Show some Love

Valentine is here once again and I still stand by my position that it is unislamic. If you are already making plans and deciding on what to spend and how to spend, please conduct some thorough research on the position of Islam regarding this pagan practice. And I have a proposal for you. . .instead of spending all that money on a single day's event, how about do something to earn Allah's pleasure. There are so many hungry people in the world and it isn't because the world does not have enough food to feed them but because we are too selfish to care!

Now, how about spending that "Valentine Budget" to spread some love on people who cannot afford to eat. By so doing, you are actually spreading love in the way that Allah will be pleased with you. And guess what you will get all that back at a time when you truly need it. . .

My sister always says we only live twice. Whatever you do this life is an investment into the next. Save a life, make someone happy, earn a reward from Allah. What an offer! I sure won't miss this one! I hope you share in my enthusiasm. Good luck!

Subhanakallahumma wa bihamdik nastagfiruka wa natubu ilaik.

The Feast of Dhul Hijjah

                                                                         
When we think of Dhul Hijjah, what usually comes to mind is the feast to be enjoyed after the usual sacrifice (of ram, cow, camel etc). Although abundance of meat is the main characteristic of this season, dhul hajj entails a lot more.

Dhul Hajj or Dhul Hijjah is the last of the 12 months of the Islamic calendar. It is the month in which the Muslims perform the Hajj, which is one of the pillars of Islam. The Hajj is performed between the 8th and the 12th days of the month.

Whether one is on Pilgrimage or not however, it is a very blessed month. This is justified by Allah's oath, "By the dawn; by the ten nights."(Q89:1-2).

Ramadan Follow-Up

Eid Mabrouk!
Alhamdulillah we have seen the end of Ramadan. Some people were with us last Ramadan but did not make it to this one; some made it but were too sick to fast; some made it but Allah took their lives before the end. So, we say Alhamdulillah for being able to start and see it through.
Ramadan is over but its not all over. It is now time for us to ask ourselves how the Prophet (SAW) followed up the month and what he adviced us to do.

Of course, the first obligation on any muslim is to

Lessons From Ramadan

Assalam Alaikum,
Now that Ramadan is coming to an end, its time we review what we have learnt of Taqwa and Charity; and spread it out to other months of the year. As we all know, Ramadan is a learning month. It was sent in order for us to attain taqwa. As Allah said,"يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ"
Therefore, the month is intended for us to attain taqwa not just for use in the month but for us to attain and maintain it. We have spent the month, praying, and giving in charity. This should not stop at the end of the month. The aim is to attain taqwa. May Allah help us.
With this little advice, I'd like to say Siyam Mabrour and Eid Mubarak.

Half Way Through Ramadan. . .What Have You Achieved?

Assalam Alaikum and Ramadan Kareem.


Its amazing how time flies. It almost feels like yesterday when I made my last post but amazingly, it isn't. Time flies really fast and unless we walk fast with it, we are sure to be left behind. May Allah help us. Ameen.


Today is the 17th day of Ramadan. We have all made so many plans for this glorious month and I think its high time we sat down and reflect on what we have achieved and where we are. If have somehow misplaced our priorities, it is time we sit down and review them.


If you have some how fall short of achieving your goals for this wonderful month, don't panic!

Welcome O Ramadan!

It is that month of the year again in which Muslims observe obligatory fast.; that month of the year which is so full of blessings and peace; that month of the year which every mu'min looks forward to with great hope. I hope you are as excited as I am. Today, I intend to remind us of the blessings Allah has set up for us to grab in this great month. It is just like an all you can eat buffet with everything delicious on the menu.

First, it is in this month that the night of destiny (lailatul qadr) is found. Lailatul qadr is the night which all told us in His glorious Qur'an, is better than a thousand months. Allah says,

"إِنَّا أَنزَلْنَـهُ فِى لَيْلَةِ الْقَدْرِ - وَمَآ أَدْرَاكَ مَا لَيْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ - لَيْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ خَيْرٌ مِّنْ أَلْفِ شَهْرٍ - تَنَزَّلُ الْمَلَـئِكَةُ وَالرُّوحُ فِيهَا بِإِذْنِ رَبِّهِم مِّن كُلِّ أَمْرٍ - سَلَـمٌ هِىَ حَتَّى مَطْلَعِ الْفَجْرِ"         

"(1. Verily, We have sent it down in the Night of Al-Qadr.) (2. And what will make you know what the Night of Al-Qadr is) (3. The Night of Al-Qadr is better than a thousand months.) (4. Therein descend the angels and the Ruh by their Lord's permission with every matter.) (5. There is peace until the appearance of dawn.)"

Simply keeping this in mind will make us very excited that Ramadan is approaching

Life is not About Choices

No. Life definitely isn't. Some time ago I thought life plans are paramount. I thought I had to plan everything. . .and according to "the way things should be". I was wrong.

I made all the right moves and did all the right things at the right time; I respected all and everyone's wish. I did all I could to ensure that I made everyone happy thinking that things will be reciprocated when I'm in need. I was dead wrong!!! In fact, I was murder wrong!!!

All my sacrifices NEVER paid up. Naturally, it got me depressed.

In Search of Advice

Assalam Alaikum my fellow brothers and sisters. Today I'm writing to seek your advice on what to do with "my kids." Yes, my kids. Remember I told you that I now teach in an Elementary School? Well, I have been put in charge of Extra-Curricular Activities. The major problem I am facing is the Kid's lack of interest in the Program.I need suggestions on some fun activities to boost their interest and get them to contribute.

I'll be awaiting your response. All comments will be appreciated.

Ma'assalam.

P.S: Please continue to pray for me. I need it!!!

Solar/Lunar Eclipse:The Islamic View

A third night ago, there was lunar eclipse in my part of the world. I was asleep and was woken up by a family member. She walked in and out of the room several times even touching me the last time. Her understanding of an eclipse is that the world would end if the moon does not clear by midnight.
This triggered my need to spread the little I know and hope by Allah that it makes an impact.
Eclipse either solar or lunar are a sign of Allah's majesty and they should remind Muslims of the Power of Allah to do whatever He desires.
During the time of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), there was a solar eclipse. It occurred on the day the Prophet's son, Ibrahim, died. Some people thought it occurred because of the son's death. The Prophet (SAW), however, said to his people,
"The sun and the moon are two of the signs of Allaah; they do not become eclipsed for the death or life of anyone. If you see that then call upon Allaah and magnify Him, and pray, and give in charity.” Bukhari
When the eclipse started, the Prophet ordered for call to Salatul Jami'ah and led a congregational prayer after which he offered a sermon.


NATURE OF THE ECLIPSE PRAYER
The Eclipse prayer is also called Salaatul Khusuf. It is a 2 unit prayer with 2 ruku'u, 2 Qiyaam, and 2 sujood.

Making An Impact Where It Matters

Assalam Alaikum wa rahmatullah wa barakatuhu.
I know I have not been here for a while. Well, it's because I took up a teaching job last month. I turned down that banking job sometime ago and a few weeks later I got this offer. I have not really stopped to think about it until now. Allah really does work in mysterious ways. Masha Allah. Alhamdulillah. I know the pay is a lot less than what I expect to get from the bank, but I am content and I know that Allah will make it up for me.

It is an elementary school teaching job

Celebrating the Mauludun Nabiyy

The subject of celebrating the Maulud has been a subject of debate among scholars for a very long time and no consensus has been reached till today. Maulud is a term used to describe the date of birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), which falls on the 12th day of the month of Rabi'ul Auwal i.e the 3rd Month of the Islamic Calendar. In the Gregorian Calendar, the date varies according to the sighting of the moon.
Maulud is recent to Islam, starting after the death of the Prophet (SAW), his companions, and their companions. There is no evidence anywhere that the Prophet (SAW) celebrated his birthday or commanded that it be celebrated. No one claims that!
Proponents of the celebration argue that the day (and night) is revived with history of the Prophet, Qur'anic recitations, Salawat on the Prophet, and all good things, all of which no one can say are haraam. They also argue that the sunnah fasting of Monday is observed because the Prophet (SAW) was born on Monday citing the following hadith as a proof:
Abu Qatadah reported that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) was asked about fasting on Mondays and he said, "That is the day on which I was born and the day when I was sent - or when revelation descended on me." (Muslim, Al-Nasaa'i, Abu Dawood).

Why Wait For Valentines Day

In trying to trace the origin of Valentines Day, I have stumbled on so many different stories, which makes it extremely difficult to figure out its real origin. But the bottom line is that it is certainly a pagan tradition. Linking with it to St. Valentine is also another debate. While some people try to link it to him (probably to make it acceptable in Christianity) others reject any connection. Whatever the case is, we are NOT allowed to imitate the kuffar in any way. Thereby making the celebration of Valentines Day impermissible in Islam.

Allah (Subhanahu wa ta'ala) says in the Qur'an that, "And if any among you takes them (as Awliyaa' [friends and helpers]), then surely, he is one of them." (Q5:51)

Do You Pray?

This may come as a shock and most people will answer with "duh! of course I do!" But do you really pray? Looking critically at how Muslims really live their lives and observe their Ibadah, you will agree with me that most things are observed merely as rituals - because they are required! Why and How to actual do things are out of the question. When you ask a person why he or she performs a particular Ibadah, most people will simply answer, "because this is how I saw it done." 
Salaah (Islamic Prayer) is the foremost and most important aspect of a Muslim's life - it distinguishes between the Muslim and the Kafir and will be the first act to be checked on the day in which you have no chance to make corrections.

Bank Jobs and Riba

My topic today is inspired by a juicy bank job offer I had to reject. I was asleep in the morning when my phone rang. So I was reluctant in picking it up but when I checked, it was a name that hardly calls or not at all. So, I just had to answer. I answered and the caller asked me to take my C.V to her office and go for an aptitude test with her bank. As a senior official, she is entitled to "spots" for her candidates. With my degree in Accounting and an MBA and searching desperately for a job, I was her first choice. I was to get a management position and receive a huge salary and benefits. Juuuuiiiicy, right? Well, I declined.
I know I can only afford basics, most times going for the cheapest commodities to be able to do so but I still rejected. Why?

It Only Takes a Click to Make That Difference

Assalam Alaikum.


I know I haven't written in a while but I was a bit down. Today,I have decided to share with you something really amazing. . .well, I'm sure some are aware but I still think it can serve as reminder to us all. It is the amazing click to donate websites available online. They cost nothing except the little time you spend clicking but make a huge difference in another person's life. They serve different causes - hunger, education, healthcare, and everything else you can think about; and help you earn rewards from your creator, Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala). All you need to do is to make one simple click and a needy is helped. How about that?

                                    

Dhul Hijjah: The Virtues of the First Ten Days

Dhul Hijjah is the last of the twelve months of the Islamic Calendar and the month in which the glorious rite of Hajj is performed by the Muslims.

The first ten days of the month are considered highly virtuos and full of Rahma and as such, we are encouraged to inrease our acts of Ibadah during these blessed days. There are qur'anic verses and ahadith that make direct reference to these days, indicating their virtue.

Allah (SWT) says, in His Glorious Qur'an,

"By the dawn; By the 10 nights” [al-Fajr 89:1-2].
Most scholars agree that these ten nights refer to the first ten nights of Dhul-Hijjah. Ibn Katheer also had validated that opinion by stating: “This is the correct opinion.” [Tafseer Ibn Katheer, 8/413]
All scholars agree that if Allah swears by something, it shows the importance of that thing.

And in Q2:203, Allah says, "And remember Allah during the appointed Days"

Cursing Your Child: What To Know

Each time I lie down to sleep what haunts me is my father's words - his curse on me.

I have been sleepless for the past two and a half years and now he has added to my misery. He probably thought that cursing me will strenghten the relationship between us. It has worsen it entirely. I cannot stand his sight although I force myself to look at him, smile at him, and talk to him. He has made my life a lot more miserable.

The question that keeps popping into my mind is why would a father curse his child so passionately?

Parents: What To Know About Your Child

I have decided to write about things I think will help parents to understand their kids better as well as help them to make better judgements concerning the child. I am not a parent yet (but hope to be soon, insha Allah) and have no idea what parents are thinking when they act the way they do. So, I'm writing to you as a daughter with lots of experience.

My experience has taught me that most parents do not consider what their wards are thinking when they take decisions. Growing up in a typical African-Islamic family (Islamic is italised because praying five times a day and fasting in Ramadan is all the Islam that is practised.),

My Psychological State

If I die today, I know I died because of my father. I have seen how other parents act with their kids and how things happen and I wonder why my life goes the way it does. Is life truly fair? I can't but think.
I'm not a kid. I'm 26 years old and yet my life is as terrible as it can ever be.

Eid Mabruk and Siyaam Mabrour

Alhamdulillah! Allah has seen us through this month of bliss, happiness, and a lot of Ibadah. May Allah (SWT) accept all our Ibadah, our devotion, and prayers.

But now that the month is over, what next?

Certainly not what we are into! The main aim of fasting is to achieve taqwa (piety) as stated by Allah (SWT) in His glorious Qur'an, “O you who believe! Observing As-Sawm (the fasting) is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqoon (the pious)” [al-Baqarah 2:183]

In defining taqwa, Umar ibn Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) asked Ubbay ibn Ka’ab (may Allah be pleased with him), “What is the meaning of Taqwa?”

Ubbay ibn Ka’ab said, “O Amir ul Mu’minin, have you walked on a field that had a lot of thorny plants?”

Umar said, “Yes” Ubbay ibn Ka’ab said, “So what did you do?”

Umar replied, “I lifted up my clothes and I was very careful,”

Ubbay ibn Ka’ab said, “That is Taqwa.”