Introducing A New Blog-My Autistic Muslim Child

Assalaamu alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuhu,

First, I apologize for not having time to blog recently.  Today, My dear sister emailed me the link to her new blog and I couldn’t wait to share it with all of you!

She has started a blog titled “My Autistic Muslim Child.”  This blog helps give insight into the lives of autistic muslim children and their parents, raise awareness, and provides support by the permission of Allah.

The blog is in it’s early stages, so please stop by and give her your support and if you think you know someone it will benefit by all means pass it along! : )

Check it out here:

http://myautisticmuslimchild.wordpress.com/

Ramadan 2009 Has Been Announced!

 

The moon has not been sighted and therefore Ramadan will start on Saturday the 22nd of August 2009, insha’Allaah.

“O you who believe! Observing As-Saum (the fasting) is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqoon (the pious).”Al-Qur’an 2:183

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever fasts Ramadaan out of faith and in the hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.” (Al-Bukhari & Muslim). And al-Bukhaari and Muslim also narrated from Abu Hurayrah that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever spends the nights of Ramadaan in prayer out of faith and in the hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.”

Get the most out of Ramadan by visiting these sites insh’Allah:

Live classes and lectures:

www.sunnahfollowers.net (offers past recorded lectures on Islamic topics including Ramadan and also offers FREE live lectures and powerpoint presentations)

http://www.islamonline.net/English/Ramadan/1430/index.shtml (Great Ramadan resource offering articles, lectures, ecards, and more).

Videos and Lectures:

 Dr Saleh as Saleh rahimahullah – Fasting in Ramadaan (20+ lectures on the fiqh, etiquette, focus and benefits of fasting)
Abu Uwais rahimahullah – We need Ramadaan! (Transcribed lecture here)
Dr Bilal Philips – Ramadaan: a Way of Life (video)
Ali Tamimi – Benefits of Ramadaan
Ahmad Jibril – Are you Ready for Ramadaan?
Ahmad Jibril – Greeting Ramadaan
Yasir Qadhi – Preparing for Ramadaan
Yahya Ibrahim – Rewards Derived from Ramadaan
Yahya Ibrahim – Renewing One’s Faith is a Priority in Ramadaan
Muhammad Alshareef – Towards an Outstanding Ramadaan (video)
Nouman Ali Khan – Welcome Ramadaan (video)
Siraj Wahhaj – Ramadaan: Prepare Yourself
Waleed Basyouni – How to Make this your best Ramadaan (9 parts)
Navaid Aziz – Preparing for Ramadaan
Sa’eed Rageah – Ramadaan Reminder

www.islamictube.net (large selection of Islamic videos)

For the kids the full version of Adam’s World Ramadan Edition can be watched on youtube:

Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aw2eiOPdCMk

Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YedNI-ZykC4

Part 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LENR-LIjlSY&feature=related

Articles, Books

http://www.qss.org/articles/ramadan/toc.html (Great fasting info)

http://www.islamqa.com/en/cat/2030 (offers many Q&A on Ramadan)

Quick easy recipes:

http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/food/holidays/ramandan-recipes?src=rss

http://allrecipes.com/HowTo/Ramadan/Detail.aspx 

http://www.islamonline.net/english/Ramadan/Ramadan_kitchen/index.shtml

May Allah accept from us all and may this be the best Ramadan ever! ameen

Advice To Muslims: A Parable Of A Horse In A Well

 

There once was a horse that fell into an abandoned well. His owner wanted to get him out but when he calculated the cost and effort and contemplated what he would have to do and everything the task would involve and the result of that, he came to a conclusion. He figured that the horse is too old and the well is abandoned. So, it would be easier just to buy a new horse and fill up the old well.  Therefore, the plan was made.

The man went around to his neighbors and asked them to help him.  So, they all gathered at the well and began shoveling dirt onto the horse. Well, the horse started going crazy, whining and sreaming and stomping. Suddenly, the sound dissappeared. The horse’s owner leaned over the well and looked down. He was amazed at what he saw.

Everytime a person dumped dirt onto the horse, he shook it off, when the dirt fell to the ground he stomped it . The more dirt they dumped on him the more he shook it off and stomped, rising up.  The horse continued doing that until he finally made it to the top  and jumped out of the well.

Brothers and sisters, this is exactly like life.  This is exactly what Muslims have to go through. People are dumping dirt on you all the way from A to Z and you continue to rise by shaking it off and ignoring it. People have nothing but to bury you. It could be from your own family, friends, or your enemies. As long as you are with Allah (SWT) you will run into people who will definatley do that. And what is your job?

Your job is to be patient.  Your job is to ignore. Your job is to shake it off like nothing happend. When someone insults you, when someone says something negative about you, know that you are with Allah (SWT). No one can do anything to you and the more people attack you the more you rise up.

And also remember that,  people don’t attack a tree without fruit. They attack the tree with the fruit. They throw the stones to get the fruit out of that tree.

So, there is some benefit in that when you have something good, people will attack you. When you don’t have anything good, why should they talk about you? Why should they demean you? Why should they put you down? You are nothing. But when you are someone people will attack that.

Leave all the worries and burdens everything you you have and remember every calamity and problem you face is like a handful of dirt. Shake it off and rise with your actions and you will find yourself on top. The best time to find yourself on top is the Day of Judgement. Make your heart free of worries. Make your mind free of stress and live your life simple.

watch the full lecture here: http://www.sunnahfollowers.net/multimedia/detail.php?pid=984

Taken from a Khutbah by Shaykh Hasan Khalil @www.sunnahfollowers.net. Slightly modified to make the story flow in print form.

Was Michael Jackson A Muslim?

The recent passing of Michael Jackson, The King of Pop, has many people around the world talking…and mourning. It even has the Muslim world a buzz asking “Was Michael Jackson really a Muslim??”  Well, there have been reports from The Telegraph, etc saying he converted in November 2008 with the help and guidance of his older brother Jermaine. Allahu Alim (Allah knows best) whether he was or wasn’t.

Muslim Matters has reported:

UPDATE:

There are multiple reports coming from religious leaders confirming that Michael Jackson was Muslim. Most notably, they come from Imam Zaid Shakir who said he has reliable sources, and Imam Johari Malik who said CNN reported an Imam will be visiting the family for janazah arrangements. We’ll keep you posted of any more news as well as any updates on if Jackson will indeed be receiving a Salatul Janazah.

In their article, Muslim Matters  also does a good job of emphasizing the main point as to how  we should feel about this as Muslims…

 The answer is simple. Regardless of what the real answer is, we should hope he died Muslim. And that’s not just because he’s a celebrity or because we may have grown up listening to his hits, but because we as Muslims want the salvation of all mankind.

Islam is the best and most perfect way of life for all of humanity, and we want all manking to accept what we believe is the way to live mandated by God. And if that happens to be the most breakthrough artist in the history of pop music, then alhamdulillah, all praise be to God, may he be forgiven for all of his shortcomings.

If he’s not, then we leave his fate with his Creator as is, and hope more people like him are guided to accept Islam and help in spreading the message to the masses. And until we have some clearer answers to our questions, I feel this is the position we need to have as Muslims. We pray that Allah (SWT) guides more people to Islam.

 Muslim Matters also debunks some myths surrounding his supposed conversion and goes into more detail on the topic. You may read the full article here: http://muslimmatters.org/2009/06/26/did-michael-jackson-die-as-a-muslim/

10 Common Mistakes That Can Destroy A Marriage

10 common mistakes that destroy a relationship of marriage

In life and love, you may think you’re supposed to always focus on the positive instead of the negative. However, unless you become aware of your own hurtful attitudes or actions — so that you can correct them — your chances of staying in love ’til death do you part are close to zero. To have your marriage last a lifetime, avoid these 10 common mistakes:

1. Talking “at” instead of “with” your mate. Let his or her body language be your guide. When you’re talking “at” your partner, he or she will tense up. When you’re talking “with” your spouse, he or she will relax.

2. Tuning out — instead of tuning in — to what your mate is saying. When you mind begins to wander, stop and remember that what your partner is saying is important to him or her.

3. Forgetting to thank your mate. Not thanking your spouse for being considerate, thoughtful or kind makes him or her feel unappreciated and foolish for caring about you. even if your mate did something as simple as remembering to wash the laundry or cook dinner or pay an outstanding bill. although it may be generally “considered as a duty”, it is not. In fact the main duty in a marriage is to make the other person happy, for most people, ultimately that does not necessary have to do with chores or bills.

4. Getting defensive instead of saying, “I’m sorry.” When you mess up, the sooner you sincerely say, “I’m sorry,” or “I was wrong,” the sooner your mate can stop resenting you.

5. Always saying, “I’m sorry,” yet never changing. An apology buys you another chance. However, if you keep making the same mistake, apologies not only seem empty, but annoying as well.

6. Being repeatedly late. Frequently keeping your partner waiting is not only inconsiderate, it’s arrogant.

7. Playing the victim. This behavior not only accuses your spouse of hurting you, but adds insult to injury by implying that he or she is doing it intentionally, when that may not be the case. not everyone has the same capacity of receiving accusations, so it is safest not to jump and accuse your mate of having bad intentions, even if they have repeated similar mistakes in the past.

8. Jumping to conclusions. Presuming that you know what your partner feels — and why — without first getting all the facts is only going to push him or her away.

9. Badmouthing your spouse behind his or her back. This not only adds to the list of secrets you keep from your mate, but also tells others how little you respect your partner.

10. Thinking that doing something once is enough. If you only temporarily stop making the above mistakes — and don’t continue to monitor yourself to keep from slipping back into bad habits — If your spouse was satisfied with that last boquet of roses you bought her or that last set of golf clubs you got him, all signs point to the fact that giving and receiving gifts is a good thing. So keep it up! you’re teasing your partner with changing one time and going to the same old song and dance. You’re also kidding yourself that you’re committed to improving your marriage, when really you’re not.

An African Imam Breaks Ground In Mecca

 

 

 

 

 

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia

By ROBERT F. WORTH
Published: April 10, 2009

TWO years ago, Sheik Adil Kalbani dreamed that he had become an imam at the Grand Mosque in Mecca, Islam’s holiest city.

Waking up, he dismissed the dream as a temptation to vanity. Although he is known for his fine voice, Sheik Adil is black, and the son of a poor immigrant from the Persian Gulf. Leading prayers at the Grand Mosque is an extraordinary honor, usually reserved for pure-blooded Arabs from the Saudi heartland.

Read the full article here: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/11/world/middleeast/11saudi.html?_r=1

My Sister Qamar Has Returned from Umrah and posted up her experience (and pics!!!)

Insh’Allah you can check it out here:

http://alqamardesigns.wordpress.com/

May Allah accept from her and her family and us all. ameen!

Vatican Offers Islamic Finance System To Western Banks

Vatican offers Islamic finance system to Western Banks

 

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601092&sid=aOsOLE8uiNOg&refer=italy

 

http://www.vatican.va/news_services/or/or_quo/text.html

 

http://www.brusselsjournal.com/node/3819

The Vatican says Islamic finance system may help Western banks in crisis as alternative to capitalistm. Friday, 06 March 2009 15:10 World Bulletin / News Desk The Vatican offered Islamic finance principles to Western banks as a solution for worldwide economic crisis. Daily Vatican newspaper, ‘L’Osservatore Romano, reported that Islamic banking system may help to overcome global crisis, Turkish media reported. The Vatican said banks should look at the ethical rules of Islamic finance to restore confidence amongst their clients at a time of global economic crisis. “The ethical principles on which Islamic finance is based may bring banks closer to their clients and to the true spirit which should mark every financial service,” the Vatican ‘s official newspaper Osservatore Romano said in an article in its latest issue late yesterday. Author Loretta Napoleoni and Abaxbank Spa fixed income strategist, Claudia Segre, say in the article that “Western banks could use tools such as the Islamic bonds, known as sukuk, as collateral”. Sukuk may be used to fund the “‘car industry or the next Olympic Games in London ,” they said. They also said that profit share, gained from sukuk, may be an alternative to the interest. They underlined that sukuk system could help automotive sector and support investments in infrastructure area. Islamic sukuk system is similar to bonos of capitalist system. But in sukuk, money is invested concrete projects and profit share is distributed to clients instead of interest earned. Pope Benedict XVI in an Oct. 7 speech reflected on crashing financial markets saying that “money vanishes, it is nothing” and concluded that “the only solid reality is the word of God.” The Vatican has been paying attention to the global financial meltdown and ran articles in its official newspaper that criticize the free-market model for having “grown too much and badly in the past two decades.” The Osservatore’s editor, Giovanni Maria Vian, said that “the great religions have always had a common attention to the human dimension of the economy,” Corriere della Sera reported today.

 

Everyone Speaks of Good Things-

Abdullah b. Mas’ûd – May Allah be pleased with him – said:

Everyone speaks of good things. It is those whose words and deeds match who have acquired their share. Those whose words and deeds do not match have only reproached themselves.

Ibn Al-Mubârak, Al-Zuhd wa Al-Raqâ`iq Vol.1 p.153.

If I Were Courageous or Stupid

If I were couragous I would say everything on my mind. If I were couragous I would just let it fly and burn my bridges beyond repair. It shows toughness to hold your ground and argue unti the other person is tired of hearing your voice. Or does it? Is it courage or stupidity?

I bite my tongue more times in a day than I can count.  By no means am I perfect or immune to an outburst now and then. But in my opinion, holding your tongue takes more courage than wielding it as a sword. Of course, it all depends on the circumstances. But really, how many good reasons do we have to argue incessantly? No, mostly we make up reasons and we create our own little soap opera dramas to keep us entertained and make us feel special. How sad.

Just because I don’t lash out at others doesn’t mean I hold things inside and let them fester. On the contrary, I unload all that is on my mind when I’m angry and upset. Not to my best friend, not to my husband, not to my mentor but to Allah (SWT).  Take it to the prayer rug. That’s where you will find the only true relief and peace of mind.  Hasbi Allahu Wa Nimal Al Wakil   ”Allah Alone is Sufficient for us,and He is the Best Disposer of affairs(for us).”(3:173)

 

Narrated by Abu Musa Transmitted by Sahih BukhariSome people asked Allah’s Apostle (Sal-allahu-aleihi-wassallam), “Whose Islam is the best? i.e. (Who is a very good Muslim)?” He replied, “One who avoids harming the Muslims with his tongue and hands.”

 

Narrated byAslam Malik transmitted it in al-Muwatta.(Mishkat)

One day when Umar went in to visit AbuBakr as-Siddiq and found him pulling his tongue, he said, “Stop! Allah forgive you!” AbuBakr replied to him, “This has brought me down to dangerous places.”

Narrated by Abu Hurayrah Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah transmitted it. (Mishkat)

Allah’s Messenger (Sal-allahu-aleihi-wassallam) said, “Do you know the thing which most commonly brings people into Paradise? It is fear of Allah and good character. Do you know what most commonly brings people into Hell? It is the two hollow things: the mouth and the private parts.”

Narrated byAbuHurayrah Ahmad and Bayhaqi, in Shu’ab al-Iman, transmitted it. (Mishkat)

A man said, “Messenger of Allah (Sal-allahu-aleihi-wassallam), such and such a woman has a reputation for engaging to a great extent in prayer, fasting and almsgiving but she annoys her neighbours with her tongue.” He replied, “She will go to Hell.” He said, “Messenger of Allah (Sal-allahu-aleihi-wassallam), such and such a woman has a reputation for engaging to a small extent in fasting, almsgiving and prayer, but she gives pieces of curd as sadaqah and does not annoy her neighbours with her tongue.” He replied, “She will go to Paradise.”

So, maybe the  person percieved as the coward is  courageous after all and maybe failing to control our tongues in order to keep up a fake bravado is making us losers in this world and the Hereafter.  We lose in this world by alienating friends and family. Because, really, who likes to be around someone who is constantly running off at the mouth. And we lose in the Hereafter, because one who talks so much is bound to make many mistakes such as backbiting, slandering, harming others with his or her tongue. Sometimes, it’s easy to get caught up in the moment. It’s easy to go along with someone who is backbiting or slandering and indulge in it yourself. It’s hard to step back in the face of an argument (especially when you know you have valid points) for the sake of keeping peace. But, as with anything good that we hope to acheive, we have to work for it. We have to struggle to overcome obstacles in order to reach the ultimate bliss, Paradise.

 The Prophet (saw) said “Whoever can guarantee me two things I can guarantee them Paradise.” The companions asked “What O Messenger of Allah?” He replied “(That he can control) What is between his jaws (his tongue) and his legs (private parts).” (Bukhari)