Muslimah4life

Belgium....and our Islamic history!

2011-05-07T18:25:00.001+02:00

Salaams

I have just come from a weekend visit to Belgium, and from that trip something comes to mind that I'd like to share.

Belgium is known for its delicious belgian waffles, fries, chocolate...but one thing I realised is that whats most remarkable about the place is their preservation and marketing of it! Everywhere you go you are reminded of their national 'treasure' the little bronze fountain sculpture, and they have museums for everything you can think of. They combine entertainment and learning in places like Mini Europe, which is all about the great achievements of European countries, and the European Union.

The thing is as Muslims we know how much we have contributed to civilisation, how we have been the first to discover key things in science, astrology, biology, everything! We have so much of a rich history and wonderful achievements. This trip made me realise how important it is that a) we preserve our Islamic history, and make it exciting and interesting and b) how as Muslims we should visit places with rich history like Turkey, Spain, Palestine if we can, take our children and learn and teach others!

Inshallah

M4Life

Online Halqa - Surah Ra'ad

2010-06-27T22:16:00.001+02:00

Salaams

Just to share my take out from todays Online Halqah - from Surah Ra'ad Vs 1-10

Allah tells us to LOOK for his signs to help us believe.

In Islam we are not expected to just believe- Allah encourages us to REFLECT, look for his signs and believe.

This is so different to my Christian friend who said to me recently that in her religon its all just about faith - and I explained how in Islam its more than that - things make sense and we are encouraged to question and understand -and of course faith is crucial too - but the fact that Islam makes sense, and faith and this logic go together. Whereas she says she knows her religon (or at least her interpretation of it) doesnt always make sense! How sad for her..

So, it would be great to take a small step in implementing this surah by looking for and acknowledging 1 sign from Allah a day at least, Inshallah

M4Life

My Islam in London

2010-04-28T22:08:00.002+02:00

Slms

If I had to reflect on my life in London so far, Mashallah it has been pretty much what we envisaged, and a little more.

But whats been on my mind recently has been my lack of getting involved in Islamic activities, programmes and Ibaadah. So Mashallah, Allah has given me enough hidaaya to read my salaah, read a little etc..but what I feel Im really missing out on is being in Islamic environments, really involved you know? We cant really say that there arent opportunities here in London...and besides, when my husband and I moved to the UK, it was one of the main motivators for this place- the abundance of programs and opportunities Mashallah

So, I have decided to take small actions Inshallah in my daily life to up my game. We attend online halqa weekly, but instead of pottering around while its on, I want to stop, take the 1 hour to give all my attention and really reap the benefits, Inshallah
And there is a talk on a Friday at our nearby masjid that we have no excuse not to attend!

So thats my first few steps, my little actions and Inshallah the idea is to keep these up, and then add more in.

Any other ideas for little actions we can take?

May Allah make it easy for us and help us make the most of opportunities to come closer to HIM and earn His pleasure. Inshallah Aameen

:)
M4Life

God's Cake - so true!!

2010-01-20T11:24:00.002+02:00

God's cake...
This is one of the best I've ever read as an explanation

Sometimes we wonder, 'What did I do to deserve this?' or 'Why did God have to do this to me?' Here is a wonderful explanation! A daughter is telling her Mother how everything is going wrong, she's failing algebra, her boyfriend broke up with her and her best friend is moving away.

Meanwhile, her Mother is baking a cake and asks her daughter if she would like a snack, and the daughter says, 'Absolutely Mom, I love your cake.'

"Here, have some cooking oil", her Mother offers.
"Yuck", says her daughter.
"How about a couple of raw eggs?" "Gross, Mom!"
"Would you like some flour then? Or maybe baking soda?"
"Mom, those are all yucky!"
To which the mother replies: "Yes, all those things seem bad all by themselves. But when they are put together in the right way, they make a wonderfully delicious cake!"

God works the same way. Many times we wonder why He would let us go through such bad and difficult times. But God knows that when He puts these things all in His order, they always work for good! We just have to trust Him and, eventually, they will all make something wonderful!

God is crazy about you. He sends you flowers every spring and a sunrise every morning. Whenever you want to talk, He'll listen. He can live anywhere in the universe, and He chose your heart.

Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here we might as well dance!

Why Allah allows pain..very nice

2010-01-13T17:59:00.001+02:00

Slms

a lovely article :)

http://www.ciibroadcasting.com/index.php/component/content/article/62-blog/1970-why-allah-allows-pain

M4Life

test

2009-11-11T15:14:00.001+02:00

Every morning leave your worries outside the gate because that's where they pick up the garbage

2009-11-09T21:48:00.001+02:00

A beautiful verse

2009-10-28T19:48:00.001+02:00

Slms

A beautiful verse I received via email. It was so relevant it was like someone was having a conversation with me, I couldnt believe it was Quraanic ayat..what other treasures are in the Quraan that I dont know about?

الأنفال
For, believers are those who, when Allah is mentioned, feel a tremor in
their hearts, and when they hear His signs rehearsed, find their faith
strengthened, and put (all) their trust in their Lord. (2) Who establish
regular prayers and spend (freely) out of the gifts We have given them for
sustenance: (3) Such in truth are the Believers: they have grades of dignity
with their Lord, and forgiveness, and generous sustenance. (4) Surat
Al-Anfal

Mashallah, Subhanallah!

M4Life

Who I Am..Muslimah 4 LIFE..IA

2009-10-24T16:17:00.001+02:00

MAshallah :)

DID I MARRY THE RIGHT PERSON?

2009-10-24T16:15:00.001+02:00

Slms

A Beautiful article emailed to me (source unknon)

M4Life

DID I MARRY THE RIGHT PERSON?

During a marriage seminar, a woman asked a common question.

She said, "How do I know if I married the right person?"

There was a large man sitting next to her so the presenter said,

"It depends. Is that your husband?"

In all seriousness, she answered "How do you know?"

Let me answer this question because the chances are good that

it's weighing on your mind.

Here's the answer. EVERY relationship has a cycle.

In the beginning, you fell in love with your spouse.

You anticipated their call, wanted their touch, and liked their idiosyncrasies.

Falling in love with your spouse wasn't hard.

In fact, it was a completely natural and spontaneous experience.

You didn't have to DO anything. That's why it's called "falling" in love...

Because it's happening TO YOU.

People in love sometimes say, "I was swept of my feet."

Think about the imagery of that expression.

It implies that you were just standing there;

doing nothing, and then something came along and happened TO YOU.

Falling in love is easy. It's a passive and spontaneous experience.

But after a few years of marriage, the euphoria of love fades.

It's the natural cycle of EVERY relationship.

Slowly but surely, phone calls become a bother (if they come at all),

touch is not always welcome (when it happens),

and your spouse's idiosyncrasies, instead of being cute, drive you nuts.

The symptoms of this stage vary with every relationship,

but if you think about your marriage,

You will notice a dramatic difference between the initial stage when you were in love

and a much duller or even angry subsequent stage.

At this point, you and/or your spouse might start asking,

"Did I marry the right person?"

And as you and your spouse reflect on the euphoria of the love you once had,

You may begin to desire that experience with someone else.

This is when marriages breakdown.

People blame their spouse for their unhappiness and look outside

their marriage for fulfilment.

Extramarital fulfilment comes in all shapes and sizes.

Infidelity is the most obvious.

But sometimes people turn to work, a hobby, a friendship, excessive TV, or abusive substances.

But the answer to this dilemma does NOT lie outside your marriage.

It lies within it.

I'm not saying that you couldn't fall in love with someone else.

You could.And TEMPORARILY you'd feel better.

But you'd be in the same situation a few years later.

Because (listen carefully to this):

THE KEY TO SUCCEEDING IN MARRIAGE IS NOT FINDING THE RIGHT PERSON;

IT'S LEARNING TO LOVE THE PERSON YOU FOUND.

SUSTAINING love is not a passive or spontaneous experience.

It'll NEVER just happen to you. You can't "find" LASTING love.

You have to "make" it day in and day out.

That's why we have the expression "the labor of love."

Because it takes time, effort, and energy . And most importantly, it takes WISDOM .

You have to know WHAT TO DO to make your marriage work.

Make no mistake about it. Love is NOT a mystery.

There are specific things you can do (with or without your spouse)

to succeed with your marriage.

Just as there are physical laws of the universe (such as gravity),

there are also laws for relationships.

Just as the right diet and exercise program makes you physically stronger,

certain habits in your relationship WILL make your marriage stronger.

It's a direct cause and effect. If you know and apply the laws,

the results are predictable. ..you can "make" love.

Love in marriage is indeed a "decision"...Not just a feeling .

Remember this always:

"God determines who walks into your life.

It is up to you to decide who you let walk away,

who you let stay, and who you refuse to let go."

Dont Worry, Be Happy!

2009-10-21T20:33:00.001+02:00

Slms

"Worry a little bit every day and in a lifetime you will lose a couple of years. If something is wrong, fix it if you can. But train yourself not to worry. Worry never fixes anything."

Mary Hemingway
1908-1986, Author and Journalist

m4life

The Rules for Being Human

2009-10-18T11:52:00.001+02:00

The Rules for Being Human from

http://www.ummahunite.com/blogs_full.php?id=131

safeeyah | 2009-10-04 15:35:14

When you were born, you didn't come with an owner's manual; these guidelines make life work better.

1. You will receive a body. You may like it or hate it, but it's the only thing you are sure to keep for the rest of your life.

2. You will learn lessons. You are enrolled in a full- time informal school called "Life on Planet Earth". Every person or incident is the Universal Teacher.

3. There are no mistakes, only lessons. Growth is a process of experimentation. "Failures" are as much a part of the process as "success."

4. A lesson is repeated until learned. It is presented to you in various forms until you learn it: then you can go on to the next lesson.

5. If you don't learn easy lessons, they get harder. External problems are a precise reflection of your internal state. W hen you clear inner obstructions, your outside world changes. Pain is how the universe gets your attention.

6. You will know you've learned a lesson when your actions change. Wisdom is practice. A little of something is better than a lot of nothing.

7. "There" is no better than "here". When your "there" becomes a "here" you will simply obtain another "there" that again looks better than "here."

8. Others are only mirrors of you. You cannot love or hate something about another unless it reflects something you love or hate in yourself.

9. Your life is up to you. Life provides the canvas; you do the painting. Take charge of your life, or someone else will.

10. You always get what you want. Your subconscious rightfully determines what energies, experiences, and people you attract; therefore, the only foolproof way to know what you want is to see what you have. There are no victi ms, only students.

11. There is no right or wrong, but there are consequences. Moralizing doesn't help. Judgments only hold the patterns in place. Just do your best.

12. Your answers lie inside you. Children need guidance from others; as we mature, we trust our hearts, where the Laws of Spirit are written. You know more than you have heard or read or been told. All you need to do is to look, listen, and trust.

13. You will forget all this.

14. You can remember any time you wish

M4LIFE

Amazing Saying

2009-10-16T23:13:00.001+02:00

Jumuah Mubarak

An amazing quote:

"It is our choices...that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities”

M4Life

Radio Shak : Integrating Islam

2009-10-10T20:41:00.000+02:00

Blog: Radio Shak
Post: Integrating Islam
Link: http://www.radioshak.co.uk/2009/10/integrating-islam.html

Jumuah Mubarak!

2009-10-09T12:03:00.001+02:00

Slms :)

Our Birth was not our choice

Death will not be our choice

But the way we live our life is our choice.

Live fullest for today.

*~* Strive to learn something everyday *~*

M4Life

Tensions mount again at al-Aqsa :: A third intifada?

2009-10-08T09:33:00.001+02:00

Slms,

Please make dua for Palestine and Majid UL AQSA

Channel Islam is dedicating all day today as AL QUDS day and have asked the Ummah to recite Surah Yaseen to help Palestine overcome their hardships and struggles!!!

Tensions mount again at al-Aqsa :: A third intifada? ::

by Jonathan Cook

(Wednesday, October 7, 2009) http://world.mediamonitors.net/content/view/full/67099

"It is reported that a growing number of settler rabbis want the injunction against Jews praying at the compound lifted, adding to Palestinian fears that Israeli officials, rabbis, settlers and fundamentalists are conspiring to engineer a final takeover of the Haram al Sharif."

Tension over control of the Haram al Sharif compound of mosques in Jerusalem’s Old City has reached a pitch unseen since clashes at the site sparked the second intifada nine years ago.

Ten days of intermittently bloody clashes between Palestinians and Israeli security forces in Jerusalem culminated yesterday in warnings by Palestinian officials that Israel was “sparking a fire” in the city. Israel’s Jerusalem Post newspaper similarly wondered whether a third intifada was imminent.

Israel, meanwhile, deployed 20,000 police to safeguard the annual Jerusalem march, which was reported to have attracted a crowd of 70,000 passing through sensitive Palestinian neighbourhoods close to the Old City.

The ostensible cause of friction is Israel’s religious holidays that have brought Jewish worshippers to the Western Wall, located next to the Haram al Sharif and traditionally considered the holiest site in Judaism. The wall is the only remnant of the Jewish temple destroyed by Herod in AD70.

At a deeper level for Palestinians, however, the ease with which Jews can access sites in and around Jerusalem, while the city is off-limits to the vast majority of Palestinians, highlights the extent to which Palestinian control over Jerusalem and its holy places has been eroded by four decades of occupation.

That point was reinforced on Sunday when the gates to the mosque compound were shut by Israeli police, who cited safety concerns for 30,000 Jews praying at the Western Wall for Succot.

Jerusalem’s police chief, Aharon Franco, also incensed Palestinians on Monday by castigating them for being “ungrateful” after Israel had allowed them to pray at Al Aqsa during Ramadan.

In fact, only a small proportion of Palestinians can reach the mosque. Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza cannot get past Israel’s separation wall, and the 1.5 million Palestinians in Israel and Jerusalem are finding it harder to pray there. This week police have been allowing only women and Palestinian men with Israeli identification cards showing they are aged at least 50 to enter.

Both the Palestinian Authority and Jordan issued statements this week warning that Jewish groups, including extremists who want to blow up the mosques, should be prevented from entering the Haram.

It was in this context that the leader of the Islamic Movement inside Israel, Sheikh Raed Salah, called on Israel’s Palestinian citizens to “shield the [Al Aqsa] mosque with their bodies”.

Concerned that most Palestnians can no longer access the mosques, Salah has taken it on himself to campaign against Israeli moves under the banner “Al-Aqsa is in danger”, urging Israel’s Palestinian minority to protect the mosques by increasing their visits and ensuring a strong Islamic presence at the site.

In a further provocation by Israel yesterday, Salah was arrested on suspicion of incitement and sedition. A judge released him a few hours later but only on condition that he stay away from Jerusalem.

Palestinian concerns about Israeli intentions towards the Haram are not without foundation. Israel’s religious and secular leaders have been staking an ever-stronger claim to sovereignty over the compound since the occupation began, despite an original agreement to leave control with Islamic authorities.

On the ground that has been reflected in Israel’s efforts to reshape the geography of the city.

It began with the hasty razing of a Muslim neighbourhood next to the Western Wall that was home to 1,000 Palestinians. In place of the homes a huge prayer plaza was created.

Next a ring of Jewish settlements were built separating East Jerusalem from the West Bank, and more recently Jewish extremists have been taking over Palestinian neighbourhoods just outside the Old City, such as Sheikh Jarrah, Ras al-Amud and Silwan.

With official backing, Jewish settlers have also been confiscating and buying Palestinian homes in the Old City’s Muslim Quarter, including next to the mosques, to establish armed encampments.

They have also been assisted by Israeli archeologists in digging extensively under the quarter. Tensions over the excavations escalated dramatically in 1996 when Benjamin Netanyahu, prime minister then as now, approved the opening of the Western Wall tunnels under the mosques. In the ensuing violence, at least 70 Palestinians were killed.

In addition, Israeli officials and rabbis have been redefining the significance in Jewish religious thought of the compound, or Temple Mount as it is known to Jews.

The rabbinical consensus since the Middle Ages has been that Jews are forbidden from entering the compound for fear of desecrating the site of the temple’s inner sanctum, whose location is unknown. Instead religious Jews are supposed to venerate the site but not to visit it or seek to possess it in any way.

That view has been shifting since a wave of religious nationalism was unleashed by the seemingly miraculous nature of Israel’s victory in the Six-Day war. As the Israeli army captured the Old City in 1967, for example, its chief rabbi, Shlomo Goren, rushed to the Haram to read from the Bible and blow a ram’s horn, as the ancient temple priests had once done.

At the Camp David talks with the Palestinians in 2000, Ehud Barak, the Israeli prime minister at the time, demanded – against all Jewish teachings – that the whole compound be declared the “Holy of Holies”, a status reserved for the temple’s inner sanctum. His adviser Moshe Amirav said Barak had used this precondition to “blow up” the negotiations.

The Camp David failure led to an explosion of violence at the Haram al-Sharif a few months later that triggered the second intifada.

Islamic sovereignty was challenged again in 2003 when Israeli police unilaterally decided to open the compound to non-Muslims. In practice, this has given messianic cults, who want the mosques destroyed to make way for a third temple, access under police protection.

It was precisely rumours that Jewish extremists had entered the compound on the eve of Judaism’s holiest day, Yom Kippur, that provided the spark for the latest round of clashes.

It is reported that a growing number of settler rabbis want the injunction against Jews praying at the compound lifted, adding to Palestinian fears that Israeli officials, rabbis, settlers and fundamentalists are conspiring to engineer a final takeover of the Haram al Sharif.

------------------------------------------------

A version of this article originally appeared in The National, published in Abu Dhabi.

__._,_.___

__,_._,___

Ramadaan Realisations

2009-09-19T00:14:00.001+02:00

Slms

This Ramadaan has been particularly special for me. Having moved to the UK from South Africa 8 months ago, this was my first Ramadaan in this new place we have chosen for our Hijra - and how much we have learnt by moving away from home and experiencing a new city, a new country and starting a new life, Alhamdulillah

I realise now how Islam is all about what YOU make it to be, how you create an Islamic "feeling", how you create an atmosphere of Islam and take it wherever you go - in your heart, thoughts and behaviour. Maybe back home it was so easy, and a sense of Islam was always there so I forgot. I forgot how I have to work hard to bring it alive so that I feel it wherever I go, Inshallah.

I realise now how Ramadaan is all about what you make of it. Working in a corporate environment, being out the whole day, you could almost miss the Ramadaan spirit - unless your spirit at home captures it. Its what you create in your space that makes a Ramadaan. I used radio stations to create the atmosphere, and cooking our family favourites also reminded me what Ramadaan was like growing up. I also continued my usual Ramadaan praying habits and tried to make my hectic schedule work around my ibaadah- but you could use anything - its just that YOU have to create it and make it work for you, Inshallah

I realise how time is indeed so short, and all we have to do is sacrifice for 1 month, 4 weeks, 30 days. I tried as much as I could to put some things in my life on hold, like extra work stuff or reading novels - just for this short month Inshallah

I realised how we can spend our time in so many better ways than watching movies and TV. I cant believe how I didnt miss it at all, Alhamdullilah..makes you think!

Alhamdulillah, Allah has blessed me to with these Realisations this Ramadaan, and with His will these Realisations can translate into firm Resolutions :)

Should your husband not having a job change your relationship?

2009-09-08T13:02:00.001+02:00

FW: Let's Live the Life of an EAGLE...."

2009-09-07T10:17:00.004+02:00

Bismillah

Some inspiration.... Enjoy!

Our lives are not determined by what happens to us but by how we react to what happens, Not by what life brings to us, but by the attitude we bring to life.
A positive attitude causes a chain - reaction of positive thoughts, events, and outcomes.
It is a catalyst, a spark that creates extraordinary results.
Let's change to make a change!!!

"If you focus on results, you will never change. If you focus on change, you will get results"

Proven Techniques for a Successful Positive Change this Ramadan

2009-09-07T10:17:00.001+02:00

Proven Techniques for a Successful Positive Change this Ramadan

You CAN do it!!!

The Messenger of Allah Muhammad[peace be upon him] has said,"Almighty Allah says, 'I treat my slave (man) according to his expectations from Me, and I am with him when he remembers me. If he remembers Me in his heart, I remember him in My heart…. if he walks towards Me, I run unto him."[Hadith-Qudsi]

Make this Ramadan the month of “Change”..Are You Ready for it???

"Change" is the vogue today. "Change" is being chanted by the Presidents to rally up public support; "Change" is being demanded by the masses suffering due to skyrocketing fuel and commodity prices; "Change", a drastic one indeed, is what we are witnessing with awe in the global weather patterns.

For Muslims, Ramadan is the prime time for change. This month dramatically alters our routines and schedules. From tight sleep schedules, to hunger for extended hours, to reduction in consumption of junk foods, to a technology diet; to withdrawal from caffeine addiction, to lengthy standing in Taraweeh prayers at night, to extensive listening to the Quran. What a change indeed!

Beyond Routines and Rituals

The real change, however, Ramadan demands of us is the internal change – a change that positively transforms our lifestyle, character, attitudes, conversations, and habits. Allah has described this change in the month of Ramadan as follows: "O you who believe, fasting has been ordained on you as it was decreed upon those before you so that you may adopt Taqwa[Taqwa is Allah consciousness ]" (2:183 [Quran 2:183].

Slavery to Ramadan?

If our change is limited to outer physical practices only, we become slaves to Ramadan, instead of being servants to Ar-Rahman (Allah, the Merciful).

Prophet Muhammad[peace be upon him] has warned us about those who don't fast from bad behaviour:

"Allah has no interest in any person's abstention from eating and drinking, if that person does not give up lying and dishonest actions" [Sahih al-Bukhari].

Ramadan Resolutions

Every Ramadan we make resolutions and tell ourselves: "This Ramadan will be different. I'm going to change my ______ habit." "I will give up ………", "I will take my practice of Islam to the next level". But how many of us are really able to follow through? Plenty of good intentions, many amazing wishes, but sadly enough, life goes on as usual the morning of Eid.

Ask yourself, how is my fasting benefitting my spiritual connection with Allah? How is my extensive worship in Ramadan helping me discipline my tongue (taste and speech), eyes, ears, and habits?

Are you ready to take that first step to transform your bad habits into good ones?

Ways to Kick Bad Habits

Few things are more demanding than eliminating bad habits, since they are part of our daily routines and personality. It takes days of patience and practice to break old habits.

However, the good news is, Ramadan offers a perfect and natural environment for moral training. Interestingly, researches from "positive psychology" (scientific study of successful people) have repeatedly shown it takes between 30 to 40 days to kick a bad habit and develop a new one.

In addition to the physical discipline during the month of Ramadan, the increased spiritual exercise and connection with Allah, can transform your habits for life.

Try these proven techniques for a successful positive change in your habits during Ramadan and beyond!

1. Acknowledge and Identify your bad habits: First step is to admit you need to change. If you are in a state of denial, you won't recognize that you have a bad habit to change.

2. Pick a habit for this month: Prioritize your bad habits and focus on one for this month. If you are committed to changing at least one habit, you will see remarkable results, Allah-willing.

3. Realize that it's in us to change: Don't believe the old saying, "You can't teach an old dog new tricks." You can break a bad habit if you really want to. No one else can change your habits, if you don't want to.

4. Remember, Allah loves those who commit mistakes and repent: Prophet Muhammad[peace be upon him] said:

"By Him in Whose Hand is my life, if you were not to commit sin, Allah would sweep you out of existence and He would replace (you by) those people who would commit sin and seek forgiveness from Allah, and He would have pardoned them." [Sahih Muslim]

5. Intention & Plan to change: "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail." A healthy process of change in character requires a gradual pace, which entails planning. Develop concrete milestones to measure your progress.

6. Replace a bad habit with a good one: Completely eliminating a habit is more challenging than replacing it with a more productive habit. Moreover, it's crucial to replace the lost natural needs, such as the need to socialize and to be entertained with something healthy.

For instance, it's easier to replace or balance your addiction to TV with a physical workout or reading, than to suddenly remove the TV from your life. Interestingly, Prophet Muhammad[peace be upon him], the greatest 'psychologist' of humanity, illustrated this principle in these words:

"Fear Allah wherever you may be; follow up an evil deed with a good one which will wipe (the former) out, and behave good-naturedly towards people." [At-Tirmidhi]

7. Change your Environment: Resist the negative peer pressure by finding a better company of friends. Collective action to change is very powerful. Prophet Muhammad [peace be upon him] explained this peer pressure effect with this analogy:

"A good friend and a bad friend are like a perfume-seller and a blacksmith: The perfume-seller might give you some perfume as a gift, or you might buy some from him, or at least you might smell its fragrance. As for the blacksmith, he might singe your clothes, and at the very least you will breathe in the fumes of the furnace." [Sahih al-Bukhari & Muslim]

8. Exercise: Spiritual exercise is important for lasting change. You may not realize that by exerting your yourself in spiritual exercises like the reading of Quran and Hadith, fasting, giving charity, Zikr[remembering Allah] etc helps in eliminating a number of bad habits. Through the spiritual light of doing noble deeds evil ones will gradually be eradicated from your life. Allah says : “Indeed, Salah restrains from Shameful and unjust deeds” [Quran:29:45]. A person complained to the Prophet Muhammad [peace be upon him] about someone who read salaah and also committed theft .The Prophet Muhammad [peace be upon him] said “His salaat will very soon wean him off that sin.' This shows that the evil habits can be got rid of by adhering to good practises. The doing of good deeds such as remembering Allah cleanses the heart. A clean heart encourages a person to do good deeds and refrains one from evil habits!

Moreover, exercising your will power (struggle to fight temptations) for this month helps you kick all kinds of bad habits and form new good ones. Willpower is like a muscle; the more you exercise it, the more you strengthen it.

9. Think of yourself as a changed, different, new person. This simple psychological shift in your thinking about your own image can do wonders. Tell yourself, "I can't continue this ill-behaviour. I am better than that. I am stronger. I am wiser."

10. Reward success: The most fundamental law in all of psychology is the "law of effect." It simply states that actions followed by rewards are strengthened and likely to recur. Unfortunately, studies show that people rarely use this technique when trying to change personal habits.

Setting up formal or informal rewards for success greatly increases your chances of transforming bad habits into good ones, and is far more effective than punishing yourself for bad habits or setbacks. As Muslims we should also remember that the ultimate reward is Allah's Pleasure and Paradise in the Hereafter.

11. Get help: Tell someone about your effort to change if it helps. He or she may keep you on track and may offer some good advice. Read books that will encourage you to do virtues actions. Join programs in your local Mosque. Ladies should endeavour to join their local Taalimi Halqas. There are good and sincere people who are ready to assist. We are not an island- We are an Ummah!

12. Boost your spiritual immune system: By fasting,doiung good actions, spending time in the Mosque or going in the path of Allah will boost your Imaan[faith] which will provide you with internal strength to overcome temptations to reverting to old bad habits.

13. Remind yourself of Death and Hereafter often: "Remember often the terminator (or destroyer) of all the pleasures [i.e. death]," the Prophet [peace be upon him]once stated. [At-Tirmidhi.]

14. Resolve to continue on and follow up: Giving up bad habits or learning good habits requires regular maintenance and determination. It is a long, ongoing process, also known as "Tazkiyyah" in Islamic terminology. It's more difficult than the first few steps of change. ("How many times have I dieted, for example, only to gain the weight back?"). So ensure that you follow up. Link yourself to a good Allah-fearing Islamic Scholar and make a habit of spending time in Allah path.

15. Develop a relapse strategy: How do you ensure not to return to your bad habit you are trying to change? Some people donate money to a good cause every time they return to sinning or a bad habit. This reminds them of the 'cost' of going back to old bad habits. Others try physically demanding acts to deter them from reverting to old ways. For example that if you do___ act than you will keep three fast or pay so much sadaqah[charity] etc

16. Ask Allah for Help: MOST IMPORTANT!-Make Asking for Allah's Help an integral part of the overall change process. Ask for Allah's Help before, during and after every attempt at kicking a bad habit. Do so sincerely, even begging and crying, like a child does when he or she really wants something. Allah is Ever-Willing to Help and to Respond to our needs, but it is us who must take the first step towards Him. Allah will NEVER disappoint us!

"And whosoever is conscious of Allah and keeps his duty to Him, He (Allah) will make a way for him to get out (from) every (difficulty), and He will provide him from (sources) he could never imagine." [Quran 65:2-3]

In Celebration of International Hijab Day

2009-09-04T10:07:00.001+02:00

In Celebration of International Hijab Day

If you are a true Muslimah

And want to be a real hero or a star

Than remember to wear the [Hijab]Crown

And in Jannah[paradise] you will be found

For a Muslimah who follows Allahs way

Commemorate International Hijab Day is every day!!!

Hijab….The Crown of a Muslimah

The honour of a Queen ends with death while the honour of a True Muslimah is eternal… Allah has elevated every Muslimah to a level higher than a “worldly queen” and ordered her to adorn herself with the Noble Crown [Hijab] right in this world!

Why would one hesitate to wear the Noble Crown???…here follows some of the major excuses Muslimahs have for not adorning hijab and some practical answers to these excuses.

I'm not yet convinced of the necessity of the Hijab...

We then ask this sister two questions.

1. Is she truly convinced of the correctness of the religion of Islam?
The natural answer is: Yes, she is convinced for she responds "La ilaha illallah!" (There is no god but Allah), meaning she is convinced of the aqidah, and then she says: "Muhammadur rasulullah!" (Muhammad [SAW] is the Messenger of Allah), meaning by that that she is convinced of its legislation or law (shari'ah). Therefore, she is convinced of Islam as a belief system and a law by which one governs and rules their life.

2. Is the hijab then a part of Islamic Law (shari'ah) and an obligation?
If this sister is honest and sincere in her intention and has looked into the issue as one who truly wants to know the truth her answer could only be: Yes. For Allah ta'ala, Whose deity (Uluhiyyah) she believes in has commanded wearing hijab in His Book (Al-Qur'an) and the Noble Prophet ('alaihi salat wa salam) whose message she believes in has commanded wearing the hijab in his sunnah.

What do we call a person who says they believe in and are content with the correctness of Islam but who nonetheless does not do what Allah or His Messenger have ordered? Certainly they can in no way be described as those whom Allah speaks of in this ayah:

The only saying of the faithful believers when they are called to Allah and His Messenger to judge between them is that they say 'we hear and obey' and such are the successful. [Soorah An-Noor 24:51]

In summary: If this sister is convinced of Islam, how then can she not be convinced of its orders?

2. I am convinced of the Islamic dress but my mother prevents me from wearing it and if I disobey her I will go to Hell...

The one who has answered this excuse is the most noble of Allah's creation, the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam) in concise and comprehensive words of wisdom: There is no obedience to the created in the disobedience of Allah.[Ahmed]

The status of parents in Islam, especially the mother, is a high and elevated one. Indeed Allah ta'ala has combined it with the greatest of matters, worshipping Him and His tawheed, in many ayat. He stated: Worship Allah and join none with Him and do good to parents.[Soorah An-Nisa 4:36] Obedience to parents is not limited except in one aspect, and that is if they order to disobedience of Allah. Allah said: But if they strive with you to make you join in worship with Me others that of which you have no knowledge, then obey them not.[Soorah Luqman 31:15] The lack of obedience to them in sinfulness does not prevent being good to them and kind treatment of them. Allah said afterward in the same ayah: But behave with them in the world kindly.

In summary: How can you obey your mother and disobey Allah Who created you and your mother?

3. My position does not allow me to substitute my dress for the Islamic dress...

This sister is either one or the other of two types: She is sincere and honest, or she is a slippery liar who desires to make a showy display of her "hijab" clamouring with colours to be "in line with the times" and expensive.

We will begin with an answer to the honest and sincere sister. Are you unaware my dear sister, that it is not permissible for the Muslim woman to leave her home in any instance unless her clothing meets the conditions of Islamic hijab (Hijab shar'ee) and it is a duty of every Muslim woman to know what they are? If you have taken the time and effort to learn so many matters of this world how then can you be neglectful of learning those matters which will save you from the punishment of Allah and His anger after death!!? Does Allah not say:

Ask the people of remembrance (i.e. knowledgeable scholars) if you do not know. [Soorah An-Nahl 16:43].

Learn, therefore, the requirements of proper hijab.

If you must go out, then do not do so without the correct hijab, seeking the pleasure of Allah and the degradation of Shaitan. That is because the corruption brought about by your going out adorned and "beautified" is far greater than the matter which you deem necessary to go out for.

My dear sister if you are really truthful in your intention and correctly determined you will find a thousands hands of good assisting you and Allah will make the matter easy for you! Is He not the One Who says:And whoever fears Allah and keeps his duty to Him, He will make a way for him to get out (from every difficulty) and He will provide him from sources he never could imagine[Soorah At-Talaq 65:2-3]?

With regards to the 'slippery' one we say: Honour and position is something determined by Allah ta'ala and it is not due to embellishment of clothing and show of colors and keeping up with the trendsetters. It is rather due to obedience to Allah and His Messenger (sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam) and holding to the pure law of Allah and correct Islamic hijab. Listen to the words of Allah: Indeed, the most honourable amongst you are those who are the most pious. [Soorah Al-Hujurat 49:35]

In summary: Do things in the way of seeking Allah's pleasure and entering His Jannah and give less value to the high priced and costly objects and wealth of this world.

4. It is so hot in my country and I can't stand it. How will it be if I wore Hijab...

Allah gives an example by saying:

Say: The Fire of Hell is more intense in heat if they only understand. [Soorah At-Taubah 9:81]

How can you compare the heat of your land to the heat of the Hellfire?

Know, my sister, that Shaitan has trapped you in one of his feeble ropes to drag you from the heat of this world to the heat of the Hellfire. Free yourself from his net and view the heat of the sun as a favor and not an affliction especially in that it reminds you of the intensity of the punishment of Allah which is many times greater than the heat you now feel. Return to the order of Allah and sacrifice this worldly comfort in the way of following the path of salvation from the Hellfire about which Allah says:

They will neither feel coolness nor have any drink except that of boiling water and the discharge of dirty wounds.[Soorah An-Naba' 78:24-25]

In summary: The Jannah is surrounded by hardships and toil, while Hellfire is surrounded by temptations, lusts and desires.

5. I'm afraid that if I wear the Hijab,I will put it off at a later time because I have seen so many others do so....

To her I say: If everyone was to apply your logic then they would have left the Deen in its entirety! They would have left off salat because some would be afraid of leaving it later. They would have left fasting in Ramadhan because so many are afraid of not doing it later. etc. Haven't you seen how Shaitan has trapped you in his snare again and blocked you from guidance?

Allah ta'ala loves continuous obedience even if it be small or recommended. How about something that is an absolute obligation like wearing hijab?! The prophet (sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam) said: The most beloved deed with Allah is the consistent one though it be little. Why haven't you sought out the causes leading those people to leave off the hijab so that you can avoid them and work to keep away from them? Why haven't you sought out reasons and causes to affirm truth and guidance until you can hold firm to them?

Among these causes is much supplication to Allah (du'a) to make the heart firm upon the Deen as did the prophet (sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam). Also is making salat and having mindfulness of it as Allah stated:And seek helpin patience and the prayer and truly it is extremely heavy except for the true believers in Allah who obey Allah with full submission and believe in His promise of Jannah and in His warnings (Al-Khashi'oon).[Soorah Al-Baqarah 2:45] Other causes to put one upon guidance and truth is adherence to the laws of Islam and one of them is indeed wearing the hijab. Allah said:

If they had done what they were told, it would have been better for them and would have strengthened their faith. [Soorah Al-Baqarah 2:66]

In summary: If you hold tight to the causes of guidance and taste the sweetness of faith you will not neglect the orders of Allah after having held to them.

6. If I wear the Hijab, then no one will marry me. So, I'm going to put it off till then...

Any husband, who desires that you be uncovered and adorned in public in defiance of and in disobedience to Allah, is not a worthy husband in the first place. He is a husband who has no feeling to protect what Allah has made inviolable, most notably yourself, and he will not help you in any way to enter Al-Jannah or escape from the Hellfire. A home which is founded upon disobedience to Allah and provocation of His anger is fitting that He decree misery and hardship for it in this life and in the Hereafter. As Allah stated:

But whosoever turns away from My reminder (i.e. neither believes in the Qur'an nor acts upon its teachings) verily for him is a life of hardship and We shall raise him up blind on the Day of Resurrection. [Soorah Ta Ha 20:124]

Marriage is a favour and blessing from Allah to whom He give whom He wills. How many women who wear hijab (mutahajibah) are in fact married while many who don't aren't? If you were to say that '..my being made-up and uncovered is a means to reach a pure end, namely marriage', a pure goal or end is not attained through impure and corrupt means in Islam. If the goal is honourable then it must necessarily be achieved by pure and clean method. We say the rule in Islam is: The means are according to the rules of the intended goals.

In summary: There is no blessing in a marriage established upon sinfulness and corruption.

7. I don't wear hijab based on what Allah says: And proclaim the grace of your Rabb [Soorah Ad-Dhuha 93:11] How can I cover what Allah has blessed me with of silky soft hair and captivating beauty?

So, this sister of ours adheres to the Book of Allah and its commands as long as they coincide with her personal desires and understanding! She leaves behind those matters when they don't please her. If this was not the case, then why doesn't she follow the ayah:

And do not show off their adornment except only that which is apparent
[Soorah An-Noor 24:31]

and the statement of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala:

Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks all over their bodies [Soorah Al-Ahzab 33:59]?

With this statement my sister you have now made a shari'ah (law) for yourself of what Allah ta'ala has strictly forbidden, namely beautification (at-tabarruj) and uncovering (as-sufur), and the reason: Your lack of wanting to adhere to the order. The greatest blessing or favor that Allah has bestowed upon us is that of Iman (faith) and hidayah (guidance) and among them is the Islamic hijab. Why then do you not manifest and talk about this greatest of blessings given to you?

In summary: Is there a greater blessing and favor upon the woman than guidance and hijab?

8. I know that hijab is obligatory (wajib), but I will wear it when Allah guides me to do so...

We ask this sister on what plans or steps she will undertake until she accepts this divine guidance? We know that Allah has in His wisdom made a cause or means for everything. That is why the sick take medicine to regain health, and the traveler rides a vehicle or an animal to reach his destination, and other limitless examples.

Has this sister of ours seriously endeavoured to seek true guidance and exerted the proper means to get it such as: Supplicating Allah sincerely as He stated: Guide us to the Straight Path. [Soorah Al-Fatihah 1:6]; Keeping company with the righteous good sisters - for they are among the best to assist her to guidance and to continue to point her to it until Allah guides her and increases her guidance and inspires her to further guidance and taqwa. She would then adhere to the orders of Allah and wear the hijab that the believing women are commanded to wear.

In summary: If this sister was really serious about seeking guidance she would have exerted herself by the proper means to get it.

9. It's not time for that yet. I'm still too young for wearing hijab. I'll do it when I get older and after I make Hajj!

The Angel of Death, my sister, is visiting and waiting at your door for the order of Allah Ta'ala to open it on you at any moment in your life. Allah said: When their term comes, neither can they delay it nor can they advance it and hour (or a moment). [Soorah Al-An'am 7:34]. Death my sister doesn't discriminate between the young or the old and it may come while you are in this state of great sinfulness disobedience, fighting against the Lord of Honor with your uncovering and shameless adornment. My sister, you should race to obedience along with those others who race to answer the call of Allah tabaraka wa ta'ala:

Race with one another in hastening towards forgiveness from your Lord and Paradise the width whereof is as the width of the heavens and the earth. [Soorah Al-Hadeed 57:21]

Sister, don't forget Allah or He will forget you by turning His mercy away from you in this life and the next. You are forgetting your own soul by not fulfilling the right of your soul to obey Allah and proper worship of Him. Allah stated about the hypocrites (Al-Munafiqoon): And be not like those who forgot Allah and He caused them to forget their own selves.[Soorah Al-Hashr 59:19] My sister wear the hijab in your young age in opposition to the sinful deed because Allah is intense in punishment and will ask you on the Day of Resurrection about your youth and every moment of your life.

In summary: Stop presuming some future expectation in your life will indeed occur!! How can you guarantee your own life until tomorrow?

10. I'm afraid that if I wear Islamic clothing that I'll be labelled as belonging to some group or another and I hate partisanship...

My sisters in Islam, there are only two parties in Islam, and they are both mentioned by Allah Almighty in His Noble Book. The first party is the party of Allah (hizbullah) that He gives victory to because of their obedience to His commands and staying away from what He has forbidden. The second party is the party of the accursed Shaitan (hizbush-Shaitan) which disobeys the Most Merciful and increase corruption in the earth. When you hold tight to and adhere to the commands of Allah, and among them is wearing the hijab - you then become a part of the successful party of Allah. When you beautify and display your charms you are riding in the boat of Shaitan and his friends and partners from among the hypocrites and the disbelievers and none worse could there be as friends.

Don't you see how you are running from Allah and to the Shaitan, trading filth for good? Run instead my sister to Allah and follow His way: So flee to Allah (from His Torment to His mercy). Verily I (Muhammad) am a plain Warner to you from Him.[Soorah Adh-Dhariyat 51:50] The hijab is a high form of worship that is not subject to the opinions of people and their orientations and choices because the one who legislated it is the Most Wise Creator.

In summary: In the way of seeking the pleasure of Allah and in hope of His Mercy and success in His Jannah and throw the statements of the devils among people and jinn against the wall! Hold tight to the legislation of Allah by your molars and follow the example of the striving and knowledgeable Mothers of the Believers and the female companions (radiallahu 'anhum ajma'een).

Conclusion

Your body is on display in the market of Shaitan seducing the hearts of men. The hairstyles, the tight clothing showing every detail of your figure, the short dresses showing off your legs and feet, the showy, decorative and fragrant clothing all angers the Merciful and pleases the Shaitan. Every day that passes while you are in this condition, distances you further from Allah and brings you closer to Shaitan. Every day brings you closer to the grave and the Angel of Death is ready to capture your soul.

Every soul shall taste death. And only on the Day of Resurrection shall you be paid your wages in full. And whoever is removed away from the Hellfire and admitted to Al-Jannah, is indeed successful. The life of this world is only the enjoyment of deception (a deceiving thing) [Soorah Ale 'Imran 3:185]

Sisters! As regards Hijab its the commandment of our Lord Allah! ALLAH will NEVER disappoint you!

Act today as we never know if we''ll have a tomorrow to fulfil this command of our ALLAH!

***

Nice way to think of Ramadaan

2009-09-03T12:59:00.001+02:00

"Ramadan is not about starving yourself," says Huma Siddiqui, "it's about taking a step back." To the author of the Pakistani cookbook "Jasmine in Her Hair," the month's daily fasts "force you to change your routine. You slow down and begin to reflect on your life — what's happened over the past year, where you're heading. Feeling hungry connects you to what's important to you, what you really want. We get so busy sometimes that we forget what it's all about. It feels good to take back the driver's seat, rather than letting life drive you."

Islamic Posters | NEW RAMADHAAN POSTER FOR EVERYONE - Dont miss this!

2009-08-24T13:42:00.001+02:00

Ramadhaan High-Way Code

This is a New poster aimed at Everyone - Please forward this on to everyone you know, and Gain the reward
If you would like to print off the the High Quality one then visit the link below. Feel Free to download get them printed and distribute in your area and in mosques. etc
These are also excellent for homes for Children and some elders (lol) to remind them of just some the rules of Ramdhaan

Download the High quality Version and others posters from:
http://www.islamicposters.co.uk/download_posters.php

Feeling low

2009-07-15T10:47:00.001+02:00

Oh allah, please help me. I'm sad because of :

- small house
- not enough space to keep my stuff
- comprimising
- mos job
- no car
- mike issue with emails
- missing my family
- not knowing what to do in weekend
- not being able to go anywhere at night
- cant even go for coffee in epsom, no car transport hard
- just not having options..being restricted
- cant wait to see my family again
- pressure at work to talk and interact, go for lunch..bleh
- nothing to look forward to
- no family left in uk..all away
- life on hold till mo gets a job..how much more can we take?

I know my troubles are not the end of the world, and of course this is a burden I can manage, that’s Allahs promise to me.

So just needing to vent a bit..Inshallah it will all go away :)

Slms
Taskeen

Family

2009-04-21T13:03:00.001+02:00

Slms

I just had a realisation…you know when you are far away from your family and u miss them sooo much..
I realise that you should be grateful that they are still in your life, maybe far away, maybe you cant see them, but they are there and you can still communicate, talk, ask, interact..at least they are alive and well, and you can always reach out to them

Life is too short, like I have seen in the past few months, so I just want to be grateful that I have my family in my life

Alhamdulillah!
:)
M4life

Islam - what u make of it

2009-03-04T12:23:00.001+02:00

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

Salaams

I have finally understood what it means to be a Muslim..well sort of

All my life it has been so easy to be a Muslim..just went with the flow of things..it was all around me…musjids in my area, familky involved in islam..muslim school..it was all handed over to me..so easy to practice

But now where I am, it is not there for me..i didn't hear the azan for 3 weeks and my heart ached…I barely see muslims around me, let alone hear or feel any semblance of Islam..does this make me a bad Muslim? It is wrong that I am not seeing Islam everyday? That's what I was thinking..that I am in this western world and its taking me away from Islam..but then I realised:

I have to bring Islam into my life.

Its up to me to get involved, play qirat, make zikr, read up…bring islam into my life. Its ok that I am in a western setting and islam is not readily visible to me..but its in m yheart and the more I open up to that the more I can see it in front me! Go online and find classes or events, attend these events, look for any opportunity to be islamicand feel Islam..small things like listening to Surah Yaseen every morning on my ipod on the way to work..on the train catch up on quran listening, imagine how much of zikr I can make on the train! I have to bring it in my life..and its exciting to keep looking for these opportunities.

Its not easy but it's a challenge Im willing to tackle IA

I ask Allah to make it easy for me and to keep my consciousness of HIM at the maximum at all times

Bismillah!!

taskeen

lots to learn

2009-03-02T11:59:00.003+02:00

Slms

wow!

what a life lesson!

its all about perception, dammit i need to learn :(

its not about how honest u are its about what image u put out there

its so unfair but i need to learn

u have to look innocent and sweet and pretend to be so flexible and go with the flow

u cant be seen to stand up for yourself!

theres no such thing as being open about ur principles!!

omg

i have to learn!

test

2009-03-02T11:59:00.001+02:00

Cool survey

2008-11-07T10:40:00.000+02:00

1. Name one person who made you laugh last night?
my sister sumayya

2. What were you doing at 0800?
getting into the car

3. What were you doing 30 minutes ago?
eating breakfast while working

4. What happened to you in 2006?
i got my dream job

5. What was the last thing you said out loud?
stand your ground

6. How many beverages did you have today?
water, tea

7. What colour is your hairbrush?
dont have one, keep borrowing from my family

8. What was the last thing you paid for?
my brekkie this morning

9. Where were you last night?
at home

10. What colour is your front door?
currently tecnhically homeless

11. Where do you keep your change?
in my wallet

12. What’s the weather like today?
dull, windy

13. What’s the best ice-cream flavour?
anything mixed like choc, caramel, biscuits

14. What excites you?
success

15. Do you want to cut your hair?
nope, trim is fine

16. Are you over the age of 25?
yip :(

17. Do you talk a lot?
ya, i like to have my say

18. Do you watch the O.C.?
?

19. Do you know anyone named Steven?
ya, guy at work

20. Do you make up your own words?
yes love to , like the word "nid" - an iritating person

21. Are you a jealous person?
oh yes

22. Name a friend whose name starts with the letter ‘A’
amani, my best friends baby

23. Name a friend whose name starts with the letter ‘K’
k

24. Who’s the first person on your received call list?
home, my hubby

25. What does the last text message you received say
must i charge her higher

26. Do you chew on your straw?
sometimes

27. Do you have curly hair?
nope

28. Where’s the next place you’re going to?
IA uk

29. Who’s the rudest person in your life?
my boss

30. What was the last thing you ate?
all bran flakes (boring i know)

31. Will you get married in the future?
well i am now, so hopefully not!

32. What’s the best movie you’ve seen in the past 2 weeks?
dont watch much movies but brick lane was cool

33. Is there anyone you like right now?
my hubby :)

34. When was the last time you did the dishes?
weeks ago, living with parents and 2 domestics helps!

35. Are you currently depressed?
ya, boss

36. Did you cry today?
yes, kinda wierd, didnt realise it was bottled up inside

37. Why did you answer and post this?
lurve these things!

38. Tag 5 people who would do this survey.
zaaks, mo, salma, dunno who else

Life!

2008-11-07T10:15:00.001+02:00

Slms

Life is so funny, so funny....

Why do we get thrown these life lessons that we dont want! Allah knows best..in every situation is a lesson, but its soo hard sometimes to accept it!

takes so much courage to find the lesson, but we need to embrace it as Allahs way of guiding us..

Inshallah

Im in a hectic situation..boss stories..but this is my lifes lesson that I want to uncover

Make dua!

:))

M4life

Submission

2008-11-03T12:41:00.001+02:00

Slms

You know what, do we truly know what submission is? Im not sure we understand what it means truly? I certainly found it difficult to do..I really really want something (this job), but then my dua to Allah is that I completely submit to you Allah and only if this job is good for me, for my Islam and my future, then grant it to me IA. Otherwise, turn it away. I will do the most that I can do and leave the rest to Allah..

Easier said than done!!

Can we truly let go and leave it to Allah? whats the balance between wanting something so bad and actually just leaving to Allah to judge whats best? we are so limited in our knowlegdge,only Allah sees the bigger picture. We have to trust in that. Truly trust and let go

Inshallah, thats what I plan on doing right now.

Oh Allah, in my limited knowledge this is my dream job and I really want it. But Allah what I want more is YOUR guidance and intervention. So please if this job is right for me and will bring me closer to my goals and to you, then please make it possible for me to attain easily. If not, please turn it away. Please grant me sabr to deal with the consequence and to accept YOUR plan. Aameen

Striving towards a better life,

Taskeen

M4life

Judgements

2008-08-21T13:38:00.001+02:00

Slms

I hate judgements...yes I know same topic..me again whining about people judjing how you speak...oh you dont sound happy...what do they expect you to do?!!

My look...

2008-08-04T11:03:00.001+02:00

Slms

What do ppl want from me? Today I was told "you look soo tired" and then just now "Why dont u look happy?"

why cant I just be left alone?? Im busy, im thinking, im a tad iritated, what do u want me to look like? any besides, this is my look ok? just my own look, so dont judge me!!!

My Hajj

2008-02-10T18:48:00.000+02:00

I cant beleive I have been for Hajj, Alhamdulillah :)
It was super fantastci, I loved the expereince of hajj, so symbolic and so powerful. I felt so close to Allah, I sae Him everywhere, I felt Him all the time...no where else in the world comes close...
Of course I missed home, but I didnt miss the worldliness of this place...
Going away really helped me break through the routine of my life..I no longer say"on saturdays I have to do this..." etc I just make up things as the time goes along. I also re evaluate everything..is this worth it? Is this worth my time? Can i push myself? Why cant I read more after salaah? What am I replacing with extra reading and sitting on the musallah?
I cant belive how I actually changed my dressing, Alhamdulillah! Wearing abaya/cloak now :) Look its hard, im not going to lie..at work anyway..but so far havent found a single reason strong enough to tell me to stop so here goes, IA!
Strong faith is the biggest lesson for me...believing in Allah and seeing duas come true is what I learnt the most...God, I miss that place soo much! Everyone doing the same thing, thinking the same thing, for one purpose alone,..powerful!
And Madinah.....Ya Allah i LOVED it so much...so beautiful..I really felt so close to Rasullulah (SAW)...spoke to him, cried by him..made so much dua in Masjidun Nabawi
Id love to go again IA..but with a breakand after longing to go again...to really appreciate it
My 40 days are up tomorrow..im not my own again :) May Allah accept all my duas, all our prayers, our Hajj and everything we do from now onwards
Oh also tawaf...knowing that all your duas are accepted! so mashallah! i just asked and asked for everything that I wanted...I want it all to come true, IA.
just want to keep it up IA!
:)

Marketing...

2008-02-07T09:08:00.000+02:00

Slms

So now im requested by management to "self market" myself! I dont know how to do this and still maintain my values of Islam..ie humility, no pride, not brining attention to yourself! a bit of a mixup ill say! They say that I do everything and all my work so well but I dont involve anyone in the process..i work hard and then present the end result ( which is always good, Alhamdulillah) but now they want me to keep telling people what im busy with, how hard Im working etc...i cant do that! in my religon we take least credit for everything..thats the beauty of it all...you shine more like that...these stupid western values of attention seeking..i dont know how to do it :(

i dont know if i should be doing it!

and also it seems liek in every circumstance i must punt myself ( not directly) but use every chance to show them what im upto, how proactive i am, how im interetsed in other things...

tough one...need to think hard about this...have people before me done the same?

M4Life

what a gift!

2007-10-24T17:37:00.001+02:00

Slms

OHMIGOD!!

Im going for Hajj Inshallah!!!!

who would have ever knew but HIM!!!!

Alhamdulillah!!!!!

M4Life

Allah please take me for Hajj :)

2007-10-01T09:09:00.001+02:00

Slms

We took a chance and registered for Hajj in May with not much of a plan to actually go ahead...Now that its getting closer and we have not been accepted by quota system (due to our age!) its killing me...only now I know how much I really want to go..I can feel it..oh Allah please, please, let me go this year, Inshallah!

M4life

Very inspirational - Ramadaan

2007-09-21T09:26:00.001+02:00

Inshallah I will take full advantage of this!

Once Moosa (AS) asked Allah Ta'ala: O Allah ! You have granted me the honor and privilege of talking to you directly, Have you given this privilege to any other person? Allah Ta'ala replied, O Moosa during the last period I am going to send an ummat, who will be the Ummat of Mohammed (SAW) with dry lips, parched tongues, emaciated body with eyes sunken deep into their sockets, with livers dry and stomachs suffering the pangs of hunger- will call out to me (in dua) they will be much much closer to me than you O Moosa! while you speak to me there are 70000 veils between you and me but at the time of iftaar there will not be a single veil between me and the fasting Ummati of Mohammed (SAW).

O Moosa I have taken upon myself the responsibility that at the time of iftaar I will never refuse the dua of a fasting person!

Covering my Hair- interesting reading

2007-08-08T08:40:00.001+02:00

1) When I Covered My Head, I Opened My Mind

As a non-Muslim living in Western society, the idea of modesty was not exactly foremost in my mind. Like all other women of my generation and mind-set, I thought such ideas were antiquated and excessive.

I felt pity for the poor Muslim woman who had to "wear all that junk," or "walk around in bed - sheets" as I used to call it I was a modern woman, educated and liberated. Little did I know the awful truth. I was more oppressed than any Muslim woman in the most culturally oppressive village in the Muslim world. I was oppressed not by an inability to choose my clothing or to choose my life-style, I was oppressed by an inability to see my society for what it really was. I was oppressed by the idea that a woman's beauty was public, and that lustful admiration was equal to respect. It was when Allah guided me to Islam, and I put on the hijab, that I was finally able to step out of the society in which I lived and see it for what it really is. I could see how the highest paid women were those who exposed themselves to public display, like actresses, models and even strip-tease dancers. I was able to see that the relationship between men and women was unfairly stacked in the man's direction. I knew I used o dress to attract men. I tried to fool myself by saying

I did it to please myself, but the painful reality was that what pleased me was when I was admired by a man I considered attractive. I now know that there is no way for a person to know that he is dirty if

he has never been clean. Similarly, I was not able to see that I was oppressed until I stepped out of the darkness of this oppressive society into the light of Islam. With that light shined on the truth, I was finally

able to see the shadows that had been so obscured by my Western philosophies. It is not oppression to protect yourself and society; it is oppression to voluntarily throw yourself into the quagmire while

denying it is dirty. I am grateful to Allah that He allowed me to recognize that when I covered my head, I was taking away from people any means for judging me other than my mind, my soul and my heart. When I covered my head, I took away the incentive for exploitation based on beauty. When I covered my head, I made people respect me because they saw that I respected myself, and when I covered my head, I finally opened my mind to the truth.

2) Teach, Don't Preach

One of the factors which attracted me to this great deen of ours was the fact that so much of it can be understood based on logic and reason. that is why I feel that many Muslims parents do themselves a

great disservice by not explaining more to their children. The old, "Because I say so...", or because you are an Arab, Pakistani, Somali, (fill in your cultural preference)..." never has worked and never will

work. Human beings have a naturaldesire to understand what they do and why they do it, that is why Islam is such a great religion, because it satisfies all of our basic intellectual and emotional needs; it

does this simply because it is the truth, and the truth is always easy to understand and defend. When we teach our children, we should use the same sound reasoning and logic that we use to

convince ourselves that a particular deed is beneficial. Thus, as we accept it, so, inshallah, will they because it will be understandable. Of course we preface every instruction with the understanding that we do

what we do to please Allah and Allah only, even if we can not understand it, but alhamdulillah we have a means to understand the majority of what we do and avoid as Muslims. For instance, we know that we

don't eat pork because Allah commands us in the Glorious Quraan to avoid it. Then, we know that our beloved Prophet (Sal Allahu alayhi wa salam) commanded us to avoid it. We need to tell this to our kids,

and as they grow and increase in their understanding we need to show it to them. This teaches them some important lessons. It shows them Allah's commands; it shows them the importance of the

Prophet's (Sal Allahu alayhi wa salam) commands, and it shows them the basics of researching into the deen. Then, once we set this as our base, we need to explain to them the wisdom of this command.

Talk about the diseases associated with eating pork. Discuss the unsanitary living/eating habits of this animal. Essentially, teach them those things which help you to avoid this sin. Teach them to use

their faith and their mind in unison as tools towards achieving the ultimate goal of reaching Jannah.

Shariffa Carlo

How Allah blessed me this month

2007-06-27T10:16:00.001+02:00

slms

Allah blesses us in different ways..My latest blessing is my new work environment

Allah has given me a complete revolution in my work evironment, Alhamdulliah. From a very difficult team and management where I was downright miserable to say the least, I feel like I have a new leash on life now!

I have this wonderful manager who is so calm, understanding,cool , friendly, funny..etc etc, a senior manager who is non judgemnetal, non imposing, fresh, down to earth and has an absoultely brilliant mind and knows whats potting, Im part of a bigger team who is playful, friendly, sooo easy to get along with and who completely gets me! we have so much fun at work

Alhamdulillah, its sooo wonderful, I laugh so much at work!

Allah had to show me the worst ever to appreciate this wonderful space.If I hadnt been through hell then I wouldnt keep thanking Him so much for this happiness :)

This is how Allah has blessed me this month

M4life

show offs!

2007-06-26T09:39:00.001+02:00

slms

ok. i hope i wasnt like this when i was an old hat in my previous job...this girl here really works on my nerves...bosses everyone around..atcs like she knows everything...but i must look deeper and see if it is that thats bothering me ..or that roles are reversed and im not the most experienced anymore...is that why im feeling iritated ?or is it uncomfortable with not being the most knowledeable? hmm..

well at least i can learn from her how NOT to be! yeah, ill observe all her habits and note what i dont want to be!!

lol

M4life

Affirmations- working!

2007-06-05T10:18:00.000+02:00

Slms

Im trying this new thing ...saying affirmations to myself all the time even if I dont quite feel like I mean it just yet, it will come in time

So its gotta be present tense, positive, and continuous

like this morning I kept saying " This is a good day", "All my work is getting done", "Everything that I do will have a magical sparkle to it"

Alhamdulillah, in 2 hours I did more work that I would ordinarily do in maybe 1 day!! lol

Allah is with me :)

M4life

A nice saying...

2007-05-25T09:23:00.001+02:00

Slms

Im dying to share this ...

"Dont let yesterdays negative thoughts affect tomorrows experiences"

Louise L Hay

Jummuah Mubarak

M4life

Just be...

2007-04-30T12:16:00.001+02:00

Oh why cant I be free? Why is it NOT ok to just be?

Why cant we be alone, be crabby, be impossible, be unfair, be quiet, be feeling sorry for myself, be sad, be happy, be doing my own thing, be what i want, be bad, be doing whatever

Why do we have to conform in society? Why do we have to always be smiling, be kind, be patient, be answering peoples questions, be talking,be pretending , be what they want us to be?

I cant take it anymore!

Oh Allah, please bless me with your everlasting Peace and Serenity and Power. Aameen

People who dont care

2007-04-18T15:09:00.001+02:00

Salaams

Dont you hate people who cruise through life....This one girl at work is so irresponsible and doesnot complete her work and then when theres a consequence like someone pitching for a meeting at the wrong time because she didnt inform them of the right time, she still has the nerve to walk around aimlessly and do other stuff instead of explaining herself to the person! I was so mad, I made sure that I didnt have to explain because really it wasnt my fault, but she took so long so i called her and told her to hurry up because the poor guy was waiting! So she finally explained but took no responsibility for standing him up

*hrrmph*

When friendship wanes....

2007-04-10T14:24:00.001+02:00

Why is it that some people can decide when THEY want to give up on friendship and others must just accept it? Why is it ok for some people to say what they want and you must just understand and accept it? Thats not fair, Im not afraid of conflict or confrontation when necessary to understand and explain the situation.

It hurts when this happens..but theres only one thing to do and that is to bring it on and face it head on

Wish me luck! :)

Career crisis

2006-12-11T09:04:00.000+02:00

Im having a career crisis - im not even in the mid of my career ( try 3 years down the track only!) and Im tired. I guess its because I am confused about what I want.Or what I though I wanted wasn’t quite right anymore :(

I need inspiration and guidance from Allah. I have neglected my duty to Him recently ( very bad girl!) but Inshallah I will revive this again NOW!

M4life

Being a mother...

2006-12-04T11:08:00.000+02:00

I had the most fabulous weekend- I spent the weekend babysitting my 9 year old sister Sumayya and we had a wonderful time! It was scary in that I had a responsibility towards her - and she got sick and i had to nurse her at night - and if I might say so myself, I think I did pretty fine! Alhamdulillah, she is an angel so it made it that much easier to handle! We went out, did shopping , did all her favorite things ( ok , so i spoilt her!). I surprised myself by being so patient and giving and always wanting to make sure she was happy and ok. But I also learnt that it was a different life having kids...they need your time and attention and all your activities for the weekend revolve around them! It was probably easier this weekend because my husband was away so I COULD give up all my time for her! But after this w/end I respect single mothers who do it by themselves- its not easy driving around, managing the house, working all by yourself- so heres to single mothers!

So now Im at work and I miss her so much! Cant wait to get home to be with her again!

So that was my practice lesson for being a mother one day, Inshallah.

I loved it :)

M4life

Everything happens for a reason!

2006-11-17T16:38:00.000+02:00

If I ever felt Allahs presence and love, it was now. I had a procedure done in hospital recently and I had so much faith in Allah that Alhamdulillah, I had so little pain and I recovered so well! People cannot believe me when I say that it went so well with so little pain and discomfort.

Everything happens for a reason , that’s for sure. It also allowed me time off from work to be at home and so things I would never had a chance to do - I relaxed, I organised myself, I cleaned up the house and I had a glorious time, Alhamdulillah.

Why cant we always just trust in Allah? He always wants the best for us.

Everything happens for a reason. As Muslims, this is our greatest gift - faith in this statement and that Allah is in control of everything, Alhamdulillah :)

PRAYER BEFORE WORK.

2006-11-10T15:47:00.000+02:00

~* Bismillah *~

PRAYER BEFORE WORK…

Allah, as I enter this work place,

I bring Your presence with me.

I speak Your peace, Your grace, Your mercy, and Your perfect order into this office.

I acknowledge Your power over all that

will be spoken, thought, decided, and done within these walls.

Allah, I thank You for the gifts You have blessed me with.

I commit to using them responsibly in Your honour.

Give me a fresh supply of strength to do my job.

Bless my projects, ideas, and energy, so that even my smallest accomplishment may bring You glory.

Allah when I am confused, guide me.

When I am weary, energise me. When I am burned out, infuse me with the light of Your Noor.

May the work that I do and the way I do it bring faith, joy, and a smile to all that I come in contact with today.

And, Ya Allah, when I leave this place, give me traveling mercy.

Bless my family and home to be in order as I left it.

Allah, I thank you for everything You've done, everything You're doing, and everything You're going to do.

In the Name of Allah I pray, with much love and Thanksgiving..... Ameen.

Never think that Allah’s delays are His denials.

Hold on; hold fast; hold out. Patience is genius.

When people put others on pedestals....

2006-11-08T15:58:00.000+02:00

Salaams

Today I am very disturbed..not in the head ( Ok, maybe there too!) but certainly in my heart. Why is it that certain people feel that what they do, what their children do and go through is the end of the world? why do people feel like their problems are thebiggest in the world, and what their kids are studying , and how difficult their lives are is not comparable to anyone else? Yesterday I voiced my opinion that I hate it when certain people I know do that - they completey exaggerate the situation and make it out that their family is the most special in the world, and nothing YOU go through is ever significant enough. Also these people brainwash MY family to believe their story and make tem feel inadequete. so now members of my family are defending these people and feeling sorry for them! I cannot handle it. Its so unfair. At the end of the month this person will be finishing their studies , which i admit is a great achievement. But excuse me, we ALL went through it! And it was really tuff, and we were married and I had moved to another city so we all went through tough times. But we dont see anyone else throwing us a party - we just take it all in our stride, Alhamdulillah.

I am so angry that they brainwash people too! That kills me. My only comfort is that Allah sees me for what I am and what I go through becasue he is always with me through it all. I dont need any recognition from any one else but Him. I just need to get through the end of this month when this person gets their brand new title of "Doctor" and everyone else has kissed their feet and made a huge fuss and Inshallah it will be easier for me thereafter.

Sorry I know Im whining a bit, but hey I needed to! I now feel a bit better, Alhamdulillah

M4life

My affirmations

2006-11-03T14:03:00.000+02:00

Salaams

My husband has taught me something very useful called affirmations. We both have a notebook where we write down our goals and affirmations every time we feel them - Inshallah this will help us get closer to realising them as we think positively!

So My Main Affirmation for today is :

I WILL visit Makkah/ Madinah next year

Inshallah!
:)
M4life

Post Ramadaan Post about Ramadaan

2006-11-02T14:55:00.000+02:00

Slms
I have had so many thoughts that I wanted to post recently but they keep getting stale cos I have had no time to post them!
So pardon my Ramadaan post – it might be late but still so important to me!

Suhoor at Steers (18 October 2006)

My enjoyment of Ramadaan has blessed me in another way – I am really feeling more & more stronger towards rejecting the Western way of living, Alhamdulillah.You see Im surrounded by it daily at work and often I completely take for granted how much of their lives I’m unwittingly exposed to. Sometimes I feel left out , like I was the boring one and maybe there was something wrong with me almost.

And so I get to what happened at Suhoor at Steers. There were so many families eating suhoor at the restaurant. There’s something so fine about knowing that everyone there was there for the same purpose of eating suhoor for the fast, we were all going to go home to read Fajr and then we all will fast the next day. And also at the restaurant at 3:30 am there some drunken Non Muslim girls with a guy. They were so out of place in this restaurant where everyone else was partaking in a blessed practice of Suhoor for the fast the next day. And WE Muslims were not the odd ones out! At that time, I really appreciated the Muslim way of life!

So by being so immersed into Islam this Ramadaan by listening to Radio Alansaar, forgetting about music and TV and being involved with Muslims overseas via blogging ; that being around non Muslims has for the first time felt strange for me! Woohoo! Subhanallah! And what amplified it was a guest from Jeddah who made us so jealous about living in Jeddah (which btw is 45 mins from Makkah! J) Anyway he was telling us about Ramadaan in Muslim countries- how the canteen is closed and non Muslims are the minority so eating is just not happening in Ramadaan – how cool is that? No more having to salivate when looking at the delicious strirfrys being made – or smelling the yummy cake being baked in the building! There’s so much unity when most people in a country are all fasting at the same time.

I would love to experience Ramadaan in a Muslim country Inshallah one day. But for now I’m in a non Muslim country so im going to make the best of it – and enjoy being a Proudly South African Muslimah!

Muslimah 4 life, Inshallah
TasKeeN

Keeping the Faith

2006-10-18T10:05:00.000+02:00

Salaams

I learnt a very valuable lesson this Ramadaan (well I learnt many lessons but this is my favourite!) I learnt to trust in Allah. And you know what, it felt so good! After all , that’s what Hes there for , and that’s what He wants us to do. There was something that wasn’t working out for me and either I would have lost a lot of money or I would have got my money back but wouldn’t have received the items I wanted so badly and chose so specially. Whilst this may have been on a simple material level, it could very well apply to any situation in life. So anyway I felt so helpless but then I had hope because of Allah – I prayed to Him for guidance, I submitted to Him to decide for me which outcome was better and I promised Him that I would be happy with either way. So I tied my camel and left the rest up to Him. And it felt so good, Alhamdulillah!

And so Allah decided for me that receiving the items was better for me. But I had such strong faith in Him that I would have been happy with either decision. A thought I love to live by is that whenever I am disappointed, or I missed something I think to myself
“Allah has saved me from something worse”
and that really gets me by, Alhamdulillah.

Keeping the faith,
TasKeeN

TasKeeN has ArriVeD!

2006-10-13T13:13:00.000+02:00

Bismillah

I'm so excited to enter the blogging world (at long last!). Inshallah, I want to learn, talk, meet new people and have fun. I want to connect to Muslimahs all over the world and unite and show the world that we have Girl Power because we are Muslims!

Till next time...
TasKeeN :)