Are the first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah more special than other days? What are the righteous deeds that it is recommended to do a lot of during these ten days?.
Praise be to Allaah.
Among the great seasons of worship are the first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah, which Allaah has favoured over other days. It was narrated from Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allaah than these ten days.” They said: “Not even jihad for the sake of Allaah?” He said: “Not even jihad for the sake of Allaah, unless a man goes out himself for jihad taking his wealth with him and does not come back with anything.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 2/457
It was also narrated from Anas (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “There is no deed that is better before Allaah or more greatly rewarded than a good deed done in the (first) ten days of al-Adha.” It was said: “Not even jihad for the sake of Allaah?” He said: “Not even jihad for the sake of Allaah, unless a man goes out himself for jihad taking his wealth with him and does not come back with anything.” Narrated by al-Daarimi, 1/357; its isnaad is hasan as stated in al-Irwa’, 3/398.
These texts and others indicate that these ten days are better than all other days of the year, with no exception, even the last ten days of Ramadaan. But the last ten nights of Ramadaan are better than the first ten nights of Dhu’l-Hijjah, because they include Laylat al-Qadr, which is better than a thousand months. See Tafseer Ibn Katheer, 5/412.
So the Muslim should start these days with sincere repentance to Allaah, then he should do a lot of righteous deeds in general, then he should pay attention to doing the following deeds:
1 – Fasting
It is Sunnah for the Muslim to fast on the first nine days of Dhu’l-Hijjah, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) encouraged us to do righteous deeds in the first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah, and fasting is one of the best of deeds, which Allaah has chosen for Himself as it says in the hadeeth qudsi: “Allaah says: ‘All the deeds of the son of Adam are for him, except fasting, which is for Me and I shall reward for it.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1805.
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to fast on the first nine days of Dhu’l-Hijjah. It was narrated from Hunaydah ibn Khaalid from his wife, that one of the wives of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to fast on the first nine days of Dhu’l-Hijjah and the day of ‘Ashoora’, and three days each month, the first Monday of the month and two Thursdays. Narrated by al-Nasaa’i, 4/205 and by Abu Dawood; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Abi Dawood, 2/462.
2 – Reciting tahmeed, tahleel and takbeer a great deal
It is Sunnah to recite takbeer (saying Allaahu akbar (Allaah is most great)), tahmeed (saying al-hamdu Lillah (praise be to Allaah)), tahleel (saying Laa ilaaha ill-Allaah (There is no god but Allaah)) and tasbeeh (saying Subhaan-Allaah (Glory be to Allaah)), during the first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah, saying these words out loud in the mosques, homes, streets and every place in which it is permissible to remember Allaah, to perform this act of worship openly and proclaim the greatness of Allaah.
Men should recite out loud and women should recite quietly.
Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“That they may witness things that are of benefit to them (i.e. reward of Hajj in the Hereafter, and also some worldly gain from trade), and mention the Name of Allaah on appointed days, over the beast of cattle that He has provided for them (for sacrifice)”
[al-Hajj 22:28]
The majority are of the view that the “appointed days” are the first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah, because it was narrated from Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the appointed days are the first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah.
It was narrated from ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “There are no days that are greater before Allaah or in which good deeds are more beloved to Him, than these ten days, so recite a great deal of tahleel, takbeer and tahmeed during them.” Narrated by Ahmad, 7/224; its isnaad was classed as saheeh by Ahmad Shaakir.
The takbeer is as follows:
Allaah akbar, Allaahu akbar, laa ilaaha ill-Allaah, Allaahu akbar, wa Lillaah il-hamd (Allaah is Most Great, Allaah is Most Great, there is no god but Allaah; Allaah is Most Great and to Allaah be praise).
And there are other versions.
This takbeer has become a forsaken Sunnah nowadays, especially at the beginning of these ten days. You can hardly hear it except from a few. It should be recited out loud, so as to revive the Sunnah and remind the heedless. It was proven that Ibn ‘Umar and Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with them both) used to go out to the marketplace during the first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah, reciting the takbeer our loud, and the people would recite takbeer when they heard them, i.e., the people would remember the talkbeer and each one would recite it by himself; it does not mean that they recited in unison – that is not prescribed in sharee’ah.
Reviving Sunnahs that have been forgotten brings a great deal of reward, as is indicated by the words of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him): “Whoever revives one of my Sunnahs that has died out after I am gone, will have a reward like that of everyone who does it, without that detracting from their reward in the slightest.” Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 7/443; this hadeeth is hasan because of corroborating reports.
3 – Doing Hajj and ‘Umrah
One of the greatest deeds that can be done during these ten days is Hajj to the sacred House of Allaah. Whoever Allaah helps to go on Hajj to His House and do the rituals in the required manner will – in sha Allaah – be included in the words of the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him): “An accepted Hajj brings no less a reward than Paradise.”
4 – Udhiyah (sacrifice)
One of the righteous deeds that bring a person closer to Allaah in these ten days is to slaughter the sacrifice and to look for a good, fat animal and to spend money on it for the sake of Allaah.
Let us hasten to make the most of these great days, before the negligent regrets what he did, and before he asks to go back and receives no response.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Friday, August 21, 2009
Update
It has been a while since I blogged hasn't it? Sorry about that, I haven't been in te best of spirits. i did have a request to do a blog on Ramandan, but I'm having some trouble thinking about anything really. Insha'Allah I will do it. Bt for now brother Wasif is doing a series on Ramadan and doing a very good job masha'Allah. This brother is one of the most sincere people I have ever met, may allah bless him. I hope you guys enjoy the series :)
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Just One of Those Days
Some days you just feel like jumping off a bridge. Sometimes you just wanna feel the cold metal of a gun up to your head, Trust me people I get it. in fact today would be one of those days for me.
Some days there will be people who will take your rights. There will be someone who will hurt your feelings. There will be someones feelings that you have hurt and you wish yo could take back a single moment. Sometimes realiaty will shock yo awake and you will see you've dug a hole too big to get out of any time soon.
Bust just remeber Allah sees you and he sees everyone else too.
And I know it's so hard to look up when yo concentrate on looking down. But look at this pic and think about who's getting farther in this life and in the next. Ameen.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Thanks Rex <3
I was initially going to do a blog about marriage. But I was compelled to say somethin else first. As I sit in the IslamTalk chatroom on www.stickam.com listening to some dawah and doing some dawah myself. And I woul like to extend my personal thanks to brother Rex! (IslamandFriends) on youtube.
Had he not opened the room I have no idea where we would be. It is an open social ground for muslims to support eachother (which I think is vital these days when alot of people dont even go to the mosque anymore cause of cultural issues, or because they don't event have a Muslim community to support us to begin with) and it's an open ground for people to learn about Islam.
So many people have converted because of the knowledge they have gained on this site and so many muslims LIKE MYSELF have gained so much knowledge.
This was partly inspired due to the fact that I have been looking around and seeing people (including myself) who came onto this site not knowing a thing about Islam, or better yet DEFENDING ISLAM, or DEBATING THEOLOGY. Had brother Rex not set up this room I wpoul have nevre had the pleasure of meeting people like Ozzy or Yayaha or or Iqra or Aim786 or Isomalt orMohsin (Sass) or PB or Rex himself who I have learned so much from! I can pwn most Christains in my sleep and athiests o Lord lol. Maybe in a coma? Hahaha.
And honestly the support I have got from my brothers and sisters when times were rough HAS BEEN AMAZING.
I LOVE YOU GUYS SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH!!!!
JazakAllah kahir to all of you, and where or who I would be.
Please make du'ah for all of us and esp. Rex and his family. Insha'Allah Allah wil be merciful on us all. He's truely an amazing brother. Please check out his show on youtube. He's done alot to support the ummah, please support him!
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Woe To Corporate America
Ok so something random I learned today. While I was looking up how zionest own StarBucks I learned a few things. I have always wondered what that stupid logo means. Initally I had thought it was a mermaid but it was brought to my attention that she has two serpent tails, much like that of the demon Melusine. The story goes is she attained this form because her mother had cursed her and so she was defaimed by being 
a serpent from the waist down. She's also be associated with the demons Siren and Nixie, who were said to lure men to their graves in the deep water with their attractive topless figure an astounding singing. Early Chirstians (who I guess you could say where Muslims) discouraged the idea of mer-people and serpents and thought it to be symbolic of the temptations of life and the deep sea that these creatures lead people to were seen as their ultimate doom.
The word siren actually comes from this goddess/shytan because
the etemology implies that if you were to respond to a siren
it would havesome negative consiquence. Intersting eh?
Also remember L'Oréal? Well guess what that comes from kids? It comes from a story about a maiden, named Lorelei who commited suicide, by jumping off a cliff due to an unfaithful love, and thus 
become a Siren who lured sea man on passing ships. Well so much or the national image of maintaing beauty lol. I think they symbolisim speaks for itself, possibly refring to how women kill themsevles for a mans attention. Nice job Corporate America.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Finta (Struggles,Tribulations)
As salam alekum wa ruhmutAllahi wa barakatu
My sister brought up (on the last blog) a good point that I have heard in many debates and I would love to address. She said:
"I have faith, and I know when it really matters Allah has been there for me time and time again. That being said, I could see how people could lose their faith, this world is an evil evil place, when you look around and see countries and countries of starving
I think the first thing we need to take into consideration is that Allah is the Most Just and he never gives us more than we can handle. If there is something we dislike it is from the Hikim(Wisdom) of Allah, and Allah knows best. As a Muslim the closer you get to Allah the more trials and tribulations you will receive. Because belief is not about the tongue, it is about the action. So when you affirm Allah in your heart there is an action associated with your faith. Many people in desolate places have a frim faith even in their conditions. Allah has tested them and even people in abject poverty can be seen with a big smile on their face. So we should not pity them, in fact we should envy them. We have so much finta here in the West. We are constantly being bombarded with a different kind of test. With all our possessions sometimes we have so much that we don't even know what to do with it. This leaves the responsibility on us to do a lot more for our ummah. Those who we pity are not obligated to do these things and do not face the same fitnas. We are each tested in unique ways.
I know it is hard for us sometimes to grasp why things are the way they are, but even if we do not see the benefit doesn't mean its not there. And if it is not there it will be in the next life, because Allah remembers those who remember Him. We can't pity those people because the ultimate reward in the after life is HUGE, they are pretty damn lucky some to think of it. They are purified from their sins by the fitna they face alhemdulilah and this makes them great candidates for Paradise :D Alhemdulilah! The punishment in this life for out sins is much easier than that of the after life, and that's why we should all embrace every trial we have as a way of purifying ourselves, as a way of gaining good deeds.
People talk about how the Tsunami was a horrible thing because so many people died, but subhanAllah these people died shuhada inshAllah and are going straight to heaven insha'Allah! I kinda wish I was one of them. And after all everything will die in the end, and we will find out final resting place in Jenna insha'Allah.
This life is too short for us to loose our faith over a tribulation that will be over soon enough. This life is like a drop of water in the ocean, so lets make the best of it. :)
Check this out too guys Why Do Bad Things Happen To Good People
Monday, August 3, 2009
Having Faith In Allah
As salam alekum wa ruhmutallahi wa barakatu
No one has faith in Allah anymore man, and its saddening. The creator of the universe and we can't cut him some slack? Just cause we don't have our prayers answered instantly, or at all we think hes not listening. But has it occured to us that maybe our Lord has something else planned? Allah says if he doesn't answer your du'ah then he will replace what you asked for with something better than it, in Jenna or now. Seriously Muslims need more sabr.
My mother had a dispute a while back about the car. She was CONVINCED she was going to crash it or the brakes where going to go out because of "hasood" (the evil eye). Now I agre the person she was talking about does have an envious gaze. But seriously is his "power" greater than that of Allah? For two weeks we fought about why she should just get in the car and have ome faith in her Lord. I tried to explain to her that these things don't affect believers unless they don't do their du'ahs, and masha'Allah she does do all her du'ahs, but somethings missing in her equation. YOU HAVE TO HAVE FAITH! You gotta believe that Allah is gonna back you up! Or else He's not gonna bother. If He does it is from His and if not it is from His hikim(wisdom). You need to have faith guys. Just make du'ah. We can't forget the words of Allah. Surah Al Falaq is a surah we recite all the time, in salat or before bed etc. But do we even listen to the message anymore?
قُلْ أَعُوذُ بِرَبِّ الْفَلَق
Say: "I seek refuge with (Allah) the Lord of the daybreak,
مِن شَرِّ مَا خَلَقَ
"From the evil of what He has created;
وَمِن شَرِّ غَاسِقٍ إِذَا وَقَبَ
"And from the evil of the darkening (night) as it comes with its darkness; (or the moon as it sets or goes away).
وَمِن شَرِّ النَّفَّاثَاتِ فِي الْعُقَدِ
"And from the evil of the witchcrafts when they blow in the knots,
وَمِن شَرِّ حَاسِدٍ إِذَا حَسَدَ
"And from the evil of the envier when he envies."
Ameeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeen
Yah Allah do we need anymore proof? Allahs words always speak for themselves :)
So guys when you are down in the dumbs and it doesn't seem like He's answering, remember He was listening and insha'Allah you will get your reward. Ameen. Always have faith and insha'Allah you have nothing to worry about in this world and in the next. Ameen.
I recited these verses for my mom and she thought about it for a while. Got into the car,and it was fine hehe.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Stupid Cultural Baggage About Marriage
As salam alekum wa ruhmutAllahi wa barakrtu.
Sigh. Cultural baggage. Something that pisses me off. Esp. when it comes to the topic of marriage. As yo probably know I'm going to be talking from the perseptive of a second gernation arab kid raied in the West.
I hate every single way that arabs perceive marriage, an I can't believe this jahiliah exsists till this day! Muhammad pbh came to free us from this!
I will start with the example that inspired this. As you guys may have read in my previous post "Moving Mountains With Your Misery" I have not been well, and still have exsisting vertigo issues. Meaning I get DIZZY. Even when the vertigo isn't bothering me I'm super clumsy lol. Swear sometimes I feel blond,cause I will be walking and just fall over lol. I also have the tendancy to knock over and drop things randomly. (surprisingly enough, never when I'm cooking haha alhemdulilah). Anyways, my mother always feels the need to pipe in when I have my clutsy episodes." What are you going to do when you are married?." " OMG Noura what WILL YOUR HUSBAND SAY WHEN YOU DO THIS?!" As if it's even something that I can control. So this week I decided to respond by saying, "Well then he can divorce me for falling over every now and then." To which she responded, " Well then great! You won't be a girl anymore and we won't be able to get you married again!"
Sigh there's a few things wrong with that response. For one it implies that she thinks this is a justifiable reason for someone to get divorced :S. Second being that divorced women are like chickens that stop laying eggs; it's off to the slaughter house for you hun. I wouldn't wanna be married to someone that didn't understand my condition, or to someone who wouldn't accept someone who wasn't a virgin. This is NOT the sunnah of Islam, so why does it matter? Countless times in the time of salaf men were encouraged to marry widows and the divorced. Sigh.
The other thing I resent is how my mother pressures my sister to get married. But not because it is Islams sunnah to get married early on, but because she won't be able to get a 30 yr old married -_-. Dear lord. She also doesn't wanna consider that shes finishing her schooling, and maybe she doesn't feel comfortable with her state in iman (that's mostly my problem actually). These are serious things that one should consider. And on the topic of schooling. NOTHING TICKS ME OFF MORE(!) than when a man says, ok we should get married, BUT I want you to stay at home and work because that is your place,and what Allah made you for >.<
Omg I just wanna stab someone when I hear that! WOMEN WORKED AT THE TIME OF THE SALAF! ARRRRRRRRRRRRG! And I perfectly understand that if you plan to have kids, girl you should be at home with them. But that shouldn't stop a women from getting an education or a job. It's VITAL these days. What if something happens to your husband? What if he's a donkey and divorces you for falling over sometimes? What if he falls ill and you have lots of hospital bills? It's something you have to be prepared for. After 30 yrs my mother was kicked to the curb with 3 kids, and it happens a lot. OR what about the countless women that stay in the abusive relationships because they wonder how to feed the kids. Arg.
And now when we come to the idea of marriage for me. My mom always tells me I have to loose weight. Not for my health, or the sake of genetics, or cause it's not sunnah, no she says this because I will only find a "fat" man, because I'm "fat". Seriously? Looks are a huge factor I'm aware, but I'm not Frankenstein. And I have been proposed to by plenty of "thin" people so we can throw that theory out the window.
Another thing that pisses me off is when people pity my mother because shes divorced!!! My God. Shes HAPPIER! HEALTHIER! SAFER! FREER! And that goes for her kids too. If we had the chance again we still would have left that terrible household. It's especially entertaining when women who I know suffer at home because their husbands beat them to a pulp come up to my mom in the masjid and randomly bring up a divorce that was 12 years ago, and express their "sympathies". Enjoy getting your face punched in hun. Live for the duniah and what people will say about you. May Allah guide us :(.
AN ANOTHER THING. I hate how parents get all nervous when a convert asks to marry their child. Either it is blatant racism or they fear that the couple won't get along due to "cultural differences". This is so stupid man. WE DON'T HAVE SUCH A THING IN ISLAM. ISLAM IS OUR "CULTURE". IF WE LIVE BY THE DEEN THEN WE ARE BLESSED! Sigh.You shouldn't judge by how someone was raised, but by his/her salat. If they fast, if they do tahajud salat, whatever you think is important. Cause I could get married to an arab today and get an idiot who lives on welfare. When there's plenty of white and brown and black brothers out there practicing Islam properly.
PLEASE GUYS! When you get married consider these things first.
1. Are you mentally mature.
2. Are you financially ready.
3. Obviously are you physically mature.
4. IS YOUR IMAN STABLE! Have you chose a basic path to follow? Because that cause a lot of issues when you decide later and maybe you find out your spouse is a shi'ah or something. Also yo can't make sound and just decisions when you have no iman!
AND PLEASE GUYS. WHEN YOU THINK YOU HAVE FOUND THE RIGHT PERSON. MAKE ISTIKHARA, AND ASK ALLAH FOR GUIDENCE!!!! DO THIS BEFORE YOU DECIDE YOU ARE DEDICATED TO THIS PERSON. Remember Johna pbh who left the city without consulting Allah. He ended up in a whale guys. For you want your marriage to be a whale? I don't think so.
Proceed with knowledge and understanding my beloved brothers and sisters <3>
Friday, July 31, 2009
Porn
Disclaimer: If someone leaves a comment saying this isn't a topic that a sister should be talking about I'm going to punch someone in the head, because this is a problem that affects us ALL.
Porn.
It's not something that some of us are accustomed to thinking about is it. For other it is a serious addiction that plauges us night and day. America makes 12 billion alone on porn annually and statistics show that 70% of the internet traffic at work from 9-5 is due to this addiction. Astonishing isn't it.
Some of us might be quick to jump on our high horse and criticise but lets see what the stats are for "Muslim" countries. Click here. Seven(!) out of the top Ten(!) countries are googling the word "sex". Need I say more? What about the top ten for "hot sex". This is ridiculous brothers and sisters. O_O
I have two reasons for bringing this up. The first being once upon a time someone confessed this addiction to me and I had no idea how to help them, the second being because this is a silent epidemic that has sweep the Muslim youth, in the West and in the East. I was shocked to find out that porn is actually encouraged upon in male "health" classes across the West. The worst part is 13% of women also suffer from this addiction which compared to the 20% of men is remarkably high.
This addiction is not only haram but also affects the mental health of youth internationally. It divides marriages and increases sex drives in youth which causes them to act out at times. zinnah(premeratal sex) is so wide spread because of the amount of
This is a serious issue that we cannot take lightly. This is a cancer that is infecting our ummah(muslim brother/sisterhood) and through repetitive use makes us desentized and slowly demolishes our iman(faith).
Allah proclaims to us:
"And those who guard their chastity (i.e. private parts, from illegal sexual acts). Except from their wives or (the captives and slaves) that their right hands possess, - for them, they are free from blame. But whoever seeks beyond that, then those are the transgressors." -Quran23:5-7
"And let those who find not the financial means for marriage keep themselves chaste, until Allah enriches them of His bounty." -Quran 24:33
Abdullaah ibn Mas’ood said, "We were with the Prophet while we were young and had no wealth whatsoever. So Allaah’s Messenger said, "O young people! Whoever among you can marry, should marry, because it helps him lower his gaze and guard his modesty (i.e. his private parts from committing illegal sexual intercourse etc.), and whoever is not able to marry, should fast, as fasting diminishes his sexual power." -Bukhari:5066
This makes it all to clear to us that this is a haram act and that we need to seek assistance. In addition we can recall the times in the Quran where Allah mentions that those who are righteous are those who guide their private parts. Ameen. We all know that breaking away from a sin is hard. But let us remember that for whatever we give up for the sake of Allah our Lord will replace it with something that is better insha'Allah. This act only harms our souls, we should keep busy with Quran, school work something.
FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO ARE SUFFERING, OR HAVE A FAMILY MEMBER OR FRIEND WHO IS SUFFERING. Remember Allah left us his sunnah, we are not alone, and there is a solution for everything. :D
CLICK ON THESE LINKS BELOW FOR MORE HELP! There is hope guys <3
Islam Q&A Fatwa 1 Fatwa 2 Fatwa 3
Pornography Addiction Among Muslims (Stories & Tips)
Family Feuds
Family Feuds suck!
As salam alekum wa ruhmutAllahi wa baraktu
Sigh. We've all got one in the family. That one person that you wish would just jump off a cliff because they are forever stirring the family pot. In some cases you have a few of them! Others, like mine, you kinda feel left out cause everyone's fighting with someone and you can't visit or talk to certain people because of the long complex chain of loyalty. Don't get me wrong loyalty is something I value, very deeply. I'm much more loyal to my brother than my step sisters, because he's earned it! But it just sucks because it the kids that suffer. It's my nieces and nephews that suffer in this equation. Yes we have plenty of "bad guys" in our families, but what about the innocent ones?
I miss my nieces and nephews :(. And my cousins too. And their parents. Esp. the cousins that were innocent in all this. But they have loyalties to keep too.
I once did an awesome project about the Hatfields and the McCoy family. It was crazy interesting reading through their history and seeing what had happened over the years. But it was sad because it all started over a misunderstanding about a pig. This family feud was famous for its irregular dysfuntionality and how a pig could cause bloodshed.
Whats even more sad is I've heard of worse things people have fought over. Frankly I think it is disgusting, that some people just act, without thinking and sabatoge the family without caring what will happen. And even more disgusting is when we hold grudges that we just need to get over, it doesn't beifit us in the end.
Allah tells us:
"And stay quietly in your houses, and make not a dazzling display, like that of the former Times of Ignorance; and establish regular Prayer, and give regular Charity; and obey Allah and His Messenger. And Allah only wishes to remove all abomination from you, ye members of the Family, and to make you pure and spotless." - Quran 33:33
When people gossiping and plotting against family it shows they have no concept of al akhirah (judgment after death). These people don't fear Allah now, and his punishment later on. I mean is it really worth it? Just to stick it to them, or to hold that grudge? Is it worth missing out on the blessings of Allah? Is it worth incurring the Rath(!) of Allah?!
I think the first remedy to the crisis of the ummah is to start within our own homes. To encourage our family members to hold fast to the pillars of this beautiful deen, to pray, to give zakat(annual charity). Let us forgive, let us guide, and I know it can be HARD sometimes, but make du'ah for them. Even if they have ruined everything for you, forgive them and Allah will forgive you. Break down the walls of ignorance in your home. Bring the heart a little closer, as Allah intended! Ameen.
May Allah guide us all and keep us from this JAHIL(ignorant) behaviour. Ameen.
You Didn't Die In Vain My Brother
As salam alekum wa ruhmutAllahi wa wa barkatu
I would like to share with everyone the last words of our beloved brother El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz better known as Malcolm X. We are blessed to still have his moving words available for our leisure, and our learning. This is a letter he wrote to his wife while in Mecca. This letter has entails many things about our brother, and there’s much we can learn from him. Let’s take a moment to reflect.
(for those that are too ocd too read it here a link) click here insha'Allah
I have been blessed to visit the Holy City of Mecca. I have made my seven circuits around the Ka'ba, led by a young Mutawaf named Muhammad. I drank water from the well of Zem Zem. I ran seven times back and forth between the hills of Mt. Al-Safa and Al-Marwah. I have prayed in the ancient city of Mina, and I have prayed on Mt. Arafat.
There were tens of thousands of pilgrims, from all over the world. They were of all colors, from blue eyed blonds to black skin Africans. But we were all participating in the same rituals, displaying a spirit of unity and brotherhood that my experiences in America had lead me to believe never could exist between the white and non-white.
America needs to understand Islam, because this is the one religion that erases from its society the race problem. Throughout my travels in the Muslim world, I have met, talked to, and even eaten with people who in America would have considered 'white' -- but the 'white' attitude was removed from their minds by the religion of Islam. I have never before seen sincere and true brotherhood practiced by all colors together, irrespective of their color.
You may be shocked by these words coming from me. But on this pilgrimage, what I have seen, and experienced, has forced me to re-arrange much of my thought patterns previously held, and to toss aside some of my previous conclusions. This was not too difficult for me. Despite my firm convictions, I have always been a man who tries to face facts, and to accept the reality of life as new experiences and new knowledge unfolds it. I have always kept an open mind, which is necessary to the flexibility that must go hand in hand with every form of intelligent search for truth.
During the past eleven days here in the Muslim world, I have eaten from the same plate, drunk from the same glass, and slept in the same bed, (or on the same rug) -- while praying to the same God -- with fellow Muslims, whose eyes were the bluest of blue, whose hair was the blondest of blond, and whose skin was the whitest of white. And in the same words and in the actions and in the deeds of the 'white' Muslims, I felt the same sincerity that I felt among the black African Muslims of Nigeria, Sudan and Ghana.
We were truly all the same (brothers) -- because their belief in one God had removed the 'white' from their minds, the 'white' from their behavior, and the 'white' from their attitude.
I could see from this, that perhaps if white Americans could accept the Oneness of God, then perhaps, too, they could accept in reality the Oneness of Man -- and cease to measure, and hinder, and harm others in terms of their differences in color.
... to finish the letter click here ...
All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the Worlds.
Sincerely,
El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz (Malcom X)
MashAllah, May Allah reward him a million times over. I've highlighted some of the things I want to address. But I would first like to talk about the life of this amazing brother. He was an honest man, in life and in his heart, when he recognized he was going down the wrong path he did not hold his pride above truth. MashaAllah. I have SO MUCH respect for all my revert brothers and sister, because truth (esp. these days) is hard to swallow when it's given to you packaged through a biased news cast. These people are loved by Allah <3.>
Malcolm has personally been an inspiration in my life. I used to think I had sinned so much that Allah would not accept my tawba(repentance). SubhanAllah the way shytan twists our thoughts.When I first Spike Lees movie on him I was compelled to learn more about Islam. And most importantly I realised if there was hope for a crack dealer who used to commit zinnah and rob peoples houses for a living,then there was hope for me as well. He was a courageous man that chose to serve Allah despite the fear for his life. He did not have step, even in the face of death! And may Allah reward him in the fullest!
But what lives on from his legacy? His message, his life. Brother Fredu mashaAllah(!) accepted Islam after reading a book about Malcolm by accident. (sorry to put you on the spotlight Fady). The thing that I find remarkable, is not only did Malcolms realization affect himself,and his followers, but now 45 years later it has touched a brother who is the whitest of the white with the bluest eyes, as brother Malcolm had said. SubhanAllah. Allah works in wonderful ways <3
Let us all take a moment to remember our brother,and ask that Allah is merciful to him in his grave. Ameen. And let us always make du'ah for Fredu and all our brothers and sisters who are accepting Islam. May Allah reward them with the best! Ameen. And let us all thank Allah for permitting us to be in his Deen(way of life), and saving us from the life of the kuffar, and the painful end. Please make du'ah for the Ummah(muslim brother/sisterhood) WHEN EVER YOU CAN! Never forget your brothers and sisters,and they will not forget you inshAllah.
_____________________________________________________________
SHAMELESS PROMOTION TIME!
To learn more about brother Fredu (you owe me Fady :P) click on the links for his blog, interveiw he appeared in (@3 mins), youtube profile, converstion story, and part1 and part 2 of a documentary he appeared in :D
This is brother Fredu being interveiwed @ 3mins
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Colours!
As salam alekum wa ruhmutAllahi wa wa barkatu
I think yall are going to think I'm insane but here me out! (ps. if you don't like this blog it was coolshades idea haha [kidding faisal :P]).
COLOURS.
They represent so much. In the world of dreams,and even in reality. Your favourite colour can even represent your standard personality. Athough I have never understood those who didn't have a favourite colour o_O. I love RED. It's so bright and O_O. Hehe. What does Allah say about colous?
"Do you not see that Allah sends down water from the cloud, then We bring forth therewith fruits of various colors; and in the mountains are streaks, white and red, of various hues and (others) intensely black?" Quran (35-27)
So here's some random facts about your fave colours!!
Red is a very strong color. It is a noticeable color that is often used on caution and warning signs. It is often associated with stop or "beware". It’s a hot color that evokes a powerful emotion of passion, lust, energy, blood and war. The color of personality tests associate it with enthusiasm, strength and competitiveness. You love and hate with a certain degree of intensity. You are courageous. You are considered better for careers in surgery, emergency medical services, weight lifting, athletics etc. You can communicate well and tend to be talkative. When you start listening others, you can solve problems better than others.
Orange is a combination of Red and Yellow. It is also a bright and warm color. It represents fire, the sun, fun, warmth and tropical images. It is considered a fun light color that has appetizing qualities to it. Orange increases oxygen supply to the brain and stimulates mental activity. As a citrus color, orange is associated with healthy food and stimulates appetite. Any design relating to the tropics, something fun, easy going and youthful should incorporate some type of orange into the design. A darker, richer shade of orange can be associated with autumn.Orange is related to energy, strength and power. Your preferred choice of orange shows you a fighter. You love to win. You are a competitor. You are considered more suitable for the careers in sports, architecture and engineering. You fancy for design and form. Color personality tests term you as an energetic motivator.
Gold color represents loyalty and responsibility. When your primary choice is for gold, the color personality tests consider you an organizer. You love a peaceful environment. You value work and service oriented tasks. You have a greater degree of performance, stability and orderliness.
Yellow (was way too bright lol) is the brightest color to the human eye. It represents youth, fun, happiness, sunshine and other light playful feelings. It is a cheerful energetic color. Yellow is often used for children’s toys and clothes. Yellow is often hard to read when placed on a white background so designers must be careful when using yellow, that it isn't’t too difficult to read or notice. Though yellow is a bright cheerful color, as it starts to darken it, however, quickly becomes a dirty and unpleasant color. Yellow can also be associated with being scared and, cowards. The term "yellow belly" is proof of that.
Green is the color of nature and health. It represents growth, nature, money, fertility and safety. Green is a relaxing color that is easy on the eye and has a healing power to it. It is often used to represent anything having to do with health. Many pharmaceutical and nutritional companies use green in their logos and material to advertise safe natural products. Dark green is commonly associated with the military, money, finance, and banking. However it can also be associated with being new or inexperienced as being green or a "green horn". Green is becoming a very popular color in design for web sites. The color personality preference tests assume that green color represents persistent, decisive and resistant state of mind. You are considered assertive. You care very little for feelings and focus upon the available information before making a decision. They consider you suitable for careers in science, research, accounts, and auditing. You are capable to analyze the details in minute.
Blue is a cool calming color that shows creativity and intelligence. It is a popular color among large corporations, hospitals and airlines. It is a color of loyalty, strength, wisdom and trust. Blue has a calming effect on the psyche. Blue is the color of the sky and the sea and is often used to represent those images. Blue is a color that generally looks good in almost any shade and is a popular color among males. Blue is not a good color when used for food as there are few blue foods found in nature and it suppresses the appetite.Blue color is related to calmness. When your primary choice is blue, the color personality tests consider you creative, balanced and harmonious. You avoid too many conflicting opinions. You are peaceful and possess a developed aesthetic sense. You are considered suitable for careers in art, music and literature.
Purple combines the stability of blue and the energy of red. Throughout history purple has been associated with royalty, nobility and prestige. It symbolizes mystery, magic, power and luxury. Purple is often used to portray rich powerful kings, leaders, royalty. Purple combined with gold can be flashy and portray wealth and extravagance. Light purple and pink is good for a feminine design and is a popular color among teenage girls. Bright purple along with yellow is commonly used in promoting children's products. It gives the appearance of something that is fun and easy to do. People that like purple are kind hearted, yet reserved and sometimes misunderstood.
Black is often a color used to portray something evil, depressing, scary or even death in western civilization. It has negative imagery with it at times such as "black mail" "black list" "black hole" etc. Black is also a very powerful color that also portrays one of class elegance and wealth. Classy clothing is designed in black from the "power suit" to the "attractive black dress" to formal "black-tie attire". Black combined with other colors can have a very strong statement. Black is a color that can fit into almost every design to add contrast, type, and make the other colors stand out more.
White (was way to bright again) is often associated with being pure, clean, fresh and good. The color of a fresh snowstorm brings up images of a peaceful and pure winter scene. White is a common background for Webster's as it is easy to read black or dark text on it. When used with a design using lots of negative space it gives a very clean look to it. White is also used lots for charities and non-profit organizations to denote something good and positive. Hollywood often portrays their characters in white as being good; the white horse, the cowboy with the white hat, the white wizard etc. White usually is associated with being pure and almost heavenly. White is associated with hospitals, doctors, and heaven.
For more info about colours in referance to dreams click here.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Moving Moutains With Your Misery
As salam alekum wa ruhmutAllahi wa wa barkatu
When I was17 my doctor put a four inch needle in to my spine. My life hasn't been the same since.
I was bed ridden and it messed up my schooling royally. She intentionally took out more spinal fluid than was necassary, thus creating a vaccum which sucked my brain down into my spinal column. As you can imagine that wasn't too fun. i still suffer fro random bouts of vertigo, migrains and blurry vision as a result of this procedure. May Allah forgive her >.<
The question is, what is left for me to do? Do I curse her out, ask Allah to bring some harm to her? Sulk about my grades and the resulting depression and suicidal thoughts? Or do I accept this as the Hikim(Wisdom) of Allah?
I'm sure many of you have had much worse happen to you. And let me tell you when you bottle things up and you harbour them for years, you can certainly move mountains with your misery. I've seen parents ruin the lives of their children, or spouses because they can't get over childhood baggage, because they are too comfortable clinging to their sadness, their emptiness.
Lets all try and look onto the bright side of things. For all the internalized pain and the razor blades and crazy stuff, there was good. I rose the way a seed does from the ground. At first there's no visible light but you keep trying, and one day you are a blossoming flower ready to provide pollen for bees. Well guys wake up and smell the pollen!
My experiences have helped me help others and I'm so greatful for that. It made me learn more about myself and the world. Something I could only have learned from getting down and dirty, getting deep down into my soul. As for the sickness, it relieves me of sins from the past and I consider it a blessing from Allah. What could be better than getting rid of sins right?
I repeat!
WAKE UP AND SMELL THE POLLEN
Or sit and move mountains in a dark shell within yourself, and never gain any satisfaction.
Love.
As salam alekum wa ruhmutAllahi wa wa barkatu
What is love?
Is it that fluttery feeling in your tummy?
How your brain haults when you think of him/her?
Perhaps it's that insane thing your heart does when you look at that person.
Or not. These are clear signs of adoration. But what is love in it's full embodyment?
I think the sunnah would probably be a good place to extract an analogy. as we all might know, you shahada has conditions. It's one thing to take the testimony, it's another entirely to practice it. If I'm having a fifth of vodka and screaming la illaha il Allah Muhamadan rusul Allah, how much do you think it means to me? Get the idea?
Everything in life has conditions, so does love. So no it's not just about your tummy and your heart, that's called hormones. Lol.
Love is respect. Love is forgiveness. Love is compassion, and empathy, and sympathy.
Love is freedom, not tension.
Strength not fitna.
It is showing understanding when you don't wanna understand!
Love is finding the silver lining when all you can see is rain.
Love is support.
Love is TRUST, not envy.
And don't get that twisted, there's a difference between jealousy and envy/paranioa.
Jealousy shows love, accusations not so much...
Love is that burning moment when he or she does something that pleases Allah and you just wanna hug them till they can't breathe.
Loves not about kisses, and holding hands, and how blue his eyes are or how curly her hair is.
Love isn't what you see in Titanic. That rush of adrenaline. The perfect red shine of her lips. The moments where you "fly". And least of all the quick "love" scene in the car.
Love is about the grip and the grime. When you come home from work and you wanna stab every person in sight and then you look into her eyes and she makes it all better. Love is when he pisses you off, you go give him and kiss on the cheek and ask him what happened while he was out. Love is when the baby is crying you get up and change it's diaper. Love is when he's being a jerk and someones backbiting him you still defend him.
So if your not going to show your love don't bother saying it to begin with.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Forgivness
As salam alekum wa ruhmutAllahi wa wa barkatu
Something dawned on me the other day; listening to my mother and father talk on speaker phone. For those of you how don't know me, there's a lot of history there. My father is certainly a character, and has probably done things that some people can't even fathom, and yet, my mother forgives him.
When he's sick she makes him food and has us send it over, even though when she was suffering from kidney stones and counldn't move he laughed at her, put up his feet and continued watching tv. Sometimes she just sends him food just for the sake of it in fact. She also lent him money to get a car a few years back when he came back from Jordan, even though he has still deprives her of her divorce rights to the wealth. She invited my little sister into our home, fed her, took care of her, played with her, took her to that cool playground in McDonalds. Even though after 11 years of separation my father has barely helped her raise the three children he abandoned. She prays for his health and worries about him when hes upset, even though he beat her to a pulp multiple times. She often pleads his case and tells us to be patient when we are upset after visiting him because he's driven us nuts for the past few hours. I don't think she has even reminded us intentionally of something he had done, just to maintain a good picture of him in our minds, although that can be hard. Even though when I visit him he still is complaining about rusted tuna cans from 25 years ago, and how that ruined the marriage. Psht.
She is truly a REMARKABLE woman. I can't even imagine where she musters such strength from. She is a broken woman tobegin with, due tothe after affects of being told shes worthless for 30 years. And yet she rises like a phoenix from the fire, leaving the ashes behind. Above all else this is the character trait I wish to inherit.
When someone takes your rights away it's never easy to take yourself down from the anger ladder, in fact it tends to increase exponentially. It's hard to close your eyes for those six seconds and burrow all that hate somewhere else.
But let me tell you it's freeing. There's nothing more remarkable than God's gifts, and this is truly one of them. Next time you wanna curse someone out for all they are worth, remember Allah is watching.
He knows exactly how you feel, and how unbelievably hard it is, and don't think you will go unrewarded. If freedom alone of not having hate in your heart doesn't get you, then the kindness you give to that person will. But don't get me twisted, often times they don't deserve it. BUT THIS IS NOT WHY YOU DO IT. You do it for the sake of Allah, you do it because maybe one day it will dawn on them that they have done wrong. I'm not saying that you should be a pushover and not defend yourself, and take your rights, but do so with patience with kindness, and leave everything to Allah when it's just not working out.
Back to the phone call. He was crying because things are getting rough. Life's catching up with him, he's getting older, and Allah is testing him. He needs more help than he used to and hes pushed away almost everyone in sight. My mother and I remain. My brother and sister too but I don't blame them for keeping their distance, he's a hard man to handle. My point is, something shook in my heart to hear his voice quiver like that. How can I deny him help? Is he not still my father? And even if he wasn't, does he not hurt? Is he not human?
Some might wonder how I could push aside the bad. But have you never wrong someone in your life? Have you ever wished for their forgiveness? Have you ever done something stupid and known it was the last straw, that you couldn't go back and fix it. I know I have. I have been tortured at times because I have hurt the ones I love, and above all the one who love me. Wouldn't it be just lovely if someone cut you some slack for once?
I'm not going to excuse anything that has happened, but we are all tempted by shytan, we all get a little over the top sometimes, and for some of us that lasts months and even years. The next time someone wants to turn over a new leaf don't shut them down. Calm your anger, forget your hurt, and remember the words of your Lord.
"The good deed and the evil deed cannot be equal. Repel (the evil) with one which is better (i.e. Allâh ordered the faithful believers to be patient at the time of anger, and to excuse those who treat them badly), then verily! he, between whom and you there was enmity, (will become) as though he was a close friend.
But none is granted it (the above quality) except those who are patient, and none is granted it except the owner of the great portion (of the happiness in the Hereafter i.e. Paradise and in this world of a high moral character)." (Qur'an 41:34-35)
My mother has been truly blessed in many ways, and Allah has brought Himself closer to her, because she listened to His call. Always remember Allah shows his Mercy upon those who are merciful. Never forget it :)
Monday, July 27, 2009
Where is the REAL opression?
As Salam Alekum
Alot of people might not agree with me on this, but lets take a moment to look at the facts.
In Islam there is no complusion. Meaning no one can force me to do anything I don't want to do. And I agree this is not always practiced in the Muslim world, but no one is perfect after all. We need to consider that some parents do force their children to initiate hijab, this is indeed a fact we can't deny. But every household has a way of dealing with things. Some parents force their kids to go to a certain school, or to get a licesence or not to do something, get a degree, to do the dishes, same applies for hijab. At times this is the way parents opperate, judge it how you will, but thats the fact of this issue. On top of that there is no spiritual benifit from it! Just cause I'm covered doesn't mean I'm going to get the reward for it.
We need to start realizing that just because someone else does it, doesn't mean thats the correct path, or that it represents Islam. To get the correct representation we must go back to the teachings God left for us in his final revliation. At best we can argue that those who are forced are representative of a parenting style. That's about it... (Not that I disagree with Islamic implications for certian things, ie. shariah implications of hijab).
As a muslim woman I would like to point out that at the age of 12, before I had even hit puberty I started wearing the headscarf. And guess what! No one even told me I had to wear it once. Same for my sister (may Allah reward her insha'Allah). I saw the example she and my mother made and I chose this path.
So for those of you who cry OPRESSION, take a moment and hear it from the mouth (or fingertips) of a proud rightous muslimah! I LOVE MY HIJAB!
I love the joy it brings, and the respect it entitles me with. I am a muslim woman. I don't frown when im getting ready in the morning, I put it on with PRIDE.
"But it supresses your sexuality?!"
Well thank God for that! I don't want strange people admiring my curves (men and women [lesbians *shudders*]). I don't want to be in a fantasy of the guy sitting across from me on the bus! NO THANKS! And for those who don't think it happens they are naive to the fullest.
I love my hijab because when a guy talks to me he knows his boundaries! When he's giving out hugs to everyone, I get a handshake (which i didn't shake for all the Haram Police who are wondering). He knows he's not going to cop a feel as we hug, he knows I'm not easy. And when he talks to me it's because he wants to know what is on my mind, and in my heart! Rather than how I look in booty shorts. This is the TRUE freedom. Freedom from their eyes and thoughts. Freedom from my own weak temptations. Freedom from unwanted groping. Freedom from cat calls and conversations that start and end with the intention of getting into my pants. FREE!
When I get married insha'Allah I will be protected from fitna and struggles insha'Allah. Because a Muslim man doesn't wanna know how much you can fit into your mouth, he wants to know what's in your mind. Theres an insant respect there. And forgive me for my graphic langauge, but lets face it, thats the world we live in today. Where what is important is how well my lips pout, how big my eyes look, if I'm tanned enough, trim enough, hair is curly enough, too curly, too straight, too frizzie, eyeliner isn't thick enough. IM FREE FROM THAT! Free from wondering if my boobs are the right shape, if he thinks I look hot enough, if that soda is going to go to my hips. Alhemdulilah, THANK YOU GOD, I am free of that.
I WILL TELL YOU WHERE THE TRUE OPRESSION IS THOUGH!
It's in those 14 year old girls who are putting straws and fingers down their throats to be thinner, prettier, hotter. Have you ever done that? Maybe you should try it just to see if you don't believe me. It was one of the most traumatic things I've ever done to myself.
Nothing is more degrading than the feeling of worrying that the food isn't coming up, and worrying that you will have to induce your gag reflex again. Nothing is like that feeling when your whole body convulses and the taste of HCl enters your mouth. And it's not even about the physical experience. It's how you think about how desperate and worthless you are.
This is opression. This is hell.
This is where supression of the phyche lays. Where the real damage happens.
When you start cutting yourself because he doesn't notice you. When your entire self worth is based on a bagel. When you cry till you can't breathe cause ur sunburnt and he doesn't wanna look at you.
When you base your self worth on what others think, and how you look. That is the real opression. So the West can take their sexual freedom and shove it! They can take their television shows and pour them down the drain. They can take all that sexaul freedom and remind all those kids from divorced familes that their parents just wanted to practice their rights to sexual liberites!
Remind those kids that cry every night cause daddys not coming home. Remind that girl with the razorblade, or the one with the straw. That guy who's on steroids and working out at the gym constantly.
And lets not forget our tolken fat people! Just there for or entertainment, and to make fun of! Right?! WRONG!
So I repeat THANK GOD! Thank God a million times over for making me FREE!
Thanks, peace out!
---Commenting is available to all
CHECK THIS OUT TOO
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)