A Dialogue Between A Flower & A Pearl

One day, a brilliantly beautiful and fragrant flower with attractive colours met a pearl that lives far in the bottom of the sea and has none of these characteristics. Both got acquainted with each other.

The flower said; " Our family is large; roses and daisies are members of the family. And there are many other species that are various and countless, each has a distinctive scent, appearance, etc."
Suddenly, a tinge of distress appeared on the flower. "Nothing accounts for sorrow in your talk; so why are you 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? 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. Thats 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 and the pearl symbolize?
The flower is the unveiled woman ( who shows her charms ) and the pearl is the veiled woman ( who conceals her beauties).

First Day Of Forever

27 Ramadhan, 611 C.E

It is a typical day in all respects. The inhabitants of Makkah wake up to the fierce rays of the Arabian sun. In the Batha quarter of the city, the chiefs of the Quraysh slowly begin to recover from the hang overs which last night bought. The recovery rate from repeated nights of drinking, and vibrating music is nearly static.

A group of men leave the rich segment of the city and make their way towards the depression in the central part of Makkah. Here lies the Ka'aba and the house of Hubal. The men enter the circled arena, bow down with respect and one by one kiss the unclothed red-agate statue. Hubal remains unmoved. The group begins to stroll up and down the Ka'aaba, bowing to statues of various shapes and sizes; the rising sun throws immense shadows of the men over the 365 stone gods.

Right adjacent to the Ka'aba a household is in mourning. The rising sun bought an addition to the family; a daughter. Two men leave the house, with the baby wrapped in muslin. With their faces down they walk with the crying child towards the cemetry. In the centre of the city a caravan arrives; camel after camel loaded with spices and silk, wines and perfumes, followed by, in a slow single line, a multitude of slaves. Some local men dance and sing as the slaves march towards the market. The Makkan market is a place for the deaf and the blind; a continuous irritation to the ears, a constant offence to the eyes, a pleasure (if somewhat crude) to the nose, the pungent odour of aromatic liquids, distilled elsewhere, diffused through an ob scene, spectacle of gamblers, habitual drinkers, and barterers of slaves. Commodities as well as wealth and property change hands. A young man, after losing his wealth, gambles his freedom away.

Free from the attachment to self, to social games, to Makkan indulgence, to worldly awareness and even to this moment, a middle-aged man leaves a modest dwelling of the city. Avoiding the centre of the city, he sets out on a long, narrow road which slopes gently uphill. That half hour, between his house and the end of the city, was one of the most irritating moments of his day; and for hours afterwards he would brood over its pestiferous existence and pray for the end of this godlessness in Makkah.

The man- of middle height, slim but with broad shoulders and wide chest- walked with steps quick and elastic, yet firm, towards the henna-coloured mountain. His dark, slightly curled hair flowed in a dense mass down almost to his shoulders. His long arched eyebrows d ominated his bearded face. He walked quite undisturbed by camel dwellers gathering their flocks. The dust raised by the herds caught the last rays of the setting sun, turned into gold, and scattered in the night air.

From the peak, the man looked down on Makkah. A city at the bottom of an abyss. The moonlight could hardly do anything for a people so deep in darkness. He turned his face, thereby turning his whole body away from the city, looked towards the desert, and gazed at mountains lined up one behind the other. The man remained at the summit for several hours, then he moved down to a cave, a place of retreat, some fifty yards from the peak. There he laid himself down to rest.

He was in a state of meditation and prayer when a vivid light shone into his eyes. He opened his eyes in fright, and heard a commanding voice: 'Muhammad!'

Sweat broke out all over his body.Trembling, he answered;
'Who is it?'
' Read!' said the voice.
' I am not of those who read.'
The angel Gabriel took hold of Muhammad, hugged him vehemently and then released him.
' Read!'
' I am not of those who read.'
Once again Muhammad was hugged till he was exhausted.
'Read!'
' I am not of those who read.'
He was hugged for the third time.
' Read!'
' What shall i read?'
' Read in the name of your Lord who creates, created man from a clot of b lood.
Read, for your Lord is most generous, ( it is he) who teaches by means of the pen, teaches man what he does not know.'

Muhammad recited.
The rays of the emerging sun embraced his trembling voice.

Dhikrullah

Kalimataan Habeebatani Ilar Rahman
Kafeefatani Alal Lisaan Thakeelatani Fil Meezan

Do Kalimay Hain Jo Rahman Ko Mahboob Hain
Zubaan Par Halke Pulkey Hain, Tarazoo Main Bharee Hain

There Are Two Phrases That Are Beloved To Allah
Light To Speak Yet Weighty In The Scales:

1)SubhanAllahi Wabihamdihee
2)SubhanAllahil Adheem

(Rawah-al-Bukhari)

A lesson from disabled people...

Once, a visitor was being shown around a leper colony in India. The colony was built to provide a shelter for those people who were poor and had various physical disabilities. At noon, a gong sounded to gather the inhabitants for the midday meal. People came from all parts of the compound to the dining hall. Suddenly, everyone started laughing at two young men, one riding the others back, pretending to be a horse and a rider. They seemed to be enjoying the charade. As the visitor watched, he was told that the man who carried his friend was blind, and the man being carried was lame, and was unable to walk. The one who couldn't see, used his feet; the one who couldn't walk, used his eyes. Together, they helped each other and reached their destination.

Let us use each other's strengths to make up for the weaknesses of others. Our strength is in Unity, not in division.

The Role Of Women In The Work Of Tabligh

People who like to mock and disagree with the work of Tabligh often bring up the role of women, in households etc where the men folk are Tablighi. There are a lot of mis-conceptions on this subject and id like to post a link to an article written by Barbara Metcalf on this matter, its extremely enlightening, not to mention, an extremely interesting read.

http://www.stanford.edu/group/SHR/5-1/text/metcalf.html

Look After Your Rocks...

A professor of Philosophy stood before his class, lazily picked up a large, empty jar and proceeded to fill it with rocks. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.

So, the professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly and the pebbles rolled into the open areas between the rocks.

He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed that it was. The professor picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up all the remaining spaces.

'Now,' said the professor, ' This is your life. The rocks are the important things like family, health, children, things that if everything was lost and only they remained, your life will still be full.
The pebbles are the other things that matter, like your job, your house, and your car etc. The sand is everything else, the small stuff.
If you put the sand or pebbles into the jar first then there is no room for the rocks. The same goes for your life, if you spend your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have time for the things that are important.'

So, pay attention to the things that are critical, worship Allah, bring up your children properly,Look after your health, spend time with and look after your family.
There will always be time to go to work, clean the house and do errands...

Take care of the rocks first, the rest is just pebbles and sand!

Eid-Al-Fitr

Eid Mubarak!!!

What Do I Want...?

Knowledge of God be my capital
Reason be the root of my faith;
Love be my foundation;
Enthusiasm be my horse;
Remembrance of God be my friend;
Firmness be my treasure;
I find compassion in sorrow;
Science be my weapon;
Patience be my mantle;
Contentment be my booty;
I find pride in poverty;
Devotion be my art;
Conviction be my power;
Truth be my redeemer;
Obedience be my sufficiency;
Struggle be my manner; And
My pleasure be in my prayer...

Whats New?

Assalamu Alaikum

Well,its the 23rd fast today!Ramadhans just flown by,as i mentioned in a post beforehand!Last night was one of the odd nights,and although i didn't do enough of Ibaadah (worship) i hope it was enough,and that my prayers were accepted.I sincerely hope this Ramadhan finishes with 30 fasts and not 29,Eid on a Friday would be awfully hectic!But khair,whenever Allah wills.

Iv been thinking about my birthday which is approaching soon.il be hitting 20,you know,the big 2-OH,and i really dont feel it.i'm still 16 at heart and probably look it too:P But yeah,i hope i haven't wasted the years and that i wont waste the years to come.
On a completely different note-thinking of the one-ness of God (Tawheed),i came across a couple of couplets that caught and held my attention.
In everything there is a sign
Which attests to the fact that He is one.

When the droppings (of a camel) indicate the presence of a Camel
And the footprints (of a human being) indicate the presence of a human
Then why would the heavens and the earth,with all their magnificence and glamour
Not point to the existence of a Mighty Creator!

eloquently spoken by a Bedouin when he was asked how he knew that Allah exists.

InshaAllah i will be going for Hajj this year-:) i thought id include a beautiful picture of one of the Holy mosques,Masjid-e-Nabawi (the prophets mosque) in Medinah.

Flecks Of Dark

Something i wrote a few years back,when i was pretty ill,hmmm,badly ill would make more sense i guess.
.....

Whispers in the dark
Darkness in my heart
Light searing my eyes
Words stuck in my throat
Tears at bay

What day is it?
What time is it?
Why do i sit
Like i will never have a chance to contemplate
Again
Pain,
Pain radiating through my heart
Like a poison dart
I reflect
And Reflect...

Floating like dust specks
My thoughts take wind
My heart wants to sing
But tears clog my throat...emotions
Choke me deep
I will never sleep

Sleep,the transporter,the helicopter
That will snatch me from sanity
And take me deep into dreams
Dreams from which i am awoken
Too late...

Awakening to light
Falling on my face,light
Like dust flecks dancing
In the sunlight
Singing
Praise God i am awake

Fears
Deep,raw fear
Makes my heart sear
...But,behind the darkness
Of my mind
Beyond the unhealthy whiteness of my skin
There is a light
A bright glow
It has the power
Flow along my veins like quicksilver
fill me with hope...

Islam

Thank you Lord,for the gift of Iman which has the power to lift me from inner and outer darkness,from ill health,from sadness.

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!

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.

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.'

Time...

Peace & Blessings

Old as the stars probably,but this short piece is definitely something to ponder over.

To realise the value of one year,ask the student who failed a grade.

To realise the value of one month,ask the mother who gave birth to a premature baby.

To realise the value of one day,ask the editor of a daily newspaper.

To realise the value of one hour,ask the bride waiting to be wed.

To realise the value of one minute,ask the man who just missed the train.

To realise the value of one second,ask the person who just avoided an accident.

To realise the value of one milli-second,ask the Olympian who qualified for the bronze.

Treat everyday as your last.
Treasure every moment you have.
And remember that time waits for no-one.
Today is history.Tomorrow is a mystery.
Today is a gift.
The gift of life.

The Two Wolves Inside Of Us...

Peace & Blessings....

I read this short tale a while ago,it really enabled me to think of how less we try to stop ourselves doing bad.We have a choice between doing good and bad.We are good at laying the fault at shaitans feet,but if we were really strong in faith,and if we tried we would be able to free ourselves from him....at the same time free ourselves from our own evil thoughts.

An old Indian grandfather said to his grandson,who came to him with anger at a friend who had done him an injustice...

'Let me tell you a story.I too,at times have felt a great h8 for those that have taken so much,with no sorrow for what they do.But h8 wears you down,and does not hurt your enemy.
It is like taking poison and wishing your enemy would vanish.I have struggled with these feelings many times....'

He continued:

'It is as if there are two wolves inside me:
One is good and does no harm.He lives in harmony with all round him and does not take offence when no offence was intended.He will only fight when it is right to do so,and in the right way.He saves all his energy for the right fight.
But the other wolf,ahhh!
He is full of anger.The littlest thing will send him into a fit of temper.He fights everyone,all the time,for no reason.He cannot think because his anger and his h8 are so great.It is helpless anger,for his anger will change nothing.Sometimes it is hard to live with there two wolves inside me,for both of them try to te me spirit.'

The boy looked intently into his grandfathers eyes and asked,'Which one wins grandfather?'
The grandfather smiled,and said quietly....

'The one i feed...'

Helping Hand

Peace & Blessings

Walking back from Asda the other day,i spotted an old man walking along,huddled in
an inadequate coat against the rain.He gripped a walking stick in one hand and several
bags in the other,he had difficulty walking.Anyone would have felt pity at the sight.Actually
i'm sure you would see plenty of old people like this around.With no one to help them carry there bags,or offer them a lift home.if i hadn't been carrying a bag in each hand,i would
certainly have stopped and asked if i could assist.

As muslims,shouldn't we know better?We have our Prophet Muhammad,the mercy to both the
worlds for a beautiful example.The man who mended his own clothes,and helped with the
housework,the man who never sent away a beggar empty handed,the man who told us to be kind
and caring towards our fellow sisters and brothers...is no other than our prophet,Gods greatest
messenger,Muhammad,peace be upon him.People these days seem to favour following the
examples of irresponsible 'pop stars' and what not,if people followed the example of Muhammad,the world would be a better place.

The messenger of Allah,Muhammad peace be upon him said:'Whoever relieves a believer of distress in this world,Allah will relieve him of some of the distress on the day of resurrection.Whoever makes things easier for those who are in difficulty,Allah will make things easy for him in this world and the next.Whoever conceals the faults of a believer in this world,Allah will conceal his faults in this world and in the hereafter.Allah will help the slave so long as the slave helps his/her brother/sister.' (Mishkaat)

InshaAllah (God-Willing) lets take a lesson from the Prophet and help others and therefore,help ourselves...

Thoughts...

Peace & blessings

Thought id type down a few thoughts on my blog for a change!
...iv been thinking a lot these days.All these atrocities committed in the world today....
and the media never lets up blaming the Muslims...its gone past the point when you can say
oh,omg,astaghfirAllah,how can muslims do this?because now its getting extremely
difficult believing the media,considering all the media does is directly target the muslims,
blame all and sundry act of 'ter rorism' on us muslims and cause more racial discrimination
and unrest.I don't believe that my muslim brothers and sisters are responsible for these
acts,but if they are,then any muslim can clarify for you that Islam forbids the killling of in nocent
people.
Now looking at it from a different point,IF-and its a big IF- these people ARE muslims,
can you honestly blame them?Palestine...the situation is always reported biasedly on the
news,palestinians are always the 'baddies' and israel is oh so good.well actually,read
what a jewish rabbi has to say on the matter of the zionists oppressing the palestinians:

'We have come to Boston today to protest the celebration of the founding of the blasphemous
and heretical zionist state taking place here.we represent Torah true jews who remain loyal
to authentic judaism,who know that the root cause of the conflict and instability
plaguing the middle east and hence the entire world,is the heresy against God,called
zionism,and the heinous crimes committed in the name of its ille getimate 'state of Israel.'

Zionism!an ideology that is antithetical to judaism,one formented by unabashed atheists,
heretics and even some ostensibly 'religious' collaborators who have sold there souls to the
irreligious zionists for money and power.'
Rabbi yisroel feldman of neturei Karta
(at a rallyhosted by the new england committee to defend Palestine,to protest the'Boston
celebrates Israel festival.')

interesting isn't it.Not to mention the disgusting attacks on Afghanistan and Iraq.
Yep,its disgusting and saddening.
Although i do not believe that Muslims are committing these atrocities,if it IS Muslims
then a true muslim will condemn such acts,as Islam does NOT support such acts.
Do Not Judge A People Because Of The Actions Of A Few.

Al-Quds

When i was the first Qiblah,you faced
praying me.
What a sacred place i am,why don't you see.

The cities of Makkah & Medinah are sacred to you.
These are cities sacred to Allah,but i am also sacred to
him.

Now that i am in danger,look how you have deserted
me.
The enemies are planning to take over,yet
you are watching peacefully.

Please get up,O' dear Muslim,and show the world you
care!
Come on and lets be united,so then they wont dare!

And if you dont do something to show that you love me,
on the day of Qiyaamah,it will be Allah,you,and
me.

Take heed oh muslims,and help the suffering Muslims in the land of Palestine.

My Beloved...

There was a time in my youth
when Islam was only a custom.
They said,'Say Laa Ilaaha Illallah
And pray,you'll go to heaven.'

AH,how simple,
no struggle in this,
just a word,and a simple act.
Thereafter,im absolved in this world,
with my 'assured' place in paradise intact.

But this was not to be my fate
for ALLAH chose to guide my heart.
I learnt of a man who struggled so hard,
When his mission was difficult from the start.

The story of someone who had morals
spoke gently,kindness as he knew.
Never fearing to say what is right,
his conviction in ISLAM was true.

The touch of his hand was as soft as silk,
to comfort the crying child.
To mend his clothes,or do the chores,
never complaining,he always smiled.
A living he made with his bare hands,
the same that held his mighty sword.
Valour shone from the edge of his blade,
every heart and soul he adored.

His smell was always of musk,
and cleanliness he kept at his best.
Stark contrast with the heroes of today,
who stink of b eer and sweat.

He held the hands of his companions,
unashamed to make children happy.
So modest,so humble,a perfect example,
that even a stranger could recognise him.

His eyes slept very little,
for nights were precious.
His prayers he treasured much greater,
To wake and pray in the depths of night,
Seeking forgiveness,and being near to his creator.

He broke his teeth for me at Uhud,
and bled for me at Taa'if.
He cried for me,tears of concern,
Just so i could have this belief.

His enemies admired his teachings,
Uniting every religion,every clan.
Till ISLAM came to every corner of this world,
yet,indeed,he was only a Man.

To own a house,or build his wealth
was not his main concern.
To establish ISLAM was more essential,
to bring us under a Higher Authority.

Don't you want him to plea for your case,
when before Allah,the judge,you stand?
Don't you wish to be around his fountain,
a burning desire to drink from his hand?

So love him more than all creation,
our leader,OUR Beautiful Prophet
MUHAMMAD~was a mercy to all mankind
and to me,he is MY BELOVED!

Who is a poor man?

Hadhrat Abu Hurairah narrated that the Holy Prophet peace be upon him
asked the companions:'do you know who is a poor man?' The companions answered:
'He who has neither money nor property is poor in our eyes.'

The Holy Prophet peace be upon him said:'The poor man amongst my people is he
who shall come with an abundant amount of prayers,fasts and charity
on the day of judgement,but who would also have abused someone,produced
false charges against an individual,stole someones belongings,or beaten
or killed a person.'

The complaints of the oppressed people will be heard by Allah and a case made out for each
of them.The wrongs they suffered will be made amends for by the good deeds of the wrong
doers.On the day of judgement the good deeds of the individuals shall be the currency,
with which the dues shall be paid.