Quest for the Divine

Texas Events for Sisters!

2011-06-15T09:27:00.000-07:00

Don’t miss your chance to hear Ustadha Shamira starting this week!
(All events are held in Plano, TX at the IACC
http://www.planomasjid.org/planomasjid-v2/)

Modesty: A Branch of Faith

For youth sisters, ages 16-24 (no parents, please!)
Thursday, June 16th: 7:30pm-Maghrib
Plano, TX masjid
Upstairs Classroom

The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "Modesty only brings good." [Agreed upon]
What exactly is modesty? How does it relate to ourselves, to our Creator, and to the rest of creation?

In this motivating and beneficial talk, Ustadha Shamira from The Rahmah Foundation will discuss the importance of modesty in our religion, how it relates to us, and how we can increase in this amazing quality that is so beloved to Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala! Don't miss out!

Inter-gender relations, issues regarding school, work and how to maintain one's identity in a conflicting environment and how to create the 'yard-stick' measurement of what one should and should not be doing in various real life situations will be discussed. Don't miss out!

*************

The Power Within You

For youth sisters, ages 12-18 (no parents, please!)
Tuesday, June 21st: 2:30pm-3:30pm
Plano, TX masjid
Upstairs Classroom

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!

*************

Seeking Sacred Knowledge:
The Straight Path to the Almighty

For ALL sisters!
Thursday, June 23rd: 2:30pm-3:30pm
Plano, TX masjid
IACC Multipurpose Hall

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).
Visit www.therahmahfoundation.org for more information.

Motherhood by Shaykh Nuh

2011-03-22T18:58:00.000-07:00

Assalamualaykum Sisters,

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!
---------------------------------------

“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.

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.”

-Shaykh Nuh Ha Mim Keller

Nursing Your Baby Naturally:: Sisters' Workshop!

2011-02-25T12:20:00.001-08:00

Bismillah ar-Rahman ar-Raheem

The Rahmah Foundation Proudly Presents:

Nursing Your Baby Naturally
with
Sister Hoda Shawky, RN, CPNP, CLEC
Ust. Shamira Chothia Ahmed, MA, CLEC

Sunday March 27th, 2011
11am - 3pm

Islamic Center of Irvine (ICOI) Masjid
Upstairs classroom
2 TRUMAN STREET
IRVINE, CA 92620

- www.icoi.net -

Cost: Free!

Register Today!! Click Here!

In this educational and inspiring workshop, Sister Hoda & Ustadha Shamira, certified lactation educators and counselors, will be covering all the various aspects of breastfeeding your newborn to toddler, touching upon:
Why breast is best
The science and miracle of breastfeeding (how we produce and sustain our milk supply)
Positioning of the baby onto the breast
Is my baby getting enough milk?
Planning for breastfeeding success
Nutrition, contraception, and medications: what Mommy needs to know
When Mommy's away: pumping milk and returning to work/school
Common medical concerns and myths
Tapping into local resources and support systems
Islam and breastfeeding
...and much more! This class is open to all sisters interested in learning about breastfeedomg and what our Islamic tradition mentions regarding this beautiful stage and experience in a woman's life. Everyone is welcome to attend! Sisters only!

Jazakum-Allah khayrun and please spread the word!!
www.therahmahfoundation.org

Don't forget to Register Today for this free event!

Nursing Your Baby Naturally:: Sisters' Workshop!

2011-02-25T12:20:00.000-08:00

Bismillah ar-Rahman ar-Raheem

The Rahmah Foundation Proudly Presents:

Nursing Your Baby Naturally
with
Sister Hoda Shawky, RN, CPNP, CLEC
Ust. Shamira Chothia Ahmed, MA, CLEC

Sunday March 27th, 2011
11am - 3pm

Islamic Center of Irvine (ICOI) Masjid
Upstairs classroom
2 TRUMAN STREET
IRVINE, CA 92620

- www.icoi.net -

Cost: Free!

Register Today!! Click Here!

In this educational and inspiring workshop, Sister Hoda & Ustadha Shamira, certified lactation educators and counselors, will be covering all the various aspects of breastfeeding your newborn to toddler, touching upon:
Why breast is best
The science and miracle of breastfeeding (how we produce and sustain our milk supply)
Positioning of the baby onto the breast
Is my baby getting enough milk?
Planning for breastfeeding success
Nutrition, contraception, and medications: what Mommy needs to know
When Mommy's away: pumping milk and returning to work/school
Common medical concerns and myths
Tapping into local resources and support systems
Islam and breastfeeding
...and much more! This class is open to all sisters interested in learning about breastfeedomg and what our Islamic tradition mentions regarding this beautiful stage and experience in a woman's life. Everyone is welcome to attend! Sisters only!

Jazakum-Allah khayrun and please spread the word!!
www.therahmahfoundation.org

Don't forget to Register Today for this free event!

Remembering Farhana's words (may Allah have mercy on her soul)

2010-10-26T12:25:00.000-07:00

Assalamualaykum wa rahmatullah

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.

Wa'salaam

shamira

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Rabia Lunat

Our dearest daughter Farhana's departure from this world was marked by

her special emphasis on the following advice given to us and to
everyone dear to her heart! I feel compelled to address it and not let
it pass in vain.

1. "Be GRATEFUL to ALLAH (SWT) and always count your BLESSINGS!". The
same way its emphases in the Quran 27:40, "And whosoever is grateful,
truly, his gratitude is for (the good of) his own self, and whosoever

is ungrateful, (its only to the loss of his ownself) Certainly! My

Lord is Rich (free of all wants) and Bountiful.

2. Farhana often said, "BE CALM, CALMLY WILL BE THE KEYWORDS!" This

phrase gets its wider meaning in the hadith of our beloved

PROPHET(SAW), "To act in a calm and collected manner is from the Side

of ALLAH, while to act in haste is from the side of satan." May ALLAH
grant us all HIS divine gift as well!

3. Farhanas last piece of advice was, "Mom dont cry for the rest of
your life!.....instead share and spread this lesson to the rest of our
dear family and friends. CHANGE and get closer to ALLAH (SWT), for no

one has time". Coincidentally, the slogan on her bedroom wall always
read, "YESTERDAY WAS THE PAST. TODAY IS YOUR BEST DAY, BECAUSE
TOMORROW MAY NEVER COME."

This is the legacy, our dearest daughter Farhana; fulfilling the

rights she owed to others and never expectingn anything in return.

Described as "down to earth" and "sensible", she always made 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 all in the

highest station of Jannatul Firdaus!. Ameen

2010-10-07T12:11:00.000-07:00

Dear Rahmah Sisters!

We pray that you all are doing well and are still in the Ramadan spirit of increasing in good works!

Please join us for a wonderful and motivational talk by Ustadha Shamira THIS Saturday October 9th on the importance of women seeking sacred knowledge!

The Rahmah Foundation Proudly Presents:

Seeking Sacred Knowledge:

The Straight Path to the Almighty

A Sisters' Only Motivational Talk!

with Ustadha Shamira Chothia Ahmed

"My Lord, increase me in knowledge." Quran 20:114

When? Saturday, Oct. 9th 11am PST/1pm CST/2pm EST/7pm England

Where: DimDim Online!

Email: therahmahfoundation@gmail.com to register!

Keeping up the Ramadan Spirit! THIS THURSDAY 9/1 (Sisters Only)!

2010-09-15T10:55:00.000-07:00

As-salamualaykum wa rahmatullah

Dear Rahmah Sisters!

We pray that you all had a wonderful Eid and are still in the Ramadan spirit of increasing in good works!

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!

The Rahmah Foundation Proudly Presents:

Keeping up the Ramadan Spirit!

A Sisters' Only Post-Ramadan Motivational Talk!

with Ustadha Shamira Chothia Ahmed

“Whoever fasts Ramadan and follows it with six days from Shawwal it is as if they fasted the entire year.” Muslim

When? Thursday, Sept 16th at 12:00pm Noon PST / 2pm CST/ 3pm EST

Email: therahmahfoundation@gmail.com to register!

Ust. Shamira will speak about:

The 6 fasts of Shawwal
Staying Motivated post-Ramadan
Updates on Rahmah courses and seminar offerings
Du'aa

We also hope that you are partaking in our Rahmah monthly Qur'an Khatim and group Du'aa! To register, please scroll down for the link to the Shawwal (Sept-Oct) khatim. Deadline to complete recitation: Oct. 9th: http://therahmahfoundation.org/khatim.php

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:

Subscribe to TheRahmahFoundation

Email:

Visit this group

Inna Lillahi wa Inna ilayhi raajiun - my dear Uncle Amin

2010-08-18T13:42:00.001-07:00

As-salamu alaykum,

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.

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.

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.

May Allah (swt) grant him the highest level of Jannatul Firdous, and provide his family with sabr. Ameen.

w'salaam
Abu Zahraa

10 Things to hand down to your daughter

2010-08-13T14:27:00.000-07:00

MashAllah Great Ideas to pass to your children, inshAllah!

-Author Unknown.

Our beloved Papa's passing...

2010-08-08T16:30:00.000-07:00

Our dear grandfather, Goolam Hoosen Patel, past on

to His Lord June 3rd in South Africa on the blessed night

of Jumuah at the age of 94. He was the founder of

Darul-Uloom Zakariyya in Southern Africa and had

been involved in much philanthropic work in India,

including the establishment of numerous Madaris. He

was known throughout as Bajee Patel, and his family

affectionately called him Papa. He would split his

time between South Africa and the US, and even at 94

years old, he was an alert, amazing, pious man

mashaAllah. He was blessed to have lived to see his

Great - Great Grand Son. He was a grandfather to

Ustadha Shamira, as well as other alimahs, alims,

and male and female huffaz in his family. He was

blessed to have past away with an amazing passing (please see below).

An entry by my cousin, Na'eel:

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

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.

The Final Days and Moments of Hazrat Bajee Patel (rahmatullah ʿalayh)

In Papa's final days, he limited his speech to the essentials of his own upkeep - personal

hygiene and divinely-ordained obligations. "Put my warm brown cap on at night and white

hat in the day, " he instructed us, still as methodical as he was in healthier days though hardly

able to move.

"What time is it?", he asked us every few hours so, inquiring the time of day with respect to

the next prayer. His intizar of salah (anticipation for the next prayer) was only surpassed by

his eagerness to complete the prayer of the present moment as soon as it entered, an

approach he perfected over the course of his life.

For the days preceding Papa's last, untold numbers of visitors streamed in to ask for prayers

and greet an old and generous friend. Often, the first question many would ask is "How are

you?" to which Papa replied in various ways. To a young girl, he said, "Slowly, slowly, I'm

going into my qabr." To a man advanced in age who came to the hospital ward, Papa replied,

"If I was well, I wouldn't be here right now, would I?"

On Thursday afternoon, he inquired from all those sitting around him whether Asr had been

made to which we all affirmed. With only an hour to the Maghrib prayer, many of us glanced

at the small alarm clock on the headboard wondering whether our dear grandfather would

make to the eve of Jumuah (since sacred time considers the sunset to be the defining event

between days).

As soon as Maghrib time entered, Papa awoke as usual to perform his prayer and

communicate with his Lord. The tayammum went according to the routine he developed

over the past two weeks. Lightly patting the stone resting upon a yellow towel designated for

this specific purpose, he made sure he wiped his face thoroughly, the wrinkle free cheeks,

the deep-set crevices of his eyes with a completeness we have all come to expect of him.

This Maghrib and the Isha he would soon make resembled so many others he had

completed that week, beginning with his intention(niyya) in Urdu, "ye chaar rakaat

namaaz…." Though weak in strength, he managed to reserve whatever he had to

determinedly raise his hands for the takbir al-ula, both palms Qibla-bound and turn his face

from right to left greeting the scribe-angels with the greetings of salaam and rahma.

As I think back to the moments and minutes following that Maghrib, everything seemed so

planned so coordinated.

Once Maghrib ended, the priority was to recite Surah Kahf - a practice neither Papa nor his

progeny would ever overlook. The recital was slow and measured, drawing out ayah which

gave special reference to the occasion. al-maalu wa al-banoon zeenatul hayaat dunyaa…wa

ʿallamnaahu min ladunnaa ʿilmaa…..

After Isha, what would be our dear Papa's final namaz, the family - Papa's children,

grandchildren, and great-grandchildren - returned to his room sitting and standing around

his bed. This was the same room we all gathered in a decade ago to bid farewell to beloved

Ma. "If Papa was in the madrasa right now, he would have been reciting the 40 Durood - a

collection of Salawat upon the Prophet compiled by Sheikh Zakariya (rahmatullah alaih) in

1981 - aloud with all the students and teachers. Let us help him continue this tradition, " I

suggested, with memories of Papa sitting in front of the masjid at Darul Uloom Zakariya

floating like phantoms before my eyes. Both the author and the recital were close to Papa's

heart and day-to-day life.

Soon afterward, Papa indicated with a single word his need to use the restroom. Almost

everybody left to complete their namaz as well. Just an hour earlier, we had asked Mufti Raza

al-Haq about final preparations for death and used this opportunity to clear the room of

miscellaneous items - the bedside table, the stools, and chairs - , prop Papa on his right side

and turned Papa's bed toward the Kaʿba. In accordance with Papa's maneuvering.

The soft sheepskins brought by kind family friends were laid out next to the bed, the lamps

were positioned in the corners of the room.

After redressing Papa in a clean set of clothes, I reached into my pocket for the bottle of

perfume(ʿattar), of Oud to give my grandfather his favorite scent, which he often would soak

a small piece of cotton in and place it in his ear.

Last week, soon after Dhuhr one day, Papa opened his eyes and asked me to open the

drawer of his bedside table. "Bring me the Oud Ameeri, the best," he said proudly, "put

some on me." The tears gathered in my eyes as my index finger grazed Papa's earlobe and

hand stroked his silvery beard and nonegeneric growth of jet black hairs on the chin. Never

one to limit his best to himself even if under such circumstances, Papa then told me, "when

a haaru maanas, gentleman comes, lagar." That last statement was enough to draw the tears

which had begun to weigh down my eyelid. I blinked and the tears fell free.

The dim lights in the room provided a timeless ambience as Rashad, Uncle Muhammed, and

I sat around Papa, now resting on his right side with pillows.

Since Papa was exhausted from his last kogra, we were at ease when his breaths seemed to

relax though shallow. At some point, I opened my eyes and saw that I was alone in the

room. Sitting on Papa's right side on my knees with my face directly facing Papa's, now on

his side, I saw Papa open his near century-old eyes looking directly at me.

"Ketla vaaja(what time is it)?"

Not expecting a sudden question, I grasped for the watch that wasn't there.

From Rashad, I learned that it was half past nine.

"Half past nine, papa"

"Did I make my Isha?"

"Yes"

"Sure? Did I make my Isha?"

"Yes, parigai"

"Are you sure? I made Isha? Mere puree namaz pare?", he asked Aunty Rabia and me.

Thinking that three times was sufficient to establish certainty, I heard Papa ask once more,

"So, I made my Isha?"

Aunty Fatima joined me in the room and helped me assure Papa he completed his namaz.

"Yes, Papa, Isha you have made. Now we have a few hours to Fajr. Inshallah we'll make Fajr

together."

Papa responded, "Inshallah."

When aunty Fatima exited the room, Nasreen brought Ayesha into the room while Papa

was on his side. Papa, though unable to utter words, was able to gift her with a smile, a

sincere gift from a generous man which Nasreen recalled as indicating, "I'm leaving but

you're just starting."

Still sitting next to Papa looking at him eye to eye, I spoke, "Papa, Jumuah Mubarak, we love

you so much Papa. Is there anything else I can do for you?"

The whisper came, "Straighten me……" Aunty Rabia and I removed the pillows behind

Papa laying him flat, his customary sleeping position. Still, he repeated, "Straight, straight."

We surveyed Papa's body seeing what wasn't straight. "My legs, straight." Expecting his legs

to be way off the axis of the bed, I discovered that his legs were just off the axis of the qibla.

Moving his feet a few inches toward the center of the bed, I realized that this was just a

manifestation of a lifelong penchant for detail.

Aunty Shehnaz hurried the rest of the family, completing their Isha namaz, to the room.

Each member assumed their places - on stools, chairs, and sheepskins - where they had

faithfully read Quran for many days and weeks prior.

Rabia and Shehnaz, Papa's daughters who traveled 35 hours just two weeks earlier to make

his khidma and tend to his needs, took turns reciting the kalima and shahadainto his ears. I

was told to draw near to Papa and honored with the duty of reciting the truest statement in

the universe into his right ear.

We recited for about ten minutes before Papa put his hand on his heart saying, "Slowly,

…my heart, my heart."

At that moment, we thought Papa was asking us to recite softly in our hearts so we chose a

lower volume to recite. Some in our family, however, heard Papa say "Slowly, it's my heart."

In the latter case, far from an instruction to us, it was a point of guidance to an angel we will

all meet one morning, afternoon, or evening.

Papa then said, "dori topi" referring to the snowy white cap he diligently worn for the last four

decades. Several family members removed the woolly brown cap as I carefully pulled the

embroidered brim of the spotlessly white topi over the curvature of Papa's head.

My mother Sabira recounts that Papa's face at this time was filled with so much light, with a

noor she remembers on his face in 1956 when he carried in his arms 6-week old Bibi

Ayesha, his lifeless baby daughter, out of the hospital. He turned to Ma Rasool who was

crying at the loss of her youngest child and counseled her, "Allah ne ukam tio." The

steadfastness he upheld at that moment emerged on his face as he lay in the bed, now with

his favorite topi on.

With the the hum of the kalima in the room as I whispered it into his ears and Papa's lips

repeated it, his arms sprung to life raised in the arm, palms facing the sacred direction. He

then initiated the tayammum process. Many of us recognized this course of action, since

Papa's heart truly came to life at the time of prayer these past three weeks. And his heart

would then breathe life into his limbs.

After completing this purifying rite, Papa raised both of his arms into the air and began

waving them gracefully through the air. This was certainly not the waving of a soul in

distress, but the waving of a soul jubilantly welcoming the angels of the moment. A few

breaths later, Papa began his journey in the next leaving this world on the eve of Jumuah at

the ripe lunar age of 96.

His six daughters along with many sons-in-law, grandchildren, and great-grand-children sat

and stood around Papa all the while. As tears fell and embraces began, we bid farewell to

our Papa, a human paragon of Prophetic practice to us and so many others.

The janazah services began within an hour. Moulana Burhan Mia and his team soon arrived

to take Papa to the ghusl facility opposite Oriental plaza. On the way, Molana Burhan, after

hearing the beautiful manner of Papa's passing, said that a hadith came to mind the day

before regarding Papa's life. "Among the signs of blessing and bounty upon a person is

when he is given a lengthy age and his deeds only become more beautiful with age. He added

that for the person who vigilantly safeguards his prayer in this world, never mind walks to

the masjid for Fajr at 96, the questioning of the grace starts off on a different footing. The

person will be granted a vision of a horizon with a sun at the Asr position. When Munkar

and Nakeer arrive, the person will ask them to wait so he or she can complete the prayer.

At the ghusl facility, Shiraz, Rashad, Uncle Abbas, Uncle Mohamed, and I worked with

Akbar, Molana Durwesh, Mufti Mohammed Ali and others to prepare Papa's body for the

qabr. His chest was firm and strong, looking many decades younger. After rubbing the

camphor on the "sajda points" most prominently his palms and forehead, we carried our

Papa to his kafan, the ihram-like cloths he had worn many times before in preparation for

this moment.

Before covering his face, I pulled his small brown comb to neaten his beard for the last time,

a moment cemented in memory. I turned the Oud Ameeri bottle upside down on my palm

taking out a few drops and began applying it to his kafan until I reached his face where I

stroked his glistening beard with the last scent of this world.

By midnight, the kafn enclosing Papa arrived at 7a 13th Ave where the family waited

earnestly. By Fajr, we had nearly completed a khatm of the Quran and gathered around Papa

for the last time. Among the many duas we made, I will always remember one since it has

become a part of my regular litany: allahuma aftah ʿalaynaa futooh ul-ʿaarifeen kamaa fatahta

ʿalaa haadha al-ghulaam. Oh Allah! Open upon us the vision and enlightenment of the

Knowers of you as you have enlightened this ghulaam.

Just as we concluded, the melodic dhikr "Allahu Allah …Allahu Raabi…Awni wa Hasbi

…Maali siwa Hu" filled the room as it had done so many times before that week.

At quarter past nine, the hearse arrived to take Papa to his home of ten years, Darul Uloom

Zakariyya. Nearing the four-way stops, Rashaad and I, seated on either side of Papa in the

hearse, glanced backward on to the soft green velvet of the casket where the kalima "la ila

ha illah" decal on the minivan's window was imprinted in serene shadow.

Entering the gates of the madrasa, we gazed out over the rows of cars parked in the football

fields as we approached the side entrance of the mosque. We hardly turned off the road

before we had to park the hearse. A tunnel of hundreds of students from the madrasa waited

to each lend a hand in carrying Papa to his position in the masjid courtyard. Though the

distance was over several hundred meters, each person was only able to touch the casket

with one hand before passing it on to the next.

As soon as the congregation of several thousand had assembled at about 9:00 am, Moulana

Suliman Moola stepped onto the podium and offered a few words on the life and legacy of

"Hazrat Bajee Patel rahmatullah alayh." He noted the central importance of prayer in Papa's

life and his desire to help others even at an advanced age. Referring to a meeting he had with

Papa after the massacres in Gujarat, Moulana Suliman Moola remembers how Papa cried as

he showed his photographs of the tragic events. He concluded by characterizing Papa’s exit

from the dunya as “an enviable death.”

Mufti Rada-ul-Haq, the institution's senior scholar, came forward to lead the Janaza namaz –

a prayer whose call was given into Papa's ears ninety six years earlier – at a time when the

Osmanli/Ottoman sultan was still hailed as the Caliph on the Jumuah pulpit.

Immediately after the prayer, the tunnel that had welcomed him bid farewell to Papa, passing

him toward the hearse for his final drive to his and everybody else's eventual dunyawi resting

place.

At the graveyard, the crowd continued to grow while we waited for many others delayed by

the traffic of attendees. Rashaad, Molana Durwesh, and Uncle Riaz, and I left our shows

graveside and climbed into the qabr, stepping lightly onto to the rusty-red Lenasia gravel.

The crowd above passed the body, wrapped in the white kafn, head-first to Rashaad, who

carefully passed it on to Uncle Riaz, Molana Durwesh, and, finally, to me. In both my hands,

I cradled Papa's head, once the vessel of so much life and enthusiasm, thinking about the

sharpness of mind he was gifted for nearly a century until his passing. wa shukru lillah.

When the body was laid down on its side in the niche facing the qibla, I continued to cradle

the head wondering how to proceed. I wanted to preserve Papa's sleeping position and could

not bear to see him uncomfortable. Just beside me, I spotted a flat rock which I placed

carefully under his head like a pillow. My heart calmed seeing him at ease. That would be my

final khidma to a grandfather who spent his life in the service of his family and community.

Planks of wood were passed down to Uncle Riaz and Moulana Durwesh who wedged them

tightly between the wall and floor of the grave them, like a tightly tucked blanket.

Within a few minutes, the dirt that had been removed to make way for this final journey

down under was replaced. Our Moulana Yusuf Bemath came forth to recite the beginning of

Surah Baqara at the head-side and the final verses by the feet-side, followed by Muftisap’s

heartfelt duʿaa. Every time I opened my eyes during this prayer, I saw the tears rolling down

the faces of the young and old, especially the many faces who often frequented Papa to serve

and learn from him.

The crowd of well-wishers gradually left, leaving Abid bhai, Uncle Riaz, Uncle Saeed, the

two Yusufs from Malawi – who had diligently served Papa beyond the call of duty –, and

myself.

At Abid bhai’s instruction, I squatted by the right shoulder and recited the suggested

passages from the Quran before reminding the deceased, as tradition suggests, of the

answers to the questions asked in the grave. The memory from a decade ago ran through my

mind as I squatted in the same position by Ma Rasool, my grandmother’s qabr reminding

her. Addressing Papa, I began:

My dearest Papa. This is a simple reminder to you from a grandson who loves you

for all that you have taught him and given him of spiritual wealth. Papa, your Lord,

your Rabb is the one whom you turned to and worshipped under all circumstances.

Your Prophet, your Nabi is Muhammad(saw) whose life you made the basis of your

life and whom you loved so much. Papa, your deen is Islam through which you

contented your heart.

With brackish tears streaming into rivulets on my cheeks, I stood up, said bismillah and

returned to finish my dunya time.

*********************************************

A couple things I wanted to add to Na'eel's account:

*After we 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..

*Each of us kissed Papa on the cheek, as a last farewell, before his body was taken for the janazah.

Glossary

Ṣalāh – This form of worship constitutes the five daily ordained prayers of Muslims.
Beginning with Fajr before sunrise, the next in Ẓuhr after noon, then ʿAṣr in the late
afternoon, then Maghrib just after sunset, and finally ʿIshā in the late evening.

Tayammum – Ritual purification performed in the absence of water or under special
handicapped circumstances

Qabr - Arabic word for grave. The linguistic root is related to the root “q r b” connoting
temporal and special proximity.

An article written in our hometown newspaper:

http://blogs.esanjoaquin.com/stockton-metro-columnist/2010/06/04/goolam-hoosen-patel-old-school-sage-1915-2010/

Note: The birth year should have been 1916 in the article.

*********************************************

My old updates days before Papa's passing:

On Sun, May 23, 2010 at 8:08 PM:

JazakumAllah khayrun for all those who are praying for my Grandfather & family.

My cousin in South Africa provided the following update on May 22:

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.

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!

Please continue to keep him in your du'aas

JazakAllah khayrun

wasalaam

*******************************************************************

The day of his passing:

bismillah

Assalamualaykum wa rahmatullah

Please pray for an excellent seal for Papa (we are raised according to how we pass from this world). Papa's condition is very weak and we pray for ease, comfort and husnal khaatima (excellent seal).

When 94 year old (Islamically aged 96) Papa 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 Papa, Goolem Hussein Patel.

Please make dua for Papa and the whole family.

May we all be granted husnul khaatima. ameen

Tawfiq, inshAllah

Wa'salaam from South Africa

Doubts about hijab - Answered!

2010-03-12T08:48:00.000-08:00

EXCELLENT response and encouragement of hijab. :)

Click Here to read

2010-03-09T13:39:00.000-08:00

The Rahmah Foundation Proudly Presents a sisters-only online session:

Should I Wait For Prince Charming?

Does He Even Exist?!

The Case for Settling for Mr. Good Enough - the Islamic Take!

With Ustadha Shamira Chothia Ahmed and

Noha Alshugairi, M.S. Marriage and Family Therapist Intern

The princess is aging, society is speaking and the prince doesn't seem to exist! What should a sister do?!

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"!

When: Saturday March 20, 2010

Live Interactive session from 11am - 1pm P.S.T

Where: Online! (www.wiziq.com)

Deadline to register is March 17th, 2010

You will be emailed log-in information prior to the class, inshAllah!

This free-session is open to all sisters.

Please spread the word!

www.therahmahfoundation.org

About the Speakers:

Noha Alshugairi 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 www.onelegacyradio.com. 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.

Born and raised in Northern California, Shamira Chothia Ahmed is an emerging young 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 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. Ustadha Shamira is both a wife and mother, and enjoys giving interactive and uplifting talks to sisters across the U.S.

Celebrate Mercy, Celebrate our Prophet (saw) - Year Round insh'Allah!

2010-02-18T07:43:00.000-08:00

Assalamualaykum!

A good article just to remind us not 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! Click here to read.

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.

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! (besides the sunnah year-round fasts of fasting Mondays, Thursdays and the 13,14, 15th of each lunar month) and Allah knows best

(on the other hand, its always nice to celebrate mercy!! In and out of Rabial Awwal, inshAllah! See below :))

February 25 is a live webcast celebrating the life and character of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. Please forward widely! Register at

http://celebratemercy.com/

Modesty: A Branch of Faith:: Redlands, CA

2010-01-22T13:46:00.000-08:00

Bismillah

The Rahmah Foundation & The Redlands Peace Academy

Proudly Present:

Modesty: A Branch of Faith

The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "Modesty only brings good." [Agreed upon]
In a variant of Muslim, "Modesty is all good."

What exactly is modesty? How does it relate to ourselves, to our Creator, and to the rest of creation?

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 subhanahu wa ta'ala! Don't miss out!

Date: Saturday, January 30th, 2010

Time: 1:30 - 3:30pm

Venue: Peace Academy

609 Amigos drive Suite # 2

Redlands, CA 92373

Sisters only please!
Babysitting is available.

Natural Childbirth in Islam Series: Irvine, CA

2010-01-22T13:42:00.000-08:00

Bismillahi Rahmani Raheem

Please mark your calendars!!

The Rahmah Foundation proudly presents:

A Four Week Mini-Series for Sisters

with
Ustadha Shamira Chothia Ahmed!!

Natural Childbirth in Islam
Mondays, Thursdays @ 6:00-7:00pm

January 4th, 11th, 18th, 28th, Feb 4th, 2010!!

At: Islamic Center of Irvine (ICOI) Masjid

Upstairs sisters' classroom

- www.icoi.net -

2 TRUMAN STREET
IRVINE, CA 92620

In this four week series, Ustadha Shamira Ahmed 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!

Class 4: Thursday, January 28th:

Topics to be covered, inshaAllah:

Releasing of fears, increasing confidence & trust in self & in our Creator (s.w.t)
Stages of Labor - emotional/physical indicators
Relaxation positions for first stage
Second stage of labor discussion
Mental/physical/emotional relaxation
Birth Plan preferences
Reflection/Du'as

Class 5: Thursday, Feb. 4th:

Topics to be covered, insha'Allah:

Post-natal care
Sunnahs of birth
Breastfeeding in our tradition
Practical tips
"Best Gift to Baby"

Class 6: Thursday, Feb. 11th: TENTATIVE (if needed)

Please remember us in your du'aas

Jazakum-Allah khayrun and please spread the word!!

www.therahmahfoundation.org

Nagat's message on Farhana's passing

2009-10-24T14:20:00.001-07:00

Assalamu alaikum.

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.

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.

Abu Bakr: Looking at the Prophet's face (saw), making salawat on the Prophet (saw), and giving money to charity

Omar: Advising people, stopping wrongdoing, and saying the truth even if it's hard

Othman: Cooking and giving people food, saying salaam to others, and making the night prayer when everyone is asleep

Ali: Fasting in summer, taking care of guests, and using the sword to defend the Prophet (saw)

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."

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."

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."

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.

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.

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.

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!

-- Nagat

The passing of our sister Farhana

2009-10-22T14:34:00.000-07:00

Bismillah

Assalamualaykum wa rahmatullah

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.

-Shamira

In my cousin Ismail's words:

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.

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.

In my cousin Na'eel's words:

Assalaam alaykum wa rahmatullah,

Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un. Certainly, we are from Allah and to Him we return.

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 ruh/soul 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.

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 dhikr/remembrance on the tasbeeh/rosary and use the miswak/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.

Hadith
The last thing the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) did before his death (according to Aisha): “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 “You were given the choice and you have chosen, by Him who sent you with the Truth.” Then, he passed away.” (Bukhari)

The passing of loved ones occasions both mourning and remembrance of what awaits us all.

If I could suggest a concrete step after reading this email, purchase Imam Ghazali's Remembrance of Death and the Afterlife and read it annually .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.

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 niyya 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.

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.

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!

Ameen!

Na'eel

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?

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!

Shaykh Abu Hassan al-Kurdi passes

2009-08-08T17:31:00.000-07:00

Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Illayhi Raji'un.

The Eminent Syrian Scholar, Sheikh Abu Hassan al-Kurdi has left this world.

And we are at a loss with his departure.

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.

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.

Pray for us and for him, and that we might be with him in the hereafter.

Ameen. Wa biLlahi Tawfiq.

Ramadan Resources

2009-08-06T21:40:00.000-07:00

A number of talks preparing one for a spiritually uplifting Ramadan:

Shaykh Husain Abdul Sattar:

http://sacredlearning.org/classrooms/ramadan/index.htm

Fiqh of Fasting

1a. All of your Hanafi fiqh questions answered-- by Mufti Abdur Rahman ibn Yusuf

http://www.zamzamacademy.com/audio.php?audioDir=lessons/al-sawm/

1b. Ramadan Fiqh by - Imam Tahir. Part 1 - Part 2

2. What do we do in Ramadan? Shaykh Nuh. A short and sweet reminder
http://www.halaltube.com/podpress_trac/web/345/0/nuh-ha-meem-keller-ramadan-halaltubecom.mp3

3. Ramadan - Shaykh Abdul Hakim Murad
http://www.halaltube.com/abdul-hakim-murad-ramadan

4. Taraweeh - 8 or 20? Shaykh Riyad ul Haq
http://hamzajennings.com//wp-content/downloads/mp3/Taraweeh%208%20or%2020.mp3

5. Moonsighting - Shaykh Hamza Yusuf
http://www.halaltube.com/moon-sighting

6. Ramadan Advice - Shaykh Hamza Yusuf
http://www.halaltube.com/ramadan-advice

7. Ramadan and Charity - Imam Zaid Shakir
http://www.halaltube.com/ramadan-and-charity

8. Lectures (19 total lectuers) by Imam Zaid Shakir entitled The Blessings of Ramadan
http://www.zaytuna.org/multimedia.asp?speaker=3

9. The Virtues of Standing in Prayer in the Month of Ramadan - Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
http://media.libsyn.com/media/seekersguidance/Understanding_Virtue_-_020-21_-_Virtues_of_Standing_in_Prayer_in_Ramadan.MP3

The Sacred Month of Rajab!!

2009-06-23T12:21:00.001-07:00

According to crescentwatch.org, 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.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
الحمد لله رب العالمين
و صلى الله على سيدنا محمد و على آله وصحبه وسلم تسليما كثيرا

THE RAJAB LETTER
by Amjad Tarsin

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:

[Please also read Mufti Taqi Usmani's article on the month of Rajab: http://albalagh.net/general/rajab.shtml]

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.

Muslims should remember the important events that took place in the history of Islam during this month, such as the Night Journey and Ascension, the Battle of Tabuk, and the liberation of Al-Aqsa Mosque from the crusaders at the hands of Salah Ad-Din Al-Ayubi (AH 538).

Rajab is one of the four sacred months mentioned in the Quran (the four months are : Rajab, Dhul Qi'da, Dhul Hijjah, and Muharram):

{إن عدة الشهور عند الله اثنا عشر شهرا في كتاب الله يوم خلق السموت والارض منها اربعة حرم}

(التوبة: 36)

{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} (9:36)

Observing voluntary fasting in the four sacred months, including Rajab, is recommended. (Fasting is permissible and recommended in Rajab as long as one believes that there is no extra reward for fasting in this month. Please click here .)

Also, making du'a during the eve of the first of Rajab is highly recommended. The Prophet, peace and mercy be upon him, said, "There are five nights in which du'a (supplication) 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." [Al-Suyuti in his Al-Jami'].

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, "Rajab is the month of Allah, and Sha'aban is my month, and Ramadan is the month of my Ummah." (Imam Al-Suyuti in Al-Jami).

Scholars say: Rajab is the month of repentance (istighfar), and Sha'aban is the month of sending peace and mercy (salawat/durood shareef) upon the Prophet, and Ramadan is the month of Qur'an.

One highly recommended act to do is say 70 times after the Fajr and 'Isha prayers every morning and night of Rajab:

"اللهم اغفر لي وارحمني وتب عليَّ"

Transliteration: "Allahuma ighfir li wa Arhamni wa tub 'alayya."

Translation: Oh Allah forgive me, have mercy upon me, and grant me repentance.

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.

It is also highly recommended to say the following Prophetic prayer (known as Sayyid Al-Istighfar or the Master of Repentance) 3 times every morning and every evening in Rajab:

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

Transliteration: 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.

Translation: 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.

And success is from Allah!

Gift of Pregnancy & Motherhood::Garden Grove, CA!

2009-05-25T12:56:00.000-07:00

A must attend for all sisters!! (Mothers and Future Mothers-to-be!!)

The Gift of Pregnancy & Motherhood:
An Amazing Opportunity to Get Closer to Allah (s.w.t)!!

with Ustadha Sajeda Patel
& Ustadha Shamira Chothia Ahmed (moderator)

Date: Saturday, May 30th

Location: Masjid Al-Rahman (ISOC)

1 Al-Rahman Plaza, Garden Grove, CA 92844

Multi-Purpose Room

Schedule: 10:30-10:45am Registration

10:45-1:00pm Inspiring Talk!

12 Noon: Refreshment break

Please be on time!

Sisters ONLY.

Please spread the word!!

Sisters' Event:: Garden Grove, CA!

2009-05-25T12:55:00.000-07:00

Pre-register today!!

A must-attend event that you won't regret--
Less than 2 weeks left to have your love & knowledge of the Mothers of the Believers increase insha'Allah!

Pre-register today!!

******************************

The Rahmah Foundation is pleased to present:

2 Day Sisters' Only Program!!

Sat, June 6-Sun, June 7

10am-5:30pm

Embodying the Sunnah:

A Sister's Guide to Inspiration
With Ustadha Shamira & Ustadha Eiman Sidky
ISOC (Garden Grove Masjid). 9752 13th Street, Garden Grove, CA.

Registration Fee: $20 by June 5. At the door: $25.

PLEASE reserve tickets beforehand via website:
www.lilmuslim.com/rahmah-tickets.html
or contact: roohenaz@gmail.com

Lunch will be available onsite. Refreshments will be provided.

Sorry, no babysitting services provided.

Special Guest Lecturer: Ustadha Eiman Sidky

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.

Student Testimonials of Ustadha Eiman's programs:

"a really tite program for sisters! don't miss out!! ustahda eman is AWESOME!!!!"

"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."

"...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."

Sisters' Talk in Glendale Heights, IL

2009-04-23T17:56:00.003-07:00

Returning to Allah: Mercy & Forgiveness and Balancing between Hope & Fear

A sisters-only event taught by:

Ustadha Shamira Chothia Ahmed
of Zaytuna Institute

Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 6:30PM @
MSI
1758 Bloomingdale Road
Glendale Heights, IL
Sisters Prayer Hall

Rancho Cucamonga, CA, Talk

2009-04-07T14:26:00.000-07:00

Living Between Hope and Fear

Reflections on Death & The Afterlife

with Ustadha Shamira Chothia Ahmed

Saturday, May 9

ICIE (Rancho Masjid), Multi-Purpose Room

9212 Baseline Road, Rancho Cucamonga, CA

Schedule: 10-10:30am Registration

10:30-1:00pm Talk

Noon: Refreshment break

Please be on time

Sisters ONLY. No babysitting provided.

Please spread the word!

Living Between Hope & Fear:

Fear makes us careful in avoiding sin, while hope makes us diligent to follow after righteousness and is a motivator to do good.

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)

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.

2009-04-06T20:21:00.000-07:00

Ustadha Shamira Sisters-Only Weekend Intensive, New York!

March 29, 2009

Salaamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu!

Insha’Allah this Friday, April 3rd, SBU MSA is blessed to have Ustadha Shamira Chothia Ahmed come for a 3-day intensive!

On Friday, April 3rd at 7:00 PM, Ustadha Shamira will be lecturing on “A Beautiful Balance: balancing between hope, fear, knowledge, and action” at Masjid Hamza in Valley Stream, NY. Insha’Allah refreshments will be served. Be sure to register here to attend!

Insha’Allah on Saturday and Sunday, April 2nd - 3rd from 11:00 AM - 5:30 PM, Ustadha Shamira will be giving a 2-day intensive on “Balancing Between Hope and Fear" And "Living the Sunnah & Loving the Prophet (SAW)” at ICLI Masjid in Westbury, NY! 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!

Kansas City Sisters' Lecture

2009-03-16T15:13:00.000-07:00

A Special Halaqah for Women

Guest Lecturer: Shamira Chothia Ahmed

Topic: Repentance: "Turning and Returning to Allah"

Where: Islamic Center of Johnson County 9001 W. 151st St. O.P., KS 66223

When: Monday, March 16th at 6:45pm-8:30pm

Girls ages 12+ welcome!

2009-03-01T12:59:00.001-08:00

Islamic Center of San Gabriel Valley presents:

The Real Ticket to Popularity

An event for girls (10 yrs old - college aged)

with Ustadha Shamira Chothia Ahmed
of Zaytuna Institute

Saturday March 28th, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
at ICSGV
19164 E Walnut Dr N, Rowland Heights, CA 91748

Ever wonder what the hype is all about trying to be cool and be accepted by your friends and/or classmates? What does it really mean to be popular and what is the result of it? Being a Muslimah in the West, it may sometimes seem difficult to reconcile our deen (religion) and fitting into society -- is there a solution to this? Can we do both successfully, and how? In this motivating sisters-only talk, Ustadha Shamira brings these important issues that face our youth to light and creates a forum for open discussion and thought-provoking questions

Please join us to explore the concept of popularity -- concerning our relationship with Allah the Almighty,
and with our fellow human beings.

For more information: Call (626) 262 1288

Or visit the online invitation here: www.socializr.com/event/941836916

Domestic Violence in our Community

2009-02-26T13:54:00.000-08:00

From Zaytuna.org

Shaykh Hamza Yusuf on National Public Radio
Shaykh Hamza Yusuf appeared on NPR's All Things Considered on Tuesday, February 24, to discuss domestic violence in light of the tragic death of Aasiya Hassan in New York.

A khutbah Shaykh Hamza delivered about domestic violence on February 20 can be viewed here.

The Triple filter Test

2009-02-25T18:24:00.000-08:00

In ancient Greece , Socrates was reputed to hold knowledge in high esteem. One day an acquaintance met the great philosopher and said,

"Do you know what I just heard about your friend?"

"Hold on a minute," Socrates replied. "Before telling me anything, I'd like you to pass a little test. It's called the Triple Filter Test."

"Triple filter?"

"That's right," Socrates continued. "Before you talk to me about my friend, it might be a good idea to take a moment and filter what you're going to say. That's why I call it the triple filter test."

"The first filter is TRUTH. Have you made absolutely sure that what you are about to tell me is true?"

"No," the man said, "actually I just heard about it and..."

'All right," said Socrates. "So you don't really know if it's true or not. Now let's try the second filter, the filter of GOODNESS. Is what you are about to tell me about my friend something good?"

"No, on the contrary..."

"So," Socrates continued, "you want to tell me something bad about him, but you're not certain it's true. You may still pass the test though, because there's one filter left: the filter of USEFULNESS. Is what you want to tell me about my friend going to be useful to me?"

"No, not really."

Replied Socrates

"Well," "if what you want to tell me is neither true nor good nor even useful, why tell it to me at all?"

Advice from our beloved prophet (peace be upon him) to mankind…..

Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him said. 'Do you know what is backbiting?'

They (the Companions) said: 'Allah and His Messenger (peace be upon him) know best.

Thereupon he (the Prophet (peace be upon him)) said: 'Backbiting implies your talking about your brother (behind his back) in a manner which he does not like.'

It was said to him: 'What is your opinion about this that if I actually find (that failing) in my brother which I made a mention of?'

He (peace be upon him) said: 'If (that failing) is actually found (in him) what you assert, you in fact backbited him, and if that is not in him it is a slander!.'

Sahih Muslim HadithHadith 6265 Narrated by Abu Hurayrah

2009-02-07T16:29:00.000-08:00

The Muslim Student Association of UC Davis presents:

Returning to Allah: Mercy & Forgiveness and Balancing between Hope & Fear

As part of MSA's Tazkiya Month, this sisters-only event is taught by:

Ustadha Shamira Chothia Ahmed
of Zaytuna Institute

Friday, February 6, 2009, 7 PM

Room: Olson 205 @ UC Davis

The Almighty says, "O you who believe! Turn in sincere repentance to Allah." (66:8)

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)

Ever wonder about forgiveness? In this motivating talk, Ustadha Shamira will discuss the essence of tawbah, balancing between hope and fear, and the importance of striving for the Eternal Pleasure of God the Almighty. In addition, Ustadha Shamira will discuss the importance of seeking forgiveness and how to practically incorporate this important part of our Deen into our daily lives.

This event is free and open to all interested sisters. Please join us!

Allah knows Best- A Kings experience

2009-02-07T16:17:00.000-08:00

Bismillah..

I had to share this story from qisas.com. It is very inspiring, masha'Allah!

************

A story is told about a King in Africa who had a close friend that he grew up with. The friend had a habit of looking at every situation that ever occurred in his life (positive or negative) by remarking, "This is good, Allah Almighty knows best"

One day the King and his friend were out on a hunting expedition. The friend would load and prepare the guns for the King. The friend had apparently done something wrong in preparing one of the guns, for after taking the gun from his friend, the King fired it and his thumb was blown off.

Examining the situation the friend remarked as usual, "This is good! Allah Almighty knows best."

To which the King replied, "No, this is NOT good!" and ordered his soldiers to put his friend into jail.

About a year later, the King was hunting in an area that he should have known to stay clear of. Cannibals captured the King and took him to their village. They tied his hands, stacked some wood, set up a stake and bound him to the stake.

As they came near to set fire to the wood, they noticed that the King was missing a thumb. Being superstitious, they never ate anyone who was less than whole. So after untying the King, they chased him out of the village.

When the King reached his Palace, he was reminded of the event that had taken his thumb and felt remorse for his treatment of his friend. He went immediately to the jail to speak with his friend.

"You were right" the King said, "It was good that my thumb was blown off." And he proceeded to tell the friend all that had just happened. "I am very sorry for sending you to jail for so long. It was bad for me to do this."

"No," his friend replied, "this is good…Allah Almighty knows best"

"What do you mean, 'this is good'! How could it be good that I sent my friend to jail for a year?"

The King's friend replied: "Remember that the Almighty knows best and if I had NOT been in jail, I would have been with you on that hunting trip."

"He knows what is before them and what is behind them: And to Allah go back all questions (for decision)"
Qur'an: Surah Al Hajj 22:76

Do Not Judge Things or Events by its Immediate Outcome!

Although the decisions of Allah Ta'alah may seem harsh to us, they are full of wisdom

Source: Qisas.com

"Mubarak New Year", 1 Muharram 1430H

2008-12-28T23:20:00.000-08:00

Assalamualaykum wa Rahmatullah!

The new Islamic year is in, alhamdulillah. Please do not forget to fast on the 9th & 10th, or the 10th & 11th of this sacred month of Muharram. Fasting on the day of Ashura was never left by the Prophet (saw) as seen in the hadith:

Imam Ahmad and Nasa'i report from the Mother of Believers, Sayyida Hafsa (Allah be pleased with her) that, 'The Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace be upon him) did not leave four matters: Fasting `Ashura [10th of Muharram], [during] the ten days [of Dhu'l Hijja], and three days of each month.'

According to hilalsighting.org, the young crescent Hilal of Muharram 1430H was sighted in several parts of North America, after the sunset on Sunday December 28th, 2008, thus starting the Islamic New Year -- Muharram -- one of the 4 sacred months.

Muharram is the month with which the Muslims begin their lunar Hijrah Calendar. It is one of the four sanctified months about which the Holy Quran says, 'The number of the months according to Allah is twelve (mentioned) in the Book of Allah on the day He created heavens and the earth. Among these (twelve months) there are four sanctified.'

Ibn Abbas reported: 'The Prophet came to Madinah and found the Jews fasting the day of Ashura. He asked them: 'Why are you fasting this day?' They said: 'This is a great day. Allah saved Mousa (Moses) and the tribes of Israel from their enemies on this day and therefore Mousa fasted on it. 'The Prophet said: 'We have more of a right to Moosa than you.' So he fasted on that day also and ordered the people to fast on that day.' [al-Bukhari and Muslim].

A version narrated by Imaam Ahmad adds: 'This is the day on which the Ark settled on Mount Joodi, so Nooh fasted this day in thanksgiving.'

Abd-Allaah ibn 'Abbaas (RA) said: 'When the Messenger of Allaah (SAW) fasted on 'Aashura' and commanded the Muslims to fast as well, they said, 'O Messenger of Allaah, it is a day that is venerated by the Jews and Christians.' The Messenger of Allaah (SAW) said, 'If I live to see the next year, InshaAllaah, we will fast on the ninth day too.' But it so happened that the Messenger of Allaah (SAW) passed away before the next year came.' (Reported by Muslim, 1916).

Al-Shafi and his companions, Ahmad, Ishaaq and others said: 'It is mustahabb to fast on both the ninth and tenth days, because the Prophet (SAW) fasted on the tenth, and intended to fast on the ninth.'

Furthermore, Rasulillah (SAW) said: 'For fasting the day of 'Aashura', I hope that Allah will accept it as expiation for the year that went before.' (Reported by Muslim, 1976). This is from the bounty of Allah towards us: for fasting one day He gives us expiation for the sins of a whole year. And Allaah is the Owner of Great Bounty.

Imaam al-Nawawi (rh) said regarding this day: 'It expiates for all minor sins, i.e., it brings forgiveness of all sins except major sins.'

Fasting During the Month

The Noble Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, has said: 'The best fasts after the fasts of Ramadan are those of the month of Muharram.'

Although the fasts of the month of Muharram are not obligatory, yet one who fasts in these days out of his own will is entitled to a great reward by Allah Almighty. The Hadith cited above signifies that the fasts of the month of Muharram are most rewardable ones among the Nafl or voluntary fasts.

The Hadith does not mean that the award promised for fasts of Muharram can be achieved only by fasting for the whole month. On the contrary, each fast during this month has merit. Therefore, one should avail of this opportunity as much as he can.

The Day of 'Ashurah'

Although Muharram is a sanctified month as a whole, yet, the 10th day of Muharram is the most sacred among all its days. The day is named 'Ashurah'. According to the Holy Companion Ibn 'Abbas, Radi-Allahu anhu. The Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, when migrated to Madinah, found that the Jews of Madinah used to fast on the 10th day of Muharram. They said that it was the day on which the Holy Prophet Musa (Moses), alayhis salam, and his followers crossed the Red Sea miraculously and the Pharaoh was drowned in its waters. On hearing this from the Jews, the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, said, 'We are more closely rotated to Musa, alayhi salam, than you,' and directed the Muslims to fast on the day of 'Ashura'. (Abu Dawood)

It is also reported in a number of authentic traditions that in the beginning, fasting on the day of 'Ashura' was obligatory for the Muslims. It was later that the fasts of Ramadan were made obligatory and the fast on the day of 'Ashura' was made optional. Sayyidina 'Aisha, Radi-Allahu anha, has said:

'When the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, came to Madinah, he fasted on the day of 'Ashura' and directed the people to fast. But when the fasts of Ramadan were made obligatory, the obligation of fasting was confined to Ramadan and the obligatory nature of the fast of 'Ashura' was abandoned. Whoever so desires should fast on it and any other who so likes can avoid fasting on it.' (Sunan Abu Dawud)

However, the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, used to fast on the day of 'Ashura' even after the fasting in Ramadan was made obligatory. Abdullah ibn Musa, Radi-Allahu anhu, reports that the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, preferred the fast of 'Ashura' on the fasts of other days and preferred the fasts of Ramadhaan on the fast of 'Ashura'. (Bukhari and Muslim)

In short, it is established through a number of authentic ahadith that fasting on the day of 'Ashura' is Sunnah of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, and makes one entitled to a great reward.

According to another Hadith, it is more advisable that the fast of 'Ashura' should either be preceded or followed by another fast. It means that one should fast two days: the 9th and 10th of Muharram or the 10th and 11th. The reason of this additional fast as mentioned by the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, is that the Jews used to fast on the day of'Ashura alone, and the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, wanted to distinguish the Muslim way of fasting from that of Jews. Therefore, he advised the Muslims to add another fast to that of 'Ashura'.

Some traditions signify another feature of the day of 'Ashura. According to these traditions, one should be more generous to his family by providing more food to them on this day as compared to other days. These traditions are not very authentic according to the science of Hadith. Yet, some Scholars like Baihaqi and Ibn Hibban have accepted them as reliable.

What is mentioned above is all that is supported through authentic sources about Ashura

source: http://albalagh.net/general/muharram.shtml

For further information on this blessed month of Muharram, please read Mufti Taqi Usmani's full article: http://albalagh.net/general/muharram.shtml

May Allaah SWT grant us all tawfiq in gaining His nearness and eternal Pleasure. Aameen.

Jazakum Allaahu Khayran. WasSalaam.

Omar Kamali - rahimahullah

2008-12-19T22:41:00.000-08:00

Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raajiun.

Omar Kamali, aged 26, journeyed to his Lord tonight (Dec. 19th) before 9pm. I remember Omar as a smiling, friendly and very helpful brother who had a fire in him for Allah and the Deen. May Allah (swt) reward him for all of his good actions, and meaningful intentions. After the tragic death of his good friend Omar Khairallah, about 4 years ago (may Allah have mercy on his soul) Omar dedicated his life for Allah and made a firm intention to increase in all good. Omar was generous in donating whatever money he had, his friends abroad would see him praying the tahajjud prayer in his room, and he never missed a prayer due to his firm resolve and high level of sincerity. From what I was told by his beloved mother (may Allah grant her the best of sabr), while studying in medical school in China, Omar was able to convey the message of Islam in the area he lived to the Chinese inhabitants and in response, more than a dozen people entered into the fold of Islam. Allahu Akbar! May Allah (swt) accept all of Omar's good actions and enter him into the highest levels of al-Jannah. Ameen!

Before he fell and went into a coma that he never awoke from, Omar was actually on his way to the bank to get money for the masjid that he himself was building for the Muslims in that locality. Subhan'Allah! The masjid is halfway complete, and I pray that Omar will see the house that Allah (swt) has ready for him in al-Jannah. Imagine that - Allah (swt) promises a house in Jannah for the person who builds a masjid -- even if it be a very modest sized building (the hadith mentions a "bird's nest" to indicate the humble size that qualifies -- showing the immense reward in the act).

May his soul rest in peace and tranquility in al-Jannah and may his grave be expanded and made into a garden from the gardens of Paradise. Ameen.

Omar's Janazah will be held in Lodi tomorrow (Sat. Dec. 20th) at 2pm and those who would like to meet and pray for him and his family, and offer support and comfort to his loved ones, may come to the Stockton Islamic center (downtown Stockton) at 11am tomorrow.

May Allah (swt) grant patience to Omar's family and allow this to be a means to draw closer to our Lord. After reading this, please recite Surah al-Fatiha for Omar. JazakumAllahu khayrun.

A beautiful du'aa sent in by Sister Penny:

اَللَّهُمَّ [ إِنَّ فُلاَنَ بْنَ فُلاَنٍ ] فِيْ ذِمَّتِكَ، وَحَبْلِ جِوَارِكَ، فَقِهِ مِنْ فِتْنَةِ الْقَبْرِ وَعَذَابِ النَّارِ، وَأَنْتَ أَهْلُ الْوَفَاءِ وَالْحَقِّ. فَاغْفِرْ لَهُ وَارْحَمْهُ إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ الْغَفُوْرُ الرَّحِيْمُ

O Allah! Surely Omar Kamali is under Your protection, and in the rope of Your security, so save him from the trial of the grave and from the punishment of the Fire. You fulfill promises and grant rights, so forgive him and have mercy on him. Surely You are Most Forgiving, Most Merciful, Ameen.

BBC HardTalk with Shaykh Hamza Yusuf (2001)

2008-12-17T12:54:00.000-08:00

Subhan'Allah - amazing interview.

Part 1: Watch.

Part 2: Watch.

Part 3: Watch.

Shaykh Hamza Yusuf, Eid Al-Adha 08 Khutbah (sermon)

2008-12-14T22:30:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXBk9gVgK00

The Rahmah Foundation Dec 20th Event!

2008-12-12T11:22:00.000-08:00

Insha'Allah you've enjoyed and benefited greatly from last month's two-day seminar "Embodying the Sunnah: A Sisters' Guide to Inspiration" with Ustadha Eiman Sidky, Ustadha Shamira Chothia Ahmed and Ustadha Rania Awaad. Alhamdulillah we are blessed to have another amazing sisters' seminar this month that is not to be missed!

The Rahmah Foundation presents:
Reflections on Life & The Afterlife
with Ustadha Rania Awaad, Ustadha Mona Elzankaly & Ustadha Shamira Chothia Ahmed
Saturday, December 20th, 9:45am--4:00pm

631 Jackson St. Hayward, CA 94544
Cost: $25

Register by emailing: programs@therahmahfoundation.org

Please share with other sisters who might be interested!!

www.therahmahfoundation.org

Lecture Topics:

Waking Up To The True Reality: Distinguishing Between The Means & The Goal
In this talk Ustadha Mona will discuss the reality of this world, and the veils that keep us from realizing our true purpose in life. Distinguishing between the means, that help us on our path to God, and The Goal, which is returning to Him, Glorious is He, pleased with us, is very imperative in our every day life. Simple advice will be given on how to keep things in perspective and to rectify our intention with God Most High.

Traveling the Path to Allah: Forgiveness and Intercession
Ever wonder about forgiveness? Ustadha Rania will discuss in detail the Hadith: "When God brought creation into existence, He wrote upon His Throne, 'My mercy overtakes My wrath.' She will discuss the importance of seeking forgiveness and share practical measures of how to seek forgiveness in order to incorporate this important part of our Deen into our daily lives. Lastly, she will bring to light the concept of intercession- an amazing gift given by Allah to His Beloved, the Prophet may peace and blessings be upon him, on behalf of his entire Ummah.

Living Between Hope & Fear:
Fear makes us careful in avoiding sin, while hope makes us diligent to follow after righteousness and is a motivator to do good.
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)
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 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.

About the Teachers (in alphabetical order):

Ustadha Shamira Chothia Ahmed
Born and raised in Northern California, Shamira Chothia Ahmed is an emerging young female scholar of the traditional Islamic sciences. Her studies led her to seek sacred knowledge from scholars on three continents — Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. 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 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). 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. Ustadha Shamira gives lectures across the U.S. and currently teaches shariah sciences to women in the Southern California region.

Ustadha Rania Awaad
Raised in the U.S., Rania began her formal study of the traditional Islamic sciences when her parents permitted her to travel to Damascus, Syria at the age of 14. Her desire to continue studying the Deen resulted in multiple trips back to Damascus, interspersed between her high school and college studies. She was honored to receive Ijaazah (authorization to teach) several branches of the Shari'ah sciences at the hands of many renowned scholars, including many female scholars. She has received Ijaazah to teach Tajwid in both the Hafs and Warsh recitations from the eminent Syrian scholar, Shaykh Abu Hassan al-Kurdi. In addition completing several advanced texts of the Shafi'i madhhab, she is also licensed to teach texts of Maliki fiqh, Adab and Ihsan. Currently, she is completing a medical degree intended to compliment her in-depth study of female-specific fiqh issues. Her medical interests include addressing mental health care concerns in the Muslim community- particularly that of Muslim women. Other on-going endeavors include the compilation of a manual addressing female-related medical issues from a fiqh-oriented perspective and a manual on raising Muslim children in the West. She is both a wife and mother and has lectured, taught and counseled women extensively. Ustadha Rania has been teaching classes on Tajwid, Shafi'i Fiqh, Ihsan, marriage and raising children since 1999.

Ustadha Mona Elzankaly
Born in Cairo, raised in Moreno Valley, California, a graduate of the University of California Riverside, Mona Elzankaly began seeking sacred knowledge at the Zaytuna Institute in Hayward CA. There she has studied with many eminent scholars, such as Shaykh Hamza Yusuf, Shaykh Khatri, and Shaykh Muhammad al-Yaqoubi. In 2001, she joined Fajr center in Cairo, Egypt to complete a year-long program in Arabic. In 2002, Mona returned to the Zaytuna Institute where she studied full time with Shaykh Salik b. Siddina several texts in Maliki fiqh, creed, Hadith and the inward science. In 2004 Mona traveled to Damascus, Syria to continue her studies with a focus on Qur'an. While in Damascus, she obtained an Ijaazah to teach Tajwid in the Hafs style from Shaykh Shukry Luhafi. She has also obtained Ijaazah upon hearing the complete recitation of Sahih al-Bukhari, and Muwatta al-Imam Malik from Shaykh Muhammad al-Yaqoubi. In 2008, she completed the four year Zaytuna Seminary pilot program and received a baccalaureate degree in Islamic Studies. Mona has also attended the Dawra programs in Tarim Yemen where she had the opportunity to both study and teach at Dar al-Zahra. Mona has previously taught Maliki fiqh for women at the Zaytuna Institute, and currently teaches Islamic sciences privately.

Du'aas Answered in Middle of Night!

2008-12-10T11:16:00.000-08:00

XX: The excellence of someone who wakes up at night and prays

1103. It is related from 'Ubada ibn as-Samit that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "If someone wakes up at night and says, 'There is no god but Allah alone with no partner. The kingdom is His and His is the praise. He has power over everything. Praise belongs to Allah. Glory be to Allah. There is no god but Allah. Allah is greater. There is no strength nor power except by Allah,' and then says, 'O Allah, forgive me' or makes supplication to Allah,' it will be answered. If he does wudu', then his prayer will be accepted." (Bukhari)

Irvine Sisters' Classes

2008-12-09T12:12:00.001-08:00

Prophetic Moral Guidance
for Daily Living
-Sisters' Classes-

Reflections on Prophetic traditions

Presented by: Ustadha Shamira Chothia Ahmed

Venue: Islamic Center of Irvine (ICOI)- Multi-purpose Room

Date: Monday evenings (starting January 5th, 2009)

Time: 6:30pm - 7:30pm

When our bodies are hungry we nourish it with food, but when our souls are hungry, what should we do? Unite with fellow sisters led by Ustadha Shamira and soak in the wisdom and beauty of the beloved of the Almighty, the Prophet Muhammah (p.b.u.h)! This weekly inspiring course will teach you how to practically apply and recharge yourself spiritually by using the best model of creation, Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h), and provide a roadmap to help achieve closeness to our Lord.
Topics such as sincerity, repentance, steadfastness, truthfulness, and spiritually striving in the path of the Almighty will be discussed. Texts to be used: Riyad as-Salihin (The Meadows of the Righteous) by Al-Imam Abu Zakariya Yahya bin Sharaf An-Nawawi Ad-Dimashqi, and Provisions for the Seekers by Shaykh 'Ashiq Ilahi al-Bulandshehri.

Come Prepared to Stroll in the Gardens of the Righteous!!

Eid Mubarak! Some Beloved Sunnahs To Follow,Insha'Allah!

2008-12-07T15:04:00.000-08:00

Eid Mubarak to one and all! Here are some sunnahs to follow for the upcoming blessed day:

Takbir-ut-tashriq:
Beginning from the Fajr of the 9th Zulhijjah up to the 'Asr prayer of the 13th, it is obligatory on each Muslim to recite the Takbir of Tashriq after every fard prayer in the following words.

"Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar, la ilaaha ill-Allaah; wa Allaahu akbar wa Lillaahi'l-hamd (Allaah is Most Great, Allaah is Most Great, there is no god but Allaah; Allaah is Most Great and to Allaah be praise)…"

The Prophet (r) commanded us to recite a lot of Tasbeeh ("Subhan-Allaah"), Tahmeed ("Al-hamdu Lillaah") and Takbeer ("Allaahu akbar") during the first ten days of Dhu'l-Hijjah, and for men to say it loudly in the mosque, the home, the street and every place where it is permitted to remember Allaah and mention His name out loud, as an act of worship and as a proclamation of the greatness of Allaah, may He be exalted. (Men should recite these phrases out loud, and women should recite them quietly(.

'Abdullaah ibn 'Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him and his father) reported that the Prophet (r) said:

"There are no days greater in the sight of Allaah and in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Him than these ten days, so during this time recite a great deal of Tahleel ("La ilaaha ill-Allaah"), Takbeer and Tahmeed." (Reported by Ahmad, 7/224; Ahmad Shaakir stated that it is saheeh)

THE SUNNAHS OF EID

1. Wake up early.

2. Offer Salatul Fajr (if you can offer Tahajjud first, even better!)

3. Prepare for personal cleanliness take care of details of clothing, etc.
4. Take a Ghusl (bath) after Fajr.
5. Brush your teeth.
6. Dress up, putting on best clothes available, whether new or clean old ones.
7. Use perfume (men only).
8. On Eid-al-Adha, eat breakfast only after the Eid Salaah, or after sacrifice* if you are doing a sacrifice.
9. Go to the prayer ground early.
10. Offer Salaat-al-Eid in congregation in an open place except when weather is not permitting like rain, snow, etc. (Do not speak or socialize once the Imam comes out)
11. Use two separate routes to and from the prayer ground.
12. Recite the following Takbir on the way to Salaat and until the beginning of Salaat-al-Eid. **

"Allahu-Akbar, Allahu-Akbar. La ila-ha ill-lal-lah. Allahu-Akbar, Allahu-Akbar. Wa-lilahill hamd."

(Allah is Great. Allah is Great. There is no god but Allah. Allah is Great. Allah is Great. And all praises are for Allah)

* Eid ul Adha is the auspicious day of sacrifice. The day on which Hazrat Ibrahim (Alayhi Salaam) was tested to sacrifice his beloved son, Hazrat Ismael (Alayhi Salaam) for the sake of Allah (subhana wa ta'ala). To commemorate this event, Muslims have been directed to sacrifice animals on this day so that they can reflect upon this incident and learn a lesson from it. Muslims are further reminded of sacrifice by giving away a portion of this meat to the neediest in their communities.

**This Takbir should also be recited at least once after every Fardh prayer starting at the time of Fajr on the 9th Zhulhijjah and lasting until the Asr on the 13th Zhulhijjah

An early Eid Kareem! May Allah (swt) accept our fasts, our prayers and our intentions and may we all be blesssed to visit the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah to perform accepted Hajj & Umrahs numerous times! Ameen.

First Ten Days of Dhu-l-Hijjah

2008-12-02T13:17:00.000-08:00

First Ten Days of Dhu-l-Hijjah - summary...

1) The first ten days of Dhu'l-Hijjah are the most virtuous days of the year.

2) Virtues of performing good deeds during these days and the necessity of utilising time.

3) Examples of good deeds:

a. Salaah.

b. Recitation of the Qur'aan.

c. Fasting.

d. Charity.

e. Hajj.

4) Sacrificing Udh-hiyah, and the Sunnah regarding it.

5) Not cutting your hair/nails within these 10 days if you plan to offer a sacrifice

How do the first ten days of the Month of Dhul Hijjah differ from other days of the year?

Praise be to Allaah Who has created Time and has made some times better than others, some months and days and nights better than others, when rewards are multiplied many times, as a mercy towards His slaves. This encourages them to do more righteous deeds and makes them more eager to worship Him, so that the Muslim renews his efforts to gain a greater share of reward, prepare himself for death and supply himself in readiness for the Day of Judgement.

This season of worship brings many benefits, such as the opportunity to correct one's faults and make up for any shortcomings or anything that one might have missed. Every one of these special occasions involves some kind of worship through which the slaves may draw closer to Allaah, and some kind of blessing though which Allaah bestows His favour and mercy upon whomsoever He will. The happy person is the one who makes the most of these special months, days and hours and draws nearer to his Lord during these times through acts of worship; he will most likely be touched by the blessing of Allaah and will feel the joy of knowing that he is safe from the flames of Hell. (Ibn Rajab, al-Lataa'if, p.8)

The Muslim must understand the value of his life, increase his worship of Allaah and persist in doing good deeds until the moment of death. Allaah says

"And worship your Lord until there comes unto you the certainty." [al-Hijr 15:99]

The mufassireen (commentators) said: " 'The certainty' means death."

Among the special seasons of worship are the first ten days of Dhu'l-Hijjah, which Allaah has preferred over all the other days of the year. Ibn 'Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him and his father) reported that the Prophet (r) said:

"There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allaah than these ten days." The people asked, "Not even jihaad for the sake of Allaah?" He said, "Not even jihaad for the sake of Allaah, except in the case of a man who went out to fight giving himself and his wealth up for the cause, and came back with nothing." (Reported by al-Bukhaari, 2/457)

Ibn 'Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him and his father) also reported that the Prophet (r) said:

"There is no deed more precious in the sight of Allaah, nor greater in reward, than a good deed done during the ten days of Sacrifice." He was asked, "Not even jihaad for the sake of Allaah?" He said, "Not even jihaad for the sake of Allaah, except in the case of a man who went out to fight giving himself and his wealth up for the cause, and came back with nothing." (Reported by al-Daarimi, 1/357; its isnaad is hasan as stated in al-Irwaa', 3/398)

These texts and others indicate that these ten days are better than all the other days of the year, with no exceptions, not even the last ten days of Ramadaan. But the last ten nights of Ramadaan are better, because they include Laylat al-Qadr ("The Night of Power"), which is better than a thousand months. Thus the various reports may be reconciled. (See Tafseer Ibn Katheer, 5/412)

You should know, my brother in Islaam, that the virtue of these ten days is based on many things:

Allaah swears an oath by them, and swearing an oath by something is indicative of its importance and great benefit. Allaah says:

"By the dawn; by the ten nights." [al-Fajr 89:1-2]

Ibn 'Abbaas, Ibn al-Zubayr, Mujaahid and others of the earlier and later generations said that this refers to the first ten days of Dhu'l-Hijjah. Ibn Katheer said: "This is the correct opinion." (Tafseer Ibn Katheer, 8/413)

The Prophet (r) testified that these are the best days of this world, as we have already quoted above from saheeh ahaadeeth.

The Prophet (r) encouraged people to do righteous deeds because of the virtue of this season for people throughout the world, and also because of the virtue of the place - for the Hujjaaj (pilgrims) to the Sacred House of Allaah.

The Prophet (r) commanded us to recite a lot of Tasbeeh ("Subhan-Allaah"), Tahmeed ("Al-hamdu Lillaah") and Takbeer ("Allaahu akbar") during this time. 'Abdullaah ibn 'Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him and his father) reported that the Prophet (r) said:

These ten days include Yawm 'Arafaah (the Day of 'Arafaah), on which Allaah perfected His Religion. Fasting on this day will expiate for the sins of two years. These days also include Yawm al-Nahr (the Day of Sacrifice), the greatest day of the entire year and the greatest day of Hajj, which combines acts of worship in a way unlike any other day.

These ten days include the days of sacrifice and of Hajj.

Question: What must the Muslim avoid during these ten days if he wants to offer a sacrifice?

The Sunnah indicates that the one who wants to offer a sacrifice must stop cutting his hair and nails and removing anything from his skin, from the beginning of the ten days until after he has offered his sacrifice, because the Prophet (r) said:

"When you see the new moon of Dhu'l-Hijjah, if any one of you wants to offer a sacrifice, then he should stop cutting his hair and nails until he has offered his sacrifice."

According to another report he said:

"He should not remove anything from his hair or skin." (reported by Muslim with four isnaads, 13/146)

The Prophet's instruction here makes one thing obligatory and his prohibition makes another haraam, according to the soundest opinion, because these commands and prohibitions are unconditional and unavoidable. If a person does any of these things deliberately, he must seek Allaah's forgiveness but is not however required to offer (an extra) sacrifice in expiation; his sacrifice will be acceptable. Whoever needs to remove some hair, nails, etc. because it is harming him, such as having a broken nail or a wound in a site where there is hair, should do so, and there is nothing wrong with that. The state of ihraam is so important that it is permitted to cut one's hair if leaving it will cause harm. There is nothing wrong with men or women washing their heads during the first ten days of Dhu'l-Hijjah, because the Prophet (r) only forbade cutting the hair, not washing it.

The wisdom behind this prohibition from cutting his hair etc. for the one who wants to offer a sacrifice, is so that he may resemble those in ihraam in some aspects of the rituals performed, and so that he may draw closer to Allaah by offering the sacrifice. So he leaves his hair and nails alone until the time when he has offered his sacrifice, in the hope that Allaah will save him in his entirety from the Fire. And Allaah knows best.

If a person has cut his hair or nails during the first ten days of Dhu'l-Hijjah because he was not planning to offer a sacrifice, then he decides later, during the ten days, to offer a sacrifice, then he must refrain from cutting his hair and nails from the moment he makes this decision.

Concerning the types of worship to be performed during these ten days: one must understand that these days are a great blessing from Allaah to His slave, which is appreciated properly by the actively righteous. It is the Muslim's duty to appreciate this blessing and make the most of the opportunity, by devoting these ten days to paying more attention to striving hard in worship. Among His blessings to His slaves, Allaah has given us many ways in which to do good and worship Him, so that the Muslim may be constantly active and consistent in his worship of his Lord.

Among the good deeds which the Muslim should strive to do during the first ten days of Dhu'l-Hijjah are:

Fasting.Fasts in the First 10 Days:

The Prophet(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) has said, "One fast during these days is equal to the fasting of one complete year, and the worship of one night during this period is equal to the worship in the "Lailatul-Qadr".(Tirmizi)

The 9th day of Zulhijjah:
The 9th day of Dhul Hijjah is called 'Youmul - "Arafah' (The Day of 'Arafah). This is the date when the Hujjaj ( pilgrims) assemble on the plain of 'Arafat, six miles away from Makkah al-Mukarramah, where they perform the most essential part of the prescribed duties of hajj, namely, the 'Wuqoof of'Arafat (the stay in 'Arafat)'.

The Fast of Youmul 'Arafah:
For those not performing hajj, it is mustahabb (desirable) to fast on this day according to their own lunar calendar dates of their own country . The fast of 'Youmul 'Arafah' has been emphasized by the Prophet(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) as a mustahabb (desirable) act. According to a hadith, the fast of this day becomes a cause, hopefully so, of forgiveness for sins committed in one year.
Abu Qataadah(radhiyallahu anhu) reported that Rasullullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said: " I have hope in Allah Ta'ala that the fast of Arafaat will be an atonement for the sins of the past and the forthcoming year." (Tirmizi)

It is Sunnah to fast on the ninth day of Dhu'l-Hijjah, because the Prophet (r) urged us to do good deeds during this time, and fasting is one of the best of deeds. Allaah has chosen fasting for Himself, as is stated in the Hadeeth Qudsi:

"Allaah says: 'All the deeds of the son of Adam are for him, except for fasting, which is for Me and I am the One Who will reward him for it.' " (Reported by al-Bukhaari, 1805)

The Prophet (r) used to fast on the ninth of Dhu'l-Hijjah. Hunaydah ibn Khaalid reported from his wife that some of the wives of the Prophet (r) said:

"The Prophet (r) used to fast on the ninth of Dhu'l-Hijjah, on the day of 'Aashooraa´, on three days of each month, and on the first two Mondays and Thursdays of each month." (Reported by al-Nisaa'i, 4/205 and by Abu Dawud; classified by al-Albaani as saheeh in Saheeh Abi Dawud, 2/462)

Takbeer. It is Sunnah to say Takbeer ("Allaahu akbar"), Tahmeed ("Al-hamdu Lillaah"), Tahleel ("La ilaha ill-Allaah") and Tasbeeh ("Subhaan Allaah") during the first ten days of Dhu'l-Hijjah, and to say it loudly in the mosque, the home, the street and every place where it is permitted to remember Allaah and mention His name out loud, as an act of worship and as a proclamation of the greatness of Allaah, may He be exalted.

Men should recite these phrases out loud, and women should recite them quietly.

Allaah says:

"That they might witness things that are of benefit to them (i.e., reward of Hajj in the Hereafter, and also some worldly gain from trade, etc.), and mention the name of Allaah on appointed days, over the beast of cattle that He has provided for them (for sacrifice)..." [al-Hajj 22:28]

The majority of scholars agree that the "appointed days" are the first ten days of Dhu'l-Hijjah, because of the words of Ibn 'Abbaas (t): "The 'appointed days' are the first ten days (of Dhu'l-Hijjah."

Takbir-ut-tashriq:
Beginning from the Fajr of the 9th Zulhijjah up to the 'Asr prayer of the 13th, it is obligatory on each Muslim to recite the Takbir of Tashriq after every fard prayer in the following words.

Takbeer at this time is an aspect of the Sunnah that has been forgotten, especially during the early part of this period, so much so that one hardly ever hears Takbeer, except from a few people. This Takbeer should be pronounced loudly, in order to revive the Sunnah and as a reminder to the negligent. men should read this loudly whereas women quietly.

Reviving aspects of the Sunnah that have been virtually forgotten is a deed that will bring an immense reward, as is indicated by the words of the Prophet (r):

"Whoever revives an aspect of my Sunnah that is forgotten after my death, he will have a reward equivalent to that of the people who follow him, without it detracting in the least from their reward." (Reported by al-Tirmidhi, 7/443; this is a hasan hadeeth because of corroborating asaaneed)

Performing Hajj and 'Umrah. One of the best deeds that one can do during these ten days is to perform Hajj to the Sacred House of Allaah. The one whom Allaah helps to go on Hajj to His House and to perform all the rituals properly is included in the words of the Prophet (r):

"An accepted Hajj brings no less a reward than Paradise."

Doing more good deeds in general, because good deeds are beloved by Allaah and will bring a great reward from Him. Whoever is not able to go to Hajj should occupy himself at this blessed time by worshipping Allaah, praying (salaat), reading Qur`an, remembering Allaah, making supplication (du'aa´), giving charity, honouring his parents, upholding the ties of kinship, enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil, and other good deeds and acts of worship.

Sacrifice. One of the good deeds that will bring a person closer to Allaah during these ten days is offering a sacrifice, by choosing a high-quality animal and fattening it, spending money for the sake of Allaah.

Sincere repentance. One of the most important things to do during these ten days is to repent sincerely to Allaah and to give up all kinds of disobedience and sin. Repentance means coming back to Allaah and foregoing all the deeds, open and secret, that He dislikes, out of regret for what has passed, giving it up immediately and being determined never to return to it, but to adhere firmly to the Truth by doing what Allaah loves.

If a Muslim commits a sin, he must hasten to repent at once, without delay, firstly because he does not know when he will die, and secondly because one evil deed leads to another.

Repentance at special times is very important because in most cases people's thoughts turn towards worship at these times, and they are keen to do good, which leads to them recognizing their sins and feeling regret for the past. Repentance is obligatory at all times, but when the Muslim combines sincere repentance with good deeds during the days of most virtue, this is a sign of success, in sha Allaah. Allaah says:

"But as for him who repented, believed and did righteous deeds, then he will be among those who are successful." [al-Qasas 28:67]

The Muslim should make sure that he does not miss any of these important occasion, because time is passing quickly. Let him prepare himself by doing good deeds which will bring him reward when he is most in need of it, for no matter how much reward he earns, he will find it is less than he needs; the time of departure is at hand, the journey is frightening, delusions are widespread, and the road is long, but Allaah is ever watchful, and to Him will we return and render account. As the Qur`aan says:

"So whosoever does good equal to the weight of an atom, shall see it. And whosoever does evil equal to the weight of an atom, shall see it." [al-Zalzalah 99:7-8]

There is much to be gained, so make the most of the opportunity afforded by these invaluable and irreplaceable ten days. Hasten to do good works, before death strikes, before one can regret one's negligence and failure to act, before one is asked to return to a place where no prayers will be answered, before death intervenes between the hopeful one and the things he hopes for, before you are trapped with your deeds in the grave.

O you whose hard heart is as dark as the night, is it not time that your heart was filled with light and became soft? Expose yourself to the gentle breeze of your Lord's mercy during these ten days, for Allaah will cause this breeze to touch whomever He wills, and whoever is touched by it will be happy on the Day of Judgement. May Allaah bless our Prophet Muhammad and all his Family and Companions.

author: Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid

Ottoman-style Mosque in Washington

2008-11-26T12:28:00.000-08:00

Turkey plans to build Ottoman-style mosque in Washington

PM Erdogan approved the 20 million dolars-mosque with Ottoman-style in Washington.

Masha'Allah, Beautiful!

Skype Daroos for Spanish Speaking Sisters

2008-11-25T12:49:00.000-08:00

Class Announcement:
tendremos clase con la hermana shamira Martes 25 de Noviembre. alas 12:45 hora de california,2:45 pm hora Mexco y 9:45 pm hora espanola en skype. espero verlas hermanitas y beneficiarnos en conocimeinto insha allah! las hermanitas q no tengan skype(www.skype.com)dowload, me peuden agregar(....)ALLAH las bendiga! mucho

Ustada Shamira
Maestra en las ciencias Islamicas tradicionales. Ha estudiado islam en 3 diferentes continentes entre ellos el sur de Africa,Europa e inglaterra donde completo sus estudios islamicos y recibio su iyaza(permiso de ensenar)en sahi al bujari . mas tarde en Siria donde estudio tajuid Ensena fiqh, hadith, tajuid entre otras ciencias islamicas ensenaba en la comunidad de San francisco Zaytuna.org
Ahora se encuentra en sud de California ayudando ala comunidad de Estados Unidos.

The Rahmah Foundation Nov. 2008 event!

2008-11-20T19:25:00.000-08:00

The Rahmah Foundation is pleased to announce a special two-day program for women on Saturday, November 29th and Sunday, November 30th! Our main speaker, Ustadha Eiman Sidky, is an amazing teacher whose love for Allah and the Prophet, peace be upon him, shines forth as she brings the seerah of our Beloved Prophet to life. She will take us on an intimate tour of the amazing life of our Beloved Prophet and his extraordinary wives, the Ummuhatul Mumineen. In addition, we are blessed to have talks by our guest speakers, Ustadha Shamira Chothia Ahmed and Ustadha Rania Awaad. Each of these teachers is a blessing in her own right, combined, we are sure to find tremendous benefit and blessings inshaAllah.

Program Details:

Embodying the Sunnah: A Sisters' Guide to Inspiration
November 29-30th, 10:00am--6:00pm
631 Jackson St. in Hayward, Ca 94544
Cost for both days: $40

Please share with other sisters who might be interested!

JazakumAllahu khayrun!!

An email from a sister:

Assalamu alaikum sisters. I think many of you might have heard of this program but i just wanted to send out a reminder and let you guys know that it is happening in two weeks. 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.

Tawfiq inshallah,

Manija.

For tickets, either:

CALL 510-868-8318 where you can leave a message and an event organizer will return your call.
EMAIL You can also reserve your space by emailing programs@therahmahf oundation. org. Please provide the names of attendees and contact information, along with attached registration form.
MAIL Send your registration form (attached) to:
Rahmah Foundation

21001 San Ramon Valley Blvd., A4-186

San Ramon, Ca 94583

IN PERSON

The Rahmah Foundation is an independent, educational organization that is committed to continuously designing retreats and educational programs that will address topics unique to Muslim women. Through the centuries, Muslims have preserved and protected the Quran and Sunnah through the rigorous Ijaza system of scholarly licensure and certification. The Rahmah Foundation realizes the critical need to safeguard Islam from extremism and deviation and thus commits itself to selecting thoroughly qualified teachers--women who have studied and trained to meet exact criteria in both their knowledge and practice--to disseminate sacred knowledge to the rest of our sisters.

2008-11-15T21:05:00.000-08:00

Islamic Association of Colling County present:

Seeking Sacred Knowledge
"My Lord, increase me in knowledge." Quran 20:114

Lecture and Q/A session

A sisters-only event taught by:

Ustadha Shamira Chothia Ahmed
of Zaytuna Institute

Monday, November 17th, 11:00am.
in the Ladies Section (Upstairs) at the Plano Masjid.

Born and raised in Northern California, Shamira Chothia Ahmed is an emerging young female scholar of the traditional Islamic sciences. Her studies led her to seek sacred knowledge from scholars on three continents — Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. Upon receiving ijaazas (authorizations) to teach from renowned scholars in various Islamic disciplines, 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 (jurisprudence), tajwid (cantillation) and Qur'anic tafsir (exegesis). She recently earned her MA in Demographics and Social Analysis from the University of California at Irvine, and currently teaches shariah sciences to women in the Southern California region.

This event is free and open to all interested sisters. Please join us!
See attached flier. Please forward widely.

2008-11-13T14:51:00.000-08:00

Islamic Association of North Texas Presents

Ustadha Shamira Chothia Ahmed
A Visiting Scholar from California

For a special Sisters Only Halaqa on

Balancing Between Hope & Fear

On Tuesday, November 18th 2008 at 12:00 p.m. (noon)
IANT Sisters Musalla, 2nd Floor
(840 Abrams. Rd, Richardson, TX 75081)

Born and raised in Northern California, Shamira Chothia Ahmed is an emerging young female scholar of the traditional Islamic sciences. Her studies led her to seek sacred knowledge from scholars on three continents — Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. Upon receiving ijaazas (authorizations) to teach from renowned scholars in various Islamic disciplines, 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 (jurisprudence), tajwid (cantillation) and Qur'anic tafsir (exegesis). She recently earned her MA in Demographics and Social Analysis from the University of California at Irvine, and currently teaches shariah sciences to women in the Southern California region.

All sisters are welcome and encouraged to bring other sisters to this one time special event!

Boston Sisters' Dars

2008-10-26T11:53:00.001-07:00

* * * * *

Harvard Islamic Society and Bukhari Institute present:

Seeking Sacred Knowledge
"My Lord, increase me in knowledge." Quran 20:114

A sisters-only event taught by:

Ustadha Shamira Chothia Ahmed
of Zaytuna Institute

Saturday November 1st, 1 to 4 p.m.
in the Harvard Musalla, in the basement of Canaday E*

This event is free and open to all interested sisters. Please join us!
See attached flier. Please forward widely.
*map to the Harvard Musalla: http://map.harvard.edu/level3.cfm?mapname=camb_allston&tile=F7&quadrant=B&series=NW

"Do u drink tea?" :: On memorizing the Holy Qur'an

2008-07-17T06:43:00.000-07:00

If you see anyone drinking tea, and you ask him what he is drinking, he will tell you "tea." There is sugar in the tea, but he will not mention the sugar, no one ever says he is drinking tea-and-sugar. No doubt the sweetness of the sugar fills the tea, but the person drinks and says nothing about it.

The long standing tradition of Qur'anic memorization is analogous to the sugar, doing its work in secret. In a child who embarks on the journey of memorizing Qur'an we see that the hands, nose, ears, eyes, and tongue are dynamic, but no one can see what the soul is accomplishing. Their ears come across as listening, and their tongues seems to be reciting. But no matter what it may seem to be, it is not only the tongue that recites. And in spite of form, it is not only the ears that hear. That which speaks and hears is the invisible soul within. The effect of the long standing tradition of Qur'anic memorization on a child is similarly invisible.

And this is what happens to a child when he memorizes the words of Allah, the Exalted. We might think they are just memorizing words. But in actuality, every letter they say, every sound they make, makes an imprint in their hearts and minds which enables them to take the imitated step of converting his oral recognition of Qur'anic language into a physical act.

The best education we can give our children is the memorization of the Holy Qur'an. As Rasulullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said: "No group of people gathers in one of the houses of Allah to recite the Book of Allah and study it together, but tranquility descends upon them, the angels surround them, mercy comes down upon them, and Allah mentions them to those who are with Him." (Muslim).

The vessels for preservation of Islam are in our children's hearts. Allah says: "Nay, but they, the clear ayat, are preserved in the breasts of those who have been given knowledge…" [Qur'an 29:49]

It is our duty to plant these seeds in our children for we must equip them for what lay ahead of them. There is no better time to preserve our heritage than today, in these critical times.

As there are numerous schools and institutions available that teach hifz, it is time that we as parents invest our children's time memorizing the Qur'an and join the ranks of thousands who seek to earn the pleasure of Allah (azza wajal) and preserve the very foundation of our Islamic identity.

Buraydah (radhiyallahu anhu) said: "I was sitting with the Prophet (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) and I heard him say: ..The Qur'an will meet its companion on the Day of Resurrection when his grave is opened for him, looking like a pale man, and it will say to him, 'Do you know who I am?' He will say, I do not know you.' It will say to him, 'Do you know who I am?' He will say, I do not know you.' It will say, 'I am your companion the Qur'an, who made you thirsty on hot days and kept you awake at night. Every merchant will benefit from his trade, and today you will benefit too.' He will be given power in his right hand and immortality in his left, and on his head will be placed a crown of dignity. His parents will be given two garments the like of which could never be made by the people of this world and they will say, 'How did we earn these?' It will be said, 'Because your child learned the Qur'an.' Then it will be said to him, 'Read and go up through the levels and rooms of Paradise. He will keep on ascending as long as he reads or recites.'" (Ahmad).

Sayyidina Abu Hurairah (Radhiallahu anhu) stated that Rasulullaah (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said :Whosoever read the Qur'aan, learnt it and acted upon it, his parents will be made to wear a crown which will glitter like the light of the sun and they will be made to wear such clothing which is more rich than the garments of the entire world. They will then inquire as to why they are being so adorned. They will be informed that their son memorised the Qur'aan Kareem. (Narrated by Hakeem : Reliable on the conditions of Muslim.)

Sayyidina Anas (Radhiallahu anhu) says that Rasulullaah (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said:"Oh people, there are some special servants of Allaah Ta'aala. We inquired :"Who are these Oh! Rasulullaah? He said:"Those who memorise the Qur'aan Kareem are the special servants and friends of Allaah. (Narrated by Nisai, Ibne Maja, Hakeem.)

Sayyidina Uthmaan bin Afaan (Radhiallahu anhu) narrates that the Merciful Nabi (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said: "The best person from you is that person who learns the Noble Qur'aan and teaches it to others." (Narrated by Ahmed and companions in six reliable books.).

The Sacred Month of Rajab

2008-07-09T10:10:00.002-07:00

Assalamualaykum wa Rahmatullah

We are nearing the end of the first week of the blessed month of Rajab. This is the month in which we should start preparing ourselves and our deeds for the coming of the blessed month of Ramadan, insha'Allah.

According to Mufti Taqi Usmani (db):

Rajab is the seventh month in the Islamic lunar calendar. This month was regarded as one of the sacred months (Al-Ashhur-al-hurum) in which battles were prohibited in the days of the Holy Prophet . It is also a prelude to the month of Ramadan, because Ramadan follows it after the intervening month of Sha'ban. Therefore, when the Holy Prophet sighted the moon of Rajab, he used to pray to Allah in the following words:

"O Allah, make the months of Rajab and Sha'ban blessed for us, and let us reach the month of Ramadan (i.e. prolong our life up to Ramadan, so that we may benefit from its merits and blessings)."
Yet no specific way of worship has been prescribed by the Shari'ah in this month...However, being a prologue to the month of Ramadan, it should be availed of for preparing oneself for Ramadan and one should pray Allah to make him reach the blessed month and to benefit from its unique merits.

For Muftis full article, please see: http://albalagh.net/general/rajab.shtml

Some additional information:

Rajab is one of the four sacred months mentioned in the Quran (the four months are : Rajab, Dhul Qi'da, Dhul Hijjah, and Muharram):

{إن عدة الشهور عند الله اثنا عشر شهرا في كتاب الله يوم خلق السموت والارض منها اربعة حرم}

(التوبة: 36)

{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} (9:36)

Muslims should remember the important events that took place in the history of Islam during this month, such as the Night Journey and Ascension, the Battle of Tabuk, and the liberation of Al-Aqsa Mosque from the crusaders at the hands of Salah Ad-Din Al-Ayubi (AH 538).

Some scholars say: Rajab is the month of repentance (istighfar), and Sha'aban is the month of sending peace and mercy (salawat/durood shareef) upon the Prophet, and Ramadan is the month of Quran.

Observing voluntary fasting in the sacred months, including Rajab, is recommended. In this regard, Abu Dawud reported on the authority of Mujibah Al-Bahilyyah that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said to her father or uncle, "Observe fasting for some days in the sacred months and leave fasting for other days." He (peace and blessings be upon him) said this three times, folding three fingers of him and then unfolding them each time. The Prophet's using three fingers here is meant to assert his recommendation of fasting during these months, and not to indicate the number of the days to observe fasting therein.

Hence, doing good deeds, including fasting, in Rajab is generally praiseworthy like doing so in the rest of the sacred months. According to Ibn Hajar, there is no hadith, whether authentic or good, reported to the effect that observing fasting in Rajab entails a special reward.

Thus, fasting is permissible and recommended in Rajab as long as one believes that there is no extra reward for fasting in this month.

"اللهم اغفر لي وارحمني وتب عليَّ"

Transliteration: "Allahuma ighfir li wa Arhamni wa tub 'alayya."

Translation: (Oh Allah forgive me, have mercy upon me, and grant me repentance)

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

Transliteration

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.

Translation

(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)

__._,_.___

So, my dear friend, put forth a great effort in the month of Rajab in preparing for Ramadan, may Allah have mercy on you. It is the season of great profits, so take advantage of your time.

Allahu Akbar! What beautiful glad tidings for women:

2008-06-20T14:46:00.000-07:00

Anas ibn Malik narrates from Salamah, who looked after the Prophet's son, Ibrahim, that she said:

O Messenger of God - sallalahu alayhi wa sallam - you convey all good news and glad tidings to the men, and do not tell women glad tidings. The Prophet - sallalahu alayhi wa sallam - said: Have your companions [meaning other women] sent you for this? She said: Yes, they have commanded me to ask you this question. The Prophet - sallalahu alayhi wa sallam - said: Will one of you not be content [to know] that when she is pregnant by her husband and he is happy with her, she gets the reward as one who is fasting the day and praying the night in the path of God? [That] when she has labour pains, those who are in the heaven and the earth do not know what comfort has been hidden in store for [her]? [And that] when she delivers the child, for every suckling that child does, she has a good deed [added to her reckoning]? [And that] when the child causes her to wake in the night, she gets the reward [the equal of] of freeing seventy slaves in the path of God? Salamah, do you know, who I mean by this great reward? It is for those women who are pure, righteous, obedient to their husbands and never ungrateful to them.*

____________________________________________________________

*Abu Nu'aym Asbahani, Ma'rifat al -sahabah, v. 253.

Extracted from here.

Al-Muhaddithat: The Women Scholars in Islam

by Shaykh Mohammad Akram Nadwi

Praise the Prophet (saw) Poetry winners 2008

2008-04-01T13:55:00.000-07:00

***** F I R S T P L A C E W I N N E R *****

Zahra Saad, Age 12

Valley Stream, NY.

Divine Decree

Vanquishing falsehood, proclaiming the Truth,

Planting the seed of Iman, nurturing it’s fruit,

Extending it’s branches strengthening it’s root

With his message, sweeter than the melody of a flute.

Beckoning us closer to Allah,

Welcoming us under His Mohabbah

Calling us to His divine Rahmah,

Paving the path to Al-Jannah.

A guide to us all

With a heavenly call

Saving us from a treacherous fall

Into Jahannam’s fiery prison wall,

If we follow his way,

If the Prophet we obey

With each passing day,

We’ll never go astray.

The Rahmatul-lil-Alameen

Who struck our hearts with an angelic beam

He led us to Siratul-Mustaqeem

He was the servant of Allah Al-Azeem

Through following his Hadith and Sunnah,

By answering his Adhan to Al-Falah

We become true leaders of the Ummah,

The Ummah of Nabi-ullah.

He is the doorway to Allah’s love and mercy

Allah proclaimed in words full of supreme beauty,

“Say (O Muhammad!) If you love Allah, follow me.”

And thus, it was – the Divine Decree.

http://www.northstarschool.org/poetry.asp#winners

Remembering the Umma with Du'a

2008-03-14T11:08:00.000-07:00

Ma`ruf al-Karkhi, one of the righteous imams of the early Muslims (salaf), said,

"Whoever says,

'Allahumma aslih Ummata Muhammad Allahumma farrij `an Ummati Muhammad Allahumma Rham Ummata Muhammad [salla Allahu `alayhi wa sallam]

(O Allah, improve the state of the Umma of Muhammad O Allah, grant ease to the Umma of Muhammad O Allah, have mercy on the Umma of Muhammad),'

ten times every day will be written down as one of the highest of elect believers (abdal)." [Abu Nu`aym, Hilyat al-Awliya , 8.366]

اللهم أصلح أمة محمد اللهم فرج عن أمة محمد أللهم ارحم أمة محمد

Why? The Prophet of Mercy (peace and blessings be upon him) said,

"Have mercy on those on earth, and the Lord of the Skies will have mercy on you." [Ahmad, Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi, and Bukhari in his al-Adab al-Mufrad from Abd Allah ibn Amr (Allah be pleased with him)]

Source: www.sunnipath.com

No Excuse From Prayer (Scuba Diver Prays Under Water)

2008-03-14T07:32:00.001-07:00

No Excuse From Prayer (Scuba Diver Prays Under Water)

via muslimmatters.org by Amad on 3/4/08

So, what's your excuse?

The hardest time I have praying is when I have gone skiing (snow-skiing), wearing those boots that don't really flex at all, and you pretty much have to fall down into your sajdah. In fact, I was skiing this weekend and found a nice spot behind a cabin. Its an interesting feeling doing sajdah in a couple of feet of snow. By the way, I think I remember Sh. Waleed (who loves to scuba-dive) telling me that he too had prayed under water once.

What was your hardest or most interesting prayer occasion? Inspire us!

More pictures below the sleeve

19 Things Muslim Women Can Do For Islam

2008-03-14T07:30:00.000-07:00

19 Things Sisters can do for Islam in America(or anywhere in the world really)

By: A SoundVision Staff Writer

Sisters, as much as brothers, are responsible for contributing to Islamic work in America. There are a number of things that can be done on a personal, family and community level.

Sound Vision talked to four Muslim sisters who are active in their communities for their ideas. They suggested the following:

1. Remember you are a khalifa on earth

Both men and women are appointed by Allah as His khalifa (trustees) on earth (Quran 33:72-73). We have been given this amana (trust) from Allah, and it is our responsibility to care for it. We must not forget that we will all be asked on the Day of Judgement what we did with our time. What did we do for the sake of Allah while we were alive? How did we spend our time, wealth, health, knowledge and other resources Allah has entrusted to us as a gift. How have we tried to make our ummah stronger? Will we make the grade?

2. Make your intention for the sake of Allah

Where does success really come from? It's from Allah. But without the correct intentions and methods, success at home and work won't happen.

"Actions are but by intentions," said Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said in a Hadith in Bukhari and Muslim. Make your intention to please Allah first and foremost. This is the first and most important thing no matter what type of activism you get involved in.

3. Make Dua (supplication)

Who can really answer your prayers and help you? Allah, of course. Ask only from Allah. Ask Him for Guidance, understanding, and a straight intention. Ask Him to accept your efforts for His cause.

Then watch as Insha Allah, He helps you throughout your work for His Cause.

4. Seek knowledge, a path to Paradise and power

Once your intention is clear, how do you know what the right method is to contribute to Islam in America? The key is knowledge. Specifically, knowledge of the Quran and Sunnah. This is not necessarily the knowledge you may have picked up in the Muslim country or community you grew up in. We're talking about knowledge based on original sources — the Quran and Sunnah.

"For him who follows a path for seeking knowledge, Allah will ease for him the path to Paradise" said the Prophet in a Hadith in Muslim.

For starters, one simple thing you can do is to read a translation of the Quran in a language you feel most comfortable with. This is not to say that translations will give you a complete understanding of the Quran. What it will provide though, is a basic overview.

Sincerely seek the truth. Remember that your goal as an ordinary Muslim at this point, is not to "reinterpret" the Quran. It is simply to expose yourself to Allah's Message in a way that you can understand.

5. Learn about your rights and duties and change who you are accordingly

Is knowledge meant to just fill our heads? Of course not. If we want to work for Islam in America or anywhere else, we've got to start with ourselves first.

This not only means to know but to practice what we know. We must work from the inside out. We must fix our character first, then work with our families, neighborhood and further out within the community.

6. Raise good Muslim sons and daughters

Who raised those brothers who won't let sisters come to the mosque? Mostly women. For all the talk of Muslim women going out to change the world, we tend to forget about the one place where women have the most control: as mothers. Use this power.

It's mothers who can perpetuate notions of what a woman's place is, and they also can perpetuate a lot of the misguided notions about the position of women in Islam. Think through what messages you are giving your children. For example, how many mothers spoil their sons by not insisting they clean up their own room, put away their own dishes after dinner, help clean up the house or fold the laundry? Mothers can and should challenge gender stereotypes in their own homes.

This may be considered a small step for moms, but it leads to big steps for Muslim brothers.

With regards to daughters, mothers must orient them in the right direction on a personal level as Muslims, then at the academic and career levels. Not to forget but mothers are their daughters first role model. Be an example for her of a solid, strong Muslim.

7. Speak out against injustice

Feeling powerless against the Muslim men who won't let you come to the mosque? At least speak out against it. Did a speaker say something insensitive about sisters? Speak out against it. Use your knowledge of the Quran and Sunnah to challenge gender-unfriendly spaces and positions in the Muslim community.

Too often, the status quo is maintained because Muslim women do not speak up.

And don't just speak out against the bad. Ask questions and comment with wisdom as well.

8. Don't underestimate the power of social activities

Do you think organizing social activities such as dinners for sisters is just a waste of time? Not if you know the reality of the Muslim community here in America.

While many sisters have families they can easily turn to for company and support, there are many who don't. Our communities have plenty of sisters who are new to Islam, or sisters who are students from abroad, or who recently immigrated here with their families but who are hungry for companionship.

What better companionship than that of Muslim sisters for the sake of Allah?

Organizing weekly dinners, teas, Halaqas are all small practical steps that Muslim sisters can take to help each other not only cope with loneliness, but more importantly become closer to Allah, if He wills. This creates a much-needed social network.

9. Go into professions that are needed in the community

Often, we encourage our children to go into professions that are seen as prestigious or that will ensure them financial security. These may not, however, be professions that are most needed by the Muslim community. Identify what the needs are and encourage young women to pursue careers in these fields.

For example, there is dire need for Muslim community advocates, social workers, therapists, family counselors, and other support resources. The shortage of such professional skills within the community forces Muslims to go to non-Muslims who are often insensitive to our religious values.

Another field where Muslim women are needed is law. Marriage, divorce, custody of children, and inheritance are all issues which directly affect Muslim women, and for which they will rarely find a Muslim advocate. There is a need for sisters who know Islamic law and the local law to help Muslim women deal with issues like these with sincere, sound advice, as well as sympathetic support.

Is there a Muslim woman doctor in the house? For the most part, the answer is no. It is no cliche to say that there is a crying need for women in the medical field. Sisters are especially needed in sensitive fields like obstetrics and gynecology, fertiltiy specialists, etc.

These are among many areas where women, especially Muslim ones, feel most comfortable discussing exclusively with other women who will understand where they are coming from.

10. Teach in Islamic weekend schools

Does getting an education degree sound too far-fetched? If so, consider helping Islam in America by teaching at the local Islamic weekend school. This is where a number of Muslim kids (most of whom attend public school) find their only Islamic environment throughout the whole week.

The presence Muslim sisters as mentioned above, is not just in imparting knowledge but it's also in being a positive role model.

As well, teaching in Islamic weekend schools provides you with the opportunity to clarify the position of women in Islam, to clear it of the cultural baggage so many Muslim parents tend to pass down to their kids.

11. Enjoin the good and forbid the evil

The Prophet said: If one of you sees something evil he should change it with his hand. If he cannot, he should speak out against it, and if he cannot do even that he should at least detest it in his heart, this being the weakest form of faith (Muslim).

Enjoining the good and forbidding the evil is not the domain of Muslim brothers alone. Sisters are also required to do this, whether it is on an individual or community level. Look for opportunities and build your strength to do this.

Not only will you be fulfilling a religious duty, but you will become stronger and Allah willing, gain the strength to speak out against wrong regardless who is doing the wrong.

12. Promote and appreciate sisters doing good work

How many of us spend time to appreciate the work Muslims sisters do to promote the cause of Islam?

Whether a sister has given an inspiring speech, written a useful article, established a fantastic program for the mosque, a number of sisters tend to beat each other down instead of trying to build each other up.

Promoting and appreciating sisters who are doing good work will not only serve as encouragement for them, it will also pinpoint acceptable role models for young Muslim women. This is important when many or our young girls look up to women who are models, actresses and singers, as opposed to those making a positive contribution to society.

13. Support other sisters in need or difficulty

Do you know a sister who takes care of her own kids, plus an ailing mother-in-law? Or a sister who needs a night out with her husband after a frustrating week juggling work and home responsibilities? Give her a break. Offer to babysit for a night, or take her kids to the park so she can have some free time to herself. These small gestures give a big boost to sisterhood and Muslim community support, not to mention support for a Muslim family.

14. Get sympathetic speakers and scholars invited to the community

Who are the top five speakers in your community? What is their understanding of Islam and especially the role of women? Do they speak out against injustice? Or do they promote the status quo?

Sisters can encourage community leaders to invite speakers to shed light on Muslim women's issues, and who can address problems from an Islamic perspective in a wise and sensitive way.

15. Teach sisters how to deal with discrimination

How many sisters know how to respond effectively to discrimination and harassment? It seems that most will tend to ignore it. Others may respond with a rude remark of their own. But neither of these approaches is usually appropriate.

Muslim women can help here by developing an effective strategy in consultation with Imams and community leaders. Informing and enabling Muslim women on how to seek legal recourse if they so choose is another needed service.

16. Become journalists and media professionals

Do you think the ability to write well and communicate effectively has no effect on others?

You're wrong. A knowledgeable, practicing Muslim woman who can write and speak well is a powerful weapon against those who say Islam oppresses women, or that women can't come to the mosque for instance.

The media is an unavoidable tool in the spread of Islam amongst Muslims and non-Muslims and sisters should not avoid this field of study.

17. Use what you have

If you're already a working Muslim woman, how can you contribute without necessarily changing careers? Use your professional skills for the community.

If you can write well, establish a well-written, organized and attractive community newsletter. If you're in business, establish a community fundraising project for the local mosque's expansion. Use what you've got. It'll take some thinking and planning, but you're almost bound to find a way you can contribute, if Allah wills.

18. Know and teach women's history

Do you think women's history means learning exclusively about American feminists? Think again. Muslim women have their own heroes. Aisha, Khadijah, Maryam, Asiya (may Allah be pleased with all of them) are our role models. Remember that Muslim women's history does not start and end with these four righteous women. Muslim history is full of women who have made positive contributions. We also need to recognize and know the efforts of the pioneering Muslim women who came to North America and worked in partnership with men to establish the various Muslim institutions now flourishing in North America.

Know the history of the first generation of Muslim women as well as those who established the Muslim community in North America.

Read to your daughters the stories of the great female companions of the Prophet in books like Abdul Wahid Hamid's Companions of the Prophet.

19. Understand the issues of the day

Do you know what your kids are learning in school? Is there a sex education class promoting unIslamic ideas? What are you going to do about it? Do you participate in your child's Earth Day activities at school?

Muslims sisters have to know the issues of the day in order to make an impact. Whether it's sex education, drunk driving or rape these and other issues should be of concern to us as well, and not just non-Muslims. Being vocal, and most importantly, knowing and advocating the Islamic position on issues of the day affords you the opportunity to stand up for justice and to make Dawa. Don't pass it up.

The Way The Devil Works ( Hijab)

2008-03-14T07:28:00.000-07:00

Pretty scary depiction of how the Devil whispers in our sisters' ears...

Shaitan The Way The Devil Works ( Hijab)

The Love of the Prophet peace and blessings be upon him

2008-03-14T07:26:00.000-07:00

Assalamualaykum wa Rahmatullah

Rabi ul Awal Mubarak! May Allah make it a blessed month where we increase in our Love, obedience and knowledge of our Beloved Prophet (May the infinite peace and mercy be upon him and his family)

please remember us in your duas.

This is a transcript of a piece Shaykh Hamza did for the BBC World Service's In Praise of God programme back in 2006.

The Love of the Prophet peace and blessings be upon him

By Shaykh Hamza Yusuf

Twenty-six years ago I became a Muslim largely because I fell in love with a beautiful human being. "I was only sent to perfect noble character," said the man declared as a "mercy to all the worlds."

As time passed, this love grew as my knowledge of him increased. I painfully watched his religion hijacked by some for their own ends distorting his message and forgetting that he was indeed a mercy to all the worlds. I am troubled by the media's portrayal of him sometimes in the worst of lights. How could the man I came to know and love be so vilified and maligned by those who claim to represent him and also by those who aim to be unbiased interpreters?

Muhammad, peace be upon him, was a shy, reticent man who lived among his people with such high moral character they called him al-Amîn—the Trustworthy.

The Prophet of Islam was born in the city of Mecca, Arabia, into a poor but noble branch of an aristocratic clan known as Quraysh, a people who despised treachery, lies and stupidity, while honouring bravery in battle, generosity in partying, and cleverness in poetry.

Some families, were so ashamed of their baby girls, that they would bury them alive instead of suffering the possible indignity of future dishonour. The religion of the Arabs at the time was a hodge-podge of superstition, divination and idolatry. To them, man's life ended with his death and his afterlife was based on his military exploits might be immortalized by a poets tongue.

The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, was born into this world on April 9th, 570, Christian era in the lunar month of Rabi'a al-Awwal. His father, Abdallah died during his mother's pregnancy. And for the first four years he was raised in the relative purity of the desert by a Bedouin woman named Halimah. After which he returned to his mother, Aminah. But in his seventh year, his mother died leaving him in the care of his grandfather.

At the age of twenty-five, he was employed as a commercial agent by Lady Khadijah, a successful widow from his own clan. She soon recognized his honesty and good nature and proposed marriage. Although fifteen years younger than she was, he accepted her proposal, and fathered six of his seven children with her.

At the age of forty, it had become his custom to escape the idolatry of Meccan society by seeking solitude in a cave on the mountain known as "the Mountain of Light." In the solitary confines of his small cave a voice pierced his consciousness declaring: "Recite!"

Alarmed and shivering he fled to his wife, begging her to wrap him in a cloak. He feared for his sanity, concerned that a desert spirit or poetic muse might be pursuing him. More revelations soon followed and Muhammad came to the understanding that he was not only a prophet in a long line of prophets, but that he was the last of them who was sent with a universal message.

As the days passed his revelations increased and they were powerfully rhythmic punctuated with intoxicating messages that challenged listeners to reflect on everyday miracles such as the alternation of the night and day

These revelations revealed to Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, came to be known as the Qur'an, the Muslim holy book. For thirteen years he invited his clan to worship one God, sit with slaves in spiritual solidarity, respect women as soul-full equals and the source of human mercy, care for the widow, the orphan, the weak and the oppressed.

At first people ridiculed his message and accused him of attempting "to make the gods one." His message threatened his people's financial control of the markets of Mecca where pilgrims from all over Arabia came to spend their wealth.

When his clan failed to stop his preaching they plotted to kill him in his sleep. But he was warned by the Angel Gabriel and told to flee in the cover of darkness to Madina with his beloved friend and lifelong companion Abu Bakr.

Setting out, the two sought refuge in a cave to escape the skilled trackers of Mecca hot on their trail. The bounty hunters quickly came upon the cave, but a spider's web had already covered the entrance and a dove with her young rested in a nest above it.

When the posse left and the two felt safe again, they continued their journey to the city of Yathrib. And as they entered it the young girls and children of Bani Najjar came out chanting lines of poetry which is still sung all over the world in remembrance of this auspicious occasion.

The name Yathrib was changed to Medina, city of hope. It became a city founded on the brotherhood of virtue. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, enacted a treaty uniting the once warring groups. He secured the rights of the Jewish minority by granting them full citizenship and freedom to practice their religion without constraint.

Days after his arrival in Medina he began the construction of a mosque, a sanctuary of prayer and meditation, in the centre of the city. And he had his companions; the Muslims create their own marketplace in order to ensure economic strength.

The Meccans, sensing that a rising power was now emerging in the peninsula, plotted ways of subverting the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, and his growing community of believers. And the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, who had practiced a strict pacifism in Mecca for thirteen years and disliked the use of coercive force, was now given permission by God to defend against any attacks by his enemies. The Qur'an declared, "Fighting has been prescribed for you and you detest it, but perhaps you detest something and in it is much good. And perhaps you love something and in it is much harm, and God knows and you do not know." [Qur'an 2:216].

The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, "Never desire to meet your enemies, rather ask God for peace and well-being; but should you be forced to meet them, then act courageously." [Sahih al-Bukhari]

Muslims are not ashamed of their Prophet's teaching about war. On the contrary, for us it is a great source of pride. He was courageous as a great lion against the strong and oppressive yet gentle as a shepherd with the weak and the oppressed.

The true object of war fought for God should always be peace. What the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, taught is that Muslims fight for a just cause only. In this world, there are only two choices: two sides, truth and justice or falsehood and oppression. You don't have to be a Muslim to understand that.

After years of conflict between members of his clan and his followers, the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, had a revelation that he should visit the sacred mosque. In the eighth year after his migration to Medina the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, set out for Mecca but his adversaries refused to allow him in. They sent out an arbitrator to strike an agreement that would bring the stand-off to an end. And on every point of this treaty the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, compromised his own position in pursuit of peace.

On the journey back to Medina some of the companions were deeply troubled by what had just taken place and disappointed that they were thwarted from visiting the sanctuary. When asked to explain, the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, replied, "Did I say it was going to be this year?"

And so the following year, in accordance with the treaty, the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, and his followers performed a pilgrimage completely unmolested. But soon his clan the Quraysh broke their end of the deal, massacring another clan with alliance to the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, attacking them even in the sacred precinct. Abu Sufyan, the head of the Prophet's enemies, attempted to restore the truce but it was too late. News of the massacre enraged the believers and the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, summoned all of the Muslims capable of bearing arms to march on Mecca. When the nearly ten thousand Muslims arrived on the outskirts of the city, the Quraysh realized they did not stand a chance and people either fled or stayed in their homes.

And so it was, after years of persecution, the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, marched triumphant into the city of his birth at the head of the largest army ever assembled in Arabian history. With his head bowed in humility he declared a general amnesty and granted war criminals refuge.

His overwhelming magnanimity of character led to a mass conversion among the citizens of Mecca. Even Abu Sufyan, his archenemy, embraced the religion of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him. In the months that followed, almost all of Arabia dispatched representatives to swear allegiance to this Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, and to enter in the faith of Islam. In a period of twenty-three years Muhammad, peace be upon him, had succeeded in uniting a feuding people trapped in cycles of violence into one people with a sense of destiny and a mission that would transform the world.

He elevated the low, and he lowered the elevated that they might meet in that middle place known as brotherhood. He infused in them a love of learning unleashing a creative power that would lead to some of the most extraordinary scientific breakthroughs in human history.

He died on the same day he was born, in the same house he had lived in for ten years in Medina, on a small bed made of leather stuffed with palm fibres, in the arms of his beloved wife Aishah. His dying words were, "Treat your women well, and do not oppress your servants, the prayer, the prayer, don't be neglectful of the prayer. O God, my highest companion, O highest companion."

But the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, was more than just a great historical person, he was a father and friend, a husband, a companion and above all he was a human being. The Prophet's unique physical appearance, his high character and willingness to sacrifice for others, are often at the essence of any description of him. He was once described by a contemporary in the following words:

"The Messenger of God was imposing and majestic. His face was luminous like a full moon. He was taller than medium but not excessive in height. He had wavy hair, which he parted and it never went beyond his shoulders. He was light-skinned with a high brow. He had full eyebrows and a small space between them. He had a fine, aquiline nose. His beard was full, his eyes black. His physique was supple and lithe, with a full chest and broad shoulders. When he walked, he was determined and his pace was as if he was walking down hill.

When he spoke he was always brief and reflective. He spoke when he saw benefit and spent long periods in silent contemplation. His speech was comprehensive being neither wordy nor laconic. He had a mild temperament and was never harsh nor cruel, coarse nor rude. He expressed gratitude for everything given to him no matter how insignificant. When he spoke, his companions lowered their heads as if birds were perched upon them. When he was silent, they felt free to speak. He never criticized food or praised it excessively. He never swore, nor did he find fault in people. He did not flatter people but praised them when appropriate.

People entered his gatherings as seekers and left enlightened. He would ask about his companions when they were absent often making inquiries about people's needs. He never stood nor sat without mentioning the name of God. He never reserved a special place for himself in a gathering and sat where space provided. He gave each of those who sat with him such full attention that everyone felt that he was the most important person in that gathering. Voices were never raised in his presence. The aged were respected for their age and the young were shown compassion for their youth."

The Qur'an reminds Muslims that when they are slandered by those who reject them they should bear it patiently and be forgiving. I yearn for a deeper understanding of this man, his gentleness towards children, his love of animals, his concern for the weak and oppressed, his sense of justice tempered always with mercy.

I personally love his humour and his sense of tomfoolery. He said once, "I joke but always tell the truth." His wife Aishah said, "he was always making us laugh in the house." One of his names is ad-dahhak—the smiling one. His humour and cheerfulness even in the face of the most difficult of times is so needed today in our troubled world. I imagine him telling those of us who don't laugh enough to lighten up, to show more gratitude even in what appears to be difficulties. And as for those who laugh too much and do so inappropriately, I imagine that he would ask that they reflect deeper on the condition of humanity and nurture compassion in their hearts.

"Those who sin while laughing enter hell crying," he once said.

Once an old woman asked him if she would enter paradise and he replied, "Old people don't go to heaven!" The woman was crestfallen with the answer he had provided, to which he added with a smile, "You shall enter paradise in the prime of your youth."

The Arabs believed dates made eye infections worse. His companion Suhayb was eating dates one day while his left eye was infected. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, "Suhayb do you eat dates and your eye is infected?" To which Suhayb said, "I am eating with my right eye only O Messenger of God." To which the Prophet, peace be and blessings
be upon him, laughed heartily.

And once a gruff desert Bedouin came into the mosque and prayed out loud saying, "O God forgive me and Muhammad and don't forgive anyone else." Hearing this the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, laughed and said to him, "You are limiting the vast mercy of God."

I feel so incredibly grateful and blessed to have come to know him and to learn from him. A day of my life has not gone by that I haven't felt indebted to him for the wisdom he has given me in making sense of my life and my world.

Every day my love for Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, increases. Like the vast majority of my fellow believers across the world and through times he is, indeed, the Beloved—the Praised One.

To the solace of his name, simply saying Muhammad, has an incredibly soothing effect on me.

Remember

2008-03-14T07:11:00.001-07:00

by Mai El-Sadany

Remember the most respected man throughout the years,Who made the purpose of life blatantly clear,Remember the kind, gentle face that always held a smile,An amazing countenance, a handsome profile,Remember the modest life he led and apparel he wore,The fulfilling cause and religion he would willingly die for,Remember his perseverance no matter what,The torture, the pain, the bloody bruises and cuts,Remember the strength of mind after his tribe's rejection,But, later, the sincere hearts he would easily win,Remember the kindness to his neighbors and enemies alike,After being bombarded with trash, thorns, and spikes,Remember his Hijrah away from his beloved home,Through deserts and caves, he then had to roam,Remember the anger management he always displayed,The genuine light from his face would never fade,Remember the starvation he had to face,Displaced from his family, home, and place,Remember the year of sadness when he lost,His beloved wife and uncle, worth more than all meager costs,Remember his honest ways and fair dealings,His disregard for worldly pleasures and things,Remember his respect for people of all creeds,Seeing to every less fortunate man's needs,Remember his playful nature with children,His heart clean, not blemished with any dark sins,Remember the ways he treated all of his family,His pure tongue released sincere words, always said truthfully,Remember his promised intercession on the Day of Judgement,"Ummati, Ummati" beautiful words, so heartfelt,For you, my true love, Rasulullah,May peace and blessings always shower upon you, Ya Mostafa.

Quest for the Divine

Texas Events for Sisters!

Motherhood by Shaykh Nuh

Nursing Your Baby Naturally:: Sisters' Workshop!

Nursing Your Baby Naturally:: Sisters' Workshop!

Remembering Farhana's words (may Allah have mercy on her soul)

Keeping up the Ramadan Spirit! THIS THURSDAY 9/1 (Sisters Only)!

Inna Lillahi wa Inna ilayhi raajiun - my dear Uncle Amin

*10 Things to hand down to your daughter*

Our beloved Papa's passing...

Doubts about hijab - Answered!

Celebrate Mercy, Celebrate our Prophet (saw) - Year Round insh'Allah!

Modesty: A Branch of Faith:: Redlands, CA

Natural Childbirth in Islam Series: Irvine, CA

Nagat's message on Farhana's passing

The passing of our sister Farhana

Shaykh Abu Hassan al-Kurdi passes

Ramadan Resources

The Sacred Month of Rajab!!

Gift of Pregnancy & Motherhood::Garden Grove, CA!

Sisters' Event:: Garden Grove, CA!

Sisters' Talk in Glendale Heights, IL

Rancho Cucamonga, CA, Talk

Ustadha Shamira Sisters-Only Weekend Intensive, New York!

Kansas City Sisters' Lecture

Domestic Violence in our Community

The Triple filter Test

Allah knows Best- A Kings experience

"Mubarak New Year", 1 Muharram 1430H

Omar Kamali - rahimahullah

BBC HardTalk with Shaykh Hamza Yusuf (2001)

Shaykh Hamza Yusuf, Eid Al-Adha 08 Khutbah (sermon)

The Rahmah Foundation Dec 20th Event!

Du'aas Answered in Middle of Night!

Irvine Sisters' Classes

Eid Mubarak! Some Beloved Sunnahs To Follow,Insha'Allah!

First Ten Days of Dhu-l-Hijjah

Ottoman-style Mosque in Washington

Skype Daroos for Spanish Speaking Sisters

The Rahmah Foundation Nov. 2008 event!

Boston Sisters' Dars

"Do u drink tea?" :: On memorizing the Holy Qur'an

The Sacred Month of Rajab

Allahu Akbar! What beautiful glad tidings for women:

Praise the Prophet (saw) Poetry winners 2008

Remembering the Umma with Du'a

No Excuse From Prayer (Scuba Diver Prays Under Water)

No Excuse From Prayer (Scuba Diver Prays Under Water)

19 Things Muslim Women Can Do For Islam

The Way The Devil Works ( Hijab)

The Love of the Prophet peace and blessings be upon him

Remember

10 Things to hand down to your daughter