Old Muslim Woman in the Shoe

Friday Nasihah

2012-02-10T09:26:00.000-05:00

Living The Quran
No Compromise
Al-Qalam (The Pen) Sura 68: Verses 8-9
"So pay no heed to those who deny the truth. They would love that you compromise with them, so that they will also compromise."
A person with faith will not abandon any of its beliefs or values, because its minor points are the same as its major ones. Indeed, in faith there is nothing minor and nothing major: both are the same. A faith is single unity with parts complementing each other. Its advocate will never discard any part of it in order to please someone else.
Islam and Jahiliyyah can never meet halfway or indeed in any way. This is true of Islam everywhere and across all generations. All states of ignorance, or jahiliyyah, are the same: past, present or future. The gulf that separates the two states is unbridgeable and admits no compromise. The two are diametrically opposed.
Several reports speak of what the unbelievers in Makkah tried to achieve by way of compromise with the Prophet so that they would stop criticizing their worship methods. They hoped that he would give them something that would save their faces if they were to follow him. The Prophet, however, maintained a decisive firmness, refusing to give up even a small part of his faith. Additionally, he was extremely well mannered, kind and benevolent towards his tribesmen, eager to make things easy for them. With regard to faith, he was committed, obedient to God's instructions.
The Prophet did not compromise any iota of his faith even during the direst period of his life in Makkah, where he and his few followers were under siege, suffering immense persecution. He never withheld a word that needed to be uttered in the face of such tyrants. He never sought to soften their stance or to avoid their persecution by such compromise. Nor did he ever hesitate to clarify any point that was closely or remotely relevant to his faith.
Compiled From:
"In the Shade of the Quran" - Sayyid Qutb, Vol 17, pp. 185-186

Understanding the Prophet's Life
Firm Heart
A person always strives to protect the valuables that he has, and takes every precaution that they are not taken away from him. And without a doubt, the greatest blessing that a Muslim has been given is the blessing of Iman (faith), and hence why he should continually ask Allah to protect his Iman.
Umm Salamah once asked the Prophet, peace be upon him: "O Messenger of Allah! Why is it that most of your dua is (the phrase), 'O He who turns the hearts! Make my heart firm upon your religion (Deen)'?" So the Prophet responded:

O Umm Salamah! There is not a single person of the Children of Adam except that his heart is between two of the Fingers from the Fingers of Allah. So whoever Allah wishes, He establishes and makes firm (the heart on His obedience), and whoever He wishes, He leads astray. [Tirmidhi]

Compiled From:
"Dua: The Weapon of the Believer"- Yasir Qadhi, p. 220

Blindspot!
True Forgiveness
There is no doubt that forgiveness frees us. Forgiveness has the power to heal our bodies, our minds, and our spirits - our very lives. But we need to make sure we aren't forgiving just because we think it is the right thing to do or because we are giving in to pressure from others. And we need to make sure that we are not just using forgiveness as another form of denial.

True forgiveness occurs only when we allow ourselves to face the truth and to feel and release our emotions, including our anger, about what was done to us. It is completely premature to forgive if you haven't even acknowledged that you were harmed. When children are asked to forgive abusive parents without first experiencing their emotions and their personal pain, the forgiveness process becomes another weapon of silencing. The same is true of adults who rush to forgiveness. Many people have been brainwashed into submission by those who insist that they are "less than" if they don't forgive.

Many people think that forgiving someone who hurt them is the same as saying that what happened to them was okay or that it didn't hurt them. But forgiveness doesn't mean that what happened was okay. It simply means that we are no longer willing to allow that experience to adversely affect our lives. Ultimately, forgiveness is something we do for ourselves.
Compiled From:
"Healing Your Emotional Self" - Beverly Engel, pp. 113, 114

Malay Kitchen

2012-02-09T07:49:00.000-05:00

Are you an Malay expat? Or maybe you've traveled to Malaysia and miss the exotic food? Or you just like to try new flavours? Then maybe you should be ordering from Malay Kitchen. This company based in the GTA in Ontario is offering many foods from Malaysia for homesick Malaysians and others. Milo, belacan, ketupat? They have it all. Check it out here.

Banana puffs.

2012-02-07T09:21:00.000-05:00

February 2012 Book Club Choice Reminder- I Shall Not Hate

2012-02-03T10:04:00.004-05:00

This month's book club choice is I Shall Not Hate.

Has anyone read last month's choice; Mom I'm a Muslim ?

Friday Nasihah

2012-02-03T09:15:00.000-05:00

Living The Quran
Noble Character
Al-Qalam (The Pen) Sura 68: Verse 4
"Most certainly, yours is a sublime character."
The whole universe echoes this unique praise of the Prophet (peace be upon him). No writer can describe the value of this testimony by the Creator of the universe; no imagination can give it its words. It is a testimony by God, according to His own measure, given to His servant, in His own words. A sublime character has, according to God's measure, its own unique value which no other creature can imagine.
This testimony confirms Muhammad's greatness in several ways. First of all, by the fact that it is God's own testimony, given in His majesty, and appreciated by the whole universe and echoed by everyone on high. Secondly, his greatness is seen by virtue of the fact that Muhammad was able to receive God's testimony, live with it and know who was saying it. It was God Almighty, in His absolute power and knowledge, that stated it. The Prophet knew his own position in relation to such absolutely great power. He could appreciate this position as no one else could. The fact that Muhammad held his position firmly as he received this word, from its sublime source, without being crushed by the pressure it brought on him, and that he remained calm and stable is the best evidence of his own greatness.
There are many reports about the Prophet's greatness given by his Companions. Indeed, his practical conduct is better evidence than anything reported about him. However, this testimony, given by God Almighty, is greater still than any reported evidence. The message of Islam is so perfect, beautiful, comprehensive and truthful that it could only be delivered by a man who deserved such testimony from God, and by one who would receive such divine testimony with confidence. At the same time, however, God remonstrated with the Prophet for some of his actions but all the while imbibing the same confidence and reassurance. He declared both aspects to all people, hiding nothing. In both situations, he was a noble Prophet, an obedient servant and a trusted deliverer of the divine message.
Compiled From:
"In the Shade of the Quran" - Sayyid Qutb, Vol 17, pp. 180-181

Understanding the Prophet's Life
A Way Made Easy
A special, distinguishing quality of the way of the Sunnah is its facility, its convenience and tolerance. Nothing exists in the life of the Prophet, peace be upon him, that hinders the people in their religious life, or oppresses them in their worldly life. Rather he says about himself: "Indeed I am a mercy sent [to you]." [Tirmidhi] He said: "Assuredly, God did not commission me for affliction, nor for bringing affliction to others; on the contrary, He commissioned me as an educator and as a means of ease for others." [Muslim]
He dispatched Abu Musa and Muadh to the Yemen with succinct, comprehensive instruction: "Urge ease, and do not urge hardship; offer good hope [lit. glad tidings], and do not provoke aversion; listen to one another, and do not provoke differences." [Bukhari, Muslim]
About his Messengership, he said: "Assuredly I have been commissioned [to impart] a tolerant true-religion." [Tabarani] He said: "O people! [what is incumbent] upon you is actions that you can bear. For surely God does not tire [cease to persevere] until you tire [cease to persevere]. [Bukhari, Muslim]
Compiled From:
"Approaching the Sunnah" - Yusuf Al-Qaradawi, pp. 8, 9

Blindspot!
Hadith Forgery
Signs of Forgery: Forgery in Text
[continued from previous issue]
f) When a hadith is supposed to have been known to vast numbers of people and yet only one person has reported it. The fact that no one else has confirmed it is taken as a sign of forgery. An example of this is the so-called hadith that "Anyone who touches the sexual organ must take a fresh ablution." It is thus stated that if this were a true hadith, the entire umma would have known it and practised it. Since this is not the case, it is likely to be a forgery.

g) When the hadith in question promises a disproportionate reward or an exceedingly severe punishment for a small act that does not warrant the stipulated consequence. Note for example the report "anyone who says 'there is no God but Allah', Allah will create for him a bird with 70,000 tongues each of which speaks 70,000 languages and all will be praying for him."

These were some of the main, although not all, indicators of forgery in hadith. Those who are particularly learned in hadith may be able to detect signs of forgery in other ways that might be peculiar to their ability and understanding of the subject matter or their investigation. It is sometimes stated with regard to the category of hadith known as al-targhib wal-tarhib, that is, hadith which consists mainly of encouragement and warning - that forging this type of hadith does not deserve condemnation and total disapproval. In response to this it may be said that the ulama of hadith who made efforts to isolate the doubtful and corrupt elements from hadith did not make any exception of this kind. The reason for this is not difficult to see: one who fabricates hadith on one subject can also do that with another, and the effects of both are bound to be subversive by undermining the credibility of hadith generally. All forgery must therefore be denounced regardless of subject matter.
Compiled From:
"A Texbook of Hadith Studies" - Mohammad Hashim Kamali, pp. 78

The Inside Story: The Niqab, a sign of devotion or oppression?- CityNews.ca

2012-02-03T07:59:00.000-05:00

The Inside Story: The Niqab, a sign of devotion or oppression?- CityNews.ca

Malaysian student in Canada defends niqab!

My little Butterfly.

2012-01-29T21:16:00.000-05:00

Tonight like a butterfly coming out of its cocoon my daughter-in-law (ds1's wife) converted to Islam. Alhumdullilah. Present at the conversion was all our family except dd1 and dd2 and the parents of my daughter-in-law. Afterwards I hugged her and I could just feel that it was a great burden off her shoulders. It was a long time coming and we never knew if she would ever convert but today the day came and my daughter-in-law prayed maghrib together with our family. May Allah always guide her and any grandchildren that may come from her and my son and always keep them on the straight path. Amin.

Fundraising Dinner for Syria

2012-01-29T20:57:00.000-05:00

Last night I went to a fundraising dinner for Syria with tickets we won last week (no worries, gambling wasn't involved.) It was very disturbing with the videos they played and it really made you lose your appetite. Of course we have to know what's going on but it felt like a weird combination. It really made you feel even more concerned for the situation and more grateful for your own situation but as we were reminded we never know if it can happen to us in the future.

I saw my friend there and also my daughter was there as she was the one who won the tickets. Unlike in my mosque where I always have to sit alone, in this mosque I was surrounded by Asian women and it was a nice change. My friend is Malaysian and her daughter is mixed like mine only the other half is Arab. The other two women were from Thailand and Turkmenistan. I don't know any Thai but I did show off my counting skills in Mandarin.

At the end of the dinner which included many speeches in Arabic and a few in English they started the fundraising. At this point I felt like I really shouldn't have been there because you are dealing with some heavy rollers there. They asked if each table could donate $20,000 for a warehouse of food. Come on they said that's only $2000 each. Oh my like it was $20. But as one woman at the table said if the whole table was comprised of dentists then this wouldn't seem like much to them. I felt that good kind of envy that we are allowed to have in Islam. The envy you have when someone is able to do a good deed that you can't. Of course you can give less but you wish in your heart that you were one of them. Its just like wishing that you could be a Quran teacher and not a perpetual student. Alhumdullilah I was honoured to be there though. Even without the videos I already had an inside view of what is happening in Syria (which they pronoune Suria) from reading my book club book; Just 5 minutes, 10 yrs in the Prisons of Syria. I suggest you read it and donate.

Halifax Salon offers Muslim Womens only day.

2012-01-28T23:55:00.000-05:00

Nice to see a shop being open-minded and catering to Muslim women. I see its open on Monday for them which is usually the day every shop is closed. Read about it here.

Vegetable Oil causes hypothyroidism?

2012-01-28T09:41:00.000-05:00

We were discussing oils today and to end an argument I started googling and found this interesting article. I have heard a lot of things cause hypothyroidism including flouride but I never heard about oil.

5 Regrets

2012-01-27T21:25:00.000-05:00

What will you regret when you die? This article from Quran for Busy People list the top 5 regrets from people on their deathbed.

Friday Nasihah -Satan's Influence

2012-01-26T23:27:00.000-05:00

Living The Quran
Satan's Influence
Al Imran (The House of Imran) - Chapter 3: Verse 155 (partial)
"... Satan caused them to stumble only by means of something that they [themselves] had done ..."
"Satan's influence" on man is not the primary cause of sin but its first consequence: that is to say, a consequence of a person's own attitude of mind which in moments of moral crisis induces him to choose the easier, and seemingly more pleasant, of the alternatives open to him, and thus to become guilty of a sin, whether by commission or omission. Thus, God's "causing" a person to commit a sin is conditional upon the existence, in the individual concerned, of an attitude of mind which makes him prone to commit such a sin: which, in its turn, presupposes man's free will - that is, the ability to make, within certain limitations, a conscious choice between two or more possible courses of action.
Compiled From:
"The Message of The Quran" - Muhammad Asad, pp. 123, 124

Understanding the Prophet's Life
Making A Difference
A Muslim is not the one who fights Satan with his sword only and gets catapulted into Jannah (paradise), but rather the one who interacts actively with his environment in order to make a difference. Our actions are witnessed not only by Allah and His Messenger (peace be upon him) but also by others as well. Hence, the Muslim is not living in a vacuum; he is continuously acting and interacting with his surroundings. What makes him or her a better Muslim? According to the following Hadith:
"People are dependents of Allah; the closest to Him (Allah) are the ones who are most useful to His dependents. (i.e. other creature)"
(Sahih Muslim)
Thus, the criterion for being a better Muslim is not simply Salah (prayers), fasting, Dhikr, and tasbih (glorifying Allah); it's one's utility to others! In this context the following principle should alarm us: "He who does not concern himself with the affairs of other Muslims is not one of them."
The task of a jama'ah (group) of Muslims is not to serve itself; it is to serve others! The group is not the objective, for in reality it is only an organizational means to accomplish the objective. The interest of such an organization must be subservient to the interest of the Ummah (Nation) and of the outside world. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) directs us:
"Have mercy on those in the land, so that the One in Heaven will have Mercy on you."
(Reported by at-Tirmidhi)
Muslim groups which confine themselves to their membership are losing sight or their objectives are becoming self-serving. In fact, all the preparation and training of the organization's members should be directed towards serving their nation. To establish an organization for the sake of the organization is like building a house for the sake of the house.
The environment and the population, of which the Da'iyah (Caller to Allah) is a part, are the only mediums through which he can perform. They are the only fields of operation in which Allah is testing him during his life.
Compiled From:
"Training Guide for Islamic Workers" - Dr. Hisham Altalib, pp. 15-16

Blindspot!
Hadith Forgery
Signs of Forgery: Forgery in Text
[continued from previous issue]

c) Statements that stand in clear opposition to the Quran in such a way that no reasonable compromise and interpretation can be attempted are usually rejected. The so-called hadith, for example, that "The offspring of zina shall not enter Paradise down to seven generations" was rejected by the Prophet's widow, Aisha, as it violated the clear text of the Quran that " no soul shall carry the burden of another soul" (Al-Anam, 6: 164). Similarly the report "whoever begets a child and names him Muhammad, he and his offspring shall go to Paradise" is clearly in conflict with numerous Quranic promises of reward for good work and punishment for corruption and evil. Another example is the so-called hadith that specifies the lifespan of the world at 7,000 years, which stands in contrast to the Quranic declaration: "God only knows the time of the day of resurrection" (Luqman, 31:34).

d) A report may be unhistorical and fail to pass the test of historical reality. The hadith, for example, which is transmitted by Sad bin Muadh and Muawiya that "the Prophet imposed the jizya (poll tax) on the Jews of Khaybar and relieved them of hardship (prospects of war)" is discredited on account of historical facts that jizya was not known at that time and that the Quranic ruling on it was only revealed in the year of the Tabuk, and that Sad bin Muadh had died before this last event. In yet another report Anas bin Malik has stated that "I entered the public bath and saw the Prophet wearing a wrapper and said: O Anas, I have forbidden entry to the public bath without a wrapper." The facts of history show on the other hand that the Prophet never entered a public bath and that they did not exist in Madina at the time.
e) When the hadith smacks of scholastic fanaticism such as the report by Hibban bin Juwayn that "I heard Ali saying that I and the Prophet worshipped God six or seven years before anyone of this umma." It is known on the other hand that Hibban was a fanatical Shii and careless in the treatment of hadith.
[to be continued ...]
Compiled From:
"A Texbook of Hadith Studies" - Mohammad Hashim Kamali, pp. 77 - 78

Convert Story - Get out the kleenex!

2012-01-26T10:20:00.000-05:00

This is a shout out to my native brothers and sisters. Yes I'm native. Part native; ojibway. Nothing saddens me more than to see my brothers and sisters suffering after all the colonialization including residential schools that was foisted upon them. I wish for them to go back to the truth, that is believing in the Creator like our ancestors did before the white man came (and yes I am white) and forced Christianity on them. And then there was the introduction of alcohol which is such a scourge on natives. May Allah lead them to the truth. Amin. Watch this video and realize the horror of what it means to be native even now. I've met a lot of part native converts; the most recent a Mohawk. Alhumdullilah we are coming to the truth.

Curing MS Through Food?

2012-01-25T12:31:00.000-05:00

An internet friend sent me this video and I thought I would share.

Muslim Matters- Being at Peace with Yourself

2012-01-23T19:00:00.000-05:00

Ok I totally ripped this off but I'm not claiming it as my own. I just want you all to read this. As a person myself who had difficulty accepting my quadar at times I really benefited from reading this article and there are many other points as well. Masha Allah on the article Haleh!

AlSharifa Bathing Suit Review

2012-01-22T16:57:00.000-05:00

This is an oldie but a goodie. Some of you will be traveling to warmer climes or maybe just swimming in your local pool or maybe you live on the other side of the world and you are having summer. Whatever the situation you find you need a bathing suit. Why not try an Alsharifa Bathing suit? Read the review here and get 10% off just by typing in the code shoe10.

Friday Nasihah

2012-01-20T10:01:00.000-05:00

Living The Quran
Knowledge of God
Al Hajj (The Pilgrimage) - Chapter 22: Verse 8
"Yet, there are some people who argue about God without any knowledge or guidance or even an enlightened book!"
The verse cites three sources that one should base oneself on to have correct knowledge of God. These are:
i) knowledge obtained through the study of, and reflection on, the creation in the light of the Revelation, direct observation and first-hand experience
ii) knowledge gained indirectly from some evidence or as a result of the guidance of a knowledgeable person
iii) knowledge gained from the Scriptures, which illuminates minds and hearts
Compiled From:
"The Holy Quran: Guidance for Life" - Yahiya Emerick, p. 292
"Towards Understanding The Quran" - Sayyid Abul Ala Mawdudi, Vol. 6, p. 12
"The Quran: Annotated Interpretation in Modern English" - Ali Unal, p. 684

Understanding the Prophet's Life
Be A Mirror
It is the duty of a Muslim to help fellow Muslims to stay on the straight path. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) enumerated the conditions to be met in the task of advising others: "Each one of you is like a mirror to the other." (Tirmidhi) In another hadith the Prophet said: "Every Muslim serves as another Muslim's mirror. He safeguards his rights in his absence as well." (Abu Dawud) The following norms emerge in light of the above ahadith:
1. One should not look for the lapses and weaknesses of others. For a mirror does not seek defects. Only on coming face to face does a mirror reflect you.
2. One should not be criticised in one's absence. Once again the similitude of the mirror should be kept in mind; it does not reflect someone in absentia.
3. One should not exceed limits in criticising someone else. For a mirror does not magnify or diminish any feature.
4. Criticism should be forthright and free of any ulterior motive. For, once again, a mirror does not entertain any revenge or grudge.
5. One's criticism should be made with sincerity, genuine concern, pain and love. This removes any bitterness caused by criticism. Sincerity in this context signifies one's concern for the ultimate accountability in the Hereafter. One should help a fellow Muslim in order to avoid any punishment for him on the Day of Judgement. Nor should one entertain any superiority complex. Humility and not arrogance makes mutual care and advice effective.
Compiled From:
"Inter Personal Relations" - Khurram Murad, pp. 34, 35

Blindspot!
Hadith Forgery
[continued from previous issue]
Signs of Forgery
Just as the scholars have classified the hadith into various categories so as to identify its strengths and weaknesses from various viewpoints, they have also identified the signs of forgery in hadith from the viewpoints of transmission (isnad) and subject matter (matn).
1. Forgery in Transmission

Signs of forgery in transmission are identified mainly by reference to the reputation and biography of the transmitter. There is a wealth of literature on the names and biographies of the transmitters of hadith and those who are known to have indulged in lying and forgery. Another useful tool that the scholars have utilized is to ascertain the time factor and dates in the transmission of hadith. This is done by verifying whether the reporter actually met the person he or she has quoted as immediate source. Forgery of isnad is also known sometimes by admission of the forger. Similarly, when the transmitter is known for lying and his hadith stands alone in that no one else has reported it - this would be another way of detecting forgery in hadith. And lastly, signs of forgery in transmission are also detected by reference to personal interest and motive. An example of this is a so-called hadith narrated by Muhammad ibn al-Hajjaj al-Lakhmi which reads that "cookies (al-harisa) strengthen the spine" and it turns out that he used to sell al-harisa.

2. Forgery in Text
Signs of forgery in the text of a hadith are identified by reference to at least seven factors:
a) The language of hadith: The Prophetic language is characteristically known for its eloquence and style. Speech of a particular crude variety and style is taken as a sign of forgery. Al-Rabi bin al-Khathim is widely quoted to have said that "there is light in hadith such as the broad daylight that we know it, or else it is dark like the dead of the night that we do not fail to denounce."
b) Corruption in the purpose and meaning of a reported hadith also provides evidence as to its fabrication. The report, for example, that "the ark of Noah circumambulated the Kaba seven times and then prayed two units (rakah) of salah at the end;" or the report that "God created the horse and raced it first and then created Himself from it" are evidently unreasonable and corrupt, and cannot be accepted in the name of hadith. Ibn al-Jawzi is quoted as having said: "when you see a hadith that is irrational, or in conflict with the text or basic principles then know that it is a forgery."
[to be continued ...]
Compiled From:
"A Texbook of Hadith Studies" - Mohammad Hashim Kamali, pp. 75 - 77

Kabul Beauty School- Library pick

2012-01-19T08:37:00.002-05:00

I got this book from the library and I was skeptical because my library has mostly let's save the poor little Muslim women books. This book is like this but there is a twist because the author is also saving herself. I wanted to hate this book but it was very interesting and she did show a lot of compassion and understanding. I'm amazed by some of the things she does considering she's Christian. I don't want to give away the story but this is a very interesting book, in a way its like Butterfly Mosque.

She has a second book too. Check out the interview here where she talks about both books.

Productive Muslim -Now in Malaysia

2012-01-18T08:48:00.001-05:00

Coming to Malaysia in February to Klang Valley, Productive Muslim. Hope the Malaysians can afford the high prices though. I know the ringgit is worth only a third of a Canadian dollar but still, it must be hard to afford these prices with such low salaries.

What I've been reading lately....

2012-01-16T09:31:00.001-05:00

So I still haven't read Wandering Lonely in a Crowd,Married to a Bedouin or Mom, I'm a Muslim but I have just finished reading The Muslim Marriage Guide by Ruqaiyyah Waris Maqsood that I picked up for the bargain price of 5 bucks at RIS. I wish I had read this ages ago as it first came out in '98 but better late than never. I really enjoyed this book although she had some strange hadith authors I've never seen before although the info seemed sound enough. She is not afraid to be frank in this book which is something Islam is in the forefront of compared to Christianity. Mentioned in the book a lot, are men, who hang out till all hours at the mosque with buddies and guys watching sports all the time. I couldn't relate to this part at all as dh is not like that at all. Most books and blogs seem to talk about Indian/Pakistani or Arab guys so I never see any information about marriage to a Malay ever reflected. I would recommend this book though and it would make a great marriage gift and guys should read it with their wives.

September 2011 Book Club - For God and Country -review

2012-01-16T09:10:00.000-05:00

I read this quite some time ago so I am trying to remember it. This book reminded me of My Guantanamo Diary which I read years before. Personally I am not too impressed with Muslims who join the military but I can see how his services were needed as he was a chaplain. This book is very ironic in the way that the tables were turned and the author became as the captors were. I'm glad he got justice in the end but as we can see things have still not improved in Guantanamo to this day especially with Obama's new bill. If you are American then read this book and read My Guantanamo Diary and write to your president and make a difference. And most importantly make dua.

November 2011 Heaven Under Your Feet -Book review

2012-01-16T09:01:00.001-05:00

This is pretty late. I took a long time to read this because I was so emo about my miscarriage. When I chose this book I was still pregnant. I think this would have been a great book to read years ago when I first started having kids as a Muslim ( I had 2 when I was Christian) because of the Islamic advice I missed out on. This book is a combination of both worldly and Islamic advice. I like how she includes duas and mentions letting your baby listen to quran while you are pregnant. One thing I disagree with is her opinion on not having your husband at the delivery with you. She says in islamic history a woman would always be present. She also says that men won't be able to take it and will feel less attracted to their wives later. I discussed this topic with dh and he said where is her proof? Good point. I think books should have facts as well and not just opinions. Overall I think its a good book though and I think its great for new mothers and new Muslims mothers especially.

Making the Sunnah Fard.

2012-01-16T08:26:00.001-05:00

I'm no scholar but last time I checked doing extra things like sunnah prayers is not fard. Its getting a little tiresome to hear people telling me that I have to do something that is supposed to be an extra thing that you do from your heart for extra reward and making into something compulsory that I should be ashamed of not doing. Last time I checked there are 5 daily prayers. Five! Got that? I'm happy praying my five daily prayers. If I am so inclined I will add more or maybe not. There are 5 pillars in Islam and there are 5 daily prayers. No one would dare to say that there are extra pillars that are mandatory so why say that about prayers. What's next? Umrah is compulsory? Its really starting to get uncomfortable and making what I do like about islam (ie learning quran) start to feel like a chore. Anyone else been through this?

March 2013 Book Club Pick

2012-01-14T15:03:00.001-05:00

Just got an email about an interesting book called The Translator. This is the story of a Sudanese widow in Scotland. Check it out.

Friday Nasihah

2012-01-13T09:23:00.000-05:00

Living The Quran
Independent Personality
Luqman - Chapter 31: Verse 15
"However, if (your parents) try to force you to set up partners with Me, offering (deities) about which you know nothing, then don't obey them. Yet, still keep company with them in this world in a fair manner. Keep yourself on the path of those who turn towards Me, for all of you will return to Me, and I'm going to tell you the meaning of everything you did."
The Quran delineates a practical program for developing a sense of responsibility and for better use of human freedom and free will.
The Quran calls upon man to be and believe as a person free from any hereditary or environmental influences. Each individual must form his own opinion independently towards the truth. His decision in this regard should not be affected by his parents and forefathers or by social habits and customs. Each man must decide for himself.
Even though the Quran often admonishes us to fulfill our duties towards our parents, it warns us not to follow them blindly and describes some parents as ignorant and astray. The Quran gives this warning because it insists that every man must carefully and independently decide about his own beliefs, and should not be carried away by a blind love for his forefathers or their way of life. If the parents are wrong, astray, or ignorant, their children should be free to choose what is right and to reject their parents' false dogmas.
Compiled From:
"The Holy Quran: Guidance for Life" - Yahiya Emerick, p. 292
"Freedom and Responsibility in Quranic Perspective" - Hasan Al-Anani, p, 185

Understanding the Prophet's Life
Helping the Poor
Clothing
Ibn Abbas related that the Prophet said: Any Muslim who gives a Muslim a garment to wear will be in Allah's safekeeping as long as a shred of it remains on him. (Ahmad, Tirmidhi)
Feeding
Safwan ibn Salim related that the Prophet said: Anyone who looks after and works for a widow and a poor person is like a warrior fighting for Allah's cause, or like a person who fasts during the day and prays all night. (Bukhari)
Anas related that the Prophet said: If any Muslim plants something or sows seed from which a man, a bird or an animal eats, it counts as a charity for him. (Bukhari, Muslim)
Relatives who are needy
Abu Huraira narrated that the Prophet said: The best charity is that which is practiced by a wealthy person. And start giving first to your dependents. (Bukhari)
Salman ibn Amer reported that the Prophet said: To give something to a poor man brings one reward, while giving the same to a needy relative brings two: one for charity and the other for respecting the family ties. (Ahmad, Ibn Majah, Nasai, Tirmidhi)
Compiled From:
"The Quran and Hadiths on the poor and needy: a topical index" - SoundVision.com Staff Writer

Blindspot!
Hadith Forgery
[continued from previous issue]
History and Context
7. Careless Religious Zeal

Another category of fabricated hadith is associated with the religious zeal of individuals whose devotion to Islam led them to careless ascription of hadith to the Prophet. This is illustrated by the forgeries committed by one Nuh bin Abi Maryam on the virtues of the various suras of the Quran. He is said to have later regretted what he did and explained that he fabricated such hadith because he saw people who were turning away from the Quran and occupying themselves with the fiqh of Abu Hanifa and the battle stories of Muhammad bin Ishaq and that he did so as part of carrying out hisba, that is promoting good and forbidding evil, and that he "lied for the Prophet and not against him". This is considered as one of the worst forms of forgery as it almost succeeds to be convincing and becomes difficult to isolate. Numerous other names occur in the relevant literature, including those of Ghulam Khalil and Ibn Abi Ayyash of Baghdad, who were both known as pious individuals, but who invented hadith on devotional matters. Other examples of this kind include the so-called hadith that "the superiority of Rajab over other months is like the superiority of the Quran over other speech, and the superiority of Shaban over other months is like that of mine over other Prophets, and the superiority of the month of Ramadan is like that of God over His servants."

Other themes of hadith forgery include the urge on the part of courtiers who distorted hadith so as to please and flatter their overlords. Similarly, the desire to establish the permissibility or virtues of certain varieties of food, beverages, clothes and customary practices has led to forgery in the hadith. A number of fabricated ahadith have thus been recorded on the virtues of food items such as rice, lentils, aubergines, and places such as Asqalan, months of the year, days and even certain times of the day, and also of personal names such as Ahmad and Muhammad, etc.
[to be continued ...]
Compiled From:
"A Texbook of Hadith Studies" - Mohammad Hashim Kamali, pp. 70, 71