Assalamualaykum warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh
Bismillah
Its been a while since we wrote on this blog…Alot has happened the past couple of months and unfortunately we were unable to blog about them…Alhamdulilah now that we have some free time on our hands, we will be dedicating more time to the blog bi’idnillah.
Asalamu alaykum warahmatullahi wabarakatu,
Jannah, how I pray to enter it’s highest level, Al Firdaus al A’laa. Now we all know we are going to die, but it’s only a matter of when and how. Death is around us everywhere. It may not be your turn next, but everyone will get to their grave someday. Remember, there is no coming back once you’re gone. There will be no way to take sins back. So you have two choices while living, either you worship and follow Allah commandments in hopes of attaining an everlasting abode in paradise or do as you wish and risk eternal damnation. Paradise is a promise from Allah to those who work and strive to enter it and who better than Allah do we put our trust in to keep a promise?
Jannah Al- Firdaus
“Verily, those who believe and do righteous deeds, shall have the Gardens of Al- Firdaus (Paradise) for entertainment.”
Who is Paradise for?
In the Quran in Surah (chapter) 43 verse35 it says what could be translated as:
“…the Hereafter in the sight of thy Lord, is for the Righteous.”
Surah 44 verse 51-52:
“As to the Righteous (they will be) in a position of Security; Among Gardens and Springs”
Surah 50 verse 31-34:
“And the Garden will be brought nigh to the Righteous,-no more a thing distant.; (A voice will say) ‘This is is what was promised for you,- for every one who turned (to Allah) in sincere repentance, who kept ( His Law),; ‘Who feared (Allah) Most Gracious unseen, and brought a heart turned in devotion (to Him):; ‘Enter ye therein in Peace and Security, this is a Day of Eternal Life!”
Rivers in Jannah
“The discription of Paradise which the Muttaqun have been promised (is that) in it are rivers of water the taste and smell of which are not changed, rivers of milk of which the taste never changes, rivers of wine delicious to those who drink, and rivers of clarified honey (clean and pure), therein for them is every kind of fruit, and forgiveness from their lord. (Are these) like those who shall dwell forever in the Fire and be given to drink boiling water so that it cuts up their bowels?” (Surah Muhammad:15)
The description of Jannah in Quran is many. We know it’s only for those who are righteous and do good deeds. We know it’s an eternal abode. There will be no falsehood and truth shall prevail over evil. Who wouldn’t want to have the Prophet (sallahu alayhi wasalam) as his neighbour on one side, a companion like Abu Bakr or Umar ibn Khattab (may Allah be pleased with them) on the other side and Allah’s throne above them? I certainly want all that and more. If you wnat to know more about the descriptions of Jannah just turn and read Quran near you!
By Allah, there is much more to Jannah than what I have written about, I urge everyone to do a little research and they will see what I mean. By Allah, what I have written if it is good is only from Allah. If I have made any mistakes it is from myself and shaitan.
May Allah make us all among those who are righteous and we all be of those who enter Jannah Al Fidaus. Ameen
By: Hamzah Qassim
Umm ‘Umara was blessed with many honours, amongst these her presence at Uhud, al-Hudaybiyya, Khaybar, the Fulfilled Umra, Hunayn, and the Battle of Yamama. But her most noble role came about during the battle of Uhud.
Umm ‘Umara set out to the battle with her husband, Ghaziya, and her two sons. Her inhad been to give water to the wounded, but Allah had planned for her a more rewarding role.
So she set out with her family with a waterskin, and arrived at the battle field during the beginning of the day. The Muslims had the upper hand, and she went to see how the Messenger of Allah (Sallilahu Alayhi Wasalaam) was. But then the Muslims committed a fatal error – seeing the Quraysh on the retreat, they ran towards the booty, ignoring the Prophet’s command to remain on the hill. Khalid bin Walid, (who hadn’t embraced Islam yet), seeing the open flank, made a charge against the Muslims and suddenly the tide had swung towards the Quraysh. The Muslims panicked and began to flee, leaving behind only the Prophet (Sallilahu Alayhi Wasalaam) and a handful of his Companions. Among these was Umm Umara.
Seeing the Muslims flee, Umm Umara ran to the defense of the Prophet and took up arms, along with her husband and two sons. The Prophet noticed that she had no shield, and so said to one of the retreating men: “Give your shield to the one who is fighting.” So he handed her the shield, and she defended the Prophet of Allah with it, using also the bow and arrow along with a sword. She was attacked by horsemen, but never wavered nor felt fear. She later boldly claimed, “If they had been on foot as we were, we would have trounced them, Allah willing.”
Abdullah ibn Zayed, her son, was wounded during the battle. His wound bled profusely. His mother ran to him and bandaged his wounds, and then commanded him, “Go and fight the people, my son!” The Prophet (Sallilahu Alayhi Wasalaam) admired her sense of sacrifice, and commended her, “Who can endure what you can endure, Umm ‘Umara!”
Suddenly, the man who had struck her son advanced, and the Prophet called out to her, “This is the one who struck your son.” She bravely confronted the man, who her very son described as being like a great tree trunk, and struck at his leg, sending him to his knees. The Messenger of Allah smiled so much his teeth became visible, and remarked, “You have retaliated, Umm ‘Umara!“. Having finished him off, the Prophet then said “Praise be to Allah who has given you victory and delighted you over your enemy and let you enjoy your revenge directly.”
At one stage, the Prophet (Sallilahu Alayhi Wasalaam) was left alone, so taking the opportunity, the enemy Ibn Qumay’a charged at the Prophet, shouting “Show me Muhammad! I will not be saved if he is saved!” So Mus’ab ibn ‘Umayr, along with some other of the Companions, dashed to the protection of the Prophet. Umm ‘Umara was among them, and began fiercely striking at the enemy of Allah, even though he was wearing double armour. Ibn Qumay’a managed to strike a blow at her neck, leaving a serious wound. The Prophet quickly called on her son “Your mother! Your mother! Bind her wound! May Allah bless you, the people of a house! The stand of your mother is better than the stand of so-and-so. May Allah have mercy on you, people of a house! The stand of your foster father is better than the stand of so-and-so. May Allah have mercy on you, people of a house!” Umm ‘Umara, seeing the Prophet’s pleasure on her determination and valour, earnestly requested “Ask Allah to make us your companions in the Garden!” So he said “O Allah, make them my companions in the Garden.” And this was the desire of Umm ‘Umara, to which she replied “I do not care what afflicts me in this world!”
That day, she received thirteen wounds, and was treated for her neck wound for a complete year. She also participated in the Battle of Yamama, where she received eleven wounds and lost her hand.
Her courageous character earned her the respect of all the Companions, especially the Khalifa’s who would visit her and pay special attention to her.
‘Umar bin Khattab (Radiallahu Anhu) was brought some silk garments which contained excellent quality material. One of the people remarked “This garment is worth such-and-such (meaning how expensive it was). You should send it to the wife of ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar, Safiyya bint Abi ‘Ubayd.” ‘Umar (Radiallahu Anhu) however did not desire such a garment for his daughter in law. “That is something which I will not give to Ibn ‘Umar. I will send it to someone who is more entitled to it than her – Umm ‘Umara Nusayba bint Ka’b. On the day of Uhud, I heard the Messenger of Allah (Sallilahu Alayhi Wasalaam) say, ‘Whenever I looked to the right or left I saw her fighting in front of me’.”
This was the life of Umm ‘Umara, the warrior who stood when many fled, who sent her wounded son back into the thick of the battle, and was prepared to lose her life to save the Prophet’s. In return, she received the du’a for the Prophet’s companionship in Paradise.
May Allah bless our women with such courage, self-sacrifice and perseverance.
Salma: As SalaamuAlaykum Ukhti, how are you?
Maryam: Wa Alaykumas Salaam, Alhamdulillah, can I speak to you over here for a second?
*Scene changes & they are in quiet corner*
S- Sister what did you have to speak to me about?
M-How do i say this? Erm, thats not proper hijab…
*Salmas face turns red in utter shock*
S- but I’m wearing my silk abayah & I’m even wearing cardigan, plus my hijab is black!
M- sister please don’t get mad, I’m only telling you this for fear that i may be held accountable for not advising you. That’s not proper hijab.
This doesn’t happen often, but Alhamdulillah its an example of many conversations that need to occur around the world. The Messenger of Allah Sallilahu Alayhi WaSalaam said:
“When people see wrong or evil and they don’t change it then it is eminent that the Punishment of Allaah will fall upon them.”
We as muslimahs have a very large role placed upon us that Allah chose US to represent islaamto the fullest with the way we walk, talk, and of course dress. However when we fail in the dress section, it just drags along every other expectation of us. The basics, its literally the basic fundamental things for a woman to do. Its the ABC’s of elementary school, if you dont pass those, your bound to fail everything else. Hijab is meant to cover yourself for who’s sake? Allah’s! So why is the most difficult thing for a woman to do? If we “Claim” we love Him then why is the thing that will uplift our status and bring us closer to Him, the one thing we find so extremely hard to practise? The answer is Shaytan! Now here I go blaming the age ol’ victim that we use when we want to push all the blame off ourselves. But when it comes to hijab I can honestly say due to experience, shaytan whispers so many wonderful excuses for us not observe it properly. He tells us “take your time your young” when your almost pushing 40, he tells us “step by step” but you’ve been wearing a khimaar and pants for almost three years now. He informs us of so reasons why that jilbab wont look good on you, “its too long i wont be able to move as swift as i used to” when you know that you have the slowest walk and you don’t go out often anyways. Or the biggest one “You’ll look fat”, chances are, your already are fat, trust me, JILBAB ain’t going to add anymore pounds you didn’t have sister. Oh and my favourite niqaab excuse “but nobody will trust me anymore since they don’t have a face to put with the person”, who cares? if they don’t trust you, they aren’t worth your time anyways, take your business to someone who doesn’t mind that you have a Canadian accent and are burka clad! Aoothubillahi Mina Shaytaanir Rajeem! He sure got a lot of excuses for us, and we keep on believing them.
Proper Hijab
This has been clearly outlined for us that we should be garbed in clothing where say if a man were to come near you, he wouldn’t be able to see where you arm begins or where your knees start. He shouldn’t be able to spot the grin on your face when he walks by, even though Allah commands you both to lower your gaze. Simple instructions that have been brought down to us muslimahs that we neglect. When will we fear Allah the way he deserves to be feared?
The hijab is suppose to be a shield for us, this is why the literal meaning for it is to cover. Cover our bodies from people out of modesty and obedience to our Lord. Now here is where the great debate begins… do we cover the face? When these ayahs were revealed…
And tell the believing women…not to show off their adornment except only that which is apparent and to draw their veils all over Juyoobihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms) Chapter Noor Verse 31
O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies Chapter Ahzaab Verse 59
The sahabiyaat would stop in their steps and send there children to get them sheets from the house and cover their whole body. Other women who have been praised by Aishah RadiaAllahu Anha in the famous hadith took their aprons and garments and cover their faces immediatly. SubhanAllah truely “sim3na wa ata3na”. So what about us? How come we have taken these verses to mean the head only? How come we have changed the meaning of the quran we say we shall always cherish? The years of corruption and following shaykhs rather than returning to the ahadith and quranic verses that direct us to the haqq is the cause. Every time we leave our houses we should be fully covered and do a thorough mirror browse (which we already do) and this time check if you have any Tabarruj.
Tabarruj
Umayymah, the daughter of Ruqayyah visited the Prophet (sall-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) to acknowledge the message of Islam and to acknowledge that he (sall-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) was and is the Messenger of Allaah. The Prophet (sall-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said to her:
I give my acknowledgment that you must not set partners to worship besides Allaah, that you do not steal, commit fornication or adultery, that you do not kill your child, that you do not commit any falsehood before your hands and between your legs, that you do not wail and that you do not make tabarruj like that of jahiliyyah (pre-Islamic era).”
We all need a step by step lesson on tabarruj! Firstly, the definition would be nice right, how inconsiderate of me eh. It linguistically means to display, however the islamic definition is to display yourself in a matter which is not befitting for a muslim woman. Examples of which is walking in a seductive sway, adorning yourself ; wearing make up, perfume, and acting in a behaviour which lacks hayah.
This act is taken very lightly, especially in this society. We are so nonchalant when a sister smells of Burberry Brit perfume out in the middle of a mall, or that we are sporting the latest style of abayahs that just so happen to look like a tight dress out in public. This act is a grave crime and a disobedience to Allah and His Messenger! Tabaruj brings no benefits to us sisters, it only invokes the Anger & Curse of Allah… The Messenger of Allah Sallilahu Alayhi Wasalaam said:
“There shall be (in the later) part of my nation women who are dressed but are in fact naked. On their heads are humps like those of camels. Curse them for they are surely cursed.”
Take a minute and ponder, are we these women? Do we know people who are like this and we don’t properly address the issue? Are we hypocrites?
“The best of your women is the affectionate, the fertile (in productivity), the propitious (favorable), the consultative if they fear Allaah. The most evil of your women are the Mutabar’rijat (those who do at-Tabarruj [display their beauty]), the Mutakhayelat (who strut/swagger), and they are the hypocrites.Those who enter Al-Jannah (the Paradise) are like the Cough Crow.” – Muhammad The Messenger of Allah Peace & Blessings from Allah be upon Him
It is reported that Muhammad b. Sîrîn – Allâh have mercy on him – said, “I have never envied anyone over anything: if a person is going to be in the Fire, how could I envy him over some worldly matter when he is destined for the Fire?! And if he is going to Paradise, how could I be envious of a man of Paradise with whom Allâh tabâraka wa ta’âlâ is pleased?!” Muslim said, “We have never heard anything better than this from the words of Ibn Sîrîn.”
Abû Bakr Al-Daynûrî, Al-Mujâlasah wa Jawâhir Al-‘Ilm article 2931.
SubhanaAllah indeed Ibn Sirin has spoken words full of wisdom. I wish that we could all think like this, but we don’t. I thought I should put together a little something for you to think further about this disease
We always want what other people obtain
No matter how ridiculous or not
The Feeling is like crying in the rain
And not having what you already got
It wrecks us from the inside out
Always putting thoughts into our brain
On why we should weep and pout
Over things we cannot gain
It makes us wish we weren’t who we are
And forces us to want to change
The way we did things way back far
Because we did them while deranged
Or so This Feeling says we were
When really we were just our own
It makes us through madness deter
Us from being fully grown
Can we ever beat The Feeling and win?
Or will we forever be won
By this ever persisting sin
Until we’re over and done?
I know this is a throw back but i love it… wait till the end and hear how nice Mishary Recites Verses 71-72 of Tawbah … MashaAllah!
Asalamu alaykum warahmatullahi wabarakatu,
I was at a conference where the sheikh was mentioning how mothers do anything to find their son’s killer when they get killed. I was sitting beside a sister who I’ve known for some time and she said that was her mother. I was confused for a second, I met this sister when she had two brothers and then one of them got killed? What?! I couldn’t believe it. I wouldn’t believe her till she told me the story.
(Imagine yourself at the end of this scope)
She mentioned that her brother wasn’t really that Islamically conscience at first. He then decided to change himself. This brother was about to get married. He bought his house and all. One night his friends told him to come to a party with them. He refused. They pressed him to come and at the last moment he went with them. At the party he saw a sister being attacked by two guys. Worst of all, her husband and brother were standing there watching. He helped the sister and got into a fight with the two guys. He beat them up and was walking away. One of the guys came up to him again and held a gun to his face. The brother took the gun and threw it away. The guy came up to him again and for the second time the brother threw away the gun. Then security guards came and many people were fleeing from the party. The brother got into a scuffel and one of the guys shot him in the back and back of the head. The brother as he died was moving his finger as if he was in prayer till he died. May Allah forgive him and give him the highest place in Jannah al-firdaus. Ameen.
Now this got me thinking you never really know when you’re going to die. Would someone rather die doing something nobel or while committing a sin.
Narrated Ibn Abbas (radiallahu anhu):
While a man was riding (his Mount) in ‘Arafat, he fell down from it (his Mount) and broke his neck (and died). The Prophet said, “Wash him with water and Sidr and shroud him in two pieces of cloth, and neither perfume him, nor cover his head, for he will be resurrected on the Day of Resurrection saying, ‘Labbaik,’ (i.e. like a pilgrim).”
We will all be resurrected doing the action we were doing before we died. Imagine someone committing a sin, dying during that sin and being brought in front of Allah doing that sin, subhanallah. Imagine the reward instore for the righteous soul whose life is taken away while they are in prostration to Allah (azza wajal).
Also, we as Muslims need to get our prioities checked. What comes first, your deen, family, country or tribe. There are many of us who claim deen but our actions and statements don’t support it.
Narrated Anas ibn Malik (radiallahu anhu): A bedouin came to the Prophet and said, “O Allah’s Apostle! When will The Hour be established?” The Prophet said, “Wailaka (Woe to you), What have you prepared for it?” The bedouin said, “I have not prepared anything for it, except that I love Allah and H is Apostle.” The Prophet said, “You will be with those whom you love.” We (the companions of the Prophet ) said, “And will we too be so? The Prophet said, “Yes.” So we became very glad on that day. In the meantime, a slave of Al-Mughira passed by, and he was of the same age as I was. The Prophet said. “If this (slave) should live long, he will not reach the geriatric old age, but the Hour will be established.”
Ask yourself how would you want to be brought up before Allah?
Asalamu alaykum warahmatullahi wabarakatu,
This is a reminder to myself first and then to all of you.
I went to a screening of this documentary on the situation of people in Somalia, and was shocked. Left and right there are people dying. Innocent children and women that are even thinner than super models. But you know what’s sad about that, the supermodels have a choice of eating food while people in “third world” countries don’t. There was like a thousands of people living in a small area. Every where you look is a persons stick house. Literally got some sticks, tied them together and put clothing to protect them from the sun. Yet we are living it up in the west. We take things for granted and sometimes don’t even thank Allah for what we have. The doctor in the movie was a white male. He didn’t have to risk life to save people he doesn’t know, but he did. He stood at death’s door many times and each time over came it. He left his family and used his wealth on those he didn’t have to help. There are many Muslims in the west who so have doctorate degrees but choose to spend their time in the west. Kinda shows you where their loyalty lies. The people in the movies were smiling for the camera and looked like their situation doesn’t faze them. Subhanallah, it amazed me how people could be put through some hard tests and still be thankful that they are alive. We don’t even thank Allah for what He provides us.The food we eat is taken for granted. We cry if we aren’t given the foods we like. We should be thankful for whatever that comes to us. I realized that it’s a test for us (people who have left our countries) as much as it’s a test for them. I believe Allah is testing us through them to see what we do. I think we should all try to help those who are less fortunate and if we can’t get to them straight, then help organizations that work towards helping them.
May Allah give us all the best of provisions and may He bring Honor to Islam once again. Ameen
Wasalamu alaykum
Nas’aluka bi annanaa nash-hadu annaka antallaah, laa ilaaha illaa ant, al-ahadussamadu-ladhdhee lam yalid wa lam yoolad wa lam yakul-lahoo kufuwan ahad, an tansural-Islaama wa ahlahoo fee kulli makaan, Allaahumma-nsuril-Islaama wa ahlahoo fee kulli makaan, Allaahumma-nsuril-Islaama wa ahlahoo fee kulli makaan
We ask You – by virtue of bearing witness that You are Allah, there is no God worthy of worship but You, the One, the Self-Sufficient, Who begets not, nor was He begotten, and there is none who is comparable to Him – [we ask You] to grant victory to Islam and the Muslims everywhere, O Allaah, grant victory to Islam and the Muslims everywhere, O Allaah grant victory to Islam and the Muslims everywhere.
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
To start of of the text of “Striver89″ are in Blue and mine are in Green.
I mean enough of the selfishness women, if you love your husband, you should want me to be married to him too!
“None of you [truly] believes until he wishes for his brother what he wishes for himself.” -The Messenger of Allah (Sallilahu Alayhi Wasalaam)
1. There’s nothing selfish about wanting your husband to yourself and Household
2. Before i wish for my husband to marry a single sister i would want him to go for the divorced/widow sister of our community
3. I can wish for you that Allah gives you a Husband as good as mine.
If you can’t deal with him having another marriage, you should have put that in the contract (which i feel is opression towards the man) or ask for a divorce.
I have spoken to you about this statement which I feel is a bit contradictory-give your sister some credit-He’s a grown man that makes his own decisions-No one held a gun to his head and said you must sign the contract-He could’ve gotten up an left-You ask the sister not to go to extremes concerning the “Other Women” But then you state that she should seek a divorce-Divorce would entail a hardship placed upon a built relationship and even stress upon the children-So before you advise the sister to jump to divorce-He should abide by his contract.
He still loves you, he just loves someone else too, get it??
It’s possible for women to love two people at the same time-So imagine telling this to a brother “She loves you but she loves him too, get it? Her feelings are justified.
We need to stop telling our sisters how to feel in this(Husband marrying a second wive) situation-Especially those of us who are not married and don’t know what it feels like to be married-We are women-We are all created different-A trail for one sister, maybe an ease for another. There is nothing wrong with a sister wanting her husband to come home to her every-night, to share the stress of her day with him and the achievements or the struggles with her children.
So don’t hate on the sister who says she doesn’t care for her husband to marry another-OR-that God forbid she actually states her true feelings that she doesn’t want him to have another wife-OR-care very much for the fact she doesn’t want you to be a home-joiner.
When the Prophet (Sallahu alyhi wasalam) Came to propose to Umm Salamah (RA) she told him her true feeling :
“O Messenger of Allah, I have three characteristics. I am a woman who is extremely jealous and I am afraid that you will see in me something that will anger you and cause Allah to punish me. I am a woman who is already advanced in age and I am a woman who has a young family.”
Imagine a wife said this to her husband-She fears that if you place her in this situation that Allah may punish her for anything she does or says: Look at the beautiful Reply of the Prophet (sallahu alyhi wasalam) :
“Regarding the jealousy you mentioned, I pray to Allah the Almighty to let it go away from you. Regarding the question of age you have mentioned. I am afflicted with the same problem as you. Regarding the dependent family you have mentioned, your family is my family.”
How many men would reassure there wives so beautifully or even take her feelings into account.
In surah An-Nisa verse 3 Allah (Azza wal Jaal) says:
وَإِنْ خِفْتُمْ أَلَّا تُقْسِطُوا فِي الْيَتَامَىٰ فَانْكِحُوا مَا طَابَ لَكُمْ مِنَ النِّسَاءِ مَثْنَىٰ وَثُلَاثَ وَرُبَاعَ ۖ فَإِنْ خِفْتُمْ أَلَّا تَعْدِلُوا فَوَاحِدَةً أَوْ مَا مَلَكَتْ أَيْمَانُكُمْ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ أَدْنَىٰ أَلَّا تَعُولُوا
“And if you fear that you shall not be able to deal justly with the orphangirls, then marry (other) women of your choice, two or three, or four but if you fear that you shall not be able to deal justly (with them), then only one or (the captives and the slaves) that your right hands possess. That is nearer to prevent you from doing injustice.”
Again in Surah An-Nisa verse 129 Allah Says:
وَلَن تَسْتَطِيعُواْ أَن تَعْدِلُواْ بَيْنَ النِّسَآءِ وَلَوْ حَرَصْتُمْ
“You will never be able to do perfect justice between wives even if it is your ardent desire.”
I think that Polygamy is a good thing in our society it brings about a lot of benefits, but at the same time those sisters who don’t wish to participate in this should not be shunned-So long as they don’t deny the commands of Allah and make Haraam that which is Halaal.
Striver 55
Striver 89
Striver 3
*Striver86*