A Message For Young Muslimahs PART 1

Assalmualikum (Peace be Upon You),
This is a brief message for all the young Muslimahs out there... BE YOURSELF.

Girls, you have no idea how important it is, to be yourself. Especially, in this age of complicated social networking and worldwide connection. Unfortunately, as girls, we believe we must conform to the rest of society and do what majority of people expect us to do.

I've been grateful enough to live through the transition from having to turn off the internet connection to use the phone to, carrying the world in our pockets. And I must say I am glad that this transition took place in my early teenage years. Basically, I can say that I've lived the best of both worlds. Hence, the reason behind why I am skeptical of many of the decisions I make. I've seen so many people make decisions in their lives that they've come to regret in the long run.

However, we are humans after all. And we are bound to make mistakes. The actual question is, "Why would we deliberately make an avoidable mistake?" Yes, worldly desires are very tempting, but honestly, think:

• Will having our eyebrows on "fleek" matter on the day of judgement?
• Is it necessary to have the latest iPhone, when the one you currently have the previous edition that works perfectly fine?
• Does having Kylie Jenner lips actually make you look attractive? 

These are just a few questions we should seriously think about. Now do not get me wrong, I am not saying applying makeup and pampering yourself is wrong. But feeling insecure about yourself and your natural face, is wrong. No one should walk out their houses with the mindset of thinking a person that does not apply makeup is inferior to a person that does. Insecurity gradually kills a person from within themselves usually leading to depression. Could you ever imagine, your mind being your greatest enemy?

In this age of YouTube videos and easy access to reaching out to people all over the globe, just about anyone can become a self trained MUA. We live in an era, where appearance and the latest trends matter more than social issues. 

For example, in the year 2015 alone multiple countries such as Syria, Palestine, China, Burma, etc. are suffering major crisis. With such advanced technology, people are still unaware of local tragedies and injustices. In 2015 alone the number of police related incidents/ shootings have drastically increased. However, are we aware of these matters? The honest answer is, no. In an era of  major technological advancement and socializing, we are dehumanizing ourselves and have actually become less social. 

Think twice, before you make any decision in your life. It could be the smallest decision ever, for example whether or not you should shape your eyebrows, even after knowing that the cons outweigh the pros. Or it could be a major life changing decision for example, whether you drop out of school to become a certified MUA. Always, keep a back up plan in mind before making major decisions in life. 

To the teenage girls, I must say you girls are surviving through one of the toughest times, ever. You have to balance your social life, education and these social changes all at once. Just remember, our lives in this world are temporary and our actual destination awaits us based on our decisions, actions and intentions of this world. Don't get so caught up in the mist of worldly desires that you forget who you are.

May Allah (SWT) keep us on the straight path, and prevent us from going astray.

Always Be Yourselves,

Another Advising Muslimah

P.S Please note, I am not an alimah nor am I a professional, if I make any mistake in my work, do not be hesitant at pointing it out. Comment if you want a Part 2 :), or if you have any general questions. I will try to answer to the best of my ability. 

Sunni Vs. Shias

(Note: I am not a scholar, nor do I have enough knowledge to say I am entirely correct as this is a very sensitive topic. If you believe I have wrong information please feel free to let me know.) 

What Triggered Division in Islam?

When the Prophet Muhammad died in the early 7th century he left not only the religion of Islam but also a community of about one hundred thousand followers. The question was who would succeed the Prophet and lead these followers?

A larger group of Muslims chose Abu Bakr as the caliph. The literal translation of caliph is "one who replaces someone else who left or died," in the context of Islam, however caliph means the successor to Prophet Muhammad's position as the political, military, and administrative leader. 

v  Who was Abu Bakr?

Abu Bakr was not only the Prophet Muhammad’s companion, but he was also his best      friend. Abu Bakr was one of many few Muslims who trusted the Prophet Muhammad blindly. Unlike many other companions Abu Bakr witnessed many things along with the prophet, and led the prayer on behalf of the prophet during his days of illness.

 

However another smaller group believed that the Prophet's son-in-law and cousin, Ali, should be Caliph. They understood that the Prophet had appointed him as the sole interpreter of his legacy, in both political and spiritual terms. In the end Abu Bakr was appointed First Caliph.

v  Who was Ali?

Ali was the son of Abu Talib, Prophet Muhammad’s uncle (who was not a Muslim) which made him Prophet Muhammad’s cousin. Ali was one of the first children who accepted Islam at a young age. Ali ended up marrying Prophet Muhammad’s daughter, Fatima. Fatima and Ali had four children; however Fatima died 10 years after her marriage to Ali. 

Sunni

·         940 million followers ·         Wide range of Hadiths (collection of sayings of the Prophet Muham-mad) from the compa-nions of the Prophet. ·         Five Daily Prayers ·         Only celebrates Eid ·         Temporary Marriage is not allowed. ·         Self-flagellation is strongly prohibited. ·         Believes in only 5 pillars. ·         Leader is known as an imam, to be an imam you must have: 1.    Knowledge of the Quran 2.    Knowledge of the hadith. 3.    Knowledge of the sayings of the Salaf-us-Salaheen; that is to know which rulings they disagreed and upon which they were unanimous. 4.    Knowledge of Arabic linguistics 5.    Knowledge of Qiyas, the knowledge by which one learns the method of deriving a ruling from the Quran and Sunnah. (The way Prophet Muhammad lived his life.)

Shia

·         120 million followers ·         Certain Hadiths from 12 dependable Imams. ·         Permits combining some prayers into three daily prayer times. ·         They place a small tablet of clay from a holy place on which they place their forehead whilst prostrating. ·         Different Holidays/celebrations. ·         Temporary Marriage is allowed. ·         Believe in self-flagellation. ·         Believes in 10 pillars, Jihad (sacrifice), Amr-Bil-Ma'rūf (Promotion), Nahi-Anil-Munkar (Dissuasion), Tawalla (Re-affirmation) and Tabara (disasso-ciation from the enemies of Islam ·         Leader is known as mujtahid, to be a mujtahid you must have the following: 1.    Maturity 2.    Being of legitimate birth 3.    Faith 4.    Intelligence 5.    Justice

Similarities

·         Believes in one God. ·         Believes in the Prophet Muhammad. ·         Believes in the holy book, the Quran. ·         Shahada (Submission to God and his messen-ger), (Saum (Fasting), Zakat (Charity)and Hajj (Pilgrimage). ·         Use of statues and pictures are prohibited. ·         Friday is the holy day ·         Sub-Sects within Sunni and Shia groups ·         Holy cities are Makkah (Mecca), Madina (Medina), and Jerusalem.

RAMADAN KAREEM!!!

My Ummah has been given five special things that were not given to anyone before them. Abu Hurairah relates that Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi wasallam) said 
1. The smell from the mouth of a fasting Muslim is sweeter for Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) than the pleasant smell of musk. 
2. The Fish in the sea seeks forgiveness on their behalf until they break their fast. 
3. Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) prepares and decorates His special Jannah every day and then says (to it) : " The time is near when My fruitful servants shall put away the load (of the world) and come to you." 
4. In this month, the rebellious shayateen are chained, so as not to cause those evils which they normally do during months other than Ramadhaan. 
5. On the last night of Ramadhan., the fasting Muslims are forgiven. The Sahabah there upon inquired O Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam), is that night "Laylat ul Qadr?" Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi wasallam) replied No, But it is only night that a servant should be given his reward on having completed his duty.

Habits We Should Change 2

This week's HWSC is:

"Backbiting and Gossiping"

Reason:Talking about someone when he/she is not there, and spreading lies about one another is not only haram but also inhuman. Backbiting could lead to many problems. Gossiping is lying and backbiting at the same time. Therefore you have two times the trouble. Before talking bad about someone, think whether you would like such a bad thing said about you. Backbiting and gossiping are two things many cultures carry and inherit. It is very hard to let go of such a thing that you've been brought up with and surrounded most of the time. But it is still worth a try, because it will not only help you in this world but the afterlife as well. (Inshallah)

Back Up Ayah:

O you who believe! Avoid much suspicion, in deeds some suspicions are sins. And spy not neither backbite one another. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would hate it (so hate backbiting). And fear God, verily, God is the one who accepts repentance, Most Merciful. (49: 12)   

Habits We Should Change 1

As Muslims we forget to do many things. This week's HWSC (Habits We should Change) is :
"Talking in the Restroom"


Reason: Before entering the restroom, our recording angels (Kiraman Katibin) do not enter with us. They stay out side right in front of the door. The reason behind this is, haya or modesty. The angels do not want to see a person using the restroom. However the if the person is using the restroom and decides to speak, they have no choice but to come in and record what the person is saying.Therefore it is best for a person not to speak while using the restroom.   

Back Up Hadith: 
"Ibn 'Umar related that a man passed by the Prophet, upon whom be peace, and greeted him while he (the Prophet) was urinating. The Prophet did not return his greeting. (This is related by "the group," except for al-Bukhari.)"

"Abu Sa'eed reported that he heard the Messenger of Allah, upon whom be peace, say, "Isn't it true that Allah detests those who converse while they relieve themselves?" This was related by Ahmad, Abu Dawud and Ibn Majah.

A Beautiful Hadith

On the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (PBUH), from among the things he reports from his Lord (mighty and sublime be He), is that he said:


"A servant [of Allah's] committed a sin and said: O Allah, forgive me my sin. And He (glorified and exalted be He) said: My servant has committed a sin and has known that he has a Lord who forgives sins and punishes for them. 


Then he sinned again and said: O Lord, forgive me my sin. And He (glorified and exalted be He) said: My servant has committed a sin and has known that he has a Lord who forgives sins and punishes for them. 


Then he sinned again and said: O Lord, forgive me my sin. And He (glorified and exalted be He) said: My servant has committed a sin and has known that he has a Lord who forgives sins and punishes for sins. Do what you wish, for I have forgiven you."


It was related by Muslim (also by al-Bukhari).

Ramdan Day 6: Ayah

"...whoever witnesses the Month of Ramadan should fast through it..." (Surah Baqarah:Ayah 185)

Ramadan Day 5: Hadith

Abu Said al-Khudri reported that the Messenger of Allah, said: "No servant fasts on a day in the path of Allah except that Allah removes the hellfire seventy years further away from his face."

Ramadan Day 4: Ayah

"Oh you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that you many learn piety and rightousness" (Qur'an, al-Baqarah, 2:183)

Ramadan Day 3: Hadith

Sahl ibn Sa'd reported that the Prophet salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam said: "There is a gate to Paradise that is called ar-Rayyan. On the Day of Resurrection it will say: 'Where are those who fasted?' When the last [one] has passed through the gate, it will be locked." [al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Ramadan Day 2: Ayah

“The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur'an, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong)…” [al-Baqarah 2:185]

Ramadan Day 1: Hadith

Narrated by Abu Huraira:

Allah's Apostle said: "Whoever establishes prayers during the nights of Ramadan faithfully out of sincere faith and hoping to attain Allah's rewards (not for showing off), all his past sins will be forgiven."

Bukhari 

Problems in Life

Everyone faces problems in their life, starting from the most smallest problems to the biggest. It could be as simple as what to wear and as big as a life and death situation. But remember, "Don't let problems bury you alive."(Shaykh Waleed Basyouni) Instead of imagining the worst of worst that could happen, think of ways to solve that problem. Learn how to fight back with your heart and remember God doesn't destine you with anything he knows you can't handle. He know ones ability over certain things and literally customizes our problems for our benefits. Next time you are relieved from a problem ask yourself, "What was God trying to teach me?"   

Check out http://islamgreatreligion.wordpress.com

Check out http://islamgreatreligion.wordpress.com

Can't Run Away From Death

A true story:
There was a group of 5-6 friends who were planning to go on a road trip. The night before the boys were to leave one of the parents had a dream of her son dying in a car accident. Due to her fear she did not allow her son to join the rest of his friends. A few hours after the boys left one of the parents called saying that there was an accident and that parent's son died as well. However his mother disagreed and said that her son was sleeping. She went in the room to check up on him and it turned out he was dead.
Moral: You Can't Run Away From Death. 

Justice And Fairness

What does Justice and Fairness Mean?
Justice and fairness is when you give an equal treatment. For example balancing the same weight of an object on both sides of a the scale. Being justice and fair is when the decisions you make are caring about both sides of the argument and not leaving the other side of the argument out.
"And thus we have made out of you a justly balanced 'Ummah, that you be a witness over the nations, and the Messenger be a witness over you."(Al-Baqarah 2:143)
An Example
The class monitor, Rasheed, hears his classmates, Meskud and Arif making noise. He should write down both both their names in his report. Instead, Rasheed writes down only Meskud's name, because Arif is his friend. As a result, Meskud recieves punishment, and Arif gets off free. The next time the teacher left the room with Rasheed in charge, Arif started making noise again. This time, he is even more unruly. He knows that his friend won't report him, so he continues to disturb the class and doesn't worry about getting in trouble. Meskud stays quiet, because he learned his lesson the last time. Then unexpectedly, the teacher came back to get something and caught Arif in his mischief. She asks Rasheed to give her his report, but she notices Arif's name is not on it.She questions Rasheed. Realizing that he has unjustly favored his friend, she decides that Rasheed is not reliable enough to hold the position of class monitor. Instead, she gives the job to Meskud, who, by learning his lesson, showed that he was responsible. 
(Story from Islamic Tahdhib and Akhlaq)

Wudu: A Mental and Physical Meditation

Did you know that making wudu can save you lots of money?
How? Well, when you go to the spa to get a massage you spend more than $50 usually. But when you preform wudu the only resource you need is water and you'll be able to give yourself a massage.

 Lets review the steps first:
1. Wash your hands throughly up to the wrist.(3 times right then left)
2. Rinse mouth till water is touching your throat.(3 times)
3. Rinse nose till you feel water touch your bone. (3 times)
4.Wash face from the top of your forehead to the bottom portion of your chin, and one earlobe to the other.(3 times)
5.Wash arms, wrist to elbow bone. (3 times right then left)
6. Masah or wetting the top of your head, cleaning your ears and neck.(1 time)
7.Wash feet throughly up to the ankle.(3 times right then left)

The 4 Fards in Wudu ( You must do in order to complete your wudu) 
1. Wash face from the top of your forehead to the bottom portion of your chin, and one earlobe to the other.(1 time)
2. Wash arms, wrist to elbow bone. (1 time)
3. Do the Masah of 1/4 of you head. ( 1 time)
4.  Wash feet up to the ankle right then left.. ( 1 time)

The Reasons:
1. When you wash your hands you are twisting them in a way that relives stress.
2. When you rinse your mouth you are cleansing your mouth which helps get rid of lots of bacteria.
3. When you rinse your nose you are letting it your nose refresh in a way or letting your nose relax.
4. When you wash your face you are massaging the the top of your head where you have a special vein that will help stop a headache.
5. When you are washing your arms you are massaging them because you apply pressure on the areas of your arm that may hurt.
6.  When you are doing masah you are letting your scalp absorb water making you feel relaxed and calm, cleaning your ears improve hearing, and washing your neck helps get rid of dirt on you neck making you feel pure.
7. When you wash your feet you are cleaning the area between the toe and the second toe. The area in some way is connected to your spine. The spine sends signals to the brain and your body feels more relaxed and calm.

Therefore basically at the end of wudu you give yourself a massage, instead of spending so much money. Another advantage is that you give yourself a massage without even knowing it five times a day.


References: My Islamic Studies teacher, and Taleemul Haq

RAMADAN MUBARAK

Ramadan Mubarak brothers and sisters. Remember to ask for Allah's mercy because the first 10 days are full of Allah's Rahma (mercy.)

Pillars of Islam

    Islam has five pillars that helps support Islam, without these pillars Islam would be falling apart. The first pillar is testimony or when one accepts religion. In Arabic this commitment is called Shahada, Shahada is always in one’s heart. The second pillar is Salah or prayer, Muslims take out a few minutes of their day to attend a special appointment with God. Muslims pray five times a day, daily. The third pillar is Saum, or fasting Muslims fast in a special month called Ramadan. Ramadan lasts for twenty- nine to thirty days, and happens once a year. The forth pillar is Zakat or charity, Muslims give 2.5 of the amount of wealth they have and give to the needy. Zakat takes place, once in a whole year. Last but not least, Hajj a pilgrimage made to Makkah. During Hajj all the sins of a Muslim get washed away and the Muslim is sinless, Hajj must be done once in a lifetime.

          

      Basically, Islam is a dictionary to hard problems and questions. Islam explains how a problem 

happens and also explains how to solve that problem, furthermore another name for Islam can be a 

way of life. Islam helps people through hard problems and leads him to the right path. 

Nail Polish

Many people don't put nail polish on because they are scared with questions like "How will it be removed if I die?" Well, guess what just for that purpose, we have nail polish that can be applied and then be peeled off like a sticker!

Sula - Paint & Peel Nail Polish