Hijaab - A Personal Choice and A Fundamental Human Right!

...what is a terrorist? who defines the word 'terror' - a dictionary or those in power? It seems as though everyone is becoming a terrorist these days - terrorising others! New trend eh? Instead of accepting and acknowledging differences - what happens? you get terrorised for being 'different' - actually hold up - let me rewind - you don't actually get terrorised (verbal abuse or physical abuse) you get killed - MURDERED!

This has happened recently - in the past week - in Europe - Germany. Dr Marwa al-sherbini, 32 year old, married with a 3 year old son and 3 months pregnant with her second baby, was an Egyptian who had sued her attacker after he had insulted her for wearing her headscarf - hijaab. She was stabbed 18 times in the courtroom where she went to give evidence against her attacker. The German police reacted - fired shots - no, not at her attacker - but her husband - who ran to defend his wife!

The whole world - from east to west is preaching HUMAN RIGHTS - protect this right, protect that right - legislation's and treaties are being passed here, there and everywhere - all in the name of protecting 'human rights' - but tell me, what about Dr Marwa's right? and her unborn baby? they weren't human? So she observed the religious headscarf - which made her different in her attackers eyes and he thought hey - lets just stab her to death - she's not a human with any rights!

Sickening - revolting and absolutely horrific!

Those very people who are preaching 'human rights' mantras are the ones who are violating it - and allowing it to happen!

After completing my masters in International Human Rights this year, I am not only saddened by this incident, but am truly wondering - what is all this human rights talk all about? Is it just selective? So now you have to belong to a certain group or have certain beliefs and thoughts - only then can you be seen as 'human' and have 'rights'.

Hijaab is a fundamental and integral part of a Muslim woman's life - she has made a choice to protect her modesty and observe the laws of God - its HER choice - and its MY choice - a proud 'hijaabi' who loves and respects everyone and their differences!

If someone is 'different' from you or holds 'different' beliefs - why not talk to them? Get to know them - and ask questions - see what its all about!

The world belongs to God - not man! To live in this world we all need to respect each other and get to know each other - you can't claim what aint yours!

She was a doctor, helping humanity - protecting humans and their rights - and her rights were taken away from her!

Marwa and her unborn - truly the first Muslim Martyr! Justice Will Be Done!

Hijaab is a personal choice and a Fundamental Human Right - its here to stay - and turBo says...'DEAL WITH IT!'

Lost Your Direction? Follow the Roadmap to Knowledge...

...we always hear the following; "Seek Knowledge from Cradle to Grave" - tell me, what will you do and how far will you go to seek knowledge? that which benefits you and grants you success in this world and grants you the highest stations of jannah in the akhira! - now i ask you again - tell me, how far will you go to gain jannah al-firdaus and to drink from the hands of Rasool Allah - to quench your thirst from the fountain of al-kauthar?...

Another excellent weekend course is coming YOUR way - lost your direction? having difficulty finding your way? you know that knowledge is here somewhere, or was it there? where??? hmmm, OK! what YOU need is a ROADMAP TO KNOWLEDGE!!! Enrol NOW! as places are LIMITED!

Alkauthar Institute is renowned for its weekend courses across the Globe - and this excellent course will be visiting Brum only ONCE - make a date in your diaries and find that time - it will be time worth investing!

Don't forget the course will provide you with your very own binder full of notes and a FREE audio for both days - and for all you mothers out there - a creche will be provided insha'Allah (please email birmingham@alkauthar.org) for more info*. Come drink from the fountain of ALKAUTHAR - i did and i never looked back - one sip and you'll be addicted - halaal ofcourse! :)

Please forward to all contacts insha'Allah - as we've all needed a map to direct us atleaset once in our lives - this course can change your lives - and it will benefit immensely - don't just take my word for it brothers n sisters - come this weekend and experience Alkauthar Institute for yourselves!

* (Creche is subject to you bringing your own carer insha'Allah).

A Meeting With Allah...

The Story of The Pretty Woman

*****The Keys*****

Allah Most High has provided a KEY for each and every goal:

The key to Jannah is the testimony of La ilaha illallah.

Purity (wudu) is the key to salah.

Ihram is the key to Hajj.

Truth is the key to righteousness.

Well intent queries is the key to knowledge.

Patience is the key to Divine assistance.

Thankfulness is the key to increased prosperity.

True love---------Remembrance of Allah is the key to sainthood.

Fear of Allah is the key to success.

Greed is the key to stinginess.

Failure to observe the Sunnah is the key to bid'ah.

Internal inclination is a key to Divine opportunity/ Tawfeeq.

Dua is the key to acceptance.

Austerity in this world is the key to inclination toward the akhirah.

Meditation is the key to Iman.

Iman and sincerity is the key to getting close to Allah.

Pondering over the Qur'an, dua at the time of dawn and abstention from sins is the key for reviving the heart.

Worshipping Allah as though you are seeing Him and endeavoring to benefit the creation is the key for incurring the mercy of Allah.

Seeking forgiveness and fear of Allah is the key to sustenance.

Obedience to Allah and His prophet (PBUH) is the key to respect.

Laziness and the love of luxuries is the key to destruction and deprivation.

- ibn Al Qayyim

Thunder and Lightning – Fear and Hope...

Where there is fear – there is always hope, and when one has hope, one should also fear – as fear and hope bring you closer to the Creator – and help you rectify your actions. They say that inspiration can come to a person anywhere and at anytime. Yes, it has been a while since turbo flowed on her blog – but I was lacking in inspiration – but lo behold did it come today – and in full force! It struck my window sill and ears like – well I can’t describe it – but it was loud! And the sharpness of the lightning – really did strike my heart! Just before 8am – snoozing in my bed – (no work, so i’m allowed a lie in) and a strong sharp light hit my eyes – I woke suddenly to hear a loud rumble and a role of thunder – rain poured so heavily and then something started hitting on my window sill – hail stones – not your average tiny ones – these were BIG ones – ones that can cause serious damage and well they really did fall to do some damage today!

First thing I did was look for my cat. Lying beside me on the bed, she was safe – she looked at me and then towards the window, then at me – and I did likewise. Although the curtains were drawn – the lightning struck with such sharpness that each time it struck I actually turned my head away. Usually all I can hear from dawn onwards is the sweet chirping of birds – but no, not at this moment, they were silenced by the roar of thunder – and whilst writing this blog entry the weather is changing yet again – and I think it will thunder again!

All I could think is that God is angry – ahhh maaan, He is seriously angry – and what about all you people who were actually going to work at that time – you must have been caught in it, right?

It all lasted about thirty minutes – and when it stopped – there was an eerie silence – even the birds didn’t stir for a long while – then police sirens broke the silence (typical! Someone had to spoil it!)

Allah (swt) shows us His signs, every day, every moment – but we, being human and neglectful forget that if He can bless us with good, and we fail to be thankful, then He can also show us His anger – after all we are to blame – it’s us humans who, after knowing and reading about His signs, turn a blind eye – so why shouldn’t He strike our hearts with fear – yet He being so Merciful is reminding us and at that very moment is also giving us hope – hope that we can change –rectify ourselves – because if we keep procrastinating then one day real soon it will be too late.

Allah (swt) says in the Qur’an; It is He Who shows you the lightning, as a fear and as a hope. And it is He Who brings up the clouds, heavy (with water). And Ar-Ra'd (thunder) glorifies and praises Him, and so do the angels because of His awe. He sends the thunderbolts, and therewith He strikes whom He wills, yet they (disbelievers) dispute about Allah. And He is Mighty in strength and Severe in punishment (S13; V 12-13)

A reminder, firstly to myself and then all the readers – there shall come a day when all the signs will disappear – then we won’t have any excuses left – and it’ll be our fault – so now is the time – don’t wait for Ar-Rad to come and knock on your windowsill (or mine for that matter) but wake up and realise – we all have a lot of work to do and every moment could be our last – acknowledge the sings of God, be thankful – follow them – pass on His message to others and never forget – fear always accompanies hope! Truly a sign for men of understanding...

12 Rabi al-Awwal and The Last Sermon

Today is the Prophet's Birthday - Prophet Muhammad - may the peace and blessings of God be upon Him! He was born in Mecca in the year of the Elephant. Whenever a major event happened, the Arabs would refer to everything that happened in that year after that by the name of the event.

The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was sent as a mercy to all of mankind. All other Prophet's were sent at a specific time and to a specific people - but been the Seal and Final of the Prophet's - he was sent by God to everyone - and the Final Book was also revealed to him through the Archangel Gabriel.

The following is the Prophet's Last Sermon during his final pilgrimage. It is, once again, a reminder for all of mankind - remember Prophet Muhammad was sent to all of mankind - and i hope, firstly myself and all you who are reading it will reflect upon it, renew one's intentions and implement its teaching.

In the name of Allah most Gracious most Merciful.

This Sermon was delivered on the Ninth day of Dhul Hijjah 10 A.H. in the 'Uranah valley of Mount Arafat'.

"O People, lend me an attentive ear, for I know not whether, after this year, I shall ever be amongst you again. Therefore listen to what I am saying to you very carefully and TAKE THESE WORDS TO THOSE WHO COULD NOT BE PRESENT HERE TODAY.
O People, just as you regard this month, this day, this city as Sacred, so regard the life and property of every Muslim as a sacred trust. Return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners. Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you. Remember that you will indeed meet your LORD, and that HE will indeed reckon your deeds. ALLAH has forbidden you to take usury (Interest), therefore all interest obligation shall henceforth be waived.
Beware of Satan, for the safety of your religion. He has lost all hope that he will ever be able to lead you astray in big things, so beware of following him in small things.
O People, it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women, but they also have rights over you. If they abide by your right then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Do treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners and committed helpers. And it is your right that they do not Make friends with any one of whom you do not approve, as well as never to commit adultery.
O People, listen to me in earnest, worship ALLAH, say your five daily prayers (Salah), fast during the month of Ramadan, and give your wealth in Zakat perform Hajj if you can afford to. You know that every Muslim is the brother of another Muslim. You are all equal. Nobody has superiority over other except by piety and good action.
Remember, one day you will appear before ALLAH and answer for your deeds. So beware, do not stray from the path of righteousness after I am gone.
O People, NO PROPHET OR APOSTLE WILL COME AFTER ME AND NO NEW FAITH WILL BE BORN. Reason well, therefore, O People, and understand my words which I convey to you. I leave behind me two things, the Quran and my example the SUNNA and if you follow these you will never go astray.
All those who listen to me shall pass on my words to others and those to others again; and may the last ones understand my words better than those who listen to me directly. Be my witness O ALLAH, that I have conveyed your message to your people."