How to be happy?

When you're purposely trying to be happy or cheerful, but just can't seem to acheive it at the moment, do something crazy. Turn your favorite music up loud and do a stupid dance to it. Talk to yourself in the mirror. Try a new food. Rearrange your room in a weird way. Write a funny or inspiring quote on your mirror/wall/locker. Scream as loud as you can (warn your family first!). Bounce up and down, jump all around. Go outside and turn the hose on yourself, if it's a hot day. It's stupid, crazy, weird stuff like that that seems pointless, but could actually lift your mood after you do it, just because you're glad you did it.

Night Whispers

The stars shine brightly as I open my window.


The curtains dance softly to the melody of the delicate breeze.

I sit by my window, bedazzled.


Its 3 am.

Nothing can compare to the complete calmness of this moment.

I hear HIM.

“Is there anyone who calls on Me that I may respond to him? Is there anyone who asks Me that I may give unto him? Is there anyone who requests My Forgiveness that I may forgive him?”

I hasten to make my wudhu.The splash of cold water illuminates my face.

As I begin the sacred conversation with my Lord, I leave this world far behind.

Every trace of worry or grief seems to be dissolving in the unfathomable beauty of the night prayer.

In His Divine Love, I find peace and strength.

the delayed GIFT

“If, in spite of intense supplication, there is a delay in the timing of the Gift [al-'ata], let that not be the cause for your despairing. For He has guaranteed you a response in what He chooses for you, not in what you choose for yourself, and at the time He desires, not the time you desire."




[Ibn ‘Ata’illah]

An ode to our good ol days, yeah!!!

Gudiiii jaaan,

                                            

Another year has come and gone..
But moments spent together unfold treasures..

Of laughter and jokes during daylight
Of walks to remember in the moonlight
Of meals eaten always together
Of golden tea during twilight hour
Of rail travels on rainy days
To get pleasure from klcc gardens
Of iced cappuccinos in the scorching heat
To peach teas in the favorite E2 seats
Of merry banters during boring classes
To Idaman trips to buy glasses
Of New York cheese cake to break a fight
To a Nescafe treat to calm the storms
Of lovely escape to the surreal reality
During the cindrella’s newly wedded bliss
Of the gentle teasing to play the heart
To singing crazy songs in the mart
Of the maximum use of the little rice cooker
To create some wonders of the Tibetan delights
Of the serene hours in the peaceful masjid
During the month of Holy Ramadan
Of lovely iftars and tranquil i'tikafs
To standing beside in enchanting taraweeh
Of bubbling enthusiasm at the start of new sems
To unbeatable struggle to achieve the impossible
Of patience and strength during tough times
Of wisdom and understanding behind every test
Of that tender support and encouragement
For each other when the tides rose high
Of the loving warmth and embraces
Upon reaching the shores
Of infinite kindness that brought the gentle inner glow
To boundless generosity when sharing our little silly things
Of the fulfillment of our fondest dreams
To the sweet memories that passing years can never mar
Of experiences great and small
That has made us who we are
Of the special bond that we share
Like bread and honey in every way
I hope you know how very much you mean to me
In every way.

Happy Birthday Gudiiiiiii!!!

Na tum jano na hum

This song is one of my all time fav!
Gudi and me used to sing it sooo often, even during peak times of FYP! Haha, such freaks we were..

I felt like singing this soooo much today...

So sing with me :)

Kyon Chalti Hai Pavan

Kyon Jhume Hai Gagan

Kyon Machalta Hai Mann

Na Tum Jano Na Hum

Na Tum Jano Na Hum

Kyon Aati Hai Bahaar

Kyon Lutta Hai Karaar

Kyon Hota Hai Pyaar

Na Tum Jano Na Hum

Na Tum Jano Na Hum

Ye Madhoshiyaan Ye Tanhaiyaan

Tasabur Mein Hai Kiski Parchhaiyaan

Ye Bhiga Samaan Umangein Jawaan

Mujhe Ishq Le Ja Raha Hai Kahaan

Kyon Gum Hai Har Disha

Kyon Hota Hai Nasha

Kyon Aata Hai Mazaa

Na Tum Jano Na Hum

Na Tum Jano Na Hum

Dhadakta Bhi Hai Tadapta Bhi Hai

Ye Dil Kyon Achanak Bahakta Bhi Hai

Mahakta Bhi Hai

Chahakta Bhi Hai

Ye Dil Kya Vafa Ko Samajhta Bhi Hai

Kyon Milti Hain Nazar

Kyon Hota Hai Asar

Kyon Hoti Hai Sahar

Na Tum Jano Na Hum

Na Tum Jano Na Hum

Kyon Chalti Hai Pavan

Kyon Jhume Hai Gagan

Kyon Machalta Hai Mann

Na Tum Jano Na Hum

Kyon Aati Hai Bahaar

Kyon Lutta Hai Karaar

Kyon Hota Hai Pyaar

Na Tum Jano Na Hum

Na Tum Jano Na Hum

And...

If there was a single sacred rose

On a mountain top that grows

Where nobody ever dares to go

For you I'd climb that mountain high

I would reach up to the sky

If that rose was your desire..

Five Fingers

Imam Malik Ibn Anas saw the Death Angel in his sleep, and the Imam asked him: " How much left for me to live?". The Angel pointed to his five fingers. Then the Imam asked him: " Does that mean 5 years, or 5 months, or 5 days ?". Before the Imam had a chance to get an answer back, he woke up.

The Imam went to someone who would interpret dreams. That man told him: " Imam Malik, when the Angel pointed to his five fingers he didn't mean 5 years or months or days, but the Angel meant that your question ' how much left for me to live' is among 5 matters that only Allah (SWT) knows about, and he recited the following verse from the Qur'an:

"Verily, with ALLAH alone is the knowledge of the Hour. And HE sends down the rain, and HE knows what is in the wombs. And no soul knows what it will earn tomorrow, and no soul knows in what land it will die. Surely, ALLAH is All-Knowing, All-Aware." 31:34

Unto HIM is the journeying..

I still can't believe that Prof Wahyudi is not among us anymore..Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilaihi Raji'oon.
This news struck us hard and shook us bringing us back to the very  reality.
This Dunya is just a passing phase.We are all to leave one day.....anytime, anywhere,anyhow.
It's upto us to utilise the time we have with us NOW in fruitful ways doing good deeds and earning HIS pleasure.
May Allah help us all to uplift our iman and earn HIS love.Aameen.

A Different kind of Love Story

http://saudilife.net/component/content/article/44-jeddah/179-a-different-kind-of-love-story.html

Subhana'Allah.

"Okay, but not right now..."

What does the apparent lack of response from God mean?

Isthikharah requires that we have the utmost and ultimate faith in Allah.When it comes to making decisions between two halal choices,the best way is to just perform two rakahs of Isthikharah and let Allah determine it.

Actually there can be one of the two result when we make a duaa.There is no doubt that Allah hears all sincere duaa and the outcome is either an instant response in the affirmative or no response.

An apparant lack of response is usually misunderstood to be an unanswered prayer.However, this negative response usually means one of the two things.Perhaps what you are asking for is not in your best interest and Allah has said "No." He knows why it is bad for you and He knows that there might be something better for you.Wouldn't you rather be protected from yourself than hear,"I told you so," later?

Another reason for a lack of response is when Allah has decided,"Okay,but not right now" This simply means that your Duaa has been heard and your request will be granted some time in the future.Here is where it gets tricky.If the answer to your prayer is "Yes, but later" how can we distinguish that from a plain and simple,"No"?

Well, you can't.That is where patience comes in.We have to maintain trust that Allah will let happen whatever is best.This grants us peace of mind.

That is why,when we make duaa, we shouldn't ask for something that we have already decided we want.We should instead ask Allah to give us what is best for us.
He knows Best.

Insha'Allah Let's all be patient and ask from Him alone.

Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind

Sometimes, no matter how much we try. It is always in our heart.As fresh as yesterday.As real as today.And as hopeful as tomorrow.

                                          Forever happens.

Silver dreams under a blue winter sky

Begin doing what you want to do now. We are not living in eternity. We have only this moment, sparkling like a star in our hand and melting like a snowflake...

I wanna feel the touch of snow..
I wanna see the white mistique..
I wanna hear the calm whispers..
I wanna taste the sweet ice crystals..
I wanna chase the winter's butterfly..
I wanna dance with the snow angels..
I wanna collect golden moments..
I wanna enjoy every breath..
I wanna leave my footprints..
I wanna speak to the great silence..
I wanna befriend the frosty wind..
I wanna kiss the heaven above..
I wanna live like this forever..
~SF

I wanna be here....

and here...

and here...

In the midst of winter, I finally learned that there was in me an invincible summer

And Life is like a field of newly fallen snow

Where I choose to walk every step will show

where do You hide?

I look for You
on mountain sides
through summer trees
Where do You hide?

I look for You
on moonlit nights
through endless stars
Where do You Hide?

I look for You
on silent thoughts
through empty days
Where do you hide?

I look for You no more
For on mountain sides
and moonlit nights
my silent thoughts
bring You to life
Hidden things are revealed
and with all life I share
the knowledge and eternal light
of knowing You are everywhere

Jumuah Mubarak :)

Some of God's greatest gifts are unanswered prayers..

Be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves like locked rooms and like books that are written in a very foreign tongue.
 Do not now seek the answers, which cannot be given you because you would not be able to live them. And the point is, to live everything. Live the questions now. Perhaps you will find them gradually, without noticing it, and live along some distant day into the answer.
~R.M.R

Oudh Sweetness

It's friday eve.

Dad comes in my room holding the mabkhara with the oudh bakhoor burning sweetly....Dad loves to perfume our home in the weekends specially on fridays..

As the fragnant rich thick smoke tickles my senses, im am suddenly struck by reality.

IM AT HOME. Where I belong.

Mom, whose life she has dedicated for her children.
Dad, whose every dua for a bright future for his kids.
Sisters, the running veins of life..

Family! The beautiful basket of love, faith and sacrifices. God's greatest gift in everyone's life.
Alhamdullilah for the wonderful family i have.

As I complete my salah, and fold my prayer mat, dad kisses my forehead with a comforting "Allah bless you, my child".

Al Haqqah

After a peaceful magrib prayer, opened Our Quran to recite a few verses.And I came across this important reminder for us all.
May Allah protect and guide us to the straight path.Aameen.


Narrated By Samura bin Jundub :

Allah's Apostle very often used to ask his companions, "Did anyone of you see a dream?" So dreams would be narrated to him by those whom Allah wished to tell. One morning the Prophet said, "Last night two persons came to me (in a dream) and woke me up and said to me, 'Proceed!' I set out with them and we came across a man Lying down, and behold, another man was standing over his head, holding a big rock. Behold, he was throwing the rock at the man's head, injuring it. The rock rolled away and the thrower followed it and took it back. By the time he reached the man, his head returned to the normal state. The thrower then did the same as he had done before. I said to my two companions, 'Subhan Allah! Who are these two persons?' They said, 'Proceed!' So we proceeded and came to a man Lying flat on his back and another man standing over his head with an iron hook, and behold, he would put the hook in one side of the man's mouth and tear off that side of his face to the back (of the neck) and similarly tear his nose from front to back and his eye from front to back. Then he turned to the other side of the man's face and did just as he had done with the other side. He hardly completed this side when the other side returned to its normal state. Then he returned to it to repeat what he had done before. I said to my two companions, 'Subhan Allah! Who are these two persons?' They said to me, 'Proceed!' So we proceeded and came across something like a Tannur (a kind of baking oven, a pit usually clay-lined for baking bread)." I think the Prophet said, "In that oven t here was much noise and voices." The Prophet added, "We looked into it and found naked men and women, and behold, a flame of fire was reaching to them from underneath, and when it reached them, they cried loudly. I asked them, 'Who are these?' They said to me, 'Proceed!' And so we proceeded and came across a river." I think he said, "...red like blood." The Prophet added, "And behold, in the river there was a man swimming, and on the bank there was a man who had collected many stones. Behold. while the other man was swimming, he went near him. The former opened his mouth and the latter (on the bank) threw a stone into his mouth whereupon he went swimming again. He returned and every time the performance was repeated, I asked my two companions, 'Who are these (two) persons?' They replied, 'Proceed! Proceed!' And we proceeded till we came to a man with a repulsive appearance, the most repulsive appearance, you ever saw a man having! Beside him there was a fire and he was kindling it and running around it. I asked my companions, 'Who is this (man)?' They said to me, 'Proceed! Proceed!' So we proceeded till we reached a garden of deep green dense vegetation, having all sorts of spring colors. In the midst of the garden there was a very tall man and I could hardly see his head because of his great height, and around him there were children in such a large number as I have never seen. I said to my companions, 'Who is this?' They replied, 'Proceed! Proceed!' So we proceeded till we came to a majestic huge garden, greater and better than I have ever seen! My two companions said to me, 'Go up and I went up' The Prophet added, "So we ascended till we reached a city built of gold and silver bricks and we went to its gate and asked (the gatekeeper) to open the gate, and it was opened and we entered the city and found in it, men with one side of their bodies as handsome as the handsomest person you have ever seen, and the other side as ugly as the ugliest person you have ever seen. My two companions ordered those men to throw themselves into the river. Behold, there was a river flowing across (the city), and its water was like milk in whiteness. Those men went and threw themselves in it and then returned to us after the ugliness (of their bodies) had disappeared and they became in the best shape." The Prophet further added, "My two companions (angels) said to me, 'This place is the Eden Paradise, and that is your place.' I raised up my sight, and behold, there I saw a palace like a white cloud! My two companions said to me, 'That (palace) is your place.' I said to them, 'May Allah bless you both! Let me enter it.' They replied, 'As for now, you will not enter it, but you shall enter it (one day) I said to them, 'I have seen many wonders tonight. What does all that mean which I have seen?'

They replied, 'We will inform you: As for the first man you came upon whose head was being injured with the rock, he is the symbol of the one who studies the Quran and then neither recites it nor acts on its orders, and sleeps, neglecting the enjoined prayers. As for the man you came upon whose sides of mouth, nostrils and eyes were torn off from front to back, he is the symbol of the man who goes out of his house in the morning and tells so many lies that it spreads all over the world. And those naked men and women whom you saw in a construction resembling an oven, they are the adulterers and the adulteresses; and the man whom you saw swimming in the river and given a stone to swallow, is the eater of usury (Riba) and the bad looking man whom you saw near the fire kindling it and going round it, is Malik, the gatekeeper of Hell and the tall man whom you saw in the garden, is Abraham and the children around him are those children who die with Al-Fitra (the Islamic Faith)." The narrator added: Some Muslims asked the Prophet, "O Allah's Apostle! What about the children of pagans?" The Prophet replied, "And also the children of pagans." The Prophet added, "My two companions added, 'The men you saw half handsome and half ugly were those persons who had mixed an act that was good with another that was bad, but Allah forgave them.'"

[Sahih Bukhari 171]

From Coffee with Love

Nothing is more exciting than waking up to the lovely aroma of  freshly brewn arabica beans beneath a thick layer of velvety smooth milk, dusted with a dollop of creamy milk froth...

Aaah! It's an escape to the surreal to pamper your taste buds with one of the most exotic drinks in the world discovered by fate in a land unknown to most in surroundings that bring peace of mind...yeah peace of  mind!!

I always loved coffee..its been my partner ever since I was a lot younger! something abt it that soothes your sensations and delivers an excitable feeling to the rest of your day!!

Btw, did you know that coffee was actually discovered by an Ethiopian goat herder in the 9th century! cool eh?
Legend has it that a shepherd named Kaldi was tending his goats up on the mountains somewhere in Ethiopia. It was a hot day and he was taking a rest. Then he looked up and couldn’t believe his eyes when he saw his goats dancing. Walking over to where they were dancing, he discovered that they had been eating a red fruit (coffee beans). Wondering whether that had caused the goats strange behaviour he consumed some of the ‘fruit’ himself. Sometime later, a local Imam came along and thought he must be dreaming when he saw Kaldi dancing with his goats! He asked Kaldi what was going on. Kaldi claimed that the ‘red fruit’ had caused him and his goats to start dancing. Trying some for himself, the imam found that this was no regular fruit. The imam then shared the coffee beans with others and its popularity in Ethiopia grew very quickly! That legend is called ‘the legend of the dancing goats’. Whether it is true or not is debated, but it is clear that coffee was consumed by the Ethiopians in the 9th century. So now you know who discovered this heaven!!!!  Now let’s take a look at some cool facts about coffee.

• Coffee contains antioxidants that help prevent cancer and heart disease.
• Studies indicate that regular coffee drinkers are up to 80% less likely to develop Parkinson’s disease.
• Drinking two cups daily could reduce the risk of colon cancer by 25% and halve the risk of gallstones.
• Emerging evidence suggests that coffee may help manage asthma, stop a headache, boost mood, and even prevent cavities.

Just when I have been trying to wean myself off coffee lately, I feel in love with my morning cup of joy again! Specially on a cold winter morning like this :)

I miss that modern cake-coffee shop (Secret Recipe) that I used to often visit while in Malaysia....dim lights, comforting colours, coffee aroma, a place to sit, relax, meet with friends, work on your laptop, enjoying a latte, cappuccino, espresso, tea, smoothie or any other favourite drink...

Here's To My Coffee Love!

Aabaan gone Sharjah

Huss left and she took away the joyful happiness that existed in our home...

Oh how i miss my Aabaan :(

The bed is empty..
No orange drink to be made..
No more mornings to wake up to her beautiful angelic face smiling at us ..
No daytime fights and nightime talks...
No more lil advices and playful banter..
No teasing or weasings..
No scarves exchanges or abaya deals..
No starbucks pictures or UNO losers..
No barbeques or appletizer..
No crazy dances in the twilight..
No dynamics search in the midnight..
No heart to heart talks in the tea break..
No orange butter marmalade in the dawn break..
No warm hugs that touches the soul..
No beautiful words that heals the wounds..
No swift corrections to the wrong actions..
No insightful messages thru her playful actions..

Ya Noor Ainee, wherever you are, may Allah protect you and bless you.

I miss you my beloved sister, my Aabaan.

Closed doors?

I just read this and man!!!!!!!  feels like a God sent piece! Just what i needed!

Yesterday my 22 month old sought to exercise his independence. After climbing out of his car seat, he wanted to shut the car door like a big boy, so I stood there watching over him. Realizing that if I left him to shut the door, his little head would have gotten slammed in the process, I lifted him away, and shut the door myself. This devastated him, and he broke down in tears. How could I prevent him from doing what he so badly wanted to do? Watching the incident, a strange thought crossed my mind. I was reminded of all the times this had happens to us in life—when we want something so badly, but Allah does not allow us to have it. I was reminded of all the times we as adults felt this same frustration when things just wouldn’t work out the way we so desperately wanted them to. And then suddenly, it was so clear. I had only taken my son away from the door to protect him. But he had no idea. In the midst of his mourning, he had no idea that I had actually saved him. And just as my son wept in his naivety and innocence, so often we too bemoan events that have actually saved us.


When we miss a plane, lose a job, or find ourselves unable to marry the person we want, have we ever stopped to consider the possibility that it may have been for our own good? Allah tells us in the Quran: “…But perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allah Knows, while you know not.” (2:216)

Yet it is so difficult to look beyond the surface of things. It takes great strength to see beyond the illusions, to a deeper truth—which we may or may not understand. Just as my son could not understand how my depriving him of what he most wanted at that moment was in fact my looking out for him, we are often just as blind.

As a result, we end up staring indefinitely at the closed doors of our lives, and forget to notice the ones that have opened. When we can’t marry the person we had in mind, our inability to look beyond may even blind sight us from someone who is in fact better for us. When we don’t get hired, or we lose something dear to us, it’s hard to take a step back and notice the bigger picture. Often Allah takes things away from us, only to replace them with something greater.

Even tragedy may happen in this way. One can imagine few calamities more painful than the loss of a child. And yet, even this loss could happen to save us and give us something greater.

The Prophet said:

If the child of a servant (of Allah) dies, Allah says to His Angels: ‘Have you taken the child of My servant?’
The Angels reply: ‘Yes.’
Allah says to them: ‘Have you taken the fruit of his heart?’
They reply: ‘Yes.’
Then Allah says to them: ‘What did my servant say?’
The Angels reply: ‘He praised Allah and said: ‘To Allah do we return.’
Allah tells them: ‘Build a home for my servant in Paradise and call it Baytul Hamd (the House of Praise).’ [Tirmidhi]

When Allah takes something as beloved from us as a child, it may be that He has taken it in order to give us something greater. It may be because of that loss, that we are admitted into paradise—an eternal life with our child. And unlike our life here, it is an everlasting life where our child will have no pain, fear, or sickness.

But in this life, even our own sicknesses may not be what they seem. Through them Allah may be in fact purifying us of our sins. When the Prophet was suffering from a high fever, he said: “No Muslim is afflicted with any harm, even if it were the prick of a thorn, but that Allah expiates his sins because of that, as a tree sheds its leaves.” [Bukhari]

In another hadith the Prophet explains that this applies even to sadness and worry. He says: “Whenever a Muslim is afflicted with a hardship, sickness, sadness, worry, harm, or depression – even a thorn’s prick, Allah expiates his sins because of it.” [Bukhari]

Or consider the example of poverty. Most people without wealth would never consider that a possible blessing. But for the people around Qarun, it was. Qarun was a man who lived at the time of Prophet Musa who Allah had endowed with such great wealth, that even the keys to his wealth was itself wealth. The Qur’an says: “So he came out before his people in his adornment. Those who desired the worldly life said, ‘Oh, would that we had like what was given to Qarun. Indeed, he is one of great fortune.’” (28:79)

But Qarun’s wealth had made him arrogant, ungrateful, and rebellious against Allah. Allah says: “And We caused the earth to swallow him and his home. And there was for him no company to aid him other than Allah, nor was he of those who [could] defend themselves. And those who had wished for his position the previous day began to say, ‘Oh, how Allah extends provision to whom He wills of His servants and restricts it! If not that Allah had conferred favor on us, He would have caused it to swallow us. Oh, how the disbelievers do not succeed!’” (Qur’an, 28:81-82) After seeing the fate of Qarun, the same people became grateful that they had been saved from his wealth.

But perhaps there is no better example of this lesson, than in the story of Musa and Al-Khidr that were are told about in Surat Al-Kahf. When Prophet Musa was traveling with Al-Khidr (who commentators say was an angel in the form of a man), he learned that things are often not what they seem, and that the wisdom of Allah cannot always be understood from the surface. Al-Khidr and Prophet Musa came upon a town whereupon Al-Khidr began to damage the boats of the people.

On the surface, this action would seem to have been harmful to the poor owners of the boats. However, Al-Khidr later explains that he was in fact protecting the people, and saving the boats for them. Allah tells us in the Qur’an: “[Al-Khidhr] said, ‘This is parting between me and you. I will inform you of the interpretation of that about which you could not have patience. As for the ship, it belonged to poor people working at sea. So I intended to cause defect in it as there was after them a king who seized every [good] ship by force.’” (18:78-79)

In damaging the boats, Al-Khidr was actually protecting the people by making the boats undesirable to the king who had been seizing them by force. And sometimes in life, that’s exactly what happens. In order to save us, something is taken away from us, or given to us in a way we don’t want. And yet to us—as it did to a 22 month old boy—it looks only like a closed door.

In the Desert of Waiting

Im kinda stuck.

You see life can bring you to a dead end sometimes...and that's exactly what im facing now!

After a full fledged fun four years of engineering , i find myself standing here, in the desert, jobless and well ..
Sometimes it can get frustating and depressing when you are not sure what is the next thing on board..or rather what is the Plan in store for ya.... That deep lonely feeling begins to sink in and you suddenly begin to feel out of place with life...Lost

Ok.

Let me stop fretting and worrying and Let Allah choose for me the right thing!

Leaving you with this :

Why ponder thus the future to foresee
and jade thy brain to vain perplexity
Cast off thy care, leave Allah's plans to Him
He formed them all without consulting thee.

~ Omar Khayyam

~

Reach for the stars and never fear. You are capable of everything and can have anything you want....

Just as treasures are uncovered from the earth, so virtue appears from good deeds, and wisdom appears from a pure and peaceful mind. To walk safely through the maze of human life, one needs the light of wisdom and the guidance of virtue. ~ Budha

An Oasis or Just a Mirage?

According to what we learn from our Book, there will be very interesting scenes on the Day of Resurrection, when all people will be questioned. There we are no longer the actors of this world stage. It is the Day of Judgement. Whether we like it or not, on that day we will face all of our deeds. The deeds that were done having no belief in Allah will be like a mirage in the desert. Just like a mirage..."the thirsty one thinks it to be water". But alas! In vain!


wallazeena kafaruu a'maaluhum kasaraabin biqee'atin (24:39).
The unbelievers, their deeds are like a mirage in a desert

yahsabuhuz-zam-aanu maaan
The thirsty one thinks it to be water

hattaa izaa jaaahuu
until he comes up to it

lam yajidhu shay-an
he finds it to be nothing

wawajadallaaha 'indahuu fawaffaahu hisaabahuu
but he finds Allah with him, Who will pay him his account

wallaahu saree'ul-hisaab
And Allah is quick in taking account.

Be tough,yet gentle

Toughness is in the soul and spirit, not in muscles.  ~A.K

Jumuah Mubarak

Obstacles don't have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don't turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.


~Michael Jordan

Today's Apples

How To Gain Khushu in Salah

What is Khushu ?

Khushu during Salah is misunderstood by some people as crying and weeping. Rather, it is the presence of the heart during an act of Ibadah. When a persons heart is fully occupied of what he says or hears, he is in a true state of Khushu.

The concept of Khushu in Salah is very essential.

1- It is a vital factor in making a person successful in this life and in later life. "Indeed, the believers, who have Khushu' in their Salah, are the winners." [Noble Quran 23:1-2]

2-It is a contributing factor for the acceptance of Salah.

3- It is a way to gain more rewards from the Almighty Allah; the more the Khushu a person has, the more rewards he gets.

4- Without Khushu the heart cannot easily be purified.

Ways to Gain Khushu

A. Pre-Salah
1- A Muslim should know his Lord very well. Knowing whom one worships makes a person a better worshipper. Having clear and authentic knowledge about Allah increases His love in our hearts. Consequently, faith also increases.
2- Avoiding major and minor sins is very helpful in gaining Khushu, as the heart becomes more receptive to the words of Allah during and after Salah.
3- Reciting the Quran frequently and consistently softens the hearts and prepares it for Khushu. Hard hearts do not gain Khushu.
4- Minimize attachment to worldly matters. Gearing ones intentions towards the Afterlife helps against the temptations of life.
5- Avoid excessive laughter and useless arguments as they harden the heart and lead to heedlessness.
6- Stop working as soon as you hear the Adhan. When you listen attentively to the call of Salah repeat after the muezzin then offer the relevant supplication. This prepares you for a smooth transition from the business with worldly matters to the business with Salah.
7- Performing Wudu immediately after hearing the Adhan prepares you for the pending Salah. Wudu also works as a buffer zone before engaging in Salah.
8- Going to the mosque early for praying and continuing mention of Allah drives Satan away and help gain concentration.
9- The waiting time for the congregational Salah helps create a buffer zone between the state of mind before Salah and the state of during Salah.

B. During Salah
1- The Iqamah itself is a final signal to the mind to be well prepared for performing the actual Salah. Remember what the messenger of Allah said to Bilal "Let us enjoy the comfort of the Salah."
2- When you stand facing the Qiblah remember the following:
a. It might be the last Salah in your life. There is no guarantee to live longer to catch the next Salah.
b. You are standing between the hands of Allah, the Lord of the worlds. How can you be busy with something else?
c. The angel of death is chasing you.
3- Do not forget to make Istiadthah. It wards off Satans whispers.
4- Keep your eyes focused on the place of Sujud. This helps you gain more concentration.
5- When reciting the Fatihah, try to recall the response of Allah to you after every Ayah you say. (When you say: "al-Hamdu Lillahi Rabbil Alamin) Allah responds: "My servant praised me." etc. This feeling of speaking to Allah puts you in the right mood of Khushu.
6- Beautifying the recitation of the Quran has a positive impact on the heart.
7- Recite the Quran slowly and reflect upon its meaning deeply.
8- It is recommended to change the Surah that your recite from time to time to avoid the mechanic-like state of repetition.
9- Alternate between the various authentic Sunan such as proclaiming a different opening supplication in every Salah.
10- Undoubtedly, understanding Arabic helps you focus on the intended meaning.
11- Interact with the recited Ayahs;
a. if you hear an Ayah about Allah, glorify Him by saying "Subhanallah";
b. If you hear an Ayah about Hellfire, say "Audthu Billahi Minan-Nar".
c. If you hear a command to make Istighfar, do it.
d. If you hear an Ayah that requests Tasbih, make Tasbih.
12- These forms of interactions are very helpful in keeping you focused.
13- When you prostrate, remember that this position brings you closer to Allah. Seize the opportunity to make sincere Duaa. Invest these moments in making sincere supplications.

C- Post-Salah
1. When you make Taslim, make Istighfar to Allah as you might have made during Salah.
2. When you praise Allah, thank Him from the bottom of your heart that you have experienced the beauty of Salah in your heart. Getting used to this habit prepares your for the next Salah, as you will always be eager to focus in your prayer.
3. One perfection leads to another perfection. If some one perfects his Salah once, he would be self-motivated to continue on the same level.

--Dr. Mamdouh N. Mohamed

To You I Beseech

Lord, the night is gone. The dawn has lighted the sky. How I long to know if You accepted or rejected my prayers. Comfort me, Lord, for only you can comfort this state of mine. You gave me life and nurtured me; Yours is all the praise. If You would ever drive me away from Your door, I would never abandon it for the sake of Your love, which I carry in my heart.
- Rabi'a, "Rabi'a the Mystic"

Practice

Practice what you have learned, for theory without practice is like a spirit without a body. One who is content with learning alone is not learned, for the truly learned seeks more than mere words. Divine guidance entails self-mortification, without which contemplation is unattainable.


--Al-Hujwiri, "The Kashf al-Mahjub"

Rythm Of Life

A true friend is the greatest of all blessings..

Making the Choice to be Happy

Suppose there was a way for you to increase your positive thinking, optimism and level of success. What if I also told you that it could also increase your level of happiness, creative thinking, confidence, self esteem and energy level? Sounds too good to be true? Well, these possibilities are real and they are right at your fingertips. It’s really very simple: All you have to do is to adopt a more positive attitude and the changes that will begin to occur in your life will astound you. Having a positive attitude is an enormous help when it comes to coping with the usual ups and downs of life.


When you have the ability to look at life’s bright side, your entire life is filed with light. This light not only after your outlook on the world, your environment and the people around you but if it is strong enough, it becomes contagious, cuz positive people are just more pleasant to be around. The Prophet (SAWS) said “Be cheerful, not threatening and make things easy, not difficult.”(Bukhari and Muslim)

Positive people display confidence and self esteem; they incorporate constructive and creative thinking and tend to view failures and problems as blessings in disguise; they seek solutions, opportunities and expect success in their lives; they are inspired with endless possibilities, they provide inspiration to others; they are motivated towards the goals they set, they don’t give up easily and believe strongly in themselves and their abilities. They simply make the choice each day to be happy.

Adopting a more positive attitude benefits the true believers.”Nothing will weigh more heavily in the balance of the believing servant on the Day of Resurrection than a good attitude(towards others).Verily Allah hates those who utter vile words and obscene speech.”(Tirmithi)

There are many things that we can do on a daily basis to push ourselves along the road to attaining a more positive attitude:

 Keep up daily obligatory salah. Salah is a powerful link between us and our Lord.It is an escape into the merciful folds of Allah’s pleasure and protection. By making salah five times a day, we derive strength,contentment and steadfastness. We emerge more peaceful and balanced. Faith is essential in establishing and maintaining a positive frame of mind.

 Give your appearance the attention it deserves. A negative self-image can lead to a negative attitude, while grooming and clean, attractive clothing can lift your spirits and build your confidence .The Prophet (SAWS) said “Allah is beautiful and loves beauty”(Muslim).

 Monitor your self talk. Do you ever think about the dialogue you have with yourself throughout the day? Do you say negative and critical things to yourself like “Im always making mistakes” or “Im just no good at math” .The more frequently these negative thoughts are repeated, the stronger they become. Make yourself fully aware of any negative self talk you may be engaging in. Then immediately begin replacing those thoughts with positive productive ones.

 Change your vocabulary. When someone asks, ”How are you?” Rather than respond with “alright”, why not instead say ”wonderful” or “superb”. Think about the words you habitually speak and replace them with ones that empower you.

Developing a positive attitude is an essential part of our Islamic faith.
Sharing this attitude with others helps us to be more complete in our worship.

The Prophet (SAWS) said, “The most perfect in faith among the believers are those who are best in their attitude toward others” (Tirmithi)

---Kimberly Ben (Al Jumuah)

Athkar

"And establish regular prayers at the two ends of the day and at the approaches of the night: For those things, that are good remove those that are evil: Be that the word of remembrance to those who remember (their Lord)" [11:114]

"And remember Allah much,that you may be successful" [62:10]

"Allahumma bika asbahna,wa bika amsaina,wa bika nahya,wa bika namutu, wa ilaikannushur"
O Allah! with your power we have come to the morning,with Your Power we come to the evening,with Your Power we live, and we die and to You will we return.

Alo!

Hi!!!! Salam aleikum :)
So finally im here!
Today im soooo happy happy hamdullilah...have been hearing good news all around!!!
Wearing a sap green top that compliments my baby yellow skirt, have been jumping madly around ma home..much to the irritation of ma sisters!! So thought why not direct my positive energy towards something positive and here i am!!
So welcome to the Me World! :D
Am soo excited!