RAMADHAN KAREEM SISTERS AND BROTHERS IN ISLAM

Salaam all. Believe it or not the Month of mercy is upon us once more. Alhamdulillah we have once again been blessed with the opportunity to better ourselves. To tighten our ties with the Merciful and to seek forgiveness and guidance. This is the month when a great number of people (can’t remember the actual number) will be saved from Hell Fire. It is the month of Rahma….when we are surrounded by Allah’s mercy, tranquillity and the gates of paradise are wide open. It is the month of guidance…..the shayaatins are locked in shackles and the gates of Hell Fire are shut.

Sisters and brothers in Islam, let us make the most of this Ramadhan. Only Allah is aware if we will witness the next one. Let us use this month as a stepping stone to increase our imaan, to get closer to our creator and exercise some self control. InshaAllah I pray we all improve our Islamic character however small or big it may seem.

May we be among the ones saved form the Hell Fire on this Month of Mercy. I pray that we are all granted what is kheyr . May we benefit and make the most of Ramadhan. May the Angels always protect us and may happiness and blessing always surround us. May Allah’s love enfold us, may His power protect us, may his presence guide us and his blessing pour over us always.
Ameen thuma ameen.

InshaAllah kheyr

Ring the alarm…the situation is lacking Islam.

I take a deep breath and stare into the horizon. The grey sky is above me and the soles of my feet rest on the cold concrete below. Thoughts fill my mind like the psychedelic colours of the seventies. Whirling round and round on a wheel of fortune and I hold my breath waiting for the it to stop. Where would it stop……what would fate hand us this time?

Ethiopia has started air raids on Somalia. Yea….more poor people are losing their lives. A civil war that has been going on for 16years. Now though it is called Jihad. The interim government and the UIC are now the centre of attention. One wants to rule by Islam and the other wants to rule. Ok…I might be coming out in favour of the UIC but they have made the most visible changes in the region. The streets are cleaner, khad is banned and they are trying to abolish tribalism. The Somalis in Somalia for once actually looked happy and content. The place was starting to look a country and less like an abandoned land. People were migrating back…..
I know there is a fear that the UIC might turn into the next Taliban. Banning anything and everything….but I don’t think they will turn into the Taliban. I think most of the bad press that has been surrounding them has been propaganda. I don’t mean that all they do is justified. They are some people with twisted morals flying under the banner of Islam. You can’t expect everyone to be perfect and on the moral high horse. There will always be the good, the bad and the ugly.
The fear is that this war is gonna become a full out war that affects the neighbouring countries to Somalia. Ethiopia is already involved and because of the political tension that’s rife in all of East Africa…..other countries in the region might get involved. This might turn into a Muslim vs. other war. It was a stupid move to have Ethiopia involved in this. Somalis are sensitive where Ethiopia is concerned…..they are a sore wound where Somalia is concerned. Having them support the interim government means rubbing salt on the wound causing most to turn against the government. The problems should have been sorted without outside influence. If a mediator was necessary then a less controversial figure (not Ethiopia) should have been appointed.

The African union has been trying to sort the political situation in Sudan. The UN wants to get involved; the West wants to interfere once again to sort out the problem of the people of the East. After all we are not civilised to sort out our own problems. Problems caused by the borders created by the ‘civilised world’ and maintained by the leaders of the ’uncivilised’

The thorn in every Muslim's heart......al-Ard-al-Muqaddasah. Olmert has approved 100million for Palestine…..makes you wonder why the sudden generosity. I mean the Hammas leader was refused entry to his country just a few days ago because he was carrying money for his country. By the way he was a leader who has been democratically elected. But democracy only works when it is approved by Israel and the West, because the rest of the world is lacking the ‘skills’ in making such important decisions. So, back to giving the money to Abbas….they are trying to turn Hammas and Fatah against each other.

Lebanon has protesting to have Senora step down. They have had enough….they don’t need someone who just bum licks to the west. A Labrador aint fit as a leader. They have woken up and smelt the manure….their nasal tracts are opening up and the smell is foul. Something needs to be done.

Then there is the unanimous UN vote that sanctions should be imposed on Iran. Of course because they are thinking with their own mind and they want to enjoy the luxury of feeling secure. But what were they thinking? This is a privilege that only Israel can enjoy in this region because the rest are unable to make civilised decision.
In Iraq it’s the same story of Sunni and Sh’ia fighting. One thing they do have in common is that they don’t want outside influence. The occupation must pack up and leave…..

What do all these countries share? They have been turned against each other by the ones who have vested interests. The case of Somalia, Iraq and Sudan it is the ever volatile oil. And in Iran, Palestine and Lebanon it is the national security of Israel that is at risk. Muslims cannot be defeated from outside; the only way to break them is from the inside and this is happening. Our iman is low and aqeedah practically non-existent because of the many outside influences. We are loosing it people and we are loosing it bad. These problems are self made…it is because we weakened our foundation and barriers that the cracks are turning into breaks. The building might topple if we are not careful. And then what?

The solution is simple the implementation is the problem. We need to work on our aqeedah as an ummah. We need to strengthen ourselves….only then can we fight the enemy. And only then can we envision victory.
InshaAllah kheyr!

I am aware....and I am praying....I have not forgotten....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmsXIN5JYJE


Sitting here with eyes filled with tears I wonder how the Muslim Ummah ended up in this state. How is it that our children, brothers and sisters are being oppressed and killed from left, right and centre?

With Muslims making up a large number of the worlds population how can we let this happen? I have no doubt that nearly every Muslim prays for our fellow brothers and sisters experiencing hardship. But why does it seem like nothing? Why does it seem like our prayers are not being answered? What are we doing wrong? These are questions that have been haunting me for quite some time, especially at night (the time when I get to reflect and contemplate). Why? Why? Why? Why is it when billions of Muslims are putting their hands up in prayer do we not see a change?

The answer to my questions in the end was very simple.

If I wanted to lift a heavy container that weighed a lot, something that would definitely require some careful thinking before lifting. Would I just sit next to it and pray that Allah lift it for me to my destination? Would I just sit not doing anything hoping for a miracle from Allah that would help me move this container from A to B?

The answer is NO! I would pray that Allah makes it easy for me, that Allah doesn’t cause any harm to me through it and then I would proceed to lifting it.

Then why don’t we employ the same mentality that we do in our everyday lives to sort the issues affecting the Ummah? Why are we content with just sitting down in our cosy houses just saying a silent prayer? Why don’t we be proactive? Why don’t we go out there and do something?

I say this to myself before anybody else because I myself I’m not as proactive as I wish I could be. There is plenty more I could do. There is plenty more I should do. I can’t sit down enjoying life anymore while my brothers and sisters live in terror. While they are being persecuted. While innocent children die in the name of the so called democracy.

There is a hadith where the Prophet (SAW) says that if we see something we should first try to change it with our actions and if we can’t then we should try to do so with our tongue and if that isn’t possible then we should do so with our hearts and that is the weakest form of iman (keep in mind I am paraphrasing the hadith)

The Ummah is like a body if one part hurts then the whole body is not at ease. We should make the Ummah's problems our problems. We should try and do something about the state that we are in.

I have been praying for the Ummah for a while now…..throwing stones with my heart. It is about time I threw stones with my pen……with my words.....

Ten Thought To Ponder For the Muslimah......

Remember that your Lord forgives those who ask him for forgiveness and he accepts the repentance of those who sincerely repent, and he accepts those who sincerely come back to him.

Show mercy to the weak and you will be happy; give to the needy and you will be well; do not bear grudges and you will be healthy.

Be optimistic for Allah is with you and the angels are praying for forgiveness for you, and paradise awaits you.

Wipe away your tears, think well of your Lord, and chase away your worries by remembering the blessings Allah has bestowed upon you.

Do not think that this world is ever perfect for anyone. There is no-one on the face of the earth who gets all that she/he wants or is free form all kinds of distress.

Be like a tall tree with high aims; if a stone is thrown at it, it simply lets its fruits drop.

Have you ever heard that grief brings back what has been lost, or that worry corrects mistakes? So why grieve and worry then?

Do not except trials and calamities; rather expect peace, safety and good health, if Allah wills.

Extinguish the flames of hatred from your heart by forgiving everyone who has ever hurt you.

Ghusl, Wudu’, siwak and being organised are effective medicines for all kinds of stress and worry.

Taken from 'You can be the happiest woman in the world'.

'A treasure chest of reminders'

by Dr 'A'id al Qarni

For the Muslimah.......

Yes to your beautiful smile that sends a warmth and friendliness to others.

No to wasting time in trivial pursuits, love of revenge and futile arguments.

Yes to your kind words that establish friendship as permitted in Islam and dispel rancour

No to giving priority to money and accumulation of wealth over one’s health, happiness, sleep and peace of mind

Yes to acceptable charity that brings happiness to the poor and feeds the hungry

No to seeking other people’s faults and backbiting about them, whilst forgetting one’s own faults.

Yes to sitting with the Qur’an, reciting it, pondering its meanings and acting upon them, and repenting and seeking forgiveness.

No to indulging in physical pleasure alone and giving in to every whim and desire. To wasting money on haram things, being extravagant with regards to permissible things, and falling short in acts of worship.

Yes to raising your children in Islam, teaching them the Sunnah and guiding them to that which will benefit them.

No to wasting time with shallow people and spending hours in idle pursuits.

Yes to modesty and Hijab as enjoined by Allah, which is a means of self protection.

No to neglecting physical hygiene and cleanliness in the house, and being disorganised at home

Yes to friendship of good women who fear Allah, love Islam and respect high values.

No to haram drinks, cigarettes, shisha (“hookah pipes”), and all foul things.

Yes to honouring ones parents, upholding the ties of kinship, honouring one’s neighbour and caring for orphans.

No to thinking of past calamities and dwelling on past mistakes.

Yes to reading useful, interesting and beneficial books.

No to forgetting the Hereafter and neglecting to strive for it, and to being careless of what will happen in the Hereafter.

Taken from the book 'You can be the Happiest Woman in the World'
'A treasure chest of reminders'
by Dr 'A'id al-Qarni

ARE U READY FOR THIS TRIP?!

PERSONAL ID PASSPORT:
Passenger Name: Human Being (YOU) Background: Of Mud; Dirt; Dust and clay Address: Planet Earth

TRAVEL INFORMATION:

Departing From: Life on Earth

Destination: The Hereafter Time of Departure: "No soul knoweth what it will earn tomorrow, and no soul knoweth in what land it will die." (Surah Luqmaan, Ayah 34)

Time of Arrival: "And the stupor of death will come intruth; that is what you were trying to escape!" (SurahQaaf, Ayah 19)

HAPPY TRIP!

PERMITTED LUGGAGE ON TRIP:

(The following is allowed for passengers to Bring onthe trip)

1-White Wrapping Cloth That's About Two Meters inLength

2-Good Doing and Deeds

3-A good child of the passenger who will pray forhim/her when they have departed

4-Islamic knowledge which is beneficiary to passenger(s)

5-On-going Fund/Sadaqah (Money/food/charity constantly being given away on behalf of the traveler of which he/she will gain Hasanat after his/her departure)

6- Other luggage/belongings may not be permitted nor will benefit passengers on this trip

RULES FOR YOUR TRIP:

It is required for all travelers participating in thistrip to follow all instructions and information mentioned in Allah's book-The Holy Quran- and theSunah of His Prophet and Messenger (Muhammad {sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam}). Examples of Required Rules:

-Obedience, Love, Worship, and Fear of Allah

-The constant belief and remembrance of death

-The awareness that nothing awaits man at his/her destination (Hereafter) other than Heaven (Janna) orHell (Jahannum)

-Respect, Good Treatment, and Obedience of Parents

-Make sure everything you ate, drank, or wore in your life was Halal (permitted and allowed in Islam), notHaram.

For more information, please contact:

Allah's book-The Holy Quran, and follows the sunah of the Messenger(Peace be Upon Him).

NOTIFICATION:

Please note your call (contact) is free of charge, asyou are always welcome to contact the two mentioned above. There is no need to reconfirm your registration. There is no limit as to the weight or how much of your good deeds or any other allowed luggage (listed above) for you to bring along with you on your final trip. Be supplied with as much good deeds for your trip as you wish. Enjoy Your Trip!

Brothers and Sisters, you must be aware that we will ALL go on this trip, be it tomorrow, in five minutes,or in 80 years, your departing day will come. So please be prepared for it, and help others prepare themselves for their FINAL TRIP by reminding as many people as possible that death is inevitable, and Inshallah you will get ajer (Hasanat) for it.

Jazakallah KhairunThe very fact that you have been reminded of death is a sign of Allah's Mercy and Kindness on you.
Asalamu Alaikum

Hijab

Still on the topic of Hijab....................I thought I'd share with you all this piece of beautiful writing which always makes me smile. It looks at the hijab from a different perspective..........


THE ELEGANT HIJAB

The pea is a splendid plant. It proudly displays its strong green Hijab. Which protects it from the hot and cold weather and guards it from insects. Allah has blessed the pea with a special Hijab, because without it, the seeds would scatter, dry up and die.

The orange keeps itself within its shiny orange Hijab to protect its delicious fruit. Otherwise it loses its taste too.

So are the banana, the coconut and the pomegranate. Each one has an elegant and unique Hijab, which protects it from disease and destruction.

The jewel of the sea, the pearl, has been given a very tough and rugged Hijab - oyster shell. It protects it from sea animals and keeps it sparkling and shining inside.

However, the most beloved of Allah in all His creation is the Muslim girl who wears the Hijab. She knows it is a gift from Allah. It protects her from harm, injury and mischief. She wears it knowing it gives her dignity, beauty and respect. So precious she can be that she hides herself beneath her Hijab.

Do you wear a Hijab? Give it a try today.

Taken from: www.jamiat.org.za
I am not sure if this piece of writting is still posted on the site (it was a long while ago when I took it from the site)...you can always try and see though!

The Veil!

When you tell us this is the western and we are free. That we don’t need to be oppressed, ashamed of our femininity
We just shake our head and speak, saying
"See the billboards and the magazines, the line and the checkout isle with their phoney painted faces and air brushed smiles. Well your sheer cloths and low cut gowns aren’t really for us.
You might call it freedom but we call it anarchy!
So............lift the veil from your heart and seek the heart of purity
This hijab this mark of piety is an act of faith a symbol for all the world to see a simple cloth to preserve our dignity"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58jpmpT_wco


And tell the believing women to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts, etc.) and not to show off their adornment except only that which is apparent (like palms of hands or one eye or both eyes for necessity to see the way, or outer dress like veil, gloves, head-cover, apron, etc.), and to draw their veils all over Juyubihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms, etc.) and not to reveal their adornment except to their husbands, their fathers, their husbands fathers, their sons, their husbands sons, their brothers or their brothers sons, or their sisters sons, or their (Muslim) women (i.e. their sisters in Islam), or the (female) slaves whom their right hands possess, or old male servants who lack vigour, or small children who have no sense of the shame of sex. And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment. And all of you beg Allah to forgive you all, O believers, that you may be successful.
Surah An-Nur Ayah 31

Narrated Aisha, Ummul Mu'minin: Asma, daughter of AbuBakr, entered upon the Apostle of Allah (salallahu alayhi wa sallam) wearing thin clothes. The Apostle of Allah (salallahu alayhi wa sallam) turned his attention from her. He said: O Asma', when a woman reaches the age of menstruation, it does not suit her that she displays her parts of body except this and this, and he pointed to her face and hands.
Sunan AbuDawud


Dedicated to all my sisters around the world who are struggling with the law to wear the hijab.
To my other sisters who ALLAH has blessed with the ability to wear the hijab, I think it's time we were thankful and keep our less fortunate sisters in our duas