Ramadan Post: #8

Assalam u alaikum!

I'm currently reading a book by Syed Hossein Nasr called A Young Muslim's Guide to the Modern World.  I'm enjoying it though haven't finished reading it-- but in the meantime I would like to share a quote from it that is inspirational for all Humans (those who take the time to reflect), not just Muslims. 

In a profound sense one might say that the whole of nature is muslim, meaning that it has surrendered itself totally to the Will of Allah.  All creatures follow the nature which Allah has given to them.  A pear tree always bears pears, a fish always remains true to nature of the fish and a bird to that of the bird.  It is only man who has been given the freedom of rebellion against his own primordial nature.  Therefore, the created world or the world of nature is a constant reminder to man of what it means to be a perfect Muslim in the sense of being surrendered to Allah's Will.

 Ma Salama!

Ramadan Diary: Post #7

Today I found about a very beneficial tool to use during Ramadan.  It's called the Heart Wheel Journal Find it here! All you have to do is make a login--takes about 1 minute to do-- then you have the ability to track your Ramadan progress. 

The Heart Wheel Journal was created by Mohammad AlShareef.  The journal is created to track your progress daily on how much you concentrated on certain activies (ex: salat, dhikr, fasting, etc.) and you give yourself a number from 1 to 10.  It's all very simple once you create a login from the link I provided above.

To get a better idea and understanding I suggest you listen to the series created by Mohammad AlShareef on Youtube.

Ramadan Diary: Post #6

Assalam u alaikum (peace be upon you)!

Allah's mercy is a very beautiful thing indeed, if one was to contemplate.

*** 

Every surah in the Quran (except one) starts with the beautiful phrase "bismillah ir rehman ir raheem (in the name of God, the Merciful, the Giver of Mercy/Compassionate)," this phrase is second nature to Muslim's and is one of the first phrases we learn as Muslim's.

***

As my day was going along today, I started to think about this particular phrase-- most importantly the part "ir rehman (the Merciful)."  I noticed how beautiful it is that right after we recite the words "in the name of God" Allah tells us he is "the Merciful."  Just from this one beautiful phrase you see how much Allah loves us, and tells us that he is "the Giver of Mercy."  While we are humans, we will make mistakes and sin, but Allah, the All Mighty is so Forgiving and so Merciful that he knows this already and he want us to always turn to him because he is "the Merciful."  We are reminded this every time we recite the phrase "bismillah ir rehman ir raheem."  So, next time you say this beautiful phrase--really reflect on what Allah is telling you. 

Allah is Love, He is the Compassionate and His Mercy far exceeds His wrath.  He is the One, the Only and the Absolute.

Alhamdulillah (All praise belongs to God)

Ramadan Diary: Post #5

This RD post will be a little different than what I've been posting lately--it will be more of a personal reflection.  As I was doing some personal reading (article's and Islamic books), I came across some information about Prophet Mohammad (saw) mainly through hadith (sunnah of the Prophet (saw)), that gave me insight into living a more successful everyday life.

Lately, I've been a little withdrawn from friends and family, because I decided that I wanted to live a more "religious" lifestyle where I focus most of my time in religious activities (prayer, dhikr, etc.) and educating myself on Islam. And while I was living this lifestyle I started to feel as if something was missing in my everyday life--I felt empty inside as if there was something I was not understanding completely.  I spent some time praying about it and asked Allah to guide me, and of course I pondered and reflected on my life as to what I need to do or improve.

Then, yesterday it came to me through reading hadiths and other Islamic articles about the Prophet (saw) about how the Prophet (saw) wasn't only successful in his religious life but also in his secular life.  I realized that before Prophet Mohammad (saw) received the Quran as a revelation, he was a successful tradesman in the Arab lands and came to be known as Al-Amin (The honest one)-- he was always known as one who dealt with everyone in a honest, friendly, caring and loving manner in all his work.

(More information about Prophet Mohammad (saw) can be read in the following link: Prophet Mohammad as the most influencial man in history )

So, what did I gain from learning about the most beloved Prophet (saw), and his everyday life, and how it applied to me?  Well, I learned that I need to try my hardest to be successful in both my "religious life" and also in my "everyday or secular life".  Learning about the Prophet's (saw) life and how he lived showed me that I shouldn't just isolated myself to live a "strictly religious" lifestyle--because the Prophet (saw) didn't spend every moment of his life fasting & praying but also spent time with friends and family.  Therefore, everything around me needs to be observed with balance, and with all people around me I need to practice the sunnah of the Prophet (saw) and live as he lived to the best of my ability. 

Lastly, I also believe that when we really want an answer for something from Allah and you look hard enough, Allah will show you or give you the answer.  Remember: When you take one step towards Allah, Allah takes two steps closer to you.

Fi Amaan Allah (May you be in the protection of Allah)

Ramadan Diary: Post #4

Continuation of verses from surah Baqarah

Pilgrimage:

The pilgrimage is (in) the well-known months, and whoever is minded to perform the pilgrimage therein (let him remember that) there is (to be) no lewdness nor abuse nor angry conversation on the pilgrimage. And whatsoever good ye do Allah knoweth it. So make provision for yourselves (Hereafter); for the best provision is to ward off evil. Therefore keep your duty unto Me, O men of understanding. (Surah 1, Verse 197)

Beautiful supplication:

And of them (also) is he who saith: "Our Lord! Give unto us in the world that which is good and in the Hereafter that which is good, and guard us from the doom of Fire." (Surah 1, Verse 201)

The messenger believeth in that which hath been revealed unto him from his Lord and (so do) believers. Each one believeth in Allah and His angels and His scriptures and His messengers - We make no distinction between any of His messengers - and they say: We hear, and we obey. (Grant us) Thy forgiveness, our Lord. Unto Thee is the journeying. (Surah 1, Verse 285)

Allah tasketh not a soul beyond its scope. For it (is only) that which it hath earned, and against it (only) that which it hath deserved. Our Lord! Condemn us not if we forget, or miss the mark! Our Lord! Lay not on us such a burden as thou didst lay on those before us! Our Lord! Impose not on us that which we have not the strength to bear! Pardon us, absolve us and have mercy on us, Thou, our Protector, and give us victory over the disbelieving folk. (Surah 1, Verse 286)

Submission to Allah:

Our Lord! And make us submissive unto Thee and of our seed a nation submissive unto Thee, and show us our ways of worship, and relent toward us. Lo! Thou, only Thou, art the Relenting, the Merciful. (Surah 1, Verse 128)

Therefore remember Me, I will remember you. Give thanks to Me, and reject not Me. (152) O ye who believe! Seek help in steadfastness and prayer. Lo! Allah is with the steadfast. (Surah 1, Verse 153)

And surely We shall try you with something of fear and hunger, and loss of wealth and lives and crops; but give glad tidings to the steadfast, (155) Who say, when a misfortune striketh them: Lo! we are Allah's and lo! unto Him we are returning. (156) Such are they on whom are blessings from their Lord, and mercy. Such are the rightly guided. (Surah 1, Verse 157)

Except such of them -as repent and amend and make manifest (the truth). These it is toward whom I relent. I am the Relenting, the Merciful. (Surah 1, Verse 160)

O ye who believe! Come, all of you, into submission (unto Him); and follow not the footsteps of the devil. Lo! he is an open enemy for you. (Surah 1, Verse 208)

Beautified is the life of the world for those who disbelieve; they make a jest of the believers. But those who keep their duty to Allah will be above them on the Day of Resurrection. Allah giveth without stint to whom He will. (Surah 1, Verse 212)

Fight in the way of Allah, and know that Allah is Hearer, Knower. (Surah 1, Verse 244)

There is no compulsion in religion. The right direction is henceforth distinct from error. And he who rejecteth false deities and believeth in Allah hath grasped a firm handhold which will never break. Allah is Hearer, Knower. (256) Allah is the Protecting Guardian of those who believe. He bringeth them out of darkness into light. As for those who disbelieve, their patrons are false deities. They bring them out of light into darkness. Such are rightful owners of the Fire. They will abide therein. (Surah 1, Verse 257)

Ramadan Diary: Post #3

Quran-- Surah Baqara verses on charity. 

Charity:

Establish worship, and pay the poor-due; and whatever of good ye send before (you) for your souls, ye will find it with Allah. Lo! Allah is Seer of what ye do. (Surah 1, Verse 110)

Nay, but whosoever surrendereth his purpose to Allah while doing good, his reward is with his Lord; and there shall no fear come upon them neither shall they grieve. (Surah 1, Verse 112)

Who is it that will lend unto Allah a goodly loan, so that He may give it increase manifold? Allah straiteneth and enlargeth. Unto Him ye will return. (Surah 1, Verse 245)

O ye who believe! spend of that wherewith We have provided you ere a day come when there will be no trafficking, nor friendship, nor intercession. The disbelievers, they are the wrong-doers. (Surah 1, Verse 254)

The likeness of those who spend their wealth in Allah's way is as the likeness of a grain which groweth seven ears, in every ear a hundred grains. Allah giveth increase manifold to whom He will. Allah is All-Embracing, All-Knowing. (261) Those who spend their wealth for the cause of Allah and afterward make not reproach and injury to follow that which they have spent; their reward is with their Lord, and there shall no fear come upon them, neither shall they grieve. (262) A kind word with forgiveness is better than almsgiving followed by injury. Allah is Absolute, Clement. (263) O ye who believe! Render not vain your almsgiving by reproach and injury, like him who spendeth his wealth only to be seen of men and believeth not in Allah and the Last Day. His likeness is as the likeness of a rock whereon is dust of earth; a rainstorm smiteth it, leaving it smooth and bare. They have no control of aught of that which they have gained. Allah guideth not the disbelieving folk. (264) And the likeness of those who spend their wealth in search of Allah's pleasure, and for the strengthening of their souls, is as the likeness of a garden on a height. The rainstorm smiteth it and it bringeth forth its fruit twofold. And if the rainstorm smite it not, then the shower. Allah is Seer of what ye do. (265) Would any of you like to have a garden of palm-trees and vines, with rivers flowing underneath it, with all kinds of fruit for him therein; and old age hath stricken him and he hath feeble offspring; and a fiery whirlwind striketh it and it is (all) consumed by fire. Thus Allah maketh plain His revelations unto you, in order that ye may give thought. (266) O ye who believe! Spend of the good things which ye have earned, and of that which We bring forth from the earth for you, and seek not the bad (with intent) to spend thereof (in charity) when ye would not take it for yourselves save with disdain; and know that Allah is Absolute, Owner of Praise. (267) The devil promiseth you destitution and enjoineth on you lewdness. But Allah promiseth you forgiveness from Himself with bounty. Allah is All-Embracing, All-knowing. (268) He giveth wisdom unto whom He will, and he unto whom wisdom is given, he truly hath received abundant good. But none remember except men of understanding. (269) Whatever alms ye spend or vow ye vow, lo! Allah knoweth it. Wrong-doers have no helpers. (270) If ye publish your almsgiving, it is well, but if ye hide it and give it to the poor, it will be better for you, and will atone for some of your ill-deeds. Allah is Informed of what ye do. (271) The guiding of them is not thy duty (O Muhammad), but Allah guideth whom He will. And whatsoever good thing ye spend, it is for yourselves, when ye spend not save in search of Allah's Countenance; and whatsoever good thing ye spend, it will be repaid to you in full, and ye will not be wronged. (272) (Alms are) for the poor who are straitened for the cause of Allah, who cannot travel in the land (for trade). The unthinking man accounteth them wealthy because of their restraint. Thou shalt know them by their mark: They do not beg of men with importunity. And whatsoever good thing ye spend, lo! Allah knoweth it. (273) Those who spend their wealth by night and day, by stealth and openly, verily their reward is with their Lord, and their shall no fear come upon them neither shall they grieve. (Surah 1, Verse 274)

Ramadan Diary: Post #2

As I continue my Ramadan diary I will like to share some verses from surah baqara that stood out to me and I've "tried" categorizing in my reading.

Surah baqara is the longest surah in the Quran-containing 286 verses, therefore the few verses I share I've tried to focus them around Ramadan.  This is not comprehensive in anyway, but just my way to share the Quranic reading I'm doing this month.

Fasting:

O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you, even as it was prescribed for those before you, that ye may ward off (evil); (183) (Fast) a certain number of days; and (for) him who is sick among you, or on a journey, (the same) number of other days; and for those who can afford it there is a ransom: the feeding of a man in need - but whoso doeth good of his own accord, it is better for him: and that ye fast is better for you if ye did but know - (184) The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur'an, a guidance for mankind, and clear proofs of the guidance, and the Criterion (of right and wrong). And whosoever of you is present, let him fast the month, and whosoever of you is sick or on a journey, (let him fast the same) number of other days. Allah desireth for you ease; He desireth not hardship for you; and (He desireth) that ye should complete the period, and that ye should magnify Allah for having guided you, and that peradventure ye may be thankful. (185) And when My servants question thee concerning Me, then surely I am nigh. I answer the prayer of the suppliant when he crieth unto Me. So let them hear My call and let them trust in Me, in order that they may be led aright. (Surah 1, Verse 186)

 Prayer:

We have seen the turning of thy face to heaven (for guidance, O Muhammad). And now verily We shall make thee turn (in prayer) toward a qiblah which is dear to thee. So turn thy face toward the Inviolable Place of Worship, and ye (O Muslims), wheresoever ye may be, turn your faces (when ye pray) toward it. Lo! Those who have received the Scripture know that (this revelation) is the Truth from their Lord. And Allah is not unaware of what they do. (Surah 1, Verse 144)

It is not righteousness that ye turn your faces to the East and the West; but righteous is he who believeth in Allah and the Last Day and the angels and the Scripture and the prophets; and giveth wealth, for love of Him, to kinsfolk and to orphans and the needy and the wayfarer and to those who ask, and to set slaves free; and observeth proper worship and payeth the poor-due. And those who keep their treaty when they make one, and the patient in tribulation and adversity and time of stress. Such are they who are sincere. Such are the God-fearing. (Surah 1, Verse 177)

Be guardians of your prayers, and of the midmost prayer, and stand up with devotion to Allah. (Surah 1, Verse 238)

Ramadan Diary: Post #1

Assalam u alaikum!

SubhanAllah.  Allah has blessed us with Ramadan.  May we be forgiven for all our sins, may our patience and strength bring us closer to Allah, and may we all be blessed with all that is best for us this month.  Ameen.

I’ve decided to start blogging in this blessed month in order to create a Ramadan diary—a diary that will be the start of my spiritual journey to share with Muslims and non-Muslims. 

I believe that you learn best when you share your knowledge with others, therefore my purpose especially during this blessed month, will be to share Quranic readings, Islamic articles, Islamic lectures, and anything else that inspires me.

May Allah accept this little effort of mine.  Ameen.

***

As the first day of Ramadan, I’ve started to listen to Quran recitation with English translation from Quran Explorer—a great place to listen to Quran audio online without having to download anything.

The following are verses from surah Baqarah about fasting in the month of Ramadan:

O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you, even as it was prescribed for those before you, that ye may ward off (evil); (183) (Fast) a certain number of days; and (for) him who is sick among you, or on a journey, (the same) number of other days; and for those who can afford it there is a ransom: the feeding of a man in need - but whoso doeth good of his own accord, it is better for him: and that ye fast is better for you if ye did but know - (184) The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur'an, a guidance for mankind, and clear proofs of the guidance, and the Criterion (of right and wrong). And whosoever of you is present, let him fast the month, and whosoever of you is sick or on a journey, (let him fast the same) number of other days. Allah desireth for you ease; He desireth not hardship for you; and (He desireth) that ye should complete the period, and that ye should magnify Allah for having guided you, and that peradventure ye may be thankful. (185) And when My servants question thee concerning Me, then surely I am nigh. I answer the prayer of the suppliant when he crieth unto Me. So let them hear My call and let them trust in Me, in order that they may be led aright. (Surah 1, Verse 186)

My Point-of-View

This blog is my point-of-view of the “Everyday Muslimah’s” living all around the world, not just the West.  This is not a “generalization” of who all Muslimah’s are and what their life is like, however it is a perspective on how “majority” of Muslimah’s live on an everyday basis.