http://aroob.blogspot.com/
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Al Adab Al Mufrad - Makki Masjid Manchester
AssalamuAlaikum, I finally have some free time to post after my Real Deal exam. Alhamdulillah.
I'm very glad I sat the exam, I was very close to not sitting it, Maymoonah was very unwell last week so I wasn't able to revise much and felt stressed about the exam.
Alhamdulillah the Sheikh (may Allah preserve him) reminded us in the final online revision session that we are not learning for an exam but to please Allah. SubhanAllah its easy to forget this point.
After I instilled this in myself I felt a lot calmer, regardless of how much I had revised.
Also my 'younger' sister told me, 'Don't think of it as an exam, think of it as a knowledge assessment test!' After that, I felt even calmer. Alhamdulillah.
I did expect the exam to be case based though and felt the paper could have been more challenging, but thats not to say it was easy.... time will tell inshaAllah.
Now, the mission begins to bring AlKauthar to Manchester....
Anyway, on another note.
Does anyone here have a mother who they often clash with - because they are just too similar?
Or does your mum have friends whom you think are just a bad influence on her, nonetheless you have to smile and and bear with them?
Or do you have parents that are divorced so a visit to see your parents always needs to be a 48 hour visit - a day with mum and a day with dad?
Or is there the issue where trying to please mum means displeasing dad for some reason, and vice versa?
Well Alhamdulillah apart for the 48 hour visits a lot of these issues are past tense for me, here is why....
Oh and for those of you who do not have these problems Alhamdulillah, there is still plenty more for you...
And.... There is a room upstairs for us mothers with babies and young children, (we often have a stash of chocolate too for after, but don't tell anyone!)
I'm very glad I sat the exam, I was very close to not sitting it, Maymoonah was very unwell last week so I wasn't able to revise much and felt stressed about the exam.
Alhamdulillah the Sheikh (may Allah preserve him) reminded us in the final online revision session that we are not learning for an exam but to please Allah. SubhanAllah its easy to forget this point.
After I instilled this in myself I felt a lot calmer, regardless of how much I had revised.
Also my 'younger' sister told me, 'Don't think of it as an exam, think of it as a knowledge assessment test!' After that, I felt even calmer. Alhamdulillah.
I did expect the exam to be case based though and felt the paper could have been more challenging, but thats not to say it was easy.... time will tell inshaAllah.
Now, the mission begins to bring AlKauthar to Manchester....
Anyway, on another note.
Does anyone here have a mother who they often clash with - because they are just too similar?
Or does your mum have friends whom you think are just a bad influence on her, nonetheless you have to smile and and bear with them?
Or do you have parents that are divorced so a visit to see your parents always needs to be a 48 hour visit - a day with mum and a day with dad?
Or is there the issue where trying to please mum means displeasing dad for some reason, and vice versa?
Well Alhamdulillah apart for the 48 hour visits a lot of these issues are past tense for me, here is why....
Oh and for those of you who do not have these problems Alhamdulillah, there is still plenty more for you...
And.... There is a room upstairs for us mothers with babies and young children, (we often have a stash of chocolate too for after, but don't tell anyone!)
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Business in Hulme Market
Two new Muslim Businesses inside Hulme Market, (Or sometimes known as Moss side Market.)
Hulme Market,
Moss Lane East
Manchester,
M15,
Be Sure to visit!
ewebcreation
And ImageParfum who sell Perfume, Hijaabs, Niqaabs and Chadors (Khimars.)
visit their website Imageparfume
.
Hulme Market,
Moss Lane East
Manchester,
M15,
Be Sure to visit!
ewebcreation
And ImageParfum who sell Perfume, Hijaabs, Niqaabs and Chadors (Khimars.)
visit their website Imageparfume
.
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Things Mom Taught Us!
Ok, I just happened to come across this today and I just had to post it - NOT because its 'Mothers evening'.
1. My mother taught me TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE.
"If you're going to kill each other, do it outside. I just finished cleaning."
2. My mother taught me RELIGION.
"You better pray that will come out of the carpet."
3. My mother taught me LOGIC.
" Because I said so, that's why."
4. My mother taught me MORE LOGIC.
"If you fall out of that swing and break your neck, you're not going to the
store with me."
5. My mother taught me FORESIGHT.
"Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you're in an accident."
6. My mother taught me IRONY.
"Keep crying, and I'll give you something to cry about."
7. My mother taught me about the science of OSMOSIS.
"Shut your mouth and eat your supper."
8. My mother taught me about CONTORTIONISM.
"Will you look at that dirt on the back of your neck!"
9. My mother taught me about STAMINA.
"You'll sit there until all that spinach is gone."
10. My mother taught me about WEATHER.
"This room of yours looks as if a tornado went through it."
11. My mother taught me about HYPOCRISY.
"If I told you once, I've told you a million times. Don't exaggerate!"
12. My mother taught me about BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION.
"Stop acting like your father!"
13. My mother taught me about ENVY.
"There are millions of less fortunate children in this world who don't have
wonderful parents like you do."
14. My mother taught me about ANTICIPATION.
"Just wait until we get home."
15. My mother taught me about RECEIVING.
"You are going to get it when you get home!"
16. My mother taught me MEDICAL SCIENCE.
"If you don't stop crossing your eyes, they are going to freeze that way."
17. My mother taught me ESP.
"Put your sweater on; don't you think I know when you are cold?"
18. My mother taught me HUMOR.
"When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don't come running to me."
19. My mother taught me HOW TO BECOME AN ADULT.
"If you don't eat your vegetables, you'll never grow up."
20. My mother taught me GENETICS.
"You're just like your father."
21. My mother taught me about my ROOTS.
"Shut that door behind you. Do you think you were born in a barn?"
22. My mother taught me WISDOM.
"When you get to be my age, you'll understand."
23. My mother taught me about JUSTICE.
"One day you'll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like you!"
Taken from Islamway Sisters.
1. My mother taught me TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE.
"If you're going to kill each other, do it outside. I just finished cleaning."
2. My mother taught me RELIGION.
"You better pray that will come out of the carpet."
3. My mother taught me LOGIC.
" Because I said so, that's why."
4. My mother taught me MORE LOGIC.
"If you fall out of that swing and break your neck, you're not going to the
store with me."
5. My mother taught me FORESIGHT.
"Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you're in an accident."
6. My mother taught me IRONY.
"Keep crying, and I'll give you something to cry about."
7. My mother taught me about the science of OSMOSIS.
"Shut your mouth and eat your supper."
8. My mother taught me about CONTORTIONISM.
"Will you look at that dirt on the back of your neck!"
9. My mother taught me about STAMINA.
"You'll sit there until all that spinach is gone."
10. My mother taught me about WEATHER.
"This room of yours looks as if a tornado went through it."
11. My mother taught me about HYPOCRISY.
"If I told you once, I've told you a million times. Don't exaggerate!"
12. My mother taught me about BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION.
"Stop acting like your father!"
13. My mother taught me about ENVY.
"There are millions of less fortunate children in this world who don't have
wonderful parents like you do."
14. My mother taught me about ANTICIPATION.
"Just wait until we get home."
15. My mother taught me about RECEIVING.
"You are going to get it when you get home!"
16. My mother taught me MEDICAL SCIENCE.
"If you don't stop crossing your eyes, they are going to freeze that way."
17. My mother taught me ESP.
"Put your sweater on; don't you think I know when you are cold?"
18. My mother taught me HUMOR.
"When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don't come running to me."
19. My mother taught me HOW TO BECOME AN ADULT.
"If you don't eat your vegetables, you'll never grow up."
20. My mother taught me GENETICS.
"You're just like your father."
21. My mother taught me about my ROOTS.
"Shut that door behind you. Do you think you were born in a barn?"
22. My mother taught me WISDOM.
"When you get to be my age, you'll understand."
23. My mother taught me about JUSTICE.
"One day you'll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like you!"
Taken from Islamway Sisters.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Some reflections on the past few weeks
(Is it just me or is it hard to reflect at all until the baby is in bed?)
The death of My Grandfather.
As I sat reading Tafsir Suratul Baqarah late one night, 3 weeks ago, my sister rang with the news of the death of my grandfather.
"And (remember) when We took a covenant from the Children of Israel, (Saying): Worship none but Allah (alone) and be dutiful and good to parents, and to kindred, and to orphans and (the poor), and speak good to people and perform As-Salaah and Give Zakaah....."
The explanation on how to be good to the relatives, included Gifting them, visiting them and making du'aa for them when they are alive and dead, it was after reading this statement that I received the news. SubhanAllah. How great is the Mercy of Allah that I was able to read the guidance, literally seconds before the calamity.
I went to see my father as early as I could the following day. He kept repeating one sentence over and over again, "I never did enough for him'. As far as I was aware My father did so much for my Grandfather, in fact he probably did more for him in terms of supporting him and looking after him than all my aunts and uncles put together. And that is more than I've ever done for my parents. Yet, in his opinion - it wasn't enough....
"Making du'aa for them when they are alive and dead..."
My grandfather is probably the closest relative to me who has returned to Allah. In my 24 years of living I have only known 3 other people to die. Therefore, I'm ashamed to say praying for the deceased has never been high on my agenda of things and people to pray for. It was my younger sister that reminded me or rather she asked me 'What about praying for my grandmother (my father's mum, or My Nana - (My mums father) who had both passed away years before. My grandmother had returned to Allah before we were born. I remember as a child my dad had said a prayer for her, and I probably said 'Ameen' after his. That is the last I remember of praying for her. Just because we didn't know them, my sister reminded me, " do they not have rights upon us?"
Before Its too late..
My neighbour Sadie is an elderly lady who lives across the road from us. Since we moved to this house she has been the only neighbour to visit us and told us if we ever needed anything to give her a shout. And when the whole Niqaab fiasco was going on in the media, she told me to "ignore it all and stay strong."
A few weeks ago I realised that I hadn't seen her for a while, and my husband also mentioned the last time he saw her he recalls that she looks very tired. It was on the back of my mind for weeks that I need to call in on her. Weeks! SubhanAllah. Are we so engrossed in our day to day lives that we forget to give people their rights?
Early one morning last week, I awoke to a voice outside shouting, "Nan?" Her grandson was knocking on her door, shouting her, throwing small stones at her window. But there was no sign of her.
As he carried on for over half an hour my heart began beating and I thought the worst had happened. And I had been to busy to visit her.
After another looong ten minutes of his knocking - a tired looking Sadie opened her door to her grandson. I text my husband with relief that she was alive. Alhamdulillah. He told me to visit her ASAP as soon as her grandson leaves.
Too caught up in life again, it wasn't until the next morning that I went to see her.
How easily we forget...
Al Kauthar Institute and Al Maghrib Institute
It is in my opinion and the opinion of a friend of mine who has also attended a few of the AlKauthar Institute courses that the Alkauthar and Almaghrib institutes are indeed a revolution.
Throughout the Years of attending lectures, and circles and listening to lectures and reading etc. Rarely do we get knowledge along with good practical tips on how to apply this knowledge in our day to day lives in today's world.
SubhanAllah.
After returning from 'The real Deal' I find myself lost for words on how to describe it, shocked at how easily we can fall into Ribaa, and we have all indeed been touched by the dust of Ribaa, and hopeful that I am slightly more clued up at what is permissible and what isn't in trade and commerce.
It was very much different from my study of commercial Law at university - which as far as I can remember focused mainly on how to get out of our contracts or rather - 'exemption clauses'
I know some people are of the opinion that such courses may lead us to become our own judges - which would be very dangerous, I think I have come away from the course feeling quite the opposite.
Alhamdulillah the sheikh (may Allah preserve him), provided us with a good foundation on the basic principles of transactions etc in Islam, that which is clearly permissible and impermissible - essential knowledge to have since we all deal in in the most basic forms of transactions in our daily lives.
Its strange that we wouldn't really think that 'The study of the Fiqh of business transactions' would increase us in or make us feel stronger in faith, but I found the course successful in providing a balance between hope and fear of Allah, The Almighty.
It provided hope for us that there are indeed halal alternatives to what is haram in trade and commerce, It also increased us in fear - that we may fall into that which is impermissible, hence we will always return to the scholars for our legal rulings based on our own situations.
I would strongly recommend everyone who can do so to attend the upcoming courses, The Mark of a Jurist - Qawaidul Fiqh 101 and The price of Salvation - All about the Fiqh of Zakat.
Visit www.alkauthar.org for more detail.
Places are Limited!!
The death of My Grandfather.
As I sat reading Tafsir Suratul Baqarah late one night, 3 weeks ago, my sister rang with the news of the death of my grandfather.
"And (remember) when We took a covenant from the Children of Israel, (Saying): Worship none but Allah (alone) and be dutiful and good to parents, and to kindred, and to orphans and (the poor), and speak good to people and perform As-Salaah and Give Zakaah....."
The explanation on how to be good to the relatives, included Gifting them, visiting them and making du'aa for them when they are alive and dead, it was after reading this statement that I received the news. SubhanAllah. How great is the Mercy of Allah that I was able to read the guidance, literally seconds before the calamity.
I went to see my father as early as I could the following day. He kept repeating one sentence over and over again, "I never did enough for him'. As far as I was aware My father did so much for my Grandfather, in fact he probably did more for him in terms of supporting him and looking after him than all my aunts and uncles put together. And that is more than I've ever done for my parents. Yet, in his opinion - it wasn't enough....
"Making du'aa for them when they are alive and dead..."
My grandfather is probably the closest relative to me who has returned to Allah. In my 24 years of living I have only known 3 other people to die. Therefore, I'm ashamed to say praying for the deceased has never been high on my agenda of things and people to pray for. It was my younger sister that reminded me or rather she asked me 'What about praying for my grandmother (my father's mum, or My Nana - (My mums father) who had both passed away years before. My grandmother had returned to Allah before we were born. I remember as a child my dad had said a prayer for her, and I probably said 'Ameen' after his. That is the last I remember of praying for her. Just because we didn't know them, my sister reminded me, " do they not have rights upon us?"
Before Its too late..
My neighbour Sadie is an elderly lady who lives across the road from us. Since we moved to this house she has been the only neighbour to visit us and told us if we ever needed anything to give her a shout. And when the whole Niqaab fiasco was going on in the media, she told me to "ignore it all and stay strong."
A few weeks ago I realised that I hadn't seen her for a while, and my husband also mentioned the last time he saw her he recalls that she looks very tired. It was on the back of my mind for weeks that I need to call in on her. Weeks! SubhanAllah. Are we so engrossed in our day to day lives that we forget to give people their rights?
Early one morning last week, I awoke to a voice outside shouting, "Nan?" Her grandson was knocking on her door, shouting her, throwing small stones at her window. But there was no sign of her.
As he carried on for over half an hour my heart began beating and I thought the worst had happened. And I had been to busy to visit her.
After another looong ten minutes of his knocking - a tired looking Sadie opened her door to her grandson. I text my husband with relief that she was alive. Alhamdulillah. He told me to visit her ASAP as soon as her grandson leaves.
Too caught up in life again, it wasn't until the next morning that I went to see her.
How easily we forget...
Al Kauthar Institute and Al Maghrib Institute
It is in my opinion and the opinion of a friend of mine who has also attended a few of the AlKauthar Institute courses that the Alkauthar and Almaghrib institutes are indeed a revolution.
Throughout the Years of attending lectures, and circles and listening to lectures and reading etc. Rarely do we get knowledge along with good practical tips on how to apply this knowledge in our day to day lives in today's world.
SubhanAllah.
After returning from 'The real Deal' I find myself lost for words on how to describe it, shocked at how easily we can fall into Ribaa, and we have all indeed been touched by the dust of Ribaa, and hopeful that I am slightly more clued up at what is permissible and what isn't in trade and commerce.
It was very much different from my study of commercial Law at university - which as far as I can remember focused mainly on how to get out of our contracts or rather - 'exemption clauses'
I know some people are of the opinion that such courses may lead us to become our own judges - which would be very dangerous, I think I have come away from the course feeling quite the opposite.
Alhamdulillah the sheikh (may Allah preserve him), provided us with a good foundation on the basic principles of transactions etc in Islam, that which is clearly permissible and impermissible - essential knowledge to have since we all deal in in the most basic forms of transactions in our daily lives.
Its strange that we wouldn't really think that 'The study of the Fiqh of business transactions' would increase us in or make us feel stronger in faith, but I found the course successful in providing a balance between hope and fear of Allah, The Almighty.
It provided hope for us that there are indeed halal alternatives to what is haram in trade and commerce, It also increased us in fear - that we may fall into that which is impermissible, hence we will always return to the scholars for our legal rulings based on our own situations.
I would strongly recommend everyone who can do so to attend the upcoming courses, The Mark of a Jurist - Qawaidul Fiqh 101 and The price of Salvation - All about the Fiqh of Zakat.
Visit www.alkauthar.org for more detail.
Places are Limited!!
Thursday, March 01, 2007
The Real Deal!
Al Kauthar Institute Course 2007.
The Real Deal - The Fiqh of Business Transactions
Saturday 10th March - Sunday 11th March
8.30am - 7.00pm -
Main lecture theatre, University of East London, 4-6 University Way,
London, E16 2RD.
to enrol go to www.alkauthar.org
Cheap acommodation options available for out of town students.
"And Allah has permitted trade, but forbidden riba" [AlBaqarah: 275]
One of the most difficult and confusing issues to Muslims now a days are the matters pertaining to the rulings of buying and selling. With trade and commerce having expanded with such rapid force, many are searching for what Islam has to say about it all. Of recent, a surge in global Islamic finance and the renewed interest in Shariah business law - requires us to understand the basic principles upon which Islam bases its ruling.
In this course, you will be introduced to:
- The fiqh of Commerce in Shariah
- Transactions and their classifications
- Forbidden contracts and their understanding
- The correct understanding and application of Riba
- Understand heylah and how to detect it
- Understand how the element of uncertainity may affect the validity of a transaction
- Principles of halal investment
- Manners of a Muslim businessman
- Comparisons between Western commercial law and Shariah business law
- Discussion of tens of the most popular modern business transactions - everything from credit cards, road side assistance, pyramind schemes, ebay, unlimited downloads, no deposit lay-bys, cash back policies, modern Islamic mortgages and investments in bonds, stocks and metals, laws on business and intellectual property, franchising..
- Discussion of sample contracts from Islamic financial institutions
- A preliminary study of how to Islamize large scale economic policies and ensure smooth transition to a riba free economy.
"I have never attended a more beneficial lecture. It just blew away my mind!" [Quote from a student]
These series of lectures are best sellers world wide. This particular course goes into much more detail than the lessons that may be available in the market under the title: "Halal and Haram of Business Transactions", so even if you have seen that DVD, you still need to attend this course to gain full and maximum benefit.
Who is this course for?
- Every Muslim who wants to fear Allah and steer clear from falling into haram and riba.
- Businessmen who want to learn about Islamic business policy and ettiquets.
- Muslims who want to have a deep insight into understanding the goals and purposes of Shariah in business and trade.
- Students of Law faculties trying to understand the basis of Islamic Commercial Law.
- Finance professionals who would like more insight and clarification as to the Islamic logic behind many of its rulings.
- New Muslims who want to understand their Deen.
What will you come out with at the end of the course?
- A binder complete with notes on the details of the principles of Islamic commercial law.
- Hundreds of examples on how the rules and regulations are applied practically.
- Understand how the the Islamic commercial system is far superior and just than the current systems.
- Practical understanding of the rulings of a large number of modern transactions.
- Motivation to applying the rules towards deducing solutions to our current problems.
Course materials
When you sign up for a course, at the first session, you will be given a binder full of notes and important reading regarding the fiqh of Commerce 101. You will be able to take down notes directly in the folder - this will stay with you for your future reference. In addition, the online facility will have extra points for reading and analysis including sample tests to check your understanding.
Course particulars
Faculty: Fiqh
Type: Core topic
Credits: 3
Duration of Course: 18 hours which includes 4 instructor led sessions of 4 hours each + 2 hours of online tasks
Timing and Venue
8.30am - 7.00pm -
Main lecture theatre, University of East London, 4-6 University Way,
London, E16 2RD.
to enrol go to www.alkauthar.org
- Don't be afraid of the hours. AlKauthar Institute seminars are not long lectures upon lectures hours on end. There will be many different and new ways we are imparting knowledge to ensure we make it interactive, interesting, exciting and thought provoking.
- Times include a 2 hour break in the early afternoon
- There will be plenty of refresher breaks in between hours to ensure student attention is maximised
We only have limited seats at each seminar. So to ensure you don't miss out we encourage you to enrol as soon as possible to confirm your seat.
Why Enrol?
Knowledge is power. It increases when you give it. It is needed by Kings and beggars alike. It eases the path to paradise. We are constantly reminded in the Qur’an and Sunnah of the importance of gaining Islamic knowledge so as to apply it in our lives. At AlKauthar Institute we have attempted to make this path as easy as possible for a Muslim, but in the end it will require your own individual commitment, dedication and hardwork to gain the pleasure of Allah.
Remember:
- The benefits you receive for the fee you pay for these courses will far out weigh the benefits you will receive from the payment of any other course such as university fees, professional membership fees, conference fees amongst many others.
- Practicality is always emphasised. You will learn so much in such little time and in such a manner that will ensure that you will be able to impart that knowledge straight away. Come and experience the AlKauthar Method and the world's first Case based islamic learning.
- Give your islamic education solid direction. One course at a time you will edge closer to a diploma, degree and honours.
- Instructors who will provide engaging and enjoyable university level lessons in a professional manner at ideal venues complimenting our technology focused teaching style. Our instructors also have plenty of experience dealing with Muslim affairs in the West.
- Our student advisors and online student centre, most notably the e-learn facility will be pioneering the way in the delivery of Islamic education. This is combined with the support of an online community consisting of your instructors and your fellow students from around Australia and the world.
AlKauthar Institute is aiming to develop a pioneering world class Islamic learning institute, providing a professional and refreshing approach to Islamic courses which will touch the hearts and revive the souls. Come and see for yourself how we attempt to seek the reward of Allah by enriching the lives of individuals and communities.
Rarely do opportunities like this come our way whilst we are healthy and able. Take advantage of the chance! What will you be missing out on if you don't?
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
A story
It was a busy morning, approximately 8:30 am, when an elderly gentleman in his 80's, arrived to have stitches removed from his thumb. He stated that he was in a hurry as he had an appointment at 9:00 am.
I took his vital signs and had him take a seat, knowing it would be over in an hour before someone would be able to see him. I saw him looking at his watch and decided, since I was not busy with another patient, I would evaluate his wound.
On exam, it was well healed, so I talked to one of the doctors, got the needed supplies to remove his sutures and redress his wound. While taking care of his wound, we began to engage in conversation. I asked him if he had a doctor's appointment this morning, as he was in such a hurry. The gentleman told me no, that he needed to go to the nursing home to eat breakfast with his wife.
I then inquired as to her health. He told me that she had been there for a while and that she was a victim of Alzheimer's disease. As we talked, and I finished dressing his wound, I asked if she would be worried if he was a bit late. He replied that she no longer knew who he was; that she had not recognized him in five years now.
I was surprised, and asked him. And you still go every morning, even though she doesn't know who you are? He smiled as he patted my hand and said: She doesn't know me, but I still know who she is.
I had to hold back tears as he left, I had goose bumps on my arm, and
Thought… That is the kind of love I want in my life. True love is an acceptance of all that is, has been, will be, and will not be.
Taken from Islamway Sisters.
I took his vital signs and had him take a seat, knowing it would be over in an hour before someone would be able to see him. I saw him looking at his watch and decided, since I was not busy with another patient, I would evaluate his wound.
On exam, it was well healed, so I talked to one of the doctors, got the needed supplies to remove his sutures and redress his wound. While taking care of his wound, we began to engage in conversation. I asked him if he had a doctor's appointment this morning, as he was in such a hurry. The gentleman told me no, that he needed to go to the nursing home to eat breakfast with his wife.
I then inquired as to her health. He told me that she had been there for a while and that she was a victim of Alzheimer's disease. As we talked, and I finished dressing his wound, I asked if she would be worried if he was a bit late. He replied that she no longer knew who he was; that she had not recognized him in five years now.
I was surprised, and asked him. And you still go every morning, even though she doesn't know who you are? He smiled as he patted my hand and said: She doesn't know me, but I still know who she is.
I had to hold back tears as he left, I had goose bumps on my arm, and
Thought… That is the kind of love I want in my life. True love is an acceptance of all that is, has been, will be, and will not be.
Taken from Islamway Sisters.
Friday, January 26, 2007
Is it possible to be a busy wife, mother AND look good?
Anas, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "When a woman prays her five prayers, fasts her month (of Ramadan), preserves her chastity, and obeys her husband, then she may enter the Jannah (Paradise) from any door she chooses." [Ahmad and others; authentic]
Before marriage we read many books on how to obey our husbands and how to be good wives. One of the main things that was emphasized was adorning ourselves for our husbands.
How easy! We would think. Is that it? And we couldn't understand it when we would see married sisters who didn't.
After marriage - 'It's still easy - with the odd 'bad hair day' here and there.'
Lately I've been thinking. We make too many excuses, there are too many beautiful woman out there to make excuses. As for the last excuse, a sister responded, 'We know that losing even a few pounds doesn't happen over night. And what to do in the meantime? Plus we could die tommorrow so lets make the most of how we look.'
A sister commented about adorning herself for her husband, 'I'd honestly rather have him expect to come home to see his wife in the best form and therefore push himself harder to lower his gaze, than have him expect to come home and find me in jogging pants and a t-shirt and find it harder to resist the temptations. He's out all day, and he sees all kinds of things. When he knows that if he lowers his gaze, he will be rewarded in the akhirah by Allah, and in the dunya by going home to a wife who can show him what he saw and better (because it's halal) it makes the struggle all the more worth it for him. '
Allah describes the woman as: “…one brought up among adornments” [Sûrah al-Zukhruf: 18]
Below are some practical tips and advice from various sisters that inshaAllah will help us to balance our obligations, to Allah, our husbands and children.
Before marriage we read many books on how to obey our husbands and how to be good wives. One of the main things that was emphasized was adorning ourselves for our husbands.
How easy! We would think. Is that it? And we couldn't understand it when we would see married sisters who didn't.
After marriage - 'It's still easy - with the odd 'bad hair day' here and there.'
After children - quotes:
'HELP!!'
'HUSBAND WHO?'
'I can't remember the last time I had a hair cut!'
'Maybe I'll just wait till Jannah InshaAllah to look beautiful....'
'I don't know where to start, it seems like sooo long ago....'
'I need to loose 2 stones first!'
'HUSBAND WHO?'
'I can't remember the last time I had a hair cut!'
'Maybe I'll just wait till Jannah InshaAllah to look beautiful....'
'I don't know where to start, it seems like sooo long ago....'
'I need to loose 2 stones first!'
Lately I've been thinking. We make too many excuses, there are too many beautiful woman out there to make excuses. As for the last excuse, a sister responded, 'We know that losing even a few pounds doesn't happen over night. And what to do in the meantime? Plus we could die tommorrow so lets make the most of how we look.'
A sister commented about adorning herself for her husband, 'I'd honestly rather have him expect to come home to see his wife in the best form and therefore push himself harder to lower his gaze, than have him expect to come home and find me in jogging pants and a t-shirt and find it harder to resist the temptations. He's out all day, and he sees all kinds of things. When he knows that if he lowers his gaze, he will be rewarded in the akhirah by Allah, and in the dunya by going home to a wife who can show him what he saw and better (because it's halal) it makes the struggle all the more worth it for him. '
Allah describes the woman as: “…one brought up among adornments” [Sûrah al-Zukhruf: 18]
Below are some practical tips and advice from various sisters that inshaAllah will help us to balance our obligations, to Allah, our husbands and children.
- Buy clothes that are crease resistant or drip dry them to save time on ironing.
- Wear kohl - it takes a second to apply and you can do wudu over it without removing it.
- Try to find out what your husband likes, styles, clothes etc. That always makes things easier. (Ebay is great for this because you can show the pictures of the items before buying - pictures without women in them of course.)
- Time is of the essence! Learn to have quick showers and get ready in a few minutes.
- Practice doing different hairstyles and keep a note of quick ones that look good. Loose buns look great with casual clothes.
- Wear perfume and matching body lotion. A sister said, 'I quickly apply body lotion to sweat areas (ie under arms) straight after a shower and a quick spray of matching perfume to my home clothes so I'm always smelling good.
- Buy clothes that are comfortable - but look good. A sister said, 'Lately I've bought a new wardrobe from ebay (bargain prices! My husbands favourite dress cost me 2 pounds - including postage and packaging!) I've bought some dresses that are comfortable, flattering, not too long so i don't trip over it and can climb up and down the stairs with my daughter. I buy dresses that have some sleeves so i can wear them in front of other women also . I try to look for Warm fabric so i don't freeze on cold days and Comfortable enough to do all household chores in. Also I make sure it has a side zip, or i can pull down the neck because im breastfeeding still.'
- Wear Simple Jewellery that don't get in the way of things.
- Try to balance things ie cooking, cleaning, dressing up. Don't do too much of any so it ends up that you're neglecting the others.
- Going out. A sister said, 'I try not to go out too much Because my hijab makes my hair flat. Also I do most of my shopping online rather than spend a whole day in town with my toddler moaning in her buggy and not getting anything I needed or wanted.'
- Mirror Mirror.... A sister once said, 'A wise woman is one who has a mirror in her Kitchen!'
- Water of life. Remember to always drink plenty of water for radiant skin.
- Oh Sugar! Sugar and water is a fast, cheap and effective way to Exfoliate!
- Remember the most important thing is DUA!!! A sister said, 'I pray to Allah in Sujood to make me the most beautiful woman for my Husband in this world and the next.'
Sunday, November 12, 2006
Title: To my Muslim sister
Between the Israeli assault on Lebanon and the Zionist “war on terror,” the Muslim world is now center stage in every American home. I see the carnage, death and destruction that have befallen Lebanon, but I also see something else: I see you. I can’t help but notice that almost every woman I see is carrying a baby or has children around her. I see that though they are dressed modestly, their beauty still shines through. But it’s not just outer beauty that I notice. I also notice that I feel something strange inside me: I feel envy. I feel terrible for the horrible experiences and war crimes that the Lebanese people have suffered, being targeted by our common enemy. But I can’t help but admire your strength, your beauty, your modesty, and most of all, your happiness. Yes, it’s strange, but it occurred to me that even under constant bombardment, you still seemed happier than we are, because you were still living the natural lives of women. The way women have always lived since the beginning of time. It used to be that way in the West until the 1960s, when we were bombarded by the same enemy. Only we were not bombarded with actual munitions, but with subtle trickery and moral corruption.
They bombarded us Americans from Hollywood, instead of from fighter jets or with our own American-made tanks. They would like to bomb you in this way too, after they’ve finished bombing the infrastructure of your countries. I do not want this to happen to you. You will feel degraded, just like we do. You can avoid this kind of bombing if you will kindly listen to those of us who have already suffered serious casualties from their evil influence. Because everything you see coming out of Hollywood is a pack of lies, a distortion of reality, smoke and mirrors. They present casual sex as harmless recreation because they aim to destroy the moral fabric of the societies into which they beam their poisonous programming. I beg you not to drink their poison. There is no antidote for it once you have consumed it. You may recover partially, but you will never be the same. Better to avoid the poison altogether than to try to heal from the damage it causes.
They will try to tempt you with their titillating movies and music videos, falsely portraying us American women as happy and satisfied, proud of dressing like prostitutes, and content without families. Most of us are not happy, trust me. Millions of us are on anti-depressant medication, hate our jobs, and cry at night over the men who told us they loved us, then greedily used us and walked away. They would like to destroy your families and convince you to have fewer children. They do this by presenting marriage as a form of slavery, motherhood as a curse, and being modest and pure as old-fashioned. They want you to cheapen yourself and lose your faith. They are like the Serpent tempting Eve with the apple. Don’t bite.
I see you as precious gems, pure gold, or the “pearl of great value” spoken of in the Bible (Matthew 13: 45). All women are pearls of great value, but some of us have been deceived into doubting the value of our purity. Jesus said: “Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you” (Matthew 7: 6). Our pearls are priceless, but they convince us that they’re cheap. But trust me; there is no substitute for being able to look in the mirror and seeing purity, innocence and self-respect staring back at you. The fashions coming out of the Western sewer are designed to make you believe that your most valuable asset is your sexuality. But your beautiful dresses and veils are actually sexier than any Western fashion, because they cloak you in mystery and show self-respect and confidence. A woman’s sexuality should be guarded from unworthy eyes, since it should be your gift to the man who loves and respects you enough to marry you. And since your men are still manly warriors, they deserve no less than your best. Our men don’t even want purity anymore. They don’t recognize the pearl of great value, opting for the flashy rhinestone instead. Only to leave her too.
Your most valuable assets are your inner beauty, your innocence, and everything that makes you who you are. But I notice that some Muslim women push the limit and try to be as Western as possible, even while wearing a veil (with some of their hair showing). Why imitate women who already regret, or will soon regret, their lost virtue? There is no compensation for that loss. You are flawless diamonds. Don’t let them trick you into becoming rhinestones. Because everything you see in the fashion magazines and on Western television is a lie. It is Satan’s trap. It is fool’s gold.
I’ll let you in on a little secret, just in case you’re curious: pre-marital sex is not even that great. We gave our bodies to the men we were in love with, believing that that was the way to make them love us and want to marry us. Just as we had seen on television growing up. But without the security of marriage and the sure knowledge that he will always stay with us, it’s not even enjoyable! That’s the irony. It was just a waste. It leaves you in tears. Speaking as one woman to another, I believe that you understand that already. Because only a woman can truly understand what’s in another woman’s heart. We really are all alike. Our race, religion or nationalities do not matter. A woman’s heart is the same everywhere. We love. That’s what we do best. We nurture our families and give comfort and strength to the men we love. But we American women have been fooled into believing that we are happiest having careers, our own homes in which to live alone, and freedom to give our love away to whomever we choose. That is not freedom. And that is not love. Only in the safe haven of marriage can a woman’s body and heart be safe to love. Don’t settle for anything less. It’s not worth it. You won’t even like it and you’ll like yourself even less afterwards. Then he’ll leave you.
Sin never pays. It always cheats you. Even though I have reclaimed my honor, there’s still no substitute for having never been dishonored in the first place. We Western women have been brainwashed into thinking that you Muslim women are oppressed. But truly, we are the ones who are oppressed; slaves to fashions that degrade us, obsessed with our weight, begging for love from men who do not want to grow up. Deep down inside, we know that we have been cheated. We secretly admire and envy you, although some of us will not admit it. Please do not look down on us or think that we like things the way they are. It’s not our fault. Most of us did not have fathers to protect us when we were young because our families have been destroyed. You know who is behind this plot. Don’t be fooled, my sisters. Don’t let them get you too. Stay innocent and pure. We Christian women need to see what life is really supposed to be like for women. We need you to set the example for us, because we are lost. Hold onto your purity. Remember: you can’t put the toothpaste back in the tube. So guard your “toothpaste” carefully!
I hope you receive this advice in the spirit in which it is intended: the spirit of friendship, respect, and admiration. From your Christian sister – with love.
© 2006+ Joanna Francis
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Bill Boards!
I've decided something needs to be done about these billboards. Our children are being ripped of their innocence!
Any Ideas?
Here's a christian forum I approached. It seems they feel the same way....
http://inthepursuitofgod.com/forum/showthread.php?p=19452#post19452
Any Ideas?
Here's a christian forum I approached. It seems they feel the same way....
http://inthepursuitofgod.com/forum/showthread.php?p=19452#post19452
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Important advice to the Muslim community in light of the debate over the veil
By A group of Authors
All praise is due to Allah and may His peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family and all his Companions.
In light of the ongoing debate over the veil and the comments made by Jack Straw and others, we the undersigned would like to present the following important advice to the Muslim community here in the UK, irrespective of school of thought, sect or organisation.
- The Muslim community should remain united regardless of its differences and opinions about the veil. This request is in response to the countless number of Quranic and Prophetic traditions that command Muslims to be united. Among these is the Quranic verse that says, ‘Hold fast, all together, to the rope of Allah and do not be disunited.’ [translation of 3:103]
- We strongly condemn any attempt by any individual or organisation to create disunity in the Muslim community. We see such a move as an attempt to create friction and disruption in the whole society through indirect discrimination. It is the nature of modern pluralistic societies to be constituted from different communities coexisting peacefully as a single political entity. It is completely irrational, when trying to achieve community cohesion, to instigate disunity and racial tension.
- The veil, irrespective of its specific juristic rulings, is an Islamic practice and not a cultural or a customary one as is agreed by the consensus of Muslim scholars; it is not open to debate. We advise all Muslims to exercise extreme caution in this issue, since denying any part of Islam may lead to disbelief. Not practicing something enjoined by Allah and His Messenger (Salla-Allahu alaihi wa sallam) - regardless its legal status (i.e., whether obligatory, recommended or praiseworthy) - is a shortcoming; denying it is much more serious. Allah says in the Qur’an: ‘It is not for a believer, man or woman, that they should have any option in their decision when Allah and His Messenger have decreed a matter. And whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger has indeed strayed in a plain error.’ [translation of 33:36]
- We recognise the fact that Muslims hold different views regarding the veil, but we urge all members of the Muslim community to keep this debate within the realms of scholarly discussion amongst the people of knowledge and authority in the Muslim community. Allah says in the Qur’an, ‘When there comes to them news of some matter touching (public) safety or fear, they spread it (among the people); if only they had referred it to the Messenger or to those charged with authority among them, the proper investigators would have understood it from them (directly).’ [translation of 4:83] In another Quranic verse, we read the following instruction, ‘So ask those who know if you know not.’ [translation of 16:43 and 21:7]
- Furthermore, we warn Muslim individuals and organisations to avoid seeking to capitalise on this debate in order to further political or personal interests. Such despicable tactics are judged by Islam as working against the interests of our faith and the Muslim community, and are, accordingly, a matter condemned in the strongest possible terms. Allah says in the Qur’an, ‘The believers, men and women, are Awliya' (allies, helpers, friends, protectors) of one another.’ [translation of 9:71] The Prophet (Salla-Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said, ‘A Muslim is the brother of a Muslim; he does not oppress him, betray him, mislead or fail him.’
- We would like to call upon all members of the Muslim community to show solidarity against criticising the veil or any other Islamic practice as this might prove to be a stepping-stone towards further restrictions. Today the veil, tomorrow it could be the beard, jilbab and thereafter the headscarf! Such a strategy, unfortunately, has been widely used by many European countries. Similarly, we feel that this campaign may be employed to gauge the response of the Muslim community. Therefore, our reply should be firm, sending a clear and powerful message to those who are trying to promote the banning of the veil or any other common Islamic practice. We, the Muslim community, will not tolerate such attitudes nor will we compromise on our values and common customs. All Muslim women, especially those who wear the veil, should play a major role in this response since their voice will be the most effective.
- We understand the viewpoint of those who may find the veil a barrier to communication. However, we believe that the level of discomfort caused is insignificant, particularly when compared to the discomfort and problems that result from other common and less widely condemned practices such as sexual promiscuity, nudity and alcohol consumption by other segments of society. Moreover, we feel that it is against the interests of the whole society to single out a significant part of it, such as the Muslim community, or to put them under the spotlight and abuse them for their practices, as is now an oft- recurring theme in the media.
- The unexpected and ruthless reaction of the media over the past few weeks on this issue gives an indication that there is a political agenda behind this campaign. It is very disappointing that the media and many politicians dealt with this issue as if it is the greatest national concern. This becomes more apparent when observing the already tense climate facing Muslims, which is contributing towards creating hostility in the wider society against the Muslim community. Therefore, Muslims should take this matter seriously and defend the veil with all their ability. This could be a battle of “to be or not to be” for Muslims in the UK. We urge all brothers and sisters to strive in countering these attacks by utilising the various avenues open to them including sending letters to the relevant authorities, their MPs, human rights activists, and so on. The most important guideline to observe is to react in a wise, sensible and responsible manner and avoid any action that might be used as an excuse for furthering any unfavourable agenda.
- We would like to advise the sisters who observe the veil/niqab in the work-place or in educational premises to avoid making it a matter of dispute between them and their employers or school authority. Such disputes will attract more unnecessary media attention, and thus may cause various negative consequences including the imposition of certain dress codes in work places, and in turn, used as justification to legislate further restrictions on wearing it in other areas.
- Finally, let it be noted that we appreciate the noticeable level of understanding and tolerance shown by considerable parts of the wider society towards many Islamic practices. However, we ask all society to deal with the Muslim community without prejudice, and to exercise genuine openness and tolerance towards Islamic practices, even those they may not like, as this is the real test of tolerance to others. Furthermore, we urge people to be supportive for a woman’s right to wear the veil as on one hand, this complies with the values upon which western civilization was founded - the protection of human and religious rights; and on the other hand, these practices aim to promote values of modesty, decency and good-manners all of which should be the aspiration of any peaceful society.
We conclude by asking Almighty Allah to guide us to that which is better and to make truth and justice prevail in British society as a whole.
25th Ramadan 1427
17Th October 2006
For signatures see: http://www.as-sahwah.com/viewarticle.php?articleID=1283&
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