The destroyer of desires

I know I haven't posted for a while now, when I set up this extra blog I had so many ideas of what I would write about, now all of a sudden, my mind is blank, I have no idea. Earlier I was thinking about this blog of mine, and wondering why I don't feel I've got anything to contribute right now, one of the reasons that seemed to stick out in my mind was that my eemaan is still not at the level I would like it to be, and I am not spending as much time on my deen as I should be. If my eemaan was high, I would be studying more, gaining beneficial knowledge, and therefore would have alot to share and discuss.

I just seem to climb and then fall back, I know this is my own fault, I'm not pushing myself hard enough. Each night after I put the kids to bed, I'll clean up, pray and then have a bite to eat, I do try to stick to my routine of reading surah al-Mulk at least and then a couple of pages of 'Great women of Islam' but some nights when I've been a bit behind in putting the kids to bed, I tend to leave it out, and come straight online, check my other blog 'mum of four' and then plan the girls work for the next day. It really saddens me that I have let myself become like this, I have been weak for a while now, probably since my pregnancy, I did used to attend Dr Saleh's (May Allaah have mercy upon him, ameen) lessons on paltalk each night, but then my legs started to play up, I think it was 'restless leg syndrome' I just couldn't sit at the computer for long, and so I would just end up coming away from it, and doing something else.

After having the baby I'm still the same. We did move to Birmingham, as we felt the move would be good for us, and I know that when I lived in Birmingham before I was alot stronger, masha'Allaah. I do feel a bit more motivated since coming back, due to the company I keep, without praising anyone above Allaah, the sisters who I am close to here, and I have known for quite a while now, are beautiful sisters masha'Allaah, genuine and sincere, and all striving for Allaah's sake, insha Allaah. Alhamdulillaah I feel blessed to have these sisters as close companions.

Many times recently I have been reminded of death, subhanAllaah, I feel scared because none of us know when it's going to be our turn, people are dying every single day, how can I expect that I'll be here till my 70's, 80's etc... I'm scared that I may die the way I am now, with my eemaan the same, not any higher, and not having enough good deeds on my side, It's time to wake up subhanAllaah, but how many times do I get like this, and feel the fear, but then it seems to shift back to the back of my mind, it's always there lurking, y'know that reminder of death, but the dunya just distracts, and we laugh and we joke, but don't make serious effort to change and improve (I'm referring to myself specifically now). I just feel like I'm constantly going round in circles, motivation is a big thing for me, I have to push myself hard in order to build it up, and right now I'm not trying hard enough to discipline myself, how long have I got left? only Allaah knows, but I ask him to forgive me for my neglect, and aid me and strengthen me, so that I may become the servant he is pleased with, insha Allaah.

I really had to get that all off my chest, it feels good to type it all down, and just let my thoughts flow, which I don't let myself always do. I think I hold back too much, in a way that can be good, but not always. Well this is the reality, my situation right now, not really moving anywhere, but insha Allaah I know I have to work hard, and remind myself contantly of death, the destroyer of desires, subhanAllaah, as this is a major boost for one's eemaan, insha Allaah. Once this chance is taken away from us, there's no going back, no second chance, insha Allaah for anyone else the same as me right now, let's work hard, and make the most of what little time we have, before it's too late.

"Every soul shall taste death" (Surah Al-Imran 3:185)

Thanks for reading!

A dangerous trick, a new Quran is being distributed in Kuwait titled 'The True Furqan'. It is being described as the Ayats of the Shaytan and Al-Furqan weekly magazine has found out that the two American printing companies;' Omega 2001' and 'Wine Press' are involved in the publishing of 'The True Furqan', a book which has also been titled 'The 21st Century Quran'! It is over 366 pages and is in both the Arabic and English languages...it is being distributed to our children in Kuwait in the private English schools! The book contains 77 Surats, which include Al-Fatiha, Al-Jana and Al-Injil. Instead of Bismillah, each Surat begins with a longer vision of this incorporating the Christian belief of the three spirits.

And this so-called Quran opposes many Islamic beliefs.
This book even goes as far as attacking Allah, Subhanahu wa Tahala! All this is poisoning our children at approx. $3.

Brothers and Sisters please make sure you forward this email to as many people as possible so that we can stop this dangerous trick.

Please tell everyone you know and may Allah reward you.

Your Shields against Satan

By Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim (SG)

How to protect yourself from the whispers of Satan? How to repel his continuous attempts to ensnare you? How to guard your faith against his malicious tricks? Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim recommends the following 10 shields in your ceaseless war with Satan:

1. Seeking refuge with Allah from Satan. Allah the Most High says: And if an evil whisper from Shaitan (Satan) tries to turn you away (O Muhammad, peace be upon him) (from doing good), then seek refuge in Allah. Verily, He is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower. (Fussilat 41:36)

2. Reciting the two surahs of Al-Falaq and An-Nas, as they have a wondrous effect in weakening Satan and protecting one from his evils. This is why the Messenger (peace be upon him) described them to be of incomparable effect when seeking refuge. (An-Nasa i, 5337).

3. Reciting Ayah Al-Kursi (Al-Baqarah 2:255).

4. Reciting Surah Al-Baqarah. The Messenger (peace be upon him) said: The house in which Al-Baqarah is recited is not approached by Satan (Muslim).

5. Reciting the final part of Al-Baqarah. The Messenger (peace be upon him) said: The last two verses of Surat Al-Baqarah will suffice whoever recites them at night (Muslim).

6. Reciting the first three verses of Surah Ghafir.

7. Saying la ilaha illallah wahdahu la sharika lah, lahul mulku wa lahul hamdu wa huwa ala kulli shay in qadir (There is no god worthy of worship except Allah, He has no partner, His is the dominion and praise, and He is able to do all things).

8. Among the most beneficial forms of protection from Satan is the abundant remembrance of Allah the Exalted.

9. Ablution and prayer, which are among the greatest means of protection, especially at the time of anger or desire.

10. Abstinence from excess speech, food, and mixing with people.

Finally it is important to note that the above supplications need to be uttered with full reflection and comprehension. The point here is that they are kinds of remembrance (dhikr), and to remember Allah is not a matter of lip-service. Rather it is a process that involves one's tongue, heart, and mind. How could one truly remember Allah while the mind is engaged with alien things?

Abridged from Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim's Bda i Al-Fawa id, here excerpted, in some modifications from islaam.co

"AND BE AFRAID OF THE DAY WHEN YOU SHALL BE BROUGHT BACK TO ALLAH.THEN EVERY PERSON SHALL BEPAID WHAT HE EARNED,AND THEY SHALL NOT BE DEALT WITH UNJUSTLY "
SURAH AL-BAQARAH AYAT 281

Abu Sa'eed al-Khudree (radiallaahu anhu) reported that the Prophet (sallallaahu alaihi wasallam) said: " A muslim is not afflicted by hardship, sickness, sadness, worry, harm, or depression - even if pricked by a thorn, but Allah expiates his sins because of that. " [ Bukharee and Muslim ]

Abu Hurayrah (radiallaahu anhu) reported that the Prophet (sallallaahu alaihi wasallam) said: " Whenever a Muslim is afflicted by harm from sickness or other matters, Allah will drop his sins because of that, like a tree drops its leaves." [ Bukharee and Muslim ]

Reciting Surat-Al-Mulk every night

'Abdullaah ibn Mas'ood said: "Whoever reads 'al-Mulk' every night, Allaah will protect him from the torment of the grave. At the time of the Messenger of Allaah (salallaahu 'alaihiwasallam), we used to call it al-mani'ah (that which protects). In the Book of Allah, there is a chapter [and] whoever recites it every night has done very well." [Sahih at-Targhib wat-Tarhib, no. 1475]


Imam Ahmad recorded from Abu Hurayrah (May Allah be pleased with him) that Allah's Messenger (salallaahu 'alaihiwasallam) said, "Verily, there is a chapter in the Qur'an which contains thirty Ayat that will intercede on behalf of its reciter until he is forgiven. (It is): 'Blessed be He in Whose Hand is the dominion.'"

[This Hadith was collected by At-Tirmidhi and the four Sunan Compilers. At-Tirmidhi said concerning it, "This is a Hasan Hadith."]

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (salallaahu 'alaihiwasallam) saying, "There is a Surah in the Qur'an which contains thirty Ayat which kept interceding for a man until his sins are forgiven. This Surah is 'Blessed is He in Whose Hand is the dominion.' (Surat Al-Mulk 67)." [At-Tirmidhi and Abu Dawud].

Commentary from Riyad-us-Saliheen: This Hadith means that on the Day of Resurrection this Surah will intercede with Allaah for the forgiveness of its reciter. This Hadith has been narrated (in Arabic) in the past tense because, like the past indefinite, its occurrence is definite and not open to inquiry. At some places, however, it has also been narrated in the present tense.

He (salallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) used to recite Surah As-Sajdah and Surah Al-Mulk(in Arabic) before sleeping.

Reference: At-Tirmithi, An-Nasa'i. See also Al-Albani, Sahihul-Jami ' As-Saghir 4/255

And whoever contradicts and opposes the Messenger (Muhammad,salallahu alaihi wa sallam) after the right path has been shown clearly to him, and follows other than the believers' way. We shall keep him in the path he has chosen, and burn him in Hell - what an evil destination. (An-Nisa 4:115)
Myriam
- Every issue of aqeedah (creed), ibaadah (worship) or manhaj (methodology) which the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah has not provided a text for and upon which the Companions never agreed upon is falsehood, vain and innovated.
"Adhere to the narrations of the Salaf (the Prophet and sahaaba; tabi'een; and tabi' tabi'een), even if the people were to abandon you. And beware of the opinions of people, no matter how much they beautify it with speech." - Imaam al-Awzaa'ee [d. 157H]

Couple of busy days

Assalamu 'alaykum,

Afwan, I haven't updated for a few days, been very busy alhamdulillaah. Had a gathering in my house yesterday with a few sisters and lots of kids! Masha'Allaah, and then today was invited to a sister's house for a little gathering there. Insha Allaah I intend to get back into routine from tomorrow, so I hope to start posting again Insha Allaah, and get this blog rolling!!

Great achievers

Ok, haven't posted much in the last couple of days, been very tired after many late nights! I have to quit this habit, it's really not good for me subhanAllaah.
Alhamdulillaah have continued to read a couple of pages from the Qur'an after kids have gone to bed, and some from the 'The great women of Islam who were given the good news of paradise', although did miss one night.

Masha'Allaah the things the sahaabiyaat accomplished is amazing, they were very proficient in many fields. Below are some of the main points/facts I read about in the last couple of days.

*The sahaabiyat (women companions) played a prominent role in politics.

*Caliph 'Umar(Radhiallaahu anhu)so valued Shifa' bint 'Abdullaah (Radhiallaahu anhaa)for her political intelligence and insight that he very often consulted with her.

*He often gave her the responsibility of running the affairs of state relating to trade and commerce.

*There are various subjects, an understanding of which are essential for a thorough knowledge of Islam and it tenets: Qira at (the correct way of reading the Qur'an)interpretation and commentary, Shari'ah, Fiqh, study of Hadith, these are all important aspects of Islam.

*'Aishah memorized the Qur'an, as did Hafsah, Umm Salamah, Umm Waraqah (Radhiallaahu 'anhunna)

*'Aishah was an expert on interpretation and commentary due to her close associaton with the Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam). Much of the tafsir in Sahih Muslim contains narrations from her.

*In islamic jurisprudence or fiqh 'Aishah's (Radhiallaahu anhu)verdicts could fill several volumes. The same could be said of Umm Salamah's verdicts.

*'Aishah was well versed in in the laws of inheritance and many renowned and respected companions consulted her on the finer points of law.

*Asma' bint Yazid bin Sakan (May Allaah have mercy on them) was an expert in making speech.

*Asma' bint 'Umais (Radhiallaahu anhaa)was famous for her interpretation of dreams.

*Several companions noted for their skill in medicine and surgery: Aslamiah Umm Matta'a, Umm Kabshah, Hamnah Bint Jahash, Mu'aathah, Ammaimah, Umm Ziad, Rabi'a bitn Mu'awath, Umm 'Atiyah, Umm Salim (Radhiallaahu 'anhunna).

*Rufaida Aslamiah's (Radhiallaahu 'anhaa)tent, set up as a surgery with all the necessary instruments, was situated close to the Prophet's Mosque at Madinah.

*Some of the most noted poetesses were : Sa'adi, Safiyah, 'Atikah, bint Zaid, Hind bint Athathah, Umm Aiman, Kabashah bint Rafi'a, Ummamah Maridiah, hind bint Harith, Zainab bint 'Awam Azdi, Maimoonah and Ruqayyyah (Radhiallaahu 'anhunna).

*A book of verses by Khansa (Radhiallaahu anhaa),the best known among them has been published.

Insha Allaah will add more tomorrow, getting very late here, and I've already gone over my midnight limit! Oops!

Great women of Islam

I recently started reading the Great Women Of Islam, masha'Allaah this book is really inspiring, and focuses on all the women who were given the good news of paradise. I'm only at the beginning of the book, but have read about the exploits and achievements of the Sahabiyat (women companions), such as Umm Ammarah (May Allaah have mercy upon her,ameen), whom in the battle of Uhud shielded the Prophet Muhammad (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallaam) with her sword and bow and arrows. SubhanAllaah she suffered many injuries, and even lost one of her arms.

The book also mentions 'Aishah, Umm Salim and Umm Salit(May Allaah have mercy upon them ameen.) and how they were among those who were proficient at nursing the wounded. Masha'Allaah these women were very courageous, and intellectual, may Allaah help us to strive to be more like them, ameen.

Insha Allaah as I read through the book, I will post certain parts which are of benefit insha Allaah.

You can find the book here,for those in the UK click here

Naimah's Intro....

Assalamu 'alaykum,

Well, I decided to set up this blog to share my thoughts and experiences as a muslim woman in the west. I made the decision to enter into Islam back in 2001. I am the only muslim in my family, however I feel I have always had their support, even though they don't fully agree and understand the way of life I am now living. I am married and have 4 children alhamdulillaah. I homeschool two of my children, along with another sister's daughter. You can visit my other blog at Mum Of Four,here I regularly update things to do with parenting/Islam and homeschooling.

I felt the need to have another blog, dedicated solely to my deen (way of life) Islam. Where I can express myself more clearly insha Allaah.

At this moment in time, I feel that my eemaan is not at the level I would like it to be. I know I need to strive harder insha Allaah, and build a continuous daily routine to help strengthen my eemaan, and gain knowledge which insha Allaah, I will act upon.

The support of my sisters will be much appreciated, your reminders, advice and encouragement to help stay focused on the main goal which is attaining Jannah insha Allaah.