Improving My-muslim-self

Guys and Girls can be friends?

2011-12-11T09:07:00.001-08:00

Salaam ladies,

Yes, it's been a while but insha'Allah we are back for the long haul. I wanted to share this video, I know this is a hotly debated topic. I thought it was quite an eye opener.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_lh5fR4DMA&feature=youtu.be

2011-06-30T11:00:00.000-07:00

"A plan or two might indeed end as failures, but the person who has no plans is a failure." Yasir Qadhi

How devoted are you to your Salah?

2011-06-29T17:43:00.000-07:00

2011-06-29T16:13:00.000-07:00

"Don't complain about the snow on your neighbor's roof,

when your own doorstep is unclean." Confucius.

This quote reminds me to bite my tongue when I have lots of negative stuff to say about others.... I myself am not perfect, so I better work on myself first.

Triple Filter Test: An AWESOME way to stop gossip and backbiting

2011-06-29T12:40:00.000-07:00

I found this to be VERY helpful. I think everyone should read this and apply it to their life. Share it with your friends and family also so that they also know this mental process to stop backbiting and gossip.

In ancient Greece, Socrates was reputed to hold knowledge in high esteem. One day an acquaintance met the great philosopher and said, “Do you know what I just heard about your friend?”

“Hold on a minute,” Socrates replied. “Before telling me anything I’d like you to pass a little test. It’s called the Triple Filter Test.”
“Triple filter?”
“That’s right,” Socrates continued. “Before you talk to me about my friend, it might be a good idea to take a moment and filter what you’re going to say. That’s why I call it the triple filter test. The first filter is Truth.

Have you made absolutely sure that what you are about to tell me is true?”
“No,” the man said, “actually I just heard about it and..”
“All right,” said Socrates. “So you don’t really know if it’s true or not. Now let’s try the second filter, the filter of goodness.

Is what you are about to tell me about my friend something good?”
“No, on the contrary…”
“So,” Socrates continued, “you want to tell me something bad about him, but you’re not certain it’s true. You may still pass the test though, because there’s one filter left: the filter of usefulness.

Is what you want to tell me about my friend going to be useful to me?”
“No not really …”
“Well,” concluded Socrates, “if what you want to tell me is neither true nor good nor even useful, why tell it to me at all?”
With tips like this we will be Improving-our-Muslim-selves. Inshallah
Source: http://loveethedeen.tumblr.com/page/6

An Eye Opener

2011-06-29T11:58:00.000-07:00

http://islamic-quotes.tumblr.com/page/2

How to Lose Your Kids by Yahya Adel Ibrahim

2011-06-27T11:25:00.000-07:00

Assalamualaikum,

I read this list about how NOT to treat/raise kids and found myself nodding the whole time thinking I know of this happening to me or others. Time to learn from this list so that we do not do it to our kids Inshallah.

http://www.facebook.com/mobileprotection#!/note.php?note_id=184069844980290

Pt.1: Discipline them in front of other kids. Destroy self-esteem and build resentment towards you. Win Win

Pt.2: Make a decision, Change it, Change back, change to option3 then get angry &yell at them.Let them do it their way.

Pt3: begin smacking them early.Reward their misbehavior with attention yell, scream & argue. Go 2 far &then U APOLOGIZE

Pt4: Focus obsessively on academic progress while neglecting social & spiritual development. Its all ok if you get an A

Pt5: Give them all they ask for.Pickup after them, don't give them duties / assign them work.U work they Eat,sleep&study

Pt6: Fear of U supersedes learning from their mistake and developing awe of Allah. Fear U minus Allah => Lie2U &Others

Pt7: If U ask about who/what/when&y they will rebel so just stay quiet& hope for the best..What would the community say

Pt8: Treat Ur children as if they are furniture. Their opinion,feelings&advice is 2ndary. Loving U = Obeying U..quickly

Pt9: Worry about public perceptions more than Allah's Anger.What will they say about us..How can I show my face?

Pt10: Motivate them by reminding them of their failings,mistakes &Ur disappointment.End by comparing them Versus others

Pt11: Ignore ratings for movies&games.TV is a a great teacher&babysitter. Y all the fuss about obesity& ADHD linked 2 TV

Pt12: Highlight other families problems &forget to thank Allah 4 ur fortune;U raised them&deserve the credit, right?

Pt13: When Ur boy starts investigating the other sex, look the other way. If UR daughter does, there is hell to pay.

Pt14: push ur cultural practices as if they are the quran..even if they contradict the sunnah.

Pt15: Tell them things & do the opposite, get angry when they correct you & try to teach U. They're kids - TEACH ME??

Found this list funny and disturbing at the same time. Inshallah Allah (swt) will give us guidance so that our parents and even we will know the correct path to show ourselves and children. Ameen

When you feel surrounded by problems, read this dua!

2011-06-26T16:27:00.000-07:00

Assalamualaikum, I was just talking with a friend about being surrounded by problems. Literally, every member of my family is dealing with some problem and being the type of person I am, I take that problem on myself as well. She told me of a dua that a person can read when surrounded by difficulties and stress like I feel right now. I wanted to share this dua with others because it may help another person out also.

First and foremost, you must have faith that when you turn to Allah (swt) with your problems, he will listen and help you out. Without this faith and belief in Allah, your dua is incomplete I think.

This is a dua you should say very frequently and it is suggested to read it early in the morning before other work. This is an excerpt while chatting with my friend, so all credit goes to her. I pray that Allah eliminates all her difficulties and grants her what is best for her. Ameen.

Read HasbunAllahi Wani'mal wakeel= Allah (alone) is sufficient for us (Qur'an 3:173)

When Hazrat Ibrahim alihis salaam was thrown into fire by evil man, reading this dua extinguished fire on its own. Allah made the fire cool, safe, and peaceful for Prophet Ibrahim (as). It basically means Allah (swt) is enough for us because He is the only who can help.

Meaning is: There is no god but Allah who is strong and powerful, he is the owner of everything and every praise is for Him, I ask for mercy and ask for forgiveness, and ask You for the ability to do good and protect me from evil. Do not pass any sin without forgiving, and do not pass any sorrow or necessity because You are most merciful"

Inshallah reading this dua will benefit others out there. I will be definitely reciting this dua and hope you do also.

Doubting Myself While Wearing Hijab

2011-05-24T14:10:00.000-07:00

"I wish I could just walk around with my hair down and dyed like that girl"

"I wish I could wear pretty earrings like her"

"Wow, her hair open like that looks so pretty. I look like an old maid in this scarf"

Yesterday, I was out shopping with family, and I felt hideous in my hijab. My cousins had their hair open, dyed, layered, with pretty earrings. And I felt ugly. However, as I looked disgustedly at myself in the mirror, I thought, all this hair, jewelry etc is to look beautiful in this world, however I look beautiful to Allah (swt) for wearing this hijab. This thought gave me courage and happiness and I decided to write my hijab story to motivate others who might also deal with doubts while wearing hijab.

My hijab story is very different from my blogger friend Muslimah Nurse. http://improvingmymuslimself.blogspot.com/2011/04/struggling-with-hijab.html
Her mom was a hijabi and she followed her mom's footsteps. However, no one in my family in America wears hijab. (However, just because my mom doesn't wear hijab doesn't mean she is not pious or religious. In contrast, she is one of the most god fearing people I know Alhamdulillah.) As I grew up, my mom always taught me that you must have hijab in your eyes and heart first before you do hijab physically. This translates to lowering your gaze and practicing modesty in your language, thoughts, and behavior.

I always admired women who wore hijab and thought, "I will wear hijab one day when I become a doctor." I always dreamed of being a hijabi in the future but never had the guts to put it on. This is probably because no one in my family wore it, so it would be a drastic change to make. However, in the summer of freshman year college, Allah guided me toward wearing the hijab. I felt an urgency and thought why am I postponing wearing hijab when I can do it NOW? I suddenly had courage to stand up and take initiative. I can only say that Allah gave me the strength and guidance and that is why I am a hijabi Alhamdulilah. I went to my university freshman year without hijab (I never even wore my hair stylishly or down but always in a ponytail).

Then, first day of sophomore year I decided to wear the "piece of cloth on my head". It was a triangle shaped cotton red scarf I wore to my madrassa. My dad glanced at my change of appearance through his rear view mirror but said nothing. My mom was insistent that I not wear the hijab and just go to college like a normal girl. However, 'rebelling' against my mother I wore the hijab and began my first day of sophomore year. Some friends were surprised and asked if I had become a hijabi. Others acted like they didn't even notice at all. All I can say is that this decision was brewing in my mind for a while and Allah gave me the power to take action. He gave me confidence so that I when I looked in the mirror I was proud of myself and thought I looked pretty. Alhamdulillah it's been 4 years as a hijabi and I'm thankful that I am a Muslim and have the privilege of wearing hijab.
Like I mentioned earlier, I do deal with difficulty sometimes when wearing hijab. I miss wearing my big pretty earrings outside. When I see a girl with her perfectly straightened hair, I wish my hair wasn't bunched up in a tight bun. Maybe you may also share these thoughts, but remember these are all thoughts from the shaitan. We wear our hijab to look pretty for Allah.

To battle these negative thoughts I do somethings to make myself feel pretty:
Learn new ways to style hijab. Who said a hijabi can't be stylish?! Follow blogs about hijabi fashion and you will surely be inspired

http://www.yazthespaz89.blogspot.com/

http://hijabrevival.blogspot.com/

http://www.hijabstyle.co.uk/

You can wear your hair pretty with ladies and your mahrams so here is a link I follow for hair tutorials.

http://www.youtube.com/user/LuxyHair
Put on some blush or lipstick to bring color to your complexion and make you look brighter and prettier in you hijab

I hope these tips help you out. I ask all my readers to share their tips to help them wear hijab confidently so that we can all benefit. Do you watch beauty or hair tutorials to make you feel pretty? Well, share them girl!!

Remember that hijab is something we are doing for Allah which beautifies us to such an extent that no makeup, clothing can match our hijabi beauty. Alhamdulilah

Celebrate Mother's Day Everyday To Enter Paradise

2011-05-12T10:24:00.000-07:00

Assalamualaikum,

No, Im not late in celebrating Mothers Day. For me mothers day is not one day I go out and buy perfume and chocolates for my Mom. However, I strive to appreciate my Mom everyday. I pray that Allah forgives my sins when I get impatient with her, when I get irritated thinking she is old fashioned, and when I don't understand her love and affection for me. She is so hardworking and puts her heart and soul out so that I don't have to deal with difficulty. Oh Allah, please let me love my Mom with all my heart each and everyday. Please eliminate all her worries, sorrows, and difficulties in this life and the hereafter Ameen.

Our Prophet saws emphasized the importance of mothers on many occasions. Here is one example:

A man came to the Prophet and said, ‘O Messenger of God! Who among the people is the most worthy of my good companionship? The Prophet said: Your mother. The man said, ‘Then who?' The Prophet said: Then your mother. The man further asked, ‘Then who?' The Prophet said: Then your mother. The man asked again, ‘Then who?' The Prophet said: Then your father. (Bukhari, Muslim).

I found a really cute book More Mommilies: As My Mother Used to Say with a list of wise sayings from mothers over the years. I selected a few sayings that I liked and hope you enjoy them as much as I did. Some you need to think about a little to understand. Exercise your brain! :)

Remember, I'm your mother - and you'll never have another
If I wanted to know your opinion, I'd ask for it
I'm not everyone else's mom
You'd go to the ocean and not find any water

I feel this all the time when I my brother cant find things that are in front of him and he begs me to find it for him.

An empty can makes the most noise; the same goes for heads
The tongue- we spend three years learning how to use it and the rest of our lives learning how to control it.

SO TRUE!!

Dont take a single thing for granted- ever.
When your mind doesnt work, your feet have to.
Always expect the worst, and when it comes, make the best of it.
There is a devil, there is not doubt. -- But is he trying to get inside of us or out?
Look it up-- you'll remember it longer

Great tip for studying!

Your only as old as you feel!
Dont eat in front of your friends unless you have enough to share.
No man chases a streetcar he's already caught.

Dont forget to celebrate Mothers Day EVERYDAY! Whether you give your mom an extra hug, tell her thank you for everything she does, give her a massage, or do some chores voluntarily for her. Make her feel special because she deserves it.

(: Improving My-muslim-self :)

Use Your Ipod To Get Into Jannah (InshAllah)

2011-04-24T13:53:00.000-07:00

Assalamualaikum,

I was checking out Productive Muslim's site and I had an idea about how we can improve ourselves. First of all, I suggest everyone to check out Productive Muslim's site http://ProductiveMuslim.com/. I love things that help me get organized, disciplined, on schedule and this resource has many articles and links to help a Muslim be more efficient throughout the day.

I wanted to share how I try to become a better muslimah and be more productive while listening to my Ipod. Before I listened to music and within a few times of listening, I would have the song memorized. Realizing this, I added the 99 names of Allah to my Ipod. Its a short 2-3 minute video so why cant I memorize it?? Of course I can!! Alhamdulillah, every time I sit in my car I play the 99 names of Allah a few times and now I can read along with the naat. The more I listen to this and other naats, the less I want to listen to music. I suggest you give it a try. There is nothing to lose! People listen to their ipod so much throughout the day. If you listen to the 99 names of Allah everyday for a few days, I am sure you will be reading along the names just like I am. We spend so much time listening to music and entertaining ourselves in this world. Why not turn it up a notch and use the same methods to gain Jannah?

Our Prophet (saws) said:

"Verily, there are ninety-nine names of God, one hundred minus one. He who enumerates [and believes in them and the one God behind] them would get into Paradise."
(Sahih Muslim, Vol. 4, no. 1410)

This is my way of Improving Mymuslimself by bringing Islam into my everyday life and striving for Jannah. Inshallah this is of some benefit to you all. If you like this article, please share with your friends, follow the blog, and let me know what you liked! JazakAllah Khair <3

P.S. This is a link of a pdf file that has the 99 names and their explanation.

http://www.nurayn.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/lulgift.pdf

Plant a Tree for Sadqa E Jaaria

2011-04-21T23:12:00.000-07:00

The Prophet Muhammed (saws) explains,

"If a human dies, then his good deeds stop except for three: a Sadaqa Jariya (continuous charity), a beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who prays for him." (Muslim)
"There is none amongst the Muslims who plants a tree or sows seeds, and then a bird, or a person or an animal eats from it, but is regarded as a charitable gift for him." (Bukhari)

Get your gardening gloves on and plant a tree. With the right intention at heart, you will set yourself up for continuous reward Inshallah!

Earth Day: Benefits of Allah's Natural Bounties

2011-04-21T22:31:00.000-07:00

http://lowellpta.com/

Assalamualaikum my dear friends,
Since many people are celebrating Earth Day, I decided to consider it from the Islamic viewpoint. Earth Day is all about celebrating the natural bounties Allah (swt) has given us and preserving it through efforts like recycling. I am reading a book called Book of Healing by Ahmad H. Sakr Ph.D and I wanted to share some of the beneficial natural bounties Allah has bestowed on us.

Honey as a Healer:
Prophet (saws) said “Heal yourselves with honey and the Qur’an” (Ibn Mas’ood). In Surah Muhammad, Allah says “Here is the description of the Garden of which the righteous are promised: [...] rivers of honey pure and clear” (47:15). Thus, Paradise will have rivers flowing of honey. SubhanAllah!
Benefits of Honey:

Antibacterial
high sugar content that makes it an energy food (say goodbye to 5 hour energy drinks!)
may be utilized better than glucose for diabetic patients
easily digestible
reduces stress and tiredness
improves memory and eyesight
a spoonful of honey in the morning restores health and is an ideal energy supplement

I dont know about you but I will be definitely adding honey to my everyday diet. There is nothing to lose but so much benefit to gain! Try adding it to your tea, coffee or milk and InshAllah you will benefit.
**Also, on a personal note, I love using honey on my skin to treat acne or its dark spots. About 3 days before my engagement ceremony, I had pimples/marks on my forehead. I was using prescription ointment to make them disappear as fast as possible. When I applied foundation, it started flaking and peeling, eww. I put honey mixed with turmeric and cinnamon on my marks and this smoothed out my acne peeling skin Alhamdulillah. I was able to put on foundation smoothly and no one could tell what a mess I was in 3 days earlier. Thank Allah for honey!! **

Benefits of Miswak:
Miswak is a natural bounty from Allah that comes from the Arak Tree. Prophet (saws) LOVED using miswak which is clearly seen in the many hadith there are about him using and recommending it.
Shareeh Ibn Hani ® said to Aisha ®: When Prophet (saws) enters his house, what is the first thing he does? She said: He uses Miswak. [Muslim]

Imam Ibn El Quaiym said miswak:

Purifies the smell of the mouth
Strengthens the gums
Prevents cavities
Energies reading Qur'an and praying
Gets rid of sleepiness
Loved by the angels
Increases you good deeds

Newly discovered benefits: Miswak brightens the teeth because it contains Silica and Chloride. Say hi to a brighter new smile ;)
Best way you can start using Miswak:

During Wudoo
Before praying or reading Qur'an
to improve the smell or taste in your mouth
before going to sleep
before entering your home

Just keep it in your purse or pocket. Such an easy and beneficial way of taking care of your oral hygiene and gaining sawab at the same time!

The author has a remarkable quote I would like to end with: "Mankind has only begun to unravel the mysteries of the substance which the Holy Qur'an described 1400 years ago which has healing for men."

Please share this post with your friends, follow our blog, and share the sawab! JazakAllah Khair <3

Did you thank Allah(swt) for the ROYAL life you live?

2011-04-18T22:51:00.000-07:00

http://www.simplysaidsigns.biz/

Yes you read it right... ROYAL. You may not think your life is royal because you dont have the latest Iphone 5, Coach purse, or Lamborghini. However, I suggest you take a step back and see all that you DO have and you will realize what a lavish lifestyle we live. Listening to Mufti Kamani’s lecture Thanking Allah: Why and How opened my eyes to how thankful we should be and I would like to share my realizations with you.

Life of the Sahabas and Prophet (saws):	Our life today:
Use messengers to send messages that may take days to months to reach destination	Instant messaging with cell phones where one click takes your message across the world!
Prophet (saw) slept on a straw mat	Most sleep on comfortable mattress and fluffy pillows
Travel days to get across country by camel or horse	Fly all over the globe while we sit in a plane enjoying peanuts and a movie!

This list can go on forever describing our luxuries such as laptops, microwaves, vacuum, TV etc. We live in an age of booming technology, but our thankfulness is decreasing sadly. My view on this is that we are getting too accustomed to the luxuries and we mistake all of it as a normal part of our lives that we MUST have. In contrast, the Sahabas were overwhelmed with thankfulness to Allah. They would literally thank Allah as they took each and every bite of food. You can never be successful in counting Allah’s bounties as they are countless.

We are indebted to Allah for these three main blessings:

1) That he made us insaan. We did not even try or ask Allah, but he chose us as the best of the species.

2) He gave us the correct imaan. Many people do not know the beauty of Islam, but we are the lucky ones who are on the right path.

3) Allah made us part of Prophet Muhammed (saws)’s bestowing us with the complete religion and Quran.

Also, do not limit your thankfulness to physical things. The special servants of Allah thank Him for the emotions of the heart. This is one special idea I got out of this lecture. Whenever I am feeling happy, relaxed, or relieved, I immediately recognize my feelings and thank Allah (swt) for it.On the Day of Judgement, Allah will call out to those believers who were thankful at every stage and tell them to enter Jannah. After that, the hisab kitab will begin for the others. Thus, whether its a small or big blessing, say Alhamdulillah, and Allah will always give you more blessings in return and secure your spot in Jannah. Inshallah.

DISCLAIMER: I am no scholar and I learned all this info from Mufti Kamani's lecture which can be found at this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xR1Dj6ir9fw

Loving Your Parents

2011-04-18T08:02:00.000-07:00

I know what you're thinking: "Yes, I know, we're told to respect our parents. Been there, heard that."

Islam teaches us to respect our parents, to value their opinions, their suggestions and their support.

We often forget how they stayed up all night when we didn't want to sleep, or slept in ER room chairs when we were sick or ignored their desires to buy us our essentials. At one point we could do nothing without them, now that we feel as if we are "independent", we ignore them. We hate it when they suggest things to us. We feel as if they are trying to "control our lives". We speak in tones and use words that are hurtful.

This is just a quick post to get you thinking about how you treat your parents on a daily basis. Go home today, call them, skype them (hey its the new tech era!), and give them a hug. Tell them you love them, that you appreciate what they did for you, and what they still do for you.

If they ask you why all this affection all of a sudden, tell them "To please Allah (swt)".

Below is a heart-touching video link on a father's love and a small dua that can benefit both your parents and you.

Rabbighfir lii wali-waali-dayya walil-muminii-na yauma ya-quumul hisaab.
Rabbir-hamhumaa kamaa rabba-yaani shag-hiiraa.

O Lord, forgive me, my parents and Muslims in the Hereafter. O Lord, show mercy on them as they have nourished me when I was young.

-Muslima Nurse

Introduction from Muslimah-Nurse

2011-04-18T07:40:00.000-07:00

Assalamulaikum,

So we thought we'd clear any confusion starting out. There are two ladies managing this blog; one that is married with a child and the other one (aka me!) I'm single and looking to get married. Thus, I shall be focusing on the single Muslimah life more. I'll be using the pen name Muslimah-Nurse.

So as you might have guessed already, I'm currently in training to be a Nurse inshaAllah. I'm just a regular girl, by no means a perfect Muslim. I do try to improve myself and my deen, and thought I'd take you guys along on the journey.

So any feedback, constructive criticism, and comments is greatly appreciated! JazakaAllah!

-Muslimah Nurse

Feeling Sad? Allah Knows how you're feeling

2011-04-17T10:42:00.000-07:00

Feeling Sad? For whatever reason it maybe, listen to this naat. It will console you and bring peace to your heart. Inshallah. I was feeling very upset over my life.. went on a long drive and listened to this naat on repeat. It helped me feel much better. Hope it helps someone out there

The Secret to Raising Pious Children

2011-04-14T22:28:00.000-07:00

Assalamualaikum,
After reading my post title you must be waiting for a secret to be unveiled. However, there is no secret, to my dismay. Supposedly, raising pious children is all common sense! The way you desire your children to be: fearing Allah (swt), praying, fasting, etc, parents must first be like that and set an example!! I know it seems so easy and logical, but seriously, I never thought of it like that. All my life, Aunties and Uncles would say "Beta, go read namaz" and then recline back to watch the latest drama on dish. If the elders are not steadfast in Islam, how will children be the 'coolness of their eyes' by practicing Islam?!?
I realized this from the great Sheikh Yasir Qadhi's lecture Parenting with Purpose and Example. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0hxqJLeX3g
Here are some pointers from his lecture that I learned and will use in raising my baby into a pious Muslim Inshallah.

Maintaining an Islamic environment: Pray salah together as a family. Make the Quran a part of daily life by reading and learning the meaning of it together. Set aside 10 minutes a day to do Zikr with your family. Read Islamic books or watch Islamic videos (youtube has lots of them :) )
Raising Teenagers: Treat teenagers of age 14-15 like adults and they will start behaving like adults. For example, when Allah (swt) commanded Ibrahim (AS) to sacrifice his Ismael (AS), Ibrahim (AS) went to his son and asked for his opinion. Ibrahim (AS) was obviously going to do the sacrifice, but he consulted his son and treated him like an adult. He knew his son was an obedient Muslim and would accept the command of Allah as well. This shows that we must treat our teenagers starting the age of 14-15 as adults instead of little kids.
WALK the TALK: Do you want your child gossiping, backbiting, neglecting prayers, constantly listening to music, smoking, etc? If not, then stop doing it yourself, and set a positive example for them! Show them how a Muslim is and Inshallah your children will follow in your footsteps

Alhamdulillah I have learned a lot about raising children and will be implementing these ideas with my husband and baby. I hope you gain some benefit from these ideas also . Make sure to read this dua after your salah and Allah will help you in your efforts to raise a happy Islamic family. Inshallah

Dua for Pious Children/Family:

"Rabbana hablana min azwajina wa dhuriyyatina qurrata A'yunin waj'alna lil-muttaqina imama."
Translation:
Our Lord! Grant us in our wives and offspring the coolness of eyes
and make us a leader of those who guard themselves against evil.(25:74)

7 Tips for Students to Gain Sawaab

2011-04-14T09:57:00.000-07:00

independent.co.uk

Assalamualaikum,
Did you guys know that you can gain sawaab for going to school/college? I definitely did not and that is why I was amazed to watch a lecture explaining how to do so. I watched this video on HalalTube: 7 important advices for students in universities by Muhammad ibn Adam al Kawthari.

http://www.halaltube.com/muhammad-ibn-adam-al-kawthari-seven-important-advices-for-students-at-universities
Dont have time to watch a 50 minute lecture? Well, I summarized the 7 tips so check them out and apply them to your daily life. Inshallah you will be reaping sawaab in no time!

7 tips for students:

1) Correction of one’s Niyaah: Before watching this lecture, my intention of going to grad school was: "I need to go to school so that I can make lots and lots of $MONEY$. Then I will be filthy rich and can buy all the luxuries of the world." Haha, yes I am serious! However, this video was a wakeup call for me. When you have a righteous intention behind worldly actions, then it becomes an act of worship. The first intention a Muslim should have is to please Allah swt. Change your perspective from having a sole desire to make money etc to:
   - learning so that you can help the less fortunate for the sake of Allah,
   - going to school to please your parents for the sake of Allah,
   - gaining knowledge because that is what Allah likes us to do etc.
You will be rewarded for coming to the university to study if you have correct intention. You can change your intention right NOW and you can start gaining reward for your studies.
2) Put in your effort in whatever study you are in by working hard. You must strive to become the expert of your field.
3) Value your time because it is precious: The age 18-30 is the prime time of your life to learn so make full use of it. Allah has bestowed us two gifts: health and time. Consider one minute as one dollar and spend wisely. This speaks out to all the procrastinators who waste sooo much time and then try to cram last minute frantically.
4) Avoid Lust: Lust is a difficult issue while studying in school/college with males and females. You must acknowledge that lust is a natural emotion in each person, but you must NOT become a slave to lust during your young age. Strive to lower your gaze. Girls should not speak in a soft, flirtatious voice with guys. Focus on marriage and not short term affairs that occur in school/college.
5) Maintain general Islamic etiquette: You should not harm others physically or verbally. Your behavior should set a perfect example for others of how a Muslim and Islam are.
6) Righteous friends: Try to have good, righteous friends so that they will help make you a better Muslim. Rather than pull you toward drugs, alcohol, clubbing, good friends will pull you towards things that benefit you such as working out, eating right, praying punctually, attending the masjid etc.
7) Seek Islamic knowledge: Basic knowledge of Islam is mandatory on each Muslim so strive to seek this knowledge. You can be the biggest scholar, but if you do not know how to pray, perform wudu, talk to others about Islam, etc, then your worldly knowledge is all a waste in the large scheme of things. Whatever field you are in, learn about the laws of Islam in that field. For example, if you are in the field of medicine, learn what Islam says about it also. If you enjoy working out, learn what Islam says about taking care of your body.
I hope this has benefited you in some way. If you know a student, share with them so that we can all gain sawab Inshallah. :)

Starting my Islamic blog

2011-04-13T17:39:00.000-07:00

Assalamualaikum to all,
I have been an avid reader of many Islamic blogs and have gained lots of knowledge from them. However, I never thought I would start my own blog because I was too shy. I know its a dumb reason (no one can see me!!), but thats what held me back. However, I decided to challenge myself to become a better Muslim and I stepped up to the plate by starting my own blog.
My main intention in starting this blog is to learn about Islam and share what I have learned with others. I watch a lot of Islamic lectures, attend webinars, and read Islamic texts but keep it all to myself. This platform with let me share what I have learned Inshallah. Even if one person benefits from what I have said, then my efforts will be worthwhile. Inshallah.
Some topics in Islam I am interested in are marriage, parenting, and education. The reason for this is that I am married, have a baby, and a student. :) Also, I want to be a better Muslim and want to learn about repentance, patience, and coming closer to Allah (swt).