The Curse of the 8th decade...

With times like these their is a constant thought on everyone's mind, "Who is going to stop Israel from ruthlessly conducting this genocide?", with the sugar-daddy USA/Genocide Joe, provisioning them with all the charity of funding their corrupt politicians with the tax-payers money of the hardworking residents/citizens of America and the IDF being given those toys in charity, they have no hearts in using them insanely/blatantly/treacherously terrorizing in murdering the innocent children, women, elderly and men of Filasteen (Palestine).

Why are the innocents targeted and pay the price for all the crimes that Germany did? The Holocaust was Germany's ideology towards the Jews of Europe, the Zionists of Europe who arrived at the port of Haifa loaded in ships and wagons begging for survival from Poland and every trash corner of Europe are now murdering and ethnically cleansing the indigenous of Filasteen just for "LAND THEFT".

Most of us know since 1948, Israel has been provided toys by the UK, the toys are the handguns, riffles, grenades and so on and so forth, and to this year 2024 we can see the settlers in Israel continue to roam around armed, almost each hooligan carries a weapon. So almost 76 years and counting this would become a reason why their own toys, their own guns, their own people will be root cause for the downfall of the THEFT NATION, which never existed and which came into existence over the mass graves of the martyrs of Filasteen. Mark my words, there will come a time when they will not stand their own people, greed will spread, violence will evoke and all that they were taught to protect themselves will fall apart, they will fall into trenches of hell that the UK dug to boost their sales on weapons and create unrest in Filasteen, everything is going to Backfire, the DAY IS NEAR!

For many of you who remember there was this incident that happened called the "BLACK SHABBAT" wherein a Jewish settler opened fire inside a Synagogue. As always they accused the Palestinians and the Truth was conjoined as puzzles that the Terrorist who opened fire was an Israeli Settler. 

The same settlers will become the black clouds over the Theft Land, blood thirst is wide in them, they've started hunting the innocents, very soon the greed in them will burn them into ashes and perish the state, no matter which politician comes and goes, it doesn't matter how much money or power is flashed, they forget the innocent cries, the screams, the death of innocents and all the evil they've done will not go unpaid, the Almighty is holding each of their evil deed accountable that would give rise to "The curse of 8th decade".

The Hate between themselves only gets stronger, the thirst of Palestinian blood is the only aspect energizing them, they will indeed cross all limits of evil, so they can reach that level of corruption destined for them. This is so to be overtaken by Allah's wrath. Allah swt says that He will let them increase in sin so that he can increase their adhaab. They are a "Cursed Nation". The day they are born they are cursed by Allah swt and the day they die they are cursed.

When the Deuteronomy 28:19, Torah states: 
"Cursed shall you be when you come in (the day they are born) and cursed shall you be when you go out (the day they die)”. 

These curses are going to follow the Israelites for as long as they continue to sin, and they continue to cross all limits of evil. 

Deuteronomy 28:20, Torah states: Yah! shall send upon you Cursing (an evil oath of misfortune, trouble) Vexation (torment, distress and worry) And Rebuke (to express Sharp stern disapproval) in all that you set your hand unto, to do until you be destroyed, and until you perish quickly; because of the wickedness of your doings whereby you have forsaken/forgotten me. 

Deuteronomy 28:28, Torah states “Will strike you with madness, with blindness, and with astonishment of the heart. “

This verse is saying that the Israelites would suffer severe mental health issues, due to mental abuse (phycological terror) they suffered during slavery! And continue to suffer, to this very day!

Twice before there existed two kingdoms that have collapsed due to this curse, they have entered a worse condition and perished, and the same is going to unfold now. The 10 tribes in the first kingdom collapsed once they crossed the 80th year and entered the 81st just with internal conflicts, the kingdom of the house of David. The second kingdom of Hasmonean existed for 77 years was torn apart. And now the establishment of the State of Israel 75 years ago is the third and before the eyes of the World, the Israelites are witnessing fratricidal hatred, there is chaos that is eating them apart! The beginning of the end of a national catastrophe are flashing high!

A bunch of Liars, cowards who have always cribbed and veiled behind the curtains of Holocaust, if the Palestinians were armed the story would have been different, from showing off their violence and terrorism on small children and dropping bombs on them, What the IDF really is? Phosporuus attacks and bomb dropping using drones on unarmed civilians, while on the battle field they cannot save their good for nothing Merkava tanks, they cannot locate a single tunnel, they cannot locate a single weapon, they are a BUNCH of LIARS who fool the world. Cowards they are scared to death when their Iron-dome stops working, they have never kept their promises, they are just terror, they steal the land and murder those innocents who sheltered them, the snippers shoot the press, the elderly and children mercilessly When will this end? Again, Allah swt says "Sabr" and the fruits of "Sabr" are bliss, it definitely takes time, but He accounts every evil act that Israel has committed, it will be taken into account.

It's only a matter of time before their careful veil of "Unity" is lifted, and the ugly truth comes out. A nation full of disunity and venom for one another. They are stubbornly holding on, because they very well know that the curse of the 8th decade is upon them. Allah swt is in full control. They will break from within. No amount of power and money can fix their evil souls. The world would witness their society crumble like this.

We cannot wait for the day when being a Zionist is equivalent to being a Nazi.
We cannot wait for the day when Israelis have to look down in shame when they are asked about their nationality.
We cannot wait for the day when anyone who supported this appartheid and terrorism of the "State of Israel" is publically labelled as a "Terrorist". 

From the River to the Sea, Palestine will be Free....

Depression in Islam

Are you feeling a void inside? Do you prefer darkness over light? Is there something that doesn't let you sleep, you want to change everything that happened, perhaps you want to go back into the past and change things that just got worse, and THAT WHICH YOU CANNOT? Regretting every second of it, sulking inside with no hunger, no determination to start over again? You feel you are slipping away with no passion, you get anxious even to the notification of a message or a doorbell ring or when your phone when it rings, You start crying over small things and you actually don't know why you are doing so! My Friend this slipping of quicksand from your feet and swallowing you whole is "Depression" -The need of the hour, The need of today!

The topic that I chose to write about is "Depression in Islam".

Depression is one of the serious existing mental disorders in the world, and considering the fact that our lifestyle, lifecycle, and exposure to hectic work, finance, taxes, relationships, responsibilities, etc., have become so fast-paced that we hardly get time to sit and realize what actually is happening to us within, how stressed our body is, how anxious our mind has become that it craves for peace and silence. And this is growing at an alarming rate consuming in the youth of today.

Have you ever witnessed your heartbeats pounding, breathing rapidly, sweating, feverish, feeling weak, and failing to concentrate on certain days like for example, there is an interview, the first day of your board exams, or on your wedding day, or when something BIG happens, but trust me it's just fine if it happens on certain days, it happens to all of us, but the actual problem is when this happens to a person every time, every day, every minute of their lives for months which becomes a synonym of slow-poisoning or is it the slow process of engulfing oneself into the quicksand?

Let's learn the difference between anxiety and depression:

ANXIETY: In anxiety, the imbalance of chemical substances in the amygdala (junction for emotions in the brain) floods the system with cortisol (steroid hormone) and norepinephrine (a stress hormone). To treat stress they often use serotonin (a happy chemical) as one of the therapies for stress management.

DEPRESSION: In depression, the hippocampus (a part of the brain involved in the regulation of emotions and a long term memory) stops producing new neurons, and frontal lobe (also a part of the brain involved in planning and decision making) gets shrunken in depressed people.

Do we have the mention of depression in Islam? Before that I want to tell you the scientific reality of depression, as we all know depression is classified into four categories:

1. Physical: Which includes alcoholism, drugs, hyperthyroidism, nutritional deficiencies, insomnia, medication, chronic disease, menopause, etc.,

2. Mental: Genetic disorder, obsessive personality, jealousy, etc.,

3. Social: Death of a loved one, separation in a relationship, abuse, isolation, loss of jobs/poverty, etc.,

4. Spiritual: Sinning in abundance, major sins with wrong intentions, and no repentance.

Walking out of depression is like a warrior storming out of the battlefield defeating the poisonous illness, depression is a disease that has to be cured at the earliest with the strongest will power to get over it, if one refrains from getting over depression then life gets sunk deeper into the wounds of black hole and it gets lost without any trace by losing everything.

So Islamically, Allah swt has mentioned in the Holy Qur'an with a beautiful small ayath:

"Verily in the remembrance of Allah swt, do hearts find rest!" -Surat Ar-Ra'd: 28

Allah swt says, It is in the remembrance of Allah swt alone that the hearts really find peace, those who believe and find peace in their hearts from the contemplation of Allah, Surely there is peace of heart in the contemplation of Allah.

Kill depression before it kills you, WHY should you do this?

Despite the fact that depression is caused due to physical, mental, social aspects, we also have the spiritual aspect in Islam wherein Allah swt has spoken various times about "Sabr" and "Life on this earth". If we understand these two aspects no matter how difficult a situation is it just eases, and this is practical because there are certain instances in life where "Hope" is the only branch a person clings on no matter how deep the valley is, this "Hope" is the unshakable faith in the Almighty, that no matter what happens, no matter what is lost, there is always Him, 

Allah swt says "And said your Lord, "Call upon Me; I will respond to you." -Surat Ghafir: 60

Generally, people fall into depression because of the lack of spiritual connect with Allah swt, they start losing their will to live whilst failing to understand the decree of Allah swt, also called as "al-qada' wa'l-qadr" which clearly states a believer as to whatever happens is from the Qadr of Allah swt and giving respite from the situation no matter how grievous it is the help is from Him, so Allah swt asks his servants to keep repenting to Him and call upon Him.

Allah swt says " They will call them, "Were not we with you?" They will say, "Yes, but you led to temptation yourselves and you awaited and you doubted and deceived you the wishful thinking until came (the) Command (of) Allah. And deceived you about Allah the deceiver." -Surat Al-Hadid: 14

Whatever the cause of these mental health conditions may be, severe anxiety and depression inevitably lead you away from Allah and Islam. Grief and sufferings of different intensities befall everyone. Remember, grief (extreme sorrow) and mild anxiety can bring you closer to Allah swt because the element of hope is still alive. 

But severe depression, on the other hand, strips you of all hope and trust in Allah swt. All the negative feelings of hate and self-loathing that nurture in the hearts of depressed Muslims, consequently lead to low self-esteem, more sinning, fewer duas, and a weakened spiritual connection with The Almighty Allah. Similarly, in extreme levels of anxiety, the Muslim loses tawakkul (trust) in Allah. The state of an anxious/ depressed Muslim goes against the belief system of Islam. 

Allah swt says "And never give up hope of Allah’s soothing mercy: truly no one despairs of Allah’s soothing mercy, except those who have no faith". -Surat Yusuf: 87

My friend please remember that there is nobody who can help you come out of this unless you make up your mind to get out of this, Islam has a way for everything in Life, Everything!! All we need to do is calling out to Ar-Rahman, Ar-Rahim, Al-Kareem, Al-Jabbar Ya Rabbul Al-Ameen.

Brief points summarized, How to overcome depression?

1. Early to bed early to rise: Wake up for Fajr, even if you miss praying before dawn push yourself out of bed whenever you open your eyes, make wudu pray! followed by dhikr, tilawat-e-qur'an (If your work schedule is hectic keep it brief and get busy with heading towards work) but make sure you keep trying this and finally make a habit to wake up before dawn, InshaAllah.

2. Giving up on Haram relationships/habits: The relation which is not accepted by Allah is not going anywhere as you dream, so make the relationship Halal, get married and not waiting for somebody to commit who keep delaying commitment because of his/her worldly desires, there is no use to be with such people and such relation which Allah swt called it "HARAM". Similarly, in case you have developed an intoxicating habit like alcohol, drugs, smoking, gambling, etc., please try to shun these out of your life and fear Allah swt in every aspect of your lives.

3. Never give up even if you fail a multiple times, you couldn't make it to Fajr today, it's not okay but still keep trying, wake up tomorrow, if not again, have the will-power to do and surely the mercy of Allah swt will be upon you and He will surely help you. The same applies to a job, university admission, promotions, marriage, etc., Never let Shaytaan enter your head and start directing you, do not listen to Shaytaan and his insane voices because he spews only dirt and venom in our ears and takes us over when we feel the lowest, fight back this is an examination and Allah will help you emerge stronger because He is with you. So my friends, don’t let past mistakes define you. Don’t let repeated mistakes define you. The only thing that should define you, is your niyyah (intention).

4. Developing something called emotional resilience, when there are lots of voices in your head, when somebody is very rude to you, trash behavior, sarcasm, anxiety that gets so much bothering you lose your mind, just walk away from that place/situation, go wash your face, or lie down, or sleep or listen to Surat Baqarah or do the breath in and breath out exercise, this is the moment that all you need is yourself and Allah, start praying, cry, ask Him, sujood and am sure He would come running to you. There was a point in my own life that I used to break down in sujood and He listened to me, He came running to me when I went walking to Him and He blessed me with things my little mind hadn't ever dreamt of, look at His mercy, look at how much He loves us. Ask Him, He is closer to us than our jugular vein.

The benefits of practicing emotional resilience are:

•  You will save yourself from creating an emotional outburst ( yelling, shouting, crying, cursing, etc )
•  You will save others from getting hurt or disturbed by your emotional outburst.
•  You will raise your self-esteem a little every day.
•  You will become a more optimistic and positive Muslim (this wouldn't happen overnight, keep trying)

5. Driveaway: Choose a gateway (quite far, serene, calm, preferably a sea/ocean or cruise ride, landscapes) learn driving your car, have fun exploring new places, visiting new cities, visit new countries, in case you have time why don't you end up taking an Umrah pilgrimage or more privileged you can take up the Hajj pilgrimage to connect with Almighty which makes us realize there is nothing more important on earth other than calling Him and asking Him for forgiveness, trust me after shedding those tears and drinking a glass of cold zamzam you will feel completely surrendered in His immense love, in His care, in His tranquility, the worldly desires wither away just like the leaves wither in the fall season. 

6. Comparison and Expectation: Avoid social media at the most, please stop comparing your lives to somebody else's. Have gratitude for what Allah swt has given you, be compassionate, practice a lot of charity it surely gives us happiness, and please let's end these expectations we have from others. Let's start doing this and practicing these things slowly and life becomes so easy for us. InshaAllah, InshaAllahu Khayr.

Please sponge out the negative energy boiling inside you and have tawakkul on Allah swt over anything and everything for He has made a religion called Islam which has a solution for everything in this life, for this life is just an examination for all of us, Turn to Him before it is too late.

JazakaAllahu Khayral Jaza...

Powerful Tips for the Last Ten Nights of the Holy Month of Ramadan.

Powerful Tips for the Last Nights:


1. Do not let your 'performance' until now affect your last 10 days. The moment of forgiveness could be today or anytime in the coming days! It is not all lost! If you sincerely wish it could have been better - Chin up and get ready to make it your best yet! Start with a positive, sincere intention!

2. Today, take a little time to read the Tafseer of Surat al-Qadr to understand what actually happens this night! You will feel its power & greatness so much more!

3. Do not wait for the 27th Night to give it your "all". The entire last 10 days should be your target. Stay up each night! Would you want to miss Laylatul Qadr even "by chance"?

4. Do not fall into any innovations/celebrations any Masjid or culture might try to promote. Follow the Sunnah! The Prophet (pbuh) guided us simply: "Whoever stays up and prays on Laylat al-Qadr out of faith and in the hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.” 

5. Memorize and keep asking the Du'a taught by Prophet (pbuh): Allaahumma innaka ‘afuwwun tuhibb al-‘afwa fa’affu ‘anni (O Allaah, You are forgiving and You love forgiveness, so forgive me).

6. Prepare a short Dua' list. Remember this is as awesome as it ever gets for a servant of Allah! The Night of Qadr, of Destiny! Consciously pick each and everything you crucially wish for in this duniya, in your deen, family, and in your aakhirah! Don't forget to include the brothers and sisters around the world who are suffering and in grief!

7. Take brief naps during the day, if possible. Keep your stomach light and sleep as soon as you have prayed 'isha. Do not delay! After a brief nap, refresh yourself and get ready for worship. 

8. Don't neglect your family! Prophet (pbuh) made it a point to wake up his wives throughout these nights! And yes, your children are not too young to stay up some part of the night - if they can be allowed to play video games or watch TV, they can be inspired to be up atleast for sometime! Prepare them, make them excited, plan some activities for them to do!

9. Physical Preparation: The way we dress and prepare has a big effect on our psychology. Wear your best, perfume yourself, and feel the energy! 

10. Choose a spot, whether in the Masjid or at your home, where you can have peace and solitude. Keep your mushaf, praying mat, and water at hand so that you are not distracted by constantly getting up for this or that. 

11. IMPORTANT: This is not the night to insta/tweet pics or update Facebook statuses about how amazing the night is and how you are feeling & worshiping Allah! Let that be a secret between you & your Rabb! So switch off those phones, wifi, laptops and computers. Disconnect with the world, and connect with al-'Afuww!

12. If you find yourself feeling sleepy, vary your acts of worship. Alternate between qiyaam, heartfelt Dua'a, reading the Qur'an. Do not spend the night listening to lectures or recitations. Or do it only for a short while when you feel the sleep coming on! 

13. Patience is the Key: The last 10 days might be tiring. You might still have work or school. This is the time to bear all that hardship, and keep firm sabr. Think how Allah has blessed you with this tremendous opportunity that might NEVER come again in your life again. If you knew for sure that this was your last ‎Ramadan, if you knew certainly that Jannah was up for grabs, wouldn't you sprint for it no matter what it takes?

14. This is most important: Keep husn adh-dhann bi Allah (good expectations from Allah). When you ask, remember you are asking the Most Generous King. If you hope for the best, He will give you the best. Don't hold back. Trust in Him, pour out your heart in front of Him, and let no doubt, no barrier, no evil thoughts keep you away from Ar-Rahman, Ar-Raheem!

Innaa anzalnaahu fee lailatil qadr, Wa maa adraaka ma lailatul qadr, Lailatul qadri khairum min alfee shahr, Tanaz zalul malaa-ikatu war roohu feeha bi izni-rab bihim min kulli amr, Salaamun hiya hattaa mat la'il fajr. -Surat Al-Qadr.

Allahumma Innaka Afuwan'tuhibbul Afwa'fafua'nee, HasbunaAllahu Ni'amal Wakeel, Allahumma Ajirni Minnan`naar.

JazakaAllahu Khayrahn Khateerahn!

The greatest love story in Islam! The story of Muhammad (saw) and Khadijah (RA)

A beautiful poem that I would love to share with my blog fam!

A sneak into the realms of  ancient Arabia

There lived the noblest woman of that area

A successful and flourishing entrepreneur

A symbol of elegance and ethical demeanor.

Her tradings were in a situation too critical
It was difficult for her in a society so patriarchal
She looked for a man to handle her affairs
A reliable person with no false graces and airs.

She entrusted her business to a trustworthy caretaker 

A man known for his truthfulness, 15 years younger 

 A trip abroad, he made her business grow manifold 

His sincerity and dedication appealed her to behold.

This woman of 40, who was the most sought after
Had turned down every prominent marriage offer

She had ceased to tread that road after being widowed 

She had no desire to love again or to be loved.

The emotions in her heart for a special one were re-kindled 

He mysteriously entered her heart and there forever dwelled
She sent him a straight marriage proposal, with no pretense 

She was saved for this man by her Creator, in true sense.

He was amazed to know that this woman of beauty and honor

Who had turned down the wealthy, wished to be his life-partner!

They married and lived together with love and dignity 

The most blessed union ever, protected by the Almighty!

They always looked at each-other wanting to satisfy and please
In spite of their age difference they were at complete ease
She respected him beyond words, spent her life and wealth on him
She loved to silently look at him, never raised her voice on him.


He cared for her in the best of manners in happiness and ailment
Fed her with his hands and stayed closer when she was pregnant
She mothered all his children - the most righteous progeny
When he lost his sons in infancy, she soothed his agony.


She was the best of his friends whom he loved with delight
She was his comforter and counselor who calmed him that night
When he ran into her arms crying “Cover me! Cover me!” “I am afraid this state of fear, would soon overpower me!”


Wrapped in her comfort, he narrated the incident of Hira "A voice I heard that terrified me with the word of Iqra I was squeezed when I  pleaded that I could never read I was asked in the Name of My Lord to Read! Read! Read!"


She consoled him saying, “By The One Who has control over my soul He has chosen you to be the prophet of this mankind as a whole! He can never humiliate the slave who is good for all people Of righteousness and truthfulness, you are an apt example!”


She then took him to her cousin, a scholar of old scriptures
Waraqah gave him glad tidings based on the said features
He confirmed that the experience was of Divine Truth
He was the chosen Last Messenger, The Sealing Prophet!


Then came the beginning of times, too testing and severe
Their Al Ameen, As Sadiq - now they termed him a liar!
Their opposition turned into hatred, they so despised him
He was banished from the city, and she accompanied him.


She supported his cause, sacrificing all her wealth
A life filled with hardships took a toll upon her health
She loved him the same till her very last breath
She was put to sleep forever through the Angel of Death.


While struggling to spread the Message, he lost his first believer
Standing for his cause of Truth, he lost his staunch supporter
He lost his friend, his counselor, his ultimate comforter
His world was brought to a standstill - he had lost his life-partner.


This loss was so terrible that he feared a lonely tomorrow
Of all the phases in Seerah, he called it “the year of sorrow”
He came across a necklace which this companion had worn
Tears welled up his blessed eyes, his heart did heavily mourn.


It signified his emotions that were to her so attached
He missed her so terribly, years after she had passed
With apparent jealousy pure Ayesha questioned him thus
“Was your love for that wife greater than it is for all of us?”


He understood her restlessness and replied to console “She believed in me, with all her mind and soul She accepted my Message when everyone rejected When I had no help, she comforted and supported.”


He married many later, but alive she was his only wife
Her companionship is the jewel that adorns all his life
She left him in this Duniya, as destined by Allaah
Assuring a promised reunion, in His eternal Jannah.
 
This love story, which is so endearing to recall
Glorified through centuries, greatest of them all!
These sacrifices many and the selfless love of Khadijah,
Remain cemented in the blessed heart of Muhammed Mustafa saw!

By Umm Hashir,
https://umme-hashir.blogspot.com/2017/12/the-greatest-love-story.html?m=1

The rise of Atheists among Muslims is on a Rise! Let's solve this before it gets too late...

Having come from a very conservative background, i am not the right person to talk about culture or favor culture in anyways, but i can always stand and fight for religion over culture. Like many of us know about the modernization of everything to polluting religion with liberalism and mixing up of trash (called culture) and subjecting the real teachings of Islam as "Strict Ruling" is something that the parents of today should focus on. This dangerous favoring of culture has become a hazard for the younger generation.

I would't get offended to mention this incident that got me thinking to do some research on these happenings in the Muslim families today. It happened one day when a colleague who happens to belong to a Muslim Family from France. As i mentioned here, happens to belong to a Muslim Family and not a Muslim. Pause! There is a lot of difference here, Yes! on that graceful day i went up to her assuming her to be a non-Muslim girl by faith and i asked her about a celebration that was to happen in the week for which we all had a holiday. And again I paused! When she answered me "I am not a so & so (the faith of the celebration i asked her) , My family is a Muslim, and i am nothing".

Whilst! I looked at her with a side No! and said "Okay" because this was the first time i heard something that was very different and i never witnessed this before. Because i knew "Atheists" i knew "Pagans" I knew they do not practice religion and they donot believe in the afterlife. But this was the first time i encountered something practically and then continued my journey of talking to other sisters in Islam and getting more information about the culture flag.

I started discussing about this issue with my Muslim friends who are Citizens here, an Arab friend told me about her American schoolmates, though she graduated her schooling from an Islamic School she would always find culture above religion because that is what the parents teach their children. Instead of Tarbiyah at home they believe in outsourcing Tarbiyah to missionary and public schools they advise their children to get along with friends and practice harmony, it all starts from birthday parties till it goes on to prom nights organized by schools. This is the very beginning of placing culture over religion. Parents often feel their kids are very young and start dressing them with more revealing clothes,  they are often made to wear something that makes the children forget the word "Haya", the children are advised not to feel alienated by covering themselves full and they are often reminded to get along well with their friends and perhaps making those tender minds completely forget the point that "Haya" /Modesty is a part of our eemaan.  This is the beginning of the end.

Having studied in a co-education environment throughout my education i am someone who strongly supports this sort of education. Clause! Yes i would support this because the studying of boys and girls together makes girls tough,  the concept of being oppressed or bullied in later stages of life can be handled well when an individual gets strong,  but what i try to explain here is, though my parents made us study in a co-ed school, they always reminded us to stay away from something that's not for us, when i was a grade two child my mother used to advise me to prefer playing with girls and make me talk about everything to her (She made me such that even today she calls me a radio, the moment i am home i blurt out my story of the entire day in ten minutes to her) Till date she happens to be my best friend in life though i have irritated her, troubled her, threw tantrums but I do miss her with all my heart.

Later in high school i was often reminded about "Haya" and in grade 10 i started practicing Hijab and never felt offended as i was applauded by my teachers because of my grades and the way i handled my school responsibilities by being the school captain and vice captain for two years, nothing stopped me from giving my best and achieving my dreams, achieving what i deserved.  But the basic ethics that were sown in my mind helped me in every possible way,  be it my engineering days or my corporate job wherein i was the lone woman Business Analyst handling a team of 21 developers and designers I was a dignified young woman in Hijab who always had my own boundaries,  I continued handling three core teams of Product Engineering with utmost modesty and respect inline with being strict and professional.  I was strong with my work ethics that when i sent out a resignation mail my IT head took two days to decide about accepting my papers for notice period or transfer me to the New Jersey office.  Because of these valuable ethics and religious tarbiyah did I manage to protect myself from any sort of exploitation or abuse or anything else. Even today i professionally handle many things, I fly across oceans, I visit countries, I work and I enjoy life but with Hijab, with Salath, with Qur'an. Every step we take, every decision we make we always remember the beautiful teachings that Islam has taught us. When Allah swt commands in the Holy Quran:

And tell the believing women to reduce [some] of their vision and guard their private parts and not expose their adornment except that which [necessarily] appears thereof and to wrap [a portion of] their headcovers over their chests and not expose their adornment except to their husbands, their fathers, their husbands' fathers, their sons, their husbands' sons, their brothers, their brothers' sons, their sisters' sons, their women, that which their right hands possess, or those male attendants having no physical desire, or children who are not yet aware of the private aspects of women. And let them not stamp their feet to make known what they conceal of their adornment. And turn to Allah in repentance, all of you, O believers, that you might succeed. -Surat Noor: 31

And the same applies to men and well when Allah swt commands in the Holy Qur'an:

Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and be modest. That is purer for them. Lo! Allah is aware of what they do. -Surat Noor: 30

Your children are given to you as a trust from Allah swt and you will be held accountable for them. So, do not be stingy in their proper upbringing and in giving them proper guidance, Do not leave them to destruction by making them chose culture over religion. 

Always remember all that they do will be written down, and when their book is presented on the Day of Accountability – the contents will be based on your work! Ask yourself: what are you doing to ensure that your children’s book will reflect righteous deeds, good character and true success? 

 

Here are a few points that i would like to pen down about raising the future generation adhere to the teachings of Islam: 

 

• Pious and Productive mothers are the best examples of good upbringing of any child or any generation. 

   

• Take the Luqman(AS) way and teach them right from an early age that Allah is one and the only and He has no partners nor associates. Allah swt knows everything in the heavens and the earth and He is aware of everything we do.

   

• Since the very beginning start telling them about food and life, educate them about the difference between Halal and Haraam. Talk to them everyday looking into their eyes, practice warmth and remain calm, friendly and approachable and try your best to keep your phone/internet/social networking far away when your child is with you.

   

• Tell them about their Creator and always remind them about the Good and Bad, teach them about the arrogance of Iblis and guide them to stay away from Iblis and his evil intentions.

   

• Refrain from practicing Shirk and too much of influence of Saints and Personalities, Children and generation of today know the truth and the logic that the dead will never come back to life and answer their prayers, so teach them the correct teachings of Islam, tell them to call upon the Almighty always and teach them about His attributes and creation, who has created us and who will resurrect us again on the Day of Resurrection. 

   

• Practice taking them to the Masjids, halaqah's, talks and encourage them to pray with you. Do not ask them to pray by themselves, stand and pray with them, teach them and practice prayers whilst there will come a day where the same children will start practicing prayers even without your reminders.

   

• If it's a girl child make sure you cover her and teach her appropriately about clothing in Islam, practice Hijab and reciprocate the same to your child and they will start doing it without hesitation when the time is right for them (My mother had influenced me completely and continues to do this even today) and if it is a boy child make sure you teach him to respect and be kind to women, start respecting his mother and helping her more often such that he continues to respect and help his woman in the future.

   

• Make sure you teach your children about Haya and educate them to cover properly and teach them the etiquette of changing clothes, going to washrooms, eating habits, being kind and generous, obeying elders, respect to parents and teachers, cleanliness, manners and discipline.

It was narrated that Aa'ishah, the wife of the Prophet (pbuh) said:The Messenger of Allah swt said: "Verily Allah loves kindness in all things". - Sahih Al-Bukhari: 6024.

Tell them the importance of Jummah prayer and practice the reading of Qur'an everyday. Hence one of the early generations said to his children's teacher: Let the first thing you do in setting my children straight be mending your own ways, for their faults will be connected to your faults; in their eyes, what is good will be what you do and what is bad will be what you do and what is bad will be what you refrain from. -Tareekh Dimashq, 38/271-272.

•  When you make a promise make sure you adhere to the promise no matter how small it is or how big it is. With this the children learn to keep their promises right from a tender age always teach them that Truth alone prevails falsehood leads to the Hell-Fire.

Indeed, the commitment is ever [that about which one will be] questioned. -Surat Al-Isra: 34

Those who fulfill the covenant of Allah and do not break the contract. -Surat Ar-Rad: 20

Allah has decreed for fulfilling promises great benefits in this world and in the Hereafter, in addition to the obvious benefits of creating a righteous and stable society. Among these benefits are the following:

Fulfilling promises is one of the attributes of the pious according to the Book of Allah, and it one of the greatest means of attaining taqwa (piety, consciousness of Allah). Allah says:

But yes, whoever fulfills his commitment and fears Allah - then indeed, Allah loves those who fear Him. -Surat Al-Imran: 76

• Respect your parents and kinship by maintaining good ties with them and helping the needy. Be kind to the orphans and set examples of helping the ones in need. Be kind to animals and birds and teach your children what the Qur'an says about hurting fellow human beings.

Whoever kills a soul unless for a soul or for corruption [done] in the land - it is as if he had slain mankind entirely. And whoever saves one - it is as if he had saved mankind entirely. And our messengers had certainly come to them with clear proofs. Then indeed many of them, [even] after that, throughout the land, were transgressors. -Surat Al-Maidah: 32

They ask you, [O Muhammad], what they should spend. Say, "Whatever you spend of good is [to be] for parents and relatives and orphans and the needy and the traveler. And whatever you do of good - indeed, Allah is Knowing of it." -Surat Al-Baqarah: 215

Have you seen the one who denies the Recompense [the religion]? For that is the one who drives away the orphan. -Surat Al Ma’un: 1-2

And they give food in spite of love for it to the needy, the orphan, and the captive. -Surat Al-Insan: 8

And come not near to the orphans property except to improve it, until he attains the age of full strength. And fulfil (every) covenant. Verily! the covenant, will be questioned about. -Surat Al-Isra: 34

• Read them stories of Prophets and teach them Islamic Etiquettes and make it a routine habit, also called as the bed-time stories. Stories are so fascinating and beautiful that children want to hear them more often, when you end a story tell them the moral of the same.

   

• There is a time in the month of December to January where we get to see beautiful decorations everywhere and the children love decorations, light, coloring, art, so whilst when it is Eid start decorating your houses and teach them Eid is a celebration, tell them the importance of Eid, Eid-ul-Fitr and the 30 days fasting that we practice and do, we end up celebrating Eid with new clothes, food, decoration, gifts and many more, same with Eid-ul-Adha (even more a perfect time to tell them the importance of sacrifice and Hajj as they love hearing the story of Prophet Ibrahim and Prophet Ismail).

   

• Recite Takbeer again and again and play it in your house on the Day of Eid.

   

• Last but not the least please shun the unlimited exposure of telivision and internet and the accessibility of mobile phones, tablets, laptops to the tender minds.

Like many concerned parents, westernization of culture is getting the children of today far far away from the real teachings of Islam, it is good to be concerned about a child's upbringing right from a tender age, those who are reading this article on my blog,  I would congratulate you for the beautiful thought of upbringing your child in a more Islamic way, this thought is actually a blessing of Allah swt upon you for the guidance of your children to Islam, and I ask Allah swt  to make me and you steadfast in adhering to this religion until we meet Him when He is pleased with us. I also congratulate you for your keenness to give your children a good upbringing. With Islam we can turn Can'ts into Cans, we can turn dreams into plans and execute them without having to embrace culture and proudly say "We are Muslims, We are the Ummah of Prophet (pbuh)". May Allah swt protect us and bless our families. Aameen. FiAmanillah.

BarakaAllahu Feekum! Ma'as-salaama.

Self Admiration -Hijab of a proud Muslim woman!

It's a busy morning as i rush up to work and take a break to head towards the gigantic corridors of the University we all sit for the Board of Directors Meeting with some important resolutions, agendas and proposals being discussed with complete recordings.

As the discussion is in progress what got my mind to a pause was self admiration. (Now this sounds really funny) /Laugh/Pause/Teeth

Getting back to what was the self admiration that stuck my little brain amidst the serious meeting discussions was "My Hijab". I felt it's the greatest blessing Allah swt has ordained Muslim women with. It is the greatest cover of respect we are blessed with which at times is not going well by the term called "Modernization of Islam" or "Liberal Islam" or to any context may be they have started a new religion called "Humanity" wherein taking out Hijabs and burning them calling Hijab as oppression is hilarious or probably the sign of a loser who tries impressing people over Allah swt for monetary gain and useless power.

When we have an intention of practicing Islam and surrendering completely to please the All-Majesty, The Guardian of all things, He infact makes things easy on His slave, so easy that His slave with utmost respect is recognized by the society, He makes things so perfect that Hijab instead of being looked at as an oppressed symbol is looked at with great respect. And this is what stuck my little brain. The Director's were all top-notch professionals some experienced and some doctorates, am the youngest in the Board and yet the immense respect been given the way they all talk together take my proposals and accept my approval to certain resolutions cannot be penned either, the feeling in itself is "Precious".

A few months back i was standing at a park gate and watching the small kids of the area play, a small boy was pointing his hand towards me and saying something to his mother. This happened again and again, say 4-5 times, as the mother-son came to exit, the small boy again said something to his mother. This made me curious to ask his mother "What is the kid saying?" She replied, we are from Mexico and we have a gigantic wall-portrait of Mother Mary hung up in our house and the boy was pointing towards me and saying "Mumma, look at Mother Mary" I didn't have any words to say all i said is "Thank you" and kissed the kid. Such beautiful thing Hijab is and i sit wondering why some fools name it as oppression.

I always feel, when we keep our intentions pure and when we strive hard to accept the fact that this worldly life is nothing but an amusement play what matters is impressing and staying true to the Almighty and staying firm on obeying His commands, The Supreme power will make everything easy on us and blesses us with what we need and what we rightly deserve, we all plan and He plans, for He is the best of planners.

What do we humans say? 

All we have to say is with the will of Allah swt. SubhanaAllahi Wabihamdihi, SubhanaAllahil Adheem, SubhanaAllahi wa bihamdihi `adada khalqihi, wa rida nafsihi, wa zinatah `arshihi, wa midada kalimatihi.

With Hijab let's maintain our modesty too with character, with manners, with speech, with thinking and with clothing. Let's become good examples to convey goodness to the society and work hard to make an identity of ourselves to which the generation of tomorrow can look upto and remember us for the women in Hijab.

JazakaAllahu Khayr...

Halal and Haraam for a Muslim...

It's just a random post through an experience i had a few weeks ago. I am not judgemental i am not conveying something that happened because of lack of resources but i want to pen down that the entire episode happened because of sheer negligence accompanied by the failed ability of distinguishing between Halal and Haraam.

I was on a recent journey to the Niagara Falls and the journey was the best road trip that i ever had, initially i had a bad time with the tourist guide who put me on the last seat of the bus and when i raised voice of suing the travel company she exchanged my seat for her seat which was right in the front and the journey was a beautiful memory i carried back home.

I was seated on a seat next to a Muslimah with her family in the backseats, parents, brother and sister in law were present they were a very warm and a nice family i do not have any complaints about the whole journey we had a real good time together.

Now why am i writing this post, yes i feel it's necessary for Muslims to be aware and wary of the food that we eat, are we serious enough about the commands of Allah swt and abide by our prophet's (pbuh) sunnah?

While returning back from Niagara on the second day our bus halted at an Asian Buffet Restaurant which was a Chinese food outlet, since i had no food with me packed because of the two day trip, i had to enter the restaurant to look out for the food items because am very very conscious about the ingredients first, for example halal meat, gluten free, no alcohol, no gelatin etc, the basic things that Muslims usually cross check before eating. The restaurant i entered had bottles of alcohol which didn't go well with me, upon entering i saw the menu and ordered a vegetable fried rice because i had no option and i had to continue traveling for another 6 hours.

The manager of the restaurant was a beautiful old Chinese lady who suggested me to have a look at the buffet and decide and may be i would like it, i was hesitant she pressurized me saying they offer a lot of deserts and sea-food. To keep the old ladies request i entered the buffet area wherein i saw numerous deserts, salads and i must admit i felt more hungry than ever looking at all the beautiful garnished delicacies what hit me hard was the sight of these items chicken, beef, pork all lined up side by side, looking at this my throat dried up i no longer wanted to even look at the food. I came outside the buffet area and asked the lady to please send me my order at the restaurant area.

I had broccoli and peas fried rice hesitantly because i had to survive and went on to board the bus and sat next to my Muslimah friend, i asked her if she is done with her lunch and she excitedly answered Yes! I ate a lot today! What a beautiful restaurant (I looked at her with a pause) she went ahead and said i had beef, i had chicken, i had the best shrimps ever and i had salmon fish (It's hard for me to forget this talk that i had) I took a deep breathe and asked her "Did you check if it is Halal? There was pork next to beef" pat came the reply "Pata nahi yaar, khaana accha tha bass" (Meaning: I dunno friend but the food was good) I closed my eyes and i felt sad on this part such warm lady such a good soul "Doesn't it make any difference for her?" When Allah swt says:

"O you who have believed, eat from the good things which We have provided for you and be grateful to Allah if it is [indeed] Him that you worship. He has only forbidden to you dead animals, blood, the flesh of swine, and that which has been dedicated to other than Allah . But whoever is forced [by necessity], neither desiring [it] nor transgressing [its limit], there is no sin upon him. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful." -Surat Baqarah: 172-173

Then i wanted to explain her but she was not keen to listen because when i started saying she cut me off saying "Even my mother practices Islam she asks me to read Namaz, am like the Shaytaan who keeps ignoring" and i must admit the Hijabi Mother also had her lunch there, couldn't she stop her child from doing something wrong? Against the teachings of Islam?

And why should you not eat of that upon which the name of Allah has been mentioned while He has explained in detail to you what He has forbidden you, excepting that to which you are compelled. And indeed do many lead [others] astray through their [own] inclinations without knowledge. Indeed, your Lord - He is most knowing of the transgressors. -Surat Al-An'am: 119

I had no words to say about this whole incident because somewhere my Muslimah friend knew that she was wrong but i continued to be busy with reading my book and looking at the beautiful nature outside, that is when i decided i am going to take this issue seriously and address it on my twitter handle, today i have a weekend and i sat down to pen this entire story about how the youth of today are being so careless and so carefree about some serious commands of Allah swt.

And the camels and cattle We have appointed for you as among the symbols of Allah ; for you therein is good. So mention the name of Allah upon them when lined up [for sacrifice]; and when they are [lifeless] on their sides, then eat from them and feed the needy and the beggar. Thus have We subjected them to you that you may be grateful. -Surat Al-Hajj: 36

I would end up this post writing "Eat Halal no matter how tough, be Halal no matter how hard"

May Allah swt guide the youth of today including me and you to follow the teachings of Islam in a righteous way, May Allah swt fill our hearts with fear about the day of resurrection where everything we did in this world would be taken to account, May Allah swt keep us firm on our religion following His commands and the acts of our prophet (pbuh). May Allah swt feed us Halal food and make us concious about the difference between Halal and Haraam. Aameen birehmatika ya'arhamarahimeen.

JazakaAllahu Khayr...