ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
Submission dot org is run by a group affiliated with the late Rashad Khilafa. They're Qur'an only-ists, ie they completely reject the sunnah and claim to interpret the Qur'an soley based on the text. Of course, everyone approaches the text with their own biases and they're not imune to that. Khilafa declared himself a messenger, which is totally not kosher, er halal from the orthodox muslim view, as the Prophet Muhammad (saws) is considered final messenger.





Doods, I believe you will find the Qur'an and poetry that ArtHafez used here - http://www.sufism.org/society/asma/
UmmSqueaksterFemaleEgypt2009-05-15 07:52:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
Sorry, wanted to add one more thing. In the hadith this:

“ And when I love him, I am his hearing with which he hears, his sight with which he sees, his hand with which he seizes, and his foot with which he walks. If he asks Me, I will surely give to him, and if he seeks refuge in Me, I will surely protect him. I do not hesitate from anything I shall do more than My hesitation to take the soul of the believer who dislikes death; for I dislike displeasing him” (Bukhari, 8.131: 6502. S).

is fana, complete anialation of the self in Allah (swt). It's the ultimate connection to God. Everywhere you turn, you see God. This is the goal, you reach it, and then you step back, and find a meaningful balance of being able to interact with the world while still being constantly aware of God.
UmmSqueaksterFemaleEgypt2009-05-06 08:48:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
Since I've sworn off internet arguing, I'll just mention that from everything I've seen, the position of the majority is that with this verse - If anyone desires a religion other than Islam, it never will it be accepted of him; and in the Hereafter He will be in the ranks of those who have lost -signifies that after the coming of the Prophet Muhammad (saws), previous paths taught by previous prophets (as) would no longer be accepted.



Leyla, have you looked into tasawwuf? Not the hippy dippy sufism that has been completely denuded of all it's islamic sources, but real honest to God tasawwuf? In it, there is a lot of emphasis on constructs of the religion, but as a means to reaching Allah (swt). The goal is a complete submission to Allah (swt) through the Qur'an and Sunnah in order to purify onself to attain that deep and meaningful connection with Allah (swt).

If salat is just movements, then of course it will be a barrier to reaching Allah (swt). But if one explores the meaning of salat, why we do this, because it was taught to the Prophet Muhammad (saws) by Allah (swt) and the Angel Jibreel (as) as the perfect form of worship, that Allah (swt) is speaking with us while we are praying, that we are having a close connection with our Lord, salat becomes a way to connect with Allah (swt).

Why do we follow all of these laws and rules? So that we move closer to Allah (swt), become His friend, become beloved to Him.

“Whomever is hostile to a friend of Mine I declare war against. My slave approaches Me with nothing more beloved to Me than what I have made obligatory upon him, and My slave keeps drawing nearer to Me with voluntary works until I love him. And when I love him, I am his hearing with which he hears, his sight with which he sees, his hand with which he seizes, and his foot with which he walks. If he asks Me, I will surely give to him, and if he seeks refuge in Me, I will surely protect him. I do not hesitate from anything I shall do more than My hesitation to take the soul of the believer who dislikes death; for I dislike displeasing him” (Bukhari, 8.131: 6502. S).

This is the goal of islam, and the science of tasawwuf has been preserved to help the seeker along the path to reach Allah (swt).


UmmSqueaksterFemaleEgypt2009-05-06 08:38:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
Two good general lectures I listened to yesterday:

Popping the dunya bubble

and

Building a Foundation <--- I blogged about this one here. If anyone wants to add bricks to their foundation with me, let me know via my blog. We could keep each other accountable smile.gif


Also, tangentally, let me know what you think of my new blog layout. I had a lot of fun today whistling.gif
UmmSqueaksterFemaleEgypt2009-05-05 12:37:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
2 links on the subject "why sunnah?"

The first is a podcast by Sh. Faraz Rabbani introducing a new series of podcasts based on Fada’il al’A'mal by Imam Diya’ al-Maqdisi. They're short and concise, and start with covering the different aspects of prayer and preparation for prayer. The introductory podcast answers well the question why do we learn the sunnah. I've transcribed the podcast:

QUOTE
Verily in the Messenger of Allah, the most beautiful of examples for whoever seeks Allah and the last day and makes much remembrance of Allah (33:21)

So what is our intention in learning the sunnah? It is what Allah (swt) tells us in this verse “Verily in the Messenger of Allah the most beautiful of examples for whoever seeks Allah and the last day and makes much remembrance of Allah.” So our goal in learning the prophetic guidance and learning our deen, what is it? It is to seek Allah (swt), to become people of meaning. We are seeking Allah. We are seeking His absolute good pleasure. We are seeking closeness to Allah (swt) in this life and the next. We are seeking to be those beloved to Allah, of those who love Him, those who remember Him, those who are granted the contentment and serenity that only comes through being of those who remember Allah and live that remembrance.

Verily it is by the remembrance of Allah that hearts find rest (13:28).

And the way unto the love of Allah (swt) is by love of the Messenger (saws) and through living his radiant example. Allah’s Messenger (saws) tells us that

None of you believes until I am more beloved to them than their wealth, and their parents and their children and all people.

And Allah (swt) tells us about our condition of our love for Allah (swt) being true:

Say if you love Allah, then follow me, and Allah will love you (3:31).

This is an address to the Prophet (saws) to tell all humanity, say if you love Allah, if you love God, follow me, follow the messenger, and Allah will love you.

What do we seek in life? We seek Allah, we seek to be beloved to Allah, to be pleasing to Allah and the way to that, the door to the Divine is the emissary of God, our beloved Messenger (saws).

And so we should be very clear in our intention in this. And we’re seeking knowledge that is of benefit, knowledge that we are bringing into our lives and that we strive to live in the most beautiful of ways with the sense of yearning for Allah (swt) and for our standing with our Lord. So to be people who’s worship is characterized by excellence and beauty and who’s conduct in life is characterized by excellence and beauty, for that is that beautiful example, that excellent example that is the Messenger of Allah (saws).



The second is a post on how the hadith/prophetic narration were gathered and recorded.
UmmSqueaksterFemaleEgypt2009-05-04 09:48:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
Irshad Manji. Meh.

I read something simple, but quite profound this morning - Some people want to reform Islam; I want Islam to reform me.

Tazkiya ftw! (ok that last bit is from me and is in no way profound).
UmmSqueaksterFemaleEgypt2009-05-01 11:20:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
QUOTE (Ahmeds Girl @ Apr 30 2009, 10:13 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
The Islam I see from some on this site is all about dogma and rules and lacks heart, empathy and generosity. The beautiful sentiments and ideas are drowned in a sea of smug, righteous stupidity.



If one gets that impression from the postings here, well, this thread isn't the be all and end all of the religion. Imam Suhaib Webb is teaching from a classic text on spirituality and good character. That's a good place to start.

Another place to look is Sh. Zulfiqar Ahmad's book "Love for Allah," which is available online for free.
UmmSqueaksterFemaleEgypt2009-04-30 10:45:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
QUOTE (Leyla @ Apr 30 2009, 07:01 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I became a Muslim in April of 2007. I did this because I wanted to be closer to God. I believed that Islam offered that. I didn't really give up any of my beliefs to become a Muslim. I never bought into Christianity anyway. I just believed/still believe in God. I "deconverted" from Islam recently. I cannot bring myself to be a part of a religion that "empowers" women through submission, believes the Qu'ran is the final absolute word of God, but needs scholars (from many different schools of thought) to give me different interpretations of God's word, and uses EXTRA material to "fill in the gaps" the Qur'an doesn't cover. I'm sorry, but if the Qur'an is indeed the FINAL ABSOLUTE word of God, there would be no need for all that extra stuff. God does not make mistakes. There is no "P.S" at the end of the Qur'an. (Sorry, but that really bothered me).


I am very sorry to hear this. I do hope you find what you're looking for if you didn't find it in islam (although I'll concur with your first point that I don't think you'll find it as Islam is it).

Why the sunnah? Because the Beloved (swt) didn't simply reveal His perfect Word to us and leave us to fend for ourselves. He revealed it to the perfect teacher. And that perfect Word exhorts us over and over again to follow Muhammad (saws). That's the PS - "Say: "If ye do love Allah, Follow me: Allah will love you and forgive you your sins: For Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. Say: "Obey Allah and His Messenger": But if they turn back, Allah loveth not those who reject Faith (3:31-32)."

After that teacher passed away, his companions sought to follow these commands, and sought to preserve his teachings, so that future generations and those who did not know the Prophet (saws) would know how to follow these command. Over time the science of hadith and the madhab system were codified so that it wasn't just a random ad hoc system of people asking others what the Prophet (saws) had said on an issue.



QUOTE
I personally don't think religion is necessary for me to believe in God and serve Him. I don't think there is anything wrong with practicing a religion as long as it brings you closer to that higher being the whole world seems to believe in. I am a believer in God. The end. I don't want to be a part of religion because religion pushes me farther away from God.


Then how does one understand what God wants, if not from religion? Is it simply what we feel? What we want? Every society builds for itself a set of rules and constructs to work within. Why wouldn't God give us the same?
UmmSqueaksterFemaleEgypt2009-04-30 10:38:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
QUOTE (Barza Woman @ Apr 28 2009, 06:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Forgive me, sis. That was not a proper response that is my fault alone. I get frustrated sometimes, but I shouldn't allow it show. Sorry sad.gif


It's ok. It's a struggle trying to maintain adab online. I'm trying to keep in mind that every word I say (and type) will be presented to me on the day of judgment. I'm not keen to have to replay every internet argument I've ever had in front of Allah (swt), the angels and everyone else, so I'm trying hard not to make things into a huge mess, lol.

In the end, it comes down to drinking is haram, it's bad, so don't do it, ha. But if you do, make tawbah. And even if you don't, still make tawbah. Make tawbah a habit star_smile.gif
UmmSqueaksterFemaleEgypt2009-04-29 13:47:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
QUOTE (Berber Mama @ Apr 27 2009, 07:13 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I have a question. I'm not Muslim. I don't know any converts personally so I figured that I would throw it out here. For all of you who converted, was it hard for you to adopt a whole new way of thinking about religion, especially after being raised Christians? How did you just stop believing everything that had been instilled on you? Was it hard to change your way of thinking and especially your views on Jesus?

BTW, I'm not bringing this up to stir the pot. I just genuinely would like to know how others feel.



I deconverted almost a year before I converted to Islam, so I had lost a lot of the beliefs I had held in christinaity long before I accepted Islam. My deconversion came because I studied the history of the compliation of the bible (at a good Lutheran university no less), and lost faith that it could be the revealed word of God. Even coming from a rather liberal christian background that has come to terms with this history, I didn't feel that I could follow a religion that did not have a book preserved from the Divine.

In accepting Islam, I didn't lose Jesus (as), I kept him. In the end of my christian life, I had already thought of him simply as a good teacher, someone who taught God's will, but not a part of the Godhead. As a muslim, I could bring him back into my belief system and revere him as a prophet of God.

One thing that is different and has been a concious effort to incorporate into my life is taqwa. Taqwa is often translated as fear of God, but I think a better, all encompassing translation is God Conciousness. It is being aware of Allah (swt) every single second of every single day, knowing that He sees all your actions, fearing that you will act in a way that displeases Him, and hoping for His Mercy. Every one of my actions should be soley for His pleasure. To live in complete submission to the Almighty is definitely something new.
UmmSqueaksterFemaleEgypt2009-04-28 07:55:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
QUOTE (Barza Woman @ Apr 27 2009, 08:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE
It's my understanding that the hadith says simply "one who drinks wine," with nothing said about being an alcoholic or not.


It also doesn't specify a single haram incident, but references several, indicating habitual use.



It speaks about someone drinking on 4 occasions. If that's alcoholism, then just about everyone I know is an alcoholic.

Also, it doesn't say that one is punished only after the repeated drinking, but rather again after each occasion. So even after the first drink, one is punished.
UmmSqueaksterFemaleEgypt2009-04-28 07:44:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
It's my understanding that the hadith says simply "one who drinks wine," with nothing said about being an alcoholic or not.

Here's how I've seen it explained. Either:

A. One sincerely repents and their prayer is accepted, even before 40 days or
B. One sincerely repents and their prayer is accepted after 40 days.

But in either case, the obligation to pray is not removed. One still has to pray, even if they may not gain the rewards from it.

It's like make up fasting in Ramadan. If one intentionally breaks the fast, they still have to make up the fast and make repentance. They're not getting reward for that fast, but rather simply avoiding the punishment.


In the end, something everyone should make part of their habit is to make istighfar after every prayer. It is also related that he used to ask forgiveness at least 70 times each day. The Prophet (saws) used to say astaghfirullah 3 times after every prayer, and I know he sinned less then any one of us ever has innocent.gif If the best of creation asks forgiveness after every salat, don't we have even more reason to?
UmmSqueaksterFemaleEgypt2009-04-27 08:08:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
You're very welcome. Please remember me in your duas smile.gif



I don't remember if I've mentione this previously, but this weekend is the fundraiser for Imam Siraj Wahaj. Imam Siraj has basically dedicated a significant portion of his life to traveling around the country, raising money for various masjids and organizations without asking for anything in return.

He was diagnosed with prostrate cancer last month and has over $100,000 in medical bills.

http://www.helpimamsiraj.com/
http://muslimmatters...m-siraj-wahhaj/




UmmSqueaksterFemaleEgypt2009-04-24 12:04:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
QUOTE (Leyla @ Apr 22 2009, 06:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>


Hey, that's awesome. Totally stealing it for future use. It reminds me of my FUNdamentalist shirt that I rarely have occasion to wear anymore. Ah, how I miss college:





UmmSqueaksterFemaleEgypt2009-04-23 13:54:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims

UmmSqueaksterFemaleEgypt2009-04-22 08:32:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
QUOTE (Turia @ Apr 21 2009, 09:31 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (UmmSqueakster @ Apr 17 2009, 10:11 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Free Quran offer

http://cgi.ebay.co.u...em=260385737719

I haven't tried it myself, but I plan to request it to give in my new convert package. The translation is saheeh international I believe.



So what does this package consist of, I have a friend that is gonna be converting soon!


I should be sending one to you (and someone else on this forum). It's still sitting on my coffee table *cof cof cof* sorry blush.gif
UmmSqueaksterFemaleEgypt2009-04-22 08:21:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
Free Quran offer

http://cgi.ebay.co.u...em=260385737719

I haven't tried it myself, but I plan to request it to give in my new convert package. The translation is saheeh international I believe.
UmmSqueaksterFemaleEgypt2009-04-17 10:11:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
Madhab based islamic learning online and in english translation in general tends to be predominantly hanafi. MashaAllah, the indian subcontinent and it's diaspora has done a good job at producing basic texts and learning opportunities in the hanafi madhab.

Shafi'i texts are the next most common, although not as readily available as the hanafi variety.

There used to be an excellent maliki text called the guiding helper online, but it disapeared some time ago, and since then, maliki fiqh has been harder to learn and access unless one had a maliki teacher in their area.

The least amount of information, from my observation, tends to be hanbali. KSA is/was predominantly hanbalia, but most of the scholars educated there don't really say I'm hanbali, so if you're looking for a hanbali teacher, good luck.

So why am I rambling on about this? Because Imam Suhaib is starting new series on the basics of maliki fiqh. This may be of interest especially to those sister who's SO is moroccan, as Morocco has been a stronghold of the maliki madhab for centuries.

Edited by UmmSqueakster, 17 April 2009 - 08:07 AM.

UmmSqueaksterFemaleEgypt2009-04-17 08:04:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
sara - I hope you guys get to see each other soon. AbuSqueakster and I were apart for 18 months before he got the visa to come here. It sucks, but inshaAllah this too shall pass rose.gif
UmmSqueaksterFemaleEgypt2009-04-16 11:18:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
A Hadith Qudsi:

On the authority of Abu Hurayrah (ra), who said that the Messenger of Allah (saws) said:

The gates of Paradise will be opened on Mondays and on Thursdays, and every servant [of Allah] who associates nothing with Allah will be forgiven, except for the man who has a grudge against his brother. [About them] it will be said: Delay these two until they are reconciled; delay these two until they are reconciled.

(Muslim, Malik, Abu Dawud)
UmmSqueaksterFemaleEgypt2009-04-16 11:12:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
ya'll are missing out. Someone better listen so they can talk with me about it star_smile.gif
UmmSqueaksterFemaleEgypt2009-04-14 13:29:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
Did anyone attend Imam Suhaib's class on Saturday? I unfortunately had a work emergency arise that I had to take care of and couldn't go, but the recording is online:

Class
Q&A
Notes




On a related note, there's now a Suhaib Webb podcast kicking.gif On my ipod:

*suhaib webb podcast
*Cambridge Khutbas - currently listening to the recent add on the paradox of forgiveness, very excellent
*the only word Quran MP3s and notes
*assorted NPR podcasts
UmmSqueaksterFemaleEgypt2009-04-13 10:58:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
QUOTE (Ahmeds Girl @ Apr 11 2009, 08:24 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Actually, Islam isn't for everyone. It isn't a universal truth, nor is it an actual truth. It is only true, if you believe it - like any faith. You are so brainwashed that you can't even recognise this opinion when you make such expansive statements. A huge percentage of people all over the world don't believe in any religion. These very same people usually respect your right to believe what you like.... but smug zealots like you don't afford the same courtesy to others - as your misguided idea of God doesn't permit that, does it?


First thought: big fat LOL!

Second Thought: I prefer the term FUNdamentalist to brainwashed smug zealot, thank you very much.

Third thought: Brainwashed? By whom? Certainly not by my husband, who practices a very different form of islam than I do.

Fourth thought: Umm yeah, muslims believe the Prophet Muhammad (saws) was the final messenger sent to bring Islam to the entire world. In our paradigm, it IS the universal truth. If people don't buy into that paradigm, no skin off my nose. And if believing in a single universal truth makes me a smug zealot, then it is a label I shall wear proudly.

Fifth thought: Enough thoughs wasted on you, I have better uses for my brain cell. kthxbye!
UmmSqueaksterFemaleEgypt2009-04-12 08:53:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
Ok, now to talk about my favorite aspect of hijab - new clothes! The husband may be going back to Egypt this summer (inshaAllah) for the first time since he came more than 3 and a half years ago. That man has some serious sabr. I'm compiling a bunch of pictures of abayas I like, and inshaAllah he'll give them to his sister who will do some shopping for me. Or, if we can swing it, I'll get to go for a few weeks and then go shopping myself devil.gif

I usually only wear abayas to the masjid, but I haven't bought a new one in like 3 years, and I think everyone knows exactly what to expect me to wear. Time to shake things up a bit kicking.gif

Here's what I've got so far:




I have to find some more websites that have the newer gulf style abayas with all the spiffy embroidery and sparkly stuff. Can you tell I like black? I just looooove a long flowly black abaya with a brightly colored headscarf.
UmmSqueaksterFemaleEgypt2009-04-10 10:58:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
QUOTE (Zubair Khan @ Apr 9 2009, 02:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
What did you guys think of the first session of Imam Suhaib's online class? Excited for this Saturday? Please tell all your friends/family so they can benefit too!


I hope others will be joining in. I still have to finish my homework whistling.gif

Please thank Imam Suhaib for offering such an awesome opportunity for free. I know for a lot of people, they'd like to take advantage of online learning, but the price is often prohibative. To have this class available for free is a real blessing.


Edited by UmmSqueakster, 10 April 2009 - 10:38 AM.

UmmSqueaksterFemaleEgypt2009-04-10 10:37:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
Happy Hijri new year!


Commemorating the Islamic New Year: Timeless Lessons from the Greatest Migration in History

The Hijra is not only one of the greatest events in the history of Islam, but it is a historic milestone whose impact forever changed the course of history for all of humanity at large. The migration of the Muslims from Mecca to Medina set the foundations for ensuring that the religion of Islam would become established in the Arabian Peninsula, the effects of which would reverberate from East to West as the realm of Islam spread. This is why the rank of the great Muh?jir?n, who left all that was dear to them in their homeland of Mecca for the sake of the freedom to worship and practice their faith in Medina is immeasurable. All that the world has inherited today from the vast and rich Islamic tradition is owed to the sincere sacrifice of a few who undertook this momentous journey. On the first day of the month of Mu?arram, we not only remember this great occasion that marks the first day of the Islamic calendar, but we are also reminded of its timeless lessons.



And don't forget that Muharram is an excellent excellent time to fast!

The best fasting after Ramadan is fasting Allah's month of Muharram [Muslim]
UmmSqueaksterFemaleEgypt2010-12-08 12:02:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
Excellent article about these blessed days that we are currently in. Allah (swt) has provided an opportunity for us to benefit from these days, even without making hajj.

http://www.nursacred...-of-dhul-hijja/

Ahmad and at-Tabarani record from Ibn ‘Umar (ra) that the Messenger of Allah (saws) said, “There is no day more honorable in Allaah’s sight and no acts more beloved therein to Allaah than those in these ten days. So say tahlil (la ilaha il Allah), takbir (Allahu Akbar) and tahmid (Alhamdulilah) a lot [on those days].” [Ahmad]

Abu Hurairah (ra) relates that the Messenger of Allah (saws) said, “There are no days more loved to Allah for you to worship Him therein than the ten days of Dhul Hijjah. Fasting any day during it is equivalent to fasting one year and to offer salatul tahajjud during one of its nights is like performing the late night prayer on the night of power.” [ at-Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah, and al-Baihaqi]


UmmSqueaksterFemaleEgypt2010-11-08 09:28:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
Meadows of Al-Mustafa – another amazing freeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee opportunity for sisters to learn from awesome female scholars. Email to get on their message list, and to inshaAllah get invitations to their courses
UmmSqueaksterFemaleEgypt2010-10-19 15:45:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
Awesome FREEEEEEEEEEEEEEE opportunity for sisters learning from the Rahmah Foundation

http://therahmahfoun...t=0&sort=normal


Some do require you purchase a text, and a donation would be nice. Register soon, as some classes have already started!
UmmSqueaksterFemaleEgypt2010-10-18 15:19:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
Posted Image

It did it again. It's snuck up on us and it's almost here. Ramadan, that is. Rajab begins in roughly a week and a half. Shaban follows. And then before you know it, it's Ramadan!

I've often heard that the sahaba would prepare for Ramadan six months ahead of time (although I don't know the source, anyone?) While we're a little bit past the 6 month mark, don't let the opportunity to ready yourself for the most noble and generous of months pass slip away!

So what can you do? Here are some thoughts:

  • Read Qur'an! If you don't already read some every day, start with 5 minutes, then add a minute with each passing week. If you already do (alhamdulilah), add more time with the Book of Allah (swt).
  • Pray! If your salat aren't in order, get them there! Recite longer surahs, and add sunna and nafila salats, so that you are ready to tackle taraweh when it arrives.
  • Fast! If you have days that you missed last Ramadan and have not yet made up, no time like the present to start. The days are getting longer and hotter (at least up here in the northern hemisphere). If you can fast now (and on the longest day of the year, around June 21), inshaAllah fasting in August won't seem all that bad.
  • Watch what you eat! Don't take the Squeakster's advice. There's no need to bulk up ahead of Ramadan. In fact, now would be an excellent time to implement this advice from the Prophet (saws), "Nothing is worse than a person who fills his stomach. It should be enough for the son of Adam to have a few bites to satisfy his hunger. If he wishes more, it should be: One-third for his food, one-third for his liquids, and one-third for his breath (Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah).
  • Fiqh fiqh fiqh! Brush up on the fiqh of fasting, so you aren't running to the books to find out if you accidentally broke your fast. Hanafi, Shafi'i, Maliki, Fiqh of Fasting in Details (all 4 madhabs), Fiqh-us-Sunnah (general).
  • Repent! This is something we should be doing every day anyways, so why not get in the habit now? Ramadan is a month of forgiveness, and the Prophet (saws) told us that "Whoever observes fast during the month of Ramadan out of sincere faith, and hoping to attain Allah's rewards, all his past sins will be forgiven." (Bukhari). A key and integral part of forgiveness is the repentance, so check yourself, check your intentions, and check your actions, past and present. If you see sin, seek Allah (swt)'s forgiveness.
  • Plan! Ramadan is a mere 29 or 30 days. Every hour, every minute, every second counts. How will you spend your time? In front of the TV? Making extravagant meals for iftar? Cleaning the house for guests? Working overtime at work? If you don't plan ahead, you may wake up on the morning and eid and realize that you didn't accomplish anything.
  • Make the most of Rajab and Shaban! Lots of awesome things to do and many awesome rewards to reach for in these months. Don't miss em
  • Get excited! Seriously, jump up and down right now and do a little woot woot. Ramadan is coming, you should be psyched!

UmmSqueaksterFemaleEgypt2010-06-02 14:04:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
Guess that didn't go over well :huh:

15% discount on Seeker's Guidance Courses if you register by tomorrow inshaAllah


Posted Image

I'm thinking about taking something. Either the Shafi'i fiqh of worship class or Marvels of the Heart
UmmSqueaksterFemaleEgypt2010-04-14 13:59:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims

Ok you go first. LOL


The point was so that I wasn't the only one contributing :P



On a tangent, I can't wait to listen to this interview with Imam Zaid about the spirit of marriage. I think it will be our family discussion time topic this weekend :D

http://www.illumemag...ner-s-guide.php
UmmSqueaksterFemaleEgypt2010-04-02 15:17:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
Let's get some audience participation here.

Recommend a book that has benefited you deen-wise, and tell us how it's influenced you.
UmmSqueaksterFemaleEgypt2010-04-02 09:03:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims

The Ethics of Chivalry


Islam is not a religion of empty laws and strictures but one which points towards a higher ethical order.


In the literature discussing Futuwwa, which has been translated as Muslim chivalry, there is the story of a young man who was engaged to marry a particularly beautiful woman. Before the wedding day, his fiancée was afflicted with a severe case of chicken pox which left her face terribly disfigured. Her father wrote to him informing him of the situation and asking if he preferred to call off the wedding. The young man replied that he would still marry his daughter, but that he had recently experienced a gradual loss of sight, which he feared would culminate in blindness.

The wedding proceeded as planned and the couple had a loving and happy relationship until the wife died twenty years later. Upon her death the husband regained his eyesight. When asked about his seemingly miraculous recovery he explained that he could see all along. He had feigned blindness all those years because he did not want to offend or sadden his wife.

From our jaded or cynical vantage points it is easy to dismiss such a story as a preposterous fabrication. To do so is to miss an important point that was not lost to those who circulated and were inspired by this and similar tales. Namely, our religion is not an empty compilation of laws and strictures. The law is important and willingly accepting it is one of the keys to our salvation. However, the law is also a means to point us toward a higher ethical end. We are reminded in the Qur’an, “Surely, the prayer wards off indecency and lewdness.”(29:45)

The Prophet Muhammad mentioned concerning the fast, “One who does not abandon false speech and acting on its imperatives, God has no need that he gives up his food and drink.” (Al-Bukhari) These narrations emphasise that there is far more to Islam than a mere adherence to rulings.

This is especially true in our marriages. Too many Muslims are involved in marriages that devolve into an empty observation of duties and an equally vacuous demand for the fulfillment of rights. While such practices are laudable in their proper context, when they are divorced from kindness, consideration, empathy, and true commitment they define marriages that become a fragile caricature. Such relationships are irreparably shattered by a silly argument, a few wrinkles on the face, unwanted pounds around the waist, a personality quirk or a whimsical desire to play the field to see if one can latch on to someone prettier, wealthier, younger, or possibly more exciting than one’s spouse.

These are issues that affect men and women. However, we men must step up and do our part to help to arrest the alarmingly negative state of gender relations in our communities. The level of chivalry the current crisis demands does not require that we pretend to be blind for twenty years. However, it does require some serious soul searching, and it demands that we ask ourselves some hard questions. For instance, why are so many Muslim men averse to marrying older or previously married women? The general feeling among the women folk in our communities is that if you are not married by the age of twenty-five, then you have only two chances of being married thereafter –slim and none. This sentiment pervades our sisters’ minds and hearts because of the reality they experience. Many brothers who put off marriage until they are past thirty-five will oftentimes marry someone close to half their age, passing over a generation of women who are intellectually and psychologically more compatible with them and would prove wiser parents for their children.

Despite this problem, and the clear social, psychological and cultural pathologies it breeds, many of us will hasten to give a lecture reminding our audience of the fact that Khadija, the beloved wife of our Prophet, was fifteen years his senior. We might even mention that she and several of his other wives were previously married. Why is it that what was good enough for our Prophet is repugnant to ourselves or our sons?

A related question would be, “Why are so many of our brothers so hesitant to marry strong, independent and intellectually astute women?” Many women in the West lack the support of extended family networks, which is increasingly true even in the Muslim world. Therefore, they must seek education or professional training to be in a position to support themselves if necessary, or to assist their husbands; an increasingly likely scenario owing to the nature of work in postindustrial societies. This sociological fact leads to women in the West generally manifesting a degree of education and independence that might not be present among women in more traditional societies and times – even though such societies are rapidly disappearing.

Many Muslim men will pass over talented, educated women who are willing to put their careers and education on hold, if need be, to commit to a family. The common reason given is that such women are too assertive, or they are not the kind of women the prospective husband’s mother is used to. As a result a significant number of our sisters, despite their beauty, talent, maturity, and dynamism are passed over for marriage in favour of an idealised, demure “real” Muslim woman. The social consequences of this practice are extremely grave for our community.

Again, we can ask ourselves, “To what extent does this practice conform to the prophetic model?” Our Prophet was surrounded by strong, assertive and independent women. His beloved Khadija, who we have previously mentioned, was one of the most successful business people in the Arabian Peninsula, and her wealth allowed the Prophet to retreat to the Cave of Hira where he would receive the first revelation.

Ayesha, despite her young age was an assertive, free-spirited, intellectual powerhouse who would become one of the great female scholars in history. The foundation for her intellectual greatness was laid by the Prophet himself who recognised her brilliance. Zainab bint Jahsh ran a “non-profit” organisation. She would make various handicrafts, sell them in the market and then use the proceeds to secretly give charity to the poor people of Medina. Umm Salama had the courage to migrate from Mecca to Medina, unescorted, although she was ultimately accompanied by a single rider. She also had the vision to resolve the crisis at Hudaybiyya. These were all wives of the Prophet. To their names we could add those of many other strong and dynamic women who played a major role in the life of the fledgling Muslim community.

Another issue that is leading to many otherwise eligible women remaining single relates to colour. If a panel of Muslim men, whose origins were in the Muslim world, were to choose Miss World, the title would likely never leave Scandinavia. No matter how beautiful a woman with a brown, black, or even tan complexion was, she would never be quite beautiful enough, because of her skin colour. This attitude informs the way many choose their wives. This is a sensitive issue, but it is one we must address if we are to advance as a community. We may think that ours is a “colourblind” community, however, there are legions of women who have been relegated to the status of unmarriageable social pariahs who would beg to differ.

God has stated that the basis for virtue with Him is piety; not tribe, race, or national origin. (49:13) The Prophet reminded us that God does not look at our physical forms, or at our wealth. Rather, He looks at our hearts and our deeds. (Muslim) We debase ourselves when we exalt what God has belittled. God and His messenger have belittled skin colour and body shape and size as a designator of virtue or distinction. What does it say about us when we use these criteria as truncheons to painfully bludgeon some of the most beautiful women imaginable into social insignificance?

Marriage is not a playground where the ego thoughtlessly pursues its vanities. This is something the chivalrous young man mentioned at the outset of this essay understood. It is an institution that helps a man and a woman pursue the purpose of their creation: to glorify and worship God and to work, within the extent of our capabilities and resources, to make the world a better place for those we share it with and for those we will leave it to. This role is beautifully captured in the Qur’an, “The believing men and women are the supporting friends of each other. They enjoin right, forbid wrong, establish regular prayer, pay the poor due, and they obey God and His Messenger. They expect God’s Mercy. Surely, God is Mighty, Wise.” (9:71)



UmmSqueaksterFemaleEgypt2010-04-01 07:56:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
Currently stuck in my head:

[url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tEYtV2QGOYI"]http://www.youtube.c...h?v=tEYtV2QGOYI[/url]
UmmSqueaksterFemaleEgypt2010-03-29 12:50:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
Currently listening to Realizing the Goals through the Means. Good stuff, one of my top 2 favorite islamic themed podcasts.
UmmSqueaksterFemaleEgypt2010-03-25 09:00:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
Prophetic Guidance Regarding the Excellence of Reciting the Qur'an

Abu Umama said, "I heard the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, say, 'Recite the Qur'an. It will appear on the Day of Rising as an intercessor for its people.'" [Muslim]

Ibn 'Abbas stated that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "A person who has nothing of the Qur'an inside him is like a ruined house." [at-Tirmidhi]
UmmSqueaksterFemaleEgypt2010-03-11 14:42:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
Love and Marriage

Haven't listened to it yet, but it's going on my ipod next update
UmmSqueaksterFemaleEgypt2010-03-08 08:44:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
Good news for those who attended the thursday broadcast of Celebrate Mercy that had a ton of technical difficulties. Sign up for one of the future broadcasts for free:

Thursday, March 4 at 9 PM EST [2 AM in London] (No Cost)
REBROADCAST: Sunday, March 7 at 2 PM EST [7 PM in London] (No Cost)
REBROADCAST: Thursday, March 11 at 8 PM EST [1 AM in London] (No Cost)
REBROADCAST: Saturday, March 13 at 9 PM EST [2 AM in London] (No Cost)


It looks like only the one on March 4th will be held live, but I think the rebroadcasts should be ok. I signed up for the March 11th showing.
UmmSqueaksterFemaleEgypt2010-03-03 13:59:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
Love for the Sake of Allah (swt)

In this sermon, Sheikh Abdal Hakim discusses the significance of love for our fellow mankind that is purely for the sake of Allah, rather than for any worldly attachment or desire.


Edited by UmmSqueakster, 02 March 2010 - 09:28 AM.

UmmSqueaksterFemaleEgypt2010-03-02 09:26:00