PRECIOUS PEARL IN THE SHELL: September 2011

Friday, September 30, 2011

Still Waiting

Self-evaluation goes a long way in figuring out what delays us from that which is ultimately beneficial for us.

There are some sisters that truly recognize the beauty of hijab despite not shrouding themselves in it. They may practice hijab internally if not by wrapping a fabric around their heads and over their chests. And still, there are others who are completely or partially oblivious to the essence of hijab. I can still recall one sister opening her mouth in awe when she learned the true meaning of hijab and the many ways it could help her.
“You should try it one day,” I ventured, internally hoping that it would boost her confidence and excited at the possibility of her becoming a hijabi.
Her eyes averted my face and she bit her lip. “I don’t think I’m ready.”
“What do you mean?” I asked.
Hijab is certainly not an easy transition phase—a change in attire and attitude, adjustment to how people perceive you and not to mention the array of explanations you must give to both the curious and shocked acquaintances of yours.

Khalid ibn al Wald (Radi Allahu Ta'ala anhu) narrated the following hadith:

A Bedouin came one day to the Holy Prophet (sallallahu 'alahi wasallam) and said to him,

'O, Messenger of Allah! I've come to ask you a few questions about the affairs of this Life and the Hereafter.'

- 'Ask what you wish' said Rasulullah (sallallahu 'alahi wasallam).

What can you do in one minute?

What can you do in one minute?

Praise be to Allaah.

Time is of the essence, it is too precious to be wasted or neglected. The wise person is the one who pays attention to his time and does not treat it as a vessel to be filled with cheap things and vain talk. Instead, he limits it to worthy efforts and righteous deeds that please Allaah and benefit other people. Every minute of a person’s life carries the potential to raise his own status and to make his people happier, little by little.

If you are keen to attain the highest position, and bring the most happiness to your people, then forget about relaxing and keep away from empty amusement.

CAREER & MARRIAGE! Two most important things around which the focus of many Muslim youth revolve !!

They also happen to be the most confusing things of their life as they don’t know how to go ahead and there are very few counsellors in these fields who can really counsel them from the Qur’an and the Hadith. So in order to make it easy for them to understand the theme I rotate the priorities from Career and Marriage to Marriage and Career putting marriage before Career. Don’t get a happy shock. It is in the terms of responsiblity.

BY OSAMAH SALHIA
Walking down the streets of my neighborhood in the early morning and making my way towards the ’taxi stop’ (Muslim-majority country), I expected to routinely make it to my class. I soon found out that there was an enlightening twist awaiting me today.
I entered the taxi, which would usually be filled with passengers later on in the day, and it was just me and the driver. Taking a look at the driver, he just seemed like a ‘regular’ old man, cigarette in hand, and the effects of poverty were quite apparent in his attire and his facial expressions. I tried to block those digressive thoughts out of my mind and tried to focus on the Qur’an I was preparing for my class.

Earlier this month the Niqab / Burkha ban came into effect in France and already I have seen many new French families in the UK and in Leicester where I live French is increasingly heard being spoken in the Masaajid and streets.
Already in France, 3 sisters have been arrested for refusing to remove their veils, may Allaah keep them steadfast, and French Muslim businessman Rachid Nekkaz has pledged 1 Million Euros to help start a fund to pay off any fines levied under the new law.
But even families where the niqab is not worn have chosen to relocate out of France, which is indeed their intention of the bill in the first place, to force Muslims out of France as they are seen as a threat due to a high birthrate and very high rate of reversion (people becoming Muslim).

A veiled Muslim woman has declared her candidacy for the French presidency. Kendra Drider has defied the ban on face-coverings since its introduction in April and plans to run to defend the rights of all French women.

A surprise candidate for the 2012 French Presidency threw her hat into the ring on Thursday by declaring her candidacy in the town of Meaux, near Paris. Her aim is to defend the rights of all French women. Kendra Drider is best known for protesting against the French face-covering ban that came into effect in April, which she repeatedly flouts by appearing in pubic in a niqab. The ban is often referred to as the veil ban or the burka ban. Kenza Drider, 32–year-old mother of three, is of Moroccan descent and a convert to Islam.

Muslim Women: You don’t expose a delicate rose to the ravishes of the harsh desert wind !!!

Muslim women !! You don’t expose a delicate rose to the ravishes of the harsh desert wind !!!

I borrow the words of Sheikh Yasir Qadhi, at the 2010 Global Peace & Unity Event,
because they are so wonderful, he said:

We know that Muslims women are the most beautiful creatures in God’s green Earth.

And it’s not because they shed their clothes to be ogled by men.

No no.

You don’t expose a delicate rose to the ravishes of the harsh desert wind.

Guys !! Wanna Swim But Dont forget the Awrah

Ruling on wearing shorts for swimming or otherwise

Many people, especially those groups associated with the army, wear sports clothes that leave uncovered a small area under the navel and half of the thighs, or more on some occasions. This has become very widespread. Please give us your view on this important issue and explain the Shariah ruling on it.

Covering one’s ‘Awrah is obligatory according to a consensus of the Muslims. The woman’s body is all ‘Awrah, and there is a consensus that the buttocks and private parts of a man are his ‘Awrah as well. But the correct scholarly opinion is that the ‘Awrah for man is everything between his knee and navel. This is based on what is reported from Sayyidna Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

NEVER UNDERSTIMATE A WOMAN IN NIQAB

Assalaamu alaikum [peace be to you],

This is a gift to the Muslim women fighting for their rights to wear what they like against the oppressive law...

Kenza Drider, a respectable mother-of-four, will leave her home in Avignon’s Place de la Résistance on Monday with the intention of committing a crime. If the police are waiting for her – and they have had more than enough warning – she will be cautioned, perhaps be asked to accompany officers to the local station, possibly face a fine and, perhaps, will leave with a criminal record.

Hadhrat Aishah (Radhiyallaho anha) relates that whenever a strong wind bringing dense clouds started blowing, the Prophet's (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) face turned pale with the fear of Allah. He became restive and would go in and out with perturbation, and would recite the following prayer:

BEARD....SUNNAH OR FARD?

Dear Brother in Islaam,
You should know that Allaah, Most High says: " It is not for the believing man or woman, when Allaah and His Messenger have decreed a matter that they should have any option in their decision" (Soorah 33:36)

He, the Almighty also says: "And let those who oppose the Messenger’s command-ment beware, lest some affliction befall them or a painful torment be inflicted upon them" (Soorah 24:63)

"I will Lower My Gaze"

In Islamic terminology it refers to a number of things:

1 – Refraining from looking at people’s ‘awrahs, which includes the beauty of a non-mahram woman.

Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah (may Allaah have mercy on him) said in Majmoo’ al-Fataawa (15/414):

Allaah, may He be glorified and exalted, has enjoined us in His Book to lower the gaze, which is of two types: refraining from looking at ‘awrahs and refraining from looking at the site of desire.

I WANNA WEAR HIJAB

My hijab story is like a secret diary no one should ever read. It is filled with horrible facts about me and points to my mistakes and weaknesses. My journey to hijab is filled with fear, negativity and regret. So I warn you: read with caution.

The most important thing you should know is that I used to wear hijab, but eventually took it off. I hate saying it, admitting to the world that I was one of those ignorant girls who went backwards after putting on the hijab, instead of moving forward with my deen. But it’s what I did and I can’t change that.

A change of heart doesn't mean a change of past

"A change of heart doesn't mean a change of past"

Plot Summary:
"A young newlywed couple is faced with divorce after one of their past's comes back to haunt them!"

Sunday, September 18, 2011

BABY TAQWA

A charming story by Anonymous highlighting the uncorrupted nature of a child and her sincere relationship with her Creator.

She was chubby and bubbly. Her jet black curls twirled about her round shoulders. Her wide excited eyes curiously took in the world around her. Geared with an infectious laugh she was set out to just live. She made friends instantly and effortlessly managed to initiate conversation with even the most reserved and private of people. Her pattering feet and cheerful hum resonated color and beauty in the entire house. Her family adored her with immense fondness. She was a ray of sunshine. And she was six.

"The Most important body part"

My mother used to ask me what is the most important part of the body. Through the years I would take a guess at what I thought was the correct answer.

When I was younger, I thought sound was very important to us as humans, so I said, "My ears, Mummy."

She said, "No. Many people are deaf. But you keep thinking about it and I will ask you again soon."

Several years passed before she asked me again. Since making my first attempt, I had contemplated the correct answer. So this time I told her, "Mummy, sight is very important to everybody, so it must be our eyes."

Are You Jealous of What Others Have?

Hasad (jealousy and envy) is among the most destructive emotions which a man may develop toward his fellow human being. With Hasad, a person will wish evil for others and will be happy when misfortune befalls them. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) warned against envy by comparing it to fire that completely burns the wood. He (peace and blessings be upon him) said:

"Beware of jealousy, for verily it destroys good deeds the way fire destroys wood." [Abu Dawud]

POEM ABOUT HIJAB

This is a poem that always inspires me. Insha Allah I hope you like it too :)

They ask: How will you progress in life with yourself covered from head to toe?
I ask: How will I progress to the Other Life if I do not do so?

They ask: What is the use of all your education if you do not care to make a career?
I ask: What is the use of reading His Book if I am void of His fear?

They ask: Why do you insist on being backward in these enlightened times?
I ask: Why do you insist on being modern while being oblivious to all the avoidable crimes?

❂ SAY NO TO ZINA ❂

❂ Say NO to Zina ❂

Assalamulaikum my lovely Sisters :-) A very important issue of todays world.

Praise be to Allaah.
...
Islam came to ...close the doors that lead to evil and sin, and is keen to block all the means that may lead to corruption of hearts and minds. Love and infatuation between the sexes are among the worst of problems.

Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah (may Allaah have mercy on him) said in Majmoo’ al-Fataawa (10/129):

Love is a psychological sickness, and if it grows strong it affects the body, and becomes a physical sickness, either as diseases of the brain, which are said to be diseases caused by waswaas, or diseases of the body such as weakness, emaciation and so on. End quote.

HIJAB: DEBATING TO WEAR OR NOT

"I'm so tired."

"Tired of what?"

"Of all these people judging me."

"Who judged you?"

"Like that woman, every time I sit with her, she tells me to wear hijab."

A group of students were asked to list what they thought were the present “Seven Wonders of the World.”
Though there were some disagreements, the following received the most votes:

This is my favorit juice... AVOCADO JUICE....it's so delicious n yummy.....Maybe all of you...just think avocado is just for salad...just try this recipe AVOCADO JUICE....
Do you know....Avocados are a source of vitamin E. It is useful to retard aging and cleanse the skin of any blemishes such as acne scars, dark spots, and other problems. Avocado is also a good antioxidant for health, which helps us from the free radicals we are exposed to everyday.

TWENTY TIPS FOR LOWERING GAZE

Twenty Tips for Lowering the Gaze

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Lowering one’s gaze is one of the most important things that a Muslim should do to protect himself from the punishment of Allah. Every sincere Muslim should spare no pains in this regard and should take practical steps to guard his gaze and overcome his weakness.

In regards to tips on lowering the gaze, prominent Muslim scholar Sheikh Muhammad Salih Al-Munajjid states:

SHE SHİNES. ‘Diamonds reflect more light than other materials, which accounts for its characteristic sparkle’ – The previous sentence was taken from a Physics lesson. It made me suddenly smile through the monotonous atmosphere the whole class could feel to the bone. But it made me think and smile.

LEAVING SMOKING FOREVER (1)

**** Leaving Smoking Forever*****

Quiting Smoking has never been so easy!
Did you know that 400,000 deaths each year are caused directly by cigarette smoking?

Shocking death rate extrapolations for USA for Smoking:

440,000 per year
36,666 per month
8,461 per week
1,205 per day
50 per hour

Someone will die from smoking by the time you finish reading this Article.

DARKNESS OF DEATH

THIS STORY IS LIL LONG BUT IT'S WORTH READING

It was Halloween night. I made plans with my friends Omar and Malik to go watch SAW 3 at a nearby theatre in Santa Monica, California. We were running late and I realized that I had not prayed Isha but I didnt say anything because I did not want to upset the mood. “Ill just pray afterwards,” I told myself.

WHY MEN DONT WEAR HIJAB

There is a reason behind every command, including hijab, whether we understand it or not.

It’s a warm sunny day at the park. You see a woman clad from head to foot, only her eyes and hands visible, carrying watermelon to her young child. You can’t imagine how she does it, how intense it must be boiling beneath that fabric. Wouldn’t she like to dress freely and comfortably like the man next to her, in a short sleeve T-shirt and shorts? Why is it that men are not required to cover themselves as extensively as women have to in Islam? If Muslim men and women were truly equal, then why does this apparent disparity exist?

I need a Diamond Ring

A married lady was expecting a birthday gift from her husband.

For many months she had admired a beautiful diamond ring in a showroom, and knowing her husband could afford it, she told him that was all she wanted.

As her birthday approached,

ZIKR: I TREAT MY SLAVE (MAN) ACCORDING TO HIS EXPECTATIONS FROM ME

Hadhrat Abu Hurairah (Radhiyallaho anho) narrated that Rasulullah (SALLALLAHU ALAIHI WASALLAM) has said, "Almighty Allah says, I treat my slave (man) according to his expectations from Me, and I am with him when he remembers Me. If he remembers Me in his heart, I remember him in My heart; if he remembers Me in a gathering, I remember him in a better and nobler gathering (i.e. of angels). If he comes closer to Me by one span, I go towards him a cubit's length, if he comes towards Me by a cubit's length, I go towards him an arm's length, and if he walks towards Me, I run unto him."

Hadhrat Uthman (Radhiyallaho anha] narrates that Ra-sulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) said: "The best amongst you is he who learns the Qur'an and teaches it." In most of the books, this hadith is quoted with the word 'and* between 'learns' and 'teaches' as above. Thus the greatest reward would be for him who learns the Holy Qur'an and thereafter teaches it to others. But in some of the books this 'hadith's is narrated with the word 'or', in which case the meaning would be: "The best amongst you is he who learns the Qur'an or-teaches it."

For Brothers: Where is your Hijab?This is a great reminder to our brothers!

1. Why your eyes are always roaming here and there?

2. Where you have lost beard? Love to imitate women?

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

One day, a brilliantly beautiful and fragrant flower with attractive colors met a pearl that lives far in the bottom of the sea and has none of these characteristics. Both got acquainted with each other.

You HAVE TO read this :D

There was this beautiful woman, who wanted to get married, but she wanted a very pious husband, so she said that she’ll marry the man who recites the whole Quran every single day, fasts for the whole year and stays awake and worships Allah all throughout the night. She was a very beautiful woman, and a lot of suitors wanted to marry her, but they knew they couldn’t fulfil the conditions she set. Until this one man stepped forward and said he could fulfil them. So the Imam got both of them married.