Tuesday, January 20, 2009

A break

Chinese New Year is around the corner.

And I will be away. Taking a short break away from S'pore and away from work.

This blog will not be updated with posts for about 2 weeks.

I will keep everyone posted of any musings when i'm back.

Meanwhile, chill out, stay cool and remember Allah swt always.

And remember our Muslim brethen in Gaza and Palestine, and of course all around the world in your supplications to Allah.

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Allah's Manifestation of His Signs

In the Name of Allah Most Compassionate Most Merciful



Alif Lam Ra. These are the Ayat of the Book of Wisdom. (1) It is a matter of wonderment to men that We have set Our inspiration to a man from among themselves? that he should warn mankind (of their danger), and give the good news to the Believers that they have before their Lord the lofty rank of Truth (but) say the Unbelievers: "This is indeed an evident sorcerer!" (2) Verily your Lord is Allah, Who created the heavens and the earth in six Days, then He established Himself on the Throne (of authority), regulating and governing all things. No intercessor (can plead with Him) except after His leave (hath been obtained). This is Allah your Lord; Him therefore serve ye: will ye not receive admonition? (3) To Him will be your return― of all of you. The promise of Allah is true and sure. It is He Who beginneth the process of Creation, and repeateth it, that He may reward with justice those who believe and work righteousness? but those who reject Him will have draughts of boiling fluids, and a Penalty grievous: because they did reject Him. (4) It is He Who made the sun to be a shining glory and the moon to be a light (of beauty), and measured out stages for it: that ye might know the number of years and the count (of time). No wise did Allah create this but in truth and righteousness. (Thus) doth He explain His Signs in detail, for those who understand. (5) Verily, in the alternation of the Night and the Day, and in all that Allah hath created in the heavens and the earth, are Signs for those who fear Him. (6) Those who rest not their hope on their meeting with Us, but are pleased and satisfied with the life of the present, and those who heed not Our Signs― (7) Their abode is the Fire because of the (evil) they earned. (8) Those who believe, and work righteousness their Lord will guide them because of their Faith: beneath them will flow rivers in Gardens of Bliss.

Wednesday, January 07, 2009

My 4th anniversary

Today is 10th of Muharram. Day of Ashura.

4 years ago, I had my conversion at Darul Arqam. Time seemed to pass so fast without realizing that it has been 4 years already.

As I began writing this, all those memories keep coming back, little by little. From the time I knew about Islam, to the time I took the decision to convert, and all that difficulties, obstacles and trials as a new Muslim.

When I looked back, I never realized that I’ve gone through all that by myself.

During my initial 2 years, it was really tough being all alone. Though I had my mentor with me for about a year, I really wished that we could spend more time learning together. But nevertheless, I’m really thankful for all that time he has forked out to teach me patiently. Jazakallah khairan, Mentor M. He may not be reading this anymore, but I hope he knows how I feel.

After he left for good, the trials became tougher. Faith was tested. Love was tested. No one could understand what I was going through. I almost gave up. It was : God’s Love vs Man’s Love. Which one is stronger in fight?

Anyhow, I’m glad and most thankful to Allah swt that I have survived another year as a Muslim. Surprised? I do not want to take my religion or faith for granted because God has the power to take it all away from me. I’m always praying to Allah for guiding me on the straight path, strengthening my faith, increasing my God consciousness (taqwa), obedience, sincerity and humility towards Him. And I shall pray to none except Allah.

And I hope, with this new Islamic year, and my new year resolutions:

1. to be a better Muslim, in the eyes of Allah and only for the sake of Allah’s pleasure.
2. to love our Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. not just in writing or saying motion but literally carrying out that action by studying about Rasullulah saw in details. Carry out his sunnah and his exemplary behaviour and character upon all creations of Allah.
3. to have respect and love for all creations as Prophet saw did it with no bias judgement on colour, race or religion. (filled with guilt whenever I think about my lapses on this part)
4. to be an excellent wife to my husband and insya allah, an excellent mother to my children.
5. to be able to receive Allah swt invitation to visit the Sacred House in this year.

Insya allah, may Allah swt gives me the strength, remembrance and resolute to execute them out with ease.

And yesterday, Ustaz Feisal shared with the Sirah class a terrible episode of how the Day of Ashura was marked on the pages of history.


In the year 680 A.D., an event happened that was a turning point for what was to become the Shi'a Muslim community. Ustaz reiterated that although we are mostly Sunni Muslims, we should never forget or be ignorant of this part of history. Saiyidinna Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, was brutally murdered during a battle against the ruling Caliph -- on the 10th day of Muharram ('Ashura). This took place in Karbala (modern-day Iraq), which is now an important pilgrimage site for Shi'a Muslims.

To cut the story short (because as how Ustaz elaborated the story for us, I was utterly sad and shocked at how the battle took on, I didn’t take much notes on this entire event. I can remember what happened but I'm not good with names so i can't share with all of you)

Shi'a Muslims observe the day in mourning for Hussein and in remembrance of his martyrdom. Re-enactments and plays are performed, attempting to relive the tragedy and keep the lessons of this event alive. Some Shi'a Muslims beat and flog themselves in parades on this day, to express their grief and to re-enact the pain that Hussein suffered.

It is a wrong practice related to this month is to hold the lamentation and mouming ceremonies in the memory of martyrdom of Sayyidinna Hussain, R.A. As mentioned earlier, the event of Karbala is one of the most tragic events of our history, but the Holy Prophet, s.a.w, has forbidden us from holding the mourning ceremonies on the death of any person. The people of jahiliyyah (ignorance) used to mourn over their deceased through loud lamentations, by tearing their clothes and by beating their cheeks and chests. The Holy Prophet, s.a.w, stopped the Muslims from doing all this and directed them to observe patience by saying "Innaa lillaahi wa innaa ilayhi raaji'oon". A number of authentic Ahaadith are available on the subject. To quote only one of them:
"He is not from our group who slaps his checks, tears his clothes and cries in the manner of the people of jahiliyyah." (Sahih Bukhari)

All the authentic jurists are unanimous on the point that the mourning of this type is impermissible. Even Sayyidinna Hussain, R.A, shortly before his demise, had advised his beloved sister Sayyidah Zainab, Radi-Allahu anha, at not to mourn over his death in this manner. He said, "My dear sister! I swear upon you that in case I die you shall not tear your clothes, nor scratch your face, nor curse anyone for me or pray for your death." (Al-Kamil, ibn Kathir vol. 4 pg. 24)


It is evident from this advice of Sayyidna Husain, Radi-Allahu anhu, that this type of mourning is condemned even by the blessed person for the memory of whom these mourning ceremonies are held. Every Muslim should avoid this practice and abide by the teachings of the Holy Prophet, s.a.w and his beloved grand child Sayyidinna Hussain, r.a.


So, Ashura is a religious observance marked every year by Muslims. The word 'ashura literally means "10th," as it is on the 10th day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic year. 'Ashura is an ancient observance that is now recognized for different reasons and in different ways among Sunni and Shi'a Muslims.

During the time of the Prophet Muhammad, local Jews observed a day of fasting at this time -- their Day of Atonement. The Prophet Muhammad learned of this tradition, and stated that the Muslims should also fast. He himself fasted for 2 days, and recommended that others do so as well. This fast is not required, simply recommended.

May Allah accept my sunnah prayers and fasting on this Day.
And keep me as a Muslim till the day I meet You on Judgement Day, ya Rabb!