Recap 2009: Contemplations

I was reading loveletters from Him this morning, and came across this verse… something to remind ourselves of this world and the lies behind it…

 

And when We said unto the angels: Fall down prostrate before Adam and they fell prostrate all save Iblis, he said: Shall I fall prostrate before that which Thou hast created of clay?

He said: Did You see this (creature) whom You have honoured above me, if You give me grace until the Day of Resurrection I verily will seize his descendants, save but a few.

He said: Go, and whosoever of them follow you - lo! Hell will be your payment, ample payment.

And excite any of them whom you can with thy voice, and urge your horse and foot against them, and be a partner in their wealth and children, and promise them. Satan promises them only to deceive.

Lo! My (faithful) servants - over them you hast no power, and your Lord is sufficent as (their) guardian.

(al-Isra': 60-65)

 

Shaitan (a.k.a Satan). Who never fails to try and trap mankind into accompanying him in Naar Jahannam, no matter what. His lies and allurings are sometimes too great to ignore, and we succumb under his spell.

 

Looking back into the year, I realized that there are so many instances when I stumble down and manage to become his prey. The times when I was angry, other times when I was feeling too bored, and end up escaping the boredom by watching movies and spending hours on Japanese drama series. The occasions when I slipped and shared gossips of others among my friends.

 

These are just some of many mistakes I have made, succumbed to traps Shaitan laid on me. It will be a huge lie if I claim that I was ignorant of how I wasted my time on those movies and series. Nor will it do me any good, in the Day of Judgement, to see that I had wasted so much time when there is so much more I can do and so much that I should do.

 

Indeed, there is so much more one can do to be a better servant to Him. To be aware of Shaitan's trap and plan how to side step these traps and set personal goals in order to get closer to Allah are just some of many ways one can think of. We must make an attempt – no, we must spend every ounce of energy we have, trying to become a faithful servant. For indeed, our life will worth nothing in the end, if we fail.

 

The past had past. We cannot change them. Yet for the present, and the future, let us live with the awareness that this world is just a temporary dwelling place, and the day of Judgement will arrive. The day when our deeds will be examined one by one. The day when there will be so many regrets, and only His faithful servants rejoice in Allah's Mercy. Let us remember, that there will always be an enemy around us, always ready to pounce on us the moment we let our guard down and forget this. For his main aim is to drag us with him, on that Day, to burn in the hellfire.

 

So… let's strive on, and try to be a faithful servant, finding Allah's love and blessings. May Allah guide us all. (^_^)

 

>> Sorry for the not-so-good ending. It's written in a rush as I realized that I have less than an hour before my lab. Will review it again this evening, insyaAllah…

<< Story >> Trying To Be Me: Part 1

I'm sorry that I had been absent from blogsphere for so long… I'm giving a shot at story writing. A first attempt, after a really long break from story writing (I used to enjoy writing stories during secondary school – English essays and all). I cannot promise that it'll be good, but I'll give it my best shot. Here's the 1^st part. Feel free to comment on any improvements I should make...

The prayer room was noisy and crowded, as always. Sitting in small groups, the girls were all chatting and laughing with friends while waiting for the call of prayer in order to perform Zuhur together. Putting my shoes away, I searched for my own group of friends, my classmates for the past three years in university. "Oh, there they are…" with a smile on my face, I went up to them.

Before I could greet anyone, Ina, the assistant class rep turned to me, "Sha, are you coming tonight?"

Looking at the puzzled expression I wore after her incomplete question, Ina's close friend, Di adds, "We're going to throw a surprise birthday party for Lina tonight. At our place. Would you like to join in?"

"That would be nice. Sure. I wouldn't want to miss it." I said enthusiastically.

"Great. You don't mind sleeping there tonight right, because we're planning on holding the party at midnight. I've got a meeting to attend to at around nine. Hence a midnight party will be nice, for then everyone can come." Di carried on.

My enthusiasm was slightly ebbed by this new information. It is not that I don't enjoy my friends' company, but I was planning to revise on the lectures that we had for the day. I began having second thoughts of going to the party, my inner self debating on whether or not I should go.

I do love socializing with my friends, and the party will be a great place for catching up with them on what they have done during the holidays. That, and also the fact that I was unable to join in the recent community service activity that most of my coursemates had gone to, just weeks earlier. On the other hand, I was planning to study the many topics that had been covered by the lecturers earlier. I realized that I cannot study if people around me are playing around.

With these contemplations in my head, I went to perform Zuhur, asking Allah to help me make the right decision, one that I would not regret later. In the end, before the final lecture for the day, I turned to Ina, and said, "Ina, I'm not too sure whether I'm able to go or not. I'll reconfirm later." Nodding her head, Ina was about to say something else when the lecturer came in.

Ina quickly scribbled me a note: "Decide quickly. We're ordering the food after this."

I sighed inwardly. Deciding to let the mater rest for a while, I focused on to the Lecturer in front. Today we're learning matters regarding Public Health. The definitions, needs and who is involved.

Thoroughly absorbed and enjoying the lecture, before I knew it, the class had ended. I gathered my things, still unable to decide.

"… So… can you guys buy them? Buy 84 sticks. That should be enough for all of us, I guess." I overheard Siti talking to Hakim as I walked by, heading towards home.

"Can everyone have the chicken satay? I love chicken satay. Plus it is easier if we order just one type of satay…" Hakim said as I went to greet Siti. 'Oh no… don't tell me that the guys are coming too…' I groaned to myself.

To be continued…

.:: Start Writing Again ::.

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful...

As some of you may notice, I have kept this 'Writing Den' of mine quite silent these couple of weeks (or maybe months) save for a few articles copied from other sources. Insya-Allah, I'll be writing up my posts again, starting tomorrow.

A huge apology to my friends and followers whom, I feel, I have somewhat let down due to the lack of articles. Please pray that I may maintain consistency in writing in here, and that what I do in here is always for Allah alone, for none have the right to be partnered with Him.

May Allah grant his blessings upon us all..

A Powerful Story: Reflect and Ponder!

Very powerful story: it's worth to spend 5 minutes.


There were only 15 minutes left before Solat-ul Isha {The night prayer}.

He quickly made Wudhu {purification washing of the face, hands, head, ears, and feet} and then, performed Solat-ul Maghrib {The dusk prayer}.

While making Tasbih {praising of ALLAH}, he again remembered his grandmother and was
embarrassed by how he had prayed.

His grandmother prayed with such tranquillity and peace.

He began making Dua{suplications} and went down to make Sajdah{prostration} and stayed like that
for a while.

He had been at work all day and was tired, so tired.

He awoke abruptly to the sound of noise and shouting.

He was sweating profusely.

He looked around.

It was very crowded.

Every direction he looked in was filled with people.

Some stood frozen looking around, some were running left and right and
some were on their knees with their heads in their hands just waiting.

Pure fear and apprehension filled him as he realized where he was.

His heart was about to burst.

It was the Day of Judgment.

When he was alive, he had heard many things about the questioning on the

Day of Judgment, but that seemed so long ago..

Could this be something his mind made up?

No, the wait and the fear were so great that he could not have imagined this.

The interrogation was still going on.

He began moving frantically from people to people to ask if his name
had been called.

No one could answer him.

All of a sudden his name was called and the crowd split into two and
made a passageway for him.

Two angels grabbed his arms and led him forward.

He walked with unknowing eyes through the crowd.

The angels brought him to the centre and left him there.

His head was bent down and his whole life was passing in front of his
eyes like a movie.

He opened his eyes but saw only another world.

The people were all helping others.

He saw his father running from one lecture to the other, spending his
wealth in the way of Islam.

His mother invited guests to their house and one table was being set
while the other was being cleared.

He pleaded his case,

'I too was always on this path..

I helped others.

I spread the words of Allah.

I performed my Solah{prayers} .

I fasted in the month of Ramadhan.

Whatever ALLAH ordered us to do, I did.

Whatever HE ordered us not to do, I did not.'

He began to cry and think about how much he loved ALLAH.

He knew that whatever he had done in life would be less than what
ALLAH deserved and his only protector was ALLAH... He was sweating like
never before and was shaking all over.

His eyes were fixed on the scale, waiting for the final decision.

At last, the decision was made.

The two angels with sheets of paper in their hands, turned to the crowd.



His legs felt like they were going to collapse.

He closed his eyes as they began

To read the names of those people who were to enter Jahannam{the worst Hell Fire}.

His name was read first.

He fell on his knees and yelled that this couldn't be,

'How could I go to Jahannam{the worst Hell Fire}?

I served others all my life,

I spread the words of ALLAH to others'.

His eyes had become blurry and he was shaking with sweat.

The two angels took him by the arms.

As his feet dragged, they went through the crowd and advanced toward
the blazing flames of Jahannam{the worst Hell Fire}.

He was yelling and wondered if there was any person who was going to help him.

He was yelling of all the good deeds he had done, how he had helped
his father, his fasts, prayers, the Noble Qur'an that he read, he was
asking if none of them would help him.

The Jahannam angels continued to drag him.

They had gotten closer to the Hellfire.

He looked back and these were his last pleas.

Had not Rasulullah [S.A.W.] {Messanger of ALLAH Muhammad Peace be upon him} said;

'How clean would a person be who bathes in a river five times a day,
so too does the Solah performed five times cleanse someone of their
sins'?

He began yelling,

'My prayers? My prayers? My prayers.?'

The two angels did not stop, and they came to the edge of the abyss of Jahannam{The Worst Hell Fire}.

The flames of the Fire were burning his face.

He looked back one last time, but his eyes were dry of hope and he had
nothing left in him.

One of the angels pushed him in.

He found himself in the air and falling towards the Flames.

He had just fallen five or six feet when a hand grabbed him by the arm
and pulled him back.

He lifted his head and saw an old man with a long white beard.

He wiped some dust off himself and asked him,

'Who are you?'

The old man replied,

'I am your prayers'.

'Why are you so late! I was almost in the Fire!

You rescued me at the last minute before I fell in'.

The old man smiled and shook his head,

'You always performed me at the last minute, did you forget?'

At that instant, he blinked and lifted his head from Sajdah{prostation} .

He was in a sweat.

He listened to the voices coming from outside.

He heard the Adhan{call for prayer} for Solat-ul Isha{the night prayer}.

He got up quickly and went to perform Wudhu{purification washing of the face, hands, head, ears, and feet}.



Pass this on to your friends and family.... ...

Maybe, you can help someone open their eyes.

And who knows?

Maybe, this is a good deed that can help you during the day of judgement.

(INSHA-ALLAH)

>> recieved this from an email.. i decide to share it here for us all to ponder

The Last Sermon (Khutbah) of The Prophet PBUH

In the Name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful

After praising, and thanking Allah the Prophet s.a.w said:

"O People, lend me an attentive ear, for I know not whether after this year, I shall ever be amongst you again. Therefore 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 the interest due to Abbas ibn 'Abd'al Muttalib (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 with 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 your 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 any one 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. Perform Hajj if you can afford to.

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 black nor a black has any superiority over 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, therefore, do injustice to yourselves.

Remember, one day you will appear before ALLAH and answer your deeds. So beware, do not stray from the path of righteousness after I am gone.

O 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 my example, the SUNNAH 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 listen to me directly. Be my witness, O ALLAH, that I have conveyed your message to your people".


This sermon was delivered on the 9th Day of Dhul Hijjah 10 A.H. in the 'Uranah valley of Mount Arafat' (in Mecca).

Just something for us to ponder upon..

Source: http://safiarrahman.blogspot.com/

Eid Mubarak everyone... Let us reflect back on the seerah of Prophets of the past, learn the lessons contained in them for the future.

>> sorry for the lack of update this month. I'm currently tying to climb up the mountain again, after a slight fall (figuratively speaking - not that i tumble down or anything). Please pray for me..

May Allah bless all of us.

Missing You…

When you miss someone, what did you do?

When you feel alone, how did you cope?

Get back to Allah. He alone may help overcome these feelings. If you feel that the 'someone' left an empty void in your heart, try to fill that void with Allah's love. Try to do things which brings you closer to Him.

What sort of things? Anything, actually. Anything that is useful as an 'amal' that brings us closer to Allah. From praying and reading the Quran to reading books and thinking of His creations.

Try to realize that… no matter where you are, no matter how lonely you feel… Allah is always there. Every second of the day. Assisting you through everyday tasks, for every step you take, and every miniscule of oxygen you inhale. He knows your fears, your weaknesses, your hopes… everything that makes you 'you'. Inside out. Hence, you are never alone, actually. Never alone, for He is always there for you.

When you try to find someone whom you can share… to Him you should turn. When you want to pour out your fears, to Him you should go. When you try to find someone to trust, in Him you can trust. No worries… He will never break the trust. And trust… that Allah has put you in a situation that He knows is best for you. Remember that no matter how bleak things are, there is always something for you to be grateful of to Him.

>> actually… this post is written by me… to myself. A reminder for myself, basically. To face the future with a smile, and yes, to remind me… that no matter how bad things seem to be, Allah is always by my side. (^_^)

Sorry if the paragraphing is somewhat weird. I'm a bit disoriented currently. Please pray that I stand strong.

May Allah bless!

Silent Sunlight

A nasyeed I love since secondary school. An appropriate nasyeed for the exam week, i think.

Silent Sunlight

Lyrics by: Yusuf Islam

Sung by: Dawud Wharnsby Ali

La ilaha illallah

La ilaha illallah

Silent sunlight welcome in, there is work I must now begin,

All my dreams have blown away.

And the children wait to play,

They'll soon remember things to do,

When the heart is young and the night is done and the sky is blue.

La ilaha illallah

La ilaha illallah

Morning song bird sail away,

Lend a tune to another day,

Bring your wings and choose a roof,

Sing a song of love and truth.

We'll soon remember if you do,

When all things were tall,

And our friends were small,

And the world was new.

La ilaha illallah

La ilaha illallah

Sleepy horses heave away,

Put your backs to the golden hay,

Don't ever look behind at the work you've done,

For your work has just begun.

Ther'll be the evening in the end,

But till that time arrives,

You can rest your eyes,

And begin again.

La ilaha illallah

Silent sunlight

La ilaha illallah

Morning sun

La ilaha illallah

Silent sunlight welcome in.

Work hard.. till the evening arrive. The evening = death. A Mu'min strives his hardest, no matter what. Trying the best we can, in everything we do..

How Much Do We Care??

I read about her speech in an email this morning, and decide to look for the speech in YouTube. Severn Cullis-Suzuki, a girl who, at the age of 12, had tried to raise awareness in the environment and poverty in front of leaders in a UN meet in 1992.

Go ahead and listen to the speech... it sure made one ponder a lot.

Allah had made us as khalifah of this earth. Yet, did we take on this responsibility and take good care of what we have, our surroundings and the world? Or did we forget this responsibility and follow our nafs, doing as we like, not caring of the impacts that our actions may have on our surroundings and the future?

A mukmin does not only care for himself... He cares for his brothers in Islam, for mankind, and for the earth which he dwells. Take time to reflect and ponder... how much have we done, and how much can we do, to help save the environment and help the needy around us. And then? Take ACTION!

Some food for thought for all of us... me, and all the readers here. May Allah bless...

Way To Paradise

I had read an article on Paradise (jannah) recently... the descriptions of jannah is indeed so very lovely. Here is a verse from the Quran:

The description of Paradise which the Muttaqûn (pious) have been promised (is that) in it are rivers of water the taste and smell of which are not changed, rivers of milk of which the taste never changes, rivers of wine delicious to those who drink; and rivers of clarified honey (clear and pure) therein for them is every kind of fruit; and forgiveness from their Lord. (Are these) like those who shall dwell for ever in the Fire, and be given, to drink, boiling water, so that it cuts up their bowels? (47:15)

Really... I truly wish to go there. A place devoid of anger, hurt and cruelty. A place filled with believers, from the time of the beginning till the end of time. Most importantly, a place where the Muttaqun is able to meet His Lord and His Prophet PBUH.

But have I done enough to gain the ticket to enter paradise? Have I strived hard enough to gain Allah's pleasure, enabling me to pass through the bridges of 'sirat' and go into the paradise? Is my good deeds sincere enough, and is my bad deeds forgiven by Allah, so that my scale (mizan) will weigh to my favour?

Scared? Yes, I am. For there is a possibility that i might not taste the pleasures of Jannah. Yet, I trust that Allah never turn down His servants who tried their best to obtain His pleasure. Hence, as long as I am try and keep trying to do what He pleases, and be a good servant, I hope He will count me in as a Mu'min and muttaqin. Keep going, holding on to al-Quran and Sunnah as the guidebook in this complicated life... may He accept me as an obedient servant to Him...

Allâh has promised the believers -men and women, - Gardens under which rivers flow to dwell therein forever, and beautiful mansions in Gardens of 'Adn (Eden Paradise). But the greatest bliss is the Good Pleasure of Allâh. That is the supreme success.

Keep trying till the end!

May Allah bless all of us...

and may we attain His pleasure and Paradise at the end of the journey..

Translation Tips

I was thinking of doing some translation this holidays.

So, i Googled up some translating tips, and found these tips:

Translate meaning not words!
Rely on your wits and savvy - it can prove to be helpful when translating a difficult text
Ask a specialist or a native speaker to proofread your translation so that it sounds natural
Never accept a project which you know is not within your abilities
Skills and translation expertise come with time - remember it!
Language nuances do matter when making a professional translation
A good translation is worth taking time for!
The way documents are organized in one country may not be understood in another
Emulate the original style of the author, be it humorous, wordy, with colloquial or scientific language, etc.

which is sort of interesting... I just want to share this with all of you. You just never know when these sort of info might come in handy.

Yes, i know. It's not yet holiday, and yet I've made a few plans already. I can't wait for holidays. But hey... i do study for my exams. (^_^)

All the best to every one who is also suffering the exam fever. Put your trust in Allah, and do your best.

Btw... if you are stressed out, do something else for a while to relax yourself. But make sure that you do something useful. In a way, writing this (and yes, Googling the tips) was my way of taking a break. Remember, don't waste time, for time is life.

Take care of yourself, imaan and amal. May Allah bless.

Translation tips source: http://www.all-translations.com/translation-tips.html

Relating to Allah’s Messenger

I am in need of a break from my books. Hence I decide to write this up. A short summary of Chapter four in 'In the Early Hours' by ust Khurram Murad. Let us try to relate our life to the Prophet Muhammad, PBUH…

As a servant to Allah, we are asked to put the teachings of al-Quran into practice. Yet, how can this be done? The only way to live life according to the Quran, is by living our life as the Prophet Muhammad, PBUH had done. His example was the surest guide to the Quran's meanings and Messege.

In a sense, the Quran provides the essential framework for mankind, but the Prophet PBUH and his sunnah provides the details of the framework. If you desire to know what type of person the Quran wants you to be, and what type of society the Quran wants you to create, you only need to look at the Prophet's life history.

Knowing the prophet's history, or seerah, however, is not enough. We require inner strength to follow the Quranic teachings. We need to have the real flavour of faith inside our hearts. A strength which comes out of the love a believer must have for Allah and His Messenger.

Anas, may Allah be pleased with him, reported, that the messenger of Allah, PBUH said:

There are three types of people who will experience the sweetness of faith: he to whom Allah and his messenger are dearrer than all else; he who loves a human being for the sake of Allah alone; and he who has great abhorrance of returning to unbelief after Allah has rescued him from it as he has of being cast into hell. (Bukhari, Muslim)

This love is not merely due to faith. But it is a love that is above all other types of love, making faith penitrate into the heart. Through this love, one is able to taste the sweetness of faith. The way to this love, and the symbol of this love lies in followong the footsteps of the Prophet, PBUH, who was reccommended to say:

If you love Allah, follow me; Allah will love you and forgive your sins. For Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful (ali Imran: 31)

(to be continued, insyaAllah…)

Remember your Priority & Responsibility!

Really… I want to go to Padang and help out. Seriously… want to go so badly. Want to help the victims of the earthquake. But I've to study for the upcoming finals. And I have a practical exam this Wednesday. So my parents won't allow ne to go. And my rational mind say I can't go either. For I've still a lot, mind you, a LOT to study. Hence I can't go. (really sad bout it).

Dear self, be patient. Do what you have to do first, for this is your main responsibility now, as a student. This is your priority alrite… study is a jihad as well. Strive to gain knowledge and use it for the benefit of the ummah.

Don't feel down alrite… try your best to score well. if you want to continue your studies to the next level, you'll need to score now. Do your best!

Mode: trying to push myself to study more although I don't feel like it… ya Allah, give me strength… Grant your blessings on the effort I made. Dear self, purify your intentions and go on, and may success be yours, now and in the next life

>> all the best to everyone who is going to face exams soon. May Allah help all of us to get the best for ourself and for Islam.

Even though we are not able to go there now, try help out by donating money. May Allah count our deeds as good deeds, and may they leed us to jannah, insyaAllah...

Our Land, Our Masjid

Assalamualaikum everyone...

While most of us are busy with studying for the finals, and the Malaysian media is buzzing on politics, the Bagan Pinang election, the world-wide crisis of floods and earthquakes, there is another news, one which I think is far more important than any in the media. A news which, amidst our busy-ness as students studying for our finals, we must be aware of, and take action.

What news? The third most important masjid in Islam, Masjidil Aqsa is in grave danger. Yes, as Muslims, this is a news which we need to take action, get information, spread the news and pray. Pray to Allah that the Palestinians and every Muslim there will remain strong, and pray that Allah will give them strength to protect al-Quds. Do whatever we can to help them, in whatever ways we can.

Here are some latest update by al-Jazeera:

Palestinians Barred from The Old City

Israeli police have barred Palestinians protesting in defence of the al-Aqsa mosque compound from gaining access to Jerusalem's Old City.

Friday's increased restrictions on the mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem followed a series of clashes that started late last month.

Men under the age of 50 were prevented from accessing the mosque for the past six days.

Towards the end of Friday, Israel lifted its curfew, but for most of the day several hundred Palestinians were denied entry to the mosque.

Many performed Friday prayers just outside the gates of the Old City, while the heavily armed Israeli police deployed extra troops.

continue reading at: al-Jazeera

Remain alert for more news from numerous trusted source. Do help out in any way we can.

May Allah help them out. Ameen...

The Right Choice??

Ever made a big decision in life? Which streaming (science, arts, etc) to go for at upper secondary, which society to join, what field to choose after school, which university to go to, which hand phone and laptop to buy, whether to spend scholarship money on a trip overseas... and the list goes on.

These choices you make, and decisions you take, often times shape your future. Hence undoubtedly, one may be unsure and sometimes hesitant in making them.

I was sometimes unsure too. Actually, most of the times I had to make these decisions, I was. Because these choices had to be made with care. And some can change you. In more ways than one. Some may be beneficial to us, for ourselves, our deen and imaan. While others may lead us astray.

How do we know what is the best choice to make? Can we travel thru time and see what the future will be like if we made a certain choice, and come back again to decide? One would wish so, yet, that might never happen. For time can never be turned back, and the choices we make, are there to stay, whether we like them or not. Is listing down the pros and cons of the matter at hand enough to make the best decision? Will our own judgement and points of views be sufficient enough to ensure that we make the right choice?

For a Muslim, Allah teaches us to rely on Him for our whole life.

Verily my prayers, my actions, my life and my death is for Allah, Lord of the universe

Our whole life, and death should be for Allah, and Allah alone. Yet, in making choices, do we seek help from Allah? Do we seek His guidance in our prayers and His life manual for us, the Quran? If we do, did we then trust the choices that our iman made for us? Or do we still step back and ask our nafs, "Is this choice alrite with you?" Which choice will we finally make? The one according to our naf's desires or to what our iman desires?

If you seek Allah's help in assisting you to make your decisions, and rely on Him alone, insyaAllah, the choices you make will be the best one indeed. For He is our Creator, thus of course, He knows what's best for us. He knows our capabilities, strengths, and weaknesses inside out, better than ourselves and our parents. He even knows our future. So the choices we made, assisted by Allah, will always be better, insyaAllah, than the one made without seeking for His help.

Trust Allah, and seek His help, in every step in the journey of life. As we grow older, as our trials become greater, as the choices we must make become harder and harder, without His help, we would have been easily stressed out and frustrated. Without His assistance, we would be like a kite without strings to attach itself to the ground below, flying and soaring to unknown destinations depending on the winds, and finally landing with a crash to the land below.

With trust in Allah, the choices we make, may not necessarily make things easier for us immediately, but we will be at peace, calm and happy, because we know, that the choice we make is the best one that Allah had given us, and insyaAllah, is the one that Allah bless. And of course, by Allah's will, we shall find eternal happiness, in the gardens of jannah.

I'm trying my best... to put my full trust in Allah. In everything that will face me. The future that I am still very unsure of, and for the many choices that I am trying to make. I can never do it without His help. Do pray for me... to be guided by Allah, now, and always.Verily without Him, we are nothing, nothing at all...

Oh yes, I was given an award by Luqman. Here it is...

and due to time constraints, i'm unable to give this award to anyone for now.. forgive me... but jazakallahukhair, Luqman!

Eid Mubarak and some updates...

First things first… 'Eid Mubarak everyone!

Taqabbalallahu minna waminkum, kullu 'ammin wa antum bikhair…

to the readers and friends, may this 'Eid bring you joy and happiness, as well as bringing you closer to Allah, the Giver of blessings, joy and hope. The wish did come a bit late, but I hope it isn't too late.

For the silence of the past weeks, forgive me. I am caught up in the whirl of never-ending midterm exams and the chase to maximise my ibadah time during Ramadhan, as well as the numerous assignments that seems to crush on top of me, one after another.

To tell you the truth, I had wanted to blog a lot. So... well, here are the few things that had happened of late (and really worth to write about, of course!)

1. Three Palestinian ulama' came to visit Malaysia; and Alhamdulillah, I was able to hear their talk thrice, in different masjids
   

   
   

   What had made me ponder most was this message that they gave, from the women of Palestine:
   

   We (the women of Palestine) had given our lives, our husbands, our sons, our money, our homes and all that we owned to free this land.
   

   But you, my sisters, what have you done to free Palastine and al-Quds? How will you answer in front of Allah, in the day of Judgement?
   

   Those words are really sharp, yet so very true. It made me think back on what I had already done (which, sad to say, is not much) and what I CAN do. Oh Allah, forgive this servant of yours who have neglected her duty towards the Muslim brothers and sisters who are in need.
   

   
   

   Another hadith which struck me hard is:
   

   One is not truly a believer until one cares for his brother as one did for himself.
   

   Are you a believer? Truly? Then do you care for our brothers and sisters suffering from the many tortures and cruelty in Palestine?
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

2. One of my closest cousin flew to Jordan
   

   
   

   

   
   

   One of the closest cousins I had, Qataddah (his nickname) had gone to Jordan to study Medicine. I went to see him off at KLIA. He was the third eldest cousin I had, three years younger than I am. Being the eldest, I am very close to him and to my other cousin, Humaidi. Yes, both are guys, but they are the eldest cousins, hence the closest friends I had every time I am at my grandparent's place and my uncle's place. Back when we're small, we played loads of games together, though not now, for we're all too big for those games. But we still spend time chatting and joking around, complaining, and talking about our lives in general.
   

   
   

   He had flown out there a few days before the hari Raya. Honestly, the Hari Raya at mykampung wasn't the same without him, although all his siblings were there. But I bet hisHari Raya is way different from how it was here. I hope that he'll be alrite out there, taking the valuable opportunity of being in the land of anbiya' to not only study for his degree, but also study Islam and master the language. We'll all miss him, and I pray that Allah will take good care of this cousin of mine. Study is a jihad, wherever you are, in Malaysia or in overseas. Hence no matter where we are, we have to strive hard lillahita'ala, in order to excel for ourselves, our family and Islam. Qataddah, if you're reading this, this is my reminder for you rite… J
   

   
   

I was going to write more, but I think I should stop here… before the post becomes too long. Will update more as soon as I have the opportunity to do so, insyaAllah…

Meanwhile, take care everyone… take care to live life according to the guide Allah had sent us. And take care not to anger Allah by doing things He forbid. May we become good servants serving our Lord in this short lifespan. Ameen.

>> Ramadhan Quotes <<

Ramadhan Kareen to all...

how's your first Ramadhan?

It has almost ended, rite?

Here are some nice quotes I found while reading other people's blogs:

“The month of Ramadan is a type of spiritual school to which we enter every year but yet unfortunately only few of us graduate. But Allah through His mercy has allowed us to come back to this school year after year that perhaps we eventually graduate through the lessons we draw from this month”

Abu Hurairah reported that the Messenger of Allaah (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Ramadaan has come to you - a blessed month. Allaah has made it obligatory on you to fast in it. During this month, the gates of heaven are open, the gates of the Hellfire are closed and the evil devils are chained. To Allaah belongs a night in it, which is better than a thousand months. Whosoever is prevented from its good, then he has been deprived."

Reading the hadith and quote made me wonder... will I be able to graduate this month with a better heart, a better servant and a better Muslimah? Will my deeds get a chance to be truly accepted by Allah? will my past sins be forgiven?

Ya Allah... accept this servant of yours...

Refrence: http://tinta-tarbawi.com/

Video: Seasonal Muslims

my friend had just gave me a link to an interesting video indeed.

just want to share it with everyone here..

So..

Let us try to be Full Time Muslims,

starting from NOW, insyaAllah..

let's make this Ramadhan a stepping stone to become a better Muslim, and a better servant who love Allah, and who He loves..

Ramadhan Message: To Make THIS Ramadhan Better

Assalamualaikum everyone…

 

First and foremost, I am sorry for not updating this blog more often. I had three mid semester exams coming up next week. So do pray for me. (^_^)

 

Secondly, Ramadhan Mubarak everyone! Let us take the opportunity to maximise the use of this blessed month to increase our faith and love towards the Almighty. How do we do that? Well, I do not have the opportunity to write an article, but, here is a very nice article I found, from IqraSense. I copied a bit of the article here, and if you're interested in reading the rest, do use the link.

 

 

The month of Ramadan is almost here and like every year before the start of the month, our E-mail inboxes flood with inspiring E-mails reminding us about the countless blessings of this noble month. Ramadan – as most of these reminders emphasize – is the Month of Quran, the Month of Taqwa, the Month of Prayers, the Month of Charity and the Month of Remembrance of Allah. This month provides a system to help us organize, struggle and liberate ourselves from the addictions, temptations and unbridled desires that sometimes drive our lives more than our thought out plans and good intentions. Ramadan is therefore a month for the spiritual and physical rejuvenation of oneself and the wise and fortunate amongst us are those that reap the most of what this month has to offer.

 

In preparing ourselves for this year's Ramadan, it may be beneficial to recall last year's Ramadan to assess how successful were we in aligning our behaviors with the spirit of Ramadan. If we reflect and ponder, we can most likely recognize the many ways where we may have fallen short in fulfilling the spirit of Ramadan and how we can refocus to potentially make this year's Ramadan better than last.

 

Getting the Food Mania Under Control

 

First, let's discuss what's hard to ignore in Ramadan – FOOD. Food, as we all know, becomes the center of attention in this month. Walk in any store frequented by Muslims a day or two before Ramadan and Muslims' food frenzy becomes quite clear. The sight of a Muslim's shopping cart – packed to the brim with a variety and volume of food offers an amazing as well as an amusing scene. Such a view is common only when people are restocking to get ready for an emergency like an impending hurricane. It just can't be that everyone's kitchen shelves become empty immediately at the start of the month. More likely, this can be attributed to a defense mechanism that the subconscious triggers against an impending trauma – a defense to cope with the hunger and thirst while fasting during the day. However, stocking for food isn't that problematic usually – until that shopping frenzy translates in overeating and other eating disorders and habits.

 

Barring any health and medical challenges, fasting otherwise is known to provide numerous health benefits. However, overeating during iftar and suhoor, eating fatty, fried and other unhealthy foods, and stuffing our bellies too quickly are some of the major health hazards that potentially can nullify the health benefits gained during fasting. In addition to controlling the size of our portions, we do not have to eat or taste everything that crosses our tables, though our temptations may tell us otherwise. In this Ramadan, let's strive to substitute unhealthy items with healthy foods. Keeping our food and drink intake to moderate and light levels also provides the added benefit of helping us to stay focused in prayers that follow Iftar and Suhoor rather than feeling physically uncomfortable and guilty of unhealthy eating. Remember, the prophet's food intake was very light and he (saws) said:"The son of Adam does not fill any vessel worse than his stomach. It is sufficient for the son of Adam to eat a few mouthfuls, to keep him going. If he must do that (fill his stomach), then let him fill one third with food, one third with drink and one third with air." Narrated by al-Tirmidhi (1381), Ibn Maajah (3349); classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in al-Silsilah al-Saheehah (2265)."

 

Use Time to your advantage

 

"Time" in Ramadan, as we all know, passes quickly. The prayers at their prescribed times, Taraweeh prayers, Iftar and Suhoor meals leave little time for other activities. To top it all off, by packing social activities in the remaining pockets, the time goes even faster. The amount of time spent on "food" related activities in Ramadan can become excessive. Add up the time for shopping for food, waiting to eat, preparing food, planning for all social activities related to food (e.g. Iftar) and the time spent socializing during the Ramadan feasts can compromise the spirit of Ramadan.

 

The theme of Ramadan – we should tell ourselves and others – is not supposed to be food, socializations, lavish iftar parties, and fashion shows. By not dedicating time to Quran, extra prayers, reflection and repentance, Dua to Allah, and so much more, we lose opportunities for personal atonement and heavenly rewards. Good deeds in this month get multiplied manifold. So, why not be careful with our time during Ramdan?

 

For this Ramadan, we should strive therefore to make a few deliberate and focused changes to collect more blessings and rewards. Rather than merely going with the flow of the family and the community members around us, we can plan to take charge of our time. By substituting self centered and social activities with Ramadan specific activities such as Quran recitations, extra prayers, dhikr, helping the needy, etc. we can hope and pray to get closer to Allah this time. Perhaps, that can help in washing away those sins that we accumulate courtesy of our temptations and unbridled desires.

 

Atonement for Sins

 

Ramadan is the month of seeking forgiveness from sins. It helps to ponder on how we accumulate sins, the way sins impact our lives, and how cleansing from them can make our life in this world and in the hereafter better. Sins are those roadblocks that we personally put on our own paths to worldly happiness and in the hereafter. We engage in those sins by the hour – daily, weekly and yearly. Yet, do we repent for those sins? Do we commit ourselves to not commit those sins again? Unfortunately, in many cases we are not even aware of committing those sins. Ramadan provides us the opportunity to ask for heartfelt forgiveness from those sins. The Prophet (may Allah send His blessing and peace upon him) said, "Every son of Adam sins and the best of the sinners are those who repent." (Ibn Maajah). In this Ramadan, let's strive not to be amongst those unfortunate ones who barely spend anytime reflecting on their sins and transgressions.

 

Training ourselves for prayer and masjid etiquettes

 

Ramadan is the month of prayers and Taraweeh. Through longer prayers and Quran recitation, Taraweeh provides us more time to be closer to Allah and listen to and ponder on Quran. By staying focused in a state of Khushu or piety for that long can be challenging, but longer prayers also provide the opportunity to correct and calibrate those Khushu levels every time our minds lose focus. Taraweeh prayers are not about merely taking credit to stand behind the Imam while he finishes the Quran in melodious recitations. Rather, Taraweeh is about understanding what is being recited and to become closer to the One for whom you made all that effort in the first place. By perfecting khusyu'(focus) levels during Taraweeh prayers we can extend this benefit to other prayers as well. After all, the reward for each prayer is proportional to the quality of our prayers.

 

According to Ibn Rajab (may Allaah have mercy on him) "The basic meaning of khushu' is softness of heart, tranquility, submission and humility. If the heart is properly focused in this manner, then the rest of the body will follow it in focus, because they follow it as the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "In the body there is a piece of flesh which, if it is sound, the entire body will be sound, but if it is corrupt, the entire body will be corrupt. Verily it is the heart." Narrated by al-Bukhaari (25) and Muslim (1599)." Jaami' al-'Uloom al-Hukam (1/35). (Ref: islam-qa.com)

 

Remembering not to forget the "Remembrance of Allah"

 

Ramadan is about remembering Allah. Remembrance of Allah (also known as Zikr or dhikr) extends beyond the obligatory prayers to remembering Him at other times (when walking, driving, sitting, laying down, etc.). The benefits for reciting azkars are numerous but are not part of the scope of this post. Suffice it to remind ourselves, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "Shall I not tell you of the best of your deeds, the most pleasing to your Sovereign, those that raise you most in status, and that are better than your giving gold and silver, ………….." They said: "Yes," He said: "Remembrance of Allah (dhikr), may He be exalted." Narrated by al-Tirmidhi (3373) and Ibn Maajah (3790); classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Tirmidhi.

 

While attaining the discipline to attend 5 obligatory prayers may be more common, many of us need to strive further to remember Allah outside those prescribed prayer times. It may be difficult at first to put that discipline in action. The prophet (SAWS) through his Ahadith has prescribed numerous prayers (about thanking Him, praising Him, seeking forgiveness, etc.) that we should recite during the day – outside the prescribed prayer times. But the point is to adopt a discipline to remember Allah through saying of those salutations in the various pockets that we find during the day. (See for a link on the side of this page where you can download a book of Azkar and Dua's).

 

So, with a little effort, we can change the theme of this month for ourselves and for our families. Let's strive to not make this the month of food or month of socializations and to instead substitute that time with activities, which are more in line with the spirit of Ramadan. Let's make use of this month to achieve taqawa, the ultimate objective of Ramadan.

 

Allah says in the Quran (interpretation of the meaning):

 

"O you who believe! Observing As-Sawm (the fasting) is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqoon (the pious)" – Quran [al-Baqarah 2:183]

 

Everything else that we do in Ramadan is just a means to that end. Let's constantly gauge our hearts and if our actions, deeds, and heart and soul are not attuned to Allah and to the spirit of Ramadan, we may have adopted a theme for this month not sanctioned by our prophet (saws).

 

May you have a happy Ramadan and that all our good deeds are accepted!