The Striving Muslimah...The Highs And Lows

At my lowest point........

2011-12-21T11:17:00.000-08:00

Salam alaykum,

................well it sure has been a while since I've wrote anything on here, well that's me all over....inconsistent really should be my middle name!

I'm sure the last time I wrote, I mentioned how low my eeman was, well it still is, my enthusiasm and motivation has seriously plummeted, and I know if I want to become motivated again I have to put in some effort....read the qur'an/an islamic book or listen to a lecture, but without enthusiasm and motivation I'm finding it pretty hard to do.

I've suprised myself recently with the way I see certain things, I wont go too much into this as tbh I'm not looking to get into any kind of debate about a particular subject. let's just say things that I would have been really strict about in the years that I've been a muslim, now don't seem as bad, and i've found myself taking more notice of other fatwas and opinions regarding these things, can be pretty confusing.

I've also found myself reflecting alot about my life, and don't get me wrong I'm so grateful to Allaah for guiding me back to Islam and in my heart I do believe that Islam is the truth, but I feel that happiness and contentment is somewhat missing, I wonder to myself is this because I'm low in my eemaan, and I feel I'm being pulled in all directions, there's parts of me trying to hold onto my deen and knowing it's the truth not wanting to let it go, then because of my weakness, I find myself being pulled to the dunya, and I know myself that if I were living the life I was living before I wouldn't be completely happy, I just feel stuck in a way, I'm trying hard to explain exactly how I feel inside, I don't want to lose Islam but feel isolated, and yes I could go and mix more with the sisters but don't really feel like it, and with the big focus on Islam, sometimes going out and displaying your islamic identity just puts you in the spotlight, and have people reacting to you because of this, alhamdulillah I don't get alot of problems, but sometimes just takes it's toll always being the one ppl stare at or judge when they don't even know you.

I think I really needed to let this all out, and I know I need to take some serious action if I want to save my deen, this has gone on for too long now, but it seems all of a sudden I've dipped even further and that's the scary part, I don't want it to get to the point where I'm not covering or praying, authu billaah, but I'm just stuck in a rut subhanAllaah, it sounds crazy but I've conjured up thoughts in my head about living my life with Islam as my belief but without so many restrictions and realistically I know this cannot work, your lifestyle would just be contradicting your belief, because if you believe properly then you would try your best to wear hijab, pray 5 times etc....
I ask Allah to keep us all guided and let jannah be our final abode, ameen.

The Sitting of the Bride and Groom Among the Women is Detested

2010-01-10T15:12:00.000-08:00

Shaikh Abdul-Aziz bin Baz says:

''Among the detested things which the people have innovated in these times is placing the bride on a throne among the women, and sitting her husband next to her in the presence of unveiled women who are revealing their beauty. This may also occur within the presence of other male members of his family.

For those possessing an unimpaired innate character, a religious sense of self respect, the great corruption entailed by this action and the opportunity which it gives to unrelated men is well known.

That is, they see alluring, revealingly-dressed women, and the evil consequences which result from it. Therefore, it must be prohibited and completely eradicated due to the Fitnah which it causes to safeguard womens gatherings from that which contradicts the pure Islamic Law.

I advise all of my Muslim brothers to fear Allaah, to adhere to His Law in all matters, and to beware of all that Allaah has forbidden to them, to abstain from the causes of evil and corruption in weddings and in other matters, seeking the Pleasure of Allaah, Most Glorified, Most High, and avoiding those things which cause His Anger and His Punishment.

Shaykh `Abdul-`Azeez Bin Baz

Fatawa Islamiyah Vol. 5 Page 321

Birmingham Winter Conference Timetable

2009-12-25T05:29:00.000-08:00

TIMETABLE

National Winter Conference in Birmingham 2009

www.salafitalk.net

"THE PATH OF THE RIGHTEOUS BELIEF AND ACTION"

FRIDAY 25th DECEMBER

12pm Sermon, "Following knowledge with Actions" by Abu Hakeem or Abu Khadeejah
4pm "O Youth, Marry whoever pleases you of Women!" by Abu Khadeejah
7pm "The Path of the Righteous" by Shaikh Abdullaah al-Bukhaaree
9pm "The Station of the Sunnah of the Prophet in Islaam" by Abu Idrees Muhammad

SATURDAY 26TH DECEMBER

12.30pm "The Characteristics of the Dajjaal (the Anti-Christ) P1" by Abu Iyaad Amjad
2.30pm "Diseases of the Hearts and it's Cure" by by Abu Idrees Muhammad
4pm Lecture Live Tele-Link With Ash-Shaykh Ubaid al-Jaabiree
7pm "The way of the Salaf in Maintaining Strength of Imaan" P1 by Abu Hakeem Bilal Davis
9pm "Rulings Connected to Engagement and Looking before Marriage" by Abu Khadeejah

SUNDAY 27th DECEMBER

12.30pm "Imaan and Action" (Somali Language ONLY) by Abu Suhaib
2pm "The Characteristics of the Dajjaal (the Anti-Christ) P2" by Abu Iyaad Amjad
4pm Live Tele-Link Shaykh Rabee' ibn Haadee al-Madkhali: "Fear Allaah and be truthful"
7pm "The way of the Salaf in Maintaining Strength of Imaan" P2 by Abu Hakeem Bilal Davis
8.30pm Final advices and end by Abu Hakeem, Abu Iyaad, Abu Khadeejah, Abu Idrees.

OTHER IMPORTANT MATTERS

Asslaamu alaykum, we warmly welcome you to this conference. Please note: No vendors or stalls are allowed on the street or in the vicinity of the Masjid without authorization. The Police have stated that they will take action at their discretion.

STRICTLY no illegal parking or obstruction of the street facing the Masjid. Please park in the car-park allocated.Excellent manners should be employed at all times with other conference attendees, neighbours, members of the public and the local community - let us set a noble example in the call to Allaah.

The 'Salafi Bookstore' is located at 472 Coventry Rd, directly parallel to the Masjid, it will be open from 10am till 10pm.

Sisters are very welcome to shop anytime.

Since this conference is free for all, you should know that much expense is incurred in organizing our da'wah activities.

We also ask that you make each other welcome and establish the ties of brotherhood (and sisterhood) throughout the conference.

Conferences are remembered both for the knowledge disseminated and the love and brotherhood established within them.

Please prepare yourselves for unavoidable changes in the program!

DONATE GENEROUSLY - ALL PROCEEDS ARE USED TO AID THE DA'WAH

To listen on paltalk - Religion & Spirituality-Islam-Salafi Publications Live

Birmingham Winter Conference

2009-12-10T16:07:00.000-08:00

New Book Release.....

2009-12-10T00:24:00.000-08:00

Whispers of Paradise (1): A Muslim Woman's Life Journal

An Islamic Daily Journal Which Encourages Reflection & Rectification

View the FREE 61 pages preview download of the book here!

Reminder for those who believe

2009-12-07T04:32:00.001-08:00

Assalamu 'alaykum

A sister just posted this ayat on facebook, and masha'Allaah it's such a great reminder for us, often we're faced with critisicm for proudly showing our islamic identity, and for what we believe in, and it can be very hurtful at times.....Allaah say's (translated to mean)

"Verily! (During the worldly life) those who committed crimes used to laugh at those who believed. And whenever they passed by them, used to wink one to another (in mockery); And when they returned to their own people, they would return jesting; and when they saw them, they said: ‘Verily! These have indeed gone astray!’ But they (disbelievers, ... See Moresinners) had not been sent as watchers over them (the believers). But on this Day (the Day of Resurrection) those who believe will laugh at the disbelievers. On (high) thrones, looking (at all things). Are not the disbelievers paid (fully) for what they used to do?" [Surah Al-Mutaffifin 83:29-36]

We will have our reward insha Allaah, and our efforts will not be wasted.x

The story of Abu Ghayth

2009-12-05T16:45:00.000-08:00

Assalamu 'alaykum,

Sorry I have not posted anything for a while, hope this makes up for it insha Allaaah :)

The Beautiful Story of Abu Ghayth

In the name of Allah, The Most Gracious, The Most Merciful

From the signs of truthfulness is fear of Allah ; for the truthful with conviction fears consuming from what is impermissible and bears poverty and hardship for the sake of Islam.

If he commits sin then he does not sleep until he returns to his Lord and repents, in order to free himself from the sin, and its burden.

Ibn Jarir at-Tabari: I was in Makkah during the season of Hajj and I saw a man from Khurasaan calling out to the people: "Oh pilgrims, oh people of Makkah â€“ from those who are present and those far off, I have lost a pouch that contains a thousand dinars. So whoever returns the pouch, Allah will reward them with good, save them from the hell fire, and His bounty and favors will be acquired on the Day of Accounting (Day of Judgment)."

An old man from the people of Makkah approached him and said: "Oh Khurasaani, our city is in a very tough condition, and the days of hajj are few, and its season is appointed, and the doors of profit-making are closed. This money might fall in the hands of a believer who is poor and old in age. Maybe he plans to give it if you make a promise that you will give him a little bit of money that is halal (permissible) for him to use."

The Khurasaani said: "How much does he want?" The old man said: "He wants one-tenth of the money (a hundred dinars)."

The Khurasaani said: "No. I will not grant him the money and instead I will take my case to Allah, and complain to Him on the day we meet Him, and Allah is sufficient for us and the best one to trust in."

Ibn Jarir at-Tabari said: "I realized that it was the old man is poor, and he was the one who took the pouch of dinars and wishes to have a little portion of it.

So I followed him until he returned to his home. My assumptions were confirmed.

I heard him calling onto his wife:"Oh Lubabah."

She said: "I am at your service, O Abu Ghayth."

The old man said: I found the owner of the dinars calling for it, and he does not intend to give any reward to the person who finds it.

I said to him "Give us a hundred dinars and he refused and said he would take his case to Allah. What should I do O Lubabah? I must return it, for I fear my Lord, and I fear that my sin is multiplied.

His wife said to him: Oh Man! We have been struggling and suffering from poverty with you for the last 50 years, and you have 4 daughters, 2 sisters, my mother and I, and you are the ninth. Keep all the money and feed us for we are hungry, and clothe us for you know better our situation. Perhaps Allah, the All-Mighty, will make you rich afterwards and you might be able to give the money back after you fed your children, or Allah will pay the amount you owe on the day when the kingdom will belong to the King (Allah).

He said to her: Will I consume haram after 86 years of my life, and burn my organs with fire after I have been patient with my poverty, and become worthy of Allah anger, even though I am close to my grave?! No, By Allah, I will not do so!

Ibn Jarir at-Tabari said: I left with amazement concerning his condition and that of his wife. At a later point during the day, I heard the owner of the pouch calling out... Saying: "O people of Makkah, O pilgrims, who ever of you find a pouch containing a thousand dinars, let him return it and they shall surely find great reward with Allah."

The old man said: Oh Khurasaani, I have addressed you the other day and advised you that our land is low on cultivation, so reward the person who found the pouch so that he is not tempted to break the laws of Allah. I have advised you to pay the person who finds it a hundred dinars but you refused. If your money falls into hands of a person who fears Allah the All-Mighty, will you give him 10 dinars at least, instead of a 100?

The Khurasaani said: I will not do so, and I will complain to Allah on the day I meet him, and Allah is sufficient for us and the best one to trust in."

Ibn Jarir at-Tabari said: The people dispersed and left. Later on during the hours of the day, once again, the Khurasaani made the same call, saying: "O people of Makkah, O pilgrims, who ever of you find a pouch containing a thousand dinars, let him return it and they shall surely find great reward with Allah."

The old man came again and said: O Khurasaani, I said to you the day before yesterday to reward the finder a hundred dinars and you refused. Then I advised you to give him ten dinars and you refused, so will you give only one dinar so that he can buy with half of it things he needs and with the other half, sheep milk, so that he can give to the people and feed his children?

The Khurasaani said: I will not do so, and I will complain to Allah on the day I meet him, and Allah is sufficient for us and the best one to trust in. "

The old man angrily said: Come you, and take your money so that I can sleep at night, for I have not had a good mood ever since I found this money.

Ibn Jarir said: So the old man went with the owner of the money and I followed them until the old man entered his house, dug a hole and pulled out the money and said: Take your money and ask Allah to forgive me and bless me from His bounty.

The Khurasaani took the money and intended to leave, but when he reached the door he said: O old man, my father died, May Allah have mercy on him, and left behind three thousand dinars and said to me: Take out a third of this money and give it to a person from the people who is most deserving of it.

Therefore I tied it in a pouch so that I may spend it on someone who is worthy of it. By Allah, I have not seen a person, since I left Khurasaan until now, who is more worthy of it then you. So take it, May Allah's blessing be upon you, and May He reward for the trust you kept, and your patience during poverty.

The Khurasaani man left without the money.

The old man wept and prayed to Allah, saying: May Allah bless the owner of the money in his grave, and May Allah bless his son.

Ibn Jarir said: I left after the Khurasaani but Abu Ghayth (the old man) followed me and brought me back. He asked me to sit down, and said: I have seen you following me since the first day; you have come to know of our situation yesterday and today. I have heard that the Prophet said: "If you are gifted from the provision of Allah, without begging or asking, then accept it and do not reject it." So this is a gift from Allah to all those attending.

The old man called: O Lubabah, O so and so, O so and so. He called on his daughters and his sisters and wife and her mother, and sat down and made me sit down. We were 10. He opened the bag, and said spread your clothing over your laps.

So I (Ibn Jarir) did, but the girls did not have proper clothing that would enable them to do that, so they extended their hands. The old man gave dinar by dinar in order until he reached me (Ibn Jarir) and said: "Here is a dinar." The process continued until the bag was empty and I received a hundred dinars.

Ibn Jarir at-Tabari said: So joy filled my heart because of the provision they received more then the joy I had because I received a hundred dinars.

When I was leaving the old man said: O young man. You are blessed; keep this money with you for it is halal. And know that I use to wake up for Fajr prayer with this wet shirt.

After I was done I would take it off, and give it so that my daughters can pray - one by one.

Then I would go to work between Dhuhr prayer and Asr prayer and then I would come back at the end of the day with what Allah has given me from dates and dry pieces of bread.

Then I would take off my clothes for my daughters and they would pray Dhuhr prayer and Asr prayer, and the same would happen for the Maghrib and Isha prayers. And we did not ever expect to see this kind of money.

So may Allah make us make good use of them, and may Allah bless the person in his grave and multiply the reward for him.

Ibn Jarir said: So I greeted him goodbye, and took the hundred dinars and used them to write knowledge for two years! I used it to buy paper and pay rent and after sixteen years I returned to Makkah and inquired about the old man. I was told that he died a few months after the incident that occurred between us.

His wife died, along with her mother, and his 2 sisters. The only ones that remained were the daughters whom, when I asked about, found that they were married to kings and Princes. I dropped by and they honored me as a guest and treated me kindly until they died also. So May Allah bless them in their graves.

{That will be an admonition given to him who believes in Allaah and the Last Day. And whosoever fears Allaah and keeps his duty to Him, He will make a way for him to get out (from every difficulty). And He will provide him from (sources) he never could imagine. And whosoever puts his trust in Allaah, then He will suffice him. Verily, Allaah will accomplish his purpose. Indeed Allaah has set a measure for all things. (At-Talaq 65: 2-3)
We used to say that those amongst us with the most sins are those who spe

Characteristics of the Haasid (envier)

2009-09-15T15:54:00.000-07:00

The following are some traits to be wary of:

1. The envier is always angry at the decree of Allaah.

2. The envier always complains and rarely thanks Allah even if he owns the whole world.

3. He follows up the mistakes if the one whom he envies, and tries to seek out his faults, and exposes them and exaggerates about them before others.

4. He conceals or ignores or belittles the good qualities and distinguishing characteristics of the person whom he envies.

5. So you will notice that the envier cannot speak in front of the one whom he envies without addressing him in a laughing, jocular manner, but deep down he is filled with hatred and resentment that is clear from the way in which he looks at him.

6. He clearly criticizes the one whom he envies, with or without evidence.

7. He looks for opportunities and makes the most of any chance to harm the one whom he envies in himself or his wealth.

8. Finally, the envier is a troubled man, due to the resentment that is always festering in his heart, so depression and dullness show on his face.

At-Turqul-Hisaan Fi Amradil Jaan
(The Jinn and Human Sickness, by Dr. Abul-Mundhir Khaleel ibn Ibraheem Ameen, pgs. 263-264)

Distinguishing a particular night with worship

2009-09-15T15:38:00.000-07:00

Question: Some people seek Laylatul-Qadar so they active by offering their prayers and other forms of worship whilst they do not do likewise on other nights in Ramadhaan, so is this in accordance with that which is correct?

Response: No! It is not in accordance with that which is correct, for certainly Laylatul-Qadar changes. So it could be on the night of the twenty seventh, and it could be on any other night as has been indicated in many ahaadeeth.

It has been confirmed that the Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) said: ((In that particular year Laylatul-Qadar was revealed on the night of the twenty first)). Therefore it is not befitting for a person to specify his stand (in prayer) on a particular night or distinguish a night which he yearns to be Laylatul-Qadar (likewise). (Rather) striving in all of the last ten nights is from the guidance of the Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam), since when the last ten nights arrived he would tighten his waist belt and awaken his family and used to spend them all awake (in worship). So that which is befitting for the prudent believer is to strive in all of the last ten nights such that the reward does not pass him by.

Shaykh Ibn al-Uthaymeen

Fataawa Ramadhaan - Volume 2, Page 855, Fatwa No.844;Fiqh al-Ibaadaat libni 'Uthaymeen - Page 207

The ruling on whoever only fasts and prays during Ramadhan.

2009-09-14T16:44:00.000-07:00

by Albaseerah

Question:If a person is active in fasting and praying only during Ramadhan, but he leaves off the prayer as Ramadhan ends, does he have a fast?

Answer:

The prayer is a pillar from the pillars of Islam, and it is the most emphasized pillar after the two Testimonies of Faith. It is from the mandatory duties upon the individuals, and whoever abandons it while rejecting its obligation or due to laxity or laziness, then he has disbelieved.

In reference to those who fast Ramadhan and they only pray during Ramadhan, then this is an attempt to deceive Allah. What wicked people these are who do not know Allah except during Ramadhan.

Thus, their fast is not acceptable while they are abandoning the prayer outside of Ramadhan.

Permanent Committee for Research and VerdictsFatawa Islamiyah Page no, 247 Vol: 2

Source: Fatwa Islaam

How the salaf were (and weren't) when hearing the Qur'an and Dhikr.

2009-09-14T16:34:00.000-07:00

from Sayings of the Salaf Updates

It was said to ‘Â`ishah – Allâh be pleased with her, “There are people who faint when they hear the Quran.” She said. “The Quran is nobler than to have people lose their minds from it. Rather, it [should be] as Allâh the Mighty and Sublime said:

Those who fear their Lord tremble with fear by it, then their skins and hearts settle to the remembrance of Allah. (Sûrah Al-Zumar: 23)

Abû ‘Ubayd Al-Qâsim b. Sallâm, Fadâ`il Al-Qur`ân p214.

It is reported that ‘Abdullâh b. ‘Urwah b. Al-Zubayr said, “I asked my grandmother Asmâ` (bint Abî Bakr) – Allâh be pleased with her, ‘How were the Companions of Allâh’s Messenger – Allâh peace and praise be upon him – when they heard the Quran?’ She replied, ‘their eyes would shed tears and they would tremble (with fear), as Allâh described them (in the Quran).’ I said, ‘There are some people here who, when they hear the Quran, fall down unconscious,’ She said, ‘I seek refuge with Allâh from the accursed Shaytân.’”

Al-Bayhaqî, Shu’ab Al-Îmân 3:417; Ibn Al-Mubârak, Al-Zuhd wa Al-Raqâ`iq 3:54 with a slightly variant wording.

It is also reported that Asmâ` was asked, “Did any of the Salaf used to faint out of the fear of Allâh?” She replied, “No, but they used to cry.”

Al-Qâsim b. Salâm, op. cit. p214.

It is reported that Ibn ‘Umar – Allâh be pleased with him – once passed by a man from Iraq who had dropped unconscious. He asked, “What is wrong with him?” [People] replied, “When the Quran is recited to him or he hears the remembrance of Allâh he falls unconscious out of his fear of Allâh.” Ibn ‘Umar said, “We fear Allâh and we do not drop unconscious!”

Ibid p214; Al-Baghawî in his Tafsîr, Sûrah Al-Zumar: 23 with a slightly variant wording.

It is reported that Anas b. Mâlik was asked about people who drop unconscious when the Quran is recited to them. He said, “That is the behavior of the Khawârij.”

Al-Qâsim b. Salâm, op. cit. p215.

It is reported that Muhammad b. Sîrîn said, having been asked about a man who drops unconscious when the Quran is recited to him,

“Make an appointment between us and him, we will sit on a wall, and the Quran – from beginning to end – will be recited unto him. If he falls off the wall, he is as he claims.”

Ibid., Al-Baghawî, op. cit.

An Abandoned Sunnah - During The Last Ten Days Of Ramadan

2009-09-11T16:27:00.000-07:00

Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) said ," That during Ramadan Allah's messenger (Sallahu `Alaihiwassalam) would sleep , wake up and pray. However when the last ten days came he would burn the midnight oil, avoid relations with his wives, perform a Ghusl between Maghrib and Isha and have dinner at the time of Sahur."

Collected by : Ibn Abee `Asim. Ibn Rajab Al-Hanbali (795 H ) graded the isnad for this hadeeth as being Hasan.

Points of Benefit:

Ibn Rajab Al-Hanbali mentioned his book "Taif Al-Muarif" that performing Ghusl between Maghrib and Isha is a Sunnah to be performed during the last ten days of Ramadan.

Ibn Jarir said about this hadeeth, " The Salaf used to considered it Sunnah to take Ghusl every night during the last ten days of Ramadan .

An-Nakhaee used to wash every night, while others used to wash and dab cologne on their bodies on the night they hoped was Laylutul Qadr.

It has been reported that Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) on the 24th night of Ramadan took a bath, put on some nice fragrance, and wore his best izar.

The next morning he took it off, folded it up and didn't wear it again until next Ramadan on the same occasion.

Ayyub As-Sakhtayanni (may Allah be pleased with him) used to bathe on the 23rd and 24th night , wear new clothes and burn incense to perfume his clothes.

Hamad ibn Salamah (may Allah be pleased with him) said, " Thabit Bananee and Humayd At-Tawheel used to wear their best clothes, best fragrance and burn incense and spray aroma in the Masjid during the night in which the hoped to be Laylutul Qadr.

Tameem Ad-Daree (may Allah be pleased with him) bought an Izar for 1,000 Dirhams. He used to wear it on the night in which he anticipated was Laylutul Qadr.

Ibn Jarir-said," Therefore based on these acts from the Salaf, it establishes that it is recommended for the night in which a person thinks is Layultul Qadr to dress up, wear nice fragrance, and take a bath.

This is similar to the Sunnah for Jumu'ah and both Eed.

Translated By: Abu Aaliyah Abdullah ibn Dwight Lamont BattleTaken from: Taif Al-Muarif by Ibn Rajab Al-Hanbali (may Allah rest him in Jannah)

Source: aloloom.net

We certainly do need a Ramadan!!

2009-09-07T15:05:00.000-07:00

Assalamu 'alaykum! Afwan.....I know I'm a bit late with posting this, we're halfway through Ramadan already subhanAllaah! I hope everyone's fasting is going well insha Allaah.
I haven't blogged for a while on here, or even posted any articles, I'm sorry for that, I have to be honest about myself, I struggle alot with being consistent in many areas of my life, I do try to work on it, but often it's not enough. Insha Allaah I would like this Ramadan to be a fresh start for me, I have to fight my nafs, which is not always easy as I'm sure many of you will agree, but this is where I need to be most consistent insha Allaah, spending time on increasing in 'ilm (knowledge) and acting upon it, reading and memorising more of the Qur'an, making the effort again to pray the sunnah prayers, learning Arabic, improving my character, and many other things, but insha Allaah one step at a time, I just dont want another ramadan to go by and feel guilty that I've not made enough effort, at least I want to do better than last year insha Allaah.

Tonight I listened to Abu Uwais's lecture 'We need a Ramadan', masha'Allaah a great reminder for us as to why we should strive harder in Ramadan, and continue to keep it up after it insha Allaah.

Let us all take this chance to try a bit harder this year, Allaah knows if this is our last Ramadan, let's not waste it insha Allaah, and I advise myself firstly with this.

May Allaah accept our fasts, du'a and salaat and any good deeds we do for his sake only, ameen!!!

Apologies

2009-08-13T16:33:00.001-07:00

I'm sorry for not posting any updates for a while, I've just been busy with life in general, been away recently also to see family. I really do want to start posting again on my blogs, but I feel my life and home needs some organising first, so I can start to think a bit more clearly insha Allaah (God Willing).

So no, I haven't disowned my blogs ;) feel quite sad they've been a bit neglected, but insha Allaah will start posting again soon. x

Me and my father

2009-05-20T10:54:00.000-07:00

When I was 4 Yrs Old : My father is THE BEST

When I was 6 Yrs Old: My father seems to know everyone

When I was 10 Yrs Old: My father is excellent but he is short tempered

When I was 12 Yrs Old: My father was nice when I was little

When I was 14 Yrs Old: My father started being too sensitive

When I was 16 Yrs Old : My father can't keep up with modern times

When I was 18 Yrs Old : My father is getting less tolerant as the days pass by

When I was 20 Yrs Old : It is too hard to forgive my father, how could my Mum stand him all these years

When I was 25 Yrs Old : My father seems to be objecting to everything I do

When I was 30 Yrs Old: It's very difficult to be in agreement with my father, I wonder if my Grandfather was troubled by my father when he was a youth

When I was 40 Yrs Old: My father brought me up with a lot of discipline, I must do the same

When I was 45 Yrs Old: I am puzzled, how did my father manage to raise all of us

When I was 50 Yrs Old : It's rather difficult to control my kids, how much did my father suffer for the sake of upbringing and protecting us

When I was 55 Yrs Old: My father was far looking and had wide plans for us, he was gentle and outstanding.

When I became 60 Yrs Old: My father is THE BEST

Note that it took 56 Yrs to complete the cycle and return to the starting point "My father is THE BEST "

Let's be good to our parents before it's too late and pray to Allaah that our own children will treat us even better than the way we treated our parents

Allah(SWT) says: "Your lord has decreed that you worship non but him and show kindness to parents. If one or both reach old age with you then do not say uff! To them nor repulse them, but speak graciously to them" {Surah Al-Isra: Ayah 23}

O our lord, forgive me and my parents and believers on the day when the reckoning shall come to pass. {Surah Ibrahim: Ayah 41}O my Lord, have mercy on them (parents) just as they nourished me when I was small.{Surah Bani Irail: Ayah 24}

Source

Fighting your nature

2009-05-20T05:36:00.000-07:00

In ‘Hilyat al-Awliya” (10/287), it’s related that al-Junayd said:

الإنسان لا يعاب بما في طبعه إنما يعاب إذا فعل بما في طبعه

''A person is not to be blamed for his nature. Rather, he is to be blamed if he acts according to his nature.”

This is a very deep statement.A person should not bring his status as an imperfect human being to serve as an excuse for manifesting blameworthy characteristics and actions. Yes, we were fashioned with varying degrees of negative attributes within us, such as envy, greed, lack of gratitude, arrogance, the desire to commit certain sins, etc.

However, we were also fashioned with the ability to repel, change, and strive against the inclinations to openly manifest them.

It is possible to abandon negative traits you find in yourself and change your character for the better. You just have to know what you want to become, and want it badly enough to put up a fight whenever the negative traits that get in the way begin to surface.

Worshipping idols and dead people

2009-05-18T09:15:00.000-07:00

QUESTION: Why is it that we find people worshipping the idols that they have in their room or in their temples, when it is obvious that a piece of stone cannot do anything for them?

ANSWER: One of the scholars from several hundred years ago called ibn ul Qayyim explained this phenomenon. He mentioned in his book Ighaathatul lahfaan (2/220):

“The setting up of an idol was originally in the form of an object of worship which was hidden. So (the people) made the idol in its image, set it up and shaped it, so that it could be a representation of the hidden deity and take its place (ie the place of the hidden god).”

The idols that people have are supposed to be representations of god or gods that people cannot see or sense – so they make a physical form of their deity in order to have something tangible to direct their worship to. Muslims do not accept this idea, and idols are strictly forbidden in Islam (as indeed they are in the Bible, although we still see certain branches of Christianity encouraging statues of saints and of Jesus).

Muslims believe that they should direct their worship to Allah alone without needing any tangible representation of Allah to do so. To make a statue and direct any worship towards it constitutes an act of shirk (polytheism) which is the gravest sin in Islam.

QUESTION: Similarly, what excuse do people give for worshipping dead people who are lying in graves, when they cannot help or harm them?

ANSWER: This practice is found in many countries of the world in some way shape or form. It was also a common practice in the time of Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). The Quran mentions the answer that the people give when they are asked why they do this worship of the dead:

“And they worship besides Allah (those things or people) which can neither hurt them nor benefit them – and they say “These are our intercessors with Allah!” Surah Yunus (the 10th chapter) ayah 18 “We worship them only so that they can bring us closer to Allah!” Surah Zumar (the 39th chapter) ayah 3.

People think that these dead people can ask Allah for things on the living people’s behalf. Islam completely rejects this idea and says that Muslims should call on Allah directly. Allah says in the Quran: Call on Me, I will answer you. Surah Ghafir (the 40th chapter) ayah 60 Despite this, sadly we see some Muslims calling on dead ‘saints’ and dead relatives if they have a need to be fulfilled e.g a serious illness to be cured. This also constitutes an act of shirk in Islamic law and as such is a very serious matter.

imuslimah

2009-04-16T03:03:00.000-07:00

Please go check out Umm Saaliha's new site imuslimah, and let's support her in her efforts to gain reward from Allaah, insha Allaah.

Back on the blogsphere!

2009-04-16T02:51:00.000-07:00

Assalamu 'alaykum,

I haven't updated the blog recently as I went away to my mum's in Wales, had a nice break alhamdulillaah, I think I needed it. Just trying to settle back into life in Brum now, and get back into my normal routine insha Allaah. So watch this space!

Extremism is in Lenience Just as it is in Harshness

2009-04-01T05:12:00.000-07:00

Shaykh Saalih ibn Fowzaan al-Fowzaan

alfawzan.ws

Al Hamdulilaah wa ba'd:

There have been increasingly numerous campaigns and refutatieons against extremism in religion lately, and they are with just right, because extremism in religion has been forbidden in the Book, the Sunnah and with the consensus of the scholars. Allaah Ta'aala stated:

{Say: "O people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians)! Exceed not the limits in your religion (by believing in something) other than the truth} Al Maa-idah: 77

In another Ayah:

{O people of the Scripture (Christians)! Do not exceed the limits in your religion, nor say of Allaah aught but the truth}

The Prophet - صلى الله عليه وسلم - said:
"Beware of extremism, for indeed the only thing that has destroyed those who came before you is extremism."

Extremism in religion is to exceed the limits of its legislated boundaries. It could be in worship, such as the three men, one of whom said: 'I will stand the whole night in prayer and not sleep.' The second said: 'I will fast continuously not missing one day without fasting.' The third said: 'I will not marry.'

Extremism can also be in rulings; such as making something that is recommended an obligation, or being extreme in the ruling of one who practices a major sin that is less than polytheism by declaring him to be a disbeliever who has left the fold of Islaam.
Extremism can be in ordering the good and forbidding the evil, such as the extremism practiced by the Mu'tazillah in the form of revolting against the rulers with the excuse of ordering good and forbidding evil as justification.
Extremism is also in declaring something permissible to be impermissible, or declaring something impermissible to be permissible.
Extremism in religion in all its forms is prohibited, it may cause the individual to exit the fold of Islaam or cause destruction, as it destroyed those who came before us, and no person who has been given understanding and foresight by Allaah in rulings and in placing things in the rightful place can doubt this.

However, there are people whose state is the exact opposite of the extremism of exceeding the limits in the religion, there are those who went to extremes in lenience and indulgence. There is no doubt that our religion is the religion of lenience, ease and justness, but this lenience must be within the legislated boundary, by acting upon the legislated permits when needed, and all the religion, and to Allaah belongs all praise, is free of hardship and restrictions.

{Allaah burdens not a person beyond his scope.} Al Baqarah: 286

{And [Allaah] has not laid upon you in religion any hardship} Al Hajj: 78

{Allaah does not want to place you in difficulty} Al Maa-idah: 6

Extremism in leniency is by overstepping the boundaries that Allaah has set, and this is not called lenience, rather this is hardship itself. Nullifying al Walaa and al Baraa in Islaam, equating the believers with the disbelievers with the justification of tolerance, invalidating the implementation of the nullifiers of one's Islaam upon those who have nullified all or some of them, equating religions such as equating Islaam to Judaism or Christianity, rather equating Islaam with all religions including paganism and atheism, claiming that 'there is no diety worthy of worship other than Allaah' does not necessitate the disbelief in Tahqhoot and does not negate false religions other than Islaam - as some columnists have written in some of our local newspapers. All of these are examples of extremism in negligence and indulgence. It is an obligation to refute it, just as it is an obligation to refute the extremism of exceeding the limits in the religion. Rather, extremism in negligence and indulgence is more dangerous than the extremism of exceeding the limits in the religion, because this type of extremism reaches the point of equating the religions of the disbelievers with the religion of truth, and this is a form of disbelief by the consensus of the scholars, in contrast to the extremism of exceeding the limits, as a lot of the scholars consider it to be misguidance but does not reach the level of disbelief.

The scholars mentioned that from amongst the nullifiers of a person's Islaam, is not declaring disbelievers to be disbelievers or having doubt in that.

Those who made these grave errors must examine their own state and return to the truth, for indeed returning to the truth is a virtue, and returning to the truth is better than remaining upon falsehood.

May Allaah grant everyone success in attaining beneficial knowledge, righteous actions, and may the Salaat and Salaam be upon our prophet Muhammad, his family and companions.

Translator: Nadir Ahmad, Abu Abdul-Waahid

Madeenah.com

Truly a blessing from Allaah - Zamzam well

2009-03-31T15:28:00.000-07:00

The Well of Zamzam (or the Zamzam Well, or just Zamzam; Arabic: �) is a well located within the Masjid al Haram in Mecca, 20 meters east of the Kaaba,[1] the holiest place in Islam. It was a miraculously- generated source of water from angel Jibril (Gabriel), which began thousands of years ago when Ibraham's infant son was thirsty. Millions of pilgrims visit the well each year while performing the Hajj or Umrah pilgrimages, in order to drink its water. By Saudi law, the water cannot be sold outside of the kingdom, but because of strong demand there is a thriving market in fake Zamzam water in other countries.

Zam Zam is 18X14 ft & 18 meter deep water well.
It started 4000 yrs ago.
Never dried since then.
Never changed the taste, no Algea or plant growth in the pond, thus no disease caused.

It was tested by European Laboratories & declared fit for drinking.

This small pond provides water to millions of people through heavy motors pulling 8000 lit: per second and after 24 hours in only 11 mins completes its level. Thus its water level never decreases

SUBHANALLAH

good news from Yemen - Dammaj‏

2009-03-20T06:02:00.000-07:00

The following is a forwarded email from Mohamed Elmi, a brother residing in Dammaj, Yemen.

Sheikh Yahya introduction to the letter from Sheikh Saleem Hilalee

He says:"Since the fitnah of Abul Hassan al Ma'rabee up until now we haven't heard anything from Sheikh Saleem Hilalee. However, we have always considered the position of Shiekh Saleem al Hilalee to be closer than that of Ali Hassan Al Halabi, today a letter has arrived consisting of good news (from Shiekh Saleem al Hilalee) showing his position is different from that which Ali Hassan Al Halabi is upon. We have decided to read this letter to give the people glad tidings, for verily we are pleased with the firmness and saddened by the instability of a salafee wherever he may be especially when the individual is a da'ee (caller to Allah), author and from the people of knowledge.

"The letter:

In the name of Allah Most Merciful, the Most Gracious

All praise is due to Allah alone may He preserve and exalt the mention of His slave (Muhammad) as well as his kinsfolk and his companions.

From: Saleem bin Eid Al-Hilaalee

To: His brother in Islam Sheikh Yahya Al-Hajooree

May Allah grant him along with his brothers the mashaykh (scholars) of the Salafee dawah in the fortunate land of Yemen success in the obtainment of all goodness and preserve them from all evil.

I hope that you, your family, your brothers the mashaykh and your students are in the best of health and well being in that which relates to the matters of the Dunya(this life) and the Aakhira(hereafter).

My prestigious brother, verily keeping ties between us is from the most significant of ways which will aid in the manifestation of many matters. These matters being the likes of which, disorder may occur in the manner they are transmitted or confusion in their reports or individuals who have personal interests may use to distort (the truth).

It has therefore; become clear to me that Allah has made keeping ties with my brothers as well as the scholars a strengthening force for me. Perhaps you recall when I sent a letter to Sheikh Muqbil seeking his council in the establishment of the Sheikh Albani centre, may Allah have mercy upon him. May Allah also reward you with goodness for conveying the Sheikh's response to me when we met in Great Britain.

My beloved brother may Allah strengthen you with His obedience and aid you with the Sunnah. By the praise and prosperity of Allah, I have not ceased and will not cease to love, call to and remain steadfast upon the salafee methodology by the permission of Allah. This methodology, that I have learnt from our scholars Al-Albani, Ibn Baz, Uthaymeen and Muqbil may Allah have mercy upon them all. We aid the salafees in every time and place while exempting ourselves from the people of innovations and the hizbees (people of partisanship) and whosoever treads their path.

Henceforth, I have made clear in my book "the Modern day Islamic groups in the light of the Quran and Sunnah upon the understanding of the Salaf As-Salih" which I wrote nearly 30 years ago my position towards the movements of the people of partisanship and whatsoever resembles it.

As for those callers who in their early stages of their dawah seemed to be upon firmness from that which was apparent to us, then they turned their shields towards dawatus salafiyah. I have nothing to do with them! In the present time nor the future, until they stop praising the people of innovation and abandon them, then return to this blessed dawah. They must also retract their statements which contradicted the foundations of dawatu salafiyah, these individuals being the likes of Adnan Al Arour, Al-Magrahwee, and Abul Hassan Al Ma'rabee. Furthermore, I do not consider Mohammed Hassan or Al- Huwanee or those who side with them in Egypt to be salafees, rather they are certified qutubiyoon (followers of the ideology of Sayid Qutb). I have declared this in some of my books and many of my lessons.

For approximately the past 2 and half years, I have not had any relations whatsoever with those in Jordan as of late who praise, recommend and make excuses for the previously mentioned individuals. Also in my book "the methodologies of modern Islamic movements" I have established in detail my standpoint towards voting, which I hold to be a satanic blueprint in which the merchants of the dawah (those possessing worldly gains) have taken as a ladder (in reaching their goals).

In spite of our lack of communication when I am inquired about you then I have not ceased to mention you with good and I encourage any student to attend Darul Hadith in Dammaj when my advice is sought. Since the era of Sheikh Muqbil, I have always regarded (Darul Hadith in Dammaj) a strong hold of the correct dawatus salafiyah.I hope this letter will initiate good relations between us in our co-operation upon piety and taqwa (fear of Allah) as well as commanding one another with truth and patience, while we seek council from each other in that which will aid us in remaining steadfast upon the true salafee methodology.

I wish for you and your brothers the mashaykh in Yemen every good and success, I also ask our protector the mighty and great to unify us and our people upon the Quran and Sunnah upon the understanding of the companions, may Allah bless our dawah(call to Allah) and keep us save from the evil of the people of disbelief , desires and innovations. May Allah not create for them a path towards us, verily He is the All-capable.

Your beloved brother Abu Usamah Saleem Al -Hilalee12th Rabee Al- awaal 1430(hijrah).

Translation by: Abu Tu'raab As-Somali Dar Al-Hadeeth in Dammaj

Blog award for me!! Yay!

2009-03-13T05:32:00.000-07:00

Well, I had a lovely suprise yesterday, when I sat that Umm Travis had been so kind to give me the above award, I really feel touched, Jazakillaahu khairan sis for your kind words. It is a great pleasure to know you, and to visit your blog Masha'Allaah.

I would like to also award this to a few sisters,

Revert Muslimah

Umm Travis (I had to mention you sis, even though you've been given it already, I truly think your blog is 'lovely' Masha'Allaah.

The cairo wife (private blog)

Ibn al-Qayyim said:

2009-03-10T05:21:00.000-07:00

'Know that the greatest of losses is for you to be preoccupied with one who will bring you nothing but a loss in your time with Allah - theMighty and Majestic - and being cut off from Him, and wasting your time with the person, a weakening of your energy, and the dispersing of your resolve. So, if you are tested with this - and you must be tested with this - deal with him according to how Allah would wish, and be patient with him as much as possible. Get closer to Allah and His Pleasure by way of this person, and make your getting together with him somethingto benefit from, not something to incur a loss from. Be with him as if you are a man who is on a road who was stopped by another man, who then asks you to take him on your journey. Make sure that you are the onewho gives him a ride, and that he is not the one giving you the ride. If he refuses, and there is nothing to gain from traveling with him,do not stop for him, bid him farewell, and do not even turn back to look at him, as he is a highway robber, regardless of who he really is.

So, save your heart, be wary of how you spend your days and nights, and do not let the Sun set before you arrive at your destination

THE DEFINITION OF THE WORD QUR-AAN

2009-03-07T17:28:00.000-08:00

The word Qur-aan linguistically

When broken down methodically

Means reading or recited piece

By most of those who dare to teach

It's reached us in its purest form

From massive chains still carried on

The Arabic speech of Allah

Revealed to Ibn Abdullah

In word and meaning both preserved

In mus-haf form gone undisturbed

A standing challenge for all time

For those who claim it's just a rhyme

(source-TheFiks.Org)

Any daleel against hanging wall rugs?

2009-03-05T10:28:00.000-08:00

Recently my husband brought me back a beautiful wall rug with the ka'abah on it (pictured above), from hajj. We have it up on our front sitting room wall. However, a couple of days back a sister came round, noticed it, and said that it wasn't allowed to put these rugs up on our walls, she said that one of the scholars had spoke about it, and mentioned a hadith, but she did not have the daleel to give me at the time.

For now I've left it up, but if anyone knows of the fatwa/hadith the sister was referring to, pls let me know, jazakumallaahu khairan.

First lesson, Qawaaid Al-Arba'

2009-03-05T06:52:00.000-08:00

I recently registered for Al-Baseerah's online intensive course, Al-Qawaaid al-arba' with Shaykh Abdullaah Al-Ghudyaan (May Allaah accept and reward his efforts, ameen). I had my first lesson on Tuesday, and masha'Allaah it was really interesting.

It was basically an introduction to Shaykh Muhammad Ibn Abdul-Wahhab's life (May Allaah have mercy upon him, ameen), the reviver of the sunnah. He started his quest for knowledge at a time when there many scholars, but they were mostly concerned with fiqh matters, as for their 'aqeedah, this was not pure.

Masha'Allaah the shaykh travelled far in search of knowledge, the more he learnt the more he strived for more. He faced many tests and hardships along the way, almost dying of thirst and hunger on his way to Ash-Sham, alhamdulillaah Allaah saved him by a man with a riding beast packed with drink and food, who took him back to Basrah.

The Shaykh met the Ameer, Muhammad Ibn Sa'ud (May Allaah have mercy upon him, ameen), from Ad-Dir'eeyah, who had heard his daw'ah, and then gave him bai'ah (the pledge of allegiance) and supported his daw'ah and struggled in it's cause.

Alhamdulillaah, through the daw'ah the shaykh gave, there came the obliteration of all manifestations of shirk in the land of Najd, graves were destroyed, along with trees that were used for worship, he refuted the doubts of the doubtful until his daw'ah became widespread and this pleased him.

The shaykh lived a long life, and later died in 1206 AH. His grandchildren and students carried on spreading the daw'ah.

This is just a brief summary of the Shaykh's life, but so amazing and inspiring to see how hard he fought for the truth to be established once again. For those people out there who label the shaykh as a 'wahhabi' and as someone who brought something 'new' I advise you to go and read his biography properly insha Allaah, he is not called 'the reviver of the sunnah' for nothing you know. In the lesson Sh. Abdullaah Al-Ghudyaan, mentioned a hadith by the prophet sallallaahu alayhi wa sallaam, which he gave glad tidings that at the head of every 100 years, someone will revive for it it's religion, I did not catch all of the hadith or the source, so if anyone knows it, please let me know so I can add it on insha Allaah.

Tagged: Mom of the year award

2009-03-03T17:24:00.000-08:00

Jazakillaahu khairan sis Anisa, for awarding me with the 'mom of the year award' very kind of you masha'Allaah, afwan for taking so long to actually do this tag!

The rules of the tag are:

1. Admit one thing you feel awful about (involving being a mom). Once you have written it down, you are no longer allowed to feel bad. Remember you are a good mom!

2. Remind yourself that you ARE a good mom, list 7 things you love about your kids, you love doing with your kids, or that your kids love about you.

3. Send this to 5 other moms of the year that deserve a reminder that they are too the best moms that they can be. Remember to send them a note letting them know you have selected them, and also add a link to your post that directs people back to the person who nominated you.

*1. I feel awful that I don't do enough with my kids, like activities, crafts, taking them to the park etc...

2.

*Alhamdulillaah I'm happy that I'm trying to instill in them good mannerism, and teaching them the importance of worshipping Allaah alone.
*I love how they're sometimes so eager to please me, I may find one cleaning the bathrooom or kitchen as a suprise, masha'Allaah.
*I love seeing the look on their faces when we go somewhere special and different than usual.
*I love it when they quietly utter the words 'I love you' what mother doesnt?!
*I love seeing my girls dressed in abayah and hijab, Allaahumma baarak feehim, may Allaah always guide them, ameen.
*My kids love it when I'm a 'cool mum' lol, and act all silly and giggly with them.
*I love my kids' individual characters, Allaahumma baarak feehim.

I think that those deserving of this award are:

Umm Travis

Tammy

Jamilah

Empress Anisa

Melissa

MARTIAL ARTS EXPO & LECTURE! Dawud Adib/Mutah Beale

2009-02-18T03:26:00.000-08:00

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Allaah is in control of everything!

2009-02-17T10:19:00.000-08:00

Read the Caption on the first photo then look at the second photo

Look at the picture above and you can see where this driver broke through the guardrail on the right side of the culvert, where the people are standing on the road pointing. The pick-up was traveling about 75 mph from right to left when it crashed through the guardrail. It flipped end-over-end, bounced off and across the culvert outlet and landed right side up on the left side of the culvert, facing the opposite direction from which the driver was traveling. The 22-year-old driver and his 18-year-old passenger were unhurt except for minor cuts and bruises. Just outside Flagstaff , AZ on U.S. Hwy 100.

Now look at the second picture below...

If this guy didn't believe in Allah before, do you suppose he believes now?

Let this be a reminder to all of us, Allah is in control!

Blind girl

2009-02-17T09:40:00.000-08:00

The Moral Of the Story Is Touching!

There was a blind girl who hated herself just because she's blind. She hated everyone, except her loving fiance. He is always there for her. Blind girl said that if she could only see the world, she would marry her fiance.

One day, someone donated a pair of eyes to the blind girl and then she can see everything, including her fiance.

Her fiance asked her, "now that you can see the world, will you marry me?" The girl was shocked when she saw that her fiance is blind too, and refused to marry him.

Her fiance walked away in tears, and later wrote a letter to girl saying. "Just take care of my eyes dear."

Moral: This is how human brain changes when the status changed. Only few remember what life was before, and who's always been there even in the most painful situations.

Never take someone for granted, Hold every person close to your Heart because you might wake up one day and realize that you have lost a diamond while you were too busy collecting stones. Remember this always in life!

"You learn to love, not by finding a perfect person, but by learning to see an imperfect person perfectly."

The Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him) said: "You will not believe as long as you do not love one another." - Sahih Muslim, Hadith 19
Hadith of Prophet Mohammad(sallallahu' alaihi wa salaam)

The blessings in gaining knowledge

2009-02-17T09:28:00.000-08:00

It was reported by Ibn al Qayyim in his book: "Rawdatul Muhibeen", I was informed by my Sheikh (Ibn Taymiyyah), he said: When I became sick the doctor said to me: Verily your research and Islamic lecturing increases your illness. I (Ibn Taymiyyah) replied: I can not stop, and I will debate you in your knowledge! If a person becomes happy and joyful doesn't this strengthen their soul or spirit, and as a result wards off illness? The doctor responded: Of course. So I (Ibn Taymiyyah) said: Verily my spirit is pleased with knowledge and it strengthens my nature and due to that I find relaxation. The doctor responded: This is something our knowledge doesn't apply to.

It was reported by Sheikh Muhammed bin Hadee to some of his visitors that he was told a story by Ahmed Al Hakimy, the brother of Sheikh Hafith Al Hakimy:
One year while Sheikh Hafith Al Hakimy was on Hajj or during Ramadan in Mecca, he was looking for the book titled: "Creation of The Servant's Action" by Imam Al Bukhari. While in Mecca he was informed that someone had arrived from India with a copy of the book and that he had given it to the library there in The Haram. Sheikh Hafith visited the library and requested to borrow the book under the condition that he would not leave the Haram and that he would return the book the following day after the rising of the sun. He took the book and requested for someone to bring him paper and a pen. He sat and made his own copy of the book. Then he continued to memorize the book until Fajr. After Fajr he rested for a short period of time and then woke up. Upon waking, he returned the original book to the library and said: Here is your original, and here is an extra copy (the copy he himself wrote) and the book is in my head (memorized).
May Allah grant Sheikh Hafith Al Hakimy ease in his grave and raise him with the righteous ameen

The Haa'iyyah Poem of Ibn Abee Daawood (d.316)

2009-02-14T04:14:00.000-08:00

(1) Hold tightly to the rope of Allaah and the guidance,
And do not be an innovator, so that you might be successful.

(2) And practice your religion based on the Book of Allaah and the Sunan which
have come from the Messenger of Allaah so you will be saved and earn reward.

(3) And say: Not a created thing is the Speech of our great King,
Such was the religious position of the pious ones (before us) who spoke well.

(4) And do not be a person who takes no position on the Quran,
As did the followers of Jahm, and they had been too lax (to take the right position).

(5) And do not say that the Quran is created, meaning: its recitation,
Since the Speech of Allaah, through its recitation, is made clear.

(6) And say: Allaah will make himself visible to all the creation, openly,
Just as the full moon is not hard to see, and your Lord (will be seen) more clearly.

(7) And He was not born, nor has He fathered anyone,
Nor is there anything similar to Him, exalted be the Glorified One.

(8) A Jahmee rejects this, however, we have
As a testimony to the truth of what we say - a hadeeth that clarifies it.

(9) Jareer narrated it, from the words of Muhammad,
So say what he said about that, and you will be successful.

(10) And perhaps a Jahmee might deny His Right Hand as well,
While both of His Hands are giving out all kinds of bounties.

(11) And say: The Ever-Compelling descends each night,
Without asking for exact details, magnificent is the One God and most worthy of praise.

(12) Down to the lowest heaven, granting bounties from His Grace,
As the gates of the heavens are opened and spread widely.

(13) He says: Is there anyone seeking forgiveness who would like to meet a Forgiver?
Or anyone seeking bounties of goodness and provisions, so he could be given (what he requests)?

(14) A group have reported this whose reports are not to be rejected,
But sadly some have went wrong and did not believe them, marring themselves.

(15) And say: Indeed the best of the people after Muhammad
Were his two deputies of old, and then 'Uthmaan, according to the most correct position.

(16) And the fourth of them was the best of creation after them,
'Alee, the companion of goodness, through goodness he was successful.

(17) Those are the people, those who we have no doubt about,
Upon the great camels of Firdows, shining brightly and roaming about.

(18) Sa'eed, Sa'd, Ibn 'Awf, Talhah,
'Aamir of Fihr, and Zubayr the praiseworthy.

(19) And speak with the best terms about the Companions, all of them,
And do not be one who speaks ill of them, pointing out their faults and criticizing,

(20) Since the clear Revelation has spoke of their excellence,
And in (Soorah) al-Fat-h are verses about the Companions, praising them.

(21) And regarding the pre-ordained Qadr, be convinced, since it is
The pillar that combines many affairs of the Religion, and the Religion encompasses much.

(22) And do not reject, out of ignorance, (belief in) Nakeer and Munkar,
Or the Pool or the Scales, surely you are being advised sincerely.

(23) And say: Allaah, the Great, will remove, from of His Grace,
Out of the Fire, people, burned severely, who will then be tossed

(24) Into the river in Firdows, wherein they will regain life by its water,
Like a seed taken by a flood that comes and wipes things away with its abundant water.

(25) And surely, the Messenger of Allaah will intercede,
And speak about the punishment of the grave, that it is the truth, made clear.

(26) And do not make takfeer of those who pray, even if they commit sins,
Since all of them commits sins, while the Owner of the Throne forgives graciously.

(27) And do not hold a belief like that of the Khawaarij, for it is
A position held by only those who desire it, and it is destructive and disgraceful.

(28) And do not be a Murji', one who plays games with his religion,
Surely, the Murji' is joking about the religion (ie. not taking it seriously).

(29) And say: Eemaan (faith) consists of statements, intentions,
And Actions, according to the explicit statement of the Prophet.

(30) And it decreases sometimes, due to disobedience, and sometimes
Because of obedience it grows, and on the Scale it will outweigh (other things).

(31) And keep yourself from the opinions of people and their stances,
Since the stance of the Messenger of Allaah is more befitting and easier on one's chest.

(32) And do not be from those who play games with their religion,
Attacking the people of hadeeth and reviling them.

(33) If you keep this belief all your life, O holder of this (poem),
You will be upon goodness, day and night.

Abu Bakrs advice to Umar on his death bed.‏ (May Allaah have mercy upon them, ameen)

2009-02-06T05:38:00.001-08:00

When Abu Bakr Al-Siddeeq was on his deathbed he called ‘Umar - Allah be pleased with both of them and advised him:

"Fear Allah O ‘Umar!

And know that Allah has deeds to be done for Him in the day which He will not accept if done at night, and He has deeds to be done for Him at night which He will not accept if done during the day.

He will not accept extra (naafilah) deeds unless you fulfill the obligatory deeds.

The scales of those whose scales will be weighty on the Day of Resurrection will only be weighty because they followed the truth in this life and it was weighty to them.

And scales in which the truth will be placed tomorrow truly deserve to be heavy.

And the scales of those whose scales will be light on the Day of Resurrection will only be light because they followed falsehood in this life and it was a light matter to them.

And scales in which falsehood will be placed tomorrow truly deserve to be light.

Allah the Exalted has mentioned the people of Paradise and mentioned them in the context of their best deeds, and overlooked their evil deeds.

So when I remember them I say to myself: I fear that I will not be included with them.

And Allah the Exalted has mentioned the people of Hell and mentioned them in the context of their worst deeds and rejected their best deeds.

So when I remember them I say: I hope I won’t be amongst them.

The worshippers of Allah should always be in a state of hope and fear, they shouldn’t wish flimsy wishes about Allah and neither should they despair of Allah’s mercy.

If you keep to this advice of mine, no one who is not with you now should be more beloved to you than death – and it is sure to come to you.

But if you disregard this advice, no one who is not with you now should be more hated to you than death – and you cannot escape it."

(Abû Nu’aym, Hilyah Al-Awliyâ` Vol.1 p18; and Ibn Al-Jawzî, Sifah Al-Safwah).

Online intensive courses starting February!

2009-02-05T04:02:00.000-08:00

Does Supplication Change That Which is Written?‏

2009-02-05T03:57:00.000-08:00

Question:Does supplication have any effect in changing what is written for a person before he was created?

Answer:There is no doubt that supplication has an effect on changing what is written, but this change was also written because of the supplication. So, do not think that if you supplicate to Allaah that you are supplicating with something which was not written; rather the supplication is written, and what results from it is written. This is why we find that the reciter recites over the sick person and he is cured, and in the story of the military expedition which the Prophet sallAllaahu ʽalayhi wa sallam sent, they stayed as guests with a people, but they did not treat them hospitably, and it was decreed that a snake bit their leader, so they requested someone to recite something over him. The Companions, may Allaah be pleased with them, imposed the condition that they should be paid for that, and they gave them a flock of sheep, so one of them went and recited Surat al-Faatihah over him, and the man who was bitten arose as if he had been freed from shackles, that is, as if he was a camel which had broken free from its tethering rope. Therefore the recitation had an effect in curing the sick person. So supplication has an effect, but it does not change what has been ordained, rather it is decreed because of it, and everything with Allaah is according to Qadar. Likewise all of the causes have an influence on the effects by Allaahʼs permission, so the causes are written and the effects are written.
Shaykh Muhammad bin Saalih al-`Uthaymeen
Fataawa Arkanaul-Islaam p.190 DARUSSALAM

Gossip poem

2009-02-03T08:39:00.000-08:00

NOBODY'S FRIEND

My name is Gossip. I have no respect for justice

I maim without killing.

I break hearts and ruin lives.

I am cunning and malicious and gather strength with age.

The more I am quoted the more I am believed.

My victims are helpless.

They cannot protect themselves against me because

I have no name and no face.

To trap me down is impossible.

The harder you try, the more elusive I become.

I am nobody's friend.

Once I tarnish a reputation, it is never the same.

I topple governments and wreck marriages.

I ruin careers and cause sleepless nights,

heartaches and indigestion.

I make innocent people cry in their pillows.

Even my name hisses.

I am called Gossip.

I make headlines and headaches.

Before you repeat a story, ask yourself:

Is it true? Is it harmless? Is it necessary?
(Author Unknown)

Be like the bee by Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah

2009-02-01T13:58:00.000-08:00

As people are content with the world, so you should be content with Allaah. As they are delighted by the world, so you should be delighted with Allaah. As they are intimate with their loved ones, so you should seek intimacy with Allaah. As they desire to know their kings and their leaders, and to draw near to them in order for honor and status to be conferred on them, so you should come to know Allaah and seek His love, this will lead to the utmost honor and distinction.

Said one of the zuhhåd: "I can never imagine that someone could hear about Paradise and Hellfire and can still waste an hour without performing any act of obedience to Allaah; neither remembrance, prayer, reciting Quraan nor an act of charity or kindness.”

Someone said to him: "I weep profusely."

He replied: “That you laugh while confessing your sin is better than weeping yet being puffed-up with pride because of your deeds. For the deeds of a conceited person will never rise above his head.”

The person then requested: "Please counsel me."

So he replied: “Leave the world to those who hanker after it, as they leave the Afterlife to its seekers. And be in this world as the bee: it eats only good, produces only good, and when it rests upon anything it neither ruins it nor deflowers it.”

Al Fawaa-id, Ibn al Qayyim al Jawziyyah (rahimahullaah), Pg.187

I have this book, and Masha'Allaah it is excellent, well worth buying masha'Allaah. It's the kind of book you'd probably have to read through a couple of times to understand fully and reflect on the gems that are within it.

How to resolve Marital disagreements

2009-02-01T13:49:00.000-08:00

Question - What is your advice for husbands and wives so that they may resolve marital disagreements that occur between them? And what is your advice to some guardians and women who prevent the marriage of girls in their care in order to get their incomes?

Answer - I advise every husband and wife to avoid disagreements between themselves and to disregard each others shortcomings. This is indicated by the Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم in his words

لا يفرك مومن مومنة، إن كره منها خلقا رضي منها آخر

" A believing man should not hate a believing woman , if he is annoyed by some aspect of her character, some other aspect of her character will please him."

As those who prevent the girls in their charge from getting married in order to get whatever income they have from working - their guardians are betraying them, and it is forbidden for them to do so.If they should do this, their guardianship should be revoked and they will pass into the care of the next guardian, after the one who prevented them from marriage. If the second one prevents them also, they pass to the third and so on. If all of the guardians refuse to give them in marriage, due to fear of a rift in relations with the first guardian, then the matter should be submitted to the Court and the Judge will give her in marriage.

Ash Sheikh Ibn Uthaimin
Fatawa Islamiyyah Vol.5
pgs 365-366

I've recieved an award, Yey!!

2009-01-30T16:23:00.000-08:00

I'm in shock! lol, I have been given an award for the coolest blog from Inspired Muslimah aka New Muslim Revert, and Empress Anisa
, masha'Allaah both beautiful sisters and really enjoy reading their blogs. Jazakillaahu khairan! Was totally not expecting this, I feel very touched and honoured, sob sob!!!

I would like to pass this award on to the following blogs:

Masha'Allaah I always find something interesting/unique and beneficial on these sisters blogs.

I've been tagged! 'Favourite things'

2009-01-30T14:50:00.000-08:00

Masha'Allaah I've been tagged by Inspired Muslimah, Jazakillaahu khairan sis.

NOTE: You have to add one additional "favorite" thing to the end of the list when you answer.

Favorite color: Lilac

Favorite perfume (guys):

Favorite perfume (girls): Curious - Britney Spears

Favorite pj brand: As long as they look good and comfortable, I don't mind

Favorite clothes brand in general: Republic, warehouse

Favorite person in the entire world: Have more than one - my mum, kids, zawj, friends etc....

Favorite country: Only country visited outside UK, was the US -Florida, and loved it!

Favorite car: Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Favorite sport: Tennis

Favorite sport player: Don't have one

Favorite spot in America:

Favorite animal: cheetah - Masha'Allaah the speed and agility Allaah has given to this animal is amazing.

Favorite movie: Poetic Justice/Kung-fu panda

Favorite singer:

Favorite day in the week: Friday

Favorite time of the day: Evening

Favorite holiday season: Summer

Favorite number:

Favorite food: somali

Favorite chocolate: Too many!

Favorite cartoon: Rugrats (I know, sad! lol)

Favorite blogger: Many

Favorite Flavor Ice Cream: Mint chocolate chip (Inspired Muslimah - this is my fave too!)

Favorite Mobile Brand: Nokia

Favorite name: 'Abdul- shakur

Favorite hobby: Shopping, surfing net, reading

Favorite room in my house: Front living Room

Favorite Fruit: toss up: Lychee

Favorite flower: Rose

Favourite Qur'an Recitor - Muhammad Al-Luhaydan

I add - Favourite pastime - Giving birth to my first child (when the labour was over!) oh and the same for each of my children, Alhamdulillaah.

I'm gonna tag - Lady Arabiyyah, RevertMuslimah, OhSoMuslim, Umm Ismail.

To A Palestinian Mother by Naima B. Robert

2009-01-27T15:01:00.000-08:00

My sister
In humanity,
In the pain of childbearing
In the struggle of childrearing,
My sister in Islam

I heard that they killed your children
Slaughtered by the hundreds and thousands
Young lives snatched from the jaws of destiny
Young dreams to be dreamed no more
And I cannot comprehend.

For no matter how many times
I hear,
Read,
Or see it,
I cannot know your pain.

I cannot know what it is to once have felt a life kick and twist
inside you,
And then, a few brief years later,
lay those once kicking legs,
lifeless, into the earth.

I cannot know what it is
to once have heard a voice cry
and laugh for you
And then, a few brief years later,
lay that once smiling face,
lifeless, into the earth.

I cannot know what it is to once have held your child,
whole, inyour arms
And then, a few brief years later,
have to gather him up as blood,bones and flesh.

No matter how many times I hear,
Read,
Or see it,
I cannot know your pain.

For every number out of a hundred dead
Was a child once
With a mother who
Lived,
Loved
And sacrificed for him.

And so, my sister
Forgive me
My helplessness shames me
My powerlessness maims me
My conscience blames me.

So I will pray for you
I will give what I can for you
I will tell your story
I will remember you
But with a heart full of humility

For no matter how many times I hear,
Read,
Or see it,
I cannot know your pain.

Forgive me, my sister
Forgive me.

A beautiful day

2009-01-25T16:39:00.001-08:00

We went to a gathering at a sisters house yesterday, was great alhamdulillaah. The theme was 'a beautiful day', and adults and kids had to write/draw something relating to this them, I jotted down a few brief notes on my idea of a beautiful day, which would be:

* Seeing Allaah's face insha Allaah

* Insha Allaah, having the gates of Jannah opened for me and my family, and the muslim ummah, ameen.

* My mum insha Allaah taking her shahadah, and insha Allaah the rest of the family too, ameen.

* Seeing the ka'abah, insha Allaah

* Seeing the prophets/sahaabah and the ummul-mu'mineen (mothers of the believers) insha Allaah.

* Palestine beeing freed completely from the oppressive zionists, and having their land back and the soldiers,occupiers off it.

*Waking up on a beautiful summers day, with the sun shining, and the birds tweeting away, and everyone being in a good mood, aaahhh...

What is your idea of a beautiful day?

BBC refusing to give airtime for appeals for Gaza

2009-01-24T16:19:00.001-08:00

I recieved this message on facebook from the group 'I support the palestinian resistance!', the brother had this to say:

Once again the BBC has shown its disregard to the tragerdies faced by those suffering in Gaza, they are refusing to give any airtime to charaties organising an emergency appeal to raise money for those suffering.

The excuses of impartiality are pathetic, how does impartiality even come into it, the people of Gaza are facing a humanitarian crisis, thats a fact. The BBC gave time to a similar appeal for those suffering in the Congo yet they refuse to do the same for those in Gaza.

Tony Benn a former Labour Mp has made quite a damming statement alleging the israeli embasy is influencing the decision. I personally believe this to be quite plausable all you have to do is look at the way the BBC reported the conflict and the connections between those in charge at the BBC and israel.
Please make your complaint heard;

Insha Allaah sisters, please send in a complaint, this is not right.

Mufti Advises the Muslims Concerning Gaza

2009-01-23T16:23:00.000-08:00

Shaykh Abdul-Azeez Aal ash-Shaykh - The Mufti of Saudi Arabia

Reference: Khutbah delivered by the Shaykh on Friday 9 January, 2008

Second part of the Khutbah

...after the opening of the Khutbah:

O Muslim; from the wisdom of Allaah in the life of this world, is the struggle between truth and falsehood, and the overpowering of the people of disbelief and misguidance over the people of faith and piety. It is a perfect wisdom, and Allaah has wisdom over what he decrees and brings to pass.

However, the true believer believes in Devine Decree, he believes in the good of it and the bad of it, the sweet of it and the sour of it. He has firm faith due to his knowledge that Allaah is all Wise in what He Decrees, no matter how great the calamity and severe the catastrophe. The believer thinks well of his Lord, and knows that whatever Allaah decrees due to His wisdom, then the consequences thereof, their knowledge is with Allaah.

You may hate something and Allaah decrees a lot of good in it, how much do people hate calamities and how much good happens due to them in the future. Allaah the Elevated knows and you know not:

{...and it may be that you dislike a thing which is good for you and that you like a thing which is bad for you. Allâh knows but you do not know.}

There is no doubt that what our brothers in Gaza are going through is a tremendous trial, hearts are strained in pain and sorrow when witnessing such extreme images, which indicate immense spite and a wide-spreading evil. But Allaah is all Wise over them, and Allaah is more merciful to His servants than a mother is to her child.

So it is upon the Muslims to be steadfast and patient, and hold fast to this religion, to be patient in the face of calamities and not break down. They must be fully attached to and have trust in Allaah, seeking victory from the Lord of the worlds.

It is upon the Muslims to rush, all of them, in provide aid to the wounded, and the great good that this country has given in aid, there is no doubt that this is evidence that there is mercy and compassion in the hearts of the rulers for the Muslims, may Allaah grant them success in practicing what Allaah loves and is pleased with.

However, these efforts must be multiplied, and we must supplicate to Allaah during the last part of the nights and during the day, that Allaah alleviates the calamities from them, and to turn His wrath upon the humiliated enemy, which is not prevented from a criminal people.

We ask Allaah to rectify the affairs of the Muslims, and to unify their hearts upon goodness and piety. Know that what is important, is that we think good of our Lord, and we do not say `why is this happening?` This is Devine Decree, and Allaah is the all Wise over them, a servant does not know of the consequences of events.

Allaah the Elevated said to His Messenger during the battle of Uhud, when he and his companions were afflicted with calamities, such as the death of his companions and other issues, Allaah revealed:

{When a single disaster smites you, although you smote (your enemies) with one twice as great, you say: "From where does this come to us?" Say (to them), "It is from yourselves." And Allaah has power over all things.}

And Allaah says:

{And don`t be weak in the pursuit of the enemy; if you are suffering (hardships) then surely they (too) are suffering (hardships) as you are suffering, but you have a hope from Allaah (for the reward, i.e. Paradise) that for which they hope not; and Allaah is Ever All-Knowing, All-Wise.}

So it is upon the Muslims to be steadfast and patient:

{O you who believe! When you meet (an enemy) force, take a firm stand against them and remember the Name of Allaah much (both with tongue and mind), so that you may be successful. And obey Allaah and His Messenger, and do not dispute (with one another) lest you lose courage and your strength departs, and be patient. Surely, Allaah is with the patient. And be not like those who come out of their homes boastfully and to be seen of men, and hinder (men) from the path of Allaah; and Allaah is encircling and thoroughly comprehending all that they do.}

And know, may Allaah have mercy over you, that the best of speech is the Book of Allaah, and the best of guidance, is the guidance of Muhammad - صلى الله عليه وسلم – and the worst of affairs are the innovated matters…conclusion of Khutbah with Du`aa.

Translator: Nadir Ahmad, Abu Abdul-Waahid

Urgent appeal

2009-01-23T15:09:00.000-08:00

I was forwarded this email from a trusted friend of mine, take a look insha Allaah.

Asalam alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatahu,

As most of you know i am trying to go to the palestinian refugee camps based in syria and Jordan around the 23rd of February, the reason for going is to give aid, medical supplies and also to mentor the children who have been displaced from their homes due to the zionist state of Israel.
I need all of your help in making this possible i need people to donate and raise as much money as they can so that i can give as much to them as possible, also we have setup with a meeting with the UNRWA of Jordan and Syria to address the needs of those in the camp, the refugee camps are run by UN so we needed to gain their permission to help the muslims inside, we aim to setup a monthly scheme where muslims from UK can go for 7 - 10 days at a time to help mentor and teach those in the refugee camps and we are aiming to build a school for this.
The conditions the UN leave the camps in is far from acceptable the most infamous camps that some of you may of heard of are BAQAA and WIHDAT these 2 camps hold the biggest number of palestinian refugees more than 69 thousand in each camp and there is limited supplies, alot of people there live in sewage in a concrete hut with only that 1 room for a family of 4 also alot cannot afford even a roof for their huts.
Many children were born in this camp and this is the only life they know they do not hope or dream or much so we want to be able to give them something t least the basics they deserve and support emotionally.
Please brothers and sisters find it in your heart to donate all you can and collect from people all that you can 100% of your money will be spent on them, it will not be given to the UN or any of its associates it will be distributed amongst the people themselves depending on their needs.
If any of you are businesses/professionals that could offer donations or items to auction please please do so by calling me on 07592716578
I am currently in contact with UMMAH WELFARE TRUST who are trying to assist me all they can.
If any of you are event planners/fundraisers or are interested in helping to arrange an event please call me on 07592716578

May Allah purify your hearts and help you to give your wealth in return for jannah.

As our Prophet pbuh advised us, when you have a good intention fulfill it immediately before something overcomes you.

Please do not forget your obligations to the orphans and widows, and if you cannot acompany us please give your wealth to those who are able to go.

jazakhalla khair

your sister in islam

Umm Ismail

Ibn al-Qayyim on the Reasons for the Oppression of the Rulers - the Corruption of the People

2009-01-21T08:27:00.000-08:00

Ibn al-Qayyim (rahimahullaah) Lays to Waste the Mawdudo-Qutb Paradigm and Demolishes the Qutubi-Suroori-Takfeeri School of Doctrine, and Exposes the Falsehood of the Activism of the Contemporary Hizbiyyeen

Reflect carefully, slowly and with great deliberation, upon every word and phrase from this excerpt from Ibn al-Qayyim, and do exactly as Ibn al-Qayyim asks you:

He says in Miftaah Daar is-Sa'aadah (2/177) [Daar Ibn 'Affaan], "And reflect in His, the Most High's wisdom in making the kings of the servants, their leaders and their rulers to be of the same type as their actions (i.e. those of the servant's). Rather it is as if their actions (those of the servants) became manifest in the appearances of their rulers and kings. If they remain upright, then their kings will remain upright, and if they turn away (from uprightness), then they (the kings) too will turn away from uprightness. And if they (the servants) oppress [themselves and others], then their kings and rulers will oppress [them], and if their appears plotting and deception from them, their rulers will [be made to] behave likewise, and if they (the servants) prevent the rights of Allaah that are with them, and become stingy with respect to them (i.e. withhold the rights of each other), then their kings and their rulers will withhold the right that they (the servants) have from them, and will become stingy with respect to them. And if they take from the one who is considered weak, what they do not deserve to take from him in their dealings (i.e. misappropriate from him), then the kings will take away from them (the servants) what they do not deserve to take (from them) and will inflict them with taxes and [other forms of] service. And everything that they (the servants) take away from the weak person, the kings will take away from them with power, force. So their actions (those of the servants) become manifest in their actions (those of the kings and rulers).

And it is not from the Divine wisdom that the evil-doers and the sinners are made to be ruled over [by anyone] except by one who is of their like.

And when the very first band (of Islaam) was the best of the generations, and the most pious of them, then their rulers were likewise. And when they became tarnished (i.e. corrupted), the Rulers were made corrupted over them. Thus, the wisdom of Allaah refuses that the likes of Mu'aawiyah, and 'Umar bin 'Abdil-'Azeez are put in authority over us in the likes of these times [the 8th Century Hijrah] (1), let alone the likes of Abu Bakr and 'Umar. Rather, our rulers are in accordance with our (nature) and the rulers of those before us were in accordance with their (nature). And both of the two matters necessitate wisdom and what it requires.

And the one who has deep rooted intelligence, when he moves his thought around in this subject will see the Divine wisdom that runs through al-Qadaa wal-Qadar (Ordainment and Pre-Decree), externally and internally, just as it runs through al-Khalq wal-Amr (the Creation and the Command) (2). So beware from thinking with your corrupt thought that anything of His ordainment and decrees are devoid of the far-reaching wisdom. Rather, all of His, the Most High's ordainments and decrees take place from the most perfect angles of correctness and wisdom. However, the weak intellects are veiled, by way of their weakness, from perceiving these [aspects of wisdom], just like eyes suffering day-blindness are veiled, by way of their weakness from the light of the sun (3) ..." End quote from Ibn al-Qayyim.

1. And we wonder whether we in the 15th Century Hijrah would be deserving and worthy of having the likes of al-Hajjaaj bin Yoosuf to rule over us, let alone the likes of Yazeed Ibn Mu'aawiyah!! Then there come the Innovators amongst the Qutubiyyah, Surooriyyah, Takfiriyyah and other than them, and complain about todays rulers!! While the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) sent to them, stated, as revealed to him by His Lord, that there will rulers over us at the end of time, "having the hearts of the devils in the bodies of men" who "do not guide by his guidance and nor traverse upon his Sunnah", and that they will "beat your back and confiscate your wealth" - and on top of all that he informed the befitting action towards them is to "hear and obey".

2. And those of sound intellect are those upon the methodologies of the Salaf in all their affairs, and especially the affairs of da'wah and rectification of the servant and the land, since they are upon the methodology of the Prophets in calling to Allaah, which is the way wisdom and intellect. And they are the qualified physicians who identify the causes (of the diseases) and treat them appropriately. And the sound intellect concords and agrees, and follows on from the Revelation, hence, soundness of intellect is in following, imitating, not innovating, deviating.

3. And those of weak intellect are the Innovators, those who concocted and invented false methodologies in the affairs of da'wah and in rectification of the servants and the land, such as takfeer of the rulers and clashing with the governments and attempting to replace them. They are the false physicians, the self-styled ones, the charlatans, who with their weak intellects only reach as far as the symptoms, and then treat them inappropriately, with mere innovation and invention. Dispite the claim of others of their intellectualism, high cerebral activity, and so called contribution to "Islamic Thought", then they are of weak and defunct intellect, because they did not follow or imitate, rather, instead they innovate and deviate.

source: Salafi Publications

Rejecting The Fatawaa of The Scholars

2009-01-20T11:45:00.000-08:00

Question: Oh respected Sheikh, I mentioned to an individual a Fatwaa (religious verdict/ruling) by Sheikh Abdul Azeez bin Baaz –rahimahullah- and Sheikh Ahmed An Najmee regarding the impermissibility of using certain words or phrases. Upon hearing the Fatwaa, the individual rejected it and stated that these words are casual (used in conversation), and he continued to repeat them. Oh respected Sheikh, what is the ruling in this matter?

Answer: The ruling in this matter is that this person has rejected the truth. He rejected the truth and chose to follow his desires. (By doing so) He has places himself in a dangerous position and a serious warning becomes applicable to him. We ask Allah to guide him and return him to the truth.

al-fawzan.ws

Translated by Mustafa George

In Zeitun, a massacre and a prayer-for genocide

2009-01-20T00:58:00.000-08:00

"They left behind their own unique detritus: bullet casings, roasted peanuts...But most disturbing of all was the graffiti they daubed on the walls of the ground floor... Some was in Hebrew, but much was naively written in English: "Arabs need 2 die", "Die you all", "Make war not peace", "1 is down, 999,999 to go", and scrawled on an image of a gravestone the words: "Arabs 1948-2009". "

Rory McCarthy reports for the Guardian on all that remains in one decimated Gaza neighorhood-and one massacred Gaza family: the Samounis.

Camel given in charity

2009-01-20T00:25:00.000-08:00

This was sent to the South Wales Dawah Group, from a brother, nice story masha'Allaah.

I would like to share this short Story with you which was narrated to us by Dr Saleh As-Saleh (May Allah Have Mercy upon him) in his room Understanding-islam1

The Sheikh began

Do you want hear this real story which took place in here about hundred years ago. (In Saudi) Dayib

This is real! This is real!

Bismilaahi Rahmaani Raheem

This story took place here about hundred years ago and it was also broadcasted in the radio stations

It is about a man call ibn Jad'aan he said during spring times he used to go out, and I saw good and healthy fat camels and theirs udders filled to the extent of almost exploding and whenever the little offspring comes close to the mother camel her milk pours Forth because of the great abundance of blessings and abundance of goodness. So I look at one of my she camels with her offspring and I remember my neighbour who had young daughters seven of them and he was poor, so I said by Allah I will give this camel and its offspring as Sadaqah as a (charity) to my neighbour and Allah says and he recited the saying of Allah verse in (Surah Al-imraan 92) "By no means Shall you Attain piety righteousness unless you spend in Allah's cause of which that you love" and the most beloved to myself from my cattle is this one this she-camel and I took it with its offspring and knock the door on my neighbour and said take it as a gift from me I saw his face glooming with happiness unable to utter something in response. And so he benefited from its milk and used to load wood on its back and awaiting for its offspring to grow up to sell it. so he gained great good from this camel and after the spring came the summer with its drought and dryness and the Bedouins began moving looking for water and grass and. He said we gathered our belongings and left our place looking for water and the duhuul plural of duhul is holes in the earth, underground leading to water traps like underneath the ground and its opening are on top of the ground and the Bedouins know of them very well. And I entered to one of them so as to bring some water to drink and his three sons were waiting for him outside and he wasn't able to know how to return his three sons waited for him for a day, two days and three days and they become hopeless and they said maybe he was stung by a snake and died or he was lost under the earth and destroyed and they (we seek refuge in Allah from that) waited for his destruction why? Out of greed to distribute his inheritance. So they returned home and divided what he left amongst themselves. Then they remembered that their father gave a she camel (that he talked about earlier) to their poor neighbour, so they went to this neighbour and said it is better that you give us back the she-camel and take this camel instead of it otherwise we will take it by force and we will give you nothing. He said but I will report you to your father they said do so he already died. He said died how and where, how you didn't tell me. They said he entered into one of these holes in underground in the desert and did not come out, he said by Allah take me to this place and then take your she camel and do whatever you do with it and I don't want your camel in return. They took him and when he saw the place he went and brought a rope and lit a candle and tied it outside the duhul (this hole) and then stepped it in crawling on his back until he reached places where by he crawled and rolled and smelling moisture becoming close and then out of sudden he heard the sound of a man by the water he heard his groan and moaning so he went closer and closer towards this sound in this darkness putting his hand all over until his hand fell on the man and he checked his breath and he was still breathing after one week so he pulled him and covered his eyes to protect him from sunlight and he took out with him get some dates and moistured them in water and gave him to drink and carried him on his back and took him to his house, a life gradually return to this man and his sons didn't know then he told him tell me by Allah one week while you were in underground and you didn't die and he said I tell you something strange he said when I went down their I got lost and waves took me all directions and I said I better stick to this water that I reached and I started drink from it but hunger had no mercy and water does not suffice then after three days where hunger intensified on me, took me from all parts of me and while I was lying on my back I surrendered myself to Allah and put all my affairs in his hands and out of the sudden I felt the warm of the milk pouring on my mouth. So I sat in the midst of the darkness I saw a pot coming closer to my mouth and I drank from it until I took from what is sufficient from it and then it goes. This occurred three times in the day but last two days it stopped and I didn't know what happened. So I told him if you know the reason you will be amazed your sons thought that you died and they came to me and took away the she-camel which Allah (Subhanahu Watalla) gave you from its milk and the Muslim is in the shade of his Sadaqah (Charity) and Allah states in Suratu At-Talaaq verse 2,3 (2....And whoever fears Allah and keeps his duty to him, he will make a way for him to get out (from every difficulty). (3 "................And he will provide him from (sources) he never could imagine. And who every puts his trust in Allah, then he will suffice him".)

By: Dr Saleh As-Saleh May Allah have Mercy upon him Ameen.

Source: (www.understand-islam.net) please visit the site to listen to the original lecture this is just my notes.

Any mistake is from me and the Shaytaan.

Gaza - Our hearts are with you

2009-01-18T17:19:00.000-08:00

As I came to hear the news of a cease fire in Palestine, I found it hard to switch to being totally happy and overyjoyed. Of course, I am relieved that insha Allaah this has ended, and I hope it will be a permament end to it all, but on the other hand my heart is still aching for what has happened to our brothers and sisters in Palestine over the last 22 days. Right now, many women are grieving over the children they have lost, babies days/months old, husbands who have lost their wives and vice versa, children who have had to watch their parents die. Right now in Palestine the people are grieving, hearts heavy with sorrow, children and adults emotionally scarred for life.

But Allaah is the best of planners, and insha Allaah the oppressive zionists will not get away with this.

What we need to continue to do is aid our brothers and sisters with as much as we can, they are in desperate need of our help, they need food, medicine, clothes, houses to live in, their land is in ruins, destroyed, subhanAllaah. Insha Allaah we can donate through Islamic Relief and other aid agencies.

I was just reading the latest on Al jazeera, it was mentioning the Egypt summit, this is some parts of what was reported:

.....Rabbani* also said the leaders talked about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza as if it had been caused by an earthquake.
"I'm speechless, that you can, in 2009, have a major international gathering to discuss the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and have a whole series of keynote addresses, in which the word occupation isn't mentioned even once."

And there you also see a photo of Ehud Olmert and the french leader(who has announced his support for Israel) and others, all looking very happy with themselves, as if oblivious to the thousands that are dead.

(*Mouin Rabbani, a contributing editor to the Middle East Report magazine)

A poem from Palestine

***********************
I Believe in Miracles

By Nahida

You can break my bones
My free spirit is invincible
You can cause me the loss of sight
The light of my insight
You'll never take away

In the shadows of darkness
Lies the corpse of your might
You can destroy my house
The windows of my hope,
You cannot break
The pillars of my faith
You can never shake

You can threaten me
With weapons of death
And mass destruction
Implanting fear in my heart
You cannot achieve
Nor can you cut off
My divine connection

With a missile
You can tear my body apart
My soul however
Is out of your reach
And is forever intact

You claimed victory in six days!
Victorious are those
With a dignified gaze
Facing tanks with tender flesh
And only with stones,
The F16 fighter blaze

You can never defeat my will to be
Because my power that you cannot explain
Grows from within the roots of my pain
You depend on the United States
For wealth and war supply
My infinite strength stems from

My creator, the One most high

Axis of Logic/Poetry

Some beautiful naseehah from Sufyaan Ath-Thawree (Rahimahullaah)

2009-01-18T15:45:00.000-08:00

..... and though it is true that one can repent from sin, avoiding a sin is much easier than trying to sincerely repent from a sin. Verily Allah is oft-forgiving and Merciful to people who perpertrate sins and He is Merciful,Forbearing and Beneficient to those who repent. BEWARE of this ;that the more Forebearing He becomes towards you the bolder you become in disobeying Him.

Do not take a small sin lightly instead think about who it is you are disobeying, an Almighty Lord who sometimes punishes people for small sins and sometimes pardons people for great sins.

The most sagacious of the sagacious ones is he who enters Paradise because of a sin he has perpetrated:He places his sin before his eyes continuing to be constantly afraid for himself on account of that sin until he departs from this world and enters Paradise. The most foolish of the foolish is he who enters the Hellfire on account of a single good deed he performed :he places it before his eyes constantly remembering it and hoping to be rewarded for it and in the meanwhile,he takes sin lightly;and he continues to remain upon that condition until he departs from this world and enters the hellfire.

When you are with people smile frequently and maintain a cheerful countenance but when you are alone cry frequently and be in a state of grief and sadness on account of your sins for it has been conveyed to us and Allah knows best that,on the day of resurrection the most things that a believer will find in his book of good deeds are the grief and the sadness that he felt in this world on account of his sins.

Question posed to Sh.Fawzan concerning Mutah Beale

2009-01-15T17:15:00.000-08:00

In The Name of Allah The Most Beneficent The Most Merciful

Sheikh Abdur Razaq Ibn Abdul Muhsin Al Abbad (Hafithahullah) was asked: “There is a particular brother from amongst us who used to be involved in the music industry, namely the “Outlawz” (The sheikh laughed and said “Now he is a Muslim?!” His name is Muta and was previously known as “Napoleon” So the sheikh said “After the oppressive French military General?” So the questioner said: “Yes sheikh, Barakallahu feek” He has accepted Islam and acknowledges Salafiyah as the correct Aqeedah and Minhaj. Many of the youth, including many of the Saudi youth, continue to listen to his music. He is involved in giving da’wah targeting these youth by explaining to them how he accepted Islam and the dangers of the music industry, as well as the impermissibility of music. The brother asks if it is permissible for him to spread his story by way of a DVD recording. This question is due to the fact that many have begun to question and scrutinize the permissibility of this. He also asks would this be considered publicizing his sins after accepting Islam? Please benefit us may Allah reward you.

The Sheikh (Hafithahullah) replied by saying: First of all, convey my salaams to the brother and tell him that I convey the salaams on behalf of all the scholars here and welcome him to Islam. The scholars today are not like the scholars of yesterday, and what I mean by this is, during the time of the scholars like Muhammad Ibn Ibrahim, Sheikh Uthaymeen and Ibn ul Baaz, may Allah have mercy on them all. They used to sit with the people and address their needs and were accessible due to the fact that the dunya had not yet opened its wings. However, today the scholars are very busy and do not have the time necessary to address the brothers and sisters in the West except by way of telephone conferences. This preoccupation is even seen in their level of knowledge and the way in which they answer questions today and we seek assistance with Allah. I truly apologize to the brothers and sisters in the West for any short comings on the part of the scholars and the lack of time we have to facilitate knowledge to them.

Nevertheless, Subhanallah! I am Amazed at the brothers and sisters who come from the West with absolutely no attachment to Islam and then accept the religion and become so vigilant and dedicated to propagating Islam, even more than those who were born and raised in the religion of Islam! The Brother should learn the Tawheed of Allah and spend a great deal of time establishing a relationship with Allah. He should not give talks about the detailed issues of the religion, rather he should leave that to the scholars and the students of knowledge. He should not utilize this opportunity to dazzle the people by entertaining them with his story, rather he should always tie his story in with Tawheed and establishing a relationship with Allah. As is relates to using the T.V. as a means of spreading Islam. Some of the scholars differ about this matter but the position that I incline towards is the position of the major scholars that came before me namely, Sheikh Muhammad Ibn Ibrahim, Sheikh Muhammad Ibn Salih Al Uthaymeen and sheikh Abdul Aziz Ibn Baaz, that if it is for the purpose of spreading Islam then we should take advantage of it and not leave it as an empty void to be filled by the People of Desires and Innovation.

As it relates to sharing his story being a means of publicizing his sins, this is not the case, rather he should not speak about what he did in the past with much detail, nor should he speak about it in a manner of glorification. We have books which contain the biographies of the salaf, some detailing who and what they were prior to Islam. So how did we get this information except that they exposed some of it, as a means of education not as a means of entertainment and glorification. One vivid example of this is the story of one of the salaf by the name of Fudhayl Ibn Iyaadh (Rahimahullah) who was on his way to commit zina (i.e. fornication) with a woman and in the process of climbing the wall to her house for this purpose, he heard some of the Muslims performing salat, and he heard the verse:

Has not the time come that the hearts of the believers tremble with fear for the remembrance of Allah and what He has revealed of the Haqq (i.e. truth)…”

And he said: “Yes indeed! Here I am about to fornicate with someone’s daughter and the Muslims are there performing prayer to get closer to Allah!” He abandoned this act and later became one of the most influential and renowned scholars of his time may Allah have mercy on him. And we find this profound story in books like Imam Ath Thahabi’s Seeyer A’alam An Nubalaa’ and other books which concentrate on compiling the biographies of the salaf and Allah knows best. Also tell the brother to send me a copy of the DVD and perhaps we can set up a program where he can speak to some of our youth here in Saudi.

Taken From: Napoleon Outlawed

10 random things about me.

2009-01-11T16:22:00.000-08:00

Ok, well I've just been tagged by Empress Anisa, and I have to write ten random things about me, ok, here goes...

1. I can be a right chatterbox sometimes, especially when it's late, and my hubby wants to go to sleep, the words just seem to keep flowing, lol.

2. The other day when it had been snowing, but the floor was really icy, I decided to do a bit of ice-skating with my pram, lol, it was fun!

3. Like Empress Anisa, I also loooove shopping, my husband hates going with me, as I take too long. Alot of the time it's for the kids, but love shopping for myself too.

4. I've never been on a ship, and the though petrifies me, watching the titanic many years ago, petrified me even more.

5. I ring my mum for almost everything, even when she's in work. Countless times I've rung her to ask her how to cook something, and almost everything else that comes up in daily life that I need help on, It's normally my mum I ring. And she never complains.

Now it's getting hard! I'm stuck on number 6, hmmmm....

6. I really appreciate MY TIME at the end of the day, and so like to have the kids in bed around the same time each night, clean up, pray, and then relax, aaahhh.

7. If I haven't got chocolate or at least cake in the house, I start having cravings for it, my mind doesn't rest, lol.

8. Can be quite a comedienne at times, especially in front of the kids, my funny side sometimes comes out, and then I realise where they get their silly side from.

9.When I was younger I stole an egg from a birds nest behind my school, I took it home and wrapped it up and placed it on top of the radiator, hoping for it to hatch and have a baby bird, well, I came home one day to find my mum cleaning up the mess, and as you probably guessed, she was not happy!

10. One of my biggest habits is staying up late, if I try to go to bed early I feel like I'm missing out on the night, and my free time. Something I need to work on.

Street demonstrations for Palestine

2009-01-03T17:49:00.000-08:00

In the name of Allaah, most merciful, bestower of mercy.

As-Salaamu 'alaikum wa rahmatullaah,

My respected Muslim brothers and sisters, may Allaah shower you with His mercy. We advise all of you to avoid any form of street demonstrations taking place anywhere. They are not from the means of rectification of the hardships that befall the Ummah. Rather, as Shaikh Muhammad ibn Umar al-Bazmool stated, demonstrations are not from the means of rectification, not from the Sunnah of the Messenger (sallallaahu alaihi wassallam) and nor from the sunnah of the righteous predecessors. The major scholars have spoken against partaking in demonstrations – the likes of Shaikhs Ibn Baaz, Ibn al-Uthaimeen, al-Albaanee and al-Fawzaan. Demonstrations are not considered as being from the means of da'wah nor jihaad as the scholars have explained. So beware and warn the muslims from participating in this futile act that is not from the Islamic religion.

As for what you can and should do, then please read this advice of Shaikh Saalih al-Fawzaan:

Question: Noble Shaikh, there have come many questions asking about the position a Muslim should take with regard to what is going on with our brothers in Palestine, with respect to supplicating (for them), giving them money or making Jihad with them.

Answer: What is obligatory for the Muslim is that he make du'aa (supplicate) for his Muslim brothers, and assist them with money. He should aid them with money and supplication. This is what is obligatory on them and this is what will benefit them (i.e. the Palestinians).

Question: May Allaah reward you O Shaikh, the next questioner is asking: What is the ruling on demonstrating. Is it considered Jihad in the Cause of Allaah?

Answer: There is no benefit in demonstrations – it is just commotion. It is from the types of disorder. How will it cause harm to the enemy if the people go out and demonstrate in one of the streets, raising their voices? Rather, this is from the things that will only make the enemy pleased and happy. Thus he will say: "This has harmed and hurt them." So the enemy will rejoice.

Islaam is a religion of tranquility and calmness; it is a religion of knowledge. It is not a religion of clamor and commotion. It is a religion that strives to achieve tranquility and calmness, while at the same time, (encourages) doing deeds that are of benefit and praise, such as providing support for the Muslims, supplicating for them and providing them with money and weapons. This is praiseworthy. And also (what is beneficial is) arguing on their behalf to the various countries that the oppression they are in be uplifted and requesting from these countries, which claim to have democracy, that these Muslims be given their due rights. And the humanitarian rights is what these people boast so much about. However, according to them the only human is the disbeliever, whereas the Muslim in their eyes is not a human being – he is a terrorist! They call the Muslims terrorists! And the human being that has (humanitarian) rights, to them, is the disbeliever!

So the Muslims must follow and adhere to the methodology Islaam has prescribed with regard to these occurrences and other situations. Islaam did not come with demonstrations and shouting and raising the voices out loud. It did not prescribe destroying property or committing violations. All of this is not part of Islaam. Yes… Nor does this bring about any benefit. This only causes harm to the Muslims and it does not harm the enemy. This only harms the Muslims and it does not harm their enemy. In fact, their enemy rejoices at this and says (to himself): "I have affected them", "I have made them angry" and "I have influenced them." Question and Answer session on Paltalk

Also please go to this very beneficial article from our brothers at Troid.org

Abu Khadijah Abdul-Waahid

Portal site:
www.salaf.com

The danger of being sidetracked/distracted

2009-01-01T17:53:00.000-08:00

I was having a conversation earlier with a friend of mine who lives back in Cardiff (Wales) where I recently moved from, we were speaking about the deen, and she was asking about my eemaan etc since I left, thinking back to that conversation now and my responses prompted me to write it in my blog.

Back in Cardiff after having the baby, my eemaan was low, hormones were running everywhere, I'd been at my mums for about a month so I had not been in the right environment for my eemaan to soar. I'd lived in Birmingham about 3/4 years prior to moving back to Wales (no thoughts of gypsies now! lol)and even though at that time my eemaan was not at the level I would have liked it, I was still alot stronger, I think the environment I was in helped, it was a highly populate muslim area masha'Allaah, and there is a big salafi community there, we moved back to Wales for certain reasons.

When settled in Cardiff, I was able to compare the two cities I had lived in, and over time realised that when in Birmingham I was more stronger, influenced more in a good way masha'Allaah, and realising the environment I was in influenced me also. So after about 3 years in Cardiff, we made the move, but qadr Allaah it wasn't meant to be, there were certain problems and we ended up coming back, and then at a later date made the move again, and this was in June 08.

So I've been here about 7mths now, and about a week after moving, something dawned on me, and I had to take a minute to think and reflect, ok, so what now? I'm here alhamdulillaah, how is my eemaan? still the same, how's it gonna change? hhmm, the answer lies with me, I'm the solution, not Birmingham. I realised that coming to Birmingham wasn't going to miraculously make my eemaan high, it was something that I had to work on, whether I was in Cardiff or Birmingham, yes, there are factors which have an effect on our eemaan, take for example the people one mixes with/the environment you live in, but to build up one's eemaan, that person has to work hard, be motivated and sincere.
Now I am living in a different area that what I was before, it's not too far from that area, but it's not easy to go to the lessons, and by just being there amongst so many sisters can often give you a boost. But I knew I was moving to a different area, I was happy to, I have good friends here masha'Allaah, but we don't see each other that often, we're all too busy raising our kids alhamdulillaah. I surely didn't expect the mice, we had them before in B'ham, and we've got them again, but alhamdulillaah have not seen one yet, and insha Allaah I won't, but I hear them in the walls and that's enough to put you off living here.

This seems to be turning into a really long post so I just want to get to what the point of this post is, but I did want to give a bit of background to it first (a bit! you say) anyway, the title is 'the danger of being sidetracked/distracted' this is in relation to ones deen, it is so easy to become unfocused, take for example the current situation in Palestine, it deeply upsets me what's going on and I feel I need to be clued up on what's been happening there over all the years, and have clear facts, especially when it comes to discussing it with someone who is kinda swayed by the media, and doesn't see the reality, but when this becomes something which you spend hours going through videos on YouTube, or reading articles/blog posts, people's comments about this situation, then it's time to say, 'whoa, it's too much, I'm neglecting my deen in the meantime' everything has to be done in moderation, and priority does have to be on our deen. I feel ashamed that I've left it this long, left my eemaan go down, I let so many things distract me daily, mainly online, take for instance last week, I was searching and searching articles/blogs on Charlotte Mason (educator)and spent much time reading up on her methods and those who are following her philosophy, no work on my eemaan.

These can sometimes be the tricks of shaytaan, not always, sometimes it's our own negligence, but shaytaan can make something which is good in itself to learn about a distraction for us and a way to keep us from studying our deen, and inputting the knowledge we learn into our lives. This happens alot, and my deen shouldn't come second, it should always be first, my PRIORITY ! I had been thinking earlier about starting the study plan on Dr Saleh's website (May Allaah have mercy upon his soul, ameen)but then started to think whether I would be able to put aside time to do it, subhanAllaah. I need to start learning properly insha Allaah, I have been Muslim for 7 1/2 years alhamdulillaah, and have not stayed consistent in my studying, and there are so many things I should have learnt by now, but I haven't. If there's any sister reading this that maybe would like to study the programme together, like online, not sure exactly how, but this would be a great encouragement to me, and would insha Allaah help me to stay more consistent with it. Ok that's it for now, I'm almost writing a book!

Thanks for taking the time to read, now you've been distracted!

Advice from the permanent committee on the situation in Palestine

2009-01-01T07:11:00.000-08:00

This is a statement just released by the Permanent Committee for Islaamic Research and Verdicts : on the Palestinian crisis. If there is good in the translation then it is from Allaah, and if there are mistakes then it is from me and the shaytaan; and your advise would be appreciated inshaAllaah.

Translation by Abu Waheeda As-Salafi

5th Muharram 1429.

All perfect praise is for Allaah The Lord of All that exists, and may His blessings and good mention be upon the best of His Prophets and Messengers; our Prophet Muhammad, and also his family and his companions and those who follow them upon good; upto the Last Day.

To Proceed:

The Permanent Committee for Islaamic Research and Verdicts in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has followed – with all sorrow and pain- what has occurred, and is still going on against our Muslim brethren in Palestine – and specifically in Gaza. That which is [actions] of oppression, and killing of children, and women and old people! And [it is] transgression on that which is sacred [innocent], and the destruction of infrastructure and institutions, and the terrorizing of innocent people. And there is no doubt that this is a crime and oppression on the rights of the Palestinian nation.

And at this sorrowful event; it is an obligation on the Muslims to be with their Palestinian brethren, and to help and aid them, and to make an effort to lift the oppression against them – through any means which is of their reach – so as to actualize the Islamic bond, and the ties of 'Eeman.

Allaah The Exalted said:

"The believers are indeed brothers [in Islâmic religion]." (Al-Hujuraat: 10)

And He The Most Mighty, The Most Majestic said:

"The believers, men and women, are Auliyâ' (helpers, supporters, friends, protectors) of one another…" (At-Tawba : 71)

And The Prophet (sallahAllaahu alayhi wasallam) said :

"The believer to another believer is like the structure [like a wall] ; each part strengthens the other,' and then he co-enjoined his fingers." (Agreed upon)

And he (may Allaah's blessings and good mention be upon him) also said:

"The example of the believers in their relationship, and their love, and their having mercy upon each other ; is like the example of one body part to the rest of the body; if one part is affected then the whole body complains of fever and pain." (Agreed upon)

And he (may Allaah's blessings and good mention be upon him) also said:

"The Muslim is the brother of another Muslim; he does not oppress him, nor does he deceive him, nor does he give him up to the enemy, nor does he look down on him." (Narrated by Muslim)

And help comprises of many things –according to the ability, and depending on the situations – whether it is intellectually or physical [things], or whether it is from the general Muslims through wealth, and food, and medicine, and clothing, and other things. Or whether it is from the Islamic Arab nations through making it easy and possible that the aid reaches them, and by taking a sincere position in regards to their [the Palestinian Muslims] matter, and by supporting their case in the gatherings, and seminars, and the international conferences: And all of these are from the ways of co-operation upon good and piety – which is something that is ordered- in the statement of The Exalted :

"Help you one another in virtue, righteousness and piety…" (Al-Maaida : 2)

And also from those ways is: to direct sincere advice to them [the Muslims in Palestine], and to direct them to that which is of good and of benefit to them. And from the greatest of those is to make du'aa for them -at all times – so that their tribulation is lifted, and their affliction is raised, and that their situation is rectified, and that their statements and actions become good.

Upon this, we also advise our Muslim brethren in Palestine to have fear of Allaah – The Exalted- and to return to Him, just as we advise them to be united; upon the truth, and to leave off divisions and splitting up, and not to give a chance to the enemy – who has taken advantage of it – and will continue to use it in enmity and oppression.

And we also encourage and emphasize our brethren to take the causes which will lead to lifting the oppression directed at their land – while having complete sincerity to Allaah The Exalted – in [those and all other] actions, and to seek His pleasure, and to seek His assistance – through righteous actions, and prayers, and consulting the scholars and people of wisdom; in all their matters – indeed that is a way of being facilitated [to that which is good] and establishment.

Just as we call on to the intellectuals in the world and the international meetings; to have an open look at this catastrophe – with a look of insight, intellect, and equality – so that the Palestinian community can be given its rights. And so that the oppression be lifted from it: such that they live in a honourable life. And at the same time we thank all -the nations and individuals- who have initiated in aiding and helping them.

We ask Allaah by His Beautiful Names and His Lofty Attributes; that He lifts the despair on this Ummah, and that He strengthens its religion, and to raise its statement, and to aid His allies, and to disgrace His enemies -and to return back their plots against themselves- and to save the Muslims from their evil, Indeed He is the Patron, and the One who is Most Able of all that. And may His blessings and good mention be upon our Prophet Muhammad, and also his family and his companions and those who follow them upon good; upto the Last Day.

His eminence; the grand mufti of Saudi Arabia,

President of the Council of Senior Scholars,

Shaykh 'Abdul-'Azeez Ibn 'Abdullaah Aal ash-Shaykh.

Member of Permanent Committee for Islaamic Research and Verdicts .

Translation by Abu Waheeda As-Salafi

5th Muharram 1429.

Source : The Madeenah Journal

http://www.al-madina.com/node/89303

Note : As you can see this call is of no way an announcement of violence or terrorism.

Rather it is a sincere advise to all those involved – in their respective- categories.

And InshaAllaah it will be followed by our next article – in this series – of the Palestinian affair; by an article exposing the cause of the problem, and those who endorse it, and the solution.

“ 'When will the Help of Allah arrive?' Unquestionably, the Help of Allah is near! ” – Part 1‏

2008-12-31T14:25:00.000-08:00

As the world stands by witnessing yet another episode in the ongoing war of terror on Muslim occupied land, the true believer stands watching in a state of awe, between grief, rage, and hope. With more than three hundred killed and over a thousand injured, Ghazza moves into its sixth day of Israeli bombardment.

Although the Palestinian issue is not a new one, in the last few decades the world has seen an escalation of aggression against the Muslim world as a whole. Bosnia, Chechnya, Kosova, Afghanistan, and Iraq are just to name a few. As this aggression increases over time the believers wonder when the aid from Allah will arrive. In the Qur'an, Allah (SWT) teaches us a lesson. That lesson is that as hardship and affliction escalates, ease and alleviation draws nearer and nearer. Allah says:

“For indeed, with hardship will be ease. Indeed, with hardship will be ease.” [Ash-Sharh 94:5,6]

And He says:

“They continued until, when the messengers gave up hope and were certain that they had been denied, there came to them Our victory, and whoever We willed was saved. And Our punishment cannot be repelled from the people who are criminals.” [Yusuf 12:110]

It is also in times like these that Allah wishes to bring out the true colours of individuals. This serves to purify the ranks of the true believers so that when the victory comes it is handed to the few who remained firm and did not back out. Allah says:

“Allah would not leave the believers in the state you are in presently until He separates the evil from the good.” [Aali 'Imran 3:179]

And we see this happening before our eyes. The traitors and hypocrites who were embedded within the ranks of the believers are now becoming exposed. They have turned their backs on our brothers and sisters in Ghazza. Those who are familiar with the Seerah of the Prophet (SAW) will find that this same incident took place in the time of the Prophet (SAW). It was at the battle of Uhud when the Muslims marched out to the battlefield that the hypocrites led by their leader Ubay bin Sulul decided to turn back with nearly a third of the army.

To conclude, although the Ummah is feeling severe pain over the events unraveling in Ghazza, let us not forget that Allah has not abandoned us. Allah says:

“And never think that Allah is unaware of what the wrongdoers do. He only delays them for a Day when eyes will stare in horror.” [Ibrahim 14:42]

It may seem that the enemy is far stronger and mightier than us at the moment, but as they plan their plots Allah too plans. Allah (SWT) revealed to the Prophet (SAW) when the disbelievers of Makkah plotted to get rid of him:

“And remember, when those who disbelieved plotted against you to restrain you or kill you or evict you. But they plan, and Allah plans. And Allah is the best of planners.” [Al-Anfal 8:30]

And let us not consider the events in Ghazza as being negative for the Ummah, Allah says:

“Do not think it bad for you, rather it is good for you.” [An-Nur 24:11]

So do not despair Ya Ummat-ul-Islam, for there is light at the end of the tunnel signaling that victory is near.

“And it does not grieve me that a man or a woman or a child from Chechnya dies, because Insha Allah they are martyrs. However, by Allah, what grieves me greatly is the silence of the Muslim countries regarding this. Otherwise, it should have been mandatory to sever relations with Russia from every angle, and if they had done that Russia would have halted at its limit, and they would not have harmed them at all. However, unfortunately the Muslim countries – and by that I mean the leaders of the Muslim countries, forget the general public, the general public may have fervor and enthusiasm however they do not have the capability – they are silent and have said nothing. This is, by Allah, what grieves me. A Muslim republic, young and fresh, has these types of acts committed against it and we remain silent?”
(Shaikh Muhammad bin Salih Al-'Uthaimeen)

http://m-kamil-ahmad.blogspot.com/

Can there be any doubt who the real terrorists are?

2008-12-30T18:07:00.000-08:00

fwd msg of fatwa-online.com

Can there be any doubt who the real terrorists are?
ref: http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=29422By Stuart Littlewood

The long drawn-out siege and blockade of Gaza, and the numerous military assaults on its people and their legitimate government, are only the latest (Israeli) crimes in a catalogue of torment and terror, notes Stuart Littlewood.

US definition fits perfectly

The patience of all decent men must surely be exhausted.

Today's slaughter of innocents in Gaza, with at least 230 reported killed in raids on "Hamas terror operatives" (as the Israeli military put it), amounted to "a mass execution", said Hamas.

Can there now be any doubt who the real terrorists are?

The killing spree couldn't have happened without the tacit approval of America, Britain and the EU. The political pea-brains that direct the pro-Israel western alliance were partying, gorging themselves on Christmas fare or binge-shopping while this massacre of hungry women and children and their despairing menfolk in Gaza was being planned and executed.

According to the US's own definition of terrorism Israel is squarely in the frame. Under Section 3 of Executive Order 13224 "Blocking Property and prohibiting Transactions with Persons who commit, threaten to commit, or support Terrorism", the term "terrorism" means an activity that…

(i) involves a violent act or an act dangerous to human life, property, or infrastructure; and

(ii) appears to be intended

• to intimidate or coerce a civilian population;

• to influence the policy of a government by intimidation or coercion; or

• to affect the conduct of a government by mass destruction, assassination, kidnapping, or hostage-taking.

The order and its definition of terrorism, signed 23 September 2001 by George W Bush, is used to outlaw and crush any organization, individual or country the US doesn't like. The Israeli regime's "amoral thugs", as a British MP branded them, have plainly been terrorizing the Palestinians for the last 60 years.

The long drawn-out siege and blockade of Gaza, and the numerous military assaults on its people and their legitimate government, are only the latest crimes in a catalogue of torment and terror. They are clearly attempts to "intimidate and coerce", while the mass destruction of Gaza's infrastructure, the withholding of humanitarian aid, the assassinations, the abductions, the bulldozing of Palestinian homes, and the many violent and dangerous acts including indiscriminate bombing and shelling (and the use of cluster bombs in Lebanon), ensure Israel's ugly head is a perfect fit for America's terrorist hat.

How does the world feel about Obama pledging to "forge an unshakeable bond" with the "miracle" of Terrorist Israel?

How do we feel about the EU rewarding Israel for its terrorist acts with enhanced benefits under the EU-Israel Association Agreement?

How do we Brits feel about our Intelligence and Security Committee being chaired by a Friend of Terrorist Israel and 5 out of its 9 members also being the Zionist regime's devoted Friends? How do we feel about our Foreign Affairs Committee being chaired by a Friend of Terrorist Israel...and our Defence Committee too?

Britain's prime minister Brown and his predecessor, now peace envoy Blair, both self-confessed Zionists, have given their undying support to a terrorist state and steered Britain's foreign policy on a course that has earned the opprobrium of civilised people.

The best Brown could do today was urge "restraint". He called on Gazan "militants" to "cease all rocket attacks on Israel immediately", but didn't urge his bosom pals to end the siege and their illegal occupation which, as every sane person knows, are the cause of the strife. Our Foreign Office went so far as to say they were "deeply concerned" then spouted the mantra: "The only way to achieve a lasting peace is through peaceful means".

The only peaceful means of achieving a lasting peace is for Western leaders to pull the plug on Israel until the regime conforms to international law and the will of the United Nations (without whose misguided generosity there would never have been a state of Israel), pulls back behind the 1967 border and strictly observes the principles of universal human rights.

If they don't shoulder their responsibility, they risk a mighty moral backlash from ordinary people, who are beginning to learn the awful truth.

Stuart Littlewood is author of the book Radio Free Palestine, which tells the plight of the Palestinians under occupation.

..........
Don't forget your muslim brothers and sisters around the world suffering at the hands of their oppressors; remember them all in your supplications, especially in the night prayer - in the last third of the night - when you stand before your Lord.

Abu Hurayrah reported Allaah's Messenger (sal-Allaahu 'alayhe wa sallam) as saying:

((Our Lord, the Blessed and the Exalted, descends every night to the lowest heaven when one-third of the latter part of the night is left, and says: Who supplicates Me so that I may answer him? Who asks Me so that I may give to him? Who asks Me forgiveness so that I may forgive him?)), [Saheeh Muslim, No.1656]

...

http://www.fatwa-online.com/news/0020221.htm
Shaykh 'Abdul-'Azeez Aal ash-Shaykh:
"Indeed waging war against the weak Muslims in Palestine is (Israeli) terrorism and oppression.

...today the Muslim Ummah was passing through a severe phase which requires it to take a close look (at itself) so that it can become a single Ummah defending and protecting it's 'aqeedah".

...

http://www.fatwa-online.com/news/0020414.htm
Shaykh Saalih ibn Fowzaan:
"It is obligatory upon the Muslims to make supplication for their Muslim brothers and to assist them with wealth. To assist them with wealth and supplication, this is what is obligatory, and this is what will benefit them."

Call this justifiable??!!

2008-12-29T17:22:00.000-08:00

I write this while tears stream from my eyes, I have become more aware now of the situation in palestine and the current situation there, this is so sad, I feel so helpless and angry. Palestinians are labelled as the terrorists when they are the ones having their land stolen from under their noses,kicked out from their own homes, left without electricity/water etc, innocent people killed, including women and children! subhanAllaah, why do people think this is justifiable???!!!! Wake up!!! open your eyes and look at the reality. Insha Allaah we need to make lots of du'a for our brothers and sisters in Palestine, May Allaah help them and grant them peace in the land which is rightfully theirs.
I came across this on'a learning muslimah'

Look into my eyes
And tell me what you see.
You don't see a damn thing,
'cause you can't possibly relate to me.

You're blinded by our differences.
My life makes no sense to you.
I'm the persecuted Palestinian.
You're the American red, white and blue.

Each day you wake in tranquility,
No fears to cross your eyes.
Each day I wake in gratitude,
Thanking God He let me rise.

You worry about your education
And the bills you have to pay.
I worry about my vulnerable life
And if I'll survive another day.

Your biggest fear is getting ticketed
As you cruise your Cadillac.
My fear is that the tank that just left
Will turn around and come back.

American, do you realize,
That the taxes that you pay
Feed the forces that traumatize
My every living day?

The bulldozers and the tanks,
The gases and the guns,
The bombs that fall outside my door,
All due to American funds.

Yet do you know the truth
Of where your money goes?
Do you let your media deceive your mind?
Is this a truth that no one knows?

You blame me for defending myself
Against the ways of Zionists.
I'm terrorized in my own land
And I'm the terrorist?

You think you know all about terrorism
But you don't know it the way I do,
So let me define the term for you,
And teach you what you thought you knew.

I've known terrorism for quite some time,
Fifty-five years and more.
It's the fruitless garden uprooted in my yard.
It's the bulldozer in front of my door.

Terrorism breathes the air I breathe.
It's the checkpoint on my way to school.
It's the curfew that jails me in my own home,
And the penalties of breaking that curfew rule.

Terrorism is the robbery of my land,
And the torture of my mother,
The imprisonment of my innocent father,
The bullet in my baby brother.

So American, don't tell me you know about
The things I feel and see.
I'm terrorized in my own land
And the blame is put on me.

But I will not rest, I shall never settle
For the injustice my people endure.
Palestine is our land and there we'll remain
Until the day our homeland is secure.

And if that time shall never come,
Then we will never see a day of peace.
I will not be thrown from my own home,
Nor will my fight for justice cease.

And if I am killed, it will be in Filasteen
It's written on my every breath.
So in your own patriotic words,
Give me liberty or give me death.

And why should ye not fight in the cause of Allah and of those who, being weak, are ill-treated (and oppressed)?- Men, women, and children, whose cry is: "Our Lord! Rescue us from this town, whose people are oppressors; and raise for us from thee one who will protect; and raise for us from thee one who will help!" (4:74)

Just ranting

2008-12-27T15:59:00.001-08:00

Today while walking to the shops with the kids, a bus went past and there was a middle aged couple sat on there, I glimpsed briefly, but I could see they were having a good stare and a giggle, like they really wanted me to notice them doing it, the kids noticed and told me what they were doing. I responded to them by saying, there's alot of narrow minded people about, who laugh at people who look/dress different to them, and obviously haven't got any manners, I said let them laugh, we don't want to be like them. My son who is 6 said he laughed back at them, lol.
Just thinking about it now, makes me think how pathetic and childish these kind of people are, they don't even take into consideration the kids, I would feel ashamed if my mum or any family member were the type to do this to people, alhamdulillaah they are not. And I myself am not the type to act like this towards people.

Just wanted to have a little rant about this, I know it's nothing big, but these little things do your head in sometimes, especially when your kids see it, and you have to explain to them the ignorance and stupidness of some.

Ruling on celebrating non-Muslim holidays and congratulating them

2008-12-27T02:43:00.000-08:00

Question:
Can a muslim celebrate a non muslim holiday?

Answer:

Praise be to Allaah.
Greeting the kuffaar on Christmas and other religious holidays of theirs is haraam, by consensus, as Ibn al-Qayyim, may Allaah have mercy on him, said in Ahkaam Ahl al-Dhimmah: "Congratulating the kuffaar on the rituals that belong only to them is haraam by consensus, as is congratulating them on their festivals and fasts by saying ‘A happy festival to you’ or ‘May you enjoy your festival,’ and so on. If the one who says this has been saved from kufr, it is still forbidden. It is like congratulating someone for prostrating to the cross, or even worse than that. It is as great a sin as congratulating someone for drinking wine, or murdering someone, or having illicit sexual relations, and so on. Many of those who have no respect for their religion fall into this error; they do not realize the offensiveness of their actions. Whoever congratulates a person for his disobedience or bid’ah or kufr exposes himself to the wrath and anger of Allaah."

Congratulating the kuffaar on their religious festivals is haraam to the extent described by Ibn al-Qayyim because it implies that one accepts or approves of their rituals of kufr, even if one would not accept those things for oneself. But the Muslim should not aceept the rituals of kufr or congratulate anyone else for them, because Allaah does not accept any of that at all, as He says (interpretation of the meaning):

"If you disbelieve, then verily, Allaah is not in need of you, He likes not disbelief for His slaves. And if you are grateful (by being believers), He is pleased therewith for you. . ." [al-Zumar 39:7]

". . . This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islaam as your religion . . ." [al-Maa’idah 5:3]

So congratulating them is forbidden, whether they are one’s colleagues at work or otherwise.

If they greet us on the occasion of their festivals, we should not respond, because these are not our festivals, and because they are not festivals which are acceptable to Allaah. These festivals are innovations in their religions, and even those which may have been prescribed formerly have been abrogated by the religion of Islaam, with which Allaah sent Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) to the whole of mankind. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

"Whoever seeks a religion other than Islaam, it will never be accepted of him, and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers." [Aal ‘Imraan 3:85]

It is haraam for a Muslim to accept invitations on such occasions, because this is worse than congratulating them as it implies taking part in their celebrations.

Similarly, Muslims are forbidden to imitate the kuffaar by having parties on such occasions, or exchanging gifts, or giving out sweets or food, or taking time off work, etc., because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "Whoever imitates a people is one of them." Shaykh al-Islaam Ibn Taymiyah said in his book Iqtidaa’ al-siraat al-mustaqeem mukhaalifat ashaab al-jaheem: "Imitating them in some of their festivals implies that one is pleased with their false beliefs and practices, and gives them the hope that they may have the opportunity to humiliate and mislead the weak."

Whoever does anything of this sort is a sinner, whether he does it out of politeness or to be friendly, or because he is too shy to refuse, or for whatever other reason, because this is hypocrisy in Islaam, and because it makes the kuffaar feel proud of their religion.

Allaah is the One Whom we ask to make the Muslims feel proud of their religion, to help them adhere steadfastly to it, and to make them victorious over their enemies, for He is the Strong and Omnipotent.

Majmoo’ah Fataawa wa Rasaa’il al-Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen, 3/369)

Three Laughs and Three Tears

2008-12-26T10:23:00.000-08:00

It is reported from Abû Al-Dardâ – Allâh be pleased with him – that he said, “Three make me laugh, and three make me cry.

Those that make me laugh are a person who puts his hopes in this worldly life while death pursues him, a person who is heedless [of his Lord] while [his Lord] is not heedless of him, and a person who always laughs while he does not know whether he has pleased Allâh or angered Him.

What makes me cry is being separated from my beloved: Muhammad (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) and his party (the Companions), the horrors of the time of death, and standing in front of Allâh ‘azza wa jall on the Day when the secrets will be revealed and I do not know will I then go to Paradise or Hell?”

Ibn Al-Mubârak, Al-Zuhd wa Al-Raqâ`iq article 250.

www.sayingsofthesalaf.net

I've finally wrote something new!.. instead of copying and pasting, lol

2008-12-24T14:11:00.000-08:00

I feel since setting this blog up that I haven't contributed much from my personal daily experiences, but rather have found it easier to just post an article now and again when I see a beneficial one in my email, I know this post may come across as a bit repetitive, as nothing much has really changed, (sigh). It's no ones fault but my own, nowadays I find myself not really spending any time on my deen, except for when I pray, we do the morning adkhaar daily, and when I occasionally read an article sent from one of the yahoo groups I'm a member of.

When I started on this blog, I set up a little routine where I would sit down in the evening and read at least 2 sides of a page of the Qur'an, and then the same for an islamic book, well, that's gone out the window, I'm not that great when it comes to routines, some I can keep up, but not all, if I miss a night/day, then I find myself slipping back, and it then becomes hard to get back into that routine, unless I really push myself. So I guess, I need to give myself a big push, as time is flying, subhanAllaah.

I don't really know where I'm going with this post, I just felt the need to type something, let whoever's reading know that there is still a REAL person behind this blog, lol.

So what's happening with me at this moment in life? well, I'm busy homeschooling my 2 daughters, and son right now, as he's off school for holidays, busy with the baby who will be 1 in February insha Allaah, can't believe a years almost gone already! subhanAllaah.

Trying not to let myself worry too much about us one day going to Yemen, this has been planned for a long time now, so don't actually know when it will happen, Allaahu alam, I feel alot of it is to do with lack of eemaan, as I know if I was stronger right now, alot of these worries would seem so insignificant, subhanAllaah, I worry whether I can educate my kids there, have access to resources etc.. getting sick, seeing my family, will I like it, etc, etc.... but I know I need to put my trust in Allaah more, and maybe just take it one day at a time, and not think too far ahead, that's my problem, always worrying!

So for now that's about it, just a lil update on me and my life.

The benefit of being good to one's daughter

2008-12-23T17:12:00.000-08:00

I request from his eminence to present some advice for the one who is being tested by way of one’s daughters and the benefit in raising them and in dealing with them in a good manner.

Response: It is necessary that those who provide for their daughters that they be good to them and raise them while observing good manners. The Prophet, the peace & blessings of Allah be upon him, said:

{Whoever is tested with something due to one’s daughters and remains good to them (during this trial) then he will have a cover that will protect him from the hellfire (on the Day of Judgment).}*

The Sunnah is to raise them while observing good manners, and to invite them to righteousness. As well as being gentle with them as there is glad tidings in being good to one’s daughters or sisters. And they should invite them to Allah by finding them righteous husbands who will excel in protecting them and enjoin them to fulfill the commands of Allah.

ash-Shaykh ‘Abdul-‘Azeez bin Baaz (rahimahullah)
Arabic Source: http://www.ibnbaz.org.sa/mat/1649
Translated by: Aboo ‘Imraan al-Mekseekee-may Allah guide him

* Related by at-Tirmidhee in Kitaab-ul-Birr was-Silah (the Book of Piety and Relations with the Relatives) under the chapter “What has been revealed regarding one’s spending on the daughters and sisters” with the wording: {Whoever is tested with something due to one’s daughters and he is patient with it then he will have a cover that will protect him from the hellfire (on the Day of Judgment).} And he also said in a narration graded as Hasan that was related by Ibn Maajah in Kitaab-ul-Adab (the Book of Manners) in the chapter “Serving the parents and being good to one’s daughters” with the wording: {Whoever has three daughters and is patient with them and feeds them, gives them drink, and clothes them from his provisioning, he will have a cover that will protect him from the hellfire on the Day of Judgment.}

Birmingham UK conference programme

2008-12-23T17:06:00.000-08:00

Friday 26th, Saturday 27th, Sunday 28th December 2008
Masjid As-Salafi Birmingham 0121 773 0033
www.SalafiTalk.net

FRIDAY

12pm-12.30pm “Jumu’ah Khutbah”Abu Khadeejah Abdul-Waahid

7pm LIVE Tele-link: “Importance of Knowledge & Its People”Shaikh Ubaid al-Jaabiree
SPECIAL: Arabic and English Books and Audio Sale 15% OFF EVERYTHINGHuge selection available!The Salafi Bookstore, 472 Coventry Rd
1pm - 9pm ONLY

SATURDAY 1pm “Abstaining from that which does not concern the Believer”Abu Iyaad Amjad Rafiq

4pm “Benefits from the great work of Ibnul-Qayyim: Al-Fawaai’d”Abu Hakeem Bilaal Davis

6pm LIVE Tele-Link: “Steadfastness Upon The Sunnah”Shaikh Zaid al-Madkhali

7pm “Beware, in Particular of the People in your Times”Imaam Al-Barbahaaree, Explanation by Shaikh Al-FawzaanAbu Khadeejah Abdul-Waahid

9.30pm “Those Whom Allaah Loves”Hasan as-Somaalee

SUNDAY 11am “Importance of Correct Belief (Somaali Language)”Abu Suhaib as-Somaalee

1pm “The Five Intended Necessities Of The Religion”Uwais at-Taweel

3pm “Patience in the Face of Afflictions”Abu Idrees Muhammad

5pm LIVE Tele-link: “The Status Of The Scholars Of Hadeeth”Shaikh Rabee’ Ibn Haadee

6pm “Brief Final Words of Advice from the Organizers”
Miscellaneous

Tagged!

2008-12-17T18:03:00.000-08:00

Ok, well I've just been tagged by Umm Travis , and had this little task to do below, I actually found it alot easier than I thought it would be, and alot of fun.

Rules: IT'S HARDER THAN IT LOOKS!

USE THE 1ST LETTER OF YOUR NAME TO ANSWER EACH OF THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS.
THEY HAVE TO BE REAL PLACES, NAMES,THINGS. NOTHING MADE UP!
TRY TO USE DIFFERENT ANSWERS IF THE PERSON WHO TAGGED YOU HAD THE SAME 1ST INITIAL.
YOU CAN'T USE YOUR NAME FOR THE BOY/GIRL NAME QUESTION.

1. What is your name: Na'imah

2. A 4 Letter word: Noun

3. A Boys Name: Nabil

4. A Girls Name: Nusaybah

5. An Occupation: Neurologist

6. A Color: Neon Green (lol)

7. Something you wear: necklace

8. A Beverage: Nutrament

9. A Food: Noodles

10. Something found in the bathroom: New shower gel

11. A place: Neath (birth place)

12. A Reason for being late: Not heard alarm

13. Something you shout: No! (alot actually, lol)

The best of men

2008-12-15T18:03:00.000-08:00

AL TIRMIDHI NARRATED IN HIS BOOK THE MUHAMMEDAN CHARACTERISTICS ON AUTHORITY OF AL HASSAN IBN ALI THAT AL HUSSEIN HAD SAID THAT HIS FATHER WAS ASKED ABOUT THE WAY THE MESSENGAR OF ALLAH CONDUCTED HIMSELF WITH HIS COMPANIONS AND THOSE WHO SAT WITH HIM,SO HE SAID,
"THE MESSENGER OF ALLAH SALLAHU ALAYHI WA SALAM HAD ALWAYS BEEN CHEERFUL,EASY GOING AND DOCILE. HE WAS NEVER ROUGH,HARSH OR BLATANT AND NEVER USED FOUL LANGUAGE.HE NEVER WAS A FAULTFINDER AND NEVER ARGUED (FOR THE SAKE OF ARGUING).HE NEVER PAID ATTENTION TO ANYTHING THAT WAS NOT HIS CONCERN.HE NEVER DISAPPOINTED ANYONE THAT SOUGHT HIS HELP AND NEVER DISMISSED ANYONE THAT WANTED ANYTHING FROM HIM EMPTY HANDED. HE ABSTAINED FROM THREE THINGS ARGUING,BEING EXTRAVAGANT AND ANYTHING THAT DID NOT CONCERN HIM.HE FURTHER REFRAINED FROM DOING THREE THINGS TOWARDS PPL;HE NEVER BELITTLED ANYONE NEVER CRITISED ANYONE AND NEVER SEARCHED FOR ANYONES FAULTS.HE WOULD NEVER SPEAK UNLESS WHEN HE ANTICIPATED A BENEFIT FROM SPEAKING.WHEN HE SPOKE HIS COMPANIONS WOULD LISTEN ATTENTIVELY.THEY TALKED ONLY WHEN HE FINISHED TALKING AND WOULD NOT TALK OVER HIM.
HE WOULD LAUGH ABOUT WHAT THEY LAUGHED ABOUT AND WOULD WONDER WHAT THEY WONDERED JE WAS ALWAYS PATIENT WITH THE STRANGERSTHAT APPROACHED WITH ROUGHNESS,THEREFORE HIS COMPANIONS WOULD BRING STRANGERS TO HIM SO THEY COULD BENEFIT FROM HIS ANSWERS TO THEIR QUESTIONS.HE WOULD NEVER ACCEPT A COMPLIMENT EXCEPT FROM SOMEONE WHO WAS RETURNING A FAVOUR DONE BY THE PROPHET BY SAYING JAZAK ALLAHU KHAYRUN.

FURTHERMORE THE PROPHET WAS THE MOST KNOWLEDGABLE THE MOST PIOUS THE MOST ABSITENENT FROM THE LUXURIES OF THIS WORLD THE MOST JUST THE MOST TOLERANT.

HE HAD APPROACHED HIS COMPANIONS SO DEARLY THAT EVERYONE OF THEM THOUGHT THAT THE PROPHET LIKED HIM THE MOST.
HE WAS THE MODEST OF ALL PPL AND NEVER STARED ANYONE HE ANSWERED THE INVITATION OF ANYONE WHETHER IT BE A FREE MAN OR A SLAVE AND ACCEPTED ANY GIFT THAT WAS OFFERED TO HIM WHETHER IT BE A SIP OF MILK OR A RABBITS THIGH MOREOVER HE WOULD PRAY FOR THE ONE WHO HAD GIVEN THE GIFT AND WOULD EAT FROM IT.HOWEVER HE NEVER ACCEPTED CHARITY HE WOULD ALWAYS VISITE DTHE SICK ESPECIALLY THE SICK AMONG THE POOR PPL WHOM NOBADY WOULD LOOK AFTER OR PAY ATTENTION TO.
HE WAS ALWAYS POLITE WITH HIS COMPANIONS AND ALWAYS MISSED THE ONE WHO WAS ABSENT FOR A WHILE.
HE ALWAYS LOOKED AFTER HIS RELATIVES AND KINFOLK AND NEVER GAVE ANY OF THE PREFERENTIAL TREATMENT HE NEVER SHUNNED ANYONE REGARDLESS OF WHAT THEY MIGHT HAVE DONE HE HAD SLAVES AND MAIDS YET NEVER GAVE HIMSELF PREFERENCE OVER THEM IN TERMS OF FOOD AND CLOTHES.

HE WAS THE LAST PERSON TO GET ANGRY AND THE QUICKEST TO BE PLEASANT AND FORGIVING HE WAS THE KINDEST GENTLEST AND THE MOST BENEFICAL OF THE PPL FOR THE PPL.
THIS SHOULD BE SUFFICIENT FOR ANYONE WHO WANTS TO TAKE THE MESSENGER OF ALLAH SALLAHU ALAYHI WA SALAAM AS HIS EXAMPLE OR ROLE MODEL HIS MORALS ARE MORE THAN WHAT ONE CAN MENTION IN ONE SPPECH ONLY ALLAH CAN LIST HIS HONORABLE PROPHETS VIRTUOUS CHARACTERISTICS.

ALLAH SAYS "AND VERILY,YOU O MUHAMMED ARE ON AN EXALTED(STANDARD OF)CHARACTER."

MAY ALLAH GIVE US JUST SOME OF THESE BEAUTIFUL CHARACTERISTICS OF OUR BELOVED PROPHET IF NOT ALL OF THEM AND LET US BE A GOOD EXAMPLE TO MANKIND AND OF OUR WONDERFUL AND PERFECT RELIGION ISLAM SO WE CAN CALL PEOPLE TO THE TRUTH AND BE GUIDED UPON THE STRAIGHT PATH AMEEN.

(Taken from the book - Selected Friday Sermons)

Sayings of the Salaf

2008-12-15T17:58:00.000-08:00

Two Requirements for Knowledge

It is reported that Al-Sha’bî said, “The only people who used to seek this knowledge were those who combined two characteristics: intelligence and devout worship. If a person was intelligent but not devout, it would be said that only the worshippers can attain this [knowledge], and so he would not try to seek it. And if a person was devout, but not intelligent, it would be said that only the intelligent can attain this [knowledge], and so he would not try to seek it.” Al-Sha’bî continued, “And I fear that today, people who are neither intelligent nor devout try to seek it.”

Ibn Hibbân Al-Bustî, Rawdatu Al-‘Uqalâ` wa Nuzhatu Al-Fudalâ` Vol.1 p9.

Knowledge transforms the student

Al-Hasan Al-Basrî – Allah have mercy on him – said: When a man sought knowledge, it would not be long before it could be seen in his humbleness, his sight, upon his tongue and his hands, in his prayer, in his speech and in his disinterest (zuhd) in worldly allurements. And a man would acquire a portion of knowledge and put it into practice, and it would be better for him than the world and all it contains – if he owned it he would give it in exchange for the hereafter.

Ibn Al-Mubârak, Al-Zuhd wa Al-Raqâ`iq Vol.1 p.156.

http://www.sayingsofthesalaf.net

Being grateful

2008-12-12T17:33:00.000-08:00

While browsing through some random homeschooling blogs this evening, I was directed to another blog which belongs to a lady in the U.S, who in August lost her son. He was 3 yrs old, and had gone missing and had later been found in the pond. I have been reading through the mother's blog and have cried so much, I think being a mother myself, I can imagine the heartache that this woman must be feeling. It has just made me reflect and be more grateful to Allaah for the children he has bestowed upon me, alhamdulillaah. I feel so guilty for getting angry with them when they squabble and play up, and shouting and not spending as much time as I should be with them, while they're young. It should serve as a reminder to us that this life does not last forever, and Allaah can take us at any time, no matter what our age may be, let's make the most of the time we have with our children insha Allaah, have fun with them, thank Allaah for them and be grateful.

Found karate class

2008-12-11T18:54:00.000-08:00

Masha'Allaah I found a karate class for my son, it's not too far from where we live, and I think it's a brother who actually teaches the class. I asked about the issue of bowing, I doubted this would be something that was done there, but I have recently seen brothers bowing in a karate class we visited so I wanted to check before getting U's hopes up, masha'Allaah the brother said they don't bow there, so finally we found something alhamdulillaah.
Also one sister I know who's husband is a black belt, said that the instructor who told me that they have to do the bowing was lying, he said it's not required. I think maybe the guy either was being awkward and didn't agree it should be changed/left out or was just ignorant of it, Allaahu a'lam.

Taking children to the masjid

2008-12-11T18:34:00.001-08:00

Excerpt: "You carry a child that does not understand how to pray, and you place him in the front row with you behind the Imaam? The people are only being silent out of courtesy, because this child is not in prayer, he may not even be upon purity, maybe not even in his physical body. This is because you just took him from your home without teaching him how to purify himself and how to pray to begin with. This is erroneous, what you should be doing is teach him how to purify himself and how to pray in your home firstly, then you teach him where and how to stand in the row [in the Masjid]."

Shaykh Muhammad Amaan al Jaami' (rahimahullaah)

Full Article: http://subulassalaam.com/articles/article.cfm?article_id=82

Lying to seek knowledge

2008-12-11T18:03:00.000-08:00

Author: Shaykh Yahyaa al Haajooree
Topic: Knowledge and its Virtues
Reference: Responses to Questions from a Variety of Countries - more about reference here...

Question:
Is it permissible to lie in order to seek knowledge, for example; obtaining a fake certificate/degree, `lying about your age to the interviewer, or having a an id card with false information and so on, because this issue is widespread and may Allaah reward you with good.

Response:
Lying is from amongst the worst of sins, so how can it permissible to lie in an affair such as this, or in other than it. The scholars only considered three situations to be exceptions; when rectifying between the Muslims, lying during war as war is deception, and that a man lies to his wife according to some scholars [i.e. that he says the food is delicious when he doesn’t really believe so and so on, not unrestrictedly.] They base it on the Hadeeth of Umm Kalthoom, which is a ‘Shaadh’ narration. So how about lying in order to seek knowledge!? I fear that this person would not be granted success, Allaah the Elevated says:
Is it then he who laid the foundation of his building on piety to Allaah and His Good Pleasure better, or he who laid the foundation of his building on the brink of an undetermined precipice ready to crumble down, so that it crumbled to pieces with him into the fire of Hell. [At Tawbah: 109]

This is the basing of the building of seeking knowledge, the basis of seeking knowledge must be upon Taqwaa, truthfulness, preserving the boundaries of Allaah, trustworthiness, fear of Allaah, supplication to Allaah… It is not based upon lies from the first step. I fear that this may be a cause for a transformation to the worse, for indeed sins are a cause for humiliation and evil, Allaah the Elevated said:

And those who have earned evil deeds, the recompense of an evil deed is the like thereof, and humiliating disgrace will cover them... [Yunus: 27]

This question was from Indonesia.

Taken From: http://subulassalaam.com/articles/article.cfm?article_id=83

The Disease of Desires

2008-12-11T17:51:00.000-08:00

By Shaykhul-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah
"Extracted from “Diseases of the Hearts & their Cures”

Miserliness and jealousy are sicknesses that lead to the soul hating that which would benefit it, and its loving that which would haram it. This is why jealousy was mention alongside hatred and resentment in the proceeding ahaadeeth. As for the sickness of desire and passionate love then this is the soul loving that which would haram it and coupled with this is its hatred of that which would benefit it.

Passionate love is a psychological sickness, and when its effects become noticeable on the body, it becomes a sickness that afflicts the mind also. Either by afflicting the mind by the likes of melancholy, or afflicting the body throughout weakness and emaciation. But the purpose here is to discuss its affect on the heart, for passionate love is the fundamental that makes the soul covet that which would harm it, similar to the one weak of body who covets that which harms it, and if he is not satiated by that then he is grieved, and if he is satiated then his sickness increases. The same applies to the heart afflicted with this love, for it is harmed by its connection to the loved, either by seeing, touching, hearing, or even thinking about it. And if he were to curb the love then the heart is hurt and grieved by this, and if he gives it to the desire then the sickness becomes stronger and becomes a means through which the grievance is increased.

In the Hadeeth there occurs, " Indeed Allah shelters His believing servant from the world just as one of you shelter your sick ones from food and drink [ that would harm them]"

In the hadeeth concerning the saving of Moosa reported by Wahbibn Munabbih [ is a noble taabi ee, this hadeeth is reported from him but is not authentic.] which is recorded by Imaam Ahmad in Zuhd " Allah says indeed I drive away my friends from the delights of this world and its opulence and comfort just ask the compassionate Shepherd drives away his camel from the dangerous crazing lands. And Indeed I make them avoid its tranquility and livelihood, just ask the compassionate shepherd makes his camel to avoid the resting places wherein it would be easy pray. This not because I consider them to be insignificant, but so that they may complete their portion of my kindness in Safety and abundance, the delights of the world will not attract him and neither would desires overcome him."

Therefore the only cure for the sick lies in his removing the sickness by removing the blameworthy love from his heart.People are divided into two opinions concerning passionate love: one group says that it falls into the category of intentions and wishes, this being the famous opinion. Another group says that it falls into the category of imagination and fantasies and that it is corruption of the imagination since it cause one to depict the one who is loved in other than his true reality. This group went on to say: "And this is why Allah has not been described with passionate love [shik] and neither that he passionately love [ya shik] because He is far removed from this, and one cannot be praised who has there corrupt thoughts.."

As for the first group, then from them are those who said: He is described with passionate love [ishk] because it is a complete and perfect love and Allah Loves [yuhib]." And it is reported in the narration of Abdul Wahid bin Zayd that He said, "The servant will always continue to draw close to me, loving Me and I loving him {a shiquhoo]." This is the saying of some of the Soofis but majority do not apply this word to Allah, because passionate love is a love exceeding the proper bounds, as for the Love of Allah then it has no end and cannot exceed the proper bounds.

Passionate love is to be considered blameworthy without any exceptions, it is not to be praised when it is directed toward the Creator or created because it is a love that exceeds the proper bounds.This is also true because the word 'passionate love' is only employed with regards to a man loving a woman or child [ or vice versa]. it is not employed in things such as the love of one's family, property or status, just as it not emplayed with regards to the love of the Prophets and the righteous. Commonly, you will find this word being mentioned alongside a forbidden action, such as loving the woman who is not lawful for him, or loving a child joined with the unlawful glance and touch and other such unlawful actions.

And for the love of a man for his wife or slave girl which leads him out of the folds of justice such that he does unlawful things for her and leave what is obligatory- as commonly happens- even to the extent tht he may oppress his son born of his old wife due to this love of his new wife, or to the extent that he will do things to keep her happy that would haram his religion and worldy life. For example his singling her out for inheritance that she does not deserve, or that he gives her family authorit and property that exceeds the limits set by Allah, or he goes to exceees in spending o*n her, or he makes unlawful things possible for her which is harm his religion and worldly life. This passionate love is forbidden with regards for one who has passionate love for someone who is unlawful or with regards to two men. For this contains a corruption that extent of which none can assess except the lord of the servants; it is a sickness that corrupts the religion and objectives of the o*ne who possesses it, then it corrupts his intelligence and then his body. Allah the most High, says,

" Then do not be soft in speech, lest he is whose heart is a disease should be moved with desire, but speak in a honourable manner." Soorah al ahzaab :32

There are some whose hearts contain the disease of desire and whose perceptions are only skin deep. When the object of the desire submits, the sickness is satiated, and this satiation strengthens the desire and pursuit of the object and hence strengthens the sickness. This is a contrast to the one whose objective is not met, for this failure results is removing the satiation that would strengthen the sickness and there by the desire is weakended as is the love. This is because the person definitely inteds tht there be action accompanying his desire, for otherwise all his desire would be is just whispering of the soul, unless there is some speech or looking accompany this.

As for the one who is afflicted with this passionate love but holds back and is patient, then indeed Allah will reward him for his taqwaa as occurs in the hadeeth, " that the one who passionately love someone yets hold back, conceals this and is patient, then dies upon this, will be a martry." [ A da eef hadeeth, ] This hadeeth is known to be the report of Yahya al Qataat from Mujaahid from Ibn Abbass from the Prophet sallahu wa alyhe wa sallam but it is problematic and such a hadeeth is not to be depended upon.

But it is known from the evideces of the Shareeah that if one were to hold back from performing that which is unlawful, be it looking, speaking or acting, and conceals this and does not articulate it so as not to fall into that which is prohibited and he is patient in his obedience to Allah and keep away form disobedience to Allah, despite the pain that his hearts feels due to this passionate love, [similar to the case of the one who is patient throught a calaminty, then indeed this person would gain the same rewards as those who have feared Allah and been Patient.

A Great 'Eid

2008-12-10T16:16:00.000-08:00

Alhamdulillaah had a great few days of 'eid, I wanted to make sure the kids enjoyed themselves, as the last 'eid we were just stuck in the house. Was not able to go to the 'eid salaah for certain reasons, we do normally, but it was a bit awkward this time. We were invited to a sisters house for the day on Monday, there were just a few of us but masha'Allaah it's sometimes nicer when it's not so many people. The kids did their presentation, K wrote a little about the examples of a good companion and a bad companion, we just about heard her speak as she was so shy, love her. U recited a small surah, and so did T. The rest of the kids did some presentations on the hajj, dhul hijja etc... They all recieved a gift each, which they loved and made their day alhamdulillaah.

Us sisters decided to have a little makeup competion, I was quite impressed with my finished look (I was the one applying) especially the eyeliner which I managed to get quite neat, it turned out to be a draw. The funniest part was when I had my makeover done, lol, just thinking about it now makes me laugh, the makeup was verry heavy, which I am not used to, and I was told I looked like a teenager! I didn't want to make the sister feel bad, but I had to wash it off, I couldn't stay loyal for very long, lol.

Food was lush masha'Allaah, rice,curry, chicken, samosas, pizza(but not at same time as rice) I was so full at the end of the day, alhamdulillaah. Got back just before midnight, so as you can imagine we were all shattered, but had a great day, Jazakillaahu khairan sisters, May Allaah reward you for all your efforts, ameen.

Tuesday, we went over to Small Heath, there was an 'eid gathering going on, bouncy castles, ball pit, food, kids enjoyed themselves alhamdulillaah, but spent most of the time coming back and forth asking for money for sweets, that's kids for you ey! masha'Allaah. We stayed a couple of hours and then made our way back home. Today we just stayed home most of the day, masha'Allaah it was nice to stay in, getting bit cold outside, brrrr! the girls played with their new prams they had off my mum, it was quite funny, we all went out to the shop today, so there's three prams, my big one, and their mini ones, I told them this was the last time I let them take them to the shop, T just loves to run with hers, and the aisles in the shop are not the widest, so I think we were blocking up the place a bit.
Well, I'm really happy with how 'eid turned out this year, I think it's important that kids can have fun and enjoy themselves, and look forward to the next one insha Allaah.

Ten Examples of the Haya' of the Salaf

2008-12-09T15:10:00.000-08:00

1 - Abu Musa al-Ash'ari:Anas bin Malik said:
"When Abu Musa would sleep, he would wear a small over garment, fearing that his 'awrah would be exposed."['Siyar A'lam an-Nubala''; 2/399]

2 - Ibn 'Abbas:
"He would not enter the bathroom except that he was alone, and would be wearing a thick outer garment, saying: "I am shy from Allah Seeing me in the bathroom without any clothing.""['Siyar A'lam an-Nubala''; 3/355]3 -

3 - 'A'ishah:
"I used to enter the building in which the Messenger of Allah and my father were buried while I was dressed lightly, saying: 'These are just my husband and father.' However, when 'Umar was buried, by Allah, I never entered this building except that my clothing was wrapped tightly around my body, out of shyness from 'Umar."[al-Hakim's 'Mustadrak' (4/7), and he declared it authentic]4 -

4 - Hisham bin 'Ammar:Mu'awiyah bin Aws narrated:
"I saw Hisham bin 'Ammar, and when he would walk in the street, he would look down to the ground, and he would never raise his head to the sky, out of shyness from Allah - the Mighty and Majestic."['Siyar A'lam an-Nubala''; 11/430]

5 - al-Humaydi:
"Abu Bakr bin Maymun came and knocked on the door of al-Humaydi, and assumed that he was given permission to enter. So, he entered, finding al-Humaydi with his thigh exposed. al-Humaydi began to cry, saying: "By Allah, you have just laid your eyes on something that nobody has seen since I have reached adulthood!""['Siyar A'lam an-Nubala''; 19/122]6 -

6 - Muhammad bin Yahya adh-Dhuhli:
Abu al-'Abbas al-Azhari said:"I heard the servant of Muhammad bin Yahya adh-Dhuhli saying, while he was being washed: "I served him for thirty years, and I would give him his water, and I never even saw his leg, and I was his property.""['Siyar A'lam an-Nubala''; 12/279]7 -

7 - Al-Imam al-Bukhari:Muhammad bin Abi Hatim narrated:
"Some of my companions said to me: "We were at the house of Muhammad bin Salam, and Muhammad bin Isma'il al-Bukhari entered upon his upon his return from Iraq. So, he began to inform us of the tribulation that the people were being put through, as well as what had happened to Ahmad bin Hambal, etc. When al-Imam al-Bukhari exited the house, Muhammad bin Salam said to those present: "Have you ever seen a virgin with as much shyness as this man?""['Siyar A'lam an-Nubala''; 12/418]8 -

8 - Ibn al-Qayyim narrated that some of the Salaf said:"
If one does something in secret that he is shy from doing in public, this means that he means nothing to himself."['Madarij as-Salikin'; 2/353]9 -

9 - Shams ad-Din al-Maqdisi:
"If my leg becomes exposed while I am alone, I rush to cover it up while making istighfar."['al-Mukhtar al-Masun min A'lam al-Qurun'; 1/540]10 -

10 - Muhammad bin Ahmad al-Ghumari:
He would refuse to fall asleep in the presence of anyone, saying: "I fear that some bad smell would emanate from me while I am sleeping."

['al-Mukhtar al-Masun min A'lam al-Qurun'; 2/758]

plans for 'Eid

2008-12-07T13:38:00.000-08:00

Taqaballallaahu minna wa minkum!

(May Allaah accept from us and from you (good deeds)ameen)

Alhamdulillaah 'eid is now upon us, and I'm feeling all excited. Insha Allaah will be going to a sister's house tomorrow for the day, the kids will do maybe a quiz, be a mini shaykh or shaykha for a few minutes while they read a little something they've put together (more so for the older ones) do some activities and will recieve a gift insha Allaah, so should be fun.

Managed to buy my outfit at last minute online, alhamdulillaah it came the next day. Bought a stunning dress for T off Ebay, white and princess like, she loves it of course! very girly masha'Allaah. Hoping K's will come tomorrow morning, but if not she has another dress she can wear. The baby's outfit I doubt will come on time, and not sure about my son's things, but alhamdulillaah they've got other things. That will teach me to order at last minute.

Insha Allaah Tuesday hope to go over to Small Heath, sister's are having an 'eid event with ball pit, bungee run, bouncy castle, food etc... sounds like alot of fun for the kids, so will try my best to get over there.

Hope everyone has a great 'eid insha Allaah, would love to know what your all up to.

Hi-yaa!!

2008-12-06T16:07:00.000-08:00

Today I took the kids to the local education centre which runs a karate class. They're quite eager to learn, and I personally feel it is important for them to be able to defend themselves if they were ever in an awkward situation, we seek refuge with Allaah from that happening. Also masha'Allaah it instills confidence in them, and self discipline insha Allaah. Even myself I would love to learn insha Allaah, as a self defense and a way to keep fit.

I was going there to speak with the instructor and ask about the issue of the bowing, as I know this is common tradition in martial arts, as a form of mutual respect. But as muslims we don't bow to anyone or anything other than Allaah. I managed to speak with the instructor and he basically told me, in a nice way, that bowing is something which they have to do, they use it as respect, and it's not up to them to change it, it is the ones in Japan who have the authority. I mentioned that there is a friend of mine in Cardiff who takes her boys to Karate classes, and the instructors there allow them to replace the bow with some kind of arm gesture, I think they kind of put it to their chest or something like that, and that's 2 places now that they've been allowed to leave out the bowing. So I was really dissapointed, and so were the kids, but Qadr Allaah.

I have emailed a few other places, and asked the same question, so will wait to hear back from them.

But as I was doing my search earlier, I came across this website , masha'Allaah I was so excited when I started reading about a kung fu class for women and girls not far from me, with a female black belt instructor. I'm not sure if it's still running, but will try and get more info tomorrow insha Allaah. The website is run by a sister and her husband, and they set it up with the aim of providing sports activities just for women, whilst maintaining our islamic values. So insha Allaah the issue of not bowing I would think would not be a problem. Will update when i have more info.

Giving up things for the sake of Allaah

2008-12-04T11:21:00.000-08:00

Bismillaah ir Rahmaan ir Raheem

There are many of us who may be reverts or those that were born to muslim parents but were not always practicing, that have had to give up certain things in life with the desire to obey Allaah and follow Islam completely. Changing our lifestyle and ways may have been hard on some, or thought that they would be hard, when in fact Allaah made it easy for us to give up these things for his sake.

I remember back to just before I embraced Islam, I had met two lovely sisters masha'Allaah, who helped me learn the prayer, how to make wudhu etc.. One day when one of the sisters was showing me how to make wudhu, she mentioned that in Islam the woman is not allowed to alter the shape of her eyebrows, alarm bells rung, I really couldn't believe what I was hearing, a multitude of thoughts run through my mind, 'what would I look like?' 'can I really do this?'..... this was a big thing for me, and I'm sure it was for others who were accustomed to regular plucking. I had plucked my eyebrows most of my teenage years, so was really worried I'd end up with big bushy eyebrows, anyway, the thought finally sunk in and I prepared myself, alhamdulillaah I didn't touch my eyebrows after what the sister had told me, and I just waited, and waited for these big things to grow, but subhanAllaah I was suprised that the regrowth wasn't as bad as I expected, and didn't make me look majorly different alhamdulillaah.

The same with music, even though I loved listening to it each day, it was not that big a problem to give it up for Allaah's sake, I sold my cd's (Allaahu a'lam if it was a good idea to sell/give them away, but I know I needed them gone) stopped watching mtv. My family were very surprised I had done this, but I think it showed them how serious I was.

So what things have been made easy for you to give up when you embraced/started to practice Islam? things which you may have first found hard, or perceived to be hard to give up?

Tag! When in the masjid

2008-12-01T02:59:00.000-08:00

I was recently tagged by two lovely sisters masha'Allaah, Umm Travis and hijabee, sorry for taking so long to respond, I haven't had much time to write on my blog in the last week. I feel very touched that I've been tagged, it's the first time! yey

The Rules:
Link back to the person who tagged you.
List 3 ahadith you’d like to pin up in your masjid and why.
Tag some of your fellow bloggers by linking to them in your post and don’t forget to post a comment on their blog to let them know they’ve been tagged.

Narrated by Anas bin Malik
Allah's Messenger (Sal-allahu-aleihi-wassallam) said "Do not be angry with each other and do not envy each other and do not turn away from each other, and be slaves of Allah, brothers. It is not halal for a Muslim to shun his brother for more than three nights." [47.14]
Transmitted by Muwatta)

Narrated by Jabir ibn Abdullah
Allah's Messenger (Sal-allahu-aleihi-wassallam) said, "Every act of kindness is "sadaqah" and kindness includes meeting your brother with a cheerful face and pouring water from bucket into your brother's vessel." [1910]

Narrated by AbuHurayrah
Allah's Messenger (Sal-allahu-aleihi-wassallam) said "A Muslim is the brother of a Muslim. He neither oppresses him nor humiliates him nor looks down upon him. The piety is here, (and while saying so) he pointed towards his chest thrice. It is a serious evil for a Muslim that he should look down upon his brother Muslim. All things of a Muslim are inviolable for his brother in faith; his blood, his wealth and his honour".
Transmitted by Muslim.

Narrated by AbuHurayrah
Allah's Messenger (Sal-allahu-aleihi-wassallam) said "Beware of suspicion. Suspicion is the most untrue speech. Do not spy and do not eavesdrop. Do not compete with each other and do not envy each other and do not hate each other and do not shun each other. Be slaves of Allah, brothers." [47.15]
Transmitted by Muwatta

(The word "Brother" in Islam is not restricted to the relationship between real brothers only, it applies to all muslims regardless of age, men or women and location. )

I decided to choose these ahadith as I would hope they would be a reminder to those attending the masjid to have more love and tolerance for one another, and to highlight the seriousness of breaking the ties with our brothers and sisters in Islam who are clearly striving to be upon the straight path.

I will tag the following sisters insha Allaah :

Ohsomuslim

Umm Ismail

Independant learners

The Homeschoolin Ummi

Tammy's Islamic life

Feeling so distant

2008-11-19T17:06:00.000-08:00

I've been in two minds whether to post this or not, some might think how boring, but a blog is supposed to be a place where you publish your thoughts, so why not. I would have posted it on my other blog mum of four, but as some already know it got deleted accidentally and waiting for it to be restored insha Allaah, so it'll be on this blog for now.
Well, today I started to feel a little emotional when I came off the phone to my younger brother Marc, he's now 20 or 21, oops, he'll go mad if he sees this! can't even remember my brothers exact age! anyway when we speak on the phone, which is not often, in some ways it feels like we're so distant, it may be him as a person I don't know, when we're face to face, he can chat for Wales! lol, but on the phone it's kind of the opposite.

I really feel like I've missed out so much on seeing him grow up, it's strange seeing him, this muscly young man masha'Allaah, with a child, driving before me! lol,nice car, and a good job, masha'Allaah. He's grown up so quick, and I haven't been there to see that.

Back in 1997 I think it was, I decided to move out from my parents house, and I moved in with a friend, I was about 17/18 then, I was in a different area, so didn't see my family every day, I was too busy living my life, a typical teenager. Then about a year after I moved out, my stepdad decided he wanted to move back to where we had lived before, about an hour away. My mum gave me the choice of going with them, but I had my life set up where I was, had my friends, my job, it was a definite no no to go back. In the beginning I would go down maybe every couple of weeks but my memories of that are not clear, so I know I didn't go that often.
Time passed, I lived my life - week-work, weekend-going out, and then sometimes go to see my family, now looking back I wish I had made more effort, but Qadr Allaah.

I became muslim in 2001 and got married shortly afterwards, moved away to London and so the visiting got alot less, hence the reason I feel so distant to my brother. I would see my mum often, she would visit, especially then as we moved back to Wales, but not same city. There is 8yrs between me and my brother, and it brings tears to my eyes to think back to when he was younger, he would wind me up definitely, but that's what little brothers do, sometimes I would be sitting in my room with my friends, and my door had a little window at the top of it, all of a sudden you would see this mop of hair appearing in the window, and then his little eyes, lol, or he would get a big brush, and move it about in the window, lol.
Masha'Allaah he was a good little d.i.y er, he would come fix my door if it was broke, as it was normally hanging off the hinge, or the slide cupboard on my cabin bed, he'd sellotape it back on.

He had this quirky way of dressing, he would insist on tucking in his shirt into his jeans, me being your typical teenager, I would feel so embarrased going out with him like that, my mum would insist I take him to town with me sometimes, and I would be literally begging him to take his shirt out, and look a bit 'cooler' lol, he was only about 6/7, now when I look back at that, it makes me laugh. He got me back years later, we were going to town together, and I had this bright yellow bag which I really liked, but he didn't, and he threw a tantrum near the bus stop because of it, getting me back, me thinks! lol.

Well, I know I'm rambling on now, but I had to get this written, or should I say 'typed' down. My sadness is there for missing out on his life so much, and I would love to have a more closer relationship with him, as I mentioned before I feel very distant from him, the little boy I once used to argue so much with, but we had good moments also while living together. Also he has a little girl, she hardly knows me, and this I find extremely sad, It's bringing tears to my eyes while I type. Things have to change, improve insha Allaah. In Islam kinship is very important, and keeping the ties. I think I need to try harder to keep in touch more and to visit as often as I can.

Oh well , will stop there now. Enough emotion for one night.

Anyway love ya bro!

Which one are you?

2008-11-18T17:31:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine e-mailed this to me, I thought it was really nice, and wanted to share it insha Allaah. I know, strange title, but read on and it'll soon make sense.

Carrots, Eggs, and Coffee

This one will take a minute or two to read, but please make the time. It will bless your heart and make you think. You will never look at a cup of coffee the same way again.

A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose.

Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to boil. In the first she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil; without saying a word.

In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl. Turning to her daughter, she asked, 'Tell me what you see.'

'Carrots, eggs, and coffee,' she replied.

Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft. The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard boiled egg.

Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma. The daughter then asked, 'What does it mean, mother?'

Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity: boiling water. Each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened. The ground coffee beans were unique,however, after they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water.

'Which are you?' she asked her daughter. 'When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?

Think of this: Which am I? Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength?

Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat?

Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart?

Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you.

When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest, do you elevate yourself to another level? How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?

May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human, and enough hope to make you happy.

The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way. The

brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past; you can't go forward in life until you let go of your past failures and heartaches.

When you were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling.

Live your life so at the end, you're the one who is smiling and everyone around you is crying.

You might want to let others read this message, those people who mean something to you (I Just Did.); to those who have touched your life in one way or another; to those who make you smile when you really need it; to those who make you see the brighter side of things when you are really down; to those whose friendship you appreciate; to those who are so meaningful in your life.

If you don't share these kind and meaningful words, you will just miss out on the opportunity to Brighten someone's day with this touching thought for the day!

May we all be blessed enough to be COFFEE.

Keep Striving!

2008-11-17T14:19:00.000-08:00

While doing the cleaning earlier on, many thoughts started to fill my head. Thoughts about how as muslim women we haveto be strong, and we are strong Masha'Allaah. I started to think about my own personal experiences as a revert to Islam, in the beginning when I first covered my hair with the hijab I was so scared, I worried what people's reaction would be towards me, negative? postive? regardless I had to get out there by myself and face the world. What made me strong at that time and still does, was the constant awareness of Allaah and reminding myself that I was obeying my creator and insha Allaah I wouldn't be alone in this journey.

SubhanAllaah having this awareness immediately made me feel stronger and braver and proud to be a muslim woman. I came into Islam in 2001, when my daughter was just 5mths old, and throughout these years I have gone from wearing a scarf/skirt/loose top to the somali style hijab and then the overhead abayah with niqaab, as I have covered more I have experienced more negative reactions from people, there have been days when I've been out wearing the niqaab, have some narrow minded person throw a stupid comment and it would fill me with so much sadness and anger as to how some people have no respect whatsoever for others who may look different to them.

I have had people criticize me in front of my children, when all I am doing is going about my business, these kind of people cannot hold their hatred in, and so much want you to feel like a pile of rubbish.

I don't want to come across as complaining now, but I wanted to make the point that as muslim women we face hatred almost every day, I am not alone in this, and many sisters have been treated far worse than I have, but it's this inner strength, our belief that keeps us going, so that each day before we leave the house insha Allaah we make sure we're observing correct hijab, even though we may have been verbally attacked the day before, we brush that aside, and keep on striving, trying to please our Lord and hoping for the reward of Jannah.

We do this because we know Islam is the truth, and this certainty gives us strength and the courage to go out there and face whatever we may face that particular day.

For my sisters in Islam who are struggling and feel alone I say keep striving, you will have your reward insha Allaah.

So basically what I think I wanted to say, is that I admire my sisters (and brothers )in Islam for staying firm upon our belief and not letting the hatred of others break us down. And especially for my sisters I love you all for the sake of Allaah, continue to be strong insha Allaah.

Abu al-‘Abbas ‘Abdullah bin ‘Abbas, radiyallahu anhuma, reported: One day I was behind the Prophet, sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam, and he said to me:

"O young man, I shall teach you some words [of advice] : Be mindful of Allah, and Allah will protect you. Be mindful of Allah, and you will find Him in front of you. If you (have need to) ask, ask of Allah; and if you seek help, seek help from Allah. Know that even if the Nation (or the whole community) were to gather together to benefit you with something, they would not benefit you with anything except that which Allah has already recorded for you, and that if they gather together to harm you with something, they would not be able to harm you with anything except that which Allah has already recorded against you. The pens have been lifted and the pages have dried."

Abu Hurairah, radiyallahu 'anhu, reported that a man said to the Prophet, sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam:

"Advise me! "The Prophet said, "Do not become angry and furious." The man asked (the same) again and again, and the Prophet said in each case, "Do not become angry and furious."

On the authority of Ibn 'Umar, radiyallahu 'anhuma, who said: The Messenger of Allah, sallallahu 'alayhi wasallam, took me by the shoulder and said:

"Be in this world as though you were a stranger or a traveler/wayfarer."
Ibn 'Umar used to say:

"When evening comes, do not expect (to live till) morning, and when morning comes, do not expect (to live till) evening. Take from your health (a preparation) for your illness, and from your life for your death."

[Al-Bukhari]

[Al-Tirmidhi relates this and says: It is a good, genuine Hadith]

deleted my blog!!!

2008-11-14T13:47:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it, I just went and accidentally deleted my blog 'Mum of Four', but hopefully I should be able to get it restored asap, I just sent a request to blogger, and so I think they should be able to do it insha Allaah.
I would be gutted if I lost everything I had on there, like our schooling Journal, let's hope it don't take too long to come back on.

A magazine for fabulous Muslim Women

2008-11-03T14:06:00.001-08:00

SISTERS covers a range of subjects in the areas of Inspiration, Self, Family, Community, World, Homes, Looks, Tastes and a range of reader offers and competitions. Sisters magazine's ethos is rooted in the Qur'an and Sunnah, according to the understanding of the Pious Predecessors, and our inspiration is Islam as a beautiful and richly rewarding way of life.

The destroyer of desires

2008-10-31T17:30:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-10-24T18:14:00.001-07:00

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.

2008-10-21T15:05:00.001-07:00

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

2008-10-21T14:59:00.001-07:00

"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

2008-10-21T14:57:00.001-07:00

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 ]

2008-10-21T14:56:00.001-07:00

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

2008-10-19T14:10:00.000-07:00

'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

2008-10-18T17:04:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-15T16:40:00.001-07:00

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

2008-10-13T00:27:00.000-07:00

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....

2008-10-12T21:34:00.000-07:00

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.