traveling to result in a concession excusing one from fasting, the following conditions must be met:

a- The journey must be long enough that prayers may be shortened.

b- The traveler must not intend to settle in the place to which he travels.

c- His journey must not be for any sinful purpose, rather it should be for a sound purpose, according to the majority of scholars. That is because being allowed not to fast is a concession and relief that the sinner does not deserve on his journey, because the purpose of his journey is to commit sin – such as one who travels in order to commit banditry, for example.

Cancellation of the concession for traveling:

This concession of traveling is cancelled by two things:

(i) When the traveler returns home and enters his hometown, which is the place where he resides.

(ii) When the traveler decides to stay indefinitely, or for a lengthy period in one place, and the place is fit for settling in. Thus he becomes a resident (or non-traveller), so he should pray his prayers in full and not break his fast in Ramadaan, because the rulings on travel no longer apply to him.

3 – Pregnancy and breastfeeding

The fuqaha’ are agreed that pregnant and breastfeeding women may break their fast in Ramadaan, on the condition that they think there is a risk that they or their children may become ill or more ill, or be harmed or may die. The evidence for this concession in their case is the aayah (interpretation of the meaning:

“and whoever is ill or on a journey, the same number [of days which one did not observe Sawm (fasts) must be made up] from other days”[al-Baqarah 2:185]

This does not refer to merely being sick, for the sick person who will not be harmed by fasting is not allowed to break the fast; here sickness is mentioned as a metaphor for any situation where fasting when sick may cause harm. This is what is meant by sickness here. That may be the case in pregnancy and when breastfeeding, so these two cases are included in the concession of breaking the fast. The evidence that women in these cases are allowed not to fast is the hadeeth of Anas ibn Maalik al-Ka’bi (may Allaah be pleased with him), who said that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Allaah has relieved the traveler of fasting and half of prayer, and He has relieved the pregnant and breastfeeding woman of fasting.”

4 – Senility and old age

Senility and old age refers to one who is old and has lost his strength, or who is approaching death, so that every day he becomes weaker, until he dies, or who is suffering from a terminal or incurable illness and has no hope of recovery. The evidence that it is prescribed for such people not to fast is the aayah (interpretation of the meaning):

“And as for those who can fast with difficulty, (e.g. an old man), they have (a choice either to fast or) to feed a Miskeen (poor person) (for every day)”[al-Baqarah 2:184]

Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him) said that this aayah has not been abrogated, and it applies to old men and old women who cannot fast, so for each day they should feed one poor person.

5 – Intense hunger and thirst

If a person is overtaken by intense hunger or unbearable thirst, then he should break his fast and eat just as much as he needs to ward off that hunger, then he should refrain from eating for the rest of the day, and make up that fast later on.

The scholars added to intense hunger and thirst the fear of weakness when meeting the enemy, or fearing or expecting an attack, such as when one is surrounded. So if a fighter knows for sure or thinks it most likely that there will be fighting because he is facing the enemy, and he fears that fasting may make him weak when fighting, and he is not traveling, then he may break his fast before fighting.

6 – Compulsion

Compulsion means one person forcing another to do something or not to do something against his will, by means of threats.

Al-Mawsoo’ah al-Fiqhiyyah, vol. 28, p. 73.

sister's creativity

umumusab — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 22:11:46 +0000

salam,i think there should be a forum on creativity, like tips on doing somehand works like knitting, making decorations and other household things like that.

Soaking Wet

ummhussain — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 15:13:31 +0000

Asalam alaikum warahmatullah

I got back from the shops about an hour ago with the children and we were absolutely soaked.

It all started when my daughter insisted we go for a walk, to be honest she has been nagging about it since last week. I needed to get a few things at the shops and it was really sunny and hot without a cloud in sight so I said okay. I got all four of them ready, the baby in the pushchair, my 3 year old daughter on a 'buggy board' and my two eldest walking, actually running.

We bought our fruit bread, PLAY DOUGH(yeah...) etc and made our way back, half way back huge grey clouds covered the sky and it started drizzling and then pouring within 5 minutes. I did not take the baby's rain cover today which I normally take even if it is hot. We started running and the kids screaming and saying it is like taking a shower. I thought the baby was going to cry but he was loving it, screaming and giggling.

We finally got home and put all our clothes on the radiator to dry, and got some nice dry ones for everyone and I took the baby to bed.

They are busy with their play dough so I have a few minutes to browse SISTERSZONE, Alhamdulillah

Tailor Made Educational Guides

ummraiyaan — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 18:50:21 +0000

Trying to spread the word:

Wsm,

Umm Raiyaan x

Asalamuu 'alaykum,

We begin with the Name of Allah, The Most Gracious, The Most Merciful.

Our website is now up and running, walhamdulilah.

You can visit us at: http://tailormadeeducationalguides.co.uk/

Please spread the word amongst your contacts. Especially all of the mothers who do not want their children spending hours in front of the TV or computer during the summer holidays. And for the home educated mothers who want to start something new and different for this coming September.

Thank you to everyone who has made duaa for us and has emailed all of their contacts. From the emails alone, we have had so many orders that have prevented us from completing the website until now.

Please continue to make abundant duaa for us.

Walaykum 'aasalam
On behalf of the team at TMEG,
Umm 'Abdullah

Tailor Made Educational Guides

ummraiyaan — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 18:49:30 +0000

Salaam All,

Trying to spread the word.

Wsm

Umm Raiyaan x

Killed for Wearing Hijab

ummhussain — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 20:14:11 +0000

Egypt mourns 'headscarf martyr'

The body of a Muslim woman, killed in a German courtroom by a man convicted of insulting her religion, has been taken back to her native Egypt for burial.

Marwa Sherbini, 31, was stabbed 18 times by Axel W, who is now under arrest in Dresden for suspected murder.

Husband Elwi Okaz is also in a critical condition in hospital, after being injured as he tried to save his wife.

Ms Sherbini had sued her killer after he called her a "terrorist" because of her headscarf.

The case has attracted much attention in Egypt and the Muslim world.

German prosecutors have said the 28-year-old attacker, identified only as Axel W, was driven by a deep hatred of foreigners and Muslims.

'Martyr'

Medics were unable to save Ms Sherbini who was three months pregnant with her second child. Her three-year-old son was with the family in court when she was killed.

Axel W and Ms Sherbini and family were in court for his appeal against a fine of 750 euros ($1,050) for insulting her in 2008, apparently because she was wearing the Muslim headscarf or Hijab.

Newspapers in Egypt have expressed outrage at the case, asking how it was allowed to happen and dubbing Ms Sherbini "the martyr of the Hijab".

Senior Egyptian officials and German diplomatic staff attended the funeral in Alexandria along with hundreds of mourners.

Media reports say Mr Okaz was injured both by the attacker and when a policeman opened fire in the courtroom.

finishing prep for a charity event!!! : )

kauthar1 — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 16:47:53 +0000

Salam alaikum to all the UK sisters (and international ones! ) pls try attend my event iAllah, details below, its been slow and steady progress and now we'r in the final stages, Alhmdulillah nerly there!! i just merely volunteerd but it should be a great night and I'll be there iAlla!!

Inshallah the event will be a great evening of, fine art, fine food and entertainment ....all in the name of charity.

The event will be held at: Cafe Naz, 7 Middlesex Street, London, E1 7AA (nearest tube station is Aldgate). There will be speakers from Accenture, Islamic Bank of Britain and Islamic Relief, as well as a delicious 3 course halal Indian buffet meal, an auction of fantastic Islamic Art and of course inspirational Nasheeds from Bro Abdullah Rolle throughout the evening.

Thursday 16th july 6.30pm-Late

All proceeds will be going to the Islamic Relief Pakistan SWAT Region Appeal to help the 2 million people who have been forced to leave their homes, livelihoods, and any personal security they may have had. This is the biggest exodus of people in Pakistan since 1947. They have their faith, and they are no doubt praying for help. Book your ticket now at www.migtickets.co.uk <http://www.migtickets.co.uk> and contribute to this urgent appeal. Tickets are only £20.

Last year the AMIG raised over £20k for a food crisis appeal in Somalia - it would be great if we got close to that figure this year - please do all you can to help and I really look forward to seeing you there.

JazakAllah khair,

Clarifications pleaseeeeeee

f_delaide — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 15:28:57 +0000

Salam Sisters,

This was gotten from Islam q&a,im a little confused with this hadith.Does it mean anybody cud recommend that you have been taken over by evil eye and recommend a bath......like all this soothsayers do.

"With regard to the remedy:

It was narrated from Ibn ‘Abbaas that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The evil eye is real, and if anything were to overtake the divine decree (al-qadar) it would be the evil eye. When you are asked to take a bath (to provide a cure) from the influence of the evil eye, you should take a bath”

Narrated by Muslim, 2188"

Ma-salam

Asalamualaykum. My intro

Umu_Abdillah — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 00:55:20 +0000

Asalamualaykum wr wb

Im Umu Abdillah. I live in the UK hoping to make hijrah to Sana'a in Yemen inshallah. Im tryin to learn Arabic but failing miserably but inshallah Ill get there one day. I have two kids, a boy whose nearly three and a little 10 months old girl. They keep me busy most of the time.

We homeschool because we dont want our kids to have a secular education and have secularlism indoctrinated into their minds. Neither are the Islamic schools good enough these days as the aqeeda isnt right. Learning wise, its better for children to learn with a smaller group of children so they get more one to one with the teacher, as in with school they have to go at the pace of 30 other children who may be slower or more ahead of them with only one teacher to teach them and very rarely have that one to one with the teacher. I recommend homeschooling to every one if they are serious about their childrens education and Islam and adhab/akhlaaq etc.

I have a blog which you can all check out especially if you are thinking about making hijrah, maybe you can message me on my posts where you think you can help, be it knowledge of certain places/aspects/rules/regulations etc with regards to countries or can give me some naseeha or ask me questions about homeschooling etc. I have a bit on homescooling on there but the main focus of my blog is hijrah with the exception of a view diversions.

My mum told me about this site, she is on here as Umm Hamza, so Ill bare that in mind when I post as I dont want to embarass her by making a fool of my self.

Thats all from me for now folks.

Jizakallah kheir

Asalamualaykum wr wb

Umu Abdillah

What activities do you do with your 3 year old?

Umu_Abdillah — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 00:17:45 +0000

Asalamualaykum wr wb

Alhumdulillah my almost three year old boy is homeschooled although hes not at official school age we still try to do basic things as any normal parent would with their children such as teaching him Arabic, English, maths, counting, science, painting, reading, writing, drawing, colouring, playing, talking etc. But what I would like is more ideas on what other different activities we could do with him. I have a recipie for play dough which I want to make with him and Im sure he'll love, does any one have any other ideas? Please do share.

Jizakallah kheir

Umu Abdillah

tomb worship

umm_hamza — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 09:46:10 +0000

Tomb and Tazia Worship

By Maulana Manzoor Nu'maani (RA)

"Yet have they taken, besides Him, gods that can create nothing but are themselves created; that have no control of hurt or good to themselves; nor can they control life nor Death nor Resurrection. " (Quran: Furqan, 1)

(O Prophet) say (to the Polytheists) : "Call upon other (gods) whom ye fancy besides Allah; they have no power, - not even the weight of an atom - in the heavens or on earth; no (sort of) share have they therein, nor is any of them a helper of Allah." (Quran: Saba, 3)

And, again:

(O Prophet) say (to the Polytheists) : "Call on those - besides Him -whom ye fancy: they have neither the power to remove your troubles from you nor to change them." (Quran: Bani Israel, 6)

Besides these, there are numerous other verses in the Quran to the effect that one can
be a Polytheist without actually imputing plurality to Allah. Monotheism implies that Allah is unique and has no like or equal or parallel not only in His nature and existence, but also in His authority and attributes. It is, as such, absolutely imperative that both in the rendering of religious homage and in the imploring of help and assistance, no one should be associated with Him in any measure or manner.

We shall now see what these objects were which the Polytheists venerated as Divine, believing in them as the suppliers of their wants and the dispensers of their difficulties. The common belief is that they were mere images of stone. But the images were not the real deities; the real deities were the elevated souls and the holy men whom the images symbolised. The Quran has given the names of some of the idols and the history books confirm that there did live in the past saints and spiritual leaders who bore those names. When these sacred men
died; people carved images of them and began to offer them their devotion. The later generations, in course of time, were misled by the Devil into taking them up for regular worship. Likewise, the idols of the Polytheistic Arabs were regarded by them as typifying or representing certain spiritual personalities and the homage they paid to them was, in fact, paid to those whom they represented, just as when the Hindus worship the images of Rama or Krishna, they worship the personalities of Rama and Krishna and not their images. The images serve as aids to concentration and are held in reverence because of it. Nearer home, some ignorant and erring Muslims offer up oblations to the Tazias and even hang petitions on them and carry out so many other practices which are common to the Polytheists without presuming any divinity in those helpless structures of bamboo and paper. All this is done in the name of Imam Husain (radiallaho anhu) whose martyrdom the
Tazias are supposed to recall. Some extremists, however, do go to the extent of believing them to be the whole thing. In the same way, some among the Arab Polytheists were so very foolish as to regard the idols carved by their own hands as the arbiters of their destinies and offered reverent homage to them in that spirit. To such people the Quran said:

"Worship ye that which ye have (yourselves) carved?" (Quran: Saffat, 3)

And to those who did not go to that extreme extent and worshipped certain real or imaginary spirits or spiritually exalted men as having control over gain and loss, and venerated the idols only as their symbols and the seats of their splendour, it addressed the following admonition:

"Verily those whom ye call upon besides Allah are servants like unto you." (Quran: A'raf, 24)

In Sura-i-Bani Israel they were assured confidently, once again,
that the spirits, saints and mystics whom they idolized and worshipped were themselves the humble seekers of charity at the doorstep of their Lord, desirous of means of access to Him, and living all the time in the hope of His Mercy and the fear of His Wrath:

Those whom they call upon do desire (for themselves) means of access to their Lord, - even those who are nearest, they hope for His Mercy and fear His Wrath. (Quran: Bani Israel, 6)

Viewed against the background of these teachings, is it not an extremely lamentable truth that many of the Muslims, too, have degenerated into entertaining an identical belief in respect of their Sufi-saints and bow to their graves and perpetrate other Polytheistic sins in relation to them?

It may well be asked here that if the Polytheists honestly believed in the Almighty, and had no doubts about His being the true Creator, Protector and Preserver of the universe
and the Great Provider of the daily bread, why at all did they bother to venerate the false deities, whom they accredited with no more than subordinate and subsidiary powers, and to place their needs before them? This question can be raised in connection with the Polytheist of old as well as the present-day idolators and the Tazia-and-tomb worshipping Muslims, and we have given our earnest consideration to it. In our opinion the chief reason for this was (and still is) the feeling that to please Allah and get one's petitions granted by Him was a very testing task; it required one conscientiously to carry out His commands, to abstain from deceit, falsehood and the usurpation of the rights of others, to shun all unclean and wicked things and to lead a life of piety. As a sub-conscious reaction to this feeling the Polytheists deceived themselves into putting their faith, apart from Allah, in certain real or fictitious personalities, the winning of whose
good graces was only a matter of prostrating oneself before their graves or images or the offering up of a few sweets and flowers. This, to our mind, represents the psychology of Polytheism in a nutshell.

Let Laa-Ilaaha-Illa- Allah, then, be our instrument for the repudiation of all the things which may contain the remotest possibility of assuming to themselves the status of divinity, and for guarding ourselves against the least encroachment by Polytheism in any form or manner; let it be the means to the attainment of perfection by us in our belief in Monotheism because just as nothing is more repugnant to Allah than the ascribing of plurality to Him, faith in His Unity, Oneness and Uniqueness is the very life-breath of religion.

Since Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) is the last of the Prophets and no other Divine Apostle is going to be raised up after him, Allah has brought the concept of Monotheism to its highest degree of
evolution and completion through him, so that now it has become totally fortified even against a suspicion of contamination by Polytheistic untruths. All the paths through which the Devil could possibly bring them in have been firmly blocked.

The greatest danger in this connection was that like the Christians who had slipped into the folly of attributing Divinity to Jesus, the Muslims might also be misguided into entertaining Polytheistic notions about the personality of the Prophet. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) accordingly, missed no opportunity to eliminate this possibility. He never tired of warning his followers against the evil and the imprudence of associating exaggerated feelings of respect and veneration for him. He said:

"Do not utter such exaggerated words of praise for me as the Christians do for the Prophet Jesus, the son of Mary. I am nothing more than a servant of Allah and His Apostle. So, call me only that."
(Bukhari and Muslim)

And: "Some communities before you had converted the graves of their Prophets into objects of worship. You must not do so. Beware, I have warned you." (Muslim)

In the same vein was the following prayer of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam): "O Allah; Do not let my grave be made into an idol to which worship may be offered." (Malik)

It is reported in the Traditions that some Companions of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) happened to go to a foreign land where they saw that when the citizens went to their chiefs they prostrated themselves before them. On returning home they related their experience to the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) and begged his permission to do the same to him. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) asked them: "Would you prostrate yourselves before my grave after my death?" The Companions knowing full well that prostration before a grave could never be
permissible in Islam promptly replied that they would not. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) then said: "When you know that 1 am a mere man and one day I will die and be buried in the grave after which even you will not consider me worthy of that reverence, why should you show it to me in my lifetime?" (Abu Dawood)

To a similar request by Hazrat Salman of Persia, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said, "(THEN) DON'T PROSTRATE YOURSELF BEFORE ME. KEEP IT FOR HIM WHO CAN BE TOUCHED NEITHER BY DECAY NOR DEATH." (Kanz-ul-Ummal)

BUT POLYTHEISM IS A FAR CRY. THE PROPHET (SALLALLAHUALAYHI WASALLAM) DID NEVER ALLOW THE COMPANIONS TO STAND UP IN HIS PRESEIVCE AS A MARK OF RESPECT TO HIM. ALL THESE PRECAUTIONS WERE AIMED SOLELY TO KEEP POLYTHEISM A T AN ARM'S LENGTH FROM THE MUSLIMS.

Typical, also, of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam's) prudent foresight and his earnest concern to make Islam safe for all time
against Polytheist infiltrations is the following incident. It so happened that on the day the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam's) infant son, Ibrahim, died, there occured a total eclipse of the sun and it grew quite dark.. The Plophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) feared that, under the influence of the former superstitious beliefs, people might be persuaded to think that the event was the outcome of the bereavement he had suffered. He thereupon, summoned the Muslims immediately and after offering the prayer prescribed for such an occasion, in which the virtues of Allah were extolled, addressed them in these words: "Surely, the sun and the moon are the two signs of Allah, and they do not suffer eclipse on account of the birth or death of anyone."

Every conceivable precaution has been taken by the Shariat against the creeping in of Polytheistic beliefs and practices into the body of the Islamic faith. As an example of it, Muslims are forbidden
to offer Salaat at sunrise, mid-day and sunset so that there may be nothing in common between them and the fire-worshippers in the matter of faith, even outwardly, and no misunderstanding may arise.

FURTHER, KNEELING AND TOUCHING THE GROUND WITH THE FOREHEAD ARE AN ESSENTIAL FEATURE OF THE SALAAT. NO SALAAT CAN BE COMPLETE WITHOUT THEM. YET, THEY HAVE BEEN OMITTED FROM THE FUNERAL SALAAT FOR THE SIMPLE REASON THAT THE PARTICIPANTS MIGHT NOT HAVE AN OCCASION TO SUPPOSE THAT THEY WERE KNEELING AND PROSTRATING THEMSELVES BEFORE THE DEAD BODY.

How utterly sad and shocking really is the victory of the Devil that Polytheistic modes of thought and behaviour, which have been the ruin of the earlier communities, are now stealing in among the followers of a religion that had taken such great pains to seal up all the passages they could enter by!

onewaytoparadise.net

hanan — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 04:23:05 +0000

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Video Lectures on DVD:

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baby forum

Ummabdallah — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 20:35:56 +0000

Assalam aleikum sister.

I was thinking; the kufar have sooooo many forum where to find support for almost everything with pregnancy, being barren, birth, raising kids etc. But never I came across any forus for muslim women, and then I tought to my self, why dont make SZ the first forum to have...EVERYTHING for the sisters....

So is it possible to make a forum only for this or maybe a group or anything like that.

I know we have some doc´s on SZ as well and they could maybe give medical support as well???

Dressed but naked.

ummhussain — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 10:11:17 +0000

What is the meaning of the words of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) in the hadeeth, “maa’ilaat mumeelaat”?.

Praise be to Allaah.

This is a saheeh hadeeth which was narrated by Muslim in his Saheeh from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) who said: “There are two types of the people of Hell whom I have not seen: men in whose hands are whips like the tails of cattle, with which they beat the people, and women who are clothed yet naked, maa’ilaat mumeelaat, with their heads like the humps of camels, tilted to one side. They will not enter Paradise nor even smell its fragrance.” This is a stern warning to beware of the things referred to.

The men in whose hands are whips like the tails of cattle are those who beat the people unjustly, like police and others, whether that is done by order of the state or otherwise. The state is only to be obeyed with regard to matters that are right and proper. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Obedience is only with regard to what is right and proper.” And he (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “There is no obedience to any created being if it involves disobedience towards the Creator.”

With regard to the phrase “women who are clothed yet naked, maa’ilaat mumeelaat”, the scholars interpreted this as follows:

“kaasiyat ‘aariyaat (translated above as “clothed yet naked” may have another meaning, which is that they are enjoying the blessings of Allaah, but they do not give thanks for them and they do not obey the commands of Allaah or heed His prohibitions, even though Allaah has bestowed upon them wealth and other blessings.

The hadeeth is also explained in a different manner, which is that they wear clothes that do not cover them, because they are too thin or too short, so they do not serve the purpose of clothes, hence they are described as naked, and because the clothes they wear do not cover their ‘awrah.

Maa’ilaat (literally “deviant” means they turn away from chastity and righteousness, i.e., they commit sins and evil deeds like those who do immoral actions, or they fall short in doing the obligatory duties, prayer etc.

Mumeelaat means they turn others away, i.e., they call people to evil and corruption, so by their words and actions they lead others into immorality and sin, and they commit immoral actions because of their lack of faith or the weakness of their faith. The point of this saheeh hadeeth is to warn against oppression and all kinds of corruption from men and women.

With regard to the phrase, “their heads are like the heads of camels, tilted to one side,” some of the scholars said that this means they make their heads look big because of the hairstyles they adopt and so on, so that it looks like the hump of a bakht camel. The bakht is a type of camel that has two humps between which there is a dip, so that one hump leans one way and the other leans the other way. When these woman make their heads look big in this way, they look like these humps.

With regard to the phrase, “They will not enter Paradise nor even smell its fragrance,” this is a stern warning; it does not necessarily mean that they are kaafirs or that they will abide in Hell forever, like other sinners who die as Muslims; rather what is meant is that they and other sinners are threatened with Hell for their sins, but they are subject to the will of Allaah. If He wills He will forgive them and if He will He will punish them. This is like the verse in which Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Verily, Allaah forgives not that partners should be set up with Him (in worship), but He forgives except that (anything else) to whom He wills”

[al-Nisa’ 4:48]

If a sinner (who is Muslim) enters Hell, he will not abide therein forever like the kuffaar, and those who will abide therein like murderers, adulterers and suicides will not abide therein forever like the kuffaar; rather it is an eternity which will have an end according to Ahl al-Sunnah wa’l-Jamaa’ah – in contrast to the Khawaarij and Mu’tazilah and the innovators who follow their path, because the saheeh mutawaatir ahaadeeth narrated from the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) indicate that he will intercede for the sinners among his ummah and that Allaah will accept that intercession from him (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) a number of times; each time He will specify a number who are to be brought forth from Hell. Similarly the rest of the Messengers, the believers and the angels will all intercede by Allaah’s leave, and He will accept their intercession for whomsoever He will among the believers in Tawheed who have entered Hell because of their sins but are Muslims. Then there will remain in Hell those sinners who are not included in the intercession of the intercessors, but Allaah will bring them forth by His Mercy and Kindness, and there will be none left in Hell but the kuffaar who will abide therein forever and ever. Allaah says concerning the kuffaar (interpretation of the meaning):

“whenever it abates, We shall increase for them the fierceness of the Fire”

[al-Isra’ 17:97]

“So taste you (the results of your evil actions). No increase shall We give you, except in torment”

[al-Naba’ 78:30]

And He says concerning the kuffaar who worshipped idols (interpretation of the meaning):

“Thus Allaah will show them their deeds as regrets for them. And they will never get out of the Fire”

[al-Baqarah 2:167]

And Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Verily, those who disbelieve, if they had all that is in the earth, and as much again therewith to ransom themselves thereby from the torment on the Day of Resurrection, it would never be accepted of them, and theirs would be a painful torment.

They will long to get out of the Fire, but never will they get out therefrom; and theirs will be a lasting torment”

[al-Maa'idah 5:36-37]

We ask Allaah to keep us safe and sound from being like them.

Majmoo’ Fataawa wa Maqaalaat Mutanawwi’ah li’l-Shaykh Ibn Baaz, 6/355

Er.....preparing for ....EXAMS?

deenprogress — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 19:35:13 +0000

As-Salaam alaykum warahmatullaah to all my sisters on the zone!

ok, i know this is probably presumptious of me - i mean, maybe no one noticed but, hey, a gal can hope - but, for those who may hav noticed that i hav not been as active on the zone in recent times......... and i apologize for not keeing in touch with all u warm sisters who take time out to drop me comments, or messages.

Masochist that i am; i'm currently preparing for an entry level exam required for a residency programme.........and, well, studying was a lot more fun in school, with no kids or bills to think about! I'm yet to get a hang of it so............ pls 4giv if i take a while to respond......

Truth is, i'm not sure if i'll be allowed to take the exams yet - seeing as the Niqab is usually used as an excuse to prevent us from so many things here in Nigeria - but,........ be sure to keep me in ur du'a.........

The burqa is not a symbol of enslavement.

Farhat — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 23:32:28 +0000

Sisters, I am sure that you were all as annoyed as me when you heard Mr Sarkozy's recent comments. It is so hypocritical that he talks of enslavement of women while he is married to Carla Bruni, a former nude model. I think it is unbelievable that while attacking the burqa and in reality he is attacking hijab and fundamentally Islam, he conveniently ignores the oppression of women in secular France where:

2 million women suffer domestic violence.
Approximately 38,000 are raped each year.
Pornography is an acceptable profession for women, is that not the embodiment of female enslavement to men?

He also said that women who adopt the dress are “prisoners behind a grille, cut off from social life, deprived of their identity.” The irony is that many Muslim women in france would say the current headscarf ban in France has created exactly this situation for them. It is hypocritical to preach about freedom while talking of banning Muslim women from dressing according to their religious convictions. If Islam and burqa/hijab are so oppressive why are so many french women becoming muslim and adopting Islam as a way of life?

Multi - tasking Mum!

Farhat — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 22:24:07 +0000

asalamualaikum,

My name is Farhat Amin. I thought the best way to describe myself was a multi-tasking mum! Alhumdulilah I have three energetic kids who keep me on my toes. I recently finished my English Secondary PGCE which was both extremely interesting and difficult and finally I run my own company called The Muslim Sticker Company. My interests include cooking, sewing and current affairs. Inshallah I am really looking forward to being an active member of Sisters Zone.

A beautiful aya

UmmJibril — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 16:13:32 +0000

As salaamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu,

here is a wonderful aya, Alhamdulillah.

Kind words and forgiving of faults are better than Sadaqah followed by injury.

Surah Al-Baqarah 2:263

May Allah continue to guide us all on the straight path. May He protect us from the evil within ourselves and from the evil whispers of the shaytan, Ameen.

As salaamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu,

Noor as-Swediyah