I wonder...

If Kisra, the ruler of Persia spent the night sleeping in YOUR bed, what would he think of his own royal bed?

Would Caesar be proud of his luxurious life; reclining on a couch and fanned by his servants if he knew that my living room has a more comfortable reclining chair and an A/C unit that can make it feel like an igloo even in a Texan summer?

Would Qaroon strut arrogantly about the keys to his wealth that needed strong men to carry, if he knew that the keys to my wealth are carried in plastic cards in my wallet.

In the land of Mesopotamia so mesmerized by their chariots, what would they think if they saw our vehicles?

If the people of Baghdad and Cordoba, who used to pride themselves at the vastness of the collection of their libraries, saw the amount of books that can be carried by a college student on their USB drive, how would they feel?

If the kings who used to pride themselves on the quickness of their messengers and carriers were introduced to email, text messages and whatsapp, what would they think of how we were living?

My brothers and sisters, we live today better than many of the kings and royals of the past, but we can’t see it! We only have eyes for what others have, remember every time your eyes wander wide, your heart constricts!

When you are grateful to Allah and do what He asks of you, He will give you much more than what you ask of Him.

Action Item: Sit down & close your eyes for 5 mins today and remember all the Blessings of Allah in your life. You will feel really happy & all your worries will go away. Allah willing, Insha Allah.

Do we owe it?

Do we owe it?

One day, a very wealthy man was walking on the road. Along the way, he saw a beggar on the sidewalk. The rich man looked kindly at the beggar and asked him why he was begging. The beggar said, "Sir, I've been unemployed for a year now. You look like a rich man. Sir, if you'll give me a job, I'll stop begging."

The rich man smiled and said, "I want to help you. But I won't give you a job. I'll do something better. I want you to be my business partner. Let's start a business together. The beggar blinked hard.

 

"What do you mean, Sir? "I own a rice plantation. You could sell my rice in the market. I'll provide you the sacks of rice. I'll pay the rent for the market stall. All you'll have to do is sell my rice. And at the end of the month, as Business Partners, we'll share in the profits. Tears of joy rolled down his cheeks.

Do I keep 5% and you get 95%? I'll be happy with any arrangement. The rich man shook his head and chuckled."No, I want you to give me the 2.5%. And you keep the 97.5%. For a moment, the beggar couldn't speak. He couldn't believe his ears. The deal was too good to be true. I want you to give me 2.5% of your profits so you grow"

The beggar now dressed a little bit better, operated a store selling rice in the market. He worked very hard. He woke up early in the morning and slept late at night and sales were brisk, also because the rice was of good quality.

 

After 30 days, the profits were astounding! At the end of the month, as the ex-beggar was counting the money. He told himself, Gee, why should I give 2.5% to my Business Partner? I didn't see him the whole month! I was the one who was working day and night for this business. I did all the work. I deserve 100% of the profits.

The rich man came to collect his 2.5% of the profits. The ex-beggar said, "You don't deserve the 2.5%. I worked hard for this. I deserve all of it!"

If you were his Business Partner, how would you feel?

This is exactly what happens to us!!!  ALLAH is Our Business Partner…

ALLAH gave us life, every single breath.

ALLAH gave us talents, ability to talk, to create, to earn money

ALLAH gave us a body, eyes, ears, mouth, hands, feet, a heart

ALLAH gave us a mind, imagination, emotions, reasoning, language

In fact…ALLAH gave us EVRYTHING INDEED! 

So…in giving 2.5% Zakaat  (alms/charity) is not only an important pillar of Islam but also an expression of gratitude and love  for Allah Ta’ala. May Allah make us from those that pay their Zakaat, Aameen!

My Quraan Cover - A Story worth Reading & Sharing

Ask our children: 1. If there are poor people around us, how should we treat them? 2. If we really want something, who should we turn to? Now tell them the story: Tasmiyah was an intelligent little girl who loved going to madrasah. She was in grade three and her favourite subject was Quraan. She loved reading the Quraan and she was a good reciter as well. Everything was so cheerful and joyful in her life. However there was only one thing that made her sad – her Quraan had no cover on it. She really wanted to cover it. In fact it was the only thing she wished for. Tasmiyah’s mother tried very hard to save up in order to buy one, but it was so hard to do so with the small income that came into the home. Tasmiyah had lost her father a few days after she was born. He was a passionate lover of the Quraan and passed away whilst reciting the Quraan. He left the world, but his passion for the Quraan continued to live in the heart of his one and only daughter, Tasmiyah. One day in madrasah, when all the children went out for the break, Tasmiyah decided to remain in the classroom. As she sat in her place and read her Quraan, her eyes suddenly fell on Shaakirah’s Quraan cover. It was a very simple, yet a beautiful cover. Tasmiyah’s desire to have a Quraan cover of her own now only increased. She could not hold herself back anymore. So she got up from her place and walked towards Shaakirah’s place. As she came closer, the cover just seemed to look more and more beautiful. She could not resist. She stretched out her little hand and with her soft finger tips felt the fabric of the Quraan cover. Just then Shaakirah walked in, and with eyes burning in anger she shouted out, “How dare you touch my Quraan cover with your dirty and oily hands!” What Shaakirah did not know was that Tasmiyah did not eat any lunch during the break that day. There was absolutely no food in the home that morning. Tasmiyah was all shaken up in fear and just stood there in silence. This made Shaakirah even more angry and she continued to shout at Tasmiyah until she asked Tasmiyah that one heart breaking question, “Why don’t you ask your father to buy your own Quraan cover?” Just then the rest of the children came back to the class. Tasmiyah went quietly and sat in her place. By now her heart was bursting inside with tears and her stomach was empty of even a morsel of food. But she was a strong girl. She told no one and complained to no one. That night as she lay down beside her mother, she asked, “Mother! Did father have to leave us so quickly and with nothing to live on?” The mother tried to explain to Tasmiyah, “My dear daughter, everything happens according to the beautiful plan of Allah. Allah tests some people by giving them everything they desire and others by not fulfilling any of their desires. In this temporary world we should remain thankful and patient and never lose hope in Allah.” Tasmiyah innocently interrupted, “Mummy! I fully understand and I do accept, but mummy please don’t forget, do ask Allah to please give me my own Quraan cover.” A few tears rolled down their eyes, as both mother and daughter fell off to sleep. The very next morning, there was a surprise visitor at the door. It was Shaakirah’s mother. She learned of what happened in class the previous day. So she sewed the most beautiful Quraan cover specially for little Tasmiyah. Tasmiyah’s face lit up and she immediately remarked, “Mummy! I knew Allah Ta‘ala will answer our du‘aa. But right now Allah Ta‘ala is testing me as to what I am going to do after He has fulfilled my desire.” Lessons:  1. There is wisdom and goodness in everything that Allah Ta‘ala does for us. We need to be grateful, patient and not lose hope in the perfect planning of Allah Ta‘ala. 2. We must think carefully before we say or do anything with regard to others. We have no idea how a careless, seemingly innocent remark or action may break a poor person’s heart. We should always put ourselves first in the next person’s shoes and ask, “How would I feel in his/her place if the same treatment was given to me???”

Lessons in Divorce

Lessons in Divorce

Narrated by Sister Ai'shaa

Within the last few decades, there has been an alarming increase in the divorce rate. Unfortunately, the Muslim Ummah has not been immune to this trend. In fact, it is not uncommon to hear of Muslims engaged in their third or fourth divorce. While repeat divorces are the exception, not the rule, it is important to look at the factors which contribute to this issue. Furthermore, when marriages break-up it is often the woman who carries the stigma of the divorce not the man. This is especially sad since the ending of a marriage is never one person's fault. The old adage is true- "it takes two to tangle." However, for marriages to work, couples must know that each person brings his/her life experiences to the marriage. This includes both the bad and good. A relationship between husband and wife has to be built upon mutual honesty, respect, and the love and fear of Allah. Without these key ingredients, marital ties are often broken.

 

When a marriage ends, it is important to take time to reflect upon what went wrong in the marriage. The Iddah, or waiting period provides us with this opportunity. During Iddah, we should reflect upon our original intentions to marry. Did we marry for the sake of Allah and to obey His orders or for other purposes? As Muslims, our intention is a large part of our practice. It is our intentions that lay the foundation of an action. If our intention for marriage is other than for the sake of Allah, we can be sure to fail. Furthermore, if as Muslims we find ourselves in our third and fourth marriage, we need to look within ourselves and refer back to the commandments of Allah and the Sunnah. It is only by going through this process, that we will find the necessary answers to succeed in marriage. When we look inside ourselves, we discover that there is some part of us that is undeveloped or underdeveloped. Sometimes these challenges keep us from practicing important Islamic principles, like patience and honesty in our marriages. Without correcting these issues, we find ourselves repeating the same pattern of failure over and over again.

 

I write to you as someone who is going through many of the things I am sharing with you. I am learning that when we lack a sense of self-love; we are sometimes predisposed to certain patterns. That is, we enter into situations knowing intuitively that we should not; yet, we do so for fear of being alone. We also move heart first into marriage with people whom we were warned about. Becoming a Muslim does not mean that you have to settle for anyone because you think it is a part of humility. Far too often Sisters accept too little Islam from their perspective mates, too little mahr, and too little of a man because we think that is what is expected of a Muslim.

I know now that I moved forward into a marriage without asking enough questions and without patience in Allah. I have learned through my own search for clarity, that my need to be with someone sets the stage for my current "meantime" experience. I learned that in my "meantime", my direct internal conflict was a direct result of my failure to tell the truth to others and myself.

 

The "meantime" does not need to be a negative experience. Also, it does not have to be a set period of time. Rather, it is the time to get clear about what you want and need. It is also a time to attain a deeper awareness of yourself and others. In my reading, the "meantime" is defined as, "a therapeutic review of your beliefs, ideas, and perceptions of what love is all about". When the divine reason for the meantime union has been fulfilled or when you have learned what Allah wants you to learn- you have incorporated into your life the true understanding of what marriage is. It is at this point that you will move into exactly where you need to be and with whom you need to be. A dear older Muslim sister told me that, "once we can rid ourselves of foolish love, we can have real love with our spouses. Once we give up the notion that someone belongs to us, we can enjoy the time we have with them."

 

Only through asking for clarity and truly looking at our experiences as lessons, can we move into the following phases known as the "Enlightenment Process". This information is not a formula for life- that's Islam. But, it can assist one in seeking better answers. The first phase is called Detachment. This is the development of the conscious ability to see you and others. The next stage is Discernment. More than an ability to see, discernment is being able to understand what you are looking at and how it relates to you. Once you can see and understand you reach the next phase-Enlightenment. The next step is Integration. This is the active part of the enlightenment process. You must now take the information you have and integrate it into your life. As you do, you reach the fifth and final stage, called Evolution. By practicing the trait or virtue you now know you must develop or embrace, you can proceed in your life making better choices and wiser decisions. Marriage is a relationship that has conditions that have to be there if it is to be successful. Use your common sense to see if all the criteria are present for a successful marriage. My dear sisters take the time to reflect over your relationships. With time, du'a, and Istikhara your self-reflection will become clear. Allah promises us in Surat-ul-Asr that only those of you who practice patience will not be lost with the passing of time, Aameen

What is Islam

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيم

السلام عليكم و رحمة الله و بركات

 

It is with much profoundness and gratitude to my Allah that I write this below

What is Islam ?

 

Islam is to believe that there's none worthy of worship but اللَّهُ سبحانه وتعالي   and that our beloved نبى محمد صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم is his messenger.

 

Who is اللَّهُ سبحانه وتعالي   ?

 

He is that being who is the creator and owner of everything.

He was he is and he will forever be

He is in need of no1 but every1 is in need of the him.

He has no partner or family he is alone. اللَّهُ سبحانه وتعالي   is the light of the heavens and the earth.

 

Everything from the 1st heaven up to the 7th heaven is in his command. He controls the wind in the hurricane just as he controls the wind coming out your fan.

He controls Hazrath jibraeel a.s just as he controls the ant.

He is the light of the day and the darkness of the night - Nothing is beyond Him and nothing moves without His command. He is the giver of everything and taker of everything He controls night just as day.

He controls the waves of the beach just as he controls the ripple in your pool. That اللَّهُ سبحانه وتعالي   who is free from faults who is free from sleep that very same اللَّهُ سبحانه وتعالي   who has taken us from the backs of our fathers and moulded us in the wombs of mothers.

If the oceans where to turn to ink and the forests turned to pen and we had written of the greatness of our rab the ink would finish and pens would dry but still we wouldn't even touch the greatness of our اللَّهُ سبحانه وتعالي. 

 

وعليكم السلام ورحمة الله وبركاته

A Test From Allah Swt Upon Me Today

“A Test From Allah Swt Upon Me Today”

 

The following is a true narration from a brother who told me the story today , in Glasgow, UK.

The incident took place on 05/11/2014, at a McDonalds carpark in Glasgow, Scotland, at approx. 9am….

 

 

I was travelling to work, feeling still not fully awake on this cold winters morning. From a distance, I could see the McDonalds sign, I knew I had to stop for a quick burst of caffeine before I got to work. It was cold and I was shattered!

 

I entered the McDonalds drive thru in Pollokshaws Rd, Glasgow, ordered a delicious Toffee Latte and sat in the car park, the warmth of the car heater giving me comfort as I whisked the sugar in my latte.

 

I looked out the window, it was a dry morning, but tremendously cold! Scotland I thought! Sigh! Winter here we come J

Then, a man came to my passenger door and knocked on the window. Who is he and what does he want? Does he need help or something? This guy was dressed in a heavy winter jacket and beanie hat, a middle aged gentleman, white skinned. I opened the window slightly using the electric control, he immediately said, “Hello, are you interested in an Apple Mac laptop, brand new, unopened and an Iphone 6?”

 

I replied, “Emm.. how much ?”

 

He said, “£280 for the laptop and £200 for the iPhone 6”

 

I was shocked! Why so cheap? As I was about to further enquire, he quickly said, “Give me 2 minutes, my car is parked there, let me show you”

He returned to my car with his large sports bag and sat in the front seat.  He took out a state of the art laptop, it was clean, looked brand new and very smart. There was also 2 iPhone 6’s, 64GB

 

I said to him, “Are you sure these are not stolen? I mean £280 for an Apple Mac laptop, and £200 for a 64GB iPhone 6! Why sell so cheap, when you can sell them for much more on eBay or Gumtree?”

 

He replied, “Look, they are not stolen, I assure you. I got them on my credit card, but I have decided that I overspent. I rather get the cash right now, I need some cash flow”

 

I once again glanced at the goods. The shaitaan was there. The shaitaan whispered to me,

 

“Wow, check out these goods. An Apple Mac for £280? You have never had an Apple Mac, it’s always been Windows! And the latest iPhone 64GB for £200? What a deal! “

 

The temptation was kicking in. The shaitaan was working very hard in his careless whispers.

 

The shaitaan then kicked in once again for Round 2.

 

He said to me, “Even if you don’t keep them, sell them and make the fastest profit you can ever made. Cost £480, market value of £1650. Net Profit £1,170. Wow! £1,170 profit! Go for it, what are you waiting for, Are you mad?”

 

Here I sat and was ever so tempted.

 

The seller said, “Look, how much have you got, if you give me the cash right now, can do a final deal of £400. The choice is yours”.

 

I looked at him and then at the goods. ‘Temptation’. The goods were indeed brand new and where would I ever get such a deal.

Then I looked at the goods again. I felt sad. I felt scared. What the hell was I thinking?.

 

I go to the musjid daily, I lower my head to my Creator, my head in Sajdah, the closest  a person can get to Allah swt, I have been through so many difficult times, testing times, I asked Allah swt for so much help during the Ramadhan that just passed, I repented so much and now today, what the hell was I thinking.?

 

The arrow of the shaitaan was on target. I was about to fall into his trap. I was ever so close to engaging the deal and taking the wrath of Allah swts anger.

I knew this was ever wrong. I knew the goods were stolen. It was a very clear basic instinct that this guy was a thief. This guy’s desperation to make some quick cash on stolen goods was ever so evident.

 

Who was I trying to kid? Why was I looking for false reassurance by asking him if the goods were stolen or not. Ofcourse they were and I was simply trying to give myself reassurance that I wasn’t doing anything wrong.

 

I was buying stolen goods. I was party to it and it was fact. Accept it dude. It was haram and the consequences would have been fatal for me in the long run.

I felt broken. Why did I even entertain this guy and how could I let the shaitaan overcome my desires? Why?

 

My level of Imaan started to increase as I used my knowledge of Islam to get out of this tempting deal. I remembered  the beautiful famous hadith:

 

Imams Bukhari and Muslim reported that the Messenger sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam said:

 

“Three persons of a people before you, were on a journey when they were overtaken by a storm and therefore they took shelter in a cave. A rock slipped down from the mountain and blocked the exit from cave.

 

One of them said: “The only way for deliverance left is to beseech Allah in the name of some virtuous deed.”

 

Thereupon one of them supplicated, “O Lord, my parents were very old, I used to offer them their nightly drink of milk before my children and the other members of the family. One day I went astray far away in search of green trees and could return only after my parent had gone to sleep. When I had milked the animals and brought their nightly drink to them, They were fast asleep, but I did not like to disturb them, nor would give any part of the milk to my children and other members of the family till after my parents had their drink. Thus, with the vessel in hand, I awaited their awakening till the flush of dawn, While the children cried out of hunger at my feet. When they woke up, they had their drink. O Lord, if I did this thing seeking only your pleasure, then do relieve us of the distress wrought upon us by this rock.” Thereupon, The rock moved a little but that not enough to let them pass out.

 

 

Then the second man supplicated: “O Lord, I had a cousin whom I loved her more passionately than any loves a woman. I tried to seduce her but she would have none of me, till in a season of great hardship due to famine, she approached me (for help) and I gave her one hundred and twenty Dinars on condition that she would have sexual intercourse with me. She agreed, and when we got together and I was just going to have intercourse with her, she pleaded: ‘Fear Allah, and do not break the seal unlawfully'; whereupon I moved away from her, despite the fact that I desired her most passionately; and I let her keep the money I had given her. O Lord, if I did this thing seeking only your pleasure, then do move the distress in which we find ourselves.” Again the rock moved a little but not enough to let them pass out.

 

 

Then the third supplicated: “O Lord, I hired some laborers and paid them their dues, but one of them left leaving behind what was due to him. I invested it in business and the business prospered greatly.” After a time the laborer came Back and said: ‘O servant of Allah, hand over to me my wages.’ I said to him: ‘All that you see is yours – camels, cattle, goats and slaves.’ He said: ‘Don’t play joke with me, O servant of Allah.’ I assured him: ‘I am mot joking.’ So he took all of it sparing nothing. O Lord, If I did this seeking only for your pleasure, do relieve us of our distress.”

The rock then moved away, and all the three came out of the cave safe and sound.

 

(Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim )

 

 

Thank Allah swt that I remembered this hadith. It made a big impact on helping me to reject the offer and tell the guy that I didn’t have enough cash and perhaps next time.  I thought of the 3 people in the cave where they did something for the sake of Allah swt and how Allah swt then helped them in a difficult time.

 

I have been through a lot of trials in life. Some really painful experiences. I took advantage of this test from Allah swt and feared His Wrath. I thought in my mind,

 

“Oh Allah, I was tempted in this deal, but due to your fear, and knowing these goods are stolen, I won’t purchase them. But oh Allah swt, I did purely for your sake, please help me in my future, my life and help me become a better person. Please do not put any further trials in my life. Oh Allah swt I ask you”

 

I then left and travelled along the roads of Glasgow. I was deep in thought and I had no clue where I was travelling. Ya Allah, thank you for helping me to get out of that situation. I thank you. Those were stolen goods. I just knew they were. If I had taken them, perhaps I would have had temporary duniya satisfaction, but in the long term, I would have faced more terrible trials and tribulations that would give me more pain. I have had enough of pain and trials. I want peace and a bright future of success insha’Allah.

 

I thought of the people who I have known, some people who engaged in wrongful dealings, people who did credit card scams, drove the amazing flashy cars, had the best of clothes.. but it was temporary.  I remember a brother who was engaged in haram activities, he had a new car every few months and was ever so proud in the temporary glamour given to him. Yes, it was temporary. Today that brother has been slumped down on the pavement, fallen down badly, he has lost everything and drives around in a very old car that is worth about £700 compared to the cars he used to drive, costing over the £50k mark. The wrath of Allah swt finally comes, it’s not long.  It’s just a matter of time. Don’t be a fool. Don’t let the shaitaan win.

 

As I drove my car around the streets of Glasgow, saddened and just in deep thought, I took out my tasbeeh and rolled it slowly. I did zikr of Allah swt.  I thanked Him for everything He has given me, I am a thousand times better than a poor man sitting in a mud house with no food.

 

(Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest.)

(Qur'an 13: 28)

 

I cant thank Allah swt enough for what He has given me. Why was I about to wash away all my efforts during the recent Ramadhan of Ibadah where the Imam cried during the last 10days of Ramadhan and made a duaa to Allah swt,

 

“Oh Allah I have repented, please accept my repentance, I promise to change for the future and will not engage in any wrongful activities”

 

I wish to serve this true story you all, the reader of this posting. Please don’t be a fool like I was about to be today. I would have got temporary satisfaction, but , the long term consequences of getting involved in haram activities would have detrimental to my future and ofcourse to any of my duaas being accepted…

 

It’s simply not worth it, it simply isn’t.

 

If your duaas are not being accepted, something is wrong. Ask yourself what you are doing wrong that your duaas are not being accepted. And please, look deep in your heart. For only you know the true answer and no one else.

 

Repent today.. life is too short…..

Does your Heart not Bleed - Oh Israel?

Does your Heart not Bleed - Oh Israel?

Do they not fear the Almighty? Scores of Palestinian Muslims, including many children, have been killed in the Gaza Strip after days of Israeli air raids on the besieged coastal sliver this Ramada.

The Palestinian Ministry of Health said 550 people had been wounded since Israel launched its campaign in Gaza this week, which it claimed targeted Palestinians firing rockets into its territory.

At least 550 sites have been hit by Israeli jets, including Gaza City, Beit Hanoun and Khan Younis.

An Israeli air strike killed seven Palestinian civilians on Thursday, including five children, in the largest death toll from a single attack since the start of the three-day offensive, the Palestinian Ministry of Health said.

Residents and medical officials said an Israeli air strike bombed at least two houses in a densely populated area near Khan Younis while residents were asleep, the Reuters news agency reported.

Bodies were pulled out of rubble from three or four homes including neighbouring structures. Another 16 people were also wounded in the attack, the ministry said.

Amidst the bombardment, Palestinians are still attempting to secure a few moments of normalcy to enjoy the fruits of the blessed month of Ramadan, just as their brethren in faith the world over.

Mahmud Abu Shamala is a teacher in the Occupied Gaza Strip. He told Cii Radio what it was like spending Ramadan to the cacophony of an Israeli aerial bombardment.

This is his story:

May I first wish you all a blessed and joyful Ramadan, the month of Barakah and happiness.

If you are living here in Gaza, you can expect to have a lot of difficulties and hardships in your life.

I will not talk about the siege or the shortage of electricity, fuel and medication. I will simply talk about the situation in Gaza at night, which is no different from the situation here in the morning, noon or throughout the day.

Since the beginning of this Israeli operation[Protective Edge], the Zionist State has been propagating that it has been targeting so-called terror targets, training camps, rocket launchers and the like. But if we look at the casualties, you will see that the majority of those killed are the children – below the age of 10. Then, you will find the women, and after that, you will discover the elderly.

The targets in truth are the civilian homes, which are inhabited. As you know, people all over the world consider their homes to be their own treasures. What about Gaza?

Well, if you have nowhere to go, nothing to do, no place to protect yourself – then, naturally, your home is your sole possession – your only place to go.

So they are attempting to kill our dreams, by killing us and also destroying our homes.

You ask me about the nights. Let me tell you.

We are living here, and I can tell you Ramadan is famous for its nights. Muslims around the world find this the ideal opportunity to draw close to Allah SWT.

They draw close to Allah SWT by reading the Quraan, they stand in Qiyaam, make fervent Duas to Allah SWT, give charity, dispense Zakaat – so much good happens.

Here in Gaza, people also spend the whole night giving Sadaqa(charity), but not with their money, but with their lives, their children, their families and their homes.

Last night, when people began to hope that the bombing will abate, and they could return to their homes, they did exactly that.

Just then, the Israelis bombed the Hamad family. Do you know what they did?

They bombed the home: They killed the husband, they killed the wife, they killed Asma, Subha, Mohammed and Ahmed, the four children. That’s six members of the family in total.

After that, the Israelis moved to kill another family in Rafah. Then they destroyed another 3 homes in our area. Wherever there is a land here in Gaza, they have bombed it.

Two masjids in Rafah, they have bombed. As I am speaking to you, I can hear the bombing.

I must tell you, as a father, you are very embarrassed in front of your children when the bombing starts. Because everytime they start bombing, you cannot do anything, you cannot sleep, you cannot even read the Noble Quraan. Do you know why?

You are constantly plagued with the questions: Am I going to live? Am I going to wake up in the morning? You realise that everyone in Gaza is a target.

They have unleashed 5 types of planes on us: Choppers, Helicopters, F-16′s, F-35′s and drones – all of which have come to kill us in Gaza, this small Gaza.

You spend the whole night listening to a bombing close to your home, another bombing close to your brothers home, another bombing you hear of on the radio, another bombing of a Masjid you have attended, another bombing of a land you very well know.

You will be sitting in darkness. In Gaza, you will not have electricity most of the time.

Whilst the world watches television, the nightmares and bloodshed plays itself out day and night in front of our eyes.

We see the bodies, the martyrs, the destruction. This is how we spend the night in Gaza, bombing after bombing, after bombing. Close, far, your home, your brother’s home, your sister’s home – everyone, even the buildings now are bleeding and crying in Gaza.

You are talking about a barbarian enemy who are far removed from any shred of humanity. They want to extinguish all life around you and put the Yaqeen in your heart that you do not belong in this land.

You may ask me: ‘You have been through all of this before. You witnessed wars in 2009 and 2012. Are you not used to this by now?’

What I can say is that the enemy has just become more barbaric. In 2009, they would call people before they bomb and shell their homes. In 2012, they would announce that people should evacuate. Now, there is nothing. They just bomb the house, regardless of whether there are few or many within it.

Now, they just want to kill…They are trying to kill the body, if they can’t kill the body they will kill the building, if they can’t kill the building they will kill the land, if they can’t kill the land, they will kill the sky, if they can’t kill the sky they will kill the animals.

You won’t believe me, a few days ago they ktargeted – guess what – 3000 chickens! Can you believe this?

5 days ago, they targeted 100 goats. Okay, if the Palestinian people are terrorists and launching rockets against the settlers, what do you have to tell me about the animals?

I am confident that Allah SWT is with us. And I know that you cannot run away from your destiny and your death. Everything is written and pre-ordained. We have to make sabr with our circumstances but also keep the trust and Yaqeen that victory is very near, Insha Allah.

Was I Being Ungrateful?

'...Sameera blinked away a tear that had crept up silently...'

Streaks of sunlight streamed in through the red velvet curtains. Lost in her thoughts, Sameera was busy scribbling away in a diary.

"The lonely rose,
Jolted in misery and gloom,
Darkness all around,
My fate is never to bloom..."

She loosely constructed some verses of poetry to empty out the cries of her aching heart. She could no longer bear it. "Why are my prayers not answered? Why am I destined to never achieve what I desire? Why?" There were so many unanswered questions circling inside her mind. She had racked her brain on the monthly budget this time to manage saving for a few extra things she wanted. Three new sweaters and a pair of sandals for Bilal, a new dress and handbag for herself, a cutlery set and a few other accessories; the list of things she had made will have to be postponed for yet another month. Bilal, her two year old son was down with fever and all her savings ended up with some clerk in the medical stores.

Sameera could picture her sister in law, Raheela, boasting about her tableware. She could imagine her friends swaggering about the attire of their children. "Oh! I choose the best for my chipmunks! Sadaf so wanted this frock and I didn't have the heart to refuse." She recalled one her friend's remarks. Anger, frustration and self-pity stewed inside her heart. The poor soul thought about how she would feel out of water among all the other fishes as they discussed their shopping sprees. Sameera would just have her lips tightly closed. She had nothing to tell. At times, the others would quip about the number of times they had seen their comrade in the same clothes, carrying the same handbag and wearing the same shoes. Their memories were sharp enough to remember what she wore months back in the wedding of a distant cousin.

"Why??" she mumbled aloud. "Life is terrible!" Sleeping on the bed beside, her husband could now hear the sound of muffled cries. He knew his wife too well to wonder what must have gone wrong. He, with the caring nature he had, tried his utmost to provide the best for his family. However, the winds were bitter and despite all his efforts the needs in such a society never end.

A tiny finger tugged at the end of her shirt. "Kids will never let you sit in peace", Sameera sighed and turned to the darling face. It was Bilal wanting to cuddle in the heavenly spot that heals and comforts; his mother's lap. Overcoming her previous feelings she started ruffling his curls and rummaged for the thermometer. Alhumdulillah, after copious wakeful nights, Bilal was now recovering.

"I am going to meet an old friend of mine, Sameera. It has been a long time since I met him. Do you want to come along?" Asim asked as he was getting ready to leave the following day.

"I don't want to ruin another evening with a snooty woman boasting around me. I'll just stay home I guess."

"She won't be that way I hope. I've heard her to be very simple." He assured.

After a quiet twenty minute drive, the three of them arrived at the gate of a fairly old but well-kept house. Brother Ismael welcomed them inside. His two sons whom she assumed were identical twins jumped up and down in excitement, they wanted to shake hands with a sleepy Bilal. Sameera was lead inside as the men settled themselves in the guestroom. All the while the woman in her was doing the same job she detested. Those eagle eyes scanned everything in the house from top to bottom; the furniture and their polish, the curtains and their rods, the carpet and upholsters. Nothing was as grand, as new or as perfect. However, the house-keeper deserved an extra mark for neatness. A plump little lady greeted her as she entered the lounge. She was holding a baby in the other hand. "Whoa!" Sameera exclaimed instinctively. The sofa had sunk as she tried to sit down. "Oh I'm sorry! You may take this chair over here; the kids have broken the sofa springs!" Asiya smiled and offered an arm chair. Sameera noticed that the baby did not appear normal. He was a mentally disabled child.

The table had been set for tea beforehand. Spicy egg sandwiches, biscuits and a delicious looking cake were waiting to be tried over. The host poured out tea as the two of them introduced. A vigorous tête-à-tête followed; it was all about children, food, family and the town. All the while the woman was patiently tending to the child, as well as her two naughty twins who kept interrupting from time to time for a biscuit, or to tell that daddy needed something.

"How old is your daughter Asiya?" Sameera asked inquisitively.

"Five years." She replied with a smile. That warm smile looked as if it was fastened to her face.

"Hmm...I feel so sorry for you Asiya. I see you are having a real tough time." said Sameera.

"Sorry? There's nothing to be sorry for. Ahumdulillah! I am so blessed. I have food in my fridge that can last for more than a week, I've a ceiling over me to safeguard and I have a loving family. There's everything I can ask for. And this dear little daughter over here, she is the greatest blessing of all. She reminds me of Allah! What if in her absence I never turned to Him, never prayed to Him and just cascaded away in the luxuries of this world?

...Sameera listened quietly as she reflected on her own state. The forlorn heart that lied inside her was in such dire need of this reminder. "Yes", she thought to herself, "the sweaters can wait; the older ones are still as good as new. The new cutlery set I wanted was just a luxury. The dress Mama gave me last month will suffice for the upcoming wedding..." she was reviewing her list. This was not a list of needs; it was a list of wants. She reminded herself of all the bounties she had been blessed with, they were immeasurable! Contentment and bliss engulfed her heart.

"Alhumdulillah, indeed you are right." She replied with a nod.
Sameera blinked away a tear

Why am I still not married?

Dear Readers,

 

This article highlights some of the issues we have within society.  Comments will be welcomed on what can we do to help our single brothers and sisters to find their spouse.

 

Why am I still not married?
I remember the chagrin and inner turmoil of being single and hopeful of marriage, back during my early twenties! Even after almost a decade of marriage, I still vividly remember the constant roller-coaster of emotions that the heart experiences every time a marriage proposal is negotiated.

One thinks: Is this the one?
Will this family/person be my future spouse/in-laws?

Sometimes the marriage negotiation process painstakingly goes on for months, only to culminate in nothing. Up go one’s dreams, hopes and aspirations about the future into thin air! Once again, it is back to square one.

Whether a young, single Muslim is a man or woman, if they are ardently desirous of completing half their Deen, the anguish and frustration (including sexual angst) they feel whenever another year of their life passes by without any impending nuptials on the horizon is, contrary to gender-discriminating cultural myths, similarly disconcerting and unnerving. Wherever in the world they might be, as the years pass and the number of fruitless marriage proposals grows, the singleton might begin to feel despondent and worn down by this trial of patience in their quest of completing half their Deen.

So what should one tell a young forlorn wannabe bride or groom when they justifiably ask:

“Why am I still unmarried?”

First of All: There Is Nothing Wrong with You!
Although self-confidence is, admittedly, an effective catalyst in finding a spouse, believe me when I tell you that you are not ugly, weird, unattractive, or unworthy of marriage! Allah Ta'ala created the beautiful, unique you, and if He decrees it, someone out there will agree to marry you just the way you are. So do not despair of Allah’s mercy, and remain positive that someone out there will like you and agree to marry you, insha’Allah. Even if you begin to believe that being short, overweight, shy or acne-skinned is a negative thing going against your favor in the marriage market, it is not, because a certain criteria of looks or education is not a pre-requisite for marriage, contrary to what older people might say.

Look around you at recently married or even older couples. Are all of them very good looking? Don’t both of the partners seem to have at least one physical defect or blemish? Does everyone you know in your social circle, who recently got married, look like they stepped off a fashion runway?

You will find a wide variety of “real couples” who break every stereotype in the book (and please, refrain from looking at celebrity couples and famous people!): husbands who are shorter than their wives; wives who are older than their husbands; cross-cultural marriages that are refreshingly functional; infertile couples who are very happily married; men who are in love with their plus-size or dark-skinned wives; wives who are more educated than their husbands; the list is endless. Never let others make you feel that if you are thirty-something and still not married, it is because either there is something wrong with you, or because Allah Ta'ala has decreed for you to forever remain single.

Divine Wisdom behind Perceived “Delays” in Marriage
In a world that is increasingly pressurizing everyone, from babies and children to adults, to achieve their personal milestones in life as early as possible, a righteous and single Muslim who is in his or her late twenties, thirties or forties might find themselves the target of unwarranted social stigmatization and cruel speculation:

“Why doesn’t anyone take a liking to her? Do you think she intimidates suitors because she is over-educated?”
“Do you think there is magic involved? Should we visit a spiritual specialist to find out?”
“Maybe he is socially awkward? Or could it be that big bald spot on his head that chases proposals away?”

Unless a single person is outright opposed to the idea of marriage for personal reasons, most of us tend to forget the natural law/principle that applies universally: everyone is different, and they come into this world with a different, unique, preordained decree. So, while most young people, Muslim or not, are able to find a spouse and get married in their teens or twenties, there is no unspoken or written rule that lays down a certain prerequisite age-range for the union, beyond which it supposedly becomes impossible for a person to marry, and be written off as “off the market or off the calender”.

Marriage can take place at any age in life, even at 50 or 60, as Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and many of his companions practically demonstrated.

It is also a fact that marriage will not happen within the first 2 or 3 decades of life for every one of us. So we should give more leeway and refrain from making blanket, generalized statements about our older, single brothers and sisters.

Becoming Mature and Responsible Enough First
It is not that Allah Ta'ala is not answering your du’as. Maybe He has already accepted your du’as for marriage with a righteous person, but it will actually happen practically after a few more years, when it is best and easiest for you to enter this sacred union with that person.

One of the main reasons why Allah Ta'ala might be delaying your marriage is to reach certain level of physical, intellectual, financial and emotional maturity. He knows everything about you that even you do not know, which is called ‘the Unseen’, or “ghaib” in Arabic.

Maybe He knows that were you to marry right now, within three months as you wish to, you will not succeed at married life because you are still too mentally immature, emotionally insecure, or financially unstable.

Maybe Allah Ta'ala is actually being kind towards you by delaying your marriage until the time is best – and surely none can know what He knows, for He sees ahead in our hidden futures – so rest assured, it doesn’t matter in the long run if you get married at 25 or 35, as long as it is a happy, productive and loving marriage, to the right person, who becomes your pillar of support in Deen and accelerates your quest for success in the Hereafter.

Da’wah Experience and Acquisition of Knowledge
There are some blessings and experiences in life that are more time dependent than others to be availed optimally e.g. seeking Islamic knowledge, which is best done in the early years of one’s life, when the brain and memory work better, and a person is more mentally alert and active.

Seeking Islamic knowledge can become more difficult after one takes on the responsibilities of marriage on one’s shoulders. This is because your spouse and children have Shar’i rights upon you, because of which you cannot tear yourself away from them for too long in order to devote yourself to seeking and imparting knowledge full-time.

Perhaps Allah Ta'ala wants you to seek more knowledge and engage in more active da’wah work before you settle down in married life. These precious years of your youth will never return, and insha’Allah, decades down the road, a more mature and wise you will cherish, like a priceless gem, every year of experience that you acquired in the fields of Islamic knowledge and da’wah before getting married.

Perhaps, later on, you might even thank Allah Ta'ala for giving you the free time and opportunity to gain knowledge of Islam before tying the knot, after practically witnessing the numerous benefits of applying that fruitful knowledge to your married life later on.

Better than Early Divorce
Many young people get married very early, only to get quickly divorced for a variety of reasons, emerging from the whole experience bitter and emotionally hurt, with painful marks on their psyche that take a long time to heal.

Many who have a child from such a marriage have to endure acrimonious feuds with their exes over child custody and alimony, and thenceforth face the challenges of being a single parent. They are left with many regrets, many painful memories, and much disdain if not outright hatred towards the institution of marriage in general. It often takes young divorcés several years to heal from their first bad experience, and become mentally ready to get married again.

It could be that your being single, which is a painful trial of patience in your eyes, is a blessing in disguise that is acting as a barrier between you and worse calamities and adversities. Perhaps all your earnest du’as for getting married, about which you might be wondering why they are not being answered by God, are actually averting from you graver problems and pitfalls that you are not even aware of.

Perhaps your single status is a great blessing, but in a way that only Allah Ta'ala knows, and you know not.


So rejoice that you are still single and desirous of getting married; that you are not a bitter divorcé who is sexually frustrated yet adamant about never getting married again!

Increase in Humility
Do you remember an “alpha” boy or girl in your school or college, who was undeniably good-looking, inexplicably popular, and always in-demand with the opposite gender? Everyone in your class was probably convinced that he or she would be the first to get married, based on the number of proposals that came their way throughout high school and college.

I can think of at least two such girls I was acquainted with back in my student days, who were unanimously considered the most desirable for marriage among our lot, and the rest of us girls presumed, sighing with wishful, self-depreciating conviction, that they’d be the first to tie the knot.

Yet, that didn’t happen. As the years passed, the bitter disappointment that these ‘alpha’ young women felt about their continuing single status was exacerbated by the fact that many of their peers who were considered apparently less attractive and “worthy” than them got married first, and that too to decent, nice men who kept them happy.

The wisdom behind this decree? By the time these good-lookers actually did tie the knot, they were much more humble and less full of themselves. A welcome landing back down on earth! The lesson that we all can learn from this apparent disparity in cause-and-effect.

A delay in marriage increases one’s humility, and makes one more down-to-earth and approachable by others. It also ensures that one constantly keeps turning to Allah in earnest du’as - which is something that Allah loves about His slaves!

Conclusion: Blessings Received after Hardship Are Cherished More
The more one waits for, works hard for, and remains patient for acquiring a blessing, the more one cherishes it after one receives it.


The fatally ill person who gets miraculously cured will live cautiously once he becomes healthy. The pauper will spend his money wisely once he becomes wealthy. The child deprived of education will value knowledge more when he grows up. So, too, will the older single person cherish their marriage, spouse and children more, once they get married and by then these precious blessings will be so much more worth the wait!

A journey of self-awareness

A journey of self-awareness:
A man once visited Junaid Baghdadi (ra) after performing Hajj. Junaid Baghdadi (ra) said to him:

“From the time you left your home did you also leave behind all wrong actions?” “No,” replied the man. “Then you never really left at all."

At every stop you made on the way, did you also advance another stage in the path to Allah?” “No,” came the reply. “Then you did not really make the journey."

"When you put on your Ihram at the Miqaat, did you discard the attributes of selfhood as you took off your ordinary clothes?” “No.” “Then you did not really take on Ihram."

"When you did Tawaf of the Kab’ah, did you witness the beauty of Allah in the abode of purification?” “No, I did not,” said the man. “Then you did not really do Tawaf."

"When you did Sa’ee between Safa and Marwa, did you reach the rank of Safa (purity) and Muruwwah (virtue)?” “No.” “Then you did not really do Sa’ee."

"When you went out to Mina did your Muna (desires) cease?” “No, they did not.” “Then you never really went to Mina."

"When you stood on ‘Arafat did you experience even a single moment of Ma’rifah (direct knowledge) of Allah?” “No.” “Then you did not really stand on ‘Arafat."

"When you stayed the night at Muzdalifah did you renounce your love of this world?” “No, I did not.” “Then you did not really stay at Muzdalifah."

When you stoned the Jamaraat, did you cast away from yourself everything that stands between you and your Lord?” “No.” “Then you did not really do the stoning.

When you made your sacrifice, did you offer up your lower self to Allah?” “No.” “Then you did not really make a sacrifice and the truth is that you have not properly performed Hajj at all."

"Return and do the Hajj again in the manner I have described so that you may finally truly attain to the Maqam of Ibrahim.”

May Allah accept your Hajj, bless you with his forgiveness and may He grant you the strength to live the lessons of Hajj in your daily lives. 

A small description of the Beauty and Greatness of Allah (swt)

Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allah have mercy on him) described the Greatness of Allah in the most beautiful way:

"He is controlling the affairs of all the kingdoms. He commands and prohibits, creates and gives provision, and gives death and gives life. He raises and lowers people’s status, alternates night and day, gives days (good and not so good) to men by turns, and causes nations to rise and fall, so that one nation vanishes and another emerges. His command and decree are carried out throughout the heavens and on earth, above it and below it, in the oceans and in the air. He has knowledge of all things and knows the number of all things. He hears all voices, and does not mistake one for another; He hears them all, in all the different languages and with all their varied requests and pleas. No voice distracts Him from hearing another, He does not confuse their requests, and He never tires of hearing the pleas of those in need. He sees all that is visible, even the walk of a black ant across a solid rock in the darkest night.

The unseen is visible to Him, and secrets are known to Him Whosoever is in the heavens and on earth begs of Him (its needs from Him). Every day He has a matter to bring forth (such as giving honour to some, disgrace to some, life to some, death to some, etc.)! [The Quran 55:29 interpretation of the meaning]. He forgives sins, eases worries, relieves distress, helps the defeated person back on his feet, makes the poor rich, guides the one who is astray and confused, fulfils the needs of the desperate, feeds the hungry, clothes the naked, conceals faults, and calms fears. He raises the status of some and lowers the status of others. Even if all the inhabitants of heaven and earth, the first and the last of them, mankind and jinn alike, were to be as pious as the most pious among them, this would not increase His sovereignty in the slightest; if they all, the first and the last of them, mankind and jinn alike, were to be as rebellious as the most rebellious among them, this would not decrease His sovereignty in the slightest. If everything in heaven and on earth, the first and the last of them, mankind and jinn, living and dead, animate and inanimate, were to stand in one place and ask of Him, and He were to give them everything that they asked for, this would not decrease what He has by even an atom’s weight.

He is the First, before Whom there is nothing, and the Last, after Whom there is nothing. He is the Most deserving of being remembered, the Most deserving of being worshipped, the Most deserving of being thanked. He is the Most Compassionate of kings, the Most Generous of those who are asked. He is the King Who has no partner or associate, the One who has no rival, the Self-Sufficient Master, Who has no son, the Most High, and there is none like unto Him. Everything will perish save His face [Quran 28:88 interpretation of the meaning], and everything will vanish except His sovereignty. He will not be obeyed except by His permission, and He will not be disobeyed except with His knowledge. He is obeyed, so He shows His appreciation, and He is disobeyed, so he forgives. Every punishment on His part is justice, and every blessing from Him is a favour. He is the closest of witnesses and the nearest of protectors. He seizes people by their forelocks, records their deeds and decrees the appointed time for all things. Hearts conceal nothing from Him, for secrets are known to Him. His gift is a word and His punishment is a word: Verily, His Command, when He intends a thing, is only that He says to it, Be! and it is. [Quran, 36:82 interpretation of the meaning].

(Adapted from al-Waabil al-Sayib, p. 125)

This is Allah, who revealed the Glorious Quran for the guidance of mankind.

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another amazing read ON ALLAH:

"Had Allah lifted the veil for his slave and shown him how He handles his affairs for him, and how Allah is more keen for the benefit of the slave than his own self, his heart would have melted out of the love for Allah and would have been torn to pieces out of thankfulness to Allah. Therefore if the pains of this world tire you do not grieve. For it may be that Allah wishes to hear your voice by way of duaa. So pour out your desires in prostration and forget about it and know; that verily Allah does not forget it."
– Ibn al Qayyim rahimahullah

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O Allah grant me the best of the graces that Thou hast awarded to Thy righteous servants.

 

O Allah I seek Thy protection from that Thou shouldst turn Thy face from me on the Day of Judgement.