Quote of the Day – Soul

Egocentric Resistance to Donning the Scarf

In my previous post titled Struggling to wear the Scarf? You’re not alone! I mentioned my transition into dressing in Hijab. And my post ‘A Womans Hair is her Beauty’, touches on the logic of hijab.

Everyone starts somewhere. There’s a point of realization and actualization where one accepts Allah’s command of dressing. For many of us it is a difficult journey.  For me it was extremely difficult, yet now that I cover my hair, I can’t imagine life without a scarf. I’ve reached a point where I feel like covering the bare heads of other women I encounter. Its often amusing to consider what their reactions would be.

Today I was reflecting on my pre-hijab days, before drawing on the conviction to cover my hair. Ramadan 2010 was upon us, it was only afew months until was scheduled to leave for hajj with my family. My hair was scarf-less inspite of the endless nagging by my family. Ramadan marked the changed of alot of life aspects, beyond just dressing and donning the scarf/

I’ve been pondering over the emotional difficulty or egocentric resistance we’re faced with with donning the scarf. Realistically, its more than just accepting it as part of the Shariah… There are women who question its validity. Those who research the rules of hijab, understand it logically yet don’t comply to it. It is more than just knowing the rules and laws of shariah. What are the emotional blockages we have that prevents us from wearing the scarf? Some women feel they will be unattractive. Others feel that their hairstyle renders them beautiful, or wearing the scarf deems them to be ‘holy’ or very religiously devout. Some women don’t want to stand out and be identified as muslims, while others have the partying, clubbing, drinking lifestyles where hijab doesn’t fit the norm. Ask yourself today… What is your reason for not wearing the scarf? Is it valid? is it ego driven? Identify why you’re having a problem.

So my dear sisters who are reading this post, try to put on the scarf when you go out, with the intention that you’re doing it for the pleasure of Allah SWT. Hijab enhances your beauty.

Next post to follow: Top Excuses for not wearing Hijab… Stay tuned

The Sealed Nectar – Ar Raheeq Al Makhtum

The Sealed Nectar, which is essentially the detailed Seerah of the Prophet Muhammad SAWS, is currently on my reading list. I’ve been wading through it slowly, as it is very rich in detail, dates, chronology, and names.  It is brilliantly woven together in a way that allows the reader to picture the Prophet SAWS’s life, and journey with him through his experiences. There have been parts in the book that are extremely emotional and moving, I’ve closed the book and shed my tears before resuming reading. If you want to know the prophet, journey with him, experience his difficulty in bringing to us Deen-ul-Islam, read this book.  You will connect with islamic history in a way you never thought possible.

A complete authoritative book on the life of Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) by Sheikh Safi-ur-Rahman al-Mubarkpuri. It was honored by the World Muslim League as first prize winner book. Whoever wants to know the whole life style of the Prophet in detail must read this book.

Muhammad (S) is the Messenger of Allah, and those who are with him, are severe against the disbelievers, and merciful among themselves. You see them bowing and falling down prostrate (in prayer), seeking bounty from Allah and (His) Good Pleasure. The mark of them (i.e. of their Faith) is on their faces (fore heads) from the traces of prostration (during prayers). This is their description in the Taurdt (Torah). But their description in the Injeel (Gospel) is like a (sown) seed which sends forth its shoot, then makes it strong, and becomes thick and it stands straight on its stem, delighting the sowers, that He may enrage the disbelievers with them. Allah has promised those among them who believe and do righteous good deeds, forgiveness and a mighty reward (Paradise). (Al-Fath: 29)

The Prophet Muhammad (S) said: “The example of guidance and knowledge with which Allah has sent me is like abundant rain falling on the earth. Some of which was fertile soil that absorbed rain-water and brought forth vegetation and grass in abundance. (And) another portion of it was hard and held the rain-water and Allah benefited the people with it and they utilized it for drinking, (making their animals drink from it) and to irrigate the land for cultivation. (And) a portion of it was barren which could neither hold the water nor bring forth vegetation (then that land gave no benefits). The first is the example of the person who comprehends Allah’s Religion (Islam) and gets benefit (from the knowledge) which Allah (Azawajal) has revealed through me (the Prophet ) and learns and then teaches it to others. The (last example is that of a) person who does not care for it and does not take Allah’s Guidance revealed through me (he is like that barren land).” (Al-Mukarramah)

Published by Dar-us-Salam Publications.

Download the ebook or Read PDF

• ISBN-10: 1591440718
• ISBN-13: 978-1591440710

Qur’aan Quote of the Day

Resting Heart

Knowledge Hive SA 2011 – Post #2

Part 2 of our Knowledge Hive review. (Read Part one?)

Nearly all of the sessions held such pearls of wisdom which makes one want to change right there and then, but after a week you realize that change takes time and pain.

Picture by Nahida Esmail

Some pearls for our readers:

One is bound to live with two pains
The pain of discipline
OR
The pain of failure
YOUR CHOICE

Make up your mind and then do whatever it takes!!

Hard work wins over talent when talent does not work hard.

The more you learn about the Prophet (saw), the more you LOVE him(saw).

SUCCESS is taking risk CONSCIOUSLY.

The Quran’s effect should produce a positive change in the condition of the HEART.

Do good deeds consciously according to a system with a clear intention.

It is not about being remembered but about being remembered with honour.

It is not how much you have but how much you want which determines satisfaction of the heart.

Wisdom does not come with age but with intelligence!

Everytime you ask for success there will be a challenge.

Something that really helped me- A sister asked the question of how to stay chaste and keep from sin while being unmarried. Shaykh Yawar replied that one should become an expert on soil and engage in tawbah often.
The degree of difficulty is directly proportional to the change that is needed.

DISAGREE WITHOUT BEING DISAGREEABLE- good disagreement joins hearts and makes friends.

MUSLIMS CAME TO GIVE NOT TO TAKE!!!

You will never know what the best you can do is.

TAQWA- is to worship Allah upon HIS (swt) guidance and light hoping for reward from Allah.

DON’T Praise a muslim to his/her face as it gives one a false idea of who they are.

The believer knows that the Dunya has hardships while believing in the promise of Allah who has guaranteed relief.

Intention is in the heart AND Everything is judged by intention.

Deen is perfect and complete.

Links – The South African Madinah Students Association (SAMSA)

Muslimah(Life)Style will be intermittently sharing good reads and offering link love to other sites of interest. Please take a moment to visit SAMSA for some interesting reads.

The South African Madinah Students’ Association (SAMSA) is a non-profit voluntary association primarily established to serve the South African students enrolled at the Islamic University of Madinah (UAE) and unified in a vision to be of service to mankind and spread the teachings of Islam.

Be sure to add the site to your GoogleReader or other RSS Feed, to keep up to date with their articles and new developments. It is a relatively newly launched site, so let us upport students from our country who have moved forward in the path of deen seeking to increase their knowledge and give back to the Ummah. Should you be interested in studying at The Islamic  University of Madinah please visit SAMSA’s page on admissions & applications.

Our Twitter List for Follow Friday

We’re on the lookout for new interesting tweeple to follow on twitter, so feel free to offer suggestions:)

This weeks list of inspiring tweeples:

Hijabi Style: @HijabiStyle

Muslimah Media Watch : @MMWtweets

Inspirational Quotes: @duaforyou

Tariq Ramadans: @tariqramadan

And lastly, follow Connect with Muslimah(Life)Style on twitter: @Muslimah(Life)Style – connect with us on Twitter

The Veil of Fashion

The face veil of fashion Given the recent  burkah and veil ban in France, the world is stirring with awareness.
Its only a matter of time until conversations like this become part of the norm.

Knowledge Hive 2011 Review

Venue: Ezulwinini Berg Resort – Natal Drakenberg
Date: 05-10 April 2011
Speakers: Sheikh Yawar Baig, Sheikh Bilal Ismail, Sheikh Tariq Appleby

Knowledge Hive is a residential retreat for the serious students of Islamic knowledge. A gathering of the best and most dedicated students and some of the top Al-Kauthar instructors. A rare opportunity to live, eat, pray and spend educational time with the shuyukh in an environment of Imaan, knowledge and constant remembrance of Allah (SWT). It is your opportunity to isolate yourself from the distractions of the dunya and concentrate on mental and spiritual refinement through intensive study of Deen.

Having  attended the Knowledge Hive 2011 eventat Ezulwini Berg Resort in Drakensberg I realise I could not have done anything better for myself and my Imaan. The amazing sense of sisterhood coupled with the beautiful and peaceful surroundings was picturesque and serene, adding to the excitement and anticipation of yet another Knowledge Hive Event!

One of the highlights of my week and a very spectacular experience was Salaatul Jamaah. The hustle trying to get there timeously, seeing sisters whizz passed me saying, “Salaah has already started girls…”, to the calmness of the Musallah with a meeting and parting of smiles. Sisters united in generosity and worship. The reason I love this so much is because I seldom get to experience Salaatul Jamaah, usually at the annual Knowledge Hive or the Taraweeh experience in Ramadan; I value those days with passion. My experience compels me to encourage my fellow sisters to attend Salaatul Jamaah whenever they can do it appropriately and excel in worship.

My sisters, my sisters…I keep mentioning them as they are such a clear picture of Islam.

As we all try to implement the Quran and Sunnah in our lives we become a poignant example of ambition! I find it hard to understand the masses and their dislike of Hijab and Niqab, when I see my fellow muslim sisters donning the islamic dress code, I’m filled with love and admiration. I ask: Do you love yourself enough to wear it? Because when I see sisters following the Sunnah and fulfilling obligations set upon them with smiles on their faces, love & passion in their hearts, I can’t deny the spiritual love of Ummah that I feel for them! Hijabis and Niqabis who (other than setting the standard of Islam dresscode)  are accountants and life coaches, teachers and community workers, graphic designers, mobile crane operators, sole business owners, scientists; all the while being wives & mothers!!! Muslim women fit many a diverse identity as well as their role as half of the Ummah.

Inspite of covering fewer topics than last year the standard of the event was excellent.

I learnt of the Tafsir of Surah Al Asr,  where Allah the Most High takes an oath by time declaring everyone in a state of loss.
No distinction being made between believers & non believers (Sons of Adam). And Allah by his Mercy & Power offers US ALL respite.
Illa – except those who BELIEVE, do GOOD DEEDS and enjoin TRUTH AND PATIENCE.

See link for Surah103- Surah Asr – Arabic & English translation

Through this Surah we realise that JUST BELIEVING is NOT enough. Knowledge requires action and it requires that it be taught! My sisters, SubhanAllah, when we have something beautiful shouldn’t we share it? So with all my heart I appeal to you to learn, never stop trying to act on what you have learnt. Teach it and then practice patience by remaining steadfast and caring for your sisters enough to always be there offering a word or deed of comfort and ensuring that we remain upon the Siraatul Mustaqeem.

May Allah grant us success in this LIFE AND THE HEREAFTER!