Forum	Title	Content	Member	Sex	Country	Date/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	POE - which airport is best?	My husband has his visa.. We would like to schedule his flight. Would like to hear for those who have been through this. How long was spent at POE and which airport was best.  I know we have to plan for a good amount of time for the layover, I just want to know how much time for the layover.. I want to plan for enough but not for him to be waiting in the airport too long either.. All advise and suggestions is greatly appr?eciated.  We are looking at JFK, Newark, DC, Houston, and Denver..	queenofthenile	Female	Egypt	2014-03-23 18:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Questions Filling Up G-325a and I-129f Form	is that's correct? is it an option to state that can someone help pls?	mcGabriel	Male	Egypt	2012-05-26 07:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Questions Filling Up G-325a and I-129f Form	Thanks, I have another question: I have filled my Dad name and his family name but he is dead long time ago what should i put in his "City and Country of residence"?	mcGabriel	Male	Egypt	2012-05-24 01:21:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures	Questions Filling Up G-325a and I-129f Form	I need for sure answers please by those who works in that field or those who got approved - In the G-325a form "City and Country of birth" block do we need to write down the State or just the town and the country? - Everything belong to a question should be stated N/A or just the main question for example: Former wives N/A, her First name, family name should be stated N/A too? - What is a cover letter and where to attach it in the package? - Can I put a 3D ultrasound file of our baby as evidence of our relation? - In my country Egypt we don't have middle names and I don't have my passport yet so how should I state my name "My name: Mohamed, dad name: Abdulqader, grandpa name: Ahmed.? - We had been together in Egypt for 9 months not a full year, can I state that anyway in the "G-325a" question about last address outside the U.S. of more than a "year" as a strong evidence? - Can someone show us a new Filled G-325a example by an American citizen that has been approved except this one by the Australian woman?	mcGabriel	Male	Egypt	2012-05-24 00:27:00
Middle East and North Africa	VJ's MENAweed thread	lol, no not in Egypt, he is in the States. I hope to get him out here for a visit but I'm not sure summer would be the best introduction to Egypt.	Melly 2	Female	Egypt	2009-09-09 12:16:00
Middle East and North Africa	VJ's MENAweed thread	Love looking at everyone's kids. So cute mashAllah!! I debated back and forth for a while with myself about posting my son's picture. Anyways... guess I decided yes. lol He will be 15 in November. He had just gotten back from summer camp this summer when this picture was taken. He's not MENA, but he is for sure growing like a weed!!! lol I lubs my cutie patootie Edited by Melly 2, 09 September 2009 - 09:19 AM.	Melly 2	Female	Egypt	2009-09-09 09:18:00
Middle East and North Africa	Do the Research... and whatever else!	I really wanted to post a comment but couldn't find exactly the right thing to say. My husband suggested the following video, Paranoid, by Black Sabbath. Enjoy! Paranoid	Melly 2	Female	Egypt	2009-09-09 19:24:00
Middle East and North Africa	Do the Research... and whatever else!	QUOTE (Nagishkaw @ Sep 8 2009, 03:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE There's a reason I don't venture into off-topic. What's wrong with OT? When I first joined VJ, OT was kinder to me than MENA ever thought to be, and to this day I much prefer it. But to each his/her own. It was halfway a joke about someone stating recently, in response to Amanda getting attacked in OT, that you need big girl panties to post over there. I did read/post there a long while ago but found that I didn't enjoy the posts of a lot of the men who were posting there, and since MENA is mostly women, I just find it easier.	Melly 2	Female	Egypt	2009-09-08 14:55:00
Middle East and North Africa	Do the Research... and whatever else!	Apparently, big girl panties are needed here in MENA as well as the off-topic forum. There's a reason I don't venture into off-topic... Hugs all around for my MENA sisters! Let's bring back the ice cream yeah? Heck, that made me totally hungry looking for ice cream pictures and I can't eat for almost 3 more hours.	Melly 2	Female	Egypt	2009-09-07 08:26:00
Middle East and North Africa	Do the Research... and whatever else!	QUOTE (Astarte @ Sep 6 2009, 04:13 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Haha, thanks Melly. How's Egypt these days? Still hot or cooling down yet? Are you getting accustomed to life there? Egypt is cooling down thank goodness!! Been low to mid 90's for a couple weeks or so. I can't wait til cooler weather when I can wear a sweater and complain that it's too cold. I guess the main thing that bugs me here is how dirty it is. Just haven't gotten used to it or found a way to ignore it. lol Otherwise, mostly happy. Waiting (still !!) to move into our own place, which we've had for about 7 weeks now.	Melly 2	Female	Egypt	2009-09-06 13:11:00
Middle East and North Africa	Do the Research... and whatever else!	lol, astarte, your candor is always a breath of fresh air. I don't have it in me to state things quite that way, but I sure feel that way sometimes, and I'm glad someone is able to say it.	Melly 2	Female	Egypt	2009-09-06 08:02:00
Middle East and North Africa	Happy Wednesday	QUOTE (Astarte @ Sep 9 2009, 10:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Husband says they're not the same. He ONLY smokes Marlboro reds now. He used to smoke killyoupatras. Have him buy some at the duty free shop at JFK. They're way cheap there. Man I hate the smell of hubby after he smokes the Cleopatras. I much prefer him to smoke some other brand that escapes me at the moment. lol The box is white and blue... Merrit maybe? Or some initials? Anyways I don't know what they put in the Cleos but they stink.	Melly 2	Female	Egypt	2009-09-09 14:34:00
Middle East and North Africa	Happy Wednesday	QUOTE (doodlebugg @ Sep 9 2009, 10:14 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Astarte @ Sep 9 2009, 02:53 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> My husband flew into JFK when he came to the states and he went outside to smoke while waiting for his plane. Usama will just have to go through security again if he wants to smoke. I guess it depends on how valuable a smoke is to him. To my husband, it's very important. Haha! That 11 hour plane ride from Cairo to NY was a killer for him. Hopefully he'll sleep. HE got some meds from the doc for the ride so maybe he won't miss it too too much. How important is a smoke to him? When he got here one full suitcase was stuffed with cartons of cleopatras! lol. Hey does anyone know if a Marlboro in Cairo is the same as a Marlboro in the US? My sister and her husband said they're not the same though I dunno how they'd know since the furthest from Boston they've ever been is Aruba. My hubby seems to think they are different as well (and he has traveled a bit, but not to the States). It wouldn't surprise me if they were. Just like Coke or other companies bottle product over here instead of shipping it over, I'm sure the tobacco companies could make the smokes here. I'm sure it would be much cheaper production wise. We were walking past a cigarette factory in Giza area last week and the smell was horrendous. I don't know how people can live near it, but it's right in the middle of everything else - housing and stores.	Melly 2	Female	Egypt	2009-09-09 14:20:00
Middle East and North Africa	Happy Wednesday	QUOTE (allousa @ Sep 9 2009, 05:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Melly 2 @ Sep 9 2009, 08:46 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Staashi @ Sep 9 2009, 04:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Allousa - I iz droolin'. Now I want steak!!! I second that on the drooling!! Anyone care to share good marinade recipes? Preferably with stuff available to buy in Egypt. lol We don't have as much store bought stuff (bottled, etc) readily available and I prefer fresh ingredients anyways. And happy Wednesday all This is the marinade that Hicham used on the steaks last night. He said he didn't measure when he made it but tried to guesstimate how much he used. 1 cup vinegar (white distilled) 1/4 cup olive oil 1 tsp rosemary 1 tsp oregano 1 tsp thyme 1 tsp basil 1 tsp ginger 1 tsp salt 1 tsp black pepper 1 tsp hot sauce (like Texas Pete) He said to marinate (covered) the meat for at least 3 hours, flipping meat after and hour and half as this mixture probably will not cover the meat completely. Keep in mind this was for two strip steaks, so if you are doing more meat, double the recipe accordingly. I would have thought rosemary on steak ( ), but I'm tellin' ya! It was FABULOUS!!!!! Thanks so much! I can't wait to try it, it sounds wonderful!!	Melly 2	Female	Egypt	2009-09-09 09:34:00
Middle East and North Africa	Happy Wednesday	QUOTE (Jenn! @ Sep 9 2009, 04:58 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Good morning, everyone. I officially have 6 weeks left till the baby comes. Yesterday I was on my feet a little bit for a doctor's appointment and now I finally understand what cankles are! Holy Moses! Yay Jenn, how exciting!!! I'd say those six weeks will pass in a flash, but ... lol... maybe not. I'd ask what cankles are but I'm not sure I want to know. It's been so long since I was pregnant that I've forgotten all that *wonderful* stuff.	Melly 2	Female	Egypt	2009-09-09 09:07:00
Middle East and North Africa	Happy Wednesday	QUOTE (Staashi @ Sep 9 2009, 04:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Allousa - I iz droolin'. Now I want steak!!! I second that on the drooling!! Anyone care to share good marinade recipes? Preferably with stuff available to buy in Egypt. lol We don't have as much store bought stuff (bottled, etc) readily available and I prefer fresh ingredients anyways. And happy Wednesday all	Melly 2	Female	Egypt	2009-09-09 08:46:00
Middle East and North Africa	Happy Birthday Annie!	Best wishes. Hope you enjoy.  HappyBirthday62.jpg   17.76KB   1 downloads Edited by Melly 2, 11 September 2009 - 09:24 AM.	Melly 2	Female	Egypt	2009-09-11 09:20:00
Middle East and North Africa	Thank God its Friday-	QUOTE (ZaidsMommy @ Sep 11 2009, 05:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> forgot to mention his xmas gift last year was a watch lol. Whoops! Does he like sports? What about tickets to a sports game or something?	Melly 2	Female	Egypt	2009-09-11 09:32:00
Middle East and North Africa	Thank God its Friday-	QUOTE (ZaidsMommy @ Sep 11 2009, 04:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Morning MENA! Im still sick, Zaid is sick, Sofyan is sick. Its pretty awful Im gonna go into work late today but I have to be there until 8pm anyways so my friday blows. Sofyans birthday is Monday and I have no idea what to get him. I wanted something "daddy" related but stuff is hard to find for him. Clothes are out bc all he wears is black tshirts and jeans, literally, and I refuse to buy him more. I thought about jewelry but Im not sure what. Any Ideas? How about a nice watch? I love the ones with the open face so you can see the insides working. Sorry to hear you are all sick and hope the house gets back to normal quickly.	Melly 2	Female	Egypt	2009-09-11 09:13:00
Middle East and North Africa	Caturday 9/12/09	I think they should hand out valium to you when you join VJ. lol Maybe we should start a thread to keep track of who is having pms and when. Honestly, I think people need to take things a little less personally. And if you find VJ is not the place for you because there are MEAN people here, then by all means, stop reading and posting in the MENA section and stick to the other boards if you need help with the visa stuff. The people here can only hurt you if you let them. Also, taking a break never hurts. People do it often.	Melly 2	Female	Egypt	2009-09-12 18:26:00
Middle East and North Africa	Saturday-Interview CaturdayX3 VJ Peeps for Cairo!	Hello girls. Is this the Saturday thread or the Saturday interview thread? I found the title confusing and almost passed it up entirely. Maybe we can keep this as a good mojo thread for the interviews happening and start a separate Saturday thread?	Melly 2	Female	Egypt	2009-08-22 07:09:00
Middle East and North Africa	Questions/Concerns you wished you had discussed before they got here	If I remember right, there is a thread with this subject already, though it's a wee bit older. I'd have a search for it but I'm not that great when it comes to the search function here on the board. Maybe someone else can have a look for it? Only because I'm sure it has some great stuff in it that could benefit those still waiting. I guess my situation is a bit reversed, since I came to Egypt to live instead of us filing and having him go live with me in the States, though our original intention was for him to move to California and live with me. Sometimes after reading all of the adjustment stories, I'm glad I moved here, as I think it's an easier adjustment for me to make. But, you never know, we may move to the States at some point, and this board has been invaluable in terms of others offering up their experience in all types of situations.	Melly 2	Female	Egypt	2009-09-13 13:54:00
Middle East and North Africa	CR1 approved	Congratulations!! Hope you will be with your sweety soon.	Melly 2	Female	Egypt	2009-09-14 07:56:00
Middle East and North Africa	Ramadan and related dates	If you are following the days of ISNA or another group, then you should be starting and stopping the same days that they are. Fasting is always either 29 or 30 days, never less and never more, and it is based on the moon cycle. Don't worry about when Morocco started or when they'll stop, you aren't there. Actually, I think just about everyone started fasting this year on Saturday and because the previous 2 months both had 30 days, this month will only have 29. Which would mean the last day of fasting would be the 19th and the first day of Eid would be the 20th. If you started fasting a day late, then you will have Eid when everyone else does and make up the days of fasting you missed after Eid is over. As to Lailat al Kadr, it is one night during the last ten days. Some scholars think that it is more likely to be on the 7th night of those last 10, but there is no guarantee about it, so one should be on the lookout for it during the entire last ten days. Hope all that made sense. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask.	Melly 2	Female	Egypt	2009-09-04 08:05:00
Middle East and North Africa	How did we all meet our loved one??	QUOTE (mamaSue @ Sep 10 2009, 05:15 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Melly 2 @ Sep 9 2009, 09:54 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (mamaSue @ Sep 10 2009, 04:23 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Melly 2 @ Sep 7 2009, 07:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> lol, took me a minute to figure out where I knew the nick mamasue from. Threw me for a loop. Melly.... do I know you from somewhere else?? I know of you from ES. I don't make many posts there, and my nick is different. Do you have a brother in canada?? lol, if I do, it's news to me.	Melly 2	Female	Egypt	2009-09-09 21:17:00
Middle East and North Africa	How did we all meet our loved one??	QUOTE (mamaSue @ Sep 10 2009, 04:23 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Melly 2 @ Sep 7 2009, 07:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> lol, took me a minute to figure out where I knew the nick mamasue from. Threw me for a loop. Melly.... do I know you from somewhere else?? I know of you from ES. I don't make many posts there, and my nick is different.	Melly 2	Female	Egypt	2009-09-09 20:54:00
Middle East and North Africa	How did we all meet our loved one??	lol, took me a minute to figure out where I knew the nick mamasue from. Threw me for a loop. Hubby and I met while playing a game online - a massively multiplayer sort of game. The game was dominated by men so it wasn't someplace guys would expect to find many girls. We were on the same team and started talking one night - I believe it was new years eve. That was 5 or so years ago. Honestly I lose track. lol	Melly 2	Female	Egypt	2009-09-07 18:25:00
Middle East and North Africa	Ramadan 2009	Regarding laylat al qadar, I just read something else I had bookmarked to read. It's from the website of Suhaib Webb, who is another speaker that I enjoy listening to. He has a GREAT series on the wives of the prophet, salallahu alayhi wassalam, called Mothers of the Believers. Anyways, here is a short post he did regarding laylat al qadar. Suhaib Webb And here's a link to his Mothers of the Believers series, I'm sure you can buy it at other places too. Mothers of the Believers series Edited by Melly 2, 11 September 2009 - 09:09 PM.	Melly 2	Female	Egypt	2009-09-11 21:07:00
Middle East and North Africa	Ramadan 2009	Salam Sharifah Looks like you got it covered pretty good. Muhammad Alshareef (of Al-Maghrib Institute) has had some great email reminders about the last ten nights... This came the other day: Ultimate Last-10 Nights Dua Step 1: Go somewhere really beautiful, where no one can disturb you Step 2: Imagine Allah says to you, "Ask whatever you wish and I shall grant it to you." Think of everything good you would ask for from this life and the next. Step 3: After thinking of everything you can, sit down and write it out. Step 4: Pick 5 things, your favorites, and consistently ask Allah for these 5 every night in the last ten nights of Ramadan. Your dua will be guaranteed to have landed on Laylatul-Qadr! How cool is that? Also, I just watched this today and really really liked it. Yasir Qadhi is such a great speaker. This is about making dua - I highly recommend it to all my sisters This definitely opened my mind and heart. Yasir Qadhi on youtube And one last thing - for those who can't get to a mosque for taraweeh prayers, you can pray at home. It is said that Allah comes down from the heavens during the last third of the night to listen to those who call on Him. This is a great time to do some extra prayers - even two rakah! (maybe even just getting up a little bit extra before suhoor to do a few rakah) And then make dua like nobodies business!! Wishing everyone the best and that all our duas are answered ameen.	Melly 2	Female	Egypt	2009-09-11 16:02:00
Middle East and North Africa	Ramadan 2009	I am sorry that some of you are having a hard time fasting. As far as I know, it is preferred, as the first thing, to make up the fast when you can. If you can NEVER make up the fast, then I think the next thing is actually feeding a poor person. If you can do neither, than I think the donating is permissible. I still have some previous fasting days to make up and I will try to do them in the winter months insha'Allah when the days are shorter. Maybe some of you could also make up days in the winter? 10 hours fasting isn't nearly so hard as 15 or so. Just a thought and not judging anyone. Hope everyone enjoys the rest of Ramadan, fasting or otherwise.	Melly 2	Female	Egypt	2009-09-08 14:29:00
Middle East and North Africa	Ramadan 2009	Okay, here you go. From hadith source first: sahih Muslim From Islam Online.net and a third from this site Hope that helps. *looks like Sharifah and I posted at the same time. lol Edited by Melly 2, 04 September 2009 - 12:22 PM.	Melly 2	Female	Egypt	2009-09-04 12:20:00
Middle East and North Africa	Ramadan 2009	QUOTE (MrsAmera @ Sep 4 2009, 07:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Any source for that? My husband says we aren't even allowed to touch each other - even in passing! He goes out of his way to avoid me! Not to mention then most of the night, aside from eating he is locked away in the room reading/praying etc. It's very isolating. I know that this month is about feeling closer to God and working on our spiritual relationship but I feel like my marital relationship is suffering! I'll have a look around and try to find the source for you.	Melly 2	Female	Egypt	2009-09-04 12:03:00
Middle East and North Africa	Ramadan 2009	QUOTE (venusfire503 @ Sep 4 2009, 08:31 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Amanda, I'm far from an expert, but one thing that came to mind is to be careful about things like locking the door when you are changing to make sure he doesn't accidently see you naked during the day during Ramadan. Don't make sexual comments to him either, since Muslims are not supposed to think about sex while fasting. And be prepared to do without hugs and kisses until sundown! Also, if you don't fast, it's a good idea to eat and drink where he won't see you. Try to avoid cooking things with strong smells - especially if it's something he really likes. Those aren't things that I heard anywhere - just things that seem polite. Good luck if you do try to fast. Don't be hard on yourself if you aren't able to do it 100%, or slip up sometimes. venusfire Actually, unless her husband thinks about sex 24/7 and is unable to control himself, I don't see how changing clothes in front of him is going to do any harm. And there is nothing wrong with a hug and peck on the cheek goodbye in the morning before work or when coming home. Husbands and wives can be together, as long as it's not sexual or leads to sex. A kiss and hug doesn't have to be sexual. If I am not mistaken, even the prophet, salallahu alayhi wassalam, hugged and kissed his wives while fasting.	Melly 2	Female	Egypt	2009-09-04 07:46:00
Middle East and North Africa	Ramadan 2009	Hello ladies Hope everyone is enjoying and making the most of this Ramadan. The subject of food at iftar has come up in at least a couple of threads, and I wanted to make some points about this because there seems to be some misconceptions going on. Ramadan is NOT about iftar and eating special foods that take a woman all day to cook. Ramadan is a month that we fast for Allah alone, seeking his pleasure and trying to get closer to him through our acts of worship. Sure, a woman can earn reward for cooking for her husband, but why does it need to be some huge special affair every day during Ramadan? If anything, it should be less. This month has turned into a month of over indulgence for so many people and personally I think that's sad and I find it goes against what the whole month is about. A woman deserves just as much time to worship during this blessed month as a man, and anyone who keeps their woman cooking in the kitchen all day should be ashamed of themselves. That woman is missing out on getting closer to Allah and is instead cooking food that will be gone within a day, with nothing left to show of it except a little more padding on the families butts. Can you imagine the prophet, salallahu alayhi wassalam, demanding his wives to stay in the kitchen cooking for them, or that they better have dinner ready in time? He broke his fast with dates and maybe milk, not huge meals that left people sleeping the next few hours off. I know that this post probably won't make any difference but I still felt it should be made. Wishing you all a Ramadan filled with blessings and may Allah forgive us all our sins, ameen.	Melly 2	Female	Egypt	2009-09-01 17:26:00
Middle East and North Africa	Ramadan 2009	QUOTE (Amanda_Raad @ Aug 25 2009, 02:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I actually just watched this movie with my husband on Saturday...which actually is one of the reasons why I have so many questions. I am seriously torn and confused. Hello. I was just cleaning out my bookmarks folder and found this and thought of you. The page has an informative and interesting comparison chart between Islam, Christianity and Judaism. Chart	Melly 2	Female	Egypt	2009-08-25 08:52:00
Middle East and North Africa	Ramadan 2009	QUOTE (brnidokiegurl @ Aug 24 2009, 02:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (doodlebugg @ Aug 23 2009, 07:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> You know when I think of judgement day I don't automatically think of being judged on what I ate, especially if my intentions were good. I think of other more important things (imho anyways). I think, did I kill anyone? did I worship any other God but Allah? did I not fast during Ramadan? did I spend money on frivolous things instead of saving up for Hajj? did I not pray five times per day? That kind of stuff is always first and foremost on my mind and when I think of what I did wrong, I ask myself what my intentions were and if they were good then I cut myself some slack. I do this because I can become my own worst enemy at times. If I spent my precious time thinking of the little minute details then I will become obsessed and I will eventually fail to be able to see the forest from the trees. Some can't afford to buy halal or spend the gas to drive forty five minutes. In that case, in my own opinion, if it were me...why not eat vegetarian for a while? I know I'm only human but I can't fathom Allah sending someone into the fire because they chose to buy their kid a pair of shoes, etc. instead of buying halal meat. Anyways this thread is for Ramadan 2009 and I hope everyone is doing well physically, mentally and spiritually. i hope everyone is well also but i have to agree, im not Muslim and i do somewhat try to understand but i hope im never judged by what i ate, or when, as i dont try to gorge and would share with anyone,, i see no reason to do things against the body that God gave me to nourish and take care of and lay around all day with a headache, watching the clock for the minute i can eat everything in site. The poor eat when they can and appreciate it not watching the clock. Sorry for the attitude but i just spend the worst weekend since he has been here with him doing the clock thing and no cigarettes and doing totally nothing but laying around. Sorry this isnt morocco, mom dont have all the foods ready for when you wake late and decide to get up, life will go on. I did find the meat so its not like im not trying to help.....again sorry for the attitude i just have alot on my plate to deal with lately, my mom has also been put on hospice for those that knew she was in a nursing home. Sorry you are having so much trouble right now. May Allah give ease and comfort to both you and your mother, ameen. Doodle - the beauty of choice. May Allah be easy on ALL of us on judgment day. Ramadan kareem to you and your husband.	Melly 2	Female	Egypt	2009-08-24 06:37:00
Middle East and North Africa	Ramadan 2009	QUOTE (Kenza @ Aug 23 2009, 08:45 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I don't necessarily agree with the above because you never know what religion the person is who is killing the animal and you have no idea how they kill it. But I just read up on Kosher meat and the process seems the same as Muslims-they slaughter it specifically to allow instant death. The only thing that is left out is saying bismillah and Allahuakbar, which can be done by the Muslim when they buy it and eat it. Kosher meat can be found easier and closer compared to halal meat-at least where I am (5 min. compared to 40) and Kosher meat is designated with these symbols Kosher symbols That was my point about posting the quote. You might not agree with it but that doesn't make it false. It just means you choose something other than what is stated. I know there are plenty of people here who buy meat from any grocery store and just say bismillah before they eat it, and it's not my place to tell them they are wrong or judge them. I just want to make sure people have all of the information before making a choice, so that the choices they make can be deliberate and thought out and taken with care. And for anyone who says that they don't have a halal butcher close by, you can always make a trip once every two or three weeks and stock up on meat - freeze it if you have to, so that you can have halal meat instead of what is sold in a regular grocery. How hard is that on you in terms of pleasing Allah and doing what He commanded? I agree this religion shouldn't be a burden, but it does require that we sometimes do things that take a little extra time and care. Isn't it worth it to please Allah? Imagine on judgment day when you're standing before Allah and he asks you about the meat you ate, which wasn't halal, and what excuse can you give? "Sorry I didn't feel like driving 45 minutes for You"? Sorry if this sounds a bit picky, but so be it. I care about my sisters and brothers in Islam, and I want the best for them in this life and the next.	Melly 2	Female	Egypt	2009-08-23 14:16:00
Middle East and North Africa	Ramadan 2009	This is in response to miss Amal's post about what meat is halal to eat. It goes into a little more detail, and I wouldn't have thought to post it except that I just read it yesterday and was reminded of it after reading Amal's post. This was taken from Islam QA .com QUOTE Conditions of eating meat slaughtered by the Jews and Christians I know that it is essential to say the name of Allaah when slaughtering animals that are to be eaten, and that it is not permissible to eat from that over which the name of Allaah has not been mentioned, but sometimes a Muslim has to travel to a non-Muslim country and stay there for several years, for work or study. Should he refrain from eating meat completely for this length of time or in this case is he regarded as compelled by necessity to eat meat or is it sufficient to say the name of Allaah at the time of eating?. Praise be to Allaah. Firstly: Saying the name of Allaah is a condition of meat being halaal, and it is not excused by forgetting or not knowing, according to the most correct scholarly opinion. See the answer to question no. 85669 (Saying Bismillaah in order to meat to be halaal)? Secondly: Meat slaughtered by one of the people of the Book (a Jew or a Christian) is permissible subject to two conditions: 1 – That the meat be slaughtered as a Muslim does it, but cutting the throat and oesophagus and letting the blood flow. If the animal is killed by strangling or electric shock or drowning in water, its meat is not permissible. Similarly, if a Muslim does that, the meat is not permissible. 2 – No name other than that of Allaah should be mentioned over it, such as the name of the Messiah etc, because Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “Eat not (O believers) of that (meat) on which Allaah’s Name has not been pronounced (at the time of the slaughtering of the animal)” [al-An’aam 6:121] And He says concerning haraam things (interpretation of the meaning): “He has forbidden you only the Maytah (dead animals), and blood, and the flesh of swine, and that which is slaughtered as a sacrifice for others than Allaah (or has been slaughtered for idols, on which Allaah’s Name has not been mentioned while slaughtering)” [al-Baqarah 2:173] Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: What is meant here is that over which a name other than that of Allaah is mentioned at the time of slaughter, such as saying “in the name of the Messiah” or “in the name of Muhammad” or “in the name of Jibreel” or “in the name of al-Laat” and so on. End quote from Tafseer Soorat al-Baqarah. The prohibition also applies to that which is offered as a sacrifice to the Messiah or to al-Zahrah, even if they did not mention a name other than that of Allaah over it. It is also haraam. Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: As for that which is slaughtered by the people of the Book for their festivals and as an act of worship to draw closer to someone other than Allaah, as the Muslims offer their sacrifices to draw closer to Allaah thereby, such as what they slaughter for the Messiah and al-Zahrah, there are two reports narrated from Ahmad concerning that, the most well known of which in his texts is that it is not permissible to eat it, even if the name of someone other than Allaah has not been mentioned over it. The prohibition on doing that was narrated from ‘Aa’ishah and ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Umar. End quote from Iqtida’ al-Siraat al-Mustaqeem (1/251). Thirdly: If a Muslim or a kitaabi (Jew or Christian) slaughters an animal for meat, and it is not known whether he mentioned the name of Allaah over it or not, it is permissible to eat from it, and the one who eats it should say the name of Allaah, because of the report that was narrated by al-Bukhaari (2057) from ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her), that some people said: O Messenger of Allaah, some people bring meat to us, and we do not know whether they mentioned the name of Allaah over it or not. The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Mention the name of Allaah over it and eat.” Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: It is not essential to ask about that which was slaughtered by a Muslim or a kitaabi, and how it was slaughtered, and whether the name of Allaah was mentioned over it or not. Rather that should not be done, because that is being obstinate in religious matters. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) ate meat slaughtered by the Jews and did not ask questions. In Saheeh al-Bukhaari and elsewhere it is narrated from ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) that some people said to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him): Some people bring meat to us, and we do not know whether they mentioned the name of Allaah over it or not. The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Mention the name of Allaah over it and eat.” She said: They were new in Islam, and the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) told them to eat without asking, even though those who brought the meat to them may not have been aware of the rulings of Islam because they were new in Islam. End quote from Risaalah fi Ahkaam al-Udhiyah wa’l-Dhakaah by Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him). Fourthly: Based on the above, whoever travels to a non-Muslim country where most of those who slaughter meat are Christians or Jews, it is permissible for him to eat their meat, unless he knows that they stun the animals or mention over them the name of someone other than Allaah, as stated above. But if the slaughterman is an idol-worshipper or communist, it is not permissible to eat meat slaughtered by him. If the meat is haraam, it is not permissible to eat from it on the grounds of necessity, so long as a person can find food to keep him alive, such as fish, vegetables and so on. Shaykh ‘Abd al-Rahmaan al-Barraak (may Allaah preserve him) said: “The meats available in kaafir countries are of various types. As for fish, it is halaal in all cases, because its being halaal does not depend on the way in which it is slaughtered or on the name of Allaah being mentioned over it. With regard to other types of meat, if the companies or individuals who produce meat are people of the Book, Jews or Christians, and it is not known from them that they kill the animal by electric shock, strangling or striking it on the head, as is well known in the west, then this meat is halaal. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “Made lawful to you this day are At?Tayyibaat [all kinds of Halaal (lawful) foods, which Allaah has made lawful (meat of slaughtered eatable animals, milk products, fats, vegetables and fruits)]. The food (slaughtered cattle, eatable animals) of the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians) is lawful to you and yours is lawful to them” [al-Maa’idah 5:5] But if they kill the animal by one of the methods mentioned, then the meat is haraam, because in that case it is meat that has been strangled or killed by a blow. If those who produce the meat are not Jews or Christians, then the meat that they offer is haraam. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “Eat not (O believers) of that (meat) on which Allaah’s Name has not been pronounced (at the time of the slaughtering of the animal), for sure it is Fisq (a sin and disobedience of Allaah)” [al-An’aam 6:121] The Muslim should strive to avoid that which is clearly haraam and be cautious of doubtful matters so as to preserve his religious commitment and to keep his body safe from being nourished with haraam things. End quote. And Allaah knows best. Islam Q&A	Melly 2	Female	Egypt	2009-08-23 11:29:00
Middle East and North Africa	Ramadan 2009	QUOTE (?J+I? @ Aug 22 2009, 08:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Yea melly! I'm trying not to complain and be dramatic at all~~ but dang this is hard. It must be easier in a country where most of the people are fasting. I think it's harder if you can't relax a bit and take naps and stuff. Hubby an I have been staying up so late because of the heat, that we go to bed between 3 and 5 am every morning, and wake around noon or so. If I had to work you bet I'd be feeling it a lot more! But, it's still hard. Not eating is not eating. lol And smelling the food my MIL was making in the kitchen was like torture. I think there is definitely more of a feeling of camaraderie though when everyone around you is fasting. But you are a strong woman Jackie and I know you will do it no problem! And insha'Allah it will be easier after the first few days.	Melly 2	Female	Egypt	2009-08-22 14:14:00
Middle East and North Africa	Ramadan 2009	Made it through day one, alhamdulillah May Allah accept all our fasting and make it easy on us, ameen.	Melly 2	Female	Egypt	2009-08-22 12:06:00