A New Phase

Every couple of years, we enter a new phase in our lives. Starting from a clot of blood, growing into an embryo and then into a fetus. Bringing new life into the world, we are born as our mother's precious little angels. Infant to toddler. Bringing more chaos into the home. Then you start school, share your life with your friends and teachers. Learning what life is really all about. Letters and numbers growing into sentences, paragraphs, and then stories and tales of our past, present and future. Past the wonderful cheerful childhood years, onto the hormone surges of teenage life. Where noone can understand you. The irritation, the frustration. Before you completely recover from the insanity of teenage life, you're put in college. Building your life, your career. It is here that you learn to become a little saner, more mature (in most cases, there are always exceptions). You can almost see into your future, where you want to be, what you want to be doing, etc. For those who find their life partner, marriage is a whole new beginning. A new life, and a new family member. A whole bunch of new titles. And then, with the blessings of Allah, you will be given the opportunity to start this cycle over. You get to carry the next generation. To make your contribution. And play a whole new part - that of a mother. A role that is packed with excitement, happiness, joy, its own share of sorrows, frustrations, and disappointments. I am now, standing at such a junction. Standing on the familiar cozy side of the portal. Once I step into it, cross over to the other side, there is no looking back. Its going to be a whole new world. One that I am not familiar with. One that I will have to train myself to endure. Every step of the way, in our own ways, we are all fighters. Who have fought past every complication, and every hurdle that has stood in our way. Everytime our life jumps into a new chapter, we have to shake off our fears of the unknown, we have to leave our cozy little nests, we have to pull ourselves together and make that leap. Its like the first day of school, all over again. By the grace of Allah, we shall all make it to the end with flying colors. Be it our end, today or tomorrow, what matters is that you do your very best up until that last breath. May Allah bless us all to be successful in all of our struggles in this life and the hereafter.

Pulitzer Prize Winning News Phototgraph

Here is the 2010 Pulitzer Prize winning new photograph by Afghani Massoud Hossaini. The 2012 Pulitzer Prize for Breaking News Photography went to Agence France-Presse photographer Massoud Hossaini for his heartbreaking image of a 12-year-old Afghan girl, Tarana Akbari, surrounded by dead bodies after a suicide bomber’s attack at a crowded shrine in Kabul.

What does it take to be a prize winning news photographer? Does one have to be an emotional rock? Does it become first instinct to first be the eye behind the lens, before you can be the hand that wipes a tear? Is he the dedicated photographer who seized the opportunity to show the world what he saw?

Qatar Bans Alcohol

Qatar has banned the sale of alcohol, a move expected to be followed by other Muslim countries in the Arab Gulf.

“Qatar is hardly the first Gulf state in which the local population has expressed its concerns over the sale of alcohol,” Guy Wilkinson, managing partner at Dubai hospitality consultancy, Viability, told Arabian Business.

“Following the Arab Spring, I expect Muslim parties to have more and more influence over the control of alcohol throughout the region.”

The Qatari government ordered a ban on alcohol sales in Pearl-Qatar, a man-made island near the capital, Doha, earlier this month.

The move was taken following complaints from locals about the growing consumption of alcohol in the tiny Muslim country.

“Just a few years back, one could only find it in just a few luxury hotels and clubs with strict entry procedures,” he said.

“The fact that its population has increased so fast over the last few years has evidently not changed the concerns of Muslims over the potential ill effects of alcohol consumption, particularly in terms of moral behavior.”

Islam takes an uncompromising stand in prohibiting intoxicants. It forbids Muslims from drinking or even selling alcohol.

The general rule in Islam is that any beverage that get people intoxicated when taken is unlawful, both in small and large quantities, whether it is alcohol, drugs, fermented raisin drink or something else.

Public anger has already been rising against the sale and consumption of alcohol in the country.

"I don't see a reason to have alcohol [in Qatar]," Qatari writer Abdul Aziz Al Mahmoud told the Wall Street Journal last week.

"It impacts very negatively on locals. Locals are not happy with it."

Hassan Al Ibrahim, a Qatari commentator, shared a similar view.

"It is a taboo in Qatar to see somebody wearing the national dress and drinking," he said.

But Chiheb Ben Mahmoud, head of Hotel Advisory for the Middle East and North Africa at Jones Lang LaSalle, believes that the alcohol ban was always a “delicate balance” for Gulf governments.

“Sometimes, local public opinion is heated up on the back of a combination of factors,” he said.

“It is common for authorities in these cases to act swiftly in order to defuse tension and prevent the issue from heating up further and getting out of control.”

The Qatari ban on alcohol sales is seen as a step to be followed by other Arab countries in the Gulf.

Saudi Arabia, the birthplace of Islam, has an outright ban on the sale and consumption of alcohol.

In Bahrain, the government forced the closure of bars and clubs in the country’s three-star hotels in 2009.

Oman has also confined the sale of alcohol to certain hotels and restaurants.

Dubai also last year banned standalone bars and restaurants from displaying alcohol behind their bars.

The big question: Will other Gulf countries follow suit?

Source: Qatar Bans Alcohol

Revival..

It was inspiration that I had lost. Lost in a world of misery and disappointment. Drowned in that lost world.
The recovery path was not an easy one. Yet I have made it past all that.

I have found it again. Inspiration - as difficult as it is to find once lost, it is the most beautiful feeling ever. The feeling of recovery. The burst of life back in place. All that lost energy back, leaves me confused as to where to start.

In the very least, I believe this would mean a far more frequent update of my blog. Its a pleasure to be back.

:)

It's time to Waka Waka in South Africa

The four year long weary wait has finally com to end. The adrenaline rush now more intense than ever with just about an hour left for the first kick-off. The FIFA World Cup has stirred life and excitement into many lives... uniting several people around the world under one common interest.

Its definitely going to be a fun filled, thrilling and breath taking one month long event. Will the grounds of South Africa live upto the memorable moments of the past world cup matches? Only time will tell..

The other anticipation is whether our favorite teams and players live upto our expectations and not let their fans down? Fingers crossed..

There was South African fan on BBC who predicted a 3-nil South African victory in the first match today. Hopes are high, and several thousands of supporters will be cheering for South Africa today. I pray for their sake, that the team puts on a good fight.. and if the better team of the two - even wins!

:D

The Sparrow!

After a nice long break.. writing again..

Today's inspiration was a short narration I heard on the radio.

It starts in the backyard of an ordinary home. Sitting on the bench at one end is a cute old man, staring at the grass and the flowers and cherishing whatever little time he has left with nature. Beside him is a young man, in his 30's deeply engrossed in the newspaper he is reading.

A short while later, a little bird lands in their backyard pecking away at something in the dirt. The old man smiles, and watches it for a while. Then he asks, "Son, what bird is that?" The young man looks up from his newspaper and answers, "Dad, its a sparrow." And then he goes back to reading his newspaper. A few minutes later, the old man asks again, "Son, what bird is that?" Again the young man, looks up from his newspaper (a little frustrated this time), and answers in a louder tone, "Dad, IT'S A SPARROW!" He goes back to reading his newspaper. A few minutes later, the old man asks yet again, "Son, what bird is that?" The young man having completely lost his temper, fold his newspaper, puts it down on the bench and yells, "DAD, HOW MANY TIMES MUST I TELL YOU?! HAVE YOU GONE DEAF? WHY ARE YOU CONSTANTLY DISTURBING ME?! DON'T YOU SEE ME READING THE NEWSPAPER?!!" The old man just remained silent until his son was done yelling.

When his son was done, the old man got up and went indoors. A few minutes later, the old man comes back holding a diary in his hand. He walks upto his son and hands him the diary, and opens it to a particular page. The young man, confused, read.

It was of an incident that had occurred in the same backyard, several years ago (over 25 years ago). It was about a little boy and his father, who were in the backyard, enjoying a sunny day. A bird lands in their backyard. And the little boy asks his father, "Daddy, what bird is this?" His father hugs him and answers "Son, it's a sparrow." The little boy asks his father the same question several times over and over and over again. And everytime his father answers him, with a big smile and a hug.

Upon reading this, the young man's heart swelled with emotion. Tears filled his eyes. He closed the diary, stood up and hugged his father with tears pouring down his cheeks and said, "I'm sorry, Daddy."

This beautiful story was narrated after the news clipping that was read out of one of India's leading newspapers, about how the number of old age homes in India have shot up in the past couple of years. And the Indian government has passed a new law to prevent parents from being abandoned in their greatest time of need. The law is concerning the necessity that parents be funded by the children, even if they were being placed in old age homes. The news reporter went to add that there is another law that is being broken which is more valuable than any financial support. It is the law of the emotional relationship between a parent and a child. However, no government or law enforcing authority can enforce this law upon any individual. No court can grant justice to any parent in this regard.

What your parents have done for you, you can never repay. But it is our duty and our responsibility to try our best!

Me Blabbing

There comes a time in every man's life when he learns new things, not from books, or not from the words of a wise one, but from his own life experiences. Those are the real lessons of life. The ones that will stick, not only the concept and the idea, but also the details of its purpose and importance.

Of course, there are always those dim-wits who never learn. They may have fallen into the same pit over and over, a dozen times, yet they fall into it again and again.

But the vast majority are the kind who would never forget these valuable life lessons when they were taught through personal experiences. It serves as a true wake up call for them. One they cannot resist answering.

There are still those who are exhausted from the trials. Feeling like a broken arrow, forgotten on a tree top. Scarred for life. These wounds that heal with a scar, leave no place for a clean slate to start over. You simply move on with a limp. Trademarked and clearly distinguishable. Standing out from te crowd. Yet, desperately trying to fit in. Fighting nature, to blend in with nature. The most natural way, meant for survival.

When its all done, and the tears have dried.. you find yourself wanting to move forward, leave everything behind, and start over (on as clean a slate as one can manage). Nothing of the past will matter anymore. Focus will change to the present and the nearest future. That will pull you through. Help you emerge from your ashes. Like the phoenix. A fresh start, with a new beginning and a re-written end. An entirely new journey. The difference this time being.. that you have already tread upon some of those paths. You know your way around a little better this time. You may reach your short set goals faster this time.

The above matter need not necessarily make any sense..

Time to think...

Something interesting I read on Jen's blog...

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways , but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.

We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.

We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things.

We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete...

Remember; spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.

Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.

Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.

Remember, to say, 'I love you' to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.

Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again.

Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

The Big Bad Wolves

As I sit here in front of my PC sipping my tea and typing, I know in the back of my head that a big bad wolf is out there claiming another victim.

Right now as I type or as you read, I can tell you for a fact that another life fell victim to AIDS. Be it an innocent 9 year old girl who got raped and her bare bruised body strewn across a baren land. Or be it another helpless single mother of 5, now earning as a sex worker to feed those starving mouths.

The very same minute another has been diagnosed as diabetic, or hyperlipidemic or hypertensive. Or has just suffered a massive heart attack or MI. At least one man has lost his life to one of these fatal and dreadfully common diseases. And his family now mourns his death.

In another part of the world, women and children are dying as victims of war. Not because they wanted to fight or wanted to be heroes. But because war found them. Because inhumane war and war crimes spare noone. Be it man, woman or elderly. Be it a mother, child or an infant.

Another teenager has been dragged into the depths of the world of drugs and all that comes with it. Little does he know what lies at the end of the 'rainbow'. How many lives have we seen destroyed in the hands of drugs?

The world has become a monstorous land. Looking into the horizon I see a bleak future. Hopeless for a better tomorrow. Hopeless for a better generation to take over.

The big bad wolves continue their hunt... claiming more victims everyday...

Humanity before War

“On December 27th, Israel begins assault on Gaza, code-named "Operation Cast Lead", by launching air raids that kill more than 225 Palestinians.
One Israeli is killed and six others wounded in missile attacks by Palestinian fighters.”
To all those who think it was only fair of Israel to defend themselves - they took the life over 225 Palestinians for the life of one Israeli. As much as I believe every life on this planet is precious. Every single one.

Analysing Israeli soldiers skill in target selection,
“On January 3rd, as Israel begins its ground offensive in Gaza, at least 11 Palestinians, including one child, are killed after Israeli forces strike a mosque in the town of Beit Lahiya.On January 4th, an Israeli air strike hits two ambulances in Gaza, killing four paramedics.On January 6th, an Israeli strike on a UN school in the northern town of Jabaliya kills 43 Palestinians and injures at least 100 who had taken refuge inside the school. Israeli strikes hit two other schools, killing two in the southern town of Khan Younis and three in the Shati refugee camp in Gaza City.On January 8th, the UN's refugee organisation in Gaza suspends all aid deliveries after an Israeli tank attacks a UN convoy, killing one Palestinian driver and injuring two other people.”
What kind of heart and soul would one have to possess to target places like these? Are the Israeli troops actually aiming at destroying the so-called 'terrorist' activities or the innocent lives of women and children and refugees?

As per the latest figures,
“Israel says 10 Israeli soldiers and three civilians hit by Hamas rockets have been killed so far in the campaign…”
“Around 970 Palestinians have been killed, including some 400 women and children, and 4,300 have been wounded.”
The numbers say it all.Is this a war against terrorism for real or is it plain "genocide" as Mr Miguel d'Escoto out it?

Not only has Israel enetered a 'new' phase of their offensive, but they have moved onto to using more creative weapons.
“Israel is accused of firing white phosporous bombs on densely-populated Gaza in violation of international law.”

Where is all this headed? Nowhere but the slaughter of hundreds and thousands of lives. Psychological and physical trauma to thousands of women and children. Destruction of thousands of homes and property. May Allah bring an end to all this destruction and inhumane behaviour. May Allah give strength and hope to the suffering people.

Some people share what they went through during this hell of a chaos..(video available on Al-Jazeera):

- A Palestinian woman seriously injured, lying on a hospital bed recollects - "The tanks started bombarding us. I hugged my son. He was 2 and a half years old. He died in my arms. He was my only son. I had him after 21 years of marriage."

- A 5 year old boy tells us his story - "I saw soldier near the store. Then I could not see my mom. I was hit by a bullet in my arm. Then a bullet hit me in my back and came out from my stomach (he says pointing to his abdomen)"

- A very upset father - "My 3 daughters went out with their grandmother. Suddenly the Israeli forces opened fire on them from a very close distance. My eldest daughter was 8 years old. She was hit by 17 bullets. They ripped apart her chest. My other daughter was 2 years old. She was hit by 12 bullets. Both of them died.”

Kerala Nadvathul Mujahideen - KNM

The Islahi Movement of Kerala is a reformist organization and movement of Muslims in Kerala with the goals of "fighting" prejudice, including anti-Hinduism, priesthood dependency, and polytheism, in essence attempting to remove the influence of Hinduism and non-Islamic native cultures.

The Kerala Nadvathul Mujahideen (KNM) was formed on 20 April 1950 in Kerala, south India, under the leadership of the scholars of the Islahi Movement in Kerala. Members of the organization call themselves Salafis. Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulema (KJU), a body also composed of scholars, was established in 1924, and is still actively functioning. KNM was formed as a common platform for the tens of hundreds of common Islahi. K. M. Maulavi was the first president of KNM. The organization underwent a split about 2 or 3 years ago, with a splinter being formed under Hussain Madavoor, formed new group known as KNM (madavoor).The main reason for split is generation gap between ISM(youth) and KNM . the youth leader Dr:Hussain Madavoor understand that, the religion should interfear in social and plitical activities and introduce islam in new age and style. but the old KNM Scholars oppose these idea, because they are thinking ,no new style for da'wa and we should follow the old scholars and the way of salafi's.

Islam had reached Kerala during the period of Muhammad itself. Arabian traders who visited Kerala spread it, and they maintained a healthy relationship with the local people. In the 19th and early 20th centuries the Muslims in Kerala by large were of namesakes, lacking awareness of Islamic principles. They deviated from the path of Tawheed, the essence of Islamic faith. Muslim community was dominated by those who promoted Bid'ah. There was no formalized religious education systems existed. Qur'an was not taught, and its recitation was considered only for prosperity or curing diseases. Women were discouraged from acquiring any formal education.

The Islahi movement has created an organizational setup in Kerala in 1922 with the formation of ‘Muslim Aikya Sangham’. But it was in 1924, following the establishment of KJU, that the Islahi Movement acquired an organizational setup and began functioning systematically in Kerala.

Islahi scholars were also known leaders of freedom struggle, determined to drive out the foreign rulers from India, besides attempting spiritual and social rejuvenation of the Muslim community. Sanaulla Makthi Thangal, K. M. Jamaluddin Moulavi, Chalilakath Kunhahammed Haji, and Vakkom Abdul Qadar Moulavi were some of the scholars who have worked towards this goal. Leaders like Mohammed Abdul Rahman Sahib, E. K. Moidu Moulavi and K. M. Seethi Sahib upheld true Islamic spirit and prompted every individual of the society to do their duty to their homeland by participating in the Indian freedom struggle movement.

Followers of Islahi movement call themselves ‘mujahids’. The term mujahid means 'one who strives for a noble cause.' The Islahi Movement in Kerala is against terrorism in all its forms.

Islahi scholars had initially identified that one of the basic requirements of the Muslim community during those days was educational reform, and they set up an Education Board to work towards this goal. Under this board, Madrasas, or religious schools, were started in various parts of the state in a meticulous way with modern amenities.

It is an observation that the inspiration behind the establishment of major educational institutions in Kerala including a number of Arabic colleges, arts and science colleges, technical institutes, and schools was actually the activities if the Islahi movement.

The initiation of delivering Juma Khutuba in local language, Malayalam, was another step taken by the movement. It encouraged women’s education and their attendance in mosques, published Qur’an translations and religious books in Malayalam, and started the centralized distribution of Zakat fund to the poor and needy.

They have established orphanages in various parts of the state, and conducted campaigns against dowry, and other social evils. Through their books, magazines, and public speeches, the Islahi movement asked the Muslim public to distance themselves from Bida’a, to stick to the principles of Islam, and to follow ‘Sunnah’. Establishment of 'Qur'an Learning Schools (QLS)' in almost every part of north and central Kerala was considered to be a major activity carried out by the movement.

There are active Indian Islahi Centers in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait. Recently Indian Islahi Centers have been setup in other cities in India, like Delhi,Bangalore and Chennai.


Reference:
Islahi Movement in Kerala
Kerala Nadvathul Mujahideen (KNM)

Obama - 'The Change'?

And so Obama earns his 'throne'. Congrats to him. Not to mention I always favoured him over McCain from the very start.
However, the true challenge will be from here forth. To live upto the expectations he built. To keep the promises he made. And be the man he displayed himself to be.

What a bummer it would be if not...

I also heard one particular news reporter talking about how there was word going round that it would also be a challenge for him to 'stay alive' through the length of his term. He hasnt even settled in yet, and there are rumors of assassination going round? :o

Anyhoo, there is nothing that reporters will let slip past if there is a remote chance of making news of it - true or not - either way.

GoodLuck Obama. I sincerely hope you will be 'The Change' everyone has been waiting for. :)

Being Grateful

Today at the hospital we had a patient who presented with dizziness, headache, vomiting and abdominal pain. Clinical examination did not reveal any significant findings. However, a couple more minutes of conversation with him led to a most likely diagnosis.
The 19 year old was working at a construction site. He had come here from his country only 1 month ago. He had come here with high hopes for his future and his family's future. He had taken loans from friends and relatives to get here. Now he has a fine job! Working under the sun for 8 hours a day. A detailed enquiry into his diet revealed the most unhealthy eating habit ever. He has biscuits for breakfast (thats around 6 am) and rice for lunch at 12 pm and the next meal is biscuits again at 6 am the next morning. He has 2 meals a day, one of which comprises of "biscuits"! And there is absolutely no dinner! When asked why it is so, his answer was simply - "That's all the company provides us with". He is being paid a measly salary which is barely enough for him to send home. So he cannot afford to buy any food himself. He lives in a labor camp with millions of other labor workers. They are like around 10 men stuffed into a little room with as many bunkbeds as they can squeeze into it.
This meal is simply not adequate for a man who does laborious work under the sun everyday for 8 hours. In fact, any human being even if he were leading a relatively sedentary lifestyle needs 3 regular meals a day.
This man misses home and family, does not get enough to eat everyday, and is unhappy with his life, his work, and his pay. He cannot leave and go back home because it has been only one month since he has come, he has a huge amount of debt to pay off when he gets back and he has a family - his mom and dad - who have built high hopes for their son, and who depend on him for survival. How can he break their hearts?
It would only be surprising if a man in a mental state such as his be fit and healthy.
After hearing about his situation, I felt devastated. And deeply sorry for him. It also made me realize how blessed I am for having 3 meals a day on my table. I feel blessed to be able to live with my family.

Alhamdulillah! I am very grateful to Allah for everything He has given me, for everything He has blessed me with. La Howla Wa La Quwwatha Billah (There is no Power and no Strength except with Allah)

And I pray that Allah gives us all the provision to ensure that we have food on our tables at least 3 times a day. I pray that Allah does not put us in a postion where we cannot afford food to survive. I pray that Allah keeps us close to and dear to our family, especially our parents. I pray that Allah eases our difficulties. I pray that Allah prevent us from falling into such disturbing and difficult places as this man. And I pray that Allah makes this mans' life better and more satisfying and so for anyone else in a position as his.
Ameen.

So Close Yet So Far

Man has conquered distance like never before. The world has become a smaller place. Cell phones, chatrooms, video conferences and so on, have made communication over long distance as easy as visiting your next door neighbor. To have a conversation with a friend or relative half way across the globe is not an issue anymore.
There was a time though when communication was very difficult. Even over shorter distances. Even an urgent message would travel only as fast as the fastest horse or pigeon could. Or feet even. To have a conversation in person with a loved one or anyone for that matter, meant having to spend days of travel on horseback. Distances mattered and were of concern to many.
However, comparing the difference in relationships back in those days and as it is today – it is more than obvious where we stand. Inspite of the difficulties people faced back then, there was more genuine love and humanity then than there will ever be today. We are now living in an era where one has to watch out for betrayal and deceit coming even from within the family.
The big question is ‘Why’. Why is it that when technology has brought people closer together, it has corrupted their hearts?

.... will complete this when I get the time!

Remembering Death

Prior to accepting Islam, many things were happening in my life prompting me to change my ways. One such thing was a dream I had – well it was more like a nightmare actually. It started with my bed being placed in the middle of an abandoned warehouse. As I looked around, I suddenly became aware of two huge, robed figures standing at the foot of my bed. They took me by the hand and all of sudden we were at the base of a mountain. As we climbed they did not speak, just kept walking with quick, sure steps. When we reached the summit, they both pointed for me to look over the edge. As 1 did, a wave of scorching-hot air blasted me in the face. Beneath me was a sea of fire and blood. People, naked and piled on top of each other, were screaming in agony. They were imploring me to pull them out of the sea. But I was transfixed. I could do nothing but stand in horror at what I was seeing and hearing. When I awoke, I was shaken and utterly terrified. The only thought on my mind was I did not want to end up there.

Alhamdulillah, Allah guided me to Islam and the Sunnah of His Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam. Unfortunately, I have forgotten the lesson of that dream, which was not dying in a state displeasing to Allah. Life and death belong to Allah alone. But if we look at our actions and how we spend our time, it seems that we think that we own both. We plan out our days, weeks and months, as if we were given guarantees that any of these days, weeks or months will come. We plan for life, while we do not plan for death. We live as if we would live in this world forever. We forget that this life is fleeting and that we all have an appointment with death that must be kept. It is a promise from Allah, subhanahu wataala, and whatever Allah promises must come to pass.



"Every soul shall taste death, and only on the Day of Judgment will you be given what you earned. And what is the life of this world except the enjoyment of deception." Holy Qur'an (3:187)




He, subhanahu wata'ala, says, "Every soul shall taste death, and only on the Day of Judgment will you be given what you earned. So, he who is prevented from the Fire and admitted to Paradise has attained his desire. And what is the life of this world except the enjoyment of deception ."[3:187] Death brings with it the true reality of our situations. About his the Messenger of Allah, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, said, "When one of you dies, he is shown his place (in the Hereafter) morning and evening. If he is from the people of Heaven, then he is among the people of Heaven. And if he is from the people of Hell, then he is among the people of Hell. And it will be said to him, 'this is your place until Allah resurrects you on the Day of Judgment." (Muslim). Knowing this, arc we prepared to meet the Angel of Death?

If we knew we only had today to live, how would we live it? What would we do with our day? Are there bridges that need mending? Do we have grudges or misunderstandings that need to be set aright? Would we spend it in front of the television or in reading the book of Allah? Would we spend our final moments chasing down this worldly life or seeking the next life? Would we repent to our Lord? Would we be careful with every word, every deed, every glance and every thought? Would we safeguard our salah? Would we spend it in fasting and in giving charity? Would we spend our day with our families and our children? Would we tell them how much we love and appreciate them? Would we cry out of fear for what is about to befall us? If so, then why don't we do so every day? Every day is some-body's last day and today might be ours.

When death was approaching Umar after he had been stabbed, Abdullah ibn Abbas said to him, "O Commander of the Faithful! You accepted Islam when others disbelieved; you struggled along with the Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, when others deserted him; the Prophet, sallallahu alavhe wa sallam, died while he was pleased with you; no two people have disagreed on you and you are about to die a martyr." Umar replied, "The flattered is the one whom you flatter. By Allah, if I had what ever the sun rose upon I would give it away in order to protect myself from what is about to rise [upon me]."(TanbeehulGhafileen).

Umar was more pleasing in the sight of Allah than any of us can ever hope to be. Yet, he was fearful of what death brought. We, on the other hand, are secure in our false hopes and delusions. As we heedlessly zip though our days, we say, tomorrow, tomorrow. Unfortunately for most of us tomorrow never comes. So let us strive to do our best today. Let us resolve to remember death. When we purchase a new outfit, let us remember the burial shroud that will serve as our final outfit. When we arc outfitting our new homes and domiciles, let us remember the smallness of the grave. Let us remember to ask ourselves, will our deeds make it a place of rest or a place of torment?

Death, as the Prophet, sallallahu alayhewa sallam, said is the robber of desires. By remembering death, the servants of Allah purify themselves and their actions. They acknowledge their feebleness and helplessness before the Lord of the Worlds and walk through this life with caution and hope. We should live as the companions of the Messenger o f Allah, sallallahu alavhe wa sallam, lived. If they lived to pray the Fajr, they did not hope to see the Isha; and if they made the Isha, they did not hope to see the Fajr. Let us not ever forget that this moment could be our last, and not put off until tomorrow what can, and should be done today.


- Sumayyah Bint Joan

Niche of Truth - Remembering Death

Looking Back...

"Hijabists"

There is a short but adequate list of certain groups of people who are hatable. Off the top of my head racists, sexists and the like. So why are they so easily put into a group where people can openly declare their hatred towards an entire group of people? It obviously has to do with a bit of stereotyping, disregard, discrimination and hostile behaviour.

It has been a while since I've noticed the very same attitude and behaviour towards, what some people like to label, "Hijabis". To begin with, its not even a proper terminology. It was coined by 'I dont know who' simply for the convinience of those people whom I will from hereforth refer to as "Hijabists"! I mean do you call a person wearing a dress, a dressi? Or someone wearing a scarf, a scarfi?Or a hatti? Then why must someone wearing a Hijab be reffered to as a Hijabi?

The term Hijab by itself means 'to cover' or 'to veil' or 'to protect/shelter'. It is also used to refer to the clothing that women use to cover themselves (their head). Although the term Hijab has a much vaster meaning than that. I shall do a write up on that inshaAllah.

Since the younger generation these days are fans of creating their vocabulary, and consider it 'cool' I'll skip to the real point.

There is a general (mis)understanding that a Hijab is like a magic cloak of some sort. Perhaps they believe its a piece of clothing for God Himself? Whatever the reason, people (including some Muslims) expect a woman in Hijab to be as perfect as an angel. There ought to be a transformation in them from whatever they were like into a new and improved being that is incapable of sin. For this reason, any behaviour on the part of a "Hijabi" that is flawed in any way is looked upon with disgust. The saying is "She's a Hijabi and she does that?!" with mouth wide open. Little do people realize that a women under a headscarf is still herself. She still carries the same personality. She is just like any other human being.

Just like different cultures have different traditional clothing, so do different religions. Making a decision to wear your religious outfit, simply means looking like the religion you belong to. It represents your religion. Wearing it does not by default mean you've taken a secret oath of perfection. You are still the same person and character.

So if you see imperfection or even repulsive behaviour in someone wearing a headscarf, its not something to awe about. They are humans too.

That being said, I must emphasize the fact that being a Muslim (with or without hijab), if you have sincerely accepted Islam, means you have taken an oath to try your best to attain perfection in the eyes of Allah.
I took that oath years before I took up the Hijab. Its a long journey that never ends. And I've only moved inches from the starting line over the years.

This is for all you "Hijabists" out there. We're not evil people.

The Phoenix

Butterflies seem to be flying again. Flowers blooming again. Birds singing again. And I seem to have developed the urge to write again. Why? I do not know. But I now feel the need to find time in my busy tight schedule to write again. I found an inspiration perhaps? Or inspiration found me? Either way, for better or for worse - I am going to start writing again. I pray I have not lost my touch. Hopefully, I will pick up again inshaAllah.

So much has happened since. So much has changed since. I feel different. I have changed too, I suppose.

An attempt to immerse myself in a hobby that used to bring me joy and peace. A world and space of my own.
:)

Peek-A-Boo

So many months of no blogging, and I miss it. Been quite busy this year. And I have no clue what to write about at the moment. Just wanted to add a post! I'll think of something. But that'll have to be later.

Ma'assalama.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5.....

Man is never satisfied. He is forever complaining. Nothing ever satisfies him.

The stress during the exams was the killer type. The kind that doesnt allow you to sleep well, eat well nor be well. Disrupts your entire life, turns it upside down. And when it leaves, it leaves you in chaos - leaves you to pick up the fallen pieces and put them back together by yourself.

However, once its all done and you settle back down again.. you realize that your life is so empty with so much extra time at your hands. Time is at a stand still and no matter how many tasks you perform in a day, you still have nothing to do.

I have a list of objectives. But its hard to place them into a timetable, with so much time. I still manage to find large gaps filled with nothingness.

InshaAllah I shall figure out the best way to make the best use of the free time that I have at my hands right now. May Allah help me achieve this goal and make my life more purposeful.

Man is also the most ungrateful. He is never thankful for the blessings that he is given or bestowed with. Its shameful, yet a quality that describes every human being.

Alhamdulillah, we have a home with a roof over our heads to protect us from the rain and sun and snow. Alhamdulillah, we have at least 3 meals a day to keep ourselves alive. Alhamdulillah, we have eyes that allow us to see the beauty and color filled world around us. Alhamdulillah.