One Chinese Muslimah !

Assalamualaikum wa Rahmatulahi wa Barakatu,

So fear Allah as much as you are able and listen and obey and

spend [in the way of Allah]; it is better for yourselves. And

whoever is protected from the stinginess of his soul – it is those

who will be the successful (64:16)

"And spend [in the way of Allah ] from what We have provided you before death approaches one of you and he says, "My Lord, if only You would delay me for a brief term so I would give charity and be among the righteous."

(Qur'an 63:10)

The Mercy and Bounties of Allah are limitless, He even showers His Mercy to the disobedient Muslims and the kafirs yet what are we all doing to thank Him for His Bounties?
Allah blesses us with new days, new experiences, and new outlooks on life so that it may turn our hearts to Him. To be able to live another day is another opportunity to turn to Him and repent for our sinful lives. To be able to live another day is another opportunity to pay heed to His Signs so that we can testify that there is no god but He. To be able to live another day means to use His Provisions He has Generously blessed us with to spend it for His sake and His alone. To be able to eat, sleep, breathe another day, is another opportunity to devote ourselves COMPLETELY to our ONE TRUE CREATOR.

So what am I trying to get on about with this post? Well, it's rather simple.
How many of us are spending in the WAY OF ALLAH? Allah is so Generous to us and ALWAYS blesses us with His Bounties. He blesses us with His Bounties even if we are not deserving of them. He provides us with endless provisions may it be wealth, education, healthy minds and bodies...So here is the problem, what exactly are WE doing to spend in HIS way? His Provisions that He has provided for us, where is it going to exactly? Do we really need that extra hijab? Do we really need that abaya on sale? What about the fourth meal of the day ? DO WE REALLY NEED THAT? I understand we all have needs but SO DOES the Ummah. Allah has tested us with trials and calamities and they are only increasing. We cry and get all depressed about the sad state of the Ummah but when we have the opportunity to help out, we just ignore and make excuses to justify WHY we aren't spending in the way of Allah.

There are just TOO many excuses my dear sisters, just TOO many. I don't need to hear them, the starving orphans in Kenya don't need to hear them, nor do the innocent oppressed families in Syria, India, Burma (and everywhere else in this weak Ummah!). But...Allah will definitely Hear your excuses on the Day of Judgement when He asks you WHY you did not spend in His way, when He provided you with ALL the means to do so. When you were given countless opportunities to help out for His sake, yet you were stingy and you hid your wealth. You were given opportunities upon opportunities to give even HALF of a date or a SMILE, yet you were too stingy to EVEN offer such things. You were given the provision to donate to starving children in Pakistan yet you saved your wealth to feed your family of 4 their 4th meal of the day rather than a broken family of 15 who has not eaten for weeks! So, then what will you say? What kind of excuses will you have for Him then?

If you are one of the many who say: "Allah knows my intentions and my current situation as to why I am not spending in His way.." Surely, He definitely does know, since He was the one who put you in that situation in the first place. Can you REALLY say that you have been trying hard to spend in His way? If you do sadaqah already than good on you, Masha'Allah may Allah accept from you, but does that really mean it stops there? Does "Oh well I donated some used clothes to the masjid yesterday" or " I donate to children in Pakistan once a year" or " Well, I need to save my money for my children's education" really suffice as an excuse? NO. It does not, Allah has mentioned countless times over and over about the IMPORTANCE about spending in His Way.
Those who have sufficient emaan will know the importance of spending in His way. Those who follow the correct teachings of the Qur'an and Authentic Sunnah, will know the importance of spending in His way.
If you are unaware of the due right to spend in the way of Allah for His sake, then please do educate yourselves as it is mentioned countless times in Surahatul Baqarah, Al-e-Imran, An-Nisa and so on and so forth and if you can't donate because you have gone bankrupt or you are living on the streets or for whatever extreme reason, than may Allah make it easy for you, and please make sure you pray the Duha prayer as that constitutes as an act of charity:

1140. Abu Dharr (May Allah be pleased with him)reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, "In the morning, charity is due on every joint bone of the body of everyone of you. Every utterance of Allah's Glorification (i.e., saying Subhan Allah) is an act of charity, and every utterance of His Praise (i.e., saying Al-hamdu lillah) is an act of charity and every utterance of declaration of His Greatness (i.e., saying La ilaha illAllah) is an act of charity; and enjoining M`aruf (good) is an act of charity, and forbidding Munkar (evil) is an act of charity, and two Rak`ah Duha prayers which one performs in the forenoon is equal to all this (in reward).''
[Muslim].

Let us all reflect on ourselves and ask ourselves if we are TRULY doing enough for the sake of Allah. I speak on behalf of myself first and foremost of course, and this reminder is dedicated firstly to myself, but I also encourage you all to reflect upon yourselves and really think deeply about all your good deeds that you have done for the sake of Allah. Ask yourself, if you were to die in an hour, or this very minute, what good deeds would you be bringing with you to the grave? Will Allah be pleased with you? Again,

(Qur'an 63:10)

I leave you with some important reminders, and if you are willing to donate to my new project " Orphans @ Hajar al-Aswad" which is a project that I am working on with sisters from Kenya, then please see here for more information : http://www.onechinesemuslimah.com/apps/donations/

Say (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه و سلم) to ‘Ibadi (My slaves) who have believed, that they should perform As-Salat (Iqamat-as-Salat ), and spend in charity out of the sustenance We have given them, secretly and openly, before the coming of a Day on which there will be neither mutual bargaining nor befriending. ( سورة إبراهيم , Ibrahim, Chapter #14, Verse #31)

548. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, "Everyday two angels descend and one of them says, `O Allah! Compensate (more) to the person who gives (in charity)'; while the other one says, `O Allah! Destroy the one who withholds (charity, etc)".
[Al-Bukhari ]

"Who are stingy and enjoin upon [other] people stinginess and conceal what Allah has given them of His bounty - and We have prepared for the disbelievers a humiliating punishment -"(4:37)

"And what [harm would come] upon them if they believed in Allah and the Last Day and spent out of what Allah provided for them? And Allah is ever, about them, Knowing." (4:39)

Here you are - those invited to spend in the cause of Allah - but among you are those who withhold [out of greed]. And whoever withholds only withholds [benefit] from himself; and Allah is the Free of need, while you are the needy. And if you turn away, He will replace you with another people; then they will not be the likes of you. (47:38)

Assalamualaikum wa Rahmatulahi wa Barakatu,

By far, this is one of my most favourite reminders and it should be yours too.

Next time you think you can outsmart Shaitan, think again.

A good lesson for us all, perhaps we should just LEAVE THE DOOR CLOSED instead of peeking inside, as we never know what might just be on the other side. May Allah protect us from becoming like Barsisa or Iblees for that matter. Ameen.

Please Read, Reflect, Repent, & Renew !

Barsisa, the worshipper

At the time of Bani Israel, there was a man in a small village, called Barsisa. He was, what you call, a monk. But he was a true Christian. He believed in Tawheed and believed Isa (peace be upon him) was a messenger of Allah. One day three brothers decided to go for Jihad. But they had a sister and they did not want to leave her alone. So they went looking for someone to take care of her. The town people suggested to leave her with Barsisa, because of his piety. So they went to him and when they asked him, he said, “I seek refuge from the cursed Shaytan” and said No! This was because he was scared of falling into sin ( due to the potential fitnah it may cause). Then Shaytan came to Barsisa in the form of Waswasah (Whisperings). Shaytan is very smart and knew Barsisa had a soft heart. So he told Barsisa, “What if they can’t find someone good and leave her with someone bad, wouldn’t that be your fault?” Now Barsisa did not realise this was Shaytan whispering in his heart, and because of his compassion for others, he decided to accept their request and help the woman.

He let her stay in a house opposite the church. He did this so that it would be easy for him to leave her her food outside the church and she could come get it herself. But after sometime, shaytan returned. This time he told Barsisa, “Why don’t you leave the food closer for her, so that people don’t see her moving back and forth alone!” Barsisa agreed and started leaving the food outside the house. But shaytan wasn’t happy with this either, so sometime later, he returned and ask Barsisa, “Why don’t you go in and leave it on the table, so that no one sees her coming out and going in alone all the time!” Again, Barsisa agreed and he started leaving the food on the table.

Then as time went by, Shaytan returned and said to him, “Why don’t you talk to her, she is all alone and has no one to talk to!” Barsisa agreed and started talking to her from behind a door (so as to screen himself). But this would lead them to almost shouting to each other to here themselves. Shaytan asked Barsisa to just go in and talk to her, and finally, he (Shaytan) had got the alone in a room. Shaytan had completed the difficult part. It wasn’t after Barsisa and the woman committed fornication. And to make things worse, she also became pregnant. As soon as the baby was born, Shaytan returned, and said to Barsisa, “What have you done? Look at the result of your evil (ie the child), get ride of the evidence otherwise the brothers will kill you!” Barsisa killed the baby and buried it in the same room the woman was in. Shaytan then told Barsisa, “Do you think you can kill the child of a woman and expect her not to tell anyone?!” and So Barsisa killed her and buried her along side the baby! He then made a fake grave outside and when her brothers returned, he informed them that she died of illness. After seeing the grave and make dua for her, they returned home and accepted Allah’s decree.

Later that night, Shaytan came to them in their dream and informed them about what Barsisa had done and where the child and their sister could be found. The brother got up upset and confused, and informed his brothers of the dream, and they both said they had the same dream. So they believed that it must be true, and when and dug up the fake grave and found it empty. They then dug the placed shaytan showed them in the dream and found the child and woman!

Furious, the brothers took Barsisa to the Leader to get his punishment. Barsisa knew that he would be given the death penalty. Shaytan came to Barsisa again, for the final time this time. This time he revealed himself and told him he was the one whispering the thoughts to him. And he said that he could save Barsisa, and as long as Barsisa makes sujood to him! Barsisa, out of desperation made Sujood to him , this confirmed his Kufr (disbelief) and Shaytan said to him “I am free of you, I fear Allâh, the Lord of the ‘Alamîn (mankind, jinns and all that exists)!” and left Barsisa was stonned to death and on the day of judgement he will be resurrected making Sujood to Shaytan!

So look how shaytan tricked him. He came to him as a friend, but was infact his biggest enemy!

(Their allies deceived them) like Shaitân (Satan), when he says to man: “Disbelieve in Allâh.” But when (man) disbelieves in Allâh, Shaitân (Satan) says: “I am free of you, I fear Allâh, the Lord of the ‘Alamîn (mankind, jinns and all that exists)!” (Al-Hashr 59:16)

Shaytan will never make you sin directly, he will always trick you using Waswasah and he is more patient than any of us. So we should always seek refuge in Allah from Shaytan. Never think you have enough knowledge or are strong enough to take on Shaytan. This is why the Scholars of Islam are the ones with the most Taqwa, fear of Allah. So reflect on the story, if Shaytan told Barsisa to make sujood in the beginning, Barsisa would have said no staright away, but Shaytan has a plan in hand it was a step by step policy that made Barsisa finally breakdown and commit Kufr.

Reference for above story:
Stories in the Quran – Ibn Kathir – 110

(source: http://salaf-us-saalih.com/2009/10/31/story-of-barsisa-the-worshipper/)

Dear all lovely hunnies (SISTERS only lol), I have been a bit "MIA" (missing in action) from blogging just because I have sort of been taking a (MUCH) needed break, away from the online world, which I truly encourage everyone to do from time-to-time. It is HEALTHY! It helps you renew your intentions and re-evaluate yourselves and it really helps you see just HOW FLAWED you truly are and how bad you must look in the Sight of Allah! Taking some time away from the online world will eventually help you get closer to Allah and it will teach you MANY things about your relationship with Him..things you NEVER thought you would know or learn. Subhana'Allah!

That being said, I did however have the chance to answer a few questions from one of my lovely blogger friends over @ "Niqabi Nuances!" (click here). Her blog is fabulous and masha'Allah very straight to the point as well! It's a lovely da'wah blog full of Niqabi posts and modesty pieces that really make you say " YAH! I TOTALLY AGREE!!!!" So, please do check it out when you get a chance !!! Enjoy the interview and please do read it ALL-THE-WAY-THROUGH! READ, REFLECT, and REACH OUT! ACT NOW, DON'T WAIT! (and because this sister is just so amazingly sweet masha'Allah please also make duaa for her that Allah protects and preserves her and rewards all her hard work for His sake and His alone! )

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO ACCEPT ISLAM?

One Chinese Muslimah: Well, I can't say that there was anything in particular that inspired me to accept Islam. In fact, I was anti-religious and religion was not even in my vocabulary! I never thought about Allah at all and there were points in my life I doubting His existence (astughfurAllah). Truly, guidance is from Him and Him alone and I would have to say that it was a bunch of bad things that happened to me in my past life that accumulated into one big thing and it just made me fed-up with my lifestyle, who I was, and where I was headed in life. So... I guess I would have to say that my past life experiences are what led me to accept Islam (and of course Allah being the first and foremost reason I became Muslim).

WHAT DID YOU THINK ABOUT ISLAM BEFORE YOU REVERTED AND HOW DID ISLAM CHANGE YOU AS A WOMAN?

One Chinese Muslimah: To be honest, (lol) I had NO clue what Islam was. I was so ignorant and oblivious in my own bubble, it didn't phase me that it was the Muslims who were FALSELY being accused of terrorist attacks of Sept 11. I had no idea who Muslims were and what Islam was and I just thought that everyone who "wrapped their head" were Indian (astughfurAllah). I had no concept of this religion and I think because of the lifestyle I was living, I never really saw many Hijabis or Muslims (even though where I am from, the Muslim population is highly dense masha'Allah). So because I had no clue what Islam was or what the beliefs were, I didn't think much of it. I think I cared too much about myself to even care about the people around me (Subhana'Allah)!

WHAT WOULD BE THE ADVICE YOU'D GIVE WOMEN WHO ARE INTERESTED IN ISLAM BUT ARE SKEPTICAL OF ACCEPTING IT DUE TO THE WAY MUSLIM WOMEN'S RIGHTS ARE STEREOTYPED BY THE MEDIA?

One Chinese Muslimah: This is a great question masha'Allah! Well, I grew up in Toronto and this city is highly populated with women who flaunt their private parts like it's second nature, men who chase after women like how dogs chase after their own tail, and where that $1,000,000 condo in downtown defines who you are. So as you can see, Toronto is an OVERLY materialistic, surface kind of city. There is not much else going on besides what you see on the surface.

The bigger breasts you have the more beautiful and 'intelligent' you are (lol), the more make-up you have on your face the more 'natural' you are, and the more fashionable you are the more 'freedom' you have. I think the media has a HUGE part to do with why women in Islam are viewed as being "oppressed" because we live now in a world where the less clothes you have on symbolizes more freedom, the more boyfriends you have symbolizes more happiness, and the more money you have symbolizes success. But this is exactly what the media wants to feed everyone- THE COMPLETE OPPOSITE OF THE TRUTH.

I once was a slave to the Western society and if it were not for Islam, I would still be living under the dictatorship of the media. It was only after I became Muslim, had I found the truth. Islam truly honours their women and Allah has blessed us with His never ending Mercy to all the Muslim women. These women are pure, humble, educated, kind, respectful and well-mannered. They know where their self worth lies and it is not through showing off their chest or painting their faces like clowns on a Halloween night. These women are the strong foundation of a successful household. These women are looked after in a high regard and treated like absolute gold. These women are Muslim women. Where their chastity and modesty is what defines them. They do not need to prance around town looking half naked with fake breast, fake nails, and fake hair just to get some attention from strangers. The Muslim woman knows her status in society and she truly values everything that her Lord has given to her. Her modest black veil is her armour and her honour. It is HER choice, not the media's choice, not her husband's choice. This is a real woman. Everything else you see in the media, well, that's all just fake anyway, at the end of the day, their make-up comes off and they look as blank as a white wall. No self worth, no purpose, no confidence, because everything you see on the media is just a mirage. A facade to make you try to be someone you aren't. I think that is true oppression.

WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING THAT HAS TO BE CHANGED IN THE MUSLIM UMMAH OF TODAY?

One Chinese Muslimah: FULLY SUBMITTING TO ALLAH rather than to one's desires. Fearing Allah as He deserves to be feared. Giving Allah His Rights before demanding our rights from others. Following the Qur'an and CORRECT, AUTHENTIC Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (sallalahu aleyhi wasselam) instead of following vain desires and innovating things into the religion. Following ISLAM and NOT cultural practices. Recognizing that Allah is ALL SEEING, ALL HEARING, ALL KNOWING.

Do you think this could be done?

IS THERE ANYTHING YOU MISS FROM YOUR LIFE BEFORE REVERTING TO ISLAM?

One Chinese Muslimah: No, Alhamdulilah. Definitely NOT.

ADVICE ON HOW TO APPROACH FAMILY AFTER ACCEPTING ISLAM?

One Chinese Muslimah: I think this depends on each person's family. I mean I can't speak on behalf of every revert out there because everyone's family members are different and have a different mentality and acceptance towards Islam. I would definitely say, make PLENTY ofDuaa and trust in Allah. Also, if you are worried about telling your family, perhaps you should start first with your actions. Show them how much you have changed and how much Islam has taken a positive affect on you and then slowly start talking about Islam and then let them know the reason for your change is because of Islam. If that doesn't work then just be patient. The life of a revert, subhan'Allah it is a challenge because after we have accepted the truth and this life rewarding gift from Allah, our commitment to our new found faith is tested by showing Allah our dedication and determination we have for this very gift He blessed us with. We are tested with the acceptance of our families and truly this is a big test (like most of theProphets - peace be upon them all). So I encourage you to seek help through patience and prayer and trust in Allah. If your conviction is true than Allah will always make a way out for you and with every hardship, there will be ease. Also, I think it is really important for the Ummah to show their support to the reverts. This is our DUTY and it is VITAL. You would never forsake a newborn baby on the side of the road, so please for the sake of Allah, lend a helping hand and your spare bedroom for the new revert (who may experience difficulties at first with their families!). Your efforts will never go unnoticed in the Sight of Allah.

WHAT IS THE HARDEST STEP TO OVERCOME WHEN WEARING THE NIQAB AND ANY ADVICE ON HOW TO OVERCOME THOSE DIFFICULTIES?

One Chinese Muslimah: When I first started wearing Niqab, I was so self conscious and nervous (lol). Mainly because I live in the middle of nowhere and American's here are not used to seeing any one other than their own skin colour (yah, sad reality). But I kept reminding myself I was doing it for Allah's Pleasure and it got easier Alhamdulilah. I was struggling to keep it on consistently at first but Alhamdulilah I now am full-time with it and feel the most safe and most modest in it. I encourage sisters to at least give it a try for one day and slowly take the steps to keep it on. It is one of the most beautiful pieces of cloth ever made, because it truly expresses the freedom, the beauty and the purity of a REAL WOMAN. Allahu Akbar. It also helps to know that our mothers of believers wore it like it was nobody's business ;) We should follow in their footsteps and represent!

WITH SO MANY HIJAB TRENDS PICKING UP, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE MUSLIMAHS WHO ARE MORE INCLINED TO FOLLOWING FASHIONABLE TRENDS?

One Chinese Muslimah: Heeheee..for this question!

Well, ummm, when I first became Muslim, I was highly inclined to follow the Hijabi blogger fashion trends. In fact I wanted to start my own blog as well (lol !). I was a fashion student and fashion model so I thought that once I became a Muslimah, there would be no problem in me incorporating fashion and Hijab! SUBHANA'ALLAH! Was I EVER WRONG. Alhamdulilah, Allah guided me and took me out of my ignorance. This is unacceptable in Islam. Hijab is meant to deter attention away from you so why would you do the complete opposite? That goes against Islam.
I just wanted to say this:

Dear sisters in Islam, the most beautiful thing that the Muslim woman has, is her chastity, her modesty and her humility. By far, this is the most beautiful thing a woman could EVER have. Even when I was a non Muslim, I would have secret jealousy for the quiet, shy, modest type of women. There is just something that is so beautiful about being pure. So why would you want to change that sisters? Please think twice, and remember our purpose here on earth is not to be a slave to Shaitan and a fashion slave to society, we are here to worship Allah alone and not to associate any partners with Him, and not to put our desires before Him. Please kindly educate yourselves on the religion and learn the beauty of modesty and why we are commanded to cover the way we are supposed to. Nowhere does it say in the Qur'an or Sunnah that is it acceptable to wear bright fashion patterned Hijabs with makeup and accessories for strangers. This is something the kafirs do and we are not kafirs Alhamdulilah. Please set the trend and don't follow the trends being set by kafirs. The only makeup you need is the Noor glowing from your face from the obedience to Allah, The Almighty. Please, again, think twice before you step out of your home, ask yourself who you are trying to please? If you are dressed like a fashionista Hijabi blogger because you want to please yourself, or other people, then remember this is Shirk and it is a major sin in Islam. Fear Allah and know that He is Watching.

WHAT ARE 3 THINGS YOU GENUINELY DISLIKE?

One Chinese Muslimah:

The media.
When I defrost chicken or beef and leave it in the fridge and there is a hole in the bag and it leaks ALL OVER THE FRIDGE, I seriously HATE this.
Wet floors in public bathrooms with toilet paper everywhere. I truly dislike this.

WHAT ARE 3 THINGS YOU REALLY ADMIRE?

One Chinese Muslimah:

Sisters with good Akhlaq and Adaab
Sisters who fear Allah
Sisters who know what they are doing is wrong and actually take advice genuinely and act upon it. This is amazing masha'Allah.

TELL US 3 WAYS IN WHICH THE NIQAB HAS CHANGED YOU LIFE

One Chinese Muslimah:

It has helped me be more modest when I am out in public with my speech, my actions and my manners.
The Niqab has really helped my confidence subhana'Allah. I find the less clothes you have on or the more you need to follow up with fashion trends and drown your face with the entire Nars makeup line, the more low self confidence you truly have (because you feel the need to make up for your character or lack thereof) and the more clothes you wear to cover up your adornments means that you have more confidence and a good sense of intellect and self worth (because you know that you're beautiful and you don't need to flaunt it to the world just to gain temporary satisfaction). Real women do not need to revolve themselves around making youtube videos of beautifying your Hijab or how to wear the latest fashion trends because real Muslimah women know their role in society and know that their modesty and their beauty is something sacred and forbidden from strangers. I see so many Youtube videos and Hijabi bloggers these days showing off their fashion trends and even including their husbands in their videos showing all the sisters "my husband tying my hijab" or such nonsense? Subhana'Allah. Hijab should NOT be that complex should it? Like do we really need a video with 100 ways to tie your Hijab? Because I don't see that anywhere in the Qur'an or Sunnah...May Allah guide these sisters to the straight path and open up their eyes to all the possible dangers and consequences that their ignorant actions can cause. Ameen.
It has made me more thankful to Allah that He chose me and gave my taufeeq to abide by His commands and to not follow my own desires. Alhamdulilah. May He continue keep me guided and steadfast upon the truth until my last breath. Ameen

A SPECIAL QURANIC VERSE TO LIVE BY?

One Chinese Muslimah: Can I add more than one? hee hee, there are just WAY too many that we all need to live by!!

"For each one are successive [angels] before and behind him who protect him by the decree of Allah. Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves. And when Allah intends for a people ill, there is no repelling it. And there is not for them besides Him any patron." (Ar-Rad :11)

“It may be that you dislike a thing and Allaah brings through it a great deal of good” [Al-Nisa’ 4:19]

"Whatever misfortune befalls you is a consequence of your own deeds. But much of it He forgives" (42:30)

A SPECIAL HADITH FOR MUSLIM WOMEN TO LIVE BY?

One Chinese Muslimah: ( I have to add two, is that ok? lol)
“Whoever among you sees an evil action, let him change it with his hand [by taking action]; if he cannot, then with his tongue [by speaking out]; and if he cannot, then with his heart [by hating it and feeling that it is wrong] – and that is the weakest of faith” (Narrated by Muslim, 49)

‘Abdullâh b. Mas’ûd – Allâh be pleased with him – said:
Women are but an ‘awrah (something private to be covered). A woman might leave her house without there being any problem with her, but the Shaytân seeks her out and says [to her], “You will not pass by anyone except that you will impress/please him.” A woman puts on her clothes and is asked where she is going, to which she replies, “To visit a sick person,” or “to attend a funeral”, or “to pray in the masjid”; but a woman never worships Allâh in the way she does when she worships Him in her house.
Al-Tabarânî. Graded sahîh by Shaykh Al-Albânî in Sahîh Al-Targhîbi wa Al-Tarhîb Vol. 1 p84.

YOUR GO-TO QURANIC VERSE OR HADITH THAT CALMS YOU WHEN YOU'RE DOWN?

One Chinese Muslimah: “Know that the life of this world is only play and amusement, pomp and mutual boasting among you, and rivalry in respect of wealth and children, as the likeness of vegetation after rain, thereof the growth is pleasing to the tiller; afterwards it dries up and you see it turning yellow; then it becomes straw. But in the Hereafter (there is) a severe torment (for the disbelievers, evil-doers), and (there is) Forgiveness from Allah and (His) Good Pleasure (for the believers, good-doers), whereas the life of this world is only a deceiving enjoyment.” ( Al-Hadid 57: 20)

The Messenger of Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “Whoever is in love with his life in this world damages his life in the next world, and whoever is in love with his life in the next world damages his life in this world – and you should prefer what lasts forever to what is destined to vanish.” [Ahmad ibn Hanbal; al-Musnad]

A WORD OF ADVICE FOR SISTERS WHO WANT TO WEAR THE NIQAB BUT ARE RELUCTANT TO DO SO FOR FEAR OF WHAT THEIR FAMILY OR SOCIETY MAY SAY

One Chinese Muslimah: Remember WHO you are doing it for and remember, nothing looks more honourable and beautiful than a woman in her Niqab and her Abaya. This is just the reality! Set the trend, don't be a follower!

FINALLY, A SHORT MESSAGE FOR ALL MUSLIMAHS:

One Chinese Muslimah: Dear sisters in Islam,

Firstly, I would like you to please take a look at this verse,

‘[This is] a surah which We have sent down and made [that within it] obligatory and revealed therein verses of clear evidence that you might remember.’ (An-Noor 24:1)

Notice that Allah Subhanahu wa' t'ala says We have sent down and MADE (that within it) "obligatory" and "revealed therein verses of clear evidence"

In the same Surah, Allah later commands us :

"And tell the believing women to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts) and not to show off their adornment except only that which is apparent (like both eyes for necessity to see the way, or outer palms of hands or one eye or dress like veil, gloves, head-cover, apron, etc.), and to draw their veils all over Juyubihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms) and not to reveal their adornment except to their husbands, or their fathers, or their husband's fathers, or their sons, or their husband's sons, or their brothers or their brother's sons, or their sister's sons, or their (Muslim) women (i.e. their sisters in Islam), or the (female) slaves whom their right hands possess, or old male servants who lack vigour, or small children who have no sense of feminine sex. And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment. And all of you beg Allah to forgive you all, O believers, that you may be successful." (An-Noor 24: 31)

So as many of you see, by clear proof, Allah has commanded the verses within this Surah(and everything else He commands us to do in the Qur'an) to be obligatory upon us.

There is a big problem within the Ummah of today, and there is no denying it and that is the disappearance of modesty.

Many of us have taken our desires as first priority rather than the Qur'an and authentic Sunnah. Music, non-mahrams, adorning oneself with excessive makeup and fashion trends, sharing personal beautified photos of oneself all over the internet, wasting hours at the mall, watching movies men and idolizing celebrities, cursing and idle talk. These actions are nothing different than that of kafirs, and Subhana'Allah, even some kafirs use their time more wisely. So I'd like to ask you all, what are you doing with your time? What kind of message are you trying to convey to the Ummah? Are you trying to share the message of Tawheed, la ilaha illAllah, through your makeup-Hijab blogs? Your fashion statements? Your non-mahram relationships?

I have been through this dunya and back and Alhamdulilahi Rabbil' Aalimeen Allah has guided me and taken me out of that dark hole I was once living in. Fashion, music, fun and games... these things that so many of the Muslim youth are trying to attain, is nothing but a cheap tool of Shaitan to mislead the servants of Allah. It really is not worth it sisters. I really want to let you know, that the most beautiful thing a Muslim woman has, is her modesty. Her chastity and her humility is a possession that you all should be striving for. None of you should be striving for that LV purse or that fashion wardrobe because all of these things will leave you. Nobody should be striving for the next "Twilight" book series or the taste of alcohol (audubilah)! Why do we strive for the dunya when this life is only temporary?

How many of us are doing things to strive for Jannah? How many of us are striving to be like the mother of believers (May Allah be pleased with them all)?? Where has our dignity gone? Where has our jealousy for defending our religion gone to?

We say we LOVE ALLAH and His Messenger (sallalahu aleyhi wasselam), yet what exactly are we doing to show this to our Lord? What exactly are we doing to show that we love our beloved prophet (sallalahu aleyhi wasselam)??

The answer is nothing. We do the complete opposite and we don't even fear Allah as He should be feared. We demand our rights from one another yet we don't even give Allah His SOLE RIGHT, and that is to worship HIM and HIM ALONE with NO partners. So why do we associate our desires with Allah? Why do we put our desires before our Creator?

Sisters, re-evaluate your position in life, know that Allah is watching. If your parents found out half the things you did, what would they think? If even ANYBODY found out half the things you did, what would they think? So then what would Allah think?? If He is ALL SEEING, ALL KNOWING, ALL HEARING?

I mean no harm sisters, I really don't. But it pains to see my sisters in Islam follow blindly what I once was following. It wrecked me and destroyed me, and it is only because of Islam that I am recovering and growing again Alhamdulilah. Out of fear of Allah and out of love for His sake, is why I'm giving you this sincere advice. Time is with Allah, time is not with us and all we do is waste it on frivolous things that will not benefit our Hereafter. Imitating the kafirs and the things we see in the media will not save us from the Hellfire, it will only bring us closer (naudubilah)!!

Detach yourselves away from this poison as fast as you can and repent to Allah and seek His guidance and His aid. Follow the path of the Salaf and not the path of Shaitan. Learn your religion and seek the proper authentic Islam from the Qur'an and authentic Sunnah... before it's too late. When you are screaming in your grave, nobody will be able to hear you, and you won't be given a second chance.

May Allah forgive me if I have said anything to offend you all, all good is from Him and anything evil or with error is from my own self and I seek refuge in Him from Shaitan the accursed.

Prophet Muhammad (sallalahu Aleyhi Wasselam ) delivered his last sermon (Khutbah) on the ninth of Dhul Hijjah (12^th and last month of the Islamic year), 10 years after Hijrah (migration from Makkah to Madinah) in the Uranah Valley of mount Arafat. His words were quite clear and concise and were directed to the entire humanity.

After praising, and thanking Allah he said:

“O People, lend me an attentive ear, for I know not whether after this year, I shall ever be amongst you again. Therefore listen to what I am saying to you very carefully and TAKE THESE WORDS TO THOSE WHO COULD NOT BE PRESENT HERE TODAY.

O People, just as you regard this month, this day, this city as Sacred, so regard the life and property of every Muslim as a sacred trust. Return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners. Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you. Remember that you will indeed meet your LORD, and that HE will indeed reckon your deeds. ALLAH has forbidden you to take usury (interest), therefore all interest obligation shall henceforth be waived. Your capital, however, is yours to keep. You will neither inflict nor suffer any inequity. Allah has Judged that there shall be no interest and that all the interest due to Abbas ibn ‘Abd’al Muttalib (Prophet’s uncle) shall henceforth be waived…

Beware of Satan, for the safety of your religion. He has lost all hope that he will ever be able to lead you astray in big things, so beware of following him in small things.

O People, it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women, but they also have rights over you. Remember that you have taken them as your wives only under Allah’s trust and with His permission. If they abide by your right then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Do treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners and committed helpers. And it is your right that they do not make friends with any one of whom you do not approve, as well as never to be unchaste.

O People, listen to me in earnest, worship ALLAH, say your five daily prayers (Salah), fast during the month of Ramadan, and give your wealth in Zakat. Perform Hajj if you can afford to.

All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over black nor a black has any superiority over white except by piety (taqwa) and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood. Nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim which belongs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given freely and willingly. Do not, therefore, do injustice to yourselves.

Remember, one day you will appear before ALLAH and answer your deeds. So beware, do not stray from the path of righteousness after I am gone.

O People, NO PROPHET OR APOSTLE WILL COME AFTER ME AND NO NEW FAITH WILL BE BORN. Reason well, therefore, O People, and understand words which I convey to you. I leave behind me two things, the QUR'AN and my example, the SUNNAH and if you follow these you will never go astray.

All those who listen to me shall pass on my words to others and those to others again; and may the last ones understand my words better than those who listen to me directly. Be my witness, O ALLAH, that I have conveyed your message to your people”.

(Reference: See Al-Bukhari, Hadith 1623, 1626, 6361) Sahih of Imam Muslim also refers to this sermon in Hadith number 98. Imam al-Tirmidhi has mentioned this sermon in Hadith nos. 1628, 2046, 2085. Imam Ahmed bin Hanbal has given us the longest and perhaps the most complete version of this sermon in his Masnud, Hadith no. 19774.)

Installing a Satellite Dish to Watch the News
Explained by Shaykh Fawzan

Question:

O noble Shaykh there are numerous questions surrounding one topic here is one of the questions. What is the ruling on the person who installs a satellite dish in his home just for the news or to listen to Al Jazeera channel?

Shaykh Fawzan:

The news is obtained without a satellite dish, it can be obtained in the newspaper, it can be obtained on the radio, and it can be obtained on Saudi television that which is not on satellite. It is obtained without a satellite dish.

The satellite dish brings about evil upon him and upon others such as his children and his family. Thus its evil is greater than its benefit, if there is any benefit. The evil outweighs it. Thus do not install it in the home due to its pure evil or its preponderant evil.

And the affair is not limited to him, rather it will corrupt his family, all of them, the young and the old, except those whom Allah has mercy upon. And he is responsible for them. He صلى الله عليه وسلم said: The head of household is a shepherd and he is responsible for his flock. Who will question him? He will be questioned by Allah the Exalted on the Day of Judgment.

Thus it is not permissible for him to install a satellite dish in his home using the argument of watching the news. The news is obtained by many means that do not contain corruption.

And then, what is the news? Most of it is fraudulent and lies, so what will he benefit from it?

He destroys his home in order to get the news? The news, most of it is lies and most of it is incitement and evil. So he should not destroy his home and corrupt his family for the purpose of this false claim.

And the Al Jazeera channel has a great deal of evil; it contains a great deal of evil and incitement. And they bring people who fumble about in the affairs of the religion and in issues of jurisprudence. And they make impermissible what Allah has made permissible or they make permissible what Allah has made impermissible, in their verdicts. Thus this is a great evil to listen to and watch the Al Jazeera channel. Its evil is wide spread now and everything associated with it is evil, and no one praises it.

Translated by Rasheed ibn Estes Barbee
http://mtws.posterous.com/installing-a-satellite-dish-to-watch-the-news

Satellite T.V. in the Homes
A stern warning from Shaykh Uthaymeen

Shaykh Uthaymeen, may Allah have mercy upon him:

And here there is an issue that I remembered now and I wish to caution against it. And it is that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said:

مَا مِنْ رَجُلٍ يَسْتَرْعِيهِ اللَّهُ رَعِيَّةً يَمُوتُ يَوْمَ يَمُوتُ وَهُوَ غَاشٌّ لِرَعِيَّتِهِ إِلا حَرَّمَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ الْجَنَّةَ

There is no man to whom Allah has entrusted with the care of people, and he dies while neglecting his flock, except that Allah will forbid Paradise to him.

And this responsibility includes the major vast responsibilities and the minor responsibilities. And it includes the man’s responsibility concerning his family.

And based upon this, whoever dies while he has left behind in his house a satellite dish, then he has died while betraying his responsibility and he will be forbidden paradise as it is mentioned in the hadith.

For this reason we say, any sin that results from this satellite dish that the person installed before his death, verily every sin that results from it after his death then the sin is upon him; even if a long period of time passes by, and the sins are numerous. Thus beware my Muslim brother, beware not to leave behind you that which will be a sin against you in your grave.

And the satellite dish that you have with you it is obligatory to smash it. Because it is not possible for you to utilize it except in a manner which is prohibited. It is not possible to sell it, because if you sold it then you would have imposed upon the buyer using it in disobedience to Allah. And then you would be from those who assist in sin and transgression. And there is no way to repentance from that before death except by smashing this machine; this device that brings about evil and calamities that which is known today to all of the people.

Beware my brother that death should surprise you while you have this filthy device in your home. Beware, beware, for verily you will yield its sin and it shall continue upon you after your death. We ask Allah for safety and security.

Assalamualaikum wa Rahmatulahi wa Barakatu,

This post is dedicated to all of us (myself included, first and foremost), who are ignorant in many avenues of the religion. This post is written bidhni'Allah so that we can reflect upon ourselves and be better, weaker servants of Allah, The Almighty and to treat our sisters in Islam a whole lot better (keeping in mind that, kindness, forgiveness, understanding and humility towards one another is SOLELY to earn the Pleasure of Allah, and Him alone). I know there are many sisters, including myself, who have been oppressed, disrespected, and talked about behind their backs and I just wanted to say to those victims... "I FEEL YOU SIS" and don't worry, Allah is All-Knowing, All-Hearing, All-Seeing and He is MOST JUST. If those sisters who have wronged us, have not apologized to us whilst continuing in their ignorant ways, and following their own desires whilst putting their pride before Allah, then just remember, Allah will deal with them in this dunya and the Akhirah. They, Alhamdulilah, are not our problem! They will earn whatever it is that they deserve in this dunya and the Akhirah. May Allah guide them and continue to guide us and keep us steadfast and upright upon His beautiful, loving, gentle deen. Ameen!

Let us explore.

Pride: What expelled Ibless from Jannah? His PRIDE, ARROGANCE, and IGNORANCE. We all have a dose of pride in ourselves, some of us may have more negative pride than positive. The negative pride, is the one that stems from jealousy from another sister ( I'm talking about the, "but I'm better than her, why does she have that and I don't" attitude) and also the kind that makes you feel superior above all and the "I wear niqab, therefor I am super religious and (think) I have all the knowledge in the world-yet I don't even know what basic Akhlaq and Adab means- nor do I know what Aqeedah and Minhaj are." You refuse to take advice from others and you think that you are right in everything that you say, do, and feel. Terrible is the one who carries such a heavy burden on themselves. If you are one of these sisters, May Allah guide you, because this kind of attitude will not get you anywhere, and it will stop you from earning the Guidance and Blessings of Allah. I've witnessed with my own eyes, that some sisters are so caught up with their own pride, they won't even let you think, speak, talk and they are set in their ways and believe that they are ALWAYS right. Their pride has caught up to their throats and it has even stopped them from seeking knowledge because they think they " know so much" with their deen. We might even feel this way about ourselves (which is a good thing- self realisation is the first step to becoming a better Muslim). Anyhow, if you Fear Allah, then you will truly reflect upon the below and strive harder to Please Allah, and Him alone.:

614. Haritha ibn Wahb said, "I heard the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, say, 'Shall I tell you about the people of the Fire? All those who are coarse, domineering, and arrogant.'" [Agreed upon]

620. Salama ibn al-Akwa' reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, aid, "A man will continue to be arrogant until he is written among the tyrants and what strikes them will strike him." [at-Tirmidhi]

Allah Almighty says, "That Abode of the Next World: We grant it to those who do not seek to exalt themselves in the earth or to cause corruption in it. The successful outcome is for the godfearing," (28:83)

The Almighty says, "'Do not avert your face from people out of haughtiness and do not strut about arrogantly on the earth, Allah does not love anyone who is vain of boastful," (W31;17; H31:18)

Backbiting: We are all guilty of this. Even if it was before we knew about the verses in the Qur'an or in the Ahadith, we have done this at one point of our lives. Understandable. We are human beings and we are not only weak by nature, but we are heavy sinners as well. We have to realise though, that just because we wear Niqab, study Arabic, or we are a Hafidh of Qur'an, this does NOT entitle us to backbite, or gossip about sisters without them knowing. Seeking knowledge is deemed useless if we do not act upon what we have learnt. I have had many sisters backbite me and they thought that it would never come back to me, but you know, Allah always exposes the wrong doers. Without a doubt talking behind a sister's back is haram and we are only human, so if you have done this to a sister that you knew/know, repent RIGHT AWAY for this is a big sin! You'd definitely DON'T want to die in this state of having your dirty mouth and dirty heart un-cleansed by Allah's Mercy and Forgiveness before you are in the grave for your questioning period.

"O you who believe! Avoid much suspicion, in deeds some suspicions are sins. And spy not neither backbite one another. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would hate it (so hate backbiting). And fear God, verily, God is the one who accepts repentance, Most Merciful." (49: 12)

It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Do you know what gheebah (backbiting) is?” They said, “Allah and His Messenger know best.” He said, “Saying something about your brother that he dislikes.” It was said, “What if what I say about my brother is true?” He said, “If what you say is true then you have backbitten about him, and if it is not true, then you have slandered him.”

[Muslim]

"I asked the Messenger of God : Who is the best Muslim? The Messenger of God replied, "He is the one from whom Muslims are safe from the evil of his tongue and hands."(Muslim)

Prophet Muhammad said : "Who protects his tongue from unlawful utterances and his private parts from illegal sexual intercourse, I shall guarantee him entrance into Paradise."(Bukhari and Muslim)

Being Angry: This is JUST as common as backbiting. How many times have we gotten so angry at our sisters because they said something that did not please us? How many times have we gotten angry at a sister because they were just being honest and telling the truth for the sake of Allah? I'm sure we can ALL admit to this. But how exactly have we handled the situations when our emotions take over our rationality? Anger is from shaitan and he is of the jinn, and we know that the jinn is made from fire. The best way to extinguish the flames of fury is by seeking refuge in Allah, making wudhu, and STAYING SILENT. But sadly, we let our emotions get ahead of ourselves with the help of shaitan, and we fall into unnecessary sins. THIS IS A BIG CHALLENGE ! Especially for us sisters who tend to put our emotions before our rationality. Of course, we are all works in progress and this is something that will only change over time. The next time we fall into a disagreement or an argument, if the sister on the other end either leaves the conversation or has remained silent, let her be, and this is probably why: (And perhaps we can learn a thing or two from these provided proofs)

The Prophet (peace be upon him) advised us not to

speak when we are angry. He said: “If one of you gets

angry, he should be quiet.” [ Musnad Ahmad ]

"The good deed and the evil deed cannot be equal. Repel (the evil) with one which is better (i.e. Allâh ordered the faithful believers to be patient at the time of anger, and to excuse those who treat them badly), then verily! he, between whom and you there was enmity, (will become) as though he was a close friend." (The Noble Qur'an - Fussilat 41:34)

#1317. Abu Hurayra reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "The person who is strong is not strong because he can knock people down. The person who is strong is the one who controls himself when he is angry." ( Sahih Bukhari )

Well, that is all I have for this post. Insha'Allah I will try to cut my posts to a minimal length. Speaking for myself, I don't bother reading long posts and usually end up skimming them (unless they catch my attention), so I will continue adding on to this list insha'Allah, because sadly, it is never-ending, as you always will find many issues with people when meeting them online (I'm sure meeting sisters in person is a totally different thing to write about...but until then) .

If you have WRONGED a sister and know that you have followed your emotions before your rationality, and you know that Allah would NOT be pleased with your behavior, THEN REPENT AND SEEK FORGIVENESS FROM HIM and maybe you should reconcile between the ones that you have harmed and oppressed. LEARN YOUR RELIGION. Just because you wear Niqab, or full hijab and abaya, or gloves and the whole works, DOES NOT MEAN ANYTHING. Just because you think you are educated in one aspect of the religion, does not mean that you are "religious." If you claim that Niqab makes you feel more "modest", "closer to Allah", and "more righteous"...then insha'Allah you will take this post as a blessing from Allah and use it to your advantage. Educate yourselves on the proper Akhlaq and Adab and know the basic fundamentals of Aqeedah.

Our time on earth is never guaranteed and we die with this big burden on our bad deeds scale, then just remember, there is NO turning back and the ones that we oppressed, harmed, and hurt in this dunya, well, they will see you on the Day of Judgement and it will be too late by then to even try to make things right. If we are all true Muslims, who say we "love each other for the sake of Allah" to our sisters, then NOTHING will get in the way of our sisterhood. NOT even our dirty pride, our evil desires, and our messy emotions.
Allahu Akbar.
We say we are Muslims, lets start acting like one.

I will leave you with this Hadith as a reminder and a warning:

1322. Aslam said, " 'Umar ibn al-Khattab said, 'Do not let your love be a total infatuation. Do not let your anger be destruction.' I asked, 'How is that?' He replied, 'When you love, you are infatuated like a child. When you hate, you desire destruction for your companion.'" (Sahih Bukhari)

May Allah forgive me for anything that I've said that has offended you, anything good I've said is from Allah and anything bad is from my own self and I seek refuge in Allah from Shaitan the accursed. Ameen!

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