Ramadan... a chance to unite?
Happy Ramadan everyone... I hope this Ramadan brings all the good to muslims everywhere...
Ramadan is full of gifts... full of mercy... and full of opportunities.
yes... opportunities of all kinds... for this world and the one after ISA.
I will try ISA to do a small post about all the benifits of Ramadan... though I know I will not suffice it. but today I wish to talk about ramadan as a chance for our unity.
The Islamic Ummah has been going through a rough time lately, to put it in the mildest terms. It has been under fire, under attack... if not by violence, then by slandering and alienating. Muslims everywhere want a way out.. want our once glorious ummah back on its feet... with its head held high... an ummah that the Prophet Muhamed would be proud of on judgement... the Ummah that he would plead for on Judgement day saying; Ummaty Ummaty. His request for our salvation... we want to be that Ummah... Lets us pray for that.
But prayer is not enough... though it is very important. we need to get back on our feet. we need to practice our values... be sincere... and do an effort, then God will help us ISA. the rise of the Ummah... a dream I wish to see fulfilled. maybe through hardships, new beginnings are born. I hope.
One thing I beleive in.... Muslims have to feel thier belonging... that their identity comes from belonging to this ummah... to feel that all muslims are brothers and sister... that we have to unite and not fight amongst our selves.
Ramadan should help bring us all together somehow... a whole month... 30 days (or 29) where over a billion people do almost the same things... they eat at the same tiems, fast at the same times, read quran... pray salat qiyam.... do duaa's and supplications... wait for laylat al kadr. wait for Eid, how many of us are going to say the same duaa when having our iftar meal? Allahumma laka Sumt wa 3ala rizkak Aftart? (OH ALLah, for you we fast, and on your food we have our fitar/first meal).
already we have so much in common everyday... we all turn towards the same place 5 times a day... do ablution 5 times a day, and share alot of ethics that Islam has taught us. Islam has given us so much to share...so it would be easier for us to be one. take the time to reach out this Ramadan, not only to family and friends.... but to any muslim that you happen to know(or not know) and connect.
May Allah make this Ramadan a new beginning for prosperity of this Ummah ISA. Amen
Ramadan Kareem
Ramadan Kareem insha'Allah. I know this is a bit early but I thought it would be better to be early than late..
I am very fond of this fanous (Lantern). It is a bright one that makes me personally feel happy. I used it last year for my Ramadan greetings and I am using it again... I pray that Allah grants us all His blessings and accepts our good deeds throught out this months and the ones to follow insha'Allah.
Presence of Allah
An interesting story about the presence of Allah…
A man went to have a hair cut at the barber shop. The man and the barber spoke of many things and finally the subject of the presence of Allah was brought up.
Barber: I do not believe in the presence of Allah.
Customer: Why do you not believe in the presence of Allah?
Barber: If you simply go around in the streets you will realize there is not God. If there were a God, a kind God, why would He allow people to get sick? Why are there so many homeless children on the streets? Etc etc. if there were a kind and just God, we would not witness pain and anguish in this life time, would we?
The customer thought of what the barber was saying and felt it was better not to answer immediately. The aim was not to make the barber fall into more sin and for purposes of organizing his thoughts for now or later to answer what he said. What the man did was very wise… sometimes it is better not to answer provocative issues immediately in order to say something that would help rather than create more problems.
The barber finished his work and the customer was leaving. As he was just stepping outside the barber’s shop, Allah sent him the answer.
The customer saw a man with very long, messed up hair and a long unrefined beard. So he walked in again and quickly called the barber to show him the man.
Customer: Do you know that there are no barbers at all?
Barber: (looking at the customer in amazement and asked?) How come? I am a barber and I just gave you a haircut.
Customer: If yes, then why are there men walking around with such long messy hair and beards?
Barber: (confidently he answered :) They choose not to come to us, and that is their choice.
Customer: There you go, it is “their choice” to stay like this, it is not that you are non existent, nor are other barbers.
You see, it is the same concept with God. God is there for us, only when we go to him for help or at times of need will we feel His presence. Misery is something we choose. If it comes to us, we can simply ask God for help. Either it will be sorted out, or He will grant us the patience and strength to handle it till it passes! But only then will we feel His presence, when WE establish the communication with Him. We are the ones that need Him, He does not need us. He is “The Creator” and He has created us to worship Him.
Allah is always there for us, at all times. Only we are the ones that are sometimes too lazy to reach out for Him.
There are abundant verses in the Holy Quraan mentioning this issue and more over there are Ahadeeth Qudseya (Sayings by Allah revealed to Prophet Muhammed Via the Arc Angel Gibreal) and there are also Ahadeeth Nabaweaya (Prophet Muhammed Allahomma saly wa salem 3aleih’s sayings).
Having this is a privilege since serious psychological problems cannot find their way to those who are strong believers. Those who resort to Allah do go through sadness and distress as well, we all do, but things cannot and do not take too much time because those of us who have strong Faith, know it is only a test, and that God is kind and just.
Long Long issue, but in a nutshell Believing is beautiful. It makes Life worth living!
Islam...
Islam means "to surrender." It is derived from the Arabic word silm, which means peace. Surrender to whom you may ask? A Muslim, one who follows the religion of Islam, surrenders oneself to Allah or God in order to live in peace. Allah is the same God of Abraham, Moses and Jesus. In English, He is called God, in Spanish, He is called Dios, and in Arabic, He is called Allah. Even Christian Arabs call God, Allah. For Muslims, He is the Creator and Sustainer of all things.
Islam is a way of life for Muslims. It is the same message that God had revealed to all prophets and messengers to humanity throughout the centuries.
Excerpt from "Discovering Islam" by Dr. Ahmed Yousef & Imam Fawaz Damra
Madina
The Madina is the city where prophet Muhammad (PBUH) went to, after he moved from Mecca due to the great abuse he had from the non –believers there. And on that day particularly a representative from each tribe there in Mecca had joined together where they planned that they would all kill him together in one shot. So that his blood would be spread between the tribes. In that day, he left with his friend "Abu Bakr" to Madina where most of its people had converted into Islam and they all came out of their city Men, women and children to welcome him by singing for him. All wanted him to stay in their homes.
The above picture with green dome is the place where the prophet (PBUH) built his house in Madina and under it he is buried now.
When Muslims go to Madina, they visit the prophet's (PBUH) tomb. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said that who ever visits him in his death as if he had visited him in his life time. And when we say "Assalam Alaykom", he answers our salam back.
The Madina is known that it is the city where its people had welcomed and supported the prophet (PBUH) with their wealth and their lives.
They did that because they believed in him and loved him, not because he had wealth or power that he would share with them. He promised them with the paradise for those who believe in him and in God and acted indeed in a good way.
The Quran says: Say (O Muhammad PBUH) " I possess no power over benefit or harm to myself except as Allah wills. If I had the knowledge of the Ghaib (Unseen), I should have secured for myself an abundance of wealth, and no evil should have touched me. I am but a warner, and a bringer of glad tidings unto people who believe." (Quran: AL- A'raf -188)
Carnival of Islam in the west
I came across this beautiful thing... It is called
the carnival of Islam in the west.
What is it? this is what is said about it... :
"A monthly carnival by Muslims largely for Muslims, though not exclusively so.
Aims and Objectives:
This carnival is, in the first instance, an effort to allow Muslims in the West to express what life is like for Muslims living in the West. This carnival is meant to be a voice for Muslims in the West, a significant part of the greater ummah. Because not only do most Westerners not know what is really going on in the Middle East, but many do not know that there Muslims in the West. Entries from those who are not Muslims are also welcome.
The carnival is a also great way to bring together Muslims and strengthen the ummah from every corner of the world whilst concentrating on the West. The aim is to grow from there, inshaallah."
I really liked the idea... I was wishing this blog would somehow be something like that... it is good that alot of people are looking forward to bring the Ummah together, in one way or the other. We need t connect. We need to unite. I look forward to read its posts ISA.
Tonight tonight...
Tonight is the eve of Mid Sha3ban. It is a very special night. in the middle of Shaban, Our Kibla (the direction towards we face 5 times a day in prayer) was changed from Al Masjid Al Aksa in Jerusalem, to Al Ka3ba Al Mosharrafa in Mecca. Tonight, the night between the 14th and 15th of Shaban is supposed to be according to several Ahadith to be one where God forgives and grants prayers and Duaa's with His mercy.. Alhamdulillah Rabb Al 3alameen
So it is so advised to do Ihyaa' this night. meaning... dedicating the night (or some of it ) to God, doing zikr (subhanallah... alhamdulillah etc), Duaa (supplication), prayer and tilawa (recitation of quran).
So now it is almost 2 am in the morning, unfortunately I have not done much of that... I was quite tired today... and I was doing stuff till about 45 minutes ago... I tried to do Salah 3ala Alrasool because I know they are always accepted ISA even if I am not concentrating or doing something else... I just had some tea with milk to try to keep me awake a little bit, I hope I can. thought maybe writing about it may count as doing something good tonight... maybe if anyone reads this later... where their timing is after mine would remember and say some prayers ISA.
In any case... these last hours of the night are always good to do quiyam layl and praying every night of the year.
Tonight... reminds me so much of Ramadan's mood. especially the last 10 days, where we try to stay awake at night and have our caffeine shots one after the other... lest we fall asleep and miss any of it. Reminds me of looking forward to laylat al kadr... wondering each night if this is the one. and being hopeful always that God will forgive us... and love us.
I love tonight for bringing ramadan so close to my heart.. making me spiritually prepared and waiting for it... like a warm up you may say.
I wish that this Ramadan brings all the good and blessings from God to our Islamic Ummah.... To answer all our prayers belkhair (that are in our own good... Allah always knows best). I hope God lights the path for us this year... And I hope Ramadan this year finds you all in good health and Iman.. ISA.
Salla Allahu 3Ala Muhammad.. Salla Allahu 3alayhi wa Sallam.
Snap Shot from Khaibar
The Battle of Khaibar… year 7th higry. 7 years after the Prophet PBUH's emigration to Madina. Whilst not going to go through the battle itself here, nor the causes and strategies involved, I wanted to bring this snap shot of the event. I had seen this battle used by Islam haters in other blogs and places on the net, as a sign if how blood thirsty and intolerant to Jews Islam is in their eyes. Do not know if these people have not researched the event properly… or are just trying to fake facts to paint Islam with a colour they want… but here is just a small part of the story… taken from Amr Khaled's narration of the story in the "Path of the beloved" series:
After ghazwat al khandak, there was still a minority of Jews -those who didn’t break the treaty with the prophet (SAWS) - inside Madinah. These still enjoyed all their rights of citizenship and peaceful living in the city side by side with the Muslims. This was a good example of peaceful coexistence between people of different religions. And of course there were transactions between them. It happened that a Jew, called Abu-Shahm lent some money to a companion of the prophet whose name is Abdullah Bin Abi Hazrag. The amount of money was meager; only 5 dirhams. Abi Hazrag was leaving among the soldiers to Khaibar, and Abu-Shahm asked him to give him his money back before he went to battle. Abi Hazrag, however did not give him the money then, because he did not have the money, and secondly the debt was not due yet. He told Abu shahm to wait till he came back from Khaibar, when he will have money and pay him back. Abu Shahm argued that he will not come back… that they will be beaten, and he will be killed and so he wanted his money before he left.
The Jew complained to the prophet (SAWS), and accordingly the Prophet (SAWS) ordered his companion to give the money back to the Jew and when Abi Hazrag argued that the debt is not yet due the Prophet explained that it is his right to have his money for he may not come back alive! And if he can not pay then he has to stay behind and not join the battle, lest he be killed.
The companion, wanting so much to join the Prophet PBUH, had to resort to selling his clothes. He had only two gilbabs (robes), and he knew he was going to be gone for a long time and he needed them, but he sold one of them nonetheless and for it he got 3 dirham. For the last 2 dirham left, he sold his turban that protected him from the desert's scorching sun. Therefore, the companion was obliged to sell his clothes in order to be able to pay the man back! You see how eager they were to the prophet's (SAWS) fellowship
Abi Hazrag narrates that while he was sitting so sad that he sold one of the only two Gilbab's he owned, a woman asked him about the reason of his sadness and offered him her only cloak she had in order the share the reward with them. Can you see how the society is supporting each other, how they sacrifice for the sake of this message, the woman told Abi Hazrag that she did not mind remaining home till they get back as she had nothing to protect her form the cold weather except this cloak. This is a story of a humble companion who was not mentioned in the prophet's biography except this one time yet it is enough to be honored with.
And so, he paid Abu Shahm , one of a minority of Jews living in Madina, his debt of 5 dirham, to be able to travel and join the Prophet PBUH. And then they say that Khaibar was a battle that was rooted from intolerance and hate towards Jews? Would the Prophet (SAWS) have been just with this man if that was true?
Shaban
we are in Sha3ban....
next month is Ramadan...
Get Ready Everyone!!!!
The prophet PBUH used to say in Sha3ban:
"Allahumma barek lana fe Sha3ban wa balleghna Ramadan"
roughly translates to: God bless Sha3ban, and let us reach Ramadan
try to do good deeds in Sha3ban, to get alot of Ramadan's good fortune and mercy and blessings ISA.
PS. Try to fast on the 15th ISA.
and do not forget the ISlamic Ummah in your duaa (prayers).
Thanking God and saying ElhamdAllah
I worte before in one of the
posts at roora, about thanking God and the so many blessings that God gives us that we take for granted, not realizing how many things we should thank Him for ...countless. I then concluded the post with a verse in quran " And if you would count Allah's favors, you will not be able to number them; most surely Allah is Forgiving, Merciful. "(An-nahl : 18).
Our teacher drew my attension that the verses stated before this one in (An nahl) were all stating some of the so many blessings that God gives to us, i started reading ..and yes they are countless.
"He has created the heavens and the earth for just ends: Far is He above having the partners they ascribe to Him!, He has created man from a sperm-drop; and behold this same (man) becomes an open disputer!, And cattle He has created for you (men): from them ye derive warmth, and numerous benefits, and of their (meat) ye eat, And ye have a sense of pride and beauty in them as ye drive them home in the evening, and as ye lead them forth to pasture in the morning,And they carry your heavy loads to lands that ye could not (otherwise) reach except with souls distressed: for your Lord is indeed Most Kind, Most Merciful, : And (He has created) horses, mules, and donkeys, for you to ride and use for show; and He has created (other) things of which ye have no knowledge, And unto Allah leads straight the Way, but there are ways that turn aside: if Allah had willed, He could have guided all of you, It is He who sends down rain from the sky: from it ye drink, and out of it (grows) the vegetation on which ye feed your cattle, With it He produces for you corn, olives, date-palms, grapes and every kind of fruit: verily in this is a sign for those who give thought, He has made subject to you the Night and the Day; the sun and the moon; and the stars are in subjection by His Command: verily in this are Signs for men who are wise, And the things on this earth which He has multiplied in varying colours (and qualities): verily in this is a sign for men who celebrate the praises of Allah (in gratitude), It is He Who has made the sea subject, that ye may eat thereof flesh that is fresh and tender, and that ye may extract therefrom ornaments to wear; and thou seest the ships therein that plough the waves, that ye may seek (thus) of the bounty of Allah and that ye may be grateful, And He has set up on the earth mountains standing firm, lest it should shake with you; and rivers and roads; that ye may guide yourselves, And marks and sign-posts; and by the stars (men) guide themselves, Is then He Who creates like one that creates not? Will ye not receive admonition?, If ye would count up the favours of Allah, never would ye be able to number them: for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. " Quran : An- Nahl (3-18)".
The Day she opened her heart
I like to wander along the blogosphere... looking for interesting blogs.. especially Islamic ones... I am happy to have found so many... a lot of muslims that have the same aim in mind... bring Muslims together... and try to show islam's beauty. they are so many... don't know who to link.... will need a free after noon for that.
And reading... some posts so touch my heart. Some of the most heart touching stories i read are those by Islamic converts... btw I love that alot of them refer to themselves as "reverts" rather than converts... feeling that Islam in inherent in their soul and fitra. Maybe it is that their faith is so new.. and pure.. not tainted by time.. and being taken for granted that happens with born muslims. but al hamdulillah... all muslims have to renew and regenerate their faith... even by saying"La ilaha Illa Allah".
Anyway.. do not want to wander too far off from my story... I came across this
Muslim blogger revert in the US that dedicates her blog to stories and poems about her life as a muslimah. going through her archives, I found this beautiful post called "The day I opened my heart".
The story is so beautiful I almost cried. I do not have the link to it but .
here is the link to the january archive, it is the second post, dated January 24th, 2006.
It was beautiful for so many reasons... it shows how God is so kind...
How He answers our prayers... and how He stands by those who need them... especially new muslim reverts... they are so lucky to have a whole new clean slate. I wish to know of a new muslim to ask him/her to pray for me... I believe that they are close to God... and hopefully will always be... along with the rest of us ISA.
I also loved the tradition the turkish women in the post have... they meet every week for studying religion... and every week they put their names on pieces of paper... and pick one out.. and the name that is pulled out.... they all do duaa (prayer) for that person for whatever her heart desires. It is so nice. wanna do it. anyone intersted?
