Searching for Aspirations...

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim….

These few days had been a struggle. A struggle for me to study and keep pushing myself to the maximum limit. Yesterday, I guess, I was tired. I was unable to focus at all. Frustrated tears were streaming down my face as I lie down to sleep, praying that today my drive to study would climb up again. Hence I try to write this today, with the hope to motivate myself, get myself to gain the momentum to study again.

The study week… for some students, this is the time to do last minute study. For others, it is just a time to do some revision. For me, perhaps it is a little bit of both. A time to complete missing personal notes and commit everything to memory.

Searching for some self-motivations, I seek Him and prayed for strength, for ease of mind, and purity if heart. I am afraid that the knowledge did not enter my mind due to the many sins I had committed in the past. I try to refocus back on my aim to study, for myself, my parents, for the society, and most importantly for Allah.

I fell asleep last night with my mind pondering all these… Alhamdulillah, waking up, I felt more focused and more motivated to study. And I suddenly remembered a nasyeed I used to sing a long time ago, at grade 6 (as a theme song for our UPSR that year)

Ummat Islam harus cemerlang

Hari ini mesti lebih baik dari semalam..

Jangan buang masa

Siapa kata kita tidak boleh

Kita ada Allah maha Kuasa

Kita punya kuasa tenaga

Doa sebagai senjata....

Then I smiled to myself,”Yes, I am a Muslim... I can do this, with Your help, InsyaAllah…”

Thank you Allah…

Thanks to the memories…

To my parents who have always prayed and motivated me on

To the teachers and murabbi who thought me of life

To friends who are always there to remind me, and push me foreword…

Please pray for me… 1^st paper is at 3^rd November…

**this may be my last post until the exams are over… but who knows, maybe if I have something to write out, I will. Wallahu’alam…

Getting out of the Comfort Zone

Waking up this morning by the shrill music of my hand phone alarm, I groaned sleepily. Yet, as the loud sound bugged my sleep again and again, I forced myself to look at the time. As sleep wore off, I remembered the purpose of the early-morning call.

Mentally motivating myself to wake up, I finally get out of the comfort of my bed to the washroom and get ready for Solah. Yes, that’s the purpose of the early-morning call. Admittedly, I have not been doing much Qiamullail lately. Perhaps since I am studying until late at night, it has been more and more difficult to wake up in the early hours to pray. The comforts of the bed and the ‘nafs’ inside told me to carry on with my beauty sleep. To pamper myself for a while more until fajr for the Subuh prayer.

Yet, I realize that somehow or other, the old trend had to go. I have to stop cherishing my sleep too much, and to pamper my nafs less. Studying hard, that is a must. But it is only for this temporary world. Qiamullail is also a must (although not wajib). This is because the latter is both for my happiness in this world and the hereafter.

In this world, a calm heart can only be found if one is close to the Creator, and always have Him to turn to at every point of life. And it is mostly in the early hours, and the earliest moments of the day, that we can strengthen this relationship. At a time when everyone else is in dreamland, confined to the comforts of their beds. This is a time when Allah seeks out those who are searching for Him, for His help and guidance, for forgiveness and repentance. No, it is not that He would not listen at other times, it is just the best time to pour our hearts, as He said in numerous verses of the Quran, He is nearest to His servants then.

Today I had decided. I decide to change my study style, hopefully until the finals, and until I graduate. To stay-up less, and wake up earlier instead. So that I can study after qiam. Sure, it is not a norm yet, and will somewhat be difficult. But I know it is time. Time to get out of my own comfort zone. For one of the many things that I had learnt in this road of self improvement thru tarbiyyah is that sometimes, you just have to force yourself. To get out of the comfort zone, and push yourself to become a better person, to be a better you.

I posted this, not to tell everyone of what I did this morning. No, not to brag of my resolves. Just so that all of you can make a du’a that I can be Istiqamah in the amal, and have strength to improve myself. Also a call for us all, to try our hardest to improve ourselves, in any way we found possible, in all aspects available, be it in terms of ibadah, akhlaq, studies, Islamic knowledge, in our day-to-day interactions, and even in our work for Islam.

Lastly, remember that a butterfly will not be beautiful had it not come out of its cocoon. Nor will a person. If we stay happily in our bed of comforts, we will not go out far. A person will be beautiful, a true character only if he worked his way into becoming a mu’min and muttaqin, despite the many trials and setbacks. May Allah give us the strength to increase ourselves, our faith, imaan and knowledge in this path towards Him. Ameen…

I'm Not Afraid to Stand Alone

Just want to share..
the words touched me to the core, for sometimes i do feel sort of alone too..
Song by: Native Deen

I am not afraid to stand alone
I am not afraid to stand alone
If Allah is by my side
I am not afraid to stand alone
Everything is gonna be alright
I am not afraid to stand alone
Going keep my head up high

I am not afraid to stand alone
If Allah is by my side
Everything is going be alright
Going to keep my head up high

Single mother raising her children
And Now she's a Muslim
Started praying and wearing a headscarf
It Was a healing for her heart

Struggling with no one to lean on
But with prayer she would be strong
Had a job but then she was laid off
Got a better education and it paid off

She was called for a job that she dreamed of
Close by, great pay -she was in love --
They brought her in -- told her shes the 1 pick
You got the job, but you gotta lose the outfit"

It's a tough position that you put me in
Cause look at my condition, and my two children
But I'll continue looking for a job again
Cause my faith and my religion I will never bend

I am not afraid to stand alone
I am not afraid to stand alone
If Allah is by my side
I am not afraid to stand alone
Everything is gonna be alright
I am not afraid to stand alone
Going keep my head up high

I am not afraid to stand alone
If Allah is by my side
Everything is going be alright
Going to keep my head up high

Peer pressure, they were insisting
And I was resisting
Some days.... I felt I would give in
Just wanted to fit in

I know.....when I'm praying and fasting'
They be teasing and laughing
So I called to my Lord for the power
For the strength every day, every hour...

one day there's a new Muslim teacher
Single mom and the people respect her
Just seeing.... her strength I get stronger
They can break my will no longer

You don't see me sweatin' when they're jokes cracking
Never see me cussing' with my pants saggin'
I aint never running Yo Im still standing,
sorry I aint jumping on your band wagon, cause...

I am not afraid to stand alone
I am not afraid to stand alone
If Allah is by my side
I am not afraid to stand alone
Everything is gonna be alright
I am not afraid to stand alone
Going keep my head up high

I am not afraid to stand alone
If Allah is by my side
Everything is going be alright
Going to keep my head up high

Now, I'm a tough one, who can bear their blows
The rest play dumb, they don't dare say no
Scared of being shunned, but its clear they know
I aint never gonna run, I aint scared no more....

Man, these sisters be resolute
Never stressed when the rest say they wasn't cute
And the get the respect of the other youth
Come best with the dress yo and thats the truth

These sisters are strong gonna hand it down
So me Im a brotha gotta stand my ground
No fear, Im tough Im the man in town
Peer pressure no more, its my planet now

Others may fall, but Im hold my own
With Allahs help I'll be strong as stone
And I'll be the one to let Al Islam be shown
Cause I am not afraid yo to stand alone

I am not afraid to stand alone
I am not afraid to stand alone
If Allah is by my side
I am not afraid to stand alone
Everything is gonna be alright
I am not afraid to stand alone
Going keep my head up high

I am not afraid to stand alone
If Allah is by my side
Everything is going be alright
Going to keep my head up high

Candy and Vinegar

Really like this article.. so i decided to share it here.. Taken from: http://msmlondon.wordpress.com/2008/03/09/candy-and-vinegar/

Once upon a time, there were two shops. One was selling candy and the other – vinegar. Between the two shop owners there was intense rivalry.

VS

The vinegar shop was a great success compared to the one selling candy. Every single customer who visited the vinegar shop would always come out of it with ‘gallons’ of vinegar while the customers of the candy shop would come out empty handed.

This imbalance went on for awhile until one day, the candy seller decided to close down the shop. Feeling disgruntled and perplexed at the same time, he said to himself: “I just can’t leave in this state. I must go down to the vinegar shop and ask the vinegar seller the reason for the secret of his success.”

So, he went down to the vinegar shop said to the vinegar seller: “Listen here now; I sell candy – something that is nice and sweet. Everybody loves candy. But you, you are selling vinegar – something that is nasty, sour and disliked by most people. Can you please explain to me how you can sell much more than me?”

“Well, perhaps it is because I sell vinegar with a candy face but you sell candy with a vinegar face,” replied the vinegar seller, smiling.

One of the more important lessons we can grasp from this story is that the nature of the product one is trying to sell has little bearing on its sales. In fact, the product can be very nice and sweet, but what matters more is how one presents one’s self, and the product, in the process.

We are reminded in the Quran that the Prophet (pbuh) was sent as a mercy to all mankind.

As described by Allah (swt) in Surah al-Anbiyaa’, verse 107:

وما أرسلنك إلا رحمة للعلمين

107. We sent Thee not, but As a Mercy for all creatures.

We also know that the Prophet (pbuh) is the best and most beautiful example that anyone can find, as is described by Allah (swt) in Surah al-Ahzab, verse 21:

لقد كان لكم في رسول الله أسوة حسنة لمن كان يرجوا الله واليوم الأخر وذكر الله كثيرا

21. Ye have indeed In the Messenger of Allah a beautiful pattern (of conduct) for any one whose hope is In Allah and the final Day, and who engages much In the Praise of Allah.

From the Seerah of the Prophet (pbuh) that we read to each other and discuss in our circles and gatherings, we know that even though the people of Quraisy detested and vilified the Prophet (pbuh) for delivering the message and the revelation sent to him by Allah (swt), they never denied that he (pbuh) had excellent manners and attitudes that were very well respected by them.

Let us ponder and reflect on this.

To what extent do we make our Prophet (pbuh) as our role-model in the hustle and bustle of our daily lives?

Let us strive to improve ourselves, to become better Muslim individuals. Let us make an effort to understand what it means to become Muslim individuals who have sound creed, correct worship, robust bodies and excellent characters bar none. Let us strive together to become Muslim individuals who are knowledgeable and able to earn a living, Muslims individuals who strive against their own whims and lust, Muslims individuals who are keen on time, well organized and useful to others. Let us also strive to understand our Deen more thoroughly and what is meant by ‘doing da’wah work’.

All these can only aid us in conveying the message of Islam and da’wah, making our voices louder through the amplifier that is our actions.

Having said that, one point that most people tend to misinterpret is that; some might think that he or she can wait until all these qualities are developed before striving to do da’wah work. The writer responds with a resounding no.

What should be done is that both the da’wah work as well as the betterment of oneself should be done in parallel.

A very good analogy that one of the brothers came up with is that doing da’wah is like washing the dishes. When you are trying to wash and clean away the stains, inevitably you are cleaning your hands and fingers at the same time.

Similarly, when you are doing da’wah and trying to convey the message of da’wah and Islam to the people around you be it your friends or relatives, inevitably you are purifying your souls and reminding yourself of the messages that you are conveying.

It is up to you to decide.

Truly, this is only but a reminder, and of course for your own benefit, in this world and the hereafter.

May Allah (swt) forgives all of our sins and accepts all of the good deeds, God willing.

Crying in Front of Allah: It is NOT Impossible

Source: http://soundvision.com/Info/ramadan/10.cry.asp
by Abdul Malik Mujahid

When was the last time you cried? Not a few drops of salty water from your eyes, or the odd tear that slipped down your face while watching a tragic event.

I'm talking about warm tears of the heart. Tears that sting your face because they've been there so long, their bitter saltiness hurts your skin.

When was the last time you cried like a baby?

Aisha, may Allah be pleased with our mother, relates that: In the last ten of Ramadan, the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, used to tighten his waist belt, pray all night, and wake up his family for the night prayers (Bukhari and Muslim).

Two thirds of Ramadan is gone. We powerless people will soon be looking for the Night of Power (Laylatul Qadr), which we are advised to seek in these last ten nights of Ramadan.

Aisha related that the Prophet said: Look for Laylatul Qadr on an odd-numbered night during the last ten nights of Ramadan (Bukhari).

We can't afford not to be crying in front of Allah, the Merciful, All-Aware.

Tears flow when we remember how much Allah has blessed us with and how much we disobey Him. We can never repay Allah for everything we have, yet we still blatantly commit sins both big and small: whether it's backbiting, hurting other human beings, not standing up for the truth, treating our family badly, lying, doing good deeds to show off, cheating, etc.

Allah opens ways out of problems for us, easing our burdens. Yet, we still disobey Him and take His Mercy for granted.

Abdullah ibn Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, said he would rather shed two tears from the fear of Allah than give a thousand dinars in charity.

And the most telling example of a man who few would think would cry because of Allah is Umar, may Allah be pleased with him. He was known for being strong, fearless, and uncompromising when it came to matters of faith. Yet, Abdullah ibn Isa said that Umar had two black streaks on his face because of constant weeping.

He feared Allah so much that he once said, "If someone announced from the heavens that everybody will enter Paradise except one person, I would fear that that person would be me."

Umar was one of the strongest believers. Yet he cried and feared Allah. And Abu Bakr, he was simply known for his crying. These people loved to serve human beings in the day and spent time begging God to save humanity at night. May Allah be pleased with them.

Let's be more contemplative and pray for an awareness of and forgiveness for our sins, as well as softness in our hearts. If Umar the brave and pious did it, we have even more need and urgency to do it.

Human beings are in turmoil. Connecting with God with our hearts and begging for His Mercy for His Creation will bring us Closer to Him and human beings.

Frustrations: A Reminder

A few weeks back, I had been upset. Well, maybe a little more than upset. I was frustrated. For at that point, I felt down, as I feel that my friends don’t really care. The feeling had perhaps been nagging at the back of my mind for a couple of days, and finally exploded, I guess.

Avoiding my fellow course mates, silent tears spilled down. Distraught and frustrated, I called my best friend, who somewhat manages to comfort me. I calmed down a bit afterwards, take wudhu, and pray. Pray for strength, to overcome the sudden feeling of loneliness. I placed another call, this time to my mother. She made me realize a major flaw in my imaan then.

“What flaw?” you may wonder. Ummi made me realize… that I’ve been fooled into relying to my friends, instead of Allah. I’ve been tricked by syaitan, to hope and expect more of my friends rather than my Creator. Sure, I did not do so intentionally. Yet unconsciously, I had been doing that. I had been relying more on my friends rather than my Creator.

According to Ustadh Khurram Murad in his book, In The Early Hours, reliance on Allah is knowing that at every step of your journey Allah is there assisting you. And hence, you are not counting on others to get you through your days, your years at university, or even your exams.

In a way, I had been hoping too much for friends who would help me out, yet failed to remember that I can count only on Allah to help me, in whatever I do. But Alhamdulillah, the frustrations and sadness made me realize what my mind had unconsciously relied on all this while.

Well…. Let us think back and ponder, who did we rely on throughout our life? Is it really on Allah? Or… do we rely on our parents to give us happiness, comfort and money? Do we rely on our best friend to make us laugh? Do we rely on JPA or PTPTN to get us through university?

Parents and friends are not going to be around us forever. They can be taken away from us at any moment. JPA and PTPTN… well, they are there, as long as the economy is stable, and as long as our bank account is okey. Even that is not guaranteed. At the end of the day, the only true reliance which brings us happiness here, and even in the next life… is always Allah.

KERIS 2008 (Part II)

Lets see... where should I start...

Well, i decide to begin by telling a bit of a background of the school and its students, as told by the teacher who asked me and my friends to help at the school. The school is very new, just 4 years old. Its pupils are mostly Chinese, with only 30% of them Malay. So.. the idea of the camp, which stands for Kem Remaja Islam, or KERIS was first brought up by a teacher who saw the pressing need for the 30% of the Malay population to increase their knowledge of Islam, as their way of life. With a hope that they will be more aware of what becoming a Muslim means, as well as to gain more knowledge on excelling themselves as Muslims are supposed to be excellent in everything they venture.

As I had mentioned in my previous post, I was feeling quite unprepared, yet the teacher in charge of the camp, Cikgu Zamree prepared us a bit, telling us of some of the students problems and such. The girls, as what he told us, did not really understand Islam that much. A few shaved their eyebrows... while quite a few did not really understand about 'aurah, covering their hair only inside schools. Yes, maybe something very common in normal public schools, yet me, and also the rest of the facilitators, have not much chance to meet these types of teenagers, as we are mostly from Islamic schools or boarding schools before entering university.

One of the first activity: Ice breaking -
The students are still a bit reluctant to leave the comforts of their home at the time

Yet, upon facing the students for the first time, I discovered that they are all the same with many of us... nice, eager to get to know us all, and very friendly. Many were helpful as well. Well.. I was taken aback. No, I don't mean to say that I was expecting them to be all problematic. But I realized then that most of them are nice, just like any other people elsewhere.

However.. I had been able to realize soon after, during an LDK session on the second day, that these students need people who can tell them about Islam. They need us to show them what being a Muslim truly means. No, not the exam/sylabus Islam, but the real Islam, one they can relate to at every step of their journey in life.

For many of them, when asked generally of the three basic questions of where are we from, why are we here, and where are we going to go to in the end, they can perhaps only answer confidently the last question. Which is very sad. For these basic questions is why Islam is sent to us. They are lacking of people who can truly guide them to see what Islam really means. Yes, they need us to be there to tell them. Suddenly at that point, I realized that, the two nights and three days we're spending with them is not enough. Not enough to guide them to see the light of Islam. A deen, which, as rightfully pointed out by a participant, is now only left to them as an inheritance. A very scary reality indeed. I wish for these kind girls and guys to see the beauty of Islam, to feel Allah's kindness in showering his Rahmah to them all.

Sadly... not many people realize this now.. I hope I can help out. Yet.. how much can I do?

Of course, as most camps, there are many other activities besides just talks and group work. The participants enjoy themselves with treasure hunt and morning aerobics as well as a few other activities, all with an attempt made by their teachers to make the activities more Islamic than usual. Oh yes... not forgetting the reflections time the last night we were there, where I hope the students were able to at least reflect the life they had have. I personally reflected quite a lot of my life as well, and admittedly, cried. Cried for forgetting to be thankful as often as I should have, and for hoping for more and more, without realizing that Allah had given me so much already.

But I enjoyed the chances of eating with these new friends of mine most. For I was able to talk to them and interact more, than any other time. Thanx to Cikgu Zamree, we were all able to mingle with the students a lot while eating, as he was the one insisting us to eat together. I got a few chance to discover many bubbly personalities under these girls initial shyness, and many other things.

Alhamdulillah.. thank you to Cikgu Zamree, who invited us there, despite the fact that we're all inexperienced. And not forgetting my friends who invited me along, and shared many of their own jewels in helping these teenagers navigate their way through life's challenges ahead. A special thanx to Allah the Almighty; who deserved most of my thanks for giving me the chance to be there, meeting them and gaining a valuable experience of today's reality. Also for letting me understand and guiding me to this path now. May all of us stay in this path towards Him until the end, insyaAllah. May all uf us are given the strength by Allah to work untiringly in upholding Islam...regardless of where we are, or whatever our future may be.

I hope that the students will find and be grateful for the deen inside their hearts, and be successful, not only here, but most importantly in the hereafter. Insya-Allah, if Allah permits me, I will go back to the school some day, to meet again these teenagers who have made a difference in my life. Opening my mind to the reality of the ummah, who mostly do no realize of Islam, though many are very kind at heart.

**sorry for the really long entry, and the many mistakes or repetitions.. Must be coz i'm already sleepy. Sorry again.. (^_^)

Blog Dedicated to Palastine

Salam'alaikum to all...

Haven't posted anything here for a few days. Been busy helping out at a school nearby for a recent camp they held. I'll post something on the camp soon insyaAllah, today or perhaps latest by tomorrow.

But anyway, here is something I found while blog-hopping. A blog dedicated to writing out what is happening at Palestine now. I find the articles very moving, and views very insightful. So I hope all of you will gain benefit from it too.

the site: http://afreediary.blogspot.com/

Ukhuwah is Sweet >> Spending Time Together is So Fun

Yesterday was fun!!Alhamdulillah....Jazakillah to all the makcik2 who made the outing happen. and also..thanks to them for the previous discussion session, of course.. it was a gem.. a very precious gem of the week... a week's provision for my imaan. insyaAllah, if time allows it, i will share those gems here. The works of translation and typing must be done first though.... really got to be closer to the friends in Johor. if previously we only met mostly at formal sessions, this time it is a bit different, which is nice. And u guys sure are good at playing those games..

the archery session... that was super fun. we went laughing all the way. and took a lot of pics. hope the person with the camera can send some pics to me. Though... undoubtedly my left hand is still sore from pulling the bow. Archery made me wonder... how did the sahabahs did it during the war? How did they untiringly shot arrows upon arrows, whereas i am absolutely tired by the tenth arrow i shot. and how did they manage to shoot fast moving targets as well... I did not manage to even shoot well the target circle (is that the name for it? hehehe..). I think I was enjoying myself a lot, and alhamdulillah, i even get a free game from the guy taking care of the counter. (^_^)

Bowling time was also nice. Though i was a bit sad because not all of us get to go. One car went back earlier. But the game was fun. Though yesterday i didn't really play well, but hey.. i don't mind much. Because being there with them all is fun enough.

Thank you..to the people who made the outing possible. And thanks to those who let us 'tumpang' their cars to the mall. and thank you.. to all of you who came. and thank you, Allah... You let me meet up with those great people, and allowed me to be there with them.

To those of you entering university after this, i'll be missing you guys..

>>Ukhuwah is beautiful... if we can meet and part in the cause of Allah<<

take good care of your imaan wherever you are. Remember the jewels we had gained yesterday, and all those we gained previously. Use them well... and search for more where you are. May we still be in this path towards Him wherever we are, and remain in this path, till we meet Him, out Owner and Creator.

Uhibbukum fiLlah wa liLlah..abadan abada!!

In a Dilemma.....

okey... i'm back to writing, Alhamdulillah...
though i've to admit, i owe another two posts here, the 'part 2 of pearls for the holidays' and also the confession.

well... i was browsing through my my debate yahoogroup mails... and suddenly discovered these debate motions for the recent Arau tournament. and i AM very surprised....
the motions (well..some of them..)

• That we would disallow the hijjab in all public offices
• That we would disallow parents to reject life-saving treatment for their children on religious grounds
• That the government would remove religion from public education

i was stunned... undoubtedly. yea.. i love debating. Because thru i, i learnt so much. And thru it, i've made many friends and grow a lot, as a person. Yet now... i am in a dilemma. Whether to continue debating or not. For suddenly, these sort of motions contradict with my principles. No, it's not just suddenly. I have been slightly feeling somewhat like this before, though not as intense.

That was during last semester's final practice camp before the AUDC at IIUM. I didn't join in the tournament for some unavoidable reason. But the practice went well at first. Everything was great. But this motion came up... " This House Believe That Cohabiting Couples Should be Protected". Yes, undoubtedly I was shocked. It was just so very immoral! from a muslim's point of view, at least. But Alhamdulillah, at the time, my team was chosen to be the opposition. So i was just on the stand that the motion cannot work. But at that point, i imagined what it would be like if I am forced to be the government. What will I say? Will I really be able to talk of something so obviously against my own belief? then afterwords, my friend got this other motion.. "This House Believe that Middle East Should Follow Western Liberal Democracy". That was like..wow.. how badly would i NOT want that to happen.

So i think my point is straighten out. I am in a dilemma for these types of motions, which goes against my own stand as a Muslim, and as a Da'ei. What will people say if they watch me debating, upholding something haram? What will I feel of myself? And furthermore, and what I am most scared of, what will Allah think of me?

Yes, debating is fun. Debating opens up a wide world of knowledge. I learned about world problems, get to know stuff from different views, learn about messy economics, and so much more. also not to mention amazing friends and improvements to how quick i get to come up with things, as it forces me to think on my feet. BUT... will I be able to continue after this? Will these problems be over? How may I face my team mates at collage? I truly hope i can find out the best way out of this mess. The best way to put my foot forward. so I will not disappoint myself, my friends and most importantly, Allah...

To my friends and readers.. if you have any idea at all, please drop your comments and views on the matter. I hope it caan help me sort thru things. May Allah guide us all in our way towards Him...

Ten Useless Assets

1. Knowledge that has not been acted upon
   
2. Deeds that have no sincerity or is not based on following the righteous examples of others.
3. Money that is hoarded, as the owner neither enjoys it during this life nor obtains any reward for it in the Hereafter.
4. The heart that is empty of love and longing for Allah, and of seeking closeness to Him.
5. A body that does not obey and serve Allah.
6. Love of Allah without following His orders or seeking His pleasure.
7. Time that is not spent in expiating sins or seizing opportunities to do good.
8. A mind that thinks about useless matters.
9. Service to those who do not bring you closer to Allah, nor benefit you in your life.
10. Hope and fear of whoever is under the authority of Allah and in His hand; while he cannot bring any benefit or harm to himself, nor death, nor life; nor can he resurrect himself.
    

Source:
"Ten Useless Matters" - Ibn ul Qayyim al Jawziyyah

||-NasyiD: RayuaN NuRani-||

a nasyeed that got me thinking a lot... where am i in His eyes?
Am i going the right way, a path towards mardhatillah, or have i gone astray?
May we all get to obtain mardhatillah and Jannah, insyaAllah...

Pearls during The Holidays.. part 1

Alhamdulillah, after weeks of sitting around at home and vacationing here and there, yesterday, I was able to sit around with a few friends, recalling and reminding ourselves again of our aims, strategies and life, in general. Here I have decided to share some of the pearls as a reminder to us all…

Life in this world is so full of lies and traps, traps for those unaware of its dangers lurking in every corner they turn. And so few people are aware of these hazards. Those who realize the perils had to thread on carefully, as if they are on a very long road, with sharp, shattered glasses all around them. These people are clear of their destinations. Of the temporary world, just a path to get you on to the everlasting hereafter.

Verily the hereafter is better for you than the present, wherewith, u will be well pleased.

But yet, even those who are aware of this needs constant reminder. This is because the world and its riches, though temporary, are very tempting and alluring. One needs friends who are also focused on the same goal towards the hereafter to constantly remind each other from falling down.

>> Reality Strikes

Today’s reality is a threat to our personal development towards everlasting happiness. Now, the fitrah (human nature) for doing good deeds is not normal anymore. The norm now is the opposite, everything jahiliyyah is normal, while those doing good is not. A simple example is, inside universities… you’ll be seen as a weirdo if you say “Assalamualaikum” first, instead of “Hi!” to your course mates or friends. But no one minds if people greet each other in, “Weh, how’re things?” Choosing to follow Islam is now ‘un-cool’, for it is just not the ‘in’ thing to do. A very sad reality indeed.

‘Reality bites’,so they say… yes, now it does. These phenomenon and everyday occurrences are getting worse. It relates back to not only greetings, but also the friends we make, things we do, and what our principles are. Which is very dangerous. For this leads to many social ills and may even cause people to slip out of this deen, in other words, murtad. When the jahiliyyah becomes a norm, couples, clubs and social outings become common. Those who went to masjids become aliens.

What about principles, you may ask. Well, more and more people are caught up with the fun lifestyle, and end up thinking, “life is short, so enjoy it!” What happens to our life in the next world then? Yes, life is short, extremely short, so… why should we want to enjoy so much of it? The next life is so much longer. We are going to live there forever. Should we compromise this life for enjoyment, if the next will be so very painful? Should we spend our time in happiness here, for a few short hours in clubs, or telling the latest juicy gossips, and compromise a lifetime of pain in the next world? The time will come, for sure. All of us will die, some way or other. We die regardless of age and time. Some die young, while others old. Let us not die, and face Allah with actions which will cause us to regret. For the punishment we face there, is not something light. It is not just a pinch on the arm, nor a punch in the eye. Fire is what you’ll get, for those short, so called enjoyable minute. Nauzubillahiminzalik!

a Strong Women vs a Women of Strength

A strong woman works out every day to keep her body in shape ...
but a woman of strength kneels in prayer to keep her soul in shape.


A strong woman isn't afraid of anything...
but a woman of strength shows courage in the midst of her fear of ALLAH.


A strong woman won't let anyone get the best of her...
but a woman of strength gives the best of her own to everyone.


A strong woman makes mistakes and avoids the same in the future...
but a woman of strength realizes life's mistakes can also be Allah's blessings and capitalizes on them.


A strong woman walks sure footedly...
but a woman of strength knows Allah will catch her when she falls.


A strong woman wears the look of confidence on her face...
but a woman of strength wears grace.


A strong woman has faith that she is strong enough for the journey...
but a woman of strength has faith that it is in the journey that she will become strong.

....groWinG pAins....

Growing up…

Maturing….

As times past by,

As minutes become hours,

And the hours turn to days… and finally years…

With time, comes responsibility

With age comes complications and commitments

Of hopes and fears…

Those dearest to us

Hoping to make them happy

Yet… not knowing if we’re ready

To take on the challenge

To be the best

To make them proud

Oh Allah…

Help me get through with all life’s challenges ahead

Help me to please those dearest to me

Make me better, as time moves on

Help me to get closer to You

Increase my love for You

Improve myself in all aspects

To gain Your Love and redha

To stand tall despite the challenges that faces me

To be able to face each day, no matter how difficult,

With a smile and praise to You

And dear Lord…

Thank you….

For lighting up my heart

For guiding my path

Do not turn our hearts away from this deen

Please… don’t let our lives be carved with other hands, except your own

I beg You… if I die…

Today, or tomorrow… or years to come,

Make me die as a syaheed in upholding Islam

Or at least, as a mu’min trying to protect my faith…

Ameen...

Completed: 19 June 08