One Chinese Muslimah !

Assalamu'alaikum wa Rahmatulahi wa Barakatu!

(visit www.nostalgicabstract.tumblr.com for more Ramadaan Reminders!)

My beloved readers ! Insha'Allah everyone is well and gearing up for the Holy Blessed Month of Ramadaan!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I firstly want to apologize for the long delay in posting! I have just been super busy and I needed a long but much needed break from the online social networking (and will continue to). Alhamdulillahi Rabbil 'Aalameen... Allah is the Most Merciful and Most Generous!

I wanted to dedicate a post to the Blessed Holy Month of Ramadaan.

As you should all know, this month is a very beloved month; Ramadaan is a month to kick bad habits, to develop good habits, and to hold onto those good habits so that we can carry on throughout the year as a better Muslimah and a weaker slave to our Lord, The Almighty.

Ramadaan is a month to recharge our emaan, replenish our soul, and to revive our spirits. The goal of this month is to get closer to Allah Subhanahu wa'ta'ala, to prepare ourselves for our death, to increase our scale of good deeds and to keep all that going even after Ramadaan has passed us. I'd like to call this month, the month of developing ENDURANCE. This month we all strive and increase in our 'ibadaah so that we can reap the rewards from Allah, The Most Generous. But why must it stop after Ramadaan (and I speak for myself first and foremost because there are still many things I struggle to keep up with once Ramadaan is over , may Allah make it easy for all of us, ameen)??

It should not stop. Our worship to our Lord should never stop nor should it ever slow down. We must constantly remind ourselves that death is around the corner and our next Ramadaan is never guaranteed. We must live our lives seeking forgiveness and repenting to Allah as often as we can. Remembering Him on our tongues, in our hearts and through our actions. Endurance. This is the only way that can keep us going. This is one month out of the entire year where we train for our marathon, our marathon to the Akhirah. This month is not the marathon rather this is just the period where we prepare ourselves; we nurture our emaan and we pay close attention to our own self. This is the period where we pinpoint problems within ourselves, within our souls and we figure out what we can do to fix it so that Allah, The Almighty, will be Pleased with us and so that we will be PREPARED TO MEET HIM. We work on fixing those bad habits, those things that Anger Allah and the things that we KNOW are the reasons for Allah's Punishment (Audhubillah).

If you have noticed, this year has flashed before our eyes, another year came and another year gone. What have we done in between? Have we been productive after Ramadaan? Were we able to keep up with the routine that we strove so hard to keep during the blessed month? Well, for me, the answer is "not really"...There are many things that I know I must keep doing even after Ramadaan is over. I reflect upon this year and things that I would like to keep with me in my marathon to my Akhirah, and I know the only thing stopping me is my nafs. Being lazy is the biggest hindrance and it is through being lazy that we end up in regret. Insha'Allah, I would like to strive hard this Ramadaan to remain steadfast even after the Holy Month for I do not know the unseen and it could be that I won't even make it until the next Ramadaan. We all don't know if we will make it til the next Ramadaan and it will not suffice to say "well I fasted the entire month and I stood in prayer for TawareeH and taHajjud, so I'm good"...no this will not suffice us because we are Muslims 24/7 all year round. We are not just "Ramadaan Muslims" where we practice for one month and khalas but rather we are Muslims who strive to practice until that very moment of our last breath and insha'Allah we will die upon TAWHEED and with "La ilaha illa'Allah, Muhammad ar'Rasoolullah" on our tongues.

Let us make our scale of good deeds so heavy that it will break and let us train for endurance this Holy Month so that we can race our marathon to al-Akhirah. Let us die as believing Muslims and let us die in the highest state of emaan. Let us die with Allah's Pleasure and let us die upon Tawheed and al-Haqq. May Allah grant us tawfeeq for a successful, productive month and may He make us successful to carry on our worship for Him even after the month of Ramadaan.

Here are some reminders about Ramadaan and insha'Allah if you want to read about my last two Ramadaans: Ramadaan posts

The month of ramadan in which was revealed the Qur'an, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong). So whoever of you sights (the crescent on the first night of) the month (of ramadan i.e. is present at his home), he must observe Saum (fasts) that month, and whoever is ill or on a journey, the same number [of days which one did not observe Saum (fasts) must be made up] from other days. Allah intends for you ease, and He does not want to make things difficult for you. (He wants that you) must complete the same number (of days), and that you must magnify Allah [i.e. to say Takbir (Allahu Akbar; Allah is the Most Great] for having guided you so that you may be grateful to Him.

(Al-Baqara, Chapter #2, Verse #185)

Verily, the Muslims (those who submit to Allah in Islam) men and women, the believers men and women (who believe in Islamic Monotheism), the men and the women who are obedient (to Allah), the men and women who are truthful (in their speech and deeds), the men and the women who are patient (in performing all the duties which Allah has ordered and in abstaining from all that Allah has forbidden), the men and the women who are humble (before their Lord - Allah), the men and the women who give Sadaqat (i.e. Zakat, and alms), the men and the women who observe Saum (fast) (the obligatory fasting during the month of ramadan, and the optional Nawafil fasting), the men and the women who guard their chastity (from illegal sexual acts) and the men and the women who remember Allah much with their hearts and tongues Allah has prepared for them forgiveness and a great reward (i.e. Paradise).

(Al-Ahzab, Chapter #33, Verse #35)

Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle said, "Whoever prayed at night the whole month of Ramadan out of sincere Faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven." Ibn Shihab (a sub-narrator) said, "Allah's Apostle died and the people continued observing that (i.e. Nawafil offered individually, not in congregation), and it remained as it was during the Caliphate of Abu Bakr and in the early days of 'Umar's Caliphate." 'Abdur Rahman bin 'Abdul Qari said, "I went out in the company of 'Umar bin Al-Khattab one night in Ramadan to the mosque and found the people praying in different groups. A man praying alone or a man praying with a little group behind him. So, 'Umar said, 'In my opinion I would better collect these (people) under the leadership of one Qari (Reciter) (i.e. let them pray in congregation!)'. So, he made up his mind to congregate them behind Ubai bin Ka'b. Then on another night I went again in his company and the people were praying behind their reciter. On that, 'Umar remarked, 'What an excellent Bid'a (i.e. innovation in religion) this is; but the prayer which they do not perform, but sleep at its time is better than the one they are offering.' He meant the prayer in the last part of the night. (In those days) people used to pray in the early part of the night." (SAHIH BUKHARI)

Narrated 'Ubada bin As-Samit: The Prophet came out to inform us about the Night of Qadr but two Muslims were quarreling with each other. So, the Prophet said, "I came out to inform you about the Night of Qadr but such-and-such persons were quarreling, so the news about it had been taken away; yet that might be for your own good, so search for it on the 29th, 27th and 25th (of Ramadan). (SAHIH BUKHARI)

Sahih Bukhari :: Book# 31 :: Hadith# 120

Narrated Sahl: The Prophet said, “There is a gate in Paradise called Ar-Raiyan, and those who observe fasts will enter through it on the Day of Resurrection and none except them will enter through it. It will be said, ‘Where are those who used to observe fasts?’ They will get up, and none except them will enter through it. After their entry the gate will be closed and nobody will enter through it.”

Sahih Bukhari :: Book# 31 :: Hadith# 123

Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah’s Apostle said, “When the month of Ramadan starts, the gates of the heaven are opened and the gates of Hell are closed and the devils are chained.”

Sahih Bukhari :: Book# 31 :: Hadith# 124

Narrated Ibn Umar: I heard Allah’s Apostle saying, “When you see the crescent (of the month of Ramadan), start fasting, and when you see the crescent (of the month of Shawwal), stop fasting; and if the sky is overcast (and you can’t see It) then regard the crescent (month) of Ramadan (as of 30 days)”.

Sahih Bukhari :: Book# 31 :: Hadith# 125

Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet said, “Whoever established prayers on the night of Qadr out of sincere faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven; and whoever fasts in the month of Ramadan out of sincere faith, and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven.”

Assalamualaikum wa Rahmatulahi wa Barakatu!

"(Iblees (Satan)) said: "O my Lord! Because you misled me, I shall indeed adorn the path of error for them (mankind) on the earth, and I shall mislead them all. Except Your chosen, (guided) slaves among them" (Quran, al-Hijr: 39 – 40)

Not a day goes by without me saying "Alhamdulilah" for the true Blessings and Guidance of Allah Subhanahu wa t'ala. What an honour it truly is to be at His service, submitting only to Him and Him alone, and to call others to Him and to HIM ALONE.

I wanted to dedicate yet (again) another post, calling all my Muslim sisters (and non-Muslim sisters in humanity) to reflect upon this important issue. I often write about Modesty as it is one of the main problems this Ummah is facing. No doubt, we all can admit, that modesty is disappearing. No doubt we can all admit that the Muslim youth of today's society are all falling into the traps of Shaitan. They idolize celebrities, male models, music bands, and submit themselves to the fashion world of the kafirs. The more they surround themselves with the television the more they become brainwashed by the tactics of Shaitan. The more they submit to Shaitan the more they fall into corruption and utter oppression. The Muslim youth and even mature Muslim woman of today's society are imitating more of what they see on television and less of what they know about the mother of the believers (may Allah be pleased with them all.)

A perfect example I wanted to share with you all, would be those women who get MAKEOVERS. Makeovers are just an example of how oppressed the women of today's society truly are. On television, they dedicate reality shows just to give women makeovers (and Alhamdulilah, I do not own a television, but I know this only because I used to be 'religiously' obsessed with these makeover shows- AstughfurAllah). I would watch these shows, admiring the host, who is usually glammed up with enough makeup, that if you scraped her face with your fingernails, one layer would come off leaving still another two or three on. I admired her rude behavior and the condescending way she would talk down to the guests on the show. I also admired the way she dressed. She looked like some upclass Vegas showgirl who was covered in bling-bling, clingy-clangy bracelets and Louboutins the length of a ruler. I thought this host was a strong, liberated woman who represented society at it's finest (Subhana'Allah). She would dictate to oblivious women who lacked fashion sense, what to wear. She would tell these women that they looked horrible, plain, and unattractive. These women were told that their modesty needed a little "spice" and to "flaunt it if you got it!" Subhana'Allah, is this what society is teaching women these days? To abandon their "makeup-less faces", their modest way of dress, and their housewife/mother duties? Is the television dictating to us that the true woman (obedient modest wife, educated mother, strong foundation of the household) is no longer a real woman? What has the "real woman" become in this 21st century that we live in? Is she that very woman who listens to the talk shows for motherly advice? Is she the woman who takes fashion advice from the scantily clad girl in the music video? Is she the woman who has become liberated and free by showing more skin and having less intellect?

There is a problem here, and it is evident. The job of the fashion host is to give these women a makeover, to strip her old identity and replace it with a newer, 'more fun, carefree, and daring' one. The fashion host tells the 'plain' housewife/mother of three, that she needs to take care of herself and update her wardrobe every week or so and have her 'girl friends' take her out for a 'girls night out on the town.' There is nothing wrong with upkeeping yourself for your husband, there is nothing wrong with inviting your friends over for dinner (keeping it halal), but the lifestyle that the fashion host promotes, is one that corrupts the heart and the household. Of course, kafirs do not see ANY fault in this at all. Their clouded judgement is constantly drowned in confusion from blind following the Shaitan. But what is the excuse then for the Muslim woman? Does she have such an excuse to follow such a lifestyle? Is this what her Lord ordained for her? Is that true obedience to Allah, The Almighty? Obviously the answer is a big NO!

What the Western society CHOOSES to show on television and in the media is something that has flooded the homes of millions and billions of families all over the world. The dangers of the television are silent but lethal. The main theme ranging from music, movies, talk-shows, sitcoms, drama's, and even commercials are based all on one thing and one thing only "sex sells." Aside from deterring one as far away as possible from Allah, it distorts, it disturbs, and it desensitizes one's perception. THIS is one of the deadliest makeovers. Many of us know the plans of Shaitan to lead the slaves of Allah astray :

"(Allah) said: "O Iblees (Satan)! What is your reason for not being among the prostrators?"(Iblees (Satan)) said: "I am not the one to prostrate myself to a human being, whom You created from sounding clay of altered black smooth mud" (Quran, al-Hijr:32 – 33).

“(Iblees) said: ‘Because You have sent me astray, surely, I will sit in wait against them (human beings) on Your straight path. Then I will come to them from before them and behind them, from their right and from their left, and You will not find most of them as thankful ones (i.e. they will not be dutiful to You)’” (Quran, Al-Aaraf: 16,17).

“O Children of Adam! Let not Shaitan (Satan) deceive you, as he got your parents (Adam and Hawwa’ (Eve)) out of Paradise,”(Quran, Al-Aaraf: 27).

". . . and follow not the footsteps of ‘Shaitan’ (Satan). Surely he is to you an open enemy" (Quran, Al-Anaam: 142).

“Surely, Shaitan (Satan) is an enemy to you, so take (treat) him as an enemy. He only invites his Hizb (followers) that they may become the dwellers of the blazing Fire” (Faatir 35:6).

So why are we still following him? Many of us know where we will end up if we follow the footsteps of Shaitan. We all know what will happen to us if we decide to put our desires before Allah, The Almighty! So why do we still do it? Why do we still try to imitate the kafir lifestyle and the kafir women? Why do we leave our modesty to adopt immodesty? Why do we choose to go for that dirty deadly makeover rather than the pure healthy one? Did we forget about the Punishment of Allah? Did we forget what He is capable of? Did we forget what will happen to us in our graves and on the Day of Judgement if we disobey our Lord during the dunya? There is no turning back......

TOO many of us are trying way TOO hard to give ourselves a makeover in order to "fit" into society. Shaitan will never get tired of leading Allah's slaves astray. He will work full-time, over time, ALL THE TIME until the trumpet is blown. We are never grateful for the blessings that Allah has given us, instead we feel the need to destroy and distort our own beauty and our self-respect. We are never thankful for the simple things in our lives that Islam teaches us, instead we need to introduce innovations and extremity into the religion just to adhere to OUR desires! Subhana'Allah! We keep striving for something that is utterly unattainable and temporary. We keep striving for this dunya, the cheap goods it has to offer and we forget to turn to Allah and to repent to Him. We forget to give our hearts a makeover. We forget to clean our souls with the remembrance of Allah. We forget to educate ourselves on who our Lord is. We forget to remember just how deadly the Torment of Allah is. O' slaves of Allah! You should be worrying about giving your heart and soul a makeover instead of your hair and your faces! You should worry about preparing your resume for the Akhirah and not this dunya! You should worry about what good deeds you will bring to your grave and not what good shoes you will bring home! You should be giving your wardrobe a proper makeover with loose fitting abayas and modest hijabs and niqabs instead of pants and blazers and turban hijabs! You should worry about memorizing the Qur'an and not your favourite channels!

“O you who believe, save yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is men and stones over which are (appointed) angels, stern and severe, who flinch not (from executing) the commands they receive from God, but do (precisely what) they are commanded.” (Quran 66:6)

“The people of Hell will be made to weep, and they will weep until they have no tears left. Then they will weep blood until they have, as it were, channels in their faces, if ships were put in them, they would float.” (Ibn Majah)

Sahih Bukhari
Volume 1, Book 6, Number 301 :
========================
Narrated by Abu Said Al-Khudri (rahimuAllah)

Once Allah’s Apostle (sallalahu aleyhi wasselam) went out to the Musalla (to offer the prayer) o ‘Id-al-Adha or Al-Fitr prayer. Then he passed by the women and said, “O women! Give alms, as I have seen that the majority of the dwellers of Hell-fire were you (women).” They asked, “Why is it so, O Allah’s Apostle ?” He replied, “You curse frequently and are ungrateful to your husbands. I have not seen anyone more deficient in intelligence and religion than you. A cautious sensible man could be led astray by some of you.” The women asked, “O Allah’s Apostle! What is deficient in our intelligence and religion?” He said, “Is not the evidence of two women equal to the witness of one man?” They replied in the affirmative. He said, “This is the deficiency in her intelligence. Isn’t it true that a woman can neither pray nor fast during her menses?” The women replied in the affirmative. He said, “This is the deficiency in her religion.”

and remember, because of this (above) hadith, we should be working even HARDER to obey Allah instead of disobeying Him! Take that step, and cut out all the harmful things that will only corrupt your religion. Follow Allah's Messenger (sallalahu aleyhi wasselam) and leave that which does not concern you (i.e- giving yourself that deadly makeover that won't save you from the blazing fire or the eternal punishment and Anger of Allah)

Allah is All Knowing, All Hearing, and All Seeing. Shouldn't we feel ashamed to know that He is watching our every move while the Angels are recording every single deed that we do? Shouldn't we fear that we could die in any given second and that once we die, we won't have the chance to repent or be given a second chance? If the companions of the Prophet (sallalahu aleyhi wasselam) were shy and ashamed even of the smallest of sins, than how come we don't feel a sign of remorse for our major sins?

Make it count, while you're alive. Otherwise, you'll be spending your eternity regretting it, but by then, it'll be too late. May Allah forgive us all and protect us from His Torment and Punishment from His Wrath. Ameen

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. Ameen.

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.

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