Summer Trends

Just when I think that the hot weather is here to stay,cue;endless rain and cloudy skies.Regardless,I have decided to embrace my summer with the latest trends.The following are basics,with a twist..Here are some of my MUST-have items for the scorchers ahead!

What I love about this seasons trend is that,no matter what you pull out of your cupboard (provided it aint black,grey,brown etc),it's IN.Who would have thought we'd be wearing pink pants again ;)

 Boys carry knives,we carry our massive rings!Weapons of mass destruction,yes,but adorably girlish at the same time.I am crazy for beeeg blingy rings.Who doesn't enjoy tapping on that stylish Samsung S3 or scrolling on the iPad with sparkly fingers?

 

Too delicious for words.Everywhere I go,these two colours seem to pop out at me.So when i spotted a lovely satin camisole with this combo,I knew I had to have it.Combine these two hue's in any way,and you sure to make a statement.

 

 

Pretty scarves,wrapped around your head as a turban,draped on as a hijaab or simply as an accessory,loose around the neck,scarves are stylish and add a special touch to any outfit.

 

 

 

I read somewhere that Wearing sunglasses is like facebook in real life. you can stare at people without them knowing.

Ha!Although I wouldn't approve of stalking,I am attached to my sunglasses.This summer,along with our bright colour-blocking,let's try something quirky with our shades!

Heart or other shape sunnies are adorable,however,it doesn't always suit every face shape.If you love them anyway,just perch them ontop of your hijaab.

Or if you don't want them to be just decorations,buy a timeless shape,with a colour frame.Too pretty not to.
What are your favourites for this summer?

Exams Are Over

We tumbled out of the exam hall with great haste trying to get as far away from that agonising place. Grateful that it was all over we ran around slapping one another on the back and wishing ourselves good-luck. I saw Paul running to me with great excitement.

“It’s over, man!!” he exclaimed, his large frame towering over me, “What a week, but damn it, it’s over.”

“Yup, it’s been a rough week, but all over,” I answered, “Never want to see another exam in my life!”

“So what you going to do now,” I asked, half knowing the answer after spending six years with Paul at medical school.

“I, my good friend, am going to have a great party tonight. And I am going to drink till I pass out. Then I’ll deal with tomorrow...,” he shouted as he rushed off to greet another classmate.

I felt a little jealous that he could go out and have a great party, do the things he wanted without restrictions. I felt cheated that after having gone through the same agonising week I could not “Just do it!” For me I knew it would be a night of supper with my parents, and then sit with the guys and talk rubbish until the late hours of the morning. Our greatest crime of the night being a couple of cigarettes and some serious junk food.

I didn’t hear about Paul until our class reunion 15 years later. It was a noisy affair with everyone struggling to get their best medical school story remembered. We recounted the strange doings of medical students and some very embarrassing moments like when Jakes fainted onto the patient while examining her and when Jonathan in his nervousness asked a male patient how many times he had been pregnant. Each story brought rounds of raucous laughter until I asked: “Guys, whatever happened to Paul...Paulie....tall guy..er..Sterling”

A hush fell over the table like a damp blanket silencing even the clinking of the cutlery; I shifted awkwardly in my chair. Nervous as an accused in the dock I looked at the silent faces around me not knowing what to say next until Jonathan explain in almost hushed tones... Paul went out drinking that night and got involved in a drunken brawl in which he stabbed a man, he was sentenced to two years in prison and when he got out he was hooked on drugs and committed suicide three years later.

I left the function early that night, my head still quivering with the news of Paul and went straight to my mother’s house. I hugged her a little tighter than usual and she looked at me quizzically but didn’t say a word. Somehow mothers know what lives in their children’s hearts. I then went home and sat at my little daughter’s bedside for a long time. Her sleeping face radiated innocence and I prayed that Allah Ta’ala would give her parents the ability to raise her as my parents had raised us. Despite the pressures of modernisation to change their attitudes they always taught me what was Islamically correct and guided me to the path of Deen.

Sitting in the dim light of her room imagining the pure thoughts and dreams floating in her head and I thanked Allah Ta’ala that He guided us to a path that was filled with benefits in this world and the next. A path that may seem restrictive or narrow, seemingly devoid of the ‘pleasures’ of this world, but one which gave a person dignity and honour in this world, safety and protection at the time of leaving this world, and eternal happiness in the Hereafter. I shivered, not so much from the coolness of the evening, but with the thought of what could have happened to me if I had I joined Paul that night. Would I also have seen my life destroyed in the pursuit of a few moments of pleasure? Rather the restriction of a few moments and pleasure for eternity; than a brief sojourn in luxury and the displeasure of Allah Ta’ala. I kissed my daughter on her tiny forehead and filled with gratitude of being Muslim and recollected a Hadith that explained this better I could ever do:

Abu Musa (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "The guidance and knowledge with which Allah has sent me are like abundant rain which fell on a land. A fertile part of it absorbed the water and brought forth profuse herbage and pasture; and solid ground patches which retained the water by which Allah has benefited people, who drank from it, irrigated their crops and sowed their seeds; and another sandy plane which could neither retain the water nor produce herbage. Such is the similitude of the person who becomes well-versed in the religion of Allah and receives benefit from the Message entrusted to me by Allah, so he himself has learned and taught it to others; such is also the similitude of the person who has stubbornly and ignorantly rejected Allah's Guidance with which I have been sent.'' (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Taken from eislam.co.za

Take Your Time,Summer

Someone buy the Weather a calender!The past week,we've been experiencing the craziest weather.Hot and humid,rain and storm,then cold and wintry.When Spring began,I remember everyone complaining that we had just jumped straight into summer,well,here's your Spring,South Africa!

We really are never satisfied,are we..

Anyway,the change in weather has frozen my brain and my ability to think,hence,no new posts in such a long time.Also,there are major renovations going on and who can concentrate with that constant BANG BANG BANG or nephews and nieces running around screaming to the beat?

So,while I plug in my ear-phones,lock my door and slip on a jersey,my mind is very very far away ------->

Ahhhh...think huge sunglasses,a lovely coral lipstick,a summery turban with a ultra-stylish floppy hat over,my favourite magazine and miles of beach....

x

Pink Hijaab Day

On the 24th of October,females around the world will don a Pink Hijaab in celebration of this month.Humairah Jassat is the lovely and vibrant girl behind the South African version of this and she,together with a friend,fellow blogger,Rowena Saloojee of Secrets&Stilettos have come up with a wonderful campaign for this year..

Here's your chance to contribute in the prettiest and most stylish way possible!

Check out Secrets and Stilettos for the full story!

<3 <3

Pretty Pink Skies

 

October marks a very special time to many of us; Breast Cancer Awareness  Month.A time to celebrate those brave women (and men) who fought valiantly,those who are still fighting and those who lost their lives to it.

 

I was thrilled yesterday just before sunset to see the skies honouring these brave souls too!My fingers could not resist and there I was snapping away!

 

Subhanallah!

 

 

My Jihad

In my quest to becoming a better person/ Muslimah/ wife,I have recently started trying to wear the abaya full time* (read:almost everyday).Coming from someone who has a weakness for skinny jeans,this is sure to be a real Jihad.In order to keep myself from feeling down about black,black,black,I've decided to become the Queen of Accessorising and Colour.

I add pops of colour with vibrant belts slung low over my waist,huge bangles and rings,long blingy chains.I wrap small silk scarves around my wrists,wear them under my Hijaab.Check out nspiredstyle-4-ways-with-a-neckerchief for more on that.

We seem to think that donning the abaya will make us feel older than we really are but honestly,it doesn't have to be that way.The person you are will most definitely shine through anyway,but we can always express ourselves with a beautiful handbag,a smart shoe,that statement ring.

But even more than that,stepping in the right direction is challenging oneself,knowing that what you are doing is for a greater good and will lead you to Jannah Insha Allah.It takes alot of confidence and guts to make major changes in our lives,knowing that just because we have decided to do the right thing,won't necessarily mean it is going to be easy.We have to always keep our intention infront of us.

A sister put it so beautifully recently: "I was crazy about Mohammed*.Then Allah gave him to me.Now,why can't I be crazy about my Allah?"

Spending time with people who have taken that big step can motivate you in ways you never thought possible.
Push yourself,Go Forth and Dazzzle ***


*Name changed

Ya Falasteen,Ya Aqsa

Our hearts continue to bleed for our Muslim brothers and sisters in Palestine.Why,oh,why is the media so quiet??Thousands of Muslims are been harmed on a daily basis around the world,but the world remains silent.Even though we cannot be there to physically help them,we can always make Dua and remain on the Straight Path to please our Lord.

This links to the Channel Islam International website: Major attack on worshippers at Al Aqsa

The Walls Are Listening

Last weekend,a couple of us were discussing whether or not it was fair to judge a person (mainly females) by the way they dressed,as we so often hear people say “My heart is good,I don't need to show it in my appearance”.

As the discussion got louder,my six-year-old nephew poked me in the side and informed me in a dead serious tone that “It's ok to wear jeans and a top in the house”

Until then I thought he had fallen asleep,but he was instead listening very intently to our conversation. I found his comment adorable.And so very true.It also made me realise that:

a)it was so important for young kids to know their Deen and what is expected of them.In this day and age,we all need to equip ourselves with the right knowledge.

b)children continually fool us into thinking they are not listening by keeping busy but infact their ears are perked up 24/7.

c)even though I was pleased he knew what was the right way and had an opinion,I wondered whether that was the sort of thing a six-year-old should listen in on. Too often we take for granted the fact that kids aren't listening and we don't watch our words. They may form opinions or learn things their little minds cannot comprehend.

As for my nephew,I will keep my laugh in everytime he tugs my sleeve down when it rides up, 'coz now I know that he knows better.

Hijaabi With Style

I came across the lovely Aalia's website by chance and fell in love with the way she tied her scarves and the fact that she's ready to try new ways to wear her hijaab.Here's proof from a stylish Hijaabi that we most definitely can rock those headbands,bows and hats with our hijaab.

 

Perfect Holiday Look!!

Check out Princess Rockz for some gorgeous hijaabs and accessories

This Hijaabi's Treasure Box

I have this weird obsession with treasuring everything -old cellphones,letters,funny newspaper clipping,quotes that inspire,plane tickets,diaries.
It does tend to take up an awful lot of valuable space and once in a while I do need to go through everything to declutter.

However,there's something wonderful about cracking open the box and spilling out everything from my past.It makes you take a step back,realise how far you've come,how far you still have to go,lessons along the way.
Often we go through something important,which impacts greatly on our lives,but even though we carry the lesson or memory subconsciously,we forget the process and how we felt at that very moment.

Although I have given up music and Insha Allah hope to continue in this way,hearing an old song can trigger so many memories,happy and sad.I wouldn't recommend you start a collection of all your favourite songs but I think it's such a wonderful idea to collect things from your past,hopefully to unearth it one day in the distant future to show your children.

I have this lovely dark wood kist in which I keep everything stored.It really does remind me of a treasure chest.Normally,I colour-code,date and alphabetise everything,but there's a certain charm in scratching through the items and trying to decide where in the time-line it belongs.

Here are some of the items I've collected:

*baby photo's of my husband -always brings a laugh
*3D glasses from our first 3D movie
*my very first 'grown-up' wallet
*soccer and cricket match ticket stubs
*boarding passes to Zanzibar
*receipt from my very first comedy show
*a CD filled with pictures dating back to age 16
*a few music CD covers I used to listen to

I have countless of letters from friends in primary school and silly notes scribbled through boring high school classes.I treasure my Creative Writing book wayyy back from Seventh Grade,which I was and still am proud of.

It's interesting to look through your belongings and figure out where your head was at at that time of your life.

Adjust Your Sails

As females,no matter young or old,we are always guilty of dreaming - the perfect life,the perfect job,the perfect child,the perfect husband.More designer handbags,more gorgeous stilettos.No one can blame us for wanting everything sparkly,it is kind of inherited,passed on from grandmother to mother to daughter.Unrealistic dreaming,some may call it,but it never stops us from wanting and aiming for that 'perfect' life.

But what if one day,tragedy strikes and suddenly that flawless plan somehow doesn't seem possible anymore?What if you lost the most important person,someone who played a big part in your quest to happiness?Would that mean that whatever we had dreamed of could no longer materialise?

As Muslims,we are taught from a very young age about something called 'taqdeer' (pre-destination).We are taught that everything happens for a reason and that there most definitely is good in every situation.But really,how often do we think about this in a difficult circumstance and act on this knowledge?

In the past year,I have known and heard of four young twenty-something girls who have either lost their mothers or husbands,in one instance,both.

Which young girl does not include these two very important people in her life's plan,the dreams,the expectations,the fears and delights.Watching these girls go about their days with smiles on their faces and a kind word to everyone sends shivers down my spine.

It is amazing how strong Allah (SWT) has made them and how much of sabr (patience) He has granted them.

So,I wonder,do they really stop to think for a moment about their life ahead?Do they feel like their fairytale has come to a standstill?No doubt they go through motions but I always like to think of the Ayaah in the Quraan that goes something to the effect that after every hardship and difficulty comes ease.For Allah is Most Merciful.

No matter how bad our situation is, remember this Hadith :

'Hazrat Abu Saeed (RA) and Hazrat Abu Hurairah (RA) relate that the Holy Prophet (SAW) said :" A Muslim will never be afflicted by any hardship nor any discomfort nor worry nor grief nor harm nor sorrow even the pricking of a thorn except that Allah will expiate some of his sins." '
                                                                                            Muttafaqun A'layhi

I take great comfort in knowing that waiting out a painful time with patience and perserverance is beloved in the eye's of Allah,so beloved that He even washes away some of our many sins.

Islam teaches us how to deal with every situation,how to react,how to respond in the right way,all to lead us to a place every Muslim desire -Jannah.Let us realise this and bring it into our lives.Insha Allah

On My Wish-List

New York City

Rio de Janeiro

Paris

Dubai

A Little Inspiration

Post Eid

 

Hope you all had a wonderful Eid!!Mine was lovely,filled with presents (!), laughter,love and family. My internet has been down of recent and I am hoping it gets sorted real soon.

In the meantime,here are the new Louboutins I am dying to get my hands on:

 

Un Bout



Cheyenne

 

Devotion to God

Bring On The Next Bestseller

In an age where television and the world-wide-web have taken over our lives,I often get tired of been numbed,dulled and stupified by the media. One cannot argue that we all need to step back and revert to the age-old tradition every once in a while- good ol' literature.

Sure,who doesn't love curling up on that icy day with a large bowl of popcorn,a huge blanket and a good chick-flick. But there's something utterly relaxing about curling up on that icy day with a large bowl of popcorn,a huge blanket and a good BOOK.

Your imagination runs wild,images flash through your head faster than you can turn the page. Try as they may,once you have a good book,the movie/TV series will NEVER do justice (with the exception of one,more about that in another post)

Here are some of my all-time favourites:

The Kite-Runner   by Khaled Hosseini

The Observer could have not phrased it better “Shattering..devastating and inspiring”.We drift through the streets of old Kabul with young and carefree Amir and his loyal friend Hasan as they spend their days making mischief,carving their names on trees and doing what they love best- flying kites. Tragedy,however, strikes on the day that should have been the best day of Amir's life and he finds himself running from the truth,for the rest of his life.

 

A Thousand Splendid Suns   by Khaled Hosseini

A heart-wrenching tale of two women,caught under the rule of bitter Rasheed during the uncertain times of Kabul.Unable to find solace in any corner of their lives,the bond they create between them is that of sisters,inseperable and dependable,inspite of the age difference.Surrounded by misery,hopelessness and starvation,one would imagine it's an each man for himself world,'yet love can move a person to act in unexpected ways,lead them to overcome the most daunting obstacles with startling heroism.In the end it is love that truimphs over death and destruction.'

Mornings in Jenin   by Susan Abulhawa

Un-put-downable.Yet another international bestseller tells the story of fiery little Amal.The story journeys you through three generations of the Abulheja family of Ein Hod,Palestine,capturing each anguish with such power,you simply cannot hold those tears back.

Mornings in Jenin left me reeling for days after.

It was the first of the three that I read and for a long time after,western books about futile and baseless activities such shopping spree's,boyfriend trouble and a broken heel just was not doing it for me. I longed to read more about my fellow Muslims and it brought a heartache to think that,even though each of the books were not based on a true story(though I have a strong feeling that Mornings in Jenin was based on a vast amount of real-life events)it did not make it any less real,those were the kinds of sufferings our brothers and sisters in Islam were enduring.

It must be noted however,that one may have conflicting feelings about some aspects in the books. I feel that the authors were not clear in highlighting the differences between culture and religion.

Also some amazing reads:

Army of Roses   by Barbara Victor
Inside the World of Palestinian Women Suicide Bombers

From My Sister's Lips    by Na'ima Roberts
A book clearly written from the heart.A group of exceptional and strong women take you through their journey to finding Islam.

Happy reading!

Burma Calling

As we happily prepare our Iftaar of many savouries and delights or peacefully read the Holy Quraan on our luxurious Musallahs,let us spare a thought for our Muslim brothers and sisters in Burma who are facing genocide since June.

‘Recent clashes in Arkan (Myanmar/Burma) has left more than 1,000 Muslims dead and over 90,000 have been forced out of their homes and villagers since the violence began in June…… faced with unimaginably inhumane conditions…. Arakanese Muslims are losing hope.’ Al-Imdaad Foundation reports.

Muslims are been jailed,tortured,killed,raped and burnt alive while the media is silent.

Please spare a thought for the unfortunate this Ramadhaan with your prayers and wealth. Whichever organisation you decide to generously share with, please make sure it is legit and your monies will fall into the right hands for the intended cause.

</3

the irrawaddy

Final Destination : Jannah

I haven't blogged for a while. Ramadhaan seems to be flying and before I can get a grip on the day,I'm collapsing into bed. Apart from trying my hardest to get in extra Quraan reading and basically been a good person (“,) ,I seem to be enjoying working myself to the top (VERY unlike me) and have been making fresh savouries even though my freezer is stocked,Shukr Alhamdulillah.

My last attempt was lovely balls of mash,spaghetti,chicken mince and cheese rolled into bread crumbs and fried lightly... hmmm ,I shouldn't be typing this whilst fasting ..

Anyway,it's totally worth the smile on your loved one's face when he realises that the kebab-looking things taste devine;or that phone call from your mum saying they THOUROUGHLY enjoyed it.

It's not just about the food,it's about making the people you care about happy and gaining thawaab,Insha Allah.

I have often come across this message/email and each time I read it, an amazing feeling takes over me, making me realise, yet again,that we are here for a higher purpose and makes me strive to do my best (atleast until it fades from my memory and the next time I read it).

I thought I should share it with you, and please remember to pass it on,via twitter, Facebook, email,or even by mentioning it to someone. The rewards are endless.It is long,but so worth it.Please take the time to read.

" When Mu'min will enter into Jannah, it will be announced

1. You will remain healthy forever, disease will never come.
2. You will remain alive for ever, death will never come.
3. You will remain in bounties which will never be finished.

Jannat is made with

Bricks of Gold and Silver.
Its cement is of perfumed Musk.
Its chips are pearls and Yaqoot.
Its sand is Zafraan.

There are eight doors of Jannah. These are eight grades of Jannat

1. Jannatul Mava
2. Darul Maqaam
3. Darul Salaam
4. Darul Khuld
5. Jannat-ul-Adan
6. Jannat-ul-Naeem
7. Jannat-ul-Kasif
8. Jannat-ul-Firdous

Food of Jannah

They will eat foods and fruits continuously up to 40 years.
Every bowl will have a new taste.
They will take eructation which will digest the food and there will be perfumed sweating for the digestion of water.
There will be no urine and stool.

Place Name

There will be gardens in Jannah.
Every garden will have the length of about 100 year's journey.
The shadow of these gardens will be very dense.
Their plants will be free of thorns.
The size of their leaves will be equal to ears of elephants.
Their fruits will be hanging in rows.

Jannatul Mava is in the lowest,
Jannat-ul-Adan is the middle &
Jannat-ul- Firdous is on the highest.

Those who love each other for the sake of Allah will get a pillar of Yaqoot,
On which there will be seventy thousand (70,000) rooms.
These will shine for the residents of Jannah as the sun shines for the residents of Duniya.

There will be rooms in Jannah in such a way that every room will have seventy thousand (70,000) dinning sheets.
On every dinning sheet 70,000 types of foods will be served.
For their service 80,000 young boys will be moving around looking like beautiful scattered pearls.

One bunch of dates will be equal to the length of 12 arms.
The size of a date will be equal to the big pitcher.
These will be whiter than milk, sweeter than honey and softer than butter and free
Of seeds.
The stem of these plants will be made up of gold and silver.
There will also be gardens of grapes. The bunches of grapes will be very big.
The size of a single grape will be equal to a big pitcher.

Someone asked, ya Rasulullah (Sallalahu alaihi wasallam):
will it be sufficient for me and my family. It was answered, it will be sufficient for you and your whole tribe.

The Dresses of Jannat

The dress of Jannah will be very beautiful.
One will wear 70 dresses at a time.
These will be very fine, delicate, weightless, having different colors.
These dresses will be so fine that the body even the heart will be visible.
And the waves of love in the hearts will also be visible.
These dresses will never become old, never be dirty and will never tear.


There will be four canals in every Jannah.

1 Water
2. Milk
3. Honey
4. Sharabun Tahoora.

There will also be three fountains in Jannah:

1. Kafoor
2. Zanjabeel
3. Tasneem

Qualities of People of Jannah

In Jannah, height of every Mo 'min, will be equal to the height of

Hazrat Adam (Alaihissalaam) 60 arms (90 feet).
Beauty will be like that of Hazrat Yousuf (Alaihissalaam)
Age of youth will be like that of Hazrat Esa (Alaihissalaam) 30-33 years).
Sweetness of voice will be like that of Hazrat Dawud (Alaihissalaam).
Tolerance will be like that of Hazrat Yaqoob (Alaihissalaam)
Patience will be like that of Hazrat Ayyub (Alaihissalaam.)
Habits will be like that of Sayyaduna Muhammad (Sallalahu alaihi wasallam)

NOTE:

If a person makes Du'a for Jannah three times,
Jannah requests Allah that O, Allah; make his entry into Jannah.
And if a person makes Du'a for safety from Jahannum three times,
The Jahannnum requests Allah that, O, Allah; save him from Jahannum.

Please pass on and may Allah grant the entire Ummah of Nabi sallalahu alayhi wasallam Jannat ul Firdous Ameen!

Every good act is charity

JAZAK ALLAHU KHAIR-
May Allah Forgive our sins...Ameen
Remember the Prophet PBUH said if u have knowledge pass it on
Even if it is just one verse. So Forward this message and help us in our
Mission to keep the Muslim Youth on the right path, ISLAM."
⁠

Inspiring, no? I think my favourite part (varying on when I read it i.e now is during the fast) is about the dates.. Whiter than milk, sweeter than honey, softer than butter...........I think we should all read this or something like it every once in a while to give us that reminder and give ourselves a re-boot.

 

Ma' Asalaam

Style Inspiration- Rabia Z

I am obsessed with dressing up.The draws that hold my handbags are never big enough.My large cupboards never seem to close,thanks to the absurd number of clothing I own.Let's not even get started on my shoe's...
It may come across as superficial,but as a young Muslimah,I feel it is of utmost importance that we feel good in whatever we wear,modestly.When we feel good,we most definitely look good.When that gorgeous silky scarf matches perfectly with your newly purchased dress,the feeling is unreal,you want to wear that outfit to sleep too.

Growing up,I was the only young girl I knew who wore a hijaab.This made keeping it on extremely hard,as we all know how important it is for a young girl to feel like she fits in.As i grew older,I realised that I had it all wrong.I slowly learned more stylish ways to tie my hijaab (thanks to my ever-stylish older sister).I looked at magazines,the current fashion and fads and adjusted them slightly to suit my newly-found love for my hijaab.

Sure,I have a long way to go (ask any mother) but I can say with confidence:
ALHAMDULILLAH,i <3 my hijaab.
Here are some gorgeous outfits from the uber-trendy Rabia Z's Autumn Winter 2011 Collection.Go forth and dazzzle!!!

Ofcourse,we must always remember that it is what's inside that counts and one shoud never judge a person by the outter appearance.This article is simply to encourage young (or older) Muslimah's regarding their hijaab.

Allah (SWT) knows best.

A Valuable Lesson

A man bought a slave and after bringing him home,the following conversation ensured;

"What is your name?"

"A slave has no name.Whatever name my master prefers,that shall be my name"

"What food do you like?"

"I like whatever my master likes for me"

"What clothing would you like me to buy for you?"

"I am pleased with whatever clothing you buy for me"

"What work can you do?"

"I shall do whatever work you need me to do"

"Tell me what you enjoy"

"Of what significance are the pleasures of a slave compared to the pleasures of his master.I enjoy whatever you enjoy"

Hearing these replies of the slave,the master began to weep because it made him realise that his relationship with Allah (SWT) ought to be the same.He said to the slave:

"You have taught me what my attitude with Allah should be"

The slave then focused his attention to Allah and said:

"Oh Allah!What bounty can I have that is better than the ability to diligently serve one of  Your bondsmen.So,by Your infinite Grace,forgive my sins and shortcomings for I know that You are the Most Kind and Most Merciful."

It is the duty of every Muslim to behave like the slave in the above incident and to have no desire that is opposed to what Allah (SWT) and our Prophet(SAW) want.

When Allah is pleased with a person,no difficulty is insurmountable.

Allahu-Akbar!

Source: A Gift to a Bride

To Smile or Not to Smile- That is the Question

The past two days have drained me.I've been quite cranky and tired and achy and the list could go on.I gave my poor husband 'frozen' food for Sehri today, ''Antarctic temperature'' he said.
One would immediately assume that the long fasting hours have gotten the better of me,but no,amazingly,it is after I break my fast that I seem to slip into this horrible,horrible behaviour.It been the first time I am on my own in Ramadhaan since I am married (last year was spent in Saudi,Alhamdulillah),I am finding it quite a struggle to adapt to  the rush of Iftaar.The first day the dirty dishes piled up so high,it would have been enough to make any grown woman sob.

Today at the mall,I could not even muster up a smile at a begger.And that's when it got me thinking: Is this really the way one should spend one's Ramadhaan?Constantly stressing about what to cook the next day,what to prepare for Iftaar,Sehri,when to fit in what,what time to get up,what time to sleep....

Whatever happened to this been the most Blessed month of the year for us?Spending our time in the obedience of Allah-dhikr,nafl Salaah,Quraan recitation?And been kind and charitable??

No doubt we women have alot on our hands during this month.But we need to realise that the focus is NOT on the preparation of food and how good that ice-coffee will taste.Stressing about the cleaning of the house-let us set specific times to clean up,so that we are not constantly running all over with that duster or dish-cloth.Let us plan our meals before-hand so that we do not slip up on an ingredient whilst cooking.Time management,I've realised,is vital in this month as we should be spending majority of our day in Ibaadat.

Last but not least,let us prepare our food with love and savour every moment.Watch your husband/child take that first bite of food and feel proud that Allah (SWT) chose you to make this possible.

P.S. all thanks to my mum who made me realise that crazy,is no way to be

Until next time