Wednesday, February 23, 2011

A Peace That Sings



My soul breathes a breath it has never quite taken before
So crisp, so clean, so pure
And a giddy little grin will peak upon my lips
For no particular reason, just a peace within sings so deep
And though the meaning of life’s lesson is upon me now
I can’t help but feel that I know nothing of anything, but to God I remain, to God I bow
Time and time again we search, we befriend but in the end there are things that remain questionable
Should a friend really be so textable?
Really, is there nothing else to do other than keep us entertained
Twitter,or Facebook, Blackberry or Iphone, Google and Amazon E books
It’s all the same really, friends too many
One or two may know me
But never have they given me this feeling I feel
This ease, this lightness upon my chest, this gushing goodness of “man, God is Indeed The Best!”
Why? some may ask. Wasn’t that a test?
Yes, but a test is only a question mark away from a reward
Will you submit to that which you cannot control? Or will your choice be hard, and dramatic turmoil?
I resolve with, I need not fight if I have the angels fighting for me
I will not wander blindly when I have light making a way clearly
I will not speak ill of what’s meant to be, when I have the All Knowing watching over me
I will not be among the ungrateful, before I become alone just me and me
My life is a breath of fresh air for which I pray lasts until I return home
Though fears I have, it’s not something any human can console
For words don’t come when I try to speak it, just thoughts and only God Knows the Meanings
So I stop here.
Praising the All Knowing, The All Wise
Hoping for the best, fearing my weaknesses and begging for success!

Saturday, February 19, 2011

O Believing Men - A reminder

Upon reading the article - Homely Homemaking Homebodies? Why the Quran Commands Muslim Women: "Stay in Your Homes" by Sadaf Farooqi,  I noticed there were many comments. Though I did not go through them, I did read a few which lead me to write this article that I have entitled:


O Believing Men - A reminder
“And remind, for indeed, the reminder benefits the believers.” [Quran: 51: 55]

Autho billahi min ash shaytaan al rajeem Bismillah Al Rahman Al Raheem!


So I begin with this, the most powerful reminder :

You shall see them, as they are brought face to face with the chastisement, in a state of abject humiliation, looking with a furtive glance. But the believers will say: “Surely the true losers are they who lose themselves and their kindred on the Day of Resurrection.” Lo, the wrong-doers will be in an enduring torment. [Ash-Shura 42:25]

Gender roles is an issue that seems to be in chaos, what was deemed as "natural" in the past is now considered nothing but "traditional oppression". It seems gender roles has drastically changed throughout the ages with the commencement of the 'Women's Liberation Movement'. Dating back to the early 18th century came the first glimpse of the feminist movement spurred by middle or upper-class white women in search of political equality. The climax of the feminist mentality saturated itself in the 1980's-1990's; this reform campaign altered all forms of social standards -religious, familial, political, professional etc.

"And enjoin on one another goodness towards women; verily they are married to you: you have no power over them at all unless they come in for a flagrantly filthy action; but if they are devoted to you, then seek no way against them. And verily, you have rights over your women, and they have rights over you." [Tirmidhi ]

As a result of an attempt for progression we found ourselves in the other extreme; regression! It is clear to many the instinctive nature women have; rearing children, their home, their family life. A task that in today's world is immensely underrated, deemed almost as "unaccomplished" if it is ones sole livelihood. However, in the rage of change and a distinct need for human rights initiated by women we are left questioning, what has happened to the men? What are their roles and who have they become?

Islam outlines our gender roles in astounding perfection. It encompasses our nature as males and females; acknowledging our God Given strengths and weaknesses.

“Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because Allaah has made one of them to excel the other, and because they spend (to support them) from their means. Therefore the righteous women are devoutly obedient (to Allaah and to their husbands), and guard in the husband’s absence what Allaah orders them to guard (e.g. their chastity and their husband’s property). As to those women on whose part you see ill-conduct, admonish them (first), (next) refuse to share their beds, (and last) beat them (lightly, if it is useful); but if they return to obedience, seek not against them means (of annoyance). Surely, Allaah is Ever Most High, Most Great” [al-Nisa’ 4:34]

We as men and women have been placed on this earth for the same purpose (to worship One God and associate no partners to Him), but with entirely different roles. Lets break this down from a visual that we are familiar with in the modern world. Allah subhanhu wa tala has given the man the sole responsibility to provide for his family food, clothes and shelter. Man is given the responsibility to see that his family receives secular and Islamic education. He is given the responsibility of leading his family towards Jannah. He is given the responsibility of protecting his wife, his children, his sisters, his parents; kith and kin. He is given the responsibility if the need arises to physically denfend Islam for the sake of Allah subhanhu wa tala or in our current state to accomplish this mentally and/or verbally. He is given the responsibility to socially serve Al-Islam (ie. Daw'ah, helping the needy, neighbours etc.). Women have the responsibility of obeying her husband, guarding their property, teaching his children, and safe guarding herself (maintaining modesty). Not to say a woman should not help the needy, be good to her neighbours, keep relations between kith and kin etc. but her duty remains mainly within the home. Now compare them! Is it not clearly noticeable through Islamic rights that women carry a lesser burden but equally meaningful? We as a whole Ummah have messed up the system!

A man in Islam has been given the role of the Amir; the leader of his household. Brothers do not under-estimate this responsibility! You have been given the rights in order for you to fulfill great responsibilities! It is upon the man to make sure that he lives up to his responsibility and it is for the woman to ease that burden by complying to that which he requires done and/or needs. You cannot run a school without a Principle, you cannot win a war without a Sergeant, you cannot aim for a 'touch-down' without a game plan that others also have to follow through with ... It is the man's responsibility and right to create that 'game plan' and oversee its execution is correctly conducted. If he does not do that then he too bears the failure along with his players.

A wise man knows that in order to be successful in his duties he should learn to adopt 'mutual consultation' - or 'team work'. A manly man, or a 'man' in all essence of the word is not one that should be able to bench press 350 lbs then expect his wife to haul in all the groceries, go to work, see to the children and that's it for him; 9-5pm is all he is willing to contribute towards his family - towards his Akhira. If that was the case what would be the point in having a man around? This is a mentality contributing to divorce on the rise along with many sisters simply uninterested in marriage wa Allahu Alim. The Prophet (peace be upon him) was reported to have helped in household affairs. If any man stood in the shoes of a woman for a day and completed the tasks that it takes to make a home run smooth, clean and Islamic he would understand the value in aiding her. By helping her, he helps his children and by helping his children he is fulfilling his responsibilities of leading them away from the fire (Insha'Allah), therefore securing himself with His Creator Insha'Allah. Plus it creates love within the home and each other. A home is not a 'one man' show. It is not for the man to call the shots and a woman to be void of her needs and rights. Nor is it for a woman to be "independent" and a man to be purposeless and disrespected. There is a fine, delicate, beautiful balance that Islam sets for us. Yet we have gone way beyond these, as a result the consequences are astounding social ills!

If a woman is not home and she is the second breadwinner, then who is caring for the children? Who is imparting the knowledge that they need to be righteous Muslims? Who is mentoring the children to help them understand the world around them without it sucking them up and stripping them of their souls? If a man is comfortable with his wife working to provide for herself, interacting with other men, neglecting the household affiars, losing his respect in the home then how can he feel sure that he is fulfilling his God given responsibilities? How can both spouses be a comfort for one another when the whispering of Shaytaan has the husband holding the door wide open? In the end of the day the burden will also still lie upon the man because Allah subhanhu wa tala gave Him the duty and the rights to fulfill his task - the ball is in his hands!

“And they (women) have rights (over their husbands as regards living expenses) similar (to those of their husbands) over them (as regards obedience and respect) to what is reasonable, but men have a degree (of responsibility) over them. And Allaah is All-Mighty, All-Wise” [al-Baqarah 2:228]

It is a heavy burden brothers! Even still, one too many brothers are very comfortable in not taking the responsibility of financially maintaining or sheltering or ensuring the household is heading in the right direction. In fact many men in our 'progressive age' expect their wives to contribute to the household financially, as though it is upon her to do so. Too many brothers are failing in their responsibilities to protect their family from the evils of this world and their destruction in the hereafter, too many are simply not bothered therefore do not demand their rights in order to fulfill their responsibilities. Therefore a man is wronging his family due to his failure in fulfiling their basic Islamic rights (food, shelter, clothes,educating them). And in some cases only when it suits him then he demands his rights from his wife.

"O you who have attained to faith! Ward off from yourselves and your families that fire (of the hereafter) whose fuel is Human beings and stones."[Qur’an 66:6]

Along with the adolescent mentalities plaguing our healthy minded adult Muslim community, the "yes dear" syndrome has infiltrated itself into our homes, into it's own form of extremism. All too many of us forget that Islam is a moderate path, we are neither here nor there but rather in the middle. Do not be a tyrant, yet do not be 'whipped' (agree to everything even when it is wrong). Do not be Scrooge (stingy), yet do not be Santa (comply with everyones wishes - naughty or nice), do not be 'Molly Maid' and also do not be a couch potato, do not make your family all you ever do yet do not ignore them or find excuses to be out of the house constantly. Just walk a middle path and you'll find success, Insha'Allah!

"Fear Allah concerning women! Verily you have taken them on the security of Allah, and intercourse with them has been made lawful unto you by words of Allah. You too have rights over them, and that they should not allow anyone to sit on your bed [i.e., not let them into the house] whom you do not like. But if they do that, you can chastise them but not severely. Their rights upon you are that you should provide them with food and clothing in a fitting manner” (Narrated by Muslim, 1218)

Marriage is half our deen not because it sounds nice for you to say that on your wedding day or feel accomplished that you're now married. It is because it carries a heavy weight, you are now entrusted with another person and Insha'Allah children which you will be questioned about on the Day of Judgement. You are entitled to more rights but now others have rights upon you too. You cannot neglect your home and the rights others have upon you yet feel fulfilled as a dutiful Muslim; it is simply not possible. Our religion is an action based religion; it encompsses honor, dignity, truth, justice, kindness all entwined within our worship. It takes sincerity, courage and as with everything great it also requires sacrifice. Success is not within our own mind, it is within the Orders ordained upon us in the hopes that with sincere intention we have earned our seat in Jannatul Firdos.

May Allah subhanhu wa talaa Protect us from the evils of ourselves, man, jinn, and shaytaan, may He forgive us for our sins and give us strength to fulfill our duties...Ameen

May Allah forgive me if I have said anything wrong for all good is from Him alone and wrong/bad is from myself.

Your sister in Islam,


Shireen


References:

What are the rights of the husband and what are the rights of the wife?

http://www.islam-qa.com/en/ref/10680/husband%20duty

The Ideal Muslim Husband

http://www.missionislam.com/family/husband.htm

Saturday, February 12, 2011

Holy-Days (author unknown)

Christian "Holy-days" are ancient pagan feasts that were ushered in by the Roman Catholic Church during the rule of Emperor Constantine (a lot of them). Constantine was a pagan sun-worshipper who had a "Christian experience" that wanted to unite his empire, both Christian and pagan together. He achieved this by re-writing history and re-naming pagan feasts with Christian names. Most if not all of the rituals and symbols that take place during these days have a paganistic background. This is a very general summary of the origins of each festival:




Sunday Services:

Early Christians kept Saturday as the Sabbath until March 7, 321 CE when Pope Constantine passed a law requiring believers to worship on Sunday, the day the pagans worshipped the sun-god. Christians still kept Saturday as the Sabbath until another law was passed eleven years later. This law signed into decree by Pope Constantine forbid believers to worship on the Sabbath (Saturday) and it was punishable by death by the Catholic Church. Many believers were burned to death by the Catholic Church for keeping the Sabbath.

So many holidays rooted in pagan sun-worship including Father's Day, Mother’s day and Easter, always fall on the Sun-day, the day named in honor of their most powerful god -the Sun! ('A'oodhoobIllaah!)


Birthdays:

Origins lie in the realm of magic and religion. The customs of offering congratulations, presenting gifts and celebrating-complete with lighted candles - in ancient times were meant to protect the birthday celebrant from the demons and to ensure his security for the coming year. Down to the fourth century Christianity rejected the birthday celebration as a pagan custom.

New Year's Day, January 1:

The Roman emperor Julius Caesar officially declared January 1 to be a New Year in 46 B.C. Romans worshiped "god Janus" who had two faces, one looking forward and the other looking backward. The month of January was named after this Roman god and it gave an idea to the emperor to establish January as a gate to the New Year.

April Fool's Day, April 1:

The most commonly accepted theory among historians is that the holiday was first officially introduced with the changing of the pre-Christian calendar of thirteen months to the Gregorian calendar of twelve months. In 1582, Pope Gregory III ordered a new calendar to replace the old Julian calendar. In this new calendar, New Years Day was shifted from April 1, to January 1. Those that continued to celebrate New Years Day on April 1 were referred to as April Fools and were subject to ridicule being taunted by their neighbors.

Ground Hog Day, February 2:

Groundhog day goes back to Imbolc, a pagan festival, celebrated by witches, druids and other pagans as part of the wheel of the year. Imbolc is the special day of Brighid, the Celtic "goddess of fire", and thus is deemed a fire festival, celebrated between the 31st of January to sunset on the 2nd of February.

Its transformative powers of the flame signify change and the setting of new goals. As the Crone of winter gives way to the Maiden of spring, this festival of light cleanses to make way for the new. Nature starts to come back to life, and the new agricultural season begins. Basically it refers to the turning of winter to spring.

It is traditionally a time for new witches and druids to be initiated into the Craft, falling in with its association of change and dedication to new goals.

The name February comes from the Latin februare, which means “to purify.” For the Romans, February was a time of cleansing and purification. They prepared themselves for various activities that were coming in the Spring, making a fresh start.

Valentine's Day, February 14:

The Romans celebrated a holiday on February 14th to honour Juno Fructifier, "Queen of the Roman gods and goddesses" as well as "goddess of marriage".

In 469, emperor Gelasius declared February 14th a holy day in honor of Valentinus instead of the pagan "god Lupercus". This allowed Christianity to take over some of the celebrations of love and fertility which had perviously occurred in the context of paganism.

Family day in Canada & President Day in America, February 15:

On February 15, Romans celebrated Luperaclia, honoring Faunus, "god of fertility". Men would go to a grotto dedicated to Lupercal, the "wolf god", located at the foot of Palatine Hill and where Romans believed that the founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus, were suckled by a she-wolf. The men would sacrifice a goat, don its skin, and run around, hitting women with small whips, an act which was supposed to ensure fertility.

Easter Sunday, Always Falls on a Sunday Between March 22 and April 25:

Easter or Ishtar, also known by her biblical name Semiramis and later called the "Queen of heaven" was the widow of Nimrod and mother of Tammuz. Easter is the bare breasted pagan "fertility goddess of the east". Legend has it that she came out of heaven in a giant egg, landing in the Euphrates river at sunrise on the first Sunday after the vernal equinox, busted out, and turned a bird into an egg laying rabbit.

To honor this event, pagan sun-worshippers would go out early in the morning and face to the east to watch their "sun-god" arise over the horizon before having a mass (sacrifice) in which the priest of Easter would sacrifice three month old human infants and take the eggs of Easter and die them in the blood of the sacrificed infants. The blood-red colored Easter eggs would later hatch on December 25th, the same day her son Tammuz the reincarnate "sun-god" would be born. Sound familiar? Reincarnate of "sun-god" (son god) born on Dec. 25.

Easter married her son Tammuz who was by legend the reincarnate "sun-god". Tammuz went pig hunting and was gored to death by a wild boar and that is why pagans eat ham on Easter. Because Tammuz was killed when he was forty years old, pagans fast one day for each of the years that he lived leading into Easter. This practice is known as Weeping for Tammuz by pagans but called Lent by Catholics.

Mother's Day, Second Sunday of May:


Mother's Day dates back to ancient cultures in Greece and Rome. In both cultures, "mother goddesses" (Queen of Heaven), were worshipped during the springtime with religious festivals. The ancient Greeks paid tribute to the powerful "goddess Rhea", the wife of Cronus, known as the "Mother of the Gods" (Queen of Heaven). Similarly, evidence of a three-day Roman festival in Mid-March called Hilaria, to honor the Roman "goddess" Magna Mater, or Great Mother, dates back to 250 BCE.


Thanksgiving, 2nd Monday in October (Canada), 4th Thursday in November (United States):

The pagans in Rome celebrated their thanksgiving in early October. The holiday was dedicated to the "goddess of the harvest", Ceres, and the holiday was called Cerelia. The Catholic church took over the pagan holiday and it became well established.


Halloween, October 31:

Halloween is a pagan holiday to honor the dead and evil spirits. They did this by dressing up like the evil spirits and giving offerings to the evil spirits. This is why candy is given out on Halloween, as offerings for the evil spirits. The phrase trick or treat was attributed to this practice because pagans believed the evil spirits would do something bad (trick) to them if they did not leave an offering (treat) for them. ('A'oodhoobIllaah!)

Christmas, December 25:

Every "sun-god" was born on December 25th. Amun-Ra, Horus, Mithra, Tammuz, and Zeus were born on December 25th. If there was one day that the Messiah was not born, it was December 25th. In fact the Bible is quite clear that Messiah was born late September or early October on the first day of the Feast of Tabernacles.

Author Unknown

Wednesday, February 09, 2011

Thinking outloud

From Imam Malik's Muwatta: Book 47, Number 47.1.7:



Yahya related to me from Malik that Yahya ibn Said said that he heard Said ibn al-Musayyab say, "Shall I tell you what is better than much prayer and sadaqa?" They said, "Yes." He said, "Mending discord. And beware of hatred - it strips you (of your deen)."


"You do not do evil to those who do evil to you, but you deal with them with forgiveness and kindness." (Sahih Al-Bukhari)
------------------------------

The standard Islam sets for us is a reflection of everything good we can be as people.No wonder the one better in character will be better in religion because they are so closely connected. We as Muslims are very much part of a social religion that forces us to always rise to the occasion. Standard and expectation is high and rightly so. When man feels he is truly functioning at his best, he finds himself in a sense of peace and contentment. If he is not he gets stressed/depressed which either forces him to deal with his conflicts or he/she just gets fat (ie finds a temporary fix to get his/her mind off the core issues, sometimes it's sleep,and worse it's alcohol/drugs/other sinful actions.

May Allah swt Protect us from the evils of ourselves and may He make it so we are able to reach the standard Islam sets..Ameen

Tuesday, February 01, 2011

**Guy's point of view***


I found this in my 'drafts' box. I find it amusing and enjoyed reading it! So I'm sharing with you all  :) I have no idea who wrote it, but enjoy!
-------
 ***Guy's point of view***


This is very cute! And even written by a guy!


You might agree with it, but when it actually happens 99% of girls don't realize it 'til it is too late and that guy who did it is so frustrated that he has moved on to someone who will take notice. From a guys point of view:


We don't care if you talk to other guys. We don't care if you're friends with other guys.
But when you're sitting next to us, and some random guy walks into the room and you jump up and tackle him without even introducing us, yeah, it pisses us off.
 It doesn't help if you sit there and talk to him for ten minutes without even acknowledging the fact that we're still there.
We don't care if a guy calls you, but at 2 in the morning we do get a little concerned.
Nothing is that important at 2 a.m. that it can't wait till he morning.
Also, when we tell you you're pretty/beautiful/gorgeous/cute/ stunning, we freaking mean it
Don't tell us we're wrong.We'll stop trying to convince you
The sexiest thing about a girl is confidence.Yeah, you can quote me.
Don't be mad when we hold the door open.
Take Advantage of the mood im in.
LET US PAY FOR YOU! DON'T 'FEEL BAD' We enjoy doing it.It's expected.
Smile and say 'thank you.'
Kiss us when no one's watching.
 If you kiss us when you know somebody's looking, we'll be more impressed.
You don't have to get dressed up for us.
If we're going out with you in the first place, you don't have to feel the need to wear the shortest skirt you have or put on every kind of makeup you own.
We like you for WHO you are and not WHAT you are.
Honestly, I think a girl looks more beautiful when she's just in her pj's or my t-shirt and boxers, not all dolled up.
Don't take everything we say seriously.
Sarcasm is a beautiful thing. See the beauty in it.
Don't get angry easily. Stop using magazines/media as your bible.
Don't talk about how hott Morris Chesnutt, Brad Pitt, or Jesse McCartney is in front of us. It's boring, and we don't care. You have girlfriends for that.
Whatever happened to the word 'handsome'/'beautiful'.
I'd be utterly stunned by a girl who greeted me with 'Hey handsome!' instead of 'Hey baby/ stud/ cutie/ sexy' or whatever else you can think of.On the other hand im not sayin i wouldn't like it ether.

Girls: I cannot stress this enough: IF YOU AREN'T BEING TREATED RIGHT BY A GUY, DON'T WAIT FOR HIM TO CHANGE. DITCH HIS SORRY DISGRACE-TO-THE-MALE-POPULATION ASS, AND FIND SOMEONE WHO WILL TREAT YOU WITH UTTER RESPECT

Someone who will honor your morals.
Someone who will make you smile when you're at your lowest.
Someone who will care for you even when you make mistakes.
Someone who will love you, no matter how bad you make them feel.
Someone who will stop what they're doing just to look you in the eyes....and say 'i love you' ..........AND ACTUALLY MEAN IT!

*****Give the nice guys a chance*****

Holdin Hands-
Girls : If you want to hold his hand, gently bump into it a couple of times.
Guys : Grab it if it happens more than once.

Cuddling-
Girls : When you want to cuddle with him, tell him you're cold.
Guys : Automatically move closer to her.

Movies-
Girls : During a movie, if he puts his arm around you, tilt your head on his shoulder
Guys : Lift her chin up and kiss her.

Loving each other-
Guys : When she tells you she loves you, look deep into her eyes, give her a peck on the lips, and tell her you love her too... And mean it.

Laying below the stars-
Girls : When you're both laying under the stars put your head on his chest and close your eyes as you listen to his steady heart beat
Guys : Whisper in her ear and link your hands with hers. Now make a wish about something you would like to happen Between you and yourcrush .... guys: no grabbing!!!