The Biggest Blessing of All

The fact that we are Muslims is a very big blessing; a beautiful gift. We don't take a look at how easy our path is to Jannah. Since we are born Muslims, of course we live in an Islamic household, with Muslims, and eat halal food, read the Qur'an and are constantly reminded of the hereafter. We grew up learning how to read Arabic, how to pray, how to fast, etc.
But imagine if we were not born Muslim. We would have no Islamic influence, no guidance, and it would be hard for us to become a Muslim if our family were non-Muslims. However, for born Muslims, this is not the case. When disbelievers become Muslims, it's a big test for them. They are constantly surrounded by disbelievers, haram, shirk, falsehood; the door to sins is open for them. They are encouraged to do evil and indulge in wrongdoing. Alhamdullilah, we are already guided and are encouraged to do good.
So, we Muslims should thank Allah (swt) for this amazing gift: being born Muslims.
However sadly some born Muslims become worse than disbelievers, it's really sad because they're in the path of guidance however choose to be misguided.

الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ الَّذِي هَدَانَا لِهَذَا وَمَا كُنَّا لِنَهْتَدِيَ لَوْلا أَنْ هَدَانَا اللَّهُ

“All the praises and thanks be to Allah, Who has guided us to this, and never could we have found guidance, were it not that Allah had guided us!”

Hijab

"Hijab is not merely a covering dress, but more importantly, it is behavior, manners, speech and appearance in public."

The Importance of Wearing the Hijab (Headscarf)
Hijab is Mandatory
Why should you wear the hijab? The first and most important reason is that Allah (God) told Muslim women to observe Hijab.

In Surah An-Nur Ayah 31, Allah Says,"And tell the believing women to reduce [some] of their vision and guard their private parts and not expose their adornment except that which [necessarily] appears thereof and to wrap [a portion of] their headcovers over their chests and not expose their adornment except to their husbands, their fathers, their husbands' fathers, their sons, their husbands' sons, their brothers, their brothers' sons, their sisters' sons, their women, that which their right hands possess, or those male attendants having no physical desire, or children who are not yet aware of the private aspects of women. And let them not stamp their feet to make known what they conceal of their adornment. And turn to Allah in repentance, all of you, O believers, that you might succeed."

Wearing the hijab is an act of obedience and worship towards Allah. Therefore, it is mandatory to wear the hijab and if one does not wear it after the age of puberty, she will get sins and will face the consequences and punishment in the Hereafter.
"The women that leaves the house with the shape of her bodies defined or their hair showing, or they are decorating one way shape or form, or they are perfumed, every neck that turns, every eye that
looks, you share in the sin of the person that committed it. You can be in the bus reading Qur'an or making Dhikr, and you dont even realize it that guy whose eyes fall on your thighs or his eyes fall upon your arms, or your neck, or your legs, any of this, you get the exact same sin because you made that sin a possibility and it appeared to them before Allah what they never expected, SINS and SINS and SINS and SINS, mountains of sins, never expected it.  The higher the skirt, the higher the pay, the more buttons open on the blouse, the higher the pay, the prettier the hair, the higher the pay." -YouTube Video "Advice to Muslim Women Thought Provoking The Daily Reminder."
Dont let a little enjoyment in this world let you face the severe punishment in the hereafter.

Hijab Gives Women Modesty and Protection
The hijab gives women modesty. It is a protection from social violations, lustful stares, and attraction.
In other words, if you wear the hijab, people will respect you for your personality, guys wont look at you in the wrong, lustful way, and you will be protected from harm.
The hijab teaches men to respect  women for their personality, not just their looks and beauty.
 The hijab is a reminder that women should not work hard to satisfy and look good for others; they should only try their best to worship and satisfy Allah (God).
In Surat Al-'Aĥzāb Ayah 59, Allah Says,“O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies (i.e. screen themselves completely except the eyes or one eye to see the way). That will be better, that they should be known (as free respectable women) so as not to be annoyed. And Allaah is Ever Oft‑Forgiving, Most Merciful”       

Your True Identity
The hijab identifies you as a Muslim. When Muslim women wear the hijab, people will know what they believe and stand for. The hijab will make you proud of who you are.

It's Never Too Late to Start
Wearing the hijab is a big decision for women. It's definitely not easy to start wearing it. But that's why its a form of jihad. Jihad is when you struggle to fight with your desires.This dunya (world) was not meant to be easy and fun for the believers because our true peace and enjoyment is saved for the hereafter in Jannah (paradise).

Rasul Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wasallam) said: “The world is a prison for a believer and Paradise for a non-believer.” [Muslim]

Many dont wear the hijab due to fear of what others think. If you feel this way, then think for a second. Why would you let other people's thoughts and feelings rule you and stop you from staying on the straight path? If you fear what others think, your life will be designed to please others. Our lives are supposed to be designed to please only Allah (swt).
Do you want to face the punishment in the hereafter just for some enjoyment in this world? Dont let your desires take over you.
In Surah Yunus Ayah 70, Allah Says, "[For them is brief] enjoyment in this world; then to Us is their return; then We will make them taste the severe punishment because they used to disbelieve."

In the Qur'an, Allah Says,

 But you prefer the worldly life, (87:16)

 While the Hereafter is better and more enduring. (87:17)

Dont focus on what others think. If you constantly pay heed to what others say, you will never be successful in this life and in the hereafter.
Never think it's too late to start wearing the Hijab. When death comes, then it will be too late.

The Proper Hijab
Many people dont realize that they are wearing the hijab improperly. People are scared to confront them due the fact that they might get offended. Although it's a sensitive issue, the truth needs to be conveyed.
Muslim women think its okay to show half of their hair or some of their bangs. Others think showing the ears and neck is okay.
When you wear the hijab, you have to cover your ears and neck. If you show parts or a strand of hair, or you're neck you will get punishment in the Hereafter.
If your ears, neck, or part of your hair is showing, you are not wearing the proper hijab.
Also, when you wear the hijab, your awrah (part of the body which must be covered) has to be covered. A woman's awrah is from her head to toe, except for her face and hands. Therefore, Muslim women should wear the hijab and loose clothing which does not reveal the shape of her body.
 Wearing the hijab with extremely tight clothing is not proper.

If we want to wear the hijab, we should know the right way of wearing it.

When You Start
When you choose to start wearing the hijab, make your intentions pure. At first, you may feel uncomfortable in public. But that's only because it's your first time, and you're not used to it. Everything feels uncomfortable for the first time. After a while, you will feel comfortable. Soon, you will feel so comfortable, you wont even realize the hijab is there. It takes time to get used to it.

Hijab is your choice, your freedom, and your identity with dignity.

Allah tells us to cover our beauty,
Hijab is our fashion and this is our duty

InshaAllah, Allah will make it easy for all Muslim women to wear the hijab.

                                            COPYRIGHT MUSLIM AND I KNOW IT

Sun Shine, by Sameen Age 8

Sun shine
Sun shine
You look at me with a smile

No matter where I go,
you stare at me for a while.

Grave Worshipping in Islam

Grave worship has become a wide spread phenomenon in the Muslim World, millions are spent each year on preserving historical sites and gravesites, which Islam absolutely and completely forbids.

Seeking help from the dead is haram in Islam. It is a shirk, a grave sin in Islam. Shirk means associating partners with Allah (swt), the Creator, the Sustainer and the Maintainer of the heavens and the earth universe and its inhabitants.  Allah doesn’t forgive shirk but He forgive sins any less than that. Because shirk is the greatest sin in Allah’s Sight.  Allah said in the Quran: “Surely Allah will not forgive the association of partners (shirk) with Him, but He forgives sins less than that of whomever He wishes” (4:48). In a Hadith Qudsi, the Prophet (SAWS) said, Allah said: “O son of Adam! As long as you supplicate to Me and hope of Me, I’ll forgive whatever you committed, and it will be easy for Me to do that. And even if you brought the earth’s fill of sins to Me, I will bring forth its fill of forgiveness, as long as you do not associate anything or anyone in worship with Me. And even if your err and your errors accumulate until they reach the boundaries of the shy and then ask Me forgiveness, I will forgive you!” (Sahih Muslim)

Seeking help from a dead falls into Shirk in Ruboobiyah (association in the Lordship), shirk Asma-as- sifah ( association in Allah’s names and attributes), and shirk in al ‘Ibadah (association in Worship). It falls in shirk in Ruboobiyah by believing that the dead person could hear and could aid us.   Allah (swt) said: “Allah created all things and He is the agent on whom all things depend” (39:62). Allah created us and Sustains for us, so we should depend on Him and seek His help entirely, not seek help from others and certainly not from a dead. Seeking help from a dead is the most prohibited act in Islam. It should be noted, we are not permitted to seek help from our Prophet (saws) or make his grave into a worshipping place.  It’s not even permissible for anyone to make du’a to bring closer to Allah by touching the chamber of the prophet saws or by facing it. The Prophet (saws) warned us the severity of the grave worshipping and made the du’a: “O Allah! Never turn my grave into an idol to be worshipped. Allah’s wrath intensified on a people who turn their Prophet’s graves into Masjid.” ( Malik in his Muwatta and Ahmed in Al-Musnad). Nothing of Allah’s creation such as: The angels, the prophets, pious and righteous people, idols, etc can help or answer prayers except Allah.  Allah alone answers all prayers and accepts prayers. Allah said: “ Nor call on any besides Allah, such can neither profit you, nor hurt you. If you do, then you will surely be one of the zalimun" (Qur'an 10:106). Consequently, seeking help from the dead person is an absurd and ridiculous idea.  First of all, the dead body who himself is a powerless and hopeless vulnerable body, who can neither help himself nor can aid himself.  Allah said: “Do they attribute as partners to Allah those who created nothing but they themselves are created? No help can they give them, nor do they help themselves.” (soorah Al-A’raaf, 7:191,192). And secondly, why should we seek a dead person’s help or make du’a to bring us closer to Allah when Allah is the all Hearer and all Knower. It doesn’t matter how pious or righteous the persons were or might be, Allah is Sufficient for us. Allah said in the Quran: “When My servants ask you (O Mohammad) about me tell them, ‘Verily I am close to them; I listen to the prayer of every one who calls on Me. So let them respond to Me and believe in Me in order that they may be guided aright”. (2:186). Another ayah Allah said in the Quran is, “It’s We who created man and We know what his soul whispers to him, for We are nearer to him than his jugular vein. (50:16).

Seeking help from a dead is form of shirk in Ibadah (association in Worship) and Asma-as-sifah giving Allah’s creation the attributes of Allah’s.  When someone makes du’a to a dead person is equal to worshiping them, because our prophet saws said “prayer (du’a) is worship” (sunan abi dawud). Allah the all Mighty said: “Do you worship besides Allah that which (cannot and) does not help you at all or harm you?” (21:66). In another ayah Allah (swt) said: “Those on whom you call besides Allah are only slaves like yourselves” (7:194).

Muslims are allowed to travel to only three places to worship.  These are the three masjids: Masjid-al- Haram in Makah, Al-Masjid an- Nabawi in Medina, and Masjid al Aqsa in Jerusalem. The Prophet (SAWS) said, "Do not set out on a journey except for three Masjids, Al-Masjid-AI-Haram, the Masjid of Allah's Apostle, and the Masjid of Al-Aqsa, (Masjid of Jerusalem)."(Sahih  Bukhari)  However, our Prophet (saws) didn’t encourage setting out on a journey only intended to visit his Masjid-an-Nabawi or visiting prophet (saws)’s grave in Medina. The Prophet (saws) said: “Send blessings upon me, for your blessings will reach me no matter where you are.” And he said, “Allah has angels who travel about throughout the land, conveying to me the salaams of my Ummah.”  (Narrated by al-Nasaa’i). Nevertheless, he encouraged pilgrims to visit and pray in his masjid when they are in the Makah for umrah or hajj, because the blessings of praying in the prophet’s masjid is a thousand times better than praying in any ordinary Masjid. The Prophet (saws) said, “A prayer in this mosque of mine is a thousand times greater than a prayer in other than it, except for the Masjid al-Haram.” (Sahih Bukhari)”. Setting out on a journey besides these three places to worship is an innovation and innovations are prohibited in Islam.  The Prophet (saws) said: “Every innovation is misguidance and all misguidance is in the Hellfire."( Reported by an-Nasaa'ee)

Students of knowledge should approach these issues, such as: seeking help from the dead and travelling to particular places of worship, other than what our Prophet (saws) permitted, in their respective communities with pure knowledge and taqwah(fear of Allah). Students of knowledge need to educate other with the most respected manner and with patience.  Because, most likely, when people hear something different than what they are brought up with, they would be rigid about it and they would react frenetically. Perhaps it is normal for human beings to react this way.  They wouldn’t want to change their habits or practices, which were passed down through their parents and ancestors for years; they would definitely not want to give up their practices overnight. So, instead of being hopeless or upset with them, students of knowledge should follow the Sunnah of our prophet (saws), which is, being patient and making dua for them. Our beloved prophet (saws) was patient, perseverance and prayed for his people who were on the wrong path.  So, by following the footsteps of our prophet (saws) and with evidences from Quran and Sunnah, inshaAlllah these issues could be prevented and erased from our communities.

3 Reasons Why Your Prayers and Dua Are Not Answered

1) You might be making dua for something that is haram and impermissible. It may be that Allah is protecting you from committing a sin and that's why He is not accepting your dua.

2) Allah (swt) knows that what you are asking for, is not actually good for you.

3) Allah (swt) may not give you something in this life because He wants to reward you with something even better in the Akhirah.  

Strive, Thrive, Don't Get Deprived, Waresa

Keep trying
Stay Striving
Through Thriving

Think straight
Don't hesitate
to demonstrate
if its necessitate.

Strive
Thrive
Don't get deprived.

Copyright Muslim and I Know It 


 

Every Struggle will Bring Success Part 3, by Waresa

But I still consistently asked him to tell the principal again. And finally, he did. The principal said we can pray!!!! But only 2-3 days a week. I was still happy. I couldn't believe it! I did it! I convinced 3 Jewish people to let there be a prayer place. However sadly, while the Jews let Muslims pray, some Muslims were not interested. However 4 girls were interested including me. And i accomplished my goal. So the lesson i learned was that if you want something good, Allah will make it easy for you.

Every Struggle Will Bring Success Part 2, by Waresa

So I had to ask the school president about the prayer place. Then, he would talk to the student council and ask our principal. I kept asking him "Did the principal say "yes"? How was the meeting? When can we start praying?" I had to remind him so many times. And finally he talked about the Muslim Prayer Place to the Student Council. But to my surprise, the vice president said she opposed to the idea. I was outraged! Everyone in the student council said "yes" except her. But later on we cleared things out and she told me she didn't oppose, she thought it would be impossible. And after many days, the school president told the principal, and the principal said he wasn't sure...
To be continued...

Every Struggle will Bring Success Part 1, by Waresa

If you want something, you have to try. You cant just sit there.
My middle school had no prayer place. I always wanted a place for all Muslims to come together and pray Zuhr in lunchtime. Because it's important to pray on time and you would  remember Allah at school. We must always remember Allah; at school, home, etc. Also, you would have less worry to pray when you got home. Sometimes at lunch, i would go with my friends to my Spanish teacher. She would let us eat in her room and chat with her. Slowly, by slowly, I knew more about her and learned that she was a really nice teacher.
One day, I decided that i should speak up. i would tell her about having a Muslim prayer place in our school. At first, she didn't seem so sure; but i didnt give up quickly. Since i brought up the subject I had to accomplish my goal. Finally she agreed, and she said she would let us use her room to pray. But i had to convince the school president...
To be continued...

Wake Up, by Waresa

Wake Up, by Waresa

Wake up,
before its to late
to fix your faith.

Wake up, realize,
what you have done,

What have been calling fun.

Wake up,
and keep your intentions pure,
before it's too late to be cured.

Wake up,
now is the time,
and keep away from crimes.

Wake up,
 all the way

Before it is your very last day.

Copyright Muslim and i Know It

The Qur'an

The Qur'an, by Waresa

Powerful, Amazing, and Strong
Not a single word in it is wrong.

Cure for the hearts
Helps one not fall apart.

Not a single word has been changed,
for 1400 years it's been the same.

Guides all of mankind;
the Qur'an is the only truth one can find

But still people don't believe,
for they are decieved.

If only they opened their eyes,
and saw that the Bible and Torah were lies.

They would be on the straight path
and would not have caused Allah's Wrath.

The Qur'an is one's guide,
and can cure one's arrogance and pride.

Copyright Muslim and I Know It


 

This life is a big test, within it are smaller tests.
One who passes all the small tests will InshaAllah pass the big test.

Importance of Prayer (Salaah)

Prayer is one of the 5 pillars of Islam. Prayer is what makes us Muslims; it is what makes us different from the disbelievers. As Muslims we must pray 5 times a day. We can’t skip Fajr or pray Fajr late. Sometimes it may be hard to get up in the early morning to pray Fajr, but just remember that you are praying Fajr to please Allah. Remember that if you pray Fajr Insha'Allah, Allah will reward you in the end.

 “The Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) stated that the most virtuous deed is the prayer.”

“Then, there has succeeded them a posterity who have given up As‑Salaah (the prayers) [i.e. made their Salaah (prayers) to be lost, either by not offering them or by not offering them perfectly or by not offering them in their proper fixed times] and have followed lusts. So they will be thrown in Hell”

[Maryam 19:59]

“And perform As-Salat (Iqamat-as-Salat), and give Zakat, and Irka' (i.e. bow down or submit yourselves with obedience to Allah) along with Ar-Raki'un.”

[Al-Baqarah 2:43]

 “And to perform As-Salat (Iqamat-as-Salat)", and to be obedient to Allah and fear Him, and it is He to Whom you shall be gathered.”

[Al-'An`ām 6:72]

 "And as to those who hold fast to the Book (i.e. act on its teachings) and perform As-Salat (Iqamat-as-Salat), certainly, We shall never waste the reward of those who do righteous deeds."

[Al-'A`rāf 7:170]

His Beauty (SAWS), Waresa

His Beauty SAWS

The most beautiful and handsome of all
He was neither too short nor tall

He was innocently bright
His chest was white like the moonlight

He had long eyelashes
Dark, black eyes
Eyebrows bright like pure silver
All the parts of his body were of moderate size

His complexion was white with redness
He was singularly bright and fresh

When he walked he always looked down
He was neither very white nor very brown

It was as if the brightness of the sun
Had shone from his blessed face
When he walked, his companions found it difficult
To keep up with his fast pace.

When he smiled or laughed his teeth shone like lightning;
They were like pearls
His hair was glossy and black
Inclined to curl

That was the beauty of our Prophet Muhammad (SAWS)
And his character was beautiful too.
Think about that and InshaAllah
Our hearts will awaken soon.

The Bright Sun

The Bright Sun, Waresa
Gleaming in the sky
shining so bright
Yellow glows up high
The sun gives off light.

It stays out
Only in the day
Giving light to
the kids outside to play.

Eid

Eid, Waresa

Ramadan is over; Eid is finally here.
Celebrating together,
We will laugh and cheer.

We'll get gifts and clothes and lots of Eid money,
go to places and have fun with our family.
Inshallah Allah will make Eid fun for everybody. :) 

Laylatul Qadr

إِنَّا أَنزَلْنَاهُ فِي لَيْلَةِ الْقَدْرِ

1. Verily, We have sent it down in the Night of Al-Qadr.

وَمَا أَدْرَاكَ مَا لَيْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ

2. And what will make you know what the Night of Al-Qadr is

لَيْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ خَيْرٌ مِّنْ أَلْفِ شَهْرٍ

3. The Night of Al-Qadr is better than a thousand months.

تَنَزَّلُ الْمَلَائِكَةُ وَالرُّوحُ فِيهَا بِإِذْنِ رَبِّهِم مِّن كُلِّ أَمْرٍ

4. Therein descend the angels and the Ruh by their Lord's permission with every mat ter.

سَلَامٌ هِيَ حَتَّىٰ مَطْلَعِ الْفَجْرِ

5. There is peace unt il the appearance of dawn.

The Virtues of the Night of Al-Qadr (the Decree)

Allah informs that He sent the Qur'an down during the Night of Al-Qadr, and it is a blessed night.

Ibn ` Abbas said, "Allah sent the Qur'an down all at one time from the Preserved Tablet (Al-Lawh Al-Mahfuz) to the House of Might (Baytul-` Izzah), which is in the heaven of this world. Then it came down in parts to the Messenger of Allah based upon the incidents that occurred over a period of twenty-three years.''

Then Allah magnified the status of the Night of Al-Qadr, which He chose for the revelation of the Mighty Qur'an, by His saying, “And what will make you know what the Night of Al-Qadr is, The Night of Al-Qadr is better than a thousand months.

Imam Ahmad recorded that Abu Hurayrah said: "When Ramadan would come, the Messenger of Allah would say, (Verily, the month of Ramadan has come to you all. It is a blessed month, which Allah has obligated you all to fast . During it the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hell are closed and the devils are shackled. In it there is a night that is better than one thousand months. Whoever is deprived of its good, then he has truly been deprived. )''

Aside from the fact that worship during the Night of Al-Qadr is equivalent to

worship performed for a period of one thousand months, it is also confirmed in a shahih hadith from Abu Hurayrah that the Messenger of Allah said,

(Whoever stands (in prayer) during the Night of Al-Qadr with faith and expecting reward (from Allah), he will be forgiven for his previous sins. )

The Descent of the Angels and the Decree for Every Good during

the Night of Al-Qadr

Allah says, “Therein descend the angels and the Ruh by their Lord's permission with every matter.” (In reference to Ar-Ruh, it is said that here it means the angel Jibril. Therefore, the wording of the Ayah is a method of adding the name of the distinct object (in this case Jibril) separate from the general group (in this case the angels).

meaning, the angels descend in abundance during the Night of Al-Qadr due to its abundant blessings. The angels descend with the descending of blessings and mercy, just as they descend when the Qur'an is recited, they surround the circles of Dhikr (remembrance of Allah) and they lower their wings with true respect for the student of knowledge.

Concerning Allah's statement,

“with every matter”, "The matters are determined during it , and the times of death and provisions are measured out (i.e. , decided) during it . '' Allah says,

 “Therein is decreed every matter of decree.” (44:4)

Then Allah says,“There is peace until the appearance of dawn”. Sa` id bin Mansur said, "Hushaym narrated to us on the authority of Abu Ishaq, who narrated that Ash-Sha` bi said concerning Allah's statement ,”With every matter, there is a peace until the appearance of dawn”. The angels give the greetings of peace during the Night of Al-Qadr to the people in the Masjids until the coming of Fajr (dawn). ''' Qatadah and Ibn Zayd both said concerning Allah's statement ,

 “There is peace”.  This means all of it is good and there is no evil in it until the coming of Fajr (dawn). '' ) "It is security in which Shaytan cannot do any evil or any harm

Specifying the Night of Decree and its Signs

This is supported by what Imam Ahmad recorded f rom ` Ubadah bin As-Samit that the Messenger of Allah said, “The Night of Al-Qadr occurs during the last ten (nights). Whoever stands for them (in prayer) seeking their reward, then indeed Allah will forgive his previous sins and his latter sins. It is an odd night : the ninth, or the seventh, or the fifth, or the third or the last night (of Ramadan).”

The Messenger of Allah also said, “Verily, the sign of the Night of Al-Qadr is that it is pure and glowing as if there were a bright ,tranquil, calm moon during it . It is not cold, nor is it hot, and no shooting star is permitted until morning. Its sign is that the sun appears on the morning following it smooth having no rays on it , just like the moon on a full moon night . Shaytan is not allowed to come out with it (the sun) on that day. This chain of narration is good. In its text there is some oddities and in some of its wordings there are things that are objectionable. Abu Dawud mentioned a section in his Sunan that he titled, "Chapter: Clarification that the Night of Al-Qadr occurs during every Ramadan. '' Then he recorded that ` Abdullah bin ` Umar said, "The Messenger of Allah was asked about the Night of Al-Qadr while I was listening and he said, (It occurs during every Ramadan. )'' The men of this chain of narrat ion are all reliable, but Abu Dawud said that Shu` bah and Sufyan both narrated it from Ishaq and they both considered it to be a statement of the Companion (Ibn ` Umar, and thus not the statement of the Prophet ). It has been reported that Abu Sa` id Al-Khudri said, "The Messenger of Allah performed I`tikaf during the first ten nights of Ramadan and we performed I`tikaf with him. Then Jibril came to him and said, ` That which you are seeking is in front of you. 'So the Prophet performed I`tikaf during the middle ten days of Ramadan and we also performed I`tikaf with him. Then Jibril came to him and said; ` That which you are seeking is ahead of you. 'So the Prophet stood up

and gave a sermon on the morning of the twentieth of Ramadan and he said,

(Whoever performed I`tikaf with me, let him come back (for I`tikaf again), for verily I saw the Night of Al-Qadr, and I was caused to forget it, and indeed it is during the last ten (nights). It is during an odd night and I saw myself as if I were prostrating in mud and water. ) The roof of the

Masjid was made of dried palm-tree leaves and we did not see anything (i.e. , clouds) in the sky. But then a patch of wind-driven clouds came and it rained. So the Prophet lead us in prayer until we saw the traces of mud and water on the forehead of the Messenger of Allah, which confirmed his dream. '' In one narration it adds that this occurred on the morning of the twenty-first night (meaning the next morning). They both (Al-Bukhari and Muslim) recorded it

in the Two Sahihs. Ash-Shaf i` i said, "This Hadith is the most authentic of what has been reported. '' It has also been said that it is on the twenty-third night due to a Hadith narrated from ` Abdullah bin Unays in Sahih Muslim. It has also been said that it is on the twenty-fifth night due to what Al-Bukhari recorded from Ibn ` Abbas that the Messenger of Allah said, “Seek it in the last ten (nights) of Ramadan. In the ninth it still remains, in the seventh it still remains, in the fifth it still remains.  Many have explained this Hadith to refer to the odd nights, and this is the most apparent and most popular explanation. It has also been said that it

occurs on the twenty-seventh night because of what Muslim recorded in his Sahih from Ubay bin Ka` b that the Messenger of Allah mentioned that it was on the twenty-seventh night . Imam Ahmad recorded from Zirr that he asked Ubayy bin Ka` b, "O Abu Al-Mundhir! Verily, your brother Ibn Mas` ud says whoever stands for prayer (at night ) the entire year, will catch the Night of Al-Qadr. '' He (Ubayy) said, "May Allah have mercy upon him. Indeed he knows that it is

during the month of Ramadan and that it is the twenty-seventh night . '' Then he swore by Allah. Zirr then said, "How do you know that '' Ubayy replied, "By a sign or an indication that he (the Prophet ) informed us of . It rises that next day having no rays on it -- meaning the sun. '' Muslim has also recorded it . It has been said that it is the night of the twenty-ninth. Imam Ahmad bin

Hanbal recorded from ` Ubadah bin As-Samit that he asked the Messenger of Allah about the Night of Decree and he replied, “Seek it in Ramadan in the last ten nights. For verily, it is during the odd nights, the twenty first, or the twenty-third, or the twenty-fifth, or the twenty-seventh, or the twenty-ninth, or during the last night”.  Imam Ahmad also recorded from Abu Hurayrah that the Messenger of Allah said about the Night of Al-Qadr, “Verily, it is during the twenty-seventh or the twenty-ninth night . And verily, the angels who are on the earth during that night are more numerous than the number of pebbles.” Ahmad was alone in recording this Hadith and there is nothing wrong with its chain of narration. At -

Tirmidhi recorded from Abu Qilabah that he said, "The Night of Al-Qadr moves around (i.e. from year to year) throughout the last ten nights. '' This view that At -Tirmidhi mentions from Abu Qilabah has also been recorded by Malik, Ath-Thawri, Ahmad bin Hanbal, Ishaq bin Rahuyah, Abu Thawr, Al-Muzani, Abu Bakr bin Khuzaymah and others. It has also been related from Ash-Shafi` i, and Al-Qadi reported it from him, and this is most likely. And Allah knows best .

Supplication during the Night of Decree

It is recommended to supplicate of ten during all times, especially during the month of Ramadan, in the last ten nights, and during the odd nights of it even more so. It is recommended that one say the following supplication a lot : "O Allah! Verily, You are the Often -Pardoning, You love to pardon, so pardon me. ''Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwoon tuhibul ‘afwa fa f’u ‘annee”

This is due to what Imam Ahmad recorded from A'ishah, that she said, "O Messenger of Allah! If I find the Night of Al-Qadr what should I say''

He replied, (Say: "O Allah! Verily, You are the Of t -Pardoning, You love to pardon, so pardon me.'') 

Cruelity of Disbelievers

Sad Reality, by Waresa

She was just a Muslim child,
so why were they acting so wild?

They said she was Muslim, thats why,
only that answer made her cry.

She knew she didn't do anything,
it wasnt fair that they got to act like the king.

She didn't know how to react,
"Muslims are terrorists," that wasn't a fact.

She didnt know what to say,
why did they treat Muslims this way?

Copyright Muslim and I Know It

Girl with the Scarf

Girl With the Scarf, Waresa
Who is that girl
with the scarf walking around
looking beautiful
not making one sound

Who is that girl with the scarf
and a smile on her face
making her way
with every single pace

Who is that pretty girl
with the scarf on her head
kind and obedient
doing whatever is said.

The girl with the scarf
is confident and strong
knowing what is right
and what is wrong

She walks in a way
that shows she is proud.
she wears the scarf
and isn't afraid to say it out loud.

Copyright Muslim and I Know It


*Allah tells us to cover our beauty,
Hijab is our fashion and this is our duty*

"Ironic how many people read Surah Al-Asr to quickly finish their prayers, yet the surah reminds us of how in reality we’re actually running out of time."

"The human heart is like fertilized land. You can decide which seeds you want to plant."

"Dont harbour hate, harvest love." -Waresa

Benefits of Reading the Qur'an

9 Benefits of Reading Qur'an

1. Reading and reflecting over the Qur'an completes an Islaamic duty.
2.  On the Day of Judgement, the Qur'an will be a proof for us
3. On the Day of Judgement, the Quran will intercede for us.
4. In this life your status will be raised.
5. You will be the best of people.
6. You receive 10 rewards for each letter you read in the Qur'an (even more reward in Ramadan)
7. If you recite the Qur'aan you will be in the company of the righteous and dutiful angels.
8. If you read the Qur'an, inshaAllah you will enter Paradise.
9.Your place in Paradise is determined by the amount of Qur'an you memorized in this life.

Signs

Signs, Waresa
Beautiful flowers and trees
Lovely blue and endless seas

Rain falling from above, high
for the plants to survive

Birds using their tiny wings to fly
Across the wide open sky

Surely these are signs for those who see
and believe in the reality

Copyright Muslim and I Know It

Ramadan

Ramadan, Waresa
The time of the year
The month has arrived
Filled with blessings and mercy
Which can change our lives

In this month, Ramadan
Your reward increases when you pray
Make your intention to fast everyday

The devils are chained
So it's easy to do
What Allah commands and
What's good for you

Read the Qur'an
For it is the guide for mankind
Which was revealed
At this month, at this time
 
copyright Muslim and I Know It

Hope

Hope, by Waresa

Colorful flowers
Rainy showers
Time flies,
by the hours...

Sun shines bright
Moon in the dark night
Very soon,
will come the light.

No more fear,
God is here,
Dont worry
He is Near.

Copyright Muslim and I Know It 

Dua for Ramadan

"Ya Allah, let us reach this Ramadan and benefit from all the rewards it has to offer. Aameen."

Beautiful Du'a

Beautiful Du'a


 

Not Forever

Not Forever, Waresa
You can play and enjoy
and have a lot of fun.
Until you face your Lord,
and realize what you have done. 

You shopped, and wasted and did what you did.
But then you realize you've been stupid. 

You should have been like those who did what was right.
Because now you see they are in the light.
You had your turn to have fun and be free
Now you will face the harsh penalty.

You think this world would end never.
But now you know it's not forever.

Copyright Muslim and I Know It

The Place

This is the place..., by Waresa
This is the place
the place of modesty
this is the place
to take your honesty

The Masjid was right; which has all knowledge
this place is better than going to college

You come here for peace
and know what is right
of our Islam
which is our light
You come here from day to night
because this place is very bright

Hundreds of Qur'ans here laying all day
MashAllah! You can read it, we say.
 Allah's words are in this book
All the Muslims must take a look

So this is the place of modesty
Where you must take your honesty.

Copyright Muslim and I Know It

Allah, The Almighty God

Allah, The Almighty God, by Waresa

Allah is the God; The Creator of the world,
He is the One you should praise.
We should all listen to Him
so that we wont go astray.

He wants us to worship Him;
And He sees whatever you do.
He helps you when you are in need.
because He loves you.

Thats why we should'nt anger Him
or be like those who disbelieve.
We should listen to what He says
and try our best to make Him happy.

A Believer

A Believer, Afreen Ahmed

A prisoner behind the bars
That’s who I am.
I chose to be.
For the sake to be free
Of the World and its penalty.

A string that pulls me

That’s my boundary.
It chose me.
For that will take me
To my eternal destiny.

Oh you who are free

Don’t mock me
Mock at yourself
For where you will be
When illusion becomes reality.

Leave this deception

Catch the string of faith
While there’s time
Take this path
To be saved from His wrath.

I am a believer

Faith is my boundary
My goal is paradise
Now that would you despise?
Copyright Muslim and I Know It

Our Amazing Teacher

Our Amazing Teacher, Waresa

We once had a teacher who taught us what was right

He told us what Allah said and made us very bright.

He showed us what was good to do and what was bad,

but some rejected, which made him very sad.

He continued to try, until he died.

He was a good role model, nice and kind.

He worshipped and praised Allah;

that's why he had an intelligent mind.   

He never gave up and was patient;

he was the last messenger Allah sent.

 So we shouldn't ignore Sunnah, 

we should avoid doing Ghunnah 

We should follow him and do what he said was right

so that we could prosper and enter the light.

This bright man was prophet Muhammad (pbuh) 

He did righteous deeds;

and we should too, so that we can succeed.
Copyright Muslim and I Know It

Stars, Waresa

Stars

White sparkles designing the sky,
shining in the dark night.

Twinkling together are a million stars
in outer space, maybe even near Mars

Stars are tools, useful to many in need,
used as guides when a traveller cannot exceed.

Up so high, yet we see
the bright stars shining so amazingly.

Copyright Muslim and I Know It

Smile :)

Smile, its Sunnah :)
Smile, don't be upset
Smile even when your mad
so you don't have to face the moments of regret

"Don't let the world change you smile,
Let your smile change the world."

اللَّهُمَّ أَنْتَ حَسَّنْتَ خَلْقِي فَحَسِّنْ خُلُقِي

Allahumma anta hasanta khalqi fahassin khuluqi

"O Allah, just as you have made my external features beautiful, make my character beautiful as well"

"Ironic how many people read Surah Al-Asr to quickly finish their prayers, yet the surah reminds us of how in reality we’re actually running out of time."

Flowers Are Blooming

Flowers be Blooming
Those colorful dots
 in the green ground
Those rainbow looking Lolly Pops
dancing around

Those colorful flowers
Making the earth look fine
Looking even more beautiful
When the bright sun shines

Giving a feeling of happiness
Taking away the stress
Those colorful flowers are such a bliss

Sadly these beautiful flowers get tired
of looking so nice.
They fall down to the ground
but soon another group of flowers start to rise.

Copyright Muslim and I Know It

"Love a little more than what is necessary,
work a little harder than what is required,
be a little kinder than what is usual,
give a little bit more than what you feel you can afford, stand in prayer a little longer than what you intended,
and be a little more patient than what you feel you can handle.
It is that little extra effort sparked by sincerity in the heart that makes your ordinary self extraordinary."

-AbdulBary Yahya

If you think women that wear the niqab
are being oppressed and are hiding their identity,
think again;
Wearing a niqab is more of showing your identity
than hiding it...
 In the crowd, a niqabi stands out instead of blending in and hiding like others. Niqab gives women the identity as a submitter to God. Niqab gives women a unique identity of a true Muslim.

"If Allah has put you in a difficult situation in this world, it’s a chance to earn ease in the hereafter through patience.

If falsehood and corruption are on the rise, it’s a chance to do more Dawah and spread the truth.

If you’re being ridiculed for your faith by the creation, it’s a chance to earn the praise of the Creator.

Everything from Allah is good because even the ‘bad’ in this world is in essence just a means of attaining good in the hereafter for the believer.

The sunnah is to be optimistic and opportunistic!"

-Omar Suleiman

“Don’t let your sins define you; be defined by your eagerness to repent from your sins.”

-Saad Tasleem

"When a test comes to you:

1. Know that everything is by Qadr of Allah
2. Remember that other people have bigger problems than you
3. Remember the death of the Prophet (pbuh), the greatest calamity the Ummah faced.
4. Maybe through this trial, Allah has saved you from an even bigger trial.
5. Through this trial Allah will remove some of your sins.
6. Through this trial Allah has opened up a huge world of ibadah like sabr, salah, repentance, etc.
7. With this trial, Allah is putting you on the path of the Prophets. It is a confirmation that Allah loves you. The more Allah loves somebody, the more he tests them.”

-Sheikh Tawfique Chowdhury

Mom, by Sameen (Age 7)

Moms can be tidy
and also mighty 

Some moms are big
and some are small
and some are tall.

But my mom is just right,
sometimes she kisses me
and says, "Goodnight."

Jannat

Jannat, Waresa

You can come across many different places,

They all have unique things; they are all special.
but imagine if there was a place that had it all
That’s where you would want to be.

The place where grapevines underneath which rivers flow

Where garden of date-palm trees grow

The place where drinking cups are made of gold and silver, crystal clear

Everything will be peaceful and there will be no fear

Clothing will be made of gold and silk

Rivers containing pure honey, water, and milk

Building bricks made of silver and gold
Jannah was promised for the believers just as Allah told

The people of Jannah receive whatever they desire
They will be thankful that they were saved from the fire

Jannah is a beautiful place

The people there will have a beautiful face

Jannah is the big success

For those who were righteous

Jannah’s beauty can not be pictured by anyone

Over there, believers will have the true fun

Jannah is Allah’s gift to those who believed

InshaAllah Jannah will be my destiny.

Copyright Muslim and I Know It

Poem, by Sameen Islam (Age 7)

I feel the green grass under my toes,
Now I feel the wind blow over the rainbows

I love the green under the sea,
Now its up to you and me.
 

Unity of Lordship

Maintaining the unity of Lordship: This category is based on the fundamental concept that Allah alone caused all things to exist when there was nothing; He sustains and maintains creation without any need from it or for it; and He is the sole (sohl) Lord of the universe and its inhabitants without any real challenge to His sovereignty (sov-rin-tee).

Nothing happens to the creation except what He allows to happen. There is no movement nor power except by Allah’s will. “la hawla wa laa quwwata illa billah”

The basis for the Ruboobiyah concept can be found in many Quranic verses. For example, Allah says:

“Allah created all things and He is the agent on whom all things depend”.

This ayah reminds me of a fetus, an unborn baby. A fetus in a mother’s womb fully depends on his/her mother. An unborn baby breathes and eats from his/her mother’s placenta.  Placenta is an organ; It forms in the mother's womb--inside the uterus, which allows transfer of oxygen and nutrition from the mother directly to the fetus' bloodstream.  SubhanAllah, isn’t that fascinating?  I’m comparing an unborn baby not to a new born baby because at least new born babies cry to let the mother know what he/she needs, but in the womb they don’t even have to do that; everything is taken care of for them. They have no worries what so ever.

An unborn baby depends on the mother completely, vulnerably, and powerlessly. And that’s exactly how we depend on Allah completely, vulnerably and powerlessly.

In another ayah,  Allah said; “No calamity strikes except by Allah’s permission.”  

The Prophet (SAWS) further elaborated on this concept saying. “Be aware that if the whole of mankind gathered together in order to do something to help you, they would only be able to do something for you which Allah had already written for you. Likewise, if the whole of mankind gathered together to harm you, they would only be able to do something to harm you which Allah had already written for you.”

So, what men consider as a good fortune and misfortune are only events predestined by Allah as part of the tests of this life.

Wealth, wives, and children are blessing of Allah. Men feel fortunate and proud to have wealth, mansion houses, a beautiful wife and children. However, they are big tests in men’s lives. And Allah warns men about those pleasures of the present world’s life.

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِنَّ مِنْ أَزْوَاجِكُمْ وَأَوْلَادِكُمْ عَدُوًّا لَّكُمْ فَاحْذَرُوهُمْ ...

O you who believe! Verily, among your wives and your children they are enemies for you; therefore beware of them!

Allah is warning us against the fitnah (the test) of spouses and offspring.

Allah also tells us why He warns us about that and He is being specific about it.

Some wives and children are enemies to their husbands and fathers, in that they might be busy with them rather than with performing the good deeds. Allah says: "Let not your properties or you children divert you from the remembrance of Allah. And whosoever does (divert) that then they are the losers." (63:9)

Allah created everything and He knows the nature of everything. Allah knows the nature of women and children.

So He said: "Women and children might direct the man to sever his relation or disobey his Lord. The man, who loves his wives and children, might obey them in this case.''

How many of us are witnessing this ayah throughout our life?

Let me give you an example,  

Many women make their husband disobey their parents and bring hate between the son and the mother. Those women take the son and his mother or father’s rights away. Mothers are the best thing in everybody’s life. At least they realize it until they get married.  Allah said after believing in Allah, you must obey your parents. So basically for those, the men that obey his wife, is neglecting his parents right and disobeying his creator, Allah.

Now let us see how children being our fitnah. So many parents work so hard to make their children a lawyer, doctor, engineer, etc. Now days some parents send them to a school to become a movie director too. They focus on their children’s future so much so that  they neglect or some parents completely give up their duty upon their Lord.  So now who are they worshiping? It is a test. We need to keep a balance in our life. Mostly we need to fulfill our obligations up on our Lord and our Lord will take care of us and our children. If we look at birds, they go out in the morning with an empty stomach, without knowing what will they eat, and come back to their nest with a full stomach. It’s Allah who sustains all His creations.

 If we see children now days, who think they are so smart just because they are born in the modern era, they simply know the best. So, they are doing whatever they think is right, despite what Islam says. And ironically, parents are okay with it just because they love them. They don’t want to hurt their children’s feelings. Raising children in this time is not an easy task. Sometimes parents have to be the bad cop if they need to be to bring children up right.

Think about it, true loving, caring parents, who have concern for their children’s health and future, they won’t give their children unhealthy junk food all the time no matter how much the kids love to have junk foods. Because they know even though broccoli, spinach or carrots sound yucky to kids, they are good for them. You could put this concept with Islamic upbringing. They way candies, chips, fatty stuff is taste, but not necessarily healthy. And kids will love it just because it looks good and taste good.

Islam is not something so colorful, so they might not feel attractive to the Islam, but it’s for their own good.

Allah's statement,

إِنَّمَا أَمْوَالُكُمْ وَأَوْلَادُكُمْ فِتْنَةٌ وَاللَّهُ عِندَهُ أَجْرٌ عَظِيمٌ ﴿١٥﴾

“Your wealth and your children are only a Fitnah, whereas Allah! With Him is a great reward.”

Allah said that the wealth and children are a test and trial from Allah, the Exalted, for His creatures, so that He knows those who obey Him and those who disobey Him.

Imam Ahmad recorded that Buraydah said,

"The Messenger of Allah was giving a speech and Al-Hasan and Husayn came in wearing red shirts, walking and tripping. The Messenger descended from the Minbar, held them and placed them in front of them and said,

Allah and His Messenger said the truth,

`Verily, your wealth and your children are a Fitnah.'

I saw these two boys walking and tripping and could not be patient until I stopped my speech and picked them up.''

Look at the hadith, SubhanAllah, “red shirts” a bright color grabs attention; “walking” when some walks we lose focus, “tripping” when someone trips they get full attention, right? You want to help them especially kids. You leave whatever you are doing to pick them up.

Within the good things of this life there are simple tests for the person’s faith in Allah. Likewise in the terrible events of life there is also a test for the person.

Allah said in the Quran:

“Surely we will test you with fear, hunger, loss of wealth and life and the fruits of your work, so give glad tidings to those who are patient”.

Allah informs us that He tests and tries His servants, just as He said in another Ayah:

وَلَنَبْلُوَنَّكُمْ حَتَّى نَعْلَمَ الْمُجَـهِدِينَ مِنكُمْ وَالصَّـبِرِينَ وَنَبْلُوَ أَخْبَـرَكُمْ

And surely, We shall try you till We test those who strive hard (for the cause of Allah) and As-Sabirin (the patient), and We shall test your facts (i.e., the one who is a liar, and the one who is truthful). (47:31)

Hence, He tests them with the bounty sometimes and sometimes with the afflictions of fear and hunger.

In the Ayat above, Allah used the words: with something of fear, hunger, meaning, a little of each.

Then Allah said, loss of wealth,

meaning, some of the wealth will be destroyed, lives,

meaning, losing friends, relatives and loved ones to death, and fruits,

meaning, the gardens and the farms will not produce the usual or expected amounts.

This is why Allah said next: but give glad tidings to As-Sabirin (the patient).

He then explained whom He meant by `the patient' whom He praised:

Who, when afflicted with calamity, say: "Truly, to Allah we belong and truly, to Him we shall return.''

إِنَّا لِلّهِ وَإِنَّـا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعونَ

meaning, those who recite this statement to comfort themselves in the face of their loss, know that they belong to Allah and that He does what He wills with His servants. They also know that nothing and no deed, even if it was the weight of an atom, will be lost with Allah on the Day of Resurrection. These facts thus compel them to admit that they are Allah's servants and that their return will be to Him in the Hereafter.

This is why Allah said:

أُولَـئِكَ عَلَيْهِمْ صَلَوَاتٌ مِّن رَّبِّهِمْ وَرَحْمَةٌ ...

They are those on whom are the Salawat (i. e., who are blessed and will be forgiven) from their Lord, and (they are those who) receive His mercy,

However, instead of being patient some people become impatient and frustrated. So, they go to others for help believing that creation can do something beside the Creator. They start believing in charms and omens and believing in charms or omens is a grave sin of shirk (association) in this form of tawheed.

Hadith: Once a group of men approached the prophet (saws) to give their allegiance to him, and he accepted the oath from nice of them but refused to accept it from one. When they asked him why he refused their companion’s oath, he replied, “Verily, he is wearing an amulet.” The man who was wearing the amulet put his hand in his cloak, pulled the amulet off, broke it, and then made the oath. The prophet saws then said, “Whoever wears an amulet had committed shirks”.