THE COVER GIRL

THE COVER GIRL

 

Walking down the road, sporting the latest handbag , designer shoes and the trendiest figure hugging abayah….Wow is she turning heads around here! Is this our new cover girl?

 The Beloved Messenger of Allah( S.A.W ) said: There are two types of people who will be punished in hell and whom I've not seen:(the second type)Women will be dressed but appear to be naked, they will attract others to themselves, and they themselves will be  attracted to others. Their heads will appear like the humps of the camels, they will not enter Paradise and they will not smell its fragrance which can be smelt from such and such a distance.

Shaytaan's ambition is to mislead. When a muslimah makes a niyyah to wear the hijaab he jumps into action.

Plot 1: He tries to stop her. If he fails…

Plot 2:Misleads her in donning hijaab. She thinks she is covering,but chooses a figure hugging abayah or she lifts the jalabeeb instead of lowering….

So lets ask ourselves,are we really covered girls or do we want to be "cover girls?"

There is a parable of a flower and a pearl both striking in their beauty, lets ponder and take a lesson, which one do we want to be?

Suddenly, a tinge of distress appeared on the flower. "Nothing accounts for sorrow in your talk; so why are u depressed?" The pearl asked."Human beings deal with us carelessly; they slight us. They don't grow us for our sake but to get pleasure from our fragrance and beautiful appearance. They throw us on the street or in the garbage can after we are dispossessed of the most valuable properties; brilliance and fragrance"

The flower sighed. And then  the flower said to the pearl: "Speak to me about your life! How do you live? How do you feel it? You are buried in the bottom of the sea. "

The pearl answered: "Although I have none of your distinctive colours and sweet scents, humans think I am precious. They do the impossible to procure me. They go on long journeys, dive deep in the seas searching for me. You might be astounded to know that the further I lay, the more beautiful and brilliant I become. That's what upraises my value in their thought. I live in a thick shell isolated in the dark seas. However, I'm happy and proud to be in a safe zone far from wanton and mischievous hands and still the humans consider me highly valuable" Do you know what the flower and the pearl symbolize?

 Think ..Think..

You will find that The flower is the woman who shows her charms and the pearl is the veiled woman who conceals her beauties.

Ponder  about it!

"O Prophet(pbuh)! Say to your wives and your daughters and the women of the faithful to draw their outer garments (jilbabs) close around themselves; that is better that they will be recognized and not annoyed. And Allah is ever Forgiving, Merciful.(Al Quran Al-Ahzab:59)

Retaining Our Spirituality After Ramadhaan

Retaining Our Spirituality After Ramadhaan

By: Sister Shahnaaz Bemath

We enrolled 30 days in a course called Ramadhaan to reach "Taqwah"(Fear of Allah Ta'ala Ta'ala). It was a time of renewal and re-establishment of our commitment to our Beloved ALLAH TA'ALA and HIS beautiful Deen-ul-Islaam. Al-Hamdulillah! Many have graduated with flying colours – embracing them with positive Deeni (Islamic)changes. Now is a crucial time to put it into practice!

We fasted, gave charity, read the Qur'aan Kareem and performed the Qiyamul Layl (Tahajjud) especially the last ten, standing in prayer before ALLAH TA'ALA. We avoided gossip, slander and every evil that would invalidate our fasting. But now that Ramadhaan has bid us farewell, many of us, regrettably, will put the Qur'aan Kareem back on the shelves, will suspend fasting until next year and will overlook the night prayer. This is not the way it should be, because all of these acts of worship carry rewards and are of benefit to us throughout the year, in addition to the fact there is no divine prescription limiting them to Ramadhaan.

What is it that happens in Ramadhaan to make you so motivated to change your life around and how can you get that spirit back to make long lasting, sustainable changes in your life? What is it that ALLAH TA'ALA puts into your life to enable you to make all those changes in Ramadhaan? If we could examine that, maybe we'll find clues to work out how we can make the Ramadhaan spirit last for more than 30 days, so you can make major sustainable changes in your life!

RAMADHAAN CHANGES

1. Purpose

ALLAH TA'ALA TA'ALA give us an amazing purpose, a powerful reason for fasting, HE says it so beautifully:

"All the deeds of the son of Aadam (Alaihis Salaam) are for him: the good deeds will be multiplied ten times to seven hundred times, except fasting, which is for ME and I will reward it accordingly." (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Al-Hamdulillah! He gives us all hope of His Reward for abandoning food, drink and intimacy for HIS Sake in Ramadhaan.

2. Long Term Vision

HE also gives us a long-term vision of what we will achieve if we follow HIS Orders and avoid the things that HE has forbidden – HE could grant us, according to our intentions, the highest place in Jannah.

3. Structure and Organization

HE gives us clear rules and a daily structure for Ramadhaan to give us a specific rhythm to the month – with a few exceptions and some flexibility such as a change in the pattern of the days for the last 10 nights – but there are definite targets that we have to fulfil throughout.

4. Challenging and Slightly Unrealistic Goals

The non-Muslims often look at what we do in Ramadhaan and say that we are being extreme, that we shouldn't be as harsh on ourselves as we are. But we are able to rise above their criticism and not pay attention to what they say, because we know that ALLAH TA'ALA never asks us to do anything that would be harmful for us. We are convinced of the value and benefits of our fasting and Qiyaam and that enables us to stretch ourselves.

5. Balance

In Ramadhaan, it's not only our bodies that are cleansed through fasting, our spirituality is also improved through increased Salaah and reading of the Qur'aan Kareem. Our finances are cleansed through Zakaah, our social relationships are improved through coming together for Iftaar, and our social contribution is increased through extra Sadaqah (Charity). The Ramadhaan spirit is developed through a balanced increase in every area of life, with each aspect having its own timing, amount, and purpose.

In welcoming Ramadhaan and bidding it farewell are some points of reflection for the Mu'mineen (True Believer): Is there for us in fasting an abundance portion of effort to reform ourselves and mend our ways? Yes! It is indeed an excellent period of reflection if one ponders over the sincerity of his/her intention and appropriateness of his/her acts of worship during the blessed month.

A whole new beautiful chapter in your life has opened – of peace, happiness, blessings and mercy with an elated feeling of spirituality, connecting with ALLAH TA'ALA and being immersed in HIS love, Subhaan-ALLAH. Fear ALLAH TA'ALA as HE should be feared for, the fear of ALLAH TA'ALA is the best treasure for you. Obey ALLAH TA'ALA and keep away from HIS restrictions, you will achieve HIS pleasure and be saved from HIS torment. On tasting the sweetness that comes with obedience, there is no desire to return to any form of disobedience.

A sinful desire is like a rose from afar, we get allured by its fragrance, become blinded by its beauty, and overlook the thorns.

Don't allow Shaitaan to be an anchor and halt your spiritual journey. Raise the sails of Imaan to reach the beautiful shores of Jannah. Would you rather invest for short term returns, or would it be more sensible to invest for everlasting returns? Don't let the chains of desire (naffs & shaitaan), bind us to Dunya whilst restraining our soul from pursuing Jannah. May ALLAH TA'ALA make our hearts the throne upon where our Imaan will sit, and let it rule over our Naffs(desires) before it tries to enslave us...

Ways to maintain the good habits you picked during Ramadhaan:

► Make Du'a

It was ALLAH TA'ALA who gave you the ability to keep the good habit in Ramadhaan, and only HE can help you maintain it afterwards. Make Du'a that ALLAH TA'ALA helps you not only keep the habit, but that HE accepts it and makes it a way for you to grow in closeness to HIM.

► Make it a Habit

If you want to keep good habits, you've got to make sure they remain part of your daily schedule. For instance, fasting. Our beloved Messenger (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) encouraged fasting on Mondays and Thursdays? He said: "A man's deeds are reported (to ALLAH TA'ALA) on Mondays and Thursdays and I prefer that I should be fasting when my deeds are reported." (Hadith-Tirmidhi)

► Evaluate yourself Weekly

This helps you see the bigger picture. You'll be able to evaluate on a more long-term level how well you've been keeping your habit in practice. You can do the same thing on a monthly and yearly basis.

► Don't fall apart once you make one Mistake

The beauty of Taubah (repentance) in Islaam, is that ALLAH TA'ALA blesses us with this opportunity to return back to HIM after doing something wrong. We should remember that we are humans and that we will err. Only ALLAH TA'ALA is Perfect.

► Ask yourself WHY you kept the habit

Niyyah or intention is a key to ALLAH TA'ALA'S acceptance of our good deeds. If we developed a habit to impress others, for instance, we may be able to keep the momentum for a while, but most probably it'll wear out afterwards.

But if we maintained a habit sincerely for the sake of ALLAH TA'ALA, Inshaa-ALLAH , not only will we be rewarded for it, but our intention will help us maintain the necessary motivation to continue to do good.

► Work your Way up slowly

Aa'ishah (RadhiAllah Ta'alau Anha) reported that Rasulullah(pbuh)said: "Do good deeds properly, sincerely and moderately, and remember that you shall enter Paradise only through ALLAH TA'ALA'S Mercy, and also remember that the most beloved deed to ALLAH TA'ALA is that which is regular and constant even if it is little." (Hadith-Al-Bukhari)

The wisdom in this Hadith is tremendous and it is one way of keeping up good habits you have picked up in Ramadhaan.

For example, let's say you were motivated to read Qur'aan Kareem for half-an-hour on a daily basis in Ramadhaan. But now that it's over, you feel sluggish, lazy and want to give it up. Yet, you had wanted to maintain this habit after the blessed month was over.

Instead of trying to read Qur'aan Kareem for the same amount of time, reduce the time period to as much as you are initially able to do, even if it's just ten or twenty minutes a day.

If you keep up this 'ten minutes a day' habit, Inshaa-ALLAH TA'ALA, you will see the amount of Qur'aan Kareem you read will increase slowly but gradually, perhaps even surpassing your Ramadhaan maximum in the long-term, Inshaa-ALLAH !

Be steadfast and upright upon the Deen of ALLAH TA'ALA at all times, for you do not know when you'll meet the Angel of Death. Beware of him taking you while you are in a state of sin. Forgiveness is always billowing around us, but we must raise the sails of remorse and repentance, to feel it. Now is the time to reprogram your life, rise up and get rid of the negativities, develop your potential, plan and execute, change and get changed, and you will become one of those gain happiness and blessings in this life and enjoy the bliss of the Hereafter, Inshaa-ALLAH TA'ALA! Be sure that reform is possible, seek help from our loving ALLAH TA'ALA, and do not feel unmotivated or lacking in strength.

May ALLAH TA'ALA accept our fasting, our Ibaadah and other righteous actions, that our condition after Ramadhaan be a better one, the state of our Ummah improves and that we are granted honour and submit to HIS obedience. ..Aameen

Enjoy your Eid by remaining consistent on the those good deeds and keep away from undesirable things that are capable of removing ALLAH TA'ALA'S favours from you. One of our righteous predecessors said:

"Each day in which no act of disobedience to ALLAH TA'ALA is committed is Eid and each day a believer spent in acts of obedience to his Lord is Eid."

Object of Despair

OBJECT OF DESPAIR

 

Emma is a lawyer
And so is Aisha too
Colleagues going into court
At about half past two

Its 1 O'Clock right now
Aisha prays before the trial
They chat about this and that
Conversing with a smile

Aisha is in full hijab
With a loose all over Abaya (Cloak)
Emma's in her business wear
With accessories and other gear

Emma's really quite bemused
At Aisha's Godly ways
She looks Aisha in the eyes
And very firmly says

You're a smart girl Aisha
Why do you wear that across your hair?
Subjugated by "man"-kind
An object of despair

Take it off my sister
Let your banner be unfurled
Don't blindly follow all around
DECLARE YOUR FREEDOM TO THE WORLD

Aisha is amazed
But not the least bit shy
She bravely puts her milkshake down
And gives Emma the reply

My dear sister Emma,
Why do you dress the way you do?
The skirt you're wearing round your waist,
Is it really you?

Now that we've sat down
I see you tug it across your thighs,
Do you feel ashamed?
Aware of prying eyes?

I see the way you're sitting,
Both legs joined at the knees,
Who forces you to sit like that?
Do you feel at ease?

I'll tell you who obliges you,
To dress the way you do,
Gucci, Klein, and St. Laurent
All have designs on you!

In the market, its designer labels for real,
Who dictate the whims of fashion,
Generating all the garb,
To incite the basest passion

"Sex Sells" there is no doubt
But who buys with such great haste,
The answer is likes like you,
Because they want to be embraced...

They want to be accepted,
On a level playing field
Sure, with brain and intellect
But with body parts revealed

Intelligence and reason
Are useful by and by
But if you want to make a mark
Stay appealing to the eye

You claim your skirt is office-like
A business dress of sorts
Would we not laugh at Mike?
If he turned up in shorts?

His could be the smartest of pants
Pinstripe from Saville Rowe
But walking round like that my friend
He'd really have to go

Why do you douse yourself in creams
To make your skin so milky?
Why do you rip off all your hair
To keep your body silky?

A simple shower's all you need
To stay respectable and clean
The time and money that you spend
Is really quite obscene

Why do you wake up at dawn,
To apply a firm foundation,
Topped with makeup and the like,
In one chaotic combination?

And if you should have to leave the house
Devoid of this routine
Why do you feel insecure
That you should not be seen?

Be free my sister Emma
Escape from your deep mire
Don hijab today my friend
And all Islam's attire

Avoid all those sickly stares
Or whistles from afar
Walk down the street with dignity
Take pride in who you are

Strength lies in anonymity
Be a shadow in the crowd
Until you speak and interact
When your voice will carry loud

You're a smart girl Emma
Wear this across your hair
Don't be subjugated by "man"-kind
An object of despair

To use your very words my friend
Let your banner be unfurled
Don't blindly follow all around
DECLARE YOUR FREEDOM TO THE WORLD

There is Joy in giving!

There is Joy in giving!
By :Abdallah

Just a few weeks ago business dictated that I make a trip passing through country roads and sleepy country towns, landmarked by massive agricultural silos. It was at that time of the year the country landscape is decorated by vast green maize plantations while the road is, on either side, fringed with tall bushes of cosmos bursting forth in yellow, white and different shades of pink both announcing the imminent passing of summer with all it's greenery while also heralding the coming of winter.....

Driving along such quiet, quaint and scenic routes offers an ideal opportunity for deep thought and contemplation and for one to be alone with one's self and thoughts, in spite of the odd pothole here and there.

"Verily in the creation of the heavens and the earth are signs and in the alternation of night and day are signs for those who have understanding" (Ale Imraan, Verse 190)

A few years ago a motor manufacturer's advertising line read 
'life's a journey, enjoy the ride'. 
For many of us though it seems that 
'life's a destiny, miss the ride'

Our lives have become hectic and frantic characterised by a continuous race against time. In so doing, we have opted for the 'highways' instead of the 'byways' little realising the beauty of the byways...we enjoy the selfish exhilaration of speeding down this 'highway' called life, with the wind blowing through our hair and our fancy shades, little realising that these shades have obstructed our view of the scenery the 'byways' of life have to offer...the mountains, rivers and the colourful array of flora and fauna. Our 'speeding', our focus on racing against time - this deadline, that deal, the end result, the 'destination' - has caused us to focus only on finding the 'shortest road', the 'highway', thus preventing us to sit back and take in the beauty that the 'byways' have to offer. The irony is that our 'speeding' is in pursuit of that happiness and contentment which, strangely enough,  lies in 'slowing down' and 'taking' in the scenery.

In the context of life what is this scenery? 

It is the people that we come into contact with or are in contact with in our daily lives. They are those who we know, family and friends, as well as those that we do not, strangers. 

Given the 'speed' at which we are travelling we often take for granted those that care for us and our well being and who go out of their way to make our lives comfortable, to make us smile and strive to make us happy. They are those whom we 'receive' from. If, for a moment, we ponder and acknowledge them, then we would appreciate their act of giving. When doing so we would realise how much joy they bring to our lives because of their 'giving'. This, would in turn, spur us on to give. 

Know that the joy of giving supersedes that of receiving and accumulating because giving brings an inner contentment while accumulating only provides an apparent contentment beneath which lingers the fear of loss. Knowing that some seemingly insignificant word or action has brought happiness and joy to the heart of someone provides more satisfaction than money and wealth can ever bring. It is, in fact, the very essence of kindness to spread goodwill and uplift the heart.

What do we give?
A starting point would be acknowledgment in word, deed (if and where possible) and in prayer (Dua) for those that make some sort of difference to our lives and give meaning. Thereafter we should strive to make a positive difference and impression in the lives of all others that we come into contact with.    
More often than not we have programmed our minds to understand that only that which is 'big, substantial, financial and material' would be considered an act of giving and, in doing do deprive ourselves of the great joy and satisfaction that even a small act of kindness can provide. As a matter of fact The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) has mentioned that,

'Do not belittle any good deed, even if it be meeting your brother with a cheerful face'       (Hadith-Muslim)
 
'Every good deed is sadaqah(charity). To meet your brother with a smiling face (is sadaqah)' (Hadith-Bukhari)

There is also an incident mentioned in the seerah where Sayyiduna Usama bin Zayd (RA) on one occasion, did not have anything material and financial to contribute in the path of Allah. At the time of Tahajjud he awoke and beseeching and crying unto Allah (SWT) he said,      
 'Oh my Lord, I do not have any financial means to contribute for your sake. Instead, Oh my   Lord, I forgive and overlook all those upon whom I have a right/s due'

The next morning The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) gave him glad tidings and said,
     
'Oh Usamah! Rejoice for verily Allah (SWT) has accepted your charity of the night' 
 
From the above it is evident that Islam, while encouraging the giving of material, has not limited the act of 'giving' to that which is material. So start giving today, whether it is a kind word to someone, an acknowledgment of a favour to a benefactor, a little prayer (Dua) for a friend or loved one, giving a loaf of bread to a hungry one or just a smile, for it could be to some the only sunshine that they enjoy today! 

There are so much positives in our lives due, directly or indirectly, to those who care and have concern for us. Let it not be that, when we start to care we realise that those who have done so all along, have stopped.

Before lamenting and complaining of having no time...make the time! 

We need to decide... are we driving? or are we driven?

Stop existing and start living!

The Elegant Hijab

The Elegant Hijab

 

The pea is a splendid plant. It proudly displays its strong green Hijab. It protects it from the hot and cold weather and guards it from insects. Allah has blessed the pea with a special Hijab, because without it, the seeds would scatter, dry up and die.

The orange keeps itself within its shiny orange Hijab to protect its delicious fruit. Otherwise it loses its taste too.

So are the banana, the coconut and the pomegranate. Each one has an elegant and unique Hijab, which protects it from disease and destruction.

The jewel of the sea, the pearl, has been given a very tough and rugged Hijab - oyster shell. It protects it from sea animals and keeps it sparkling and shining inside.

 

                               

 

 

The delicacies and exotic chocolates of this world are covered to protect it from bacteria and preserve their taste. Besides being so elegant it adds to its value!

                                    

                               

                   

 

However, the most beloved of Allah in all His creation is the Muslim girl who wears the Hijab. She knows it is a gift from Allah. It protects her from harm, injury and mischief. She wears it knowing it gives her dignity, beauty and respect. So precious she can be that she hides herself beneath her Hijab.