Advice from the Quran: How to Attain Sincerity.

Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu!

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

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Free oneself from the opinion of others:

..... only for the countenance of Allah. We wish not from you reward or gratitude.

(Surah Al-Insan, Verse 9)

Compete in doing good:

.... Had Allah willed, He would have made you one nation (united in religion) but (He intended) to test you in what He has given you; so race to (all that is) good. To Allah is your return all together ...

(Surah Al-Ma'idah, Verse 48)

Increase the fear of Allah:

Or who is it that could provide for you if He withheld His provision? But they have persisted in insolence and aversion.

(Surah Al-Mulk, Verse 21)

Understand that every soul shall taste death:

Every soul will taste death, and you will only be given your (full) compensation on the Day of Resurrection .... And what is the life of this world except the enjoyment of delusion.

(Surah Aale Imraan, Verse 185)

Only expect the Pleasure of Allah:

And whoever of you devoutly obeys Allah and His Messenger and does righteousness - We will give her her reward twice; and We have prepared for her a noble provision.

(Surah Al-Ahzab, Verse 31)

May Allah give us all the ability to bring sincerity into every part of our lives - Ameen.

Wasalaam!

The Everyday Heroine.

Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu!

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

When many people think of Egypt, they think of the great, historical monuments: the iconic Sphinx, the awe-inspiring pyramids, the enduring flow of the Nile that has nourished the banks of this desert land for thousands of years.

Others think of Egypt's impressive Islamic history: the mosques and madrassahs of the Mamluks, the ancient Islamic section of Old Cairo and the great fort built by Salahuddin himself.

In this land, many mighty heroes have risen and fallen, as they have all over the world. But the hero that I wish to celebrate here is of a much humbler kind.

She is the woman who looks at the world around her with an alert eye and open heart. Where others see catastrophe, she sees opportunity; where others sense only despair, she senses hope; where others throw their hands up, she rolls up her sleeves.

This is the everyday heroine who makes a satisfying, nutritious meal for her family from the simplest ingredients every night, who knows how to cure a sore throat with the contents of her store-cupboard, who knows how to make a child feel like the champion of the world for learning how to spell the world 'beautiful'.

This is the everyday heroine who juggles pregnancy, weaning, learning Surah al-Fatihah and advice on dealing with peer pressure.

This is the everyday heroine who always has time to listen, knows when to talk and when to remain silent.

This is the everyday heroine who sets up a recycling group in her local area, who hosts coffee mornings for new Muslims, who volunteers at a local charity, who lifts up her child so that he can put 5p in the collection box.

This heroine will never make a Power List in any of the broadsheets. She will not be shortlisted for an award, nor will she be granted a medal for her achievements.

But in the eyes of Allah and those who know and love her, she is a hero every single day of the year.

May Allah reward all you heroines out there, every single one of you. Long may you rise every morning to be a hero to your families, your friends and your local community.

May Allah grant you sincerity and accept your righteous actions. May He bless your time and aid you in your cause.

And, if you happen to know one of these heroines, do me a favour: make dua that Allah accepts her work and lightens her load - then tell her how much you appreciate her, maybe even with a card or flowers. 

Chances are, you will make her day, Insha Allah.

With love and salaam to all the wonderful heroines I have met and continue to meet on this amazing journey called life.

(Na'ima B. Robert)

I found the above article in an old magazine yesterday and wanted to share it with all of you. May we all strive to become and to raise everyday heroines - Ameen.

Wasalaam!

The First Freedom Fighter

Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu!

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

She lived in the greatest palace of her time, with many slaves, male and female at her command. Hers was a life of luxury and ease.

Her name was Asiyah bint Muzahim, wife of Pharaoh - may Allah be pleased with her - one woman, physically weak, but she was a believer who was at peace in her palace. The light of faith had dawned in her heart and she challenged the system of ignorance at the head of which was her husband.

She had deep insight and did not care about palaces and luxurious furnishings or having many slaves and servants. Hence, she deserved to be mentioned by the Lord of the Worlds in His Holy Book, where she is given as an example for those who believe, as Allah, the Exalted, says:

And Allah has set forth an example for those who believe: the wife of Pharaoh, when she said: "My Lord! Build for me a home with You in Paradise, and save me from Pharaoh and his work, and save me from the people who are wrongdoers.

(Quran 66:11)

The scholars said, commenting on this verse:

Asiyah chose the Hereafter over this world. She also deserved to be mentioned by the Prophet Muhammad (saw) among the perfect women, when he said:

Many men attain perfection, but no women attained perfection except Asiyah the wife of Pharaoh and Maryam bint Imran, and the superiority of Aishah over other women is like the superiority of tharid (bread, meat and broth) over other foods.

This is Asiyah the believer, the lamp that shone in the darkness of Pharaoh's palace. Who could light a lamp for us that shines with such patience and steadfastness, calling us to Allah, the Almighty?

(Dr. A'id al-Qarni)

Wasalaam!

11 Things You Can Do When You Are Menstruating

Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu!

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

1. Read a translation of the Quran or a commentary of the Quran - with wudhu and without touching the actual Arabic text.

2. Make dua and spend time engaging in dhikr.

3. Listen to the Quran.

4. Read Islamic books.

5. Attend religious classes - although not those taking place in the actual prayer area of the mosque.

6. Increase your dawah activities by encouraging others to do good.

7. Give in charity.

8. Help around the home with the intention of gaining reward.

9. Offer to help out with taking care of children so that others can pray.

10. Get involved with Islamic activities that are taking place in your local area.

11. Try and feed as many fasting people as you can.

Remember, it is your intention that matters.

Wasalaam!

The Story of Zayd bin Haaritha (ra) and Zainab bint Jahash (ra)

Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu!

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

It is not for a believing man or believing woman, when Allah and His Messenger have decided a matter, that they should (thereafter) have any choice about their affair. And whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger has certainly strayed into clear error.

And (remember O Muhammad) , when you said to the one on whom Allah bestowed favour and you bestowed favour, "Keep your wife and fear Allah", while you concealed within yourself that which Allah is to disclose. And you feared the people, while Allah has more right that you fear Him. So when Zayd had no longer any need for her, We married her to you in order that there not be upon the believers any discomfort concerning the wives of their adopted sons when they no longer have need of them . And ever is the need of Allah accomplished. 

 

There is not to be upon the Prophet any discomfort concerning that which Allah has imposed upon him. (This is) the established way of Allah with those (prophets) who have passed on before. And ever is the command of Allah a destiny decreed.

(Allah praises) those who convey the messages of Allah and fear Him and do not fear anyone but Allah. And sufficient is Allah as Accountant. 

(Surah Al-Ahzab, Verses 36-39)

Many Arabs used to kidnap children and take them to distant places, where none recognised them. They would then sell them as slaves. Zayd bin Haaritha (ra) was travelling with his mother to her parents home when some bandits kidnapped him and took him to Makkah, where they sold him as a slave. He was 8 years old at the time. Hakeem bin Hizaam bin Khuwaylid (ra) bought him as a gift for his paternal aunt, Khadijah (ra). He paid 400 dirhams for the boy.

When Khadijah (ra) married the Prophet Muhammad (saw), she presented Zayd (ra) as a gift for her husband. The Prophet (saw) adopted him as a son and people began referring to him as Zayd bin Muhammad (Zayd, the son of Muhammad) because it was customary among the Arabs to refer to an adopted child as the real child of the adoptive father. 

When Zayd's (ra) father learnt after much investigation that his abducted son had been sold as a slave in Makkah, he arrived in Makkah to purchase his freedom. When he approached the Prophet (saw) and explained that he wished to purchase his son's freedom, the Prophet (saw) told him that he may take the boy for free if the boy agreed to accompany him. However, the boy should be left to remain with the Prophet (saw) if he chose to do so.

Exuberant, the father said that the Prophet (saw) had exceeded the bounds of kindness because the Prophet (saw) reserved the right to retain the boy. When the Prophet (saw) asked Zayd (ra) if he recognised the two persons who came to fetch him, he immediately responded by saying that they were his father and uncle. 

The Prophet (saw) told him, "You know them and you know me because you have spent time in my company. You now have the choice to join them or to remain with me". Zayd (ra) chose to remain with the Prophet (saw). His father said, "It is tragic that you prefer a life of slavery to freedom and another person to your father, uncle and family". Zayd (ra) replied, "I have seen such qualities in my master and I simply cannot prefer any other to him".

This episode took place before the Prophet (saw) announced his prophethood. When Muhammad (saw) announced that he was a prophet, Zayd (ra) was one of the first to accept Islam.

The Prophet (saw) married Zayd (ra) to his slave, Barka (ra) famously known as Umm Ayman (ra). She was of African origin and it was she who brought the Prophet (saw) back to Makkah from Abwa after his mother passed away when he was only 6 years old. Umm Ayman (ra) gave birth to Usama bin Zayd (ra), who was commonly referred to as the 'beloved of the Prophet (saw)'.

People always referred to Zayd bin Haaritha (ra) as Zayd bin (the son of) Muhammad. However they stopped doing so when Allah revealed the verse:

Allah has not made for a man two hearts in his interior. And He has not made your wives whom you declare unlawful your mothers. And He has not made your adopted sons, your (true) sons. That is (merely) your saying by your mouths, but Allah says the truth, and He guides to the (right) way.

Call them by (the names of) their fathers; it is more just in the sight of Allah. But if you do not know their fathers, then they are (still) your brothers in religion and those entrusted to you. And there is no blame upon you for that in which you have erred but (only for) what your hearts intended. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful.

(Surah Al-Ahzab, Verses 4 and 5)

The Prophet (saw) then married Zayd (ra) to his cousin, Zainab bint Jahash (ra). She was the daughter of the Prophet's (saw) paternal aunt. She accepted the proposal on the Prophet's (saw) recommendation, but the couple could never adapt to each other. When Zayd (ra) wanted to divorce her, the Prophet (saw) advised him to maintain the marriage. However, when matters came to a head, he finally divorced her. 

Allah then commanded the Prophet (saw) to marry her, when He revealed the verse,

"So when Zayd fulfilled his need from her, We married her to you .."

After completing the Iddah, the Prophet (saw) sent a marriage proposal to her via Zayd (ra), but she requested time to to consider the matter. However, when Allah revealed the above verse, the marriage was contracted and the Prophet (saw) was legally married to her. It is for this reason that she boasted to the other wives of the Prophet (saw) saying,

"Your guardians married you whereas Allah Himself married me".

Wasalaam!

La Hawla wa la Quwwata illa Billah

Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu!

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

A young man was jailed and his mother had no one else but him. She could not sleep and distress took hold of her completely. She wept until she could weep no more, then Allah guided her to say, La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah (There is no power and no strength except with Allah).

She repeated these great words, which are one of the treasures of Paradise, and only a few days after she had despaired of her son ever coming out of jail, he was knocking at the door and she was filled with joy. Such is the reward of one who puts her trust in Allah, calls upon Him constantly and delegates all her affairs to Him.

So you should recite this dhikr, La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah, for these great words are the secret of happiness and success. Recite them a great deal, chase away the specters of grief and distress with them, and receive the glad tidings that Allah will soon grant you happiness and a way out.

Beware of losing hope or becoming frustrated, for there is no hardship but it is followed by ease. This is how it has always been, and always will be.

Think positively of Allah, the Exalted, and put your trust in Him; seek that which is with Him, and wait for a way out.

Wasalaam!

Forgotten Heroines - The Housewifes' Lament

Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu!

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Money is tight. The kids are demanding. Skin is raw from all the cooking, cleaning and chores that have to be done every day. There's absolutely no time to spare for anything else, whether it's pursuing further education or volunteering for a special cause.

Does this sound familiar?

There are Muslim women all over the world who find themselves at home, living life as domestic stay-at-home mums and housewives. It's a physically and emotionally demanding job and it's also a pretty thankless one.

How can spending all day serving others, instead of being involved in some kind of noble, public cause, ever be truly fulfilling and worth recognition - not just by people, but by Allah Himself?

Fatima, the daughter of Muhammad (saw) is known to be one of the four most perfect women in the entire world.

"Prophet Muhammad (saw) drew four lines and said to the Companions, "Do you know what these are?" They said, "Allah and His Messenger (saw) know best". He said, "The best women from the women of Paradise are Khadijah (ra) bint Khuwaylid, Fatima (ra) bint Muhammad (saw), Maryam bint Imran and Asiyah bint Muzahim (the wife of Pharaoh)". 

(Ahmad)

Yet when we look at the biography of Fatima (ra) bint Muhammad (saw), one could say that in comparison to others amongst the early Muslim women, her life was relatively unremarkable. She grew up during a difficult time for her parents, when her father (saw) was being publicly mocked and derided for preaching his message; she lost her mother at a relatively young age and she married her cousin Ali ibn Abi Talib (ra) when she was about fifteen years old. Some of the most well-known ahadeeth related by her mention how physically demanding her lifestyle was, such that her hands would crack and bleed from the wheat grinding that she used to do.

What made Fatima (ra) so special? So special, in fact, that she will forever be known as one of the greatest women of Paradise?

Fatima (ra) bint Muhammad (saw) is not known for an act of dramatic courage such as that displayed by Nusaybah bint Ka'b (ra) during the Battle of Uhud, but she too provides an example for a situation that many Muslim women around the world live and continue to face: the everyday drudgery of life as a wife and mother.

Fatima (ra) may have been the most beloved daughter to the Prophet (saw), who was also the head of the Islamic State and leader of the Muslim army, but that didn't mean that her life was one of luxury or ease.

Quite to the contrary, Fatima (ra) was the mother of two young boys and ran her household single-handedly. Life was difficult back then, with none of the technologies that smooth our way through tedious tasks today. 

She used to grind the wheat for her bread with her own hands, to the point that her hands would crack and bleed. Her husband, Ali ibn Abi Talib (ra), was an employee of one of the Ansaar, but the income was meagre and they struggled to survive on a daily basis.

One day, weary and despairing of the toll that their lifestyle was taking on her, Fatima (ra) decided that she would approach her father, the Prophet Muhammad (saw). At the time, the Muslims had won a battle and, as a result, had captured several prisoners and other spoils of war.

With the reasoning that as a member of the Ummah, she was entitled to some relief, Fatima (ra) went to visit one of the Prophet's (saw) homes. She did not find her father present, but seeing her stepmother Aisha (ra), Fatima (ra) shared the story of her bleeding hands and her wish for a maidservant to take a share of the burdens.

Fatima (ra) went back to her home, and the when the Prophet (saw) returned to his own house, Aisha (ra) told him about his daughters visit. That same night, the Prophet (saw) slipped into his daughters home, where she and Ali (ra) were already lying in bed.

Ali (ra) narrates, "I wanted to get up, but the Prophet (saw) said, "Remain in your place". Then he sat down between us until I felt the coolness of his face on my chest. The Prophet (saw) said, "Shall I teach you a thing which is better than what you have asked me? When you go to bed, say Allahu Akbar 34 times, Subhanallah 33 times and Alhamdulillah 33 times, for that is better for you both than a servant".

After this, Fatima (ra) never repeated her request for a maid ever again.

It may seem to be a small and insignificant thing, but this was one of the reasons for which Fatima (ra) earned her position as one of the queens of Jannah. Her life was spent quietly serving her Lord, through her sincere intentions behind caring for her husband and children.

Around her, there were many Sahabiyat (female companions) whose lives seemed much more exciting, full of adventure and grandeur. Her stepmother, Aisha (ra), was a great scholar; her great aunt Safiyah bint Abdul Mutallib (ra) was fierce in battle and the women of Madinah were renowned for their boldness in approaching any matter.

Nonetheless, for Fatima (ra), the path to Paradise was simple - though never easy. For every stay-at-home mother and housewife who feels that her life is too consumed by daily drudgery, who worries that her life is too dull to be of consequence, the quiet strength of Fatima (ra) is an inspiration and a reminder that no deed, however small or insignificant, is overlooked by Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Just.

And be patient, for indeed, Allah does not allow to be lost the reward of those who do good.
(Surah Hud - Verse 115)

Jannah is not only for the Prophets, the martyrs, the ascetics or the scholars; Jannah is attainable by every Muslimah, no matter her occupation or station in life. In the eyes of Allah, every sincere Muslim woman who pledges her life to pleasing her Lord is a heroine of Islam.

(Sisters Magazine)

Wasalaam!

Hazrat Fatima's (ra) Tasbeeh

Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu!

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Hazrat Ali (ra) once said to one of his pupils:

"Shall I tell you the story of Hazrat Fatima (ra), the dearest and most loved daughter of the Prophet Muhammad (saw)?"

When the pupil replied in the affirmative, he said:

"Hazrat Fatima (ra) used to grind the grain herself, which caused blisters on her hands. She carried water for the house in a leather bag, which left a mark on her chest. She cleaned the house herself, which made her clothes dirty.

Once, some war captives were brought to Madinah. I said to her, "Go to the Prophet (saw), and request him for an assistant to help you in your housework".

She went to him, but found many people around him. As she was very modest, she could not be bold enough to request the Prophet (saw) in the presence of other people. 

Next day, the Prophet (saw) came to our house and said, "Fatima! What made you come to me yesterday?" 

She felt shy and kept quiet.

I said, "O Prophet (saw) of Allah! Fatima has developed calluses on both her hands and chest, on account of grinding and carrying water. She is constantly busy in cleaning the house, and in other domestic jobs, causing her clothes to remain dirty. I informed her about the captives, and advised her to go to you, and make a request for a servant".

It has also been reported that Hazrat Fatima (ra) made a request - "I and Ali own only one bedding and that also is a skin of a goat. We use it in the morning to put the feed of the camel".

The Prophet (saw) said, "Fatima! Be patient. The Prophet Musa (as) and his wife owned only one bedding, which was the cloak of Prophet Musa (as). Fear Allah, acquire taqwa, keep doing your service to Allah and attend to your domestic jobs. When you go to bed, recite Subhanallah 33 times, Alhamdulillah 33 times and Allahu Akbar 34 times. You will find this more helpful than an assistant."

Hazrat Fatima (ra) remarked, "I am happy with what Allah and His Prophet (saw) would be pleased with".

In this Hadith, the prescribed zikr is before sleeping. 

In other Ahadith, the Prophet (saw) is reported to have advised Hazrat Fatima (ra) to recite after every salah:

Subhanallah 33 times

Alhamdulillah 33 times

Allahu Akbar 34 times

and the following once, which is:

Wasalaam!

Living in a Hut with Faith is Better than Living in a Palace with Disbelief

Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu!

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

A Muslim woman living in a hut, worshipping her Lord, offering her five daily prayers and fasting Ramadan, is happier than a woman who lives in a lofty palace with servants and all means of luxuries.

A believing woman living in a tent and eating barley bread and drinking water from an earthenware jar, who has her Quran and tasbeeh with her, is better off than a woman who lives in an ivory tower, in rooms furnished with velvet, but who does not know her Lord or follow her Prophet (saw).

You should understand the true meaning of happiness - it is not the narrow and distorted meaning that many people imagine.

Do you think that happiness is to be found in dollars and pounds, furnishings and clothing, food and drink, means of transportation?

Not at all.

Happiness is contentment in the heart, peace of mind, a sense of stability, joy in the heart, a righteous attitude, good behaviour and being content with what is sufficient.

Put your trust in the Ever-Living Who will never die.

Wasalaam!

Count the Blessings that Allah has Bestowed upon You

Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu!

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

When morning comes, remember that the sun is shining upon thousands of miserable women, but you are blessed. It is shining on hundreds of hungry women, but you have plenty to eat.

It shines on thousands of women who are imprisoned, but you are free. It shines on thousands of women who have been stricken with calamity and lost their children, but you are happy and healthy.

How many tears flow down women's cheeks? How many mothers' hearts are filled with pain, how many screams come from girls' throats - but you are smiling and happy.

So praise Allah, the Exalted, for His kindness, protection and generosity.

Sit and think, and be honest with yourself; look at the numbers and statistics.

 How many things do you own? How much wealth do you possess? How many blessings do you enjoy? How many things do you have that bring you delight?

Beauty, wealth, children, shade, a home, a country, light, air, water, nourishment, medicine?

Rejoice and be of good cheer.

Wasalaam!

You are Dealing with a Lord Who is Most Kind and Most Generous

Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu!

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Be of good cheer, for Allah, the Exalted, has promised you a great reward, as He says:

And their Lord responded to them, "Never will I allow to be lost the work of [any] worker among you, whether male or female; you are of one another. So those who emigrated or were evicted from their homes or were harmed in My cause or fought or were killed - I will surely remove from them their misdeeds, and I will surely admit them to gardens beneath which rivers flow as reward from Allah , and Allah has with Him the best reward."

Surah Aale-Imraan, Verse 195

Allah has given the same promises to men as to women, and He praises women as He praises men:

Indeed, the Muslim men and Muslim women, the believing men and believing women, the obedient men and obedient women, the truthful men and truthful women, the patient men and patient women, the humble men and humble women, the charitable men and charitable women, the fasting men and fasting women, the men who guard their private parts and the women who do so, and the men who remember Allah often and the women who do so - for them Allah has prepared forgiveness and a great reward.

Surah Al-Ahzaab, Verse 35

This indicates that women are the twin halves and companions of men, and that your reward is stored with Allah. You can do good deeds at home and in society, that will help you attain the pleasure of Allah. So, set the best of examples and be a beacon for the children of the Ummah.

Take your cue from the life of Asiyah, the wife of Pharaoh, may Allah be pleased with her, and Maryam (may peace be upon her), Khadijah, Aisha, Asma and Fatimah (may Allah be pleased with them).

These were chosen women, devout believers  who fasted and prayed at night. May Allah be pleased with them and grant them great reward. Follow their footsteps and you will find tranquility and dignity.

Wipe away the tears of the orphan in order to attain the pleasure of the Most Merciful and a house in Paradise.

Wasalaam!

You Are Better Off Than Millions of Women

Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu!

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Think of the world as a whole, of the hospitals filled with patients who have been stricken with disease and calamity for many years; and the prisons in which thousands of people are held behind bars, their lives and pleasures ruined; and the asylums and hospitals which accomodate people who have lost their minds and have become insane.

Are there not poor people living in tattered tents and hovels, who cannot find a bite to eat? Are there not women who have been stricken with calamities that took away all their children in a single accident? Or women who have lost their sight or hearing, or whose arms or legs have been amputated, or who have lost their minds, or who have been stricken with chronic diseases such as cancer and the like?

But you are sound in body and in good health, living a life of tranquility, security and contentment. So, give thanks to Allah, the Exalted, All-Merciful, for His blessings and do not waste your time with things that are not pleasing to Him.

Wasalaam!

It is Sufficient Honour for You that You are a Muslim

Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu!

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Everything that happens to you for the sake of Allah is an expiation for you, if Allah, the Exalted, wills. Hear the glad tidings narrated in the Hadith:

"If a woman obeys her Lord, offers her five daily prayers and preserves her honour, she will enter the Paradise of her Lord".

These are easy matters for the one for whom Allah makes them easy. So, by doing these great deeds, you will meet a Merciful Lord who will give you happiness in this world and in the Hereafter.

Follow His laws no matter where that leads you, and adhere to the Book of Allah (the Quran), and the Sunnah of His Messenger Muhammad (saw), for you are a Muslim woman, and this is a great honour and source of pride. Other women were born in the lands of disbelief, Christians, Jews or something other than the religion of Islam, but Allah chose you to be a Muslim woman, and He made you one of the followers of Muhammad (saw), following in the footsteps of Aisha, Khadija and Fatima - may Allah be pleased with them all.

Congratulations, for you offer the five daily prayers, you fast in Ramadan, you go on pilgrimage to the House, and you observe Islamic hijaab. 

Congratulations, for you are pleased with Allah as your Lord, Islam as your religion, and Muhammad (saw) as your prophet.

Your gold is your religion, your adornment is your moral attitude, and your wealth is your good manners.

Wasalaam!

You Have a Huge Wealth of Blessings

Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu!

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

My sister, verily with every difficulty there is ease. After night comes the day. The clouds of worry will be blown away, the darkness of distress will be dispelled, and calamities will come to an end, by Allah's leave.

Remember that you will be rewarded, and if you are a mother, your children will be a great support and help for Islam, if you bring them up properly. They will make dua for you when they prostrate and at the end of the night, just before dawn. 

It is a great blessing if you are a compassionate and kind mother. It is sufficient honour and pride for you to remember that the mother of Muhammad (saw) gave mankind a great leader, the noble Messenger (saw).

You have the potential to be a caller to Islam, calling other women to the path of Allah with kind words, good exhortation and wisdom, arguing in a manner that is better, debating and guiding others by means of your good behaviour and setting an example.

A woman may achieve, by means of her conduct and righteous deeds, things that cannot be achieved by means of religious sermons, lectures and lessons. How often has a woman gone to live in a neighbourhood, and people started to talk about her religious commitment, modesty, Islamic dress and good attitude, her kindness to her neighbours and her obedience to her husband, so she became a good example to others, that was spoken by all.

Wasalaam!

A Woman Who Challenged Tyranny

Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu!

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

The past is gone and the hoped for future is still unknown. All you have is the present.

Look at the texts of Islam, the Quran and Sunnah. Allah, the Exalted, the Almighty, praises righteous and believing women. He says:

And Allah has set forth an example for those who believe: the wife of Fir'awn (Pharaoh), when she said: "My Lord! Build for me a home with You in Paradise, and save me from Fir'awn (Pharaoh) and his work, and save me from the people who are wrongdoers, polytheists and disbelievers in Allah.

(Surah Tahreem - Verse 11)

Think about how Allah made this woman - Asiyah, may Allah be pleased with her - a living example for believing men and women, a clear symbol for everyone who wants to be guided and follow the ways of Allah in life. How wise this woman was, when she sought a home with the Lord and put that above her worldly interests. She freed herself from the control of the kafir (disbeliever) tyrant Pharaoh and refused to live in his palace with his servants and courtiers, and with all its luxuries.

She sought a better home that was more lasting and more beautiful, with the Lord of the Worlds, amidst gardens and rivers, in a seat of truth (i.e. Paradise), near the Omnipotent King (Allah, the One, the All-Blessed, the Most High, the Owner of Majesty and Honour).

She was a great woman whose ambition and sincerity led her to speak the word of truth and faith against her tyrant husband. She was tortured for the sake of Allah but she ultimately earned a home with the Lord of the Worlds, and Allah, the Exalted, made her an example for every believing man and woman until the Hour comes, and He praised her in His Book, recording her name and commending her deeds, and condemning her husband who deviated from the right path on earth.

There is no power and no strength except with Allah.

Wasalaam!