Friday, July 27, 2007
ACCEPTING THE CALL....
Today, on this beautiful Friday, (Fridays are always beautiful!!) I witnessed a girl take her shahadah at my local mosque, just before the Friday prayer. As she accepted Islam, my eyes, and the eyes of the sisters sitting with us filled with tears. Such a beautiful moment took away the problems that the ummah are facing at present, from the inside of the Muslim community and from the outside. It took away the problems that some of us may have been going through, and that constant fight with the whispers of shaytan that we combat daily. Because for that one moment, we witnessed someone become pure, and invite the truth into her heart. And with all that it took away, it gave us so much more. It gave us a reminder that only Allah, the Almighty, has the power to guide whoever He pleases. It gave us the satisfaction that Islam can never be defeated. And it gave us a new sister- a woman who, despite the negative hype about Islam, had accepted this wonderful way of life. May Allah bless her, and all of us, with taqwa, and may He grant us with good in the akhirah- AMEEN!
Thursday, July 26, 2007
CLOSE GUANTANAMO BAY
2000 DAYS OF INJUSTICE! GUANTANAMO BAY- If you don't know about it- you better get to know!! The "detention camp" in Cuba is where hundreds of men have been imprisoned unlawfully. They have been illegally kidnapped so that for years, their families have no knowledge of their where-abouts, whether they are dead or alive.I use the example of the three lads from Birmingham, who were released from Guantanamo Bay with no charge, after years of undergoing immense torture. They were accused and framed of being part of Al Qaeda, but were released when no TRUE evidence could be gathered. Surely it is proof that many are being held for no reason, as they are then released without charge. And lets be real, Guantanamo Bay is no normal jail with tv and carpentry classes, naaaa. Interrogation includes being screamed at, being face down on chemical covered grounds for hours, not being allowed to pray or talk, being chained in unbearable positions- then locked in a room and having music blared at you. These are just AFEW. Doesn't seem that bad? Try living it day in day out, being humiliated, totured, taken away from family and friends- and ofcourse, with all of this- being innocent. All this- in the name of Bush's "War against terror". When you occupy someone elses territory, kill another country's civilians and don't naff off out of a place where you have caused so many problems, whos the terrorist? So you think its a joke- and that all "terrorists" should be locked away. Well, lets be honest, most of these men are not "terrorists". Don't be so quick to trust the media and people in power, cos so far- the majority of both institutions have managed to ridicule and isolate innocent people. How can we be sure that the men locked away in Guantanemo Bay are oh so evil, when Bush himself sounded so vague: "Now the only thing I know for certain is that these are bad people". Don't make me chuckle Bush. If you want to do something about this, or find out more info- go to Amnesty International's website. They are doing some brilliant work in trying to close Guantanamo Bay. Also, track down "The Road to Guantanamo", about the three guys from Birmingham I spoke about before. It can be accessed on many websites: http://www.islamictube.net/view_video.php?viewkey=441008547 Please watch it- it is such an eye opener!!! It may be in afew parts though. Thanks for reading- please think about the people at Guantanamo Bay- and all other innocent detainees around the world. Please raise awareness about what is going on with your voice, your writing- anything. And if you can't physically do anything for them and their families- pray for them. If we do not make an effort to help our people who are locked away, we are as bad as the ones who put them there.
Nice to meet you!
I begin the the name of Allah.
Assalaamu Alaikum, Peace be With You!!
Well, I never thought I'd have my own blog, but I guess I have far too much time on my hands!!
The name of this blog is self explanatory- "Thoughts of a Muslimah". So don't expect anything too profound- this is quite literally a blog of my thoughts- the thoughts of an individual Muslim woman (Muslimah).
I do hope that you will read my blog with an open mind and an open heart, and that someone, somewhere, will gain a little something from it.
So enjoy reading- and until next the time we meet- Peace!
Assalaamu Alaikum, Peace be With You!!
Well, I never thought I'd have my own blog, but I guess I have far too much time on my hands!!
The name of this blog is self explanatory- "Thoughts of a Muslimah". So don't expect anything too profound- this is quite literally a blog of my thoughts- the thoughts of an individual Muslim woman (Muslimah).
I do hope that you will read my blog with an open mind and an open heart, and that someone, somewhere, will gain a little something from it.
So enjoy reading- and until next the time we meet- Peace!
Calling All
Bismillah
What I have been blessed with in this dunya,
I will use to my advantage.
My writing is my dawah,
And my heart is full of things I need to say.
But it is all for Him.
For that one thing.
For the place He has prepared for those-
who will be granted the beautiful gardens,
and the rivers that flow beneath them.
What I have been blessed with in this dunya,
I will use to my advantage.
My writing is my dawah,
And my heart is full of things I need to say.
But it is all for Him.
For that one thing.
For the place He has prepared for those-
who will be granted the beautiful gardens,
and the rivers that flow beneath them.
I
Bismillah
I be riding on the thickness of my weak eemaan.
I think about what will testify against me and I gaze at my hands.
My heart tells me no while my brain says “yea do it”.
And my tongue just be talking and there’s no way to stop it.
I look at my watch and realise that times running out.
I check myself in the mirror and see the blood dripping out my mouth.
But I wipe it away and walk out the door.
Ignoring the heaviness of my faith as it drags on the floor.
The black dog barks at me as I stop to wait for my ride.
Its usually not long before it pulls up at my side.
Because I’m good at flagging down that taxi that will take me straight to the fire.
But when its time to pay my fair I see the prices are getting higher and higher.
He wants my soul like its something I can just give up without a fight.
So I’m like “na man I can’t afford that you need to lower the price….
I just wanted abit of fun, nothing big, just some good times”
So he says- as he winks at me in the rear-view mirror::
“ok no probs, the minors don’t cost a dime”.
But little do I know that the free rides will stop,
And sooner or later it will be time to pay up.
I look down and see myself six feet under,
Battered and bruised, cut and burnt like I’d been struck by thunder.
I turn around and see them all laughing at me:
“Ha! You thought you had it all, the paper and glamour- you were sitting pretty”.
I stumble back and hold onto something tight.
And I start to seek refuge from the darkness of the night.
Cos this is when it comes and I start to feel the fright.
And I pray that I wake the next day to see the beautiful light,
So I can repent for my wrongs and finally do some right.
I be riding on the thickness of my weak eemaan.
I think about what will testify against me and I gaze at my hands.
My heart tells me no while my brain says “yea do it”.
And my tongue just be talking and there’s no way to stop it.
I look at my watch and realise that times running out.
I check myself in the mirror and see the blood dripping out my mouth.
But I wipe it away and walk out the door.
Ignoring the heaviness of my faith as it drags on the floor.
The black dog barks at me as I stop to wait for my ride.
Its usually not long before it pulls up at my side.
Because I’m good at flagging down that taxi that will take me straight to the fire.
But when its time to pay my fair I see the prices are getting higher and higher.
He wants my soul like its something I can just give up without a fight.
So I’m like “na man I can’t afford that you need to lower the price….
I just wanted abit of fun, nothing big, just some good times”
So he says- as he winks at me in the rear-view mirror::
“ok no probs, the minors don’t cost a dime”.
But little do I know that the free rides will stop,
And sooner or later it will be time to pay up.
I look down and see myself six feet under,
Battered and bruised, cut and burnt like I’d been struck by thunder.
I turn around and see them all laughing at me:
“Ha! You thought you had it all, the paper and glamour- you were sitting pretty”.
I stumble back and hold onto something tight.
And I start to seek refuge from the darkness of the night.
Cos this is when it comes and I start to feel the fright.
And I pray that I wake the next day to see the beautiful light,
So I can repent for my wrongs and finally do some right.
II
Bismillah
All my life I have dwelled in darkness.
Played in its sinful stench.
Laughing too much and crying never.
But now I know.
And my eyes are filled with hot tears,
When I think of how ungrateful I have been,
And how I neglected my Lord,
And my duties.
And yet- despite it all,
I have been given another chance,
And it feels like nothing I have felt before.
Even the low times are higher than the lowest of the low I have felt before.
The warmth in my heart,
When I hear the Quran,
Is alone incomparable to the life I was living.
And this glow from within,
It all points to Him.
My right hand in a tight fist,
Finger pointing towards the sky,
As I say the declaration of faith.
I am inspired.
I can hear-
Nowhere near to what our dear Prophet Muhammed (Peace and blessings be upon him) heard-
The ringing of bells.
But nevertheless-
I hear it now.
I feel it now.
That I am required,
To be a slave of the Almighty.
Yes- I can hear it now-
Finally.
After 20 years,
Those words that were whispered in my ear,
And its banging like a drum
LA ILLAHA ILL ALLAH.
And sometimes it hurts-
My heart-
It burns.
My body aches,
With shame,
And guilt,
And fear,
And love.
And it pulls,
It pulls me down so hard,
So hard that my forehead hits the ground.
In the most humble of positions.
So that I can once again,
Glorify the One who listens.
All my life I have dwelled in darkness.
Played in its sinful stench.
Laughing too much and crying never.
But now I know.
And my eyes are filled with hot tears,
When I think of how ungrateful I have been,
And how I neglected my Lord,
And my duties.
And yet- despite it all,
I have been given another chance,
And it feels like nothing I have felt before.
Even the low times are higher than the lowest of the low I have felt before.
The warmth in my heart,
When I hear the Quran,
Is alone incomparable to the life I was living.
And this glow from within,
It all points to Him.
My right hand in a tight fist,
Finger pointing towards the sky,
As I say the declaration of faith.
I am inspired.
I can hear-
Nowhere near to what our dear Prophet Muhammed (Peace and blessings be upon him) heard-
The ringing of bells.
But nevertheless-
I hear it now.
I feel it now.
That I am required,
To be a slave of the Almighty.
Yes- I can hear it now-
Finally.
After 20 years,
Those words that were whispered in my ear,
And its banging like a drum
LA ILLAHA ILL ALLAH.
And sometimes it hurts-
My heart-
It burns.
My body aches,
With shame,
And guilt,
And fear,
And love.
And it pulls,
It pulls me down so hard,
So hard that my forehead hits the ground.
In the most humble of positions.
So that I can once again,
Glorify the One who listens.
III
Bismillah
Sometimes I find myself slipping.
I am such a mess.
I am weak.
Giving into the laziness,
and those infectious beats.
I am angry at myself,
for being an easy target,
for all that is evil,
and all that is bad.
Sometimes I find myself slipping.
I am such a mess.
I am weak.
Giving into the laziness,
and those infectious beats.
I am angry at myself,
for being an easy target,
for all that is evil,
and all that is bad.
IIII
Bismillah
I look back and see all the sins that went un-noticed,and I am so grateful that I have been given another chance,by the One who touched my heart- Allah.
Why did this world mean so much to me?When it is just a short stop-a test from the One to whom is our return- Allah.
I am no longer blinded by the “treasures” of this world,I have been given sight by the one who is the light- Allah.
I no longer have the need for these material things,you can keep the glitz and glamour,because all that I need is from the one who answers my prayers- Allah.
I have learnt to appreciate the good things in my life,because I know they are blessings, sent to me by the Giver of all things- Allah.
I no longer have to hold onto my sins of everyday life,I can let them go-when I run back to the Most Merciful, Allah.
I now have an ultimate goal, so much better than anything on this earth: Paradise, prepared for those who are righteous, by the best planner- Allah.
My life runs smoother now- no need to dwell on decisions,because I have trust in the Knower of all things- Allah.
My problems never go unsolved,because I have the teachings of my Prophet Muhammed, (Peace and blessing be upon him), who was chosen by the one who gives Honour- Allah.
I forget sometimes that my heart should yearn only for the pleasure of my Lord,but I am reminded by the beautiful words of my beloved- Allah.
I no that at times this world hugs my heart,but once again I am humbled by the Almighty, Allah.
Sometimes the oppression and the insults make me angry,but I am calmed by the thought that He is the Avenger- Allah.
Sometimes the whispers of shaytan get the better of me,taking me afew steps back, but I am pushed forward by the one who gives me strength- Allah.
And sometimes I can’t cope with the things going on infront of me,but then I realise that the earth is such a special place,when I see, all around me, the creation of Allah.
MUSLIMAH X
I look back and see all the sins that went un-noticed,and I am so grateful that I have been given another chance,by the One who touched my heart- Allah.
Why did this world mean so much to me?When it is just a short stop-a test from the One to whom is our return- Allah.
I am no longer blinded by the “treasures” of this world,I have been given sight by the one who is the light- Allah.
I no longer have the need for these material things,you can keep the glitz and glamour,because all that I need is from the one who answers my prayers- Allah.
I have learnt to appreciate the good things in my life,because I know they are blessings, sent to me by the Giver of all things- Allah.
I no longer have to hold onto my sins of everyday life,I can let them go-when I run back to the Most Merciful, Allah.
I now have an ultimate goal, so much better than anything on this earth: Paradise, prepared for those who are righteous, by the best planner- Allah.
My life runs smoother now- no need to dwell on decisions,because I have trust in the Knower of all things- Allah.
My problems never go unsolved,because I have the teachings of my Prophet Muhammed, (Peace and blessing be upon him), who was chosen by the one who gives Honour- Allah.
I forget sometimes that my heart should yearn only for the pleasure of my Lord,but I am reminded by the beautiful words of my beloved- Allah.
I no that at times this world hugs my heart,but once again I am humbled by the Almighty, Allah.
Sometimes the oppression and the insults make me angry,but I am calmed by the thought that He is the Avenger- Allah.
Sometimes the whispers of shaytan get the better of me,taking me afew steps back, but I am pushed forward by the one who gives me strength- Allah.
And sometimes I can’t cope with the things going on infront of me,but then I realise that the earth is such a special place,when I see, all around me, the creation of Allah.
MUSLIMAH X
My Hijab
Bismillah
They say the hijab is a sign of oppression- Yet since I started wearing it, I have never felt so free.
They talk about the niqaab being a detrement to society, but when I cover my face, I feel like it actually belongs to me- for no stranger to see.
And when people say the long, loose gown I wear is unflattering and ugly-I don't mind, becuase I know I am beautiful in the eyes of my Lord- Al Noor.
People find it obsurd that we lower our gazes- But it feels so liberating that a brother respects me enough not to stare at me.
They say that women in Islam are submissive-Well ofcourse we are,Submissive to Allah- The Almighty.
Despite what you think or believe, there are two sides to every story. Everyone feels differently, thinks differently and reacts differently.This has not been written to defend Islam, but rather to defend the free choice of women, especially the free choice of the Muslim woman.
"When people see me, I wonder if they think “She needs to be liberated! Poor thing!” But in a society where women are stereotyped and pigeonholed, where a certain bra size, body shape and even a certain skin colour represents what is beautiful and what is not. In a society where the more skin you show and the sexier you dress matters more than what is in your brain, and in a society where women are pressured into looking, talking and behaving a certain way- where is the liberation? I was part of this, and I do not criticise women who are still part of this, after all, is it not part of a woman’s freedom to make her own decisions? Which is why it is important for people to understand that a muslim woman can make her own decisions about covering up- the same way a non muslim woman can make her own decisions about the way she dresses. I respect any women who makes her own free choice about the type of life she wants to lead. When I swapped my stylish hairstyle for a hijab, and swapped my skinny fit jeans for my loose fitting abaya, many thought that I had swapped my freedom for oppression. That I was no longer a liberated female. But this could not be further from the truth. The truth being that, with my own brain and my own heart, I had decided to swap my western identity for modesty, integrity, dignity and a form of pure worship, and I have never felt more liberated." (Liberated 2006)
MUSLIMAH X
They say the hijab is a sign of oppression- Yet since I started wearing it, I have never felt so free.
They talk about the niqaab being a detrement to society, but when I cover my face, I feel like it actually belongs to me- for no stranger to see.
And when people say the long, loose gown I wear is unflattering and ugly-I don't mind, becuase I know I am beautiful in the eyes of my Lord- Al Noor.
People find it obsurd that we lower our gazes- But it feels so liberating that a brother respects me enough not to stare at me.
They say that women in Islam are submissive-Well ofcourse we are,Submissive to Allah- The Almighty.
Despite what you think or believe, there are two sides to every story. Everyone feels differently, thinks differently and reacts differently.This has not been written to defend Islam, but rather to defend the free choice of women, especially the free choice of the Muslim woman.
"When people see me, I wonder if they think “She needs to be liberated! Poor thing!” But in a society where women are stereotyped and pigeonholed, where a certain bra size, body shape and even a certain skin colour represents what is beautiful and what is not. In a society where the more skin you show and the sexier you dress matters more than what is in your brain, and in a society where women are pressured into looking, talking and behaving a certain way- where is the liberation? I was part of this, and I do not criticise women who are still part of this, after all, is it not part of a woman’s freedom to make her own decisions? Which is why it is important for people to understand that a muslim woman can make her own decisions about covering up- the same way a non muslim woman can make her own decisions about the way she dresses. I respect any women who makes her own free choice about the type of life she wants to lead. When I swapped my stylish hairstyle for a hijab, and swapped my skinny fit jeans for my loose fitting abaya, many thought that I had swapped my freedom for oppression. That I was no longer a liberated female. But this could not be further from the truth. The truth being that, with my own brain and my own heart, I had decided to swap my western identity for modesty, integrity, dignity and a form of pure worship, and I have never felt more liberated." (Liberated 2006)
MUSLIMAH X
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