Thursday 30 August 2007

How quickly it has drawn near

Peace

Well...Another month of Ramadan just round the corner!Less than two weeks to go!
The time has just flown by...i guess what our Grandma's/pa's say is correct...
That there is no Barakah (blessing) in time these days.

I wont be at home this Ramadan.Hmmmm...well,i'll miss my mother obviously and also my dads making sure we
all make the most if this month...but it'll also be a good experience for me,
will i pray and make an effort without any pushing?Hoping to see some positive results!

I was thinking today...not that its a big deal,thinking i mean,but regardless...i was thinking
of what Ramadan was like when i was like 11?In junior school...well in that day
muslims-most-really had some respect for this blessed month.You wouldn't hear
music blasting from cars...not so many sisters bare headed.At least in Ramadan they endeavored to cover their hair...the males put on their skull caps...but now,
even all that is gone with the wind.The music blasts,its just like any old day,any old month.
I wish we could be like we were in those days....

But i guess its too much to ask for.Anyway,i intend on making an effort this Ramadan.
And i hope every muslim makes an effort too!

Wednesday 22 August 2007

Phenomenal...

Pretty women wonder where
My secret lies
I'm not cute or built to suit a
model's fashion size
But when i start to tell them
They think i'm telling lies
I say
It's in the reach of my arms
The span of my hips
The stride of my steps
The curl of my lips
I'm a woman
Phenomenally
Phenomenal woman
Thats me.

I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please
And to a man
The fellows stand or
fall down on their knees
Then they swarm around me
A hive of honey bees
I say
Its the fire in my eyes
& the flash of my teeth
The swing of my waist
& the joy in my feet
I'm a woman
Phenomenally
Phenomenal woman
Thats me.

Now you understand
Just why my heads not bowed
I don't shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud
When you see me passing
It ought to make you proud.
I say
Its in the click of my heels
The bend of my hair
The palm of my hand
The need of my care
Cause' i'm a woman
Phenomenally
Phenomenal woman
Thats me.

Sunday 5 August 2007

Students of Deen!

Offering some Naseehah (advice) to those pursuing the knowledge of Deen (Islam),
Shaykh Ashraf Ali Thaanwi said:

'I address the students of deen with utmost respect.I have some advice to offer..Your need (to the community) is only on account of knowledge,and righteous deeds.Without these you have no value.Remember that the more delicious a food is,the quicker and more does it deteriorate and develop a foul smell.Just as it is beneficial in its condition and goodness,so too will it be corrupt and harmful in its state of corruption and decay.It is therefore essential that you become concerned with your Islaah,(moral reformation).

Your islaah can be achieved in two ways.One way is to search for a pious teacher from whom you acquire the knowledge of Deen.Never join the company of an irreligious teacher.The time of acquiring knowledge is the period of sowing the seeds.

Secondly,after having spent some time in the acquisition of knowledge,stay in the company of some AhlAllah (pious people).Only then will you gain the qualification for becoming a servant of deen.

Nowadays,students deceive themselves with the idea that they will practice righteousness after completion of their studies.This is a downright wrong idea,which will deprive the student from righteous deeds through his life.He will not gain the ability for performing good deeds.Remember that first impressions do not return.The initial impression and effect should be valued.The impression which one gains while acquiring knowledge and the effect of having gained awareness of deeds of reward are sin are special in the initial stage.If the student takes advantage of this initial impression and act accordingly,it will benefit him enduringly.If he ignores the impression (i.e tawfeeq) and abstains from giving it practical expressions in the form of righteousness and abstention from sin,the ability will be eliminated.This ability will not easily return.

If the injunctions and warnings of the holy Qur'an and Ahadith,which you are pursuing academically,do not exercise an influence on your heart during your student days,what hope is there for the future.When you study with the intention of the days of knowledge pursuit not being the time for righteous deeds,then,O'honourable friend,there can not be hope for the knowledge to exercise a beneficial influence on your later life.'