I suppose I'm re-welcoming you to the blog.
I didn't change much, but the most significant thing I did change was the web address of the blog from http://www.muslimteenissues.blogspot.com/ to http://www.islamthebeautiful.blogspot.com/.
I was unable to receive updates from the blog even though I am shown as a follower, so I'm assuming that it will take some time for you to receive your usual updates. If it takes longer than two weeks, I'll look into it more seriously. But it definitely seems that everyone is considered a follower of http://www.islamthebeautiful.blogspot.com/, and that they have been automatically registered as followers when the blog address changed.
I suppose the reason I changed the blog address was that I felt the address was too restrictive in the sense that I don't only talk about muslim teen issues, and I plan Insha' Allah to expand my blog with other things that are not only for teenagers, and not only for Muslims. So it would seem prudent to change the actual web address of the blog to address that aspect.
I know it may not have been most convenient for everyone, it hasn't for me either,
But I've done it saying "Bismillah", so Insha' Allah it'll turn out for the best.
In addition, you may have noticed My Profile emptier than before, and the header changed as well. I'm updating my blog, and plan Insha' Allah to rewrite what was in My Profile, not that what was in it wasn't good or not true, and change my blog template(background) and maybe even further change the header. I'll see Insha' Allah; I just wanted y'all to know my blog is undergoing some changes.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Monday, December 28, 2009
Book Lovers: ALERT!
http://www.bookloverscentral.blogspot.com/
Above is the link to a blog which you may know I follow.
Anyways,
it looks like the blog has started to be regularly posted,
so I encourage y'all to check it out, and become a follower if you wish.
Above is the link to a blog which you may know I follow.
Anyways,
it looks like the blog has started to be regularly posted,
so I encourage y'all to check it out, and become a follower if you wish.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Our Islamic Identity: A Gift to Honor, Love, and Protect
"Identity...about realizing what and who we truly are, and being conscious of it at all times."
"Muslim identity among the spiritual elect has always been about behavior that is a product of God-consciousness (taqwa)..."
Above in quotes from:
http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/Satellite?c=Article_C&pagename=Zone-English-Family%2FFYELayout&cid=1231223445470
______________________________________________________________________________
Our Islamic Identity is something to be proud of. Something to honor and to protect. Particularly in Non-Muslim societies, ideologies and beliefs and temptations that are prohibited by Islam lie in wait for the unaware, unsuspecting person who, sometimes, is too late to realize what trap they have walked into until they are a different person and, God Forbid, perhaps have even thrown away their Islamic Identity. But there is a way to be aware, to be ready to defend one's Islamic Identity.
"This defence is knowledge. The Muslim should arm himself with a correct Aqeedah and an awareness of what it means to be Muslim. Any attack, any attempt to subvert or mislead will then be in vain. If the Muslim knows the true nature of this society and if he can see how it is designed to mislead, then he will not fall into its traps. This ability to distinguish from right and wrong and chose right comes from a correct Aqeedah." Taken from: http://www.missionislam.com/knowledge/preserveident.htm
That is how to protect your Islamic Identity. Now, to Honor, Cherish, and Love it, which essentially is fundamental to wanting to protect your Islamic Identity in the first place.
If someone asks you, "Hey, you comin' to prom?" "You gettin' a boyfriend, or girlfriend anytime soon?"
You might say,"Oh, my mom would really get angry if she found out..."
"Uh, I wish I could, really, but I have this other thing to do that night..."
That demonstrates a lack of pride in your religion, and that you have some level of shame existent in your heart of your religion. Li-Mada? Cherra? Why?(BTW, the two words you might not know mean Why? Just in different languages.I had an urge to use 'em.)
Why would you have shame in your religion? The religion that promotes the welfare of humankind, the morals of kindness and generosity so much so you are rewarded by Allah(SWT), for the kind word you speak to the smile you give to the quarter you give to the poor, as long as your Niyyah, your intention, is sincere and pure. The religion that gave the rights to women when they, in the days of Jahilliyah(Ignorance), had none. The religion that makes utter sense, that is the only thing that can give you such a feeling of honor, comfort, and happiness, that sparks that feeling in your heart you can only feel when you think of Allah(SWT), think of your ultimate treasure, Islam. The religion that causes you to feel that same special feeling when you are donating that thousand dollars to Islamic Relief, and thinking of the good deeds you are gaining and not about how you were saving that money for a new T.V.
You know all those convert stories you hear? Those people had to search for Islam, to have it re-enter their hearts, while many of us were born and raised Muslim. And regardless of this blessing, some disregard it and abandon it.
We come to honor our Islamic Identity as a result of our Taqwa and Love for our Religion. Strive to increase your Taqwa and Eman always, and don't discard the Gift Allah(SWT) has given you, Islam. Live by Islam, for Islam is a way of life. Verily, our Islamic Identity is a treasure that Allah(SWT) has Guided and Blessed us to keep and preserve. Many go astray, their Islamic Identity discarded. Don't be among them.
"This defence is knowledge. The Muslim should arm himself with a correct Aqeedah and an awareness of what it means to be Muslim. Any attack, any attempt to subvert or mislead will then be in vain. If the Muslim knows the true nature of this society and if he can see how it is designed to mislead, then he will not fall into its traps. This ability to distinguish from right and wrong and chose right comes from a correct Aqeedah." Taken from: http://www.missionislam.com/knowledge/preserveident.htm
For much more on Knowledge in Islam: http://writerinislam.blogspot.com/2005/06/seeking-knowledgeseeking-allah.html
"Muslim identity among the spiritual elect has always been about behavior that is a product of God-consciousness (taqwa)..."
Above in quotes from:
http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/Satellite?c=Article_C&pagename=Zone-English-Family%2FFYELayout&cid=1231223445470
______________________________________________________________________________
Our Islamic Identity is something to be proud of. Something to honor and to protect. Particularly in Non-Muslim societies, ideologies and beliefs and temptations that are prohibited by Islam lie in wait for the unaware, unsuspecting person who, sometimes, is too late to realize what trap they have walked into until they are a different person and, God Forbid, perhaps have even thrown away their Islamic Identity. But there is a way to be aware, to be ready to defend one's Islamic Identity.
"This defence is knowledge. The Muslim should arm himself with a correct Aqeedah and an awareness of what it means to be Muslim. Any attack, any attempt to subvert or mislead will then be in vain. If the Muslim knows the true nature of this society and if he can see how it is designed to mislead, then he will not fall into its traps. This ability to distinguish from right and wrong and chose right comes from a correct Aqeedah." Taken from: http://www.missionislam.com/knowledge/preserveident.htm
That is how to protect your Islamic Identity. Now, to Honor, Cherish, and Love it, which essentially is fundamental to wanting to protect your Islamic Identity in the first place.
If someone asks you, "Hey, you comin' to prom?" "You gettin' a boyfriend, or girlfriend anytime soon?"
You might say,"Oh, my mom would really get angry if she found out..."
"Uh, I wish I could, really, but I have this other thing to do that night..."
That demonstrates a lack of pride in your religion, and that you have some level of shame existent in your heart of your religion. Li-Mada? Cherra? Why?(BTW, the two words you might not know mean Why? Just in different languages.I had an urge to use 'em.)
Why would you have shame in your religion? The religion that promotes the welfare of humankind, the morals of kindness and generosity so much so you are rewarded by Allah(SWT), for the kind word you speak to the smile you give to the quarter you give to the poor, as long as your Niyyah, your intention, is sincere and pure. The religion that gave the rights to women when they, in the days of Jahilliyah(Ignorance), had none. The religion that makes utter sense, that is the only thing that can give you such a feeling of honor, comfort, and happiness, that sparks that feeling in your heart you can only feel when you think of Allah(SWT), think of your ultimate treasure, Islam. The religion that causes you to feel that same special feeling when you are donating that thousand dollars to Islamic Relief, and thinking of the good deeds you are gaining and not about how you were saving that money for a new T.V.
You know all those convert stories you hear? Those people had to search for Islam, to have it re-enter their hearts, while many of us were born and raised Muslim. And regardless of this blessing, some disregard it and abandon it.
We come to honor our Islamic Identity as a result of our Taqwa and Love for our Religion. Strive to increase your Taqwa and Eman always, and don't discard the Gift Allah(SWT) has given you, Islam. Live by Islam, for Islam is a way of life. Verily, our Islamic Identity is a treasure that Allah(SWT) has Guided and Blessed us to keep and preserve. Many go astray, their Islamic Identity discarded. Don't be among them.
"This defence is knowledge. The Muslim should arm himself with a correct Aqeedah and an awareness of what it means to be Muslim. Any attack, any attempt to subvert or mislead will then be in vain. If the Muslim knows the true nature of this society and if he can see how it is designed to mislead, then he will not fall into its traps. This ability to distinguish from right and wrong and chose right comes from a correct Aqeedah." Taken from: http://www.missionislam.com/knowledge/preserveident.htm
For much more on Knowledge in Islam: http://writerinislam.blogspot.com/2005/06/seeking-knowledgeseeking-allah.html
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Thoughts
ASAK.
I was thinking about this.
If America is a secular country,
then why do they call it Christmas Break, not Winter Break? It's not a question of the break, hey, we all need those fanciful things we can't get enough of, but the naming of the break was slightly perplexing.
Got an answer for this? Comment.
Any plans for Winter Break? Going to go out sledding? Going to travel to Africa?
If you want to, share. Winter Break is giving us a lot of time, and I plan to use it, writing more posts than usual, and... So...hmm. OK. If I get either accounts of your Eid Experience or Winter Break plans, or both, the ones I like the best will be featured in a post. I know. You're all pumped with adrenaline and extreme anticipation and excitement. It's an honor, I'm sure. I'm being rather sarcastic on myself, aren't I? Hey, it's not a half-bad idea. I guess you'll be the ones judging that(a.k.a. whether you actually comment about Winter B or Eid activities will tell me if it's a good or bad idea. Or you don't have good taste. Anyhow, we'll see.
I was thinking about this.
If America is a secular country,
then why do they call it Christmas Break, not Winter Break? It's not a question of the break, hey, we all need those fanciful things we can't get enough of, but the naming of the break was slightly perplexing.
Got an answer for this? Comment.
Any plans for Winter Break? Going to go out sledding? Going to travel to Africa?
If you want to, share. Winter Break is giving us a lot of time, and I plan to use it, writing more posts than usual, and... So...hmm. OK. If I get either accounts of your Eid Experience or Winter Break plans, or both, the ones I like the best will be featured in a post. I know. You're all pumped with adrenaline and extreme anticipation and excitement. It's an honor, I'm sure. I'm being rather sarcastic on myself, aren't I? Hey, it's not a half-bad idea. I guess you'll be the ones judging that(a.k.a. whether you actually comment about Winter B or Eid activities will tell me if it's a good or bad idea. Or you don't have good taste. Anyhow, we'll see.
If I Should Speak by Umm Zakiyyah
"Umm Zakiyyah's deft representation of reality in this fictitious novel is astounding."
--Ayesha Chung-The American Muslim Magazine.
"...a refreshing exploration of the unavoidable interaction between Muslims and Christians. The novel belongs to...a genre worthy of scholarly study."
--Professor K. Bryant, Howard University.
How I read it:
"What happened was that someone told me about this book. Said it was really good, an Islamic novel and everything. I looked it up at the library. Didn't find it. And I had some Barnes and Noble gift cards I had received and were waiting in my wallet to be used, so I bought it. I am so thankful, and glad that I did.
It is a book I'm proud to have on my bookshelf."
Don't ask me why this is Italic and in quotes. It looks nice this way.
_______________________________________________________________________________
If I Should Speak by Umm Zakiyyah is written, overall, with good quality, but the spiritual feeling, the spiritual and Islamic aspect she touched and how she portrayed it was amazing. The Da'wa was lovely, simply wonderful. The book is full of compelling logic, showing that Islam isn't a complex, confusing religion that you're forced into and where women are oppressed, it is a religion that is the one clear truth, the one clear way, pronouncing those good morals everyone knows about such as honesty, modesty, and kindness, as an actual part of religion and way to step closer to receiving God's Love and Mercy, and Paradise in the Hereafter Insha' allah. Any Non-Muslims reading this post, you might like to read this as well. It is good reading, and you may connect with it, as the comment by Professor K. Bryant says explores "the unavoidable interaction between Muslims and
Christians."
I encourage everyone to buy it(online); I'm not sure if you'll find it at your library or at an actual bookstore like Barnes and Noble.
Any Q's about the book? You read it and want to share your feelings/opinions about it?
Shoot me a comment.
ASAK Everyone,
--Ayesha Chung-The American Muslim Magazine.
"...a refreshing exploration of the unavoidable interaction between Muslims and Christians. The novel belongs to...a genre worthy of scholarly study."
--Professor K. Bryant, Howard University.
How I read it:
"What happened was that someone told me about this book. Said it was really good, an Islamic novel and everything. I looked it up at the library. Didn't find it. And I had some Barnes and Noble gift cards I had received and were waiting in my wallet to be used, so I bought it. I am so thankful, and glad that I did.
It is a book I'm proud to have on my bookshelf."
Don't ask me why this is Italic and in quotes. It looks nice this way.
_______________________________________________________________________________
If I Should Speak by Umm Zakiyyah is written, overall, with good quality, but the spiritual feeling, the spiritual and Islamic aspect she touched and how she portrayed it was amazing. The Da'wa was lovely, simply wonderful. The book is full of compelling logic, showing that Islam isn't a complex, confusing religion that you're forced into and where women are oppressed, it is a religion that is the one clear truth, the one clear way, pronouncing those good morals everyone knows about such as honesty, modesty, and kindness, as an actual part of religion and way to step closer to receiving God's Love and Mercy, and Paradise in the Hereafter Insha' allah. Any Non-Muslims reading this post, you might like to read this as well. It is good reading, and you may connect with it, as the comment by Professor K. Bryant says explores "the unavoidable interaction between Muslims and
Christians."
I encourage everyone to buy it(online); I'm not sure if you'll find it at your library or at an actual bookstore like Barnes and Noble.
Any Q's about the book? You read it and want to share your feelings/opinions about it?
Shoot me a comment.
ASAK Everyone,
Saturday, December 5, 2009
News and Clarifications
ASAK.
Insha' allah, I plan to go on with the schedule, today or tomorrow posting the next one on the schedule about God's Mercy and Repentance.
In addition, for some reason, two friends of mine say that they were confused about commenting. I will be putting a text box with instructions later today, Insha' allah.
IN ADDITION, I recently read a...SPECTACULAR book I just HAVE to tell you all about later today as well. Not going to spoil the surprise, you're just going to have to wait, but this book was just wonderful.
Also, I wanted to clarify that when you comment, in this case a question or concern, I most likely will reply as a comment, and not in a post. So make sure you check where you put your comment, and don't just check to see if the latest post was in reply to your comment. Check where you put your comment, and see if I replied somewhere beneath it. However, sometimes a concern or question or comment may inspire me to write a post(about the topic pertaining to the comment).
Before I end this post, I want everyone to know that I MIGHT not be able to get to your comment for a week or so. But if I dont for a month, then, probably, I didnt accept it.
Insha' allah, I plan to go on with the schedule, today or tomorrow posting the next one on the schedule about God's Mercy and Repentance.
In addition, for some reason, two friends of mine say that they were confused about commenting. I will be putting a text box with instructions later today, Insha' allah.
IN ADDITION, I recently read a...SPECTACULAR book I just HAVE to tell you all about later today as well. Not going to spoil the surprise, you're just going to have to wait, but this book was just wonderful.
Also, I wanted to clarify that when you comment, in this case a question or concern, I most likely will reply as a comment, and not in a post. So make sure you check where you put your comment, and don't just check to see if the latest post was in reply to your comment. Check where you put your comment, and see if I replied somewhere beneath it. However, sometimes a concern or question or comment may inspire me to write a post(about the topic pertaining to the comment).
Before I end this post, I want everyone to know that I MIGHT not be able to get to your comment for a week or so. But if I dont for a month, then, probably, I didnt accept it.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
First-Ever Eid(al-Adha) Post
Assalamualikum Everyone! Aspiring Muslima here, wishing you all, Insha' allah to have a wonderful Eid al-Adha!
Regarding the Eid prayer, Muslims are highly recommended to go, even the women who are not able to pray at the time.
Eid Mubarak
Happy Eid
Eid Mubarak, Ya Muslimeen!
Wishing you the best this Eid.
From a Muslim Sister to the Muslim Ummah: May You All Have a Blessed Eid al-Adha.
An informative article regarding Eid al-Adha and what it celebrates can be reached through the following link:
http://islam.about.com/od/hajj/a/adha.htm
Exciting Eid experiences? Comment and share!
Regarding the Eid prayer, Muslims are highly recommended to go, even the women who are not able to pray at the time.
Eid Mubarak
Happy Eid
Eid Mubarak, Ya Muslimeen!
Wishing you the best this Eid.
From a Muslim Sister to the Muslim Ummah: May You All Have a Blessed Eid al-Adha.
An informative article regarding Eid al-Adha and what it celebrates can be reached through the following link:
http://islam.about.com/od/hajj/a/adha.htm
Exciting Eid experiences? Comment and share!
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
The Day of Arafah
ASAK.
Before I begin, check the schedule. It's been updated. Yes, again, but this time on the same post.
Arafah is tomorrow! Eid the day after that!
I'm really sorry I had to change the topic schedule so that I would resume most of the topics after Eid, but time is restricted for me at the moment, and Arafah and Eid are right around the corner, so...
Back to Arafah.
‘Arafah (the 9th day of Dhul-Hijjah) (for those who are not performing Hajj); the Prophet (peace be on him) said: “Fasting on the day of ‘Arafah expiates two years of sins last year’s and next year’s and fasting on the tenth of Muharram (‘Ashura) expiates the previous year’s (of sins).” (Muslim and others).
For those of you who have been read the post I made in October, Voluntary Fasting,
you would recognize this hadith. I wish I could spice this post up a little, with more hadith or explanations or details, but I have less than fifteen minutes till I leave the computer.
Arafah is tomorrow,
so Insha' allah all of us who are able,
will fast!
ASAK
Before I begin, check the schedule. It's been updated. Yes, again, but this time on the same post.
Arafah is tomorrow! Eid the day after that!
I'm really sorry I had to change the topic schedule so that I would resume most of the topics after Eid, but time is restricted for me at the moment, and Arafah and Eid are right around the corner, so...
Back to Arafah.
‘Arafah (the 9th day of Dhul-Hijjah) (for those who are not performing Hajj); the Prophet (peace be on him) said: “Fasting on the day of ‘Arafah expiates two years of sins last year’s and next year’s and fasting on the tenth of Muharram (‘Ashura) expiates the previous year’s (of sins).” (Muslim and others).
For those of you who have been read the post I made in October, Voluntary Fasting,
you would recognize this hadith. I wish I could spice this post up a little, with more hadith or explanations or details, but I have less than fifteen minutes till I leave the computer.
Arafah is tomorrow,
so Insha' allah all of us who are able,
will fast!
ASAK
Monday, November 23, 2009
Topics Schedule: Updated
ASAK Everyone.
Here's the updated(and updated again) schedule, and I am sorry but the topic of Hayaa will not be posted tonight, instead a post on Taqwa has been posted. Insha' allah tomorrow I will proceed with the schedule.
Schedule:
1. Taqwa (DONE)
2. The Day of Arafah(DONE)
3. Eid al-Adha[First-Ever Eid Post on this blog; anticipate this special post!](DONE)
4.Repentance; Never Give Up on Allah(SWT)'s Mercy
5. Hayaa'
6. Our Muslim Identity, What That Means, and What We Should Be Doing(in Regard to that)
Any thing you want to add to this schedule? Comment and let me know, although right now I have quite a bit, as I have to put all this, including the Eid Post, before Friday(I believe Eid is on Friday, right?).
ASAK,
Here's the updated(and updated again) schedule, and I am sorry but the topic of Hayaa will not be posted tonight, instead a post on Taqwa has been posted. Insha' allah tomorrow I will proceed with the schedule.
Schedule:
1. Taqwa (DONE)
2. The Day of Arafah(DONE)
3. Eid al-Adha[First-Ever Eid Post on this blog; anticipate this special post!](DONE)
4.Repentance; Never Give Up on Allah(SWT)'s Mercy
5. Hayaa'
6. Our Muslim Identity, What That Means, and What We Should Be Doing(in Regard to that)
Any thing you want to add to this schedule? Comment and let me know, although right now I have quite a bit, as I have to put all this, including the Eid Post, before Friday(I believe Eid is on Friday, right?).
ASAK,
Taqwa and Hayaa, Fundamentals
Taqwa. What is Taqwa?
To me, attaining consistent Taqwa is one of the most beautiful goals. Yet what is Taqwa?
To start off, let me give you an example of a Muslim who is exhibiting Taqwa:
Let's say her name is Sarah. Sarah, an aspiring muslima, finds herself in the situation of watching a movie that is clearly haraa'm, as it it displays things that Muslims should not be seeing. She mumbles to her friends that she does not think this is an appropriate movie.
"Aww Sarah, you're such a goody-good. What's the matter with you, it's a great movie."
Cheeks growing red, Sarah doesn't say anything else and continues watching the movie till the very end.
When she goes home, the moment she enters her room she begins sobbing in fear of her Lord, as she has clearly done what is wrong. I should have stood up to them. I could have left the room. I have no excuse before my Lord, she thinks, distressed.
She pleads for His Forgiveness, reads Quran, and prays extra prayers, all in Fear of Her Lord.
Abu Dhar Jundub bin Junadah and Abu Abdul Rahman Mu’adh bin Jabal, radiyallahu anhuma, reported that the Messenger of Allah, sallallahu 'alayhi wasallam, said:
“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.”
This is what Sarah did, the moment she came home, praying, repenting, and making Dua'.
That is an exhibition of Taqwa. Being God-Conscious, always feeling God is Watching you, and Knows everything you are doing. Having that Love and Fear of Allah(SWT), that you do not want to anger Him, you want to please Him.
Ali ibn Abi Talib, radiyallahu anhu, defines it as: “Fearing Allah, adhering to His commandments, being content with what He provides one with, and getting ready for the Day of Judgement.”
______________________________________________________
Taqwa. A truly beautiful goal. For that is what Islam is. Beautiful.
To me, attaining consistent Taqwa is one of the most beautiful goals. Yet what is Taqwa?
To start off, let me give you an example of a Muslim who is exhibiting Taqwa:
Let's say her name is Sarah. Sarah, an aspiring muslima, finds herself in the situation of watching a movie that is clearly haraa'm, as it it displays things that Muslims should not be seeing. She mumbles to her friends that she does not think this is an appropriate movie.
"Aww Sarah, you're such a goody-good. What's the matter with you, it's a great movie."
Cheeks growing red, Sarah doesn't say anything else and continues watching the movie till the very end.
When she goes home, the moment she enters her room she begins sobbing in fear of her Lord, as she has clearly done what is wrong. I should have stood up to them. I could have left the room. I have no excuse before my Lord, she thinks, distressed.
She pleads for His Forgiveness, reads Quran, and prays extra prayers, all in Fear of Her Lord.
Abu Dhar Jundub bin Junadah and Abu Abdul Rahman Mu’adh bin Jabal, radiyallahu anhuma, reported that the Messenger of Allah, sallallahu 'alayhi wasallam, said:
“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.”
This is what Sarah did, the moment she came home, praying, repenting, and making Dua'.
That is an exhibition of Taqwa. Being God-Conscious, always feeling God is Watching you, and Knows everything you are doing. Having that Love and Fear of Allah(SWT), that you do not want to anger Him, you want to please Him.
Ali ibn Abi Talib, radiyallahu anhu, defines it as: “Fearing Allah, adhering to His commandments, being content with what He provides one with, and getting ready for the Day of Judgement.”
______________________________________________________
Taqwa. A truly beautiful goal. For that is what Islam is. Beautiful.
"Preface to Fundamentals Post"
ASAK Everyone; to the regular readers, to the newbies, to everyone. Man, I'm tired, I was playing tennis earlier this afternoon for, like, an hour, and for some strange reason my weekend's tennis class has caught up with me today, and my legs are sore. ANYWAYS, back to what I was saying. As most of you should know, through my post on the schedule of topics/posts, I at first planned on a post on Saturday, then I edited it to SUNDAY, and then, well hey, procrastination gets to us all(and we should try our best to avoid it), now I'm doing it on Monday night.
We, my fellow brothers and (somehow I think mostly) sisters in Islam, shall be discussing the very highly important topics of Taqwa and Hayaa'. Each of these topics are fundamentals of Islam,
and a blog post or two CANNOT express any one of them in its entirety, but I shall do my best. Out there, I'm sure you can find countless books on these topics, and I urge you to do so. (I'm started reading a book entitled The Ideal Muslimah by...I'll get you the author later. So far it's pretty good. It's Islamically educational, and focuses on us "women"(if you are unaware, Islamically you're considered an adult, or accountable for your actions, when you have reached the age, or stage, of puberty. So a ten-year old out there could be considered a woman. But...that may sound unusual or different to some, so that's why I put the word in quotes).
I'm aware that I'm leaping from topic to topic, but that's good, isn't it? Learning/brushing up on your Islamic knowledge is always good.
Back to those two fundamentals of Islam I was talking about
Taqwa and Hayaa'
Truly Beautiful they are. That's Islam. Beautiful.
_____________________________________________
As always, I'm open to comments; after reading the next post, or possibly posts on Taqwa, and Hayaa', share your experiences, views, feelings about Taqwa and Hayaa', how you might be working to maintain these fundamentals, or why you believe they are truly important. Share events that demonstrate absolute LACK of these fundamentals, and why some may be lacking these fundamentals.
Assalamualikum,
We, my fellow brothers and (somehow I think mostly) sisters in Islam, shall be discussing the very highly important topics of Taqwa and Hayaa'. Each of these topics are fundamentals of Islam,
and a blog post or two CANNOT express any one of them in its entirety, but I shall do my best. Out there, I'm sure you can find countless books on these topics, and I urge you to do so. (I'm started reading a book entitled The Ideal Muslimah by...I'll get you the author later. So far it's pretty good. It's Islamically educational, and focuses on us "women"(if you are unaware, Islamically you're considered an adult, or accountable for your actions, when you have reached the age, or stage, of puberty. So a ten-year old out there could be considered a woman. But...that may sound unusual or different to some, so that's why I put the word in quotes).
I'm aware that I'm leaping from topic to topic, but that's good, isn't it? Learning/brushing up on your Islamic knowledge is always good.
Back to those two fundamentals of Islam I was talking about
Taqwa and Hayaa'
Truly Beautiful they are. That's Islam. Beautiful.
_____________________________________________
As always, I'm open to comments; after reading the next post, or possibly posts on Taqwa, and Hayaa', share your experiences, views, feelings about Taqwa and Hayaa', how you might be working to maintain these fundamentals, or why you believe they are truly important. Share events that demonstrate absolute LACK of these fundamentals, and why some may be lacking these fundamentals.
Assalamualikum,
I've Seen; Clearin' Things Up
ASAK Everyone.
OK, it seems that some may be feeling I've Seen, the song that I have made available to hear on the blog, is romantic, or in other words, "lovey-dovey."
When I first heard the song, I thought similarly,
but when you hear the rest of the song,
it appears that Sami Yusuf is speaking about LOVE FOR THE MUSLIM UMMAH.
I highly doubt Sami Yusuf would be speaking of romance; he's a Muslim brother in Islam, and a Muslim singer with many beautiful Nasheeds(check 'em out, they're wonderful!), and none of his other songs contain a hint of romance. In addition, if you look at the lyrics, it would be completely irrelevant to speak of romance and that sort of love, when you see what the other lyrics are talking about.
Insha' allah, I cleared that up,
and Thanks to Anonymous who commented on her observation and provoked this post to avoid further misconceptions, Insha' allah.
ASAK,
OK, it seems that some may be feeling I've Seen, the song that I have made available to hear on the blog, is romantic, or in other words, "lovey-dovey."
When I first heard the song, I thought similarly,
but when you hear the rest of the song,
it appears that Sami Yusuf is speaking about LOVE FOR THE MUSLIM UMMAH.
I highly doubt Sami Yusuf would be speaking of romance; he's a Muslim brother in Islam, and a Muslim singer with many beautiful Nasheeds(check 'em out, they're wonderful!), and none of his other songs contain a hint of romance. In addition, if you look at the lyrics, it would be completely irrelevant to speak of romance and that sort of love, when you see what the other lyrics are talking about.
Insha' allah, I cleared that up,
and Thanks to Anonymous who commented on her observation and provoked this post to avoid further misconceptions, Insha' allah.
ASAK,
Friday, November 20, 2009
Topic Schedule
ASAK EVERYONE!
This post is going to be dedicated to scheduling what topics and such I am going to talk about in future posts.
I plan, Insha' allah, on Sunday to post a post about Hayaa', modesty, a VERY IMPORTANT FUNDAMENTAL. And as one reader commented, on our position as Muslim teens. In other words, our Islamic Identity, and what we should be striving to do in regard to that. So that's two topics.
Here's the schedule:
1. Hayaa'
2. Our Muslim Identity, What That Means, and What We Should Be Doing(in Regard to that)
3. Eid al-Adha[First-Ever Eid Post on this blog; anticipate this special post!]
Any thing you want to add to this schedule? Comment and let me know.
As always, I'm open to suggestions, polite criticism, and comments. Assalamualaikum Everyone.
This post is going to be dedicated to scheduling what topics and such I am going to talk about in future posts.
I plan, Insha' allah, on Sunday to post a post about Hayaa', modesty, a VERY IMPORTANT FUNDAMENTAL. And as one reader commented, on our position as Muslim teens. In other words, our Islamic Identity, and what we should be striving to do in regard to that. So that's two topics.
Here's the schedule:
1. Hayaa'
2. Our Muslim Identity, What That Means, and What We Should Be Doing(in Regard to that)
3. Eid al-Adha[First-Ever Eid Post on this blog; anticipate this special post!]
Any thing you want to add to this schedule? Comment and let me know.
As always, I'm open to suggestions, polite criticism, and comments. Assalamualaikum Everyone.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Continuing Hijab: More in Depth
Assalamualikum.
I know that it might be difficult for Muslim girls living in a non-muslim country, a non-muslim society, to wear the Hijab. I acknowledge that.
Personally, it isn't that hard for me to wear the Hijab. But today I was thinking about all of this, and I felt that I should try others' perspectives as well. Everyone's different, everyone has their strengths and weaknesses.
I felt that I was being a bit too sharp on the last post. Truthful and honest, but sharp.
So, to continue:
You might feel that you'll stand out, people will look at you and think you're strange. The reasons for not wanting to wear it are endless. But you need to overcome that nervousness, that anxiety. That feeling "I'm not ready. I know I have to, but I just can't."
I really sympathize with and love all my Muslim sisters, be they wearing Hijab or not, but I'm trying to let them know that what they are doing(not wearing Hijab) is wrong, against Allah(SWT)'s command, and they are accountable.
I pray for all Muslim sisters to overcome the difficulty of living in a Non-Muslim society.
Simultaneously, it is not an excuse to disobey God. The harder it is to do something for God's sake, Insha' allah the more Ajr, the more good deeds you shall receive.
Again, if you have any questions or concerns, such as how you want to wear Hijaab, but find it difficult to do so, feel free to comment.
(Recall that I have enabled comment moderation, so if you dont see your comment on for a couple of days, that may mean that I havent had the chance to review and accept your comment for publishing on the blog.)
I know that it might be difficult for Muslim girls living in a non-muslim country, a non-muslim society, to wear the Hijab. I acknowledge that.
Personally, it isn't that hard for me to wear the Hijab. But today I was thinking about all of this, and I felt that I should try others' perspectives as well. Everyone's different, everyone has their strengths and weaknesses.
I felt that I was being a bit too sharp on the last post. Truthful and honest, but sharp.
So, to continue:
You might feel that you'll stand out, people will look at you and think you're strange. The reasons for not wanting to wear it are endless. But you need to overcome that nervousness, that anxiety. That feeling "I'm not ready. I know I have to, but I just can't."
I really sympathize with and love all my Muslim sisters, be they wearing Hijab or not, but I'm trying to let them know that what they are doing(not wearing Hijab) is wrong, against Allah(SWT)'s command, and they are accountable.
I pray for all Muslim sisters to overcome the difficulty of living in a Non-Muslim society.
Simultaneously, it is not an excuse to disobey God. The harder it is to do something for God's sake, Insha' allah the more Ajr, the more good deeds you shall receive.
Again, if you have any questions or concerns, such as how you want to wear Hijaab, but find it difficult to do so, feel free to comment.
(Recall that I have enabled comment moderation, so if you dont see your comment on for a couple of days, that may mean that I havent had the chance to review and accept your comment for publishing on the blog.)
Sunday, October 18, 2009
More in Depth: Hijab
Hijab. We all have heard of it, haven't we? Some of us practice it, some of us don't. Some of us fulfill some of its requirements, some of us fulfill all of them.
I will take some statements from a link that can be found at the bottom, and I encourage everyone to read the entire article by clicking the link.
Hijab is the modest covering of the head and body of a Muslim woman.
"Oh, I'll wear it when I'm older." "I'm young, maybe when I'm married I'll start."
There is a hadith which can be read in its entirety by the link, which clarifies that a girl who has reached her "menstrual age" or had her period, must cover everything except her face and hands. I particularly like this Hadith because it states important information about the Hijab quite clearly.
Allah(SWT) has ordered us to wear it in the Holy Quran as well. Two of the relevant ayahs can be seen by clicking the link.
What are the requirements of the Hijab?
We know from the Hadith that it is everything except the face and hands. But that does not mean you can go out, covering everything, but wearing tight clothes that show your shape. It must be loose and modest. Details can be found on the link at the end. Please make sure you check it out; it is wonderful.
Now, let's think about make-up. Yes, let's cover, let's be modest, cover our original physical beauty, but let's wear make-up.
Logically, this does not make sense.
In addition, the hijab is not just the right clothing and that's it. It is also Hayaa', modesty. Insha' allah I hope to write a post about this important topic(Hayaa) later on.
I want to make this statement:
So many Muslims know that it is ordered by Allah(SWT), Allah Almighty, in the Holy Quran. The Holy Quran, the Hadith, yet still some are not doing so. Why?
-"I'm not ready."
-"I'm still young. Maybe when I'm older."
It's your choice. Your choice whether you want to obey your Lord.
http://www.themodernreligion.com/women/w_basic_hijaab.htm
(Let me know if you have any questions or concerns about the Hijab, from how you're deciding whether to wear it, to how you disagree about the make-up issue).
I will take some statements from a link that can be found at the bottom, and I encourage everyone to read the entire article by clicking the link.
Hijab is the modest covering of the head and body of a Muslim woman.
"Oh, I'll wear it when I'm older." "I'm young, maybe when I'm married I'll start."
There is a hadith which can be read in its entirety by the link, which clarifies that a girl who has reached her "menstrual age" or had her period, must cover everything except her face and hands. I particularly like this Hadith because it states important information about the Hijab quite clearly.
Allah(SWT) has ordered us to wear it in the Holy Quran as well. Two of the relevant ayahs can be seen by clicking the link.
What are the requirements of the Hijab?
We know from the Hadith that it is everything except the face and hands. But that does not mean you can go out, covering everything, but wearing tight clothes that show your shape. It must be loose and modest. Details can be found on the link at the end. Please make sure you check it out; it is wonderful.
Now, let's think about make-up. Yes, let's cover, let's be modest, cover our original physical beauty, but let's wear make-up.
Logically, this does not make sense.
In addition, the hijab is not just the right clothing and that's it. It is also Hayaa', modesty. Insha' allah I hope to write a post about this important topic(Hayaa) later on.
I want to make this statement:
So many Muslims know that it is ordered by Allah(SWT), Allah Almighty, in the Holy Quran. The Holy Quran, the Hadith, yet still some are not doing so. Why?
-"I'm not ready."
-"I'm still young. Maybe when I'm older."
It's your choice. Your choice whether you want to obey your Lord.
http://www.themodernreligion.com/women/w_basic_hijaab.htm
(Let me know if you have any questions or concerns about the Hijab, from how you're deciding whether to wear it, to how you disagree about the make-up issue).
Voluntary Fasting
We all know that Ramadan is a month in which it is obligatory to fast; we are penalized if we do not fast it, and rewarded if we do.
Almighty Allah said: "You who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may (learn) self-restraint."(Qur'an 2:183)
Six days in Shawwal ( the month after Ramadan); the Prophet (peace be on him) said: “Whoever fasts Ramadan, then follows it up with six days in Shawwal, it is as if he fasted the whole (year).” (Muslim)
The scholars said that the reward of the good deeds are multiplied by ten. 30x 10= 300+ [6 days x 10]= 360 which is slightly longer than a lunar year, and next Ramadan he will fast again so it is as if he fasted his whole life.
Fasting the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah and the day of ‘Arafah (the 9th day of Dhul-Hijjah) (for those who are not performing Hajj); the Prophet (peace be on him) said: “Fasting on the day of ‘Arafah expiates two years of sins last year’s and next year’s and fasting on the tenth of Muharram (‘Ashura) expiates the previous year’s (of sins).” (Muslim and others)
Fasting Monday and Thursday. The Prophet (peace be on him) mentioned that: “The deeds of the worshippers are presented before Allah on Monday and Thursday, I like my deeds to be presented while I am fasting.” (Nasa’I)
Ashura
Fasting on the day of ‘Ashura, and its fasting is not mandatory on you, and I am fasting, so whoever wants should fast, and whoever wants should break his fast.” (Agreed upon).
And he (peace be on him) said: “If I live till the next year, I will fast definitely on the 9th ( the day before “Ashura).” (Muslim)
(This shows that it is preferable to fast an extra day long with the tenth, preferably the ninth, but, if not possible, then the 11th).
Almighty Allah said: "You who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may (learn) self-restraint."(Qur'an 2:183)
Six days in Shawwal ( the month after Ramadan); the Prophet (peace be on him) said: “Whoever fasts Ramadan, then follows it up with six days in Shawwal, it is as if he fasted the whole (year).” (Muslim)
The scholars said that the reward of the good deeds are multiplied by ten. 30x 10= 300+ [6 days x 10]= 360 which is slightly longer than a lunar year, and next Ramadan he will fast again so it is as if he fasted his whole life.
Fasting the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah and the day of ‘Arafah (the 9th day of Dhul-Hijjah) (for those who are not performing Hajj); the Prophet (peace be on him) said: “Fasting on the day of ‘Arafah expiates two years of sins last year’s and next year’s and fasting on the tenth of Muharram (‘Ashura) expiates the previous year’s (of sins).” (Muslim and others)
Fasting Monday and Thursday. The Prophet (peace be on him) mentioned that: “The deeds of the worshippers are presented before Allah on Monday and Thursday, I like my deeds to be presented while I am fasting.” (Nasa’I)
Ashura
Fasting on the day of ‘Ashura, and its fasting is not mandatory on you, and I am fasting, so whoever wants should fast, and whoever wants should break his fast.” (Agreed upon).
And he (peace be on him) said: “If I live till the next year, I will fast definitely on the 9th ( the day before “Ashura).” (Muslim)
(This shows that it is preferable to fast an extra day long with the tenth, preferably the ninth, but, if not possible, then the 11th).
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Announcement
Assalamualikum Everyone!
Previously, I have said I was going to be discussing Islam's basics.
But after some thought, I have decided instead to create another blog, particularly for Non-Muslims, which will cover Islam's basics, as well as it's relation to other religions such as Christianity and Judaism, as well as Ethiesm. I cannot say when this blog will be up, because now that school's started and all, my time is more restricted, and i do not want to be overwhelmed, or simply stop posting regularly on one of the blogs. I will announce and post the link to the future blog whenever I start it.
Hoping for many non-muslim participants in the future blog(and non-practicing muslims if they are interested),
Previously, I have said I was going to be discussing Islam's basics.
But after some thought, I have decided instead to create another blog, particularly for Non-Muslims, which will cover Islam's basics, as well as it's relation to other religions such as Christianity and Judaism, as well as Ethiesm. I cannot say when this blog will be up, because now that school's started and all, my time is more restricted, and i do not want to be overwhelmed, or simply stop posting regularly on one of the blogs. I will announce and post the link to the future blog whenever I start it.
Hoping for many non-muslim participants in the future blog(and non-practicing muslims if they are interested),
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Convert to Islam
Gracie has commented on this blog and said that she has converted to Islam. May Allah(SWT) Bless and Guide her. Ameen.
For Mystery Dudettes
Most of the topics discussed here pertain to both genders, but if there is something in particular you wish me to talk about, please let me know.
Thanks!
Thanks!
For Pashma
Asalamualikum, Pashma.
Your question is a very intellectual one, I must say.
Now, sometimes religion is influenced by culture, and we have to be careful in those instances.
Specificly, I asked an adult about the arms in prayer thing, and she said this:
That in some culture, the women pray with their arms on the floor, sort of to emphasize modesty by being closer. HOWEVER, in all the Fiqh books she's read, they all say that there is no difference in how men and women pray. And why do you need to be modest in that way if you're praying alongside females, anyway?
As for the pictures, there is a controversy/range of opinions over that.
The important thing to consider is where you get your information, what are your sources. Do you get it from the Quran? Do you get it from Hadith? If so, how strong is that chain of narration? All these need to be considered. And as for Imams and Shieqs saying so and so, there was an Imam, or was it shieq, who said that hijab is not obligatory or something like that. So we must be careful. [And the very knowledgeable Muslim scholars(called Mufti(spelling might be wrong), say that Hijab is Fard, by the way].
Try your best to follow Islam, and Insha' allah God will guide and help you, and accept your good intentions and deeds.
[This may be sort of random, but I encourage Nasheeds, there are BEAUTIFUL ones out there, including Native Deen and Sami Yusuf.]
Your question is a very intellectual one, I must say.
Now, sometimes religion is influenced by culture, and we have to be careful in those instances.
Specificly, I asked an adult about the arms in prayer thing, and she said this:
That in some culture, the women pray with their arms on the floor, sort of to emphasize modesty by being closer. HOWEVER, in all the Fiqh books she's read, they all say that there is no difference in how men and women pray. And why do you need to be modest in that way if you're praying alongside females, anyway?
As for the pictures, there is a controversy/range of opinions over that.
The important thing to consider is where you get your information, what are your sources. Do you get it from the Quran? Do you get it from Hadith? If so, how strong is that chain of narration? All these need to be considered. And as for Imams and Shieqs saying so and so, there was an Imam, or was it shieq, who said that hijab is not obligatory or something like that. So we must be careful. [And the very knowledgeable Muslim scholars(called Mufti(spelling might be wrong), say that Hijab is Fard, by the way].
Try your best to follow Islam, and Insha' allah God will guide and help you, and accept your good intentions and deeds.
[This may be sort of random, but I encourage Nasheeds, there are BEAUTIFUL ones out there, including Native Deen and Sami Yusuf.]
Thursday, September 17, 2009
The 27th
If my brain is working properly at 2:28 AM in the morning, it is the 27th of Ramadan, is it not?
As it MAY be the blessed night of Layla tul Qadr, I am at a local masjid and have been here since Isha, praying Taraweeh, not to mention standing for what felt like forever on dua; I'm not complaining, Insha' allah I recieved many good deeds, but my back was starting to hurt...
Anyways,
then there was the Qiyam prayers,
and now I have till 3:30, and then we resume the "program", as the Imam called it.
I hope you Muslims out there who can are, or are planning to perform worship sometime tonight, I know for many that since they have school and whatnot it is difficult to stay at the masjid all night.
But some, I am assuming, could take off a day or so.
Alhamdulilah, I was able to spend the night here at the masjid.
A fellow Muslim sister had a laptop with her, and I decided to make a special post from the masjid at what is now 2:32 AM just for you; isn't that special??
Anyone wanting to share Ramadan or 27th of Ramadan experiences?
Drop those comments by; I'm always open for 'em.
Salamualikum,
your Muslim sister hunched on the carpet over this nice, gleaming laptop,
As it MAY be the blessed night of Layla tul Qadr, I am at a local masjid and have been here since Isha, praying Taraweeh, not to mention standing for what felt like forever on dua; I'm not complaining, Insha' allah I recieved many good deeds, but my back was starting to hurt...
Anyways,
then there was the Qiyam prayers,
and now I have till 3:30, and then we resume the "program", as the Imam called it.
I hope you Muslims out there who can are, or are planning to perform worship sometime tonight, I know for many that since they have school and whatnot it is difficult to stay at the masjid all night.
But some, I am assuming, could take off a day or so.
Alhamdulilah, I was able to spend the night here at the masjid.
A fellow Muslim sister had a laptop with her, and I decided to make a special post from the masjid at what is now 2:32 AM just for you; isn't that special??
Anyone wanting to share Ramadan or 27th of Ramadan experiences?
Drop those comments by; I'm always open for 'em.
Salamualikum,
your Muslim sister hunched on the carpet over this nice, gleaming laptop,
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Asalamualikum.
It is has come to my attention that some viewers may find it difficult to place a comment; therefore the steps to how to do so have been courteously made available at the end of this post.
In addition,
I would appreciate any suggestions or questions about Islamic topics; I have some in my mind but I can always accept more to put on my to-do list.
Jazakullah Khairan
Steps to Placing a Comment
1. Press where it says "_ Comments".
2. Type in the comment
3. Select which profile you wish to use; such as a Google account, or a name.
4. Click preview, and do that strange number-lettter confirmation.
5. Post the comment, and you're done!
It is has come to my attention that some viewers may find it difficult to place a comment; therefore the steps to how to do so have been courteously made available at the end of this post.
In addition,
I would appreciate any suggestions or questions about Islamic topics; I have some in my mind but I can always accept more to put on my to-do list.
Jazakullah Khairan
Steps to Placing a Comment
1. Press where it says "_ Comments".
2. Type in the comment
3. Select which profile you wish to use; such as a Google account, or a name.
4. Click preview, and do that strange number-lettter confirmation.
5. Post the comment, and you're done!
Thursday, August 27, 2009
The Prophet(S)'s Words of Reminder for Ramadan
In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
A summary of a khutbah by Prophet Muhammad - peace be upon him - on the Holy Month of Ramdan:
" Oh people! The Month Of Allah The High has come with blessings, mercy and forgiveness. To Allah, this month is the best month. Its days are the best days. Its nights the best of all nights. Its hours the best of all hours. And this is the month which you have been invited to be the guests of Allah and you have become the graced ones by Allah. Your souls in it [month of Ramadan] are glorification [of Allah].
Your sleep in it, is worship. Your deeds in it, are accepted. Your prayers in it, are answered. So ask your Lord with truthful intentions and pure hearts that He would grant you success in fasting and reading His book. For that the unfortunate is the one who forbids Allah's forgiveness in this great month. With your hunger and thirst remember the hunger and thirst of the Day of
Judgment.
Give to your poor and needy. Respect the elder. Have mercy on the younger. Be nice and keep in touch with your relatives. Protect your tongues. Cast down from what is not Halal for your sights to see and what is not halal for your ears to hear. Be compassionate and caring for the orphans of other people, so that your orphans would be taken care of and receive compassion. Repent from your sins. Raise your hands towards Him in dua during the hours of prayers, those hours are the best hours and Allah-azza wa jall- looks at His servants with mercy; answers them if they ask for help; answers their call if they call upon Him; answers their dua if they ask Him. Oh people! Your souls are hostages by your deeds. So let yourselves free by asking Allah's forgiveness.
Your backs are heavy with loads, so make it light by prolonging your sajdas. And know that Allah-jalla zikruh- has vowed to His Dignity that He would not punish those who pray and those who make Sajda. And He would not worry them with Fire on the day which people rise to the Lord of the Universe. Oh people! Whoever feeds a fasting believer during this month, to Allah, it is as if he has freed a slave. And his past sins are forgiven.
Then he, peace be upon him and his family, continued: ".....whoever does one 'fareedha'(a religious deed) during this month it is as if he has accomplished doing 70 good deeds in other months. Whoever increases sending blessings on me, Allah will make his rewards heavy on the day which people's rewards are light. Whoever recites one aya of Qur'an, will receive the reward of finishing the whole Qur'an in other months. Oh people! The doors of Heaven in this month is open, so ask your lord not to close it on you. The doors of Hell are closed, so ask your Lord not to open it for you. The devils are in chains, so ask your Lord that they do not rule you."
(The summary was not compiled nor written by myself; was sent as a forward in an email)
A summary of a khutbah by Prophet Muhammad - peace be upon him - on the Holy Month of Ramdan:
" Oh people! The Month Of Allah The High has come with blessings, mercy and forgiveness. To Allah, this month is the best month. Its days are the best days. Its nights the best of all nights. Its hours the best of all hours. And this is the month which you have been invited to be the guests of Allah and you have become the graced ones by Allah. Your souls in it [month of Ramadan] are glorification [of Allah].
Your sleep in it, is worship. Your deeds in it, are accepted. Your prayers in it, are answered. So ask your Lord with truthful intentions and pure hearts that He would grant you success in fasting and reading His book. For that the unfortunate is the one who forbids Allah's forgiveness in this great month. With your hunger and thirst remember the hunger and thirst of the Day of
Judgment.
Give to your poor and needy. Respect the elder. Have mercy on the younger. Be nice and keep in touch with your relatives. Protect your tongues. Cast down from what is not Halal for your sights to see and what is not halal for your ears to hear. Be compassionate and caring for the orphans of other people, so that your orphans would be taken care of and receive compassion. Repent from your sins. Raise your hands towards Him in dua during the hours of prayers, those hours are the best hours and Allah-azza wa jall- looks at His servants with mercy; answers them if they ask for help; answers their call if they call upon Him; answers their dua if they ask Him. Oh people! Your souls are hostages by your deeds. So let yourselves free by asking Allah's forgiveness.
Your backs are heavy with loads, so make it light by prolonging your sajdas. And know that Allah-jalla zikruh- has vowed to His Dignity that He would not punish those who pray and those who make Sajda. And He would not worry them with Fire on the day which people rise to the Lord of the Universe. Oh people! Whoever feeds a fasting believer during this month, to Allah, it is as if he has freed a slave. And his past sins are forgiven.
Then he, peace be upon him and his family, continued: ".....whoever does one 'fareedha'(a religious deed) during this month it is as if he has accomplished doing 70 good deeds in other months. Whoever increases sending blessings on me, Allah will make his rewards heavy on the day which people's rewards are light. Whoever recites one aya of Qur'an, will receive the reward of finishing the whole Qur'an in other months. Oh people! The doors of Heaven in this month is open, so ask your lord not to close it on you. The doors of Hell are closed, so ask your Lord not to open it for you. The devils are in chains, so ask your Lord that they do not rule you."
(The summary was not compiled nor written by myself; was sent as a forward in an email)
Friday, August 21, 2009
Inconvenience
A rather unfortunate aspect has been let known to me; apparently when you try to become a follower of the blog with Yahoo, it doesn't allow you. A fellow friend let me aware of this.
However, I know for a fact that if you do it with a Google account(Gmail), it will work.
Sorry for the inconvenience.
However, I know for a fact that if you do it with a Google account(Gmail), it will work.
Sorry for the inconvenience.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Continuation of Ramadan Posts
Asalamualikum. Sorry for taking so long to get the next post out. Well, here's the next post on Ramadan:
Bad Habits:
Examples:
As we know, we fast to sympathize with those around the world who have little or no food and are suffering(Support Islamic Relief!).
In this month, focus attention on strengthening your bond with Allah(SWT), and on increasing our devotion and worship.
Going back to the concept of not eating nor drinking in Ramadan.
Allah(SWT) wants us to practice our self-restraint, so to make sure it is our minds that control our body, not the other way around.
Let us Insha' allah keep the habits and such we develop in Ramadan as part of our character, not just for one month, but for our entire lives.
Ramadan is a very good opportunity to focus on improving your Islam; to focus without distractions.
You can work on ridding of bad habits and developing good ones;Bad Habits:
- Impatience
- Dishonesty
- High Temper
- Tolerance
- Kindness
- Generosity
Examples:
- Read at least 5 Pages of the Quran a day
- Memorize these two surahs before the month is over
- Visit the masjid at least once a week
- Pray Taraweeh at least five times a week
As we know, we fast to sympathize with those around the world who have little or no food and are suffering(Support Islamic Relief!).
In this month, focus attention on strengthening your bond with Allah(SWT), and on increasing our devotion and worship.
Going back to the concept of not eating nor drinking in Ramadan.
Allah(SWT) wants us to practice our self-restraint, so to make sure it is our minds that control our body, not the other way around.
Let us Insha' allah keep the habits and such we develop in Ramadan as part of our character, not just for one month, but for our entire lives.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Asalamualikum, "Members" of the Muslim Ummah!
I apologize profusely for not having posted a topic for these few days; Insha' allah I will get to the next post on Ramadan soon.
I wanted to remind everyone that they can become followers(members) of this blog, and therefore receive updates when I update the blog. Masha' allah, I find I already have 4 followers.
In addition, spread the word of this blog; Insha' allah you will be rewarded for promoting this act of Da'wa.
Last of all, I hope you like the background/color/blinky adjustments and additions I have made to the blog. If you have suggestions and such for this aspect of the blog, let me know by posting a comment.
Salamualikum,
I apologize profusely for not having posted a topic for these few days; Insha' allah I will get to the next post on Ramadan soon.
I wanted to remind everyone that they can become followers(members) of this blog, and therefore receive updates when I update the blog. Masha' allah, I find I already have 4 followers.
In addition, spread the word of this blog; Insha' allah you will be rewarded for promoting this act of Da'wa.
Last of all, I hope you like the background/color/blinky adjustments and additions I have made to the blog. If you have suggestions and such for this aspect of the blog, let me know by posting a comment.
Salamualikum,
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
The Night of Bara' ah
Ever heard of the Night of Bara' ah? I didn't, not until today. I am currently attending an Islamic program, and the teacher read from some papers about this night. Thinking of this as a wonderful thing to post, I requested to borrow the papers, but she kindly let me keep them.
Laylatul-bara' ah means the Night of Freedom from Fire. It occurs between the 14th and 15th of Sha'ban, which is tonight, August 5th.
There is a hadith in which the Prophet(S) said that during the night of the half of Sha'ban Allah (SWT) looks upon us(humans: slaves of Allah(SWT)) and forgives those who seek forgiveness as well as mercy, yet does not forgive them until they relieve any malice they may have against another Muslim. (I'm paraphrasing the hadith here).
There are other hadiths mentioning the rewards of this night, and though this article mentions the chain of narrators of some of these suffer some minor technical defects, all clarify this night to be one beneficial to observe.
In this night, one should stay awake as much as possible. If you cannot spend the entire night in prayer and worship, select a portion of the night, preferably the second half of it, and it would be advisable to:
-Perform Salah, preferably no less than 8 Rak'at. Each part of the Salah(like ruku) should be longer than normal. The longest surahs you have memorized should be recited in the Salah. If you cannot remember any long surahs, you can recite several short ones in one rakah.
-Recite as much of the Holy Quran as you can.
-Dhikr(recitation of the name of Allah). In particular, on the Prophet(S), one should recite "Sal-Allahu alayhi wa sallam" as many times as possible.
-Dua. Inshallah it will be accepted, and it alone is ibadah, which will be rewarded. And these prayers and supplications also strengthen our connection with Allah(SWT); a main reason we perform all these acts of worship.
_____
On the day immediately following the Night of Bara' ah, the 15th of Sha'aban, it is advisable to keep fast. It is mentioned that the Prophet(S) used to fast most of days in Sha'ban, and that the fasts of the first half of Sha'ban have special merits.
_____
Inshallah I hope this post has enlightened everyone to this blessed night, and encouraged everyone to pay special attention and worship more tonight, and fast tomorrow.
Salamualikum.
______
P.S.
I thought it would be neat to know how many people actually fasted tomorrow. So I have replaced the Candy Voting Poll with one that will show me how many actually fasted. Inshallah we'll get good numbers. Salamualikum!!
Laylatul-bara' ah means the Night of Freedom from Fire. It occurs between the 14th and 15th of Sha'ban, which is tonight, August 5th.
There is a hadith in which the Prophet(S) said that during the night of the half of Sha'ban Allah (SWT) looks upon us(humans: slaves of Allah(SWT)) and forgives those who seek forgiveness as well as mercy, yet does not forgive them until they relieve any malice they may have against another Muslim. (I'm paraphrasing the hadith here).
There are other hadiths mentioning the rewards of this night, and though this article mentions the chain of narrators of some of these suffer some minor technical defects, all clarify this night to be one beneficial to observe.
In this night, one should stay awake as much as possible. If you cannot spend the entire night in prayer and worship, select a portion of the night, preferably the second half of it, and it would be advisable to:
-Perform Salah, preferably no less than 8 Rak'at. Each part of the Salah(like ruku) should be longer than normal. The longest surahs you have memorized should be recited in the Salah. If you cannot remember any long surahs, you can recite several short ones in one rakah.
-Recite as much of the Holy Quran as you can.
-Dhikr(recitation of the name of Allah). In particular, on the Prophet(S), one should recite "Sal-Allahu alayhi wa sallam" as many times as possible.
-Dua. Inshallah it will be accepted, and it alone is ibadah, which will be rewarded. And these prayers and supplications also strengthen our connection with Allah(SWT); a main reason we perform all these acts of worship.
_____
On the day immediately following the Night of Bara' ah, the 15th of Sha'aban, it is advisable to keep fast. It is mentioned that the Prophet(S) used to fast most of days in Sha'ban, and that the fasts of the first half of Sha'ban have special merits.
_____
Inshallah I hope this post has enlightened everyone to this blessed night, and encouraged everyone to pay special attention and worship more tonight, and fast tomorrow.
Salamualikum.
______
P.S.
I thought it would be neat to know how many people actually fasted tomorrow. So I have replaced the Candy Voting Poll with one that will show me how many actually fasted. Inshallah we'll get good numbers. Salamualikum!!
"I'm Traveling. Do I Have To Fast(In Ramadan)?
(Surat Al-Baqara), Verse (Ayah) 185: “Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent down The Qur’an, as a guide to mankind, also clear (signs) for guidance and judgment (between right and wrong). So every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting, but if any one is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed period (should be made up) by days later. Allah intends every facility for you; He does not want to put you to difficulties (He wants you) to complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Him in that He has guided you and perchance ye shall be grateful”.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Crushes and How to Deal with Them
Salamualikum. Thanks to Anonymous for this topic and I hope this helps your situation, Inshallah. Let me know if you have further questions, or if it helped you.
You may feel you are being attracted to the opposite gender; but it is not the question of having one, it is the question of how you deal with it.
The wrong way to deal with it is to start purposefully daydreaming about him/her, to begin chatting about your crush to your friends, keeping the idea as a play-thing. Some people may even go to their crush and tell them that they like him/her.
Try to avoid occupying your mind with your crush; try to distract yourself by reading Quran, listening to a nice Nasheed, reading an appropriate book. If you find it difficult, seek help from Allah(SWT).
I hope, Anonymous, that this post answered your concern, and I compliment your seeking knowledge to better your Islam. If you have any further questions relating to your situation, let me know. And to everyone, if you have any other questions and such relating to this topic, feel free to leave a comment.
(Thanks to everyone who complimented/viewed my blog so far)
You may feel you are being attracted to the opposite gender; but it is not the question of having one, it is the question of how you deal with it.
The wrong way to deal with it is to start purposefully daydreaming about him/her, to begin chatting about your crush to your friends, keeping the idea as a play-thing. Some people may even go to their crush and tell them that they like him/her.
Try to avoid occupying your mind with your crush; try to distract yourself by reading Quran, listening to a nice Nasheed, reading an appropriate book. If you find it difficult, seek help from Allah(SWT).
I hope, Anonymous, that this post answered your concern, and I compliment your seeking knowledge to better your Islam. If you have any further questions relating to your situation, let me know. And to everyone, if you have any other questions and such relating to this topic, feel free to leave a comment.
(Thanks to everyone who complimented/viewed my blog so far)
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Ramadan
Salamualikum wa Rahma tullahi wa barakatuhuh[hope I spelled it right back there :)]
Ramadan, Inshallah, is due to arrive soon.
How many feel,"Aww, "no food time"?
How many feel, "Yes! The blessed month of opportunity?"
By the end of this topic(which will be in multiple posts), I hope Inshallah we all will end up sincerely feeling the second choice.
As we all should know, Fasting(in Ramadan) is an obligatory act, and is one of the five pillars of Islam.
"...whoever witnesses the Month of Ramadan should fast through it..." Q(2:185)
In this blessed month, Allah(SWT) is even more generous with his bestowment of good deeds.
The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) addressed his companions on the last day of Sha`ban, saying, "Oh people! A great month has come over you; a blessed month; a month in which is a night better than a thousand months; month in which Allah has made it compulsory upon you to fast by day, and voluntary to pray by night. Whoever draws nearer (to Allah) by performing any of the (optional) good deeds in (this month) shall receive the same reward as performing an obligatory deed at any other time, and whoever discharges an obligatory deed in (this month) shall receive the reward of performing seventy obligations at any other time. It is the month of patience, and the reward of patience is Heaven. It is the month of charity, and a month in which a believer's sustenance is increased. Whoever gives food to a fasting person to break his fast, shall have his sins forgiven, and he will be saved from the Fire of Hell, and he shall have the same reward as the fasting person, without his reward being diminished at all." [Narrated by Ibn Khuzaymah]
Narrated Abu Huraira(r.a): The Prophet said:"... whoever fasts during Ramadan out of sincere faith and hoping to attain Allah's rewards, then all his past sins will be forgiven." (Sahih Al-Bukhari).
Wow. Sounds pretty good, doesn't it? Subhanallah. One of the many things to reflect upon in Ramadan is the mercy of Allah(SWT). See all these opportunities, all these chances to be forgiven, all these chances to gain more good deeds?
Ramadan, Inshallah, is due to arrive soon.
How many feel,"Aww, "no food time"?
How many feel, "Yes! The blessed month of opportunity?"
By the end of this topic(which will be in multiple posts), I hope Inshallah we all will end up sincerely feeling the second choice.
As we all should know, Fasting(in Ramadan) is an obligatory act, and is one of the five pillars of Islam.
"...whoever witnesses the Month of Ramadan should fast through it..." Q(2:185)
In this blessed month, Allah(SWT) is even more generous with his bestowment of good deeds.
The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) addressed his companions on the last day of Sha`ban, saying, "Oh people! A great month has come over you; a blessed month; a month in which is a night better than a thousand months; month in which Allah has made it compulsory upon you to fast by day, and voluntary to pray by night. Whoever draws nearer (to Allah) by performing any of the (optional) good deeds in (this month) shall receive the same reward as performing an obligatory deed at any other time, and whoever discharges an obligatory deed in (this month) shall receive the reward of performing seventy obligations at any other time. It is the month of patience, and the reward of patience is Heaven. It is the month of charity, and a month in which a believer's sustenance is increased. Whoever gives food to a fasting person to break his fast, shall have his sins forgiven, and he will be saved from the Fire of Hell, and he shall have the same reward as the fasting person, without his reward being diminished at all." [Narrated by Ibn Khuzaymah]
Narrated Abu Huraira(r.a): The Prophet said:"... whoever fasts during Ramadan out of sincere faith and hoping to attain Allah's rewards, then all his past sins will be forgiven." (Sahih Al-Bukhari).
Wow. Sounds pretty good, doesn't it? Subhanallah. One of the many things to reflect upon in Ramadan is the mercy of Allah(SWT). See all these opportunities, all these chances to be forgiven, all these chances to gain more good deeds?
Monday, July 27, 2009
Improvement
Salamualikum Everyone!
I have made an improvement; previously not just anyone could comment, you would need an account in google, or an ID in something or whatever. Now ANYONE can. So...
I hope that permits more people to comment on my blog!
I have made an improvement; previously not just anyone could comment, you would need an account in google, or an ID in something or whatever. Now ANYONE can. So...
I hope that permits more people to comment on my blog!
Friday, July 24, 2009
Reminder
Salamualikum Everyone! Just wanted to Remind you all that comments, suggestions, and the like all mean a lot to me. So make sure to drop 'em by!
Also, I want to inform you that soon we're going to get into the topics of Ramadan; Fasting, and Prayers. Expect enjoyable, deep detailing, Inshallah.
Hoping Inshallah Everyone is Doing Well,
Also, I want to inform you that soon we're going to get into the topics of Ramadan; Fasting, and Prayers. Expect enjoyable, deep detailing, Inshallah.
Hoping Inshallah Everyone is Doing Well,
Peer Pressure
Thanks to "Muslims are Funny Too"(Hey,I miss you!) for suggesting this topic.
Peer Pressure is something all teens and people, even adults go through.
Muslims and non-Muslims alike.
It is sometimes a difficult situation, especially in the case of standing up to people like your friends.
An example of peer pressure:
Five MUSLIM girls, chatting and etc. One brings up the topic of crushes. WHOOPS. Then another starts singing one of those modern love songs on her Ipod(which muslims, by the way, shouldn't be listening to. Another WHOOPS). Then another starts talking in detail about her crush.
What do you do?
Listen, laugh, have "fun"?
No.
You stand up for your religion. You stand up and tell them that you feel this is an inappropriate discussion for Muslimahs to be having(it is contradicting the value of modesty in Islam), and perhaps it would be better to just switch the topic. If they do not take you seriously and persist with the discussion, just walk away. I have done this before, and it has came out with me feeling very good about myself.
Sometimes you might feel that they might not like you as much, might feel you arent "cool" or a "goody-good"(by the way, I take goody good as a compliment).
Then that should lead you to think about how great your friends really are.
If you are a loyal friend and think you can change them, talk with them in a deep, meaningful conversation about what you think about what they are doing. I have done this before, more than once. And at least once it did work.
When it did work, I was speaking to an open-minded good friend of mine, a really special person. She soaked in what I said, and has been changing drastically. I really admire her for that.
Just remember that when trying to guide your friend, you need knowledge and persistance. Both qualities will help you corner them into the spot where they don't have any more excuses or if they do, really feeble ones. And sometimes you won't even need to do that; some are quite open-minded and eager to improve.
Think about everything I have said here. Think about standing up for what you believe Islamically. Think about the da'wa to your friend. Think about pleasing Allah(SWT).
May Allah(SWT) bless and reward us all for our efforts to contribute to the Islamic Ummah. Ameen.
(Muslims are Funny Too, let me know if this was what you expected as a result of your suggestion. Everyone with questions, concerns, or personal connections who have trouble dealing with peer pressure is invited to participate in Comments. Thanks again, "Muslims are Funny Too". Everyone, this is what I want to see more of!)
Salamualikum,
Peer Pressure is something all teens and people, even adults go through.
Muslims and non-Muslims alike.
It is sometimes a difficult situation, especially in the case of standing up to people like your friends.
An example of peer pressure:
Five MUSLIM girls, chatting and etc. One brings up the topic of crushes. WHOOPS. Then another starts singing one of those modern love songs on her Ipod(which muslims, by the way, shouldn't be listening to. Another WHOOPS). Then another starts talking in detail about her crush.
What do you do?
Listen, laugh, have "fun"?
No.
You stand up for your religion. You stand up and tell them that you feel this is an inappropriate discussion for Muslimahs to be having(it is contradicting the value of modesty in Islam), and perhaps it would be better to just switch the topic. If they do not take you seriously and persist with the discussion, just walk away. I have done this before, and it has came out with me feeling very good about myself.
Sometimes you might feel that they might not like you as much, might feel you arent "cool" or a "goody-good"(by the way, I take goody good as a compliment).
Then that should lead you to think about how great your friends really are.
If you are a loyal friend and think you can change them, talk with them in a deep, meaningful conversation about what you think about what they are doing. I have done this before, more than once. And at least once it did work.
When it did work, I was speaking to an open-minded good friend of mine, a really special person. She soaked in what I said, and has been changing drastically. I really admire her for that.
Just remember that when trying to guide your friend, you need knowledge and persistance. Both qualities will help you corner them into the spot where they don't have any more excuses or if they do, really feeble ones. And sometimes you won't even need to do that; some are quite open-minded and eager to improve.
Think about everything I have said here. Think about standing up for what you believe Islamically. Think about the da'wa to your friend. Think about pleasing Allah(SWT).
May Allah(SWT) bless and reward us all for our efforts to contribute to the Islamic Ummah. Ameen.
(Muslims are Funny Too, let me know if this was what you expected as a result of your suggestion. Everyone with questions, concerns, or personal connections who have trouble dealing with peer pressure is invited to participate in Comments. Thanks again, "Muslims are Funny Too". Everyone, this is what I want to see more of!)
Salamualikum,
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Hijab
Any girls out there who are finding it difficult to slip the scarf of modesty on?
Any who are debating to stop their Hijab?
Hijab is a gift from Allah(SWT), it really is.
It protects us, as well as gives us respect in
(non-muslim) societies.
Allah(SWT) ordered us to wear it, anyway.
So you have to, technically.
But if that somehow doesn't
convince you,
think of the rewards you will Inshallah
gain from the struggle of putting it on in
a non-muslim society.
And you know, it gets fun once you get in the rhythm.
Wearing the hijab myself, it is enjoyable going through
my hijab drawer picking out a light pink one to match my
clothes that day.
Honestly, it isn't hard.
At least in my opinion.
By wearing the hijab, you are representing your Deen, which of
course you should be proud of.
Go out there and show everyone that you are a Muslim and
are proud of your religion, and obeying your Lord.
Any who are debating to stop their Hijab?
Hijab is a gift from Allah(SWT), it really is.
It protects us, as well as gives us respect in
(non-muslim) societies.
Allah(SWT) ordered us to wear it, anyway.
So you have to, technically.
But if that somehow doesn't
convince you,
think of the rewards you will Inshallah
gain from the struggle of putting it on in
a non-muslim society.
And you know, it gets fun once you get in the rhythm.
Wearing the hijab myself, it is enjoyable going through
my hijab drawer picking out a light pink one to match my
clothes that day.
Honestly, it isn't hard.
At least in my opinion.
By wearing the hijab, you are representing your Deen, which of
course you should be proud of.
Go out there and show everyone that you are a Muslim and
are proud of your religion, and obeying your Lord.
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