An Inspirational Story ~ Honesty

Picture source:  http://www.asktonythegardener.com/

Once there was an emperor in the Far East who was growing old and knew it was coming time to choose his successor. Instead of choosing one of his assistants or one of his own children, he decided to do something different.

He called all the young people in the kingdom together one day. He said, “It has come time for me to step down and to choose the next emperor. I have decided to choose one of you.” The kids were shocked! But the emperor continued. “I am going to give each one of you a seed today. One seed. It is a very special seed. I want you to go home, plant the seed, water it and come back here one year from today with what you have grown from this one seed. I will then judge the plants that you bring to me, and the one I choose will be the next emperor of the kingdom!”

There was one boy named Ling who was there that day and he, like the others, received a seed. He went home and excitedly told his mother the whole story. She helped him get a pot and some planting soil, and he planted the seed and watered it carefully. Every day he would water it and watch to see if it had grown.

After about three weeks, some of the other youths began to talk about their seeds and the plants that were beginning to grow. Ling kept going home and checking his seed, but nothing ever grew. Three weeks, four weeks, five weeks went by. Still nothing.

By now others were talking about their plants but Ling didn’t have a plant, and he felt like a failure. Six months went by, still nothing in Ling’s pot. He just knew he had killed his seed. Everyone else had trees and tall plants, but he had nothing. Ling didn’t say anything to his friends, however. He just kept waiting for his seed to grow.

A year finally went by and all the youths of the kingdom brought their plants to the emperor for inspection. Ling told his mother that he wasn’t going to take an empty pot. But she encouraged him to go, and to take his pot, and to be honest about what happened. Ling felt sick to his stomach, but he knew his mother was right. He took his empty pot to the palace.

When Ling arrived, he was amazed at the variety of plants grown by all the other youths. They were beautiful, in all shapes and sizes. Ling put his empty pot on the floor and many of the other kinds laughed at him. A few felt sorry for him and just said, “Hey nice try.”

When the emperor arrived, he surveyed the room and greeted the young people. Ling just tried to hide in the back. “My, what great plants, trees and flowers you have grown,” said the emperor. “Today, one of you will be appointed the next emperor!”

All of a sudden, the emperor spotted Ling at the back of the room with his empty pot. He ordered his guards to bring him to the front. Ling was terrified. “The emperor knows I’m a failure! Maybe he will have me killed!”

When Ling got to the front, the Emperor asked his name. “My name is Ling,” he replied. All the kids were laughing and making fun of him. The emperor asked everyone to quiet down. He looked at Ling, and then announced to the crowd, “Behold your new emperor! His name is Ling!” Ling couldn’t believe it. Ling couldn’t even grow his seed. How could he be the new emperor?

Then the emperor said, “One year ago today, I gave everyone here a seed. I told you to take the seed, plant it, water it, and bring it back to me today. But I gave you all boiled seeds which would not grow. All of you, except Ling, have brought me trees and plants and flowers. When you found that the seed would not grown, you substituted another seed for the one I gave you. Ling was the only one with the courage and honesty to bring me a pot with my seed in it. Therefore, he is the one who will be the new emperor!”

by: Author Unknown, Source Unknown

Source: http://xeniagreekmuslimah.wordpress.com/2011/03/08/an-inspirational-story-honesty/

Hope So..

After every hardship, there's relief!

You'll see the beauty of this journey.

InsyaAllah.

Till then.. persevere!

Sometimes.. I Wonder

At times I wonder....

What's there in front of me?

Running.. walking... falling...

climbing back up again.

Run. Walk. Stumble.

Repeat the cycle. Again and again.

All for the future.

Hopes and dreams of happiness

Bliss. In this life, and the next.

A small voice inside me speak again..

Will my dreams be mine someday?

Ya Allah...

Let me be a good servant.

A servant tireless in facing life's journey

A servant who accepts all tribulations, situations

Sticks and stones of life

Ya al-'Azeem,

Let me be a servant who,

no matter how tough things are,

how hopeless things seem

will always have faith

and never give up hope

to You.

A servant who,

If I'm blessed with an easy life

will never forget You

will still humbly bow low

and serve You,

to the best of my ability

to be thankful to You

always...

for now I plead...

Oh Allah, al Ba'ith

please grant me patience and strength

grant me optimism in what I do

lend me the will to pursue my dreams...

Current feelings? Well... I'll let you guess. But please do pray for me, dear friends. Life is hectic. May Allah bless...

Let The Love be Real!

 Assalamualaikum readers...


No, this post is not about valentines day.  'Love', for me, is not just about those around you.  It goes deeper than that.  Because it transcends boundaries of place, time, and even dimensions.


It is a powerful feeling.  It may motivate, weaken, strengthen people.  It gives value and happiness to life, while, for others, brings despair and hardships.

Who do you love most?
Try ask your heart that question...
Is it yourself?  Your parents?  Your friends?  Your future spouse? Your money?


or..
Is it Allah and His prophet, Muhammad PBUH?


In al-Quran, Allah states:

 Say: If your fathers, your sons, your brothers, your wives, your kindred, the wealth that you have gained, the commerce in which you fear a decline, and the dwellings in which you delight are dearer to you than Allâh and His Messenger, and striving hard and fighting in His Cause[], then wait until Allâh brings about His Decision (torment). And Allâh guides not the people who are Al-Fâsiqûn (the rebellious, disobedient to Allâh)  [at-Tawbah: 24]

So look into your heart... check again, who do you love most?  If Allah and Prophet Muhammad pbuh is not on the top list, try, try, and try to make it the one you love most.  For this verse comes as a warning, that Allah will torment those who love others more than Him, and His prophet.


If you claim that you do love Allah and the Prophet most of all, what is your proof?  Loving, initiates action.  Imagine, telling a girl that you love her so much, then neglecting her, never giving her anything, not caring for her.  Do you think the girl will believe you?  The same also applies to loving Allah and Rasulullah.  It requires you to act, for the rest of your life, according to what Allah and Rasulullah likes, and avoiding what they dislike.


If you think that, your heart is still far from putting Allah and Rasulullah on top, don't despair.  Just resolve, from now on, to put them on top.  Act, as if they are already in your heart, as the one you love most.  For by action, you are training your heart, to make it a reality.


Think that it is so difficult to love Allah?  Try and get closer to Him.  Get to know Him more... through The Quran, through pondering on His creations, His everlasting love and care.  Allah loves us so much already.  Look at everything He gave us.  Our body, the air we breath, the money we have... the list is endless.  Yet if we love Allah, He will love us, so much more.


As for Rasulullah, remember that he really does love us.  So much, that even until his last breath, he calls "ummati... ummati..."  and worries about us.  This man had given his whole life to ensure Islam reaches us today.  He sacrifices everything, his time, his money, his energy, so that we are saved from being burnt in hellfire.  Is he not worth loving?

"My ummah, those who follow me, the future of their faith makes me worry till I cry!" - Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him)

Let us try.  Let us instill love, for Allah and Rasulullah, deep inside our heart. Remind ourselves of this verse, again:

 Say: If your fathers, your sons, your brothers, your wives, your kindred, the wealth that you have gained, the commerce in which you fear a decline, and the dwellings in which you delight are dearer to you than Allâh and His Messenger, and striving hard and fighting in His Cause[], then wait until Allâh brings about His Decision (torment). And Allâh guides not the people who are Al-Fâsiqûn (the rebellious, disobedient to Allâh)  [at-Tawbah: 24]

Me:  I aim to go into Heaven, and meet Allah and Propher Muhammad.  Don't you?  Come on then.. let's work towards it!

Life: Overwhelmed

Assalamualaikum everyone...


Ever felt that sometimes, things get so overwhelming in life? They just started to spin around you, in one chaotic manner, piling up stress on your tired mind, more and more? Making you want to break down, as if your mind is in need of re-wiring.

Neurons... in need of re-wiring

Well... al-Quran is indeed the best balm for those moments. The best loveletter of all time. Here are a few nice verses to remember when you're feeling down:

• Surely in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest. ( 13:28)

• O mankind, there has come to you a protection from your Lord and a healing for what is in your hearts, and for those who believe, a guidance and a mercy. (10:57)

• Allah is the Protector of those who have faith: from the depths of darkness He will lead them forth into light. (2:257)

• When My servants ask thee concerning Me, I am indeed close (to them): I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he calleth on Me: Let them also, with a will, Listen to My call, and believe in Me: That they may walk in the right way. (2:186)

• "Say: Praise be to Allah, and Peace on His servants whom He has chosen (for his Message). (Who) is better?― Allah or the false gods they associate with Him? (59) Or who has created the heaven and the earth, and who sends you down rain from the sky? Yea, with it We cause to grow well-planted orchards full of beauty and delight: it is not in your power to cause the growth of the trees in them. (Can there be another) god besides Allah? Nay they are a people who swerve from justice.(60) Or, who has made the earth firm to live in; made rivers in its midst; set thereon mountains immovable; and made a separating bar between the two bodies of flowing water? (Can there be another) god besides Allah? Nay most of them know not. (61) Or, who listens to the (soul) distressed when it calls on Him, and who relieves its suffering, and makes you (mankind) inheritors of the earth? (Can there be another) god besides Allah? Little it is that ye heed! (62) Or, who guides you through the depths of darkness on land and sea, and who sends the winds as heralds of glad tidings, going before His mercy? (Can there be another) god besides Allah? High is Allah above what they associate with Him! (63) Or who originates Creation, then repeats it, and who gives you sustenance from heaven and earth? (Can there be another) god besides Allah? Say "Bring forth your argument, if ye are telling the truth!" (64) Say: None in the heavens or on earth, except Allah, knows what is hidden: nor can they perceive when they shall be raised up (for Judgment).(65)" (an-Naml: 59-63)

Need to keep moving forward. Need to keep going. Because tougher things are, the stronger you'll be, at the end of it all. Maintain pace, increase them, if possible.


Yeah, final year is tiring. But insyaAllah, there'll be rewards for them. Besides.. Jannah ain't cheap at all. And if you consider studying to be a Jihad, then struggle forward, no matter how tough things may be. Life's matters are also tough. So much to think of, so much to settle. So many people to please and consider. Yet that's life. The older you are, the more responsibilities you will have. The more you have to consider. But insyaAllah, Allah will make you be ready for them when the time comes. Ya Allah... please make me strong. Make me strong, in facing everything, in dealing with every matter, the way You please.

I know I'm waiting
Waiting for something
Something to happen to me
But this waiting comes with
Trials and challenges
Nothing in life is free

I wish that somehow
You'd tell me out aloud
That on that day I'll be ok
But we'll never know cause
That's not the way it works
Help me find my way

My Lord show me right from wrong
Give me light make me strong
I know the road is long
Make me strong

Sometimes it just gets too much
I feel that I've lost touch
I know the road is long
Make me strong

I know I'm waiting
Yearning for something
Something known only to me
This waiting comes with
Trials and challenges

Life is one mystery

I wish that somehow
You'd tell me out aloud
That on that day you'll forgive me
But we'll never know cause
That's not the way it works

I beg for your mercy
My Lord show me right from wrong
Give me light make me strong
I know the road is long
Make me strong

Sometimes it just gets too much
I feel that I've lost touch
I know the road is long
Make me strong

Nasyid: I am Near

Assalamualaikum everyone!

Hm... I haven't shared any nasyeed in a while... so.. decide to share one here.  Many thanks to a dear sister, Sarah, who shared this with me earlier today. I love the lyrics so much, masyaALlah. Hope you do too.

Do listen to this song with your heart, not just as an entertainment.  May Allah bless.

Song:  I am Near
By: Native Deen
Lyric Source: http://www.nativedeen.com/iamnear/

Ya Allah - Subhannahu wa ta'alla (Glorious and exalted)

Ya Allah - Samee' Li-duana (The One who hears our prayers) 

My Lord - I know that you hear me

Ya Rabbi (oh My Lord) - Cause He says

When they ask about me, my servants, I am near

Have no doubts about me,  and know I hear your prayer

Take one step towards me, and I'll come running to you

Just have faith and believe, and know I listen to you

Allahummah (Dear God) creator of the universe,

maker of this living earth

greater than we comprehend

Allahummah your the King of all Kings

created all things

on you we all depend.

Allahummah please forgive me my sins, 

my heart to be cleansed, 

my soul purified, Ameen!

Allahummahaa protect me desires that

Lead to the fire, its you who provides, Ameen!

Allahummah help the Muslims of world, 

Give them joy, give them love.

every boy every girl, Ameen!

Allahummun now this prayer I made,

Just to you I prayed

Cause indeed you said…

[Chorus]

Allahummah let my people understand me, 

Guide my neighbors, co-workers 

the human family. Ameen!

Allahummah help my people up in Palestine, 

Who be dying, 

Oppressed all the time, Ameen!

Allahummah give the folks in my community, unity

and help our youth to succeed, Ameen!

Allahummah bless my mother and father, my sisters and brothers

my wife and my daughter, Ameen!

Allahummah bless this group Native Deen, 

help us stay on the path

Siratal Mustaqim, Ameen!

Allahummah now this prayer I made, just to you i prayed 

cause indeed you said.

[Chorus]

Call on God, He is glorified,

We call him a lot but you don't even try

Call on God, you want to know why, 

Should I even call and will he reply

Call on God, raise your hands high

He wants you to call him every day and night

Call on God, he hears when you cry, 

He made it a promise and he would never lie.

Allah ya Rabbi, Ya Rabb

Help me increase my Iman (faith)

Allah ya Rabbi, Ya Rabb

Help me have faith in your plan

Allah ya Rabbi, Ya Rabb

Your blessings please never stop

Allah ya Rabbi Ya Rabb

Grant me peace in my heart!

[Chorus]

Beauty by Definition

assalamualaikum wbt. everyone!


How are you?  May Allah guide you, and me in the right path, towards eternal success, insyaAllah.


Today I would like to share a very nice video.  This brother made a poem, on 'beautiful'.  Very nice, masyaAllah.  But before you press the play button, I would like to ask you to take time and reflect for a while.. what is YOUR definition of beautiful?  


Think...


Think..


Okey, you can watch it now.. (^_^)

Hope you had watched it, and enjoyed it as much as I did.  Did it penetrate through your mind and have you re-define beauty as it had on me?  


A few highlights of the video...


Everyone loves beauty.  Everyone appreciates beauty, and wish to be beautiful.  Girls spend their time in front of the mirror, while guys try their best to look sharp in their ties, blazers and slacks.


Yet is that the limitation of beauty that we seek?  Is beauty, showing off sexuality, make-ups, injections, faking here and there?  Is that all there is?


But if the whole world was blind, then how many people would you impress??


Beauty by definition, should not be so vague.  If it is all up to sights.. then there must be a huge piece missing out of the whole picture.  Because beauty is obviously more than just about sights and smells.  It should be more than just face paints, hair dyes, and perfumes.


Love yourself first, before anyone else can love you.  And to love yourself, is to love The One of which to all love belongs.
Never thought of it this way... but yeah, in order to appreciate yourself, you must first appreciate your Creator and Sustainer.  The Most Beautiful.  Thus to be confident that Allah had made us, the best, is to love, and really feel that He, our Creator, is, first and foremost, The Best.  The Most Beautiful will indeed made us beautiful, as He loves beauty.  And thus we also realize that, because He created us, He'll know what's the best protection for us, to remain beautiful in His eyes.  Thus, we try our very best to obey Him.

Once, I've faced with a challenge.  Which opened up my own view of how some people view hijab, and of my own views and stand, too.  In primary school (Primary Four, if I'm not mistaken), I was once laughed at when a strong gust of wind blew and my hijab went right off.  Alhamdulillah, my friends back then were very supportive, and immediately surrounded me so that I can wear them properly again.  I was really mad at the boy who laughed.  And yes, a tad bit ashamed, too, at the time, perhaps.  But as I pondered upon the incident years afterwards, I guess... it was not his fault.  The boy is just a kid.  Stereotyping people is everywhere, and kids just follow others.  Yet , alhamdulillah, at the time, I have proudly persevered with my attire, for it represents me, as a Muslimah.  And I've to show that, despite what others say, I am not oppressed by what I choose to wear.  Without a doubt, his insults hurt.  I am just a kid.  But thankfully Allah sent me good friends who protect me and reassure that it is alright to practice what I understand. To backtrack a little, at the time, the Public School I went to had only two full time hijabis.  Me, and another Iranian girl who is two years older than I. Hence, his views and acts, were, I presume, an act done out of ignorance.  And yes, many others have faced much harder criticism and mockery than I had.  Undoubtedly.


Which brings me to this stanza: Maybe she doesn't even care what people think.  'Coz most people's opinion ain't even valid.


In this so called 'modern' world, so many people view hijab as oppression.  Others, in many parts of the Muslim society (even in Malaysia), view hijab as more of a fashion, rather than an act done willingly, in order to obey the Creator, because she truly understands and realize fully what the hijab meant for her.  Opinions, to girls, especially, seem to matter a lot, somehow.  "How do I look?  Is this zit so big that it showed?  Is my hair right today?"  are just some of the many questions girls ask themselves, again and again.  But through the hijab, Allah thought us to look at beauty in a different perspective.  Not as how others see you, but how did Allah look at you? What is His opinion?


The hijab should not just be a fashion sense.  Nor should someone wear them, just for the sake of obeying a teacher, or parents.  If so, then at another place, some other situation, at work, etc, she might just take them off again, because of what people see, because it is not the trend, or because of the weird way she's being seen.  


Enough of my own rants.  What is beauty to you?  Let's ponder and reflect.
May Allah bless....