... a trail of thought ...

Peaceful Serenity

Feet
Slightly parted
Clammy hands placed
One above the other

Head lowered
Ashamed
Hoping
For humility

A steady bow
Where a cup
Could easily be placed

A slow rising
Wishing
For all sins
To be spilled away

To the ground
Nose and lip in contact
And head
Feet
Palms, knees
Bearing witness
To His Magnitude

A breezy whimper
For forgiveness
And salvation
Shuddering shoulders
Hope while pleading
To be saved from hell

Tashahhud
Says it all
It's all for Him
From Him
The peace... such peace
Serenity
Only found
In prayer

A Precious Embrace

A ruffling in the trees; shuffling in the breeze; twittering and chirping a sweet harmony. Soft murmuring of dreams; calm measured sighs as my babes breath; a drowsy turn and slight adjusting of covers that have drawn below their knees.

The birds are my companions; making their calls in a symphonic melody.

Like lovers reaching out to one another, this sweet silence we embrace. Not a star can be traced. Yet His presence is felt; as strong as ever, as He awaits the supplications of His servants.

And I embrace. The beautiful moment, as I stand before my Lord.

I embrace. Wishing for the rising of the sun to be delayed.

While I embrace. Hot tears tumble, expecting a crash landing, greeted by the warm hug of my flowing hijaab.

The moments are savoured - no ice cream could taste as rich; no chocolate could be as sweet... as this embrace.

I embrace the silence, and all the darkness that comes with it. Such is from the beauty of the night prayer.

Such a precious embrace.

Shout out to the Halaal Muslim Businesses

Ever heard of a 'Shoutout for Halal Business Drive'?

No?

HalfDate.com is now hosting one, and I must say, it's a great idea, mashaa`Allaah. Here's an excerpt from the site:

How do you feel when you see a woman with a child begging outside of your masjid?
Most probably, you'd feel sorry for them, and if they were genuinely in need, you'd help them.

But, this DateDrive is not about them.

Okay, here is another question.

How do you feel when you see a Muslim running a halal business trying to earn some halal money?

Most probably... nothing :P

Yes, Islam commands us to help the weak members of our society, but the goal of this help is so that one day they can be strong. Islam never encourages begging, that's why we're suppose to give to needy people before they even ask.

Yes, it's good to donate in general, and you're rewarded for that

>> Click here to post your shoutout! <<

The Prayer: Its Effects in Increasing Eemaan and Purifying The Soul

Author: Shaykh Husayn al-Awaayishah

Description from Publisher:

(excerpt)
'The people have indeed come to treat the Prayer as something unimportant. Attentiveness and humility in it have been taken away, except from those whom Allaah, the Most High, wills. The hearts have become darkened and the people's distressed state has become grave. They have searched for the causes and strive to find a cure, but are unable to find it. They have looked into everything except their Prayers, which are the closest of affairs to them...

Indeed the well being of the soul beings with rectification of one's belief (aqeedah) and one's Prayer, and I do not think that I am exaggerating when I say that correct Prayer done with full attentiveness and humility is on of the most important means for the success and victory of this Ummah.

So let us reflect upon our Prayer and compare it with the Prayer of the Prophet and Companions, since that is the way to change the souls and turn them to that which is more lofty. That is the way to success, well being and salvation in this life and the Hereafter.'

Umm Junayd's Comment:

This is the very first that has made we weep when reflecting on the salaah - the prayer. It is a time when one focuses on Allaah and tries to worship Him. However, this book does not simple tell you to pray, or the reasons why it is important to do so, but places an emphasis on trying to cure the disease that is widespread within this vital act of worship: lack of tranquillity.

Although the book is rather thin - only 115 pages in length - it should not be undermined, for it is so beneficial, that I wished it was much longer.

The wealth of ahaadeeth and aayat relating to how to attain tranquillity, the excellence of prayer in wiping sins away, perfecting the prayer and many other topics relating to prayer is beyond inspiring. Why did I weep? Because, for me, it was hard-hitting and put so many things into a more focused perspective - and this book is not one to read in one sitting, but to read at snail pace, digesting each chapter fully before moving to the next.

Overall, a highly recommended book, to read over and over again.

ISBN: 9781898649137

Cupping Information

Bismillaah.

Since this post, I have received several emails and comments about where one can learn to cup. I got my first taste of cupping when I attended a very basic cupping course. Although it was a little vague in some areas, it gave me knowledge that I didn't previously possess.

I then attended a workshop taught by Ilkay Zihni Chirali which was much more thorough and in-depth mashaa`Allaah - and the major benefit of it was the receipt of a Cupping Therapy certificate, which was only issued to students who actually participated in the various types of cupping, all using the fire method only.

You can find out the latest information about Ilkay's workshops at: www.cuppingtherapy.co.uk - he also has a fantastic book which should be purchased by anyone who wishes to revive the sunnah. The book can be found here.

~ Umm Junayd.

Da'wah Opportunity, Play Your Role

Bismillaah.

As the Director of An-Najm Publishers, I'm pleased to announce a new book that we will, inshaa`Allaah, be publishing: Open Letters, Open Hearts. You can find out more about the book's aims and objectives below. You can contribute to make it happen - click the link below to find out how.

Open Letters, Open Hearts

It'll be a fantastic da'wah opportunity and a sadaqah al-jaariyah too!

Was-salaamu 'alaikum
~ Umm Junayd

============================

About the Book

The anthology-style Open Letters, Open Hearts will feature heartfelt letters written by Muslims who appeal to their family, friends and others to open their hearts and minds to the message of Islam.

Most of us have been touched and inspired by an emotional piece of writing. Something as simple as a greeting card or as lengthy as a novel can successfully evoke emotion in a reader. Whether raw and direct, or gentle and persuasive, the power of the written word can not be denied.

Muslims worldwide are invited to use this power and compose open letters which address the people and unique circumstances in their own lives from an Islamic perspective. Whether differences need to be solved, religious issues explained, or concern expressed about someone's harmful life choices, a letter allows the writer to convey sincerity and present Islamic values and teachings in a positive, relevant light.

Although Muslims naturally wish for others to recognize the truth of Islam, one of the main objectives of Open Letter, Open Hearts is to appeal to the emotional ties that connect us to family, friends and humanity in general. It is hoped that people of all faiths will find common ground with Muslims through the personal stories and situations revealed in the letters. Inshaa'Allah, this connection will help open the door to better understanding of Muslims and Islam�fs true teachings.

The Open Letters, Open Hearts project was born of the editor's desire to meet her personal da'wah obligation and help her non-Muslim family better understand her decision to embrace Islam. All Muslims have a religious duty to give da'wah (invite others to Islam through teaching or example of good actions). However, many Muslims are uncomfortable doing so, either due to inhibition or because family and friends aren't open to such discussion.

Da'wah is not only directed at non-Muslims. Born-Muslims often find themselves dealing with family and friends who either don't practice the religion at all, or neglect certain aspects of it.

Submitting an open letter to the anthology – and inshaa`Allah directly to the person(s) to whom it is addressed – offers a positive step towards meeting our da'wah obligation.

Personal Attacks & Advice

Personal attacks and advice are not synonyms.

Pain

Pain is usually short-lived, because its sweetness soon overtakes.

New Month, New Category

Bismillaahi was-salaatu was-salaamu 'alaa Rasoolillaah. Wa ba'd:

Alhamdulillaah, we have now entered into the month of Shawwaal - I pray that Ramadaan was an empowering month full of 'ebaadah and du'aa. May Allaah accept our fasting, prayers, du'aa, sadaqah and all good actions done for His Sake, aameen.

I have yet another new category that will added onto this blog. I'll be calling it 'Inscribed Reflections'... most of them will be posted on my writing blog: Inscriptions from the Heart.

Here is the opening reflection for this category.

Strength is not measured by how much weight you can carry, but by how many trials you can patiently bear.

Wa billaahit-tawfeeq (and with Allaah is the success).

~ Umm Junayd.

Ramadaan 1428: Rise to the Challenge!

Bismillaahi was-salaatu was-salaamu 'alaa Rasoolillaah. Wa ba'd:

Alhamdulillaah, after successfully completing yet another AlKauthar Course - Month of Mercy - I feel obliged to share this essential checklist with you all, as I feel it is extremely beneficial, mashaa`Allaah.

By Allaah's Grace we have witnessed many Ramadaans (and may we witness many more, aameen), but do you feel that they seem 'the same': no spiritual uplifting; no active striving... etc? Ramadaan does not have to be this way. In fact, it should not be this way! It is the 29 or 30 days that we should really put ourselves to the test, and this checklist is the very thing to help you do that, inshaa`Allaah.

Here's the challenge: download the following checklist, print out FOUR copies (one for each week of Ramadaan), and stick them on your bedroom wall (though not essential, but useful). Then make sincere du'aa to Allaah - cry your eyes and heart out - and beg Him to allow you to make this Ramadaan a special one... more special than previous years. Thereafter, strive with all your might and zeal to have all boxes ticked by the end of each day... and by the end of the week... and by the end of the month, bi`idnillaah.

We can make this a formal challenge, if you feel up to it. You can leave a comment on this post, stating that you are IN. At the end of the week, we can see which boxes we are struggling to get ticked, then we work on those the following week, inshaa`Allaah. The great thing about the checklist is that it allows us to truly 'see' where our weaknesses lie.mm

>> ** The Checklist** <<

Let's make this Ramadaan different - let's make it special. Join the challenge.

~ Umm Junayd.

No Better Words

** Cross-posted at Inscriptions of the Heart **

Why do I run from you
When you are enough for me
There are no better words
Than those within thee

Why do I turn my back
When following you can save me
There are no better words
Than those within thee

Why don't I cry
When you are recited to me
There are no better words
Than those within thee

My beloved cried once
When they made hijrah from thee
Because there are no better words
Than those within thee

I'm coming back
From this journey away from thee
There are no better words
Than those within thee

To absorb all of you
Within this heart of mine
There are no better words
Than those within thee

I loosen these chains
And choose to be free
I embrace your words
Those that guide me

There are no better words
Than those within thee

He IS Your Rabb!

Bismillaahi was-salaatu was-salaamu 'alaa Rasoolillaah. Wa ba'd:

So some say:

"There's no such thing as God" "Prove that God exists" "If you say there's a God, how come we can't see Him?

... and other such statements. Is there a need to debate with people who make such statements and ask such questions? No, do not debate, because there really is no need to.

You see, those who deny the existence of Allaah are amongst the minority, because the vast majority of mankind actually believe in His existence. When I say Allaah, I am referring to the true God that people from other religions also worship: the Creator, Sustainer, Cherisher... The Most High.

As mentioned in previous posts, the one who created something is the one who has ultimate ownership of that thing, and that thing is under his control and may dispose of it at will. Hence, Allaah IS our Creator and thus He is the One Who owns and controls us, and He may dispose of us as He so wills.

What has this got to do with my previous post? Everything!

Since we all act under the will of Allaah, and belong to Him, we are not able to deny His Ruboobeeyah. Our tongues may choose to deny him, but our hearts surely can't. Why do I say this? Well, YOU have no control over your heart do you? You cannot command it to beat and stop beating - it is acting under the Ruboobeeyah of Allaah. You can hold your breath all you want and say..."I'm not going to breath because I deny Allaah," but ultimately, you will exhale and then breathe again - there's nothing you can do about it.

"Do they seek other than the religion of Allaah, while to Him submitted all creatures in the heavens and the earth, willingly or unwillingly. And to Him shall they all be returned. (Soorah aali -'Imraan: 83)

So, while people may choose not to submit to Allaah, and deny Him as their Rabb, they submit to Him unwillingly, because He is the Ultimate Owner of their bodies, and we are subject to His universal decree.

This was succinctly said by our sister Zahra in the comments of the last post, tabaarakAllaah.

Additionally, there are two types of Ruboobeeyah:
>> a general one
>> a specific one

The general Ruboobeeyah is that which applies to all of creation. Allaah has given everyone life and He Sustains us all, regardless of whether we believe in Him or not. However, the specific Ruboobeeyah is preferential treatment for those who recognise Allaah as the Rabb. It is the Ruboobeeyah that Allaah shows to His servants. While Allaah gives the whole of mankind physical sustenance, He has not neglected the need for spiritual sustenance - hence He has given us and guided us to Al-Islaam: the way of life that feeds our soul.

Walillaahil-hamd (and to Allaah is the praise)!

Wa subhaanak Allaahumma wa bihamdik. Ash-hadu al-laa illaaha illa ant. Astaghfiruka, wa atoobu ilayk.

~ Umm Junayd.

You are asked...

... You claim that Allaah is the Rabb of all that exists, but there are those amongst mankind who deny His existence. Does the denial of Allaah's existence decrease His Ruboobeeyah in any way?

Yes, another thought-provoking question - and it's open to everyone!

The Word 'rabb'

Bismillaahi was-salaatu was-salaamu 'alaa Rasoolillaah. Wa ba'd:

If someone told you that in the Qur`aan, there are references to 'rabb', but not referring to Allaah, what would your response be?

"`Ittaqullaah (fear Allaah)!"; "Astagfirullaah!"

Yes, it would most probably be one of those. However, maybe it would be...

"Where's your proof?"; "Show me!"

The truth is, there are such references in the Qur`aan - and this post will highlight the great importance of learning the language of the Qur`aan: Arabic.

Let's define it

Before anyone goes on a tangent that I am sliding on the slopes to kufr (and I seek refuge with Allaah from this) by stating that the Qur`aan mentions 'rabb' while not referring to Allaah, let us first define what this word means linguistically.

According to Ibn Munzhoor (d. 711AH) in Lisaan an-'Arab (1/399 under rabb), rabb is defined as the one who has ownership (Al-Maalik), the right to be obeyed (the master - As-Sayyid), and one who nourishes and sustains (Al-Murabbee wal-Qayyim).

This seems simple enough - this is the linguistic meaning of rabb. So where are references to this linguistic meaning in the Qur`aan?

�gO two companions of the prison! As for one of you, he (as a servant) will pour out wine for his rabb to drink; and as for the other, he will be crucified and birds will eat from his head. Thus is the case judged concerning which you both did inquire.�h (Soorah Yoosuf: 41)

"And he said to the one whom he knew to be saved "Mention me to your rabb..."" (Soorah Yoosuf: 42)

Here, the rabb is not referring to Allaah, but rather, it is referring to the king at the time of Prophet Yoosuf ('alayhis-salaam). Why did Yoosuf say "rabb"? Because he is referring to the king; he is the one to be obeyed in that land - the leader. Those who are familiar with the Arabic language will see that there is no 'alif-lam' preceding the word rabb, hence it does not mean THE Rabb, but rather, the linguistic form of rabb.

Islaamic Implications

What, then, are the Islaamic implications of rabb? We are now moving away from the linguistic focus, on rabb means to us as Muslims.

Ar-Rabb (The Rabb) is Allaah, subhaanahu wa ta'aala. There is none who can take this title but Him. However, is it just a 'title' or is there more to it? Of course there is!

Allaahu ta'alaa is Ar-Rabb:

>> The One Who has Ultimate Ownership
>> The One Who has the Ultimate right to be obeyed
>> The One Who is the Ultimate Nourisher and Sustainer.

Hence, Tawheed ar-Ruboobeeyah is the belief that it is only Allaah who Creates, Sustains and Owns the entire creation - this in the Oneness of Allaah in His Actions. Ultimate Ownership implies creation; the one who creates or makes something has ultimate ownership over that which is created. Hence, since Allaah Created us, He is our Ultimate owner.

As rightly mentioned in the comments of the last post, most of mankind do not deny this aspect of tawheed. Most of mankind will tell you that it is God (Allaah) Who created them, Who sustains them and has control over them. However, most of mankind deviate in the aspect of obedience and worship. Hence, if our kalimah was Laa rabba illallaah (there is no Rabb but Allaah), the majority of mankind would be considered Muslims!

Can you now say "Alhamdulillaahi Rabbil-'aalameen" in the same way as you used to? Should you not feel humbled by the knowledge that your Rabb not just your 'Lord', rather, He is the One who completely owns you, the One who nourishes you and sustains you and most importantly, the One who has the ultimate right for you to obey Him? Alhamdulillaahi Rabbil-'aalameen.

Inshaa`Allaah, in the next post I will expand on the concept of Ruboobeeyah: its types and implications.

Wa subhaanak Allaahumma wa bihamdik. Ash-hadu al-laa illaaha illa ant. Astaghfiruka, wa atoobu ilayk.

~ Umm Junayd.

Did You Know...

... that if our kalimah was 'Laa Rabba illallaah', the majority of mankind would be considered Muslims?

Does anyone care to try to explain why this is? (don't be shy!)

~ Umm Junayd.