An English teacher in a rural school about 25 km from the town of Kuala Kangsar, Perak Darul Ridzwan, Malaysia. A mother of five ranging between the ages of 4 to 20. Also in a very challenging situation. But adapts to life easily!
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Physics saves lives!
A college physics professor was explaining a particularly complicated concept to his class when a pre-med student interrupted him.
"Why do we have to learn this stuff?" one young man blurted out.
"To save lives," the professor responded before continuing the lecture.
A few minutes later the student spoke up again. "So how does physics save lives?"
The professor stared at the student for a long time without saying a word. Finally the professor continued. "Physics saves lives," he said, "because it keeps the idiots out of medical school."
Idiots don't go to medical school right!
Friday, November 27, 2009
The best character!
A "Mabrur" Haj
Anas Radiyallahu 'Anhu reports : ''Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam performed haj on an old pack saddle. On it was a piece of cloth, the value of which was less than four Dirhams. (It may be possible that by 'on it' Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallhu 'Alayhi Wasallam himself is meant here. i.e. He covered himself with an ordinary sheet. The value of which did not reach four Dirhams. This explanation is most accepted by the respected teachers. The eleventh hadith in this chapter strengthens this). Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam was reciting this du'aa: 'Allah make this haj one that has no show or fame'''.
Commentary
This was recited to educate the ummah, or shows the complete humbleness and utmost devotion of Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam. Although there can be no question of show and fame in any act of Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam, then too Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam made this d'uaa and beseeched Allah to keep this haj free from show and fame. The sheet that was on the mubaarak body or on the pack saddle of Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam was of such an ordinary quality that its value was less than a rupee (about twenty cents). This was the result of his complete humbleness, which was his usual habit. Although due to some considerations Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam at time's wore expensive clothing, but normally did not do so.
Humbleness is the key to a "mabrur" haj, isn't it?
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Tips for Pizza Boy!
A college pizza delivery boy arrived at the house of Larry Johnson. He delivered the pizza to his trailer.
After giving it to him, Larry asked: "What is the usual tip?"
"Well," replied the youth, "this is my first trip here, but the other guys say if I get a quarter out of you, I'll be doing great."
"Is that so?" snorted Larry. "Well, just to show them how wrong they are, here's five dollars."
"Thanks," replied the youth, "I'll put this in my school fund."
"What are you studying in school?" asked Larry.
The lad smiled and said: "Applied psychology."
Applied psychology, heh? HA!HA!HA!
Monday, November 23, 2009
Remembering Allah swt
Sunday, November 22, 2009
How to get an 'A'
A professor stood before his class of twenty senior organic biology students, about to hand out the final exam.
"I want to say that it's been a pleasure teaching you this semester. I know you've all worked extremely hard and many of you are off to medical school after summer. So that no one gets their GPA messed up because they might have been celebrating a bit too much this week, anyone who would like to opt out of the final exam today will receive a 'B' for the course."
There was much rejoicing in the class as students got up, walked to the front of the class, and took the professor up on his offer. As the last taker left the room, the professor looked out over the handful of remaining students and asked, "Anyone else? This is your last chance." One final student rose up and opted out of the final.
The professor closed the door and took attendance of those students remaining. "I'm glad to see you believe in yourself," he said. "You all get 'A's."
You have to be smart, don't you!
Friday, November 20, 2009
Banana Muffins
INGREDIENTS
3/4 cups (245 grams) all-purpose flour
1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated white sugar
1/4 cup (50 grams) light brown sugar
1 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 ounces (65 grams) white chocolate, cut into small pieces
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
8 tablespoons (113 grams) (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
3 very ripe large bananas (approximately 1 pound or 454 grams), mashed well (about 1-1/2 cups)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Garnish:
1 large banana, sliced (optional)
STEPS1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C) and place the oven rack in the middle of the oven. Butter or spray a 12 - 1/2 cup muffin pan.
2.In a large bowl combine the flour, sugars, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and white chocolate. Set aside.
3.In a medium-sized bowl combine the mashed bananas, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla. With a rubber spatula or wooden spoon, lightly fold the wet ingredients (banana mixture) into the dry ingredients until just combined and batter is thick and chunky. (The important thing is not to over mix the batter. You do not want it smooth. Over mixing the batter will yield tough, rubbery muffins.) Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tins and place a slice of banana on top of each muffin for garnish. Bake about 20 - 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Place on a wire rack to cool for five minutes and then remove muffins from pan. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Note: To mash bananas I have found the easiest way is to just use my fingers, a fork or a potato masher.Makes
12 regular sized muffins.
Worth a try, these school holidays!
Thursday, November 19, 2009
The Most Grateful Among Us
Anas Radiyallahu 'Anhu reports that Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam said: "Even if I am given a foot of a goat as a present, I will accept it, and if I am invited to partake of it, I will surley accept that invitation".
Commentary
It does not even come to mind that why should I accept such an ordinary small article, or accept an invitation to partake of it. I think of it as a blessing of Allah and accept it whole heartedly. The actual reason for accepting an invitation is not the food but to encourage the host and keep one happy.
Let's think about it!
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Sadaqah as known in Islam
Gingerbread Men Cookies
Makes 2 dozen or 24 (1 cookie) servings.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Refrigerate Time: 4 hours
Cook Time: 8 to 10 minutes per batch
3 cups flour
2 teaspoons ginger, ground
1 teaspoon Cinnamon, Ground
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg, Ground
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter, softened
3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup molasses
1 egg
1. Mix flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, nutmeg and salt in large bowl. Beat butter and brown sugar in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add molasses and egg; beat well. Gradually beat in flour mixture on low speed until well mixed. Press dough into a thick flat disk. Wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate 4 hours or overnight.
2. Preheat oven to 350°F. Roll out dough to 1/4-inch thickness on lightly floured work surface. Cut into gingerbread men shapes with 5-inch cookie cutter. Place 1 inch apart on ungreased baking sheets.
3. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until edges of cookies are set and just begin to brown. Cool on baking sheets 1 to 2 minutes. Remove to wire racks; cool completely. Decorate cooled cookies as desired. Store cookies in airtight container up to 5 days.
Looks delicious, don't they?
Friday, November 13, 2009
Dear God
Dear God,
I am an 85 year old widow, living on a very small pension. Yesterday someone stole my purse. It had £100 in it, which was all the money I had until my next pension check. Next Sunday is Christmas, and I had invited three of my friends over for dinner. Without that money, I have nothing to buy food with. I have no family to turn to, and you are my only hope. Can you please help me?
Sincerely, Molly
The postal worker was touched. He showed the letter to all the other workers. Each one dug into his or her wallet and came up with a few pounds. By the time he made the rounds, he had collected £96, which they put into an envelope and sent to the woman. The rest of the day, all the workers felt a warm glow thinking of Molly and the dinner she would be able to share with her friends. Christmas came and went. A few days later, another letter came from the old lady to God. All the workers gathered around while the letter was opened, It read.
Dear God,
How can I ever thank you enough for what you did for me? Because of your gift of love, I was able to fix a glorious dinner for my friends. We had a very nice day and I told my friends of your wonderful gift. By the way, there was £4 missing. I think it must have been those thieving bastards at the Post Office...
Funny, isn't it?
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Sneezing and Yawning in Islam
"Indeed, Allah likes sneezing and dislikes yawning. So, when one of you who sneezes, he should say Alhamdulillah (Praise be to Allah). It is a right on every Muslim who hears him to say Yarhamukallah (may Allah have mercy on you) in reply."
" Indeed, yawning comes from Shaitan. So when one of you yawns, he should restrain himself as much as possible, as Shaitan laughs at the person who yawns." (Bukhari)
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Orange Saffron Butter Cookies
Ingredients: 1 1/8 cups of flour
1 stick of butter
2 pinches saffron threads(.250 gr)
1/2 Tbsp. orange rind
1/3 cup sugar
2 large egg yolks
Directions
Leave stick of butter out to soften. Butter should be spreadable by now. Work saffron and orange rind into butter. Blend in sugar, then egg yolks, one at a time. Add flour to form soft ball of dough. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours. When ready to bake, remove dough from refrigerator to soften slightly. Preheat oven to 325: (165: C). Pinch off bite size pieces of dough and place on ungreased cookie sheet. When sheet is full, press dough flat with back of metal fork. Bake 10 min, or until edges begin to brown. Cool on rack. Store in airtight container.Well, let's give it a try!
Sunday, November 8, 2009
A deadly joke!
Salat the Key to Paradise
Suppose, you are given a key to open a lock. What would happen if the key is damaged or half of it is missing? Would the lock open? No. What if you are trying to insert the key upside down? The lock will still remain closed.
Similarly, salat is the key to
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Apple and Carrot Shortbread Recipe
You're going to want to use metal (or sharp-edged) cookie cutters here, it will help cut through the shreds of apple/carrot more easily. If you can't track down whole wheat pastry flour, substitute unbleached all-purpose flour, or I suspect white whole wheat flour work just fine as well.
1/4 cup / 2 ounces / 50g semolina flour
1 1/2 cups / 6 ounces whole wheat pastry flour
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon fine grain sea salt
5 ounces (150g) unsalted butter, room temperature
2/3 cup / 3 1/2 ounces (100g) light Muscovado sugar (or brown sugar)
2 ounces (50g) carrot, grated (about 1/4 cup)
1 ounce (25g) apple, grated (about 1/6 of a med. apple)
zest of one lemon
milk
Preheat your oven to 350F degrees, or 180C. Sift the semolina, flour, baking powder and salt into a medium bowl, and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Stir the carrot, apple, and lemon zest into the flour mixture, and mix until well coated and evenly dispersed. Stir the flour mixture into the butter mixture until a dough forms, then knead a couple times to bring everything together. Split the dough in two, flatten each piece into an inch-thick patty, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least thirty minutes.
When you're ready to bake the shortbread, roll the dough out onto a lightly floured surface 1/2-inch thick/1cm. Use a metal cutters to stamp out cookies, then place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush lightly with a bit of milk and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies start to brown just a bit.
Makes about 3 dozen cookies.
Friday, November 6, 2009
How to Pray 10 Jumah on one Friday
Prophet Muhammed (s.a.w) said:
Whoever invites towards (the path of) guidance shall receive a reward equal to the rewards of those who follow him without this decreasing anything from their rewards. (Sahih Muslim)
Using this formula, if you invite 9 of your friends to offer Jumah with you and they respond to your call then you will get the reward for your own Jumah plus nine additional Jumah prayers. You can increase the number by as many as you want!
How great is Almighty Allah who has made earning for the hereafter very easy.
"And whoever guides others towards good is equal to the doer of good." (Tirmidhi)
Shall we try?
An Important Letter
On the other hand, how do we treat the Holy Quran, which is an important message from Allah? Our future of this world and the hereafter is in knowing this message. But, do we read the Quran? May be only a few of us. Instead of reading, we cover the Quran with a beautiful cloth and put it away on a high shelf. Would we do the same with the above mentioned important letter? Not at all. So, it's time that we realize the value of the Quran and read it often to know its important message.
All letters should be read, right?
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Things Mom Taught Me...
My Mother taught me LOGIC..."If you fall off that swing and break your neck, you can't go to the store with me."
My Mother taught me MEDICINE..."If you don't stop crossing your eyes, they're going to freeze that way."
My Mother taught me TO THINK AHEAD..."If you don't pass your spelling test, you'll never get a good job!"
My Mother taught me ESP..."Put your sweater on; don't you think that I know when you're cold?"
My Mother taught me TO MEET A CHALLENGE..."What were you thinking? Answer me when I talk to you...Don't talk back to me!"
My Mother taught me HUMOR..."When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don't come running to me."
My Mother taught me how to BECOME AN ADULT..."If you don't eat your vegetables, you'll never grow up.
My mother taught me about GENETICS..."You are just like your father!"
My mother taught me about my ROOTS..."Do you think you were born in a barn?"
My mother taught me about the WISDOM of AGE..."When you get to be my age, you will understand."
My mother taught me about ANTICIPATION..."Just wait until your father gets home."
My mother taught me about RECEIVING..."You are going to get it when we get home."
And, my all-time favorite - JUSTICE..."One day you'll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like YOU -- then you'll see what it's like!"
Funny, isn't it? She knows everything!
Beating IT Communication!
About Farts
1. Inside a crowded lift.
2. Inside a public library.
3. On a crowded train.
4. Whilst giving a speech.
5. In Church.
6. Whilst on a date.
7. In a packed lecture theatre.
8. In your office.
9. At a cinema.
10. In a walk-in freezer - it'll linger a while.
11. In a ticket line.
13. On an airplane.
14. During confession.
15. In the bed, whilst feeling frisky.
16. In bed when you're feeling frisky.
17. While fighting fire in a burning building.
19. In a patrol car for a minor violation.
When to fart:
1. Bosses office as you are about to leave - best to make sure it's silent but violent.
2. In a bathroom.
3. In the cashiers line - it's bound to speed things up.
4. The empty elevator before you get off.
5. Beside an occupied dressing room - no doubt it'll quickly become unnocupied.
6. Your co-workers cubicle at the office.
7. When deep sea diving.
8. Back seat of the Police Mobile after being arrested.
9. In your car if you've been carjacked.
10. During a pie eating competition to distract your competitors.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
A Teacher for All Seasons
Who nurtures new green sprouts,
Encourages and leads them,
Whenever they have doubts.
Whose sunny temperament
Makes studying a pleasure,
Preventing discontent.
With methods crisp and clear,
Lessons of bright colors
And a happy atmosphere.
While it’s snowing hard outside,
Keeping students comfortable,
As a warm and helpful guide.
With a pleasant attitude;
You’re a teacher for all seasons,
And you have my gratitude!
Hopefully its us!
Poem about The Morning
The morning sun
Surrounds us
With its cosmic
Embrace
The Soulful
Morning smile
Is a treasure
Of the mind
And heart alike.
In the morning
The greatness of
The mind and
The goodness of
The heart are
Inseparable.
In the morning
Our hearts dawn
With sweetness-
Dewdrops.
Each morning
Is the birth
Of a new
Opportunity.
In the morning
Heaven descends
In all its glory
To become
The rising sun.
The morning light
Feeds our hearts
And guides our lives.
IN morning’s
Silence-delight,
The Supreme
Himself visits my
Heart-abode.
At the morning
Dawn, I hear the gentle whisper
Of my blessingful
inner guide.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Aqidah
Aqidah linguistically is derived from the term aqada. In Arabic, one states, "Aqada the rope" when the rope is tied firmly. And, "Aqada the sale" or "He settled the sale" when the person ratifies and contracts a sale or agreement. And Allah says in the Quran, "And as for those whom your right hands have made a covenant (Ar., aqadat)" [Al-Nisa 33]. And Allah also says, "But He will take you to task for the oaths which you swear in earnest (Ar., aqadtum) [Al-Maida, 89] which means asserted and adhered to, as proven in the verse, "And break not oaths after the assertion of them" [An-Nahl, 91]. If one says, "Aqadtu such and such," it means his heart is firm upon such and such.
Therefore, Aqidah or I'tiqad according to the scholars of Islam is: The firm creed that one's heart is fixed upon without any wavering or doubt. It excludes any supposition, doubt or suspicion...
Pride (Takabbur): "It was I" said the Frog (Pride and Islam)
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
A house full of Barakah,and Rizqi,
A house full of Barakah, Rizq, Angels has 3 simple food in its kitchen,does yours?
Does your house have the following foods?
Vinegar, Dates, Honey
Go and check your kitchen if you're at home.!
A house of Barakah has Vinegar,Dates, Honey, why?
"A household which has vinegar will never suffer from poverty"- hadith
"A house without dates has no food."-hadith
"For there is no house in which honey is kept for which the angels will not ask for mercy.."- hadith
Bismillah
An amazing hadith about Honey .!
"By Him in whose hand is my soul, eat honey. For there is no house in which honey is kept for which the angels will not ask for mercy.
If a person eats honey, a Thousand remedies enter his stomach and a Million diseases will come out. If a man dies and honey is found within him, fire will not touch his body [i.e., he will be immune from the burning of hell]." hadith
The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) himself used to drink a glass of honey and water each morning on an empty stomach.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Saying "Thank You."
From Abu Hurairah : Rasulullah saw said : "He who does not thank people, does not thank Allah". ( Ahmad Tirmidhi )
Saying thank you in other languages.
AFRIKAANS | dankie, dahn-kee |
ALBANIAN | faleminderit |
ALSATIAN | merci |
ARABIC | shukran, shoe-krahn |
TUNISIAN ARABIC | Barak Allahu fiik |
ARMENIAN | chnorakaloutioun |
AUSTRALIAN ENGLISH | ta (informal) |
AZERI | çox sag olun / tesekkur edirem |
BAMBARA | a ni kié |
BASQUE | eskerrik asko (southern basque) / milesker (northern basque) |
BELARUSIAN | Дзякую (dziakuju) |
BENGALI | dhanyabaad |
BOBO | a ni kié |
BOSNIAN | hvala |
BRETON | trugéré / trugaré / trugarez |
BULGARIAN | merci / blagodaria |
BURMESE | (thint ko) kyay tzu tin pa te |
CATALAN | gràcies |
CEBUANO | salamat |
CHINESE, Cantonese | do jeh, daw-dyeh |
CHINESE, Mandarin | xiè xie, syeh-syeh |
CORSICAN | grazie |
CROATIAN | hvala |
CZECH | děkuji, deh-ku-yih |
DANISH | tak, tahg |
DUTCH | dank u wel / dank je wel |
ESPERANTO | dankon |
ESTONIAN | tänan / tänan väga (thank you very much) |
EWÉ | akpé |
FAROESE | takk fyri |
FIDJIAN | vinaka |
FINNISH | kiitos, kee-toas |
FRENCH | merci, mehr-see |
FRISIAN | dankewol |
FRIULAN | gracie |
GALICIAN | gracias / graciñas |
GERMAN | danke, dahn-kah |
GREEK | ευχαριστώ, ef-har-rih-stowe |
GUARANÍ | aguyjé |
GUJARATI | aabhar |
HAITIAN CREOLE | mèsi |
HAWAIIAN | mahalo |
HEBREW | toda, toh-dah |
HINDI | dhanyavad OR sukria, shoo-kree-a |
HUNGARIAN | köszönöm |
ICELANDIC | takk |
INDONESIAN | terima kasih, t'ree-ma kas-seh |
IRISH GAELIC | go raibh maith agat |
ITALIAN | grazie, gra-see |
JAPANESE | arigatô, ahree-gah-tow |
KABYLIAN | tanemirt |
KANNADA | dhanyavadagalu |
KHMER | akun |
KIRUNDI | murakoze |
KOREAN | kamsah hamnida, kahm-sah ham-nee-da |
KOTOKOLI | sobodi |
KRIO | tenki |
KURDISH | spas |
LAO | khob chai (deu) |
LATIN | gratias ago (from 1 person) gratias agimus (from more than 1 person) |
LATVIAN | paldies |
LEBANESE | choukrane |
LITHUANIAN | aciu |
LOW SAXON | bedankt / dank ju wel |
LUXEMBOURGEOIS | merci |
MACEDONIAN | blagodaram |
MALAGASY | misaotra |
MALAY | terima kasih |
MALAYALAM | nanni |
MALTESE | niżżik ħajr / grazzi / nirringrazzjak |
MARATHI | aabhari aahe / aabhar / dhanyavaad |
MONGOLIAN | (Баярлалаа), bayarlalaa |
NORWEGIAN | takk, tahk |
OCCITAN | mercé / grandmercé |
PAPIAMENTO | danki |
PERSIAN | motashakkeram, mamnun (formal) / mochchakkeram, mamnun, mersi (informal) |
POLISH | dziękuję, dsyen-koo-yeh |
PORTUGUESE | obrigado (male speaking) / obrigada (female speaking), oh-bree-gah-doh (or dah ) |
ROMANI | najis tuke |
ROMANIAN | mulţumesc |
RUSSIAN | спасибо, spah-see-boh |
SAMOAN | faafetai lava |
SARDINIAN | gratzias |
SCOTTISH GAELIC | tapadh leat (singular, familiar) tapadh leibh (plural, respectful) |
SERBIAN | hvala |
SHIMAORE | marahaba |
SHONA | waita (plural: maita) |
SINDHI | meharbani |
SINHALA | stuutiyi |
SLOVAK | dakujem |
SLOVENIAN | hvala |
SOBOTA | hvala |
SPANISH | gracias or muchas gracias, gra-see-us or moo-chas gra-see-us |
SWAHILI | asante, ah-sahn-teh |
SWEDISH | tack, tahkk |
TAGALOG | salamat po, sah-lah-maht poh |
TAHITIAN | mauruuru |
TAMIL | nandri; none-dree |
TATAR | rahmat |
THAI | kop khun kha - woman speaking; kop khun krahp - man speaking |
TIGRINYA | yekeniele |
TURKISH | tesekkur ederim, teh-sheh-kur eh-deh-rim |
UDMURT | tau |
UKRAINIAN | diakuiu |
URDU | shukriya |
WALOON ("betchfessîs" spelling) | gråces / merci thank you very much : gråces (merci) traze côps, gråces (merci) beacôp |
WELSH | diolch |
WEST INDIAN CREOLE | mèsi |
WOLOF | djiere dieuf |
XHOSA | enkosi |
YIDDISH | a dank |
YORUBA | o sheun |
ZULU | ngiyabonga (literally means : I give thanks) siyabonga (we give thanks) ngiyabonga kakhulu (thanks very much) Well, Let's not forget to say thank you! |
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Pumpkin Pudding
(Makes six servings.)
4 eggs
1 one-pound can of pumpkin
1/2 cup light molasses
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ginger
1 cup milk
Break the eggs into a large bowl, and beat with a fork until light yellow.
Add the pumpkin, cinnamon, ginger, molasses, and milk. Stir well.
Pour mixture into a greased casserole dish. Bake at 350º for 1 hour or until the pudding is firm in the middle.
Refrigerate any leftovers.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
True Story of a young girl reciting Ayatul-Qursi
It was reported in a local paper in Rochdale (A town, northeast of Manchester), of a young woman who was raped in a small dark alley (a narrow passage between buildings) one evening.
On a separate evening around the same time, a young Muslim girl was walking home from college. Aware that it was getting dark fast, she wanted to get home as soon as possible, so her mother would not be worrying about her being outside alone at night.
The young Muslim girl faced a dilemma. To take the short-cut down the same alleyway to avoid getting home after dark, or to take the longer route and have her mother worrying herself sick about her daughters safety.
Conscious of the time, she takes the alleyway. While the girl is walking she sees a rather sinister and dark figure of a man walking towards her from the other end. As her pace quickens, she begins to read Ayat-ul-kursi for her safety.
The man, he makes eye contact but carries on walking.
When the young Muslim girl reaches home she tells her family about this sinister looking man, they advise her to contact the police, after having read the newspaper article some time before. When she contacts the police they ask her to give a physical description of the man. It matches the description the rape victim had given.
Some days later the young Muslim girl receives a phone call from the police, asking her if she would come down to the police station to identify the man in a line up. Both the rape victim and the Muslim girl pick out the same man.
The police are confused; they ask the rapist why he attacked one girl and not the other.
In reference to the Muslim girl, he replies ‘why would I attack her? when she was walking with two huge men on either side of her?’
Alhamdulillahi Rabbil Aalameen.
Amazing, isn't it?
The Neglected Element of Taqwa in The “1,000 Dinars” Verse
“… And for those who fear Allah (Taqwa or high God-consciousness), He [ever] prepares a way out. And He provides for him from [sources] he never could expect. And if anyone puts his trust in Allah, sufficient is [Allah] for him. For Allah will surely accomplish His purpose: Verily, for all things has Allah appointed a due proportion.” (Surah at-Talaq 65:2-3)
Historically, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) never named the above passage from the Holy Qur’an the “1,000 Dinars” verse, but many unverified stories have appeared over the years including one version where Prophet Khidr (‘alaihissalam) was somehow responsible for helping some poor man out of debt by advising him to recite this verse daily. As a result, you can find the “1,000 Dinars” verse hung on the walls of many Muslim shops, offices and households all over the country today. The tenacity with which these business and home owners hold on to the faith that this verse will help bring opportunity and other forms of bounty from Allah Almighty is so great that it would be considered almost sacrilege not to believe in its miraculous power of attraction. However, when it comes to income-related aspirations, most Muslims will normally visualize it to be in the form of the local or the various international paper currencies in the market, and not the Shari’i gold dinar that the verse was aptly named after.
It would have been inconceivable 1,400 years ago to associate a verse from the Holy Qur’an with something so unholy as usury-based ‘fiat’ money, but that is the sad reality of life as most Muslims today do not remember the Shari’i gold dinar that was once the Sunnah currency of Islam during the era of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) and the Khulafa ar-Rashidin (radiyallahu ‘anhuma). The Holy Prophet (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) reminded his Ummah to forsake Riba or usury in his Farewell Sermon on Mount Arafah on the 9th of Zulhijjah in the 10th year of Hijrah, but we have instead embraced and institutionalized the very thing that was strongly forbidden by Allah Almighty in His infinite Wisdom.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
AFTER RAMADAN
We know that Ramadan is a very special time in our lives. In addition to the obvious, fasting from sunrise to sunset, we must also abstain from so many other things. One added bonus that comes with fasting is that we actually learn to be more kind to those around us.
Since we strive to strengthen our bodies with both the physical and mental power that we need to complete our fasts, let's take that a step further and make it last throughout the year. It takes real devotion to Allah to fast for His sake only. There is a hadith narrated by Sufyaan ibn 'Abdallah (RA) who said, "O Messenger of Allah (SAW), tell me something about Islam, which I cannot ask anyone else besides you." He (SAW) replied, "Say, 'I believe in Allah' and then be steadfast (upon that)." Saheeh Muslim
This hadith is proof that we are obligated, after having faith in Allah, to be steadfast in obeying Allah by performing the obligatory acts and avoiding the prohibited ones. This is achieved by following the Straight Path, which is Islam. If a Muslim lives through Ramadan and spent his days in fasting and his nights in prayer and he accustomed himself to doing acts of good, then he must continue to remain upon this obedience to Allah at all times.
In fact, steadfastness after Ramadan is the greatest sign that one has gained benefit from the month of Ramadan. These are the real signs of a successful Ramadan. Furthermore, the deeds of a Muslim do not come to an end with the end of Ramadan. Rather, they continue and extend throughout the year. Allah (SWT) says, "And worship your Lord until the certainty (death) comes to you." (Al Hijr; 99)
When the fasting of Ramadan comes to an end, then indeed the voluntary fast is prescribed throughout the entire year. When standing in prayer at night in Ramadan comes to an end, then indeed the entire year is a time for performing the night prayer. And if zakat ul fitr comes to an end then there is still the zakat that is still obligatory as well as the voluntary charity that lasts the whole year. This goes the same for reciting the Quran and pondering over its meaning, as well as every other good deed that was sought, for these can be performed at all times. Therefore, the zeal that was felt throughout Ramadan must continue through the whole year.
It is unfortunate to find that some people perform worship by doing righteous deeds only during Ramadan. They guard strictly upon their five daily prayers, they recite Quran, and they give charity. But when Ramadan comes to an end, they grow lazy in their worship. Sometimes, they even abandon their obligation entirely.
Truly, there is much reward that Allah grants his servant in the fasting of Ramadan. Allah (SWT) says in the Quran, "He wants that you must complete the same number of days and that you must magnify Allah (by saying Allah Akbar) for having guided you, so that you may be grateful to Him." (Quran 2: 185)
Ramadan is a time to correct and change our habits that we have acquired over the year without the whispers of Satan. For now is the time in which Shaytan is locked up and he does not have the chance to twist our thoughts and change our good actions. The first step is always hard to take, but Ramadan is the time to do it. So after Ramadan, may we all try to keep up with our good deeds—praying at the correct times, charity to the less fortunate, and genuinely being more patient and kind with one another.
May Allah (SWT) shower us with blessings, forgiveour sins and grant us all Paradise. Ameen!
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Lailatul Qadr (Night of Power)
There is night in the month of Ramadhan which is better than a thousand months (83 years, 4 months). This night is called Laitatul Qadr. According to Hadith, this night occurs during the last ten days of Ramadhan on one of the odd numbered nights. Usually it is celebrated on the 27th night of this holy month. It is a night of great importance and enormous blessings for Muslims.
A night such as Lailatul Qadr was not granted to any religious community (Ummah) before Muslims. Only the Ummah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) were favoured with a night of huge reward. Once reason, it was granted, was to enable Muslims to equal the worship of any people who lived before us. In the distant past it is said that people lived very long lives of hundreds of years. We, today, live much shorter lives. And so Allah gave us Laitatul Qadr to enable us to do as much worship as a man who lived even hundreds of years longer. If in a lifetime, you only worshipped on Lailatul Qadr ten times, you would have equaled in those ten nights 833 years of worship. Signs of Laitul Qadr
Nawafil (Optional Prayers) for Laitatul Qadr1. Two Rakaat - In each Rakaat Surah Al-Fatiha (Alhamdu) - Once Surah Al-Qadr (Inna Anzalna) - Once Surah Al-Ikhlas (Qul Huwal Lahu) - Once One who observes this Nafl prayer will be granted the enormous rewards of Laitatul Qadr. 2. Two Rakaat - In each Rakaat Surah Al-Fatiha (Alhamdu) - Once Surah Al-Ikhlas (Qul Huwal Lahu) - Seven times After Completing this nafl prayer recite 70 times : "Astaghfirullah hallazi la-ila-ha illa huwal Hayyul Qayyumo wa atu-bu ilaihe" "I seek forgiveness from Allah, the almighty, there is no god but He. He is the self-existent, the Eternal and I turn to Him" Once who observes this prayer, Allah the Merciful will forgive sins of that person and their parents' sins. 3. Four Rakaat - In each Rakaat Surah Al-Fatiha (Alhamdu) - Once Surah Takathur (Alhakumat Takasur) - Once Surah Al-Ikhlas (Qul Huwal Lahu) - Three times A person observing this prayer will be protected from pain and hardship at the time of death and will be saved from the punishment of the grave. 4. Four Rakaat - In each Rakaat Surah Al-Fatiha (Alhamdu) - Once Surah Al-Qadr (Inna Anzalna) - Three times Surah Al-Ikhlas (Qul Huwal Lahu) - Fifty times After completing this prayer recite once : "All glory and All Praise are for Allah, and there is no God but Allah and Allah is the Greatest". The dua of the person observing this prayer will be accepted by Allah Almighty. 5. Four Rakaat - In each Rakaat Surah Al-Fatiha (Alhamdu) - Once Surah Al-Qadr (Inna Anzalna) - Once Surah Al-Ikhlas (Qul Huwal Lahu) - Twenty Seven times For one who observes this prayer all their sins are forgiven by Allah Almighty and they will enter into Heaven. Dua of Lailatul QadrThe Prophet (Peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) taught this dua to Hazrat Ayesha for Lailatul Qadr. "O Allah, you are the One who grants pardon for sins. You love to pardon so pardon me".
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