August 31, 2008
Ramadhan means to be scorched, parched. Just as the sun-baked earth is cracked and shriveled with the searing heat, so it is hoped with this Mubarak month, that our sins are similarly burnt and shrivel away as our hearts and souls are subjected to this intense purification process.
This City of Enlightenment is sizzling, literally and spiritually.
Ramadhan is also the month of the Qur’an. Jibreel Alaihis Salam was commanded to fill the horizon as he came to our Noble Nabi SallAllahu alaihi wasallam as he meditated in the Cave of Hirra, high on Jabal Nur above the Makkan valley, with the very first words of Revelation. And every subsequent year Jibreel Alaihis Salam would sit with our Beloved Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam reading and listening to his recitation, with two readings in the final Ramadhan of the life of HabibuLlah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam.
The venerable Mu’adh ibn Jabal RadhiAllahu anhu tells us that he was going somewhere one day in the company of our Master, the Messenger SallAllahu alaihi wasallam: “Messenger of Allah,’ said I, ‘tell me something that will be useful for me in this world and the next, if I apply it in my life and put it into practice.’ Our Master, peace be upon him, replied: ‘If you wish to live like the blessed, to die like the martyrs, to enjoy the shade of the Throne in the heat of the Day of Ressurection and to achieve guidance out of error, then practice the recitation of the Holy Qur’an. For the Holy Qur’an is the Speech of the All-Merciful. It will being you within God’s fortress and protect you from the mischief of Satan. On the Day of the Balance, it will fill up the right scale, the good one. The most meritorious forms of worship from my Community are reading the Qur’an and acting on what they have read. Every responsible member of my Community must learn to read the Holy Qur’an, keep on reading it and make it his preoccupation.’”
May we all strive, regardless of our ability or level of recitation, to devote to this Divine Speech in these next thirty days of extreme blessing.
And repeat the words of our Noble Nabi SallAllahu alaihi wasallam: “I ask You by every name belonging to You which You have named Yourself with, or which you revealed in Your Book, or which You taught to any of Your creation, or which You have preserved in the knowledge of the Unseen with You, that You make the Qur’an the life of my heart and the light of my breast, and a departure for my sorrow and a release for my anxiety.”
I repost this chart. May it be of assistance.
Tune into the Haramain:
http://www.haramainrecordings.com/
http://muslimtents.com/iharam/madeenah.html
I have chosen the delightful manuscript ‘The Sanctuary it Medina’ from the Chester Beatty Library, Dublin as the Ramadhan 1429 banner. It presents a metaphor of being intimately enclosed within a hallowed sanctuary with our Blessed Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam for the next thirty days. May his perfection seep into our hearts and souls, Ameen.
And the words of Allah Ta’ala fill the skies: "Does anyone have a request to make, so I may grant his request? Is there anyone who wishes to repent, so that I may relent towards him and accept his repentance? Is there anyone wishing to seek forgiveness, so I may forgive him?…"
O Allah to help us fast this Ramadan in the way it pleases You the most so that we may enter Your Garden through the Gate of Ar-Rayyan, to be in the company of Your Beloved SallAllahu alahi wasallam.
O Allah, we ask you by Your Beautiful Names and Attributes of higher rank, and by all the sincere deeds we have done, do not deprive us from his company, and do not deprive us from looking at you in Paradise. Aameen
All praise is due to Allah, who has guided us to this; and we would not have been guided, had Allah not guided us.
Wa salla Allahu `ala Nabiyyina Mohammad wa `ala ‘aalihi wa sahbihi
Insha’Allah I will attempt to post as much as is written during these days. I am attempting to file whatever posts I manage under the category of Ramadhan 1429. Insha’Allah it works, otherwise I will have to revert to the current unsatisfactory system 
Now to rush to the first night of Taraweeh in Masjid an-Nabawi!
ALLAH, on this day make my fasts the fasts of those who fast (sincerely), and my standing up in prayer of those who stand up in prayer (obediently), awaken me in it from the sleep of the heedless, and forgive me my sins , O God of the worlds, and forgive me, O one who forgives the sinners. Ramadhan Du’a day one, go to Darvish for the complete month.
All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. May He accept our humble efforts and grant us the capacity to be good and do good. Ameen.
August 30, 2008
Shaykh Muhammad b. Yahya al-Ninowy’s words of praise for the recent publication of the translation of Imam ‘Abdullah Sirajuddin al-Husayni’s volume, Our Master Muhammad, SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, The Messenger of Allah, His Sublime Character and Exalted Attributes, leaves one eager to read this glowing work, extolling the virtues and perfection of the best of creation, SallAllahu alaihi wasallam:
‘It is as though the Shaykh (ra) was looking directly at the Messenger of Allah (asws) before him as he wrote, deriving his beautiful expressions from the light of his (asws) countenance, so that by divine providence his insight was opened, and he grazed in the pastures of subtle secrets, uncovering the beauty and perfection of the Messenger’s (asws) character, imbibing the fragrance of the Prophetic Sunnah, bathing in the light of the Muhhammadan reality and its meanings, and tasting of its fruits, and then gathering all of these illuminations in a work so noble and rarefied that it would not be surprising if it were to be read to a sick person and so cure him.’
I wanted to share the following from the chapter ‘His Eloquence and Wisdom’, as an excellent preparatory lesson for the heart and soul as we eagerly anticipate the arrival of the Mubarak month of Ramadhan.
The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam’s counsel which encompassed wisdom and manners.
Abi Dharr RadhiAllahu anhu said: ‘I said, “O Messenger of Allah, counsel me.” He said: “I counsel you to be conscious of Allah, for it will beautify your whole affair.” (In another narration: “For it is the head of the entire affair.”)
I said: “O Messenger of Allah, give me more.”
He SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said: “Recite the Qur’an, and make remembrance of Allah Ta’ala, for it is remarked of you in the heavens, and a light for you on the earth.”
I said: “O Messenger of Allah, give me more.”
He SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said: “Be silent often, for it casts Satan out, and It aids you in your religious affairs.”
I said: “O Messenger of Allah, give me more.”
He SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said: “Beware of much laughter, for it kills the heart, and takes the light of the face.”
I said: “O Messenger of Allah, give me more.”
He SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said: “Speak the truth, even if it is bitter.”
I said: “O Messenger of Allah, give me more.”
He SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said: “Do not fear to face criticism in Allah’s cause.”
I said: “O Messenger of Allah, give me more.”
He SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said: “Let what you know about yourself prevent you from (finding fault) in others.” (note: Narrated by Imam Ahmad, Tabarani, Ibn Hibban in his Sahih and Hakim [and the wording is his] who said: ‘Its chain is rigorously authentic.’ [Al-Targhib])
The narration in Ibn Hibban’s Sahih adds, after his SallAllahu alaihi words ‘beware of much laughter’:
I said: “O Messenger of Allah, give me more.”
He SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said: “Perform Jihad, for it is monasticism of my community.”
I said: “O Messenger of Allah, give me more.”
He SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said: “Love the poor, and sit with them.”
I said: “O Messenger of Allah, give me more.”
He SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said: “Look at those who are lower than you (note: that is in worldly affairs) and do not look at those who are higher than you, for it will be better to facilitate your not taking Allah’s blessings upon you lightly.”
I said: “O Messenger of Allah, give me more.”
He SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said: “Speak the truth, even if it is bitter.”
I said: “O Messenger of Allah, give me more.”
He SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said: “Let that which you know about yourself prevent you from the people, (note: That is, let the faults that you know you have prevent you from speaking about others, and their deeds, for it is doubtful that you are free of defects like the defects of other people, or uglier, whether you recognize it or not. [Sharh al-Munawi] and do not take issue with what they do, (note: That is, do not be angry with them for what they do to you. [Sharh al-Munawi ‘ala al-Jami al-Saghir] it is enough of a defect that you should recognize in people that which you ignore in yourself.”
Tabarani’s narration has it: ‘”It is enough of a fault in a person that he has three attributes: he recognizes in people that which he ignores in himself, and he is ashamed of them for that which he is also guilty of, and he is ashamed of then for that which he is also guilty of, and he harms his companions.” The Messenger of Allah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam then beat his hand on my (Abu Dharr’s) chest, and said: “O Abu Dharr, there is no intelligence like being prepared, and no piety like abstinence, (note: That is from that which the heart is troubled concerning its permissibility or impermissibility.) and there is no honour like good conduct.”’
All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. May He accept our humble efforts and grant us the capacity to be good and do good. Ameen.
August 28, 2008
The Messenger of Allah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said: ‘Jibreel Alaihis Salam came to me and in his hand was like a clear white mirror with a black spot in it.’
I said, ‘Jibreel, what is this?’
He said, ‘This is Friday’
I said, ‘What about Friday?’
He said, ‘There is goodness for you in it.’
I said, ‘What do we have on it?’
He said, ‘It is a happy day for you and for your people after you.’
I said, ‘What do we have on it?
He said, ‘There is an hour on that day in which if any Muslim servant asks Allah Ta’ala for anything in this world or the Hereafter and it is decreed for him, Allah Ta’ala will answer him. Or if it is not decreed for him, Allah Ta’ala will save something better for him. Or if he seeks Allah Ta’ala’s refuge from evil that is destined to him, Allah Ta’ala will take some worse evil away from him.’
I said, ‘What is this black spot in it?’
He said, ‘It is the Day of Resurrection and it will occur on a Friday. For us it is the superior of all days and on the Day of Resurrection, we call it The Day of Excess.’
I said, ‘Why?’
He said, ‘Because Your Lord the Exalted and Blessed took in Paradise a valley of white musk. On Friday, He the Almighty descends from ‘Iliyun on His Kursi. Then He surrounds the Kursi with pulpits of light, and then He salutes the Prophets till they sit on them. Afterwards, He surrounds the pulpits with golden seats, then the true believers and the martyrs come and sit on them. The people of the chambers descend to sit on those grains of aromatic musk.
Then their Lord, the Exalted and Blessed, shows Himself to them and says, ‘Ask for anything and I will give it to you.’
They ask for His satisfaction.
He then says, ‘My satisfaction with you is that I make you dwell in My Place and grant you My Grace. Ask Me and I will give it to you.’
They ask Him for His satisfaction and He announces that He is pleased with them. They will have opened for them equal to their worship on Friday what an eye never saw and an ear never heard of and what a human heart never thought of. Then Allah Ta’ala ascends followed by the Messengers. The true believers and martyrs ascend and the people of the chambers return to their chambers, which are white pearls free of defects or cracks, or red pearls or green chrysolite wherein are rooms and doors. Attached to them are rivers continuously flowing and fruits are hanging down. The need of that day is only to look more at their Lord and they get more of His Honour.’ (ibn Abi Shibah)
When the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi was asked why Friday was called Juma’ah he said, ‘It was called Juma’ah because Adam was brought together (created) on that day. [Juma’ah is from the same root as the word meaning ‘brought together’.]
Allah Ta’ala’s messeneger SallAllahu alaihiwasllam said, ‘Why was it called Juma’ah?’ because on it was formed the mud of your father and on it are the Blast, the Resurrection and the Impact, and on it will be the last three hours, one of which will be an hour that Allah Ta’ala will answer the one who prays to Him in it.’ (Ahmad)
The Truthful Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said, ‘There is an hour on Friday that no believing servant witnesses praying and asking Allah Ta’ala for anything but Allah Ta’ala answers him.’ He was asked, ‘Which hour is it, Oh Messenger of Allah?’ He said, ‘The hour between Asr prayer and sunset.’ (Al-Hakim)
He SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said, ‘The best day on which the sun ever rose is Firday. Adam was created on it, entered into the Garden on it and taken out from it, forgiven and died on it. On Friday will be the Hour. All creatures wake up on Friday afraid till the sun rises for fear of Resurrectionexcept the son of Adam. On Friday is an hour that no good servant witnesses while praying and asks Allah Ta’ala for anything but He grants it to him.’ (Malik and Abu Dawud, Ahmad and Al-Hakim)
The Scent of Paradise, a small volume by Abdul Aziz al-Shinnawy on Yaumul Juma’ah.
JUMA’AH MUBARAK!
All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. May He accept our humble efforts and grant us the capacity to be good and do good. Ameen.
August 27, 2008
SMILES…I thought that I would be spending days sorting out the copious mess I have made with the voluminous list of categories. Progress is happening behind the scenes with the ‘experts’ still mulling and advising, Alhumdulillah. So until I am occupied with attacking the task of changing things I thought I would quickly share some photos from this afternoon.
The building on the western edge of the courtyard. Imagine owning the apartment at the top. An uninterrupted view of the Dome of Contentment, SubhanAllah, as seen by turning 180 degrees, below.
The sky this afternoon was a threatening grey. Such a contrast to the usual rich vivid blue. The air still and humid with a biting, head exploding temperature.
Rolls of cleaned carpets are regularly wheeled across the courtyard from a storage area behind the above building, routinely replacing thousands. New carpets were recently layed throughout the Masjid, including the green ones in Rowdha Shareef.
I needed to go to one of the many bookshops located in the buildings around Haram and was amused by this cover! Some one being ‘creative’, adding a niqab! Reminding of a blog I read yesterday by
American Bedu on censorship within the Kingdom. A very lively debate ensued via the comments.
The censorship of images is one thing, but it is the range of titles that are banned that irks me. All stores have a very limited selection, and only ‘approved’ publishers are permitted. There are hundreds of excellent texts throughout the Islamic world that should be made available here. Insha’Allah the Light emanating from the Noble Resident of the Dome of Peace SallAllahu alaihi wasallam will once again penetrate and illuminate minds. Ameen.
All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. May He accept our humble efforts and grant us the capacity to be good and do good. Ameen.
August 26, 2008
I Once Complained
Only once did I ever grumble at how Fortune treated me. I was so poor that I could not even afford shoes, and went into the mosque at Kufah with a sore and complaining heart. There I saw a man with no feet.
~*~
Market Value
I saw an Arab merchant sitting among some jewellers at Basrah. He told them this story: ‘I once lost my way in the desert. Soon I had eaten every scrap of food and I knew that I was not far from death. In despair, I searched again through my luggage and found a bag which felt to me as if it were full of grain. You can imagine my joy, my absolute ecsasty!
Imagine my despair and bitterness, then, when I got the bag open. It was full of pearls.’
~*~
Removing the Rubbish
When the young traveler got off the boat, they saw that he looked wise, devout and humble that there was only one place at which he could possibly stay.
They deposited his luggage at the monastery. There the youth was made welcome by the pious community.
One day the head of the community said to the youth:
‘Would you please sweep the rubbish away from the mosque?’
That was the last they saw of him. All were puzzled, but decided that he had no aptitude for work.
But next day, one of the servants of the community happened to catch sight of the youth, and stopped him.
‘It was foolish of you to go off like that,’ he remarked. ‘Don’t you know that it is only by service that you climb the ladder?’
At this the youth wept.
‘Oh my friend,’ he cried, ‘what could I do? I looked around and the place was spotless. I therefore concluded that the head of the community was referring to me! I removed myself so that the place should remain pure and spotless.’
From Sa’di The Discontented Dervishes.
~*~
What is it to Lose a Donkey….?
Ali al-Nasafi had lost his donkey. Setting out to look for it, he met an unbeliever along the way. Turning back at once, he fell in prostration. In that prostration he prayed:
“My God, I may have lost my donkey, but this unbeliever has lost his faith. His misfortune is much greater than my own. I offer thanks and praise to You for not having made my misfortune the same as his. I went in search of a donkey worth a few dollars, while he was going along without bothering to look for what he had lost, though it was no less than his God and his religion, more precious than this world and all it contains. O Lord, do not cause me to lose my religion and my faith, for the loss of these is the greatest misfortune of all.”
From Sheikh Muzaffer, Irshad Wisdom of a Sufi Master
~*~
Sayyid Abu Bakr ibn Ali Ibrahim al-Bayti asked Imam al-Haddad about the saying of Shaykh Yahya ibn Mu’ath al-Razi: “Abandon all the world and you will find all the world. To take it is to abandon it and to abandon it is to take it.”
He answered: The words are clear and show not the least obscurity. They mean that whoever abandons the whole world in renunciation, God will compensate him with repose both in his heart due to giving up avidity and preoccupation, and in his body due to giving up striving and seeking. Reasonable men only wish for repose in the world, for this do people strive and aspire outwardly and inwardly, but they miss the way to it which is only found by the renunciates. This is indicated by the saying of the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam: “Renouncing the world rests the heart and body, while the wish for it increases worry and sadness.” A sage was once asked: “To whom does the world belong?” He said: “To those who abandon it.” And: “To whom does the hereafter belong?” He said: “To those who pursue it.”
From Imam al-Haddad, The Sublime Treasures
~*~
I leave you to ponder while I disappear for however long it takes for me to act upon the advice given by the helpful souls who responded to my call for assistance with this blog. Insha’Allah I will return after dealing with tasks that are easy for those who know, but that I have been unable to fathom. Insha’Allah without creating a bigger mess than what already is
~*~
Edit: Remiss of me not to acknowledge the source of the heart penetrating ALLAH image that I have chosen as the favoured header for these posts. Tranquilart can be found here and here. Jazakillahu khairan katheeran for allowing me to share your work. May Allah Ta’ala continue to inject your hands and heart with His creative energy, Ameen
All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. May He accept our humble efforts and grant us the capacity to be good and do good. Ameen.
August 24, 2008
…there is constancy in the changes around Masjid Nabawi…
…the evolution of this awesome umbrella project could be months…
…the sixth one added to the area near Bab as Salam….
…an almost balletic elegance whether closed or open…
….the next phase; four more having arrived in the past few days…
…to the south of the Dome of Peace…
….in the section of the courtyard which is in front of the Imam, and thus Salat cannot be offered here. I thought it strange that they were not covering one of the more popular places for Salat, or attending to some in the sisters areas…
…as regular as clockwork, daily after Asr, brothers scrub rubber matting…the truck with the umbrella behind them…
…moving to the eastern side…this was open for sisters two days ago, now workers completing the marble slabs adjacent to the Masjid, while a new walkway has been opened for sisters. Jannatul Baqi on the left with crowds filling the ramp, while the area between this and the Masjid boundary fence is abuzz with vendors….
….walking towards the north eastern prayer area for sisters..extension work continues to the right with resplendent Jabal Uhud in the distance….
….sisters seem to be floating on water….
….years of congestion transformed…
….one sensing how Bilqees Alaihas Salam needed to lift her dress…
Alhumdulillah for all that Allah Ta’ala has bestowed of knowledge and skill to benefit the Ummah.
All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. May He accept our humble efforts and grant us the capacity to be good and do good. Ameen.
August 23, 2008
A seemingly disconnected tangle of threads.
But in reality
we, and all we do
are part of this embellished embroidery
called LIFE.
~*~
A wealth of
Ramadhan treats. Each one leading to treasure boxes of links covering numerous aspects of Ramadhan. I especially found the following
1,
2, to contain an abundance of ideas for children for instilling a love and understanding of this Mubarak month.
~*~
Two four year olds living across the globe from each other, both little Mu’mineen from a home school environment, Masha’Allah. May Allah Ta’ala continue to bless parents and the homes of those who value this style of education. Ameen
Umm Adam tells:
‘Yesterday after getting up, Adam was sittin with a frown on his face, Mother said she is not goin to bake any more cakes for him if his face is not happy all the time since it takes lots of effort to make a cake. He instantly showed his teeth , then straining to keep from frowning, keeping his teeth out, he asked but look, if im not crying n not laughin either, but im showing my teeth, would u consider it a happy face?"’
And Ismail’s rendition of a masjid bursts with unique and creative colour. May the witnessing of the crescent moon we anxiously await for, heralding the start of Ramadhan be as clear to all as Ismail has portrayed it here. Wishful thinking? ‘Khaled Al-Zuaq, member of the Arab Federation of Space Sciences and Astronomy stressed the need for a meeting of astronomers and religious scholars to bring an end to the row over moon-sighting and avoid errors.’
Today’s Arab News.
~*~
Two scanned photos from the Arabic daily, Al Watan, of the thousands of date laden trucks taking the years harvest throughout the Kingdom to meet the demand for dates for Iftar. SubhanAllah. And this is from only one producing area. SubhanAllah!
~*~
While this image could be an aerial view of a road map…but no. This is a detail of how worn and thread bare is a seam from a pair of pyjamas I made my son more than fifteen years ago! Shock and horror when I saw them on our recent visit, not believing that he would still be wearing them. He had refused to discard them telling those who wanted to trash them: "My mother made them." Two new pair are cut out ready to be sewn and sent in time for Eid, Insha’Allah.
~*~
‘
Oh traveller of this world your destination is the grave
this journey for which you are preparing will last for only two days
Since the creation of this world, thousands and millions have arrived
No one is left, they have been engulfed in soil
Do not forget this… this will be everyones final abode
Oh traveller of this world your destination is the grave
With your own eyes…how many burials have you witnessed?
With your own hands…how many of the dead have you buried?
Of your own consequences…why are you so unaware?
These great mansions you have, they are of no use
These tall and lofty buildings that you have built, they are of no use
Only two metres of this vast earth will be your small home
Here today…Gone tomorrow…
You are not to stay in this world, your destination is to leave
This journey for which you are preparing will last for only two days’
The view from where friends were staying last week, with Jabal Uhud ever present, but hidden in the background.
~*~
A copy of the statistics of this blog from Friday 15th-Friday 22nd August, with the page hits spiking considerably. From this traffic I feel there must be some clever reader out there who may be able to assist me with the design/layout of this blog. And who may beable to shed some light on this ‘crazy mind of its own font!’ GGRRRRRRRR. I have never been content with my limited knowledge of how to organize it, espcially the very weird category set up! I would like the site to reflect a more professional format. I have tried, but always hestitate at the last moment fearing I will lose everything. Anyone???? Suggestions??? Insha’Allah.
~*~
“The path to God is a well trodden path underpinned by certain knowledge and paved with sincerity in ones absolute poverty in front of the Divine. Free of obscurities, its night is like its day.”
~*~
JazakumuLlahu khairan for all who have shared directly and indirectly to this ramble. May unlimited blessings be showered from HU Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala upon you all, Ameen.
All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. May He accept our humble efforts and grant us the capacity to be good and do good. Ameen.
August 21, 2008
The fast approaching Ramadhan elation in the Madanian streets is creating such a joyous, but also chaotic buzz. Food outlets are already setting up their road side tables, abundantly piled with sweets and massive bags of popcorn. (Insha’Allah I will try to take photos soon.) Meanwhile the congested main road leading past the date market towards Masjid Quba and the Hijrah Road to Makkah, where the ladies sell fresh eggs, mint, traditional palm woven mats, baskets and poultry, is bumper to bumper day and night.
These ladies and their wares are a year round feature, but over the past year their ’shanty’ stalls have not only increased in number, but also in appearance. Some occupy the prime place under the shade of the few trees that line the pavement. Others have erected makeshift structures to help screen them from the scorching sun.
Drivers come to an abrupt halt on this busy road to bargain with these astute sister traders, adding to the chaos.
One brother argued over the purchase of some of these live chickens. He pointed to which one he wanted, the sister got it out amongst a flurry of feathers and lots of cackling and squawking. He then asked to see another and another, all the while the two haggling over the price while his car with the motor still running was propped in the middle of the road. Police sit on their motor bikes nearby, probably dreaming of a meal of chicken Kabsa, oblivious to the kerfuffke and rarely intervening with the traffic woes. Such is the ambience of Madinah.
It truly is another world!
Taking advantage of cars already slowing down and swerving to shop, are the seasonal fruit vendors.
Local grapes are displayed in rustic wooden boxes. Once a purchase is made, the grapes are put in a plastic bag and the wooden boxes thrown in a heap to be collected, and refilled. These boxes seem ancient antiques, looking as if they have been recycled over decades. Walking by is akin to an obsatcle course. All of this brings such a smile hiding under my niqab! A heartening reminder that not all of this Mubarak city has been transformed in the name of progress….yet.
The City of Radiance and Light has been blessed by the fruits and fowls of Jannah. Dates, grapes, figs and the most succulent pomegranates I have ever tasted. I was told these are from Yemen.
From the date palm comes clusters of low hanging dates, and there are gardens of vines, olives and pomegranates, alike and yet different, watch their fruits as they grow and ripen! In all this there are signs for those who believe. (6:99)
It is He who produces both cultivated and wild gardens: date palms, crops of diverse flavours, the olive, the pomegranate, alike yet different. So when they bear fruit, eat it, paying what is due on the day of harvest….(6:141)
With fruits, date palms and pomegranates. (55:68)
Ibn Abbas RadhiAllahu anhu narrates that the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said: “There is not a pomegranate of yours that is not cross fertilized by a seed of a pomegranate from Jannah.”
Ali RadhiAllahu anhu said: “Eat Rumaan with its pulp because it coats the stomach.”
(From Jawziyya’s Natural Healing with the Medicine of the Prophet)
Anas narrated that when the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam was asked about pomegranates he said: “There is not a pomegranate which does not have a pip from one of the pomegranates from Jannah in it.” And another Hadith goes: “No one eats pomegranate without his heart being moved and Shaytan fleeing from him. And Ali RadhiAllahu anhu said: Whoever eats pomegranates has the Light of Allah Ta’ala in his heart.”
Whenever Ibn Abbas RadhiAllahu anhu stopped by a pomegranate pip, he would pick it up and eat it. People asked him why he did this, and he replied: “I truly believe that there is not a single pomegranate on earth which does not contain one pip from the pips of the Garden, and perhaps this pip is the one!” (From Suyuti’s Medicine of the Prophet)
Sweet pomegranate is hot and wet, good for the stomach, and strengthens it because of it being a mild constipating agent. It is also good for the throat, chest and lungs, along with relieving coughing. The juice in the pomegranate softens the stomach and is a nutrient for the body. It also digests quickly because it is light and produces heat along with some air in the stomach. (From here)
How many seeds does a pomegranate have?
Other interesting facts.
JUMA’AH MUBARAK!
All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. May He accept our humble efforts and grant us the capacity to be good and do good. Ameen.
August 18, 2008
zamzam
[sharing] — almiskeenah @ 10:49 pm
We made every living thing from water.. (21:30)
Alhudulillah through the mercy and generosity of Allah Ta’ala, the miraculous Zamzam that Muslims cherish is made available in Madinah. Tankers travel from Makkah daily, supplying the thousands of containers inside Masjid an-Nabawi, as well as the distribution station located at the North West corner of the courtyard. People line up for hours in the searing sun.
They come with trolleys, on bicycles, with baby strollers, piled high with 20 litre containers, to replenish their supply of this remarkable Ni’amah. The courtyard fences provide a secure place to chain containers until people can attend to the filling.
The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasllam said: "The best water on the face of the earth is the water of Zamzam; it is a kind of food and a healing from sickness."
"The water of Zamzam is for whatever it is drunk for."
" The most sublime of all earthly waters is that of zamzam;
therein one finds food for the hungry and medicine for the ill.”
"Zamzam water is what one intends to drink it for. When one drinks it to be healed, Allah heals him; when one drinks it to be full, Allah makes him full; and when one drinks it to quench his thirst, Allah quenches it. "
The Sahabah RadhiAllahu anhum used to call it al-Shabbaa’ah, satisfying, and it helped them to care for their families as it was filling and nourishing for children when food was not so plentiful.
Scientific research has proven that Zamzam is unique in its natural characteristics as it is hard carbonated water, which is rich in beneficial natural elements that range are around 2000 mg per litre, while the same percentage in other kinds of well water does not exceed 260 mg per litre.
The chemical elements in Zamzam can be divided into firstly, positive ions like that of sodium (250 mg per litre), calcium (200 mg per litre), potassium (20 mg per litre), and magnesium (50 mg per litre). Secondly, negative ions like sulphur (372 mg per litre), bicarbonates (366 mg per litre) nitrates (273 mg per litre), phosphates (0.25 mg per litre) and ammonia (6 mg per litre).
People require water for almost for everything but not all water carries the same value and significance. Muslims refer to the water of Zamzam as something revered and unique. They crave this mysterious liquid and love to drink it whenever they can. And for those who managed to go to the Hajj, they return home carrying it for thousands of miles as a prized possession and to give as special gift to their friends and families.
So what is so special about Zamzam water? In a word: Everything! There is nothing ordinary about it. The miracle of how it came to being in the middle of a desert, its consistency throught out 1000s of years, the beneficial qualities it has, the fact that it never dries up. This water is special.
The Zamzam Well is hand-excavated and is about 30.5 m deep, with an internal diameter ranging from 1.08 to 2.66 m. Hydrogeologically, the well lies within Wadi Ibrahim, which runs through the Holy City of Makkah.
A pumping test at 8000 liters/second for more than a 24 hour period showed a drop in water level from 3.23 meters below surface to 12.72 meters and then to 13.39 meters, after which the water level stopped receding. When pumping stopped, the water level recovered to 3.9 meters below surface only 11 minutes later.
This photo shows how a building was constructed over the place where the Zamzam Well is located. It was built during the era of Sultan `Abd Al-Hamid the Second in 1300 AH, engineered by As-Said Muhammad Sadiq.
A closer view of the building….
…and a detail of the elaborate faucet system….
…and one of the many designs built around the top of the Well when men manually drew the water with buckets and pulleys.
Eventually, during the modern era, the building of Zamzam was reconstructed but away from its original location since the old building that was located near the Ka`bah used to hinder Tawaf in the modern age because of the large number of the pilgrims. The water of Zamzam was conducted to its new location in the eastern part of the Sanctuary by way of engines for lifting water and pipes. There became an assigned place for men and another for women. Finally, it is worth mentioning that despite the passage of thousands of years on discovering the Well of Zamzam, its water remained and will continue to be a source of purity and cure.
Imam al-Shafi (Allah have mercy on him) said: I drank Zamzam water for three matters: For archery, and I would hit the target ten times out of ten or nine times out of ten, for knowledge, and I am as you see me, and for entering paradise, and I hope to attain this. More inspiring Zamzam accounts here.
Zamzamis distributed the water to people in and around the Holy Mosque. In the past, Zamzamis who formerly did this work had to go first to the sheikh who organized the flow of Zamzam. Each Zamzami — the person carrying Zamzam — got a specified amount of the water. The water was put into a container — girba — made of goatskin. They waited in specific locations inside the Holy Mosque where each Zamzami received the pilgrims.
And Zamzam available here.
May Allah bestow mercy on Hajar Alaihas Salam! Had she let the Zamzam flow without trying to control it or had she not scooped from that water to fill her water skin, Zamzam would have been a stream flowing on the surface of the earth. SubhanAllah!
All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. May He accept our humble efforts and grant us the capacity to be good and do good. Ameen.
August 15, 2008
….the latest on the installation of the umbrellas….
….note the closed new design, with its touch of gold, is different from the single previous one near closer to Bab as-Salam…
….the eastern xourtard extension from the Oberoi hotel….Alhumdulillah, the entrance for the sisters on this eastern side is now fully functioning as before…
…with a new, wide area surfaced with the cooler synthetic marble. There is still a bottle neck at the south eastern corner, but so much better than it has been for months….
….looking back to the Oberoi hotel and Jabal Uhud in the background…this side of the extension still has a lot of work to be done…
….as can be seen with this view looking back to Masjid Nabawi with the massive excavation leading to what will be the underground carpark. Jannatul Baqi is to the left.
Tried to photograph the majestic moon as it glides past the Dome of Felicity, displaying its Nisful Sha’ban glory, but seems it was too shy!
Our Blessed Prophet Muhammad SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said:
"When the night of the middle of Sha’ban comes, Allah Ta’ala descends to the lowest Heaven and says, "Is there anyone begging for forgiveness that I might forgive him? Is there anyone begging for sustenance that I may feed him? Is there any such and such?" And we are told that Allah stays at this lowest heaven ready to accede to our legitimate requests until the break of dawn.”
“This is Laylat-ul-Bara’ah, this is the fifteenth of Sha’ban, a very great night. In this night you should be attentive in the worship of Allah, for this is the night of accounting. Whichever child is to be born during the coming year is written down on the list on this night, and the name of whoever is going to pass away in the coming year is deleted from the list.”
May Allah Ta’ala’s favoured showers be upon us all during this auspcious night and day, Ameen.
All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. May He accept our humble efforts and grant us the capacity to be good and do good. Ameen.
August 14, 2008
LAYLATUL BARAAH
Ya Rabb,
You soon unlock
From a treasure chest,
Within a treasure box,
Within a treasure casket,
Within a treasure trove,
From a Treasure Palace
A fragment of Your Hidden Treasure.
Ya Rabb,
You descend,
Holding a glistening gem.
A blinding shimmer,
Crystallized as
Laylatul-bara’ah.
Secreted in its flawless facets
Is freedom from the Fire.
Ya Rabb,
Scorch the residue of rust,
Corrode the corrosion and corruption,
Eradicate malice, pride, shirk, disobedience,
And arrogance keeping me from kith and kin.
For I am doomed
While traces of these linger.
Ya Rabb,
On this night favoured by You,
Expiate my sins,
Forgive forgive forgive,
As you witness
The rivers of tears dry
From remorse.
While my forehead becomes concrete in Sajdah,
My body fasts,
My tongue beseeches
The words given by the one purified by You,
To Sayyidatuna Ayesha,
Thousands upon thousands upon thousands,
Upon thousands.
Ya Rabb,
My heart ignites
With a fire of yearning,
To be safe from Your Fire.
To be given intercession
By the truthful inviter to the truth
Of Your Truth.
And if death is deemed,
Dress it with Gentleness.
Ya Rabb,
Do not close the lid of Your Treasures
Until I am counted as a hair on the sheep of the Kalb tribe.
Do not close the lid of Your Treasures
Until my deeds will be lifted
Rather than thrown.
Until this heart is humbled
In readiness
For Ramadhan purification.
Ya Rabb,
Multiply our salutations upon the star of Your Glory.
Amplify our benedictions
To the light from Your Light.
Ya Rabb,
Perpetually send Your peace and mercy
Upon the one who invited us to You.
~*~
Reposted from two years ago, click for Hadith and Du’a.
~*~
“Shaban is my month” said our Blessed Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. An excellent time for us to increase our Durood upon him as we prepare for “Ramadhan, the month of my Ummah”, as he SallAllahu alaihi wasallam continued in the Hadith, when Insha’Allah we reap all that we have sown.
August 12, 2008
Walking these alleys brings such sakeenah. The tumble down buildings, textured rubble walls, chaotic planning, drab monochromatic tones, scribbled graffiti and strange heady aromas add to a sensory adventure, seemingly transporting one to another world, another time. Being minutes from Masjid Nabawi and Jannatul Baqi, the area oozes a rich history steeped in piety and service to the Haram. Generations from Awali have produced Khadims, Ulema and Qaris. While many notable scholars still choose to reside here when they come for Hajj and Umrah.
A unique glow, that defies the crumbling bricks and mortar, emanates from amidst this dim and sombre alley-scape. Hidden, secluded places of learning, perpetuated by respected elders who have devoted decades to disseminating knowledge remain secluded from the nearby traffic snarls. Tiny derelict structures nestle across from the glitz and glamour of the newly constructed hotel complexes.
Daily Qur’an classes for young girls have been held in the same humble two roomed house of one sister for more than three decades.
One becomes enchanted with the tender sweet sound that fills the narrow laneway while approaching this amazing Madrassah. Stories relating how at the time of our Beloved HaibuLlah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, the Madian streets were never silent due to the fervent recitation by the inhabitants, brings goosebumps!
A fragment of how that time was, pierces the heart.
One of the teachers explains how her family fled Tibet 58 years ago. Traversing the rugged Himalyas on horseback, to eventually reach the radiance of this Mubarak City, SubhanAllah.
From the rooftop of the world, Allah Ta’ala moved her family to living with a roof top that not long ago gave them views of the Dome of Felicity.
Sections of the fence of Jannatul Baqi can still be seen. But for how long these places will remain is only known by Him Subhanahu wa Ta’ala.
Jabal Uhud’s presence almost breathes while standing waiting for the Adhan of Maghrib.
Sell this present world of yours for the next world and you will gain both in entirety, but do not sell the next world for this world, for so you shall lose the two together. Hasan al Basri
A splash of green, with Raihan, the plant of Jannah in the pink pot.
The premises of a nearby Hakim also attests to a tradition that is fast becoming history as modernity surpasses such methods, and decor!
Allah was, and there was nothing with Him. He is now, as He was.
Ibn Ata’Allah al-Iskandari
All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. May He accept our humble efforts and grant us the capacity to be good and do good. Ameen.
August 11, 2008
bread
[sharing] — almiskeenah @ 9:29 pm
BREAD…
Ayeshah RadhiAllahu anha says: "Till the demise of Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, his family never ate a full stomach of bread made of barley for two consecutive days". From the moving chapter on
the bread of Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam in Tirmidhi’s Shamaa-il.
~*~
Nawfal ibn Ilyas al-Hathli narrated that Abdur Rahman ibn Awf RadhiAllahu anhu used to frequent his circle. One day, after sitting with him and with his guests for awhile, Abdur Rahman excused himself for a short while, he went to his house, took his ablution and when he returned, he brought back with him a large tray of bread and meat. When the tray was placed in the middle, Abdur Rahman cried, so the people asked him: “O Abu Muhammad, why are you crying like this?” he replied: “A thought came to me, and I suddenly remembered that Allah’s Messenger SallAllahu alaihi wasallam died having not satisfied his basic hunger or that of his family, not even eating just barley bread, and I do not think that Allah Almighty has kept us alive after him for better times than the days of His Messenger SallAllahu alaihi wasallam.”
~*~
My nafs are weak; unlike all these inspiring accounts and the devotion of Allama Sayyid Sharif al-Jurjani Rahmatullahi aliahi, a Hanafi scholar, who fasted every day and then only ate roasted barley, not even made into bread, for more than twelve years! One of the things my nafs crave is decent bread, which I was treated to during our recent visit to Oz. We actually packed two ‘bricks’ of a seven grain sour dough variety to come back with us. As the days drew closer to the last slice being consumed my motivation to rekindle the art of making bread was triggered. Over the years of being in this climate I have avoided the notion of having the oven on when the house is already an oven. But my nafs have won, with the first batch proving to be a tasty morsel even though I cannot get all the ingredients I previously was used to. Alhumdulillah that the traditional decades old bread tins miraculously made it here all those years ago. Admittedly they became the centre of an arm rest for the car after being padded with thick remnants, but once I made the decision to make bread I retrieved them and have since replaced them with another invention!
The kneading and pounding while in Dhikr for the Barakah brings much satisfaction. Insha’Allah one day all leads to a deeper relationship with the bread issue, as in these narrations, where the nafs no longer dictate. I wish. Meanwhile it does not just stop at the bread, but the addition of a lavish spread of the raw honey that accompanied the bread in the suitcase is very very yum! I have a long way to go!
Salim ibn ‘Abdullah RadhiAllahu anhu narrated that Umar RadhiAllahu anhu said: “By Allah, we do not care much for the pleasures of this world. We ask for the most inferior of goats to be prepared for food when we are hungry, and we ask for wheat husk and oats’ pith to be grounded for our bread, and we prefer raisins for our vinegar. We want to save our pleasures and comfort for the Hereafter, for we have heard Allah Almighty say:
You have wallowed in your satisfaction during your life in the world and sought comfort therein. (46:20)
~*~
Ja’far ibn Muhammad ibn al-Fadhl narrated that Uthman RadhiAllahu anhu used to feed the people the best of food, and later on, he would enter his house to partake of a modest meal of some bread which he dipped in a little oil and vinegar.
~*~
Abi Burda narrated that when Abu Musa al-Ashari RadhiAllahu anhu was dying, he called his children to his bedside and said to them: “My dear children! Remember the story of ‘The Man with a Loaf of Bread.’ Listen carefully to his story: Once upon a time there lived a man in a hermitage who for seventy years had dedicated his entire existence to worshipping Almighty Allah, and he only left his cell one day a week to acquire his basis needs. One day while in the market, Shaytan made an attractive woman steal his attention, whereupon he was lured to be with her for seven days and seven nights. On the seventh day, the veil of darkness that had shrouded his clarity was lifted, and the man left repenting to Allah Almighty. With every step he took he prayed and prostrated to Allah, ashamed of himself, fearful of the consequences of his sin, and he kept on imploring for forgiveness. By nightfall his steps led him to a shop, near which sat twelve paupers.
In that town, there lived a monk who daily sent these twelve paupers a loaf of bread each. That night, his servant carried the twelve loaves of bread and brought them for distribution, and in the dark, the servant distributed a loaf of bread for each indigent, and when he reached the extra man who sat in their midst, not counting their number, the servant thought him to be one of the indigents, and handed him a loaf of bread. As he was leaving, the one pauper who did not receive his share for that night said, ‘Why have you not given me my usual loaf of bread? You have not done that before!’ The servant who had not realized what had happened became upset, replying, ‘Do you think that I have kept anything away from you, or do you think I have kept it for myself? Ask around you, did I give any one sitting here two loaves of bread instead of one?’ They all replied no. The servant then said, ‘You are probably accusing me of keeping it for myself! I swear by Allah that I will not give you anything for tonight.’ Immediately the repenting man revealed what had happened and he handed his loaf of bread over to the person who did not get his share for the night.
By sunrise the repenting man was found dead in the street near that shop. When the Angels came and weighed his deeds, the seventy years of worship he had offered did not measure up to the weight of his sin during the last seven nights of his life, but when the Angels weighed the sin of the last seven nights and his last peace offering of the single loaf of bread he gave to that pauper, his charity weighed heavier, and thus he was saved from eternal damnation.”
~*~
One day two holy men came to visit Rabi’a, hoping to get something to eat; they were sure that whatever food she gave them would be ritually pure since it was “obtained in a lawful manner.”
After they had seated themselves, a cloth containing tow loaves of bread was laid before them. Eagerly they reached for the food.
But before they could get it to their mouths, a hungry beggar appeared at the door. Rabi’a immediately gave him both loaves of bread.
This really bothered the two holy men, but they kept it to themselves.
Pretty soon a slave girl arrived, carrying a load of freshly baked bread. “My mistress sent this.:
Rabi’a counted the loaves. “I don’t think so,” she said. “There are only eighteen here.” Protets, denials, whatever the girl said, Rabi’a would not believe her.
(What’d happened was that the slave girl had taken two loaves for herself.)
So she went away and came back with the full twenty loaves. Rabi’a counted them again: “That’s more like it.”
So Rabi’a served the hungry holy men with twenty loaves instead of two. They were really baffled. “Two loaves, no loaves, twenty loaves, what does it all mean?” they asked.
“As soon as I saw you,” said Rabi’a, “I could tell you were hungry. Two little loaves of bread, how could that be enough for two holy men? Then I remembered the Promise: ‘You give one; I give ten.’ So I gave two to the beggar.
“But when only eighteen came back, I knew that there was either something wrong with my prayer, or that somebody had sticky fingers.”
Rabi’a al-Adawiyya
All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. May He accept our humble efforts and grant us the capacity to be good and do good. Ameen.
August 9, 2008
A ramble involving time, space, memories and mullings …
My dear father had an obsession for recoding precise weather details on a daily basis. He had volumes of meticulously drawn charts and maps chronicling the various cloud formations, wind and temperature figures, and barometer readings of air pressure. No conversation, whether in person or by mail or phone lacked a discussion of how much rain had fallen, measured in his faithful rain gauge, or some reference to the phenomena of nature.
So it is not surprising that his children were influenced by his power of observation and passion for the elements. He was reverential in his relationship to nature, never leaving an opportunity to instill respect and awe as he took us up mountains, on rivers, in oceans and every museum in between. In turn we became extensions of this foundation, exploring diverse facets of the magnificence of the creation; one pursuing a gardening career, another devoted to floristry while one brother is involved in a business dealing with weather stations, and various equipment associated with monitoring environmental conditions such as soil moisture and leaf wetness.
And this speck was forever besotted, and then blessed with searching and seeking the secrets of the mystical inner spiritual garden. Alhumdulillah.
I picked the rose in a hurry.
I was afraid of the Gardener.
Then I heard the soft voice of Him,
"What’s the value of one rose?
I give you the whole garden."
Rumi
The evening before leaving to return to this Luminous City, my brother gifted us with this little digital temperature recorder:
The reading at 6pm here where I sit at the computer being 30.2!!! For many days it has barely shifted, and that is with an AC whirring away. While the outside maximum temperature for the next few days is a steady 42-44 degrees C, with a wind ‘chill’ of 40 degrees and not a cloud in sight during the day, but a few scattered clouds at night. My Dad would have loved this report. May Allah Ta’ala’s Mercy extend to all family members of those who have been singled out for Hidayah, Ameen. Hard thinking of loved ones who have not been blessed with Hidayah.
~*~
I read the following from The Teaching of Buddha, which was alongside a copy of the Gideon Bible in a drawer, as is usual, in the stop-over hotel in Singapore:
"The kind of seed sown
will produce that kind of fruit.
Those who do good will reap good results.
Those who do evil will reap evil results.
If you carefully plant a good seed,
You will joyfully gather good fruit."
Dhammapada
And:
“What is the meaning of the saying, ‘A cup full of water is more than the water of an ocean?’
‘A cup full of water given in a pure and compassionate spirit to one’s parents or to a sick person has an eternal merit but the water of an ocean will someday come to an end.’”
SubhanAllah! Any wonder I held a fascination for Buddhism and spent months in Tibet contemplating such a path prior to being pierced by the Greatness of Islam. Alhumdulillah.
~*~
Our trip to Oz coincided with the Catholic World Youth Day activities in Sydney and Melbourne. Our flights to and from Oz were shared with large groups of boisterous followers. I happened to be staying right next door to where 30,000 gathered one Friday evening for a communal mass officiated by thousands of priests, while the reports on the Sydney gathering where the Pope was attending said the crowds reached 200,000. The same venue the Melbourne event was held is one of the main football stadiums, with a capacity of 50,000. (the second last photo from this previous entry of the crowd leaving as seen from where I was staying) I commented to family that ten times this number pours in and out of Masjid Nabawi five times a day, and even more in peak seasons, while Masjid Haram witnesses numbers in the millions, especially during Ramadhan and Hajj.
Whilst waiting in the departure lounge for our return flight out of Melbourne two nuns in full habits were seated nearby. I tried to search for the order they belonged to but of no avail. From the back it would be difficult to distinguish between them and myself…the dominant style being full black from head to toe, but from the front they had a large white peaked cap extending quite a distance from the face whilst the niqab covers the entire face. With much emphasis these days on inter faith dialogue I was wanting to approach them, but hesitated. But Allah Ta’ala had other plans and once we boarded the plane of all the people to be next to were these two nuns!! It must have looked very funny. I attempted to interact but it was clear they did not feel comfortable. A pity I thought.
~*~
I could not resist the temptation to momentarily live days long gone when I had a short fling as a ‘bikie’! This spin was with my son as a passenger on his Ninja. He jokingly said I was usually the Ninja in all my black. While this speck was camouflaged in such gear he felt the outing was more ‘normal’ in comparison!
~*~
And while I may not miss the bikie experience, I did miss the Sunnah, and the health benefits, of this.
Alhumdulillah to be back!
All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. May He accept our humble efforts and grant us the capacity to be good and do good. Ameen.
August 7, 2008
We constantly have seven witnesses to all we do, regardless of the quality of our actions. These seven will testify for or against us in the Divine Court.
The Noble Angels
And the Angels also bear witness…. (4:166)
The ground you walk on.
And man cries: ‘What’s the matter with her?’
That day she will tell her news. (99:3-4)
The time you spend.
By the Time (103:1)
The words you utter.
On the day when their tongues shall testify against them….(24:24)
All the organs of your body.
Today We set a seal on their mouths, but their hands shall speak to Us, and their feet bear witness to what they have been acquiring. (36:65)
The Noble Recording Angels assigned to you personally.
But over you there are guardians watching,
Noble recorders,
Who know what you are doing. (82:10-12)
The record of your deeds.
Allah, the Exalted Himself observes all that we do or say:
Allah is Witness to all that you do. (3:98)
Allah is Observant of His servants. (3:20)
With the dramatic changes to architecture and facilities over the centuries, what will this ground bear witness to this Juma’ah as thousands of the faithful flock to Masjid an-Nabawi?
Maybe the meticulous skills and efforts of all who contribute to the ongoing improvements, air conditioning, additional shade…
…plush nearby accommodation…
…new smooth marbled courtyards….
….mechanical cleaners….
….convenient underground parking…
….extra modern amenities in progress….all for the comfort of worshippers, and in readiness for the Ramadhan influx, Alhumdulillah.
(photos of the newly opened section of the eastern extension, being about a quarter of the entire area. It appears that there are no light pillars installed, so maybe this part will not be under the shade of umbrellas. The walkway accessing Jannatul Baqi and the southern side is still closed)
Insha’Allah, may we all be more mindful of these seven witnesses this Juma’ah, with each recording benefit for one and all, Ameen.
JUMA’AH MUBARAK!
All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. May He accept our humble efforts and grant us the capacity to be good and do good. Ameen.
