The Ummah Fasting

The doors of Hell are closed and the doors of Paradise are open. Allah (swt)'s Mercy, Blessings, Forgiveness and much more descends to this Ummah in glorious and gracious amounts that are uncountable.

Shaitan the rejected one is chained up in the depths of Hell, so our hearts and souls are free for this month. It is in this month that we can become closer to our Creator in every possible way. Every organ, cell, element, and atom in our selves should be closer to Allah (swt) in this very special month because we fast/sacrifice only for Him. Oh how blessed are these days, that every supplication, recitation, worship and all good deeds are multiplied in rewards so bountiful that only Allah(swt) knows how much He is bestowing upon us.

As the whole Ummah around this world recites, repents, prays, worships and supplicates to Allah (swt) in this month, at once, let us pray for each other and remember each other in our prayers for many, many, many prayers are accepted on these blessed days of Ramadhan.

May Allah (swt) increase our Iman, May He (swt) have Mercy on every Muslim (alive or dead), May He (swt) forgive our sins major and minor (done knowingly/unknowingly) and May He (swt) save us all from the fitnahs of shaitan, dajjal and May He (swt) save us all from the punishments of the grave and the Hell fire.

Ameen.


A Palestinian woman reads the Koran in front of Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem's Old City during the holy month of Ramadan early September 27, 2006. REUTERS/Ammar Awad (ISRAEL)

A Somali Muslim woman prays at her makeshift hut in Hargeisa, Somaliland, Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2006, on Somalia's fifth day of the holy month of Ramadan. Hargeisa is the capital of the breakaway republic of Somaliland, which set up its own administration after Somalia descended into anarchy in the early 1990s. (AP Photo/Sayyid Azim)

A street vendor prepares sweets for breaking fast during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan in Karachi September 27, 2006. REUTERS/Athar Hussain (PAKISTAN)
Survivors of last year's earthquake offer prayers during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan in Balakot, 180 km (112 miles) from Islamabad September 27, 2006. REUTERS/Ibrar Tanoli (PAKISTAN)
n this Sept. 19, 2006 file photo, reviewed by a U.S. Department of Defense official, a detainee stands at a fence holding Islamic prayer beads at Camp Delta prison, Guantanamo Bay U.S. Naval Base, Cuba. Nearly all the alleged al-Qaida and Taliban members held at the detention center in Cuba are now observing the holy month of Ramadan, officials said Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2006. Meals are offered before dawn and after sunset to accommodate their fasting during daylight hours. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)

A girl prays during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan in Amman September 24, 2006. REUTERS/Ali Jarekji (JORDAN)
A Palestinian girl reads the Koran during a class at the Koran house (Dar Al-Koran), in Ali-Bakaa mosque in the West Bank city of Hebron, on the second day of the holiest month of Ramadan September 24, 2006. REUTERS/Nayef Hashlamoun (WEST BANK)

Pakistani Muslims perform an evening prayer called 'tarawih', the night before the holy fasting month of Ramadan begins, at Faisal Mosque in Islamabad, Pakistan on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2006. During Ramadan observant Muslims refrain during daylight hours from eating, drinking and smoking. (AP Photo/Anjum Naveed)

A Palestinian reads the Koran during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan at Nebi Musa mosque near Jericho September 25, 2006. Muslims across the world abstain from eating, drinking, and sexual relations from sunrise to sunset during Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar. REUTERS/Eliana Aponte (WEST BANK)

A Egyptian Muslim man rests at Al-Azhar mosque, during Islam's first day of the holy fasting month of Ramadan, in Cairo, Sunday, Sept. 24, 2006. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris)
An Egyptian Muslim man prays at Al-Azhar mosque, during the first day of Islam's holy month of Ramadan, in Cairo, Sunday, Sept. 24, 2006. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris)

Muslim men break their fast at sunset in Kuwait on the second day of the holy month of Ramadan September 24, 2006. Kuwait's Beit al Zakat (House of Alms) provides meals for fasting Muslims and distributes them to mosques around the country where people enjoy a meal of rice, meat, and salad along with dates and a dessert of fruit. REUTERS/Stephanie McGehee (KUWAIT)
Young women covered in traditional Muslim dress walk home from school in Hargeisa, Somalia, Monday, Sept. 25, 2006 on the third day of the holy month of Ramadan. Hargeisa is the capital of the breakaway republic of Somaliland, which has seen peace and stability since parting ways with Somalia 15 years ago. (AP Photo/Sayyid Azim)

Egyptians pray the 'taraweeh' (traditional for Ramadan) outside a mosque in the Al Munira area in Cairo, Monday, Sept. 25, 2006. During Ramadan, the ninth month of the Muslim calendar, Muslims refrain from eating, drinking, smoking and sex from dawn to dusk. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris)
Muslims pray during the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan on a road in Srinagar September 26, 2006. REUTERS/Fayaz Kabli (INDIAN-ADMINISTERED KASHMIR)

A vendor prepares food among the debris of the October 8, 2005 earthquake in the devastated city of Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan-administered Kashmir , September 26, 2006. The Islamic fasting month of Ramadan began in sombre mood in northern Pakistan on Monday, nearly a year after an earthquake struck the mountainous region, killing 73,000 people. REUTERS/Amiruddin Mughal (PAKISTAN-ADMINISTERED KASHMIR)

Indonesian Muslims read a giant Koran, while waiting to break their fast during Ramadan, in an Islamic boarding school in the outskirts of Jakarta September 26, 2006. REUTERS/Dadang Tri (INDONESIA)
An Indonesian Muslim youth reads a giant Koran, while waiting to break his fast during Ramadan, in an Islamic boarding school in the outskirts of Jakarta September 26, 2006. REUTERS/Dadang Tri (INDONESIA)

A Palestinian reads the Koran during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan at a mosque in Qalandiya refugee camp near the West Bank city of Ramallah September 26, 2006. Muslims across the world abstain from eating, drinking, and sexual relations from sunrise to sunset during Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar. REUTERS/Oleg Popov (WEST BANK)

A Palestinian reads the Koran during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan at a mosque in Qalandiya refugee camp near the West Bank city of Ramallah September 26, 2006. Muslims across the world abstain from eating, drinking, and sexual relations from sunrise to sunset during Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar. REUTERS/Oleg Popov (WEST BANK)

Syrians buy sweets in downtown Damascus on Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2006. Sweets are increasingly demanded during the Muslims' holy month of Ramadan where Muslims abstain from food, drink and sex from dawn to dusk. (AP Photo / Bassem Tellawi).

Palestinians shop in the market of the West Bank city of Hebron, during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, September 26, 2006. Muslims across the world abstain from eating, drinking, and sexual relations from sunrise to sunset during Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar. REUTERS/Nayef Hashlamoun (WEST BANK)

A Palestinian reads the Koran at Deir Qadis mosque during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan near Ramallah September 26, 2006. Muslims across the world abstain from eating, drinking, and sexual relations from sunrise to sunset during Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar. REUTERS/Eliana Aponte (WEST BANK)

A Palestinian Muslim reads from the Quran, during the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan in a mosque in the West Bank town of Ramallah, Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2006. Muslims throughout the world are celebrating the holy fasting month of Ramadan, where observants fast from dawn till dusk. (AP Photo/Muhammed Muheisen)

A Palestinian Muslim leaves the Mosque after prayers during Ramadan in the West Bank town of Ramallah, Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2006. Muslims throughout the world are celebrating Ramadan, with observants fasting from dawn till dusk. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

Muslims break their fast at a roadside during the Holy month of Ramadan, in Karachi September 26, 2006. REUTERS/Athar Hussain (PAKISTAN)

Pakistani Muslims wait to break their fast at sunset in Karachi, Pakistan, Tuesday, Sept 26, 2006. Muslims observe Ramadan, a holy fasting month of Islamic calendar when they fast from sunrise to sunset. (AP Photo/Shaklil Adil)

Palestinians shop in the market of the West Bank city of Hebron, during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, September 26, 2006. Muslims across the world abstain from eating, drinking, and sexual relations from sunrise to sunset during Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar. REUTERS/Nayef Hashlamoun (WEST BANK)

Illuminated Jama Masjid (mosque) is seen during the Holy month of Ramadan in the old quarters of Delhi September 26, 2006. REUTERS/B Mathur (INDIA)

An Afghan street sweeper works the last hours of the day during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan in Kabul, Afghanistan , Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2006. Muslims around the world refrain from eating and drinking from sunrise to sunset during the all holy month of Ramadan. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd)
A Palestinian Muslim prays during the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan in a mosque in the West Bank town of Ramallah, Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2006. Muslims throughout the world are celebrating Ramadan, with observants fasting from dawn till dusk. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

Pakistani Muslims pray during the fasting month of Ramadan in Karachi September 26, 2006. REUTERS/Zahid Hussein (PAKISTAN)

Muslims eat their Iftar (fast-breaking) meal on the first day of Ramadan at the Jama Masjid (mosque) in the old quarters of Delhi September 25, 2006. REUTERS/Adnan Abidi (INDIA)

A Muslim boy recites a prayer beside his Iftar meal before breaking fast on the first day of Ramadan at the Jama Masjid (mosque) in the old quarters of Delhi September 25, 2006. Muslims across the world abstain from eating, drinking, and sexual relations from sunrise to sunset during Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar. REUTERS/Adnan Abidi (INDIA)
Allah Din (L), a survivor of the October 8 earthquake, eats an Iftar (fast-breaking) meal with his family outside his tent on the first day of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan in the earthquake-devastated city of Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan-administered Kashmir, September 25, 2006.The Islamic fasting month of Ramadan began in sombre mood in northern Pakistan on Monday, nearly a year after an earthquake struck the mountainous region, killing 73,000 people. REUTERS/Amiruddin Mughal (PAKISTAN-ADMINISTERED KASHMIR)

A Pakistani vendor arranges caps at his stall on the first day of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan in Islamabad September 25, 2006. Muslims around the world refrain from eating, drinking and sexual relations from sunrise to sunset during Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar. REUTERS/Faisal Mahmood(PAKISTAN)

Islamic students arrange free food to be distributed among worshippers for breaking fast on the first day of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan in Karachi September 25, 2006. Muslims across the world abstain from eating, drinking, and sexual relations from sunrise to sunset during Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar. REUTERS/Athar Hussain (PAKISTAN)

inside Kashmir 's Grand Mosque in Srinagar September 25, A Kashmiri woman reads the Koran on the first day of the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan2006. REUTERS/Fayaz Kabli (INDIAN-ADMINISTERED KASHMIR)

Workers prepare sweets for the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan at a shop in Najaf, 160 km (100 miles) south of Baghdad, September 25, 2006. REUTERS/Ali Abu Shish (IRAQ)

REFILE - CORRECTING NOUN A vendor displays prayer beads during the first day of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan in Islamabad September 25, 2006. Muslims around the world refrain from eating, drinking and sexual relations from sunrise to sunset during Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar. REUTERS/Faisal Mahmood (PAKISTAN)

Bangladeshi Muslims buy food from a market to break their fast during Ramadan, in Dhaka September 25, 2006. Muslims around the world refrain from eating, drinking and sexual relations from sunrise to sunset during Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar. REUTERS/Rafiqur Rahman (BANGLADESH)

HEALTH GUIDELINES FOR RAMADAN

Awameh, a famous Syrian sweet that is increasingly demanded by Syrians during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, is sold in a shop in Damascus Monday, Sept. 25, 2006. During Ramadan Muslims abstain from food, drink and sex from dawn to dusk. (AP Photo/ Bassem Tellawi)


I love this article, every Ramadhan I have to read it over so I can balance out my Suhoor and Iftar. I’m sure many of you have probably read it already, it’s on many different sites on the net, Sunnipath and other Q&A sites also have it.

NOTE: You should read it especially if you get stomach problems after Suhoor/Iftar

HEALTH GUIDELINES FOR RAMADAN

This article provides useful advice on how to avoid some common problems encountered in Ramadhan. If followed, it would enable one to fast comfortably and enjoy fully the spiritual benefits of Ramadhan.

During the holy month of Ramadhan, our diet should not differ very much from our normal diet and should be as simple as possible. The diet should be such that we maintain our normal weight, neither losing nor gaining. However, if one is over-weight, Ramadhan is an ideal time to normalise one's weight.

In view of the long hours of fasting, we should consume slow digesting foods including fibre containing-foods rather than fast-digesting foods. Slow digesting foods last up to 8 hours, while fast-digesting foods last for only 3 to 4 hours.

Slow-digesting foods are foods that contain grains and seeds like barley, wheat, oats, millet, semolina, beans, lentils, wholemeal flour, unpolished rice, etc. (called complex carbohydrates).
Fast-burning foods are foods that contain sugar, white flour, etc. (called refined carbohydrates).
Fibre-containing foods are bran-containing foods, whole wheat, grains and seeds, vegetables like green beans, peas, sem (papry), marrow, mealies, spinach, and other herbs like methie, the leaves of beetroot (iron-rich), fruit with skin, dried fruit especially dried apricots, figs and prunes, almonds, etc.

The foods eaten should be well-balanced, containing foods from each food group, i.e. fruits, vegetables, meat/chicken/fish, bread/cereals and dairy products. Fried foods are unhealthy and should be limited. They cause indigestion, heart-burn, and weight problems.

AVOID

• Fried and fatty foods.

• Foods containing too much sugar.

• Over-eating especially at sehri.

• Too much tea at sehri. Tea makes you pass more urine taking with it valuable mineral salts that your body would need during the day.

• Smoking cigarettes. If you cannot give up smoking, cut down gradually starting a few weeks before Ramadhan. Smoking is unhealthy and one should stop completely.

EAT

• Complex carbohydrates at sehri so that the food lasts longer making you less hungry.

• Haleem is an excellent source of protein and is a slow-burning food.

• Dates are excellent source of sugar, fibre, carbohydrates, potassium and magnesium.

• Almonds are rich in protein and fibre with less fat.

• Bananas are a good source of potassium, magnesium and carbohydrates.

DRINK

• As much water or fruit juices as possible between iftar and bedtime so that your body may adjust fluid levels in time.

CONSTIPATION
Constipation can cause piles (haemorroids), fissures (painful cracks in anal canal) and indigestion with a bloated feeling.

Causes: Too much refined foods, too little water and not enough fibre in the diet.

Remedy: Avoid excessive refined foods, increase water intake, use bran in baking, brown flour when making roti.

INDIGESTION AND WIND

Causes: Over-eating. Too much fried and fatty foods, spicy foods, and foods that produce wind e.g. eggs, cabbage, lentils, carbonated drinks like Cola also produce gas.

Remedy: Do not over-eat, drink fruit juices or better still drink water. Avoid fried foods, add ajmor to wind-producing foods.

LETHARGY ('low blood pressure')
Excessive sweating, weakness, tiredness, lack of energy, dizziness, especially on getting up from sitting position, pale appearance and feeling faint are symptoms associated with "low blood pressure". This tends to occur towards the afternoon.

Causes: Too little fluid intake, decreased salt intake.

Remedy: Keep cool, increase fluid and salt intake.

Caution: Low blood pressure should be confirmed by taking a blood pressure reading when symptoms are present. Persons with high blood pressure may need their medication adjusted during Ramadhan. They should consult their doctor.

HEADACHE

Causes: Caffeine and tobacco-withdrawal, doing too much in one day, lack of sleep, hunger usually occur as the day goes by and worsens at the end of the day. When associated with "low blood pressure", the headache can be quite severe and can also cause nausea before Iftar.

Remedy: Cut down caffeine and tobacco slowly starting a week or two before Ramadhan. Herbal and caffeine-free teas may be substituted. Reorganise your schedule during the Ramadan so as to have adequate sleep.

LOW BLOOD SUGAR
Weakness, dizziness, tiredness, poor concentration, perspiring easily, feeling shaky (tremor), unable to perform physical activities, headache, palpitations are symptoms of low blood sugar.

Causes in non-diabetics: Having too much sugar i.e. refined carbohydrates especially at suhur (sehri). The body produces too much insulin causing the blood glucose to drop.

Remedy: Eat something at sehri and limit sugar-containing foods and drinks.

Caution: Diabetics may need to adjust their medication in Ramadan, consult your doctor.

MUSCLE CRAMPS

Causes: Inadequate intake of calcium, magnesium and potassium foods.

Remedy: Eat foods rich in the above minerals e.g. vegetables, fruit, dairy products, meat and dates.

Caution: Those on high blood pressure medication and with kidney stone problems should consult their doctor.

PEPTIC ULCERS, HEART BURN, GASTRITIS AND HIATUS HERNIA
Increased acid levels in the empty stomach in Ramadhan aggravate the above conditions. It presents as a burning feeling in the stomach area under the ribs and can extend upto the throat. Spicy foods, coffee, and Cola drinks worsen these conditions.

Medications are available to control acid levels in the stomach. People with proven peptic ulcers and hiatus hernia should consult their doctor well before Ramadhan.

KIDNEY STONES
Kidney stones may occur in people who have less liquids to drink. Therefore, it is essential to drink extra liquids so as to prevent stone formation.

JOINT PAINS

Causes: During Ramadhan, when extra salah are performed the pressure on the knee joints increases. In the elderly and those with arthritis this may result in pain, stiffness, swelling and discomfort.

Remedy: Lose weight so that the knees do not have to carry any extra load. Exercise the lower limbs before Ramadhan so that they can be prepared for the additional strain. Being physically fit allows greater fulfilment, thus enabling one to be able to perform salah with ease.


Dr. Farouk Haffejee Islamic Medical Association of South Africa - Durban

Ramadhan Mubarak!!!!

Ramadhan Mubarak to those who were fasting today, or will be fasting tomorrow, or those who will fast on Monday… sounds kinda crazy eh?

(As for me, I'll be following the Hilal Committee as always inshaAllah)

SubhanAllah, time flies when you’re at JAS. I’ve been there for a whole month. Yaaaayyy! And now we’re home for a month, InshaAllah inshaAllah I’m going to try me very best to not forget anything. With all the homework I don’t think it’s possible, but even then I think the best thing to do is review and do a bit of homework everyday, InshaAllah.

Okay I’ll stop about the homework, I know some of the girls from JAS (as salamu alaykum to you all) are going to come on and I know just mentioning homework will cause their hair to curl…aww I miss you all already, especially my cutie patutie Kulthum.

Well I gotta put the laundry clothes away (home chores seemed to have missed me) so I’ll post later inshaAllah, take care all!

Ma’asalama :)

When we came home my lil sister (who was at JAS with me) did this on the chalk board:

Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody

As salaamu alaikum..
I don't know why, but I really liked reading this lol.

Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody

This is a little story about four people named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody.

There was an important job to be done and Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it.

Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it.

Somebody got angry about that because it was Everybody's job.

Everybody thought that Anybody could do it, but Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn't do it.

It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have done.

Mmm, Cheesecake

As salaamu alaikum

I decided to finally make my cheesecake yesterday...and after quite a while of delaying, I got to it. I left it in the fridge overnight, and decorated it just now..with whipped cream and chocolate - Aero to be precise. I love cheesecake *faint*

Sha'ban

As salaamu alaikum

I was going to post this yesterday, but didn't have time. InshaAllah though it can still be helpful for the sake of knowledge itself...

Today is the 15th of Sha'ban -or Laylatul Mubarakah- The blessed night which is full of unseen benefits. The night before the 15th of Sha'ban is known as Laylatul Bara'ah (The night in which people are observed and pronounced clear of sin).

“Ali (R.A) reports the Messenger of Allah (S.A.W) as saying: “When the night of Sha’baan-half comes, stand up in prayers, and begin fasting with dawn, because Allah the Glorious turns His special attention to the nearest heaven from the moment the sun sets and proclaims, “Is there any who seeks forgiveness that I may forgive him? Is there any who seeks provisions that I may provide him? Is there any in trouble, that I may relieve him of his trouble?” And until pre-dawn He continues proclaiming in such strain, “Is there any in such and such want that I may answer him?”
{Ibn Majah}

“Ayesha (R.A) tells us that the Messenger of Allah (S.A.W) said to her, 'Do you know what happens on this night of the middle of Sha’baan?' She said, 'Tell me, O Messenger of Allah (S.A.W).' He (S.A.W) said, 'In this night the name of every child to be born in the ensuing year and of everyone who is to die is written down, and the provision of everyone is sent down. (Allah knows everything; a list is given to the angels.)' She asked, 'Will no one enter heaven save by the mercy of Allah?' He (S.A.W) said three times, 'Yes, that is so. No one will enter heaven save by Allah’s mercy.' She asked, 'Then, will you also not enter heaven save by Allah’s mercy?' Hearing these words, he placed his hand on his head and said three times, 'Yes, I too will not enter heaven unless Allah covers me with His mercy!' ”
{Bayhaqi}

I came across the following article...it's pretty long, but an excellent read.

Sha'ban - The Neglected Month
Abu Eesa - www.propheticguidance.co.uk

One would agree that from the most unfortunate things possible is to be the rightful recipient of some good news – a present maybe, a gift of money, a bequest etc – but then one remains unaware of this fact, or doesn’t pay attention to all the phone calls informing him of such glad tidings.

So there’s your present waiting for you, and you’re not really aware to its full worth or value – no-one else is going to claim it on your behalf and if you knew its real significance, you’d never leave it to waste!

Yet the Prophet (sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) told us, as narrated by Imām al-Bayhaqī, that, “Sha‘bān is a month between Rajab and Ramadhān, much neglected by people. In it, the actions of all servants are raised to the Lord of the Worlds; I love that my actions are not presented except that I am fasting.”

Here is a man, the wisest and most eager of creation to obtain all possible good, who saw this blessed month of Sha‘bān very differently to many of us. He (sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) would never leave it to waste, rather he would be seen fasting almost the entire month of Sha‘bān, only ever surpassed by the fasting of the whole of Ramadhān.

So why exactly is that?

There are numerous authentic reports that detail how the majority of Sha‘bān was spent by our beloved Prophet in a state of fasting; a state which heightens our God-consciousness, makes us aware of our desires and the need for their control, makes us aware of the problems and difficulties of so many poor people around the world when we feel those pangs of hunger. The fasting one becomes very mindful of their tongue and how they abuse by it, their eyes and how they deviate from purity, their hearts and how much filth enters it without wilful control.

All in all, there is nothing more conducive to sincerely worshipping our Master, the Lord of the Worlds than doing so whilst fasting.

But doesn’t that occur whenever someone is fasting? Why then the month of Sha‘bān?

With Ramadhān just around the corner, where many of us really do ‘make it or break it’ for the rest of the year due to the quality of our ‘ibādah in it, it becomes paramount to prepare properly for this once in a lifetime opportunity. After all, do you know whether you’ll ever be lucky enough to greet another one? Weren’t the Sahābah described by Ma’lā bin Fadhl as those people who spent six months of the year asking Allah to accept their ‘ibādah of their previous Ramadhān and the next six months asking just to be allowed to reach the next one?

So often do many of us think we can just turn up to the show in Ramadhān, take a seat and watch the game, see the team win and go home happy at the end. What a huge mistake.

Spending thirty odd days of Ramadhān refraining from food and drink from morning to night isn’t the second pillar of Islam known as Siyām. No – I think people might be getting a bit confused there don’t you? That’s just a hungry and thirsty person, someone who in reality, has just wasted his time.

Rather as the Prophet (sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) advised us, we need to avoid all the well-known slips of the tongue, eyes, heart and really just our desires in general in order to be one who fulfils the conditions of Ramadhān. We need to make sure that we adorn our fasting with all other possible extra good actions such as praying extra nawāfil, giving charity, re-establishing family ties, increasing our social and da’wah work, displaying generosity to Muslims and non-Muslims alike, extra dhikr, memorisation of the Qur’an etc. Surely that is the whole point here – that we fast so as to be more aware of our actions and that they are presented to Allah ‘azza wa jall in their best possible light.

Only with such a high quality day of fasting can we really have hoped to achieve the desired consequence – that all our previous sins are forgiven and that we enter His Garden with His pleasure, insha’Allāh.

But don’t think such a day is easy to come by. Rather it is the exception although it shouldn’t be like that. Hence the greatness of Sha‘bān, that blessed opportunity to see whether we can make the mark, the mock exam before the impending finals, the last practice in front of the mirror before the key interview – although each practice is important itself, mistakes that are made here are blessed ones if they are learned from and not repeated at the key moment.

This has to be our aim in the remaining days of Sha‘bān. Try and make it a real and sincere practice effort for Ramadhān which is only a few weeks away – keep a note of all your external and internal actions during the day whilst you refrain from food and drink and be horrified at the amount of rubbish we espouse from our bodies on a daily basis. It’s going to be a major wake-up call and alhamdulillah for that – I would rather that I’m rudely awoken today than be found in a drunken stupor during Laylatul Qadr…

Don’t you want to take full advantage of Ramadhān when it comes? Don’t you want to profit whilst the doors of Heaven are thrown wide open, the doors of Hell are slammed shut and our greatest detractors of all, the devils, are firmly chained up? Which believer doesn’t welcome those open doors and which sinner of us doesn’t sigh with relief at the taming of the Fire – if but just for a small moment?

For as the poet said, “Whoever is shown mercy in Ramadhān is Marhūm (blessed, receiver of mercy), whoever prohibits for himself its good is Mahrūm (devoid of blessing and good) and whoever doesn’t take provision and sustenance from it is Malūm (has no-one to blame but himself).”

So at this ‘neglected time’, when the majority of our friends, family and community are not paying attention to what could be gained, the environment is not conducive to steeling one’s resolve and focus on that which is good, where people are concentrating on ‘enjoying’ themselves as much as possible before the ‘hardships’ of Ramadhān – during this time, let us strive to perfect ourselves now and learn from our mistakes whilst we prepare for the ‘Big One’, so as to really achieve the objective behind fasting and indeed life itself – to become those who are constantly aware of Allah (al-Muttaqūn). How on Earth can we possibly achieve this if we just dive into Ramadhān without a care in the world, not having conditioned our bodies, physically and spiritually in Sha‘bān? How can we work on preserving our energy during Ramadhān, not simply to last till Sunset, but to pray all the extra Sunnah available if we don’t try and test ourselves now? How will we know the looseness of our eyes if we don’t catch the eyes out now? How will we ever realise how much we gossip and backbite during Ramadhān when we don’t try refraining ourselves from the rafath and fisq during our fasts today?

Surely, the fact that we can perfect ourselves and reach the true goal during Ramadhān simply by exerting ourselves now during Sha‘bān is a compelling argument for why the Companions observed that when they saw the Prophet (sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) fasting at this time, they thought he’d never eat again - May Allah bless him, give him eternal peace and reward him with the very greatest of rewards!

Last, but certainly not least, for those who look for bargains and the like at such times (and who wouldn’t considering how miskeen to our Lord we all are!), there is another super jackpot moment in this blessed month. If all the obvious benefits were not enough, we also have a special night in which forgiveness is on a unique limited offer for the Believers.

In a much disputed hasan narration collected by ibn Hibbān, one of many other weak ahādīth, it is reported that on the authority of Mu‘ādh b. Jabal (radhy Allāhu ‘anhu) that the Prophet (sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said, “Allah looks to His creation on the middle night of Sha‘bān and forgives all of His creation, except for the one who ascribes partners to Him and the one who holds malice against others.”

Which one of us isn’t in need of this special moment of forgiveness? Yes, Allah ‘azza wa jall descends in the last third of every night offering salvation to us but here is another special moment for us to profit from, not restricted by the length of the night and specifically chosen by Sayyidina Mustapha (sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) to strive for.

Let us use this night to beseech our Lord for His bounty and pardon, prioritising our good deeds. After all, this is a night of forgiveness so what else better to do but to seek it!

Imām ibn al-Jawzi (rahimahullāh) was once asked, “Is it better for me to make tasbīh or to make istighfār?” He replied, “The dirty robe is more in need of soap than perfume.”

Hasan (radhy Allahu ‘anhu) once said, “Increase in making istighfār for you’ll never know when His Mercy will next descend.”

Indeed. So let us be aware of these blessed times in our times of need – let us pay attention to that which is neglected and make our Sha‘bān and Ramadhān our sources of salvation.

*Sigh*

As salaamu alaikum

This is just torture, it’s horrible! Did you know that----hold on just a second there…*turns around*

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO *falls down off of the chair onto her knees in despair and screams frantically while pulling onto her hijab*

*quickly calms herself and sits down composed*

Where was I? Oh yes…I was going to mention something utterly horrifying. It pains me to even bring it up. But alas, I must do so.

Tomorrow…*takes a deep breath*…Ihavetogobacktoschool *cries dramatically*

Horrible isn’t it!?!?! I know I know, but what can I do? *sigh*

Okay…that was quite the scene I suppose. But more or less – um less actually – it’s true. I have to go back to school tomorrow…for another like what, 10 months. 10 whole months. I will, once again, no longer have a life. Day in and day out I will be trying to swim up to the surface of this huge ocean working to my limits to save myself from drowning (which ofcourse metaphorically symbolizes homework, assignments, tests, exams and the like). And it doesn’t get any better. There’s so much pressure I might as well stick myself into a pressure cooker and let everything finish quicker……….yeah…lame...who cares *shrugs*.

I’m sure most of you feel the same way. You do don’t you. I know you do. Right…..I don’t mean to scare anyone..teehehe. Maybe that just did…

Hmm..so anyway…InshaAllah I’ll still be posting…though not as often I expect. Remember me in your duas and pray that this year goes by quick :)

-believeress

JAS

I'm home for the long weekend! But I miss my new home…in Bowmanville…

Jamiah Aishah Siddiqah (JAS) is truly my home from home. I don’t even know how I’m going to explain what I think of this place. What can I say? The Islamic classes (Alima classes) are beyond amazing, the amount of knowledge I’ve learnt in the past two weeks (since I’ve been there) has really started to rapidly quench my thirst for knowledge (it was practically like a desert), the facility is amazing, the nature around the place is captivating, the diversity of the students (in there backgrounds, personalities, life stories, etc.) is not only inspiring but it also previews the unity of the Ummah, and most importantly the teachers are a great, great, great blessing from Allah (swt) in every way possible for the students and for myself. May Allah (swt) make them successful in their efforts and reward them most generously in this life and in the hereafter.

SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, AllahuAkbr.

There’s soo much to say about all the things I did in the past two amazing (and fast) weeks. SubhanAllah. I think I’ll just post from there about the things I’m doing. Yeah they have computers there! Oh and I tried to post 4 times, unfortunately they never got posted because of various annoying reasons…so InshaAllah I'll try posting more often about my stay at JAS, but it’ll be hard…I tend to get really busy there.

Remember Jamiah Aishah Siddiqah and myself in your du’as everyone!

Cirque Niagara

As salaamu alaikum

During the last week of June, my cousin and her husband came from the U.K. They were staying over at her grandmother’s place, so before they left we took them out. We went to see the falls and stuff since they’d already been shopping and whatnot.

**Note: For all the years I’ve been living in Ontario (basically my whole life), whenever we went to Niagara…all we did was stare at the falls, eat, and stare at the falls again before we left. And if we were lucky we would take a ‘quick’ walk down Clifton Hill…Otherwise, we have never done anything else**

So the day before we left, of earth had basically made a whole “tour guide” of halal restaurants, and other places to visit and see (besides the falls). When we got there we dropped my cousin off at the hotel where she was going to spend the night while we (my family and I) were going to stay at the farm since it’s only about 15ish minutes away. After they checked in, we just went walking up to the falls and walked down the little path until we found a place to eat.

After we ate, of earth and I went to buy tickets for this circus. Now this is where we actually hit the main point of the whole post. The circus. It wasn’t just any old circus…it was Avaia.

“Avaia includes the world’s greatest acrobats together with Russia’s rarest horses”.

On the pamphlet it says:

“Avaia is a mystical journey into the abyss of time where ancient mysteries of the past engage the innovations of the future. Above all, it is a celebration of life and of man’s love fore horses. The name Avaia is derived from the Sanskrit and Latin languages meaning – a source of rejoicing, a source of celebration. The infinitely creative mix of artistry, acrobatics and dance will astonish and spark the imagination. The artists not only defy the laws of gravity, they unveil the secret wisdom of the future and of times past.”

So anyway, at 5pm we took the shuttle bus to the place they were holding the circus…which was right across from Marineland. We were like 5 minutes late, but didn’t miss anything.

These people with their horses were AMAZING! Seriously! I wish I could’ve taken pics but some of the ones I posted are the ones that are on the pamphlet. And trust me, they did everything and more than what’s in those pics. This was one circus that I would love to see again. Of earth really wanted to write a post on this but I kept forgetting to give her the pamphlet…*oops*…so I just decided to write it up and post it hehe.

Oh yeah, we also took a ride on the Maid of the Mist. It was the boat ride that took us extremely close to the falls. Man, I wish I could’ve taken pics of that as well. It looked sooo beautiful up close, SubhanAllah, I can’t find words to describe it. Ofcourse by the time we got off we were soaking…even though we had raincoats on. (I kept mine teehehe)

Here's a pic from one of the postcards...Though it's no where as beautiful as how we saw it upclose.

As salaamu alaikum

Mom You Owe Me $14.75

A little boy came up to his mother in the kitchen one evening while she was fixing dinner, and he handed her a piece of paper that he had been writing on. After his mom dried her hands on an apron, she read it, and this is what it said:

For cutting the grass: $5.00
For cleaning up my room this week: $1.00
For going to the store for you: $0.50
Babysitting my kid brother while you went shopping: $0.25
Taking out the garbage: $1.00
For getting a good report card: $5.00
For cleaning up and raking the yard: $2.00
Total Owed: $14.75

Well, his mother looked at him standing there, the could see the memories flashing through her mind. She picked up the pen, turned over the paper he'd written on, and this is what she wrote:

For 9 months I carried you while you were growing inside me: No Charge
For all the nights that I've sat up with you, doctored and prayed for you: No Charge
For all the trying times, and all the tears that you've caused through the years: No charge
For all the nights that were filled with dread, and for the worries I knew were ahead: No Charge
For the toys, food, clothes, and even wiping your nose: No Charge
Son. When you add it up, the cost of my love is: No Charge

When the boy finished reading what his mother had written, there were big tears in his eyes, and he looked straight at his mother and said,

Mom, I sure do love you".

And then he took the pen and in great big letters he wrote:
"PAID IN FULL"
------------------------------------------

Awwww!
I love reading this little 'story'. It's so cute MashaAllah! lol

-believeress

Du'a Is Like A Sword

As salaamu Alaikum

Excerpts on 'Du'aa' (Supplications) from the book: 'Realities of Faith' by Umm Muhammad

It has been confirmed in Saheeh al Bukhari that the Prophet (Sallalahu alaihi wasalam) said,

"Allah has sent down no disease for which He has not sent down a cure" And it is documented in Saheeh Muslim that the Prophet (Sallalahu alaihi wasalam) said, "For every disease there is a medicine; and when the medicine contacts the disease, it cures it with the permission of Allah"

Allah (Subhanahu wa ta'ala) informs us that the Qur'an is a cure:

"Say, 'it is for those who have believed, a guidance and cure.'" [Surah Fussilat, 41:44]

"And We reveal of the Qur'an that which is a cure and mercy for the belivers" [Surah al Isra, 17:82]

It is clear from above that the Qur'an in fact is the cure for 'hearts and from the diseases of ignorance and doubt

Indeed Du'aa is one of the most beneficial medicines. It is the enemy of disaster - defending against it and fighting it, preventing its descent and pushing it back, and weakening it if i should descend. It is the weapon of the believer.

When Du'aa meets disaster, there are three possibilities:

1. The Du'aa is stronger than the disaster and thus drives it away.

2. The Du'aa is weaker than the disaster, so the disaster overcomes and the servant is struck (although it may be lessened in degree by even a weak Du'aa.

3. The Du'aa and the disaster oppose each other, and each one prevents the other from victory. The Prophet (Sallalahu alaihi wasalam) said, "Nothing repels fate except dua". [At-Tirmidhi and al Hakim - hasan].

And among the best treatments is persistence in Dua.

The Prophet (Sallalahu alaihi wasalam) said,

"Do not weaken in Du'aa, for no one will be destroyed as long as he is making Du'aa.' [Al-Hakim, who graded it saheeh]

Among the weaknesses which prevent the effect of the dua is haste or impatience.

According to the Prophet (Sallalahu alaihi wasalam), "Any one of you will be answered as long as he is not hasty, saying, 'I made Du'aa, but it is not answered'. [Sahih al Bukhari]

All in all, a servant should not give up Du'aa prematurely, thinking the answer to be slow in coming; for then he becomes like the one who plants a seed or a twig and begins to care for it and water it, but when he finds it to be slow in growing, leaves it and neglects it.

Therefore, if Du'aa is combined with the presence of heart and complete concentration on what is desired, and it corresponds with one of the times when response is expected, and it is expected in fear of Allah (taqwa), humbleness and humility to Him, in earnest and gentleness, and then the supplicant faces the qiblah, and is in the state of purity (taharah), and then raises his hands to Allah, beginning with praise of Him and blessings upon the Prophet (Sallalahu alaihi wasalam), and asks forgiveness and repents, then supplicates, begging Allah and persisting in his request in fear and hope, using the best names of Allah and words recited by the Prophet - all this after having offered some charity (sadaqah) - such a Du'aa could hardly be refused at all; and this is the kind most pleasing to Allah (Subhanahu wa ta'ala)

Prayer is like a sword; and the effectiveness of a sword is in its use by the swordsman. So, when the sword is perfect, without fault, when the swordman's arm is strong and skillful, and when no preventing factor is present, then the enemy is defeated. But if one of these three conditions is weak, then the effect is weakend accordingly.
-----------------------------------------------

SubhanAllah so true!

-believeress

As salaamu alaikum

I was bored today so I decided to make something...or experiment in the kitchen as most would put it hehe.

I was actually planning on trying to make this a while ago, but never really found the time. So anyway, I tried it, and it turned out pretty good Alhumdulillah.

It's just some sort of pudding or something like that..I dunno lol. I smothered some Cool Whip on it (yum!) and sprinkled some sliced pistachios and almonds, and some little silver, sweet, (edible) candy-like round things...







And this is my shortest post yet lol.

-believeress

Meditation

As salaamu alaikum

So today I was signing onto my msn when that "MSN Today" window pops up. I never usually look at it, but just quickly skimmed through the 'headlines'. I clicked onto some headache remedy thing which was pretty cool and I was gonna end up posting that cause seriously, it was interesting. But then I scrolled down and I saw links after links of other interesting articles. So naturally I sort of went on reading them until I came to this one. It was about meditation. As I was starting to read the article, I realize there's an audio on about the whole meditation process...so I started listening to it.

It was basically going to give me a five minute meditation session. So I was all "Hmm, lemme try...must be cool". So I'm listening to audio and trying to follow along. Not even 2 minutes pass before I burst out laughing. And trust me, I was doing that throughout the whole thing! I have no idea what was making me laugh but it was just way too funny doing that. I'm not so used to the whole meditation thing...suppose that's why lol.

Anyhow, I started the audio from the beginning determined to listen to it this time. And I actually pulled through.........well almost lol. It was funny and I fully stopped when the lady in the audio was like "If your having some difficulty deepening your breath or allowing your abdomen to move with your breath, call me, I'll coach you over the phone, it's very simple." ...and I'm all confused like huh? what?! And then I got scared for a second...but decided to brave and go on with the rest.

When it came down to part of inhaling the word "mind", and exhaling the word "one" I tried the exercise of pas anfas by inhaling the word "Allah" and exhaling the syllable "Hu"...this was from the book "The Path To Perfection" under the title "The exercise of Pas Anfas" http://madeofearth.blogspot.com/2006/02/exercise-of-pas-anfas.html

I didn't last the whole twenty mintues at the end (you'll know what I mean when you listen to the audio :p) instead, about 15 seconds later I stopped and started posting this as a blog entry..teehehe.

Right well, just try it and tell me how it goes. Might be relaxing once you get used to it I suppose. I was actually thinking of trying that out every morning after Fajr...but who knows eh lol.

If you want something more then offer Nafl Salaah. This is where you actually feel like your in complete solitude and have a piece of mind and relaxation

Okay, before I forget to post the link, here it is and enjoy :p

http://www.canadianliving.com/canadianliving/client/en/Health/
DetailNews.asp?idNews=2294&idsm=316

-believeress

As salaamu alaikum

I went over to the farm yesterday, and it's all pretty much the same. Well...that's if you omit Amirah (the horse) and Tiger (the "guard dog"), and instead include a donkey. Yeah. My dad sold the horse and tiger...then bought a donkey...

The donkey's pretty big though...and he looks kinda old as well. He's white and grayish looking and I only saw him standing once. He's stubborn as well lol. My little sister was trying to get him to walk towards the pear tree since he was looking in the grass for food. So she started waving a pear infront of him to try and make him notice the pear tree. Well...he did notice...but not the pear tree...only the pear in her hand. And when she wouldn't give it to him he started kicking around and (according to my sister) began braying -or hee-hawing as she put it- so loud.

My parents were also slaughtering animals yesterday. So while my sister was outside with the animals, I was inside with my digital camera at hand taking pics and videos of the slaughtering and skinning of the animals...and...erm...it's not that disgusting. Although there was a lot of blood and...right well...yeah.

I would post some of the pics I took...but I'm not too sure lol. They're not the usual everyday things you'd see so...

But here are some pics of the donkey...He doesn't have a name yet, but I think I like the way Shrek calls donkey "donk-eh" hehe.





Edit:
Well, here are some of the pics. I had more gruesome ones - let's just say the following definitely do not fit the description of "gruesome" or "gross" or "ewww", that is only while it's being compared to the others - but I'm still a bit iffy about putting these up let alone those lol. Still though, if anyone wants me to take them off just let me know, and they'll be gone. :)






Edit:
Just to let you all know the above pics are of a slaughtered COW... um..yeah..it's not the donkey..just incase some of you thought it was (you know who you are, and thanks :p). The donkey's just there..it has it's own space to roam around freely and whatnot..so don't worry :)

-believeress

Dealing With Troubles...

As salaamu alaikum

Just another story I came across and decided to post...

Shake It Off & Take A Step Up
Author Unknown

One day a farmer's donkey fell down into a well. The animal cried piteously for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do. Finally, he decided the animal was old, and the well needed to be covered up anyway; it just wasn't worth it to retrieve the donkey.

He invited all his neighbors to come over and help him. They all grabbed a shovel and began to shovel dirt into the well. At first, the donkey realized what was happening and cried horribly. Then, to everyone's amazement he quieted down.

A few shovel loads later, the farmer finally looked down the well. He was astonished at what he saw. With each shovel of dirt that hit his back, the donkey was doing something amazing. He would shake it off and take a step up.

As the farmer's neighbors continued to shovel dirt on top of the animal, he would shake it off and take a step up. Pretty soon, everyone was amazed as the donkey stepped up over the edge of the well and happily trotted off!

Lesson:
Life is going to shovel dirt on you, all kinds of dirt. The trick to getting out of the well is to shake it off and take a step up. Each of our troubles is a steppingstone. We can get out of the deepest wells just by not stopping, never giving up! Shake it off and take a step up.

The Illusion of Reflection

As Salaamu Alaikum

~The Illusion of Reflection~
Author Unknown

Once there was a king who had presented his daughter, the princess, with a beautiful diamond necklace. The necklace was stolen and his people in the kingdom searched everywhere but could not find it. Some said a bird may have stolen it. The king then asked them all to search for it and put a reward for $50,000 for anyone who found it.

One day a clerk was walking home along a river next to an industrial area. This river was completely polluted and filthy and smelly. As he was walking, the clerk saw a shimmering in the river and when he looked, he saw the diamond necklace. He decided to try and catch it so that he could get the $50,000 reward. He put his hand in the filthy, dirty river and grabbed at the necklace, but some how missed it and didn't catch it. He took his hand out and looked again and the necklace was still there. He tried again, this time he walked in the river and dirtied his pants in the filthy river and put his whole arm in to catch the necklace. But strangely, he still missed the necklace! He came out and started walking away, feeling depressed.

Then again he saw the necklace, right there. This time he was determined to get it, no matter what. He decided to plunge into the river, although it was a disgusting thing to do as the river was polluted, and his whole body would become fillthy. He plunged in, and searched everywhere for the necklace and yet he failed. This time he was really bewildered and came out feeling very depressed that he could not get the necklace that would get him $50,000.

Just then a saint who was walking by, saw him, and asked him what was the matter. The clerk didn't want to share the secret with the saint, thinking the saint might take the necklace for himself,so he refused to tell the saint anything. But the saint could see this man was troubled and being compassionate, again asked the clerk to tell him the problem and promised that he would not tell anyone about it. The clerk mustered some courage and decided to put some faith in the saint. He told the saint about the necklace and how he tried and tried to catch it , but kept failing. The saint then told him that perhaps he should try looking upward, toward the branches of the tree, instead of in the filthy river. The clerk looked up and true enough, the necklace was dangling on the branch of a tree. He had been trying to capture a mere reflection of the real necklace all this time.

Moral of the story:
Material happiness is just like the filthy, polluted river; because it is a mere reflection of the TRUE happiness in the spiritual world.

We can never achieve the happiness we are looking for no matter how hard we endeavour in material life. Instead we should look upwards, toward God, who is the source of real happiness, and stop chasing after the reflection of this happiness in the material world. This spritual happiness is the only thing that can satisfy us completely.
------------------

SubhanAllah...

-believeress

New Blogger

As Salaamu Alaikum

I hope your all fine and in the best of health and Imaan InshaAllah.

I'm just and addition to the blog...basically I'm of earth's sis taking over for her while she's away and I'm very new to blogs as I've never had one and I'm just used to reading them...so hopefully I don't mess her's up...or what a surprise that would be for her when she comes back eh haha.

Right well, I would've started sooner but ah well lol...hopefully those "very few readers" haven't deserted the blog.

Anyhow, as my sister already mentioned that she was going to JAS in her last post, I guess it would make sense just to continue on from there.

So that Sunday morning was insane. We were all running around trying to get the previous night's shopping in order for them (of earth, and my baby sister). We basically tried to sort everything out and stuffed them in bags, and then threw those bags in huge black garbage bags only because we had no suitcases at home and the ones we did have were at the farm. But oh well, it's not as if they were going to the airport and the extra thousand pounds of things they were carrying were going to be taken out...so it's all good.

My aunt, uncle, cousins, and grandparents all came over to say goodbye and all that mushy stuff. A while later at about 1 pm we got in the car and everyone's just saying goodbye...and I'm waving back at them...and then I stop cause I remember how I'm not going anywhere. It was weird lol...I guess it was one them "in the moment" things where you just go about doing something and then realize you have absolutely no need to do it...err..right.

The drive there was quite longer than I had actually expected. It took us around an hour to get there (and I'm not including the time spent to turn back since we took a route on a closed highway...). When we got there our friend had already saved them a room. We took a look at it and liked it. So we hauled alllll the bags into the building. We also met Maulana Nazim..who thought we brought our whole house with us lol. And it seriously did look like that. I looked at all the bags once more and thought to myself, "what on earth did we pack in them?" :|

While they were still settling down, we prayed and ate. Then we walked around and talked for a bit. After Maghrib we took a walk outside and saw all the buildings there. It was getting pretty late so we decided to leave...and...yup all that mushy stuff came up. It was over real quick though. Was just kind of like a "okay then, take care, be good.....*sniff*.....ahem, make sure you two call home, and eat your food, and study...." Right well..yeah..you know...kinda awkward.

It was so weird for me and my little sis to get back into the car. It never really clicked that my sisters wouldnt be coming home until Ramadhan until we got in the car. I know it's not a long time, but it's still weird. The whole hour drive home was quiet with the exception of my parents talking now and then. We got home, prayed Isha, then just went to sleep.

It's so quiet in the house now, with only my little sister and I..only when we're not arguing ofcourse. But even then...

Hm, now with of earth gone...guess who's got to take over the cooking? Yup, yours truly...me. I made pasta today and my little sister and I are still alive so it's all good Alhamdulillah. I shall be cooking more often now I suppose...wait...I have to...blah. If any of you have any good recipes or anything, feel free to tell me. With no one home I could continue with my experiments in the kitchen muahaha...*cough*...right.

*sigh* I realllllllllllly wanted to go to JAS as well. Ever since I heard they were opening it I wanted to go. However, I'm basically not allowed to. Sometimes I think and even say so many times that it's unfair. But Allah (swt) has something planned out for each of us. And if it's not written in my Taqdeer (destiny) then it's not. He has something else planned for me InshaAllah, and that's what'll happen. Patience is the key...if I don't get this, then InshaAllah I'll get something better...if not now, then later. SubhanAllah.

Alright, well some of the following pics are from the JAS website. And the other pics were taken by me.











So until another day I post,
As salaamu alaikum :)

-believeress

It's Destiny

Just a few months ago, I thought about the remaining year, trying to imagine where I might be. And I couldn’t come up with much. I thought, “It’ll probably be same ol same. I might get married…nah that might not happen either since I need a guy to get married too…yup it’ll be same ol same for me.”

But I was wrong (no I’m not getting married) …I am going to go to a place where I thought only a miracle from Allah (swt) could take me. InshaAllah I’ll be going to the newly opened Islamic institute called Jamiah Aishah Siddiqah, run by Shaikh Nazim Mangera. I heard so many amazing things about it, that I'm confidant that it'll be the "bestest" girl Maderasa in the whole wide world. :) InshaAlla, InshaAllah, InshaAllah.

It’s been a while since I was learning in an Islamic environment/institute, and since then I’ve been feeling a deep void in my heart. A void so deep and painful that it has been making my Iman weaker. Now that Allah (swt) has opened this door of Ilm for me, I cannot let it pass without trying to get in. And that’s what I’ve done, no actually that’s bc Allah (swt) helped me through.

I know this new part of my life will help me in my journey in this world and for the Hereafter inshaAllah.

So all I ask in this post from you (very few regular readers), is that you remember me in your du’as (bc I neeeeed them) and you keep visiting my blog while I’m gone. Why? Well because my younger sister is going to take over until I come back for Ramadhan (inshaAllah).

Hmm maybe that’s a bad idea. Well we’ll just have to see…muahahaha

BBC NEWS | Europe | Over 1,000 bodies in Bosnia grave

BBC NEWS | Europe | Over 1,000 bodies in Bosnia grave