Fasting on the day of Ashura

The Day of `Ashura’

When the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) came to Medina he found the Jews fasting the day of Ashura, the tenth of Muharram. He asked them why they were fasting, and they told him it was an auspicious day: the day on which Allah saved Musa and his people and drowned Firaun and his people. Musa fasted out of gratitude to Allah and his people continued to practice after him. The messenger
of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) told the Jews that his nation was closer to Musa than them. He then fasted that day and ordered his Companions to fast. (1)

Several narrations point to the significance of this day from the earliest of times. It has been narrated that it was the day on which Allah forgave our father Adam, the day on which the Ark of Nuh came to rest on the mountain known as al‐Judi and the day on which Allah forgave the people of Yunus (peace be upon him and all the Prophets).

The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) taught us to commemorate this day, primarily by fasting . He informed us that if we do so, Allah (swt) wipes out the sins of the previous year.(2) We may ask: if we have already fasted the Day of `Arafat then Allah has already erased our sins in the previous and coming year so what more can be gained from fasting on Ashura? Some scholars mentions that continuously fasting both days leads to a deeper erasure of of ones wrongdoings, protection from falling into sin and also has the effect of wiping out the wrongdoings of one’s family and neighbours.

Why does fasting on the day of Arafat wipe out the sins of two years whereas the day of`Ashura’ only wipes out the sins of one year? One reason, the scholars say, is that the Day of `Arafat is a day attributed to Sayyiduna Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) which is clearly superior to `Ashura’ which is attributed to Sayyiduna Musa (peace be upon him).

He recommended (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) that his Ummah also fast the day before or the day after so that our tradition be different from that of the Jews. We should also renew our repentance on `Ashura.’ The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that it is a day on which Allah allowed a certain people to repent and He will continue to allow others to do the same. (3)

(1) Narrated by al‐Bukhari and Muslim
(2) Narrated by Muslim
(3) Narrated by al‐Tirmidhi

It has been narrated that if someone spends generously upon his family on the Day of`Ashura’ Allah will treat with him generosity for the rest of the year. Sufyan bin `Uyayna said, “We tried this for fifty years and all that we saw was good.” It has likewise been narrated that the one who gives charity on this day will have the reward of a whole year’s charity.

In Tarim people gather in Masjid Ba `Alawi on the eve of `Ashura’ to read the merits of the day and to make du`a. The day itself is a day of Eid. Children wear their best clothes,amusements are provided for them and gifts are given to them.

Shehnaz Karim

urban winter

urban winter by myga287 featuring a suede shoulder bag

pink winter

pink winter by myga287 featuring gray pants

Winter Formal

Winter Formal by myga287 featuring a leather cape

The Truth About Halloween

As Muslims we should not be celebrating Halloween at all because of the religious/spiritual (fortune telling/mystical) history of this event, and the fact that it would be Bid'ah for us. However, other people of faith, including Christians, should also take a look at the history of Halloween and decide on their own whether or not they want to celebrate it.  and besides it's savage history, halloween has been infamously known for being a really dangerous day in the year when many people get injured, die and hurt others - including children. Here is an article on the history of Halloween.

History of Halloween – Its Origins

Historically, the practice of Halloween can be traced back several 100 years before the birth of Christ. The Celts were a pre-Christian culture that was served by priests and druids. We learn about them through the Greek writers and the Roman Caesars. Early record of them has also been found in Ireland. In 47 BC the Romans defeated the Celts and outlawed their human sacrifice.

Many trace Halloween's origins to a festival of death, darkness, demons, superstitions, and worshipping the dead celebrated by the Celtic Druids of England. This group worshipped the sun god and built bonfires. "Bon" means good so these were meant to be "good fires" to appease the sun god so that the sun would come back again. Human sacrifice was made on these "good fires" and it was done at the end of the year when the days began to grow short and the sun shines less.

During his reign, Pope Gregory the Great incorporated the Druid festivals into the church. He decreed that they could no longer sacrifice to the devil but they could kill for food and give thanks to God. In the pagan calendar, October 31st was a festival honoring the sun god or the lord of the dead. It was celebrated with fire and was associated with darkness, death, and demon spirits. November 1st was the Celtic New Year.

However, in order to appease the Celts and incorporate them into the Church, Pope Gregory adopted the Celtic calendar in the 700's. He named November 1 as "All Saints Day" or "All Hallows day" with a specific purpose. It was set aside as a time of offering prayers for the dead something that is expressly against biblical truth. The focus was on the "saints" or the martyrs of the church and they were to be prayed for and to be commemorated on that day. October 31 then became "All Hallows Eve" which over time was shortened to "Halloween."

Note: The fact is that men have taken pagan customs and give them Christian trappings does not make them biblical. They become part of the traditions and the practices of men and the fact that they take place in church seems to lend legitimacy to them, but nothing could be further from the truth.

History of Halloween – The Early American Days

The Pilgrim forefathers who came to this country forbade Halloween and its practice because they knew of the source and history of this day. However, in 1840 the great potato famine in Ireland brought floods of immigrants into the United States and they brought their Roman and Celtic customs, superstitions, and practices with them. By the 1900 the practice of celebrating Halloween was wide spread.

History of Halloween – Today

What should a parent do? Should a parent forbid their children from celebrating the safe aspects of Halloween? The celebration of Halloween has become somewhat "benign" in our modern culture -- a time for children to go trick-or-treating and a time to have costume parties. We encourage parents to carefully consider the events and provide safe activities for their children.

One thing is certain. Avoid all evil aspects of the holiday. The practice of occult offerings is alive and well in many places including England and America. There may not be human sacrifices, but every year at Halloween people are warned to keep their cats under safe lock and key, especially black ones. Each year, there are several news stories of authorities finding the remains of these evil ritualistic "celebrations." There are ashes from the fires and the mutilated remains of animals. Of course, it is done in secret now but these people are becoming more and more emboldened in what they do. History is repeating itself.

http://www.allaboutpopularissues.org/history-of-halloween-faq.htm

Season of Hajj

Hajj literally means 'to set out for a place'. Islamically, however, it refers to the annual pilgrimage that Muslims make to Makkah with the intention of performing certain religious rites in accordance with the method prescribed by the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

Hajj and its rites were first ordained by Allah in the time of the Prophet lbrahim [Abraham] and he was the one who was entrusted by Allah to build the Kaba - the House of Allah - along with his son Ismail [Ishmael] at Makkah. Allah described the Kaba and its building as follows:

"And remember when We showed Ibrahim the site of the [Sacred] House [saying]: Associate not anything [in worship with Me and purify My House for those who circumambulate it [i.e. perform tawaaf] and those who stand up for prayer and those who bow down and make prostration [in prayer etc.]."

[Surah Al-Hajj 22:26]

After building the Kaba, Prophet Ibrahim would come to Makkah to perform Hajj every year, and after his death, this practice was continued by his son. However, gradually with the passage of time, both the form and the goal of the Hajj rites were changed. As idolatry spread throughout Arabia, the Kaba lost its purity and idols were placed inside it. Its walls became covered with poems and paintings, including one of Jesus and his mother Maryam and eventually over 360 idols came to be placed around the Kaba.

During the Hajj period itself, the atmosphere around the sacred precincts of the Kaba was like a circus. Men and women would go round the Kaba naked, arguing that they should present themselves before Allah in the same condition they were born. Their prayer became devoid of all sincere remembrance of Allah and was instead reduced to a series of hand clapping, whistling and the blowing of horns. Even the talbiah (Labayk allahumma labayk… -chant Muslims say while on pilgrimage) was distorted by them with the following additions: 'No one is Your partner except one who is permitted by you. You are his Master and the Master of what he possesses'.

Sacrifices were also made in the name of God. However, the blood of the sacrificed animals was poured onto the walls of the Kaba and the flesh was hung from pillars around the Kaba, in the belief that Allah demanded the flesh and blood of these animals.

Singing, drinking, adultery and other acts of immorality was rife amongst the pilgrims and the poetry competitions, which were held, were a major part of the whole Hajj event. In these competitions, poets would praise the bravery and splendor of their own tribesmen and tell exaggerated tales of the cowardice and miserliness of other tribes. Competitions in generosity were also staged where the chief of each tribe would set up huge cauldrons and feed the pilgrims, only so that they could become well-known for their extreme generosity.

Thus the people had totally abandoned the teachings of their forefather and leader Prophet Ibrahim. The House that he had made pure for the worship of Allah alone had been totally desecrated by the pagans and the rites which he had established were completely distorted by them. This sad state of affairs continued for nearly two and a half thousand years. But then after this long period, the time came for the supplication of Prophet Ibrahim to be answered:

"Our Lord! Send amongst them a Messenger of their own, who shall recite unto them your aayaat (verses) and instruct them in the book and the Wisdom and sanctify them. Verily you are the 'Azeezul-Hakeem [the All-Mighty, the All-Wise]."

[Surah Al-Baqarah 2:129]

Sure enough, a man by the name of Muhammad ibn 'Abdullaah (pbuh) was born in the very city that Prophet Ibrahim had made this supplication centuries earlier. For twenty-three years, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) spread the message of Tawheed [true monotheism] - the same message that Prophet Ibrahim and all the other Prophets came with - and established the law of Allah upon the land. He expended every effort into making the word of Allah supreme and his victory over falsehood culminated in the smashing of the idols inside the Kaba which once again became the universal center for the worshippers of the one True God.

Not only did the Prophet rid the Kaba of all its impurities, but he also reinstated all the rites of Hajj which were established by Allah's Permission, in the time of Prophet Ibrahim. Specific injunctions in the Quran were revealed in order to eliminate all the false rites which had become rampant in the pre-Islamic period. All indecent and shameful acts were strictly banned in Allah's statement:

"There is to be neither lewdness nor wrangles during Hajj."

[Surah al-Baqarah 2:197]

Competitions among poets in the exaltations of their forefathers and their tribesmen's achievements were all stopped. Instead, Allah told them:

"And when you have completed your rites [of Hajj] then remember Allah as you remember your forefathers; nay with a more vigorous remembrance."

[Surah al-Baqarah 2:200]

Competitions in generosity were also prohibited. Of course, the feeding of the poor pilgrims was still encouraged as this was done during the time of Prophet Ibrahim but Allah commanded that the slaughtering of the animals which was done for this purpose should be done seeking the pleasure of Allah rather than fame and the praise of the people. He said:

"So mention the name of Allah over these animals when they are drawn up in lines. Then, when they are drawn on their sides [after the slaughter], eat thereof and feed the beggar who does not ask, and the beggar who asks."

[Surah al-Hajj 22:36]

As for the deplorable practice of spattering blood of the sacrificed animals on the walls of the Kaba and hanging their flesh on alters, then Allah clearly informed them that:

"It is neither their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah, but it is Taqwaa (piety) from you that reaches Him."

[Surah al-Hajj 22:37]

The Prophet (pbuh) also put a stop to the practice of circling the Kaba in a state of nudity and the argument that the pagans put forward to justify this ritual was sharply rebutted in Allah's question:

"Say: Who has forbidden the adornment [i.e. clothes] given by Allah which He has produced for His Slaves?"

[Surah al-A'raaf 7:32]

Another custom which was prohibited through the Quran was that of setting off for Hajj without taking any provisions for the journey. In the pre-Islamic period, some people who claimed to be mutawakkiloon (those having complete trust in Allah) would travel to perform Hajj begging for food through the whole journey. They considered this form of behavior a sign of piety and an indication of how much faith they had in Allah. However Allah told mankind that to have sufficient provisions for the journey was one of the preconditions for making Hajj. He said:

"And take a provision [with you] for the journey, but the best provision is at-Taqwaa (piety)."

[Surah al-Baqarah 2:197]

In this way, all the pre-Islamic practices, which were based on ignorance, were abolished and Hajj was once more made a model of piety, fear of Allah, purity, simplicity and austerity. Now, when the pilgrims reach the Kaba, they no longer find the carnivals and the frolic and frivolity that had once occupied the minds of the pilgrims there before. Now, there is the remembrance of Allah at every step and every action and every sacrifice was devoted to Him alone. It was this kind of Hajj that was worthy of the reward of paradise, as the Prophet (pbuh) said: "The reward for an accepted Hajj is nothing less than paradise."

May Allah grant us all the ability to visit His House and perform the Hajj in the manner of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Aameen.

from: Islamicity.com

mix n match

mix n match by myga287 featuring seven for all mankind jeans

Ethnic Hijabi

Salam :)

So school has started, and once again new styles are in. This fall, ethnic and Aztec prints are becoming a sensational wardrobe must have! Look out for similar prints in stores, like the pieces below, and incorporate them into your Hijabi closet :)

 

Ethnic Hijabi by myga287 featuring studded handbags



My Body Is My Own Business

My Body is My Own Business
Naheed Mustafa

I often wonder whether people see me as a radical, fundamentalist Muslim terrorist packing an AK-47 assault rifle inside my jean jacket. Or maybe they see me as the poster girl for oppressed womanhood everywhere. I'm not sure which it is.

I get the whole gamut of strange looks, stares, and covert glances. You see, I wear the hijab, a scarf that covers my head, neck, and throat. I do this because I am a Muslim woman who believes her body is her own private concern.

Young Muslim women are reclaiming the hijab, reinterpreting it in light of its original purpose to back to women ultimate control of their own bodies.

The Qur'an teaches us that men and women are equal, that individuals should not be judged according to gender, beauty, wealth, or privilege. The only thing that makes one person better than another is her or his character.

Nonetheless, people have a difficult time relating to me. After all, I'm young, Canadian born and raised, university educated - why would I want to do this to myself, they ask.

Strangers speak to me in loud, slow English and often appear to be playing charades. They politely inquire how I like living in Canada and whether or not the cold bothers me. If I'm in the right mood, it can be very amusing.

But, why would I, a woman with all the advantages of a North American upbringing, suddenly, at 21, want to cover myself so that with the hijab and the other clothes I choose to wear, only my face and hands show?

Because it gives me freedom.

WOMEN are taught from early childhood that their worth is proportional to their attractiveness. We feel compelled to pursue abstract notions of beauty, half realizing that such a pursuit is futile.

When women reject this form of oppression, they face ridicule and contempt. Whether it's women who refuse to wear makeup or to shave their legs, or to expose their bodies, society, both men and women, have trouble dealing with them.

In the Western world, the hijab has come to symbolize either forced silence or radical, unconscionable militancy. Actually, it's neither. It is simply a woman's assertion that judgment of her physical person is to play no role whatsoever in social interaction.

Wearing the hijab has given me freedom from constant attention to my physical self. Because my appearance is not subjected to public scrutiny, my beauty, or perhaps lack of it, has been removed from the realm of what can legitimately be discussed.

No one knows whether my hair looks as if I just stepped out of a salon, whether or not I can pinch an inch, or even if I have unsightly stretch marks. And because no one knows, no one cares.

Feeling that one has to meet the impossible male standards of beauty is tiring and often humiliating. I should know, I spent my entire teenage years trying to do it. I was a borderline bulimic and spent a lot of money I didn't have on potions and lotions in hopes of becoming the next Cindy Crawford.

The definition of beauty is ever-changing; waifish is good, waifish is bad; athletic is good - sorry, athletic is bad. Narrow hips? Great. Narrow hips? Too bad.

Women are not going to achieve equality with the right to bear their breasts in public, as some people would like to have you believe. That would only make us party to our own objectification. True equality will be had only when women don't need to display themselves to get attention and won't need to defend their decision to keep their bodies to themselves.



Naheed Mustafa graduated from the University of Toronto with an honours degree in political science and history. She is currently [at the time this was written] studying journalism at Ryerson Polytechnic University.

Eid Mubarak & Article

Salam :)

Sorry for the slow updates recently, Twitter and Facebook make things much easier, but they also take up some blog time. Inshallah we will get back on track and have some more updates for you this coming week.

Eid was about a week ago, but we'd still like to wish you Eid Mubarak! May Allah (swt) grant all your dua's and may He bless you and your families with health and iman :)

We found this article from msn.com and we'd like to share it with you. It's about Muslims travelling post 9/11 and how things still haven't changed much.

Travelling Post 9/11

Feel free to comment and share.

Meatball Noodle Soup

Salam :)

This recipe is a delicious and hearty Afghan meatball noodle soup that is perfect anytime of the year, especially for Ramadan!

Ingredients:

• 6 oz (Half Pack) of noodles (prefferably thin Chinese style)
• 2 small onions (diced into small cubes)
• 4 cloves of garlic
• 2 cups of small mix frozen vegetables
• 1 can of tomato paste
• 1 can of drained mixed beans (or plain red kidney beans)
• 1/2 pound of ground beef (flavored with some salt, powdered coriander, black pepper, 1 finely chopped onion, finely chopped cilantro, diced (de-seeded) tomato, and 2 cloves garlic)
• 1 handful of fresh finely chopped cilantro
• 8 cups of water
• 4 Table spoon of oil
• (Spices) - 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander, black pepper, oregano, and basil

Directions:

• In a pot/pressure cooker, sautay your onions and garlic in oil until golden brown.
• Add your tomato paste
• Add 8 cups of water (or fill pot till midway)
• While it comes to boil, make small round balls from your flavored ground meat
• Place the meat balls into the boiling liquid
• Add spices and cover lid
• Cook for about 20 minutes with a pressure cooker, or 45 minutes in a regular pot - so meat cooks thoroughly
• After - Add your frozen vegetables, beans and noodles, and cook for about 10-15 minutes.
• Your soup is ready

.... Best served with a dallop of plain yogurt and lemon juice....

Enjoy!

Salah: Life's forgotten purpose

Yasmin Mogahed:

Man has taken many journeys throughout time. But there is one journey that nobody has ever taken.

Nobody—except one.

On a vehicle no man has ever ridden, through a path no soul has ever seen. To a place no creation has ever before set foot. It was the journey of one man to meet the Divine. It was the journey of Muhammad ﷺ, prophet of God, to the highest heaven.

It was al Israa wal Miraaj (the magnificent journey).

On that journey Allah took his beloved prophet ﷺ to the seventh heaven—a place not even angel Gibreel could enter. In the Prophet’s mission on earth, every instruction, every commandment was sent down through angel Gibreel. But, there was one commandment that was not. There was one commandment so important, that rather than sending angel Gibreel down with it, Allah brought the Prophet ﷺ up to Himself.

That commandment was salah (prayer). When the Prophet ﷺ was first given the command to pray, it was to be fifty times in a day. After asking Allah to make it easier, the commandment was eventually reduced to five times a day, with the reward of the fifty.

Reflecting upon this incident scholars have explained that the process of going from fifty to five was a deliberate one, intended to teach us the true place salah should hold in our lives. Imagine for a moment actually praying fifty times a day. Would we be able to do anything else but pray? No. And that’s the point. What greater way than that to illustrate our life’s true purpose? As if to say, salah is our real life; all the rest that we fill our day with…just motions.

And yet, we live as if it’s exactly the opposite. Salah is something we squeeze into our day, when we find time—if that. Our ‘lives’ don’t revolve around salah. Salah revolves around our ‘lives.’ If we’re in class, salah is an afterthought. If we’re at the mall, the Macy’s sale is more urgent. Something is seriously wrong when we put aside the very purpose of our existence in order to watch a basketball game.

And that is for those who even pray at all. There are those who have not only put aside their life’s purpose, they have abandoned it completely. What we often don’t realize about the abandonment of salah is this: No scholar has ever held the opinion that committing zina (fornication) makes you a disbeliever. No scholar has ever held the opinion that stealing, drinking or taking drugs makes you a disbeliever. No scholar has even claimed that murder makes you a non-Muslim. But, about salah, some scholars have said he who abandons it, is no longer Muslim. This is said based on ahadith such as this one: “The covenant between us and them is prayer, so if anyone abandons it, he has become a disbeliever.” [Ahmad]

Imagine an act so egregious that the Prophet ﷺ would speak about it is such a way. Consider for a moment what satan did wrong. He didn’t refuse to believe in Allah. He refused to make one sajdah. Just one. Imagine all the sajdahs we refuse to make.

Consider the seriousness of such a refusal. And yet, think how lightly we take the matter of salah. Salah is the first thing we will be asked about on the Day of Judgment, and yet it is the last thing that is on our mind. The Prophet ﷺ said: “The first thing which will be judged among a man’s deeds on the Day of Resurrection is the Prayer. If this is in good order then he will succeed and prosper but if it is defective then he will fail and will be a loser.” [Tirmidhi]

On that Day, the people of paradise will ask those who have entered Hell-fire, why they have entered it. And the Qur’an tells us exactly what their first response will be: ”What led you into Hell Fire? They will say: ‘We were not of those who prayed.’” (Qur’an, 74:42-43)

How many of us will be among those who say “we were not of those who prayed, or we were not of those who prayed on time, or we were not of those who made prayer any priority in our lives?” Why is it that if we’re in class or at work or fast asleep at the time of fajr and we need to use the restroom, we make time for that? In fact, the question almost sounds absurd. We don’t even consider it an option not to. And even if we were taking the most important exam of our lives, when we need to go, we will go. Why? Because the potentially mortifying consequences of not going, makes it a non-option.

There are many people who say they don’t have time to pray at work or school, or while they’re out. But how many have ever said they don’t have time to go to the bathroom, so while out, at work or school have opted instead to just wear Depends? How many of us just don’t feel like waking up at Fajr time if we need to use the bathroom, and choose instead to wet our bed? The truth is we’ll get out of bed, or leave class, or stop work, to use the bathroom, but not to pray.

It sounds comical, but the truth is we put the needs of our body above the needs of our soul. We feed our bodies, because if we didn’t, we’d die. But so many of us starve our souls, forgetting that if we are not praying our soul is dead. And ironically, the body that we tend to is only temporary, while the soul that we neglect is eternal.

The Muslims Belief

Messengers of Allah:

Allah has many messengers. The first messenger is Adam (as) and the last is Muhammad (pbuh). All messengers are created human beings and don’t have the divine qualities that Allah does. We believe that Allah ended all his messages with Muhammad’s message which was “Say O mankind, I am Allah’s messenger to you all. To him belongs the kingdom of the heavens and the earth; there is no god but He. He ordains life and death. So believe in Allah and his messenger, the unlettered prophet who believes in Allah and his words. Follow him so that you may be rightly guided”.

A beautiful composition by Lina Rahguzar,
Grade 8

Why do we fast?

Q: Why do Muslims fast?

A: There are 3 main reasons why a Muslim fasts during Ramadan.

1) Muslims fast during Ramadan, firstly, because it is the fourth pillar of Islam, and Allah (swt) ordered us to do so. "...fasting is prescribed for you (Muslims)..." (2:183) and " Ramadan is the month in which the Quran was sent down as a guide to humanity, and to provide clear signs for guidance and judgment. So whoever witnesses the month of Ramadan should fast through it..." (2:185).

By fasting, we get to feel they way the poor and hungry feel; it reminds us, when we forget, that our brothers and sisters go through this pain much too often, and so our hearts become softened, and we become more generous.

2) We learn to control ourselves - mentally and physically. Fasting is not limited to abstaining from food and drink - we also abstain from lying, foul language, sexual activity, medicine (unless it is necessary), etc. By keeping away from these things, we learn to control our desires. We learn to be in charge of our bodies rather than to let our bodies be in charge of us. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) once remarked "Whoever does not give up lying and acting on lies during fasting, then Allah has no need of him giving up food and drink." - Bukhari

3) Fasting is healthy for the mind body and soul. When we stop over feeding our bodies, and fast, "our body initiates it's own healing mechanisms, and any ailment may show improvement." - allaboutfasting.com. We constantly over work our bodies by over eating - and just like when we get tired from over working all day then set aside small matters for another day - our body does like wise. Because it is estimated that 65% of the body's energy must be directed to the digestive organs after a heavy meal - fasting is like a vacation for our bodies! With the extra energy your body has, when it is not busy digesting a meal, it begins to heal and work on other areas of the body such as repairing cells and detoxing. Antiaging effects, weight loss, clear skin and clarity (of the mind and soul) are just some of the many benefits of fasting!

Ramadan Dua's: Day 3

ALLAH, on this day, grant me wisdom and awareness, keep me away from foolishness and pretension, grant me a share in every blessing You send down, by You generosity, O the most Generous.

Ramadan Dua's: Day 2

ALLAH, on this day, take me closer towards Your pleasure, keep me away from Your anger and punishment, grant me the opportunity to recite Your verses (of the Qur'an), by Your mercy, O the most Merciful.



Ramadan Dua's: Day 1

ALLAH, on this day make my fasts the fasts of those who fast (sincerely), and my standing up in prayer of those who stand up in prayer (obediently), awaken me in it from the sleep of the heedless, and forgive me my sins , O God of the worlds, and forgive me, O one who forgives the sinners.

Ramadan Kareem :)

Wishing you one month of Ramadan,

4 weeks of barakat,

30 days of forgiveness,

720 hours of guidance,

43200 minutes of purification,

... and 259200 seconds of noor!"

Ramadan Kareem to everyone! May Allah forgive us and our familes and keep us on the straight path always. Alhamdullilah Allah has blessed each of us with another year of Ramadan, so let's use it to our full advantage Inshallah :)

Inshallah we will try and update the blog as much as we can during this time.

Please forgive us for any of our mistakes and short comings, only Allah (swt) is perfect.
We hope that you may attain even once piece of knowledge from our blog Inshallah.

Salam,
Aasia and Aalia

Pre-Ramadan Checklist

1) Prepare Eid Clothes (so you don't waste time in Ramadan shopping for them)

2) Prayer Clothes (Buy/ make new ones or wash, iron and perfume existing ones)

3) Prayer Place (Dedicate a space in your home for your daily worship - clean, tahhir and 'attar it, and stock it up with all you need for your ibadah)

4) Menu! (Plan meals, whose turn it is to cook, and who you will be doing iftar for on different days)

5) Ibadah schedule/ targets (plan your khitmas, your qada, your daily schedule - plan how to fit it in, so that you will fit it in)

6) Du’a List (make a list of who you need to make du’a for during the month so during those busy days you don’t forget any one)

7) Donation preparation - prepare the stuff you will donate

8) Ta’zil ie/ Super-Spring Cleaning (clean, tahhir and gut out your rooms/house before the month to make it welcoming and comfortable for the angels )

9. Plan your invitations (family, friends, inlaws) and send out the invites. Do it in the first two thirds - preferably when you don't have prayer and make it clear that you will not be accepting any invitations the last third.

10. If you are working on a khitmeh finish quickly so you can start afresh in Ramadan.

11. Tie up loose ends socially. Make up with those you are not speaking to. Get on the good side of parents, in laws and husband.

12. Start cutting down on coffee if you are a heavy drinker.

13. Prepare children, discuss Ramadan routine with family, discuss excitement and looking forward to Ramadan with those younger people you see.

Sr.Shehnaz Karim

Blessings

A man reached 70 years of age and he faced a disease; he could not urinate. The doctors informed him that he was in need of an operation to cure this disease. He agreed to have the operation done as the problem was giving him much pain for days. When the operation was completed, his doctor gave him the bill which covered all the costs. The old man looked at the bill and started to cry. Upon seeing this the doctor told him that if the cost was too high then they could make some other arrangements. The old man said “I am not crying because of the money but I am crying because Allah let me urinate for 70 years and He never sent me a bill.”

وَإِن تَعُدُّواْ نِعۡمَتَ ٱللَّهِ لَا تُحۡصُوهَآ
and if you try to count the blessings of Allah, never will you be able to count them… { Surah Ibrahim - 34 }

Summer Chic

Salam :)

So summer has officially started Inshallah - schools out, but the heat is in, and as hijabi's we are on the constant look out for light but not see through summer clothing. Winter and Fall may be full of dark and damp days, but it makes life a lot easier for us when it comes to dressing up - however, have no fear, this year stores are filled with light maxi dresses and skirts. If you have a full length and full sleeve dress you have scored big time, but if you havent, all you have to do is wear a simple legging, or under dress for the dress and a long sleeve shirt or light cardigan for the top and you are set.

 

This outfit is a bit more formal, because we know that with summer comes the wedding season - so opt for a more fresh and clean look with a light color and a white dress - don't like pink? Yellow - green - blue and purple are great alternatives!

Summer Chic by MYGA 287 featuring round toe pumps

Unity in Islam

Unity is strength. In the words of Professor Maqsood Jafri, when grains of sand come together they form a vast desert and when drops of water come together, they become a boundless ocean. Alhamdulillah in a world of over 6.8 billion people, Islam is comprised of over 1.8 billion followers and is growing rapidly every day. Islam has believers all over the world, in every country, from every background, race and culture; but unfortunately the biggest problem that we see today within the Muslim community is unity.

The biggest goal of Islam is Unity – our teachings all surround unity – and if we are truly believers of Allah, we are supposed to be united. In the words of Prophet Muhammad (saw) The Muslim Ummah is like one whole body, if the eye is in pain the whole body is in pain, if the head is in pain the whole body is in pain, if the limbs are in pain, again, the whole body is in pain. Then why do we not feel pain for the flooding in Pakistan, for the bombings in Palestine, for the devastating reality of Afghanistan, for the massacres in Bosnia, or the more recent violent uprisings in Libya and around the Middle East. The Muslim Ummah is becoming full of disease and is slowly detaching from one another. We need to set aside our small differences and disputes and work together as one.

Allah made the believers as brothers so that they have mercy upon one another; so that they love one another; so that they help one another and support one another. This is how Muslims should be. In Surat Al Imran Ayah 103: Allah (swt) says: “And hold fast, all of you together, to the Rope of Allah (which is Islam) and be not divided among yourselves.” But there is division in Islam, whether it is in a more common form, like Sunnis and Shiites, sects like Sufi’s and Wahabi’s, or cultures from different countries.

In the last khutba of the Prophet Muhammad (saw); he reminded us of exactly this: All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over black nor a black has any superiority over white except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood.

We need to remember that the outside world is attacking all Muslims. When they display an act of hatred, they don’t do it to just Sunnis, or just Shiites. They do it to all Muslims. So there they are, attacking us from the outside, while we are busy attacking each other from the inside. And to make things worse, we are clearly letting them know about it. Just look at the twitter, YouTube or face book pages of some Muslims, and you will see the kind of hatred I’m talking about -whether it’s between Sunni’s and Shiites, or Muslims of two different cultures. We need to stop fighting between ourselves and focus on more important things like fighting Islamophobia in the west.

The Unity of Muslim Ummah is not in celebrating Eid on same day throughout the World but rather it is in following the Quran and Sunnah of our beloved prophet Muhammad (saw). If each and every Muslim starts following the Commands of Allah (swt) and the prophet, from Quran and Hadith, then unity among Muslims will prevail by itself.

We want unity, but only if it is on our own terms. But, we have to think realistically – the world can’t work on a give and take basis all the time. As Muslims, we need to give freely without expecting anything in return. If you still can’t digest this notion then think of it in this sense: what you give will be returned to you, if not by the person you helped, surely Allah will return its double to you in this life or the next. And He guarantees this in Surat al Baqara ayat 261 when He says: “The likeness of those who spend their wealth in Allah's way is as the likeness of a grain of corn which grows seven ears, in every ear a hundred grains. Allah gives increase manifold to whom He will. And Allah is All-Sufficient for His creatures' needs”.

No matter how much you tell someone about Islam, they will not believe you if they don’t see you acting on your words. You say Islam is peaceful? Then act like a peaceful Muslim. It’s not that the text is not true, however, more people learn by seeing, than by reading. So when they see you acting like a good Muslim, they will love you and your religion. When they see you acting in a bad way, they not only will turn away from you, they will turn away from your religion. As much as we don’t like to admit it, this is true. And it is exactly what we don’t need if we want to fight negative stereotypes and bring out the truth about the beauty of Islam. So Inshallah it’s about time we start shaping up and fixing our problems from within to create a stable, healthy and united Ummah. We need to start today, with everyone, because the adults of today need to be an example for the children of tomorrow. In Surat al taubah, ayah 71 Allah says: “the believing men and women are awliyah (loyal) to one another”. So be the better person and make up with your friend if you are fighting, stop gossip as soon as it starts, kindle love in the hearts of others for Islam and be a good Muslim. As the Prophet Muhammad (saw) said, "None of you will have faith till he wishes for his (Muslim) brother what he likes for himself."

-MYGA

Dina Toki-O :)

Salam Lovely Ladies,

As you might have seen on our facebook page, the most recent fashion hijabi we are "hijab over heels" for is Dina Toki-O :)

She is a gorgeous UK youtuber, Mashallah, that recently made a prominent appearance on the hit TV show Style The Nation. Although she didn't win, we give her props for going so far, being so brave, being stylish and modest, and representing!

Below is part 3 of the show she was on, for more videos with her on the show, or her hijab and fashion styling videos check out her youtube page Dinatokio

P.S - We know it's been a while, but look out for our article on Unity in Islam coming out sometime this week Inshallah. Salams :)
  

 

A brother like that ( or sister :))

Shuaib received a car from his brother as an Eid present. On Eid day when Shuaib came out of his house, a poor street child was walking around the shiny new car, admiring it. “Is this your car, Uncle?” he asked. Shuaib nodded. “My brother gave it to me for Eid.” The boy was astounded.


“You mean your brother gave it to you and it didn’t cost you nothing? Boy, I wish…” He hesitated. Of course Shuaib knew what he was going to wish for. He was going to wish he had a brother like that. But what the lad said jarred Shuaib all the way down to his heels. “I wish,” the boy went on, “that I could be a brother like that.” Shuaib looked at the boy in astonishment, then impulsively he added, “Would you like to take a ride in my automobile?” “Oh yes, I’d love that.”

After a short ride, the boy turned and with his eyes aglow, said, “Uncle, would you mind driving in front of my house?” Shuaib smiled a little. He thought he knew what the lad wanted. He wanted to show his neighbours that he could ride home in a cool car. But Shuaib was wrong again. “Will you stop where those two steps are?” the boy asked. He ran up the steps. Then in a little while Shuaib heard him coming back, but he was not coming fast. He was carrying his little crippled brother. He sat him down on the bottom step, then sort of squeezed up against him and pointed to the car.

“There it is, little brother, just like I told you upstairs. His brother gave it to him for Eid and it didn’t cost him a penny. And some day I’m gonna give you one just like it…then you can see for yourself all the pretty things in the shop windows that I’ve been trying to tell you about.”

Shuaib got out and lifted the boy to the front seat of his car. The shining-eyed older brother climbed in beside him and the three of them began a memorable ride. That Eid, Shuaib learned what the RasulAllah SAW meant when he had said: “Love for your brother what you love for yourself”.

islamicthinking.tumblr.net

Ben Kingsley - 1001 Inventions

Salam ladies :)

Here is a wonderful movie on Islam, inventions and the dark age. It's similiar to "Night at the museum" but it is fascinating in its own way :) Enjoy!

Short Story Winner! Nor Lianna

Muslimah by heart and by card
Congratualations to Nor Liana Kamaruzzaman who won the MYGA Short Story contest with her touching story. Inshallah we will be sending her some good Muslim books as per her request as a prize! Thank you to all other contestants as well, everyone's stories were really good Mashallah and the competition was hard to judge. Below is Nor Lianna's contest entry :)

Assalamualaikum warrahmatullahi wabarrakatuh…

Truthfully, I was once in reverse; A Muslimah by card, but not by heart. I pretended to follow the Islamic rules. Call me a hypocrite if you want, but when you are someone who don't believe in a faith but surrounded by those who do, you feel both alienated and threatened. Much so when I knew how those who turn will be treated with despise or out casted. If you were born as someone in a different faith it is fine, if you are a convert, that is better, but if you are in this faith and decided out, you're as good as dead.

Silently, I thought myself as a freethinker. The loopholes unanswered, the reactions, both verbal and actions by those whom are considered pious, seems to me very strict and radical, and most of all what I hate the most, is the way they always seem to belittle others they consider kufr or badmouthing. I mean, for sure, people make mistakes, but for you to keep mentioning it as if doing something stupid once is a big sin. I hated them, but again, as they have many followers, I kept my silence. I hoped and hoped of getting into university, in hopes that I could be more open of my faith, or in other words, non-faith.

True, in university, people are more open to that. More often than not, I found many that admitted themselves not believing their faiths. I thought I found my place. But, something was missing. I still have my rationality, I wasn't restricted ( though my family don't know of my plans when I went to university ), there was still something missing. I wasn't putting hopes on my initial faith, because the missing feeling was from before too and I was hoping it diminishes when I am free. So, despite me being against it, I decided to give one last try. I don't know why I decided on that, but I don't have any regrets now. I joined an usrah at my university. Truth to be told, I still found those that act the way I dislike in the usrah, including those whom considered famous and respected, but I also found those, who show me Islamic way of life have a true sense within it.

We were taught and grew with the thinking that we can defy all sorts of conditions, but we forget our fitrah. Something, despite being in our control, could also be out of our control. If we had a control in it, what we desire to change could be out of the norm, something that isn't fair for us to have or don't have yet others don't or do. We are short-minded humans; grow only through the complexities of knowledge and experience. I shared my thoughts, my fears with some of them. While some reveled in disgust, shocked, and detest, in that some say I am beyond help (shirk, kufr, anything you can call as bad and will receive the tortures of hell), but many are also as acceptable.

They showed me that Islam is not in the secular sense; there is no such thing and career life, personal life, and religious life divided, like secularism. Islam teaches us the way to live, work, play, in ways that we can only see the goodness years after. It is we who are not patient, when so many times, we were taught to be patient, and patient, and patient. They told me of the different mazhabs and khilafs, what a scholar thought can differentiate with the others. I can form my own understanding, with the mind gifted from Allah s.w.t. , not necessarily just follow and obey blindly as the first experience I have.

I guess, that is the difference between following Islam with knowledge, as those I found within the usrah, and following Islam as a custom without thinking, as those I found before coming. Weird thing isn't it? I went into this new phase of life with the identity of Muslimah by card, but not by heart. However, coming out of it, I became a Muslimah by heart, not just by card. Wallahualam...

Nor Liana Kamaruzzaman
19 years old.

Wisdom: A Gift from God

Bismillah Ar-Rahman Ar-Raheem

Allah gives wisdom unto whom He wills, and the person unto whom wisdom is given, truly hath received abundant good.

Surat Al-Bakara - 2:269

Flower Power

Ta'leef Collective

Salam Sisters :)

 One of my closest teachers and mentors in Islam sent me a link to this really cool website called Ta'leef Collective and it's basically an independant orginization that works to "provide the space, content and companionship necessary for a healthy understanding, embracement and realization of Islam". They help people who are looking into Islam and wishing to convert, as well as young Muslims who find it hard to practice Islam, practice and learn about Islam. They are "a collective of teachers, volunteers, and peers who understand firsthand the challenge of living as Muslims in the west and they strive to provide the necessary means to facilitate that reality."

So please check out their website at this link:  Ta'leef Collective Website :) We hope you like it and you find it helpful.

Salam

Short Story Give-away!

Salam Dear Sisters :)

MYGA is super excited to announce our first ever give-away contest :) We want YOU to be a part of it for a chance to WIN awesome prizes! All you have to do is send in one of your own short stories to muslimyouthgirls@live.com along with your name, age, and an address that you would like your prize mailed to - (confidential formalities below).

The story should somehow be linked to Islam and it will be judged on overall quality and creativity - so be unique, fresh, funny or dramatic - were open to anything and everything :) There will be first, second and third place prizes of hijabs, accessories, and Islamic books. Winners of the contest, aside from their cool gifts, will have their story and name published on the MYGA blog. Runner up's will also have their stories published on the blog.

All information sent to MYGA will be held confidential unless otherwise stated by the sender. Names of winners will be published along with their stories unless they don't want their name up, in which case we'll place it as anonymous, however, we will need names for contest entries. The contest is open to Muslim girls of all ages and locations. So send this link to your friends even if they are not followers :)

Deadline ends May 30th.

Ayat al-Kursi

2:255

The Throne Verse

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.

Allah! There is no God but He,

the Living, the Self-subsisting, the Eternal.

No slumber can seize Him, nor sleep.

All things in heaven and earth are His.

Who could intercede in His presence without His permission?

He knows what appears in front of and behind His creatures.

Nor can they encompass any knowledge of Him except what he wills.

His throne extends over the heavens and the earth,

and He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them,

for He is the Highest and Most Exalted.

Allah, the Most High, speaks the truth



The benefits of this ayah are many, but it mainly provides you with protection

So read it in the morning, night, on trips and when you leave the house.

Actually...read it whenever you can :)

Over Spending

Many Muslim youth around Canada and around the world have trouble dealing with the temptation of overspending. In a hadith narrated by Al-Bukhari and Muslim, the Prophet (Peace be upon him) said, “Allah has prohibited three things: gossip, much questioning and wasting money.”

Overspending can lead to bankruptcy or debt and eventually you will not have enough money to meet your needs. We must recognize the difference between “need” and “want”. Ask yourself, do I really need this or do I simply want it? We should ask ourselves this question every time we attempt to spend money. If we are honest with ourselves, we can make a wise choice and follow through.

Here are four easy steps that will help to decrease overspending:

1) When shopping is necessary, make a list of the things you need to buy.

2) Don’t spend time in a place where it is easy to spend money. If we spend a lot of time at certain places such as malls, cafes and movie theaters, we may be drawn to spend more money. Instead of spending your free time at these places try and go to the park or visit your friends.

3) Give yourself strict income limits. If you have problems controlling your spending, try to create and stick to a weekly budget. Any extra money can be saved in your personal bank account.

4) Avoid impulse buying. If you see something that you would like to buy, try waiting a day before actually buying it. If you really want it, you will come back. This also gives you the chance to find other things that may be better in quality or price.

Keep in mind that spending money in and of itself is not bad, in fact, spending money can be good if we spend wisely. The Prophet commended money when he said, “It is very good that a righteous man has righteous money.” Instead of spending money on useless things, you can spend money on good things such as charity, buying gifts for parents or siblings or using it towards your education and personal development.

Next time you are out shopping with your friends and about to purchase something, stop and think: Is this something I really need?

Written by MAC Youth London's High School Sisters' Youth Group (SYG) 

As seen in: MY Voice Online Magazine

Spring @ MYGA

No satisfaction for Terry Jones

Salam

A few months ago, American pastor Terry Jones was in the news for wanting to burn the Quran. Although he had few followers in his church, he sparked fire around the world when he began appearing all over the media for his plans of "burn the Quran day".  After much dissaproval and uproar by people, he stated he would not be going through with his plans. However, two weeks ago he did go through with his plan and burned the Holy Quran. His actions are extremely vulgar and contemptible and as Muslims one way we could help not give him any satisfaction for his actions would be by not giving him press. The more he's in the news, the more he's googled, the more that video (Quran burning) is watched, the happier he is. Although the anger of many is completely understandable, we shouldn't give him any satisfaction by hurting ourselves by watching the video or becoming extremely upset. He should be fined and even sent to jail, but the way some people in countries like Afghanistan are taking out their anger is not justified ...only he should be held accountable for his actions, and the government of America for serving justice.

A good example of patience in the time of trouble would be Prophet Muhammad (saw) in the famous story of his journey to the city of Ta'if. When he went there to peacefully invite the people to Islam, they responded by pelting him with stones and hurting him until he was soaked in his own blood. After leaving the city, Angel Jibrail  approached him and told the prophet that if he wished, he could bring the two mountains on either side of the city together, crushing the city of Ta'if and it's people for what they did. The Prophet declined and said even if none of these people become Muslim, I pray that their children may worship Allah and serve His cause. The beauty and moral of this story is that even when the prophet suffered so much pain and had the absolute opportunity to annihalate this town, he did not. He had patience, and hope. And instead of cursing them, he prayed for them. Lets look at the Prophets example and follow in his footsteps.

We should also always remember that Allah says in Surat Hijr (15.09) "We have, without doubt, sent down the Message; and We will assuredly guard it (from corruption)."

Again in Surat Hijr He says "Leave them alone, to enjoy (the good things of this life) and to please themselves: let (false) hope amuse them: soon will knowledge (undeceive them). "

May Allah (swt) guide us, give us patience and Iman. We need to keep faith that he will receive his due from Allah, and we should not let him even think he can affect us or our deen, because he can't.

Quran & Science

The greatest miracle of Islam is the Quran itself. It is the true, unchanged and unadulturated word of God for the past 1400 years. It's divine text not only includes the best ways to live, the secret to enlightment and the history of mankind...it includes scientific miracles; facts that no one knew about 1400 years ago. The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was a wise, honorable and honest man, but he was illiterate; and that is the beauty of Islam and it's truth as well. That proves for a fact that the Quran was the word of God, not man.

The following link is a website that includes the extraordinary revealings of the Quran and it's science and compares it to modern science. Please take a look at it :)  

Quran&Science.com

The Quran

If the whole of mankind and Jinn were to gather together to produce the like of this Qur'an, they could not produce the like thereof, even if they backed up each other with help and support. And We have explained to man, in this Qur'an, every kind of similitude: Yet the greater part of men refuse ( to receive it ) except with ingratitude.  (Isra 88-89)

Maher Zain - New Muslim Artist

Long Skirt

simple n chic by MYGA 287 on Polyvore.com

Ayah: Perserverance

Verily, with every difficulty there is relief.

Verily, with every difficulty there is relief.

Qur'an 94:5-6

Our heart goes out to all our Libyan, Moroccan and Yemeni brothers and sisters as well as all the other Muslims striving for change.

May Allah protect them and guide them to victory

Egypt Is Free!

Salam,

Finally, after so much waiting, our Egyptian brothers and sisters have won. Hosni Mubarak has officially stepped down and Inshallah things will only keep getting better from here on out. :)

People were ecstatic after Vice President Omar Suleiman made the announcement Friday on National TV

"In these difficult circumstances that the country is passing through, President Hosni Mubarak has decided to leave the position of the presidency," Suleiman said. He has commissioned the armed forces council to direct the issues of the state.""

Mooz-Lum [OFFICIAL TRAILER]

Mooz-lum The Movie

Salam

Thanks to sisterswhoblog we just found out about a great new movie coming out Feb 11/11 Inshallah. It looks awesome so if you'd like to watch it click below to demand it in your city!

MOOZ-lum is the story of a black family within the first large generation of Muslims born and raised in this country and the trials and tribulations faced while practicing Islamic faith in American Society.

The story is told through the eyes of Tariq Mahdi, a young man born and raised in a Muslim household along with his younger sister Taqua by their father Hassan and mother Safiyah. Hassan is determined to send Tariq to an Islamic school to learn the Quran, which Safiyah strongly objects to. When Hassan’s strict beliefs become too much for Safiyah’s liberal nature, she decides that she wants a divorce. Little do Tariq and Taqua know, the terms of the divorce are Tariq is to live with their father and Taqua with their mother. After the divorce, Hassan fulfills his plans for Tariq and sends him off to an Islamic boarding school.

Six years later, Tariq is a freshman in college living back in the area he grew up. Having been at the Islamic boarding school and under the strict environment laid out by his father, Tariq wants nothing to do with his Islamic past. Since the divorce, Taqua has not seen Tariq very often and their relationship has drifted apart. She decides to reach out to him and attempt to rebuild their once strong relationship. Upon reuniting, she realizes that Tariq’s attitude about Islam has been heavily affected by his time at the school and with their father, so she tries to open him up to different ways of viewing his beliefs and incorporating his faith into society.

Unknown to Tariq, his college experience is going to be beyond just academic enrichment. Taqua starts spending time with him on campus and opening him up to new experiences. His roommate, Hamza, is an Arab Muslim who also tries to reach out and connect with him but Tariq constantly tries to avoid him. He also has interactions with a professor who challenges the students to think broadly about religion and world views, but the professor has to deal with the political ramifications from the dean of the department who is constantly trying to hold him down.

vehemmag.com

View all Surrey events on Eventful

Hijabi Fashionista

Wishing Spring or Summer were back anyone? We do :)

Laid Back Hijabi by MYGA 287 featuring a platform heel

Finals!

Salam :)

So it's finals week, and you're stressed out. Too many subjects, too much to do, and so little time. There are some gifted people out there who are hyped up and ready to go for exams. But for most of us, some good late nights of studying and large mugs of coffee get us through.

We thought of helping out by offering some super easy, fast and effective dua's for help with clearing your mind and prepping you for some good studying.  We hope they help Inshallah :)


Rabbish rahli sadri wa yas-sir li amri wahloul uqdatam mil-lisaani yafqahu qawli
 رَبِّ اشْرَحْ لِي صَدْرِي وَيَسِّرْ لِي أَمْرِي وَاحْلُلْ عُقْدَةً مِّن لِّسَانِي يَفْقَهُوا قَوْلِي
O my Lord! expand me my breast; Ease my task for me; And remove the impediment from my speech, So they may understand what I say

Rabbi zidni 'Ilma
رَّبِّ زِدْنِي عِلْمًا
O my Lord! advance me in knowledge.

Allâhumma infa‘nî bimâ ‘allamtanî wa ‘allimnî ma yanfa‘unî.
اللَّهُمَّ انْفَعْنِي بِمَا عَلَّمْـتَنِي وَ عَلِّمْنِي مَا يَنْفَعُنِ
Oh Allah! Make useful for me what You taught me and teach me knowledge that will be useful to me.

Allâhumma innî as’aluka fahm an-nabiyyîna wa hifdh al-mursalîn al-muqarrabîn
.اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ فَهْمَ النَّ بِيِّينَ وَ حِفْظَ الْمُرْسَلِينَ الْمُقَرَّبِينَ
 Oh Allah! I ask You for the understanding of the prophets and the memory of the messengers, and those nearest to You.


Remembering Allah is very important because He is the one who helps us with all our problems. As gifted as you may be, don't forget to take time to thank Him. And if you need more help, only He can guide you.

Salam

My Hijab, My Choice!

A hijab is both the head covering traditionally worn by Muslim women and modest Muslim styles of dress in general. The Hijab, is considered to be an important aspect, of Islamic teachings, which many Muslim women adhere to across the world, The ways Muslim women wear the hijab’s, and the materials used, are often influenced by their cultural backgrounds, and personal preferences.

Hijab has undergone a tremendous transformation, and its popularity in the Muslim world has dramatically increased, over the last 10 years. More and more Muslim women have adopted the Hijab, after re-discovering their faith, and understanding the importance it holds, many women began to recognise, that their traditional dress, did not always follow the correct requirements of hijab, and have therefore adopted the full head and neck coverings, and were sometimes met with fierce opposition as some where banned from schools (Tunisia) Or from taking specific courses and jobs such as TV presenting (Egypt). Despite this the women continued to fight for their rights to follow their religious beliefs and be accepted in to society, and many Muslim women lead successful careers and have achieved their hopes and dreams, not inspite of hijab but because of it. The hijab is now fully welcomed, as well as encouraged in the Muslim world.

Similarly due to the popularisation of hijab in the east and the rise of more scholars many young Muslim women, feel further connected, to their faith, and difficulties in their lifestyles, e.g. recognising drinking, and partying has not been a fruitful lifestyle, has lead them to understand the reasons behind many of the teachings of their faith and investigate until they have come to the conclusion that Hijab is a definite requirement of their faith. It saddens many Muslim women, who have understood the liberating message behind a cloth which proclaims that similarly to men, women have the right to be judged on their thoughts, and ideas, not on their looks, has been met with such fierce opposition, in the western world, as the west claim to be champions of freedom and equality for women. However in an attempt to silence Muslim women, who adopt the Hijab some European countries, have risked going against their own constitutions by banning the hijab (France), whilst claiming to be a force fighting for the freedom of females. The sad and immediate assumption that women, who wear the hijab, are forced and have no voice of their own, or no thoughts about their lifestyle further burdens the Modern Muslim woman, as this contributes to resentment, and frustration, as well as mounting misunderstanding between multicultural societies.

Many Muslims believe in Modesty and self respect, and the hijab is a religious duty, which promises to fulfil those important ideals, and has become a beautiful way, for women to liberate themselves, from societies which demands of them to appear “sexy” and “hot” in order to be well rounded individuals. In the modern world today magazines and posters, encourage young women to be thin, and body image, is emphasised. The hijab represents freedom from these social norms, and in a world where many women are solely judged on their appearance hijab provides a haven, promising that they will be judged on intellect rather, than a beauty which is only skin deep.

Personally the hijab has been an enlightening experience for me, as I strived to fulfil a religious requirement by God, in an effort to be a better Muslim and in turn a better person , perfecting my religious beliefs, and aspiring to please my god and attain a heavenly reward in paradise through following Quranic requirements.

The Hijab, only represents, freedom, to me, freedom of Appearance, and freedom of Faith, as well as freedom from the sometimes cruel world of “fashion”.

By naz from Somalianarab.blogspot.com