Example of Fitrah

Check out this adorable little baby and how listens to the recitation of the Quran, mashaAllah mashaAllah. To me, the video is an example of Fitrah where the baby is able to recognize the words that are being spoken (by his attention being caught). Children are such pure and innocent creatures, their souls still not stained by the temptations of the world ... oh how I love them <3

Funny story told by Saudi Sheikh Areefi

I provided a translation of what the Sheikh is saying in the video. Basically imagine that it is him talking. Another point is that when I say the word Prayer, I mean performing Salah. Video is kinda funnier in Arabic coz the Shiekh does voice impressions as he tells the story xD

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I remember, a while ago, I was giving a few lectures in Jordan. So I sat in a gathering and I spoke a little about Prayer (Salah). There was an old Jordanian man in this gathering, his age was about 70.

He said to me “Sheikh”.

I turned to him and said “Yes?”

He said to me “I would like to tell you my story with Prayer”

I don’t remember ever coming across anyone before that had a story to do with Prayer. People have stories with a job, stories with ladies they fell in love with … but a story with Prayer? “You have a story with Prayer?” I said to the old man.

“Yes ya Zalameh (Zalameh translates to Man. People in Shaami countries sometimes use it when talking to each other) what are you saying? I told you I have a story with Prayer”

“Ok, don’t get irked. Tell me your story with Prayer.”

“Sheikh, when I was a young man, I was not a very good person: I was rotten. However, I used to Pray. All my bad friends would not Pray, I was the only one amongst them who did. So I entered a Masjid once in order to Pray, and as I lifted my eyes to perform the Takbeera, I saw infront of me written on the wall a Hadeeth of the Prophet Peace Be Upon Him that said: ‘Whomever his Prayer would not stop him performing Fahshaa and Munkar (Sinful deeds), he has no Prayer (i.e.: the Prayer is not accepted with Allah)’ ”

This Hadeeth, by the way, is weak. The old man continues:

“I thought to myself ‘what in the world is this?’ I have no Prayer …? My Prayer does not stop me from sinning so that means I have no Prayer … so what am I Praying for then!? You know what, I will not Pray anymore!’”

--The Sheikh pauses and smiles at the audience--

Instead of thinking “I will not sin anymore so that my Prayer can be accepted by Allah” the old man thought “I will not Pray anymore so that my sins be accepted” ! Look at how Iblees (Devil) plays with people! The old man continues:

“And so, Sheikh, for 10 years of my life after this incident I did not Pray a single Prayer … what is the point of me Praying when I have no Prayer? I was invited to a party at one point after all this time passed, and there was a Saudi man there from Jeddah. And there were so many people in the boisterous party, doing who knows what. The Jeddah man sat next to me, and we both began drinking together. The Jeddah man asked me, and we were drunk at this point: ‘Where is your girlfriend?’

I told him: ‘I don’t have a girlfriend.’

‘How come? Don’t you do Zina? (premarital sex)’

‘No, I don’t do Zina.’

‘Why not?’

‘I don’t want to that’s all!’

‘Well … if you don’t do Zina then why don’t you Pray?’”

Remember, this is them talking to each other and they are drunk. Subhan Allah, sometimes wisdom comes from the most unlikely sources. The old man continues:

“I said to the Jeddah man: ‘I don’t Pray because, look at me, I drink’

‘Listen to me man’ the Jeddah man said ‘Us human beings, we have ropes between us and our Lord of the Worlds. A rope called [Being good to Parents]. A rope called [Reading the Quran]. A rope called [Giving Charity]. A rope called [Prayer]. When you are not good to your parents, you come to the first rope and you cut it. When you don’t read Quran, you come to the second rope and you cut it. When you don’t give charity, you come to the third rope and cut it. Dude, keep the last rope [Prayer] between you and our Lord of the Worlds intact, it might come in handy to you someday!’”

This is them and they are drunk, one of them telling the other to keep the Prayer rope intact incase he needs it later. The old man continues:

“As the Jeddah man finished talking, I thought to myself ‘What he is saying is truly right …’ I stood up, left the party, went home, washed myself and Prayed Maghrib and Ishaa. And since that day I have never left a single Prayer!”

And the reward of bringing the old man back to the righteous path is given to whom? –Sheikh pauses and smiles again—This is one of the benefits of alcohol by the way, because as it says in the Quran (In them there is great harm and also benefit to people).

Icky toilets

Have you ever entered a toilet in a Muslim country and found yourself on the verge of collapsing from the horror of the sight that is before? I know, I know ... I have a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach just thinking about it and I apologize if I caused any more sick feelings in the pit of stomachs out there. However, this is a very important subject in Islam. Cleanliness in Islam is VERY important. That is why we perform the Wudu before prayer, and we purify ourselves with water after certain acts we do as human beings.

Yet, I can't help but be amazed (and I don't mean amazed in a good way) at the way some toilets are used by Muslims. It's horrible, it's disgusting and it's sick. Do they not know that putting harm in a person's way is a sin? Do they not know the etiquette that has been taught to us by our Prophet Peace Be Upon Him when going to the toilet? Do they not know how important it is to be clean and pure?

Even going to the toilet can be a way of getting 7asanat (good deeds) if performed in the correct Islamic way, and yet can also end up being a saye2a (sin) when done in a wrong and harmful way.

Like I said in the previous post, Islam is more than just the 5 pillars (i.e: shahada, prayer, fast, zaka, hajj) but it encompasses every aspect of the life, even going to the toilet! The following video elaborates more on the topic. I apologize if anyone found this post and/or the video a bit icky, but it truly is a problem that needs to be addressed. InshaAllah people will begin realizing just how important this topic is, and teach themselves as well as their children the proper way of using toilets.

Been to Hajj and back again

Salam Alekoum readers out there!

It's been a long while, has it not? =P I am back home right now, been home for more than a month so far and I must say already itching for work xD Initially I wanted a holiday until February but that's just too long I am already starting to feel bored and want to be able to do something worthwhile with my time (along with the other things I do like reading, drawing, cooking, etc)

One incredible thing that did happen to me so far is that I went to Hajj =) It was not planned at all. I just walked in one day on my Mom and Dad discussing the idea of going to Hajj, they asked if I would like to come, I said YES! and my Dad kinda banged his hand on the table in this hardcore way and went "Ok, we are going to Hajj this year!" I think this was like two weeks before Hajj, so we had a tiny amount of time to prepare ourselves. I felt so happy and so incredibly grateful for Allah blessing me with the chance to be going on this journey so easily and with no complications. Hamdullah, hamdullah, hamdullah!

The journey of Hajj in the means of 3ibada (worship) and doing the manasek (the different procedures) was so amazing. My favourite day was waqfat el 3arafa (Arafa) when we went to the mountain and all sat around out it in the different camps. On this day, from the time the sun rises, to the time the sun sets, all a person's sins can be forgiven with his Duaa to Allah. I took this day upon myself as a day I would contemplate all the blessings that I had in my life and thank Allah for them (or atleast I tried my best coz no matter how hard I try I will never be able to see all the blessings that have been bestowed on me), to ask for forgivness for the bad things I have done for my life, and finally to pray for myself as well as for my dear family and friends.

Seeing the Masjid el 7aram for the first time in my life really moved me to tears. I couldn't believe I was finally looking at it. And what was more amazing was the AMOUNT of people streaming towards it. The best way I can describe it is for you to imagine an ant mound, and thousands of tiny ants streaming towards it from every single direction. That's how the people were moving towards the Masjid for prayer. I couldn't believe the sheer number of humans I saw there, Subhan Allah, and we (My Mom, Dad and I) were just a speck in the stream as we became a part of it.

I saw people there of every race in the world during Hajj, faces that I have never seen the likes of before in my life. A nice activity to engage in is to sit somewhere where you can watch a crowd of people moving along, and remember the following verse from the Quran:

وَأَذِّن فِى ٱلنَّاسِ بِٱلۡحَجِّ يَأۡتُوكَ رِجَالاً۬ وَعَلَىٰ ڪُلِّ ضَامِرٍ۬ يَأۡتِينَ مِن كُلِّ فَجٍّ عَمِيقٍ۬

And proclaim unto mankind the pilgrimage. They will come unto thee on foot and on every lean camel; they will come from every deep ravine

(Surat Hajj, verse 27)

I must say though, there were a few scary moments during my time there. Due to the huge number of people, sometimes the crowds can get a little stiffling and it would kinda make me start hyperventilating coz I really do not like crowds and being in the middle of so many human beings. However, I kept repeating the Duaa (Allahuma yaser wa la tu3aser) (Oh my Lord, make it easy and dont make it hard) and hamdullah I was able to get through some really tough situations that I normally would not be able to go through. My father literally pulled me out of a crowd of people during Rami el Jamarat because I was getting pulled away from him by the stream lol. My elbow was really sore later on that day xD

Another thing that disappointed me is the behaviour of some Muslims in terms of throwing trash and even dealing with people. I was shocked at the amount of garbage in Meena, it was so bad it started to reek. Have they forgotten the ahadith of the Prophet Peace Be Upon Him dealing with keeping a place clean and beautiful as well as not throwing garbageon the ground. Also, the behaviour of some Muslims in terms of smashing into people when they are walking was really not cool. It seems that people forget that Islam is more than just the 5 pillars, but a whole way of life. All I can say is Allah yhdeena jamee3an inshaAllah.

I came back from Hajj feeling kind of a mix of emotions as a result of my experience there. I was sad due to the some of the behaviour and sights I saw there, but feeling incredibly happy that I was able to perform the journey and to have read so much Quran as well as Duaas in such a short number of days. I was terribly ill and so exhausted, and ended mostly sleeping during the next week after our return and recovering from a fever I had. However, looking back now on my time in Maka and the Hajj, I hope that Allah will grant me the chance to perform this journey again one day if He so wills it for me coz I really would love to go through it again, no matter how much of a Jihad it is.

Nouman Ali Khan - Divine Speech

Another 1 week and I will be done with a big stage of my life inshaAllah.

All thanks goes to Allah that I made it this far, it really does feel unreal .. AlHamdullah.

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Yes, I am going through a Nouman craze at the moment =P MashaAllah I can't have enough of his lectures ... the way he interprets the verses and presents his thoughts. I also love how he approaches it from the classical literature point of view, i.e that this is a book that was revealed to a tribe that took pride in literature and poetry and none of them could come even close to creating such a thing.

I am a big fan of literature, I read books and am mesmerized by the words that a human brain can produce, the tying together of thought, feeling and expression in a few sentences. However, over the past two years I lost my love for reading. I couldn't find anything that spoke to me on the level that books once did. In fact, I lost interest in a lot of things, life was generally living it out each day at a time. All this time the Quran was on my shelf and I am ashamed to admit that I hardly ever read it, and if I did it would be just because it's a duty (Friday: reading Surat al Kahaf, or during Ramadhan). This has all changed now.

I feel excitment when I am about to read the Quran. I sit on the floor, with my back leaning against my bed and recite the Quran slowly, carefully. It's like I am seeing things I never realized were in there before. Sentences jump out at me, I go back and reread verses again and again, I recall lectures and stories that I have heard over the years and I am able to pull out the morals from them. I tell myself that I should read a certain amount then go off and do chores, but end up reading more and more. It's almost like soul cleansing, the way I feel before and after reciting the Quran is completely different, all the negative emotions and feelings are completely gone. AlHamdulillah.

One of the things that contributed to this is education about my religion ... the more I learn, the more my eyes open and the more I fall in-love with Islam.

Here's a video that's excellent in terms of education, one of the best from brother Nouman. I've watched it twice already and will gladly watch it over and over. May Allah grant this brother and all the Muslims the high Ferdaws, Ameen.

Nouman Ali Khan - Divine Speech part 1

Nouman Ali Khan - Divine Speech part 2

Nouman Ali Khan Tafseer

An update on the post where I shared links to mp3 files of bother Nouman's tafseer of Surat al Naba'. I've listened to nearly all the files available on the site so far (with more coming out week by week) and I have thoroughly enjoyed it. I like how brother Nouman gives different view points and then reasons on why this viewpoints exist, and gives his opinion on the matter. Inspiring person hehe.

Here's the link to where you can access all the files:

http://www.bayyinah.com/dream/

Store them on an MP3 player and listen to them whenever possible: driving, training, cleaning the house, etc.

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Update:

The website has undergone some changes and you can now listen to the Tafseers as podcasts hosted on the site.

Black American Revert Story

Another two weeks till I am done with Uni .. inshaAllah 5air.

I miss this place =(

My honors presentation and interview is on Tuesday. The first year group I have been managing have their presentation on Friday. I also have to submit my design report on that day.

I need to conduct a usability study on AutoBOB (the indexing programme I developed) and submit it's report on 30th of October. Also, a diary study report is due and I have my Data Mining exam on the same day.

Then I leave New Zealand on the 3rd of November, arrive in Oman on 5th and begin my life as a University graduate, inshaAllah =)

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I loved hearing this dude's story.

Tafsir: Nouman Ali Khan - Surat An Naba'

The video is an intro by brother Nouman to his dream: being able to teach arabic and relate the tafsir of the Quran from the language it was brought down in precisely.

The following two link are a first in a series of lectures offered by Nouman where he will faser (the act of performing tafseer) juzo' amma (the last section in the Quran). All lectures can be found: http://www.bayyinah.com/dream/

The first lectures revolve around Surat An Naba'. The sound quality is not the best to be honest, but it becomes perfect with the second lecture (guess they fixed the mic problem or whatever it was). The lectures are in MP3 format and can be downloaded and placed in your MP3 player for later listening =P

Enjoy!

Surat An Naba' 1

Surat An Naba' 2

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Update:

The Bayyinah website has gone through some changes and you can now listen to the lectures as podcasts hosted on the site. Here are the links to Surat An Naba' lectures:

Part 1

Part 2

Yusuf Estes - Priests and Preachers entering Islam

The title is a little misleading with this lecture. Although Sheikh Yusuf does mention a little on the topic of the title, he mostly concentrated on it from his point of view (he used to be a protestant music minister). It's a really lovely talk, where he talks in detail on his coming to Islam, as well as the people around him (friend, wife, father). I always learn something new from Sheikh Yusuf's talk (even if his jokes are kinda repeated alot xD) and feel so inspired that such a human being exists on this Earth =)

Enjoy! Here are the YouTube links

Yusuf Estes - Priests and Preachers entering Islam

Yusuf Esters - Priests and Preachers entering Islam (Q&A)

Huran Yahya - Heal Yourself Through Forgiveness

Harun Yahya is the author, who writes under the pen name Harun Yahya, was born in Ankara in 1956. He studied arts at Istanbul's Mimar Sinan University and philosophy at Istanbul University. Since the 1980s, the author has published many books on political, faith-related and scientific issues. Harun Yahya is well known as an author who has written very important works disclosing the imposture of evolutionists, the invalidity of their claims and the dark liaisons between Darwinism and bloody ideologies. Some of the books of the author have been translated into English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Albanian, Arabic, Polish, Russian, Bosnian, Indonesian, Turkish, Tatar, Urdu and Malay and published in the countries concerned. Harun Yahya's books appeal to all people, Muslims and non-Muslims alike, regardless of their age, race and nationality, as they center around one goal: to open the readers' mind by presenting the sign's of God's eternal existence to them.

This is his website for those intrested to read more of his articles (highly recommend you to do so, some pretty wicked stuff are on there) Here is a lovely article written by him, revolving the incredibly rare act in our current day and age of total forgiveness.

One of the moral traits recommended in the Qur'an is forgiveness:

Hold to forgiveness, command what is right, and turn away from the ignorant. (7: 199)

In another verse Allah commands: "… They should rather pardon and overlook. Would you not love Allah to forgive you? Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful." (24:22)

Those who do not abide by the moral values of the Qur'an find it very difficult to forgive others. Because, they are easily angered by any error committed. However, Allah has advised the faithful that forgiveness is more proper:

The repayment of a bad action is one equivalent to it. But if someone pardons and puts things right, his reward is with Allah… (42:40)

…. But if you pardon and exonerate and forgive, Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (64: 14)

It has also been revealed in the Qur'an that forgiveness is a superior moral trait:

"But if someone is steadfast and forgives, that is the most resolute course to follow." (42:43)

For that reason, believers are forgiving, compassionate and tolerant people who, as revealed in the Qur'an,

"control their rage and pardon other people." (3:134)

Believers' notion of forgiveness is very different to that of those who do not live by the morals of the Qur'an. Even though many people may say they have forgiven someone who has offended them, it nevertheless takes a long time to free themselves of the hatred and anger in their hearts. Their behaviour tends to betray that anger. On the other hand, the forgiveness of believers is sincere. Because believers know that human beings are tried in this world, and learn by their mistakes, they are tolerant and compassionate. Moreover, believers are also capable of forgiveness even when they are in the right, and the other in the wrong. When forgiving, they make no distinction between large errors and small ones. Someone may cause severe losses to them by mistake. However, believers know that everything takes place under the command of Allah, and according to a specific destiny, and therefore, they surrender themselves to these developments, never acquiescing to anger.

Established Through Research

According to recent research, American scientists established that those capable of forgiveness are healthier in both mind and body. Dr. Frederic Luskin, who holds a Ph.D. in Counselling and Health Psychology from Stanford University, and his team, studied 259 people living in the city of San Francisco. The scientists invited the subjects to attend six one-and-a-half-hour sessions, and aimed to instruct the subjects in forgiveness during their conversations.

The subjects of the experiments stated that they suffered less after forgiving people who had wronged them. The research showed that people who learned to forgive feel much better, not only emotionally but also physically. For example, it was established that after the experiment psychological and physical symptoms such as stress-related backache, insomnia and stomachaches were significantly reduced in these individuals.

In his book, Forgive for Good, Dr. Frederic Luskin describes forgiveness as a proven recipe for health and happiness. The book describes how forgiveness promotes such positive states of mind as hope, patience and self-confidence by reducing anger, suffering, depression and stress. According to Dr. Luskin, harboured anger causes observable physical effects in the individual. He goes on to say that:

The thing about long-term or unresolved anger is we've seen it resets the internal thermostat. When you get used to a low level of anger all the time, you don't recognize what's normal. It creates a kind of adrenaline rush that people get used to. It burns out the body and makes it difficult to think clearly-making the situation worse1.

In addition, Dr. Luskin says, when the body releases certain enzymes during anger and stress, cholesterol and blood pressure levels go up-not a good long-term disposition to maintain the body in2.

Emotional Balance

An article called "Forgiveness," published in the September-October 1996 edition of Healing Currents Magazine, stated that anger towards an individual or an event led to negative emotions in people, and harmed their emotional balance and even their physical health3. The article also states that people realise after a while that the anger is a nuisance to them, and wish to repair the damage to the relationship. So, they take steps to forgive. It is also stated that, despite all they endure, people do not want to waste the precious moments of their life in anger and anxiety, and prefer to forgive themselves and others4.

In another study involving 1,500 people depression, stress and mental illness were observed to be less frequent in religious people. Dr. Herbert Benson, who conducted the research, linked this to the way religions encourage "forgiveness", and went on to say:

There's a physiology of forgiveness… When you do not forgive, it will chew you up5.

According to an article titled, "Anger is Hostile To Your Heart," published in the Harvard Gazette, anger is extremely harmful to the heart. Ichiro Kawachi, an assistant professor of medicine, and his team scientifically demonstrated this with various tests and measurements. As a result of their research, they established that grumpy old men had three times the risk of heart disease than their more tempered peers. "The tripling of risk," Kawachi says, "involves high levels of anger, explosive anger that includes smashing things and wanting to hurt someone in a fight6."

Researchers believe that release of stress hormones, increased oxygen demand by the heart's muscle cells, and added stickiness of blood platelets, which leads to clots explain how anger increases the chance of a heart attack7. Furthermore, at times of anger, the pulse rises above its normal level, and leads to increased blood pressure in the arteries, and thus to a greater risk of heart attack.

Psychosomatic Disorders

According to researchers, anger and hostility can also trigger the production of proteins linked to inflammation in the blood. The journal Psychosomatic Medicine suggested that the emotion triggers the production of inflammatory proteins, which may in turn be causing the hardening of the arteries, causing heart disease and stroke8. According to Associate Professor Edward Suarez of the Duke University Medical Centre in North Carolina, the protein interleukin 6 (or IL-6) is much higher in men who are angry and depressed. High blood levels of IL-6 lead to atherosclerosis, the build-up of fatty deposits in the lining of the walls of arteries9. According to Suarez, as well as factors such as smoking, high blood pressure, obesity and high cholesterol, heart disease is also linked to psychological states such as depression, anger and hostility10.

Another article, titled "Anger Raises Risk of Heart Attack," published in The Times, stated that a short temper might be a short cut to a heart attack, and that young men who reacted to stress by becoming angry were three times more likely to develop premature heart disease, and were five times more likely to have an early heart attack11. Scientists at John Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, found that quick-tempered men are at risk of heart attack even if there is no family history of heart disease12.

All the available research shows that anger is a state of mind that seriously damages human health. Forgiveness, on the other hand, even if it comes hard to people, is pleasing, an aspect of superior morals, that eliminates all the harmful effects of anger, and helps the individual to enjoy a healthy life, both psychologically and physically. Forgiveness, of course, is one of a form of behaviour by which a person can stay healthy, and a positive virtue everyone should live by. However, the true aim of forgiveness-as in all else-must be to please Allah. The fact that the features of this sort of morality, and that the benefits of which have been scientifically identified, have been revealed in many verses of the Qur'an, is just one of the many sources of wisdom it contains.

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1- Jennifer Desai, "Stanford Forgiveness Project's Dr. Frederic Luskin studies why learning to forgive might be good for the body as well as the soul," Almanac, 9 June 1999, www.almanacnews.com/morgue/1999/1999_06_09.forgive.html.

2- Ibid.

3- Frederic Luskin, Ph.D., "Forgiveness," Healing Currents Magazine, September-October 1996, www.stanford.edu/~alexsox/4_steps_to_forgiveness.htm.

4- Ibid.

5- Claudia Kalb, "Faith & Healing," Newsweek, 10 November 2003, http://msnbc.msn.com/id/3339654/site/newsweek.

6- William J. Cromie, "Anger is Hostile to Your Heart," Harvard Gazette, www.news.harvard.edu/gazette/1996/11.07/AngerisHostileT.html.

7- Ibid.

8- Peter Lavelle, "Anger trigger to heart disease found?," ABC Science Online, 5 August 2003, www.abc.net.au/science/news/stories/s915243.htm.

9- Ibid.

10- Ibid.

11- Mark Henderson, "Anger Raises Risk of Heart Attack," The Times, London, 24 April 2002, www.rense.com/general24/anger.htm.

12- Ibid.

Source

Suhaib Webb - The Fear of Allah

In this lecture, brother Suhaib speaks about how one can fear Allah and revere Him. However, don't think that this is the same fear as the fear we feel of people here on Earth. When we fear someone, we tend to run AWAY from them. When we fear Allah Subhanho wa Taala, we run TOWARDS him. A number of stories are shared in the lecture, as well as examples that easily bring the idea forward.

I watched the lecture twice, that's how much I liked it hehe. Plus brother Suhaib's yo yo yo accent is awesome, and when he suddenly switches to Egyptian Arabic its even awesome-r haha. Enjoy!

Suhaib Webb - The Fear of Allah

Suhaib Webb - Revenge of the Fallen

Ustadh Suhaib Webb was born in 1972 and raised in the State of Oklahoma, USA. During his teens he became a Hip Hop DJ and made many records with different artists and bands. Suhaib Webb converted to Islam at the age of 20. He completed his degree in Elementary Education and served as Imam for the Islamic Society of Greater Oklahoma City. He moved to the Bay Area and is currently in his second year of studies at Al-Azhar University in Cairo. While in the States Ustadh Suhaib works with MAS at many local and national levels.

I very recently came across this brother (3 days ago) and I loved all his lectures and speeches so far. He has a very (yo yo yo) attitude when it comes to talking which is so weird to hear when one discusses islamic matters haha. I guess I've been brought up with the notion that all scholars and sheikhs are these rigid boring people that speak in ye olden language.

Here is an amazing lecture revolving sins and the reality of humans being far from perfect.

His Egyptian accent is wicked haha

Suhaib Webb - Revenge of the Fallen

Where have I been?

This is gonna be an (about me) update. First I want to apologize for not having been taking care of this place like I said I would, but I really got caught up with Ramadan and my studies. My days were composed of:

-Waking for su7oor, reading Quran, praying, reading a little more Quran and maybe some Duaas, sleep

-Wake up, get dressed up, off to uni

-Go immediatly to friend's place for if6ar

-Come home usually about 8 pm, pray Taraweeh

-A bit of studies or surfing on the web and sleep

In the beginning I was able to manage my time well because I did not have a lot of assignments due at Uni, but then they started piling up one by one and ... AHH!

Oh well that part is over with, and Ramadan is over as well =( May Allah accept all our fasting and worship throughout this whole month. The air does not feel the same at all with the Holy Month gone.

And Eid Mubarek! Eid here was on a Monday, but I decided to skip lectures and spend the day under the shade of a tree, eating yummy BBQ with fellow Muslims here hehe.

The most crazy Uni time of the year is creeping up. I have 4 weeks left until I have to

-Hand in Managment Report

-Hand in Design Report

-Finish Usability Project

-Prepare for a presentation

-Design a poster for engineering day

and throw a couple of assignments here and there. May Allah help me through this time. I do admit that I am kinda nervous, but I will do my best and whatever happens I will be satisfied with it. Hehe, inshaAllah Khair =).

THEN ITS BACK HOME! TO MY FAMILY =D

I will do my best to keep this place alive during the next month. Salam Alekoum!

Beauties of Islam - Relationship between human beings and Almighty Allah

Even though this series is mostly aimed at people who are new to Islam or are curious about it, I did find it very lovely to watch. I'll post the videos I epically liked. Here is the first one, where Sheikh Yusuf explains our relationship with Allah.

Bilal Assad - Those Who Desire Paradise

Another awesome lecture from this brother.

Those Who Desire Paradise.

Fasting From One's Desires - Bilal Asaad

Sorry for not updating this place .. my time has been squished my university/assignment/sickness. I'll post the usual Ramadan vids later, but here is an excellent lecture. We're in the last days of Ramadan, still a chance for one to make better their fasting

In the Shade of Ramadan 2009 - Episode 18 Observing Allah

Dr. Imad talks about the concept of observing Allah because He is always observing us.

Amr Khalid: Quran Stories - Episode 18

Amr Khalid: Quran Stories - Episode 18

شاهد كيف يصبغون الكتاكيت (الصيصان) - مقطع مؤثر

Title of video --> Watch how they dye/color the chicks.

Warning: if you love animals, be prepared for some heart breaking scenes. I couldn't take watching the video, but just goes to show how heartless so many people are. Harming a helpless creature is FORBIDDEN in Islam. The Shaikh in the video is greatly condemning the act, expressing his disbelief at how the man is treating the chicks as though they are food, dropping into a bowl and mixing them all up.

In the Shade of Ramadan 2009 - Episode 17 Entering and Exiting the home

Ustadh Jamaal shares with us the proper etiquette for entering and exiting the home.

Amr Khalid: Quran Stories - Episode 17

Amr Khalid: Quran Stories - Episode 17

In the Shade of Ramadan 2009 - Episode 16 He Frowned

Dr. Imad shares with us an important story from the life of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

Amr Khalid: Quran Stories - Episode 16

Amr Khalid: Quran Stories - Episode 16

In the Shade of Ramadan 2009 - Episode 15 Spending for Allah

This episode reminds us of the great reward of spending in Allah's way, the Almighty, as is mentioned in the parable from surat Baqarah.

Amr Khalid: Quran Stories - Episode 15

I felt so guilty at the end of the episode when we were told how Allah Subhanho Wa Taala told Prophet Moosa Peace Be Upon Him how special the Umma of Prophet Mohammed Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him. The guilt I felt is due to how far so many of us have strayed from the straight path of Islam. We take for granted what we are blessed with.

Readers, I have a major test tomorrow, please say a Dua for me to pass xD Here's the episode

Amr Khalid: Quran Stories - Episode 15

Nouman Ali Khan - Obedience from Love of Allah

Br. Nouman Ali Khan discusses in this khutbah an indirect form of shirk. It is a form in which we follow and chase what is haraam. It is crucial that we obey what Allah ta'ala has said. Br. Nouman discusses the fate of those who obey their culture, tradition and relatives rather than Allah's commands. At the end of the day, knowledge doesn't keep us away from haraam. It is the sincere dedication to obey Allah ta'ala that will ultimately help us.

Sound quality is kinda bad, but quite a thought provoking lecture/khutbah in our present day and age.

Nouman Ali Khan - Obedience from Love of Allah

In the Shade of Ramadan 2009 - Episode 14 Al Ghafoor

Beautiful Episode =)

Muslema Purmul shares with us the meaning of yet another beautiful characteristic of Allah, Al Ghafoor.

Amr Khalid: Quran Stories - Episode 14

I still didn't have the chance to watch this episode (was studying for a test) but from what was said yesterday am guessing the flight of Prophet Moosa Peace Be Upon Him and the Children if Israel from Egypt and Pharaoh is told, in addition to one of Allah's miracles to Prophet Moosa: Splitting the sea.

Amr Khalid: Quran Stories - Episode 14

Nouman Ali Khan - Who are the People of Taqwa?

This is defiantly one of my favorite lectures given by the brother. Click on the link to watch the video in HQ.

Nouman Ali Khan - Who are the People of Taqwa?

In the Shade of Ramadan 2009 - Episode 13 Hope

Some pretty bad technical errors occur in this episode starting somewhere at the 4th minute where the music becomes so loud you can't hear what is being said xD Still, some good points are covered.

Dr. Imad uses verses from the Quran to shed light on the importance of having hope in Allah.

Amr Khalid: Quran Stories - Episode 13

This episode was kinda scary for me to be honest. In it the plagues or curses Allah Subhanho wa Taala sent down on Egypt as warnings are spoken about. Even after all the doubtless signs from Allah, Pharoh still refused to grant Prophet Moses Peace Be Upon Him's request of letting him and the Children of Israel to leave Egypt.

Amr Khalid: Quran Stories - Episode 13

Nouman Ali Khan - Our Legacy for the Next Generation: Doubt?

I guess I am considered to be in the middle when it comes to generations. What I mean is that I am not the next generation, as in I am not that young anymore, nor am I the current generation, as in I have not contributed as much to my society to be counted as one. Haha hope that made sense =P Nevertheless, this lecture by brother Nouman is a gem for all generations. It shows how far we have strayed from the path by arguing over petty thing, missing the big picture and hence warranting Allah's Subhanho Wa Taala's wrath on us. Disagreement is normal amongst human beings, after are all each is an individual on his own. What we need to learn to do is live with these disagreements in a light manner, not letting them take control over us. The art of talking when needed, and backing down when did so needs to be pounded into so many people's heads haha. Speaking your mind all the time being counted as a good trait is a misconception.

In the Shade of Ramadan 2009 - Episode 12 The role of the Heart

Munir reminds us of what the true purpose of our heart is.

Amr Khalid: Quran Stories - Episode 12

Good episode as always. I am way too sleepy at the moment to even give an overivew of what is talked about, but seriously it is a good episode *sleepy thumbs up*

Amr Khalid: Quran Stories - Episode 12

Nouman Ali Khan - The Quran: The Book of Timeless Guidance

This is not part of the after taraweeh series by brother Nouman (won't be posting anymore of them since I've posted all that is available), but still an amazing lecture. You can't help but look at the Quran in a different light after this lecture.

In the Shade of Ramadan 2009 - Episode 11 Speech and Spirituality

MUST WATCH!!

Jamal reminds us of some of the Islamic etiquette of speaking with one another, and how these basic manners are a part of spirituality.

Amr Khalid: Quran Stories - Episode 11

Another exciting episode xD Prophet Moosa Peace Be Upon Him and Pharoh's battle continues, this time infront of a huge crowd. Subhan Allah, Subhan Allah!

I love the effort Amr Khaled put into this episode, standing in the sun and running from place to place to bring us closer to the images and meanings. May Allah reward him for it all, Ameen.

Amr Khalid: Quran Stories - Episode 11

Nouman Ali Khan - The Healthy Marriage

This is the 19th and the last video available from the wonderful series =(

In the Shade of Ramadan 2009 - Episode 10 Cover Me

Dr. Imad narrates the story of the reaction of Prophet Mohammed (pbuh) to receiving the revelation. Dr. Imad draws important lessons from this great events that we can implement in our lives.

Amr Khalid: Quran Stories - Episode 10

I enjoyed this episode SO MUCH! In it we are taken through the debate Prophet Moosa and Pharoh had in a super exciting way xD

Amr Khalid: Quran Stories - Episode 10

Nouman Ali Khan - Wasting Time

This is the 18th lecture in the series.

In the Shade of Ramadan 2009 - Episode 9 Light Upon Light

Khaled Bahijri reflects on the parable in the Quran that refers to the guidance of Allah as light upon light. He reminds where the guidance of the light comes from and how we can work to attain that guidance.

Amr Khalid: Quran Stories - Episode 9

In this episode, we are walked through the emotions that Prophet Moosa felt as Allah Subhanoh wa Taala spoke to him, and revealed to him his great mission

Amr Khalid: Quran Stories - Episode 9

Nouman Ali Khan - Being the best to our parents

This is the 16th lecture in the series.

In the Shade of Ramadan 2009 - Episode 8 Al Hameed

Muslema Purmul reminds us why Allah (swt) is the Most Praiseworthy and how we should be grateful for the blessing that we receive from Al Hameed.

Amr Khalid: Quran Stories - Episode 8

One of the points presented by Amr Khalid in this show was about how the Prophets spent alot of time alone with nature before revelations reached them. It was part of making their belief stronger. Yesterday I had the lovely opportunity for the first time in my life to pray outdoors, in front of an ocean. I took a photo of the view. It's a different experience, praying to the sounds of nothing but the lapping of the water, and lifting your head after the Salam to see Allah's creation in front of your eyes: the sky, the mountain, the water. I think this might be one of the reasons why people are losing their Eman these days, we don't see Allah's creation before our eyes, but are surrounded by concrete monsters.

The photo was taken during the morning time, we prayed later during the afternoon. The sun was in front of us and lighting slightly different. Btw, afternoon is my favourite time of the day =P The period that's like two hours before sunset.



And here's the episode =P

Amr Khalid: Quran Stories - Episode 8

Nouman Ali Khan - The Dua of Ibrahim Peace Be Upon Him

This is the 15th lecture in the series.

In the Shade of Ramadan 2009 - Episode 7 Controlling Anger

Dr. Imad gives helpful tips on controlling ones temper and observing the proper Islamic character even during frustrating situations.

Amr Khalid: Quran Stories - Episode 7

We follow the Prophet Moosa Peace Be Upon Him as he flees from Egypt and heads to Madyan. Part 1 of the Madyan story. I was awestruck with the location filmings in this episode, I wanna go and see =(

Amr Khalid: Quran Stories - Episode 7

Nouman Ali Khan - The Best Friend Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH)

This is the 8th episode in the series. I couldn't find the 9th episode, sorry guys =(

Allah only chooses the best and so He chose Prophet Ibrahim as His friend. Br. Nouman Ali Khan shows us his character with Allah and brings out the lessons for us to learn from.

In the Shade of Ramadan 2009 - Episode 6 Importance of Islamic Manners

Jamal Diwan explains why observing the proper Islamic characteristics is so important in our dealings with one another.

Amr Khalid: Quran Stories - Episode 6

The sixth episode in the series. We learn of the events that forced Prophet Moses Peace Be Upon him to flee from the city he grew up in, and draw the lesson of the importance of making good decisions in our life on our own.

Amr Khalid: Quran Stories - Episode 6

Nouman Ali Khan - Righteous Company

This is the 7th episode in the series.

Brother Nouman discusses the results of taking friends other than the righteous slaves of Allah.

And no this does not refer to non-muslims, but to muslims and inanimate objects as well. Super amazing lecture, must watch.

In the Shade of Ramadan 2009 - Episode 5 Why the Heart?

Munir Qtaish of the importance of the heart in it's multiple functions. He urges us to take advantage of Ramadan by focussing on our hearts during this blessed month.

I think about this point quite a lot, the purity of the heart. What's the point of doing anything at all when you're heart is not in it? Let alone Islamic duties when you're just following rules like robots and not understanding why you are doing what you are doing. One of the ways to gain sincerity in my opinion is to gain more knowledge, to understand Islam purely.

Amr Khalid: Quran Stories - Episode 5

In this episode, we are walked through the childhood of Prophet Moses Peace Be Upon him, and the influences that molded him into the incredible leader he grew up to be.

Amr Khalid: Quran Stories - Episode 5

Nouman Ali Khan - Characteristics of the people of Jannah

This is the fifth lecture and the series.

Br. Nouman Ali Khan discusses Ayahs 133-136 of Surah Ale 'Imran, where Allah describes the ones who have attained the Ultimate reward: Jannah.

I think this might be my favorite lecture from the series.

In the Shade of Ramadan 2009 - Episode 4 "Read!"

Dr. Imad reflects on moments with the messenger of Allah, Mohammad (pbuh). He draws lessons from the first revelation of the Quran, when Mohammd (pbuh) was told to "Read!"

All I could say after watching this episode is Al 7amdullilah for this blessing =)

Amr Khalid: Quran Stories - Episode 4

This episode really tore at my heart strings lol. I never considered in depth the feelings and emotions Prophet Moosa's mother felt as she placed her new born baby in a river, not knowing what will happen to him ... =(

However, Allah promised her that he will be back in her arms, and Subhan Allah He kept to his promise. This ties with the lesson being delivered in the episode: El Twakol 3ala Allah (not sure how to translate this to English ... anyone got any suggestions?) It made me smile so much in the end, how in the end Allah kept to His promise. Allah keeps to all of His promises, but most people don't realize or understand the significance of that.

Amr Khalid: Quran Stories - Episode 4

Nouman Ali Khan - Justice vs Forgiveness

This is the fourth lecture in the series by Nouman Ali Khan. He continues from a point he touched upon in the third lecture Conflict Resolution: the comparison of Justice to Forgiveness.

In the Shade of Ramadan 2009 - Episode 3 The Importance of This World

Very nice reflections in this episode for us to consider closely during Ramadan to make better our lives =)

Khaled Bahijri draws lessons from a parable in the Quran to remind us of the importance of the life of this world in comparison to the life of the hereafter.

Amr Khalid: Quran Stories - Episode 3

Continuation of the story of Prophet Moses Peace Be Upon Him.

Haven't had time to watch it so can't comment on it yet =(

Amr Khalid: Quran Stories - Episode 3

Nouman Ali Khan - Conflict Resolution

Nouman is the founder and CEO of Bayyinah, as well as the lead instructor for a number of Bayyinah courses including the 'Fundamentals of Classical Arabic' and 'Divine Speech'. His first exposure to Arabic study was in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia where he completed his elementary education. He continued Arabic grammar study in Pakistan, where he received a scholarship for ranking among the top 10 scores in the national Arabic studies board examinations in 1993. But his serious training in Arabic began in the United States in 1999 under Dr. Abdus-Samie, founder and formal principal of Quran College, Faisalabad, Pakistan who happened to be touring the US for intensive lectures in Tafsir and Arabic studies. Under Dr. Abdus-Samie, Nouman developed a keen methodical understanding of Arabic grammar. He further benefited from Dr. Abdus-Samie by internalizing his unique teaching methods and later translating his work into English for the benefit of his own students. Nouman served as professor of Arabic at Nassau Community College until '06 and has taught Modern Standard and Classical Arabic at various venues for nearly 7 years with over 10,000 students nationwide. Currently he has dedicated himself to a seven-year-long project, of conducting a linguistic & literary focus Qur'anic Tafseer series in English. Recordings of sessions conducted so far can be downloaded at www.bayyinah.com/dream.

When I was first exposed to Nouman Ali Khan, I was quite impressed with his hold of the Arabic language, and how he was able to communicate directly the Tafseer of the Arabic Quran into English very clearly. His style of talking is laid back, and really logical as it speaks to the current day and age.

I haven't listened to any of his Tafseer sessions that are avalilable on bayyinah yet, so not sure how good they are ... however am pretty confident they are =P

Back in 2007, Nouman conducted a series of lectures after Taraweeh prayers where he would read particular ayat from the Quran then explain them elaborately. Only half of them have been uploaded to the web. I tried searching for the entire series but to no avail =( This is quite unfortunate as I really wanted to listen to the rest of the lectures in the series.

Anyways this is the third episode (couldn't find the first or second xD). Audio is not top notch, but you can hear him speak clearly. Enjoy!

In the Shade of Ramadan 2009 - Episode 2 Al Hadi (The Supreme Guide)

Sorry for not sharing this episode yesterday. Here's an overview of the second episode

Muslema Purmul reflects of one of the Names of Allah, Al-Hadi (The Supreme Guide). She reminds us of lessons that can be learned from this beautiful quality of our Creator.

Amr Khalid: Quran Stories - Episode 2

This episode was A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.

I applaud Amr Khalid, as well as his team for the effort that they put into making this show.

In the second episode, the story of Prophet Moosa Peace Be Upon Him is continued. However, before delving any deeper into the story, we are taken back to the time of Prophet Yusuf (Joseph) Peace Be Upon Him. Prophet Moosa is the great grandchild of Prophet Yaqoob (Jacob) Peace Be Upon them both, and we are shown their family tree. Amr Khalid then explains what happened to reduce the children of Israel (who is Yaqoob Peace Be Upon Him) from their high status during the time of Prophet Yusuf, to being slaves during the time of Prophet Moosa Peace Be Upon Them Both.

I've heard this story so many times in my life, but I learnt new information today. I loved how the history of what happened was explained to us, and I did some research and reading after watching the episode to learn more about the Hyksos. They are the group of people whom ruled Egypt during the time of Prophet Yusuf Peace Be Upon Him.

I also came across this rather interesting article regarding the number of Pharohs from the Quranic Prespective. Kinda related to the topic I guess xD

Finally, I loved the moral that was delivered in the show. In our current world, it's hard dealing with justice, since there is more injustice this world than justice lol. May Allah forgive us all for what's happening on the surface of this planet.

I won't embed the video here, but provide a link to it in YouYube in HD.

Amr Khlaid: Quran Stories - Part 2

Yusuf Estes - Why Should We Believe in God?

Another incredible lecture from this Texan Grandpa. I can totally imagine him jumping up and yelling "Yeeha!" xD This video is part of a Malaysian tour the Sheikh did last year, there are many more incredible lectures from the tour that I am yet to share. Also many more I am yet to watch myself. This particular lecture takes place in the Kuala Lumpur Islamic Studies Academy.

I noticed that he gets asked the Hijab and Beard question in every single lecture of his I've watched so far. It's pretty much the same answer, but worth listening to coz he sometimes elaborates with more points.

The lecture has two parts to it, I'll include the playlist to both. Enjoy it as much as I did =)

YouTube Playlist: Yusuf Estes - Why Should We Believe in God? Part 1

YouTube Playlist: Yusuf Estes - Why Should We Believe in God? Part 2

Makkah Salaat Al Witr and Dua Al Qunoot 1430. 1st Night - 21st Aug 2009 - Sheikh Abdur Rahman As Sudais

Memories of watching this with my Mother is flooding through me at the moment (like it always does when I watch any video showing Ramadan Night Prayers in Maka) Been four years since the last time I spent Ramdan with my family. Is feeling so nostalgic now lol.

Ameen to the Dua.

In the Shade of Ramadan 2009 - Episode 1 Welcoming Ramadan with Change

Another new part to a wonderful Ramadan series: In the Shade of Ramadan 2009. Here is a description of the first episode

Dr. Imad welcomes the blessed month of Ramadan and shares some insight and tips on changing ourselves for the better during this holy month

I loved what he spoke about, and I whole heartedly agree with him =) Change is extremely hard, but once you take that first nasty step, Subhan Allah you will wonder why you didn't take it sooner.

I'll share each new espisode of the series here as well throughout Ramadan.

Amr Khalid: Quran Stories - Episode 1

Part 2 of Amr Khalid's show from last Ramdan (Quran Stories) !

I super enjoyed this show from last Ramadan (I watched it on YouTube a couple of months ago though, not during Ramadan). I love stories so much, especially from the Quran because they all have morals and lessons we can learn and reflect on. There is an aya in the Quran that says each person can find their archetypes in these stories.

An archetype is an original model of a person, ideal example, or a prototype after which others are copied, patterned, or emulated; a symbol universally recognized by all. In psychology, an archetype is a model of a person, personality, or behavior.

In the analysis of personality, the term archetype is often broadly used to refer to

1. a stereotype -- personality type observed multiple times, especially an oversimplification of such a type; or
2. an epitome -- personality type exemplified, especially the "greatest" such examples.

I still don't know who I am though lol. I hope I'll realize it one day.

Here's the link to the first episode in HD. Amr Khalid starts out by reflecting on the importance of Ramdan to us Muslims, then he relates the story of Prophet Moses Peace Be Upon Him.

The first thing I noticed about the show this year is the incredible effort at relating the stories to your minds eye by the use of animation as well as telling the story at the location of where it occurred rather than just sitting in a studio. Quite cool.

I'll post the link to each episode on here everyday.

Amr Khalid: Quran Stories - Episode 1

Amazing Revert Story

An Aussie chap speaks about how he went from being an Atheist to a Muslim.

Pretty funny story hehe.

YouTube Playlist: Amazing Revert Story

Yusuf Estes - Discovering Ramdan

I've got so many lectures of this Sheikh that I want to share, but I'll take it one step at a time rather than flooding this place. This lecture takes place in New Zealand!

The Sheikh talks about his discovery of what Ramadan is during his first month of it after coming to Islam, and he ties it with how alot of Muslims are yet to discover Ramadan themselves. My favourite part of the lecture is when he talks about what Taqwa really is, and how Ramadan is a chance for us to increase our Taqwa.

I thought it would be a nice lecture to share, what with we are still in the first day of Ramadan and so still have the chance to achieve our best during it =)

Btw, the Sheikh looks so adorable with the green sweater worn on top of the Thowb xD

YouTube Playlist: Yusuf Estes - Discovering Ramadan

Ramadan Kareem

Ramdan is here =D I hope it will be a blessed one for all muslims around the world. May Allah accept our fasting, prayers and good deeds throughout the month, and forgive all of our sins. Ameen.


I'll write up what Ramadan means to me, and I hope it will inspire even a single person out there to live this Blessed Month to it's fullest. Excuse me if I have a preaching tone at any point xD That is not my intention, my intention is to share.

Abu Huraira related that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: Whoever fasts during Ramadan with faith and seeking his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven. Whoever prays during the nights in Ramadan with faith and seeking his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven. And he who passes Lailat al-Qadr in prayer with faith and seeking his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven (Bukhari, Muslim).

Every single one of us is truley blessed by Allah, for he has given us the chance to live to another Ramadan. Don't waste this opportunity. This is the month when the door to Paradise is open to mankind, and we can all work our way towards it, inshaAllah.

Living our lives out on this Earth, we come to forget that one day we are going to die. It does not matter what religion you are, if you believe in a god or not, death is certain to every single human being. What's sad is that we do not work for our death, we are instead stuck in this world working super hard for it, while it is nothing compared to what Allah has for us in the next life: Paradise. I used to be one of those persons, and am slowly coming to realize just how big a deal this is.

We worry about the Dunya (life on Earth) saying that we can skip a prayer today no problem, or it's ok to do such a sin it's only minor and after all Allah is forgiving. It doesn't work that way. Allah is indeed forgiving, but only to those who deserve it. How do you know you deserve it? You don't, and neither do I know. Our best deal is to do our best on this Earth in terms of what Allah wants, not what we want. That's what being a muslim means, total submission to Allah's will.

In arabic, a human being is called an "insan". The root of the word translates to forget, and that is what a human is, a forgetful creature. We forgot our main purpose to be put on this Earth, and that is to perform Ibada to Allah. I did not use the word (Worship) in place of (Ibada) because that's not really the correct term to use. Ibada does indeed include worshiping Allah by Salah and reading Quran, but it translates into wider circles. The way you eat can be an Ibada if you do it right. The way you wake up can be an Ibada if you do it right. They way you study can be an Ibada if you do it right.

So this Ramadan, cut out all the bad habits in your life and replace them with Ibadas please. I am not going to watch a single soap opera, instead I will read and/or watch articles related to Islam (and spam it here inshaAllah =P) I will increase my Thikr and Tasbeeh of Allah, and increase my reading of Quran, especially after Witr prayer. I will also pray Taraweeh as well, and increase my overall kushu'. InshaAllah, with the will of Allah.

Think of what you want to achieve this month. Even write a list of things you can make Dua to Allah for.

Abu Huraira related that the Prophet said: Allah the Majestic and Exalted said: "Every deed of man will receive ten to 700 times reward, except Siyam (fasting), for it is for Me and I shall reward it (as I like). There are two occasions of joy for one who fasts: one when he breaks the fast and the other when he will meet his Lord" (Muslim).

As you can notice from this Hadeeth, the reward of fasting is not set like the rewards of other deeds in this life. Instead, it comes from Allah and He will reward us with what He likes. Think about what this means. Imagine the rewards of fasting an entire day with complete kushu'.

Abu Huraira related that Rasulullah said: Many people who fast get nothing from their fast except hunger and thirst, and many people who pray at night get nothing from it except wakefulness (Darimi).

Don't be one of these. Try and understand the essence of this relegion, the concept of total submission to Allah, the concept of Ibada ... and you will most defiantly not be one of these people inshaAllah.

And am falling asleep xD This is way too late a time for me to be up, but I really wanted to write this post. I had a lot more to say, but I learnt today during a Web Usability lecture that generally web surfers hate long chunky pieces of text. They prefer short and concise sentences. I tried my best to deliver that and failed T_T But hey, at least it's not too bad.

Ramadan Kareem!

Yusuf Estes - The Beauty of Islam

Ok, enough with the Sulaiman Moola spamming =P I gots a new favourite Sheikh, and am probably gonna be spamming his videos on here in the upcoming days xD Sheikh Yusuf Estes.

First a little about him, the following are little text chunks from his official biography. If you wanna read the whole thing it's here

Sheik Yusuf Estes was born in the midwest United States 1944 to a religious Christian family. They to Houston, Texas in 1949 where he grew in the Disciples of Christ and was baptised into the church in 1956. Over the years he completed his studies in music and became a music teacher, well known entertainer and businessman and finally a music minister calling people to the Lord with his music and Bible.

During his business career he built up a chain of music stores and even had his own television series called the "Estes Music Jamboree". He and his father owned businesses and worked together in spreading religion and politics, all at the same time.

Although he had great wealth, Sheik Yusuf continued to seek the Lord while calling people to Jesus and Christian salvation.

His first encounter with a Muslim occured in 1991 when his father introduced him to a man from Egypt. When he discovered the man was a Muslim he began immediately trying to convert him to Jesus and join the church. However, the Muslim brought about a new understanding about the world's fastest growing religion and a real awakening to true Islam. While trying to convert the Muslim to Christianity Sheik Yusuf learned an important lesson about life, religion and God Almighty: You do not guide the one you love, but it is only God Almigthy Who Guides to His Way, whomever He Wills.

After three months of debates and dialogs with the Egyptian he watched as a Catholic priest friend of his, Father Peter Jacobs, accepted Islam and became a Muslim near Dallas, Texas. Then he, his father, his wife and children all became Muslims.

I came across a lecture of his today morning, called (The Beauty of Islam). The reason why I clicked on the video is because he reminded of my grandfather (may Allah have mercy on his soul) when I looked at the thumbnail image of the video. I kinda felt a bit of nostalgia, and hoped perhaps the old guy in the video would talk like my Hababu (what I used to call Grandpa). Well, I got what I kinda got what I hoped for and even more =D

The same sense of humor as my Hababu! I found myself smiling throughout most of the videos. Also the same method of intresting story telling way of explaining points, mashaAllah. The Sheikh starts out by telling us about the misconception some people have that if you are a pious muslim, life would be dandy all the time. That's not so at all. Allah said in the Holy Quran that he will test the muslims to see who is the truthful and has truly submitted to Allah's will from those who lie. The Sheikh explains this point to us using himself as an example, telling us what happened to him after the time he became a muslim (basically, he lost everything).

I urge you to watch the lecture, it's truly heart warming. And there is a beautiful surprise in the 7th video =P

YouTube Playlist: Yusuf Estes - The Beauty of Islam

(The first video's embbed feature has been disabled, sorry about not including the playlist videos here as well =( )

[Download] Tawfeeq As Sayegh Quran Recitation

Came across a website that offers impeccable quality mp3 files of all the Surahs in the Holy Quran, recited by my (current) favorite reciter: Tawfeeq As Sayegh.

Here are two samples, Surat al Layl and Surat al Inshiqaaq .



Mashallah.

Here is the website (is in arabic) --> CLICK!

Perfect opportunity to download the files and put them on your mp3 players for Ramadhan =) (and beyond =P)

[Quran Recitation] Moutasem al-Hameedi - Surat Al Baqarah {Verses 145 - 157}

Inshallah the following verses will calm your hearts like it just calmed mine. Listen to it intently.

[Quran Recitation] Surat Fatir {Verses 27-28}

A nice compilation of images/videos along with verses from Surah Fatir to make you look deeper into the world around you.

[Quran Recitation] Tawfeeq As Sayegh - Surat A'raaf {Verses 1 - 34}

Very beautiful recitation of powerful ayat from Surat Al A'raf.

Subhan Allah.