Wednesday, February 27, 2013

TAWHEED #1- Explanation of The Three Fundamental Principles -Shaykh Ahmad Jibril

TAWHEED #1- Explanation of The Three Fundamental Principles/ Outline Notes   -Shaykh Ahmad Jibril 


Brief introduction: First Classical Study
 
"Whoever seeks knowledge in a lumpsome over night, that knowledge leaves him in a lumpsome. Knowledge is supposed to be attained slowely over days & nights. Knowledge needs patience, persistance and takes time. " -Ibn Shihab's statement on taking knowledge in a lump sum.
 
Knowledge will get difficult be patience. Alkhateeb Albaghdady narrates the story of the man who seen water dripping on a stone. A man found knowledge of hadith very difficult. He became discouraged and wanted to give up. He found himself walking and he observed water dripping unto stone. He noticed the stone had a dent from where the water was dripping for a certain period of time. He reflected on his condition. He thought to himself, "Water is so light and it effected the stone as hard as it was. Knowledge is lighter than water and my heart isn't as hard as a heart."

Becoming a student of knowledge has its own procedure.

*3 level of studying from a teacher:
1) Samaa Mubashir - direct from a Shiekh/teacher.
2) Wasitah - through a mediator
3) Wijadah - through a book

Studying through the internet is a level between the first and second, possibly closer or right under the first. Writing knowledge or taking notes is important. However if you could find a real Sheikh and are able to seek knowledge, do it. The salaf encouraged it. Those who do not write knowledge down aren't able to retain the information.

*Study of the Usool Thalatah beings.
The author starts with Bismallah Allah Alrahman Alraheem, called Basmallah:

1) The aspect of Taweed Al-uluhieh in mentioning Allah's name on anything.
When you say Bismillah Er-Rahman Er-Raheem what are you saying? What does this mean?
As a student of knowledge you are supposed to get the whole entire perspective of why you are saying Bismilliah before you start an activity? You are doing this because its exerting your entire tawheed to Allah on the matter you are saying Bismillah. Allah permits me to do this, if Allah did not allow me to do it I would have not done it. Ya Allah I am doing this for your sake. It's halal and permissiable.

2) The aspect of Taweed Ar-rububieh in mentioning Allah's name on anything. I could not have done this without the power he has given me. Who gave you the power to write? Allah gave you the power to write, when you say Bismillah it means, I cannot have done this without the power of Allah my hand would have been paralyzed. Bismillah, I have eaten because Allah has given me the provision, If it wasn't for Allah I wouldn't be able to eat. It's equivalant to saying:
لا حَوْلَ وَ لا قُوَّةَ اِلَّا بِاللّهِ - La Hawla wa la Quwatta illa Billah (There is no Might or Power except with Allah) That's why Allah say ,"Every provision you have is from Allah."


3) The aspect of Taweed asamaa wassifat in mentioning Allah's name on anything. Using the name of Allah to bless the act you're doing.

4) Arabic grammatical rule: When you say Bismallah it automatically implies your saying - Bismallah I drink in that order.
-Arabic language eliminates the need to mention the act your saying basmalah for.

5) 2nd grammatical rule in Bismallah: Why is it (Bismallah I eat) in that order and not (I eat Bismallah)?
                a) To bless your name by mentioning Allah's name prior to mentioning the act itself.
                b) In Arabic saying (Bismallah I eat) rather than (I eat Bismallah) limits the action solely for the sake of Allah and no one else.

6) Proof that it's permissible to start your writings with Basmalah.
7) General barakah and virtues on saying Bismallah for everything good.

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Who Am I?

For those who just started to follow me or came upon this blog by chance, let me give you a short bio of myself. I am half Arabic and half American. I grew up in a relatively American household and everything that goes along with those implications, holidays, practices etc. I never knew who are Beloved Prophet was nor did I know what Islam stood for. I grew up on Disney Channel and trying to follow the American culture. Only until recently, have I met my Arabic side of the family.My mother always told me there was One God, but thats as far as my religiousity went.  At the age of 16, I became interested in Islam. I went to community college at 17 and got involved in the MSA's. I was blessed to live in a Islamic community and was able to learn and distinguish what Islam stood for.  I am currently 21, married and have a child.

I haven't posted in quite a while, March of last year to be exact. However I have noticed that people still come and view my posts, Al-Hamdulilah. I don't really have anything in particular to post about. For me, I've been reading The Stories/Lives of the Prophets (peace be upon them all) in between Farah taking naps. My one in a half year old, going on twelve ;). Watching videos on YouTube, the usual. Not much of an update really. I don't have as much time as I want to dedicate to this blog or Islamic literature/lectures. However If anyone wants me to write about something in particular, or would like me to blog about certain things. Please shoot me a comment under this post. I would be more than happy to oblige. If it wasn't for the fact people come and read my posts, I would continue to be a silent blogger, just coming here on occasion. So If you want me to come out of hiding, let me know :-)!


JazakAllah Khairan Ya'll!
Mariuma

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Pregnancy and Niagra falls= not a good mix! Funnyy story!


Salaaaam!! :)

During the 1st trimester -You're not sick so don't only consume soup/gator aid/Popsicle's! In the beginning I kept treating my morning sickness as if it was a cold. haha all I wanted was soup and all that did was make me more nauseous. Its just morning sickness try eating those preggie pops or ginger to calm it down, eat light meals.

-Don't go on any boats! (trust me not a good idea)! Made that mistake when I went the Maid of the Mist boat ride in Niagara falls. Funny story actually.....my hubby asked me if I was up to going on it..&& of course I wanted too! That was one of the main attractions at the Falls. Correction-going on the water to look at the falls is the attraction! haha. I quickly agreed got in line, put the little blue rain coat over my head and waited with anticipation to get on. I climbed up the stairs and went on the top part of the boat (to make sure I saw everything)! *Bad idea #2 lool. The first few minutes weren't so bad. But after 10minutes into it & waves hitting the boat making it shake all over the place. It was all over for me. I felt horribly nauseas my face went pale. I had to lay my head on one hand as the other hand was holding on the boat. My hubby kept telling me to look at the falls. As much as I wanted to before at this point all I wanted to do is jump off the boat and swim back to land. (really, at one point I thought that). && Apparently some guy asked his girl to marry him right behind us and I didn't even notice!!

-Things you can do before you got pregnant isn't necessarily the same things you can do after. Example #1 above. Before I never got any motion sickness but it was still the first trimester and my stomach was still weak.

-skip ahead 5-6 months later. I was huge and was a walking kangaroo. Don't try to wear yourself out at this stage. Its too late in the game. A walk in the grocery store after a hour or so wore me out!!!! Literally I would have to take a nap after and If I didn't I was crankkyyy! (btw;I didn't really exercise regularly) So if you do then you shouldn't have a problem but still take it easy on yourself.
--picture above isn't my babyyy but mashaAllah whataaa cutie :)!!

Monday, March 21, 2011

It takes a village to raise a kid?

Salaam!

Obviuosly different people have different opinions and views right?!! SO "It takes a village to raise a child" seems that would be more hectic and confusing. While it sounds nice in theory but in practice it could be a different story at least thats what I think. And while I love to get a persons input on how to raise a child at times it seems like that line could get crossed quite easily. If ya know what I meann.. ARG. Hmmm maybe I'm taking it to literal and really it just means the community as a whole has some kind of influence on the child. I don't know...

Saturday, March 19, 2011

O'Allah They are weak before you!





Never lose hope in Allah. Never forget the power of dua.
O`Allah grant the Muslims victory, unite our Ummah with lā ʾilāha ʾillallāh, Muḥammad rasūlu-llāh. O'Allah put fear in the hearts of the munafiqeen. O'Allah strengthen the army of the true Muslims fighting for freedom under the oppressors. Even though there numbers are small allow them to defeat the tyrants. Ameen.

Monday, March 14, 2011

Question? Help me out bloggers....

Salam! :)

Does anyone know if having a baby erases your previous sins?!!
I heard taking your shahada, Hajj and having a baby does but I can't find it anywhere on the internett -.-! sfjhdsf. ( my sign of frustration) At first I was just curious & now that I can't find it, its bothering me.. Lol so If anyone knows pleaseee throw me a comment on this post! Or if I find out before I get a reply I'll make a post about what erases major sins! InshaAllah.


Btw: I'm currently chillen with my mother in law watching some arabic t.v (which I
have no idea what their saying but she translates) they showed a
Quran that is written with all Gold 24 carats. Its worth a 100million or some crazy amount. This dude plans to give it to the Saudi King. Like he really needs the gold....straight up materalistic world. SubhanaAllah. My MIL said its all politics, trying to create a better relationship so they can gain somethhing & i can't agree more. Two things came to mind when I saw that: 1. Wow, mashaAllah, can't deny its niyceeeeee..so shiny!!! haha 2. Mann...were all going to be asked about our wealth. How we obtained it & how we spent it. 3.There are people poor, sick and dying that could benifet wayyyy more. Ehh. Their the ones that are going to have to answer for their deeds not mee. Alhamdlilah

Advice

My advice to you is to be conscious of Allah and steadfast in your religion. Do not yearn for the world, and do not be seduced by it. Do not resent anything you have missed in it. Proclaim the truth; work for the next world. Oppose the oppressor and support the oppressed.
-Imam Ali ( A.S.)


Likeee honestly sometimes I just read hadiths or quotes from the Quran and *think* if people would just follow those few lines they would be set! (myself included).
-This world is filled with Fitna, everywhere you turn theres something that is displeasing to Allah. Hey this life is supposed to test us and it certanly does if you don't have strong will power and restraint!

1.Surround yourself with good friends, && if you can't find them then solitude is better then the latter. (trust, I rather hang out with myself then those who will bring me down)

2. Try to elimante the fitna, if that means deleting some people off face book or changing your phone number do it!! Anything is worth the cause, really in the end its between you and Allah don't allow some trivial thing to obsecure your final goal. (Goal of reaching in Jennah Firdous inshaAllah)

3. When you see your friends "going out" having fun so to speak, you know the kind that people quote "you only live once" and not in that halaal way. REMEMBER ALLAH. Realize that those people who flaunt their jahillieah ways are only following shaitans footsteps. Once again keep the end in mind!!!!

4. Whenever your confused, frustrated with whatever outcome or sitution your in remember what Umar ibn Khattab used to say: "I do not care in what state I wake up in the morning, whether it is good or bad, since i do not know what is good for me or what is bad"

... MashaAllah such strong belief in al-Qadr. (Divine destiny)!

Friday, March 11, 2011

Yauma Qiyamah

Salaaam!

I had a dream yesterday about Yaum-ul-Qiyamah! Buttttt it was one of those dreams that came from my imagination. Foreal I've been watching too much CNN & Al-Jazeera. With the whole Arab revolution and earthquake in Japan I'm not suprised to find these events occuring in my dreams. SubhanaAllah everything that's happening is indeed a reminder to Fear Allah and to worship Him in the correct manner.

This Hadith sums up our current state....
Hadhrat Thaubaan (R.A.) narrates that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said: "A time will come when the Kaafir nations will invite each other, just as people are invited towards meals, in order to annihilate you". Someone asked, "0 Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) will their boldness to do so be on account of us being small in number? Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) replied, "No, in fact your numbers will be great, but despite that, you will be like a twig in flood waters. Allah will remove your fear from the hearts of the enemy, (your enemy will not fear you) while he will create "wahari" in your hearts. Someone enquired."What is wahan’ O Rasulullah?" He replied, "Love of this world and hate for death".

If I have said anything good in this blog it only comes from Allah and if theres any bad it only comes from Shaitan and myself (authibillah).

Monday, March 7, 2011

Arab revolution

SubhanaAllah I would always make Dua that Allah would grant victory to the Muslims and liberate them from the oppressors the corrupt leaders and replace them with pious ones...

The Arab Revolution in the Middle East is something I never thought I would see with my own eyes. (Never doubt the power of dua) Its been a domino effect, and it all started with the Tunisian people that wanted their rights and their freedom. To see the ground shifting beneath those power hungry munafiqeen brings joy to my heart. Those so called "leaders" will get everything they deserve whether its in this life or the here after.
At the moment all eyes are on the Middle East and in more recent news, Libya. InshaAllah the UN will step up to the plate and help out the Libyan people. Theres all this talk about the "No fly zone" and whether or not the U.S should come to the aid of the opposition. While the conversation continues more and more blood flow from the streets. Al-Hamdulilah at one hand I know as a Muslim those people who fought for Allahs Cause will only be granted the highest of pleasures in Jennah. But at the same time it angers me that action hasn't been swift enough. This is a humanitarian issue, thousands of people are being brutally murdered while the whole world watches. I fully understand the U.N and other governments are trying to approach the situation in a cautious manner. We don't want Iraq part2 that's forsure!
InshaAllah all the munafiq leaders are removed! And I hope the Muslims all come together under the banner of La ilaha illa Allah wa-Muhammad rasul Allah and free Palestine as well. First and foremost I put my trust in Allah and believe whole heartily Allah will grant victory to the Muslims whether its in my lifetime or not.

I'll make a post later about baby Farah and life with her. It's 5:51 am and I'm about to go to sleep finally.

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Baby Arrived!!

Bismillah ErRahman ErRahim,

SubhanaAllah after I posted about being anxious about the labor and delivery 20 minutes later my water broke! I wasn't having contractions but the hosptial had to admit me because in case of infection and I would have to deliver in that 24hours mark. The Obgyn wanted to give me a couple hours to see If I would start to have contractions on my own but they were all mild. He put me on pitocin and soon enough I started getting them. Baby Farah was born at 6:08 a.m on Feb, 13 weighing 7pounds 11ounces and 21inches. A healthy babyyy Al-Hamdulilah ya Rabbi Alameen. Shes wonderful! She barely looks like me haha. The delivery was easy the labor contractions were a bit painful but of course very worth it :D :D. I couldn't be happier. I wanted to leave the hospital the same day but they wouldn't let me lol. Hey it was worth a try! I was ready to go home and take the little buddle of joy with me. I stayed for 30 hours after the delivery. That's all for now! woooo hooo.

Saturday, February 12, 2011

Pregnant and Egypt

40 weeks
4 days
=Still pregnant!

The anticipation is killing me! SubhanaAllah pregnancy and labor is so individual. I've been reading all these different website and articles on the process and signs. And it just seems like you can have "Sign A" but that doesn't necessarily mean you're going to go into labor, "Sign B" is a good indicator things are going to progress soon however it might be a couple hours, days or weeks. I like to be prepared and some what in control of things. I mean I packed my labor bag like a month ago so you can imagine. In all honestly I need to just relax and be patient right? In the end Allah(Swt) has a planned date and time for her to arrive.
Patience, patience, patience :L (idk what kind of smiley that is but that's how I feel ha)

As far as names go I picked one out but its not a definite thing. I want to be able to see her and decide what would fit her best. My mother in law keeps telling me "When the baby comes, so does their name". So we shall wait and see IA.

In other news I've been checking the internet and TV on Egypt every day these past couple weeks. Al-Hamdulilah I'm so happy Mubarak finally stepped down. The dude was 82years old, come on it's about time. I must say he tried to cling on the little power he had. I can't wait and see what other Islamic countries are going to do. Viva la revolution. InshAllah all the corrupt leaders will be kicked out and truly pious ones emerge and take their place. It's about time change has happened. May Allah give victory to the Muslims and uplift oppression from the tyrant rulers.

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

39 weeks pregnant

I'm 39 weeks and 6 days pregnant Al-Hamdulilah. Ahh I'm so ready to have this baby. I'm hoping she'll deciede to make an entrance on my due date but I don't knoww!! She seems pretty content chillen in my stomach. I really thought she would come early but ha guess notttt. If she doesn't come out by next week there going to induce labor. Soooo lately I've just been sitting around playing the waiting game. I was going to take online classes but I found out online just isn't my thing. So I'll probably take a class next semester! Which is good because it'll keep me entertained. I hate being bored and not having things to do. But I know as soon as the little munchkin comes I'm going to be so busyyy. Its def. going to change my life. I wonder what she'll look likeee>?!
Anyyways thats pretty much everythinggg.

Monday, January 10, 2011

Parenting

Salam! Really good lecture by Nouman Ali Khan about raising kids, very basic but def. eye opening. If you have kids, plan to, or currently pregnant this a great lecture!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GgT3AQdv3pg&feature=channel

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Favorite Baby names?!

Salam! What are your favorite baby names?!!

With the baby on the way and all I've been looking at names/meanings but I only like a few :/!
I want something different that not a lot of people have! Also I like cute nicknames example, for Ali its Alooshy, Mariam (Mariuma), Fatima (Fatuma,Fufu), Hassan (Soona)! HELP?


So far this is what I have chosen for both a girl and a littlee boy:
*Amal -Hope inspiration
-Daania :means near/close in proximity. It is mentioned in the Qur'an and is used in the description of heaven, where the fruit hangs down close to the dwellers of heaven. **cute**
*Leena- A devoted one
-Gazelle/Giselle - A deer
*Salima -Safe
-Lamia - Shine


Boys**
Adyan- A nabee was named by this name
Abdul Rahman: Servant of the merciful one, Servant of the Beneficent
Abdullah -Servant of Allah
-Noah (Nuh)- A nabee
-Ahad The one
Omar -Companion Omar ibn Khattab

-Not sure why almost all the names start with A* haha. Anywho my top FAVORITE
boy name is Nuh (Noah) after the Nabee :) Absolutely in love with it,.

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Prego & Ramadan

Assalamu`Alaikam!!!

Ramadan starts very soon!! Woo hoo the only thing is I highly doubt i'll be fasting! Due to being preggo!!!!! (Al-Hamdulilah)! The hubby has been making sure whenever I leave the house to grab a water bottle! The bathroom has become my bestfriend and worst enemy o_O especially during the night. I swear its clock work I wake up every two hours (AHHHH). Oh the joys of being pregnant hehe. Hm on to a boring topic I'm still trying to figure out a major. I like business however I've been advised not to go into that (stupid recession). Maybe medical evennn thoughh i dislike blood. See my dilemma?! haha inshAllah I'll figure it out soonn enough. Okiedokie that's my short posting for now!

RAMADAN KAREEM everyone :) :) :)

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Advice to myself

Sometimes being honest is hard to do it especially when it comes to yourself. Emotions make the whole process even harder! :( One minute you're "feeling" one way and the next it the total opposite. That's why you have to make a concrete decision with your mind first then the emotions follow. Allah controls the heart & everything else and that in itself is the best reassurance one could ask for, Al-Hamdulilah.

  • Stop following "feelings" -emotions, egos, pride
  • Stop following "friends"
  • Stop following "whats cool"
*Follow Rabbil 'alameen (Lord of the worlds)


I know how I feel will just pass and I will remain with what I have. So I have to develop a critical eye to what is suitable & would cause the best outcome. I don't want to just go through life I want to get the most out of it. I want to truly live and if that makes a person selfish so let it be. A person must be confident and strong within themselves before they can pursue any dream. -Constantly look back and see if whatever that may be is still what you want.

I'm in a weird stage in my life. I'm in this in between, finding/creating myself. Going through the waves and seeing what keeps me a float. May Allah guide me through these words and duas. && guide the rest of the Ummah. Ameen.




Friday, February 5, 2010

Choosing a spouse

In the name of Allah the Most Merciful the Compassionate
Notes on "Choosing a Spouse" by Shaykh Husain Abdul Sattar.

Importance of establishing a home, in the Qur'an a home is defined as a place of peace. That peace provides us with several benefits a) Protects us from fitna
b)
Preserves our Deen

We control the home. We cannot go out and change the world when our own house is disorderly. First step in preparing the home is choosing a spouse. Who is going to be your partner to establish a home in the way you would want it. Prophet SAWS; not only advised people after or before to get married but how to choose a partner. Nothing in this world will be with you in the here after cars, money, masjid but your spouse will be with you permanently. Having a positive relationship. When your choosing a partner, your really choosing who is going to be a partner with you to please Allah (swt) to admit you in his gardens. There's a certain amount you can do a lone. But if you have a strong spouse if your down they can pick you up. And if they are down you can pick them up
If people are involved in the marriage are good, good will come of it. Peace, tranquility establish of a home a establish of deen. When looking at a person they're so complex. They have so many characteristics.
When choosing a spouse you should choose 4things.
1)
the wealth
2)
beauty
3)
lineage
4
) look at the religion of the person.
The Prophet (SAWS) advised to simply the formula, the real thing you should look at is the religion. In the end that's the true wealth in the end that's the true lineage and in the end that's the true beauty. If the person is righteous their lineage will be taking back to the Sahabah, in the since that group of e people you will be raised up with. And you have family in this dunya (current life) and the members of the family will be all the believers and the Prophet will be the Father. True lineage does have some bearing.. and its important to look at that. But actually if you can look at Deen than it has its own lineage as well. Similarly the true wealth lies in Deen. Establishes for the individual
permanent bounties. Look at the beauty of a person, the body isn't permanent but the soul is. The beauty of the body will depend on the soul. The body will be beautiful because the soul will be beautiful. Beauty is something we judge in this world but the beauty of the religion is the most beautiful because its the permanent.
In this world there is a special noor that attracts the righteous. In the beginning you meet someone you interact with people with the body. Then later on you interact with the souls. In the end its the soul that matters. The Prophet (SAWS) is trying to high light there are some external things you can look at but the key is the soul. Another hadith, a righteous wife who can help you with your worldly and religious affairs is the best treasure anyone could have. She provides you benefit in both places, (this world &here after).
In another hadith the Prophet (SAWS) said each one of you have three things.
1. Each and every one of you should have a thankful heart. You are constantly thanking Allah (Swt). A benefit to a thankful heart is an increase to the individual. If you thank, Allah will increase you. Two times Allah increases you, when you have a lot and when you don't, i.e lacking in money. Do not complain but be thankful for what you have which subsequently will give you more. This goes a long the same line with the mental state of a person. Even with the deficiency of a person when a person doesn't quite fulfill in his Deen but still remain thankful. "Even though I missed prayer, Ya Allah thank you for allowing me to pray at a later time." To even have the mindset that prayer is important". And with that type of attitude Allah will help you, at times instead of thinking there's a dis connect in which shaytan wants you to think that.
2. A remembering tongue, Constantly the tongue should be remembering the person who feeds it. Allah will be quick to descend his blessing upon a person. Every time you use you tongue it should be in some way or form for Allahs sake. Never complain, only good that comes from it. Whether saying something good to a someone else its prohibiting something bad or raising the great name of Allah (SWT). Three ways we use our tongue and are all considered dhikr. 3. Strive for a believing wife. The type that help you get to the here after. A person will remind you when you're at a low stage.
The Prophet (SAWS) said don't pick a bad spouse. One of the elements of happiness is a righteous wife. When you see her you are pleased and you can trust her with your provisions when you are gone. One of the elements of a bad wife, is she makes you miserable and attacks you with her tongue. When you are gone you fear for your things. Attain the pinnacle in this life, is picking the proper spouse.
Two other things to regard.
1) For the people that aren't yet married, look for sincerity. If you see someone that's more righteous go for them do not put emphasis on the beauty or wealth of a person that has less piety. Apply it with sincerity, not just reflect and disregard it.
Strive to be righteous to get a righteous a spouse. Allah will provide for you, if you are sincere in a righteous thing. Be sincere and rectify yourself so Allah may make you amongst those who are better. Give us an opportunity to be those who are raised with our spouses on judgement and be admitted into Jennah.

Dua,
May Allah allow us to strive and struggle for His cause in everything we do whether its knowledge or our own egos. And make us of those who not only receive the knowledge but implement it. Allahuma Ameen Ya Rab.

History of Valentines Day... You be the Judge!

Bismi-llāhi ar-Raħmāni ar-Raħīmi

Do you know what Valentine's is all about? Do you know how it came about? Most importantly, do you know what you're celebrating?


Valentine article.
Legends abound, as they do in all such cases, but this much is clear: Valentine’s Day began as a pagan ritual started by Romans in the 4th century BCE to honour Lupercus, the ‘god of fertility and flocks’. Its main attraction was a lottery held to distribute young women to young men for ‘entertainment and pleasure’ - until the next year’s lottery.

Among other equally despicable practices associated with this day was the lashing of young women by two young men, clad only in a bit of goatskin and wielding goatskin thongs, who had been smeared with the blood of sacrificial goats and dogs. A lash of the ‘sacred’ thongs by these ‘holy men’ was believed to make the women better able to bear children.

As usual, Christianity tried, unsuccessfully, to end the evil celebration of Lupercalia. It first replaced the lottery of the names of women with a lottery of the names of saints. The idea was that during the following year the young men would emulate the life of the saint whose name they had drawn. Christianity ended up doing in Rome, and elsewhere, as the Romans did.

The idea that you can preserve the appearance of a popular evil and yet somehow turn it to serve the purpose of virtue has survived. Look at all those people who are still trying, helplessly, to use the formats of popular television entertainment to promote good. They might learn something from this episode in history. It failed miserably.

The only success it had was in changing the name of Lupercalia to St Valentine’s Day. It was done in the year 496 by Pope Gelasius, in honour of one Saint Valentine. However, there are as many as 50 different Valentines in Christian legends. Two of them are more famous, although their lives and characters are also shrouded in mystery.

According to one legend, which is more in line with the true nature of this celebration, St Valentine was a ‘lover’s saint’ who had himself fallen in love with his jailer’s daughter.

Due to serious troubles that accompanied such lottery, French government banned the Valentine ritual in 1776. It also vanished over the years in Italy, Austria, Hungry, and Germany. Earlier, during the 17th century when the Puritans were strong it had been banned in England, but King Charles II revived it in 1660.

From England the Valentine ritual arrived in the New World, where enterprising Yankees spotted a good means of making money. Esther A Howland who produced, in the 1840s, one of the first commercial American Valentine Day cards called - what else valentines sold $5,000 worth in the first year. (Then $5,000 was a lot of money.) The valentine industry has been booming ever since.

-Courtesy of Sis Shiqpe Palloshi.-

The same implies for Christmas and Halloween.
Logically, if you really love someone then everyday can be Valentine's day. If you really love to give, then everyday can be Christmas and if you want to dress up as a monster then do so at a photo studio. LOL. Some Muslims are indulging themselves in practices that they regard as innocent fun when they are actually cultural practices that may symbolize unbelief or they could be rooted in paganism. These ideas/ practices may have been products of superstitions and may be a negation to what Islam stands for.

< I didn't write any of this, May Allah bless the person who did and bless their family in Dunya and the Here-After. Ameen.

Monday, January 25, 2010

Favorite Hadith

Abu Dharr Jundub Ibn Janada narrated from the Prophet (saw) related what Allah (SWT) said,"O my slaves ! I have forbidden injustice to Myself and I have made it unlawful between you, so do not wrong one another.

O My slaves ! All of you are misguided except those whom I guide, so seek My guidance and I will guide you.

O My slaves ! All of you are hungry except those I feed, so ask Me for food and I will feed you

O My slaves ! All of you are naked except those that I clothe, so ask Me for clothing and I will clothe you.

O My slaves ! You make mistakes by day and night and I forgive all wrong actions, so ask for My forgiveness and I will forgive you.

O My slaves ! You will never attain to My harm so as to be able to harm me and you will never attain to My benefit so as to benefit Me.

O My slaves ! If the first and last of you, all the Jinn and all the men among you possessed the heart of the most god-fearing man among you, that would not increase My kingdom in any way.

O My slaves ! If the first and last of you, all the Jinn and all the men among you possessed the heart of the most evil man among you, that would not decrease My kingdom in any way.

O My slaves ! If the first and last of you, all the Jinn and all the men among you, were to stand in a single place and ask of Me, I could give to every man what he wants without decreasing what I have any more than a needle when it enters the sea.

O My slaves ! It is your actions for which I call you to account and then repay you in full. So anyone who finds good should praise Allah and anyone who finds something else should blame none but himself." (Muslim)

Friday, December 25, 2009

Eight Things to Learn


One time a scholar asked one of his students, "You have spent a long time with me, what have you learned?"

He said I learned eight things:

First, I looked to the creation. Everyone has a loved one. When he goes to the grave, he leaves his loved one. Therefore, I made my loved one my good deeds; that way, they will be with me in the grave.

Second, I looked to the verse, "But as for him who feared to stand before his Lord and restrained his soul from lust," therefore, I struggled against my desires so I could stay obeying Allah.

Third, I saw that if anyone has something with him that is worth something, he will protect it. Then I thought about the verse,"That which you have is wasted away; and that which is with Allah remains," therefore, everything worth something with me I devoted to Him so it would be with Him for me.

Fourth, I saw the people seeking wealth, honor and positions and it was not worth anything to me. Then I thought about Allah's words, "Lo, the noblest of you in the sight of Allah is the most aware of Allah, so I did my best to become aware of Allah in order to gain nobility in his sight.

Fifth, I saw the people being jealous towards each other and I looked at the verse, "We have apportioned among them their livelihood in the life of the world", so I left jealousy.

Sixth, I saw the people having enmity and I thought about the verse, "Lo, the devil is an enemy for you, so take him as an enemy", so I left enmity and I took the Satan as my only enemy.

Seventh, I saw them debasing themselves in search of sustenance and I thought about the verse, "And there is not a beast in the earth but the sustenance thereof depends on Allah", so I kept myself busy with my responsibilities toward Him and I left my property with Him.

Eighth, I found them relying on their business, buildings and health and I thought about the verse, "And whosoever puts his trust in Allah, He will suffice him", therefore, I put my trust only on Allah.

Translated by: Jamal Zarabozo