Multiple Choice

Locks are to Keys, as Problems are to ____________:

a) Butterflies
b) Flying ducks
c) Solutions
d) Goosebumps
e) All of the above

How are you?

al-Hamdu liLlah. -smiles-

Great Reminder

Heavenly Pearls Hadith 19 Part B by Abu Abdissalam - 40 Hadith Nawawi on Islam

Shaikh Yassir Al-Filkawi

Taraweeh Prayers... I want it to be Ramadan -sad face-



From Surah Al-Anfaal:

41.
Wa i`lamū 'annamā Ghanimtum min Shay'in fa'anna lillāhi Khumusahu wa lilrrasūli wa Lidhī al-Qurbá wa al-Yatāmá wa al-Masākīni wa ibni as-Sabīli 'in Kuntum 'Āmantum billāhi wa Mā 'anzalnā `alá `abdinā Yawma al-Furqāni Yawma at-Taqá al-Jam`āni wa Allāhu `alá kulli Shay'in Qadīrun.
41.
And know that whatever ye take as spoils of war, lo! a fifth thereof is for Allah, and for the messenger and for the kinsman (who hath need) and orphans and the needy and the wayfarer, if ye believe in Allah and that which We revealed unto Our slave on the Day of Discrimination, the day when the two armies met. And Allah is Able to do all things.
وَاعْلَمُواْ أَنَّمَا غَنِمْتُم مِّن شَيْءٍ فَأَنَّ لِلّهِ خُمُسَهُ وَلِلرَّسُولِ وَلِذِي الْقُرْبَى وَالْيَتَامَى وَالْمَسَاكِينِ وَابْنِ السَّبِيلِ إِن كُنتُمْ آمَنتُمْ بِاللّهِ وَمَا أَنزَلْنَا عَلَى عَبْدِنَا يَوْمَ الْفُرْقَانِ يَوْمَ الْتَقَى الْجَمْعَانِ وَاللّهُ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ

42.
'Idh 'antum bil-`Udwati ad-Dunyā wa hum bil-`Udwati al-Quşwá wa ar-Rakbu 'asfala minkum wa law tawā`adttum Lākhtalaftum fī al-Mī`ādi wa lakin liyaqđiya Allāhu 'amrāan Kāna maf`ūlāan liyahlika man Halaka `an bayyinatin wa yaĥyá man Ĥayya `an bayyinatin wa 'inna Allāha Lasamī`un `alīmun.
42.
When ye were on the near bank (of the valley) and they were on the yonder bank, and the caravan was below you (on the coast plain). And had ye trysted to meet one another ye surely would have failed to keep the tryst, but (it happened, as it did, without the forethought of either of you) that Allah might conclude a thing that must be done; that he who perished (on that day) might perish by a clear proof (of His Sovereignty) and he who survived might survive by a clear proof (of His Sovereignty). Lo! Allah in truth is Hearer, Knower.
إِذْ أَنتُم بِالْعُدْوَةِ الدُّنْيَا وَهُم بِالْعُدْوَةِ الْقُصْوَى وَالرَّكْبُ أَسْفَلَ مِنكُمْ وَلَوْ تَوَاعَدتَّمْ لاَخْتَلَفْتُمْ فِي الْمِيعَادِ وَلَـكِن لِّيَقْضِيَ اللّهُ أَمْراً كَانَ مَفْعُولاً لِّيَهْلِكَ مَنْ هَلَكَ عَن بَيِّنَةٍ وَيَحْيَى مَنْ حَيَّ عَن بَيِّنَةٍ وَإِنَّ اللّهَ لَسَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ

43.
'Idh yurīkahumu Allāhu fī manāmika Qalīlāan wa law 'arākahum kathīrāan Lafashiltum wa Latanāza`tum fī al-'Amri wa lakinna Allāha Sallama 'innahu `alīmun bidhāti aş-Şudūri.
43.
When Allah showed them unto thee (O Muhammad) in thy dream as few in number, and if He had shown them to thee as many, ye (Muslims) would have faltered and would have quarrelled over the affair. But Allah saved (you). Lo! He knoweth what is in the breasts (of men).
إِذْ يُرِيكَهُمُ اللّهُ فِي مَنَامِكَ قَلِيلاً وَلَوْ أَرَاكَهُمْ كَثِيراً لَّفَشِلْتُمْ وَلَتَنَازَعْتُمْ فِي الأَمْرِ وَلَـكِنَّ اللّهَ سَلَّمَ إِنَّهُ عَلِيمٌ بِذَاتِ الصُّدُورِ

44.
Wa 'idh yurīkumūhum 'idhi at-Taqaytum fī 'a`yunikum Qalīlāan wa yuqallilukum fī 'a`yunihim liyaqđiya Allāhu 'amrāan Kāna maf`ūlāan wa 'ilá Allāhi turja`u al-'Umūru.
44.
And when He made you (Muslims), when ye met (them), see them with your eyes as few, and lessened you in their eyes, (it was) that Allah might conclude a thing that must be done. Unto Allah all things are brought back.
وَإِذْ يُرِيكُمُوهُمْ إِذِ الْتَقَيْتُمْ فِي أَعْيُنِكُمْ قَلِيلاً وَيُقَلِّلُكُمْ فِي أَعْيُنِهِمْ لِيَقْضِيَ اللّهُ أَمْرًا كَانَ مَفْعُولاً وَإِلَى اللّهِ تُرْجَعُ الأمُورُ

45.
Yā 'ayyuhā al-Ladhīna 'Āmanū 'idhā Laqītum fi'atan fāthbutū wa udhkurū Allāha kathīrāan la`allakum tufliĥūna.
45.
O ye who believe! When ye meet an army, hold firm and think of Allah much, that ye may be successful.
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ إِذَا لَقِيتُمْ فِئَةً فَاثْبُتُواْ وَاذْكُرُواْ اللّهَ كَثِيراً لَّعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلَحُونَ

46.
Wa 'aţī`ū Allāha wa Rasūlahu wa Lā tanāza`ū fatafshalū wa tadh/haba Rīĥukum wa işbirū 'inna Allāha ma`a aş-Şābirīna.
46.
And obey Allah and His messenger, and dispute not one with another lest ye falter and your strength depart from you; but be steadfast! Lo! Allah is with the steadfast.
وَأَطِيعُواْ اللّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ وَلاَ تَنَازَعُواْ فَتَفْشَلُواْ وَتَذْهَبَ رِيحُكُمْ وَاصْبِرُواْ إِنَّ اللّهَ مَعَ الصَّابِرِينَ

47.
Wa Lā takūnū Kālladhīna Kharajū min diyārihim baţarāan wa Ri'ā'a an-Nāsi wa yaşuddūna `an Sabīli Allāhi wa Allāhu bimā ya`malūna Muĥīţun.
47.
Be not as those who came forth from their dwellings boastfully and to be seen of men, and debar (men) from the way of Allah, while Allah is surrounding all they do.
وَلاَ تَكُونُواْ كَالَّذِينَ خَرَجُواْ مِن دِيَارِهِم بَطَرًا وَرِئَاء النَّاسِ وَيَصُدُّونَ عَن سَبِيلِ اللّهِ وَاللّهُ بِمَا يَعْمَلُونَ مُحِيطٌ

48.
Wa 'idh Zayyana lahumu ash-Shayţānu 'a`mālahum wa Qāla Lā Ghāliba lakumu al-Yawma mina an-Nāsi wa 'innī Jārun lakum falammā tarā'ati al-Fi'atāni Nakaşa `alá `aqibayhi wa Qāla 'innī barī'un minkum 'innī 'ará Mā Lā tarawna 'inniyi 'akhāfu Allāha wa Allāhu Shadīdu al-`Iqābi.
48.
And when Satan made their deeds seem fair to them and said: No-one of mankind can conquer you this day, for I am your protector. But when the armies came in sight of one another, he took flight, saying: Lo! I am guiltless of you. Lo! I see that which ye see not. Lo! I fear Allah. And Allah is severe in punishment.
وَإِذْ زَيَّنَ لَهُمُ الشَّيْطَانُ أَعْمَالَهُمْ وَقَالَ لاَ غَالِبَ لَكُمُ الْيَوْمَ مِنَ النَّاسِ وَإِنِّي جَارٌ لَّكُمْ فَلَمَّا تَرَاءتِ الْفِئَتَانِ نَكَصَ عَلَى عَقِبَيْهِ وَقَالَ إِنِّي بَرِيءٌ مِّنكُمْ إِنِّي أَرَى مَا لاَ تَرَوْنَ إِنِّيَ أَخَافُ اللّهَ وَاللّهُ شَدِيدُ الْعِقَابِ

49.
'Idh yaqūlu al-Munāfiqūna wa al-Ladhīna fī qulūbihim marađun Gharra Hā'uulā' Dīnuhum wa man yatawakkal `alá Allāhi fa'inna Allāha `azīzun Ĥakīmun.
49.
When the hypocrites and those in whose hearts is a disease said: Their religion hath deluded these. Whoso putteth his trust in Allah (will find that) lo! Allah is Mighty, Wise.
إِذْ يَقُولُ الْمُنَافِقُونَ وَالَّذِينَ فِي قُلُوبِهِم مَّرَضٌ غَرَّ هَـؤُلاء دِينُهُمْ وَمَن يَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى اللّهِ فَإِنَّ اللّهَ عَزِيزٌ حَكِيمٌ

50.
Wa law tará 'idh yatawaffá al-Ladhīna kafarū al-Malā'ikatu yađribūna Wujūhahum wa 'adbārahum wa Dhūqū `adhāba al-Ĥarīqi.
50.
If thou couldst see how the angels receive those who disbelieve, smiting faces and their backs and (saying): Taste the punishment of burning!
وَلَوْ تَرَى إِذْ يَتَوَفَّى الَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ الْمَلآئِكَةُ يَضْرِبُونَ وُجُوهَهُمْ وَأَدْبَارَهُمْ وَذُوقُواْ عَذَابَ الْحَرِيقِ

51.
Dhālika bimā Qaddamat 'aydīkum wa 'anna Allāha laysa bižallāmin lil`abīdi.
51.
This is for that which your own hands have sent before (to the Judgment), and (know) that Allah is not a tyrant to His slaves.
ذَلِكَ بِمَا قَدَّمَتْ أَيْدِيكُمْ وَأَنَّ اللّهَ لَيْسَ بِظَلاَّمٍ لِّلْعَبِيدِ

52.
Kada'bi 'Āli fir`awna wa al-Ladhīna min qablihim kafarū bi'āyāti Allāhi fa'akhadhahumu Allāhu bidhunūbihim 'inna Allāha Qawīyun Shadīdu al-`Iqābi.
52.
(Their way is) as the way of Pharaoh's folk and those before them; they disbelieved the revelations of Allah, and Allah took them in their sins. Lo! Allah is Strong, severe in punishment.
كَدَأْبِ آلِ فِرْعَوْنَ وَالَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِهِمْ كَفَرُواْ بِآيَاتِ اللّهِ فَأَخَذَهُمُ اللّهُ بِذُنُوبِهِمْ إِنَّ اللّهَ قَوِيٌّ شَدِيدُ الْعِقَابِ

Being a Teacher

Why is being a teacher the most amazing job on earth???????????

Because, a student might call you up one day and say, "teacher, i've been praying all 5 prayers lately, what you said had really affected me."...

-smiles- my heart, this is happiness, may Allah accept our efforts. This is the same happiness I felt when my students skipped recess so that they could pray as much as they could.. those kids who stayed during recess i remember were 11 years old... ya Rabbi, I looooooooooooove teaching. It is the result of what Allah wills.

Today, I had guest visitors speak to my Sunday Class, this idea of having guest speakers came from my friend BB may Allah bless her, and give her all the khayr she desires. Amin

I went to a Banquet dinner, and the speaker there came all the way from New York to speak at their banquet, Barak Allahu Fi. I have 2 of his CD's in my room right now, phenomenal, absolutely phenomenal speaker!!! Imam Abdul Malik!!! ... -smiles- ... subHan Allah, we may think some things are impossible, but they're not... this same speaker came to my Sunday School class today and spoke to my students. If Allah wills something, even if the person is in New York they'll come all the way out to California and speak to your class. -smiles- He spoke to them about how powerful the media is, and how polluting to society it is.

al-Hamdu liLlah...

Oh.. and this is funny.. You know how you have a list of numbers on your cell phone, I needed to call someone and while i was scrolling down the list somehow I accidently called my grandparents in Jordan. It was 3 pm here, so it was 1 am there, yeeee! When the person answered I was shocked to hear a voice I wasn't familiar with, so I asked, whose speaking... "el Hajja" -smiles- then I instantly knew who it was!!! I told her I dialed her number bil ghalat, and I'm so sorry!!!!! -blushes-

So we spoke for about 5 minutes, then I let her get back to sleep. Ya Rabbi -smiles-

Oh, and I listened to a lecture today online by Shaykh Yasir Qadhi, that was phenomenal as well, it was "Debunking the Male Bias Myth." I liked it.

Flying duck

I saw this picture online and thought it was funny.

-smiles-

... it's not difficult, it's purifying -smiles-

5:6

Yā 'ayyuhā al-Ladhīna 'Āmanū 'idhā Qumtum 'ilá aş-Şalāati fāghsilū Wujūhakum wa 'aydiyakum 'ilá al-Marāfiqi wa imsaĥū biru'ūsikum wa 'arjulakum 'ilá al-Ka`bayni wa 'in Kuntum Junubāan fa iţţahharū wa 'in Kuntum marđá 'aw `alá Safarin 'aw Jā'a 'aĥadun minkum mina al-Ghā'iţi 'aw Lāmastumu an-Nisā' falam tajidū Mā'an fatayammamū Şa`īdāan Ţayyibāan fāmsaĥū biwujūhikum wa 'aydīkum minhu Mā yurīdu Allāhu liyaj`ala `alaykum min Ĥarajin wa lakin yurīdu liyuţahhirakum Waliyutimma ni`matahu `alaykum la`allakum tashkurūna.


O you who believe! When you intend to offer the prayer, wash your faces and from your hands up to the elbows, wipe your heads, and wash your feet up to the ankles. If you are in a state of sexual impurity, purify yourself. But if you are ill or on a journey or any of you comes from answering the call of nature, or you have been in contact with women and you find no water, then perform tayammum with clean earth and rub therewith your faces and hands. Allah does not want to place you in difficulty, but He wants to purify you, and to complete His Favour on you that you may be thankful.


يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ إِذَا قُمْتُمْ إِلَى الصَّلاةِ فاغْسِلُواْ وُجُوهَكُمْ وَأَيْدِيَكُمْ إِلَى الْمَرَافِقِ وَامْسَحُواْ بِرُؤُوسِكُمْ وَأَرْجُلَكُمْ إِلَى الْكَعْبَينِ وَإِن كُنتُمْ جُنُبًا فَاطَّهَّرُواْ وَإِن كُنتُم مَّرْضَى أَوْ عَلَى سَفَرٍ أَوْ جَاء أَحَدٌ مَّنكُم مِّنَ الْغَائِطِ أَوْ لاَمَسْتُمُ النِّسَاء فَلَمْ تَجِدُواْ مَاء فَتَيَمَّمُواْ صَعِيدًا طَيِّبًا فَامْسَحُواْ بِوُجُوهِكُمْ وَأَيْدِيكُم مِّنْهُ مَا يُرِيدُ اللّهُ لِيَجْعَلَ عَلَيْكُم مِّنْ حَرَجٍ وَلَـكِن يُرِيدُ لِيُطَهَّرَكُمْ وَلِيُتِمَّ نِعْمَتَهُ عَلَيْكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ

Forgot to mention.. hehe.

I know some words that the Korean people speak. -smiles-

Today while doing my field work I was given an English Language Learner who had just came from Korea maybe 2 months ago, and doesn't know English. I really wanted him to memorize which picture went with which word... for example: A picture of boots goes with the word on the list "boots." Anyways, I noticed that he really wasn't enjoying the process, and I felt like I needed to spice things up a bit. So I gestured to him that I would like to learn his language, and that we can do a trade-off, I learn the Korean language and he has to learn English.

So I would point at boots, and he would say "kutu," I would purposely get really excited to hear it in Korean and make sure I memorize it, then tell him to do the same for it in English "boots." We were laughing and joking, and we got some of the classroom students to memorize some Korean words... oh it was so amazing,.

This child that I would look at sitting alone, not talking to anyone, is now laughing with the students who are saying Korean words. He loved it when I said "trouble!"... you see one kid would keep getting out of his chair to come sit with us, and then so many kids would then get out of their chair to come to see what we were doing... and I would look at him and say, "Trouble! Go sit down!!!" ... the Korean kid would repeat "trouble" and start laughing... the kid didn't take me seriously, maybe because I was smiling? hehe, I tend to do that a lot. Then the teacher was getting upset, and although I would have loved to just keep playing, I looked at the child who wanted to join me and the Korean kid and seriously said, "Look, I love having you spend time with us, but you are disturbing the class here, and your teacher really wants you in your seat." It's so funny how when you "talk seriously" you get taken seriously... actually, it's not funny, it's simple logic. -smiles-

Anyways, so the Korean child had a blast, and he feels more at ease talking to the children... before I left I looked at him and I said, "MOJA!" and he replied, "HAT!" -smiles- Mission successful and accomplished, I love it when I set goals and they get accomplished, I hope that is for everything of khayr that I strive to do, ya Rab!

Ya Rabbi, I love children... subHan Allah. I really hope to have a lot of children, they make me love them, especially when they cry, I love being the one to hug them and tell them everything is going to be fine... it's one of the most amazing things to do. Today Amir thinks that my older brother broke his ear, hehe, I just loved hugging him and saying in sha' Allah your ear will be okay -smiles- .. sometimes I wonder, and I fear not being blessed with the ability to have my own children, but I shrug that worry away, I simply love children whether they are to be my own, or not, they have a special place in my heart.

al-Hamdu liLlah for children.

Do good, get good... it's a rule.

subHan Allah... so let's start with randomness, this is something simple that I usually cook for myself when I get home. I never was a big fan of fettuccine alfredo, but it kind of just grew on me. It takes about 10 - 15 minutes to make, and you can experiment with different spices each time to get a little different taste, so it's a pretty cool choice.








_________________________________________

As far as my seed planting is going, I have strong hope that there is khayr coming... only because, if I keep strengthening my Iman by treating my parents with more kindness and more obedience, and I keep persisting with a certain goal, I feel that the consequences can only be good.

Today, I was sitting down in my room and I had this sudden urge to go hug my dad, so I raaaaan down stairs to the backyard.. and heh, he's watering plants, and I gave my dad a big tight hug telling him I just had this sudden urge to hug him. Then he was talking to me about Islam and stuff like that, and how some guy who turned Muslim was speaking to my dad about how my dad was part of the reason he reverted to Islam -smiles- Masha' Allah. May Allah reward my father with khayr. Amin.

Also, to ease my way in this dunya, I went in the Masjid, and in the prayer mode and sitting down after salah a thought occurred ~why don't I ask Allah to help me by every single one of His 99 names~ and so, one by one, I called upon Allah with the same du`a', using a different name each time, and I sat and thought how each particular name would be beneficial with my situation... and al-Hamdu liLlah after I did that, I had a deeper understanding of Allah's power and will. I am mentioning this because I feel whoever my audience may be reading this journal, reflecting upon Allah's 99 names when calling on Allah, well, let's just say, it gives the one making the du`a' a sense of deep comfort.

al-Hamdu liLlah for everything...

my favorite nashid... ya Allah... -calm happy smile-

Calming... and beautiful pictures... oh my Allah, it's nice.

al-Hamdu liLlah

My 14 year old brother has started praying again! -smiles- I took him with me to a high school MSA banquet, and al-Hamdu liLlah the brothers of the Friday's Youth Group invited him to the Masjid and got him all interested in Islam... MAY ALLAH BLESS THOSE BROTHERS WITH KHAYR SURROUNDING THEM EVERYWHERE THEY GO! AMIN. He prayed today, ya Allah, he prayed.

I remember, being 13 years old, and memorizing Qur'an and this same brother in my room with me, memorizing.
I remember going to his room and waking him up for Fajr and he would nod his head and quickly rise.
ya Allah, ya Rabbi...
I remember such good times, and they are coming back.. and my heart it's a real physcial feeling, there's comfort now, and more relief.

I went into my 6 year old brothers classroom, I'm going to do my 30 hours of field work there. I have never been hugged by him so much like today. He would get up sometimes and start rubbing by back, and I turned and looked at him and said, "what are you doing?" He was acting strange, so attached to me. During lunch, he sat by me, and talked to me the whole time... I'm so fortunate, I am sooo fortunate. He came in my room tonight and asked me, "Did I embarrass you, because I kept talking about you?" and I looked at him and smiled, "I loved being there with you, I loved it sooo much." He smiled then left... ya Rabbi.

I really love children, subHan Allah, so very deeply.

Blind man reciting Qur'an... beautiful.

... subHan Allah

Niceness!

al-Hamdu liLlah.

A friend of mine gave me a book a couple of days ago that's filled with du`a'... Barak Allahu Fiha, books that help increase my Iman are a definite plus!!! So, I was going through this book, and I came across a couple of things that I want to post to keep as a reminder:

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Abu Hurayrah (r) reported that the Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu `alayhi wa salam) said:

'Saying: subHan Allah, wa al-Hamdu liLlah, la illaha illah Allah, wa Allahu akbar

'How perfect Allaah is, and all praise is for Allaah,. None has the right to be worshipped except Allaah, and Allaah is the greatest.'

... is more beloved to me than everything the sun has risen over.'
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Also, this was really intersting:
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Jaabir Ibn 'Abdullaah (r) related that the Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu `alayhi wa salam) said: 'Verily, the best supplication is:

al-Hamdu liLlah

... and indeed., the best form of rememberance is:

la illaha illa Allah

'None has the right to be worshipped except Allaah.'
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...etc.

subHan Allah....... how awesome is that?

Beauty

What an amazing day...

Today I got a phone call from the principal of the Sunday School telling me that the Saturday Qur'an class doesn't have a teacher and they need a supervisor. I know that I am not capable of teaching, I'm still practicing my tajwid. So, well, anyway, they had a 12 year old Hafiz there, he's like the coolest guy ever! He even helped me pronounce some of what I was saying correctly.. the other children there were like, "that kid knows more than you!" -smiles- I told them, "it doesn't matter how old you are, learning is learning... sometimes you learn sooner, sometimes you learn later, as long as you learn." I will admit, it was humbling, but it doesn't bother me too much, it's all for the sake of Allah. Besides I need to be a role-model for those kids, they need to not fear to seek help, or ask questions.

I came home and tried talking to my mom. subHan Allah, I want to bond, but it's hard sometimes... if you read this, ask Allah to strengthen me, I'm feeling weak these days.



I went to my room, or as my mom puts it, "my cave" and just went through a routine check to see if I got any comments or mail that I can respond to. Feeling a little down, not quite sure why, there was some green light shining by my computer towards the left. I looked at that light next to me, and thought, ~subHan Allah~ then I looked up and I noticed a rainbow above my head. It was so beautiful.

As I looked at it I thought to myself ~Allah didn't have to share with me such beauty, this may simply be just for my enjoyment~ Tabarak Allah, subHan Allah, wa al-Hamdu liLlah...It was so beautiful, I went and grabbed the camera so that I can hold on to what I saw. subHan Allah, what a mercy to see such beauty.



































subHan Allah.. wa al-Hamdu liLlah .. la illaha illa Allah... wa Allahu akbar!

ya Rab

13:24

Salāmun `alaykum bimā Şabartum fani`ma `uqbá ad-Dāri.


"Salaamun 'Alaykum (peace be upon you) for that you persevered in patience! Excellent indeed is the final home!"

سَلاَمٌ عَلَيْكُم بِمَا صَبَرْتُمْ فَنِعْمَ عُقْبَى الدَّارِ

HAHA

My brother Amir made me laugh, he said, "girls wear nail polish so that no body knows that their finger nails are dirty." Cuteness!

I just wanted to say...

subHan Allah, what a day. Today's halaqah for sisters chair was one that was very personal, it was called The Muslim Woman and Her Parents, ya Rab. The stories were incredibly powerful, and al-Hamdu liLlah those who were participating in the halaqah were very engaged into the lecture.

I noticed time had passed rather quickly and it was already time to go, and no one was getting up to leave, and the lecture was over... so, like always, there's a call for action. This time I asked for the sisters to call their parents simply say that they love them.

I wasn't sure if I could just make a phone call just to say that I loved them, but one must practice what they preach.

So... I took up the phone, and I said, "fine, I'll do it!" My heart raced, this is going to be a little awkward. I noticed the sisters were watching me, some looked more worried than I was, ... but khalas, I had to do it.

So I put the number of my home in the phone, and it rang, and my mom picked up, "Hello."... "Al- Salamu `alaykum Mom, uh, I just wanted to let you know I got to school safely."... "Good, I tried calling you earlier but you didn't pick up."... "oh, sorry about that, and uh, mom... I called because I wanted to tell you that I love you."... "I love you too, so when are you coming home?" -smiles-... "at 7 in sha' Allah."

Then I picked up the phone again, dialed my fathers number, "Hello, hi, can you give the phone to my dad please."... "sure, hold on a second."...[holding]... "Hello."... "al-salamu `alaykum dad, just wanted to tell you that I loved you."... "Thank you, I love you too."

... so then I looked at all the girls and said, "okay, now your turn!" -smiles-

al-Hamdu liLlah, there's something wonderful about calling a parent and telling them that you love them, it makes the heart happy. This is an act that Allah loves, and so of course the heart feels like a flying bird... -smiles-

It's not like I don't tell my parents I love them, I do, it's just not meaningful enough... so to call, with only that purpose, it strengthens the point... it also plants some happy seeds.

al-Hamdu liLlah

... also, I'm glad that someone's testing is all over, what a relief, may Allah bless you and love you for your hard work and patience. Amin

The Planted Seeds of Thought

-smiles- I love planting seeds -smiles-

Alrighty, so with my dad he now is starting to listen to me more than before... when he came to the board meeting at the Masjid, he got an idea of how hard I work, and he also saw older adults his age talking with me, and discussing ideas, and wanting my input... I believe this is helping him realize that what I have to say isn't just babble, it has significance, and there is thought that goes behind it.

Another seed by Allah's will: I was talking to my mother and father about how important it is for parents to befriend their child after they have spent so many years of their life doing their best to perfect their tarbiyah. That there comes a time in which after training a child to know what is right and wrong, that they should befriend this child with monitoring. This was said so as to make them understand, that after some time, the child should be given some flexibility to make their own choices... subHan Allah, ya Rab.

Today, trying to bond with my mother I watched American Idol with her... she was telling me how she thought the girl in the top three has similar facial features to me. I teased her about that, I don't see the resemblance, but I was flattered. As a matter of fact, she thought quite a few people we saw on TV looked like someone she knew, it was pretty funny. -smiles- subHan Allah, I just want to spend time with her, ya Rab.

... Little by little I'm inching my way to the top, and let's say Allah has other plans for me, then al-Hamdu liLlah I would have established by then a stronger relationship with my parents... either way, as long as I keep striving to go about doing everything in the best possible way, I can only see success in front of me... whichever way it so happens to come. in sha' Allah.

du`a'

Before I fell asleep last night I made a plea to Allah to help someone who is asking for help, and I woke up this morning with the same...

subHan Allah, du`a' is with you...

Allah is with you...

It's all about the du`a'

Bismillah

There's a comfort when I know what is going to happen next, but I must admit, I do enjoy the mystery in things, and that probably explains why I write in such a parataxis way, al-Hamdu liLlah. subHan Allah, as much as I love randomness, and spontaneity, I would love to know for sure how some things in my life are going to turn out, but for now I'm optimistic that with enough patience, determination, and effort something good will happen, what's the reward for good other than good? -smiles- it's all about the du`a' -smiles- ... life is an interesting mystery.

... so, today is another bid`ah day... Mothers Day... subHan Allah, what a joke, it should be everyday.. every single day... lahowlawalakuwat. (^)

My dad was funny though, he always brings my mom this HUUUUGE bouquet of flowers, and I guess the store he went to didn't have any, so he bought her two bouquets of flowers. My mom was like, "Why did you get me two bouquets, were they buy one get one free?" -smiles- Then he explained, "No, they didn't have the big ones so I wanted to make up for that." They're so cute!

I love flowers, but something about them being "cut" bothers me, it's like you're making something beautiful die sooner than it should. Perhaps if he brought them to her in pots that would be better, imagine, they can be watered and a person can enjoy them for much longer... plus, I wouldn't be so sad that they had to die. -smiles- This is coming from a person who saw someone jump on ants and started crying, it's Allah's creation, shouldn't it be cherished?

sigh

5 before 5 (^)

Abu Hurayrah, radhiallahu `anhu said, "If anyone has five things then he will not be deprived of five others:

1. He who is enabled to show gratitude will never be deprived of increase of blessings.
"If you give thanks, certainly I will give you more." (14:7)

2. He who is guided to persevere will not be deprived of reward.
"Truly the persevering will be paid their reward in full without reckoning." (39:10)

3. One who is inspired to repent will not be deprived of its acceptance:
"And He is (Allah) Who accepts repentance from His servants." (42:25)

4. One who is enabled to seek forgiveness will not be deprived of receiving pardon.
"Seek forgiveness of your Lord; surely He is Ever-Forgiving." (71:10)

5. He who is spurred to make supplication is not deprived of an answer.
"Call upon Me, and I shall answer you." (40:60)

Someone else added a sixth proposition that one who is encouraged to spend will not be deprived of reward thereof.
"And whatsoever you expend (for good) He shall replace it." (34:39)

that's what i look like right now -smiles- -sleeps- -smiles-

khalas, i'm out... i'm out like a... (you finish it) (^)

That one guy...

today, that one guy who went to the Masjid was talking more about his enlightenment to be good and the like, and I told him, "you sound like a Muslim!... why don't you just become one?"

then he said,

"yea, I've been thinking about that a lot lately!"

....... MAKE DU`A'......

-smiles-

Met the Hindu guy again... he might become a Muslim too... subHan Allah!!!

Planting Seeds

There is a guy that is in two of my classes. When I go to the library to study after class, which is my routine, I see him there. Well, one day subHan Allah we just happened to be walking out of class and to the library at the same time. He asked me about my religion, and my scarf, and so I explained myself to him to the best of my understanding and ability.

Every time we would leave to the library I would tell him a little bit about Islam. Planting seeds of thought.

Just a few weeks later, I asked him if he would like to visit the Masjid. He wasn't interested... I thought, okay, that's fine, to each their own. As the days passed, still I would say a little bit more about Islam. Another Friday after class I again encouraged the thought, come visit the Masjid. That particular day, he didn't have a class at that time, so he agreed.

I got in contact with one of the brothers, and made arrangements for his trip. Leaving Jumu`ah prayer I saw him standing with that same brother talking as I left with my friends. I later found out that he was there until 4 pm discussing Islam... and karate! -smiles-

He now talks about how his life is changing because of Islam, how he can't drink, and say bad words... subHan Allah he said that brother at the masjid and I had a lot to do with it. What an amazing feeling! May Allah accept this from us. Amin.

Make du`a' he continues on this path, and make du`a' by Allah's mercy he accepts Islam as his religion... I hope so. I'm glad he got in touch with a few Muslim brothers, if he stays around good speech, and goes to them for knowledge, that would be ideal.

... Planting seeds...

There was a Hindu guy selling insents, and books, and necklaces. He was next to the man that hands out bibles. I walked by, the guy with the bible waves and smiles and says hello, I've talked to him about 3 times already. Each time we end with, "okay, you tell me one thing about your religion and I'll tell you one thing about mine, and we'll call it a day." Both the Christian man with the bibles, and the Hindu man sitting down were both older in age, I wonder if people in general just get more religious when they reach old age. Allahu a`lam, but I would imagine so.

Walking by these men, I waved hello to the Christian man, and the Hindu guy that was sitting there was someone I hadn't seen before, so I decided to talk to him... before I spoke, I asked him, "what are you selling?" He presented his stuff, and I asked how much the necklaces were, and he said, "I only take donations." Hmm, since I needed to save what I had for gas money, and the necklace wasn't more than just beads on a string, I gave him 3 dollars... he was happy about it, so I hope that was alright.

Since I took a class on Hinduism I mentioned some things I knew from class, and started a conversation about the things that didn't make sense to me... for one, the multiple manifestations of 1 God, there's just no need for it. He told me that he read the Qur'an and thought it was a joke. At that moment the first thing that popped in my mind was, "remember the hadith, don't become angry." Once he finished talking, I told him, "the Qur'an is not a joke..." and I explained to him the multiple reasons that the Qur'an is authentic, to name just one again, the scientific phenomenon explained in the Qur'an.

I saw him later that day in the library, he said to me, "Al Salamu `alaykum" I replied, "wa `alaykum."

I saw him a couple of more times, I'll wave cheerfully and reply to his salams with "wa `alaykum."

Now to let you know why I brought this particular story up. The same day I was telling that guy in class to go to the Masjid, was a day I happened to pass by this Hindu man again, and the Hindu man stopped me on my path and said, "Today's Friday, are you guys going to the Mosque? I would like to join you." ...
~Whaat, is this the same Hindu man that said the Qur'an is a joke?~ ... The guy that I was telling to go to the Masjid was shocked at how this Hindu man told me that, subHan Allah, and right after... right after encountering the Hindu guy did he decide to go to the Masjid.

The Hindu man, just in case you were wondering, ended up not going to the Masjid because he didn't want to walk too far due to pain in his legs, and he even lifted his pants to show me how much his legs have swelled, subHan Allah, they were this red and purple colorish combo.. ouch. I hope his pain goes away, it didn't look comfortable at all. al-Hamdu liLlah for my health.

... Planting seeds ...

If I plant the right seeds, and take care of it properly the seeds will grow, in sha' Allah. That's how I want to work on my parents, there's something in my mind I'm interested in pursuing, and I've already started planting seeds... now I'm just taking care of it, and waiting patiently for the thought seeds to develop... with du`a' and enough idea seeds planted, something should happen.

Perhaps a tree may grow, its root firmly grounded, and its fruitful branches reaching the heavens...

sigh..

after hardship comes ease, and maybe some sleep... in sha' Allah

Dr. Seuss

“Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple.”

"Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.”

------------

and one of my favorite:

“They may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel.”

Carl W. Buechner quotes

Quote

He who finds a new path is a pathfinder, even if the trail has to be found again by others; and he who walks far ahead of his contemporaries is a leader, even though centuries pass before he is recognized as such. Ibn Khaldun

I can tell...

I can tell something is bothering someone I know... subHan Allah, in sha' Allah whatever it may be I hope it gets better.

Sometimes I wish I had a gift from Allah that I can just close my eyes make someone's trouble go away, and then open them to everything being better.

I have du`a', and I'm very fortunate, may that make it better.

Today one of my du`a' have been answered better than I could have ever imagined... waaay better, and I'm grateful, deeply grateful. My father not only loved being in the committee, but he wants to have my brothers join too... ya Allah, I asked that their hearts be changed, subHan Allah, this is more than what I even imagined... my father is involved with the Masjid, my father... and when he came home, he was so calm, and so loving towards my younger brothers who were awake. Du`a', that's what it had to have been.

I'm so grateful... thankful... subHan Allah... my heart is happy.

... but there's something wrong with someone, I don't need to know what it is, but I sincerely hope that this person is given bounties of blessings from Allah. Also, I hope that their health strengthens... no back pain, no chest pain, no discomfort in their health, and if they do feel discomfort, then may Allah make it an expiation of sin for them, and shower this person with His blessings. Amin.

I do hope someone gets better, I can tell there's something wrong... du`a', and lots of it going your way.

I have a lot of work to do tonight, al-Hamdu liLlah for work... al-Hamdu liLlah for the things that keep us busy.

al-Hamdu liLlah

In just a little bit I'll be leaving with my dad to the Masjid. I'm really tired from today, and I have a headache, I think it is because I was driving and I felt like the sun was right in my eye. When it's too bright outside it seems like I always get an aching headache.

I just hope I have enough energy to keep me going for the meeting tonight. I don't think it will be a problem, I love Islam so much that I just get energy to do it. Isn't that strange? When you love something you have energy to do it. subHan Allah, like a paper, if you don't love doing it, it's going to drag and be annoying -smiles-... but al-Hamdu liLlah for things that we love, it makes up for the things that we hate.

I have a literature unit to complete by tonight, this paper has been dragging for 3 days, it's supposed to be 5-10 pages, with 9 sources, including 3 vocabulary activities, and 3 projects... al-Hamdu liLlah we are doing this in groups, so I have 2 other classmates working on this with me. Being the group leader it's a little hectic making sure we're all on the same page, and everything is going smoothly, but it's not so bad... subHan Allah, and that class also requires 30 hrs of field work, it's a little bumming cuz the day I start my field work is my day of the Islamic Awareness Week, -smiles- it's nasib, so why am I down? Nah, I'll shake out of it.

This quarter my classes conflicted with the MSU meetings, and the Br. IB Halaqahs, it's my last quarter and I miss out on that which I love. It's alright, it's nasib. Allah will make up for it.

Whatever is going to happen, is going to happen. Life is life, and al-Hamdu liLlah we just live it to the best our ability.

Niceness!

So I'm doing research for a Literatur Unit Project, and I came across something I absolutely loved.

This: Communicating_with_Students

hmm.. the link she no work... tayyib... uh, here it is again, I want to put it here so I can google it later: http://para.unl.edu/para/Communication/lesson3.html

subHan Allah, such good information. Matches nicely with Islamic lessons of adab.

al-Hamdu liLlah

A lot of people are getting sick lately, subHan Allah, what a blessing it is to be so healthy... al-Hamdu liLlah. It's such a huge blessing, ya Rab al-Hamdu liLlah.

My dad agreed to come to the committee, ZK called him today and he agreed to go tomorrow. -smiles- Whoever made du`a' thank you, I deeply appreciate it.

Du`a' is so nice, so much hope when a du`a' is said, it makes life sweet.

i love answers -smiles-

... Answers.com

Adh-Dhariyat (The Winds That Scatter)

51: 17

Kānū Qalīlāan mina al-Layli Mā yahja`ūna.

They used to sleep but little of the night,

كَانُوا قَلِيلًا مِّنَ اللَّيْلِ مَا يَهْجَعُونَ

subHan Allah.. this made me feel good.. al-Hamdu liLlah

and here's a needed reminder:

Almost Perfect...

current mood: imperturbability

Peace, what a wonderful feeling... I'm so grateful, I am sooo grateful, al-Hamdu liLlah.

subHan Allah, I've been busy with so much work lately.. I have 5 classes cuz last quarter I had to drop a class due to not setting my alarm clock to wake me, there was a lot due that particular day and I didn't feel like I could recover properly from such a set back, so to take it easy on myself I dropped it. Now that I'm taking 5 classes, I feel like such an ignoramus, subHan Allah, I always avoided doing that because I thought it would be too burdensome, it's not bad at all! Yea 5 classes it may get a little hectic every now then.. for instance, like now during midterms, but it's manageable... I just need to beware of overdramatizing my situation, this is all manageable, and al-Hamdu liLlah.

In other news something wonderful happened today, well, I'm part of the fundraising committee at the Masjid and they meet pretty late 8pm to 9:40 ish.. pm... and surprisingly my parents allowed me to join. Today, my dad got upset at me for coming home late... I negotiated with him as much as I can to let him "COME WITH ME"... and I explained to him how his services would be like diamonds to the masjid, and on and on about how wonderful it would be if he joined the committee, and... and.. and...dan dan daaaan... I think he will come with me!!! If you read this make du`a', I want my dad to be involved in the masjid, I really really do, in sha' Allah... I can only imagine what kind of influence that will have over this family, over the way that life will be observed... ya Rab.

al-Hamdu liLlah, I'm at peace with my life right now... my tests of this dunya have eased, although I got a lot of new projects to work on for my wonderful Muslim community which subHan Allah I LOOOVE DOING... it all may be more work, but al-Hamdu liLlah i feel that now everything is moderate, is middle, is really close to perfect.

Almost perfect.

WHAT'S UP WITH THE MOODS?

current mood: ataraxia

(^)

subHan Allah, after so much thought everything seems to now become clear to me... making the right choice means making the choice that is pleasing to Allah. Some choices are a lot harder to make than others, what is "right" at times may get confusing. There is a "confidence" in doing what is right, and a feeling of inner tranquility when I feel I had made the right choice.

For a month I tried to convince myself that the choice I made was right, but I didn't feel satisfied with it, I just couldn't, something wasn't giving me that peace I thought I would get for going along with what the "people" said. Then in an attempt to correct myself, I rejected my choice, it just didn't work for me... it just didn't feel right... it just wasn't fair.

So now, I'm not sure what's going to happen, but I have confidence that what I am doing is right, and so whatever the consequences are I will gladly face them... all I needed was confidence, that's it. I feel now peace, I feel what I am doing is right, of course Allah is capable of all things and will do as He wills, but as long as I feel that what I am doing is right, and pleasing to Him, then I have confidence, and the will power to continue.

al-Hamdu liLlah... peace of mind, and the hearts ease feels good.

Moderation

I love this word "moderation" it's such a moderate word.

Imagine a peaceful ocean, moderate in movement, flowing.

The month that has passed wasn't too moderate for me, I felt waves, sometimes going up, and other times going down... but I'm pushing for moderation. Moderation, for a moderate religion, Islam, to obtain peace. Peace, peace of mind, peace of heart, peace of being. Being human with all these natural desires, wants, needs, stresses the importance of moderation. How can we live peacefully if we can not live moderately? Islam is the moderate way of life, reminding us that things have been decreed, that a humans efforts should always progress for the better... and life does continue by Allah's will.

The middle mood, the peaceful ocean mood, the mood in moderation... how I miss you, and how I want to once again taste the sweetness of your days.

Believe it or not, I felt patience, I actually felt it, and it feels like the heart is burning while you maintain acceptance.

Tawakul is an amazing word, so is Taqwa, so is Salaam...


If I make the claim that I have Iman, that I am a Muslim...
then I have to prove it.