tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-301376612024-03-08T15:28:11.100-08:00Quest for the DivinePeace and Welcome! This blog is intended to be a manifestation of my thoughts and reflections on articles or topics I find inspiring. All of this, God willing, is formed with a pure intention to be a part of the Quest for the Divine...Sisters and Brothers, let's blog on!Shamirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05598931430809935928noreply@blogger.comBlogger236125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30137661.post-32980770541041331762011-06-15T09:27:00.000-07:002011-06-15T09:38:13.992-07:00Texas Events for Sisters!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; "><div style="text-align: center; "><b><meta charset="utf-8"><span class="Apple-style-span"><div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center; "><meta charset="utf-8"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div class="im" style="color: rgb(80, 0, 80); "><div style="text-align: center; "><span><b>Don’t miss your chance to hear Ustadha Shamira starting this week!</b><i> </i></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span><i>(All events are held in Plano, TX at the IACC</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span><i><a href="http://www.planomasjid.org/planomasjid-v2/" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 37, 8); ">http://www.planomasjid.org/<wbr>planomasjid-v2/</a>)</i></span></div><div><div style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><div class="im" style="color: rgb(80, 0, 80); "><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: normal; "><b><span>
<br /></span></b></div><div style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: normal; "><b><i><span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 153); "><span>Modesty: A Branch of Faith</span></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: normal; "><b><i><span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 153); "><span>
<br /></span></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: normal; "><span style="color: black; "><span>For youth sisters, ages 16-24 (no parents, please!)</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span>Thursday, June 16th: 7:30pm-Maghrib</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span>Plano, TX masjid</span></div><div class="im" style="color: rgb(80, 0, 80); "><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: normal; "><span>Upstairs Classroom</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: normal; "><span>
<br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: normal; "><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span><div><p align="center" style="margin-bottom: 0.25in; text-align: center; "><b><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204); ">The Messenger <span>of</span> Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "<span>Modesty</span> only brings good." [Agreed upon]</span></b></p></div><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center; "><span style="color: black; ">What exactly is <span>modesty</span>? How does it relate to ourselves, to our Creator, and to the rest <span>of</span> creation? </span><span style="color: black; "></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="color: black; "> </span><span style="color: black; "></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="color: black; ">In this motivating and beneficial talk, Ustadha Shamira <span>from <a href="http://www.therahmahfoundation.org/" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 37, 8); "><span style="color: rgb(28, 81, 168); ">The Rahmah Foundation</span></a></span> will discuss the importance <span>of</span> <span>modesty</span> in our religion, how it relates to us, and how we can increase in this amazing quality that is so beloved to Allah <i>subhanahu wa ta'ala</i>! Don't miss out! </span><span style="color: black; "></span></p><div><div></div><div></div></div></span></span></div><div style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span>
<br /></span></div><div><span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-collapse: collapse; ">Inter-gender relations, issues regarding school, work and how to maintain one's identity in <span>a</span> conflicting environment and how to create the 'yard-stick' measurement <span>of</span> what one should and should not be doing in various real life situations will be discussed. Don't miss out!</span>
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<br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center; "><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; "> *************</span></div><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; "><b><i><span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 153); "><span>
<br /></span></span></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; "><b><i><span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 153); "><span>The Power Within You</span></span></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; "><b><i><span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 153); "><span>
<br /></span></span></i></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: normal; "><span style="color: black; "><span>For youth sisters, ages 12-18 (no parents, please!)</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: normal; "><span>Tuesday, June 21st: 2:30pm-3:30pm</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: normal; "><span>Plano, TX masjid</span></div><div class="im" style="color: rgb(80, 0, 80); "><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: normal; "><span>Upstairs Classroom</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: normal; "><span>
<br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: normal; "><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span>Self esteem is perceived self worth. For the youth, this concept is based on how others categorize them and how they are treated in their surroundings. Because of this, a lot of girls develop an unhealthy desire to be liked and accepted by their peers. Thus, there are a lot of relationships with the opposite gender and increasing drug use. Girls must learn to be bold and have faith that Allah will guide them in their pursuits. Ustadha Shamira Chothia Ahmed will discuss how important it is for young Muslimahs to respect themselves and have confidence in their deen in this vital talk regarding self-esteem. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to learn from a young, female teacher who was born and raised in the U.S!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: normal; "><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span>
<br /></span></span></div><div style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: center; line-height: normal; "><b><span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 153); "><span> </span></span></b><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; "> *************</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: center; line-height: normal; "><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; ">
<br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: center; line-height: normal; "><b><i><span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 153); "><span>Seeking Sacred Knowledge:</span></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: center; line-height: normal; "><b><i><span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 153); "><span> The Straight Path to the Almighty</span></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: center; line-height: normal; "><b><i><span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 153); "><span>
<br /></span></span></i></b></div><div style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: center; line-height: normal; "><span style="color: black; "><span>For ALL sisters!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: center; line-height: normal; "><span>Thursday, June 23rd: 2:30pm-3:30pm</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: center; line-height: normal; "><span>Plano, TX masjid</span></div><div class="im" style="color: rgb(80, 0, 80); "><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: center; line-height: normal; "><span>IACC Multipurpose Hall</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: center; line-height: normal; "><span>
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<br /></span></div><div style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: normal; "><span> <span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); ">
<br />Born and raised in Northern California, Shamira Chothia Ahmed is an emerging female scholar of the traditional Islamic sciences. Her studies led her to seek sacred knowledge from scholars on three continents — Africa, Europe, and Asia. In England she completed the five-year, traditional alimah (Islamic studies) program, studied the ahadith collection of the Sihah Sittah and received her ijaazah (authorization) in Sahih al-Bukhari with renowned Hanafi scholars. Thereafter, Ustadha Shamira was able to continue her studies for six months in Damascus, Syria where she obtained an ijaazah in tajwid of the Hafs recitation from the late eminent Syrian scholar, Shaykh Abu Hassan al-Kurdi. In addition, she furthered her Arabic studies at the Abu-Noor Institute and took classes in fiqh, aqidah (creed) and sirah (prophetic history) at Damascus’s Masjid Zaid. Upon returning to the U.S. in 2005, she was granted the opportunity to be an instructor of Hanafi fiqh for women at the Zaytuna Institute in Hayward, California. Privately, she taught fiqh, tajwid and Qur’anic tafsir (exegesis).</span></span></div><div style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-align: center; line-height: normal; "><span><b> </b><b>Visit <a href="http://www.therahmahfoundation.org/" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 37, 8); ">www.therahmahfoundation.org</a> for more information.</b></span></div><div><span><b>
<br /></b></span></div><div style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "></div></div></div></div></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "></div></div></div></span></b></div><div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; "><div style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><div style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "></div></div></div></span>Shamirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05598931430809935928noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30137661.post-56445467447030525392011-03-22T18:58:00.000-07:002011-03-22T18:59:09.283-07:00Motherhood by Shaykh NuhAssalamualaykum Sisters,<br /><br />A friend passed this on to me and it's a beautiful and uplifting reminder to renew one's intentions and to make du'a that Allah (swt) grants us the tawfiq to fulfill the amazing and weighty role of motherhood!<br />---------------------------------------<br /><br />“When she has her first baby, she must manage for another life even more dependent on her personal sacrifices. By the second, third, or fourth child, her days and nights belong almost entirely to others. Whether she has a spiritual path or not, such a mother can seldom resist a glance at the past, when there were more prayers, more meanings, more spiritual company, and more serenity. When Allah opens her understanding, she will see that she is engaged in one of the highest forms of worship, that of producing new believers who love and worship Allah. She is effectively worshipping Allah for as many lifetimes she has children, for the reward of every spiritual work her children do will be hers, without this diminishing anything of their own rewards: every ablution, every prayer, every Ramadan, every hajj, and even the works her children will in turn pass on to their offspring, and, so on till the end of time. Even if her children do not turn out as she wishes, she shall be requited in paradise forever according to her intention in raising them, which was that they should be godly.<br /><br />Aside from the tremendous reward, within the path itself it is noticeable that many of those who benefit most from khalwa or ‘solitary retreat of dhikr’ are women who have raised children. With only a little daily dhikr and worship over the years, but much toil and sacrifice for others, they surpass many a younger person who has had more free time, effort, and ‘spiritual works.’ What they find is greater because their state with Allah is greater; namely, the awe, hope, and love of the Divine they have realized by years of sincerity to Him.”<br /><br />-Shaykh Nuh Ha Mim KellerShamirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05598931430809935928noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30137661.post-74025558594845442742011-02-25T12:20:00.001-08:002011-02-25T12:22:42.432-08:00Nursing Your Baby Naturally:: Sisters' Workshop!<meta charset="utf-8"><span class="Apple-style-span"><div class="gmail_quote"><div bg=""><div align="center" style="font-size: small; font-family: arial; "><span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span>
<br />Bismillah ar-Rahman ar-Raheem</span></span></span><span style="font-size: small; "><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span>
<br /></span></span></span></div><div class="gmail_quote"><blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-width: 1px; border-left-style: solid; margin-top: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.8ex; padding-left: 1ex; "><div class="gmail_quote"><div style="text-align: center; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: small; font-family: arial; "><span><span><b><div style="font-size: 13px; ">
<br /></div></b></span><div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; "><span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span>The Rahmah Foundation Proudly Presents:</span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; "><span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "></span></span> </div><div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; "><span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><img src="https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&ik=33b385677e&view=att&th=12e5e661752f3376&attid=0.1&disp=emb&realattid=e89e23aad0f46cf1_0.1&zw" width="362" height="240" style="width: 343px; min-height: 229px; " /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; "><span><b><i><span style="font-style: normal; font-size: small; font-weight: normal; "><span>
<br /></span></span></i></b></span></div></span></div><div style="text-align: center; border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" ><i>Nursing Your Baby Naturally</i></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; "><span><span><span><span><span><span><b><span style="font-size: xx-large; "><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal; "><span style="font-family: garamond, serif; "><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span>with</span></span></span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span>
<br /></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: garamond, serif; font-size: large; "><b><span style="font-size: xx-large; "><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal; "><span><span style="font-family: garamond, serif; "><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13px; "></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; "><span><span><span><span><span><span><b><span style="font-size: xx-large; "><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal; "><span><span style="font-family: garamond, serif; "><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><b><span style="font-size: xx-large; "><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal; "><span><span style="font-family: garamond, serif; "><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13px; "></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; "><span><span><span><span><span><span><b><span style="font-size: xx-large; "><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal; "><span><span style="font-family: garamond, serif; "><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; "><span><span><span><span><span><span>Sister Hoda Shawky, RN, CPNP, CLEC</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; "><span>Ust. Shamira Chothia Ahmed, MA, CLEC</span></div><div style="text-align: center; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; "><span><span><span><span><span><span><b></b></span></span></span></span></span></span> </div><div style="text-align: center; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; "><span><span><span><span><span><span><b>Sunday March 27th, 2011</b></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; "><span><span><span><span><span><span><b><span>11am - 3pm</span><span> </span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; "><span><span><span><span><span><div><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span><b>
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<br /></b></span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; "><b><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span><span>Islamic Center of Irvine (<span>ICOI</span>) Masjid</span></span></span></b><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span><span>
<br /></span></span></span><span><span></span></span></div></span></span></span></span></span><div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; "><b style="font-family: 'arial narrow', sans-serif; "><span style="font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal; "><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span><span>Upstairs classroom
<br /></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; "><span style="border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 102, 204); border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: dashed; font-family: georgia, serif; "><div class="gmail_quote" style="text-align: center; "><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span><span>2 </span></span></span><span><span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span><span>TRUMAN</span></span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span><span> STREET</span></span></span></div><div class="gmail_quote" style="text-align: center; "><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span><span>IRVINE, CA 92620</span></span></span></div><div class="gmail_quote" style="text-align: center; "><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; "><b style="font-family: 'arial narrow', sans-serif; "><span><span style="font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal; "><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span>
<br /></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; "><div class="gmail_quote" style="text-align: center; font-family: georgia, serif; "><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span>- </span></span><a href="http://www.icoi.net/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 37, 8); "><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span>www.</span></span><span><span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span><span>icoi</span></span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span>.net</span></span></a><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span> -</span></span></div></span></b></span></div></span></span></b></div></div></div></blockquote><div style="font-size: small; font-family: arial; "> </div><blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-width: 1px; border-left-style: solid; margin-top: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.8ex; padding-left: 1ex; font-size: small; font-family: arial; "><div class="gmail_quote"><div style="text-align: center; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; "><div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; "><b style="font-family: 'arial narrow', sans-serif; "><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; "><span style="border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 102, 204); border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: dashed; font-family: georgia, serif; "><div class="gmail_quote" style="text-align: center; "><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; "><b style="font-family: 'arial narrow', sans-serif; "><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; "><div class="gmail_quote" style="text-align: center; font-family: georgia, serif; "><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span></span></span> Cost: Free!</div></span></b></span></div></span></span></b></div></div></div></blockquote><div style="font-size: small; font-family: arial; "> </div><blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-width: 1px; border-left-style: solid; margin-top: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.8ex; padding-left: 1ex; font-size: small; font-family: arial; "><div class="gmail_quote"><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; "><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><div style="text-align: center; "><span><a href="https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dHF1bGxTZ1lacWV3N3dwMEozNjNUNmc6MQ" target="_blank"><b>Register Today!! </b><b>Click Here!</b></a></span></div></span></span><div style="font-size: 13px; "><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; "><span>
<br /></span></span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-collapse: collapse; font-family: tahoma, sans-serif; "><span><span>In</span> this educational and inspiring workshop</span></span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-collapse: collapse; font-family: tahoma, sans-serif; "><span>, <b>Sister Hoda & Ustadha Shamira, </b></span></span><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap; "><span>certified <span>lactation </span>educators and counselors</span>,</span><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: tahoma, sans-serif; "> will be covering all the various aspects of breastfeeding your newborn to toddler, touching upon</span><span style="line-height: 17px; ">:</span><span style="font-family: tahoma, sans-serif; "><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span><span style="line-height: 20px; border-collapse: separate; font-family: 'Droid Sans', 'Trebuchet MS', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(51, 63, 60); font-size: 13px; "></span></span></span></span></div><ul><li><div style="padding-bottom: 0.5em; line-height: 1.3em; border-right-width: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; ">Why breast is best</div></li><li><div style="padding-bottom: 0.5em; line-height: 1.3em; border-right-width: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; ">The science and miracle of breastfeeding (how we produce and sustain our milk supply)</div></li><li><div style="padding-bottom: 0.5em; line-height: 1.3em; border-right-width: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; ">Positioning of the baby onto the breast</div></li><li><div style="padding-bottom: 0.5em; line-height: 1.3em; border-right-width: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; ">Is my baby getting enough milk?</div></li><li><div style="padding-bottom: 0.5em; line-height: 1.3em; border-right-width: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; ">Planning for breastfeeding success</div></li><li><div style="padding-bottom: 0.5em; line-height: 1.3em; border-right-width: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; ">Nutrition, contraception, and medications: what Mommy needs to know</div></li><li><div style="padding-bottom: 0.5em; line-height: 1.3em; border-right-width: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; ">When Mommy's away: pumping milk and returning to work/school </div></li><li><div style="padding-bottom: 0.5em; line-height: 1.3em; border-right-width: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; ">Common medical concerns and myths</div></li><li><div style="padding-bottom: 0.5em; line-height: 1.3em; border-right-width: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; ">Tapping into local resources and support systems</div></li><li><div style="padding-bottom: 0.5em; line-height: 1.3em; border-right-width: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; ">Islam and breastfeeding
<br /></div></li></ul></div><div style="padding-bottom: 0.5em; line-height: 1.3em; border-right-width: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; "><ul></ul>...and much more! This class is open to all sisters interested <span>in</span> learning about breastfeedomg and what our Islamic tradition mentions regarding this beautiful stage and experience <span>in</span> a woman's life. Everyone is welcome to attend! Sisters only!
<br /></div><span></span><div class="gmail_quote"><div style="text-align: center; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; "><span style="font-family: tahoma, sans-serif; "><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span>
<br /></span></span><span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; "><span style="font-family: tahoma, sans-serif; "><b><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span>Jazakum-Allah khayrun and please spread the word!!</span></span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; "><span style="font-family: tahoma, sans-serif; "><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><a href="http://www.therahmahfoundation.org/" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 37, 8); "><span>www.therahmahfoundation.org</span></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; "><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span>
<br /></span></span></div><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; "><span></span></span></div><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; "><div style="text-align: center; "><span style="font-size: large; "><b><span><a href="https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dHF1bGxTZ1lacWV3N3dwMEozNjNUNmc6MQ" target="_blank">Don't forget to Register Today for this free event!</a></span></b></span></div></span></div></blockquote>
<br /><blockquote style="font-size: small; font-family: arial; "></blockquote></div></div></div>
<br /></span>Shamirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05598931430809935928noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30137661.post-29363240575910781732011-02-25T12:20:00.000-08:002011-02-25T12:21:24.787-08:00Nursing Your Baby Naturally:: Sisters' Workshop!<meta charset="utf-8"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: small; "><div class="gmail_quote"><div bg><div align="center"><span ><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span >
<br />Bismillah ar-Rahman ar-Raheem</span></span></span><span style="font-size: small; "><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span >
<br /></span></span></span></div><div class="gmail_quote"><blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-width: 1px; border-left-style: solid; margin-top: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.8ex; padding-left: 1ex; "><div class="gmail_quote"><div style="text-align: center; border-collapse: collapse; "><span ><span ><b><div style="font-size: 13px; ">
<br /></div></b></span><div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; "><span ><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span >The Rahmah Foundation Proudly Presents:</span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; "><span ><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "></span></span> </div><div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; "><span ><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><img src="https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&ik=33b385677e&view=att&th=12e5e661752f3376&attid=0.1&disp=emb&realattid=e89e23aad0f46cf1_0.1&zw" width="362" height="240" style="width: 343px; min-height: 229px; " /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; "><span ><b><i><span style="font-style: normal; font-size: small; font-weight: normal; "><span >
<br /></span></span></i></b></span></div></span></div><div style="text-align: center; border-collapse: collapse; "><span ><b>Nursing Your Baby Naturally</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; "><span ><span ><span ><span ><span ><span ><b><span style="font-size: xx-large; "><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal; "><span style="font-family: garamond, serif; "><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span >with</span></span></span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span >
<br /></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: garamond, serif; font-size: large; "><b><span style="font-size: xx-large; "><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal; "><span ><span style="font-family: garamond, serif; "><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span ><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13px; "></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; "><span ><span ><span ><span ><span ><span ><b><span style="font-size: xx-large; "><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal; "><span ><span style="font-family: garamond, serif; "><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><b><span style="font-size: xx-large; "><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal; "><span ><span style="font-family: garamond, serif; "><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span ><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13px; "></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; "><span ><span ><span ><span ><span ><span ><b><span style="font-size: xx-large; "><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal; "><span ><span style="font-family: garamond, serif; "><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; "><span ><span ><span ><span ><span ><span >Sister Hoda Shawky, RN, CPNP, CLEC</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; "><span >Ust. Shamira Chothia Ahmed, MA, CLEC</span></div><div style="text-align: center; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; "><span ><span ><span ><span ><span ><span ><b></b></span></span></span></span></span></span> </div><div style="text-align: center; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; "><span ><span ><span ><span ><span ><span ><b>Sunday March 27th, 2011</b></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; "><span ><span ><span ><span ><span ><span ><b><span >11am - 3pm</span><span > </span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; "><span ><span ><span ><span ><span ><div><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span ><b>
<br /></b></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span ><b></b></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span ><b>
<br /></b></span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; "><b><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span ><span >Islamic Center of Irvine (<span>ICOI</span>) Masjid</span></span></span></b><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span ><span >
<br /></span></span></span><span ><span ></span></span></div></span></span></span></span></span><div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; "><b style="font-family: 'arial narrow', sans-serif; "><span style="font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal; "><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span ><span >Upstairs classroom
<br /></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; "><span style="border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 102, 204); border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: dashed; font-family: georgia, serif; "><div class="gmail_quote" style="text-align: center; "><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span ><span >2 </span></span></span><span><span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span ><span >TRUMAN</span></span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span ><span > STREET</span></span></span></div><div class="gmail_quote" style="text-align: center; "><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span ><span >IRVINE, CA 92620</span></span></span></div><div class="gmail_quote" style="text-align: center; "><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; "><b style="font-family: 'arial narrow', sans-serif; "><span ><span style="font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal; "><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span >
<br /></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; "><div class="gmail_quote" style="text-align: center; font-family: georgia, serif; "><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span >- </span></span><a href="http://www.icoi.net/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 37, 8); "><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span >www.</span></span><span><span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span ><span>icoi</span></span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span >.net</span></span></a><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span > -</span></span></div></span></b></span></div></span></span></b></div></div></div></blockquote><div> </div><blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-width: 1px; border-left-style: solid; margin-top: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.8ex; padding-left: 1ex; "><div class="gmail_quote"><div style="text-align: center; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; "><div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; "><b style="font-family: 'arial narrow', sans-serif; "><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; "><span style="border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 102, 204); border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: dashed; font-family: georgia, serif; "><div class="gmail_quote" style="text-align: center; "><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; "><b style="font-family: 'arial narrow', sans-serif; "><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; "><div class="gmail_quote" style="text-align: center; font-family: georgia, serif; "><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span ></span></span> Cost: Free!</div></span></b></span></div></span></span></b></div></div></div></blockquote><div> </div><blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-width: 1px; border-left-style: solid; margin-top: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.8ex; padding-left: 1ex; "><div class="gmail_quote"><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; "><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><div style="text-align: center; "><span ><a href="https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dHF1bGxTZ1lacWV3N3dwMEozNjNUNmc6MQ" target="_blank"><b>Register Today!! </b><b>Click Here!</b></a></span></div></span></span><div style="font-size: 13px; "><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; "><span >
<br /></span></span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-collapse: collapse; font-family: tahoma, sans-serif; "><span ><span>In</span> this educational and inspiring workshop</span></span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-collapse: collapse; font-family: tahoma, sans-serif; "><span >, <b>Sister Hoda & Ustadha Shamira, </b></span></span><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap; "><span >certified <span>lactation </span>educators and counselors</span>,</span><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: tahoma, sans-serif; "> will be covering all the various aspects of breastfeeding your newborn to toddler, touching upon</span><span style="line-height: 17px; ">:</span><span style="font-family: tahoma, sans-serif; "><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span ><span style="line-height: 20px; border-collapse: separate; font-family: 'Droid Sans', 'Trebuchet MS', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(51, 63, 60); font-size: 13px; "></span></span></span></span></div><ul><li><div style="padding-bottom: 0.5em; line-height: 1.3em; border-right-width: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; ">Why breast is best</div></li><li><div style="padding-bottom: 0.5em; line-height: 1.3em; border-right-width: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; ">The science and miracle of breastfeeding (how we produce and sustain our milk supply)</div></li><li><div style="padding-bottom: 0.5em; line-height: 1.3em; border-right-width: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; ">Positioning of the baby onto the breast</div></li><li><div style="padding-bottom: 0.5em; line-height: 1.3em; border-right-width: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; ">Is my baby getting enough milk?</div></li><li><div style="padding-bottom: 0.5em; line-height: 1.3em; border-right-width: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; ">Planning for breastfeeding success</div></li><li><div style="padding-bottom: 0.5em; line-height: 1.3em; border-right-width: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; ">Nutrition, contraception, and medications: what Mommy needs to know</div></li><li><div style="padding-bottom: 0.5em; line-height: 1.3em; border-right-width: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; ">When Mommy's away: pumping milk and returning to work/school </div></li><li><div style="padding-bottom: 0.5em; line-height: 1.3em; border-right-width: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; ">Common medical concerns and myths</div></li><li><div style="padding-bottom: 0.5em; line-height: 1.3em; border-right-width: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; ">Tapping into local resources and support systems</div></li><li><div style="padding-bottom: 0.5em; line-height: 1.3em; border-right-width: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; ">Islam and breastfeeding
<br /></div></li></ul></div><div style="padding-bottom: 0.5em; line-height: 1.3em; border-right-width: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; "><ul></ul>...and much more! This class is open to all sisters interested <span>in</span> learning about breastfeedomg and what our Islamic tradition mentions regarding this beautiful stage and experience <span>in</span> a woman's life. Everyone is welcome to attend! Sisters only!
<br /></div><span ></span><div class="gmail_quote"><div style="text-align: center; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; "><span style="font-family: tahoma, sans-serif; "><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span >
<br /></span></span><span ></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; "><span style="font-family: tahoma, sans-serif; "><b><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span >Jazakum-Allah khayrun and please spread the word!!</span></span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; "><span style="font-family: tahoma, sans-serif; "><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><a href="http://www.therahmahfoundation.org/" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 37, 8); "><span >www.therahmahfoundation.org</span></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; "><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span >
<br /></span></span></div><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; "><span ></span></span></div><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; "><div style="text-align: center; "><span style="font-size: large; "><b><span ><a href="https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dHF1bGxTZ1lacWV3N3dwMEozNjNUNmc6MQ" target="_blank">Don't forget to Register Today for this free event!</a></span></b></span></div></span></div></blockquote>
<br /><blockquote></blockquote></div></div></div>
<br /></span>Shamirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05598931430809935928noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30137661.post-16092466892576986542010-10-26T12:25:00.000-07:002010-10-26T12:26:37.591-07:00Remembering Farhana's words (may Allah have mercy on her soul)<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: small; ">Assalamualaykum wa rahmatullah<div>
<br /></div><div>How time seems to fly... it has already been a year since our beloved sister, Farhana, left this world for our more lasting abode. May Allah (swt) grant Aunty Rabia & Uncle Moosa, and all the loved ones, increased patience, contentment and proximity unto Him. Ameen.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>Wa'salaam</div><div>shamira</div><div>
<br /><div><div class="gmail_quote">---------- Forwarded message ----------
<br />From: <b class="gmail_sendername">Rabia Lunat</b> <span dir="ltr"><umfarhana></span></div><div class="gmail_quote">
<br /></div><div class="gmail_quote"><span dir="ltr"></span>
<br /><div class="gmail_quote"><div>Our dearest daughter Farhana's departure from this world was marked by
<br /></div>her special emphasis on the following advice given to us and to
<br />everyone dear to her heart! I feel compelled to address it and not let
<br />it pass in vain.
<br /><div>
<br />1. "Be GRATEFUL to ALLAH (SWT) and always count your BLESSINGS!". The
<br />same way its emphases in the Quran 27:40, "And whosoever is grateful,
<br />truly, his gratitude is for (the good of) his own self, and whosoever
<br /></div>is ungrateful, (its only to the loss of his ownself) Certainly! My
<br /><div>Lord is Rich (free of all wants) and Bountiful.
<br />
<br /></div>2. Farhana often said, "BE CALM, CALMLY WILL BE THE KEYWORDS!" This
<br /><div>phrase gets its wider meaning in the hadith of our beloved
<br /></div>PROPHET(SAW), "To act in a calm and collected manner is from the Side
<br /><div>of ALLAH, while to act in haste is from the side of satan." May ALLAH
<br />grant us all HIS divine gift as well!
<br />
<br />3. Farhanas last piece of advice was, "Mom dont cry for the rest of
<br />your life!.....instead share and spread this lesson to the rest of our
<br />dear family and friends. CHANGE and get closer to ALLAH (SWT), for no
<br /></div>one has time". Coincidentally, the slogan on her bedroom wall always
<br />read, "YESTERDAY WAS THE PAST. TODAY IS YOUR BEST DAY, BECAUSE
<br />TOMORROW MAY NEVER COME."
<br />
<br />This is the legacy, our dearest daughter Farhana; fulfilling the
<br /><div>rights she owed to others and never expectingn anything in return.
<br /></div>Described as "down to earth" and "sensible", she always made others
<br />more important than herself. She did so because ALLAH gifted her, as
<br /><div>HE does with HIS most beloved servants, with a keen sense of what
<br />actually matters in life—and at the end of life. We thank ALLAH for
<br />each and every moment of Farhana's company. HE mercifully gave to us.
<br />We pray that HE increase our resolve to adopt lifestyles like hers
<br /></div>whose Qibla was the Aakhira. We pray that HE REUNITE us all in the
<br /><div><div></div><div>highest station of Jannatul Firdaus!. Ameen
<br /></div></div></div>
<br /></div></div></div></span>Shamirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05598931430809935928noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30137661.post-18582115403182704482010-10-07T12:11:00.000-07:002010-10-07T12:14:39.550-07:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; border-collapse: collapse; "><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia; ">Dear Rahmah Sisters!</span></div><div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >We pray that you all are doing well and are still in the Ramadan spirit of increasing in good works! </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Please join us for a wonderful and motivational talk by Ustadha Shamira THIS Saturday October 9th on the importance of women </span><span class="il"><span class="Apple-style-span" >seeking</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" > </span><span class="il"><span class="Apple-style-span" >sacred</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" > </span><span class="il"><span class="Apple-style-span" >knowledge</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" >!</span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span style="font-size: large; "><span class="Apple-style-span" >The Rahmah Foundation Proudly Presents:</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span style="font-size: large; "><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span style="font-size: large; "><b><i><span style="font-size: xx-large; "><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; border-collapse: collapse; "><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 153); "><i><span class="il"><span class="Apple-style-span" >Seeking</span></span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" > </span></i><i><span class="il"><span class="Apple-style-span" >Sacred</span></span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" > </span></i><i><span class="il"><span class="Apple-style-span" >Knowledge</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" >: </span></i></span></span></span></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span style="font-size: large; "><b><i><span style="font-size: xx-large; "><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; border-collapse: collapse; "><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 153); "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" >The Straight Path to the Almighty</span></i></span></span></span></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span style="font-size: large; "><b><i><span style="font-size: xx-large; "><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; border-collapse: collapse; "><b><i><span style="font-weight: normal; font-size: xx-large; "><span style="border-collapse: separate; color: rgb(102, 0, 204); font-style: normal; font-size: large; "><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></span></span></i></b></span></span></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span style="font-size: large; "><b><i><span style="font-size: xx-large; "><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; border-collapse: collapse; "><span class="Apple-style-span" ><i></i></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" ><i></i></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal; font-size: xx-large; "><span style="border-collapse: separate; color: rgb(102, 0, 204); font-style: normal; font-size: large; "><span class="Apple-style-span" >A Sisters' Only Motivational Talk! </span></span></span></i></b></span></span></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span style="font-size: large; color: rgb(102, 0, 204); "><span class="Apple-style-span" >with Ustadha Shamira Chothia Ahmed</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204); "><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 24px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" ><em></em></span></b></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large; "><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: small; "><div style="text-align: center; "><i><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; border-collapse: collapse; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" >"My Lord, increase me in </span></b></span><span class="il"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" >knowledge</span></b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" >." Quran 20:114</span></b></span></span></i></div><div><span style="font-size: large; "><b><i><span style="font-size: xx-large; "><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; border-collapse: collapse; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></b></span></span></i></b></span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" > </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" >W</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >hen?</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" > Saturday, Oct. 9th 11am PST/1pm CST/2pm EST/7pm England</span></span></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >Where</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >: DimDim Online! </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >Email</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >: </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >therahmahfoundation@gmail.com to register!</span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></div></span>Shamirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05598931430809935928noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30137661.post-27024455415190128562010-09-15T10:55:00.000-07:002010-09-15T11:01:45.542-07:00Keeping up the Ramadan Spirit! THIS THURSDAY 9/1 (Sisters Only)!<meta charset="utf-8"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman', serif; font-size: 13px; border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(102, 0, 204); "><div><span >As-salamualaykum wa rahmatullah</span></div><div><div></div><div><div><span >Dear Rahmah Sisters!</span></div><div>
<br /><span ></span></div><div><span >We pray that you all had a wonderful Eid and are still in the Ramadan spirit of increasing in good works! </span></div><div>
<br /><span ></span></div><div><span >We spent several classes in Ramadan discussing how to keep from backsliding during Ramadan.... but what about after Ramadan? It's about that time when Eid celebrations are coming to an end and you're faced with the sad realization that Ramadan is really over! As you look back at the hard work and worship you put forth last month, you start worrying about keeping up the good habits you've formed! If you feel like this right now, please join us for a wonderful and motivational talk by Ustadha Shamira THIS Thursday, Sept. 16th about how to keep up the Ramadan spirit and how to make the most of this blessed month of Shawwal!</span></div><div style="text-align: center; ">
<br /></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span ><span ><span style="font-size: large; ">The Rahmah Foundation Proudly Presents:</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span ><span style="font-size: large; ">
<br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span ><b><i><span style="font-size: xx-large; ">Keeping up the Ramadan Spirit!</span></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span ><span style="font-size: large; "><b><i>
<br /></i></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span ><span style="font-size: large; "></span></span><span style="font-size: large; color: rgb(102, 0, 204); font-family: 'times new roman', serif; ">A Sisters' Only Post-Ramadan Motivational Talk! </span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span style="font-size: large; color: rgb(102, 0, 204); font-family: 'times new roman', serif; ">with Ustadha Shamira Chothia Ahmed</span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span style="font-size: large; color: rgb(102, 0, 204); font-family: 'times new roman', serif; ">
<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span style="font-size: large; color: rgb(102, 0, 204); font-family: 'times new roman', serif; "><span style="font-size: 16px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 24px; font-family: Georgia, 'lucida bright', 'times new roman', serif; "><span >“Whoever fasts Ramadan and follows it with six days from Shawwal it is as if they fasted the entire year.” <i>Muslim</i></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span style="font-size: large; color: rgb(102, 0, 204); font-family: 'times new roman', serif; "><span style="font-size: 16px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 24px; font-family: Georgia, 'lucida bright', 'times new roman', serif; "><em></em></span></span><span ><span ><span style="font-size: large; ">
<br /> </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span ><b><span ><span >When?</span></span></b><span ><span > Thursday, Sept 16th at 12:00pm Noon PST / 2pm CST/ 3pm EST </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span ><span ><span >Email: therahmahfoundation@gmail.com to register!</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span ><span ><span >
<br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span ><span ><span ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(80, 0, 80); font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; "><div style="text-align: left;"><span >Ust. Shamira will speak about:</span></div><ul><li style="text-align: left;margin-left: 15px; "><b><span >The 6 fasts of Shawwal</span></b></li><li style="text-align: left;margin-left: 15px; "><b><span >Staying Motivated post-Ramadan</span></b></li><li style="text-align: left;margin-left: 15px; "><b><span >Updates on Rahmah courses and seminar offerings</span></b></li><li style="text-align: left;margin-left: 15px; "><b></b><b><span >Du'aa </span></b></li></ul><div style="text-align: left;"><span ><span ><span >We also hope that you are partaking in our <b>Rahmah monthly Qur'an Khatim and group Du'aa! </b></span></span><span >To register, please scroll down for the link to the Shawwal (Sept-Oct) khatim. Deadline to complete recitation: Oct. 9th: </span></span><strong><a href="http://therahmahfoundation.org/khatim.php" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 37, 8); "><span >http://therahmahfoundation.<wbr>org/khatim.php</span></a></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div><span >Please forward this email to all your female contacts! If they have not registered yet to be on our mailing list, please ask them to sign up to get the latest updates about all of our female-specific programs firsthand! Simply have them enter their email address here: </span></div><div align="center"><table cellspacing="0" align="center" border="0" style="padding-right: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-top: 5px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><tbody><tr><td style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-family: arial, sans-serif; "><img height="30" alt="Google Groups" src="http://groups.google.com/intl/en/images/logos/groups_logo_sm.gif" width="140" /></td></tr><tr><td style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-family: arial, sans-serif; padding-left: 5px; "><b>Subscribe to TheRahmahFoundation</b></td></tr><tr><td style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-family: arial, sans-serif; "></td></tr><tr><td style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-family: arial, sans-serif; padding-left: 5px; ">Email: <input name="email" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; "> <input type="submit" value="Subscribe" name="sub" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; "></td></tr><tr><td style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-family: arial, sans-serif; text-align: right; "><a href="http://groups.google.com/group/therahmahfoundation?hl=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 37, 8); "><span >Visit this group</span></a></td></tr></tbody></table></div></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span ><table cellspacing="2" cellpadding="2" width="100%" align="center" border="0"><tbody><tr><td colspan="3" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-family: arial, sans-serif; "></td></tr></tbody></table></span></div></div></div></span>Shamirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05598931430809935928noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30137661.post-14759603994921412862010-08-18T13:42:00.001-07:002010-09-15T11:03:58.855-07:00Inna Lillahi wa Inna ilayhi raajiun - my dear Uncle AminAs-salamu alaykum,<br /> <br />Uncle Amin, Shamira & Rashaad's paternal uncle, returned to his Lord today, Tues August 17th (the 6th of Ramadan) in South Africa. Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'oon. He had a very amiable personality and was a true pleasure to be around.<br /> <br />He had a heart attack yesterday, and passed on today due to cardiac weakness. At the news of Uncle Amin's heart attack, Shamira's father (Uncle Amin's younger brother) left to South Africa immediately and is still in transit.<br /> <br />Uncle Amin is survived by his wife, two daughters, and his grand-children. We ask that you please pray for him and for his family.<br /> <br />May Allah (swt) grant him the highest level of Jannatul Firdous, and provide his family with sabr. Ameen.<br /> <br />w'salaam<br />Abu ZahraaShamirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05598931430809935928noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30137661.post-55015654626104934052010-08-13T14:27:00.000-07:002010-09-15T11:02:09.876-07:00*10 Things to hand down to your daughter*<meta charset="utf-8"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; border-collapse: collapse; "><ul>MashAllah Great Ideas to pass to your children, inshAllah!</ul><ul>
<br /></ul><ul>1. Knowledge of and love for Allah and the deen. This is one of the most
<br />precious and enduring gifts you can pass down to your daughter, one that
<br />will benefit her in this life and the next.
<br />
<br />2. Memorisation of the Qur’an. No matter how little you have memorised
<br />yourself, push your daughter to memorise as much she can. Encourage her and
<br />help her to revise. It will stand her in good stead in her life and will be
<br />a source of reward for you after your death as well.
<br />
<br />3. A good example of Muslim womanhood. Most girls look to their mothers for
<br />guidance. Embody the characteristics of a strong, faithful Muslimah and she
<br />will be inspired to follow your example.
<br />
<br />4. A sense of self-worth and self-esteem. Instil a sense of confidence in
<br />your child by encouraging her skills, talents and personality to develop.
<br />Make her feel secure in her identity and show her that she is loved and
<br />appreciated. This will have a positive impact on her future relationships
<br />and how she interacts with the world.
<br />
<br />5. A sense of modesty. Instil a love for hijab in your daughter and
<br />encourage her to be modest, never boastful or conceited, in all areas of her
<br />life.
<br />
<br />6. Your language. If you speak Arabic, be sure to teach it to her so that
<br />she has the key to the understanding of the Qur’an. Also, if you have a
<br />mother tongue or speak a second language yourself, pass it on: a second or
<br />third language is always an asset, whether in a study, work or social
<br />environment.
<br />
<br />7. A skill that you have. If you are an avid gardener, knitter or love
<br />painting, pass your skill onto your daughter. With so many ‘traditional’
<br />skills being lost in today’s fast-paced world, you owe it to her to share
<br />your knowledge and pass it on to the next generation.
<br />
<br />8. Your favourite recipes. Yes, teach your daughter how to cook! Be it from
<br />a cookbook, an original recipe or passed down from your mother or even your
<br />grandmother, we all have our own trademark recipes: pass them on to your
<br />daughter and encourage her to develop some specialities of her own.
<br />
<br />9. Housekeeping skills. Instil good housekeeping habits in all your children
<br />and encourage them to take pride in a neat and tidy home. Pass any tricks or
<br />shortcuts on so that your daughter is well-equipped when she has a home of
<br />her own.
<br />
<br />10. Your family history. Give her a sense of her roots and heritage by
<br />sharing your family story with her. Acquaint her with her family tree and
<br />teach her the lessons learned by the different generations. Hopefully, she
<br />will do the same with her children, insha Allah.</ul><div>-Author Unknown. </div></span>Shamirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05598931430809935928noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30137661.post-23588728581543745592010-08-08T16:30:00.000-07:002010-09-15T11:03:58.855-07:00Our beloved Papa's passing...<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" border-collapse: collapse; font-family:arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;"> <blockquote type="cite"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />Our dear grandfather, Goolam Hoosen Patel, past on<br /></span></span></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> to His Lord June 3rd in South Africa on the blessed night<br /></span></span></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> of Jumuah at the age of 94. He was the founder of<br /></span></span></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> Darul-Uloom Zakariyya in Southern Africa and had<br /></span></span></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> been involved in much philanthropic work in India,<br /></span></span></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> including the establishment of numerous Madaris. He<br /></span></span></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> was known throughout as Bajee Patel, and his family<br /></span></span></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> affectionately called him </span></span><span class="il"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Papa</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. He would split his<br /></span></span></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> time between South Africa and the US, and even at 94<br /></span></span></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> years old, he was an alert, amazing, pious man<br /></span></span></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> mashaAllah. He was blessed to have lived to see his<br /></span></span></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> Great - Great Grand Son. He was a grandfather to<br /></span></span></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Ustadha </span></span><span class="il"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Shamira</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, as well as other alimahs, alims,<br /></span></span></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> and male and female huffaz in his family. He was<br /></span></span></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> blessed to have past away with an amazing passing (please see below).</span></span></blockquote><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">An entry by my cousin, Na'eel:</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> Not long after, on the eve of Friday/Jumuah, June 3, 2010, he left us for his Lord. May God Almighty grant him the loftiest portions of Paradise. آمين/Amen<br /><br />Like many of our grandparents, he was no ordinary human being. I thought it would be nice to share a brief account of his life and legacy as well as a narrative of his passing.<br /><br /></span></span></div></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The Final Days and Moments of Hazrat Bajee Patel (rahmatullah ʿalayh)</span></span></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">In Papa's final days, he limited his speech to the essentials of his own upkeep - personal</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">hygiene and divinely-ordained obligations. "Put my warm brown cap on at night and white</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">hat in the day, " he instructed us, still as methodical as he was in healthier days though hardly</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">able to move.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">"What time is it?", he asked us every few hours so, inquiring the time of day with respect to</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">the next prayer. His intizar of salah (anticipation for the next prayer) was only surpassed by</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">his eagerness to complete the prayer of the present moment as soon as it entered, an</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">approach he perfected over the course of his life.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">For the days preceding Papa's last, untold numbers of visitors streamed in to ask for prayers</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">and greet an old and generous friend. Often, the first question many would ask is "How are</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">you?" to which Papa replied in various ways. To a young girl, he said, "Slowly, slowly, I'm</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">going into my qabr." To a man advanced in age who came to the hospital ward, Papa replied,</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">"If I was well, I wouldn't be here right now, would I?"</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">On Thursday afternoon, he inquired from all those sitting around him whether Asr had been</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">made to which we all affirmed. With only an hour to the Maghrib prayer, many of us glanced</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">at the small alarm clock on the headboard wondering whether our dear grandfather would</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">make to the eve of Jumuah (since sacred time considers the sunset to be the defining event</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">between days).</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">As soon as Maghrib time entered, Papa awoke as usual to perform his prayer and</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">communicate with his Lord. The tayammum went according to the routine he developed</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">over the past two weeks. Lightly patting the stone resting upon a yellow towel designated for</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">this specific purpose, he made sure he wiped his face thoroughly, the wrinkle free cheeks,</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">the deep-set crevices of his eyes with a completeness we have all come to expect of him.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">This Maghrib and the Isha he would soon make resembled so many others he had</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">completed that week, beginning with his intention(niyya) in Urdu, "ye chaar rakaat</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">namaaz…." Though weak in strength, he managed to reserve whatever he had to</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">determinedly raise his hands for the takbir al-ula, both palms Qibla-bound and turn his face</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">from right to left greeting the scribe-angels with the greetings of salaam and rahma.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">As I think back to the moments and minutes following that Maghrib, everything seemed so</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">planned so coordinated.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Once Maghrib ended, the priority was to recite Surah Kahf - a practice neither Papa nor his</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">progeny would ever overlook. The recital was slow and measured, drawing out ayah which</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">gave special reference to the occasion. al-maalu wa al-banoon zeenatul hayaat dunyaa…wa</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">ʿallamnaahu min ladunnaa ʿilmaa…..</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">After Isha, what would be our dear Papa's final namaz, the family - Papa's children,</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">grandchildren, and great-grandchildren - returned to his room sitting and standing around</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">his bed. This was the same room we all gathered in a decade ago to bid farewell to beloved</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Ma. "If Papa was in the madrasa right now, he would have been reciting the 40 Durood - a</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">collection of Salawat upon the Prophet compiled by Sheikh Zakariya (rahmatullah alaih) in</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1981 - aloud with all the students and teachers. Let us help him continue this tradition, " I</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">suggested, with memories of Papa sitting in front of the masjid at Darul Uloom Zakariya</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">floating like phantoms before my eyes. Both the author and the recital were close to Papa's</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">heart and day-to-day life.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Soon afterward, Papa indicated with a single word his need to use the restroom. Almost</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">everybody left to complete their namaz as well. Just an hour earlier, we had asked Mufti Raza</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">al-Haq about final preparations for death and used this opportunity to clear the room of</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">miscellaneous items - the bedside table, the stools, and chairs - , prop Papa on his right side</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">and turned Papa's bed toward the Kaʿba. In accordance with Papa's maneuvering.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The soft sheepskins brought by kind family friends were laid out next to the bed, the lamps</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">were positioned in the corners of the room.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">After redressing Papa in a clean set of clothes, I reached into my pocket for the bottle of</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">perfume(ʿattar), of Oud to give my grandfather his favorite scent, which he often would soak</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">a small piece of cotton in and place it in his ear.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Last week, soon after Dhuhr one day, Papa opened his eyes and asked me to open the</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">drawer of his bedside table. "Bring me the Oud Ameeri, the best," he said proudly, "put</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">some on me." The tears gathered in my eyes as my index finger grazed Papa's earlobe and</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">hand stroked his silvery beard and nonegeneric growth of jet black hairs on the chin. Never</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">one to limit his best to himself even if under such circumstances, Papa then told me, "when</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">a haaru maanas, gentleman comes, lagar." That last statement was enough to draw the tears</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">which had begun to weigh down my eyelid. I blinked and the tears fell free.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The dim lights in the room provided a timeless ambience as Rashad, Uncle Muhammed, and</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I sat around Papa, now resting on his right side with pillows.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Since Papa was exhausted from his last kogra, we were at ease when his breaths seemed to</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">relax though shallow. At some point, I opened my eyes and saw that I was alone in the</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">room. Sitting on Papa's right side on my knees with my face directly facing Papa's, now on</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">his side, I saw Papa open his near century-old eyes looking directly at me.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">"Ketla vaaja(what time is it)?"</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Not expecting a sudden question, I grasped for the watch that wasn't there.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">From Rashad, I learned that it was half past nine.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">"Half past nine, papa"</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">"Did I make my Isha?"</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">"Yes"</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">"Sure? Did I make my Isha?"</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">"Yes, parigai"</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">"Are you sure? I made Isha? Mere puree namaz pare?", he asked Aunty Rabia and me.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Thinking that three times was sufficient to establish certainty, I heard Papa ask once more,</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">"So, I made my Isha?"</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Aunty Fatima joined me in the room and helped me assure Papa he completed his namaz.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">"Yes, Papa, Isha you have made. Now we have a few hours to Fajr. Inshallah we'll make Fajr</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">together."</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Papa responded, "Inshallah."</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">When aunty Fatima exited the room, Nasreen brought Ayesha into the room while Papa</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">was on his side. Papa, though unable to utter words, was able to gift her with a smile, a</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">sincere gift from a generous man which Nasreen recalled as indicating, "I'm leaving but</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">you're just starting."</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Still sitting next to Papa looking at him eye to eye, I spoke, "Papa, Jumuah Mubarak, we love</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">you so much Papa. Is there anything else I can do for you?"</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The whisper came, "Straighten me……" Aunty Rabia and I removed the pillows behind</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Papa laying him flat, his customary sleeping position. Still, he repeated, "Straight, straight."</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">We surveyed Papa's body seeing what wasn't straight. "My legs, straight." Expecting his legs</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">to be way off the axis of the bed, I discovered that his legs were just off the axis of the qibla.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Moving his feet a few inches toward the center of the bed, I realized that this was just a</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">manifestation of a lifelong penchant for detail.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Aunty Shehnaz hurried the rest of the family, completing their Isha namaz, to the room.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Each member assumed their places - on stools, chairs, and sheepskins - where they had</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">faithfully read Quran for many days and weeks prior.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Rabia and Shehnaz, Papa's daughters who traveled 35 hours just two weeks earlier to make</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">his khidma and tend to his needs, took turns reciting the kalima and shahadainto his ears. I</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">was told to draw near to Papa and honored with the duty of reciting the truest statement in</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">the universe into his right ear.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">We recited for about ten minutes before Papa put his hand on his heart saying, "Slowly,</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">…my heart, my heart."</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">At that moment, we thought Papa was asking us to recite softly in our hearts so we chose a</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">lower volume to recite. Some in our family, however, heard Papa say "Slowly, it's my heart."</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">In the latter case, far from an instruction to us, it was a point of guidance to an angel we will</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">all meet one morning, afternoon, or evening.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Papa then said, "dori topi" referring to the snowy white cap he diligently worn for the last four</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">decades. Several family members removed the woolly brown cap as I carefully pulled the</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">embroidered brim of the spotlessly white topi over the curvature of Papa's head.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">My mother Sabira recounts that Papa's face at this time was filled with so much light, with a</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">noor she remembers on his face in 1956 when he carried in his arms 6-week old Bibi</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Ayesha, his lifeless baby daughter, out of the hospital. He turned to Ma Rasool who was</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">crying at the loss of her youngest child and counseled her, "Allah ne ukam tio." The</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">steadfastness he upheld at that moment emerged on his face as he lay in the bed, now with</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">his favorite topi on.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">With the the hum of the kalima in the room as I whispered it into his ears and Papa's lips</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">repeated it, his arms sprung to life raised in the arm, palms facing the sacred direction. He</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">then initiated the tayammum process. Many of us recognized this course of action, since</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Papa's heart truly came to life at the time of prayer these past three weeks. And his heart</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">would then breathe life into his limbs.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">After completing this purifying rite, Papa raised both of his arms into the air and began</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">waving them gracefully through the air. This was certainly not the waving of a soul in</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">distress, but the waving of a soul jubilantly welcoming the angels of the moment. A few</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">breaths later, Papa began his journey in the next leaving this world on the eve of Jumuah at</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">the ripe lunar age of 96.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">His six daughters along with many sons-in-law, grandchildren, and great-grand-children sat</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">and stood around Papa all the while. As tears fell and embraces began, we bid farewell to</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">our Papa, a human paragon of Prophetic practice to us and so many others.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The janazah services began within an hour. Moulana Burhan Mia and his team soon arrived</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">to take Papa to the ghusl facility opposite Oriental plaza. On the way, Molana Burhan, after</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">hearing the beautiful manner of Papa's passing, said that a hadith came to mind the day</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">before regarding Papa's life. "Among the signs of blessing and bounty upon a person is</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">when he is given a lengthy age and his deeds only become more beautiful with age. He added</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">that for the person who vigilantly safeguards his prayer in this world, never mind walks to</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">the masjid for Fajr at 96, the questioning of the grace starts off on a different footing. The</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">person will be granted a vision of a horizon with a sun at the Asr position. When Munkar</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">and Nakeer arrive, the person will ask them to wait so he or she can complete the prayer.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">At the ghusl facility, Shiraz, Rashad, Uncle Abbas, Uncle Mohamed, and I worked with</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Akbar, Molana Durwesh, Mufti Mohammed Ali and others to prepare Papa's body for the</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">qabr. His chest was firm and strong, looking many decades younger. After rubbing the</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">camphor on the "sajda points" most prominently his palms and forehead, we carried our</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Papa to his kafan, the ihram-like cloths he had worn many times before in preparation for</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">this moment.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Before covering his face, I pulled his small brown comb to neaten his beard for the last time,</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">a moment cemented in memory. I turned the Oud Ameeri bottle upside down on my palm</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">taking out a few drops and began applying it to his kafan until I reached his face where I</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">stroked his glistening beard with the last scent of this world.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">By midnight, the kafn enclosing Papa arrived at 7a 13th Ave where the family waited</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">earnestly. By Fajr, we had nearly completed a khatm of the Quran and gathered around Papa</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">for the last time. Among the many duas we made, I will always remember one since it has</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">become a part of my regular litany: allahuma aftah ʿalaynaa futooh ul-ʿaarifeen kamaa fatahta</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">ʿalaa haadha al-ghulaam. Oh Allah! Open upon us the vision and enlightenment of the</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Knowers of you as you have enlightened this ghulaam.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Just as we concluded, the melodic dhikr "Allahu Allah …Allahu Raabi…Awni wa Hasbi</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">…Maali siwa Hu" filled the room as it had done so many times before that week.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">At quarter past nine, the hearse arrived to take Papa to his home of ten years, Darul Uloom</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Zakariyya. Nearing the four-way stops, Rashaad and I, seated on either side of Papa in the</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">hearse, glanced backward on to the soft green velvet of the casket where the kalima "la ila</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">ha illah" decal on the minivan's window was imprinted in serene shadow.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Entering the gates of the madrasa, we gazed out over the rows of cars parked in the football</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">fields as we approached the side entrance of the mosque. We hardly turned off the road</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">before we had to park the hearse. A tunnel of hundreds of students from the madrasa waited</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">to each lend a hand in carrying Papa to his position in the masjid courtyard. Though the</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">distance was over several hundred meters, each person was only able to touch the casket</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">with one hand before passing it on to the next.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">As soon as the congregation of several thousand had assembled at about 9:00 am, Moulana</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Suliman Moola stepped onto the podium and offered a few words on the life and legacy of</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">"Hazrat Bajee Patel rahmatullah alayh." He noted the central importance of prayer in Papa's</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">life and his desire to help others even at an advanced age. Referring to a meeting he had with</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Papa after the massacres in Gujarat, Moulana Suliman Moola remembers how Papa cried as</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">he showed his photographs of the tragic events. He concluded by characterizing Papa’s exit</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">from the dunya as “an enviable death.”</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Mufti Rada-ul-Haq, the institution's senior scholar, came forward to lead the Janaza namaz –</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">a prayer whose call was given into Papa's ears ninety six years earlier – at a time when the</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Osmanli/Ottoman sultan was still hailed as the Caliph on the Jumuah pulpit.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Immediately after the prayer, the tunnel that had welcomed him bid farewell to Papa, passing</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">him toward the hearse for his final drive to his and everybody else's eventual dunyawi resting</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">place.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">At the graveyard, the crowd continued to grow while we waited for many others delayed by</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">the traffic of attendees. Rashaad, Molana Durwesh, and Uncle Riaz, and I left our shows</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">graveside and climbed into the qabr, stepping lightly onto to the rusty-red Lenasia gravel.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The crowd above passed the body, wrapped in the white kafn, head-first to Rashaad, who</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">carefully passed it on to Uncle Riaz, Molana Durwesh, and, finally, to me. In both my hands,</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I cradled Papa's head, once the vessel of so much life and enthusiasm, thinking about the</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">sharpness of mind he was gifted for nearly a century until his passing. wa shukru lillah.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">When the body was laid down on its side in the niche facing the qibla, I continued to cradle</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">the head wondering how to proceed. I wanted to preserve Papa's sleeping position and could</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">not bear to see him uncomfortable. Just beside me, I spotted a flat rock which I placed</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">carefully under his head like a pillow. My heart calmed seeing him at ease. That would be my</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">final khidma to a grandfather who spent his life in the service of his family and community.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Planks of wood were passed down to Uncle Riaz and Moulana Durwesh who wedged them</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">tightly between the wall and floor of the grave them, like a tightly tucked blanket.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Within a few minutes, the dirt that had been removed to make way for this final journey</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">down under was replaced. Our Moulana Yusuf Bemath came forth to recite the beginning of</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Surah Baqara at the head-side and the final verses by the feet-side, followed by Muftisap’s</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">heartfelt duʿaa. Every time I opened my eyes during this prayer, I saw the tears rolling down</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">the faces of the young and old, especially the many faces who often frequented Papa to serve</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">and learn from him.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The crowd of well-wishers gradually left, leaving Abid bhai, Uncle Riaz, Uncle Saeed, the</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">two Yusufs from Malawi – who had diligently served Papa beyond the call of duty –, and</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">myself.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">At Abid bhai’s instruction, I squatted by the right shoulder and recited the suggested</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">passages from the Quran before reminding the deceased, as tradition suggests, of the</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">answers to the questions asked in the grave. The memory from a decade ago ran through my</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">mind as I squatted in the same position by Ma Rasool, my grandmother’s qabr reminding</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">her. Addressing Papa, I began:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">My dearest Papa. This is a simple reminder to you from a grandson who loves you</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">for all that you have taught him and given him of spiritual wealth. Papa, your Lord,</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">your Rabb is the one whom you turned to and worshipped under all circumstances.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Your Prophet, your Nabi is Muhammad(saw) whose life you made the basis of your</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">life and whom you loved so much. Papa, your deen is Islam through which you</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">contented your heart.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">With brackish tears streaming into rivulets on my cheeks, I stood up, said bismillah and</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">returned to finish my dunya time.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">*********************************************</span></div></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">A couple things I wanted to add to Na'eel's account:</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; ">*After we</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; "> read surah Yasin aloud by Papa's bedside in those last days, Papa awoke and said "ok enough. Now i will read in my heart... Allah...Allah..." imagine that state of muraqabah! subhanAllah..</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; "><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; ">*Each of us kissed Papa on the cheek, as a last farewell, before his body was taken for the janazah.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; "><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; font-size: -webkit-xxx-large; "><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Glossary</span></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Ṣalāh – This form of worship constitutes the five daily ordained prayers of Muslims.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Beginning with Fajr before sunrise, the next in Ẓuhr after noon, then ʿAṣr in the late</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">afternoon, then Maghrib just after sunset, and finally ʿIshā in the late evening.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Tayammum – Ritual purification performed in the absence of water or under special</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">handicapped circumstances</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Qabr - Arabic word for grave. The linguistic root is related to the root “q r b” connoting</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">temporal and special proximity.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; "><br /></span></div></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; "><br /></span></span></div></span>An article written in our hometown newspaper:<br /></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><a href="http://blogs.esanjoaquin.com/stockton-metro-columnist/2010/06/04/goolam-hoosen-patel-old-school-sage-1915-2010/" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 37, 8); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">http://blogs.esanjoaquin.com/<wbr>stockton-metro-columnist/2010/<wbr>06/04/goolam-hoosen-patel-old-<wbr>school-sage-1915-2010/</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /><br />Note: The birth year should have been 1916 in the article.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">*********************************************</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">My old updates days before Papa's passing:</span></b></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, sans-serif;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">On Sun, May 23, 2010 at 8:08 PM:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">JazakumAllah khayrun for all those who are praying for my Grandfather & family.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">My cousin in South Africa provided the following update on May 22:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family:arial, sans-serif;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="color: rgb(15, 36, 62); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="color: rgb(15, 36, 62); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Pappa is at my mother’s place [his eldest daughter] after being discharged from the hospital yesterday. Aunty Farida [his second eldest daughter] arranged for a hospital bed to be brought home so Pappa can be as comfortable as possible.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="color: rgb(15, 36, 62); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="color: rgb(15, 36, 62); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">He is in a very weak condition due to him being unable to eat sold foods – he’s lost a considerable amount of weight as a result and has a constant drip being administered. Naeel and Yusuf (his haafiz grandsons) are continuously reading Sura Ya’sin at Pappa’s bedside – he appreciates having all [six of] his daughters being with him. Even in this tough physical state, Pappa has not missed a single Namaaz – a tremendous example for us all. Pappa is mentally alert as ever and still has someone go through all his accounts with him – truly remarkable!</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="color: rgb(15, 36, 62); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="color: rgb(15, 36, 62); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Please continue to keep him in your du'aas</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="color: rgb(15, 36, 62); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="color: rgb(15, 36, 62); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">JazakAllah khayrun</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="color: rgb(15, 36, 62); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">wasalaam</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="color: rgb(15, 36, 62); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0F243E;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">*******************************************************************</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="color: rgb(15, 36, 62); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The day of his passing:</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="color: rgb(15, 36, 62); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></p></span></div></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">bismillah</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Assalamualaykum wa rahmatullah</span></div><div> </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Please pray for an excellent seal for </span><span class="il"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Papa</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> (we are raised according to how we pass from this world). </span><span class="il"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Papa</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">'s condition is very weak and we pray for ease, comfort and husnal khaatima (excellent seal).<br /><br />When 94 year old (Islamically aged 96) </span><span class="il"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Papa</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> wakes up from his slumber his only concern is his prayer. Although he cannot move himself due to weakness, he still is able to perform tayammum and makes sure someone awakens him for each prayer. Sometimes out of confusion he will anxiously ask which prayer time it is, and asks if he had already prayed the last prayer - the answer being yes each time. He then asks for someone to make sure they wake him for the next prayer. Prayer is truly the light of his eyes. Late last night he was busy praying in his bed, rak'aat after rakaat, and did not sleep much despite his fatigue. Today we just had a Qur'an completion (khatm) and made a long supplication for him - for the strength and light of our family - for our dear </span><span class="il"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Papa</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, Goolem Hussein Patel.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div> </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Please make dua for </span><span class="il"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Papa</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> and the whole family.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div> </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; font-family: arial; font-size: small; "><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; border-collapse: collapse; ">May we all be granted husnul khaatima. ameen</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br /></span></span></div><div>Tawfiq, inshAllah<br /><br />Wa'salaam from South Africa</div></span></div></span></span></span></div></span>Shamirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05598931430809935928noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30137661.post-8137568600407126392010-03-12T08:48:00.000-08:002010-09-15T11:04:16.699-07:00Doubts about hijab - Answered!<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" border-collapse: collapse; font-family:arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">EXCELLENT response and encouragement of hijab. :)</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.suhaibwebb.com/personaldvlpt/taking-off-the-hijab/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=taking-off-the-hijab"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Click Here to read</span></a></span></div><div> </div><div><br /></div></span>Shamirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05598931430809935928noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30137661.post-21126206434361306372010-03-09T13:39:00.000-08:002010-09-15T11:04:35.523-07:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; border-collapse: collapse; "><div style="text-align: center; "><span style="font-family:garamond, serif;">The <b>Rahmah Foundation</b> Proudly Presents a sisters-only online session:</span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span style="font-family:garamond, serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span style="color:#993399;"><b><span style="font-size: xx-large; "><span style="font-family:garamond, serif;">Should I Wait For <span class="il">Prince</span> <span class="il">Charming</span>? </span></span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span style="color:#993399;"><b><span style="font-size: xx-large; "><span style="font-family:garamond, serif;">Does He Even Exist?!</span></span></b></span></div><span style="font-size: large; "><div style="text-align: center; "><span style="font-family:garamond, serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><b><span style="font-family:garamond, serif;">The Case for Settling for Mr. Good Enough - the Islamic Take!</span></b></div></span><div style="text-align: center; "><span style="font-family:garamond, serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span style="font-family:garamond, serif;"><span style="font-family: arial; "><div style="text-align: center; "><span style="font-family:garamond, serif;">With Ustadha Shamira Chothia Ahmed and </span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span><span style="font-family:garamond, serif;">Noha</span></span><span style="font-family:garamond, serif;"> </span><span><span style="font-family:garamond, serif;">Alshugairi</span></span><span style="font-family:garamond, serif;">, M.S. Marriage and Family Therapist Intern</span></span></div></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span style="font-family:garamond, serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span style="font-family:garamond, serif;">The princess is aging, society is speaking and the <span class="il">prince</span> doesn't seem to exist! What should a sister do?! </span></div><div><span style="font-family:garamond, serif;">Discuss practical solutions to this increasingly common scenario for single Muslimahs in the West and learn how to overcome the pre-marital roadblocks in order to live "happily ever after"!<br /></span><div><span style="font-family:garamond, serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span style="font-family:garamond, serif;"><a href="https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dEFlU3UzaFlHWTZEVXRsc3V2ZGk4Y3c6MA" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span style="font-size: large; ">Register here!</span></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span style="font-family:garamond, serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span style="font-family:garamond, serif;">When: <b>Saturday March 20, 2010</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span style="font-family:garamond, serif;">Live Interactive session from <b>11am - 1pm P.S.T </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span style="font-family:garamond, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span style="font-family:garamond, serif;">Where: Online! (<a href="http://www.wiziq.com" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); ">www.wiziq.com</a>)</span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span style="font-family:garamond, serif;"><span style="font-family: arial; "><div style="text-align: center; "><span style="font-family:garamond, serif;"><b>Deadline to register is March 17th, 2010</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family:garamond, serif;"><b>You will be emailed log-in information prior to the class, inshAllah!</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family:garamond, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span style="font-family:garamond, serif;">This free-session is open to all sisters. </span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span style="font-family: garamond, serif; ">Please spread the word!</span></div><div><div><span style="font-family:garamond, serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span style="font-family:garamond, serif;"><a href="http://www.therahmahfoundation.org" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); ">www.therahmahfoundation.org</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span style="font-family:garamond, serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span style="font-family:garamond, serif;"><b>About the Speakers:</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family:garamond, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family:garamond, serif;"><b>Noha Alshugairi </b>received her M.S. in counseling from California State University, Fullerton, and her B.A. in Zoology from Rutgers University. She is currently a Marriage and Family Therapy Intern in private practice in Newport Beach, California. She is also the co-host of “Family Connection” an Internet Radio show on </span><a href="http://www.onelegacyradio.com" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span style="font-family:garamond, serif;">www.onelegacyradio.com</span></a><span style="font-family:garamond, serif;">. As a Certified Positive Discipline Associate, she conducts parenting classes on a regular basis. She frequently lectures on issues related to women and family. Her interests include: divorce in the American Muslim community, parent and child relationships, the intertwining of faith and culture in the American Muslim community, youth identity development, and the impact of changing women roles on the family unit. </span></div><div><span style="font-family:garamond, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family:garamond, serif;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span style="font-family: arial; "><span><span style="font-family:garamond, serif;">Born and raised in Northern California,</span></span><span><span style="font-family:garamond, serif;"> </span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:garamond, serif;"><b>Shamira</b></span></span></span><span><span style="font-family:garamond, serif;"><b> </b></span></span><span><span style="font-family:garamond, serif;"><b>Chothia Ahmed </b>is an emerging young female scholar of the traditional Islamic sciences. Her studies led her to seek sacred knowledge from scholars on three</span></span><span><span style="font-family:garamond, serif;"> </span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:garamond, serif;">continents</span></span></span><span><span style="font-family:garamond, serif;"> </span></span><span><span style="font-family:garamond, serif;">— Africa, Europe, and Asia. In England she completed the five-year, traditional alimah (Islamic studies) program, studied the ahadith collection of the Sihah Sittah and received her ijaazah (authorization) in Sahih al-Bukhari with renowned Hanafi scholars. Thereafter, </span><span><span style="font-family:garamond, serif;">Ustadha</span></span></span><span><span style="font-family:garamond, serif;"> </span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:garamond, serif;">Shamira</span></span></span><span><span style="font-family:garamond, serif;"> </span></span><span><span style="font-family:garamond, serif;">wa<wbr>s able to continue her studies in Damascus, Syria and was later an instructor of Hanafi fiqh for women at the Zaytuna Institute in Hayward, California. She recently earned her Master's degree in Demographics and Social Analysis from the University of California at Irvine with her focus on the identity formation of the Muslim-American population. </span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:garamond, serif;">Ustadha </span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:garamond, serif;">Shamira</span></span></span><span><span style="font-family:garamond, serif;"> is both a wife and mother, and enjoys </span></span><span><span style="font-family:garamond, serif;">giving interactive and uplifting talks to sisters across the U.S.</span></span></span></span></span></div></div></div></span>Shamirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05598931430809935928noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30137661.post-85271739520796551132010-02-18T07:43:00.000-08:002010-02-18T07:50:14.939-08:00Celebrate Mercy, Celebrate our Prophet (saw) - Year Round insh'Allah!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Assalamualaykum!<br /><br />A good article just to remind us </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">not</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> to do extra acts in this month (i.e., seerah readings, salawaat etc) thinking there's more reward for this month, more virtue, etc. or restricting it to this month. Check your intentions! </span><a href="http://albalagh.net/general/rabi-ul-awwal.shtml"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Click here to read.</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /><br />Also, Mufti Taqi Usmani mentions there is difference of opinion on which day the Prophet (saw) was actually born (some say it was the 9th of Rabial Awwal, others the 12th) and that we don't celebrate birth or death anniversaries.<br /><br />The reason I'm sending it is b/c of a sister's question on which days to specifically fast this month and with which niyyah - to which I reply: there are none! (</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; border-collapse: collapse; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">besides the sunnah year-round fasts of fasting Mondays, Thursdays and the 13,14, 15th of each lunar month)</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> and Allah knows best<br /><br />(on the other hand, its always nice to celebrate mercy!! In and out of Rabial Awwal, inshAllah! See below :))</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; border-collapse: collapse; "><span style="font-size: 11px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; "><div style="text-align: center; "><span style="font-size: small; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span style="border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 102, 204); background-image: none; background-attachment: scroll; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat repeat; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">February 25 </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">is a</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> live webcast celebrating the life and character of </span><span style="border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 102, 204); background-image: none; background-attachment: scroll; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat repeat; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Prophet</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> Muhammad</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">, peace be upon him. Please forward widely! Register at </span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span style="font-size: small; "><a href="http://celebratemercy.com/" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">http://celebratemercy.com/</span></a></span></div></span></span></div>Shamirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05598931430809935928noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30137661.post-85670659463303960732010-01-22T13:46:00.000-08:002010-01-22T13:48:04.053-08:00Modesty: A Branch of Faith:: Redlands, CA<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; border-collapse: collapse; "><div><div style="text-align: center; "><i><span style="font-family:'times new roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large; ">Bismillah</span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center; "><i><span style="font-family:'times new roman', serif;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center; "><i><span style="font-family:'times new roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large; "><b><span style="color:#6600cc;">The Rahmah Foundation & The Redlands <span class="il">Peace</span> <span class="il">Academy</span> </span></b></span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center; "><i><span style="font-family:'times new roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large; ">Proudly Present:</span></span></i></div></div><div><div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; "><b><span style="font-family:georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-large; "><i><span style="color:#339999;">Modesty: A Branch of Faith</span></i></span></span></b></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center; "><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-weight: bold; "><br /></span></div><b><p style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 0.25in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; "><span style="font-family:georgia, serif;"><span style="color:#6600cc;">The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him <span class="il">peace</span>, said, "Modesty only brings good." [Agreed upon]</span></span></p><p style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 0.25in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; "><span style="font-family:georgia, serif;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-weight: normal; "><span style="color:#6600cc;"><b></b></span></span></span></p><span style="font-family:georgia, serif;"><div style="text-align: center; "><span style="font-family: arial; font-weight: normal; "><b><span style="font-family:georgia, serif;"><b><p style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0.25in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; "><span style="font-family:georgia, serif;"><span style="color:#6600cc;">In a variant of Muslim, "Modesty is all good."</span></span></p></b></span></b></span></div></span><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span style="font-family:georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: large; ">What exactly is modesty? How does it relate to ourselves, to our Creator, and to the rest of creation? </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family:georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: large; "> </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family:georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: large; ">In this motivating and beneficial talk Ustadha Shamira will discuss the importance of modesty in our tradition, how it relates to us, and how we can increase in this amazing quality that is so beloved to Allah </span><i><span style="font-size: large; ">subhanahu wa ta'ala</span></i><span style="font-size: large; ">! Don't miss out!</span></span></div><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; "><p style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in; "></p><div style="text-indent: 0px; "><span style="font-family:Helvetica;color:#339999;"><span style="font-size: large; "><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000000;"><span style="font-size: small; "><br /></span></span></span></span></div><span lang="FR" style="font-family: Helvetica; "><div style="text-align: center; "><span style="font-size: large; "><span style="color:#339999;">Date: </span><b><span style="color:#339999;">Saturday, January 30th, 2010</span></b></span></div></span><br /></span><div style="text-align: center; "><span style="font-family: Helvetica; "><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span style="font-size: large; "><span style="color:#339999;">Time: 1:30 - 3:30pm</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span style="font-family: Helvetica; "><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span style="font-size: large; "><span style="color:#339999;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span style="font-family: Helvetica; "><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span style="font-size: large; "><span style="color:#339999;">Venue: </span><b><span style="color:#339999;"><span class="il">Peace</span> <span class="il">Academy</span></span></b></span></span></span></div></div><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; "><p style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in; "></p><div style="text-align: center; "><span lang="FR" style="font-family: Helvetica; "><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span style="font-size: large; "><span style="color:#339999;">609 Amigos drive Suite # 2</span></span></span></span></div><p style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in; "><span lang="FR" style="font-family: Helvetica; "><span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span style="font-size: large; "><span style="color:#339999;">Redlands</span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span style="font-size: large; "><span style="color:#339999;">, CA 92373</span></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in; "><span lang="FR" style="font-family: Helvetica; "><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span style="font-size: large; "><span style="color:#339999;"><br /></span></span></span></span></p></span><div><b><div style="text-align: center; "><span style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span style="font-size: large; "><span style="font-family:'times new roman', serif;"><i>Sisters only please!</i></span></span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span style="font-size: large; "><em><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">Babysitting is available.</span></em></span></b></span></div></b></div></span>Shamirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05598931430809935928noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30137661.post-56992684260221123722010-01-22T13:42:00.000-08:002010-01-22T13:46:08.365-08:00Natural Childbirth in Islam Series: Irvine, CA<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; border-collapse: collapse; "><div style="text-align: center; "><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 153); "><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><i>Bismillahi Rahmani Raheem</i></span></span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><i><br /></i><span style="font-size: small; "><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span style="font-size:130%;"><div><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span style="font-family:garamond, serif;"><b><span style="font-size: small; "><span style="color:#000099;">Please mark your calendars!!</span></span></b></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span style="font-family:garamond, serif;"><b><span style="font-size: small; "><span style="color:#000099;"><br /></span></span></b></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span style="font-family:garamond, serif;"><b><span style="color:#6600CC;">The Rahmah Foundation proudly presents: </span></b></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span style="font-family:garamond, serif;"><b><span style="font-size: small; "><span style="color:#000099;"><br /></span></span></b></span></span><b style="font-family: garamond, serif; "><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span style="color:#000099;">A Four </span></span><span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span style="color:#000099;">Week</span></span></span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span style="color:#000099;"> </span></span><span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span style="color:#000099;">Mini</span></span></span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span style="color:#000099;">-</span></span><span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span style="color:#000099;">Series</span></span></span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span style="color:#000099;"> for Sisters</span></span></b><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span style="color:#000099;"><br /></span></span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family: garamond, serif; "><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span style="color:#000099;">with</span></span></span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span style="color:#000099;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><b><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span style="color:#000099;"><i><span style="font-family:'times new roman', serif;">Ustadha Shamira Chothia Ahmed!!</span></i></span></span></b></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><i><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><b></b></span></i><span style="font-family:garamond, serif;color:#330099;"><b><i><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><br /></span></i></b></span><span style="font-size:6;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:garamond, serif;"><b><span style="font-size: xx-large; "><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span style="color:#6600CC;">Natural Childbirth in Islam<br /></span></span></span></b></span><b style="font-family: garamond, serif; color: rgb(51, 0, 153); "><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">Mondays, Thursdays @ 6:00-7:00pm</span></b><div style="color: rgb(80, 0, 80); "><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 153); font-family: garamond, serif; "></span><br /></span><b style="font-family: garamond, serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 102); "><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 153); "><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">January 4th, 11th, 18th, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(80, 0, 80); font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; "><b style="font-family: garamond, serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 102); "><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 153); "><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">28th, Feb 4th, 2010!!</span></span></b></span></span></span></b></div><div style="color: rgb(80, 0, 80); "><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><br /></span><b><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204); "><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span style="font-family:'times new roman', serif;">At: Islamic Center of Irvine (ICOI) Masjid</span></span></span></b><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span style="font-family:'times new roman', serif;"><br /></span></span></div></span></span></span></span></span><div style="color: rgb(80, 0, 80); "><b><span style="color:#6600CC;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: normal; font-size: 18px; "><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span style="font-family:'times new roman', serif;">Upstairs sisters' classroom </span></span></span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span style="font-family:'times new roman', serif;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span style="font-family:'times new roman', serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="color:#330099;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: normal; "><div class="gmail_quote" style="text-align: center; "><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span style="font-family:'times new roman', serif;">- </span></span><a href="http://www.icoi.net/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span style="font-family:'times new roman', serif;">www.</span></span><span><span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span style="font-family:'times new roman', serif;">icoi</span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span style="font-family:'times new roman', serif;">.net</span></span></a><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span style="font-family:'times new roman', serif;"> -</span></span></div><div class="gmail_quote" style="text-align: center; "><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span style="font-family:'times new roman', serif;"> </span></span></div><span style="border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 102, 204); "><div class="gmail_quote" style="text-align: center; "><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span style="font-family:'times new roman', serif;">2 </span></span><span><span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span style="font-family:'times new roman', serif;">TRUMAN</span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span style="font-family:'times new roman', serif;"> STREET</span></span></div><div class="gmail_quote" style="text-align: center; "><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span style="font-family:'times new roman', serif;">IRVINE, CA 92620</span></span></div></span></span></span></b></div></div><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><div><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color:#663366;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color:#333399;">In this four </span></span></span><span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color:#333399;">week</span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color:#333399;"> </span></span></span><span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color:#333399;">series</span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color:#333399;">, </span></span></span><b><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color:#333399;">Ustadha Shamira Ahmed</span></span></span></b><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color:#333399;"> will be covering what natural childbirth is in our Islamic tradition, touching upon pregnancy exercises and du'aas, relaxation techniques during labor, good nutrition, stages of labor and delivery and much more! This class is open to all sisters interested in learning about pregnancy, delivery and what our Islamic tradition mentions regarding this beautiful stage and experience in a woman's life. Everyone is welcome to attend! Sisters only!<br /></span></span><span style="color:#333399;"></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(80, 0, 80); "><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204); "><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span style="font-family:'times new roman', serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(80, 0, 80); "><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204); "><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span style="font-family:'times new roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: arial, sans-serif; "><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Class 4: Thursday, January 28th:</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Topics to be covered, inshaAllah: </div><div><ul><li style="text-align: left;margin-left: 15px; ">Releasing of fears, increasing confidence & trust in self & in our Creator (s.w.t)</li><li style="text-align: left;margin-left: 15px; ">Stages of Labor - emotional/physical indicators</li><li style="text-align: left;margin-left: 15px; ">Relaxation positions for first stage</li><li style="text-align: left;margin-left: 15px; ">Second stage of labor discussion</li><li style="text-align: left;margin-left: 15px; ">Mental/physical/emotional relaxation</li><li style="text-align: left;margin-left: 15px; ">Birth Plan preferences</li><li style="text-align: left;margin-left: 15px; ">Reflection/Du'as</li></ul></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Class 5: Thursday, Feb. 4th: </b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Topics to be covered, insha'Allah: </div><div><ul><li style="text-align: left;margin-left: 15px; ">Post-natal care</li><li style="text-align: left;margin-left: 15px; ">Sunnahs of birth</li><li style="text-align: left;margin-left: 15px; ">Breastfeeding in our tradition</li><li style="text-align: left;margin-left: 15px; ">Practical tips</li><li style="text-align: left;margin-left: 15px; ">"Best Gift to Baby" </li></ul></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Class 6: Thursday, Feb. 11th: TENTATIVE</b> (if needed)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Please remember us in your du'aas</div></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;color: rgb(80, 0, 80); "><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204); "><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span style="font-family:'times new roman', serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;color: rgb(80, 0, 80); "><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204); "><b><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span style="font-family:'times new roman', serif;">Jazakum-Allah khayrun and please spread the word!!</span></span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;color: rgb(80, 0, 80); "><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204); "><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><a href="http://www.therahmahfoundation.org" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); "><span style="font-family:'times new roman', serif;">www.therahmahfoundation.org</span></a></span></span></div></span>Shamirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05598931430809935928noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30137661.post-10236051281740487472009-10-24T14:20:00.001-07:002010-09-15T11:03:58.856-07:00Nagat's message on Farhana's passingAssalamu alaikum.<br /><br />The hadith that I am sharing is one that I heard during a class that I took back in June. Subhanallah I found it quite insightful and meaningful. <br /><br />The Prophet (saw) was sitting with four of his companions (ra) -- Abu Bakr, Omar, Othman and Ali. The topic of discussion was what three things each loved most in this world. The Prophet (saw) answered first. His three were perfume, women, and prayer. Then he asked this same question of each of the companions. This is what they picked.<br /><br />Abu Bakr: Looking at the Prophet's face (saw), making salawat on the Prophet (saw), and giving money to charity<br /><br />Omar: Advising people, stopping wrongdoing, and saying the truth even if it's hard<br /><br />Othman: Cooking and giving people food, saying salaam to others, and making the night prayer when everyone is asleep<br /><br />Ali: Fasting in summer, taking care of guests, and using the sword to defend the Prophet (saw)<br /><br />Then Jibril came to the Prophet (saw) and revealed the three things that he loved most. They were coming with the message to the world, coming to the Prophet (saw), and saying "alhamdulillah." <br /><br />Finally, Jibril told the Prophet this. "Allah sends you salaams and to the sahaba. Allah loves these three things: a tongue always in dhikr, a heart that's grateful, and a body that's tested but patient."<br /><br />What would we give to encompass just ONE of the qualities that Allah finds worthy of His love? What a great reward! And if we could be lucky enough to attain all three ... we can't even imagine the delights that await!! Subhanallah, looking over the list, it would seem as if Farhana is one of the ones who can achieve this title of "beloved." <br /><br />Until the end, Farhana's tongue was always in dhikr. She urged people to recite and recite and recite. Even when her strength wasn't very strong during these last few days, she'd hold her tasbeeh beads and slowly turn one bead at a time. I can't even imagine how much strength that took from her.<br /><br />And her body was definitely tested, but she remained so patient and calm. During this last year I never once heard her complain. Not once. After all the pricks and pain she had to endure, she just took it. I got a LITTLE cut on my finger tonight, and I was ready to be a baby about it. But not Farhana. I think it was during Ramadan that I was sitting with her one day and the tumor must have already been exerting pressure on her and making her tired. She didn't complain. Instead, so sweetly she said something like "May I go to sleep now?" or "I'm just going to close my eyes for a while, OK?" As if she needed to ask me for permission or was worried that I might be offended. Subhanallah.<br /><br />And throughout it all she remained grateful to both Allah and those around her. She was thankful for the progress that she made during her physical therapy like walking again and being able to dress herself. She was thankful for her family who took care of her and hated to think that she was an inconvenience to them in any way. She was grateful for all the prayers that she received and how much they helped her during her struggle. She loved hearing that people all over the world were remembering her and making du'a for her. <br /><br />May these three qualities endear her to Allah and allow Him to shower her with His love and reward her accordingly. And may we all strive to achieve the same. As Auntie Rabia said today we need to look at Farhana and learn a lesson. We need to realize just how short life is and how un-important all this daily stuff is that we get caught up with. Only our relationship with Allah is what is important. May we always remember Farhana in our du'as and take this lesson to heart. Ameen!<br /><br />-- NagatShamirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05598931430809935928noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30137661.post-89043623565510789482009-10-22T14:34:00.000-07:002010-09-15T11:03:58.856-07:00The passing of our sister Farhana<div style="font-family: georgia;" class="gmail_quote">Bismillah<br /><br />Assalamualaykum wa rahmatullah<br /><br />As many may know, my cousin Farhana passed away last night after a 16 month battle with a brain tumor (in reality she was more to me than an older sister..) . She passed away peacefully last night at around 8 pm with close family around her. We ask each of you to please pray for her and the family and to ask Allah (swt) to make things easy and full of khayr.<br /><br />-Shamira<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">In my cousin Ismail's words:</span><i><br /></i><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:85%;" ><div>Our beloved sister, Farhana passed away earlier this evening (Wed., October 21st) at 7:45 pm PST. Everyone here is sad and heavy of heart. May Allah grant her Jannah – she looks so peaceful and bright with Noor.</div> <div> </div> <div>Uncle Moosa, Aunty Rabia and Aabid are very strong and may Allah grant them sabr. The whole family is here and it’s wonderful to see the unity, love and support that our family has displayed through this trying time. May our bonds strengthen even further, InshaAllah.</div></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">In my cousin Na'eel's words:</span><br /><br />Assalaam alaykum wa rahmatullah,<br /><br />Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un. Certainly, we are from Allah and to Him we return.<br /> <br />After a long year of struggle, my dear cousin Farhana passed away at 7:45 PST at home in California with all her loved ones beside her. One of my beloved aunts described her last moments in this world by likening the exit of her <i>ruh</i>/<i>soul </i>to a silk thread being drawn out of a delicate flower. may Allah make that moment for us as easy as Farhana's. As Muslims, we joyously celebrate the occurrence of a beautiful death for it heralds eternal bliss. Farhana's transition between the temporal and eternal is the transplantation of a flower from a garden to the Garden.<br /> <br />Her short life gave her enough time to exemplify the sincerity and simplicity one can live one's live with. As she lost function of various faculties, (movement, sight and then speaking), she used what remained to bring the way of the Prophet into her life. In fact, for the past week, as she lay on her bed immobile, she used the only hand she had left to use - her right - to make <i>dhikr</i>/remembrance on the <i>tasbeeh/</i>rosary and use the <i>miswak/</i>toothstick. All she wanted us to recite was Ya Salamu(Oh Peace referring to Allah) and Surah Yaseen. In this world, she called with Ya Salaamu with her last breath; now she is with al-Salam. She knew where she was going and wanted to leave in the most excellent way. Ameen. Where are we? Subhanallah.<br /> <span style="font-family: garamond,serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 81, 0);"><br /><u>Hadith</u><br />T</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 81, 0);">he last thing the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) did before his death (according to<span> Aisha):</span> </span></span> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b><span style="color:#005100;">“He lay down in my lap, brushed his teeth harder than he had ever done before ”, then his eyes were fixed and he was saying “Nay, the Companion on high from paradise.” I said to myself<span> </span>“You were given the choice and you have chosen, by Him who sent you with the Truth.” <span> </span>Then, he passed away.”<span> </span>(Bukhari)<span> </span></span></b></span><br /><br /> The passing of loved ones occasions both mourning and remembrance of what awaits us all.<br /><br /> If I could suggest a concrete step after reading this email, purchase Imam Ghazali's <a href="http://www.sunnipath.com/bookstore/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=BKITS1004" target="_blank">Remembrance of Death and the Afterlife and read it annually .</a>Familiarizing yourself with death is not a morbid exercise in our Tradition; rather, its frequent remembrance will serve to make its reality the context in which we live and act.<br /> <br />In these moments, it is painfully obvious how we have no control over life and death. When we are reminded over who is actually in control, we must chase those opportunities to take control of what we actually can - our intention. At the end of the day and life, it is our state of being and not our actions that we die upon. Never underestimate your intention for the <i>niyya </i>is removed from time. That is why dying upon an intention other than worshiping the One and Only can earn perpetual punishment. may Allah save us from this end! On the other hand, leaving this world with a pious intention can facilitate eternal reward.<br /><br />In this light, we have only control of our intentions and the moments ahead. The Sufi is called "ibnul waqt", the "child of the moment." Years and lifetimes are not guaranteed; neither are days, weeks, or hours. In a manner of speaking, we are guaranteed the here and now and can control what we do in that span of time. Farhana lived her life with this in mind. She took care of people and made us all smile when we were with her. She was a devoted wife, sister, daughter, and friend.<br /><br /><br /> This is the legacy Farhana leaves for us - fulfilling the rights she owed to others and never expecting anything in return.. She was always described as "down-to-earth" and "sensible", always making others more important than herself. She did so because Allah gifted her, as he does with His most beloved servants, with a keen sense of what actually matters in life – and at the end of life. We thank Allah for each and every moment of Farhana's company he mercifully gave to us. We pray that he increase our resolve to adopt lifestyles like hers whose Qibla was the Aakhira. We pray that he reunite us in the highest station of Jannatul Firdaus!<br /><br /><i>Ameen!</i><br /><br />Na'eel<br /><br /><i><br />PS. So often in life, we never thank those around us for being who they are. When was the last time you thanked your mother without expecting something in return?<br /><br />Take this opportunity to let your grandparents, your parents, your siblings, your cousins, and your friends know how much you appreciate them. And actually call them. Email and the internet only build upon real human connections so establish those regularly first!<br /> </i> </div><i style="font-family: georgia;"><br /><br /></i>Shamirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05598931430809935928noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30137661.post-41030112563566217802009-08-08T17:31:00.000-07:002010-09-15T11:03:58.857-07:00Shaykh Abu Hassan al-Kurdi passesInna Lillahi Wa Inna Illayhi Raji'un.<br /><br />The Eminent Syrian Scholar, Sheikh Abu Hassan al-Kurdi has left this world.<br /><br />And we are at a loss with his departure.<br /><br />He leaves a great legacy for anyone who aspires to study the Qur'an and generations of men, women and children who carry his chain back to our Liege Lord Muhammad, Peace and Blessings be upon Him.<br /><br />May Allah bestow His grace upon us that we reach the states of the awliyaa', who when they pass from this world, the earth itself mourns their death.<br /><br />Pray for us and for him, and that we might be with him in the hereafter.<br /><br />Ameen. Wa biLlahi Tawfiq.Shamirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05598931430809935928noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30137661.post-11466426888533392462009-08-06T21:40:00.000-07:002009-08-06T21:43:41.159-07:00Ramadan ResourcesA number of talks preparing one for a spiritually uplifting Ramadan: <b><br /><br /></b><span style="font-weight: bold;">Shaykh Husain Abdul Sattar:</span><b><br /></b><br /><a href="http://sacredlearning.org/classrooms/ramadan/index.htm" target="_blank">http://sacredlearning.org/<wbr>classrooms/ramadan/index.htm</a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Fiqh of Fasting</span><br /><br />1a. All of your Hanafi fiqh questions answered-- by Mufti Abdur Rahman ibn Yusuf<br /><blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="border-left: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); margin: 0pt 0pt 0pt 0.8ex; padding-left: 1ex;"><br /><a href="http://www.zamzamacademy.com/audio.php?audioDir=lessons/al-sawm/" target="_blank">http://www.zamzamacademy.com/<wbr>audio.php?audioDir=lessons/al-<wbr>sawm/</a></blockquote><br />1b. Ramadan Fiqh by - Imam Tahir. <a href="http://www.zaytuna.org/audio/ramadan/01%20Ramadan%20Fiqh%20%28Hanafi%29%20Part1.mp3" target="_blank">Part 1</a> - <a href="http://www.zaytuna.org/audio/ramadan/02%20Ramadan%20Fiqh%20%28Hanafi%29%20Part2.mp3" target="_blank">Part 2</a><br /><br />2. What do we do in Ramadan? Shaykh Nuh. A short and sweet reminder<br /><a href="http://www.halaltube.com/podpress_trac/web/345/0/nuh-ha-meem-keller-ramadan-halaltubecom.mp3" target="_blank">http://www.halaltube.com/<wbr>podpress_trac/web/345/0/nuh-<wbr>ha-meem-keller-ramadan-<wbr>halaltubecom.mp3</a><br /><br />3. Ramadan - Shaykh Abdul Hakim Murad<br /><a href="http://www.halaltube.com/abdul-hakim-murad-ramadan" target="_blank">http://www.halaltube.com/<wbr>abdul-hakim-murad-ramadan</a><br /><br />4. Taraweeh - 8 or 20? Shaykh Riyad ul Haq<br /><a href="http://hamzajennings.com//wp-content/downloads/mp3/Taraweeh%208%20or%2020.mp3" target="_blank">http://hamzajennings.com//wp-<wbr>content/downloads/mp3/<wbr>Taraweeh%208%20or%2020.mp3</a><br /><br />5. Moonsighting - Shaykh Hamza Yusuf<br /><a href="http://www.halaltube.com/moon-sighting" target="_blank">http://www.halaltube.com/moon-<wbr>sighting</a><br /><br />6. Ramadan Advice - Shaykh Hamza Yusuf<br /><a href="http://www.halaltube.com/ramadan-advice" target="_blank">http://www.halaltube.com/<wbr>ramadan-advice</a><br /><br />7. Ramadan and Charity - Imam Zaid Shakir<br /><a href="http://www.halaltube.com/ramadan-and-charity" target="_blank">http://www.halaltube.com/<wbr>ramadan-and-charity</a><br /><br />8. Lectures (19 total lectuers) by Imam Zaid Shakir entitled The Blessings of Ramadan<br /><a href="http://www.zaytuna.org/multimedia.asp?speaker=3" target="_blank">http://www.zaytuna.org/<wbr>multimedia.asp?speaker=3</a><br /><br />9. The Virtues of Standing in Prayer in the Month of Ramadan - Shaykh Faraz Rabbani<br /><a href="http://media.libsyn.com/media/seekersguidance/Understanding_Virtue_-_020-21_-_Virtues_of_Standing_in_Prayer_in_Ramadan.MP3" target="_blank">http://media.libsyn.com/media/<wbr>seekersguidance/Understanding_<wbr>Virtue_-_020-21_-_Virtues_of_<wbr>Standing_in_Prayer_in_Ramadan.<wbr>MP3</a>Shamirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05598931430809935928noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30137661.post-74737875711185444322009-06-23T12:21:00.001-07:002009-06-24T12:20:55.396-07:00The Sacred Month of Rajab!!<div style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;">According to <a href="http://crescentwatch.org/" target="_blank">crescentwatch.org</a>, the new moon of Rajab should be seen tonite. This is one of the 5 special nights where dua'a is not rejected, according to the Prophet (saw) (see below)....Please include my family and me in your dua'as insha'Allah.</span></div><div style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span><wbr><span style="font-size:100%;">~~~~~~~~~</span></div> <div style="font-family:times new roman;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:100%;">بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم</span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">الحمد لله رب العالمين</span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">و صلى الله على سيدنا محمد و على آله وصحبه وسلم تسليما كثيرا</span><br /></div><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"> THE RAJAB LETTER</span><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:85%;"> by Amjad Tarsin</span><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:100%;">This is an excerpt from the book Kanz Al-Najah wa As-Suroor ("The Treasures of Success and Happiness"), a book highlighting the special qualities of each month. As the blessed and holy month of Rajab approaches (please check your local sightings or mosques to know when the month of Rajab begins in your area - http://www.crescentwatch.org/cgi-bin/Cw/cw.cgi ), hopefully this information will be of use in allowing us all to appreciate it and benefit from it:<br /><br />[Please also read Mufti Taqi Usmani's article on the month of Rajab: </span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family: georgia,serif; font-size: 100%;"><a href="http://albalagh.net/general/rajab.shtml" target="_blank">http://albalagh.net/general/<wbr>rajab.shtml</a></span></span>]<br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><br />So, my dear friend, put forth a great effort in the month of Rajab, may Allah have mercy on you. It is the season of great profits, so take advantage of your time! Whoever is spiritually sick due to their sins - know that the medicine has come.<br /></span></div><ul style="font-family:times new roman;"><li><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 100%;">Muslims should remember the important events that took place in the history <span><span>of</span></span> Islam during this <span><span>month</span></span>, such as the Night Journey and Ascension, the Battle <span><span>of</span></span> Tabuk, and the liberation <span><span>of</span></span> Al-Aqsa Mosque from the crusaders at the hands <span><span>of</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 100%;"> Salah Ad-Din Al-Ayubi (AH 538).</span></span></li></ul><ul style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><li> <div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 100%;">Rajab is one of the four sacred months mentioned in the Quran (the four months are : Rajab, Dhul Qi'da, Dhul Hijjah, and Muharram):</span></span></div></li></ul> <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0); font-size: 100%;">{إن عدة الشهور عند الله اثنا عشر شهرا في كتاب الله يوم خلق السموت والارض منها اربعة حرم}</span></span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0); font-size: 100%;">(التوبة: <span style="font-family: georgia,serif;">36</span>)<br /><br /></span></span></div> <span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0); font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: georgia,serif;"><b>{The number of months is twelve according to God, in the decree of God, on the day God created the heavens and the earth; and four of them are sacred} </b>(9:36</span></span><span style="font-family: georgia,serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;">)</span><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"></span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"></span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"></span></span> <ul><li><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="background-color: rgb(51, 204, 204); font-size: 100%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"> Observing voluntary fasting in the four sacred months, including <span><span><span>Rajab</span></span></span>, is recommended.</span></span></span> <span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">(Fasting is permissible and recommended in Rajab as long as one believes that there is no extra reward for fasting in this month. Please<a href="http://albalagh.net/general/rajab.shtml%5D"> <span style="text-decoration: underline;">click here</span></a><a href="http://albalagh.net/general/rajab.shtml%5D"></a>.)</span></span> </li></ul> <ul style="font-family:times new roman;"><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Also, making du'a during the eve of the first of Rajab is highly recommended. The Prophet, peace and mercy be upon him, said, <i>"There are five nights in which du'a </i>(supplication)<i> is not rejected: the eve of Rajab, the 15th night of Sha'aban, the eve of Friday, on the eve of Eid Al-Fitr, and on the eve of Eid Al-Adha."</i> [Al-Suyuti in his<i> Al-Jami'</i>].</span></li></ul> <ul style="font-family:times new roman;"><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Rajab is Allah's month in which He pours His Mercy upon the penitent and He accepts the actions that people have done for His sake. The Prophet, peace and mercy be upon him, said, <i>"Rajab is the month of Allah, and Sha'aban is my month, and Ramadan is the month of my Ummah."</i> (Imam Al-Suyuti in <i>Al-Jami</i>).</span></li></ul> <ul style="font-family:times new roman;"><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Scholars say: Rajab is the month of repentance (<i>istighfar</i>), and Sha'aban is the month of sending peace and mercy (<i>salawat/durood shareef</i>) upon the Prophet, and Ramadan is the month of Qur'an.</span></li><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><li><span style="font-size:100%;">One <i>highly recommended</i> act to do is say 70 times after the Fajr and 'Isha prayers every morning and night of Rajab:<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:100%;">"اللهم اغفر لي وارحمني وتب عليَّ"</span><br /></div><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><u>Transliteration</u>: <i>"Allahuma ighfir li wa Arhamni wa tub 'alayya."</i><br /><br /><u>Translation</u>: Oh Allah forgive me, have mercy upon me, and grant me repentance.</span></li><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Sayyidna 'Ali, may Allah be well pleased with him, used to allocate extra amounts of time for worship on four nights - the first night of Rajab, the nights before the two Eids, and the 15th night of Sha'aban.</span></li><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><li><span style="font-size:100%;">It is also <i>highly recommended</i> to say the following Prophetic prayer (known as <i>Sayyid Al-Istighfar</i> or the Master of Repentance) 3 times every morning and every evening in Rajab:<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:100%;">اللهم أنت ربي، لا اله الا أنت خلقتني وأنا عبدك، وأنا على عهدك ووعدك ما استطعت، أعوذ بك من شر ما صنعت، أبوء لك بنعمتك عليَّ وأبوء يذنبي فاغفر لي فإنه لا يغفر الذنوب الا أنت</span><br /></div><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><u>Transliteration</u>: <i>Allahuma anta rabi la ilaha illa ant, khalaqtani wa ana 'abduk, wa ana 'ala 'ahdika wa wa'adika ma astata'at, 'authu bika min shar ma san'at, abu'u laka bi ni'matika 'allaya wa abu'u bi dhanbi, faqhfir li fa'innahu la yaghfir al-dhunub ila anta.</i><br /><br /><u>Translation</u>: O Allah, you are my Lord, and there is no god but you. You created me and I am your servant, and I am upon the convenant to the best of my ability. I seek refuge in you from the evil I have brought upon myself. I admit all the blessings you have given me and I admit my sins, so forgive me, for no one can forgive sins save You.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:100%;">And success is from Allah!</span></div></li></ul>Shamirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05598931430809935928noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30137661.post-70019354430709228972009-05-25T12:56:00.000-07:002009-05-25T12:58:26.267-07:00Gift of Pregnancy & Motherhood::Garden Grove, CA!<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 102);font-size:100%;" ><i>A must attend for <b><u>all</u></b> sisters!! (Mothers <b><u>and</u></b> Future Mothers-to-be!!)</i></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:180%;" ><b><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:times new roman,serif;" >The Gift of Pregnancy & Motherhood:</span></b></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><i face="georgia,serif" style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">An Amazing Opportunity to Get Closer to Allah (s.w.t)</i></span><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);font-family:georgia,serif;font-size:130%;" ><i>!!</i></span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);font-size:180%;" ><b><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:times new roman,serif;" ><i>with Ustadha <span class="il">Sajeda</span> Patel</i></span></b></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" > </span><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);font-size:130%;" ><i>& Ustadha Shamira Chothia Ahmed (moderator)</i></span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:georgia,serif;font-size:100%;"><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> <b>Date: </b>Saturday, May 30th</p></span></div><div style="text-align: center;font-family:georgia,serif;"> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Location:</b> Masjid Al-Rahman (ISOC)</p> <p style="text-align: center;">1 Al-Rahman Plaza<span>, Garden</span> <span>Grove</span>, CA 92844</p><p style="text-align: center;">Multi-Purpose Room<br /></p></span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-size:100%;"><b>Schedule: </b><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);">10:30-10:45am <b><i>Registration</i></b></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; color: rgb(51, 102, 102);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:georgia,serif;font-size:100%;"><div> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; color: rgb(51, 102, 102);"> 10:45-1:00pm<i> <b>Inspiring Talk!</b></i></p></div></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:georgia,serif;font-size:100%;"><div><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; color: rgb(51, 102, 102);"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; color: rgb(51, 102, 102);"> 12 Noon:<i> <b>Refreshment break</b></i></p></div></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:georgia,serif;font-size:100%;"><div> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> <u><span style="color:black;"><b>Please be on time!</b></span></u></p></div></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:georgia,serif;font-size:100%;"><div><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><u><span style="color:black;"><b> </b></span></u></p> </div><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b> Sisters ONLY</b>. </p></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:georgia,serif;font-size:100%;"> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 12pt;"> Please spread the word!! </p></span></div>Shamirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05598931430809935928noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30137661.post-31299018110589929532009-05-25T12:55:00.000-07:002009-05-25T12:56:02.590-07:00Sisters' Event:: Garden Grove, CA!<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: tahoma,sans-serif; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 51);font-size:85%;" >Pre-register today!!<br /><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: tahoma,sans-serif; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 51);font-size:85%;" >A must-attend event that you won't regret--<br /> </span><span style="font-family: tahoma,sans-serif; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 51);font-size:85%;" >Less than 2 weeks left to have your love & knowledge of the Mothers of the Believers increase insha'Allah! </span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: tahoma,sans-serif; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 51);font-size:85%;" >Pre-register today!!<br /><br /></span></b></div> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">******************************</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></div> <div> <div> <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:georgia,serif;"><span style="font-size:130%;">The <b>Rahmah Foundation </b>is pleased to present: <br /><br /></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"><span style="font-family:georgia,serif;font-size:130%;">2 Day Sisters' Only Program!! </span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:georgia,serif;font-size:130%;">Sat, June 6-Sun, June 7</span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:georgia,serif;font-size:130%;">10am-5:30pm</span></div> <div><span style="font-family:georgia,serif;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:georgia,serif;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b><span style="font-size:6;color:#009900;">Embodying the Sunnah: </span></b></span></span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:georgia,serif;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b><span style="font-size:6;color:#009900;">A Sister's Guide to Inspiration<br /></span>With Ustadha Shamira & Ustadha Eiman Sidky<br /></b></span>ISOC (Garden Grove Masjid). 9752 13th Street, Garden Grove, CA. </span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div> <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:georgia,serif;"><b>Registration Fee: $20 by June 5. At the door: $25.<br /><br /></b>PLEASE reserve tickets beforehand via website:<br /><a href="http://www.lilmuslim.com/rahmah-tickets.html" target="_blank">www.lilmuslim.com/rahmah-<wbr>tickets.html</a><br /> or contact: <a href="mailto:roohenaz@gmail.com" target="_blank">roohenaz@gmail.com</a><br /></span> </div></div> <div> <div> <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:georgia,serif;">Lunch will be available onsite. Refreshments will be provided. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia,serif;"><span style="color:#990000;"><b>Sorry, <u> no babysitting services</u> provided. </b></span></span><br /> </div><span style="font-family:georgia,serif;"><span style="color:#990000;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div></div></div> <div> <div><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><b><span style="color:#009900;">Special Guest Lecturer: Ustadha Eiman Sidky<br /><br /></span></b>Ustadha Eiman was an Islamic Studies and Quran Teacher at the Islamic Saudi Academy in Alexandria, Virginia from 1985 through 2002. She is also in active dawah for the past 15 years in different mosques and countries around the world. Ustadha Eiman has studied with Shaykh al-Habib Umar and the Habaib in Tarim. She has taught Seerah classes both the U.S. and in Egypt. She is loved by all those who meet her and has an amazing way of instilling the love of prophet, Salla Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam, in the hearts.<br /> <br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><u><b>Student Testimonials of Ustadha Eiman's programs:</b><br /></u><br />"a really tite program for sisters! don't miss out!! ustahda eman is AWESOME!!!!"<br /><br />"All of the teachers are, mashallah, amazing in their own right and i can say that from being around them before. But i specifically wanted to recommend Ustadah Eiman Sidky. I had attended her class on the seera of the prophet Mohammad sallalahu alaihi wassalam and subhan allah, i have never had seera in that manner. It is as if she has been there and is narrating what she has just experienced. I think i don't even have the words to describe the way she brings the blessed seera. You just have to attend it to experience it." </span> <div><br /><span style="font-family:Georgia;">"...I am not kidding you when i repeat what everyone else has already said --- she makes the stories of the prophets, sahabah, awliya come alive in a way i've never witnessed before. i felt like i was watching a movie."<br /> </span></div></div></div>Shamirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05598931430809935928noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30137661.post-75251989333078680662009-04-23T17:56:00.003-07:002009-04-23T18:08:08.631-07:00Sisters' Talk in Glendale Heights, IL<div style="text-align: center;font-family:garamond,serif;"><span style=";font-family:times new roman,serif;font-size:130%;" ><i><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"><b>Returning to Allah: Mercy & Forgiveness and Balancing between Hope & Fear</b></span></i></span><span style="font-size:6;"><b><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">A sisters-only event taught by:</span></span></b></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: center;font-family:garamond,serif;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);font-family:times new roman,serif;font-size:100%;" >Ustadha Shamira Chothia Ahmed</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><b><span style="font-family:garamond,serif;">of Zaytuna Institute</span></b></span><br /></div> <div style="text-align: center; font-family: garamond,serif;"><br /></div> <span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span> <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b face="garamond,serif" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 51);">Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 6:30PM @</b></span> <span style=";font-family:times new roman,serif;font-size:100%;" ><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 0);"><br />MSI<br />1758 Bloomingdale Road<br />Glendale Heights, IL</span></span><span style=";font-family:times new roman,serif;font-size:100%;" ><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 0);"><br />Sisters Prayer Hall</span></span></div>Shamirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05598931430809935928noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30137661.post-70931895081638389172009-04-07T14:26:00.000-07:002009-04-20T16:02:06.536-07:00Rancho Cucamonga, CA, Talk<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-family:georgia,serif;font-size:6;" ><div class="im"><span style="font-size:180%;">Living Between Hope and Fear</span><br /></div><div class="im"><span style="font-size:130%;"><i>Reflections on Death & The Afterlife<br /><br /></i></span></div></span><div style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="im"> <span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);font-family:georgia,serif;font-size:130%;" >with Ustadha Shamira Chothia Ahmed</span></div></div> <div> </div> <div><br /><span style="font-family:georgia,serif;"> </span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style=";font-family:georgia,serif;font-size:85%;" ><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Saturday, May 9</p></span><div class="im" style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> ICIE (Rancho Masjid), Multi-Purpose Room</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> 9212 Baseline Road, Rancho Cucamonga, CA</p></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> Schedule: 10-10:30am Registration<br /></p></span></div><span style="font-family:georgia,serif;"><div class="im" style="font-family:times new roman;"><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size:85%;"> 10:30-1:00pm Talk</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size:85%;"> Noon: Refreshment break</span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size:85%;"> <u><span style="color:black;"><b>Please be on time </b></span></u></span></p> </div><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b style="font-family: times new roman;"> Sisters ONLY</b><span style="font-family:times new roman;">. No babysitting provided.</span> </span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 12pt;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:Georgia;font-size:14;" ><span style=";font-family:times new roman;font-size:85%;" > Please spread the word! </span><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 12pt;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></p></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:Georgia;font-size:14;" ></span><span style="font-size:14;"></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div></div><div style="text-align: center;" class="im"><span style=";font-family:georgia,serif;font-size:85%;" ><b style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">Living Between Hope & Fear:</b> </span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><br /><span style=";font-family:georgia,serif;font-size:85%;" > Fear makes us careful in avoiding sin, while hope makes us diligent to follow after righteousness and is a motivator to do good.</span><br /><br /><span style=";font-family:georgia,serif;font-size:85%;" >The Almighty says, "Your Lord is swift in retribution, and He is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful." (7:167); The Seal of all prophets, Prophet Muhammad, may peace and blessings be upon him, said "The Garden (al-Jannah) is nearer to you than your own sandal strap and it is the same with the Fire." (Bukhari)</span><br /><br /></div></div><div> </div><div> </div><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style=";font-family:georgia,serif;font-size:85%;" >In this motivating talk Ustadha Shamira will discuss the reality of trusting in Ar-Rahmaan (the Most Merciful's) Mercy, yet at the same time fearing His punishment. The eternal abodes of Heaven and Hell and the stages of death will be narratively illustrated, and the diametrically opposite qualities of hope and fear in God will be discussed. Practical applications will be shared in order to create a balanced outlook on life, and emphasis laid on the importance of striving for the Eternal Pleasure of God the Almighty.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Shamirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05598931430809935928noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30137661.post-30823793713040626612009-04-06T20:21:00.000-07:002009-04-23T18:10:21.668-07:00<h3 id="post-193"><a href="http://www.stonybrookmsa.org/2009/03/%EF%BF%BDy%/ustadha-shamira-sisters-only-weekend-intensive/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent Link to Ustadha Shamira Sisters-Only Weekend Intensive!">Ustadha Shamira Sisters-Only Weekend Intensive, New York!</a></h3> <p>March 29, 2009 </p> <div class="postspace2"> </div> <p>Salaamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu!</p> <p>Insha’Allah this Friday, April 3rd, SBU MSA is blessed to have Ustadha Shamira Chothia Ahmed come for a 3-day intensive!</p> <p><a href="http://www.stonybrookmsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/balance_final_for_real.jpg" title="balance_final_for_real.jpg"><br /></a></p> <p>On <strong>Friday, April 3rd at 7:00 PM</strong>, Ustadha Shamira will be lecturing on “<strong><em>A Beautiful Balance: balancing between hope, fear, knowledge, and action</em></strong>” at Masjid Hamza in Valley Stream, NY. Insha’Allah refreshments will be served. Be sure to register here to attend!</p> <p><a href="http://www.stonybrookmsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/ustdashamira_final.jpg" title="ustdashamira_final.jpg"><br /></a></p> <p>Insha’Allah on <strong>Saturday and Sunday, April 2nd - 3rd from 11:00 AM - 5:30 PM</strong>, Ustadha Shamira will be giving a 2-day intensive on <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">“Balancing Between Hope and Fear"</span> And "<strong><em>Living the Sunnah & Loving the Prophet (SAW)</em></strong>” at <strong>ICLI Masjid in Westbury, NY</strong>! Breakfast and registration is at 10 AM, and Lunch will be also be served later in the day - be sure to register here to attend!</p>Shamirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05598931430809935928noreply@blogger.com0