To the Ummah With Love

Allah's Messenger (SAAW) said, "When the month of Ramadan starts, the gates of the heaven are opened and the gates of Hell are closed and the devils are chained." [Bukhari]

Ramadan Mubarak to all Muslims around the world!

This is not my usual post; instead it is simply an extended prayer. As we continue with our fasting and worship to Allah SWT let us each ponder over this feeling of unity.

There are no additional hours in the days, yet during this month we are able to accomplish all that we need to do. Our emotions towards one another are gentler; the Salams flow from our mouths like honey.

Insha’Allah we will continue to hold onto these beautiful experiences shared within our families and communities. May each prayer and day of fasting be accepted and rewarded Ameen. I will be keeping you each in my prayers…love you all for the sake of Allah!

A Simple Question

Every day Twitter asks one simple question, what’s happening? Resulting in a response by millions of people from all over the world (I included). I remember when I first opened my account, I thought “Okay, now what?”

One self-explanatory question had me stumped! So I did the best thing…I deleted the account. I mean after all, who needs this kind of pressure? Weeks passed by, and I would still think about that question. So I sat down stared defiantly into the laptop screen and I did it! Not only did I open a Twitter account, I answered the question.

Feeling pleased with my tiny hurdle, I started observing what people would say. Some Tweets were inspiring, others quite comical and some were heart breaking. Remember Neda? The young Iranian woman killed while standing among the crowds of protesters and their opponents. The world was instantly a witness to her last seconds of life.

In an instant Twitter changed from a social network, to a link with humanity. People one by one changed their picture to various shades of green making a symbolic showing of support.

During Ramadan I would open my page and see tweet after tweet wishing “Ramadan Mubarak” and recently Eid al Adha (Festival of Sacrifice. For me what started out as a simple answer to a question has after 2,078 tweets later, become a part of my family.

Alhamdulillah, we never know how another Muslim will enter into our lives. Technology has been often accused for separating families. Families can communicate at the dinner table, several times a year during the holidays and even on Twitter!

Searching

Recently I have started a quest to find my mosque. Why it has taken me so long, who can really say? Now in my mind, I have already attended and connected with my sisters. In reality, the search has been more disappointing to say the least.

Last week I spent most of the day searching online like an amateur detective for a mosque in my area. I had Map Quest and Google in overdrive. Then it happened. I located what I thought, would be my spiritual home insha Allah.

Sleep was virtually impossible last night; I was so excited to attend Jummah. Today I was up early had a great morning…then I was off. Arriving much earlier than needed, I took the time to prayer and reflect. Slowly, sisters started arriving giving their Salam’s (some barley audible) before wandering off to find a seat.

The experience was not what I had hoped but, today’s Jummah was about the Hereafter. And that is really what should be my focus, subhan Allah for reminders. Now, will I attend this mosque again in the future? It is possible, insha Allah. What I wanted from the experience I feel was accomplished. I made my Salat standing side by side with my sisters in Islam, and listened to the khutbah.

My quest remains to find “my” mosque. It is out there and insha Allah I will not become discouraged if the greetings are less than warm or friendly. My joy and happiness can not be removed. What was my lesson from today? We were all Muslimeen gathered in one location, serving Allah (swt)!

You Have Done All You Can

As'salamu Alaikum

It feels like a storm within my heart recently. When there is no control over the destination of it's winds or what will remain after it has ended. The sun is always behind the clouds. Faith never leaves us, it can withstand all things.
There was this line from a Christian song (and I only mention for it's relevance)which says, "What do you do, when you have done all that you can?... you just stand"

Tears have been the rain, and worries are my violent winds. Alhamdulillah no matter what "I" am feeling inside . Allah (swt) has already heard and answered my prayers. As I have mentioned before in past posts...I am living each moment and day as it comes.

I share with you my feelings. I assure you they will not always have clarity but, this is my point! Life changes without notice or warning, and my experiences are reflected and written as such.

During these past weeks my sisters and anonymous brothers have been making supplication for my husband's health. Subhan Allah he feels your support and so do I. We make du'aa for each of you to receive the barakah from Allah (swt) We will have to leave this world as we entered...alone and insha Allah surrounded by those who love us.

I have prayed, I always believe and hope in the Mercy of Allah (swt) and now I stand. See you on the other side of the storm insha Allah.

Discomfort, Not Pain

As'salamu Alaikum

It was only a matter of hours until my migraine would have complete control. A serious full-on attack of the senses, resulting in hours and sometimes days of nagging discomfort.

Whatever happened to mind over matter? Oh, and these "triggers" that are associated with headaches...please! Pretty soon just that act of waking up will bring on the pain.

I am just beginning to feel like myself. But even the light from this screen is a bit bright. Alhamdulillah it could be so much worse, so I really can't complain. I have come to realize that since accepting Islam, each part of my life is only for Allah (swt) including the discomfort.

True suffering and pain is what my sisters and brothers "live" with in Gaza, Darfur, Abu Ghraib, Nigeria etc. Subhan Allah I don't know what pain really means. Never forget our Ummah...wherever they may live.

A Beautiful Quilt

As'salamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh & Peace

I love that first crisp night in autumn when we scramble to find our favorite blanket that has been tucked away since last season. Now the condition of the blanket is not important in the least. I mean it can be tattered and faded from years of washing or even thread bare who really cares? For that moment when you first wrap yourself up inside, it becomes a much missed retreat. It's the comfort and familiarity that gives us warmth.

For me I think sisters in Islam are like a beautiful quilt...we each are a separate patch unique and beautiful in our colors and shape. Our thread is the love and belief in Islam which holds us tightly together. As sisters we are there for one another if only through a quick message, call to her cell or more importantly a needed prayer. As seasons come and go, so may our frequent connections with each other. Alhamdulillah, there will always be a link from one sister to the next. As Muslimahs, we never run out of room in our heart to include one more sister with plenty of space for more.

We may share an afternoon of "girl talk" and tea. Giving mabrook over hearing the joy of a addition to the family, or announcement of an engagement or marriage. And the time we are most needed...to share tears as we receive the news of our brother or sister being called to Allah (SWT). The point is we never forget the sister who is not there. Islam keeps the Ummah and sisterhood alive. Making sure to say "Give my salams to Umm so and so" tell her she is in my du'aa

I shared a nice talk with a dear sister of mine today, we did some "catching up" (smile) missed you sis! So when you snuggle up and get comfy with your favorite tea or coffee by your side, take a minute and contact with a sister who you have not heard from in some time. Insha Allah the warmth felt from laughter and talking about what's been going on since you last spoke. It is warmer than even your favorite blanket!

Sentimental Notes from Nazeeha