Bismillah

Salaam alaykom,
This will be a short blog but it is filled with much to reflect in sha Allah!

When we invoke Allah with the word Bislimllah we are asking only Him to help us and seeking His protection. We also gain a sense of confidence which helps us through the task we are about to perform. Starting off using Bismillah makes our intentions and the essence of the actions pure. The task that we are performing becomes blessed through these words and Allah has said “it is incumbent upon Me that I should complete his works for him”
When we start off by using Bismillah we humble ourselves and show acknowledgment that we are helpless without Him and that we need Him only to complete any task.
Saying Bismillah is not done with just the tongue, it must be done with the heart. We must truly understand the true depth of these words and feel it when we are invoking Allah with Bismillah. Through true remembrance of Allah when using bismillah we can gain virtuous and rid ourselves from vices and reach ultimate happiness which is nearness to our One and Only Beloved.

The Beautiful Life of Bilal

Salaam alaykom respected readers,
As a convert you would have thought I gave the attention to the story of Bilal ibn Rabah, however it really didn't hit me as a story to read or reflect on until recently. I went to go on my search to find his story and found that it was hard to find any shia sources on his life.
I came to realise that Bilal's story was not just a convert story but it was a story of beauty, strength, obedience and a love for Allah we all pray we have one day. Bilal's story has not been realised by many of us, in fact his amazing journey is not just for converts, those of different race but it is a story for us all!
Bilal was tortured by his “master” so bad that he even had heavy bolder put on him, but Bilal refused to say that there was other Gods. He repeated that statement over and over that there is only One God. He was eventually saved by our Holy Prophet when he sent someone to buy him. After this Bilal was given freedom and was only a slave to Allah. How beautiful is this part of his life. He gave up all the religions around him for the true religion and endured so much physical pain but only had his spiritual become stronger through it, SubhanAllah!
Bilal was appointed by our Holy Prophet sawa to do the job of a  muezzim which is the one that calls people to prayer, this was a beautiful spiritual journey to call all to prayer as his nearness to Allah was becoming stronger and stronger by doing what Allah wanted from all of us. He obeyed Allah by obeying the Holy Prophet sawa. The most important part I believe in his life was that after the Holy Prophet sawa passed away.

Bilal did not give bay'ah to Abu Bakr, Umar ibn al-Khattab grabbed Bilal by his clothes and said,

Is this the reward of Abu Bakr; he emancipated you and you are now refusing to pay allegiance to him?

To which Bilal replied,

If Abu Bakr had emancipated me for the pleasure of Allah, then let him leave me alone for Allah; and if he had emancipated me for his service, then I am ready to render him the services required. But I am not going to pay allegiance to a person whom the Messenger of God had not appointed as his caliph.
(Source Riz̤vī, Sayyid Sa'eed Ak̲h̲tar. Slavery: From Islamic & Christian Perspectives. Richmond, British Columbia: Vancouver Islamic Educational Foundation, 1988. Print. ISBN 0-920675-07-7 Pg. 35-36)

Similarly, al-Isti'ab, a Sunni source, states that Bilal told Abu Bakr:

If you have emancipated me for yourself, then make me a captive again; but if you had emancipated me for Allah, then let me go in the way of Allah.

This was said when Bilal wanted to go for Jihad. Abu Bakr then let him go."
(Source: ibd wa Abdullah, Ysuf. al-Isti'ab. Print. Pg.150)

Being exiled from Medina by Umar and Abu Bakr, Bilal migrated to Syria.

I say this might be the most important part in his life because right now we can all relate to this time. A time where we must stand strong like Bilal, stand firm in obedience to Allah, obedience to our holy Prophet sawa, obedience to our imam of our time (Allah hasten his reappearance). We need to really look at ourselves and ask ourselves have we given our life like amazing people like Bilal? Have we been given the boulder of life and refused to submit to the wrong path? Have we been exile from the land to be obedient to Allah?

May Allah swt grant us strong and firm faith to be obedient and to be strong in our faith, to follow the right way and to be granted a nearness to Allah like that of great personalities like Bilal. Ameen.

Tell the Believing Woman to Lower Their Gaze

"Tell the believing men to reduce [some] of their vision and guard their private parts. That is purer for them. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what they do." Quran 24:30

"And tell the believing women to reduce [some] of their vision and guard their private parts and not expose their adornment except that which [necessarily] appears thereof and to wrap [a portion of] their headcovers over their chests and not expose their adornment except to their husbands, their fathers, their husbands' fathers, their sons, their husbands' sons, their brothers, their brothers' sons, their sisters' sons, their women, that which their right hands possess, or those male attendants having no physical desire, or children who are not yet aware of the private aspects of women. And let them not stamp their feet to make known what they conceal of their adornment. And turn to Allah in repentance, all of you, O believers, that you might succeed."  Quran 24:31

Salaam alaykom respected readers,

I am sure we have all heard these ayats before. Today I am wanting to emphasize on both men and woman lowering their gaze and guarding themselves against indecent actions. It is easy for us to read Quran but to really read it is to reflect. When we are out in this society where looking is seen as normal behaviour even if some dislikes it no one stops it and not many try to prevent it. Actually it is seen as the lookers fault completly even if one is not dressing right and has prevoked such indecent looks. Many of my readers may even say that they don't have bad intentions when looking at non mahram however it is so emphasized in Islam to lower the gaze and guard our private parts. So the question arises why? Well in a world where desires are handed out for all to lust over we need to really reflect on our own actions. First how to prevent indecent looks at ourselves. We should first see what we are wearing, are we covered properly or has bad thoughts entered our minds on dressing to impress! If we are not doing our part to help others not fall into sin then we should certainly take the first step in covering properly. Hijab has been discussed a lot so you can look into your marjas answers to hijab requirements. Secondly we should see if we are lowering our eyes from non mahram. Even if we don't have bad intentions we should still reduce our eyes as the look can penetrate and cause harm for either side spiritually. 

Imam Ali AS said "the eye is the Spy of the heart and the messenger of the intellect."

Thirdly we should not be in mixed gatherings and should segregate ourselves from non mahram. 

The Holy Prophet sawa said "segregate men from women, provider confronting each other, frequenting with one another, the society will be afflicted with a cureless pain."

We can not be friends with the opposite gender. We use terms in Islam like "my sister" and "my brother" to show a unity in a religious community that we are all one in belief and are to stay united with eachother. It is not a phrase to make you feel like your brother and sister are like real ones... this is a bad culture that started this by having non mahrams call eachother brother and sister and act as though they are your real ones by hugging and mingling. This is a trick from Shaytan and we need to be on guard for such thoughts. 

The Holy Prophet sawa said "a needle striking with full force on your head is better than touching a woman who is not mahram to you."

We should always be on guard for shaytan can whisper to us and this faculty is strong in us to be with opposite gender for obvious reasons (having children and giving marital rights properly) but we need to be careful we dont fall into sins with this desire being so strong. Many people have been destroyed because they did not regulate this power of the soul correctly. May Allah swt protect us all from falling into the traps of shaytan. May He help us to gain a firm virtue in chasity and be strong in our faith in obedience to Him. Ameen!

Halloween shia islam

https://youtu.be/aSezp_d6Z_w

Woman in Islam (Islamic Feminist) part 1

Salaam alaykom,

So this blog I hope to send out to make a global wide movement on empowering Islamic Woman and their rights but right of others too. I have been reading a lot on the femisistic movement for woman which started along time ago in fact many may not realize that we are now in the 3rd wave of this movement which is to make all genders equal... however I beg to differ on this quote so easy said as I think this movement is for woman and not men and with research and thought you can clearly see the woman activist for this movement have an idea of women over men... so "equal" slogans are hard to swallow when it seems to be something else. Anyways that you readers can look into with a unbiased opinion and see for yourself what this means really, I'm sure you will be shocked if you are not bought into this and come with open mind and Islamic education. 

So what makes my movement different from the other Islamic woman movements which are out there and not surprising but sad is that some are using these movements in our holy women's names :(
I am 100% behind any woman's choice when it doesn't cross the lines of an unislamic stance. Shouting "woman equal to men" seems to be used so many times, equal to man in physical, mental, and emotional seems a little to far from the truth. Can woman really be fully "equal"? Does "equal" in the feminist way really exist? My answer no and in some way yes!
Now don't jump at me and hear me out with an open mind.
So does Islam have this idea of equality? Yes, when it come to our abilities to reach perfection.

فَاسْتَجَابَ لَهُمْ رَبُّهُمْ أَنِّي لَا أُضِيعُ عَمَلَ عَامِلٍ مِنْكُمْ مِنْ ذَكَرٍ أَوْ أُنْثَىٰ ۖ بَعْضُكُمْ مِنْ بَعْضٍ ۖ فَالَّذِينَ هَاجَرُوا وَأُخْرِجُوا مِنْ دِيَارِهِمْ وَأُوذُوا فِي سَبِيلِي وَقَاتَلُوا وَقُتِلُوا لَأُكَفِّرَنَّ عَنْهُمْ سَيِّئَاتِهِمْ وَلَأُدْخِلَنَّهُمْ جَنَّاتٍ تَجْرِي مِنْ تَحْتِهَا الْأَنْهَارُ ثَوَابًا مِنْ عِنْدِ اللَّهِ ۗ وَاللَّهُ عِنْدَهُ حُسْنُ الثَّوَابِ {195}

[Shakir 3:195] So their Lord accepted their prayer: That I will not waste the work of a worker among you, whether male or female, the one of you being from the other; they, therefore, who fled and were turned out of their homes and persecuted in My way and who fought and were slain, I will most certainly cover their evil deeds, and I will most certainly make them enter gardens beneath which rivers flow; a reward from Allah, and with Allah is yet better reward.

"If any do deeds of righteousness be they male or female and have faith, they will enter Heaven, and not the least injustice will be done to them. (The Noble Quran, 4:124)"

"O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other.  Verily the most honored of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you.  And Allah has full knowledge and is well-acquainted.  (The Noble Quran, 49:13)"

So you can clearly see Allah says both man and woman are equal when it comes to two things, one religious perfection and two being that both are humans. 

Now what about this so called "equal" in other things such as strength and emotions? Are we created differently? Certainly! Allah created us with different abilities so to say we are equal in all this is just not correct. 

الرِّجَالُ قَوَّامُونَ عَلَى النِّسَاءِ بِمَا فَضَّلَ اللَّهُ بَعْضَهُمْ عَلَىٰ بَعْضٍ وَبِمَا أَنْفَقُوا مِنْ أَمْوَالِهِمْ ۚ فَالصَّالِحَاتُ قَانِتَاتٌ حَافِظَاتٌ لِلْغَيْبِ بِمَا حَفِظَ اللَّهُ ۚ وَاللَّاتِي تَخَافُونَ نُشُوزَهُنَّ فَعِظُوهُنَّ وَاهْجُرُوهُنَّ فِي الْمَضَاجِعِ وَاضْرِبُوهُنَّ ۖ فَإِنْ أَطَعْنَكُمْ فَلَا تَبْغُوا عَلَيْهِنَّ سَبِيلًا ۗ إِنَّ اللَّهَ كَانَ عَلِيًّا كَبِيرًا {34}

[Shakir 4:34] Men are the maintainers of women because Allah has made some of them to excel others and because they spend out of their property; the good women are therefore obedient, guarding the unseen as Allah has guarded; and (as to) those on whose part you fear desertion, admonish them, and leave them alone in the sleeping-places and beat them; then if they obey you, do not seek a way against them; surely Allah is High, Great.

This does not mean woman are less than the man, certainly not. If both men and woman did their duties and kept their rights Allah gave them then this would complement each other and would be able to highlight what are abilities are. Different doesn't mean bad. This is the idea many want you to think, but this is not true!

Example: A man can not physically carry a child in his belly and push it out with immense pain, it is obvious to you that it's not how the man is created. This doesn't mean he's less than the woman. "To Allah belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth. He creates what He wills. He bestows female children to whomever He wills and bestows male children to whomever He wills.    (The Noble Quran, 42:49)"

There are many examples but I am sure you can think of these yourself. 

Now what about education? And choosing your spouse? Does Islam say woman have rights to these things? 

﴿قُلْ هَلْ يَسْتَوِى ٱلَّذِينَ يَعْلَمُونَ وَٱلَّذِينَ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ‌ إِنَّمَا يَتَذَكَّرُ أُوْلُواْ ٱلْأَلْبَــــٰـــبِ﴾

Say: ‘Can those who have knowledge and those who do not be alike?’ So only the wise do receive the admonition. [al-Zumar, 39:9.]

﴿إِنَّمَا يَخْشَى ٱللَّهَ مِنْ عِبَادِهِ ٱلْعُلَمَــــٰۤـــؤُاْ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَزِيزٌ غَفُورٌ﴾

So only those of His servants who have knowledge (of these realities with a vision and outlook) fear Him. Surely, Allah is Almighty, Most Forgiving. [Fatir, 35:28.]

Clear as day again for those wanting to read and gain knowledge. Woman are among those to get educated!! I highly emphasis this part and recommend that every muslim women get up and please go get your Islamic knowledge even if it be your wajabat! I am a huge advocate to woman learning Islamic sciences. 

So does woman have right to accept or decline a husband? Yes!! Woman certainly do. A beautiful story of Imam Ali (as) called on Prophet Muhammad (sawa), and said: “O Messenger of God, you have brought me up as your own child. You have overwhelmed me with your gifts, your generosity and your kindness. I owe you everything in my life. Now I seek one more kindness from you.”

The Apostle understood what Ali (AS) was trying to say. His face lighted up in a broad smile, and he bade Ali (AS)to wait for a few moments until he obtained his daughter's answer. He entered the house, told Fatima (SA) that Ali (AS) was asking for her hand in marriage, and asked her what was her response. She kept quiet. He interpreted her silence as her assent, returned to Ali(AS), informed him that his proposal was accepted, and told him to make preparations for the wedding.

It is sunnah to ask the woman if she accepts the proposal or not. 

So with all this you can see that there is a difference in he feministic movement to woman and men rights in Islamic perspective. Please do read the link below to get all rights in Islam. 

https://www.al-islam.org/treatise-rights-risalat-al-huquq-imam-zain-ul-abideen

x

Struggle in Todays Society

Salaam alaykom respected readers,

It has been a little while since I had a moment to post. A thought has been occupying my mind these days. I have recently moved to a city and came out of my hole of being a hermit, alone with my family, secluded in a rural area. It is no joke that this was certainly a culture shock when I moved back. I'm sure many of you have experienced this before at some degree or another, however if you haven't, this feeling is quiet hard to overcome. I'm very thankful that in my time of seclusion I studied a lot and still do which helps me be very firm in my faith! But I can't help but wonder how many of us weren't and some aren't educated enough... in fact prior to my seclusion I too use to live in this very city and was not educated, so the society alone was eating up my beliefs and taking my obedience to Allah away.

I haven't come here to call you down in fact I'm coming to you as I have been there before! I have been to my lowest times in my spirtual growth. To be totally open with you when I look back on pictures my heart hurts and I cant help but wonder why I choose that before. It wasn't until recently I realize what it was. I realized I had given into my desires for this world and traded my faith and hereafter for this world. Today after coming back to the area I once had been but as a different person and having a different purpose in life I have seen my dearest sisters and brothers struggling in this society between the world and the hereafter.

So my advise as small as it might be and how crazy it may seem especially to those who think they may already know the basic of Islam is get out and educate yourself! You can take online diploma for Islamic knowledge, I am a huge advocate that the more you learn about Allah, our Prophets, Imams and woman of Islamic history the more you will love them and become nearer to Allah and the more you will understand what Allah wants of you!

So take the steps even if it is 10 minutes a day to learn something, to get you closer to Allah swt. We all need to start somewhere, but if you never start you will lose yourself to this world.

Keeping Our Identity

Today this day we should declare to reclaim our identity!
Muharram has quickly approached and we are faced with the mourning of Hussain, of Abbas, of Sukina, of Zaynab, of all the companions of Hussain. We re-look at ourselves to see the vices that have ripped apart our hearts.
Today this day we should declare to reclaim our identity!
Who are we? We should be able to say we are the lovers and followers of Hussain, but with vices upon our faces these are not easy words said. Today we need to change our ways and rid ourselves from the vices that have chained our hearts. We with the best religion should be standing tall but with such humbleness to sit small. Placing the modesty upon our heads like our beloved Zaynab.
Today this day we should declare to reclaim our identity!
So fight the fight many have and win the battle like Hussain by giving our hearts to Him and let our last words be like Hussain's father Ali "by the Lord of the Kaba I am successful"