Archive for August 2012

Kim Kardashian, Kate Middleton, Lady Gaga, and (again) Britney Spears. What do these women have in common besides spreading nonsense in the world?

They are the Western society's role models.

I find it quite humorous that such clowns are known as "the leading ladies of the future."
Kim Kardashian who really has nothing going for her, is famous for her money and life which consists of shopping and drowning her face with makeup. Kate Middleton, a very wealthy "commoner", famous for her marriage to Prince William. Lady Gaga, who promotes same-sex relationships, and making extremely haram things seem halal and of course Britney Spears, who is just as ridiculous as the others and can't even take care of herself. These are the women who are making a difference in the youth's lives. Parading around half-naked, gallons of make-up, intoxicated, and pretty much useless individuals who are famous for unknown reasons. I mean, Kate Middleton is slightly better than the others, but nonetheless she is still nonsense.
The importance of raising children in this generation to make a difference in the future has been heavily ignored. The media has become the new fastest growing religion. This used to be my religion, and I was a very devoted practisor. I have lost count with the amount of "role models" I looked up to and tried so hard to mimic.

I want to share with you who my role model is today, why I chose the name Khadijah, and why I look up to her:

She was one of the greatest leaders of humanity known to mankind
She was the most respected lady of her time
She was the most noble
She was a humble wealthy businesswoman
She was most loyal
She was most intelligent
She had a strong persona and a soft heart
She was beautiful and pious
She was known as the "pure woman"
She was the Prophet Muhammad's (pbuh) first wife
She was the first one to accept Islam
She was the mother of the believers
She was Khadijah.

Wow, what a woman.
Allah chose the perfect woman for the perfect man, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).
The only words I can think of to describe such a woman is, "absolutely amazing". She was the only woman who was greeted with a "Salam" by Allah and the Angel Jibril. The first wife of the Prophet (pbuh), and he did not take on another wife during his marriage with Khadijah. She was the most supportive wife of the Prophet (pbuh) and sacrificed all the comforts of life. The Prophet had such high regards for Khadijah and spoke of her in the most dearest way:

" I have no yet found a better wife than her. She had faith in me when everyone, even members of my own family and tribe did not believe me, and accepted that I was truly a Prophet and a Messenger of Allah. She converted to Islam, spent all her wealth and worldly goods to help me spread this faith, and this too at a time when the entire world seemed to have turned against me and persecuted me. And it is through her that Allah blessed me with children"(Narrated by Aisha). She was the ideal mother and wife. She is a true representation of not only the ideal Muslim woman, but she is what every woman should strive to become. Could you imagine if all women had Khadijah (May Allah be pleased with her) as a role model what the outcome of society would be like today?

Women wouldn't think that walking around half-naked is beautiful, women wouldn't think that caking on a pound of makeup on her face was what defines her beauty, women wouldn't think that being intoxicated was the way to enjoy life, women wouldn't think the materialistic things in life were important, women wouldn't have to stray away from religion to gain their independence and freedom.
Most importantly, women would believe in Allah.

Why it is so hard to find a woman like Khadijah these days?
I would really like to hear what you have to say.

I never liked exams, in fact I detested them!
I was never the top student of my class, in fact I was terrible at exams. I had exam anxiety and had to separate from another room so I could have extra time to finish (not that it helped my amazing marks *sarcasm*)

Why must one spend so much dedication and time towards studying for a topic while only to be tested on it after?
We learn all we can and some even cram and leave a years worth of knowledge to the last minute hoping to absorb as much information as possible before the final exam. Subhana'Allah.

The purpose of the exam is to test our knowledge and to see if we can correctly apply what we have been taught from what we learnt throughout the year. The one who puts in the hours and the efforts usually succeeds with a higher-than-passing mark. The one who crams all night and leaves everything to the last minute usually fails or barely passes.
I used to be the latter. I would leave my studying to the last minute and hoping that by fluke I would some how pass, and the joke here is, I would be praying to my wooden deities to pass me (lol!! but seriously, astughfurAllah). I concluded that exams (and tests) just weren't "my thing".

Writing an exam or a test requires so much preparation and focus (and SO much effort). That feeling of successfully passing and moving ahead in life is just SO rewarding. We spend so much time working hard to become the best student, earning that killer degree, and giving ourselves the head honcho titles but what about successfully preparing for our final exam? What about focusing on our daily tests we are put through every day by our Creator? Are we going to cram until the last minute hoping to pass THE final exam (our death, the grave, The Day of Judgement)?

Aha, but this final exam is different. There is no re-take. You can't erase and re-write the right answer. You can't separate yourself into another room and be allotted more time. This exam is limited on time. This is the exam that we have been preparing for all our lives. Wouldn't it be a shame to know that cramming for this exam will not grant you a passing grade? Wouldn't it be a shame to know that failing this exam will enter you into an eternal punishment with torture and pain that you couldn't even imagine? Wouldn't it be a shame to know that you were given all this extra time and credit to your advantage yet you decided to study other subjects? Failing each chapter of your tests will not help you with THIS final exam.

Just imagine, taking THE final exam that will determine your destiny for eternity (Paradise, or the Hellfire).

Would you then continue to slack off , or would you start studying and preparing ahead of time?

Exams and tests used to be a joke to me.
But there is nothing funny about this test I'm taking, and this final exam is definitely not a laughing matter.

I had often wondered in my past life, living in a Western society, why religion oppressed people. I had this preconceived notion that religion was only for people who were oppressed and had no sense of direction in life. Often I made such ludicrous judgments and never really bothered to do my research. I thought that religion had way too many rules and regulations and that learning the playbook of football or the NBA would be easier than to learn the teachings of a religion, hence why I was never religious for the right reasons.

But enter Islam.

For some reason, which only Allah knows, I began to see things in a different light. I actually wanted to RESEARCH Islam and the different "rules and regulations" such a religion had in store for me. Something triggered my interest and I wanted to find out more. Perhaps it was because I was sick of the Western world, where a simple greet and smile was almost as hard to find as a diamond in the red sea, where globalization and consumerism was the primary focus in everybody's life, and where sex, drugs, partying was the only known pastimes.

Money made and will always make the world go round and I never really thought this was how I wanted to live my life. Women dressing like men or with barely nothing on is considered a movement of freedom for the women's revolution.

Women dating women, men dating men are becoming more popular in the world. The crime rate is skyrocketing and more economic depression is sweeping the world by storm. Perhaps all these things were making me sick and disgusted and I wanted nothing to do with this. The ironic thing is that this revolution of the 21 st century is supposed to be the century of opportunity, growth, technology, and more freedom. But is this really considered freedom? When all you see is violence and casualties , free sex everywhere, economic oppression of slave wages, high divorce rates, pornography in many homes, women dressing like "whores" on television, people using vulgar language, and many mistreating their parents and elders. The women we see walking around in malls, on television half naked, these women are mothers, wives, and daughters of yours!!!

Is that really freedom? Who is really oppressed ? Is it really us Muslims?

Are we, Muslims, oppressed just because we, women, cover up our adornment from strange men we don't know because our beauty is only for our Lord and for our husband? Are we oppressed because we cover up properly and we are actually respected instead of being looked at as sex objects ? Are we oppressed because we remember our Lord, our Creator five times a day ? Because we prostrate before our Creator and submit to Him? Are we oppressed because we are treated like a delicate flower from our husbands instead of a woman who is easily disposable at any moment ? Are we oppressed because we greet and smile at every Muslim out of respect for one another? Are we oppressed because we stay away from violence and crime because in the Qur'an it STRICTLY prohibits such acts ? Are we oppressed because we know the destruction that the media and music have on people? Are we oppressed because we have a book that teaches us how to live our lives as decent, well mannered, loving human beings?

If all these things ( and they are just a few of the many) seem to you to be why Muslims are oppressed, than by all means continue living in your Western world "bubble" as I, amongst millions of born Muslims and reverts want to live their life with true freedom and that's why we choose Islam any day over all the other religions, and especially the religion of the consumer society.

Ramadan came and went, as if it were a strong wind that blew the dry leaves off the ground on a cool, Autumn morning.

Subhana'Allah, I feel a bit lonely now that Ramadan has left me. It was the month that kept me company and it was the month that became my companion. I had not realised what the "Ramadan hype" was all about until this year and I am not talking about the kind of hype that seemed to circulate on the blogs of the modern day Muslimah (i.e- what to cook for iftar, the countdown to breaking your fast, so on and so forth), but I am talking about the hype of reflection, repentance, and ibadaah.

As I had mentioned in my earlier posts prior to Ramadan, I was a bit sad at the fact that I was not able to spend my Ramadan in Saudi with my loved ones. This truly had a HUGE affect on me. I struggled to stay positive and tried hard to avoid sulking but nothing seemed to stop my emotional roller coaster . I admit, my iman was riding the waves like an amateur surfer. I would be up and then down, and then struggling to get up and then right when I was up, I was down again. I was lacking gratitude, focus, and motivation. I was feeling like my duaas were never being answered (astughfurAllah) and I couldn't help but feel this unsettling feeling in my heart. I felt like Allah had abandoned me and left me lost on His path (Subhana'Allah). How many of you sisters have felt this way?

fast forward to Ramadan.

After the initial two weeks of feeling sorry for myself (astughfurAllah) and sad due to the fact that I was spending Ramadan alone (i.e- eating sahuur and iftar and praying taraweeh and tahajjud alone ,and going to the masjid would not work around my dad's work schedule since I wanted to obey my husband's orders), Allah answered my duaas. I forced myself bidhni Allah, to think about all the sisters who spent not only Ramadan, but every day, alone and struggling to practise Islam. I reminded myself that it was a blessing to be able to have food to break my fast. I knew how it felt to be one of those sisters who had to deal with their kafir family members and realised truly how Generous Allah is. I began to feel more at ease and I was able to establish my Ramadan routine. I realised that this solidarity was actually to my advantage, and so I took FULL advantage of it.

I made sure to play the Qur'an daily at my parent's home (while they were at work) and I was able to try out new recipes, read Qur'an in Arabic daily, memorize a handful of Surahs, and pray taraweeh and tahajjud every (other) night. I even managed to hide three idols out of the thousands that my parents have (lol).
I did much reflecting and began to enjoy sahuur and iftar by myself. I truly did.

I loved my Ramadan and wish that I could hold on to it. Insha'Allah I can continue the goals I had established, accomplished, and set for myself during this month for another year (insha'Allah!)

Subhana'Allah how Allah created us humans to be able to adapt to any sort of environment after a period of time. I reliased my weak points and character flaws and made sure that I HAD to improve on them (post Ramadan as well, insha'Allah) and so this is what I learnt this year , my Ramadan 2012 & if I'm even lucky enough to see this blessed holy month again.

This Ramadan I learnt :

- How to bake a proper Khaliat Nahal bread (honeycomb bread) with laughing cow cheese and rose water syrup.
- How to make Afghani rice (Qabali rice) with my own version of curry
- How to enjoy eating sahuur and iftar by myself
- How to carry a conversation in Arabic (texting)
- How to work out while fasting (it actually makes you stronger !)

- To count my own blessings before counting OTHERS blessings
- The ABSOLUTE importance of continuing to seek knowledge of my deen
- The importance of being consistent, confident, ambitious, and passionate about Islam
- To distance myself from sisters who waste my time and do not bring me closer to Allah, and to not let them distract me or influence me easily (i.e-to be lazy with seeking knowledge and talking about nonsense things)
- To be honest and straightforward (while maintaining good Akhlaq)
- HOW PRECIOUS TIME IS!(constantly remind myself of the Day of Judgement and about death)
- That everything that happens is from the blessings of Allah (good and bad) and He doesn't HAVE to give you something, but because He is MOST MERCIFUL AND OFT FORGIVING & because He does whatever He Wills.
- To develop more TAWAKKUL, and how it makes your life so much easier (instead of constantly worrying and stressing about worldly affairs)
- TO BE A BETTER SERVANT OF ALLAH, and a better wife insha'Allah!
- To continue to strengthen my relationship with my PERFECT CREATOR, aiming to be amongst the righteous in Al-Firdaus Insha'Allah!!!!

AND LASTLY,
To be a stranger in this world, and to remain a stranger in this world until the day I die (May I die in the state of la ilaha ilAllah)
Ameen.

Until next year, if I even live to see another blessed Ramadan.......(insha'Allah)

& here is my post on my FIRST Ramadan 2011 : (Subhana'Allah, quite similar dont you think?)

My last Ramadan :

My first Ramadhan and Eid experience did not live up to that of the Twitter and Facebook status updates. I will share with you my experience and what I thought about this blessed month. The month where The Holy Qur'an was revealed, the month of extra worship, the month of fasting.

I wasn't sure what Ramadhan would entail since it was my very first one. I heard that many Muslims (not all), they make it more of a huge event than it really is, in terms of feasts, food being wasted, large family gatherings, and weight gaining. Many individuals would eat before praying Maghrib and many would also experience weight gaining at the end of Ramadhan. AstughfurAllah! The Holy Month of Ibadah (worship) has turned into, for some, the holy month of eating! Also, during Ramadhan, the part-time Muslims were hard at work, and once Ramadhan ended, they would be back to their full-time job with shaitan. I chuckled at the thought of this.

First of all, how is it even possible to be a part-time Muslim? Well, it is very possible and it happening everywhere in the world today.
Secondly, since when did Ramadhan become a social event? I thought the main purpose was to worship your Creator and show Him your gratitude!?
Thirdly, what ever happened to sticking to what Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) taught?

I am not sure how most of the Muslim's Ramadhan went, but my Ramadhan went a little something like this:

It was quiet and extremely simple.
I had much time alone to reflect on my relationship with my Creator.
I didn't have any big Iftar parties.
I blogged a lot.
I prayed a bit more than I normally prayed.
I took more naps than usual.
I learned how to cook two Saudi dishes.
I thought about ways to work on my Iman.
I truly thought about death and truly dreaded the Day.
I was able to envision in my mind the day the Angel of death came to take me away
I thanked Allah continuously for the opportunity to live each day to worship Him and only Him

As you can see, my Ramadhan was uneventful and quite "boring" compared to most Muslims, but I have to say that I preferred it to be that way rather than loud, hectic, and distracting. It was nice to spend it by myself and with my husband.

I had a lot of time to reflect about my new life and how I never ever want to go astray. I had much time to really think about what it would be like in my grave when I die. Really envisioning the confined space, with nowhere to go, nothing to see except darkness. Though I am dead, my soul is still alive in my grave, waiting for the Day of Resurrection. This thought frightens me because I know that after the grave, comes the Day when we will all be judged by our Creator. So instead of stuffing my face during Iftar and Sahur, instead of worrying what new outfit I was going to wear on Eid, and instead of being busy with family gatherings, I was busy worrying about how to strengthen my iman, how to keep myself focused on the straight path until the day I die, how to live my life day by day until the Day of Judgement arrives.

I would say for my first Ramadhan, it was the most productive time I have ever had in a long, long time. Now that Ramadhan is finished, I plan to live my life with the image of me in my grave waiting for that brutally, scorching, terrible Day of Judgement and a suggestion for the part-time Muslims, you may not live to make it to the next Ramadhan, so you might as well start working hard and promote yourself to Full-time Muslim.

BEAUTIFUL HADITH ABOUT EID

The Messenger of Allah Muhammad is reported to have said:“And then the night of Eidul fitr, the night that is called Laylatul Jaa’izah(night of prize giving), comes along. On the morning of Eid Allah sends down the Malaa’ikah to all the lands of the earth where they take their positions at access points of roads, calling out with a voice that is heard by all except man and jinn, “O Ummah of Muhammad(S.A.W), come forth from your houses towards a Lord thet is noble and gracious, who grants much and pardons the major sins.” When they proceed towards the places for their Eid salaah, Allah says to the Malaa’ikah: “What indeed is the reward of that employee who had rendered his services?” The Malaa’ikah reply’ “O Lord and Master, it is only right that he should receive his reward in full for his services.” Allah then says, “I call you to witness, O My Malaa’ikah, that for their having fasted during the month of Ramadhaan, and for their having stood in prayer by night, I have granted to them as reward My pleasure and have granted them forgiveness. O My servants ask now of Me, for I swear by My honour and My greatness, that whatsoever you shall beg of me this day in this assembly of yours for the needs of the Hereafter, I shall grant you; and whatsoever you shall ask for worldly needs, I shall look at you favourably. By My honour I swear, as long as you shall obey my commands, I shall cover your faults. By My honour and by My greatness do I swear that I shall never disgrace you amoung the evil-doing ones and disbelievers. Depart now from here, you are forgiven. You have pleased Me, and I am pleased with you. The Malaa’ikah an seeing this great reward bestowed by Allah upon the Ummah of Muhammad (S.A.W) on the day of Eidul Fitr become greatly pleased and happy.”

IBADAH(WORSHIP) ON THE NIGHT OF EID

Our Beloved Rasulullah (Salallaho alaihe wassallam) said : "The person who stays awake on the nights preceding the 2 Eids occupying himself with ibâdah(worship), his heart will not die on the day when everyone's heart will perish." (His heart will not die during the time of evil and corruption). It could also mean that with the blowing of the trumpet his soul will not become unconscious.

SUNNAH ACTS ON THE DAY OF EID:

Wake up early.
Take a Ghusl (bath) before Eid Salaah
Brush your teeth.
Dress up, putting on best clothes available.
Use itr
Eat something sweet before proceeding to the Eid Musallah e.g. Dates etc.
Pay Zakaat-al-Fitr before Salaatul-Eid (on Eid-al-Fitr).
Go to Eid Musallah (Eid Gah/prayer ground) early.
Offer Salaah-al-Eid in congregation in an Eid Musallah except when whether is not permitting like rain, snow, etc.
Use different roads en route to the Eid Musallah and back home.
Recite the following Takbir on the way to Eid Musallah :

Allahu-Akbar, Allahu-Akbar. La ila-ha ill-lallah.Allahu-Akbar, Allahu-Akbar. Wa-lilahill hamd. (Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest. There is no god but Allah. Allah is Greatest, Allah is Greatest. And all praises are for Allah)

TIPS ON HOW TO SPEND THE DAY OF EID:

Keep in mind the pleasure of Allah and uphold Shari'ah at ALL times.
Adorn yourself and your family modestly in the best of garments (not necessarily new).
Should Eid be made at my mum or your mum or whoever/wherever? This requires Mashurah (mutual consultation). Mashurah is a Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (Sallalaho alaihe wassallam).Try to compromise and accommodate each other.
Avoid over eating and other festivities that have no benefit.
Visit the poor, needy, orphans, elderly and sick.
Maintain and strengthen family bonds- Rasulullah (S.A.W) is reported to have said, "Anyone who wishes to have his means of livelihood enlarged and a prolonged life, should treat his relatives with kindness."
Don't forget the poor and needy Muslims in all parts of the world in your du’as and charity.
Be punctual with our acts of worship on this joyous day.

SIX FAST OF SHAWWAL

Fasting Six Days of Shawwal After Ramadan: “Like Fasting The Entire Year”

The Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace be upon him) said,
“Whoever fasts Ramadan and follows it with six days from Shawwal it is as if they fasted the entire year.” [Hadith-Muslim]

NB.It is permitted to fast these six days separately throughout the month, or consecutively, after Eid al-Fitr. It is prohibitively disliked (makruh tahriman) and sinful to fast on Eid day itself.

EID MUBARAK

"Eid mubarak to you and your family and May Allah bless and grant you barakah in this world and the ahkhirah ...May Allah accept your fasting and duas. Let us remember the Ummah which is in pain and distress in many parts of the world and if possible let us contribute in whatever way possible whether it be financially or by way of your sincere duas. Make dua for those who have passed on....May ALLAH grant relief to those in need, May Allah ease the plight of so many that are downtrodden,& oppressed ...May Allah grant Shi'fa to those that are ill and may ALLAH grant us a death with Emaan and true success in both this world and the hereafer…Ameen "

Adolf Hitler (dicator)
Born: 1889-04-20 - Died: 1945-04-30
Cause of Death: "Suicide"

He was 56.

Alexander McQueen (fashion designer)
Born: 17 March 1969 Died: 11 February 2010

Cause of Death: "He hung himself."

He was 41.

Amy Winehouse (singer)

Born: 1983-09-14 - Died: 2011-07-23
Cause of Death: "Unexplained (but most likely drug overdose)"
She was 28.

Anna Nicole Smith (Tv personality)
Born: 1967-11-28 - Died: 2007-02-08
Cause of death: "accidental overdose"
She was 39.

Heath Ledger (Actor)
Born: 1979-04-04 - Died: 2008-01-22
Cause of Death: "Accidental Drug Overdose"
He was 28.

Michael Jackson (pop artist)
Born: August 29, 1958 Died: June 25, 2009
Cause of Death: "drug overdose"
He was 50.

Ruslana Korshunova (runway model)

Born: 1987-07-02 - Died: 2008-06-28
Cause of Death: "Suicide"
She was 21

Whitney Houston (singer)

Born: 1963-08-09 - Died: 2012-02-11
Cause of Death: "Unknown (she had drug abuse problems but they are still uncertain how she died "yeah right, liars")"

She was 49.

So what do all these well-known individuals have in common?
They are all dead.
Allah took their lives, and He will take ours as well.
All the fame, fortune, and power couldn't save them from their death. Did they die as kafirs? Allah knows best. But the most important thing we need to know is that, they died the way they will be resurrected.

I would like to stress the importance of remembering death on a daily basis. We often get so caught up with our worldly lives that death is the last thing that is on our minds. We need also stop idolizing these music stars and celebrities because they aren't immortal. Allah shows us many great examples of the lives He took. Without Islam, we are nobody and without Allah we are nothing.

We should all spend at least ten minutes or so, before we pray and before we go to sleep, to reflect these verses and to also ask ourselves " How do I want to die?" Let us not be of those in these verses, and remember it's never too late to repent. Allah has given us the gift of time, so let us use it to our advantage. It's never too late, until the angel of death comes to take our souls.

"And they say, “There is not but our worldly life; we die and live (i.e. some people die and others live, replacing them) and nothing destroys us except time.” And they have of that no knowledge; they are only assuming. And when Our verses are recited to them as clear evidences, their argument is only that they say, “Bring [back] our forefathers, if you should be truthful.” Say, “God causes you to live, then causes you to die; then He will assemble you for the Day of Resurrection, about which there is no doubt,” but most of the people do not know." (Quran, 45:24-26)

"[For such is the state of the disbelievers], until, when death comes to one of them, he says, “My Lord, send me back that I might do righteousness in that which I left behind (i.e. in that which I neglected).” No! It is only a word he is saying; and behind them is a barrier until the Day they are resurrected. So when the Horn is blown, no relationship will there be among them that Day, nor will they ask about one another. And those whose scales are heavy [with good deeds] - it is they who are the successful. But those whose scales are light - those are the ones who have lost their souls, [being] in Hell, abiding eternally. The Fire will sear their faces, and they therein will have taut smiles (i.e. their lips having been contracted by scorching until the teeth are exposed). "(Quran, 23:99-104)

"Then when the Horn is blown with one blast, and the earth and the mountains are lifted and leveled with one blow [i.e. stroke] - Then on that Day, the Occurrence [i.e. Resurrection] will occur, And the heaven will split [open], for that Day it is infirm (i.e. weak, enfeebled and unstable). And the angels are at its edges. And there will bear the Throne of your Lord above them, that Day, eight [of them]. That Day, you will be exhibited [for judgment]; not hidden among you is anything concealed (i.e. any person or any secret you might attempt to conceal). So as for he who is given his record in his right hand, he will say, “Here, read my record! Indeed, I was certain that I would be meeting my account.” So he will be in a pleasant life - In an elevated Garden, Its [fruit] to be picked hanging near. [They will be told], “Eat and drink in satisfaction for what you put forth (i.e. literally, advanced in anticipation of reward in the Hereafter) in the days past.” But as for he who is given his record in his left hand, he will say, “Oh, I wish I had not been given my record, and had not known what is my account. I wish it [i.e. my death] had been the decisive one (i.e. ending life rather than being the gateway to eternal life). My wealth has not availed me. Gone from me is my authority.” [God will say], “Seize him and shackle him. Then into Hellfire drive him. Then into a chain whose length is seventy cubits insert him.” Indeed, he did not used to believe in God, the Most Great. " (Quran, 69:13-33)

*I put the cause of death simply in quotations as only Allah knows the truth of how He took the lives of these people. As always, never EVER believe what you see, and hear from the media.*

"Abû Hurayrah said, The Prophet said, "There are two types among the people of Hell whom I have not yet seen. The first are people who have whips like the tails of oxen, with which they beat people, and the second are women who are naked in spite of being dressed; they will be led astray and will lead others astray, and their heads will look like camels humps. These women will not enter Paradise; they will not even experience the faintest scent of it, even though the fragrance of Paradisecan be perceived from such a great distance."

I never realised the importance and value of women and modesty until I converted (reverted) to Islam. Growing up in a Western society, less is more. By that, it means that the less you wear the more sexy and attractive you are. The term "if you got it, flaunt it" rules the Western society (and pretty much half the world). Modesty is something that is disappearing as rapidly as the water in the desert. Women are looked at as mere sex objects rather than for their intellect or morals. It seems the sexier you are, the more intelligent you are ( lol ?!) and the more makeup you have on, the more beautiful you are! I think about this ideology and I can't help but laugh and roll my eyes at the same time.

I was never a scandalous dresser, I hated wearing tank tops or anything tight fitting except for maybe my workout pants but when I did see women wearing barely nothing I often wondered what they would gain out of the free peep show they were offering to the world? Women who exposed half of their chest and their rear hanging out, walked with confidence on the streets of Toronto seemed to love the attention that the male pigs would oink at them. Seriously, men oinking at you, trying to get a piece of "today's special"? Yeah, thats exactly the kind of attention I want (sarcasm). Would a woman in her own right mind want a man gawking at her, and howling at her like an animal anyway? If he isn't shy about it, you probably aren't the only woman he's done that to (and on the same day!). Is one's self-esteem so low that they can only make themselves feel wanted and worthy by showing off their assets to foreign strangers? What is the point of getting one's attention when you don't even know the person? It's also rather disgusting to think that a stranger, is staring at your 'goods' and having his shaitans whispering evil, disturbing thoughts in his mind (GAG). The less clothes you have on, the cheaper you are. The more skin you show, the less dignity you have and the more makeup you have, the more flaws you have to hide. Simple as that. It really isn't rocket science (and I am entitled to this opinion because I've seen it all in my fashion-loving, party days)

The reason for this post, is because of a disturbing glimpse of an article that I skimmed through. It was about the women in the Olympics. This image of tweets by just a FEW women, give you a clear cut idea of what the article was about.

There was a video that NBC had posted with snip-its of all the women Olympian's body parts. Not only that, but they made this video in a manner so that it would depict these women in a demoralizing, embarrassing, "cheap" way. AstughfurAllah. There is nothing I can say about these women and the way they dress in the Olympics, mainly because it is hard to have modest clothing for those "in action" on the fields. I do feel sorry for them all, instead of being looked at for their skills, they have all become skintimate spectacles for men. You can't get a free-er show than the Olympics can you? Excuse my honesty but I don't sugarcoat. I mean, I don't blame NBC for their inappropriate video, because most women in today's society paint their own picture of themselves. They dress themselves a certain way to attract a certain kind of attention. They act a certain way because they want to fit in to the society's norm. They have low standards of themselves because of what television and music video's portray women as. So who is really to blame? The women or media? I would blame both, and the lack of morals in today's society is making it easier for these women to fall into the trap of demoralizing themselves to the lowest, cheapest of standards.

Now, on the other hand, Islam teaches women to ingrain morality, dignity, and humility in their minds. Islam teaches women to dress a certain way, so that they will not be seen as a candy open in it's wrapper left out on the dirty ground on the street. We cover to avoid strange men, we cover to avoid disgusting videos being made of us, we cover because we value our beauty that Allah has blessed us with. Why would you flaunt a million dollars while walking on the street? Would you hang each dollar bill on your body to show " HEY I GOT IT SO I'M GOING TO FLAUNT IT!"
The answer is no.
Women in Islam are covered pearls, we are Allah's humbled servants who are treated with respect and loyalty by our men (husbands, fathers, blood brothers). We do not need to attract unwanted attention for unwanted reasons. If the queen of England doesn't leave anywhere without an entourage , than why should we? She isn't even Muslim and she is seen in such high regard, we are Muslimah's and those who love Allah, Allah loves them back. That is more of a privilege to have than to be an old lady with a crown on her head who's face is touched by dirty hands, recycled over and over every day (well, don't know about other currencies, but here on the Canadian currencies we have good ol' Lizzy).

To be protected and valued in the sight of Allah is more of an honour than anything in this world and that reason will suffice as to why we cover.

Allahu Akbar!

Da`eef (Weak) Hadeeth No:20
"The Prophet (sallallaahu `alaihi wa sallam), when he raised his hands in du`aa', he would not put them down until he had wiped his face with them."

Transmitted by Tirmidhi (2/244) & Ibn `Asaakir (7/12/2) via: Hammaad ibn `Isa al-Juhani from Hanzalah ibn Abi Sufyaan al-Jamhi from Saalim ibn `Abdullaah from his father from `Umar ibn al-Khattaab, who said: ...

Tirmidhi said after it, "This is a saheeh ghareeb hadeeth. We only know it as a hadeeth of Hammaad ibn `Esa, for he is alone in reporting it; he has few ahaadeeth, but the people have reported from him."

However, this reporter is weak, as in Taqreeb of Ibn Hajr, who says about him in Tahdheeb:

Ibn Ma`een said, "A good shaikh" Abu Haatim said, "Weak in Hadeeth"; Abu Daawood said, "Weak, he reports munkar ahaadeeth"; Haakim and Naqqaash said, "He reports fabricated ahaadeeth from Ibn Juraij and Ja`far as-Saadiq." He is declared to be weak by Daaraqutni. Ibn Hibbaan said, "He reports things which are the wrong way round on the authority of Ibn Juraij and `Abdul `Azeez ibn `Umar ibn `Abdul `Azeez, such that it seems to those whose field this is that it is deliberate; it is not permissible to use him as proof." Ibn Maakoolaa said, "They declare his ahaadeeth to be weak."

Hence, the like of this reporter is very weak, so his ahaadeeth cannot be raised to the level of hasan, let alone saheeh!

A similar hadeeth is: "When the Prophet

did du`aa' and raised his hands, he would wipe his face with his hands."

Da`eef (Weak). Abu Daawood (1492) from Ibn Lahee`ah from Hafs ibn Hishaam ibn `Utbah ibn Abi Waqqaas from Saa'ib ibn Yazeed from his father.

This is a weak sanad due to Hafs ibn Hishaam being unknown and the weakness of Ibn Lahee`ah (cf. Taqreeb at-Tahdheeb).

This hadeeth cannot be strengthened by the two routes of narration together due to the severity in weakness of the first one, which you have seen.

From Irwaa' al-Ghaleel (2/178-182) by Shaykh al-Albaani

Da`eef (Weak) Hadeeth No:21
"When you call upon Allaah, then supplicate with the palms of your hands, and do not supplicate with their backs, and when you finish, wipe your face with them."

Da`eef (Weak). Related by Ibn Maajah (1181, 3866), Ibn Nasr in Qiyaam al-Lail (p. 137), Tabaraani in Al-Mu`jam al-Kabeer (3/98/1) & Haakim (1/536), from Saalih ibn Hassaan from Muhammad ibn Ka`b from Ibn `Abbaas (radi Allaahu `anhu) as marfoo`.

This is a weak sanad due to Ibn Hassaan, who is munkar in Hadeeth, as Bukhaari said; Nasaa'i said, "He is abandoned in Hadeeth"; Ibn Hibbaan said, "He used to have female singers and listen to music, and he used to narrate fabricated reports on the authority of trustworthy narrators"; Ibn Abi Haatim said in Kitaab al-`Ilal (2/351), "I asked my father (i.e. Abu Haatim al-Raazi) about this hadeeth, to which he said: `Munkar'."

Ibn Hassaan has been backed up by `Eesaa ibn Maimoon, who also reported it from Muhammad ibn Ka`b, as related by Ibn Nasr. However, this does not alter anything, since Ibn Maimoon is similarly weak: Ibn Hibbaan said, "He reports ahaadeeth, all of which are fabricated"; Nasaa'i said, "Not reliable."

This hadeeth of Ibn `Abbaas is also related by Abu Daawood (1485), and from him Baihaqi (2/212), via: `Abdul Malik ibn Muhammad ibn Aiman from `Abdullaah ibn Ya`qoob ibn Ishaaq from someone who narrated to him from Muhammad ibn Ka`b, the wording being:

"Do not cover the walls. He who looks into the letter of his brother without his permission, verily he looks into the Fire. Ask Allaah with the palms of your hands, and do not ask him with their backs, and when you finish, wipe your faces with them."

This is a weak sanad: `Abdul Malik is declared weak by Abu Daawood; it also contain the shaikh of `Abdullaah ibn Ya`qoob who is unnamed, and therefore unknown - it is possible that he may be Ibn Hassaan or Ibn Maimoon, both of whom are mentioned above.

The hadeeth is also transmitted by Haakim (4/270) via: Muhammad ibn Mu`aawiyah, who said that Masaadif ibn Ziyaad al-Madeeni narrated to him that he heard it from Muhammad ibn Ka`b al-Qurazi. Dhahabi followed this up by pointing out that Ibn Mu`aawiyah was declared to be a liar by Daaraqutni, so the hadeeth is falsified.

Abu Daawood said about this hadeeth, "This hadeeth has been narrated via more than one route on the authority of Muhammad ibn Ka`b; all of them are feeble."

Raising the hands on doing Qunoot for a calamity is established from the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu `alaihi wa sallam) in his supplication against the polytheists who killed seventy reciters - transmitted by Imaam Ahmad (3/137) & Tabaraani in Al-Mu`jam as-Sagheer (p. 111) as the hadeeth of Anas with a saheeh sanad. Similar is proved from `Umar and others in the Qunoot of Witr Prayer. However, since wiping the face after Du`aa' al-Qunoot is not quoted at all from the Prophet (sallallaahu `alaihi wa sallam), nor from any of his Companions, it is an innovation without doubt.

As for wiping the face after du`aa' outside of prayer, there are only these two ahaadeeth; it is not correct to say that they mutually strengthen each other to the rank of hasan, as Manaawi did, due to the severity of the weakness found in their routes of narration. This is why Imaam Nawawi said in Majmoo`, "It is not recommended", endorsing Ibn `Abd as-Salaam, who said, "Only an ignorant person does it."

The view that wiping the face after du`aa' is not prescribed is strengthened by the fact that there are many authentic ahaadeeth about raising the hands in supplication, and in none of them is there a mention of wiping the face; this shows, Allaah Willing, that it is unacceptable and not prescribed.

If Ibn Ma`een speaks favourably about a narrator, whereas the rest of the scholars declare him to be weak, then the statement of Ibn Ma`een is disregarded, the reason being that he was known for his strictness and severity in criticism: weak narrators would be very careful not to reveal their weakness before him; he would therefore pass judgment accordingly. This explains why he is alone in authenticating the narrator.

There are some people who speak of equality instead of justice, and this is a mistake. We should not say equality, because equality implies no differentiation between the two. Because of this unjust call for equality, they ask, “What is the difference between male and female?” So they have made men similar to women. The communists said, “What difference is there between the ruler and the subject? No one has any authority over anyone else.” Not even the father over his son?! So they said the father has no authority over his son and so on.Instead, if we say justice, which means giving each one what he or she is entitled, this misunderstanding no longer applies, and the word used is correct. Allah does not say in the Qur’an that He enjoins equality. He said (interpretation of the meaning):

“Verily, Allah enjoins Al‘Adl (i.e. justice)” (Qur’an, 16:90)

“And that when you judge between men, you judge with justice.” (Qur’an, 4:58)

Those who say that Islam is the religion of equality are lying against Islam.Rather Islam is the religion of justice, which means treating equally those who are equal and differentiating between those who are different. No one who knows the religion of Islam would say that it is the religion of equality. Rather what shows you that this principle is false is the fact that most of what is mentioned in the Qur’an denies equality, as in the following verses: “Say: Are those who know equal to those who know not?” (Qur’an, 39:9)

“Say: Is the blind equal to the one who sees? Or darkness equal to light?” (Qur’an, 13:16)

“Not equal among you are those who spent and fought before the conquering (of Makkah, with those among you who did so later.” (Qur’an, 57:10)

“Not equal are those of the believers who sit (at home), except those who are disabled (by injury or are blind or lame), and those who strive hard and fight in the Cause of Allah with their wealth and their lives.” (Qur’an, 4:95)

Not one single letter in the Qur’an enjoins equality, rather it enjoins justice. You will also find that the word justice is acceptable to people, for I feel that if I am better than this man in terms of knowledge, or wealth, or piety, or in doing good, I would not like for him to be equal to me.Everyone knows that it is unacceptable if we say that the male is equal to the female. –Sheikh Ibn Uthaymeen, Sharh Al-Aqeedah Al-Wasitah, 1/180-181

Often Muslim women are under the spotlight for being oppressed, mistreated, and having no rights. These, however are false claims made by those who have no knowledge about the religion of Islam. Have they spoken to Muslim women themselves? Are those who are criticizing Muslims, Muslims themselves? . Then why are they even talking like are scholars of Islam ? It's surprising isn't it ? That the media is all about being tech savvy yet they can't even use their own hand to type in "The beautiful truth about Islam" or "The honour of women in Islam", but instead they use their mouths to talk about nonsense that their small little brains have concluded about Islam and Muslims! Talk about stupidity at it's finest! (newsflash, being brutally honest here, but I used to be one of these small-minded idiots who had no clue about Islam except for what I saw on the news, and even then I had no idea what a Muslim was!)

Women in Islam are treated like queens. The first believer was a woman. Paradise lies under the feet of the mother because of her status as a woman. The wife is the covered pearl at her finest and the women in Islam are encouraged to seek knowledge in order to educate her own children so that she can raise them to be successful individuals who spread peace, kindness and gratitude throughout the world. Wow, I guess Muslim women are just THAT oppressed (sarcasm) !? Remember this :

"NO men are born great...men are born children and through the process which a women is part of, they become great."

Well, here are just a FEW out of the many beautiful verses from the Qur'an about the women in Islam and her status. To those who know nothing about Islam, try talking to a PRACTICING Muslim and see for yourself the beauty and respect that women receive. Pick up the Qur'an and immerse yourself with powerful verses that prove to you that women are valued and protected in Islam rather than seen as weak and feeble. Better yet, as we are all living in the age of technology, use your Ipad, Iphone or Samsung Galaxy SIII to google about "Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)" , "The beauty of Islam", "Honouring women in Islam".. and you will be surprised to know that the media has it ALL wrong.

Just a few verses from the Glorious Qur'an:

1. Woman is recognized by Islam as a full and equal partner of man in the procreation of humankind. He is the father; she is the mother, and both are essential for life. Her role is not less vital than his. By this partnership she has an equal share in every aspect; she is entitled to equal rights; she undertakes equal responsibilities, and in her there are as many qualities and as much humanity as there are in her partner. To this equal partner- ship in the reproduction of human kind God says:
O mankind! Verily We have created your from a single (pair) of a male and a female and made you into nations and tribes that you may know each other...
Qur'an, 49:13; 4:12. She is equal to man in bearing personal and common responsibilities and in receiving rewards for her deeds. She is acknowledged as an independent personality, in possession of human qualities and worthy of spiritual aspirations. Her human nature is neither inferior to nor deviant from that of man. Both are members of one another. God says:
And their Lord has accepted (their prayers) and answered them (saying): 'Never will I cause to be lost the work of any of you, be he male or female; you are members, one of another...
Qur’an 3:195; 9:71;33:35-36;66:19-23. She is equal to man in the pursuit of education and knowledge. When Islam enjoins the seeking of knowledge upon Muslims, it makes no distinction between man and woman. Almost fourteen centuries ago, Muhammad declared that the pursuit of knowledge is incumbent on every Muslim male and female. This declaration was very clear and was implemented by Muslims throughout history.
4. She is entitled to freedom of expression as much as man is. Her sound opinions are taken into consideration and cannot be disregarded just because she happen to belong to the female sex. It is reported in the Qur'an and history that woman not only expressed her opinion freely but also argued and participated in serious discussions with the Prophet himself as well as with other Muslim leaders (Qur'an, 58:1-4; 60:10-12). Besides there were occasions when Muslim women expressed their views on legislative matters of public interest, and stood in opposition to the Caliphs, who then accepted the sound arguments of these women. A specific example took place during the Caliphate of Umar Ibn al-Khattab.
5. Historical records show that women participated in public life with the early Muslims, especially in times of emergencies. Women used to accompany the Muslim armies engaged in battles to nurse the wounded, prepare supplies, serve the warriors, and so on. They were not shut behind iron bars or considered worthless creatures and deprived of souls.
6. Islam grants woman equal rights to contract, to enterprise, to earn and possess independently. Her life, her property, her honour are as sacred as those of man. If she commits any offence, her penalty is no less or more than of man's in a similar case. If she is wronged or harmed, she gets due compensations equal to what a man in her position would get (2:178;4:45, 92-93).
7. Islam does not state these rights in a statistical form and then relax. It has taken all measures to safeguard them and put them into practice as integral articles of Faith. It never tolerates those who are inclined to prejudice against woman or discrimination between man and woman. Time and again, the Qur'an reproaches those who used to believe woman to be inferior to man(16:57-59, 62; 42:47-59; 43:15-19; 53:21-23).
8. Apart from recognition of woman as an independent human being acknowledged as equally essential for the survival of humanity, Islam has given her a share of inheritance. Before Islam, she was not only deprived of that share but was herself considered as property to be inherited by man. Out of that transferable property Islam made an heir, acknowledging the inherent human qualifies in woman. Whether she is a wife or mother, a sister or daughter, she receives a certain share of the deceased kin's property, a share which depends on her degree of relationship to the deceased and the number of heirs. This share is hers, and no one can take it away or disinherit her. Even if the deceased wishes to deprive her by making a will to other relations or in favour of any other cause, the Law will not allow him to do so. Any proprietor is permitted to make his will within the limit of one-third of his property, so he may not affect the rights of his heirs, men and women. In the case of inheritance, the question of quality and sameness is fully applicable. In principle, both man and woman are equally entitled to inherit the property of the deceased relations but the portions they get may vary. In some instances man receives two shares whereas woman gets one only. This no sign of giving preference or supremacy to man over woman. The reasons why man gets more in these particular instances may be classified as follows:
First man, is the person solely responsible for the complete maintenance of his wife, his family and any other needy relations. It is his duty by Law to assume all financial responsibilities and maintain his dependents adequately. It is also his duty to contribute financially to all good causes in his society. All financial burdens are borne by him alone.
Secondly, in contrast, woman has no financial responsibilities whatsoever except very little of her personal expenses, the high luxurious things that she likes to have. She is financially secure and provided for. If she is a wife, her husband is the provider; if she is a mother, it is the son; if she is a daughter, it is the father; if she is a sister; it is the brother, and so on. If she has no relations on whom she can depend, then there is no question of inheritance because there is nothing to inherit and there is no one to bequeath anything to her. However, she will not be left to starve, maintenance of such a woman is the responsibility of the society as a whole, the state. She may be given aid or a job to earn her living, and whatever money she makes will be hers. She is not responsible for the maintenance of anybody else besides herself. If there is a man in her position, he would still be responsible for his family and possibly any of his relations who need his help. So, in the hardest situation her financial responsibility is limited, while his is unlimited.
Thirdly, when a woman gets less than a man does, she is not actually deprived of anything that she has worked for. The property inherited is not the result of her earning or her endeavours. It is something coming to them from a neutral source, something additional or extra. It is something that neither man or woman struggled for. It is a sort of aid, and any aid has to be distributed according to the urgent needs and responsibilities especially when the distribution is regulated by the Law of God.
Now, we have a male heir, on one side, burdened with all kinds of financial responsibilities and liabilities. We have, on the other side, a female heir with no financial responsibilities at all or at most with very little of it. In between we have some property and aid to redistribute by way of inheritance. If we deprive the female completely, it would be unjust to her because she is related to the deceased. Likewise, if we always give her a share equal to the man's, it would be unjust to him. So, instead of doing injustice to either side, Islam gives the man a larger portion of the inherited property to help him to meet his family needs and social responsibilities. At the same time, Islam has not forgotten her altogether, but has given her a portion to satisfy her very personal needs. In fact, Islam in this respect is being more kind to her than to him. Here we can say that when taken as a whole the rights of woman are equal to those of man although not necessarily identical (see Qur'an, 4:11-14, 176).
9. In some instances of bearing witness to certain civil con- tracts, two men are required or one man and two women. Again, this is no indication of the woman being inferior to man. It is a measure of securing the rights of the contracting parties, because woman as a rule, is not so experienced in practical life as man. This lack of experience may cause a loss to any party in a given contract. So the Law requires that at least two women should bear witness with one man. if a woman of the witness forgets something, the other one would remind her. Or if she makes an error, due to lack of experience, the other would help to correct her. This is a precautionary measure to guarantee honest transactions and proper dealings between people. In fact, it gives woman a role to play in civil life and helps to establish justice. At any rate, lack of experience in civil life does not necessarily mean that women are inferior to man in her status. Every human being lacks one thing or another, yet no one questions their human status (2:282).
10. Woman enjoys certain privileges of which man is deprived. She is exempt from some religious duties, i.e., prayers and fasting, in her regular periods and at times of confinement. She is exempt from all financial liabilities. As a mother, she enjoys more recognition and higher honour in the sight of God (31:14-15;46:15). The Prophet acknowledged this honour when he declared that Paradise is under the feet of the mothers. She is entitled to three-fourths of the son's love and kindness with one-fourth left for their father. As a wife she is entitled to demand of her prospective husband a suitable dowry that will be her own. She is entitled to complete provision and total maintenance by the husband. She does not have to work or share with her husband the family expenses. She is free to retain, after marriage, whatever she possessed before it, and the husband has no right whatsoever to any of her belongings. As a daughter or sister she is entitled to security and provision by the father and brother respectively. That is her privilege. If she wishes to work or be self-supporting and participate in handling the family responsibilities, she is quite free to do so, provided her integrity and honour are safeguarded.
11. The standing of woman in prayers behind man does not indicate in any sense that she is inferior to him. Woman, as already mentioned, is exempt from attending congregational prayers, which are obligatory on man. But if she does attend she stands in separate lines made up of women exclusively . This is a regulation of discipline in prayers, and not a classification of importance. In men's rows the head of state stands shoulder to shoulder to the pauper. Men of the highest ranks in society stand in prayer side by side with other men of the lowest ranks. The order of lines in prayers is introduced to help every one to concentrate in his meditation. It is very important because Muslim prayers are not simply chanting or the sing-a-song type. They involve actions, motions, standing, bowing, prostration, etc. So if men mix with women in the same lines, it is possible that something disturbing or distracting may happen. The mind will become occupied by something alien to prayer and derailed from the clear path of mediation. The result will be a loss of the purpose of prayers, besides an offence of adultery committed by the eye, because the eye-by looking at forbidden things - can be guilty of adultery as much as the heart itself. Moreover, no Muslim man or woman is allowed during prayers to touch the body of another person of the opposite sex. If men and women stand side by side in prayer they cannot avoid touching each other. Furthermore, when a woman is praying in front of a man or beside him, it is very likely that any part of her dressed body may become uncovered after a certain motion of bowing or prostrating. The man's eye may happen to be looking at the uncovered part, with the result that she will be embarrassed and he will be exposed to distraction or possibly evil thoughts. So, to avoid any embarrassment and distraction to help concentrate on mediation and pure thoughts, to maintain harmony and order among worshippers, to fulfil the true purposes of prayers, Islam has ordained the organization of rows, whereby men stand in front lines, and women behind the children. Anyone with some knowledge of the nature and purpose of Muslim prayers can readily understand the wisdom of organizing the lines of worshippers in this manner.
12. The Muslim woman is always associated with an old tradition known as the "veil". It is Islamic that the woman should beautify herself with the veil of honour, dignity, chastity, purity and integrity. She should refrain from all deeds and gestures that might stir the passions of people other than her legitimate husband or cause evil suspicion of her morality. She is warned not to display her charms or expose her physical attractions before strangers. The veil which she must put on is one that can save her soul from weakness, her mind from indulgence, her eyes from lustful looks, and her personality from demoralization. Islam is most concerned with the integrity of woman, with the safeguarding of her morals and morale and with the protection of her character and personality (Qur'an, 24:30-31).
13. By now it is clear that the status of woman in Islam is extremely high (in comparison to other religions) and realistically suitable to her nature. Her rights and duties are equal to those of man but not necessarily or absolutely identical with them. If she is deprived of one thing in some aspect, she is fully compensated for it with more things in many other aspects. The fact that she belongs to the female sex has no bearing on her human status or independent personality, and it is no basis for justification of prejudice against her or injustice to her person. Islam gives her as much as is required of her. Her rights match beautifully with her duties. The balance between rights and duties is maintained, and no side overweighs the other. The whole status of woman is given clearly in the Qur'anic verse which may be translated as follows:
And women shall have rights similar to the rights against them, according to what is equitable; but man have a degree (of advantage as in some cases of inheritance) over them
(Qur’an 2:228)This degree is not a title of supremacy or an authorization of dominance over her. It is to correspond with the extra responsibilities of man and give him some compensation for his unlimited liabilities. The above mentioned verse is always interpreted in the light of another (4:34).
It is these extra responsibilities that give man a degree over woman in some economic aspects. It is not a higher degree in humanity or in character. Nor is it a dominance of one over the other or suppression of one by the other. It is a distribution of God's abundance according to the needs of the nature of which God is the Maker. And He knows best what is good for woman and what is good for man. God is absolutely true when He declares:

O mankind! reverence your Guardian-Lord, Who created you from a single person, and created of like nature his mate, and from them twain scattered (like seeds) countless men and women. (Qur’an 4:1)

http://www.missionislam.com/discover/status_of_women.htm

Don't get cultural traditions and customs mixed up with ISLAM as ISLAM is perfect, but human beings are not.

Asalam Alaykum and Ramadan Mubarak

Exerting Oneself in the Last Ten Days - by Sheikh Abdullah ibn Saalih Al-Fawzaan

Source: Ahaadeeth As-Siyaam: Ahkaam wa Adaab

‘Aa’ishah (radi Allahu anha) said: "When the last ten days (of Ramadaan) would come, the Prophet (sal Allahu alayhi wa salam) would spend his night in worship, wake his family (at night), exert himself and tighten his Izaar (waistcloth)."

This hadeeth is proof that the last ten days of Ramadaan have a special virtue over any other (set of days), in which one should increase in obedience and acts of worship, such as prayer, making dhikr (remembrance) and reciting the Qur’aan.

‘Aa’ishah (radi Allahu anha) has described our Prophet and role model, Muhammad (sal Alahu alayhi wa salam), with four attributes:

1. He would "spend his night in worship", meaning he would not sleep during it. Thus, he would remain awake throughout it in worship and he would liven his soul by spending the night in sleeplessness. This is since sleep is the brother of death. The meaning of "spend his night" is that he would spend all of it in the state of qiyaam (night prayer) and performing acts of worship that are done for the sake of Allaah, Lord of the worlds. We must remember that the last ten days of Ramadaan are fixed and numbered.

As for what has been reported concerning the forbiddance of spending the entire night in prayer, which has been mentioned in the hadeeth of 'Abdullaah Ibn 'Amr (radi Allahu anhu), then it is in regards to someone who does that consistently throughout every night of the year.

2. He (sal Allahu alayhi wa salam) would "wake up his family" meaning his pure wives, the Mothers of the Believers, so that they may take part in the profiting of good, the dhikr (remembrance) and the acts of worship during these blessed times.

3. He would "exert himself", meaning he would persevere and struggle in worship, adding more to his deeds than what he had done in the first twenty days (of Ramadaan). He only did this because the night of Al-Qadr occurs during one of these (last ten) days.

4. He would "tighten his Izaar (waistcloth)" meaning he would exert himself and struggle intensely in worship. It is also said that it means he (sal Allahu alayhi wa salam) would withdraw from women. This seems to be more correct since it inclines with what was mentioned previously and with the hadeeth of Anas (radi Allahu anhu): "He (sal Allahu alayhi wa salam) would rollup his bed and withdraw from women (i.e. his wives)."

Also, he (sal Allahu alayhi wa salam) would observe 'Itikaaf in the last ten days of Ramadaan and the person who is in the state of 'Itikaaf is restricted from interacting (sexually) with women.

So, O Muslim brother, strive to characterize yourself with these attributes. And guard the prayer you make in the depths of the night (tahajjud) with the Imaam in addition to the Taradi Allahu anhuweeh prayer (which is prayed in the early parts of the night) [see footnote regarding this], so that your exertion in these last ten days may go beyond that of the first twenty. And so that you may achieve the attribute of "spending the night in worship" by praying.

And you must be patient in your obedience to Allaah, for indeed, the tahajjud (night) prayer is difficult, but its reward is great. By Allaah, it is a great opportunity in ones life and a profitable thing to take advantage of, for the one whom Allaah grants it to. And a person does not know if perhaps he will encounter one of Allaah's many rewards during the night prayer, thus serving as assistance for him in this world and in the Hereafter.

The righteous predecessors of this ummah would lengthen the prayer at night, exerting themselves. As-Saa'ib Ibn Yazeed said: "'Umar Ibn Al-Khattaab ordered Ubay Bin Ka'ab and Tameem Ad-Daaree to lead the people in prayer with eleven raka'aat. The reciter would recite one hundred verses, to the point that we had to lean upon wooden staffs due to the long standing. And we would not stop until the early parts of Fajr."

'Abdullaah Ibn Abee Bakr reported: "I heard my father (i.e. Abu Bakr) say: 'During Ramadaan, we would finish (the night prayer) late and we would hurry the servants to present the food (of suhoor) for fear that Fajr (morning) would come upon us."

There are two struggles of the soul that the believer faces during Ramadaan: the struggle by day with fasting and the struggle by night with qiyaam (night prayer). So whosoever combines these two and fulfills their rights, then he is amongst the patient -- those who will "be given their reward in full without any reckoning." [Az-Zumar: 15]

These ten days are the last part of the month and a person's actions are based on his last ones. So perhaps, he will encounter the night of Al-Qadr, while standing in prayer for Allaah and thus have all his past sins forgiven.

And one must incite, animate and persuade his family to perform acts of worship, especially in these great times in which no one neglects it except that he has been deprived. What is more incredible than this is that while the people are performing prayer and making tahajjud, some individuals spend their time in forbidden gatherings and sinful events. This is indeed the greatest loss. We ask Allaah for his protection.

Therefore, embarking on these last days means entering into the profiting from righteous deeds in what remains of the month. From the unfortunate matters is to see that some people excel in righteous actions, such as prayer and recitation of the Qur'aan, in the first part of the month, but then signs of fatigue and weariness begin to show on them afterwards, especially when the last ten days of Ramadaan come in. And this is in spite of these last ten days possessing a greater standing than the first ones. Thus, one must persevere in striving and struggling and increase his worship when the end of the month draws near. And we must keep in mind that a person's actions are based on his last ones.

Footnote: Sheikh Al-Fawzaan holds the opinion that it is permissible to pray more than eight rakah of Qiyam in one night (hence his suggestion to pray both Taraweeh behind the Imam and then Tahajjud at home). However other scholars, such as Sheikh Al-Albaani, say that there should be no more than eleven rakah (i.e. eight plus the three of Shafa’ Witr). So, be aware that there is a difference of opinion amongst the scholars about this issue, barak Allahu feekum

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