Tuesday 30 November 2010

:: Reading the red flag Pt 2 ::

Red Flag 5 : Lack of consistency
The adage “actions speak louder than words” cannot be truer than when observing the behavior of a potential spouse. Lack of consistency between what a person says and does is a red flag that the individual cannot be trusted and/or that there are major character flaws. In addition, if your potential spouse says and does things that do not reflect your own values, this is a wake up call that you may not be compatible. Any pattern of dishonesty, rationalizing questionable behavior, or twisting words to his or her benefit is a red flag that the individual has difficulty with personal responsibility and needs time and support to mature emotionally.

Red Flag 6 : Overly dependent on family
Many times, problems in marriages arise because of in-laws and couples do not pay attention to the early predictors of these issues. A potential spouse that is overly dependent on parents for finances, decision-making and/or emotional security is someone who may not be ready to get married. A potential spouse who is in an overly dependent family relationship will have difficulty moving into an interdependent relationship with a spouse. While it is of course natural that both families remain connected to the new couple, the shift to emotional independence from the family is a growth process that is necessary so that the new couple can begin creating their own life together.

Red Flag 7 : Getting married out of fear
Trusting your intuition and addressing uneasy feelings that arise during the process of getting to know someone is important. Intuition is your compass and is alerting you that something may be wrong in the relationship with your potential spouse. One must find the courage to follow this intuition. To continue getting to know someone or proceed toward marriage with these uncertainties can be disastrous. 

Many choose to ignore the red flags out of a fear of hurting a persons feelings or what the family and community may say. Getting married out of a fear of letting others down or because of pressure from others are signs that the relationship is unstable and that is not a foundation for a healthy marriage. 

In order to be in a healthy marriage, individuals need to grow up and grow emotionally before they can be in a relationship with another individual. No one is perfect, but each individual has a responsibility to work on his or her own personal issues and flaws. As ibn Arabi says, “He who knows himself knows his Lord.” Self reflection is vital to help you understand yourself, your relationship with others, and ultimately help bring you closer to Allah subhanahu wa ta`ala (exalted is He).

:: Reading the red flag Pt 1 ::

Published on November 30, 2010
by Munira Lekovic Ezzeldine

Getting to know someone for marriage can be a nerve-racking and an exciting experience all at the same time. Through conversations, a couple seeks to learn about each other and determine compatibly for a lifetime together. 

However, many couples get so emotionally attached in the early stages of the relationship that they cannot see or choose to deny red flags that arise. Being self-reflective and in tune with your feelings is important in identifying potential problems in a relationship. Divorcees and married couples with significant problems always cite early signs or red-flags that they did not realize were important or did not know would have a major impact on the relationship. 

Red flags are signs that something is not sitting well with an individual and can become a source of conflict within the marriage. Not all problems before marriage are signs of a doomed relationship. Some issues that arise before marriage can be discussed and compromises can be made. 

Open communication and problem solving are foundational to a healthy, successful, and happy marriage. It must be said that there are some problems or red flags that indicate deeper personal issues that can only be addressed through individual or pre-marital counseling.

Communication before marriage is vital because it is the only way one can connect with a potential spouse and understand his or her viewpoints. Communication is not only about the ability to talk, it is also about the ability to listen. 

Red Flag 1 : Not understanding each other
Red flags in this area of the relationship are that you do not feel like your potential spouse understands you, nor seeks to understand what is important to you in your life. If your feelings are dismissed or you are constantly being cut off, then you may be considering someone for marriage who is not a good listener and is not in tune with the feelings of others. In addition, being criticized and/or spoken to sarcastically are signs of disrespect. This is a problem because mutual respect between spouses is the cornerstone of a successful marriage.

Red Flag 2 : Emotionally unavailable
On the other hand you may feel like thoughts and feelings are shared and heard, but your potential spouse does not share his or her own views and feelings. This may be an indication that your potential spouse is emotionally unavailable and not ready for the emotional attachment required in a marriage. A requirement for a successful marriage is that each spouse is emotionally ready to be vulnerable and intimate with another human being.

Red Flag 3 : Leaving conflicts unresolved
The way a couple communicates and resolves conflicts are important aspects to consider before marriage. If a couple is constantly arguing and leaves arguments unresolved, they face serious problems in a marital relationship. If you find yourself consciously avoiding certain topics out of a fear of your potential spouse’s reaction, then you are not being fully honest in the relationship. In order to be in an authentic marriage, each spouse must be able to be his or her true self and not shy away from discussing difficult topics.

Red Flag 4 : Extreme negative emotions
A potential spouse that expresses extreme emotions, such as uncontrollable anger, excessive fear, or irrational jealousy is a major concern because these could be signs of an abusive partner. A person that tries to control and manipulate another person’s behavior, such as how to dress, how to interact with family and friends, how to live, etc. all signify that this person desires power in the relationship. When getting to know one another, couples usually mistake this classic red flag as a sign of care and concern rather than a pattern toward an emotionally or even physically abusive relationship. 

A potential spouse who is unable to resolve conflicts, admit mistakes, or deal with constructive criticism is likely to be someone who is not able to take personal responsibility in their life. All of these personal issues are signs that the individual is in need of personal growth and change before attempting to have a healthy marital relationship.


Monday 29 November 2010

:: Start now for our children ::

Assalam Alaikum,

Syed Ammar Nakshawani talks about how we should bring up our children, starting with having the niyah even before the mother is pregnant with a child~ And how a child learns, even when he/she is in the womb~ 

Further on, he said that when mothers recite Surah Yusuf, the baby will come out looking like Yusuf! So I assume that if the baby is a girl, then gotta recite Surah Maryam...

Wow! This is new! hee~ =D

So, I shall be a bit 'kiasu' (Typical Singaporean!) and start having the niyah now! hee~


W'salam,
Khadijah C.

:: My Choice - Roman Catholic to Muslim ::



Sunday 28 November 2010

:: Dying Words of A Father pt 2 ::

When you hear hoofbeats think of a zebra
By: Shems Friedlander

My dear son, remember not to overload yourself, do not entrust yourself with so many obligations and duties that you cannot honourable fulfil them or burden yourself with a life so luxurious as to be wicked and vicious. 

Because of this load is more that you can conveniently bear, then your journey will be painful and toilsome. If you find around yourself poor, needy, and destitute people who are willing to carry your load as far as the Day of Judgement, then consider this to be a boon, engage them and pass your burden onto them. 

Distribute your wealth among the poor, destitute, and needy – help others to the best of your ability and be kind and sympathetic to human beings. Thus, relieve yourself of the heavy responsibility and liability of submitting an account on the Day of Reckoning of how you made use of His Favors of health, wealth, power, and position. Thus you may arrive at the end of your journey light and fresh, and may have enough provision for you there, reward for having done your duty to man and Allah in this world. Have as many weight carriers as you can and help as many people as you can, so that you may have them when you need them.

Remember all that you give out in charities and good deeds are like loans that will be paid back to you. Therefore when you are wealthy and powerful, make use of your wealth and power in such a way that you get all that back on the day when you will be poor and helpless: the Day of Judgement. 

Be it known to you, my son, that your passage lies through the dreadful valley of death, and the journey is extremely trying and arduous. Here a man with light weight is far better than an overburdened person, and one who can journey fast will pass through the valley more quickly than one whom encumberment forces to go slowly. 

You shall have to pass through this valley. The only way out of it is wither in Heaven or Hell: there is no other way out and no possibility of retracing your steps. Therefore, it is wise to send your things beforehand, so that your good actions arrive before you; prearrange the place of your stay before you reach it, because after death there is no repentance and no possibility of coming back to this world to undo the wrong done by you.

:: Dying Words of A Father ::

When you hear hoofbeats think of a zebra
By: Shems Friedlander

My dear son, carefully, very carefully, remember these sayings of mine, that the Lord, who is the Master of death, is also the Master of life. The Creator is the Annihilator. And the One who annihilates has the power to bring everything back to existence again. The One who sends you calamities is the One who will bring you safely out of them.

Remember that this world is working under laws ordained by Him, and it consists of the totality of actions and reactions, causes and effects, calamities and reverses, pains and pleasure, rewards and punishment; but this is not all that the picture depicts; there are things in it that are beyond our understanding, things that we do not and cannot know, and things that cannot be foreseen and foretold. For instance, the rewards and punishments of the Day of Judgement. Under these circumstances, if you do not understand a thing, do not refuse to accept it. Remember that your lack of understanding is due to the insufficiency of your knowledge.

Remember when you came into this world, your first appearance was that of an ignorant, uneducated, and unlearned being; then you gradually acquired knowledge. There were several things in this world that were beyond your knowledge, which perplexed and surprised you and about which you did not understand “why” and “how”; gradually you acquired knowledge about some of those subjects, and in the future your knowledge and vision may further expand. Therefore, the best thing for you to do is to seek guidance of the One Who has created you, Who maintains and nourishes you, Who has given you a balanced mind and a normally working body. Your prayers should be reserved for Him only, your requests and solicitations should be to Him, you should be afraid of Him and nobody else.

Saturday 27 November 2010

:: Muslim marriage: a portrait ::

From Times Online
August 24, 2009

A true Muslim marriage is about husband and wife helping each other attain paradise says Na'ima B. Robert

Bismillah

My husband is ill. He lies in bed, in the dark. I try to keep the children quiet. I try to keep them from disturbing him. I try to get them to sleep without too much fuss.

When all is peace, I tiptoe into the room. I feel his forehead for signs of a fever. I ask him if he needs anything. He needs to drink fluids, Vitamin C. I know this. And I also know that he won't ask.

So I go to the kitchen, put the kettle on. I mix him a drink - lemon to fight the cold germs, honey to soothe his sore throat, fresh mint leaves to lift the taste a little. I say 'Bismillah' before I pour the hot water, make a little prayer for his well being, before taking it to him. He smiles through his discomfort. I have brought him ease.

But I wave away his thanks. It is nothing.

I am his wife. That's what I'm here to do.

Some may sneer at these small acts of kindness. Some may shake their heads pityingly at this description of servitude. But they don't understand my life or my motivations. They do not know, do not understand that I married my husband for the sake of Allah.

Our goal, from the outset of a marriage arranged by mutual friends, was to help each other to attain Paradise. Nothing more, nothing less.

We went about our marriage the traditional Islamic way. We didn't date, we didn't cohabit, we didn't spend any time alone. We met a few times, in the company of my guardian, asked each other innumerable questions, discussed every issue that was important to us. My husband flew halfway across the world to obtain my parents' consent and we were married, with a marriage contract and a mahr (dowry paid to the bride) but no pomp or ceremony, in a room in Baker Street.

To be sure, an Islamic marriage is quite different from that of other faiths or of no faith at all. There are roles and responsibilities to be taken care of, rules and guidelines to be followed. These rules are in place to promote a smoother partnership and a union that is pleasing to God. Many of these rules and guidelines may seem old-fashioned, restrictive even, particularly in an age of ever-evolving morals and mores. But as guidelines set down for us in the Qur'an, the Book of Allah, we trust in their wisdom and we live by their strictures.

These teachings help us set our priorities straight. They help us to tame our ego. They show us to how to give selflessly, expecting our reward from God alone. They teach us to be patient and gentle with each other. They teach us how to be loyal and faithful in word, thought and deed. They teach us to be grateful for the small mercies, for the little kindnesses, for the barely noticeable gestures that embroider our lives together. These are lessons we are learning every day. I know that one day, maybe tomorrow, maybe fifty years from now, I will return to my Lord and then, only my good deeds will count for anything. Only my selfless deeds, performed for the sake of God, will accompany me.

Of course, some may say that I am painting an overly rosy picture. They will quote stories they've heard, articles they have read, prejudices they have formed. All these could be true. Or they could not be. I can only speak my truth. I can only tell my story.

My husband's fever has broken. I smile and praise Allah.

It is nothing. That is what we are here to do.

Na'ima B. Robert is author of From my Sisters' Lips , a look at the lives of Muslim women. She is founder and editor of SISTERS , the magazine for fabulous Muslim women. Her latest children's book,Ramadan Moon, is published by Frances Lincoln

:: The Cracked Pot ::



Assalam Alaikum,

It's a sweet story, reminding us that each of us are like the 'cracked pot'... We have our own unique flaw, but it is the cracks that we have which make our lives together so much interesting and rewarding. 

We just gotta take each person, as a unique creation, for what they are and search for the postive in them~ =)


W'salam,
Khadijah C.

:: In a relationship ::

When you hear hoofbeats think of a zebra
By Shems Friedlander

Relationship is divided into four categories.

Private relationship
You have a private relationship, one perhaps when you are standing before Allah, or when you sit at the edge of your bed at night, just that moment before you lie down, and you remember Him. It’s a private relationship. Nobody knows about this.

Personal relationship
Then there is a personal relationship, one hat you have with people who are close to you. Wives, husbands, family.

Professional relationship
Then there is a professional relationship, one you have with those people you see in your daily work.

Sociological relationship
Some people have what could be termed a sociological relationship, a relationship with society in the sense that they don’t even know whom they are touching. For example, a radio personality. He doesn’t know if anyone is listening.

When I looked at all this in a relationship, I ask myself why? Since my private relationship with Allah is the most special in my life, why do I spend the least amount of time in that relationship? And although I may invite some people from my professional relationship into my personal one, or even on a rare occasion invite someone from my personal relationship into my private one, why is it that the relationship that is the most important is also the one I spend the least amount of time in? And the one that is the least important, this professional relationship, seems to take up all of my time. 

So when I think of my life and how I spend my time, I look at this breakdown. Perhaps I can take an inventory and see what are the things I can do in my life to adjust the situation. For if I really believe that the private relationship to Allah is the most important one, and ultimately it does affect all my other relationships, why can’t I find he time to be with it more? I’ll miss a prayer, but never miss lunch, I won’t may my tesbih one day, but I will make sure to have coffee every morning.

Then I look at myself, and I try to see who this person is whose heart goes out in a certain way but whose body and mind don’t always follow. Part of that is because the heart has not been perfected as yet. So when I realise that my heart has not been perfected, that it needs more work, then I try to see how I can accomplish this. 

Because I know – I know when I feel good and when I feel bad. I know that I feel good when I am in dhikr Allah. Every part of my body knows. And I know that I feel bad when I overeat, when I am angry or filled with tension. So I have examined this, and when I am certain as to what things make me feel good and alive and a part of this world, then I can start to take an inventory and see what can be discarded from my life so that I can make room for something else that I know and feel is better.

Allah said, “I have created man for myself, I have created the entire universe for man.” How can we appreciate this universe unless we begin to explore it? And between that point of birth and another that will surely come to each of us, our death, there is a period of time that is unique. No one knows how long this time will last. We call this life. I wonder if we have the right to call it life. Do we live that life? Do we explore that life? Only those who really live that life, truly in every moment, can call it life.

Friday 26 November 2010

:: Knowing oneself, knowing Marriage ::

Assalam Alaikum,

One of the greatest mercy which Allah(SWT) show us is to give us acquaintances who make us think and ponder about our direction~

I want to share what a reader of mine wrote to me...


1.“Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it.”

2.““The minute I heard my first love story I started looking for you, not knowing how blind that was. Lovers don't finally meet somewhere. They're in each other all along.”

3.“That is what learning is. You suddenly understand something you've understood all your life, but in a new way.”


Inspiring sentences...

Many of us want to get married but do we really know who we are, what we are? What are the gifts that Allah(SWT) has given us in this duniya that can complement with the future spouse? What are the limitations which we have that we need someone to come into our life to make our lives complete?

hmMmmm... Maybe that explains why our future spouse is called "Our other half" or "Half our deen"... So, when we know ourselves well, we are ready for a love story... Our first and last love story... 

And when that person comes along, we would know he/she has been part of our lives because we are so familiar with what that person has, yet we are unable to achieve ourselves... 

That's when the learning starts... To learn about our other half, to learn about that which are lacking in us~ In the process, we will grow together and, InsyahAllah, be completed as a whole~

I guess that's what marriage is about... To find someone to complement us so that we grow from the trials in life... 

But before that, do we know ourselves well, in order to identify our other half? hmMmmm... Something to think about over the weekend~ 

Happy weekend! =)


W'salam,
Khadijah C.

Thursday 25 November 2010

:: Snow! Yay! ::

Assalam Alaikum,

It's snowing here! Yay Yay! 

If it's snowing wherever you are, it's time to make duaa!

As the snow falls on us, May Allah(SWT) cleanse our hearts from sins and let there be a far far distance between our sins and us... Ameen~



Narrated 'Aisha: The Prophet used to say, 'O Allah! I seek refuge with You from the affliction of the Fire, the punishment of the Fire, the affliction of the grave, the punishment of the grave, and the evil of the affliction of poverty. O Allah! I seek refuge with You from the evil of the affliction of Al-Masih Ad-Dajjal, O Allah! Cleanse my heart with the water of snow and hail, and cleanse my heart from all sins as a white garment is cleansed from filth, and let there be a far away distance between me and my sins as You made the East and West far away from each other. O Allah! I seek refuge with You from laziness, sins, and from being in debt." (Sahih Muslim Book #75, Hadith #388)

W'salam,
Khadijah C.

:: Letter from Mon & Dad ::



And your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him. And that you be dutiful to your parents. If one of them or both of them attain old age in your life, say not to them a word of disrespect, nor shout at them but address them in terms of honour.
( سورة الإسراء , Al-Isra, Chapter #17, Verse #23)

And We have enjoined on man (to be dutiful and good) to his parents. His mother bore him in weakness and hardship upon weakness and hardship, and his weaning is in two years - give thanks to Me and to your parents. Unto Me is the final destination.
( سورة لقمان , Luqman, Chapter #31, Verse #14)

And We have enjoined on man to be good and dutiful to his parents; but if they strive to make you join with Me (in worship) anything (as a partner) of which you have no knowledge, then obey them not. Unto Me is your return and I shall tell you what you used to do.
( سورة العنكبوت , Al-Ankaboot, Chapter #29, Verse #8)

:: The Test is Not Whether We Bear Calamity... ::

Assalam Alaikum,

Just gotta share with article about Turning Towards God in the Worst Moments of Our Lives by by Abdul Sattar Ahmed, published in Suhaib Webb's blog

An enlightening article to urge us to be closer to our creator~ Below is an excerpt from the article~ 

We know from Surat-al-Mulk that Allah (swt) has created life and death in order to try us and test us. We also know that Allah (swt) tries those whom He loves. However, there is more to life than simply passing a test of difficulty.

The test is not only whether or not we will bear the burden we are given, with patience. The test is also accepting that for our patience, at the end of the road is a guaranteed reward. It is accepting that a child we lost will insha`Allah (God willing) play with Prophet Ibrahim (as) in Paradise. That through patience a broken marriage devoid of love will be replaced by one that is better in this world or in the Hereafter. And that a painful sickness endured with remembrance of God, only results with each ounce of pain forgiving a sin clean.

The test is not simply to remember these things either, though they are the key to being patient.

"The ultimate test is whether the calamity pushes us towards Allah (swt). Whether we are able to take our difficult situation, and rather than relying on ourselves alone, recognize our dependency on and rely on God."

From this we can then pursue a stronger relationship with God Who can bring peace to our hearts, and we can seek knowledge of how the deen (way of life) He revealed can in fact ease our pain.

It may be easy to worship Allah and engage with His deen when our lives are perfect. But that is exactly the wrong point.

"Our lives are not perfect, and will never be."

So will we worship Him by participating fully in His Religion, even when things fall apart around us? Will we accept that the Sovereign King has the power and the mercy to bring us what we so desperately need? We must begin turning back to Allah, today, because He loves us unconditionally every day. And how does Allah love His servants?

W'salam,
Khadijah C.

Monday 22 November 2010

:: People who make differences ::

Assalam Alaikum,

I want to share this CNN article to remind myself that these are the people who brings inspiration to my life once again... Maybe years later when I look back at this post, I will smile to myself and say, "Ah, so this is the time when I started planning for this humble project that benefits lots..."


So many times in my life that I want to do something different for the disadvantage ones, but because of some silly reasons, I just did not carry out what I intend to... It's a shame, really... I'm sure some of you who are reading this share the same thought as me...

Alhamdulillah! Of course there are also some who are actually contributing their best to the disadvantage ones~ You are my inspiration! =)

So, I tell myself that since I have the intention, I should do something about it~ And let these people be the inspiration in our lives that if they can do it, we can do it too! 

InsyahAllah, let us be the giving hand than the receiving hand~ Let us be the initiator of a change for the better~ 

Oh Allah(SWT), show your mercy on the disadvantage through us... We are weak but You have the ability to make us strong... So, give us the endless strength to help our brothers and sisters in humanity~ 

Ameen! Ameen! Ameen!


W'salam,
Khadijah C.

:: Advice To The Muslim Women ::

Assalam Alaikum,

To all precious pearls out there, these clips are something for us to ponder on... Indeed, Muslim women are very very valuable in the society but on the other hand, we can be the tool of Shaytan to destroy the moral values of mankind~ 

I'm not exaggerating, am I? Just look at how man uses women to market their stuff... And oh Singaporean, what's the brand icon of Singapore Airlines? haa~

So, indeed it's a scary thought that we could actually be a partner of our ultimate enemy, just by our behaviour!

I'm equally guilty of many things too... But remember sisters, the night sky does turn bright in the blink of the eyes... It's a gradual change that turns darkness into light... 

So, let's find out what's the area in adab we need to improve on and work on it! And we'll be nice, shiny round pearls in no time! =) yoOoohoOooo!!!

InsyahAllah, we shall chitchat non-stop about this when we are neighbours in Jannah!


W'salam,
Khadijah C.








Saturday 20 November 2010

:: What's the punishment? ::

Assalam Alaikum,

I couldn't help but to share this because I got scare after watching this series of clips... How is it like after death.... 

To think that this is a humanistic view of "after-death", it's already very scary! How horrible it would be if it's the real thing! Maybe that's why Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) advised us to pray as much as we can and to follow the deen as closely as we are supposed to, because he saw all the horrible punishment?  

ahHhhh!!! Scare scare...


W'salam,
Khadijah C.







:: "Escaping the Holiday Party" ::

Assalam Alaikum,

"ching, ching, ching... Ching, ching, ching!" (sounds of money!)
It's X'mas season! Money making time!

hehehehehe~ BaBa Ali!!! =)

W'salam,
Khadijah C.


Friday 19 November 2010

:: Better to Be Mixed Race? ::

Assalam Alaikum,

I found this clip on youtube and it makes me think of how twins of Prophet Adam and Hawa, Peace be Upon them, cross-marry~ There are much wisdom in it, which researchers are 'digging' deep~

Is It Better to Be Mixed Race?


Basically, from the genetics point of view (in its initial stage of research), it seems like there are advantages to being mixed race~ hmMmmm... But of course, it takes a lot of positive environmental and social factors to bring out the best in a mixed-race child~

Something to watch and ponder upon the creation of mankind! =)


W'salam,
Khadijah C.

Thursday 18 November 2010

:: Sunnah way of cutting nails ::

'A'isha reported: The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: Ten are the acts according to fitra: clipping the moustache, letting the beard grow, using the tooth-stick, snuffing water in the nose, cutting the nails, washing the finger joints, plucking the hair under the armpits, shaving the pubes and cleaning one's private parts with water. The narrator said: I have forgotten the tenth, but it may have been rinsing the mouth. (Sahih Muslim Book #002, Hadith #0502)

Anas reported: A time limit has been prescribed for us for clipping the moustache, cutting the nails, plucking hair under the armpits, shaving the pubes, that it should not be neglected far more than forty nights.  (Sahih Muslim Book#002, Hadith #0497)

Image taken from عائشة صديقا's photos in facebook


:: Covering feet during prayer ::


Wednesday 17 November 2010

:: Some miracles of Qur'an ::

  • The greatest miracle to Mankind - Qur'an
  • The purpose of sending miracles is to show mankind that Prophet/Messenger was not a liar
  • The challenge of producing something similar to the Qur'an, from then till now
  • Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was given many many miracles and Qur'an is the living miracle till now
  • The miracle of Qur'an is so powerful and clear that there will be more followers for Prophet Muhammad(SAW) than other Prophets
  • Miracles of other Prophets were temporarily, only at that particular period. Qur'an is the only eternal miracle that withstand the test of time
  • Miracle of Qur'an remove the time-space factor and geographical factor for mankind appreciation
  • Miracle 1: Language and style of Qur'an
  • Miracle 2: Prediction in Qur'an
  • Miracle 3: Stories of the Qur'an of previous Prophets and nations
  • Miracle 4: Theology of Qur'an, Laws and beliefs
  • Miracle 5: Scientific evidences
  • Miracle 6: Effects of the Qur'an on those who listen to it
  • Miracle 7: Qur'an never contradicts itself
  • Miracle 8: Easy memorization of Qur'an, millions of Muslims memorizing Qur'an
  • Wisdom of usage of words in Qur'an
  • Q&A

:: Eid-un Sa'Eid ::

Tuesday 16 November 2010

:: Holy Kaaba gets new kiswa ::

Assalam Alaikum,

I just found out that our beloved Holy Kaaba was given a new kiswa (covering) yesterday! This takes place on 9th Dhul-Hijjah every year... And guess what? It cost $4.5 million to make one... Each year!

And so, they change the kiswa every year...

I wanted to know why is cost so much, so I youtubed it and watched the documentary... Wow~ They really invest a lot...

Alright, my question is... 

Why the extravagance? Can we just use $0.5 million to make one... And use the rest of the money to build more factories somewhere where we can provide means of food and home to  million other people?

hmMmmm...

Anyway, this is the article and the video clip... =) Enjoy!

W'salam,
Khadijah C.



By BADEA ABU AL-NAJA | ARAB NEWS
Published: Nov 16, 2010 00:12 Updated: Nov 16, 2010 00:31

MAKKAH: The Holy Kaaba in Makkah was given a new kiswa, or covering, on Monday morning, a tradition that takes place on Dul Hijjah 9 every year.

Officials from the Presidency of the Two Holy Mosques Affairs took down the old kiswa and replaced it with a new one, which is made from pure silk at Makkah’s Kiswa Factory.

The ceremony was attended by representatives from the Presidency of the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques and the Kiswa Factory. The changing of the kiswa is done in a particular way with the new kiswa hung over the old one from the top and then the old one removed from underneath.

The Kiswa Factory was built in Makkah about 74 years ago by the Kingdom’s founder King Abdul Aziz. A new kiswa is made every year by Saudis who work at the factory.

The black kiswa is made with 670 kg of pure silk, and 150 kg of gold and silver thread that is used for sewing the Qur’anic verses. It is 658 square meters in size and consists of 47 pieces, each 14 meters long and 95 cm wide. It costs about SR16.8 million ($4.5 million).


:: Muhaasabah & Great Fitna ::

Assalam Alaikum,

This is a series of clips by Sh. Hussein Yee on the topic of Muhaasabah, self-reflection as we need to hold oneself for account.



W'salam,
Khadijah C.

Monday 15 November 2010

:: The Last Sermon of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) ::


The last sermon of the Prophet-peace be upon him- is known as Khutbatul Wada'. It is mentioned in almost all books of Hadith. Following Ahadith in Sahih Al-Bukhari refer to the sermon and quote part of it. See Al-Bukhari, Hadith 1623, 1626, 6361) Sahih of Imam Muslim also refers to this sermon in Hadith number 98. Imam al-Tirmidhi has mentioned this sermon in Hadith nos. 1628, 2046, 2085. Imam Ahmed bin Hanbal has given us the longest and perhaps the most complete version of this sermon in his Masnud, Hadith no. 19774.

This Khutbah of the Prophet-peace be upon him- was long and it contained much guidance and instructions on many issues. The Prophet-peace be upon him- gave this sermon in front of a large gathering of people during Hajj.

Whosoever heard whatever part of the sermon reported it and later some scholars put it together. It is a great khutbah and we should all pay attention to its message and guidance. Following are the basic points mentioned in this khutbah:

O People

Lend me an attentive ear, for I know not whether after this year, I shall ever be amongst you again. Therefor listen to what I am saying to you very carefully and take these words to those who could not be present here today.

O People

Just as you regard this month, this day, this city as sacred, so regard the life and property of every Muslim as a sacred trust. Return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners. Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you. Remember that you will indeed meet your Lord, and that He will indeed reckon your deeds. Allah has forbidden you to take usury (interest); therefore all interest obligation shall henceforth be waived. Your capital, however, is yours to keep. You will neither inflict nor suffer any inequity.

Allah has Judged that there shall be no interest and that all interest due to Abbas Ibn ‘Abd al Muttalib (the Prophet's uncle) shall henceforth be waived.

Beware of Satan for the safety of your religion. He has lost all hope that he will ever be able to lead you astray in big things, so beware of following him in small things.

O People

It is true that you have certain rights in regard to your women, but they also have rights over you. Remember that you have taken them as your wives, only under Allah's trust and with His permission. If they abide by your right then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Do treat you women well and be kind to them, for they are your partners and committed helpers. And it is your right that they do not make friends with anyone of whom you do not approve, as well as never to be unchaste.

O People

Listen to me in earnest, worship Allah, say your five daily prayers (Salah), fast during the month of Ramadan, and give your wealth in Zakat.

All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over a black, nor a black has any superiority over a white- except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood. Nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim, which belongs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given freely and willingly. Do not therefor, do injustice to yourselves.

Remember one day you will appear before Allah and answer for your deeds. So beware, do not stray from the path of righteousness after I am gone. People, no prophet or apostle will come after me and no new faith will be born. Reason well therefore, O people, and understand words which I convey to you. I leave behind me two things, the Quran and the Sunnah (Hadith), and if you follow these you will never go astray. All those who listen to me shall pass on my words to others and those to others again; and may the last ones understand my words better than those who listened to me directly. Be my witness, O Allah, that I have conveyed your message to your people."

...This day have I perfected your religion for you, completed My favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion. But if any is forced by hunger, with no inclination to transgression, Allah is indeed Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.

( سورة المائدة , Al-Maeda, Chapter #5, Verse #3)