Salaah Always Comes First [Even before Pizza, but you'll get that too]

Got my pizza too, Alhamdulilah. :)

So my family and I decided to pray Isha (evening prayer) in Jama'aat (congregation) today... (see what happens when you take a break from FB? You log into blogger and begin spamming your followers with posts like this one.)

Anyways, we were on the second Rak'ah, my younger bro was leading and reciting, (Surah Baqarah an all!) when the door knocked. Lo and behold, it was the Pizza delivery man, who had parked his car like a mile away, and walked over to our place to deliver us some hot Pizzas. We were expecting him, but not on time. I could sense the panic in the air, and I bet everyone was thinking exactly like me at that moment "Oh no, what if he goes!" In all honesty, it wasn't even about the pizza, it was the fact that my nana had treated us to the delivery, (he'd paid for it beforehand), and the poor delivery guy had to walk all that way, in the snow and probably slipping on ice, to get those pizzas to us. But, what's a rule of life? Salaah becomes before everything, and so no, gladly, no one decided to break their prayer to tend to the door, my brother didn't super fast forward the Salaah either, he just cut it shorter than he intended. I went into Sujood, and could hear knock after knock (for a good five minutes and they were growing louder and louder!), and so I made Du'aa. Soemthing like "O Allah, make him wait for us, inspire him to wait till we've finished praying" and "O Allah, place barakah in time, so he feels like he hasn't been waiting that long." And then we did our Salaam, ran to the door, opened it and got our pizzas.

Moral of the story: Salaah always comes first! In such situations, stay calm, stay focused, remember who you are standing in front of of; the One who provides you with those pizzas, food and all other blessings, the one who is in charge of the delivery guy knocking on the door, the one who will answer your supplications (in whatever language you call on Him), and who will reward you for not leaving your prayer for those pizzas, and will make everything fall into place, so not only will you be rewarded, but you'll get those Pizzas too. Islam is so awesome. Alhamdulilah. :)

Snow, Sniffles and Anti-Socialness

Because I love the softness of snow!
Taken with my S4 :)

Soooo,

I'm currently snowed in, feeling quite under the weather, and have nothing better to do right now (besides lay in my blanket for hours on end with a horrible feeling of guilt because I simply dislike being mundane and wasting time), therefore, I decided to visit my blog and simply, rant. Yeah yeah, I know you're probably not used to my rants and randomness, since most of my posts are so formal and serious and spiritual (you get it). Buttt, I guess I do have a pretty spontaneous side to me too, most of the time, its my family who get to witness that side of me, (duh - because they like spend the most time with me). Anyways, you get the score.

I thought I'd post an update on what I've been up to lately, and how I'm progressing with my dreams and stuff. First of all, I've began voluntary work (woop), after eventually giving in to my mums constant persuasion of how I should get off my bum, get out the house, and DO SOMETHING. You see, I'm an outgoing introvert, which means, I kind of like time to myself. Hence, studying a degree online, reading books whilst sipping a hot cuppa, writing and doing all the other fun stuff at home, is my definition of working. Even though many think I sit on my bum all day, thats not entirely true. Online uni requires ALOT more effort, thought and discipline. So, in my opinion, its also more the workload!

Anyways, where was I? Oh yes, volunteering. So I've started volunteering at my old primary school, since its the closest to my place. So far, its exceptionally enjoyable! Apart from the fact that I come home everyday wanting to lock all the doors and windows and spend time by myself just zoning down. (Its what all introverts too). On a serious note, its better than I expected. I mean, its also very good experience. Since I was 12, I've attended two all-girls schools, so actually working in an environment where there's men too has been quite a big change for me, but I think I've handled it well. I just be myself. Talk to them when necessary and just focus on the important stuff. On the plus side, the teacher I assist is a female, so it makes it a millions times better (and she's super cool too). But like everything, you're going to find a challenge somewhere, and I guess the most challenging issue for me, is the naughty kids. Sigh, I wish they'd listen. I LOVE children, and am really into child psychology, and good parenting, so when I see kids misbehave or show a lack of manners towards their elders and teachers, it makes me so upset. (I'm sensitive like that you know!). Some kids in class are so bright, I just want to hug them for their amazing manners (but of course I can't cos I'd get done for it!), but, then there's others who disrupt the other kids and it really effects their learning and behaviour. Poor bright kids. The more I experience working a school, the more homeschooling appeals to me. I wish parents understood, that learning begins at HOME. Yes, you don't just throw a child into a school without having taught them simple, basic manners and the etiquette of seeking knowledge and respecting teachers. Ahh, I could go and on on, but I don't want this to turn into a parenting post (again). 

Secondly, I'm on study breaaaak. I guess thats the most exciting update thus far. Can you believe it, I didn't even know I had a month off? So when I found out (literally whilst I was sitting my exams), I was thrilled. Alhamdililah, my exams went well (I passed them all!), and so I decided that I need to utilise this break by getting back on track with my Arabic and Tafseer studies, inshaAllah. Oh, how I missed Arabic studies. Arabic with Husna rocks and so does little Husna herself, she's little inspiration. May Allah preserve her and her awesome family.

Ok, so i just realised, my title totally does not match up with what I've written so far. HAHA. I always do this. See, I told you I was going to rant, and ramble. 

So, the snow. It actually snowed so much today. I came back from work feeling totally exhausted and just flopped onto the sofa. Now, I'm sniffling like mad with a runny nose and a jam-packed mind. When I feel unwell, my mind just goes crazy with thoughts (my family always notice this), so I talk a lot about different things, and feel like writing loads (hence the post). Its like my way of dealing with a sniffling nose, hot and cold temperature and a sore throat. I assure you, I am not some mad woman, Alhamdulilah! Writing is just a way of de stressing-and getting my mind off other things ( like sniffling noses and - ok, ok, you get it.)

What else? Oh yes, about my anti-socialness. So, basically, I decided to take a hiatus from Facebook (say what?). Don't worry, I suprised myself too, since I don't take a break from FB even for exams! You see, Facebook is one of the ways an introvert can socialise. I'm not saying I don't have friends outside of FB, Alhamdulilah, I do, but when your snowed in, and especially in winter, its difficult to meet up with people often, so FB becomes an alternative. And of course, not to forget that my dearest Riyadh-ians (i.e- my super, awesome, beloved friends who live oceans and seas apart from meee) are on FB so its my way of keeping in touch and connected with them, whilst I sit in snowy Brrrradford. (See what I did there). Now, to get to the point, I decided to take a break from posting or checking FB for a couple of days, because I believe that sometimes you have to disconnect to connect. Plus, it gives one a chance to reflect and purify intentions (since Satan is always at work), he knows to get you at those very things you yourself know your weak at (like FB addictions). So far, its going well - Alhamdulilah (All praise is due to God). :) Checked FB once this morning (gave myself 10 mins to quickly scroll through my newsfeed), and have managed not to log into the app all day today. I can already see the benefits. Such as using up the time doing something better (although today, due to me feeling unwell, I haven't had the most productive day), but my body is an Amanah (trust) too, so I've got to take care and try to rest up in order to store energy inshaAllah. Generally, it feels good that I don't keep checking my news feed every 2 seconds, and hopefully inshaAllah (if God wills), I'll be able to cut down on the constant checking and actually use it wisely. (Takes practice!)

Anything else I haven't ranted about? I think that's it really. Oh before I forget, my dreeeaaaams. Yes, they're still there, still in my head, roaming around, and I'm still taking steps towards them, and trying to always keep hopeful by reminding myself that good things come to those who wait, and that one needs to have a little patience and keep making Du'aa. Oh, how I love Du'aa (supplication). <3

Actually, Duaa just reminded me of a really awesome group of people I'm currently assisting on a project. The helpers. :) May Allah preserve them all. They're like so generous when it comes to Du'aas and helping others (hence the name!). 

Ok, I think this post is getting a tad bit long now. Better get back to Arabic and hopefully Pizzas for dinner today! (LOVE MY GRANDAD and his treats).

Take care pe-ople. ;)

Salaams (Peace).

<3

The Mother Of War

In the past, the Arabs would call their flags in battle 'أمل حرب' - 'the mother of war.' They would say: "What is a spear without a flag?" In other words, the flag gave them identity and strength in battle.

This links beautifully to a mother. For without a presence of a mother in your life, you feel like you have no identity. Just like they would think a spear was nothing without a flag, our lives would be empty without a mother. 

And this is just one connotation of the word mother, there are more than 20 plus which link mother to other things and objects, giving us a whole picture of her status, role and respect in Islam. May Allah preserve our dear Ummi's. :)

The Farmer And His Son [What is true success?]

"When I grow up, I want to be a مفلح (successful farmer) like you, Daddy!" Yusuf exclaimed as he watched his father dig into the moist soil with his huge red spade.

"Really?" Ahmed gazed into his son's caramel eyes, paused and then smiled.

Yusuf nodded. "Yeah! It's an easy job." He replied, grinning widely.

Ahmed though for a few moments.

"Son, listen up..." He gently placed the spade on the ground and walked over to his son.

"Listening!" Ahmed said as he watched his father walk over to sit besides him under the shade of their favourite tree. One that Ahmed's grandfather had planted many years back.

"My son, there are those who achieve. But then, there are those who prepare the soil, plant the seeds, water them, expose them to enough sunlight, toil and work hard days on end, for years and years, before they finally begin to reap the fruits of that which they planted."

Yusuf raised an eyebrow.

"Does that mean a farmer has to do a lot of hard work?"

"Yes, son. Remember, nothing great comes easy." He placed his arm over his son's shoulders.

Yusuf looked at his father's slim face, his long nose, he marvelled at the mole which sat just above his upper lip, the wrinkles under his eyes, and the huge bushy beard he loved to play with as a toddler.

"That's why Allah mentions that the believers who are upon true success don't become successful overnight. They work hard, and thus attain the title of 'muflihoon." Ahmed carried on.

"Wow..." Yusuf said, raising both his eyebrows this time, amazed at how much hard work his father had put in all these years.

"Well, I definitely want to be a Muflih, Daddy."

Ahmed squeezed his son's shoulder.

"InshaAllah. Remember, what you plant now, will harvest later. That goes with farming and every other thing in life. Write it down, son and don't you ever forget it."

Yusuf wrapped his arm around his father's waist. He buried his head into his chest and took in the strong smell of soil and nature which was evident on his mud-stained shirt.

"I'll always remember, Daddy."

‪#‎Writing‬ 

‪#‎QuranInspired‬

Mannerisms Before Knowledge [The vision of Umm Imam Shafi]

Imam Shafi's mother was someone who had high aspirations for her child. At the age of two, she took him on a journey to Makkah to begin his studies. Imam Shafi' at one point, was away from home for 2 years, studying and teaching elsewhere. He decided later to return home to his mother, and when he reached the house, he knocked on the door.

She asked: "What are you coming back with?" (i.e - what have you learnt/become?)

He replied: "I have come with knowledge (ilm) and mannerisms (adab)."

She then said: "Go back, for you haven't come back with anything."

Imam Shafi' was surprised. His mother had exerted so much effort into his learning, and he had done his utmost best, yet she had failed to recognise it. So he went to Imam Malik and told him what his mother had said.

Imam Malik replied to him with the most beautiful words:

"When you go back, tell her you've come back with mannerisms (adab) and knowledge (ilm.)" (i.e - adab - good character *always* comes before knowledge)

And so he did, and his mother opened the door and took him into her embrace. 

You know... they say, "Behind every great man is a woman"? Imam Shafi's uprbinging reminds me of just that. 

#‎SimplyBeautiful‬

‪

Gems, gems and more gems.

The way we are with our Lord, the way we speak to our Creator, the way we worship Him, should be the most excellent part of our Akhlaaq. For if our mannerisms with the Creator are beautiful, then so will they be with His creation.

When you smile, you are showing others that Islam is a religion of kindness, of ease, and of peace. When you walk across the street in humbleness and being gentle in your pace, you are showing that Islam is not a religion of haste, but a religion of ease, of humbleness, of selflessness. When you greet your fellow workmates in the morning, displaying cheerfulness, you are showing that Islam teaches you to be positive, optimistic, no matter what you may be hiding under that mask. You not only brighten your day with your pleasant character, but whoever you may cross, you too can brighten their day with your amazing character.

Perhaps you went our your way for someone, yet they failed to appreciate your gesture. Perhaps you sacrificed your time and money for their comfort and wellbeing, yet they refused to recall any good thing you did for them.

Learn to not expect from the creation. But expect from Allah. For He is keeping a record of your every good deeds, your every kind gesture, your every smile, your every sacrifice...and only He can give you what you really and truly deserve. Live in harmony, give more, expect less.

There is no limit to Allah's generosity. He gives, even when we don't ask. When we disobey Him, He still continues to provide, and when we fail to recognise His blessings, He doesn't withhold.

How many times has something seemed so distant and so far, yet He unexpectedly landed it in our very hands?

How many times have we fallen, yet He lifted us from the depth of the darkness, through means of repentance?

We are forever indebted to Allah. The more He gives, the more it should increase us in humbleness, for we haven't, and will never do enough to deserve His endless gifts. <3

Allah consoled the heart of the Mother of Musa (as) in her most difficult moment, when all she could picture was the river and a drowning child. It was not till later that she discovered the hidden wisdom behind her most painful experience.

Allah will console your heart too. Amidst the chaos of life, through the rivers of sorrows, and even in the depth of darkness, reach out to Him and He will bind your heart with the sweetness of faith. 

Maturity is not shaped by age, intellect or even upbringing. It's shaped by experiences which have moulded you to become the person you are today.

A mother and father carry a seed in their hand, which if planted with care and watered with love and emaan, can blossom into a beautiful flower. The more beautiful flowers we have in this world, the brighter our world will become. No wonder so many around the world want to pluck out these flowers and destroy them completely, because they know they're our future.

We all want to see a harmonious change in the world, if only we kept reminding ourself where it begins. Here, in our hearts, and here, in our homes.

‪#‎Tarbiyyah‬

A slave of Allah is constantly in a state of reflection. Setting new goals, discovering new talents, writing down new dreams and then taking baby steps towards them. Everyday should be a *new* day, to become better and to aim high. :)

 -حيثما زرعك الله اثمر 

Wherever Allaah plants you, be fruitful.

The Qur'an is not a fairytale. Rather, it’s a book which has the ability to break shackles off the hearts of the disbelievers, by the permission of Allah. It is the book which enlightens the mind, a torch which guides one who is lost in complete darkness, a medicine which cures the sick heart, a friend that offers the best advice, a miracle which you hold in your hand every time you pick up the mushaf, and a source of every inspiration.

Take the Qur'an as your friend. Let it be your advisor in times of need, your inspiration when you're feeling low, and your companion in both your lows and your highs in life, then watch how amazing things happen in your life.

Maturity is not shaped by age, intellect or even upbringing. It's shaped by experiences which have moulded you to become the person you are today. 

Know that if you give in the way of Allah; whether your time, your money or your effort, He will replace it with more than you ever imagined, in a way that you never expected.

Give for Allah. Even if it's but a sincere intention.

Don’t let school get in the way of your education.” – Mark Twain

The beauty of a delayed response is that with each second that passes, you are being rewarded manifold. Don't become disheartened. He knows, and He will give, He will surprise and He will gift - all in the perfect time. ‪#‎Duaa‬ 

If only they could see within the hearts of the believers and their overflowing faith in Allah, they would drown in misery. For those who have faith in Him who controls the affairs of the heavens and earth, will never be defeated. If only they knew.

‪#‎MercilessSouls‬

Grandma.

Sometimes I ponder over how it must feel to be in her shoes. The constant pains and aches in her body, the weakness she has to endure when she tries to walk, the swelling in her feet, the several times she wakes up at night, worried that she might have missed the prayer. The things she cannot eat, the daily injections she has to take. And then I think about her past, her struggles, her way of life, and how she persevered through it all with a sweet patience...

But if there's only one thing she continues to remind me and those around her, its selflessness. Regardless of her own situation, she will still lift her weak and feeble hand, place it on my forehead, and massage it till the pain goes away. She will cry if you cry, but only when your gaze is away, and she will give, even if all she has is a piece of chocolate. Just as long as it makes your day.

Selflessness... if only we all had such a quality. The world would be a much better place. 

O Allah, preserve my grandma, love her as you love your righteous slaves, and prolong her life, so we may continue to be inspired by her ways, ameen. 

Alhamdulilah for parents.  Being ill reminds you of their willingness to sacrifice their time and energy for the sake of their child's comfort and wellbeing.

To parents, you'll always be their little one . 

"And lower to them the wing of humility out of mercy and say, "My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up [when I was] small." (21:74)

Don't underestimate any good deed. It may be that you're planting one seed, expecting one tree to grow. But...when its for for Allah, that one seed you planted, will not only grow one tree, but many.

Believe in barakah. 

‪#‎PostHalaqahReflections‬

A trust from the One above [Amanah]

Everything in this world is a gift from Allah. From the ink in our pens, to the food on our plates. Our own bodies and minds are a gift. Our children, our parents, our neighbours, the skies that shelter us, the trees that provide us fruit, the feet that carry us, and the birds that brighten up our day with songs of praise, are all a gift.

However, everything we have in this world, although a gift, is never, and will never be completely ours. Everything we have is not only a blessing, but its a trust. Its a trust, because we never deserved any of it. We never will. For we did not do something amazing which earned us the blessing of being put in this world. To deserve a refreshing blue sky, or soothing green trees, and bright beautiful flowers. It was all from Allah, He makes this world subservient to us. Its also a trust, because at any moment, He can take it all back, because it doesn't belong to us, it belongs to Him.

For with Allah belongs all the treasures of the heavens and the earth, and beyond.

Today, we live in a world full of deception and lies. Full of failed trusts and broken hearts.

Today, so many have forgotten the concept of Amanah.

The concept of trust.

Allah gifts and He entrusts. He entrusts us with a mind, to use it for His sake, to store it with knowledge, and then implement it. He entrusts us with eyes, so that we can look at the which is pleasing to Him, which will remind us of Him, and draw us closer to Him.

He also entrusts us with children, so that we can raise them well, so we can nurture them with faith, and so we can assist them in becoming beacons of light for the entire world. He entrusts us with friends, so we can work with them in righteousness, compete in goodness, so we can work with them to serve his religion. He entrusts us with knowledge, so we can spread it to others, and He entrusts us with bodies, so we can fill them with goodness, and as a result worship Him better.

If only we changed our perspectives and looked at everything not only as a gift and a blessing, but as a trust.

When someone trusts you with something valuable, or gives you something, and advises you do use it to the best of your ability, on the condition that they could take it back from you at any given time, how would you treat it? How would you use it?

And how would they feel if you broke that trust?

Allah has given things for us in order to enable us to worship Him better. In order for us to use these resources and tools, to better ourselves and the people around us.

How sad is to see that so many forget that that beautiful child is a gift from Allah? Instead, they feed it with garbage, abuse it, misuse it, and neglect its obligations, its rights, forgetting that the child is a trust; an amanah.

Yet, how many of us do this to so many other things we have been given?

Remember, one day you will stand before Allah, and He will ask you. Yes, He will ask you about the mind and how you used it, the tongue and what it said, that Facebook account and how you misused it, those children and how you neglected them. It will all be unfolded. All those hidden truths. All those broken trusts. All those neglected rights.

Ponder of this concept of Amanah, and remember that what you have in this world and been placed in your possession as a treasure, a gift. Don't abuse it. Cherish it, be grateful for it, and ponder over how it can help you on your road to Jannah.

A gift from the heavens, a trust from the One above.

Don't abuse it.

<3

Wandering Thoughts and Gems :)

*-*-*-*

If you want to remind yourself that impossible and possible are merely concepts of the human mind, read Surah Maryam. <3

There's always a deeper wisdom. Even if you can't feel it, touch it, and even comprehend it. Its there somewhere, in His plan. For in everything is good, even if you perceive it to be not. :)

They say that a person is more in touch with their feelings or their spiritual side in the night. Hence, the believer who loves Allah will dedicate the night to His worship.

From the story of Maryam (as), we learn to 'shake the tree, and let the dates fall.' In other words, do your bit, and Allah will take care of the rest. :)

"I fed you when you were a new born,

And sponsored you when you were a youth,

And you enjoyed what I harvested for you,

If you fell sick one night, I would not sleep,

But I kept awake all night feeling sorry for you,

As if I were the sick, not you -

So mye eyes flooded with tears."

- Ummayyah Ibn Abi As Salt

If one can't be good to parents, then goodness to others becomes meaningless.

*-*-*-*