Jummah Mubarak

After seeing this no excuse will ever suffice....

Islam...A way of Life - Simple

We All LOVE Islam but we create our Own Rules on how to follow Islam...

Mulaykah Bint Munkadar RA

MULAYKAH BINT MUNKADAR RA
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When Imam Malik Ibn Dinar was making Tawaaf (circulation of the Kaba) he heard a woman saying "My Lord! Have mercy on me; I have come from a very distant place to Thy House. My Lord! I have come hopeful of Your favours and beneficence. Do not make me dependant on anyone but you".

Having heard these words, the Imam and his companions asked her later in the day to speak to them some words of wisdom. Her speech was persuasive and it left a strong and good opinion on them. After some time she asked them to leave her alone as her talking began interfering with her worship.

~ LEADING LADIES ~

Kindness

This could not have been said more beautifully....Marshallah

"Allah is not kind to him who is not kind to people." [Hadith - Muslim & Bukhari ]

"Those who are kind and considerate to Allah's creatures, Allah bestows His kindness and affection on them. Show kindness to the creatures on the earth so that Allah may be kind to you." The Noble Qur'an - Al-Fath 48:29

Jummah Mubarak

ﻪﺗﺎﻛﺭﺑﻮﷲﺍﺔﻣﺤﺮﻮﻡﻜﻳﻠﻋﻢﻼﺳﻟﺍ

Assalamualaykum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuhu

Jummah Mubarak!!

Oh Allah, grant my friends and family what I wish for myself ….

Oh Allah! I ask for mercy from You by which You will guide my heart,
settle my affairs, remove my worries, protect me from what is unseen to me,
make my face radiant, purify my deeds, inspire me with wisdom,
avert calamities from me, and protect me from every evil in this world and the hereafter....Inshallah, Aameen

Take care & have a blessed day

ﻪﺗﺎﻛﺭﺑﻮﷲﺍﺔﻣﺤﺮﻮﻢﻼﺳﻡﻜﻳﻠﻋﻮ

Wa Alaykumusalam Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh

No Visa Required - South African Passport Holders

At first glance there don’t seem to be many destinations that South African passport holders can visit without the tedious (and expensive) process of acquiring a visa. Take a look at this list of the more popular (and some unusual) destinations where no visa is required.

Hong Kong
Entry requirements for South Africans: South Africans must have a valid passport, but no visa is required for stays of up to one month.

Malaysia
Entry requirements for South Africans: South Africans must have a valid passport, but do not require a visa for a stay of up to three months.

Thailand
Entry requirements for South Africans: South Africans do not require a visa for touristic visits of up to 30 days. Those arriving at overland crossings will only be given visa free entry valid for 15 days.

Singapore
Entry requirements for South Africans: South African passport holders do not require a visa for travel to Singapore for a stay of up to 30 days, providing a Social Visit Pass is obtained on arrival. Extensions are possible for a fee of S$40.

Mauritius
Entry requirements for South Africans: South Africans must have a valid passport. No visa is required for a stay of up to 60 days for tourism or 90 days for business purposes.

New Zealand
Entry requirements for South Africans: South Africans must have a valid passport. No visa is required for a stay of up to three months.

Antarctica
As no one owns the Antarctic continent, no visitors require a visa or passport; however, a valid passport will be required for any stops en route, and visas and passports may be needed for points of departure. Most Western countries are signatories of the Antarctica Treaty and those wishing to visit Antarctica independently must obtain a permit.

Zambia
Entry requirements for South Africans: South Africans do not need a visa to visit Zambia for 90 days within a 12-month period, whether taken together or in sections. A valid passport is required.

Swaziland
Entry requirements for South Africans: South African nationals do not require a visa for a stay of up to two months.

Kenya
Entry requirements for South Africans: South Africans must have a valid passport. No visa is required for a stay of up to three months.

Brazil
Entry requirements for South Africans: A valid passport is needed, but no visa is required by South African nationals if travelling on holiday or business for up to 90 days from date of issue.

Argentina
Entry requirements for South Africans: South African nationals must hold a passport, but no tourist or business visa is required for unlimited entries of up to three months each.

Bahamas
Entry requirements for South Africans: South African nationals must hold a passport valid for at least six months, but no visa is required for a stay of up to three months.

Philippines
Entry requirements for South Africans: South Africans must have a valid passport. No visa is required for a stay of up to 21 days.

Peru
Entry requirements for South Africans: South African nationals do not require a visa for touristic stays of up to 90 days. Extensions up to 30 days are possible. A valid passport is needed.

Jamaica
Entry requirements for South Africans: South Africans must hold a valid passport. No visa is required.

This list is by no means exhaustive and does not contain destinations like Egypt where a visa is needed (but is free of charge) or the Seychelles where a visa is issued on arrival. and as visa requirements can and do change at a moment’s notice, it is always wise to double check the visa requirements with your travel consultant.

Rights of Relatives

A Muslim is required to maintain a good relationship with his relatives. In Islamic terms, 'Silah-Rahimi' is used to denote 'good treatment towards the relatives'.

In the Qur'an Allah tells us:

"Give your relatives their due…" (17:26)

"Allah commands justice, kindness and giving to near relatives…." (16:90)

"…And show kindness to your parents and to near relatives…" (4:36)

The sayings of Allah’s Messenger Muhammad [Peace be upon him] are replete with virtues of joining the ties of relations and helping relatives We are encouraged to visit our relatives, inquire about their circumstance, spend on them, give them sadaqa (voluntary charity) if they are poor,assist them in any reasonable way and the most important is to show love and affection to them.

In the Quraan, where the Muslims are enjoined to show kindness to parents, they are also required to treat other relatives with love and sympathy and to pay due regard to their rights as well.

The foremost claim on a person is that of his mother, then of his father, and then grade by grade, of the other relatives. Therefore through relationship, the relatives' rights come after that of the parents.

Allah has declared, "I am Allah, I am Ar-Rahman (The Merciful), I have created the bond of kinship and named it Rahim,-which I have derived from the root of my name of Rahman. Thus, whoever, shall join it (ie. Rahim), I shall join him, and whoever will break it, I shall break him."

The Almighty has designed the system of birth in such a way, that whoever is born, is tied to the bonds of kinship-and these bonds carry certain claims and rights. Thus, whoever fufills these claims, by being kind to his relatives and treating them well, Allah will "join him" i.e. He will make him His own and bestow His favour and mercy on him. And whosoever will violate these claims, Allah will "break him" i.e. He will have nothing to do with him.

Fulfilling the Rights of Relatives

It is related by Anas (R.A.) that the Allah’s Messenger Muhammad [Peace be upon him] said "Whoever wants an increase in his sustenance and that the marks of his feet remain for a long time in the world (i.e. to live long) - he should be kind and helpful to his relatives."

Family quarrels, which generally arise from the disregard of the relatives' rights, affect a persons health and causes friction in homes and in the community at large. Those who treat their relatives well and are helpful to them, are free from tensions and they are happier and more peaceful.

Violation of Relatives' Rights

The Prophet Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam has said "Whoever violates the rights of relatives, shall not go to Paradise."

It shows that the violation of the relatives' rights is so detested by Allah, that with its filthiness, no one can enter Paradise. It is only when a person (believer) has received his punishment or has been forgiven, that the gates of Paradise will be opened for him.

Showing Kindness to Those Who Severe Relations

Often,there are people who care little for the bonds of relationship and are rude and unjust in this respect. Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam has enjoined to continue to treat them well and fufil the obligations, irrespective of what they do and how they behave.

Abdullah ibn Umar(R.A.) relates from the Prophet (S.A.W.), "He does not fulfill the claim of Silah-Rahimi[one who keeps the ties of relations] who shows no kindness in return for the kindness shown to him. The person who really fulfills the claim is he who treats his relatives well even when they are mean and unjust to him.”

A man asked: O Messenger of Allaah[pbuh], I have relatives with whom I maintain ties of relations, yet they cut-off from me. I treat them kindly, yet they treat me in an evil manner. And I am forbearing and patient with them, yet they behave rudely and ignorantly towards me. The Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said:
"If the situation is as you say, then it is as if you are filling their mouths with sand. And Allaah will continue to aid and support you as long as you continue doing what you are doing."

When the violation of the rights of relatives is returned in a similar manner, the evil will spread in the society -But if it is returned with kindness, it may lead to their correction and it will assist in the promotion of Silah-Rahimi, in the life of the community.

As we know, Islam enjoins us not only to be good to those who are good to us, but also to be good to those who are not good to us. This shows exemplary moral character according to the standard of Islam.

And the most important aspect of fulfilling the rights of relatives….It is a means to Allah’s happiness!!!!!!!!!!

Some practical Tips to Promote Family Relations:

• Visit them often- don’t wait for “occasions” e.g. deaths, marriages etc
• Invite them home
• Always show love even if your relatives do not do the same.
• Always make dua [pray] for them
• Give them gifts- Spend on them according to your means.
• Help them in need and sympathise with them on sad occasions
• Share happy moments and occasions with them
• Avoid backbiting- It’s the main cause of friction
• Always talk positively about them and don’t look down upon them
• Occasionally give them a call to enquire about their welfare
• Don’t compete with them in material pursuits.
• Always be a well-wisher of your Relatives
• Plan ways to improve and strengthen relations.

Masjid-ul-Aqsa Virtual Tour

By far one of the more impressive sites for a virtual tour of Masjid-ul-Aqsa

http://www.360tr.net/kudus/mescidiaksa_eng/index.html

Egypt mourns ''Hijaab Martyr''

Marwa Sherbini is being hailed as the Shaheed (Martyr) of the Hijaab
The body of a Muslim woman, killed in a German courtroom by a man convicted of insulting her religion, has been taken back to her native Egypt for burial.

Marwa Sherbini, 31, was stabbed 18 times by Axel W, who is now under arrest in Dresden for suspected murder. Her husband Elwi Okaz is also in a critical condition in hospital, after being injured as he tried to save his wife. Ms Sherbini had sued her killer after he called her a "terrorist" because of her headscarf. The case has attracted much attention in Egypt and the Muslim world.
German prosecutors have said the 28-year-old attacker, identified only as Axel W, was driven by a deep hatred of foreigners and Muslims.

Medics were unable to save Ms Sherbini who was three months pregnant with her second child. Her three-year-old son was with the family in court when she was killed. Axel W and Ms Sherbini and family were in court for his appeal against a fine of 750 euros ($1,050) for insulting her in 2008, apparently because she was wearing the Hijaab.

Newspapers in Egypt have expressed outrage at the case, asking how it was allowed to happen and dubbing Ms Sherbini "the Martyr of the Hijaab". Senior Egyptian officials and German diplomatic staff attended the funeral in Alexandria along with hundreds of mourners. Media reports say Mr Okaz was injured both by the attacker and when a policeman opened fire in the courtroom.

Oh ALLAH! Forgive us if we have been negligent in our duty towards you, forgive us if we have let down the Ummah out of laziness or complacency!

Oh ALLAH! Forgive us if we have not responded to the cries of our brother and sisters, forgive us for allowing the Ummah to be degraded to such a level.

Oh ALLAH! Let there be from this Ummah those who stand up and defend the honour of the Muslims, let there be people who work to restore the dignity of our people, let there be people who make your word the highest.

Oh ALLAH! Strengthen the Muslim Ummah, honour and dignify the Ummah,

Oh ALLAH! Make me amongst those who strive in order to attain your mercy in the hereafter, Aameen ~ Thummah Aameen

Find Exact Qibla Direction

http://www.qiblalocator.com/

Jummah Mubarak

The Prophet's Last Sermon
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful This sermon was delivered on the ninth day of Dhul Hijah, 10 A.H. (632 A.D.) in the valley of Mount Arafat . The contents of the message were collected from different narrations, and there are other parts to it that are not mentioned here. This sermon still needs the authenticity of all of its parts to be checked.

"O People, lend me an attentive ear, for I know not whether, after this year, I shall ever be amongst you again. Therefore, listen to what I am saying to you very carefully and take these words to those who could not be present today.

O People, just as you regard this month, this day, this city as sacred, so regard the life and property of every Muslim as a sacred trust. Return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners. Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you. Remember that you will indeed meet your Lord, and that He will indeed reckon your deeds. Allah has forbidden you to take interest, therefore, all interest obligations shall henceforth be waived. Your capital, however, is yours to keep. You will neither inflict nor suffer inequity. Allah has judged that there shall be no interest and that all interest due to Abbas bin Abdul-Muttalib (the prophet's uncle) shall henceforth be waived.

Every right arising out of homicide in pre-Islamic days is henceforth waived and the first such right I waive is that arising from the murder of Rabiyah bin Al-Harith (relative of the prophet). O Men, the unbelievers indulge in tampering with the calendar in order to make permissible that which Allah forbade, and to forbid that which Allah had made permissible. With Allah the months are twelve; four of them are holy; three of these are successive and one occurs singly between the months of Jumadah and Shaaban. Beware of Satan, for the safety of your religion. He has lost all hope that he will ever be able to lead you astray in big things, so beware of following him in small things.

O People, it is true that you have certain right with regard to your women, but they also have rights over you. If they abide by your right then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Do treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners and committed helpers. And it is your right that they do not make friends with any one of whom you do not approve, as well as never commit adultery.

O People, listen to me in earnest, worship Allah, say your five daily prayers, fast during the month of Ramadhan, and give your wealth in zakat. Perform Hajj if you can afford to. All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over a black, nor a black has any superiority over white except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is the brother of another Muslim, and that Muslims constitute one brotherhood. Nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim which belongs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given freely and willingly. Do not, therefore, do injustice to your selves.

Remember, one day you will appear before Allah and answer for your deeds. So beware, do not stray from the path of righteousness after I am gone.

O People, no prophet or apostle will come after me and no new faith will be born. Reason well, therefore, O People, and understand my words which I convey to you. I leave behind me two things, the Qura'an and my example, the Sunnah, and if you follow these you will never go astray.

All those who listen to me shall pass on my words to others, and those to others again; and may the last ones understand my words better that those who listen to me directly. Be my witness O Allah, that I have conveyed Your message to Your people."

Alahumma infa`ni bima `allamtani wa `allamni ma yanfa`uni!

OH ALLAH! Make useful for me what You taught me
and teach me knowledge that will be useful to me! (Aameen)

Guiding one soul to knowledge and faith is a momentous achievement.
It is what will earn us great blessings...
(Inshallah)

On Dreaming...

I saw myself in a wide green garden, more beautiful than I could begin to understand. In this garden was a young girl. I said to her, "How wonderful this place is!"

"Would you like to see a place even more wonderful than this?" she asked.

"Oh yes," I answered. Then taking me by the hand, she led me on until we came to a magnificent palace, like nothing that was ever seen by human eyes. The young girl knocked on the door, and someone opened it. Immediately both of us were flooded with light.

Only Allah knows the inner meaning of the maidens we saw living there. Each one carried in her hand a serving-tray filled with light. The young girl asked the maidens where they were going, and they answered her, "We are looking for someone who was drowned in the sea, and so became a martyr. She never slept at night, not one wink! We are going to rub funeral spices on her body."

"Then rub some on my friend here," the young girl said.

"Once upon a time," said the maidens, "part of this spice and the fragrance of it clung to her body -- but then she shied away."

Quickly the young girl let go of my hand, turned, and said to me:

"Your prayers are your light;
Your devotion is your strength;
Sleep is the enemy of both.
Your life is the only opportunity that life can give you.
If you ignore it, if you waste it,
You will only turn to dust."

Then the young girl disappeared.

~ RABIAH ADAWIYYAH ~

Inappropriate

Clothing

If we don’t control our kids from a young age in terms of the masjid “etiquette”, we could find something similar soon given the styles of clothing today....(and hey, we not THAT far away !)

Ya Allah SWT protect us and our children from this, Aameen. Let us make a concerted effort to teach our children the proper way of life.

Learning should not be left to madressa's or islamic schools, it should start at home. It is also taught by example, so take a look in the mirror and see what they see. See what they will portray and who they will portray. We can, its starts with us as parents.

One Voice,
One Practice,
One Ummah...

On Leaving us - An ode to You

Oh Dearest One

You left in the Winter of my existance

to a place dear to the Almighty

How can I cope or see reason

There is no answers only memories of

Your Love & Laughter...& all that you were

As I grew up you gracefully aged

My love for you increased

Time was our Thread

It is a better place they say

for Almighty's will is the way

I miss you but only my prayers can comfort you

Till we meet again in Barzak'h

I make Dua'a that your abode is peaceful and resful

and as deserving for what you were in this Dunyah - Aameen

Hadith

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah Muhammad(Peace be upon him) said,

"While a man was walking on his way he became extremely thirsty. He found a well, he went down into it to drink water. Upon leaving it, he saw a dog which was panting out of thirst. His tongue was lolling out and he was eating moist earth from extreme thirst. The man thought to himself: `This dog is extremely thirsty as I was.' So he descended into the well, filled up his leather sock with water, and holding it in his teeth, climbed up and quenched the thirst of the dog. Allah appreciated his action and forgave his sins". The Companions asked: "Shall we be rewarded for showing kindness to the animals also?'' He (PBUH) said, "A reward is given in connection with every living creature".

[Hadith-Al-Bukhari and Muslim]