Gharibat Dunyati...

BismiAllahi AlRahmani AlRaheem

I think I found a treasure. I found a notebook from long time ago that I used to write poetry in. I came across this one I wrote in arabic (notice, the arabic has plenty of mistakes) but sub7anaAllah, where did this come from....

Ka'Sayfu masaktu rou7i
Like a sword, I captured my soul

bayna yadayya mashdouda.
tightly held between my hands

wa gharistuha thaniyan dakhilan fee Ssadari
then I burried it again inside my chest.

Falahithtu El-hawa al-lati min zaman qati3tuha min jasadi.
then I breathed the breath that I once cut off...

Fatakallamat bi7azinin tufulati,
with sadness my childhood spoke

wa katibat bi-Dammi qsati:
with my blood it wrote my story


***


Illa liman fahimany, Lawhaton
A painting, to whom understood me

yarsumuni ka'dhababah bayna nasouj al'3ankabut nouqasi.
draws me like a fly struggling in a spider's web.

wa liman darisani, Qasidaton
A sonnet, to whom studied(examined) me

yaghinnouha bi'Ajmal la7non, tarta7ou a3ssabi.
sung in a beautiful tone that calms my mood...

lakin, liman karihani....Mousiqaton
However, Music I am to whom hates me

yarqisouha na3iman ila aakhir daqiqat qalbi
dances slowly to the last beats of my heart...


***


mashaytou mishwaran 7amila
I have walked a long way holding

kul a3sabi fawqa aktafi
everything on my shoulders

li kulli khatwa akhadhtuha
for every step that was taken

aqal dumu3 bakaytuha
less tears were cried...

li anni Ssabi7tu mu3tada li 7alati
because I became used to my happenings

falam tastati3u nutfat' amal tuqni3uni
Not even a drop of hope can revive me

***

Idha ghataytuha bi'ibtisama, Hazani,
if only I cover my sadness with a smile

Idha ghariqtu fi bi2r Al-sabr A3sabi
and if only I drown my feelings in well of Patience

Aftakirtu kullaha bil'waqt tamur
I thought with time it will pass

ma'ladhy dakhilani Istahlakani
whatever is killing me inside.

famayyal al-mizan bi'kuthratuha
but its abundance tipped my scale

Fakayidly mazbut qarari
Thus, reasoned the decision I have made..
***


Fi Aakhir daqiqat li malaki
At the last minute that I still possessed

najizat bayna 3aynaya mustaqbili
my future revealed itself between my eyes

asmi kal'burhan fi tafkiruhu tughly
my name like a volcano, in his thoughts.. raging

kal'mas bayn sudruhu hafidhuni
like a diamond in between his chest... protected

huwa l'wa7id faza al'7arbu li'qalbi
The only one that won the battle of my heart

lamma astaslam 7obbohu shafa l'madhi
when he bestowed his love, it healed the past

***

ABADAN!!! arfidhu an adhuqu ta3mun hilwan
NEVER!!! I refuse to taste something so sweet

idha 7a'yata7awal sammoun fi fami
if it will alter to venum in my mouth

ya wayli innu khanatni 3ayni
woe to me, My eyes have fooled me

lastu ro2yatun shuftuha illa khayali
It was not the future I saw, only my lost hopes

lakin al-daqiqatun intahat..
However, the minute has ended

fa Gharibat Dunya min 7awlaha 3eini.
And my world settled from my eyes.

Intimidated are we?

BismiAllahi AlRahman AlRaheem

The pleasure of recognizing my flaws gave me an unusual sense of sensibility. I have yet to learn the art of tawbah, but with every return marks a promise made to the One that owns me.

It is quiet an unfortunate that your very own mind is debating whether to let the tears fall or let the happiness sound through. Should not the suitable moments be experienced: to laugh, to cry, to shout before a thorough scan who is around you?

I have built myself a comfort zone where all the temporary joy resides. An ecstasy to the eye; the very fruit that befell me. You think that your good self is riding on a mountain of righteousness, until their voices are heard. How a soul bears not the pain of discovering its innocence conflicted with the very words that accuse me.

A humble being I desire to be and still commit mistakes. I rather listen to those who complain about me and serenade my imperfections. I rather acknowledge that I know-not, rather than create myself a name which I can’t live by.
-
It is a rather an unfortunate that my voice cannot be heard due to their intimidations. A state which only prevails when their attitude becomes awkward: eyes staring straight beyond your shoulder, and talking in sentences that composes not of adjectives or pronouns, merely Verbs and Nouns. I must not say, but it is frightening when the moment my eyes feel ashamed for even looking straight and seeing my reflection which they witness not.

My real name gets lost between their perceptions. Is there any harm when being in a dialogue that forces your intellect to be tested; yet, your thoughts are blasphemous when answering to an opposite gender's remarks.

When a dialogue between three or four opposite to my gender got in a political discussion, I felt hesitant to stand there and listen and maybe give my feedback…. I FELT HESITANT. However, when it was lecture about the “economic crisis”, and few elder men stayed behind with the speaker to talk about tangent topics, I and another “sister” stayed behind and attended. Even some Uncles were astonished, but they gave us our time to speak and listened.

The real question:
Is it really the intimidation that causes us to “be quiet”? is any of the blame due to our level of self confidence? or also due to our muslim society's perception and expection of women's voice vs haya'?

But really, how come I can converse and criticize naturally with certain muslims, and not the rest? So it must of somewhat been affected by this sense of “intimidation”, in my opinion. But my opinion is flawed, due to my nature of extraversion, and partially due to being "neutralized" from the many years residing in the corner of a "man field" (engineering). Thus, i became acquainted and comfortable not only with the opposite gender, but to all ethnicity and backgrounds. (positives and negatives)....flawed and biased, and the quest to the right islamic standpoint begins...

Wa Allahu A3lam.

These are but one day's thoughts, and I pray to Allah to guide me to the right way. For I dont know if my reasonings are sound, for I'm not at a state to even reason my religion. Sincerely I will seek the truth, whatever it may be, and whatever it is, I must abide by it. inshaAllah

…
But I rather dream of my meeting with my lord, then to assemble myself a reality, a PRISON where no answers reside, in this dunya.

A great man’s legacy...

There is not a great way to describe one’s struggles in a foreign land. One hopes only to make friends and not foes, to impact people in a great way rather then be the cause to their befall, and in doing so, maintain the love and interest only for the sake of Allah. A great man’s struggle proves to be a great man’s legacy.

A friend, a brother, a father, and a sheikh was he to many people. One tear remains behind drained in his footsteps; but what really remains are a million words engraved in the million of hearts. Wisdom he spread, and with Allah’s will, strengthened the weak to stand up for the words and the last messenger (SAW) of Allah (SWT).

How Allah (Almighty) designs one’s destiny, Only He Al-mighty knows. “Rabbana ma khalqta hadha batilan, faqina adhaba A-Nar” Our Lord, You did not create all this in vain. Be You glorified. Save us from the retribution of Hell from surah Imran.
Everything is designed for a purpose, and this one man’s purpose is surely a design to contemplate on.

It was destined that one comes to land, for a period of time, and revive from it great children, men and women, leaders and students of knowledge; 5 years, 10 years, or 12 years? Only Allah knows. But what we know is that this time was well spent.

A man’s goal is fulfilled if he affected at least one man during his stay. However, it wasn’t only one person that he affected, but thousands. Only Allah knows about his great doings from New Mexico to Alaska. In spite of this, one needs to contemplate not of one man’s legacy, but the thousands that will follow his footsteps.

1 week before the ISGH elections, the Sheikh gets detained. The community, from where it was hidden, uprooted and came together, hand in hand...finally REALIZING our current status. Unfamiliar faces stood up and are helping by any means they can, and the commoners in tears and in strength. Sub7anaAllah. InshaAllah this is the beginning of the end:
Some are still asking: why Sh.Zubair?

Without all the facts, all we are left to do is to speculate. It is easier and comforting to find who to blame on, but its harder to sometimes let go and realize that Everything happens for a reason, and nothing is done by coincidence, by Allah’s will.

No kind of calamity can occur, except by the leave of Allah: and if any one believes in Allah, (Allah) guides his heart (aright): for Allah knows all things.Quran 64:11

We all have our hand in this, and we all have an opportunity to contemplate and never repeat the same mistakes that were committed before. It is hard to believe that how, ISGH, within all the power that it has, cannot just free Sh.Zubair? We do have to realize is that when dealing with the government, ISGH can be of no help. However, there is one thing that ISGH can help on: SIGN I-360 for Sh.Zubair; Thus, it can help tremendously. However, Why is this process taking so long? Why can’t all the shura members agree to sign the I-360?

“SHEIKH AND HIS ATTORNEY WANT ISGH TO DO ANOTHER PETITION FOR SHEIKH WITH THE SAME DOCUMENTS THAT WERE SENT BEFORE AND OUR QUESTION WAS WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO DIFFERENTLY THIS TIME .” According to ISGH’s DIRECTOR SOUTH ZONE, ISGH filed the I-360 for Sh.Zubair moths ago. A while after its approval, the INS “REVOKED THE APPROVAL OF HIS I360 SAYING THEY WERE DISCREPANCIES IN THE ORIGINAL PETITION.”

A voting process by ISGH needs to be taken to SIGN I-360. The Shura meeting is scheduled for SATURDAY, 10 AM, at the Main Masjid. Please Attend to learn more.
Sheikh is but one case. However, there are many other families that are in the same situation. There are even families who are struggling to bring bread home, and others who came as refugees, but were forsaken. Where was the community? Everything happens for a reason. It is a wake up call for everyone in this community. moreover, it wasn’t a coincidence that this year's TDC is all about COMMUNITY and change. Go, learn, get educated on how to take steps now before its in the VERGE OF BEING TOO LATE. Be Active, Volunteer, do everything you can. Spare some spare time and serve. learn how: there will be a Non-Profit JOB FAIR at TDC, number of groups that need YOUR HELP!

Following the Shura Meeting, The ISGH ELECTIONS will be on SUNDAY. Go and Vote for the trusting leaders of tomorrow. Sh.Zubair thrusted in our minds the element of leadership, the best gift anyone could receive.

The Return...

BismiAllahi Al-Rahman Al-Raheem

Having been swamped by the tide of exams and presentations, I am finally facing a full recovery towards what I like best: attending to my Islamic knowledge. My Quranic memorization stalled again in the middle of the Juz’, couple of unfinished lecture cd’s are waiting to be heard, and the book mark at pg. 17 in the book Mohammed is still waiting to be shifted. Well, here I am, wondering how to utilize my time efficiently.

I signed up for three courses: Aqeeda, Usul Hadith, and Usul Tafseer . I’m utterly excited and inshaAllah, coupled with various tangent lectures by various shuyukhs + TDC, this should fulfill my one month vacation inshaAllah. Oh, and finish the book and at least one Juz’ of the Quran.

There are various issues that I want to research merely to expand my knowledge and completely understand/take a stand on inshaAllah. I desired to write about these issues throughout the semester, unfortunetly, time wrapped its seconds into my minutes; Thus, My days quickened into nights, and the nights that used to be well kept in contemplations, are now being Snoozed till Fajr. Oh, where did I let my nights go….

[These 6 are going to be the subject of my upcoming posts inshaAllah: “Women’s Common Sense”, “My voice is Awrah?”, “Me, My mother, and Allah”, “Economic Crisis from an Islamic Stance”, “Islamic Gender Ex-Communication”, and finally “But sweetie, He is a Doctor!”…The last one will be very interesting, since it’s the last and on-going hot topic in my household. ]

… Oh, where did I let my nights go? I have fallen off my best of habits, being a night Owel! The best time of having an open mind is between 12 and 5…AM! Since summer, and partially due to the entrance of the school year upon fasting, I have slept my nights off as if compensating all the past nights that were lost.

My ‘will’ drove backwards, I lost the taste in Coffee, and found myself tangled in a mad confusion. My priorities were shuffled, my heart no longer quivered at the words of the Quran, neither contemplated on Dhikr. My Soul, where art thou?

I had a couple of brothers and sisters sit and have a talk with me. “Affaf, out of everyone, your enthusiasm, your will, your determination….what happened?” I remember that very talk, the witness of a broken mind in a deep pool of tears. I tended to ignore them “what are they talking about”ers!

Until I realized half way through drowning that something bad is pulling me within the dark evil abyss. Took well over 2 weeks to figure out the root of this, alhmadoulillah! Sub7anaAllah, I had to go through re-prioritization. In the end of it all, I found myself between me, my mother, and Allah.

Such is life, full of mountains and hills, and at times, you are caught in a blinding cave and are lost there for days. However, with an inner will and through the remembrance of Allah, He will show you the light to follow. However, you must hold on to this rope with your dear life, for if you let go, one will fall deeper than before.

With the rest of life’s struggles, I must tie every intention to Allah, every cause to its intended effect, and every effect to Allah’s intended will.

The Forbidden Rose

~~~

A stream formed underneath my feet,
Where I left my empty smile soaking in its depths
Where I rinsed my letters from its words,
And where the memory remains are planted in its shores.
~~~
Where a rose blossomed and formed its thorns
Where it spread its stems and made its bounds
Where its aroma is forbidden for those
That wish to remove its petals to form their paths.

Subhana-Allah

AlhamdouliAllah

wa

Allahu Akbar

Contemplation: worried heart

I am bordering every passion to withstand this pressure in my chest.
If it can only be read from the thin lines in my eyes,
Before I situate them and befriend the ground.

The voice waiting to be let out is imprisoned behind uncertainty.
Swallowed every tear drop to not merge and mirror my reflection,
Wiped away every worry from my face…I am standing still.

For now I remain, a serene air flowing around an aspiration;
A candle shining its light; illuminating the path to thy heart. ..

The Struggle for Taqwa

Bismi Allahi Al-Rahmani Al-Raheem

It was reported that `Umar bin Al-Khattab asked Ubayy bin Ka`b about Taqwa:

Ubayy said, "Have you ever walked on a path that has thorns on it''
`Umar said, "Yes.''
Ubayy said, "What did you do then''
He said, "I rolled up my sleeves and struggled.''
Ubayy said, "That is Taqwa.''

[Tafsir Ibn Kathir]

Taqwa: Those who have faith in the unseen; pray and spend on charity; believe in the books, and fear the Day of Doom. [described in Baqarah 2:2-5]

Quran within the Heart

It is declared that the true hafidh is he who takes his Quran as his Companion: One who truly acts upon it and interacts with it, yasir qadi had said today in his uulum el-quran class.

Quran is the heart of spirituality
~~~
Uthuman ibn 3affan said that Mohammed (SAW) said:

"Kheirakum man ta3allama el-Quran wa 3alamah"

"the best of you are the once who learned the quran and taught it"

~~~

Jubayr reported that the Prophet(SAW) said:

"Rejoice! for verily, this Quran- one part of it is in the hands of Allah,
and the other part is in your hands.
Therefore hold on to it, for you will never be destroyed,
nor will you ever go astray after it!" [musnad Ahmed]
~~~
Imam Ahmad said that Abu Nu`aym narrated to them that Bishr bin Muhajir said that `Abdullah bin Buraydah narrated to him from his father :I was sitting with the Prophet and I heard him say :

"Learn Surat Al-Baqarah, because in learning it there is blessing, in ignoring it there is sorrow, and the sorceresses cannot memorize it."

He kept silent for a while and then said:

"Learn Surat Al-Baqarah and Al `Imran because they are two lights and they shade their people on the Day of Resurrection, just as two clouds, two spaces of shade or two lines of (flying) birds. The Qur'an will meet its companion in the shape of a pale-faced man on the Day of Resurrection when his grave is opened. The Qur'an will ask him, 'Do you know me' The man will say, 'I do not know you.' The Qur'an will say, 'I am your companion, the Qur'an, which has brought you thirst during the heat and made you stay up during the night. Every merchant has his certain trade. But, this Day, you are behind all types of trade.' Kingship will then be given to him in his right hand, eternal life in his left hand and the crown of grace will be placed on his head. His parents will also be granted two garments that the people of this life could never afford. They will say, 'Why were we granted these garments' It will be said, 'Because your son was carrying the Qur'an.' It will be said (to the reader of the Qur'an), 'Read and ascend through the levels of Paradise.' He will go on ascending as long as he recites, whether reciting slowly or quickly.''

---

Inspite of the HUGE break (ramadan, busy with refugees, sisters weddings) that I took, I just resumed in memorizing the quran, Alhamdoulillah. I now am following a strictER schedule then before. Although I resumed with memorizing 1/4 of Hizb each day, today's class has inspired me to do otherwise:
Memorize 10 versus with translation and application [Tafsir by Ibn Kathir]

The point of memorizing is to instore the words of god within my heart, but with that, comes the understanding of such words, and applying them right away. Until I do so, then I can move on to the next 10 versus.
-
May Allah make it easier for me and everyone that's stepping in the same footsteps inshaAllah.
May this journey only be guided by Allah, and may this be the best guide for me wa kulla muslimat wal muslimeen. Ameen.
[day to day journey memo: http://nusaiba-ab-quran.blogspot.com/]

Contemplation: Re-Birth

Constrained are my words when tears provided the means to open my heart.
I escaped through a meditation.
I have, indeed, reached the realization to a purpose….I have a purpose.
I must remain bounded within the road to salvation.
I must free my heart and secure my mind.
I must embrace fully.
I must surrender my body and soul.
I must die: Distill my soul to a new essence, and return in the same body.

I have embarked on a journey to seek, to know, to liberate the truth.
The faith that resides in my heart has locked its doors.
It is to congregate the disease within to be dissolve,
and cultivate the seeds of love and fear to equally pursue my desire:
Journey through serenity, worship my Lord.
But I must be free...

Nusaiba Al-Ansariya

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon of Islam*

Nusaiba Al-Ansariya and Khawla bint Al-Azwar

I hope I will do justice in personifying these two great women of islam, for their true character cannot be described in words. -Affaf B.

Nusaiba "umm Ammara" Al-AnsariyaNusaiba can only be honored by words of Courage, Determination, and Strength. She started as a strong minority among her kind, but her wisdom was an inspiration by the many that followed her steps. She was not only spiritually, morally and physically a Mujahida, but a Mujtahida as well.

Nusaiba, among 72 men and 1 other woman [Umm Muni Asmaa], swore allegiance to Allah (SWT) and Mohammed (SAW), what became to be known as “Baitul ‘Aqabah thaniah” (second oath) in Islamic History. Upon her convertance at the early age of Islam, her devotion was to guide many women in accordance to Islam. At times when she felt women were ignored, she confronted Mohamed (SAW) and asked “Why is it that the Noble Quran only mention men and women are deprived of any importance?” Then this Ayah was revealed in Surah Ahzab:

“Verily, the Muslims men and women, the believers men and women, the men and the women who are obedient (to Allah), the men and women who are truthful, the men and the women who are patient, the men and the women who are humble, the men and the women who give sadaqat, the men and the women who observe fast, the men and the women who guard their chastity and the men and the women who remember Allah much with their hearts and tongues, Allah has prepared for them forgiveness and a great reward.” (33:35)

In this verse, it mentions 10 times that the women can attain every good quality to which men can have access to. This verse also settles it conclusively that women stand on the same spiritual level as men.

Her determination led her to fight in five great battles: Uhud, el-Hudaybiya, Hunayn, Khaybar, and the battle of Yamama. In all, she displayed great courage, self reliance, patience, and forbearance that led the Prophet to acknowledge her with the following:

“From where can anyone get courage like you, O Umm Ammarah (ra)?”

Her courage and forbearance was greatly displayed in the battle of Uhud. When the Muslims were in a verge of defeat, Muslim men were scattering, some growing weary, and some even turned their back. She, along her husband and two sons, surrounded the prophet to protect him and repelled any attack on him. The Prophet (SAW) asked one of the men to give her his shield since she, with all her power, was fighting furiously unprotected.

Despite her twelve major wounds, with one that took a year to heal, she profusely maintained her strength and continued fighting. Omar bin Khattab (ra) says that the Prophet SAW once told him in the battle of Uhud that whenever he (Mohammed SAW) turned, whether to the right or to the left, he saw Umm Ammara (ra) fighting to defend him.

Moreover, despite seeing her own son injured and bleeding, she bandaged his arm and told him to NEVER STOP, never lose courage and continue with the attack on the enemy. Her familie’s heroism and courage earned them a place in paradise. The prophet SAW said:

“O Allah! Make this family my friends in paradise.”

After the battle of Uhud, her energy to protect Islam did not grow weary despite her numerous wounds. When the prophet announced that they will be marching to a place called Hamra Al-Asad to chase the pagans, she got up with full mental strength and ardour, but because she was weakened by her serious injury, she could not participate. The prophet (SAW) upon his return asked her brother, Abdullah, about her welfare. He, prophet Muhammed (SAW), prayed for Nusaiba and thanked Allah SWT for His Divine Mercy upon her.

Her Patience and forbearance was tested upon the news that her son, Habib bin Zaid, was martyred. Habib bin Zaid (ra) was sent by the Prophet (SAW) as his representative to Musailamah Kath’ab to bring him to Islam. Musailama tied Habib to a pillar and questioned his faith. “Do you testify that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah?” Musailama asked. Habib responded with a definite yes. However, when Musailama asked if he, Habib, would also take him (Musailama) as his other prophet, Habib pretended his was deaf. This cost him every part of his body to be cut slowly until his soul reached to heaven (inshaAllah).

At 60 years old, Nusaiba was part of the army against Musailamah Kath’ab, under the caliphate, Abu Bakr Siddue (ra). Along side her was her son, Abdullah bin Zaid ra. Abdullah was one of those who finally killed this man. Eleven injuries and a cut off arm were the cost of this battle to Nusaiba. Even when Khalid bin Waleed ra emerced her arm in BOILING OIL, her pain and grief were at no comparison to her happiness at the death of Musailamah, the murderer of her beloved son, and more importantly, the great enemy of Islam.

Nusaiba, Umm Ammara, held a major status among the women companions. Let her be our example that guides us to infest such DRIVE, such ENERGY, such IMAN IN ALLAH in our hearts to win the MAJOR BATTLES of OUR TIME.

Resources:
* "Famous Women of Islam": lecture by Dr. Umar Faruq Abd-Allah
* "The Sahabiyat": By Yasir Fazaqa
* Great Women of Islam: Mahmood Ahmad Ghadanfar
----
Khawla Bint Al-Azwar : TO BE CONTINUED...

Epistemological Crisis over Women's status...

-Are we [Men and Women], in a way, contributing to the Idea that a lot of people have about women in Islam that they are secluded, passive, that they have nothing to say?

This is certainly what you don’t see in the women of the past in Islamic history. The women of the past were upright, epitome of Islamic righteousness who exercised their natural rights given by Islam [Not feminists in any shape or form, but something that was granted to them by the quran and Sunna]. In the case of Nusaiba al-ansariya, one of the greatest women companion even by the prophet’s testimony, was honored by verses that were revealed by RESPONSES OF HER QUESTIONS in the quran. How high can you go? she was a not only a Mujahida, but a Mujtahida as well (exercises her opinion). Where are the examples of today? We have to define ourselves as muslims and invest in our history: if only it was on the hands of an artist, then it will be more than a shakespeare’s play, or #1 action movie.

May Allah forgive us for the mistakes that we commit in the representation of the deen of Allahu (SWT)

-Which also leads me to ask: where are the women scholars?

Its predicted by Rasoul’Allah (SAW) that scholars will decrease in numbers by time, which ultimately this will lead to a “knowledge deficit”!
We are living in a time where scholars are few in number, and even less are the scholars residing amongst us, and lesser then that, are the women scholars.

Prophet SAW said: “inna l’3alim yastaghfiru lahu man fi samawati wa man fil ard”
The scholar, all that is in heaven and the earth turn to Allah, asking Allah to forgive that particular scholar.

Who were of the greatest people who have taught the sunna of Mohammed (SAW)?
Aisha (ra)….. “take half the religion from her” The prophet (SAW) said… 3rd most reporter of hadith of mohammed (SAW).
Aisha (ra) would be the one that would teach male sahabba about the Sunna of RasoulAllah (SAW).

How come the men are encouraged to gain knowedge? How come most of the books are written by men? How come when we try to apply to Madina University it sais “men”, etc….. on and on we shall go.

Today, the role of Muslim women as scholars is only a mere balance of representation; To camouflage the injustice. They are not the once that went out to give the lectures, never the less, the admonitions. For these are reserved to the “particulars”!

A very risky Job indeed…

“Behind every great man there is a great woman” is seen in every greatest islamic leader (shafii, maliki, etc.) of our time. Even our Prophet (SAW):

The greatest of support to Mohammed (SAW) was Khadija (ra) …. Quoting Karen Armstrong, “Islam began in the arms of a Woman (khadija)” … she comforted him, held him when he (SAW) was running saying “zamiluni zamiluni”… she was amongst his first (SAW) followers. She was his (SAW) “Pillar in strength” who, upon her death, was the lowest point of the prophet (SAW) while living in Makah

Women Scholars are numerous, but the role that they play is that of support and not a forerunner. Although at times, the support is much greater and has a long-lasting effect then a forerunner indeed.

There is no distinction between a men and women on their right of education. What’s haram to a man is also haram for a women (setting of the university for example).
Why don’t we (women) dedicate a great deal of our time and lives and make it our purpose to learn the religion of al-islam. Why don’t we invest these “masters” and “doctorates” that will maybe increase few thousands of dollars to our paycheck to investing in that time in getting a scholarship in Islamic studies?

What is our engineering, dentistry, or MBA’s going to do to us if less and less scholars are present? Are you going to teach the next ummah more math and science while our ummah is failing on the most important aspect to this dunia: 3ibada!

Its funny…more men are becoming Islamic scholars, and more women are becoming educated!

A little Bird taught me…

Standing there, talking and laughing, and suddenly a thump noise… we turned around to see what it was: A baby green bird dropped from the skies above and landed next to my foot. I bended down thinking it was to fly away, but it wouldn’t move, just standing there peacefully. I picked it up and placed it on my hand. Long and behold, who knew it was going to spend the rest of the afternoon with me. The bird was quickly named Nusaiba, or like maheen chose to call her: “Nubi-poo”. Her?!?!?! I’m not certain, and I had no knowledge of how to check a tiny bird of its gender for I didn’t bring magnifying glass with me for obvious reasons!

Nusaiba, a.k.a Nubi-Poo, attended her first MSA meeting. At the height of this meeting, she chose to also land a *lil’green/yellow* something on my hand. Staying positive, I believed it was “Baraka”! At a moment’s time, I became an expert on where to pet her, well, for her to also stay positive. Her claws were planted on my palms, as if it only trusted me (I liked to think so!) So whenever someone wanted to hold her, well NO, See: Nubi-Poo does not *want* to. Not because she was scared as hell that all these Giants with Scarves on their heads surrounding her not knowing she’s claustrophobic, but because she wanted to only stay with me :)

Her lil’som’n was like mendi, it left a yellow stain on my palm. Well Hey, now I don’t have to spend $7 dollars on a mendi tube that’s going to turn my palms orange anyway, I can just go about collecting bird’s lil’som’n and start a BUSINESS.

It was time for Jummu3a Khutba. She mashaAllah observed all the etiquette rules: stayed quiet, did not move, not even flap one feather, drifted away listening to all the advice. Thirty min later, it was prayer time. On my thumb, together we said “Allahu Akbar”. While I placed my palms on the floor at sajda time, she landed on where I will put my head. It was beautiful!!!!!
Not so beautiful others thought when I picked her up and WOoPS, she landed another *lil’green/yellow som’n* on the sheet. I should have pari trained her b4 thinking to bring her to salat. Anyhow...

Intermission (just enough time for Shah Rukh Khan to grab his next costume)

Anyhow... Nubi-poo seemed to be the center of attention, all too positive until some “bothered” audience questioned her stay on my hand. They claimed “it was harmful for her” as if getting used to me was fatal within itself…. But …but… I gave in to their inducement, more like a bribe, to finally set little Nubi-Poo free. So I walked out of the religion building into the “wild” to set her free, more like setting her in the “Jungle” I thought, a guy with a leaf blower machine came hurrying to our direction as if intentionally came to blow it away…. Oh no monsieur, no! I quickly saved Nubi-Poo from the wild jungle and the “fake wind” that will blow her into the vast unknown…. I placed her on my shoulder and together we continued our day.

Nubi-poo witnessed my presence in some strange circumstances, more like coincidental appeals. It is something that was only discussed between Me and my mini-Me (nubi-poo). Thus, rather keep it that way…. Only Nubi-poo knows, lol, and of cource, Allah knows.

Anyways, an hour later, I discovered that it was not the mere interest, or love, of me that she stayed grasping to me…It was the fact that she was INJURED! Her leg….*tears*I quickly hurried to get a number of an animal shelter/hospital near bye….my little birdie is Hurting! I can’t stand this, her pain was seen from her eyes: slowly blinking, slowly shutting, could she be……OH NO: NOT THE DARK ABYSS! .....Hurry hurry. So I get in the passenger seat of the car and a friend driving. We cruise through westheimer… I later found out that a 50 dollar fee is required… I had 50 CENTS!.... WHAT am I going to do? Should I leave it to qadr Allah?5 min later through driving, on my lap, little Nusaiba shivers as if having a female tantrum for 5 sec, then jumps and lands on its side.

“OH MY ALLAH (I SCREAMMMMMM) WHAT THE @#($@#($#@($(@#($...... Oh my god…..get it off of me….get it OFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF”

Where happened to all that love????? Sub7anaAllah

I couldn’t touch it, even if u would put me through fire, I can’t. One minute, cuddled in my hand, the next, its DEAD! *tears* I couldn’t take it. I was crying… saying over and over “sub7anaAllah”… “inna liAllah wa inna ilayhi raji3um” We pulled up in a neighborhood. I dug 6 inches into the ground, and buried it, all while reciting “al fatiha” (not sure if it was proper to do so or not….I just felt I lost a friend ). I layed 2 stones…..there goes Nubi-Poo.

Conclusion:
What did this little green bird do in its lifetime to deserve such an honorable death? A 5 min listening to recitation of the Quran, 20 min worth of petting, a Friday Khutba, a Friday Prayer, nevertheless, dying on a Friday….and a proper burial.

All I want to know is what did this little green bird HAVE TO DO to have this way of death? For all I know, It did leave its “Baraka” on my hand… who knows, I might be honored to have this proper death, inshaAllah.

This little bird taught me that this very prayer, might be your last. That this time of reciting the quran, might be your last chance. This this day, is indeed your LAST. What are the chances that you will have this kind of death? For nothing is according to chance in the way of Allah. We are given the Keys to heaven, All we gotta do is find it through the Siratul Mustaqeem. And “hafidhu 3an salatukum”….PROTECT YOUR PRAYERS!

This little birdie did wonders to me… who knows, This little birdie might be my savior in the day of judgment, for it was my WITNESS to that day! inshaAllah.

Uncertainties

I am standing and already dying
Echo of a voice quivering:
Your doubts and fears
What your hollow heart beats.
Composing hopes and dreams
What will make them recede?
Neighbored by a concern
What my heart can’t control
Mislead by glimpses of possibilities
But never certainties…

Thus am left circling

the same thoughts repeating

Swaying in every direction
What a strange situation
Heart’s rhythm rhymes
With echoing footsteps
I claim to be unseen
Rather one glimpse will reveal
the story of a tangled heart

.....I rather just fall apart.

Bless our Brothers...

since many poems are devoted to the women's strengths, I decided to devote one to the brother's inshaAllah

To the One above, I pray for you to bless:

the hands that curve his pride longing to find answers,
and in those eyes that cried his nights begging for forgiveness.

the face that spent nights kissing his forehead to the prayer rug,
and the arms that open wide to every shattered soul that needs a hug.

the strength that befriends the ground whever a temptation passes his direction,
and the moments where he leads his intentions to reach purification.

The soft spoken speach that is batteling the accusations,
and the silence that is folded to refuel his patience.

The voice that humms in his passing moments the verses of the quran,
and the prophet that he chose as his number one fan.

The protector that he becomes to the last prescribed amanah:
his beloved sister,and the pride and joy he takes when he sees a veil emracing her.

The chosen hand that he will guide on the journey to janna,
and the one's that his name to pass on his legacy in the dunya.

Ameen...

EID Mubarek!

Violence, Injustice, Rejection, and Girl’s Restriction

It’s not your fault I keep on telling you
But you won’t listen; you choose to carve in your soul
Every time it hurts to live through it once more
Scream so you won’t have to listen to his voice
Try to sleep through the words that scream your imperfections
Everyday a blue print spells the date to his existence
And now you’re confined to a corner that is stained red
The only witness to this mess are his hands.

It’s not your fault; I try to instill your patience
But you won’t agree, you rather steal their vacations
Enjoying the souls they’re torturing on the stolen nation
Die, or dance your soul through a new contemplation.
A child grows up holding a certification of his death
Shackled in a world restricted to stand on his land
Confusion steers him to an illusion that freedom is in his hands
So he straps on of what’s left of him and lead their souls to be damned.

It’s not your fault, I screamed in your ears
But you won’t listen, you rather drown in your tears
She’s the one that found you when you hid in your corners
Hide, so your sadness won’t be reflected in her mirrors.
A boy whose heart was occupied before his time
He promised he will do the impossible for her dad to sign
Months of sweat and tears so he can present his love’s case
All was gone by her father’s “no” that was thrown at his face.

It’s not your fault that they misjudged you
But you won’t agree, you rather believe it too
Every ounce of Faith you clustered in your heart
A lie, they claim, it is but to parade the nonsense apart
A girl who chose her face to be covered forced to uncover
Her elders complained that she was forced by a lover
Bida’ they claimed, while most asserted it to be a sunna.Nay they said: A girl has no choice under the law.

BismiAllahi Al-Rahmani Al-Raheem

It is as if I just finished twirling with the dirvishes. The energy that surrounds me I want to embrace the world and lead it to its betterment.

Ever since I repressed myself from what used to fulfill my worldly needs I have changed, spiritually.

The hardest thing I had to give up was Music: The nonsense meditation on waste.
The easiest thing I had to do was reprogram my I POD to only consist of LECTURES by renounced Shuyukhs.

HERE I AM, hungry of islamic knowledge, thirsty of one more sip of Iman... Day and Night cannot stop listening to lectures and learn.

I want this to never stop...inshaAllah

The Choices You Make...

Compromise what you have, let the rest float away,
Might as well be living in the dark.
Slide your memories to the side,
Consciousness speeding you to a faulty route.

Fall around the cycle of devotion,
And found yourself causing an evolution,
So hold yourself tight, you might need to stir,
Your boat might be sinking in a vacancy so deep.

Choose your path with your pen,
And write the words you choose not to speak,
Hold your thought, there’s someone near,
Behind closed doors, they can still hear.

Hunger strikes deeply into your skin,
As the memories unfold the story you create,
Feel the pain you fed yourself,
Veil the sad smile you choose not to bear.

Al-Ikhalas (Sincerity)

Bismi Allahi Al-Rahman Al-Raheem

"Wa ma 2umiru illa li-ya3budu Allah mukhliseena lahu al-Dina 7unafa2, wa yuqimuna Al-Salata wa yu2tuna Al-Zakata wa dhalika al-Deen al-qayima"
Al-Bayina: 98:5

"And They are enjoined naught but to serve Allah, being SINCERE to Him in OBEDIENCE, UPRIGHT, and to keep up prayer and pay the poor-rate, and that is the right religion"

Ikhlas is the key to the connection with Allah, and it should be a mystery passage way between the worshiper and the worshiped. This connection could not be destroyed by anyone, including the shaitan.

"Inna ja3alna shaitan awliya2a li ladhina lam yu2minun"
"We have made Shaitan a leader to the unbelievers"

Someone who is doing a good deed to only become famous is like someone that goes to the market and fill all the expensive food on his cart. Everyone that sees him says "Wow, he must be so rich, I wish I could be like that." However, when he goes to check out, he has no money to buy everything in his cart. Some people do everything just to show off or get some humanly appraisal for it.

Loyalty to shown to Allah by the sincerity of a heart. Mohammed (Peace be upon him) said: "Assuredly, God does not consider your bodies, nor your appearances. Rather, He considers your hearts"

One whose heart is awakened to Sincerity does not worry about being praised or accused, exalted or debased, aware or unaware of deeds, or being rewarded. Such a person does not change, and behaves in the same way in public and in private.1

***NOTHING IS ACCEPTED IF ITS NOT TRULY 100% FOR ALLAH***

and Allah SWT knows best,

~3affaf

1: www.thewaytotruth.org

Farshy Turab (Dust is my Bed)

Bismi Allahi Al-Rahman Al-Raheem

Farshy Turab
By: Meshary Alarada

Dust is my bed, embraces me and it's my cover now
The sand surrounds me even behind my back
And the grave tells a darkness of my affliction
And the brightness draws a line.

Where's my family's love?
They sold my loyalty!
And where is my group of friends?
They left my brotherhood!

Where's the bliss of money?
It's behind my back now
And my name (reputation) where is it?
Shine between praises

This is my end, dust is my bed
And love farewells its longing
And my elegizing cried
And the tears went dry after crying

And the Universe became narrow
And so is my space
And the grave became my ground and sky
This is my end, dust is my bed

Fears fill my estrangement
And sadness is my illness
I expect firmness
And I swear it's my cure

And for Allah I pray Faithfully, you are my hope
Allah! I desire Heaven, to find bliss in it.

The video: http://youtube.com/watch?v=PFj_aCd61LE

May Allah grant us and our parents and forefathers the highest heaven inshaAllah

Varily, Allah knows best,

~3affaf

Sadia, My Miswak!

BismiALlahi Al-rahman Al-Raheem

When the late night conversations starts with my good friend Sadia, they only lead to loud laughters.....the hallal way

Me: you are like my miswak
(i just felt like saying that)

Sadia: hahahaha

i clean you the sunnah way

Too funny I had to devote a whole thread to her!

and verily Allah knows best,

~3affaf

Iraq's Soul on American Land!

BismiAllahi Al-Rahman Al-Raheem

Please make Dua's for this new born girl that inshaAllah she will grow up to be a Mu2mina and a Mu7sina and everything in between inshaAllah.

Less than two months ago, a family of 4 arrived to the United States with hopes and dreams to start new lives from what they called Home in Iraq.

Like many parents, most aspire to raise their children with opportunities they did not have. A mother carried her baby in her womb across the world to do the unthinkable: abandon a home and sacrifice her life to give the little ones what she did not have. A home that was once safe to raise a family and build dreams was bombarded by American missiles to their hearts. The 2003 invasion of Iraq made many families homeless, widows, fatherless, and most with lost dreams and confused souls. For some, the memories are engraved on their bodies to be forever a reminder of what happened to their lost beloved country.

Yesterday, June 4, 2008, little Ayah was a miracle indeed. While her mother was still in pain from the C-section, Ayah gave her mother a sense of peace around her chaotic world, and a reason for all the troubled tears that carried her through what once seemed a never-ending journey.

These 'miracles' come with tears and pain unfortunately. Catholic Ministries, YMCA, Red Cross and other Christian charities are going to places such as Iraq, Somalia, Thailand, and Afghanistan and spreading a "Hope" of a new start at a land where freedom spreads its grounds. A Hope that they will be well taken care of with a home, a job and a sense of security and long lasting peace. However, there came to be missing pieces in this dream puzzle, and these refugees only faced humiliation with un-kept promises.

The so called "HOPE" was faced with reality when 3 weeks after their arrival the Refugees' contact between these missionaries became minimal, and the refugees became desperate with $200 dollars in their pocket a month. The hidden revelation is that after 4 months of this monthly "salary", they will not be longer financially supported by these missionaries. So these families have to somehow find means to pay for lease, food, essentials with having no bases of the language, withOUT a job, No Car, No driver license, No nothing: except the warm hearted people who devoted their lives to fill in these widening holes that these missionaries left wide open. A "hope" that these refugees will bounce back and get used to America's lifestyle in four months is but an unfortunate miscalculation, especially when you have cases such as a widow that is not literate and has trouble walking because of an injury to both knees that is taking care of a child.

As the refugees' stories spread from mosque to mosque, Muslims answered to their duty to help their brothers and sisters from every race, culture, and religion. Khutba's ended with a prayer to give peace and solitude to these soul's hearts and to donate for the cause of Allah Sub7anahu wa Ta3ala in any means we can. There are widows with children, single women, and even families of 6 are trying to live day by day and hope that each day will be better then the next. When All we can do is exhausted (B3id Ashar), all we can do for these lost souls is be there when the tears don't find a solution, when the thirst does not find a quench, and hope that these souls only find Allah's place in their hearts to keep their patience in tact.

By the end of this year, 50,000 Refugees will arrive to America's borders with "Hopes" still ringing in their ears. May Allah save their souls when they will be faced with a reality that this "Hope" will not be given only by Allah and His will, and to whom we will return.

Tomorrow, little Ayah will open her eyes and inshaAllah realize what her parents had to abandon, forget and sacrifice their lives for her to fulfill their Dream: that she may never have to hear the resonance of a bullet in her life.

and Allah Sub7anahou knows best,

~3affaf

Before Long...

Bismi Allahi al-Rahman al-Raheem

before long I will be called by injustice to kill a man's remembrance
before long I will stand up with a fiery smile laughing with the injustice
before long this world will attain my heart and harden it fearless
before long I will lose myself, and lose everything that made this
...
before long I will runaway from this world and wipe my wounds from tears,
before long I will sacrifice a heart to be loved and settle for unattainable memories,
before long I will shut my virgin lips to only taste the first sweet kiss,
before long I will sacrifice my world to attain God's Bliss

before long I will lay there with a stone engraved with my last words
before long I will be asked before two angels and all my witnesses
before long I will be judged and determined where have they lead, my footsteps
before long, all is gone, and all is left are the numbers of failed tests

before long will be tomorrow where the world will lit its fuse
before long it will be the Muslims in the "holocaust" by the Jews
before long we will lift our hands and strip our culture identities
before long we will unite our Ummah, and fight for peace .

(inshaAllah)

and verily only Allah knows best,

3affaf

My little sister started praying...

BismiAllahi Al-Rahman Al-Raheem,

I want to thank the lord for finally answering my prayers...

My beloved little sister Mouna just started praying.

My Heart quivers with Joy from the happiness to watch my little sister finally opening her heart and letting Allah guide her. The day when she put on my prayer clothes and kissed her forehead to the sajadah, that's the day I will never forget... and then moments ago, when she came to my Sajadah again to pray Isha, then she got up to pray more I asked her "what are you praying now?" she replied with a smile "SUNNA!" (tearsssss)... then again she prayed more and i asked her "what about now" she replied "Shif3 wal WITR"......I laughed and laughed, not of mere sarcasm, but of joy and happiness. InshaAllah, another day she will wake up and decide to put on Hijab and the rest will follow through inshaAllah...

I pray that this summer InshaAllah may we all be guided and lead to the right path inshaAllah. May Allah, al-rahman al-ghafour, forgive all our past sins and reverts them to 7assanats, and help us make the right decisions, and ward off the shaitan from our consciousness inshaAllah.

ameen

And Allah knows best,

~3affaf

Advice for Students Of The Deen

Bismi Allahi al-Rahmani al-Raheem

I came across this article by Sheikh Ahmed which I thought it would be worth sharing inshaAllah! It brings lots of things into light inshaAllah, for it did for me...amma ba3d

Advice For Students Of The Deen
by Sh. Shoayb Ahmed

1. We must make sure that we are acquiring knowledge firstly for the pleasure of Allah. We must be mindful of the Hadith, "Actions are according to the intentions." (Al-Bukhari & Muslim)

2. We must always practice on whatever we learn. This reaffirms our knowledge and Allah will grant us insight and knowledge of those matters which we were totally unaware of. "A person is not an Alim (learned person) until he acts on his knowledge." (Ibn Hibban)

"Whoever acts upon what he has learnt, Allah grants him knowledge of that which he was unaware of." (Abu Nuaym in Al-Hilyah)

Ibrahim ibn Ismail ibn Mujamma' said: "We used to memorize the Hadith by relying on practising on it." (Tadreeb Al-Rawi)

3. Students must work on developing a high level of Taqwa. The greater the level of Taqwa, the greater the quality of ones knowledge. Allah says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse: 282 "Fear Allah and Allah will teach you."

It is reported from Sufyan Al-Thawri: "When a man wished to acquire knowledge (ilm), he engaged himself in Ibadah before that for twenty years." This may be achieved through being very particular on the five Salaat, regular Istighfaar for our shortcomings, Dua, recitation of the Quraan and other adhkaar.

The Dhikr is a source of peace and contentment. Surah Ra'd, verse: 28

4. The Nur and the fruits of true knowledge and the ability to retain and remember whatever was learnt is possible when the person abstains from sin. In this regard, Imam Al-Shafi complained to his teacher, Waki' about his weak memory. His teacher directed him towards avoiding sin and he went on to say that knowledge (of Deen) is a light and the light of Allah is not granted to a sinner.

5. Students must select a good teacher and a pure source of ilm. If and when the teacher is an embodiment of virtue, piety and ilm, then this will permeate to the students. Muhammad ibn Sireen is reported to have said: "Certainly this ilm is Deen, so take care as to who you take it from." (Safahaat fi Adab Al-Ra'y by Shaykh Muhammad Awwamah)

Imam Malik was asked: "Can ilm be taken from a person who has not acquired it and neither has he sat (with scholars)?" He replied: "No"

The person then asked: "May it be taken from a person who is true and authentic (reliable), but he does not memorize and does not understand?"

He (Imam Malik) said: "Knowledge is not documented from anyone except a person who memorizes and has truly acquired it and sat with the people (scholars) and really knows and practices and he possess the quality of fear of Allah."

Imam Abu Hanifah was told about a group in the masjid discussing issues of Fiqh. He asked: "Do they have a leader?"

They replied: "No"

He said: "These people will never gain true understanding (Fiqh)."

6. Students may aspire to acquire certificates from different institutions as this is what may assist them in this world, but they must remember that the transmission of ilm through the sanad must never be neglected. This is the very means by which our Deen has reached us and in this way it has been preserved.

Abdullah ibn Al-Mubarak said: "The Isnad is part of the Deen. If it were not for the Isnad, then any person would have said whatever he wished."

7. As students we must not be distracted by excessive physical comfort. Our illustrious scholars of the past underwent great difficulties to acquire knowledge even it were a single Hadith. They valued their ilm more than their lives. Yahya ibn Abi Kathir said: "Ilm cannot be acquired through physical comfort." (Tadhkirat Al-Huffaaz)

8. Many students wish to gain maximum in the shortest possible time. In trying to achieve this, they experiment with different short courses. These do not provide the desired fruits. In a couplet by Imam Al-Juwayni, he says that knowledge will not be achieved except through six things; intelligence, eagerness, hard-work, competence, the company of a teacher and a long time.

We must be willing to gradually progress in our knowledge. Imam al- Bukhari in Kitab Al-Ilm defines a Rabbani as one who trains people with basic matters of ilm before more complex ones."

9. Students must have a high degree of respect and humility for their teachers and more especially the scholars of the formers generations. When we consider ourselves after a few years on par with the pious predecessors or even in a position to ridicule them, then we will be deprived of true knowledge.

Abu Hatim Al-Razi reports from Yahya ibn Maeen: "We criticize some people and it is likely that they already have their feet in Jannah some two hundred years ago."

Abu Nuaym mentions in Al-Hilyah in the biography of Imam Malik who told a young boy from the Quraysh: "Learn etiquette (adab) before you acquire knowledge."

In Rislat Al-Mustarshideen: "Humble yourself in front of those from whom you learn."

A person must be humble in his relationship with the creation of Allah especially those who are eager to benefit from his knowledge. Allah had even instructed the Prophet Muhammad to be humble with those who followed him. Surah Al-Shu'ara, verse: 215 When one inculcates the quality of humility, then will he be a source of good for the creation. Allah mentions that He had not sent the Prophet except as a means of mercy for the world. Surah Al- Ambiya verse:107

10. We must never consider ourselves as having reached a stage where we cannot learn something new. A person remains a student forever. Saeed ibn Jubayr said: "A person is a scholar (alim) as long as he continues to learn. No sooner does he abandon knowledge, thinking that he is not in need and he is content with what he has, then he is the most ignorant."

11. We must not be deceived by some eloquent speaker who does not possess true and genuine ilm. The Prophet Muhammad is reported to have said: "My greatest fear for you after I depart from this world is the evil of the hypocrite whose knowledge is only on his tongue." (Al-Tabarani in Mujam Al-Kabir and Ibn Hibban)

12. We as students must regard our knowledge as the most valuable and prized possession. We must never feel inferior in front of people of other professions.

The Prophet Muhammad is reported to have said: "Indeed the ulama (scholars) are the heirs of the Prophets. The Prophets did not leave behind gold (dinars) and silver (dirhams), instead they left ilm. Whoever takes it has surely taken a great share." (Abu Dawud, Al- Tirmidhi, Al-Nisaai & Ibn Majah)

13. Students must inculcate in themselves the readiness to admit and say, "I don't know."

It is reported form Ibn Masud: "Whoever knows then must speak, and whoever does not know then must say, I don't know because to say this is part of ilm."

Al-Sha'bi was asked about something to which he replied and said; "I don't know." Someone told him, "Are you not ashamed to say this even though you are the jurist of Iraq?" He replied: "The angels were not ashamed when they said, Glory be to You (Allah), we have no knowledge about this." (Al-Sha'bi was referring to the incident when Allah created the Prophet Adam and thereafter instructed the angels to prostrate before him)

14. We must be mindful of the fact that we could be wrong. It is reported from Ibn Masud who used to say: "If it is correct then it is from Allah, and if it is incorrect, then it is from me and shaytaan."

15. Ever era is weaker academically and intellectually than the former. As the years go by, true and genuine scholarship is weakened.

It is reported Ya'qub ibn Shaybah from Ibn Masud: "Not a day comes upon you except that it is of a lesser degree in knowledge then the day before it. So when the ulama are all gone, people will all be on the same level. Then they will not instruct others to do good and they will not forbid evil. This is when you will be destroyed." Ibn Taymiyah said in Rafu' Al-Malaam: "Assuming all the Hadith were gathered in compilations (books), no Alim will know all that is contained in the books. Some person may have many books, but he is not aware of its contents. However, those who lived before these compilations were gathered were much more knowledgeable in the Sunnah. Their chests were their compilations and it contained much more then these books."

16. A student must take out some time to teach whatever he has learnt . By doing this whatever was learnt is further embedded in the heart and mind.

There is great reward in this because we have been advised by the Prophet in a Hadith reported in Sahih Muslim "Whoever invites towards good, then for him is a reward equal to those who follow, but their reward is not decreased in any way."

Through teaching, a person will be following the example and Sunnah of the Prophet. In a Hadith reported by Ibn Majah the Prophet is reported to have said,

"…Indeed I have been sent as a teacher." 17. One must adhere to the teachings of the Shariah and in doing so he will be a perfect role model for others. In Surah Al-Imraan, verse: 31 "Say! If you love Allah, then follow me (the Prophet), then Allah will love you and He will forgive your sins." In Surah Al-Ahzaab, verse:21 "Indeed there is for you in the Messenger of Allah a perfect example."

Because the ulama are the heirs of the Prophets, it is only appropriate that they are also examples for the people.
---
and Allah knows best,

~3affaf

Imanun khalisun (The Complete Faith)

BismiLahi al-Rahmani al-Rahim

I try to make it a habit to make it to as much Islamic events/halaqas as possible. The problem is these islamic events are greatly hosted by the ISGH foundation, and the nearest mosque to me (Across the highway) is not a member of ISGH. Therefore, they hold close to none Islamic activities for the youngsters, such as myself. Moreover, the most active one is an hour away, so there goes my "habit" plan.

Sometimes I need not to complain but thank god that there are these few opportunities that i get my fingers on, such as Sheikh Sayid's friday and saturday lectures, and may Allah bless and protect Sheikh Zubair for driving an hour to be close to us to give us a wednesday and Sunday lectures. Now I have Mon and Thursday unfilled...lets see

Cut to the chase...yes....

Iman'n Khalis'n
**************************************
A lecture by Sheikh Sayid of Masjid el-Farouq
(As much as I recollected as this was done in Arabic)

Iman al-khalis consists for the following four things:

1) Al Hifdh li Salat (protection of the Prayers)

~One needs to have al-Khushu3 fil al-Qalb (Heart).

"Qad Afla7a el-mou2minun idha 3an salatihim khashi3un"
“Indeed, the believers, who have khushuu’ in their Salaat, are the winners.”

The first thing you will be asked fil Qiyama (Last day) is of your salat and Khushu3iha.
The prayers will not be accepted without this important factor. The more Khushu3 a person has, the more reward he gets.

**HOW will I gain Khushu3? **

-7ob li-Allah (Love for God): Softening the heart to love Allah and his words (reciting the Quran frequently) will increase the khushu3 in our hearts.
~Remember what the messenger of Allah said to Bilal (ra)
“Let us enjoy the comfort of the Salaat.”

-Keep in mind that (A) this might be your last salat; (B) you are standing between Allah's Hands (C) keep your eyes on the place of sujudd and (D) concentrate on the meaning of the words of Allah SWT and recite beautifully.

-Make the recommended Du3a2 during or after prayer. e.g. when making sujud, or inbetween the two sujuds.
-When thoughts enter your mind when praying, say : Istakhfiru Allah wa a3oudhu bi-Allah min shaitan l'rajim
-Say: Istaghfiru Allah (x3) after tasleem


When the prayer is performed with khushu3, the feeling of 7ob (love) ra7a (comfort and tranquility) wa sa3ada (fulfillment and happiness) is felt inshaAllah.

2) I3radh 3an Laghw (Protecting from Vain Talk)

~Fitna min ghayr Dalil (without an oath or proof)

according to Ala’ al-Din al-Bukhari explained laghw as being, ‘that which one utters without intending it.’ [Kashf al-Asrar `ala Usul al-Bazdawi]

"Only witness to something if you saw it like a SUN above you."

Laghw Yadhuru aktar than yanfa3: Vain talk only hurts more than help.

Story: one of the men cussed 3 times, Abu-Baker just got up, "Why?" one asked. Because Abu-Baker (rA3) would not sit anywhere there is a shaitan.

~Al-Mu2minun la yajlisou makanan illa ma ya2ti minu l'Kheir.
The faithful only sits in a place where he benefits greately from and learns something from it.

*** BACKBITTING (Gheeba) vs. BACKSTABBING (Buhtan)***

= Backbitting: Talking behind once back when its the truth.

“Neither backbite one another. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would hate it (so hate backbiting). And fear Allaah. Verily, Allaah is the One Who forgives and accepts repentance, the Most Merciful”
[al-Hujuraat 49:12]

Mohammed (S) said:
"Backbitting is mentioning something about your brother that he dislikes"
[Maalik and Ibn-Mubarik]
also
"Backbitting is to mention something about a person something about him in his absence. "
[Abu-Dawood]

See video for a real capture of how does backbiting really look like
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3iNc6AOw3M

= Backstabbing: Slander, Talking behind once back and its false.

Mohammed (s) said
" If what you said about him (behind his back) is true then you would have backbitten him, and if it is NOT true, then he is slandered (Buhtaan)"
[Muslim]

"Backstabbing is haram, and the person involved in it must REPENT IMMEDIATELY!!! "
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-bCzP3C8lw&feature=related

3) Wa 3ala Zakatihim 7afidhun (give zakat)

All things belong to Allah: Your children, Your property, Your Money, everything...

Zakat literally means "purification". So we are obliged to purify our wealth to gain Allah's blessing to make it grow in goodness. This will in turn purify our hearts from selfish and greed.

PAYING ZAKAT is fard, as it is prescribed in the 5 pillars of Islam.
...
(Honestly, I dazed off at this part because there was a little baby running away from his mama, and I had to catch him, and then decided to stay in my arms... So to the next one)
...

4) Wa 3ala Furujihim 7afidhun

“And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their Furuj (private parts) and disclose not their adornments except only that which is apparent. And that they should draw their head covers over juyub (bosoms) and that they disclose not their adornment except to their husbands or their sons or the sons of their brothers or the sons of their sisters or their women or what the right hand possess., or such a male attendants who have no sexual desire, or young children who have not attained the knowledge of women’s private parts . And they should not stamp their feet lest what they hide of their ornaments be know. And turn you to all together , O believers, that you may be successful. (V.24:31)


A True Story: This guy gets married to this woman, mashaAllah Sali7a beyond today's means. She tends to the household, make sure that her husbands needs are taken care of, and still makes her self attractive for when her husband comes home after work. However, everytime the huband comes home after work, he queits the wife when she tries to ask how his work is, althought he finds the house all clean with food on the table. Imagine a woman all day at home has not spoken to anyone for long hours and all is waiting for her husband to come home for them to enjoy each other, he refutes her and sais "He is tired, he had a long day at work!" and when he stays out too late and his wife asks him where he has been, he sais "Me, I'm the one that provides for this family, do not ask me where have I been or where will I go"...

This husband has an inner desire for this beautiful dancer. He desired her so much that he prayed to god for his wife to die.

After few days, his wife suddenly gets sick and she dies. few months later, he marries this dancer. This husband comes home with the house not clean, no food on the table, and when he asks his newer wife where is she going late at night, she sais "Me, I'm a dancer, do not ask me where have I been or where will I go"... This guy becomes so depressed, then visits a sheikh for he relialise he has commited unjustice for his first wife.

He divorces this woman, and never married again. the rest of his life were spent making Tawba to Allah to forgive him and for his first wife to forgive him..

THIS IS A TRUE STORY... speaks for itself


Alrighty its fajr time, I have made my Tahajjud with my fingers :)

and Allah Knows best

~3affaf

W.W.M.D (what would Mohamed(S) do)?

BismiAllahi al-Rahman al-Raheem:

At times of low and impatience comes a great deal of seclution,
Wraped among blankets to protect you from the truth,
Sirens filling your ears pretending they understand
as it seems like the best remedy to this madness...
But ask yourself this, what would mohamed (s) do?

Yahya said that Malik had heard that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said,

"I (mohammed (s)) was sent to perfect good character."

- Muwatta, Book 47, Number 47.1.8

When becoming humiliated, remember the Prophet [PBUH] in Ta'if.

When being starved, remember the Prophet [PBUH] tying two stones to his stomach in the battle of Khandaq.

When becoming angry, remember the Prophet [PBUH]'s control of anger on the martyrdom of his beloved Uncle Hamza.

When losing a tooth, remember the Prophet [PBUH]'s tooth in the battle of Uhud.

When bleeding from any part of the body, remember the Prophet [PBUH]'s body covered in blood on his return from Ta'if.

When feeling lonely, remember the Prophet [PBUH]'s seclusion in Mount Hira .

When feeling tired in Salaat, remember the Prophet [PBUH]'s blessed feet in Tahajjud.

When being prickled with thorns, remember the Prophet [PBUH]'s pain from Abu Lahab's wife.

When being troubled by neighbours, remember the old woman who would empty rubbish on the Prophet [PBUH].

When losing a child, remember the Prophet [PBUH]'s son, Ibrahim.

When beginning a long journey, remember the Prophet [PBUH]'s long journey to Madinah.

When going against a Sunnah, remember the Prophet [PBUH]'s intercession, (Ummati, Ummati, Ummati) (My Ummah).

When sacrificing an animal, remember the Prophet [PBUH]'s sacrifice of 63 animals for his Ummah.

Before shaving your beard, remember the Prophet [PBUH]'s face rejecting the two beardless Iranians.

When falling into an argument with your wife, remember the Prophet [PBUH]'s encounter with Aisha and Hafsa.

When experiencing less food in the house, remember the Prophet [PBUH]'s days of poverty.

When experiencing poverty, remember the Prophet [PBUH]'s advice to Ashaab-e-Suffa (People of Suffa).

When losing a family member, remember the Prophet [PBUH]'s departure from this world.

When becoming an orphan, remember the Prophet [PBUH]'s age at six.

When sponsoring an orphan, remember the Prophet [PBUH]'s sponsor for Zaid ibn Haritha.

When fearing an enemy, remember the Prophet [PBUH]'s saying to Abu Bakr in Mount Thour.

Whatever situation you may find yourself in, remember your role model, the best of creation: Prophet [PBUH] Muhammad.

May we follow Mohamed (S) footsteps to the janna inshaAllah,

~3affaf

Fear of the Unknown

Bismi ALlahi Al-Rahman Al-Raheem...

The road is carved and set with the truth,
the words of Allah through the mouth of the Messenger (S)
the swords of his companions, and hearts of his followers.

The clock is ticking chimes ringing and I am here sleeping
through a dream, will I suddenly find myself alive?
a book between my palms, will I receive the by my right?
here i am crying, letting out whats yours and not mine
forgiveness i'll cherish if you'll give me the right
Rusted my ears became, even a cry does not echo in my heart
to brightness i'll turn my face seeking your light
hold me, i'm begging for you to lead me
directions are staggering, 72 are claiming to breed the
I escape with the echo of your amp
the Qaris are doing their wonders to project the quraan
candles burning, i no longer can see the words, nevertheless understood
time ticking, something we never owned, nevertheless fore tolled.

I'm leaving my footsteps in an unpredictable world. I can longer see the way. My heart beats faster one day, and steady the next. My prayers are constant then suddenly boom, the adhan no longer quivers my thirst when fasting. counting my horrible days and their outweighing the good. Will I ever survive this test, or will I become another stone and fuel for the fire. I'm scared...

...I'm scared of every decision that will be made.
...I'm scared of my rest of my life: where will I be? who I will share it with? how deep my Iman will be? will I reach the high spiritual position of a muslim? will I reach the heavens?
...I'm scared

May Allah guide us All to the right path, ameen

And verily, Allah Al-mighty knows best

~3affaf

Maktoob, I Do's, Culture, and everything in between!

BismiLah al-Rahman al-Raheem...

continuous thoughts ramble in my mind, so where shall I began.

Thought #1: Maktoob: now i fully understand the point(s). May ALlah protect us from those who do mischief. I once thought I knew what was good for me, nevertheless made Tajahud with a continuous du3a2 to give me or grant me that something (lol)! Even at that moment when you think you know best, Sub7anaAllah, the reasons why the things don't work out they way you wished them to only pop out years later. Then you make numerous prayers to Allah thanking THE for the protection and mercy He chose to give you.

... I try hard to let Allah lead me through the right path in life, where I pray on almost every decision to be made. However, there comes a time where I try to push for something that later on it's not in my fate (and All along my heart is not feeling it). I know I would not be where I am today if I chose the other way, and Sub7anaAllah, my deen has manifested my heart with the consistent growth rate each day that passes by.

Thought #2: The time has come: the "I Do's". Potentials are hitting my curb, some knocking and some wishing to peek through the window. The "Peekers" dissapoint me badly. Those are the once that try to be cool but are so insecure inside, its not even funny. It's like this, they don't know what they want so they want to see how the weather is around you to judge if the like it or not. Garbage talk that leads the girl on, and then the dissapointing smile pops up when you find out that your not the only one he's doing it to. WOW. If only they knew that my parents know everything. Nevertheless, especially when its known that the guy is religious, mature, and a great potential. I almost blurted out a laugh when such comments were made, not as a judgmental thing, but 'if the only knew. ' I mean come'on: for all those seekers out there: fine, you want to test the weather, talk max 3 days, then give in or give up. Be what I call the real M&M (Muslim Man). Say your intentions and if she's interested also, break the door down to ask for her dad's blessings, cause for sho you will get God's.

MashaAllah to those who do it the straight way: through the doors, except i'm a little dissapointed on that crowd too. There comes a time in a man's life to pop in his mind the want to get married, and trust me, it doesn't come when your 35 years old. If so: ask your self if your a man! Unless there was an important reason for the wait (such as taking care of immediate family), don't come with baggage and say you want to finally settle, then come to find a much younger girl who hadn't experience it all! oh...with their favorite sentence or belief of all "I want to raise her in between my hands [biddi rabiha min bein iday]"......... GROSSSSS!
It makes me feel he wants to adopt a child rather then marry a partner for life! ok Mr.King, do you want a Queen or a "maid of honor"!?!?!?!?!!?

Thought #3: oh i'm getting there: Culture constraint. this one it's going to be long. There is a reason why we call this "AMERICA." Not only to get a great education and a great job, but where mashaAllah all the cultures come together and we can safely call ourselves Muslims (well not safely anymore, stupid 9-11 had to come and ruin it) What happens when you grew up with daisies, middle easterns, europeans, asians, and other cultures and none from your own culuture? Yes, you pick up alot of their wonderful traditions and call them your own. But what happens when your mom suddenly pops that ballon on your face and flies out of it a tiny piece of paper that sais "ALGERIAN'S ONLY!" All confused and all, you ask WHY??????

answer: "well, what if you decided to go back!" or "your a girl, your children will not be algerians!" DO I CARE????!?!??!!?!?!?!? I want my children to be Muslims first, and hey, they will be double smarter because they know more than one culture and one language! Oh Lord, save me on this one. In every culture, there will be bad and good people, and stigmas that are attached to one culture do not necessary follow through to ALL. yes it will be hard for both man and his wife to be different culture, but if both agree that Traditions of Islam (sunna) will be the standard to built their household on the Quran and SUnna, then I don't imagine it to be that hard.

In fact, other cultures interest me greatly. I'm constantly reading books from different authors from all over the world, buying different cultural costumes. I love Sari's and Sharwal Kamis, and 3abayas of middle easterns, and so on. At least the sharwal kamis preserve the rules of hijab much better then algerian clothing (bakini's when bordering the water then slipping the Jalaba when walking south toward home!)

A scenario of two different cultures' lives: happy dudily couples, and OOPPSS there comes EID. a round table with the kids advance on making a group decision, yes, the first eid we will spend it with the wife's family and the eid adh-7a with the father's family, or visa versa. yup, THAT'S IT!... we have only 2 important holyday's, so dont' grump about it! is that what your parents are afraid of??? yes... my parents, even though they were both algerian, had to travel 5 hours to visit my mother's family. Now with the advanced technology of AIRPLANES (alhamdoulillah) 5 hours you'll be in a different continent.

oh.....and "what if WORLD WAR 3 happened, now where would you go?" and that's when I start making tasbee7, lower head in between my palms and recite the quran to save myself from combustion and turning to a green vegetable.

So my dad does not care of where the guy is from (alhamdoulillah) as long as he is Muslim, financially stable. As for my Mom, I gave her my long life Notice that I care not of where the guy is from but of his degree of religion and deen and is he going to lead with me a life to paradise. I know in the end is what Allah wants, so with any decision is made inshaAllah its for the best.

Thought #4: I wish i was a superwoman. I wish I had the power to heal people and make them forget their pain. Aside from being an engineer, I want to go around the world provide a survice that would help people. I want to adopt at least 2 children. After visiting some Iraqi refugees 2 weeks ago, the need to help was born again. The pain on their faces became clear to me that the world out there is shedding tears, while people in America are finding the great pleasure in swimming and bathing in it. When ever I try to speak my voice and lend my hand, my mother always on my back saying "you should becareful, its not safe"! WHY....WHY when my brothers and sisters in need that i provide help is not SAFE?!?!?!? I cry... lots are afraid to help! rather be afraid to walk in the streets, or ruiing your reputations, but not afraid to help for the sake of Allah, and to only Him we belong and return. God numerously reminded of us of Zakat and helping the masakeen, why are we inclined to not do so. My sadness can not be described in few little words..... and so i rest my case!

Sub7anaAllah, writing down my thoughts released a knot in my mind and heart. My breath flows out in ease, Alhamdoulillah. Writing sometimes does what tears don't do. However, the greatest thing of all is the prayer and da3awat to Allah-u Sub7anahu wa ta3ala...

so i end with this
"Allahu ma Sali 3ala Muhamed wa 3ala ali Muhamed, kama salayta 3ala ibrahim wa 3ala ali Ibrahim, wa barik 3ala Muhamed wa 3ala ali Muhamed, kama barakta 3ala ibrahim wa 3ala ali Ibrahim, Innaka al-Majidul al-7amid. Oh Allah, forgive our sins and grant us paredise ya Al-ghafuru al-Raheem. Please help people in need and help us all in the day of judgment. a3tina 7asana fil awel wal akhir and protect us from hell and grant us paredise....amen"

`3affaf