ASSALAMU'ALAIKUM DEAR ILHAM FRIENDS,
Last week I received a large dose of reality check. It happened early Monday morning when I was awakened by an intense phone call from my friend, who informed me in distress that her 40 year old niece had passed away during the night. I could not respond appropriately due to confusion and shock. I had never met her niece, but felt a deep sense of sadness.
Within the hour my Amma called and filled the blanks that were needed for me to fully digest the sad news. She had gone to the hospital for an angiogram and began to lose function of her lungs and other organs during the process. An open-heart surgery was performed, and within a day and a half Luna passed away. She left behind grieving parents, a loving husband, and a 13-year-old son. Since our family had suffered similar loss, I felt the family's pain.
Later that night I was requested to perform her washing and shrouding. Amazingly, the last body that I had washed was her grandmother's body 21 years ago! I had not washed anyone since then. But I felt honored that I was asked.
Tamjeed, my beloved son was visiting me. He boldly announced that he would drive me to Nashville early next morning for the washing. It took us almost two hours to reach the masjid. We drove through extreme wet weather and morning rush hour.
Many dedicated sisters came as well as some of my friends and family. Together we prepared
Luna to meet her Creator.
So many thoughts raced through my mind. How vulnerable we are and how arrogantly we try to forget the reality of our temporary lives. The day Luna got admitted to the hospital was her son's 13th birthday. She had called him from the hospital and promised that on upcoming Sunday she would celebrate his birthday! Little did she knew that she would be leaving this earth the next day.
May we have the best lives, the best death, and home in the Hereafter free of humiliation. This was a du'a of our beloved Prophet Muhammad SalAllahu alaihi was-sallam.
Your sister in Islam,
Tasneem
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Monday, September 13, 2010
BISMILLAHIR RAHMAANIR RAHEEM.
ASSALAMU'ALAIKUM WRWBTH DEAR ILHAM FRIENDS,
It has been so long since I last wrote in this blog. So much has happened since last five months!!! AlHamdulilah, all was good.
In the last five months I saw my only maternal aunt and her daughter and her two grand-daughters. They came to visit us in April, and it was 24/7 fun and happiness. We all enjoyed their company and were very sad to see them leave. The best thing that happened was that they HAD to extend their stay due to the volcanic eruption in Iceland. They live in London, UK, and all flights were cancelled for about two weeks. Allah Works miracles everyday!! So, instead of staying for two weeks, they stayed for four weeks. We were overjoyed!
Then, we also went to perform the 'Umrah. My son could not go because of his board exams. My husband and I, as well as our two daughters were blessed to be there. Our entire experience was a miracle! I actually touched the Kaabah several times! I saw the footprints of Ibraheem AS! The grandeur of the visit cannot be adequately described in any human language. Faith is an inner reality, and its outward expression is limited at best.
No language can express the joy of seeing the Kaabah. It consumes the soul. One cannot think deeply while doing the tawwaf (circumambulation) around the Kaabah because its presence would make one lose consciousness. One just has to move and make du'a ardently, as if not trying to assess the situation. If one only steps into the 'moment' and realize the place of tawwaf, how holy it is, one would just faint. Not only it is sacred, it is full of history. I remembered many sacred historical events and at times my mind would get cloudy and I would feel disoriented. A voice deep within my being commanded me to suppress the thoughts and instead just perform the sacred rituals.
I thank Allah azza wajal for allowing me to visit His Home and the shrine of Prophet Muhammad Sa Allahu Alaiyhi Was-Sallam. I hope that many more visits are written in my decree.
Ma'Salamah,
Tasneem Ahmed
ASSALAMU'ALAIKUM WRWBTH DEAR ILHAM FRIENDS,
It has been so long since I last wrote in this blog. So much has happened since last five months!!! AlHamdulilah, all was good.
In the last five months I saw my only maternal aunt and her daughter and her two grand-daughters. They came to visit us in April, and it was 24/7 fun and happiness. We all enjoyed their company and were very sad to see them leave. The best thing that happened was that they HAD to extend their stay due to the volcanic eruption in Iceland. They live in London, UK, and all flights were cancelled for about two weeks. Allah Works miracles everyday!! So, instead of staying for two weeks, they stayed for four weeks. We were overjoyed!
Then, we also went to perform the 'Umrah. My son could not go because of his board exams. My husband and I, as well as our two daughters were blessed to be there. Our entire experience was a miracle! I actually touched the Kaabah several times! I saw the footprints of Ibraheem AS! The grandeur of the visit cannot be adequately described in any human language. Faith is an inner reality, and its outward expression is limited at best.
No language can express the joy of seeing the Kaabah. It consumes the soul. One cannot think deeply while doing the tawwaf (circumambulation) around the Kaabah because its presence would make one lose consciousness. One just has to move and make du'a ardently, as if not trying to assess the situation. If one only steps into the 'moment' and realize the place of tawwaf, how holy it is, one would just faint. Not only it is sacred, it is full of history. I remembered many sacred historical events and at times my mind would get cloudy and I would feel disoriented. A voice deep within my being commanded me to suppress the thoughts and instead just perform the sacred rituals.
I thank Allah azza wajal for allowing me to visit His Home and the shrine of Prophet Muhammad Sa Allahu Alaiyhi Was-Sallam. I hope that many more visits are written in my decree.
Ma'Salamah,
Tasneem Ahmed
Sunday, April 4, 2010
ILHAM FOR THE DAY
BISMILLAAHIR RAHMAANIR RAHEEM
ASSALAMU'ALAIKUM WA RAHMATULLAHI WA BARAKATUHU DEAR ILHAM FRIENDS,
Today is a very meloncholy day for me and for my entire family. In fact the entire weekend was quite heavy with grave memories of my beloved brother, Junaid.
He left us 21 years ago. The horrible accident happened on April 3rd, 1989. He finally passed away on April 5th. Those few days were the worst for us. Junaid was slowly creeping away towards His Owner, while Naved (his twin brother) was accepting his dire situation, also at Vanderbilt ICU.
I distinctly recall that fateful evening of April 4th, 1989. We received a call from the ICU that Junaid was deteriorating, and that we should be all at his side. The rest of the family rushed to the hospital on that bright Spring day. I remember thinking that Spring will never be the same for us, ever. No less that fifty people were gathered at the hospital. Few people were allowed to see Junaid at the ICU. I was totally numb and was moving as if I was a zombie. I prayed at his bedside and touched his feet. His upper body was violated with tubes. He seemed more like himself at my vantage point. I prayed and whispered softly to him that we would meet again on the Day of Judgement, InshaAllah. THat was the last time I had seen Junaid. The ventilator was pulled the next day since no brain acitivity remained. Our family had changed forever.
Abba and Amma seemed okay this evening. Even after all these years they tear easily at the mention of his name. They greive more in isolation now. They seem mellow especially at family gatherings. Perhaps they wonder what would Junaid's wife and children look like or how they would enhance their already existing extended family. They hide their sorrow in a dignified manner as they walk the steep path of life. May Allah azza wajal grant Junaid and my parents the Jannat - al- Firdous. " RABBIR HAMHUMA KAMA RABBAYANI SAGHIRA."
" O MY RABB, TAKE CARE OF THEM AS THEY TOOK CARE OF ME WHEN I WAS LITTLE."
Whoever is reading this, please make du'a for Junaid and for our family.
Ma'Salamah,
Tasneem Ahmed
ASSALAMU'ALAIKUM WA RAHMATULLAHI WA BARAKATUHU DEAR ILHAM FRIENDS,
Today is a very meloncholy day for me and for my entire family. In fact the entire weekend was quite heavy with grave memories of my beloved brother, Junaid.
He left us 21 years ago. The horrible accident happened on April 3rd, 1989. He finally passed away on April 5th. Those few days were the worst for us. Junaid was slowly creeping away towards His Owner, while Naved (his twin brother) was accepting his dire situation, also at Vanderbilt ICU.
I distinctly recall that fateful evening of April 4th, 1989. We received a call from the ICU that Junaid was deteriorating, and that we should be all at his side. The rest of the family rushed to the hospital on that bright Spring day. I remember thinking that Spring will never be the same for us, ever. No less that fifty people were gathered at the hospital. Few people were allowed to see Junaid at the ICU. I was totally numb and was moving as if I was a zombie. I prayed at his bedside and touched his feet. His upper body was violated with tubes. He seemed more like himself at my vantage point. I prayed and whispered softly to him that we would meet again on the Day of Judgement, InshaAllah. THat was the last time I had seen Junaid. The ventilator was pulled the next day since no brain acitivity remained. Our family had changed forever.
Abba and Amma seemed okay this evening. Even after all these years they tear easily at the mention of his name. They greive more in isolation now. They seem mellow especially at family gatherings. Perhaps they wonder what would Junaid's wife and children look like or how they would enhance their already existing extended family. They hide their sorrow in a dignified manner as they walk the steep path of life. May Allah azza wajal grant Junaid and my parents the Jannat - al- Firdous. " RABBIR HAMHUMA KAMA RABBAYANI SAGHIRA."
" O MY RABB, TAKE CARE OF THEM AS THEY TOOK CARE OF ME WHEN I WAS LITTLE."
Whoever is reading this, please make du'a for Junaid and for our family.
Ma'Salamah,
Tasneem Ahmed
Friday, March 26, 2010
ILHAM FOR THE DAY
BISMULLAAHIR RAHMAANIR RAHEEM.
ASSALAMU'ALAIKUM WA RAHMATULLAHI WA BARAKATUHU, DEAR ILHAM FRIENDS,
Today is Jumuah and I do not feel good. Since last two days I have been inflicted with the flu virus and thus, do not
have sufficient energy required to travel to M'Boro for Jumuah salah. I will miss the gathering and the wisdom of our Imam.
While delving deep into the oceans of meaning of surah Al-Baqarah, I came to an obvious realization: We must possess 'SABR' in order to accomplish any thing in life. Allah azza wajal even mentioned that we need to have Sabr before we can make salah.
There are many rewards of Sabr. The most pertinent is that Allah azza wajal IS WITH THOSE WHO HAVE SABR (2:153). Then He further States that if at the onset of a trial we remember Him and show Sabr, then "...Those are upon the Blessings from their Rabb and Special Mercy. Those are (only) who obtain the correct guidance."
Therefore, the following are the rewards of Sabr:
1. The Companionship of our Rabb
2. The showering of Salawat or Blessings from our Rabb
3 The showering of Special Mercy from our Rabb, and
4. The joy of being Rightly Guided on His Path
Let us make the following du'a for Sabr (2:250):
" RABBANA AFRIGH ALAINA SABRA (ON) WA THABBIT AQDAMANA WANSURNA ALAL QAUMIL KAAFIREEN."
" OUR RABB! POUR UPON US PATIENCE AND MAKE FIRM OUR FEET, AND HELP US AGAINST THE PEOPLE WHO DISBELIEVE."
Your sister in Islam,
Tasneem Ahmed
ASSALAMU'ALAIKUM WA RAHMATULLAHI WA BARAKATUHU, DEAR ILHAM FRIENDS,
Today is Jumuah and I do not feel good. Since last two days I have been inflicted with the flu virus and thus, do not
have sufficient energy required to travel to M'Boro for Jumuah salah. I will miss the gathering and the wisdom of our Imam.
While delving deep into the oceans of meaning of surah Al-Baqarah, I came to an obvious realization: We must possess 'SABR' in order to accomplish any thing in life. Allah azza wajal even mentioned that we need to have Sabr before we can make salah.
There are many rewards of Sabr. The most pertinent is that Allah azza wajal IS WITH THOSE WHO HAVE SABR (2:153). Then He further States that if at the onset of a trial we remember Him and show Sabr, then "...Those are upon the Blessings from their Rabb and Special Mercy. Those are (only) who obtain the correct guidance."
Therefore, the following are the rewards of Sabr:
1. The Companionship of our Rabb
2. The showering of Salawat or Blessings from our Rabb
3 The showering of Special Mercy from our Rabb, and
4. The joy of being Rightly Guided on His Path
Let us make the following du'a for Sabr (2:250):
" RABBANA AFRIGH ALAINA SABRA (ON) WA THABBIT AQDAMANA WANSURNA ALAL QAUMIL KAAFIREEN."
" OUR RABB! POUR UPON US PATIENCE AND MAKE FIRM OUR FEET, AND HELP US AGAINST THE PEOPLE WHO DISBELIEVE."
Your sister in Islam,
Tasneem Ahmed
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
ILHAM FOR THE DAY
BISMILLAAHIR RAHMAANIR RAHEEM.
ASSALAMU'ALAIKUM WA RAHMATULLAHI WA BARAKATUHU, DEAR ILHAM FRIENDS,
The journey towards Allah azza wajal continues on. I had the pleasure of reading and learning His Book all morning. The following are some of His Reminders that jolted me into existence:
1. Surah Al-Baqarah: 190 "...Indeed Allah does not love those who (are) Mu'tadeen (Those who cross limts or transgress)"
2. Surah Al-Baqarah: 194 " ...And you all adopt Taqwah of Allah, and you all know that indeed Allah is with those who adopt Taqwah."
3. Surah Al-Baqarah:195 "...Indeed Allah Loves those who do Ihsaan (utmost good)."
These are some ways we can be conscious of our Creator at all times. He Sees and Knows us in ways that no one else does. He is ready to forgive us when we err, provided that we repent to Him. Let us try to do Ihsaan with people we acquaint with. Ihsaan means to do utmost good to people even if they do not reciprocate, or even if they do not deserve it. But if by humiliating ourselves to others is a means to be near the Pleasure of Allah azza wajal, then isn't it worth the effort.
I am admonishing myself about this matter. May Allah azza wajal Help me and others achieve the state of 'Muhsineen.'
ASSALAMU'ALAIKUM WA RAHMATULLAHI WA BARAKATUHU, DEAR ILHAM FRIENDS,
The journey towards Allah azza wajal continues on. I had the pleasure of reading and learning His Book all morning. The following are some of His Reminders that jolted me into existence:
1. Surah Al-Baqarah: 190 "...Indeed Allah does not love those who (are) Mu'tadeen (Those who cross limts or transgress)"
2. Surah Al-Baqarah: 194 " ...And you all adopt Taqwah of Allah, and you all know that indeed Allah is with those who adopt Taqwah."
3. Surah Al-Baqarah:195 "...Indeed Allah Loves those who do Ihsaan (utmost good)."
These are some ways we can be conscious of our Creator at all times. He Sees and Knows us in ways that no one else does. He is ready to forgive us when we err, provided that we repent to Him. Let us try to do Ihsaan with people we acquaint with. Ihsaan means to do utmost good to people even if they do not reciprocate, or even if they do not deserve it. But if by humiliating ourselves to others is a means to be near the Pleasure of Allah azza wajal, then isn't it worth the effort.
I am admonishing myself about this matter. May Allah azza wajal Help me and others achieve the state of 'Muhsineen.'
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
ILHAM FOR THE DAY
BISMILLAAHIR RAHMAANIR RAHEEM.
ASSALAMU'ALAIKUM WA RAHMATULLAHI WA BARAKATUHU, DEAR ILHAM FRIENDS,
I have been away for many moons due to the embarkment of a magnificent journey towards my Creator, Allah azza wajal. My Rabb has gently directed me towards His Greatest Gift, His Word, The Holy Qur'an. Since December of 2009 I have enrolled in the Alhuda classes to learn His Book. So far I have learned word-for-word meaning upto verse 196 of surah Al-Baqarah. NEVER have I ever experienced any joy or ecstasy of this kind. It is simply magnificent to be given a glimpse of the Divine Speech. His choice of Words and their perspective meanings behind them simply leaves me in a state of weakness and joy altogether. The most profound thing that I have learned is the concept of HTL.
H -- is for the heart. We must first believe in the heart.
T --is for the tongue. We must assert our beliefs on our tongues.
L -- is for the limbs. Finally the beliefs must be manifested in our limbs, through our actions.
May Allah azza wajal allow all of us to ponder over His Ayats and reform our lives through them. May He bless us in our hearts, our tongues and our actions. May we always follow His Commandments and seek His Pleasure. Aameen.
Ma'Salamah,
Sr. Tasneem Ahmed
ASSALAMU'ALAIKUM WA RAHMATULLAHI WA BARAKATUHU, DEAR ILHAM FRIENDS,
I have been away for many moons due to the embarkment of a magnificent journey towards my Creator, Allah azza wajal. My Rabb has gently directed me towards His Greatest Gift, His Word, The Holy Qur'an. Since December of 2009 I have enrolled in the Alhuda classes to learn His Book. So far I have learned word-for-word meaning upto verse 196 of surah Al-Baqarah. NEVER have I ever experienced any joy or ecstasy of this kind. It is simply magnificent to be given a glimpse of the Divine Speech. His choice of Words and their perspective meanings behind them simply leaves me in a state of weakness and joy altogether. The most profound thing that I have learned is the concept of HTL.
H -- is for the heart. We must first believe in the heart.
T --is for the tongue. We must assert our beliefs on our tongues.
L -- is for the limbs. Finally the beliefs must be manifested in our limbs, through our actions.
May Allah azza wajal allow all of us to ponder over His Ayats and reform our lives through them. May He bless us in our hearts, our tongues and our actions. May we always follow His Commandments and seek His Pleasure. Aameen.
Ma'Salamah,
Sr. Tasneem Ahmed
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