Inscriptions from the Heart

Reform

2008-07-15T05:50:45Z

Reform
Begins within

Remember that
When you're calling
Inviting the lost in

Reform
Begins within

Remember that
When handling fliers
Thrown in the bin

Reform
Begins within

Remember that
Emotions stir
Your mic. booming

Reform
Begins within

Remember that
While at meetings
Drawing people in

Reform
Begins within

Your flame may light
But could soon dim

Because reform
Begins within.

A Precious Embrace

2008-05-05T07:01:09Z

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.

Call for Submissions: Open Letters, Open Hearts

2007-12-24T19:56:41Z

Call for Submissions
Open Letters, Open Hearts
Personal Letters from Muslims to Family, Friends and Others

Working Title: Open Letters, Open Hearts
Narrative Author/Editor: Christine (Amina) Benlafquih
Publisher: An-Najm Publishers, London, UK
Deadline for Submissions: January 31, 2008 (see Guidelines below)

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�fs 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�f 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�fs desire to meet her personal da�fwah 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�ft open to such discussion.

Da�fwah is not only directed at non-Muslims. Born-Muslims often find themselves dealing with family and friends who either don�ft 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�fwah obligation.

Submission Guidelines
- Please limit your letter to 1200 words or less.

- Submissions must be in English. Proofread your letter carefully for spelling and grammar. Poorly written submissions will not be considered.

- You may submit more than one Open Letter, but each letter must be submitted separately.

- Letters may be written to an individual or a group (i.e. an entire family, colleagues, neighbors, etc.).

- Although general content to promote understanding of Islam is acceptable, letters which address very unique, personal situations are most likely to be selected. For example, a revert to Islam may feel the need to explain his reversion to an angry family member. A born Muslim might want to clarify to her mother why some of her �gIslamic�h cultural practices are actually not compatible with the true teachings of Islam. Another writer might address a friend�fs alcohol or gambling addiction.

- Open Letters of a political nature or letters which address a vast group of people (i.e. letters addressed to the West, all Americans, world leaders, etc.) will be considered only if the content and message will outlive today�fs current events.

- Whatever the letter�fs theme, the content must contain relevant and correct Islamic perspective or teaching. Passages from the Holy Qur�fan and Ahadeeth should be referenced.

- Write from the heart. Letters with a strong emotional component are highly desired. References to personal events and family history will help evoke memories and stir emotion in all readers.

- The tone of the letters should be kind, informative and non-judgemental. Hateful or inflammatory language will immediately disqualify a submission.

- Any topic is welcome, as long as the writer successfully relates it to Islam.

Possible topics include:

- Culture versus religion

- Comparison of Christianity and Islam

- Explanation of conversion/reversion

- Incompatibility of the Trinity with Islam- Infinite Mercy of God

- Women in Islam

- Islamic appearance and dress

- Comparison of the Torah, the Bible, and the Qu�fran

- Current events and terrorism

- Tawheed and the belief in One God

- Islam�fs views of Jesus and Maryam, peace be upon them

- Harmful lifestyle choices and practices- Polygany

- Concept of submission to Allah- Non-Muslim and Islamic holidays

- Rights of parents and children

- Tenets of Islam

- Commonalities and differences between Christianity and Islam

- Shirk and the association of others with Allah

Payment

As this is a da�fwah project to promote better understanding of Islam and Muslims, the publisher, editor and contributors will receive no monetary compensation. Writers of letters selected for publication will receive two copies of the printed anthology.

About the Narrative Author/Editor

Christine (Amina) Benlafquih is a freelance writer and the current publications officer of the Islamic Writers Alliance. A former publications and public relations director, she accepted Islam in 1993. She lives in Morocco with her husband and six children.

Between Love, Hope & Fear: Now in Print!

2007-11-21T11:13:50Z

Bismillaah.

It is with great excitement that I announce that Between Love, Hope & Fear, published by An-Najm Publishers, is now in print, mashaa`Allaah. It has been a long year in which many hurdles were jumped and challenges were overcome, but with Allaah is all success, and thus the official publication of the long-awaited anthology.

An-Najm Publishers is a unique publishing house, as it is non-profit, but their first anthology is even more unique, as it showcases fantastic poetry, short stories and essays from an array of writers from the UK, US and even Saudi Arabia!

Excerpts of the anthology can be read here, and purchases can be made here. Grab your copy today, and get the inside story of the secret to success.

Reflection #3

2007-11-03T11:01:19Z

Ad-dunyaa: a one-way street dotted with temptations on every corner.

Reflection #2

2007-10-24T17:31:49Z

Internal affairs are just that: affairs for those internally involved. To interfere can be likened to stepping into a ring of lions.

Reflection #1

2007-10-20T21:15:36Z

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

~ Umm Junayd.

You Call Yourself a Poet

2007-10-08T07:20:03Z

So you call yourself a poet
And what makes you think
That you can flaunt that title?

Is it
�eCos of those
Long words
Strung-along words
Seven-letter words
Plucked
From your thesaurus?

Or those concepts
You throw
That are equivalent
To a food-fight.

Those abstract concepts
That are concrete.
Or
Those concrete notions
That leave
Everyone confused.

Excuse me
But did you say
You�fre a poet?

I know
You know
That I knew
You�fve got
No clue
About the Haiku
While Ballads
Cause maladies
And Sonnets
Lose you
So I tell you

Stick with free verse.

No Better Words

2007-09-11T07:06:54Z

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

The Cycle

2007-09-11T06:41:10Z

She thrusts it against her chest. Tears sting her eyes and burn her cheeks. She cradles the book, and rocks to and fro. Her body quivers, but it is a warm summer morning.
"Let me go," she whispers, "please just leave me alone."

In a fit she shivers again, dropping the book to the floor.

"Do as I say, and I will leave you alone!" It roars.

She collapses to the floor, arms flaying and legs mangled in an awkward tangle. As she lets out a scream, a word flashes through her mind. One word. The only word sufficient for her.

"Allaah!" She screams, "O, Allaah!"

Convulsing with a groan, her head repeatedly crashes to the floor, beating an abnormal beat that no one could ever dance to.

"Allaah," she whispers between rapid breaths, "please get it out, Allaah."

The beat comes to a stop. Silence encompasses the room and she lies there, stilled by her own breathing. She reaches for the book, and clasps it against her chest. Tears sting her eyes and burn her cheeks.

When will this satanic cycle end, she thinks.

"When you do as I say," it tells her, "When you do as I say."

BLHF: Pre-order Your Copy

2007-07-24T05:00:20Z

For more information, visit An-Najm Publishers

Poetry Frames

2007-07-21T05:15:55Z

Bismillaah.

Have you ever wanted to present a gift to a loved one that is not only unique, but also beautiful? Would you like to give them something precious but also meaningful, but does not go over budget?

Why not give them a unique glass poetry frame, for sale now at a reduced price for limited time only!

The gifts from Poetry Frames are high quality designs and original poetry on various topics, with more being added regularly. Visit Poetry Frames for more information and browse the designs and poems currently available. Personalised services are also available.

Was-salaamu 'alaikum wa rahmatullaah.
Poetry Frames

Oh my...!

2007-07-07T22:20:33Z

29 Days or 29 Nights

2007-07-04T12:44:23Z

Bismillaah.

This poem is very 'urban' - I've been told by fellow writers that it's trendy. It's very different from anything I've ever written, but I had a beat in my head while I was tapping the first few lines into my mobile phone (yes I have to get ideas down in any way possible once they pop up, or they may just pop back again, and there's usually no way of reviving them once that happens!). So, yeah... here's the poem!

~ Umm Junayd.

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

29 Days or 29 Nights

29 days
Or 29 nights
We begin the day�fs fast
Before the morning light
No drinking or eating
No funny with your honey

29 days
Or 29 nights
Not just about food
Best keep that tongue tight
No cursing or swearing
Keep your cool don�ft be a fool

29 days
Or 29 nights
Doesn�ft matter which
Just use that time right
Ain�ft gonna last forever
Could be your last ever

Those 29 days
Or 29 nights

Second Time Around

2007-06-14T09:48:03Z

Bismillaah.

Due to many tasks I have taken upon myself, my writing has suffered a little, however this morning I reviewed a piece of fiction that I started over a year ago! Yes, it has been untouched since the first write-up, but I'll share what I have written so far.

You're welcome to leave comments!

~ Umm Junayd.

Second Time Around

With an achy neck she heaved herself into an upright position, grudgingly lifting her newborn into her arms. Gazing sleepily at her restless babe, Maymoona whispered softly. �gJust a little more sleep,�h she pleaded, �gThat�fs all I need. Just a little more sleep.�h The infant, being less than two weeks old, continued with her demand to be fed; it was a matter of urgency and she wanted to be fed at that instant. Maymoona sighed lightly, drawing the baby close to her chest while gently rocking her from side to side. Her right breast was sore beyond recognition and had been in such a painful state since the night before.

�gEven engorgement wasn�ft this bad!�h She cringed under her breath as she massaged the painful area. She had been under the impression that having already been through much drama with her first child, she�fd be an expert when the second one arrived; little did she know that her first child was only but a trial-run and that there was more unknown territory than she could imagine ever existed.

Maymoona�fs husband had left earlier that morning to attend a janaazah. She knew he had to go; it was the deceased brother�fs right upon him – a right upon her also, but she was in an unclean post-natal state that prevented her from being able to attend.

�gBut did he have to go to work?�h she asked, tears welling in her large brown eyes. �gHe didn�ft have to go. He could have taken the day off.�h

Just then, baby Ruqaiyyah chose to release her emotions in an eruption of wails and kicks accompanied by an ocean of tears. Her brown sugar-like complexion abruptly altered to an intense pink; gulping down a mouthful of air, her screech reached such an all-time high, that even Pavarotti would have been put to shame.

�gShhh, Ruqaiyyah,�h Maymoona appealed as she increased the pace at which she rocked the anxious babe. Placing Ruqaiyyah on her shoulder, she clambered out of bed to pace the room. Such a task would have been easier if she didn�ft feel so achy all over. Her temperature had risen slightly and she was feeling cold despite the suffocating humid summer air.

Upon seeing her eldest child perplexed by his mother�fs condition, Maymoona quickly covered her face, sobbing silently into her free hand.

�ePull yourself together,�f she ordered herself. �eWhat are you crying about anyway?�f

She knew why she was crying. She felt feverish; tired from only a few hours sleep; and her throbbing breast prevented her from using her right arm as efficiently as she�fd like.

With an agitated infant in her arms, she proceeded to tend to her elder son who had awoken early for his daily serving of a bowl of hot oats.

�gMummy,�h he called.

�gYes my darling,�h she replied lethargically.

�gBreakfast, Mummy,�h he said, smiling up at his mother.

�gYes I know, darling,�h she replied, forcing a tense smile to reassure her toddler. �gLet me feed your sister first, then I�fll get you breakfast."