Solution to Poverty and the Global Crises

"In the name of God, most Gracious, most Compassionate"

Today in class we were supposed to think of solutions to the global crises that plague the world today. Most of these include people living in Third World developing countries who survive on less than $1-2 a day. These countries are also subjected to a debt regime in which the only way for their government to borrow money from IMF or the World Bank is at exorbitant interest rates and also with strict conditions for use.

These countries then become entrenched in debt because the money that they earn from their GDP is usually used to repay back ONLY the interest rates... and then they have to borrow more money to repay their previous loans... and they don't have any left to invest into their economy.

So it came as a surprise to me when one of my non-Muslim classmates suggested that the world should follow the Islamic Banking way of loans and business partnerships. He was then second by my Professor who is also a Muslim, who said that Islamic Banking practices take a shared responsibility approach with business entrepreneurs. As such, they do profit and lose together with their business partners.

It struck me then at that moment that if right from the start, we had followed the Islamic way of life; follow their banking system, their political system and everything... life would be more peaceful. Our Prophet Muhammad s.a.w had given us all the solutions to the problems that would come after his death and yet we are blinded and unguided in our practices.

Islam is NOT backwards neither is it progressive. What I mean is that it is always constant and applicable till the end of time. If only we stop to think and remember Him and his prophets.

Humbling reminder

"In the name of God, most Gracious, most Compassionate"

Today I came across this ayat in the Quran and thought it would be best to share it here. It reminded me about the Greatness of Allah and how we as humans must never forget that we need Him but He doesn't need us:

أَلَمْ تَرَ أَنَّ اللَّهَ خَلَقَ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضَ بِالْحَقِّ ۚ إِن يَشَأْ يُذْهِبْكُمْ وَيَأْتِ بِخَلْقٍ جَدِيدٍ

 

Seest thou not that Allah created the heavens and the earth in Truth? If He so will, He can remove you and put (in your place) a new creation?

   وَمَا ذَ‌ٰلِكَ عَلَى اللَّهِ بِعَزِيزٍ

 Nor is that for Allah any great matter.

Just two lines... but so powerful. Masyaallah. I could literally 'hear' Allah saying the last line to Mankind. I actually said 'wow' after reading that line. It's like a slap to my face perhaps, as a reminder that our existence here is only because Allah wills it. Any difficulties and any ease which He gives to our lives are His decisions alone.

This reminds me of a video from youtube that I watched about a poor, blind old lady whom when interviewed about her poverty, never stopped praising God. Here's the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFqfVIxGPlY&feature=player_embedded

One of the questions that the reporter asked was: So Ummi, do you have any children? Do they come and visit you? And she said- Allah is always with me, I do not need anyone else.

Masyaallah... truly, the most grateful are those who get so little but are thankful for so much. I pray for that old lady and I also pray that I could attain that level of thankfulness for everything in my life.

Wallahualam Bissawab

Shukran for this remedy...

"In the name of God, most Gracious, most Compassionate"

I am thankful to Brother Hamid for posting this entry here.

But I'd like to put up something he shared about the Prophet s.a.w; a beautiful do'a that is full of sincerity, humily and total subordination to Allah... I cried when I read this and i find it so humbling that I am crippled for words to describe it.

 

“O Allah! Unto You do I complain of my weakness, of my helplessness and of my lowliness before men. O most Merciful of the merciful. O Lord of the weak and my Lord too. Into whose hands have you entrusted me? Unto some far off stranger who receives me with hostility? Or unto a foe whom you have empowered against me? I care not, so long as You are not angry with me. But Your favouring help, that were for me the broader way and the wider scope. I take refuge in the light of Your countenance whereby all darknesses are illuminated and all things of this world and the next are rightly ordered, lest You make descend Your anger upon me or lest Your wrath beset me. Yet it is Yours to reproach until You are well pleased. There is no power and no might except through Thee.”
 

Masyaallah...

And something to remind myself....

When someone rejects you in any aspect of life, do not get disheartened, rather rejoice within yourself saying to yourself Allahukaber! Worst could have happened, Alhumdulillah! It didn't happened. My Creator plan's are, indeed better than those of his best of creations (human beings).Its better to get rejected at first place than to get divorced later (in every aspect of life).What have I lost? Nothing! What belongs to me after all that i may loose.


I accept all that He has decreed upon me for He knows best what I know not. 

He has given me this opportunity to increase my faith in Him and search for His love; a love above all else. 

I put all my faith in His plans for they are the best for me and for my religion.

Remembrance

"In the name of God, most Gracious, most Compassionate"

A friend of mine of facebook posted this:

A sign of someone whom Allah loves is that when you see him/her, you remember Allah." - Hina Khan-Mukhtar

And it made me think of all the people whom reminds me of Allah... Masyaallah...

A thief?

"In the name of God, most Gracious, most Compassionate"

Subhanallah... I found this on one of the Fb pages and I think it is very good. I wish that someone had shown me this when I was younger. But hopefully I could use it for my own children when they get to the stage where they start noticing the opposite sex and all.

The captions:

The girl says: Ya Allah, please protect my heart lest I steal his iman without me realising it. I pray to You, Oh God to strengten my iman and his iman.

The boy says: Subhanallah... she's so beautiful. Please fortify the iman in my heart. Let my presence be a source of strength to this girl's iman. Don't let me be the reason for a decrease in her iman.

Hijab Do's and Don'ts

"In the name of God, most Gracious, most Compassionate"

I found this very good article to which I will put here as a point of reference to myself and to others as what it means to wear the hijab over your head. Today it has come to a point where I am SO SICK of seeing girls who call themselves muslims using the hijab like a fashion statement and using for reasons OTHER than seeking Allah's protection and His pleasure.

I take a huge offense when I see girls in hijab wearing nail polish or excessive make up- main point: if you're wearing fake eyelashes and a GLOB of liquid eyeliner- odds are you never pray coz if you're gonna give me the excuse that it's 'the time of the month' then wow... you must have your period 365days a year.

Here's a photo that annoyed me:
NO- You do NOT use a cat ear on top of your hijab for the sake of looking 'cute'. It's such an insult to the hijab. Masyaallah... It made me so very angry when I saw this... and more so when it was from the front.







Then there's this:

NO- you do not wear tights under a mini skirt and pair it with a shawl and call it hijab. It says tramp, not muslimah.


And lastly... if I can see your round breasts then that means
you're not wearing a hijab either.







So to the article proper. I am only extracting four of her main points. I took it from this website: http://islamic-world.net/sister/hijab_in_quran.htm

Introduction:

This essay will attempt to briefly yet concisely enumerate the basic requirements regarding Muslim women's dress (Hijab) as stipulated by the Shari'ah (Divine Law) of Islam. The term Hijab, includes not only dress and covering the body, but methods of behavior before members of the same and/or opposite sex, promoting privacy for females and prohibiting loose intermingling between males and females, and thereby encouraging modesty, decency, chastity and above all, respect and worship of Allah. Minor differences exist among the scholars regarding the actual number of the requirements because of varying methods used by them in codifying. The ones mentioned here represent the ones agreed upon by the overwhelming majority of scholars and are all solidly backed by firm evidence taken from the Qur'an, the Sunnah and the practice of the Sahabah (the Companions).

The First Requirement: The Extent of Covering

The dress worn in public must cover the entire body except what has been specifically excluded, based upon the following proofs:

Allah Ta'ala says: "And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their private parts from sin and not show of their adornment except only that which is apparent, and draw their headcovers over their necks and bosoms and not reveal their adornment except to their husbands, their fathers, their husbands' fathers, their sons, their husbands' sons, their brothers, or their brothers' sons, or their sisters' sons, or their women (i.e., their sisters in Islam), or their female slaves whom their right hands possess, or old male servants free of physical desires, or small children who have no sense of women's nakedness. And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment. And turn unto Allah altogether, O you Believers, in order that you may attain success.[An-Nur, 24:31]

The word zeenah in the aayah above, literally means "adornment", and includes both (a) that which Allah has adorned, i.e., the woman's natural and/or physical beauty, and (b) that with which they adorn themselves, i.e., jewelry, eye shadow, attractive clothing, hand dye, etc. Soorat An-Nur spells out specifically the commands concerning the fact that a woman's natural beauty and her adornments are to be concealed from strangers except by (1) What may show due to accidental or uncontrollable factors such as the blowing of the wind, etc., and (2) What has been exempted (see explanation at end of this section).

Allah also says: O Prophet, Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their outer garments about themselves (when they go out). That is better so that they may be recognised and not molested. And Allah is Forgiving, Merciful. [Al-Ahzaab, 33:59] Abu Dawood narrates that `Aishah (RAA) said: "Asmaa' the daughter of Abu Bakr (RAA) came to see the Messenger of Allah (SAAWS) wearing a thin dress; so Allah's Messenger (SAAWS) turned away from her and said: O Asmaa', once a woman reaches the age of menstruation, no part of her body should be seen but this-and he pointed to his face and hands.

The word khumur (pl. of khimar) refers to a cloth which covers the head (including the ears), hair, neck and bosom. The esteemed mufaasir (Quranic interpreter) Al-Qurtubi explains: "Women in the past used to cover their heads with the khimar, throwing its ends over their backs. This left the neck and the upper part of the chest bare, in the manner of the Christians. Then Allah commanded them to cover those parts with the khimar."

The Second Requirement: Thickness

The garment should be thick and opaque so as not to display the skin color and form of the body beneath it. Delicate or transparent clothing does not constitute a proper covering. The Sahabah were very stern on this and regarded scanty clothing in public as an indicator of a woman's lack of belief. Al-Qurtubi reports a narration from `Aishah (RAA) that some women from Banu Tamim came to see her wearing transparent clothing.

`Aishah said to them: "If you are are believing women, these are not the clothes of believing women." He also reports that a bride came to see her wearing a sheer, transparent khimaar, whereupon `Aishah (RAA) said: "A woman who wears such clothing does not believe in Soorat An-Nur." Moreover, the following hadeeth makes this point graphically clear. Allah's Messenger (SAAWS) said: There will be in the last of my Ummah (nation of believers), scantily dressed women, the hair on the top of their heads like a camel's hump. Curse them, for verily they are cursed.

In another version he said: ...scantily dressed women, who go astray and make others go astray; they will not enter Paradise nor smell its fragrance, although it can be smelled from afar. [At-Tabarani and Sahih Muslim] "Scantily dressed women" are those who wear clothing which reveals more than it conceals, thereby increasing her attractiveness while opening the path to a host of evils.

The Third Requirement: Looseness

The clothing must hang loosely enough and not be so tight-fitting as to show the shape and size of the woman's body. The reason for wearing a garment which is wide and loose fitting is that the function of Muslim women's clothing is to eliminate the lure and beauty of her body from the eye of the beholder. Skin-tight body suits, etc. may conceal the skin color, yet they display the size and shape of the limbs and body.

The following hadeeth proves this point clearly: Usamah ibn Zaid said: Allah's Messenger (SAAWS) gave me a gift of thick Coptic cloth he had recieved as a gift from Dahiah Al-Kalbi, and so I gave it to my wife. Thereafter the Prophet (SAAWS) asked me: Why didn't you wear the Coptic cloth? I replied: I gave it to my wife. the Prophet (SAAWS) then said: Tell her to wear a thick gown under it (the Coptic garment) for I fear that it may describe the size of her limbs. [Narrated by Ahmad, Al-Bayhaqi, and Al-Haakim]

The Fourth Requirement: Color, Appearance and Demeanor

Allah ta'ala says: "O wives of the Prophet! You are not like any other women; if you fear (Allah), then do not be too pleasent of speech, lest one in whose heart is a disease should feel desire (for you)." [Al-Ahzab, 33:32] The reason for the revelation of this verse is not the fear of distrust nor misbehavior on the part of the women, but rather to prevent them from speaking invitingly, walking seductively, or dressing revealingly so as to arouse sexual desire in the heart of lecherous and evil men. Seductive dressing and enticing speech are the characteristics of ill-intentioned women, not Muslims.

Al-Qurtubi mentions that Mujahid (RAA) said: "Women (before the advent of Islam) used to walk about (alluringly) among men." Qatadah (RAA) said: "They used to walk in a sensuous and seductive manner." Maqatil (RAA) said: "The women used to wear an untied cloth on their heads, while provocatively toying with their necklaces, earrings and other ornamental jewelry."

Furthermore, Allah has commanded women not to display their beauty, meaning both natural and acquired beauty. Allah commands the believing women thus: ...And do not make a display of yourselves like the displaying of the ignorance of long ago... [Al-Ahzaab, 33:33] A garment which is intended to conceal a woman and her beauty from public view cannot be a thing which enhances her beauty. Therefore, the garment cannot contain bright colors, bold designs or shiny and reflective material that draw men's attention to the wearer. The Arabic word above, At-Tabarruj, means not only "to display oneself" but also "to spruce up one's charms for the purpose of exciting desire".

Imam Adh-Dhahabi says in his book Kitab Al-Kaba'ir (The Book of Major Sins): "Amongst the deeds which a woman is cursed for are displaying the adornments she wears, wearing perfume when she goes out, and wearing colorful clothes..." Hence, the Muslim woman is encouraged to wear muted, somber colors and to avoid bright designs, patterns and colors. This point should serve also as a reminder to Muslim men who are in positions of responsibility for their women, that Allah's Messenger (SAAWS) has warned in an authentic hadeeth narrated by `Abdullah ibn `Amr ibn Al-`Aas that amongst the three individuals who would not enter Jennah (Paradise) would be: Ad-Dayooth, who is contented with obscenity within his family. i.e., a cuckold-a man who permits the women for whom he is responsible, such as his wife, daughter, etc., to engage in illicit sexual relations or to display their beauty to men, thereby stimulating sexual desire.

~~~~~~

Masyaallah... May that be of some help to us now and the future. Alhamdulillah, Allah has helped enlightened me and given me the Knowledge to be a better Muslimah nowadays. I can only pray that for those stray sisters, may their hearts be open to the right path before it's too late.

Wallahualam Bissawab...

A very Brilliant Conversation

"In the name of God, most Gracious, most Compassionate"

I was clearing my old hotmail account which is flooded from junk and found this little piece of email from a friend.

A VERY INTERESTING CONVERSATION

An Atheist Professor of Philosophy was speaking to his class on the problem Science has with GOD, the ALMIGHTY. He asked one of his New Christian Students to stand and . . .

Professor : You are a Christian, aren't you, son ?
Student : Yes, sir.
Professor : So, you Believe in GOD ?
Student : Absolutely, sir.
Professor : Is GOD Good ?
Student : Sure.
Professor : Is GOD ALL - POWERFUL ?
Student : Yes.
Professor : My Brother died of Cancer even though he Prayed to GOD to Heal him. Most of us would attempt to help others who are ill. But GOD didn't. How is this GOD good then? Hmm?

(Student was silent )

Professor : You can't answer, can you ? Let's start again, Young Fella. Is GOD Good?
Student : Yes.
Professor : Is Satan good ?
Student : No.
Professor : Where does Satan come from ?
Student : From . . . GOD . . .
Professor : That's right. Tell me son, is there evil in this World?
Student : Yes.
Professor : Evil is everywhere, isn't it ? And GOD did make everything. Correct?
Student : Yes.
Professor : So who created evil ?

(Student did not answer)

Professor : Is there Sickness? Immorality? Hatred? Ugliness? All these terrible things exist in the World, don't they?
Student : Yes, sir.
Professor : So, who Created them ?

(Student had no answer)

Professor : Science says you have 5 Senses you use to Identify and Observe the World around you. Tell me, son . . . Have you ever Seen GOD?
Student : No, sir.
Professor : Tell us if you have ever Heard your GOD?
Student : No , sir. Professor : Have you ever Felt your GOD, Tasted your GOD, Smelt your GOD? Have you ever had any Sensory Perception of GOD for that matter?
Student : No, sir. I'm afraid I haven't.
Professor : Yet you still Believe in HIM?
Student : Yes.
Professor : According to Empirical, Testable, Demonstrable Protocol, Science says your GOD doesn't exist. What do you say to that, son?

Student : Nothing. I only have my Faith.
Professor : Yes,Faith. And that is the Problem Science has.

Student : Professor, is there such a thing as Heat?
Professor : Yes.
Student : And is there such a thing as Cold?
Professor : Yes.
Student : No, sir. There isn't.

(The Lecture Theatre became very quiet with this turn of events )

Student : Sir, you can have Lots of Heat, even More Heat, Superheat, Mega Heat, White Heat, a Little Heat or No Heat. But we don't have anything called Cold. We can hit 458 Degrees below Zero which is No Heat, but we can't go any further after that. There is no such thing as Cold. Cold is only a Word we use to describe the Absence of Heat. We cannot Measure Cold. Heat is Energy. Cold is Not the Opposite of Heat, sir, just the Absence of it.

(There was Pin-Drop Silence in the Lecture Theatre )

Student : What about Darkness, Professor? Is there such a thing as Darkness?
Professor : Yes. What is Night if there isn't Darkness?
Student : You're wrong again, sir. Darkness is the Absence of Something You can have Low Light, Normal Light, Bright Light, Flashing Light . . . But if you have No Light constantly, you have nothing and its called Darkness, isn't it? In reality, Darkness isn't. If it is, were you would be able to make Darkness Darker, wouldn't you?

Professor : So what is the point you are making, Young Man ?
Student : Sir, my point is your Philosophical Premise is flawed.
Professor : Flawed ? Can you explain how?
Student : Sir, you are working on the Premise of Duality. You argue there is Life and then there is Death, a Good GOD and a Bad GOD. You are viewing the Concept of GOD as something finite, something we can measure. Sir, Science can't even explain a Thought. It uses Electricity and Magnetism, but has never seen, much less fully understood either one. To view Death as the Opposite of Life is to be ignorant of the fact that Death cannot exist as a Substantive Thing. Death is Not the Opposite of Life: just the Absence of it Now tell me, Professor, do you teach your Students that they evolved from a Monkey?

Professor : If you are referring to the Natural Evolutionary Process, yes, of course, I do.
Student : Have you ever observed Evolution with your own eyes, sir?

(The Professor shook his head with a Smile, beginning to realize where the Argument was going )

Student : Since no one has ever observed the Process of Evolution at work and Cannot even prove that this Process is an On-Going Endeavor, Are you not teaching your Opinion, sir? Are you not a Scientist but a Preacher?

(The Class was in Uproar )

Student : Is there anyone in the Class who has ever seen the Professor's Brain?

(The Class broke out into Laughter )

Student : Is there anyone here who has ever heard the Professor's Brain, Felt it, touched or Smelt it? . .. . No one appears to have done so. So, according to the Established Rules of Empirical, Stable, Demonstrable Protocol, Science says that You have No Brain, sir. With all due respect, sir, how do we then Trust your Lectures, sir?

(The Room was Silent. The Professor stared at the Student, his face unfathomable)

Professor : I guess you'll have to take them on Faith, son.
Student : That is it sir . . . Exactly ! The Link between Man & GOD is FAITH. That is all that Keeps Things Alive and Moving.

NB:I believe you have enjoyed the Conversation . . . and if so .. . You'll probably want your Friends / Colleagues to enjoy the same . . . won't you? Forward them to Increase their Knowledge . . . or FAITH. That student was Albert Einstein.

Berkahs from Allah s.w.t

"In the name of God, most Gracious, most Compassionate"

There are always these simple things in life that you have that makes you feel grateful for His blessings and His love.

For example, I bought this new plant yesterday. Isn't it beautiful?



Then it got me thinking- Allah shows His magnificence when He creates such beautiful creations... and He must truly love beauty and perfection because isn't all that He created beautiful and perfect?

In every living thing He created, He had blown into it, His spirit of life and in that, allows us humans to be close to Him everytime we are near His creation. I love my plants and I take care of them everyday because of Allah. Because I marvel at how they grow and how they stand strong resisting wind and rain, cold or sunshine... Subhanallah...




Apart from that, there is also the pleasures that He has given me in terms of food. The first is a picture of sushi I bought from the Hei Sushi Kiosk. Not much, but enough for break fast. It occured to me while looking for sushi that I must find the halal one and not simply eat at any sushi kiosk. The halal-ness of a food would complement the journey I have taken during my fast.

Next is a picture of mooncakes that Hubtobe bought for my family. Isn't it lovely? I marvel at the intricate design on the mooncake skin.



Allahuakbar!

Expectations of Rewards from Allah

"In the name of God, most Gracious, most Compassionate"

Today, it seems, Daily Reminders shared a wonderful link with us all; one which I'd like to put up here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KiRD0ONUjK0

The speaker in the video talks about achieving Ihsan 24/7.

So, what is this 'Ihsan?'

In Arabic, Ihsan means "perfection" or "excellence" and is applied most in matters of one's inner faith, iman, by showing it in both deed and actions. It is the Muslim's responsibility to obtain ihsan in worship, such that Muslims try to worship Allah as if they see Him. But, we know we cannot see Him, but we believe that He is always watching over us.

As said by our Prophet Muhammad s.a.w, "[Ihsan is] to worship God as though you see him, and if you cannot see Him, then indeed He sees you." (Al-Bukhari and Al-Muslim)

So back to the speaker- is it possible for someone to achieve that level of Ihsan 24hours a day, 7 days a week? Masyaallah...

His answer is yes and this marks the difference between a Mukmin and a Mukhsin. The difference is in the level of expectations that the Mukhsin has with regards to the rewards from Allah. The speaker then goes to explain it in this way:

The average Muslim who prays 5times a day, has his niat to do worship to Allah in total of less than an hour. But compare that to someone who does everything with Allah in his intentions- he goes to school because of Allah, he goes to sleep because of Allah and he even goes to gym because of Allah... and he believes that he will be rewarded by Allah. Insyaallah.

But the speaker warns us that even when we're doing something good, but we have no intentions to do it for the sake of Allah, then it does not count. Although I agree, I also do think that this is up to Allah to decide.

I felt a bit humbled and humiliated after listening to the speaker in his video. Because this morning when I went to my blog, my intentions were to lay out why I was so angry at my Hubtobe for not finishing the food that I cooked.

As a wife, when she cooks for her husband, she does it to please Allah first, then please her husband.... not the other way round. And therefore, she should not take her husband's criticism of her cooking as a means to degrade her but as a means to improve her.

Allah knows how I'm feeling and only Allah understands, even if I didn't say it out loud.

Wallahualam Bissawab

Islamophobia in America

"In the name of God, most Gracious, most Compassionate"

Praise be to He, protector of Man of faith.

This morning, after sahur, I was sitting in the study room drinking a cup of water when I noticed the latest issue of TIME addressing the topic of Islamophobia in America. I mean, I am aware that such a sentiment exists in the West but for TIME to create a dedicated front cover article on it, I think it deserves some discussion.

The problem seemed to be aggravated by the proposal to build a Muslim cultural centre and mosque, two blocks away from Ground Zero in New York. As many of us are aware, Ground Zero would refer to the location of the 9/11 attacks. Some are arguing that to build a mosque there would reflect insensitivity towards the families of those killed in the attack. Some of the more lurid questions regarding this proposal include: "Will there be any weapons or military training at the mosque?"

Astagfiruallahalazim... And the 46% of the general American public also believe that Islam is more likely than other faiths to encourage non-violence towards believers.

I have to say that while I am relatively far from the situation in America, this news saddens me. And it makes me grateful that at least in Singapore, we do not have protestors outside our mosques and Muslims here are allowed to proudly claim they are Muslims without fearing defamation or assault etc.

Last semester I took a module on the History of Islam and we also touched upon current day issues such as the above; Islamism, Islamophobia, Islamist- all these are nouns coined only in this 21st century and force the noun Islam to coexist with all these other affixes that do not do justice to itself.

If our Prophet Muhammad s.a.w were to be here to see the world today, I think he would be both happy and sad. Happy in that his ummah has spread even further than the Middle East to all parts of the world; growing larger than any of the kaum of the Prophets before him. But he would be sad too when he sees the state of Iman his ummah is in... which is further weakened by the hostilities and violence propagated by both muslims and non muslims towards each other.

We have let our Prophet, the al-muallim down and we should all be ashamed of ourselves.

Wallahualam Bissawab.

Contemplative Conundrums

"In the name of God, most Gracious, most Compassionate"

Last night, I saw a friend commenting that she despises people who do eat, smoke and drink in front of others during the fasting month. She also goes on to further point out that these people are not muslims and are despicable.

So, she has contemplated the situation and came out with a conclusion- all of which are really conundrums to her of course.

It is not in our place to question the WHY in people's actions or inactions. We should leave it up to Him to ascertain accordingly. Similarly, we have no right to judge if someone is a bad muslim or if that person is a muslim at all. So it was very disheartening for me to see such a post on Facebook. She has made this issue her problem and in that process riddle herself with the conundrum that can never be answered except by Allah.

But the irony is... fasting is the 3rd pillar of our rukun Islam... so before you begin to judge others, you should see if you yourself have fulfilled the first and second requirements- which are, proclaiming the syahadah and doing your five prayers. Many of us, have been fasting but all we get out of it is the feeling of hunger, thirst and fatigue... because our fast had been nullified when we leave out our obligations to pray.

-sigh-

Then there's the issue of he-who- shall- not-be-named-because-I'm- so-annoyed-at-you. Please do not take 8 years to complete your Honours because procrastination is a sin. (see here)

Ibnul-Qayyim said, ‘There is nothing that Allah has enjoined, but Shaytan has ways of dealing with it, either by inclining (people) towards falling short and being negligence or excessive and exaggeration. He does not care which of these two mistakes a person makes. So he may come to a person’s heart and check it out, and if he finds that he is lazy, negligent and looking for concessions, then he goes along with that. He holds him back and stops him from doing things; he makes him lazy, indifferent and negligent, and encourages him to seek alternative interpretations and hope for forgiveness etc., until a person may give up doing all things that have been enjoined.

One of the ways in which Shaytan does this is mentioned in the hadith recorded in Saheeh al-Bukharee from Abu Hurayrah (radhi allahu anhu), who said that the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said,

‘Shaytan puts three knots at the back of the head of any of you if he is asleep. On every knot he reads and exhales the following words, ‘The night is long, so stay asleep.’ When one wakes up and remembers Allah, one knot is undone; and when one performs ablution, the second knot is undone, and when one prays the third knot is undone and one gets up energetic with a good heart in the morning; otherwise one gets up lazy and with a mischievous heart.’ [Saheeh al-Bukharee (21/243)]

Therefore, seek refuge in Him whenever you feel lost because I can't always give you the right answers...

Allahumma innee a`dhu bika mina al-‘ajzi wa al-kasal wa al-jubun wa al-bukhl wa ghalabati al-dayni wa qahri al-rrijaal

(O Allah, I seek refuge in You from helplessness, sloth, cowardice, niggardliness, and burden of debts and domineering men.)

Laa ilaaha illa Allaahu al-`azeem al-haleem, la ilaaha illa Allaahu rabbu al-`arshi al-`azeem, laa ilaaha illa Allaahu rabbu al-ssamaawaati wa al-ardhi wa rabbu al-`arshi al-kareem

(There is no god but Allah, the Glorious and Clement; there is no god but Allah, Lord of the Great Throne; there is no god but Allah, Lord of the heavens and earth and the Noble Throne).”

Living by example

"In the name of God, most Gracious, most Compassionate"

Before I begin, just wanted to share that my father replied my short email with a very lengthy one! It seems my brothers haven't been emailing him much and worst of all, he doesn't get to talk to us much because this month we're always at terawih when he calls. I miss him very much and I really pray that he will be home with us for Hari Raya. Insyaallah... if God willing...

Actually, the purpose of this entry is to write about the three levels of fasting that I've learnt these past few days during the short takzirah after terawih. And again I read it this morning on 'Happy muslim husband and wife'. So I guess that's a sign that I should write what I learnt.

From their website:

Three Grades:-

It should be known that there are three grades of Fasting: ordinary, special and extra-special.

Ordinary Fasting means abstaining from food, drink and sexual satisfaction.

Special Fasting means keeping one's ears, eyes, tongue, hands and feet -- and all other organs -- free from sin.

Extra-special Fasting means fasting of the heart from unworthy concerns and worldly thoughts, in total disregard of everything but Allah, Great and Glorious is He. This kind of Fast is broken by thinking of worldly matters, except for those conducive to religious ends, since these constitute provision for the Hereafter and are not of this lower world. Those versed in the spiritual life of the heart have even said that a sin is recorded against one who concerns himself all day with arrangements for breaking his Fast. Such anxiety stems from lack of trust in the bounty of Allah, Great and Glorious is He, and from lack of certain faith in His promised sustenance.

To this third degree belong the Prophets, the true awliya and the intimates of Allah. It does not lend itself to detailed examination in words, as its true nature is better revealed in action. It consists in utmost dedication to Allah, Great and Glorious is He, to the neglect of everything other than Allah, Exalted is He. It is bound up with the significance of His words: 'Say: "Allah (sent it down)": then leave them to play in their vain discussions.' [al-An'am,6:91]

The above is just a segment of it. But it is something that is often repeated during Ramadhan by our ustads and ustazahs...

It makes you think doesn't it... at which level are you fasting at right now? And how many days were you able to sustain that level? Did you try for the extra-special fast and do you think you succeeded?

But something Ustad said last night, really resonated within me. He said that Nabi Muhammad s.a.w, despite being the key opener of syurga, still sets an example by spending his days fasting and his nights praying. In fact he had asked permission from his wives to excuse him during Ramadhan to allow him to be only with Allah. I was truly touched by that...

And yet, here we are, as his ummah, taking for granted that we'd go to heaven too eventually and we do not put in much effort into our ibadah. Ustad reminded us that Ramadhan is our practicing ground. If we do something during Ramadhan (like night prayers), then we should continue with it throughout the year; not just be good during Ramadhan. Insyaallah... I will try...

However, I must say that sometimes other worldly concerns are more applicable to men than women. Women still have to concern themselves with worldly considerations... like cooking for the breaking of fast, laundry, taking care of the children and keeping the house clean so it is more conducive for ibadah. But I am sure that if they do it with the sincerest of hearts, to seek His pleasure, then I'm sure He will reward these women for always remembering Him.

As much as we can, we must follow the examples set by our Prophet s.a.w, his companions and his wives.

Wallahualam Bissawab...

The meaning of عيد الفطر

"In the name of God, most Gracious, most Compassionate"

Contrary to popular belief, Eid ul Fitr, or Hari Raya Aidilfitri as it is known here in Singapore, is NOT the Muslim new year. I even saw this mistake in a scholarly paper written by a Malay whom I will assume is Muslim as well.

Many here are unaware just the same that the real Islamic new year is in the month of Muharram, not Syawal. Yet, the level of celebration our community devote to Aidilfitri is at times superfluous.

In retrospect, Eid ul Fitr should be celebrated at a smaller scale as compared to the 'Greater Eid' which is Eid ul Adha...

Eid ul Fitr simply marks an end to the month of Ramadhan... and although we celebrate it with joy, we must not forget that it is also a sad goodbye to the most beautiful month in Islam and also it is a sad parting for the souls who have to return back to the grave and face their continued punishments.

The reason why I'm bringing this up is because I was a little angry this morning when I heard the donation drive advertisement on radio. There was a small boy who was crying, saying that he wanted new clothes for the coming Hari Raya but his mom says they can't afford coz they're poor and their father is sick. Then the boy says that he too wishes to live a life of means like his friends. Then the DJ says that we should help these families so that they too can have a meaningful Aidilfitri.

The advertisement disturbs me on 2 levels:

First- Hari Raya does not equal to new clothes every year. Are you telling me that these people, who receive the donations every year desire to buy new clothes every year? Then they're much more well off than I am for I only buy a new set of baju kurung every 3-5 years. Astagfiruallah.

Second- It reminded me of a family I know whom, upon receiving alms, would spend quite a lot on new clothes...
The money that you receive from this donation drive is meant to cover you for a few months... but sometimes they blow it all on just Hari Raya. =(

When the boy says that he too wishes to be well off like his friends... I don't know if I should pity or feel upset with him. There is alot to be grateful for, even when you are poor. You should be grateful that Allah has willed you to wake up another day, so that you can strive to work or study hard for rezeki.

My mother used to say that we should not be jealous of our friend's wealth or wish to be like them. Instead we should be jealous of those who have more ilmu than us; especially knowledge in religion and we should try to learn as much as we can from them. That is what we should strive for... not compare ourselves to the financial status of others then lament at our own state and blame God for it.

I remembered a story about an Imam (I can't remember which one now) who would cry when he saw a poor person and also cry when he saw a rich person. He said that the poor person, being poor never stopped praying to Allah, asking for halal rezeki and seeking His protection. While the rich person, always prays to Allah, to give his thanks and show his gratitude for all that He has given.

So that is why, in the recent years, I begin to realise that Hari Raya is not a day to show off who has the most expensive or branded handbag or who has lost the most weight or who has the prettiest looking outfit. I am grateful to be covered in whatever baju kurung or abaya that I have and that the hijab covers me inside and out. I go to the elders house to seek forgiveness and meet my relatives... so for me... materials are possessions of this world.

And that... is enough for me.

Happy Anniversary...

"In the name of God, most Gracious, most Compassionate"

Alhamdullillah...

May Allah strengthen our love for each other and may he keep us in Iman and among those with Iman...

May He bless us with a fulfilling life to make worship for Him and make us muslims with Taqwa...

May He bless us also with a happy family, a happy home and healthy relationship.

May He grant us forgiveness for our past sins and our future sins and forgive the sins of our parents and our siblings and children.

May He guide us down the right path, shine the light of Ilham on us for our studies and help us seek knowledge in His name.

Insyaallah, with His permission and His will, we will be enjoyed in matrimony soon; in hopes that we become more responsible and faithful in our ibadahs in the name of Allah.

Lihub Billah...

Adventure Saturday!

"In the name of God, most Gracious, most Compassionate"

Although it was a long, hot and humid day, I seemed to get alot of things done and 2/3 of it was spent on ibadah. Alhamdulillah...

Speaking of Alhamdulillah... today me and Hubtobe were exploring mosques and chanced upon Masjid Omar Kampong Melaka, near Havelock Road and it is so beautiful and so clean and so comfortable... almost like my other favourite mosque- Abdul Hamid Mosque. Oh yeah, and when I entered the female prayer room and saw that it was fully air conditioned, I smsed Hubtobe and said 'Hurray!' to which he chided me "Mane keSyukuran? Bukan cakap Hurray..." (where's your sense of gratefulness... not say hurray)

Ooops... I was just so happy and excited that I was going to enjoy peace and quiet in a comfortable mosque that I forgot for a moment. Apparently they've revamped the place and it looks really lovely now. Here's a photo I took from Wikipedia:



Prior to our visit to this mosque, we went to Funan to get Hubtobe's antivirus for his computer. It's been quite some time since we walked in town and especially now that it's Ramadan, walking in town isn't such a good thing. Hubtobe mentioned that town is not really a muslim-friendly place. Yes there is Al-Falah mosque and other musollah's here and there but the people who crowd the streets can really challenge one's iman.

I think for him, he has to lower his gaze more than I do because the women on the streets are quite scantily clad at times and it's hard to keep your eyes on the floor especially in a crowded area. Unlike me, I'm quite oblivious to my surroundings at times. Heh heh.

Well... that aside... I'm so happy I finally got a new foundation powder, eyeliner and lipstick (basic makeup really). I seem to have lost mine somehow. Hubtobe helped to choose the lipstick colour. He was so funny and so choosy! I prefered the neutral tones but he said he wanted something red and an image of a pin-up girl came to my head. But eventually we compromised to a colour called chestnut that was a mix of reddish brown. =)

Alright, to top it all, we did terawih at Masjid Sultan... it was lovely... The second Imam drove me to tears. Well... sniffles more like it. I was touched by his rendition of the surahs. He sounded like the Imam from Al-Khair though. Plus Masjid Sultan is spacious and it wasn't so crowded. I know its best if the mosque is filled to the brim... but sometimes I appreciate some space too... coz we always end up sitting on each other's feet during tahiyat akhir. -laughs-

Well... a day with Hubtobe is always a day well spent and although I'm really tired from all the walking and standing, I am grateful that Allah has given me the strength and the health to still persevere through the day. Alhamdullillah.

Also, at the end of the day, I know you know, Lihub Billah...

Terawih Prayers!

"In the name of God, most Gracious, most Compassionate"

Alhamdulillah, we've made it through the first day of Ramadhan. Allah had been kind and merciful to us for making it a cool breezy and rainy day, making it easier to get through the day.

But today is very hot and even though I am indoors, there's alot of work to do! Laundry, cleaning up the cupboards and finally, checking emails and writing an entry. Heh heh.

Well, today I want to write about my first terawih prayer for the year.

Unlike many people, I do my first two weeks of terawih at my ustad and ustazah's house and over the years, they have become very like family to me and my family. Its been over 10 years since we've known them and alhamdulillah, I am still learning something new from them each week.

Terawih prayers when I was younger was more fun because ustad and ustazah's kids were still young and we'd all pray together, along with our other friends. But now that we're all grown up, it is very hard to get all the kids together. But, at least the youngest two and the eldest are still around.

Terawih prayers at their house is always very meaningful to me because I see a father who has raised 7 children as a sole breadwinner and yet, very humble and simple. Their house is simple and the most important part of the house is the hall because that's where it's most spacious for prayers. =) On one side of the wall, there are books on religion and alot of Qurans. It's actually very beautiful and like I said before, I am going to buy more books to make a library like that.

Well, but on weekends, I hope to ask Hubtobe to let me follow him to terawih.

This year, I am hoping to go for the Qiyamul Layl. I'm not sure how possible is that, considering that the last week of Ramadan is my first week of school... but I will try my best, insyaallah.

Oh yes, and I am going for that forum on knowledge at Sultan Mosque! I am so excited!

Welcoming the Month of Ramadan; Happy Husband and Wife

"In the name of God, most Gracious, most Compassionate"

These days when I go on facebook, I visit pages which help me to become a better muslimah and refrain from engaging in the gossip and bad talking which is rampant in some of my circles. I am trying to close off that connection and only look to the good ones in hopes to establish a better self in the name of Allah.


Happy Muslim Husband and Wife is one of the pages which I do visit. Although it is aimed at those who are already married, it also touches on other aspects of life such as Ramadan, Women's rights in islam and also tips on how to make a better relationship with your spouse and family. Even if you're not married yet, I think the page provides a wonderful source of information as well as a network of people to whom you can seek knowledge and advice from.

At the same time, there's also the Ideal Muslimah which is another place I visit, along with Daily Reminders. And last of all... Without Allah, I am nothing. =)

But today, I want to share something I read about Ramadhan from Happy Muslim Husband and Wife. I took this from their page, so all credits to them:

Welcoming the Month of Ramadan

Ramadan is derived from ramdaa' which means "sun-baked," perhaps a reference to the pangs of fasting.

Anas (r) said that when the month of Ramadan came the Prophet (s) said: "Glory to Allah! What are you facing now! What is coming ahead!" `Umar ibn al-Khattab (r) said: "My father's life for you, and my mother's! O Prophet of Allah, what is it? Did you receive revelation, or is an enemy coming?" He replied: "No, but the month of Ramadan has come, in which Allah forgives all the people of this Community." He also said: "If Allah's servants knew what Ramadan was, they would have wished it lasted for the whole year."

The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur'an is a time of tremendous blessings and the gate of repentance and return to Allah.

The Prophet (s) also said: "The month of Ramadan has come to you, a blessed month for the duration of which Allah has prescribed fasting for you. In it the gates of the heaven are open and the gates of Gehenna are shut." Another version adds: "And devils are put in chains."

The Prophet (s) named fasting "the poor-tax of the body" (zakat al-jasad) and he named it "a shield" (al-siyamu junnah) and also "half of restraint" (al-sabru nisfu al-sawm), and he named restraint "pure light" (al-sabru diya'). When asked who were the wanderers in the verse:

التَّائِبُونَ الْعَابِدُونَ الْحَامِدُونَ السَّائِحُونَ الرَّاكِعُونَ السَّاجِدونَ الآمِرُونَ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ وَالنَّاهُونَ عَنِ الْمُنكَرِ وَالْحَافِظُونَ لِحُدُودِ اللّهِ وَبَشِّرِ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ

Those that turn to Allah in repentance;
that serve Him, and praise Him;
that wander in devotion to His cause (al-sa'ihun);
that bow down and prostrate themselves in prayer;
that enjoin good and forbid evil;
and observe the limits set by Allah --
these do rejoice!
So proclaim the glad tidings to the believers. (9:112)

The Prophet (s) said: "The wanderers in the cause of Allah (al-sa'ihun) are those who fast" (hum al-sa'imun). Thus a true dervish fasts, and many of the great shaykhs said that the path consists in hunger. The Prophet (s) also said: "There is no conceit in fasting."

The month of Ramadan is a tremendous witness on the Day of the judgment, and the Prophet (s) said: "I declare myself clear of them whose detractor is Ramadan." It brings immense rewards as he said: "Those who fast the month of Ramadan believing (in Allah and his Messenger) and seeking a reward, all their past sins are forgiven." Another version adds: "and pray (the voluntary night-prayer) in it" and in the end: "he comes out of his sins as on the day his mother gave birth to him."

According to the Companion `Ubadah ibn al-Samit the Prophet (s) used to say upon entering this month:

Allahumma sallimnee li ramadana wa sallim ramadana
wa sallimhu minnee mutaqabbilan.

"O Allah, greet and save me for Ramadan; greet and save Ramadan;
greet and save Ramadan on my behalf, and grant me its acceptance."

Wisdom Behind Fasting- The purpose of Fasting

Firstly we must note that one of the names of Allah is al-Hakim (the Most Wise). The word Hakim is derived from the same root as hukm (ruling) and hikmah (wisdom). Allah alone is the One Who issues rulings, and His rulings are the most wise and perfect.

Secondly: Allah does not prescribe any ruling but there is great wisdom behind it, which we may understand, or our minds may not be guided to understand it. We may know some of it but a great deal is hidden from us.

Thirdly: Allah has mentioned the reason and wisdom behind His enjoining of fasting upon us, as He says (interpretation of the meaning):

O you who believe! Observing As-Sawm (the fasting) is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqun (the pious)

[Noble Quran 2:183]

Fasting is a means of attaining taqwa (piety, being conscious of Allah), and taqwa means doing that which Allah has enjoined and avoiding that which He has forbidden.

Fasting is one of the greatest means of helping a person to fulfill the commands of Islam.

The scholars have mentioned some of the reasons why fasting is prescribed, all of which are characteristics of taqwa, but there is nothing wrong with quoting them here, to draw the attention of fasting people to them and make them keen to attain them.

Among the reasons behind fasting are:-

Fasting is a means that makes us appreciate and give thanks for pleasures. For fasting means giving up eating, drinking and intercourse, which are among the greatest pleasures. By giving them up for a short time, we begin to appreciate their value. Because the blessings of Allah are not recognized, but when you abstain from them, you begin to recognize them, so this motivates you to be grateful for them.

Fasting is a means of giving up haram things, because if a person can give up halal things in order to please Allah and for fear of His painful torment, then he will be more likely to refrain from haram things. So fasting is a means of avoiding the things that Allah has forbidden.

Fasting enables us to control our desires, because when a person is full his desires grow, but if he is hungry then his desire becomes weak. Hence the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: O young men! Whoever among you can afford to get married, let him do so, for it is more effective in lowering the gaze and protecting one's chastity. Whoever cannot do that, let him fast, for it will be a shield for him.

Fasting makes us feel compassion and empathy towards the poor, because when the fasting person tastes the pain of hunger for a while, he remembers those who are in this situation all the time, so he will hasten to do acts of kindness to them and show compassion towards them. So fasting is a means of feeling empathy with the poor.

Fasting humiliates and weakens the Shaytan; it weakens the effects of his whispers (waswaas) on a person and reduces his sins. That is because the Shaytan "flows through the son of Adam like blood as the Prophet (Peace be upon him) said, but fasting narrows the passages through which the Shaytan flows, so his influence grows less.

[Shaykh al-Islam said in Majmu' al-Fatawa, 25/246


Undoubtedly blood is created from food and drink, so when a person eats and drinks, the passages through which the devils flow - which is the blood - become wide. But if a person fasts, the passages through which the devils flow become narrow, so hearts are motivated to do good deeds, and to give up evil deeds.

The fasting person is training himself to remember that Allah is always watching, so he gives up the things that he desires even though he is able to take them, because he knows that Allah can see him.

Fasting means developing an attitude of asceticism towards this world and its desires, and seeking that which is with Allah.

It makes the Muslim get used to doing a great deal of acts of worship, because the fasting person usually does more acts of worship and gets used to that.

These are some of the reasons why fasting is enjoined. We ask Allah to help us to achieve them and to worship Him properly.

And Allah knows best.

What has Facebook come to?

"In the name of God, most Gracious, most Compassionate"

Many times I've asked myself this question... especially lately when I start seeing more and more signs of disintegration of values and iman in the muslim community.

Women who once used the hijab are suddenly 'liberated' and prancing around without any in public... Girls who used to dress demurely are now in mini skirts and tights... and then there's also the ever increasing level of riak that Facebook simply feeds on- the extravagant holidays, the classy bags, shoes, exclusive dining places and so on...

Before I address the third point, I just want to say a few things about the first two-

It disgusts me deeply when someone wears the hijab then take it off then put it on when it's convenient for them... then why put it on in the first place? And the best part is when their parents are aware of this and do not say anything. I feel disgusted because these women actually believe they are more beautiful when they take it off to show it to the world... but what they are actually defiantly saying is: 'Look God. I'm fine without this scarf around my head which is what You asked of me, and hey, this is my body so I can do what I want to it'

Astaghfiruallah...

Then there's those who model on sexy dresses and all kinds of haram clothings... and insist that these are hijab friendly simply by adding a cardigan or pants etc...

How can the parents of these girls allow their daughters to wear these abhorrent garbs? And these parents are aware because their daughters are right beside them in family photos... I pray that Allah forgives these parents for not keeping His amanah; may He be lenient towards them and have mercy on them.

Last of all... Facebook has given the chance for everyone who is not strong enough to be a victim of their own sins. The desire to showoff.

At times, even I am guilty of this. These days when I do put photos up, I do not publish them so that no one knows and no one can comment on them unless they purposely went to my profile to browse my photos. On hindsight, perhaps I should put these photos on private mode or just for sharing with my brother and Hubtobe.

I am tempted to just delete my whole account for that matter... but I am holding out because I have many good, muslims and muslimah friends who are always sending me invitations to events and forums through facebook... and it is also a way for me to keep in touch with them.

But I just cannot see things like these and not feel sad and disturbed by them. =(

Allah, please forgive me for having these despicable bouts of anger and resentment towards these people. I am not like Hubtobe who is always so patient and kind and forgiving.

I'm going to put to private as much albums as possible.

Hubtobe tells me to doa for these people... and I will... after I doa for myself not to be too consumed by syaitan's whispers... I'm sorry I got angry. =( Only Allah has the right to be angry at his creations.

Wallahualam Bissawab...

To go or not to go? That is the question...

"In the name of God, most Gracious, most Compassionate"

I recently received an invitation from my school's Muslim society for an educational forum this coming Ramadhan. It sounds interesting and I want to go, although it's 6hours long, but I don't have a friend to go with.

Here's the phamplet:
How often do we review our intention in seeking knowledge? Are we even aware of the proper etiquette of seeking knowledge?

As critical thinking Muslims, we often question. Not willing to passively just accept things at face value. But, what exactly is Islam’s take on "Freedom of Thought"? Can this even be applied in Islam? And what are the "Etiquette in Seeking Knowledge"?

Indeed, this is the dilemma of the knowledge seeker. Looki...ng for answers? Join us this Ramadhan, 21st August, as we join a distinguished panel of speakers to discuss and rediscover the true purpose of seeking knowledge.

Moderator: Ustaz Nasir Johari
Panelists: Dr Albakri Ahmad, Ustaz Azrinah Abu Basri, Ustaz Muhammad Noor Deros


Is it silly to think that I should not go because my level of iman or religion is not as high or the same as the others who go there? What if they ask me a question and I have no idea what's the answer? Will they look at me and think - "How can this person be called a muslimah when she doesn't know the answer? She's wearing a hijab for godsake!"

But what pushes me to want to go for this is that the realization that seeking knowledge in the holy month of Ramadhan surely will bring about its merits. Allah knows how much there's to atone for and repent.

Allah, enlighten me!

Nisfu Sya'ban

"In the name of God, most Gracious, most Compassionate"

There are many articles online and also in books relating to this special day. Many consider some of the rituals (like reading yasin 3 times or doing a solat sunnah) a form of bid'ah while others see it as a day to expunge their sins. But I agree with this article here from Al-Mizan regarding some of the misconceptions of Nisfu Sya'ban. As such, I won't go into details about it.

For me personally, Nisfu Sya'ban is a start of a new chapter in my life. On the night of Nisfu Sya'ban at maghrib, our book of deeds are lifted to heaven and replaced with a new one. And wouldn't it be great to fill the first pages of that new book with as many good deeds as possible?

When I was younger, I used to read yasin and tahlil every thursday with my ustad and ustazah at their home where I learnt to read the Quran. So now I hope to cultivate the same habit, Insyaallah... These days, I only go for tajwid classes at their home on Monday but I still make it a habit to read the Quran at least 3 times a week, if not every night before I go to sleep. So, insyaallah, I will try to incorporate reading yasin or tahlil every thursday in time to come.

Tonight, I will be going to ustad and ustazah's house and I have decided to bring a sedekah of food for everyone. But that means I will have to stand and cook it. Ya Allah, give me the strength to stand in front of the wok and cook for usually I will be weak from fasting by 5pm.

Speaking of fasting... I bought an incredible book from the english bookshop at Darul Arqam yesterday. It's entitled 'The medicine of the Prophet'. I've only read a couple of pages but I intend to read more. So, in the book, our Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. said that there are two types of illnesses: of body and of the heart/spirit. I will talk about the book in more detail in another entry but for now I want to say that fasting is our Prophet s.a.w's way to strengthen the heart and spirit.

And right now, I need to strengthen my heart and spirit as much as I can. My mother always reminded me when I was younger that not only do our bodies (zahir) need to eat but also our spirit (batin) needs to eat and it has to be nourished with our amalans or good deeds.

So many a times, all our good deeds come to naught when we engage in just one bad deed and make Allah angry. As I've said at the very first entry, I want to begin this new chapter with more good deeds than bad.

Wallahualam bissawab