My Current Dilemma
Bismilla-hir-Rahman-ir-Raheem
I begin in the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
I am currently sitting in the gallery of my family’s house having just enjoyed a delicious cup of tea and waiting patiently for the sun to rise (too many clouds though..I doubt I’ll see anything). SubhanaAllah..All praise and thanks are to Allah (SWT) who as allowed me to enjoy this privilege every morning for the past few weeks :)
As I sit here, my mind is running at a million miles per second. I am supposed to be sitting my first final exam of this semester in a few hours Insha Allah. As anyone who knows me would know, I’ve never liked school..I’ve never liked studying, doing projects then being tested on what I was supposed to have learnt. School never has been my cup of tea, especially now since I’m only doing it because it’s what everyone as well as society says I have to do. Ever since I began my university life in September 2010, for the most part, it has been the worst experience of my life. The only upside thus far has been getting to see my friends every once in a while.
I’ve recently undergone (is that even a word?? LoL) a lot of changes in my life, spiritually, mentally and emotionally. I think I’ve changed more in these past few weeks than I have throughout any other point in my life. I’ve completely reorganized my priorities-things that were not important to me have gone straight to the top of that list: Salaah, constantly remembering, praising & thanking Allah (SWT), sending blessings upon our Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAWS), etc… :) I no longer have any interest in a lot of the things that I lived for a few weeks ago- anything Hollywood-related is a nice way to sum that list up.
I’ve listened to a lot of lectures and speeches by a variety of individuals over the past few weeks, both on the Internet and the on the television. And while those lectures were on varying topics (love, marriage, sports in Islam, women in Islam, forgiveness, etc…), one underlying concept that was common in almost all of them was the fact that this life is temporary-nothing in this life is going to last. I’ve heard this time and time again but this is the first time it has had such a profound impact on my life. This was a real eye-opener for me..Alhamdulillah :)
This is where my dilemma begins..I’ve wanted to leave university since the first time I was there and it mattered not to me whether I left there with a degree or whether they kicked me out for failing too many courses..I just wanted to leave & I want that even more now. My problem is that I can’t just drop out..I can’t expect my parents to look after me forever..As much as I will try to deny it, I have to exist in this life until Allah, the All-Wise decides it’s time for me to die. Having re-ordered my list of priorities I’ve realized that, while our ultimate goal is basically the same thing, the roads which the people I’m surrounded by (mostly my family) and I are taking are getting more and more different with each passing day. I can only speak of what I witness with my own two eyes (if that much) and based on what I’ve experienced throughout my life, a lot of emphasis (too much in my opinion) is being placed on achieving the very best in this life. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for this..just not if and when it is at the expense of ensuring the very best for ourselves in the Hereafter. That’s what I’ve recently been having issues with. To each his/her own. I can’t tell people how to live their lives. If that’s the path they choose, I wish them all the best and I’ll continue to make Duaa for them.
My desire to learn as much as I possibly can about Islam, our Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings upon Him always) and everything else this beautiful way of life has to offer is unlike the desire I’ve ever had for anything else in my life. I don’t want to study Accounting or Economics or the Sociology of Sports..I just want to study Islam. However, as with almost anything else, there are a few obstacles in my path.
(1)I’m single/unmarried which means that it’s unwise for me to go anywhere too far to study on my own (assuming I’m blessed with such an opportunity {to study}).
(2)I’m from Trinidad—‘nuff said..LoL.
(3)If I am to drop out of university, I just may have to get married not too long after. Married???!!!! LoL. I can barely take care of myself much less a husband and then (Insha Allah) kids?? I guess marital/wifey instincts kick in after you get married similar to how maternal instincts kick in when a mom has a baby??
Insha Allah, I intend to sit all 5 of my final exams (I’m not guaranteeing any passes though :-P). As to what happens then, as of right now, only Allah (SWT) knows. I am putting my complete trust in Him (as I always strive to do). I think that the next chapter in my life might most definitely raise some eyebrows amongst my family members and they may not agree with some of the choices I think I’ll be making, but my aim in life now (and hopefully it won’t change) is to please Allah to the best of my abilities (Insha Allah). No offense to anyone and I hope I don’t incur any sins by saying this but..I’d much rather please my Lord, my creator, my sustainer-Allah (SWT)-than please all of the people in my life. I do not wish to sacrifice my success in the next life to obtain the best in this life. I’d rather have nothing now and everything then as opposed to having everything now and nothing then.
————»Deen over Dunya!! :)«————
As always, I ask Allah (SWT) to forgive me for any mistakes I may have made with this posting. I pray that Allah (SWT) continues to bless us, guide us and that He never lets us go astray Insha Allah. Ameen.
Update =)♥
Bismilla-hir-Rahmaa-nir-Raheem
Subhannallah {Glory be to Allah}. Alhamdulillah {All Praise is to Allah}. Allahu Akbar {Allah is the Greatest}.
All Praise is due to Allah {SWT} for all things.
As I sit writing this post, my heart is overflowing with love for Allah {SWT}, our Holy Prophet Muhammad {SWS} and my mom {yes..you read right :)}. Words cannot begin to describe how extremely grateful I am (and hope to continue to be..always..Insha Allah) to Allah {SWT} for everything he’s blessed me with in my life- life itself, health, strength, a constant need, want & desire to praise Him, worship Him, thank Him, my family, food, clothes..just to scratch the surface and name a few things :)
If anyone who might be reading this has known me before this “transformation”, they just might be in shock. I have even surprised myself with just how much emphasis I’ve been placing on Islam throughout the past few weeks. With each day that passes, Alhamdulillah, I’m focusing more and more on preparing myself for what will be in store for me when my time here on Earth comes to an end. Unfortunately, I know too many people who do not see how serious of an issue this is. They make attaining the highest levels of education in this life their top priority, often at the expense of their Faith. I was like that a few weeks ago but I’m understanding more and more that how I live my life now will affect my life in the Hereafter. ==>Deen over Dunya peeps!! :) <==
Since my last post I’ve been reading my 5 daily Salaah..Alhamdulillah :) And most recently, I’ve begun wearing the Hijab (whenever I have to leave the house) =) I pray that Allah {SWT} accepts my intentions and my efforts and that he forgives me for any mistakes and errors I may make while trying to please Him in the best ways I know how..the ways He prescribed us to do. I’ve also recently developed this burning desire and want to, one day Insha Allah, visit the Holy cities of Mecca and Madinah for the purpose of performing the Hajj.
Currently, it is the night of Jummah =) Such a blessed and wonderful night it is. I am thankful to Allah {SWT} for blessing me with the opportunity to be alive to experience another one of these amazing nights and I hope I am able to make the most of it and take full advantage of the rewards it offers =)
Insha Allah, my birthday is two (2) weeks away. I recently made a “to do” list with a handful of goals I would like to achieve before these 2 weeks are over. The items are simple things that I should have already been able to do given my age and the family that I come from. It makes me ashamed of myself and it fills my heart with regret when I think that I never took the time to do any of the things on that list. However, in trying to remain positive (so I won’t discourage myself), I’m sticking with one of my favourite sayings—“better late than never” :) Allah knows best.
Well, that’s all that I can think of for now. I hope this post inspires whoever may read it! My intention never is and hopefully never will be to this as some sort of attempt to gain fame of worldly recognition or anything else along those lines. I always write these blogs with the hope that I can help even that one person see the light and find their way to the path of Islam in the same way as I have been so fortunate to do over the past few weeks.
I pray that Allah {SWT} forgives me and that He accepts my intentions and efforts Insha Allah. Ameen.
♥
The Prerequisites of Salaah
Bismilla-hir-Rahmaa-nir-Raheem
“Before a believer performs Salaah, he/she must ensure that the following seven (7) requirements are attended to and fulfilled.
(1)PURITY OF THE INDIVIDUAL The body must be cleansed of all impurities. Purity of the person can be obtained through Ghusl or Wuduu’. If the believer is unable to perform Ghusl or Wuduu’ due to illness, scarcity of water or other reasons, he/she can perform Tayammum (purification with dust) before performing his/her Salaah.
(2)CLEANLINESS OF GARMENTS All garments (including headwear, gloves, socks, etc.) that one is wearing while performing Salaah must be clean.
(3)CLEANLINESS OF PLACE The specific area where Salaah is to be performed, i.e. where you stand, where the knees, hands, forearm and forehead would rest in Sajdah, must be free from all impurities. One should perform Salaah in any location which is clean except the following places: (I)above the Kab’ah, (II)churches, (III)graveyards, (IV)synagogues, (V)slaughterhouses, (VI)public roads, (VII)toilets, (VIII)buildings housing animals and beasts, (IX)places containing dung, etc.
(4)COVERING THE AWRAH {part of the body that must be covered}. Males must cover that part of the body from the navel to just below the knees. This is the minimum requirement to perform Salaah. However, it is preferable that a code of dress be observed at all times. Females are required to cover the whole body excluding the face, hands (from wrist to fingertips) and feet (below the ankles).
(5)FACING THE KA’BAH Unless there is a genuine shar’i excuse, a believer must perform every Salaah with his/her face turned in the direction of the Holy Ka’bah.
(6)PUNCTUALITY IN SALAAH Each Salaah must be performed within the time limit prescribed for it. Any Salaah performed before its time is counted as Nafl and if it is offered after the time, it must be performed as Qadaa (missed) Salaah. (Fard and Witr only).
(7)NIYYAH (Intention) Before a believer performs his/her Salaah, he/she must make his/her Niyyah (Intention) in his mind or expressed silently. His/Her intention indicates the particular Salaah he/she is going to perform and the number of Rak’aat. If the Salaah is in congregation, he/should indicate that his/her Salaah is under the leadership of the Imaam. The Imaam should include in his Niyyah that he is leading the congregation in Salaah.”
The above information was taken from the book ‘The Performance of Salaah With Illustrations, Tahaarah (Purification), Du’aa’ supervised by Maulana Siddiq Ahmad Nasir.
Insha Allah, may Allah (SWT) forgive him, the other authors of the book and myself for any errors and mistakes we may have made in the transmission of this information. Ameen.
The fire of Jahanam will not touch the person who recites “Allahumma Ajirni Minan Naar” seven (7) times after Fajr and Maghrib.
*If you choose to pass this message on, it will be Sadqa-e-Jaaria for you and for me :)*
Day 72
Name: Al-Awwal, The First
“He is the First and the Last, the Ascendant and the Intimate, and He is, of all things, Knowing.” 57:3
Allah is the first, the beginning, the foremost. The Prior-Existing One who existed before all of creation. When we think about the dinosaurs, it puts us in awe that something existed such a long time ago, but imagine Allah the beginning of existence, the one who created existence, this is something we cannot even imagine. Allah is the beginning to everything, he created all that was created and is above all creation. A description of Allah is unimaginable because his existence is beyond our concrete existence. Allah is before what we believe to be the beginning. Allahuakbar.
This name gives me chills and reminds me of how “cheap” this dunya, how lowly it truly is, because down here we think we are the stuff, the greatest of creation, we can pretty much roam the earth doing whatever we please, or at least this is what we think. We think we rule the world, but who rules the world more than the one who created it? Who is better than the one who is the creator of all creation and thebeginning of all time?
No other than Allah, who is the first, Al-Awwal.
(Source: destinationjannah)
Surah Ikhlaas
SURAH IKHLAAS Once a man was walking and he read this written on a wall: ‘Qull huwa Allah hu ahad, Allah hu samad, Lam yalid WA lam youlad, Wa lam yakoul lahu koufwan ahad’ So he sat and read it, while he was reading it a man was watching him and Came to him and said ‘Do you know that you have got at least 470 hasana’s (Blessings) just for reading this! The person who wrote this on the wall also got 470 hasana’s; Even you have (who is reading this mail) 470 hasana’s. So press forward and let more people get 470 hasana’s. Don’t forget, each time someone reads this mail and gets hasanat so do you. When there is only a single star left in the sky. At that very moment, the path of forgiveness will close. The writing in the Quran will vanish. The sun will lower itself with the earth. Prophet Muhammad SAW said, ‘Who ever delivers this news to someone else, I will on the Day of Judgment make for him a place in Jannat.’ Please pass this to every Muslim you know.
Jumah, A Day of Honour
I begin in the name of Allah, The Most Gracious, The Most Merciful
I stumbled upon this poem while searching through the countless books in my dad’s collection. I’m not quite sure who wrote it. It’s taken from the book entitled ‘Islamic Poems for Children’ by Hamzad Mohammed.
The sun reached overhead
Hamzah in his garden bed
While boys head to Masjid
Imran, Azeem and Saajid.
“Hello Hamzah!” said mom
“Time for Jumah has come
Cleanse and put on wear
Spray Attar with care.”
Hurriedly on way to Jumah
Meth is poor Muslim brother
“Assalamu ‘alaikum, Ali.”
“Wa’alaikumussalaam, Aki.”
Told him the day is joyous
Allah to them is bounteous
Should clasp hands to Allah
Cup sure to runneth over.
“Good reminder, Hamzah
This is a day of honour
That’s why I’m here today
For to Allah, I’ve to pray.”
“‘twas nice meeting Ali
Made sure gave him money
Hopes he comes next Friday
For much more I’ve to say.”
On this day come forward
Get a reward, a reward
Jumah, a day of the week
Come seek! Come seek!
—Author Unknown
Lessons can be learnt when you least expect them
I was hanging out with one of my elder cousins yesterday. I’ve known her for as long as I can remember. She recently got married and has become a practicing Muslim since..Alhamdulillah. While conversing, she drew something to my attention. In the sweetest, kindest way she knew how, she explained to me something she noticed I’ve been doing that she’s come to realize I shouldn’t be doing. It’s something I’ve been doing for so long that I no longer realized I was doing it..It became second nature to me. When she first mentioned it to me, it hurt. But after spending some time thinking about it, I’ve realized that her pointing out one of my flaws came from a place of care. I will be the first to admit that I am not in anyway perfect, but I try each day that I’m blessed with to be somewhat better. I’ve made a mental note to myself to try and break that bad/wrong habit of mine and I ask Allah (SWT) to help me with that Insha Allah.
I also hope and pray that Allah (SWT) continues to bless her..and her hubby and reward them for their efforts and forgive them for their mistakes Insha Allah. Ameen.
