Sharing: The Way to Peace

IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, MOST GRACIOUS, MOST MERCIFUL
Praise be to Allah, Lord of the worlds, and peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Mohammad (Peace be with him) the honest and trustworthy.

Be truthful in everything, don’t lie.
Be sincere and straightforward, don’t be hypocritical.
Be honest, don’t be corrupt.
Be humble, don’t be boastful.
Be moderate, don’t be excessive.
Be reserved, don’t be garrulous.
Be soft-spoken, don’t be loud.
Be refined and gentle in speech, don’t curse and use foul language.
Be loving and solicitous to others, don’t be unmindful of them.
Be considerate and compassionate, don’t be harsh.
Be polite and respectful to people, don’t be insulting or disrespectful.
Be generous and charitable, don’t be selfish and miserly.
Be good natured and forgiving, don’t be bitter and resentful.
Share and be content with what Allah has given you, don’t be greedy.
Be cheerful and pleasant, don’t be irritable and morose.
Be chaste and pure, don’t be lustful.
Be alert and aware of the world around you, don’t be absent-minded.
Be dignified and decent, don’t be graceless.
Be optimistic and hopeful, don’t be cynical or pessimistic.
Be confident and have deep faith, don’t be doubtful and wavering.
Be spiritually oriented and not materialistic.
Be confident of the mercy of Allah, don’t be despairing and lose heart.
Be diligent and vigilant of your duties, don’t be negligent.
Be thankful to Allah and constantly pray to Him, don’t be forgetful of His innumerable blessings.

Finally as the righteous say, "The love of Allah is the axis around which all good revolves." If you fall in love with Allah, and then strive to be true in your love--in accordance with the way of the Beloved of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace), then you'll find nothing but increasing light and contentment in your life.

And Allah alone gives success.



jazaakallahu khairan to who wish to share
THE WAY TO PEACE ...

WITH FRIENDS.

Copied from Nurul Jassmine in facebook.

Working is Ibadah and Wearing a Proper & Modest Clothes is Ibadah Too.

Assalamualaikum.

Hi, we meet again. Alhamdulillah. It means that Allah has given us another day, another opportunity to use this life as best as we can to gain more reward for our afterlife. 

One way to do that is by working for the sake of Allah. In order to make our job as ibadah, our intention must be because of Him. That's why we are encouraged to say Bismillah before we start anything.

And the work must be halal.

Another thing which is related to making our job as an ibadah, I think we need to dress properly as a Muslim should. When I said proper, it means always remind our selves to choose suitable clothes so that when others see us, the first impression is, "She's a Muslim."

Better yet, "She's a pious Muslim."

Tazkirah

"And hold fast, all of you together, to the rope of Allah and do not be devided. And recall Allah's favor upon you: how you were enemies and He brought about reconciliation between your hearts so that you became, by His grace, brothers; and you were on the brink of an abyss of fire and He saved you from it." (3: 103)

Just a reminder for my self.

Tazkirah: Be Gentle

3:159 (Y. Ali) It is part of the Mercy of Allah that thou dost deal gently with them Wert thou severe or harsh-hearted, they would have broken away from about thee: so pass over (their faults), and ask for (Allah’s) forgiveness for them; and consult them in affairs (of moment). Then, when thou hast taken a decision put thy trust in Allah. For Allah loves those who put their trust (in Him).
The Prophet sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam “He who is deprived of gentleness is deprived of good.” (Abu Dawood)

The Prophet, sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam, also said: Indeed gentleness does not enter into anything except it beautifies it, nor is it removed from anything except that it makes it ugly [Reported by Imam Muslim].

Narrated ‘Aisha (radiAllahu anha): The Jews used to greet the Prophet( sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) by saying, “As-Samu ‘Alaika (i.e., death be upon you), so I understood what they said, and I said to them, “As-Samu ‘alaikum wal-la’na (i.e. Death and Allah’s Curse be upon you).” The Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said, “Be gentle and calm, O ‘Aisha, as Allah likes gentleness in all affairs.” [Sahih Bukhari, Volume 8, Book 75, Number 404]

Narrated `Aisha (radiAllahu anha) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said, “Allah is Forbearer (Rafeeq) and loves forbearance (rifq) in all matters.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

The Prophet (s.a.w) said: “Allah likes gentleness in all matters.” [Bukhari]


Bestow your gentleness- Mishary Al-Arada & Homoud Al-Khether
Action plan

1. Avoiding hurting or harming others
2. Being cheerful and positive in one’s dealing with others
3. Recognizing the good of others and reciprocating
4. Responding to the wrong of others with nothing but the go
5. Have good manners
6. Manage your anger
7. Control your tongue
8. Be tolerant
9. Be Patient
10. Forgive

Being Sexy and Trendy in Hijab

Assalamualaikum and good morning to all dear friends and readers.

I was reading a local magazine about the current fashion trend among the local Muslimah which is the Sexy Hijabi Fashion. Here's the cover of the said magazine.

These days there are more covered Muslimah compared to 10 years ago. Alhamdulillah. It means that Islamic teaching especially about covering ourselves has been widely accepted by the Malaysian Muslimahs. This development also has attracted the fashion designers worldwide to create more fashion for Muslim women which they called Muslimah Fashion.

Of course there are designs which I think really Islamic and follow the Islamic dress code. However there are too many creations or clothes that said to be 'Muslimah Fashion' but sadly not Islamic at all. They can varies from tudungs, dresses, pants, skirts, baju kurungs, jubahs and so on. They will make you look sexy when you wear them.

Figure hugging or tight fitting blouse, matched with a lycra instant tudung and complete the assemble with a skinny pants or skinny jeans - you can see that every where in Malaysia. Do not bluff me by saying that your aurah is covered. No... No... No. You are only wrapping yourselves with clothes not covering it.

Look at this cartoon spread inside the same magazine,

Don't you think you've seen this kind of fashion out there? Use our mind and reflect. Yes, we've seen this kind of fashion in many places. Sometimes people wear leotard or tights and top it off with a knee-length dress and a tudung. Please dear Muslimah, let's cover our aurah  P R O P E R L Y.

There's no point wearing clothes like this. It's a waste of money, a waste of time and the biggest waste is your DIGNITY. Everyone can see how small, how big, how thin, how slim, how fat, how tight and all the how that you can think off when speaking on human body. 

Let's get back to the right teaching about our dress code. We can wear ANYTHING, as long as it does not show our body shape, does not show our skin and does not show our personal adornment in front and at the back (breasts, hips, bottoms, thigh - you know them.)

Before I forget, do not wear jubah with cutting. Please... the cutting's purpose is to shape your body. That jubah would not help in covering our aurah but helping to disclose our figure to others. Wear something loose without cuttings. Save our body from searching eyes insyaallah we will also save our iman.

A reminder for all of us, women of Islam.

I love the way sis Amena talk about the 5 Pillars of Islam

Let's watch the video:



Even though I know all the things that she's talking about, I still find it very interesting and important to listen. Her approaches is very nice and this is one of the dakwah method that I like.

Thank you Sis Amena.

Tazkirah for Juma'at: 10 Things We Waste

Assalamualaikum and may blessings of Allah upon everyone.

I am not feeling very well since yesterday. Another sore throat and a little headache. It's common during my period. Since I do not want this blog to be left without update for so many days, I think this short article would be a good sharing.

It's about 10 Things We Waste. I copied this from a friend's post in facebook. Thank you sister Rahma Alkhadr Rahimah.

Let's read.

Ten Things We Waste

1. Our Knowledge: Wasted by not taking action with it.

2. Our Actions: Wasted by committing them without sincerity.

3. Our Wealth: Wasted by using on things that will not bring us ajr (reward from Allah). We waste our money, our status, our authority, on things which have no benefit in this life or in akhirah (hereafter).

4. Our Hearts: Wasted because they are empty from the love of Allah, and the feeling of longing to go to Him, and a feeling of peace and contentment. In it's place, our hearts are filled with something or someone else.

5. Our Bodies: Wasted because we don't use them in ibadah (worship) and service of Allah.

6. Our Love: Our emotional love is misdirected, not towards Allah, but towards something / someone else.

7. Our Time: Wasted, not used properly, to compensate for that which has passed, by doing what is righteous to make up for past deeds.

8. Our Intellect: Wasted on things that are not beneficial, that are detrimental to society and the individual, not in contemplation or reflection.

9. Our Service: Wasted in service of someone who will not bring us closer to Allah, or benefit in dunyaa(this world).

10. Our Dzikr (Remembrence of Allah): Wasted, because it does not touch us or our hearts.

I believe it's true that when we do not know how to appreciate our lives we tend to waste so many things. Mentioned above are only 10, there might be more. Hopefully this reminder can help us change the way we live our lives so that it will be more meaningful and leading to the right path.

Allahu'alam.

The Morale of the Story is...

Why do we read Quran, even if we can't understand a single Arabic word? This is a beautiful story.

 

An old American Muslim lived on a farm in the mountains of eastern Kentucky with his young grandson. Each morning Grandpa was up early sitting at the kitchen table reading his Qur an.  His grandson wanted to be just like him and tried to imitate him in every way he could. 

One day the grandson asked, "Grandpa! I try to read the Qur an just like you but I don't understand it, and what I do understand I forget as soon as I close the book. What good does reading the Qur'an do?" 

The Grandfather quietly turned from putting coal in the stove and replied, "Take this coal basket down to the river and bring me back a basket of water." 

The boy did as he was told, but all the water leaked out before he got back to the house. The grandfather laughed and said, "You'll have to move a little faster next time," and sent him back to the river with the basket to try again. This time the boy ran faster, but again the basket was empty before he returned home. Out of breath, he told his grandfather that it was impossible to carry water in a basket, and he went to get a bucket instead. 

The old man said, "I don't want a bucket of water; I want a basket of water. You're just not trying hard enough," and he went out the door to watch the boy try again. 

At this point, the boy knew it was impossible, but he wanted to show his grandfather that even if he ran as fast as he could, the water would leak out before he got back to the house. The boy again dipped the basket into river and ran hard, but when   he reached his grandfather the basket was again empty. Out of breath, he said, "See Grandpa, it's useless!" 

"So you think it is useless?" The old man said, "Look at the basket." 

The boy looked at the basket and for the first time realized that the basket was different. It had been transformed from a dirty old coal basket and was now clean, inside and out. 

"Son, that's what happens when you read the Qur'an. You might not understand or remember everything, but when you read it, you will be changed, inside and out.  That is the work of Allah in our lives."

Kakchik's note:

1. This story is copied from a friend's blog CAHAYA MATA MASUL

2. As a person who cannot speak Arabic and can only understand a few simple sentences, I understand now the beauty of reading the Qur'an daily.

3. I read the Qur'an and I try my best to read the translation too to understand the meaning of the words, verses and the Surah.

4. I always feel so peaceful when I read the Qur'an.

5. The more I read, the more I feel purified.

A Nice Reminder For Me

Get More Islamic Testi Here!

Our Simple Dinner

White rice + fried chicken fritters + vege in coconut gravy + mango with hot chilli

Assalamualaikum and good evening to all dear friends and readers.

May Allah bless us with good health, wise mind, freedom to practice our deen and happiness. O Allah! Please save our friends of Mavi Marmara from the evil kufr, Israel laknatullah.

As I think most of us right now are thinking, wondering and praying for the safety of the humanitarian aid flotilla members, I'd like to remind that, our body need food for energy. Energy means we can do lots of work for ourselves, our families, our friends, our communities and of course OUR RELIGION.

Please spare some time to eat dinner even as simple as ours. And pray that all around the world everyone is able to eat healthy food. Let's be thankful and grateful to Allah for our worldly luxury as in food. We are so blessed while some of us are not so lucky. Alhamdulillah, praise be to Allah.

Have you taken a long, hard look in the mirror, lately ??

From: I LOVE ALLAH dotcom

Have you taken a long, hard look in the mirror, lately ??

Have you ever thought WHY we are being disgraced, humiliated, beaten and killed?

Have you ever thought WHY all this is happening to the Muslims all over the world ??

Everyone is pointing fingers at the Muslims…
Islam is being given a bad name…Muslims are being accused.
Yeah, sure, it is very easy to blame the terrorists, the war in Iraq/Afghanistan or simply them for all our woes and worries.

But WHY IS IT SO DIFFICULT to look in the mirror and point the finger at ourselves ?

Look at us and our pathetic….pathetic state.

We have abandoned the basic teachings of our religion.

We don't know what does our Testimony of Faith (shahadah) means and what it implies.

We have totally abandoned our Salaah…or we delay it… or we rush through it.

We are too miserly to even think about Zakaat….so forget about optional charity.

We prefer to go for a vacation than to go for Hajj or Umrah.

We don't hate alcohol….we deal in ribaa….we steal….we cheat...we lie........we ......

We eat HARAAM, earn HARAAM and sell HARAAM.

We love to dress the latest, flaunt our body, love to use ur body, love to appear tempting and beautiful yet we hate use our minds and are ashamed to be modest or to put on the Hijaab.

We are quick to spend on ourselves in luxuries but dont even think about the orphans and the needy.

We waste our entire lives watching movies and television, and then complain that we dont have enough time to read, educate ourselves on Islaam and become better Muslims.

We are too addicted to music and video games to find time to listen to Quran, to read with understanding or memorize the Quraan.

We are too busy in our business, office, fun and games to fulfill our responsibilities of gaining basic Islamic Knowledge and performing obligatory acts obligated by ALLAH (SWT) on us.

In other words, WE HAVE JUST SIMPLY FORGOTTEN ALLAAH!

And after all this, we have the audacity to wonder why Islam is being misrepresented?

And why Muslims are humiliated ??

And yet, we wonder why Allahs Victory has not yet arrived???

Hudhaifah (ra) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) said, "By Him in Whose Hand my life is, you either enjoin good and forbid evil, or Allah will certainly soon send His punishment to you. Then you will make supplication and it will not be accepted". [At-Tirmidhi].

Prophet (SAS) said:"..Allaah will cast a humiliation upon you which would never be lifted from you until you return to your Religion." [Abu Dawood]

Does life go on as usual for the rest of us Muslims ??
Or are we to take a lesson from all these happenings ?
Dont we see that in it are signs for people to understand and reflect ?

“Surely, in that there are signs for those who contemplate.” (Surah 15: 75)

There is another step that we have to go to, in order to restore the honor of Islam, to re-establish the mark of distinction a Muslim deserves to enjoy.

We need to come back to Allaah!

We need to remember that the cause of all good in this world and the Hereafter is the obedience to Allaah and the cause of all evil is His disobedience.

We need to repent!

Whenever a calamity afflicts a community, the first step to take is to have a sincere repentance.

The repentance of every individual brings greater good and reduces calamities on the Muslims. Allaah says,

“And all of you beg Allaah to forgive you, O believers, that you may be successful.” (Surah An-Noor:31)

Victory or defeat, honor or disgrace, reverence or contempt, and successes or setbacks are not decided by money, resources, numbers or skills.

Rather, they are decided by the balance of obedience and disobedience of Allah. The more we obey Allah, both individually and collectively, the more we hasten the Victory of Islam.

The more we disobey Allah, the more we delay the Victory of this great religion of ours.

When Umar bin Al-Khattab dispatched his army to the Battle of Al-Qadisiyyah, he advised and how beautiful and correct was his advice:

“Fear your sins more than you fear the enemy as your sins are more dangerous to you than your enemy.”

One Muslims sins can affect the whole Ummah.

The moment we lapse in this obligation of enjoining good and forbidding evil we are in for destruction.

Every sin we commit delays the arrival of Allahs Victory.

Every Salaah we delay allows shaytaan and his human deputies a big upper hand to defeat us.

Every penny of ribaa we deal in…every drop of alcohol we sell….brings dishonor and humility to our Deen.

Every Hijaab-less, immorally dressed Muslimah is another cause of disgrace to the Ummah.

Every haraam we commit…every sin we indulge in…every law of Allaah we break…we bring on the Wrath of our Lord, Almighty….we place an obstacle in the path of Allahs Help and Assistance.

Every sin we commit is one more reason why Allah should not grant us relief, safety and victory. Rather, it is one more reason for shame, disgrace and dishonor.

Remember, one sin can make the difference between victory and defeat.

“But whoever helps Allah shall be helped by Him. Allah is the Strong, the Almighty.” (Surah 22: 40)

Allah has made a Promise to the Believers:

“Surely, We shall help Our Messengers and the believers both in this world and on the Day when the witnesses rise.” (Surah 40: 51)

And He also says:

“So do not weaken and do not grieve, for you will indeed be superior if you are truly believers.”

He promises us relief, support, supremacy and victory, but based on the condition that we are TRUE believers. But,…..are we truly believers ?

If we are suffering humiliation and disgrace today then it is definitely not because Allahs Promise is false. It is because of our own doings….what our own hands have earned.

“Corruption has appeared on land and sea with what the hands of the people earned. Therefore, they taste some of what they did in order that they return.“ (Surah 30: 41)

O Muslims, at times like these, we need to repent….we need to be patient….we need to be united…we need to truly come back to Allaah and learn the basic pillars of Islaam and apply them in our lives.

“Is it not time that the hearts of the believers be humbled to the Remembrance of Allah and the truth which He has sent down?” (Surah 57: 16)

So……

“Turn to your Lord and surrender yourselves to Him before the punishment overtakes you, for then you will not be helped.” (Surah 39: 54)

We All LOVE Islam
But We Create Our Own Rules On How To Follow Islam.
Do We Really LIVE Islam ???

Finally, remember this words of our Prophet (SAS) "..Allaah will cast a humiliation upon you which would never be lifted from you until you return to your Religion." [Abu Dawood]

Once in a while: For your ears only.

OPEN YOUR EYES
by Maher Zain

Look around yourselves
Can't you see this wonder
Spreaded in front of you
The clouds floating by
The skies are clear and blue
Planets in the orbits
The moon and the sun
Such perfect harmony
Lets start question in ourselves
Isn't this proof enough for us
Or are we so blind
The push it all aside..
NO......

"*"
We just have to
Open our eyes, our hearts, and minds
If we just look bright to see the signs
We can't keep hiding from the truth
Let it take us by surprise

Take us in the best way
(Allah)

Guide us every single day...
(Allah)

Keep us close to you
Until the end of time...

Look inside yourselves
Such a perfect order
Hiding in yourselves
Running in your veins
What about anger love and pain
And all the things you're feeling
Can you touch them with your hand?
So are they really there?
Lets start question in ourselves
Isn't this proof enough for us
Or are we so blind
The push it all aside
NO..........

Repeat "*"

When a baby's born
So helpless and weak
And you're watching him growing..
So why deny
Whats in front of your eyes
The biggest miracle of life..

Repeat "*"


Allah...

You created everything
We belong to yo0u
YA RAB we raise our hands
Forever we thank you

.....Alhamdulillah......

Credit of the lyric's transcript goes to: ketoo2008

Anatomy of a Believer

 

What an interesting poster!

Assalamualaikum dear sisters and readers of KakChik's Wardrobe. Today's sharing would be this interesting poster that I copied from a friend's facebook album (with her consent, thank you Asia Green). I am thinking of printing this out as an A3 size poster and paste it everywhere suitable in the Library, at the Bookshop and at Home.

This poster will be a good reminder for me and hopefully for everyone else. There are special purpose and function for each and every part of our body and here are the ones that were seen above:

Forehead - place of prostration (Reminds us to pray 5 times a day, a special meeting my our Creator to ask for forgiveness, to ask for blessings, to ask for help, to ask for anything).

Eyes - saves them from Haram (Reminds us to see only Halal things so that our soul will be clean from evil.)

Ears - listen to the Qur'an (Let's lessen our habit of listening to music and let's listen more to the Qur'an. It brings you peace, insyaAllah).

Tongue - speaks only what pleases Allah (Yes, I agree. Let's gradually teach ourselves to speak only beneficial things that will pleases Allah. Talking about Islam, talking about da'wah, talking about helping the Muslim community etc. etc.)

Heart - full of believe in Allah (Yaqeen that Allah is the only one God, the Creator of us and the universe).

Muscles - fight against the oppresors (How to fight them are subjectives and varies. We should use our intelligence to do that.)

Stomach - fasts during the month of Ramadhan (I believe that fasting can teach us lots of things whether about being humble, being modest, being strong etc.)

Hands - help the needy, give charity (Teach ourselves to be bounteous so that we always be grateful for      His blessing upon us especially if we're wealthy.)

Legs - use to go to pligrimage (Let's work hard so that we can fulfill this last pillar of Islam. If you already complete this pillar, use the 'legs' to help others go to pilgrimage.

Feet - use to go to the mosque (Let's make sure that the men in our family always go to the mosque either for solat or for any other religious or community activities. We can also join them whenever possible and without fitnah.)

I add my own thoughts on each function/purpose. Please excuse my lack of Islamic knowledge, that's why I don't quote any ayat or hadith that might have a relation on this anatomy.

Anyone who knows any suitable ayat or hadith, please inform me so that I can insert it here. Thank you.

Maybe you haven't read this...

I find it interesting and I'd like to share it with you. If you can spare some time to read this, I'll be so happy. Wassalam.

Hugs: KakChik

Accepting Allah in Our Lives *
By Kamal Badr, Editor in Chief — IslamOnline.net

Allah's bounties on His creatures are countless.

This is the message of peace, the message of salvation. This is the message of liberation from being enslaved to mundane things that keep shackling souls with worries and sorrows.

This is a call from the One Who controls everything, calling you, humankind, to submit!

Submit your life to Him and be calm. Make your motto of life La ilaha illa Allah (There is no god but Allah).

By this motto, you testify to your incapacity as a creature provided with limited faculties. You testify that everything in the universe belongs to Him and whatever He wants will come to pass in the way and the time He wants. You testify to your being created by Him in the way He wants:

[He it is Who shapes you in the wombs as He likes; there is no god but He, the Mighty, the Wise.](Aal `Imran 3:6)

But despite His absolute power to do everything in anyway He likes, what we notice is that out of His infinite mercy He made everything perfect, created you and all what you see around you in the most beautiful way that we all behold:

[He has created the heavens and the earth in just proportions, and has given you shape and made your shapes beautiful: And to Him is the final Goal.](At-Taghabun 64:3)


[No want of proportion will you see in the Creation of (Allah) Most Gracious. So turn your vision again: See you any flaw? Again turn your vision a second time: (Your) vision will come back to you dull and discomfited, in a state worn out.](Al-Mulk 67:3-4)

Due to His mercy the abnormalities are subject to the law of rarity; that is, ever since the creation of Heaven and earth and the creation of Adam up to the present day, there is not any irregularity in the pattern of creation, and whatever few abnormalities that we see are also subject to His divine wisdom.

Despite all the constant recklessness of humankind, painful consequences never occur in a proportional measure, subhan Allah (glory be to Allah)! Compared to the high rate of speed-limit violations, how many accidents occur daily? Very few! Actually, His mercy exceeds His wrath.

[Whatever misfortune happens to you is because of the things your hands have wrought, and for many (of them) He grants forgiveness.](Ash-Shura 42:30)

Another point here is, your testifying to Allah's almighty power is an explicit recognition of your limit as a human being. By pronouncing the words "la ilaha illa Allah," you are actually surrendering your limited power to the mighty Lord of unlimited power; you submit your will to Him. This is Islam.

But this attestation can never be genuine if it is not accompanied by love, because faith without love is dead. If you do not love Him, you will not genuinely obey Him. This is different from relationships between mortals where hypocrisy can prevail, making it hard to distinguish between genuine and fake love.

But with Almighty Allah everything is transparent, so when we talk about this highest degree of love we talk about something that is not tainted with any hypocrisy or deceit. So the true and genuine Shahadah in Islam is the one coated with love: loving Allah, which of course is the sublime love. This love will automatically make it easier to show full obedience to His commands,

[Say: If you love Allah, then follow me, Allah will love you and forgive you your faults](Aal `Imran 3:31).

Thus you will find yourself spontaneously pronouncing the phrase "Muhammad Rasul Allah" (Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah) which is the second part of Shahadah in Islam.

Then bit by bit you will find yourself on a very smooth spiritual path whereby the relationship you have developed with Allah will direct light into your heart, melting away darkness. Thus the phrase "la ilaha illa Allah" will echo in all what you do, what you see, what you hear, etc.

That is, it will develop into a conviction in your innermost self, reassuring you that it is through His command and wishes that everything happens. Hence this conviction is iman (faith) reposing in your heart. Henceforth your manners will be in proportional compatibility with that faith. That means you have accepted Allah into your life.

* This article first appeared at Islamonline's Shari`ah section.

Kamal Badr holds a masters degree in international studies from Al-Azhar University. His dissertation was “Modes of Reparation: Comparative Study on International Law & Shari`ah.” He is currently the Editor in Chief of IslamOnline.net’s English Web site. You can reach him at kamal.badr@iolteam.com

Spending time with Baba Ali

yes... figuratively speaking.

Actually I'm watching his videos. Would you like to watch with me? Let's sit down together and listen carefully with me while we watch him talking.




As a born Muslim, I really like what he's saying.

And I understand, agree and support it.
Allahu'alam.

Fashion Victim ??

May Allah guide them to the correct dress code of Islam.
May Allah give us strength and confidence to spread the true message of Islam and da'wah this sisters. Who know one day they might be better than us.
Let's do our amanah sincerely for Allah.

Why She Won't Wear Hijab!

Why She Won't Wear Hijab! by www.zairaazzahra.blogspot.com
A Discussion by A.Q. Alidost


Pic source: WajahWajah.com

"I'm so tired."

"Tired of what?"

"Of all these people judging me."

"Who judged you?"

"Like that woman, every time I sit with her, she tells me to wear hijab."

"Oh, hijab and music! The mother of all topics!"

"Yeah! I listen to music without hijab... haha!"

"Maybe she was just giving you advice."

"I don't need her advice. I know my religion. Can't she mind her own business?"

"Maybe you misunderstood. She was just being nice."

"Keeping out of my business, that would be nice..."

"But it's her duty to encourage you do to good."

"Trust me. That was no encouragement. And what do you mean 'good'?"

"Well, wearing hijab, that would be a good thing to do."

"Says who?"

"It's in the Quran, isn't it?"

"Yes. She did quote me something."

"She said Surah Nur, and other places of the Quran."

"Yes, but it's not a big sin anyway. Helping people and praying is more important."

"True. But big things start with small things."

"That's a good point, but what you wear is not important. What's important is to have a good healthy heart."

"What you wear is not important?"

"That's what I said."

"Then why do you spend an hour every morning fixing up?"

"What do you mean?"

"You spend money on cosmetics, not to mention all the time you spend on fixing your hair and low-carb dieting."

"So?"

"So, your appearance IS important."

"No. I said wearing hijab is not an important thing in religion."

"If it's not an important thing in religion, why is it mentioned in the Noble Quran?"

"You know I can't follow all that's in Quran."

"You mean God tells you something to do, you disobey and then it's OK?"

"Yes. God is forgiving."

"God is forgiving to those who repent and do not repeat their mistakes."

"Says who?"

"Says the same book that tells you to cover."

"But I don't like hijab, it limits my freedom."

"But the lotions, lipsticks, mascara and other cosmetics set you free?!What's your definition of freedom anyway?"

"Freedom is in doing whatever you like to do."

"No. Freedom is in doing the right thing, not in doing whatever we wish to do."

"Look! I've seen so many people who don't wear hijab and are nice people, and so many who wear hijab and are bad people."

"So what? There are people who are nice to you but are alcoholic. Should we all be alcoholics? You made a stupid point."

"I don't want to be an extremist or a fanatic. I'm OK the way I am without hijab."

"Then you are a secular fanatic. An extremist in disobeying God."

"You don't get it, if I wear hijab, who would marry me?!"

"So all these people with hijab never get married?!"

"Okay! What if I get married and my husband doesn't like it? And wants me to remove it?"

"What if your husband wants you to go out with him on a bank robbery?!"

"That's irrelevant, bank robbery is a crime."

"Disobeying your Creator is not a crime?"

"But then who would hire me?"

"A company that respects people for who they are."

"Not after 9-11"

"Yes. After 9-11. Don't you know about Hanan who just got into med school? And the other one, what was her name, the girl who always wore a white hijab... ummm..."

"Yasmin?"

"Yes. Yasmin. She just finished her MBA and is now interning for GE."

"Why do you reduce religion to a piece of cloth anyway?"

"Why do you reduce womanhood to high heals and lipstick colors?"

"You didn't answer my question."

"In fact, I did. Hijab is not just a piece of cloth. It is obeying God in a difficult environment. It is courage, faith in action, and true womanhood. But your short sleeves, tight pants..."

"That's called 'fashion', you live in a cave or something? First of all, hijab was founded by men who wanted to control women."

"Really? I did not know men could control women by hijab."

"Yes. That's what it is."

"What about the women who fight their husbands to wear hijab? And women in France who are forced to remove their hijab by men? What do you say about that?"

"Well, that's different."

"What difference? The woman who asked you to wear hijab... she was a woman, right?"

"Right, but..."

"But fashions that are designed and promoted by male-dominated corporations, set you free? Men have no control on exposing women and using them as a commodity?! Give me a break!"

"Wait, let me finish, I was saying..."

"Saying what? You think that men control women by hijab?"

"Yes."

"Specifically how?"

"By telling women how and what to wear, dummy!"

"Doesn't TV, magazines and movies tell you what to wear, and how to be 'attractive'?"

"Of course, it's fashion."

"Isn't that control? Pressuring you to wear what they want you to wear?"

[Silence]

"Not just controlling you, but also controlling the market."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, you are told to look skinny and anorexic like that woman on the cover of the magazine, by men who design those magazines and sell those products."

"I don't get it. What does hijab have to do with products."

"It has everything to do with that. Don't you see? Hijab is a threat to consumerism, women who spend billions of dollars to look skinny and live by standards of fashion designed by men... and then here is Islam, saying trash all that nonsense and focus on your soul, not on your looks, and do not worry what men think of your looks."

"Like I don't have to buy hijab? Isn't hijab a product?"

"Yes, it is. It is a product that sets you free from male-dominated consumerism."

"Stop lecturing me! I WILL NOT WEAR HIJAB! It is awkward, outdated, and totally not suitable for this society... Moreover, I am only 20 and too young to wear hijab!"

"Fine. Say that to your Lord, when you face Him on Judgment Day."

"Fine."

"Fine."

[Silence]

"Shut up and I don't want to hear more about hijab niqab schmijab Punjab!"

[Silence]

She stared at the mirror, tired of arguing with herself all this time.

Successful enough, she managed to shut the voices in her head, with her own opinions triumphant in victory on the matter, and a final modern decision accepted by the society - but rejected by the Faith:

"Yes!" - to curls on the hair - "No!" - to hijab!

"And he (/she) is indeed a failure who corrupts it [the soul]!" [Noble Quran 91:10]

Subhana'Allah!!!

"Nay! You prefer the life of this world; While the hereafter is better and more lasting." [Noble Quran 87:16-17]

"You are the best community (Ummah) raised up for (the benefit of) humanity; enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong and believing in Allah." [Noble Quran 3:110]

Copied from: http://syukri-abdullah.blogspot.com/

This, makes me cry...

Assalamualaikum dear friends and readers. Thank you for being here and read whatever I post in this blog. I hope you'll get something beneficial from your visit/s. Today, I'd like to share a story of a husband who lost his wife and misses her so much while he tries to give the best to his child. Let's read and reflect.

========================================
Picture credit to dailyspeculations.com

4 years ago, an accident took my beloved away and very often I wonder, how does my wife, who is now in the heavenly realm, feel right now? She must be feeling extremely sad for leaving a husband who is incapable to taking care of the house and the kid. 'cos that is the exact feeling that I have, as I feel that I have failed to provide for the physical and emotional needs of my child, and failed to be the dad and mum for my child.

There was one particular day, when I had an emergency at work. Hence, I had to leave home whilst my child was still sleeping. So thinking that there was still rice leftovers, I hastily cooked an egg and left after informing my sleepy child.

With the double roles, I am often exhausted at work as well as when I am home. So after a long day, I came home, totally drained of all energy. So with just a brief hug and kiss for my child, I went straight into the room, skipping dinner. However, when I jumped into my bed with intention of just having a well-deserved sleep, all i heard and felt was broken porcelain and warm liquid! I flipped open my blanket, and there lies the source of the 'problem'... a broken bowl with instant noodles and a mess on the bedsheet and blanket!

Boy, was I mad! I was so furious that I took a clothes hanger, charged straight at my child who was happily playing with his toy, and give him a good spanking! He merely cried but not asking for mercy, except a short explanation:

"Dad, I was hungry and there wasn't anymore leftover rice. But you were not back yet, hence I wanted to cook some instant noodles. But I remembered you reminding me not to touch or use the gas stove without any adults around, hence I turned on the shower and used the hot water from the bathroom to cook the noodles. One is for you and the other is for me. However, I was afraid that the noodles will turn cold, so I hid it under the blanket to keep it warm till you return. But I forgot to remind you 'cos I was playing with my toys...I am sorry Dad..."

At that moment, tears were starting to run down my cheeks...but I didn't want my son to see his dad crying so I dashed into the bathroom and cried with the shower head on to mask my cries. After that episode, I went towards my son to give him a tight hug and applied medication on him, while coaxing him to sleep. Then, it was time to clear up the mess on the bed. When everything was done and well past midnight, I passed my son's room, and saw that he was still crying, not from the pain on his little buttock, but from looking at the photograph of his beloved mummy.

A year has passed since the episode, I have tried, in this period, to focus on giving him both the love of his dad and mum, and to attend to most of his needs. And soon, he is turning seven, and will be graduating from kindergarten. Fortunately, the incident did not leave a lasting impression on his childhood memories and he is still happily growing up.

However, not so long ago, I hit my boy again, with much regret. This time, his kindergarten teacher called, informing me of my son's absence from school. I took off early from work and went home, expecting him to explain. But he wasn't to be found, so I went around our house, calling out his name and eventually found him outside a stationery shop, happily playing computer games. I was fuming, brought him home and whack the hell out of him. He did not retaliate, except to say, 'I am sorry, Dad'. But after much probing, I realized that it was a 'Talent Show' organized by his school and the invite is for every student's mummy. And that was the reason for his absence as he has no mummy.....

Few days after the caning, my son came home to tell me, the kindergarten has recently taught him how to read and write. Since then, he has kept to himself and stayed in his room to practise his writing, which I am sure, would make my wife proud, if she was still around. 'cos he makes me proud too!

Time passes by very quickly, and soon another year has passed. It's winter, and its Christmas time. Everywhere the christmas spirit is in every passer-by...Christmas carols and frantic shoppers....but alas, my son got into another trouble. When I was about to knock off from the day's work, the post office called. Due to the peak season, the post master was also on an edgy mood. He called to tell me that my son has attempted to post several letters with no addressee. Although I did make a promise never to hit my son again, I couldn't help but to hit him as I feel that this child of mine is really beyond control. Once again, as before, he apologized, ' I'm sorry, Dad' and no additional reason to explain. I pushed him towards a corner, went to the post office to collect the letters with no addressee and came home, and angrily questioned my son on his prank, during this time of the year.

His answer, amidst his sobbing, was: The letters were for Mummy.

My eyes grew teary, but I tried to control my emotions and continued to ask him: "But why did u post so many letters, at one time?" My son's reply was:

"I have been writing to mummy for a long time, but each time I reach out for the post box, it was too high for me, hence I was not able to post the letters. But recently, when I went back to the postbox, I could reach it and I sent it all at once..."

After hearing this, I was lost. Lost at not knowing what to do, what to say....

I told my son, " Son, mummy is in the heavenly kingdom, so in future, if you have anything to tell her, just burn the letter and it will reach mummy. My son, on hearing this, was much pacified and calm, and soon after, he was sleeping soundly. On promising that I will burn the letters on his behalf, I brought the letters outside, but couldnt help opening the letter before they turn to ash. And one of the letters broke my heart....

Dear Mummy, I miss you so much! Today, there was a 'Talent Show' in school, and the school invited all mothers for the show. But you are not around, so I did not want to participate as well. I did not tell Dad about it as I was afraid that Dad would start to cry and miss you all over again. Dad went around looking for me, but in order to hide my sadness, I sat in front of the computer and started playing games at one of the shops. Dad was furious, and he couldnt help it but scolded and hit me, but I did not tell him the real reason. Mummy, everyday I see Dad missing you and whenever he think of you, he is so sad and often hide and cry in his room. I think we both miss you very very much. Too much for our own good I think. But Mummy, I am starting to forget your face. Can you please appear in my dreams so that I can see your face and remember you? I heard that if you fall asleep with the photograph of the person whom you miss, you will see the person in your dreams. But mummy, why havent you appear?

After reading the letter, I cant stop sobbing. 'cos I can never replace the irreplaceable gap left behind by my wife....


NOTES
For the females with children:
Don't do so much overtime. If you cannot finish the work, it must be some kind of problems within the company, and it is not your sole problem. Feedback to your boss. Endless overtime may not necessary be the answer to the problem. Take care of your health so that you can treasure and take care of your little precious.

For the married men:
Drink less, smoke less, cos nothing can replace your good health, not even business nor clients. Try thinking this way, are you able to work till your clients are totally dependent on you? or your boss is totally dependent on you? In this society, no one is indispensable. Take care of your health, so that you can take care of your little precious and your loved ones.

For those singles out there:
Beauty lies in loving yourself first. With confidence and loving yourself, you will see the beauty in other things around you. You will be able to work better and happier. Don't let your health be affected by your work or your boss, so nothing matters more than your well being.


Source: Ummiku Sayang
Copy from: The Precious Moment

A TRIBUTE TO ALLAH, YA ILAHI

Assalamualaikum and a very good day to all my dear friends. It's the second day of Ramadhan and all around the town I can feel the spirit of it especially during the peak hours before breaking our fast. One of these days, I'm going to post some pictures of how people in Kelantan celebrate Ramadhan. However, for now, I'd like to share this beautiful nasheed that means so much to me. Sometimes when I'm down, I listen to this nasheed to boost my iman. It contains music so if you have an issue with it, I'm sorry. I'm a bit lenient with music if what really matters to me is the lyrics and the message behind it and the song is praising Allah.

YA ILAHI

IN THE NIGHT, AMONG THE NIGHTS
I DON'T KNOW
WHAT HAPPENED TO ME
A DARKNESS INVADED ME
O' LORD

THE EARTH AND THE SKY SHRINKED
AND MY HEART DIDN'T SEE THE LIGHT
AND THE TEARS STARTED TO FALL
O' MY GOD

O' MY GOD 4 X

I SINNED AND THE REGRET IS BIG
AND I AM IN MY SADNESS SORRY
I CAN'T SUPPORT THIS REGRET O' LORD

DO THE ENEMY, O' GOD, NEED TO BE
A CRIMINAL
I CAN'T SUPPORT THIS BITTER REGRET
O' MY GOD

O' MY GOD 4 X

YOU ARE THE ONE WHO CREATED ME
GAVE ME MERCY
AND ENRICHED ME
ALWAYS, O' LORD YOU WERE WITH ME
BUT I NEGLECTED YOU
AND I FORGOT WHAT YOU HAVE
AND I FOLLOWED MY ROAD
O' MY GOD

O' MY GOD 4 X

C/O
YOU ARE THE ONE GAVE ME MERCY
AND ENRICHED ME, WHO CREATED ME
ALWAYS, O' LORD YOU WERE WITH ME
BUT I NEGLECTED YOU
AND I FORGOT WHAT YOU HAVE
AND I FOLLOWED MY ROAD
O' MY GOD

O' MY GOD 4 X

AND TODAY O' LORD, I AM DEMANDING
PROTECTION FROM THE DARKNESS
WITHOUT FRONTIERS
THE HEART IS BROKEN
AND THE PATH IS HARD
AND I, THE DROWNED, I ONLY SEE YOU
TO RESCUE ME
NO RESCUER, NO RESCUER
EXCEPT YOU

O' MY GOD 4 X

O' MY GOD 4 X

Thanks for listening and watching with me.

O Allah! Please give me strength.

Assalamualaikum dear friends. Hopefully this Jumuah is full of blessings to all of us. Jumuah or Friday is one of the best day in Islam. It is a day of great blessings, special celebration, and a day of happiness for we receive special favours, rewards and Rahmat from Allah SubhanahuwaTalla.

As reported by Imam Bukhari, "There's an hour, on the day of al-Jumuah, during which Allah answers the prayers and supplications. Most scholars agree that this hour is the last hour of the day, after the Salatul Asr, ask of Allah in the last hour after the Asr prayer." (Naas'i)


Five deeds when done on a day chosen by Allah (al-Jumuah) will be rewarded by entry to Paradise.

1. Visiting the sick,
2. Attending the funeral of a Muslim,
3. Fasting a day**[Should be followed or preceded by another day of fasting, means either fast Thur & Fri or Fri & Sat but never fast just on Friday.]
4. Going to Solatul Jumuah
5. And the freeing of a slave

(Shaih Ibn Hibban)


Of all the days of the week day of al-Jumuah was chosen by Allah SubhanahuwaTalla to be the greatest and the most special for Muslims: "O, you who believe! When the call for solah is made on al-Jumuah, hasten to the remembrance of Allah and leave trading aside. That is better for you, if only you knew." [62:9]


"The Final day on earth, will only fall on the day of al-Jumuah." ( Muslim)


"The people of Jannah cannot wait for the arrival of al-Jumuah, to fill their eyes more and more with the presence of the Almighty. For this reason al-Jumuah has been named as the day of more (increase).." (At-Tabarani)


"Whoever dies on the day of al-Jumuah or on its eve will be protected from the torment of the grave." ( Ahmed)

Hopefully I can try my best to fill this wonderful day with lots of good deeds. This morning I was at my school registering and collecting my modules for the May semester. And I brave the process with MY NIQAB ON. Actually I was warned before for wearing the niqab in the university's compound but after looking at how brave my friend Adawiyah is (and she's a Muslim revert!) I've decided to test the situation once again. I prayed really hard before going there and all the way while driving.

Pheww! Alhamdulillah! Although I get some stares from fellow students and a rolling eyes from my former tutor, I think I can start my mission of going to class with my niqab on. Actually, it has never cause me any difficulties even in doing my job at the Library but like what I've said in one of the comment boxes, almost all local universities ban the wearing of niqab. Please pray for me to be brave and confident in my mission. So far I'm the only student on the Dean's list from my school and I hope they can tolerate me for dressing the way I am.

On this Jumuah, may Allah give me blessings and courage in this mission. Although most students and staffs are Muslims but they can be nasty towards niqab. I'm saying this from my own experience in my former university. I hope management is more open minded this days.

Last but not least,

Friday of every week:

Friday is a huge favour and Rahmah from Allah and a sign of His Mercy for human beings. We are lucky to have this blessing every week. So don't forget the importance of this blessed day because of your busy lifestyle and start preparing for Friday with love and joy and if you haven't done anything to earn Jannah during the whole week then Friday is your last chance, so go visit someone who's sick, get ready for Jumuah prayers, invite someone for dinner or lunch, and don't forget to pray especially around the Asr time and always ask for an honorable death on the blessed day of Jumuah.

Wassalam.


Sources:
http://www.geocities.com/islamdotcom/Jummah.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jumu'ah
http://www.islamonline.net/english/introducingislam/Worship/Prayers/article05.shtml
http://www.brunet.bn/gov/mufti/irsyad/pelita/2000/ic12_2000.htm