Friday, August 14, 2009

How to Boost Ramadan Spirit



How to Boost Ramadan Spirit


Ramadan, the month of the Qur’an, represents an invaluable opportunity for all believers to recharge the batteries of faith and draw close to their Lord. A wise Muslim should be keen to make best use of these blessed moments. If Muslims are unable to undistractedly focus on the hereafter all the time, let them at least do so during this short, yet boundlessly blessed, period of time. Below are some tips on how to boost your spirit during this longed-for month:

1- Du`a’


Ask Almighty Allah to make this the most inspiring, spiritually uplifting Ramadan you have ever had. Allah is the Only Who can make this happen and complete reliance on Him completely is the major step in boosting our spirits.

2- Clear Your Mind


Turn off the TV, the computer, the radio, your cell phone, pager, iPod, etc. You need not do so all day long, but for at least 10 minutes a day. Find a quiet place where you can close your eyes, remember your Lord and think deeply about your relationship with Him. At first, your mind will swirl with the useless and not-so-useful thoughts in your head. Force them away and focus your thought during these few minutes on three things: Almighty Allah, your purpose in life, and whether you are making due efforts to achieve that purpose. Do this every day of Ramadan, if you can. Should this be not possible, do it at least three times a week.

3- Learn About Great Muslim Figures


Even if you have read it or listened to it before, again read or listen to `Abdul-Wahid Hamid's Companions of the Prophet during this Ramadan. Read about or listen daily to a Companion's story. Well-written and short, these stories inform us in a wonderful way about these noble personalities and about how they maintained the strength of their faith against incredible odds. What a sure-fire spirituality booster!

4- Connect to the Qur’an


The noble Qur’an is the means whereby Almighty Allah talks to us. Indeed, it is the most important key to spiritual upliftment. During this Ramadan, connect to the Qur’an in a new way. If you already recite the Qur’an regularly, you can choose a new theme to focus on or select a particular Surah you have not read for a while. If, however, you are not a frequent reader of the Qur’an, you can start by reciting it for only two minutes a day; recite from the first page you encounter when you open the mushaf (copy of the Qur’an). It is also recommended that you keep a Qur’anic journal in which you can record your reflections, questions, thoughts, etc., about what you recite.



5- Take Care of Others

Whether it is a person who is away from his family, a person who is having problems with his or her spouse or kids, or fellow students struggling with their grades, make an extra effort this Ramadan to help others out. The spiritual boost you get in return is well worth it.

6- Feed the Hungry


While your stomach shrieks in protest, give that panhandler some change, volunteer at a soup kitchen, get involved with your local food pantry or make a couple of bag lunches to give to the hungry you meet on your way to school or work.

7- Give Up One Lifelong Bad Habit


Ask yourself what your fundamental defining traits are. Then decide which is the worst of them. Is it a hot temper? Apathy? Laziness? Impatience? Whatever it may be, utilize this Ramadan to get rid of it. Practice the opposite of this bad habit of yours every day until the end of the month. By then, in sha’ Allah, you will look back and be amazed at the change you have made for the better.

8- Use Those Nights of Power


The last ten nights or Ramadan are not called the Nights of Power for nothing. Use these precious times for deep, heartfelt du`aa’, self-analysis, reflection and serious thought.

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

going private

Salam alaykom.
I am going to make this blog private Incha'allah. so if you wish to be invited ,. please send your email to scribble.brain@gmail.com
Jazak'Allah Khair

Sunday, August 9, 2009

Baba Ali :)

Friday, August 7, 2009

Daily stuff...



Salam alaykom and Jummah Mubarak to everyone

I have yet to attend a Jummah..and been Muslim since 2004... can you imagine? Incha'allah that will end soon since we have a little prayer musallah in our community now, Al hamdullilah.

So ya.. that's the baby driving haha.. ya think I will get into trouble like that Dad on youtube that filmed his son driving the car?lol
Jennah loves to stand.. and when we put her behind the wheel, she showed me that she has her mom's driving soul. ( I once owned a 1980 camaro...grew up a mechanic's daughter ;) ) hehe. Masha'allah she has a lot of fun this little baby.

my day to day things include.. my precious morning coffee....breastfeeding most of the day..and trying to get dishes done, some laundry and hopefully a meal for everyone. My Husband actually helps me out a lot with the meals. Al hamdulillah.. one of the plus' of marrying a cook.:) the downside to that is he has also been a bachelor most of his 37 yrs, and I dunno if you have any idea how bachelors cook? but it ain't pretty !! lol

Ammena, You're gonna have to show me how to put pictures in the blog...I only know how to do the main one. ;)

I've been on maternity leave since....March. I gotta tell ya..I miss work !! I miss the patients...I miss helping people. I felt rather important. I still do at home, but I am not the type to be a full time stay at home mom, I gotta have something else to stimulate my brain. I go back around next feb. incha'allah.

We moved last Month and I am still unpacking. It's taking forever.. I HATE..really HATE moving. It's one of those things when you really DON"T wanna do something it just takes forever... that's what's going on here hehe.

Ramadan is coming.. I wanna get some decorations... I looked for some lights to put up..the Xmas kind..but noon has them for sale this time of year. Any ideas gals?
I am so anxious to get out and visit people and share in a REAL Ramadan this year.
There is a Moroccan family that lives close to me, but they are away this Ramadan... which is sad.. but al hamdullilah. C'est la vie !!

My other two kids have really grown up this summer... masha'allah.especially my daughter who will be turning 13.. ya THIRTEEN ! in October, Incha'allah. She went away for a week to visit her grandparents and came back a lady....she is now taller than I. She also became a woman as well ( if ya get my drift ;) ) but she has no desire to hijab whatsoever. makes me wonder what's in store for the little one... will she want to? will she rebel and say.well my older sis doesn't !! why do I have to?May Allah help me guide her when the time comes.
Sarah.. the soon to be 13 yr old... she is coming back from Arthritis Camp tomorrow. I love that she has a place to go where I do not have to worry if she is missing out on fun because she is scared of the pain or bringing attention to herself cause she won't have the stamina as the others do. Also...the security that if.. she does have a flare up..there are nurses and doctors there to take good care of her. They work hard to boost the kid's self-confidence. Al hamdullilah.

Nick the 15 yr old.. has been being a mama's boy this week.. it's nice to spend time with him.I am so proud of him and what a nice little ( even though he is almost 6 feet tall now ) man he has become. He's off to play basketball today...I'm hoping he works really hard with that this com9ng school year. I think it would be a plus in his finding a good college. Incha'allah

Today is a nice day.. very cool and sunny.. I'm gonna clean up a bit... then go outside with the baby and read her some Islamic baby books and lay in the sun. We need some Vit. D :)
Salams to y'all :)

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Still here....



Salam Alaykom to you all.
First I want to apologize for not writing a blog. A fellow blogger recently wrote to em and said.. I forgot you had a blog, but you have no entries. So I decided to start it up again. Al hamdullilah
As many of you may know, I had a baby on April 3rd. A beautiful baby girl, Jennah. Masha'allah. This is a picture of us on our vacation a few weeks ago.
I have to say.. having a baby at 39 is not easy. However it is very rewarding.
I have been overwhelmed and really not enough energy to even think, but al hamdullilah it is getting better. My marriage has been rocky, but I guess every marriage, during the first year together is hard. Incha'allah we can work things out and everything can be ok. We had a lot to handle this first year ( which is coming up on Sept 8th).
I'm breastfeeding too, with success , al hamdulilah. I am very proud of this. 'cause that too is not an easy thing !! She is just now, at, 4 mths , starting to give me some free time and occupy herself.
We moved to a smaller place and its been a month and I still have nothing set up properly. Incha'allah soon.
My two older kids, 15 and 12 help me out immensely, Al hamdullilah Thank God for them!!
I dunno much what to say... I have been secluded and kinda feel like a prisoner in my own home these days..but Incha'allah I will be getting out more now.I have a few sisters that I miss terribly...they are either moved away...vacationing or live just far enough that I can't easily go see them.
on bright side, Ramadan is near !!! I am excited about this and since I am home and not working ( mat. leave), then I am hoping to be able to make this a good experience incha'allah. I feel sad about not fasting again this year. But I talked it over with the husband..and we both feel it would be too much of a strain on everyone and since I have been bleeding a lot... it might not be a good idea. Also baby need her vitamins ;)
Anyway... this is short and doesn't say much... I hope to gradually write more, Incha;allah.
I would , however like to welcome a new sister in the Mulsim world :) A new Shahada... "C" Masha'allah she recently said her Shahada and I am so excited for her to be discovering the beauty of the deen and May Allah bless her with much sabr and happiness. The journey is not an easy one, but it is rewarding and incha'allah will grant you jannah...Welcome !! hug....xox

salams fer now

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

LMOTP - Can I get a witness S3E20






Tuesday, March 17, 2009

LMOTP - Meet the Jaffers S3E19





Sunday, March 15, 2009

Keep Allah in Rememberance

Friday, March 13, 2009

My Beautiful Grandmother, Tilly



Salam Alaykom..

I rarely write personal blogs..but I need to do this today...or rather I feel I must get it out somehow.
Today is the service for my beloved Grammy...who passed away last Thursday suddenly at the age of 96. I say suddenly because until this month, shew was a healthy vibrant, independent woman who even at 96 still lives in her own apartment.
I know it's her time.. and I know she deserves peace and she has been ready to go now for a while...And I try not to be selfish in wanting her near, but it's really really difficult.

I wanna say to her thank you Grammy, for giving me all the love I could ever have needed. For teaching me so many things...most of which is being strong. Thank you for giving me security..and making me feel safe. Thank you for always being there and not judging me. Thanks you for giving me a place of peace when all around me was crumbling down. Thank you for making me feel special and spending so much time with me.
I will always treasure every memory of you precious in my heart always,last night I was crying for you and I had a blanket you made me. One that you even showed me how you made. and I could feel you comforting me like you did when I was little and sick.

You gave me the most wonderful Grammy anyone could ask for or ever want. My Smile is the same as yours. This is proof to me that without you, I would not be the person I am now.

I love you Grammy. May you rest in peace and all the troubles and struggles in this life leave you and finally give you pure happiness. May God reward you for all and forgive you for what things your regret.
Until we meet again...
with all my love.
Your grandaughter, Karen Lee

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

LMOTP - Baber makes an entrance S3E18





Tuesday, March 10, 2009

OK...I got a beef !!

Salam alaykom all.

Day before last I got an invitation from our new local Masjid...to join them in celebration of Eid. I said.excuse me? I thought there were only 2 Eids?
Then it dawned on me...OMG they are celebrating the Prophet Mohammed's (sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) birthday !!??

Ok here is my beef... if I wanted to celebrate a prophet's birthday...and if I thought this was okayyyyyyyyyy then why would I not celebrate Christmas !!?? Aren't we supposed to put all the messengers in the same boat?? I find this almost offensive..I am sorry...it actually hurts me. May Allah forgive me....
All messengers have same message. Its just the followers took in a wrong way or changed it to suit themselves. Ok.Ya I am upset..

I invite you to read this link...

http://muttaqun.com/mawlid.html

and what do I say to my husband's family when they call to say Eid Mobarak...and to this kind invitation to go to the masjid?

I firmly believe God gave us all the distinction between right and wrong..and what has made most of Muslims is this very gut feeling. So like.. I feel this so strongly and its so clear to me..why is not for others?

I'm just so upset :( must be preggo hormones..

Monday, March 2, 2009

Free BLACK Abayat! For ANY Sisters Who Want!

Thursday, February 26, 2009

LMOTP - Recipe for Disaster S3E16





Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Mohammedia >>>??


Salam alaykom..I saw that someone from Mohammedia stopped by my blog...
can yo identify yourself?
This is where I got married :) would love to know who you are incha'allah

LMOTP - Colour Me Excited S3E15




Saturday, February 14, 2009

One Word

Salam alaykom all.. I was tagged by Nawar :) thanks sis.. I feel truly accepted in this blogger world now lol


Where is your cell phone? -in the living room, on coffee table

Your hair? - long and needs a trim

Your mother? - and I don't get along

Your father? - passed away in 1997

Your favorite thing? - hugging and kissing my kids

Your dream last night? - I have no idea..but It was disturbing.

Your favorite drink? - coca-cola

What room are you in? - bedroom

Your fear? - ALLAH, and not being loved, not being able to breathe

Where do you want to be in 6 years? - owning my own house with pool

Where were you last night? - home as always

Something that you aren't? - stupid

Wish list item? - a new car

Last thing you did? - eat cashews

TV? -love CSI

Your pets? - one, cat..maggie

Friends? - so many al hamdullilah

Your life? - is so NOT boring

Your mood? - moody

Missing someone? - ya, husband is working

Drinking? - maybe some tea later

Smoking? - no, never

Your car? - pontiac

Your favorite store? - I love them all

Your favorite colour? - rainbow

When was the last time you cried? - today...I'm pregnant and I can if I wanna

Where do you go to over and over? - work. its getting on my nerves. lol

My favorite place to eat? - Amir's , Shish Taouk

Favorite place I'd like to be at right now? at my old ranch, sitting under my Dad's tree loking up at the stars.

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

LMOTP - Raised Expectations S3E14





Monday, February 9, 2009

Woe's of a cross cultural muslimah mom


Salam alaykom to you all.
I know I ahve not been keeping up my blog as I should... To tell you the truth, I just don't feel like talking.
TOday, however, while I am sitting here with my morning coffee ( I got to work rather early) I decided to write a bit abotu what's going on with me these days.

Sisters...being married to a north africain.. when you're an idependant americain woman..is HARD. It takes a lot of patience..and sabr.
I was always against this meeting on the internet men from over seas and getting married. But even with this, somehow it happened to me !! Al hamdulilah..I do not regret it, but really... I thought it would be easier for some reason. I can hear my freind, Ammena saying.. sis.. was like this before he moved here... and ya she is right. I had the warning signs. I think he thoguht life would be easier too.
It takes a great deal of the stuff I already mentioned, and also a lot of LOVE..and most of all faith in God.
Anyway.. these past months being rpregnant hav been difficult...and exhausting.
I am now at 31 weeks. My scheduled c-section si for April 3rd, Incha'allah.
Not one minut too soon!! al hamdullilah. I am anxious to get this baby out of me so that I can have normal emotions....and even normal functions in the toilet lol..ya..u read right.. to be able to sleep on my tummy....ahhh it would be great !!!

So.. really I am blessed , this pregnancy is going well.. considering I am 39 yrs old...I am tired and uncomfortable, but healthy....al hamdullilah.
Does anyone have any ideas for names? I asked my husband to chose, but I think that was a mistake. he seems to make even this decision one of those last minute things. aughhhh... I persoanlly love the name Jennah. My grandmother was Jennie..and a very good freind of mine, not able to have children, is Jennifer. Of course it means Heaven...I just love it. Norah is very nice too. Everytone else seems to like this name. If it's a boy..I like Zakaryah. we're loking for a name that easily pronounced in Canada as well as Morocco.

My 12 yr old daughter is taking a baby siting course today. So she is preparing for the arival hehe.. Al hamdullilah, I will have so much help with my two older ones. They really help me so much.. May Alalh reward them for this. I adore them.

lately, I wanna eat EVERYTHING....Im sooo hungry !!!

My husband decided to go to school and work part time. It will be for the next 2 yrs. I pray Allah tohelp us through this as I am aleady in debt and having a hard time supporting my family by myself. Thank God that I work at a hospital and have good benefits from them.

Anyway.. anyone thinking about embaking on this kinda of over seas marriage.... pls pls PLEASE....once you are togethe take the time .. about 3 yrs to get to know one another and togethe set up a solid life before u have kids. It's very very important.

Salams to you all....
Fi amenallah
Anisah

Friday, January 30, 2009

LMOTP - The Week of Dying Dangerously S3E13





Wednesday, January 14, 2009

LMOTP - True Bromance S3E11





Saturday, January 10, 2009

LMOTP - Baber is From Mars, Vegans Are From Vegus S3E10




Saturday, January 3, 2009

Kindness at home Islam is a beautiful religion, full of wisdom and harmony. If this wonderful religion is followed pro

Kindness at home




Islam is a beautiful religion, full of wisdom and harmony. If this wonderful religion is followed properly then a typical Muslim would only be a great example to follow. The Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) said: "The most perfect believer in faith is the one who is best in moral character..." [At-Tirmithi]

Spreading kindness at home:

'Aa'ishah may Allaah be pleased with her said: "The Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) said: '"When Allaah, The Almighty,Wills some good towards the people of a household, He introduces kindness among them.'" [Ahmad]

According to another report: "When Allaah loves the people of a household, He introduces kindness among them." [Ibn Abu Ad-Dunyaa] In other words, they start to be kind to one another.

This is one of the means of attaining happiness at home, for kindness is very beneficial between the spouses, and with the children, and it brings results that cannot be achieved through harshness, as the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) said: "Allaah loves kindness and rewards for it in such a way that He does not reward for harshness or for anything else." [Muslim]

Helping the wife with the housework:

Many men think that housework is beneath them, and some of them think that it will undermine their status and position if they help their wives with this work. The Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) however, used to "sew his own clothes, mend his own shoes and do whatever other work men do in their homes." [Ahmad]

This is how 'Aa'ishah may Allaah be pleased with her responded when she was asked about what the Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) used to do in his house; she described what she herself had seen. According to another report, she said: "He was like any other human being; he would clean his clothes, milk his ewe and serve himself." [Ahmad]

She may Allaah be pleased with her was also asked about what the Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) used to do in his house, and she said, "He used to serve his family, then when the time for prayer came, he would go out to pray." [Al-Bukhaari]

If we Muslim men were to do likewise nowadays, we would achieve three things:

1. We would be following the example of the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ).

2. We would be helping our wives.

3. We would feel more humble and down to earth.

These narrations should act as a reminder to those men, who demand food instantly from their wives, when the pot is on the stove and the baby is screaming to be fed; they do not pick up the child or wait a little while for the food.

Being affectionate towards and joking with the members of the family:

Showing affection towards one's wife and children is one of the things that lead to creating an atmosphere of happiness and friendliness in the home. Thus the Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) advised Jaabir may Allaah be pleased with him to marry a virgin, saying,

"Why did you not marry a virgin, so you could play with her and she could play with you, and you could make her laugh and she could make you laugh?" [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]

The Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) also said: "Everything in which Allaah's name is not mentioned is idleness and play, except for four things: a man playing with his wife..." [An-Nasaa'ee]

The Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) used to treat his wife 'Aa'ishah may Allaah be pleased with her affectionately when performing Ghusl (ritual bath) with her, as she may Allaah be pleased with him said: "The Messenger of Allaah and I used to perform Ghusl together from one vessel, and he would playfully pretend to take all the water so that I would say, 'Leave some for me, leave some for me.'" [Muslim]

The ways in which the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) showed affection towards young children are too famous to need mentioning. He often used to show his affection towards his grandchildren Hasan and Husayn. This is probably one of the reasons why the children used to rejoice when he came back from traveling; they would rush to welcome him, as reported in the following authentic narration: "Whenever he came back from a journey, the children of his household would be taken out to meet him." He sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) used to hug them close to him, as 'Abdullaah Ibn Ja'far may Allaah be pleased with him said: "Whenever the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) came back from a journey, we would be taken out to meet him (to the boundaries of Al-Madeenah). One day we met him, Hasan, Husayn and I. He carried one of us in front of him (on his animal), and another on his back, until we entered Al-Madeenah." [Muslim]

Compare this with the situation in some miserable homes where there is no joking or playing, affection or mercy among its members. Whoever thinks that kissing his children goes against the dignity of fatherhood should read the following narration reported from Abu Hurayrah may Allaah be pleased with him who said:

"The Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) kissed Al-Hasan Ibn 'Ali, and Al-Aqra' Ibn Haabis At-Tameemi was sitting with him. Al-Aqra' said: 'I have ten children and I have never kissed any one of them.' The Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) looked at him and said: 'The one who does not show mercy will not be shown mercy.'" [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]

Friday, January 2, 2009

Muslim family booted off U.S. airline gets apology


Muslim family booted off U.S. airline gets apology



WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A Muslim family that was ordered off an AirTran Airways flight on New Year's Day received an apology and refund on Friday from the airline, which said its decision to bar the passengers was necessary.

Atif Irfan said in an interview with CNN that federal authorities removed him, seven family members and a friend from the flight after passengers overheard members of the group talking about the safest place to sit on the plane. He said they were being careful to avoid any "buzzwords" like "bomb" that would trigger a security alert.

The group was flying out of Reagan Washington National Airport and was headed for a religious retreat in Florida when other passengers apparently overheard the conversation and reported it to authorities.

AirTran, a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings Inc., issued a statement apologizing to the nine and the other passengers who were inconvenienced by the incident. It said the airfare of the nine was refunded and other passengers would be reimbursed for expenses incurred by taking other flights.

"We apologize to all of the passengers -- to the nine who had to undergo extensive interviews from the authorities, and to the 95 who ultimately made the flight," the discount airline said in a statement.

"While ultimately this issue proved to be a misunderstanding, the steps taken were necessary," it said.

An earlier AirTran statement said the airline complied with all Transportation Security Administration and Homeland Security directives and had no discretion in the case.

All 104 passengers aboard the flight were taken off and rescreened and their baggage was checked again, AirTran said. Of the nine passengers in the group, six asked to be rebooked to Florida, AirTran said.

The Washington-based Council on American-Islamic Relations said it filed a complaint on Friday with the U.S. Department of Transportation. The Islamic civil rights group said in a statement it was working with the Muslim passengers and the airline to address the civil liberties issues related to the incident.

"We believe this disturbing incident would never have occurred had the Muslim passengers removed from the plane not been perceived by other travelers and airline personnel as members of the Islamic faith," the group said in its complaint.

Kashif Irfan, Atif's brother, told The Washington Post he thought the group, all but one of them U.S.-born citizens, were profiled because of their appearance. He said five of the six adults in the group are of South Asian descent, and all six are traditionally Muslim in appearance, with the men wearing beards and the women in headscarves.

Kashif Irfan, 34, is an anesthesiologist, and his brother Atif, 29, is a lawyer, the Post reported. Both live in Alexandria, Virginia.

Atif Irfan told CNN U.S. law enforcement officials treated the group with kindness but the family is upset that the airline did not allow the group to reboard the plane or rebook a flight after they had been cleared of any wrongdoing.

The Post reported the group booked a flight on US Airways after the incident.

(Reporting by Donna Smith; Editing by Eric Beech)