Ilham for the day

ILHAM FOR THE DAY: A Quiet Protest

2011-04-21T20:06:00.000-07:00

bismillaahir rahmaanir raheem.
Assalamu'alaikum wrwbth dear Ilham Friends,
On Tuesday, April 19th, a remarkable event occurred in Nashville, TN. Hundreds of tired and brave Muslims gathered at the halls of the state capital building to protest the House Bill 1353. It targets the Muslim community, even though the term 'Shariah' has been taken out. Since 9/11, Muslims in the US have been unfairly targeted, detained, jailed, and with no end in sight.
I had personally asked many to show up, but the overall response of the community was exemplary! Muslims and non-Muslims, moms and dads, old and young, newborns, grandmas and grandpas, healthy and disabled, all solemnly came to show the ignorant lawmakers that we are a people of honor and dignity. Kids behaved and even the newborns and babies seemed to know the gravity of the issue.
How often I have complained that Muslims are not united! How wrong I was! We all have the same passion and love for our Deen. When the hearing took place, the entire place was quiet with anticipation. We happily clapped when Bina, Tom, Daoud, and Heady spoke with quiet force and disclosed the true nature of the racist bill! How proud I was of Bina! I broke into tears when she finished her speech. It was so precise, and so forceful. Her talking points were great.
Tom, a Christian preacher from Tullahoma tried to appeal to the spiritual side of the committee members. What a superb human being he is! I was indeed so proud of him too. He did not need to come and speak on our behalf. May Allah SWT bless him.
I kept thinking of one verse of the Quran. The verse is in surah Baqarah where Muslims were told by the hypocrites to fear the polytheist army because they were many in number and were better equipped. Then Allah States that instead of fear , it strenghtened their Iman and they said : "Allah is sufficient for us as a Trustee." That great du'a was on my lips and in my heart.
What will happen again next Tuesday is only known to Allah SWT. Once again, we Muslims will pray and quietly protest with dignity, InshaAllah.
Ma'Salamah,
Tasneem

ILHAM FOR THE DAY

2011-04-14T04:32:00.000-07:00

Bismillaahir Ramaanir Raheem.
Assalamu'alaikum wrwbth dear Ilham friends,
I am very disturbed about the hatred that is shown towards the Muslims all over the world, especially in my own backyard. The Anti-Sharia bill is going to the Senate and House floor for voting next Tuesday. They have brought all sorts of crazy Muslim haters and liars at the hearings and refused to even give 5 minutes to my friends and relatives to speak for the Muslims. InshaAllah we all hope and pray that they will be allotted some time to speak next Tuesday before the final voting.
I have lived in this state of Tennessee since 1975. I call it home. Now I feel like a very young child whose parents are about to divorce. The usual method is that both parents talk to the kid and let him know how much they both love him, but the child sees his whole world turned upside down. He realizes in his mind that life will never be the same as it was before. I feel like that child. I want to live at the time before 9-11 when I felt secure even in my small town as a practicing Muslimah. I felt safe, and the stares of strangers always meant curiosity rather than hatred. Now, like a child of divorced parents, I feel insecure about my surroundings.
At times like this I try to reflect upon the lives of the Sahabas who converted early in Makkah. They suffered unthinkable trials at the hands of the Makkan Quraish. One cannot stop the tears while reading their true accounts and wonder at their patience regarding their belief in One Allah! Their love for their Lord gave them the strength to be patient amidst all types of horror. I should try to be closer to Allah SWT and seek His Help now and always. InshaAllah He will give us victory over persecuting liars as He did in Makkah 1400 years ago. I also hope that after the victory I will also forgive those criminals just like Prophet Muhammad SAWS forgave his enemies.
Falsehood is bound to perish. The Anti-Sharia bill is based on complete lies and fear and inshaAllah it will also perish.
Ma'Salamah,
Sr. Tasneem

Upcoming journey on a delicate path

2011-04-10T17:50:00.000-07:00

Assalamu'alaikum wrwbth to all, Many of my friends have already experienced the joy of being a mother-in-law, and I am about to experience it (inshaAllah) for the first time. I have to admit that I feel I am too young (not true) and totally inexperienced (absolutely true) to venture out on this untrodden (by me) path. I have seen all kinds of mother-in-laws, from the worst to the best and all types in-between. The scary thing is that no one can predict what type of MIL one will become. Women react in a myriad of ways in this MIL role. My would-be Daughter-in-law is really a nice person. I can talk to her for hours without being bored. She is genuine in her ways. I pray to Allah SWT that He blesses our relationship. I am certain that the adult in the new relationship (the MIL) has to provide love and care for the young one (the DIL) at the offset of the new relationship. She has to model what a good, kind, and loving person she is so that the rookie will (hopefully) inshaAllah follow on that good path. I beg Allah SWT that he blesses the new member (a new daughter) of our family. May she become the apple of our eyes and the new love of our lives. We (my husband and I) love to spoil our kids and that we spoil her with love too. May we smother her with so much love that she will also reciprocate, inshaAllah. I hope that I will copy all these tapestries of MIL in my life and apply their wisdom at the right time and in the right place, inshaAllah. "INNAL-LAHA ALA KULLI SHAY-IN QADEER," " Indeed Allah is Able and has the Power to do all things." With His Help I do move. Ma'Salamah, Tasneem

ILHAM FOR THE DAY: A Reality Check

2010-12-01T20:58:00.000-08:00

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

2010-09-13T22:12:00.000-07:00

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

ILHAM FOR THE DAY

2010-04-04T21:03:00.000-07:00

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

ILHAM FOR THE DAY

2010-03-26T09:17:00.000-07:00

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

ILHAM FOR THE DAY

2010-03-24T10:24:00.000-07:00

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.'

ILHAM FOR THE DAY

2010-03-23T17:51:00.000-07:00

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

ILHAM FOR THE DAY: SPIRITUAL PROTECTION

2009-10-14T20:25:00.000-07:00

BISMILLAAHIR RAHMAANIR RAHEEM.
ASSALAMU'ALAIKUM WA RAHMATULLAHI WA BARAKATUHU.

Right now we are readily approaching the flu season. Everyone is rushing to get their flu shots for protection. These days one is also fearful of the dreaded H1N1 flu and are doubling their shots! Why?? Only so that they are protected from the possibility of contracting the viruses.
Well, one has to make connections whenever possible. How much protection are we seeking from the accursed Shaitan? How much are we aware of his 'waswas' in our daily lives? Allah azza wajal has warned us in His Book about Shaitan. Our beloved Prophet Muhammad Sal-Allahu Alayhi Was-Sallam has shown us ways to defend and protect ourselves from Shaitan's tricks, whispers, and suggestions.
Most of us are aware that 'Ayatul Kursi' is very effective against Shaitan and Jinns. However, there are other parts of the Qu'ran that provide comprehensive protection. The following story proves this opinion:
Hasan, son of Ali RA stated: " I promise to anyone who recites these twenty verses that Allah will protect him from any oppressive ruler, any obstinate devil, any dangerous animal and any thief:
1. The Verse of The Throne
2. Three verses from surah Araf (#7), starting from, "Verily, your Lord is Allah who has created the heavens and the earth..."
3. The first ten verses from surah Saffat (#37)
4. Three from surah Rahman (#55), starting from, " O you assembly of jinn and men..."
5. And end of the surah Hashr (#59), starting from, " If We sent this Qu'ran down upon a mountain..." "
AlHamdulillah! We can also recite the last two verses of surah Al Baqarah for added protection. All Praise belongs to our Creator and Sustainer who blessed us with knowldge for our protection.

May Allah accept our siyam, qiyam, du'a, ruku, & sujood,
Ma'Salamah,
Your sister in Islam,
Tasneem Ahmed
*************************************************************************************
Source: The Invocation of God by Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya

Ramadhan Kareem

2009-08-26T14:00:00.001-07:00

BISMILLAAHIR RAHMAANIR RAHEEM.
ASSALAMU'ALAIKUM WA RAHMATULLAHI WA BARAKATUHU, DEAR SISTERS & BROTHERS IN ISLAM,

Not too long ago I had complined about being all alone without the childrens' presence at home. Well, Allah azza wajal is indeed MOST MERCIFUL! Alhamdulillah! My son Tamjeed, a third year Med student, has come to Tullahoma for 4 weeks to do a rotation in the field of Family Practice. InshaAllah he will be at home during this great month with us! How great is the timing! How Wonderful is Allah azza wajal! He is indeed Al-Latif and Al-Khabir. He Knows our innermost desires and fulfills them so perfectly. I would certainly consider this gift as one of the many Ramadhan miracles that happens every year. Perhaps miracles always happen, but we are too engrossed in the mundane worldly lives to notice. When the TV if turned off, and worship reaches a suitable level, our keeness also heightens. Reflection and contenplation allows us to love Allah azza wajal as He deserves to be loved.
May Allah azza wajal bless all of us with the best accepted fasts and worship during this month and during the rest of the year. Aameen!
Ma'Salamah,
Sr. Tasneem

regarding patience

2009-08-13T11:13:00.000-07:00

BISMILLAAHIR RAHMAANIR RAHEEM.
ASSALAMU'ALAIKUM WA RAHMATULLAHI WA BARAKATUHU.
DEAR SISTERS AND BROTHERS IN ISLAM,
I am passing through some difficult time of separation, i.e. from my children who are all enrolled in Professional schools away from home. Of course I am truly grateful to My Lord who has so Graciously allowed me the nearness of my children so far! They literally lived 50 minutes away from home during their undergraduate years. Also, both of my daughters came home every Friday and returned back to Campus on Monday mornings! Perhaps I am spoiled from all this closeness and now I will begin to feel the snapping off of the umbilical cord. Time does move on and I will have to adjust to my new life which will be away from the children.
Last night my husband's friend and his daughter arrived from Bangladesh to Nashville. The daughter is enrolled at Vanderbilt University as a graduate student. She has also recently lost her mother! The Dad will be returning back to BD, and she will be here alone. Maybe I should wonder about his feelings of separation! It is indeed time for me to be patient and grateful.
Some ahadith for reflection:
1. 'Umar ibn al-Khattab RA said: " The best days we ever lived were by virtue of patience, and if patience were to take the shape of a man, he would be a noble and generous man."
2. Ali ibn Abi Talib RA said: " The relation of patience to Iman is like the relation of the head to the body. If the head is chopped off, the body becomes useless." Then he raised his voice and said, " Certainly the one who has no patience has no Iman, and patience is like a riding-beast that never gets tired."
3. 'Umar ibn Abdul-Aziz ra said: " Allah never bestows a blessing on His slave then takes it away and compensates him by giving him patience; but that with which he has been compensated is better than that which has been taken away from him."
Please make du'a for me that I remain grateful to Him for everything in my life, especially my Islam.
Ma'Salamah,
Sr. Tasneem

2009-08-11T19:17:00.000-07:00

BISMILLAHIRRAHMAANIRRAHEEM.
ASSALAMU'ALAIKUM WA RAHMATULLAAHI WA BARAKATUHU, DEAR SISTERS & BROTHERS IN ISLAM,

It seems lately that I have suffered a lot from a variety of ailments. The bacterias and the viruses that were floating in the air would love to nest in my system. Of course I would not welcome them in my life, simply because they interfered with my day to day life activities, especially my daily worship regimen. I would also get depressed and wondered if Allah azza wajal was punishing me for my cumulative sins.
Now I know better! AlHamdulillah! The following Ahadith of our dear Prophet Muhammad Sallal-Lahu Alayhi Wass-Sallam convinced me about the never-ending Mercy of Allah azza wajal:
1. A'ishah RA narrated that the Messenger of Allah Sallal-Lahu Alayhi Wass-Sallam said: " healthy Truly fever makes wrong actions fall away from a man like leaves fall from a tree." And it was narrated that the Prophet Muhammad Sallal-Lahu Alayhi Wass-Sallam said: " The likeness of the Believer when he suffers from illness is like iron when it enters the fire; the dross is removed and the good elements stay."
2. Anas RA related that Prophet Muhammad Sallal-Lahu Alayhi Wass-Sallam said: " When a slave of Allah becomes ill for three days, he will come out having shed all his wrong actions, and will become as sinless as the day he was born." And it was narrated that our Prophet Sallal-Lahu Alayhi Wass-Sallam said: " The prayer of a sick person will never be rejected, until he recovers."
I will inshaAllah view any physical discomfort in a different light from now on. May Allah azza wajal keep us healthy and safe, especially during the holy month of Ramadhan. We should always pray for ease in our lives!
Ma'Salamah,
Your sister-in-Islam,
Tasneem Zeenat Ahmed

ALLAH KNOWS BEST

2009-03-06T22:40:00.000-08:00

ALLAH KNOWS BEST

Allah knows what is best for us
So why should we complain
We always want the sunshine
But He knows there must be rain.

We always want laughter
and the merriment of cheer
but our heart will lose their tenderness
if we never shed a tear.

Allah tests us often
with suffering and sorrow.
He tests us not to punish us
but to help us meet tomorrow.

For growing trees are strenghtened
if they can withstand the storm
and the sharpness of the chisel
gave the marble its grace and form.

Allah tests us often
and for every pain
He gives us
provided we are patient
is followed by rich gain.
So whenever we feel that
everything is going wrong
It is just Allah's way to make our spirit strong.

Author Unknown

TREASURE OF A DU'A

2009-03-04T09:55:00.000-08:00

BISMILLAAHIR RAHMAANIR RAHEEM.
ASSALAMU'ALAIUM WRWBTH, DEAT ILHAM FRIENDS,
The following is a du'a that Prohpet Muhammad (pbuh) would recite at the last sitting of the fourth rak'ah before the ending salam. It was reported that after teaching this du'a to Shaddad Ibn Aws RA, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said: " When you see people collecting gold and silver as treasures, consider this du'a as your treasure."

" O Allah, I beg You for steadfastness in religious affairs. I beg You for determination to follow the guidance. I beg You to enable me to show gratitude for Your bounties and to worship You with the best devotion. I beg You for a truthful tongue, a sound heart, and an upright character. I seek Your protection from the evil of all that only You are aware of. I beg You for the good that only You know. And I seek forgiveness from You for what You know (of my sins). Surely You are the All-Knowing of the hidden."

Ma'Salamah,
Sr. Tasneem

TAQWAH OF ALLAH swt

2009-01-26T17:45:00.000-08:00

BISMILLAAHIR RAHMAANIR RAHEEM,
ASSALAMU'ALAIKUM WRWBTH,
DEAR ILHAM FRIENDS,
Having Taqwah of Allah swt is the foundation of all belief and good deeds. Without it we are nothing. It is the essential 'Iman Vitamin Pill' that sustains all of our theoretical ideas and our actions in worship. It is like the two parenthesis around a sentence.
I have come across the copy of the very first Friday Khutbah that was delivered by Prophet Muhammad SAWS when he migrated to Medina. The subject was about Taqwah. The following are some excerpts from it:
" I advise you to have Taqwah with Allah, and the best advice from a Muslim to another is to encourage him to remember the Hereafter and to command him to have Taqwah with Allah...
Therefore, have Taqwah in your immediate and your late deeds, in privacy and in public. Anyone who has Taqwah, Allah will forgive him and redeem his mistakes and will replenish his rewards. Anyone who has Taqwah, Allah will make him succeed the great success.
The Taqwah of Allah will prevent a person from the Hate of Allah and from the penalty of Allah. It also prevents the person from the anger and wrath of Allah. The Taqwah of Allah cleanses the face, pleases the Lord, and raises the rank of the person..."
Let us all try to take this advice seriously and strive hard to be Muttaqeen. May Allah swt help us succeed in this pursuit. Aameen.
Ma'Salamah,
Your sister in Islam,
Tasneem

MUHARRAM MUBARAK

2008-12-30T21:55:00.000-08:00

ASSALAMU'ALAIKUM WRWBTH, DEAR ILHAM FRIENDS,
WELCOME TO ISLAMIC NEW YEAR - 1430 H.

Muharram is sacred month and many significant incidents have taken place during this month.

The following are words of wisdom to begin this new year:
All Believers will inevitably face three circumstances:-
1. A Commandment to be obeyed.
2. A Prohibition to be respected, and
3. A Divine Decree to be accepted with good grace.

Ma'Salamah,
Sr. Tasneem

PRAYER OF PROTECTION

2008-12-21T19:19:00.000-08:00

BISMILLAAHIR RAHMAANIR RAHEEM.
ASSALAMU'ALAIKUM WRWBTH, DEAR ILHAM FRIENDS,
The following du'a offers great protection from the Devil:
" La Hawla wa la Qu-ata illa billahil Aliyil Azim,
Ma sha Allahu kan,
La ilaha illal Lahu 'l Malikul Haqqu'l Mubin,
Subhana 'llahi wa bi hamdihi,
Subhana 'llahi 'l Azim wa bi hamdihi."

{ There is no power, nor is there strength, except through Allah, the All-High, the Almighty. Whatever Allah wills, so shall it be. There is none worthy of worship but Allah, the King, the Plain Truth. Glory be to Allah, and with His praise. Glory be to Allah the Almighty, and with His praise.}

We must never forget that the Devil can only tempt us and we have the power to reject him. The following hadith of Prophet Muhamamd SAWS proves that:
" I have been sent to offer right guidance, but (the acceptance of) right guidance has nothing to do
with me. And Iblis provides temptation, but deviation from the Right Path has nothing to do with him."
***May Allah azza wajal guide us to His Path forever.***
Ma'Salamah,
Sr. Tasneem

QURANIC WISDOM

2008-12-20T20:37:00.000-08:00

BISMILLAAHIR RAHMAANIR RAHEEM.
ASSALAMU'ALAIKUM WRWBTH, DEAR ILHAM FRIENDS,

Allah azza wajal has informed us in His Holy Book about all matters that will lead us to Paradise. It is full of wisdom. The following are two such ayats found in surah Al-Hadid:

1. " Nothing occurs, either in the earth or in yourselves,
without its being in a Book before We make it happen.
That is something easy for Allah.
That is so that you will not be grieved
about the things that pass you by
or exult about the things that come to you." (57:21-22)

2. " You who have iman! have taqwa of Allah
and iman in His Messenger.
He will give you a double portion of His mercy
and grant you a Light by which to walk
and forgive you.
Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

So that the People of the Book may know
that they have no power at all
over any of Allah's favor
and that all favor is in the Hand of Allah.
He gives it to anyone He wills.
Allah's favor is indeed immense." (57:27-28)

Ma'Salamah,
Sr. Tasneem

A GREAT SUPPLICATION

2008-12-19T20:18:00.000-08:00

BISMILLAAHIR RAHMAANIR RAHEEM.
ASSALAMU'ALAIKUM WRWBTH, DEAR ILHAM FRIENDS,
I read lots of books especially that might help me grow spiritually. I have four books of discourses by Shaikh Abd Al-Qadir Al-Jilani, and I deeply like his advice. The following is a du'a made by him:
" O Allah, You are our Lord and their Lord, our Creator and their Creator, our Provider and their Provider, so deal with us as You dealt with them. { 'They' refer to our great predecessors}. Bring us out of us, away from us, toward You! Cause us to forget the kings and their slaves, the sultans and their subjects, the rich and the poor, the elite and the masses, the rise and fall of market prices, affluence and scarcity. Remind us to remember You! Treat us gently in your workings. Bring us close to Your nearness, and let our hearts enjoy Your intimate friendship. Keep us safe from the evil of Your cities and Your servants, and from the evil of every crawling creature that You grasp by the forelock and seize by the tail. Keep us safe from the evil of the evildoers, and from the cunning deceptions of the morally corrupt. Let us be members of Your Party, guiding others to You while abasing ourselves before You, summoning others to You while humbling ourselves before You, but standing tall against those who behave with arrogance toward You and toward the true believers among Your creatures. Amin "

***This is indeed a very comprehensive du'a made by a very pious man. There are many such beautiful du'as from Allah's Messenger SAWS. Currently they are published in a du'a book called 'Accepted Whispers,' by Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanawi. This book is available at (www.albalaghbookstore.com) The English translation is of high quality.***
Source: The Removal of Cares by Shaikh Abd Al-Qadir Al-Jilani, translated by Muhtar Holland
Ma'Salamah,
Sr. Tasneem

Re: Proper Eating Manners

2008-12-18T20:48:00.000-08:00

BISMILLAAHIR RAHMAANIR RAHEEM.
ASSALAMU'ALAIKUM WRWBTH, DEAR ILHAM FRIENDS,

1. It was narrated from Abu Juhaifah RA that Allah's Messenger SAWS said: " I do not eat while reclining." (Ibn Majah & Al-Bukhari)

2. 'Abdullah bin Busr RA said: " I gave the Prophet SAWS a gift of a sheep, and the Messenger of Allah SAWS sat on his knees to eat. A Bedouin said, ' What is this sitting?' He (SAWS) replied, ' Allah has made me a humble and generous slave (of Allah) and has not made me arrogant and stubborn.' " (Ibn Majah & Abu Dawud)

3. It was narrated from Abu Hurairah RA that the Prophet Mohammad SAWS said: " Let one of you eat with his right hand and drink with his right hand, and take with his right hand and give with his right hand, for Satan eats with his left hand, drinks with his left hand, gives with his left hand and takes with his left hand." (Ibn Majah, Tabarani & Muslim)
Ma'Salamah,
Sr. Tasneem

Re: Continuous Forgiveness from Allah azza wajal

2008-12-17T20:24:00.000-08:00

BISMILLAAHIR RAHMAANIR RAHEEM.
ASSALAMU' ALAIKUM WRWBTH DEAR ILHAM FRIENDS,

Narrated Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri RA: " I heard Prophet Muhammad SAWS saying: ' The Devil said to his Lord: ' By Your Glory and Majesty! As long as the progeny of Adam exists on earth. I shall continuously misguide them. At this Allah Remarked: ' By My Glory and Majesty! As long as they seek My forgiveness, I will continue to pardon them.' " (Ahmad)

***We must bring to mind that our beloved Prophet Muhammad SAWS would seek forgiveness 70 to 100 times a day. If he engaged in this ibadah, then we should always keep our mouths moist with du'as of forgiveness. We can NEVER be despaired like Shaitan about Allah azza wajal's perfect love for us. ***
Ma'Salamah,
Sr. Tasneem

GOOD TREATMENT TOWARDS EVERYONE

2008-12-11T17:43:00.000-08:00

BISMILLAAHIR RAHMAANIR RAHEEM
ASSALAMU'ALAIKUM WRWBTH ,DEAR ILHAM FRIENDS,
Eid Mubarak to all of you. I pray that Allah azza wajal had accepted all of your good deeds and fasting during the fist 10 days of DhulHijjah. I also pray that He gave rewards to people who had made the intention of doing good but could not do it.
The following are some Ahadith regarding good treatment towards all:
1. Fadalah bin 'Ubaid RA narrated that Prophet Muhammad sallal lahu wa alaihi wa sallam said: " The believer is the one from whom their (people's) wealth and lives are safe, and the Muhajir is the one who forsakes mistakes and sins." (Ibn Majah, Ahmad, and others)
2. Abu Hurairah RA narrated that Prophet Muhammad sallal lahu wa alaihi wa sallam said: " The whole of the Muslim is sacred to his fellow Muslim, his blood, his wealth, and his honor." (Ibn Majah & Muslim)
3. Ibn Mas'ud RA narrated that Prophet Muhammad sallal lahu wa alaihi wa sallam said: " Verbally abusing a Muslim is Fusuq (disobedience), and fighting him is Kufr (ungratefulness to Allah)." ( Ibn Majah)
4. Sunabih Al-Ahmasi RA related that Prophet Muhammad sallal lahu alaihi wa sallam said: " I shall reach the Cistern (Haud) before you, and I will boast of your great numbers before the nations, so do not fight one another after I am gone." (Ibn Majah & Ahmad)
It is imperative that we treat each other with honor and respect. May Allah azza wajal protect us from this kind of Kufr.
Ma'Salamah,
Sr. Tasneem

FAMILY AHADITH

2008-11-02T18:06:00.000-08:00

BISMILLAAHIR RAHMAANIR RAHEEM.
ASSALAMU'ALAIKUM WRWBTH, DEAR ILHAM FRIENDS,

1. Abu Salamah As-Sulami RA narrated that Prophet Muhammad SAWS said, " I enjoin each one to honor his mother, I enjoin each one to honor his mother, I enjoin each one to honor his mother (three times), I enjoin each one to honor his father, I enjoin each one to honor his guardian who is taking care of him, even if he is causing him some annoyance." (Hasan) (Ibn Majah, Ahmad & Tabarani)

2. Abu Umamah RA related that a man asked, " O Messenger of Allah, what are the rights of parents over their children?" He replied, " They are your Paradise and your Hell." (Da'if) (Ibn Majah)

3. Abu Darda RA heard the Prophet Muhammad SAWS say, " The father is the middle door of Paradise (i.e. the best way to Paradise), so it is up to you whether you take advantage of it or not. (Hasan) (Ibn Majah)

4. 'Aishah RA narrated: " Some Bedouin people came to the Prophet Muhammad SAWS and said, ' Do you kiss your children?' He (SAWS) replied, ' Yes.' Then the Bedouin said, ' But we, by Allah never kiss (our children)!' The Prophet SAWS said, ' What can I do if Allah has taken away mercy from you!' " (Sahih) (Ibn Majah, Muslim, & Al-Bukhari)

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Our dear Prophet Muhammad SAWS taught us how to become better members of the family. The family is indeed the core of our being, and if the state of the family is sound, then the individual will also be sound too, inshaAllah.
Nowadays we are witnessing too many family breakups and the heartaches that follow. It leaves trauma and poor self-image in its tracks. The remedy lies in following the advice offered by the best of creation, Prophet Muhammad SAWS. None of us can instantly morph into super parents or spouses, or children, but we can at least step on the staircase of success. Humanity is indeed blessed for having this collection of Ahadith to follow!
May our Lord bless us with the patience required to remedy the state of our families. Aameen
Ma'Salamah,
Sr. Tasneem

AHADITH REGARDING FOOD

2008-10-21T20:45:00.000-07:00

BISMILLAAHIR RAHMAANIR RAHEEM.
ASSALAMU'ALAIKUM WRWBTH DEAR ILHAM FRIENDS,

' Abdallah bin Salam RA said: " When the Prophet SAWS came to Al-Madinah, the people rushed to meet him, and it was said, ' The Messenger of Allah SAWS has come! The Messenger of Allah SAWS has come! The Messenger of Allah SAWS has come!' three times. I came with the people to see him, and when I saw his face clearly, I knew that his face was not the face of a liar. The first thing that I heard him say was: ' O people! Spread (the greeting of) salam, feed others, uphold the ties of kinship, and pray during the night when people are sleeping, and you will enter Paradise with Salam.' " (Ibn Majah)

It was narrated from 'Abdallah bin 'Amr RA that a man asked the Messenger of Allah SAWS:
" O Messenger of Allah, which (aspect) of Islam is the best?" He (SAWS) replied, " Offering food (to the needy) and greeting with salam those whom you know and those whom you do not know." (Ibn Majah)

Ma'Salamah,
Sr. Tasneem

FOR THE LOVE OF THE PROPHET (SAWS)

2008-10-17T21:49:00.000-07:00

BISMILLAAHIR RAHMAANIR RAHEEM.
ASSALAMU'ALAIKUM WRTBTH, DEAR ILHAM FRIENDS,

Loving and honoring the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad SAWS is part of our Deen. Yet, we often tend to overlook this fact, the greatness of this unlettered Prophet (SAWS) to whom the Quran was revealed. For our worldly lives we owe gratitude to our parents, and for the attainment of our eternal lives we owe deep gratitude to Prophet Muhammad SAWS. The following are reminders from the Creator of the Heavens and of the Earth of this fact:
1. " Take what the Messenger has brought to you and refrain from what he has forbidden you."
(59:7)
2. " You have in the messenger of God a good example for whoever has hope in God and the Last Day and remembers God in abundance." (33:21)
3. " The one who obeys the Messenger obeys God." (4:80)
4. " Those who give allegiance to you are giving allegiance to God." (48:10)
5. " Say { O Muhammad}, " If you love God, follow me and God will love you and forgive your sins; God is Forgiving, Compassionate." (3:31)
6. " Let those who contravene his commands beware lest they become afflicted or stricken by a painful torment." (24:63)

May Allah azza wajal forgives our sins, allow us to follow the sunnah of our beloved Prophet SAWS, and remain steadfast on His Path.
Ma'Salamah,
Sr. Tasneem

A COMPREHENSIVE DU'A

2008-09-28T21:05:00.000-07:00

BISMILLAAHIR RAHMAANIR RAHEEM.
ASSALAMU'ALAIKUM WRWBTH, DEAR ILHAM FRIENDS,

The following is a comprehensive du'a from the hadith source. It might be beneficial during Ramadhan:
" O Allah, I seek Your protection from helplessness, lethargy,cowardice, senility, debt, and sinfulness; from the punishment of the Fire, the ordeal of the Fire, the tribulation of the grave, the punishment in the grave, and the evil tribulations of affluence and of poverty; from the evil tribulation of the Anti-Christ; from the tests of life and death; from the hardness of heart, heedlessness, economic dependence, humiliation, indigence, unbelief, transgression, dissension, and seeking fame and showing off; from deafness, dumbness, lunacy, leprosy, and all painful diseases; from the burden of debt, worries, grief, stinginess, and coercion of the people; from reaching debilitating old age; and from the tribulations of this world, the knowledge that does not benefit, the heart that does not submit to Allah, the soul that is never satiated, and the du'a that is not accepted."

Ma'Salamah,
Sr. Tasneem

IBN AL-JAWZI'S VIEW REGARDING TIME

2008-09-24T19:27:00.000-07:00

BISMILLAAHIR RAHMAANIR RAHEEM.
ASSALAMU'ALAIKUM WRWBTH, DEAR ILHAM FRIENDS,

Imam Abu'l-Faraj ibn al-Jawzi lived for 89 years, and in that time he wrote 500 books! The following is his saying regarding the importance of time:
" I have seen majority of people making strange use of time! Spending long nights in useless talk, or reading books of ghazal (love poetry) and entertainment, and spending long days in sleep, and you would find them at the end of the day by the river Dijlah or in the markets. I likened them to people chatting while on a ship that is moving fast while they are unaware of its movement! I found that rare were those who understood the essence of existence, and it is those you find gathering their provisions and preparing for their departure. Thus be ever conscious of the passing of time, and hasten to use it before it is too late, and compete against time."
* One of the signs regarding the End of Time is that there will be no barakah (blessing) in time. It has already appeared. How many of us can truly recall events that happened not too long ago? How many of us are baffled on Fridays because the week had gone away with such speed? But at the same time, when we pray our salat on time, or when we are engaged in work that are pleasing to Allah SWT, time continues at a slow pace.
May Allah SWT bless the moments of our lives and fill them with activities that please Him. May we leave this transient world while we are involved with good work.*

Ma'Salamah,
Sr. Tasneem

INFORMATION ABOUT YESTERDAY'S TALK

2008-09-22T22:28:00.000-07:00

ASSALAMU'ALAIKUM WRWBTH, DEAR SISTERS,
Thank you so much for coming to the ICN yesterday. I really appreciated seeing all of you.
The following are the three books about which I spoke about:
1. Muslim Women - A Biographical Dictionary by Aisha Bewley, Ta-Ha Publishers
2. The Women of Madina by Muhammad Ibn Sa'd (translated in English by Aisha Bewley), Ta-Ha Publishers
3. Muslim Women Activists in North America, Speaking for Ourselves, edited by Katherine Bullock, University of Texas Press
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
The following are the list of women that I spoke about:
1. Aisha RA, Ummil Momineen
2. Nusayba bin Ka'b al-Ansariyya
3. Umm Hahiba bint Abi Sufyan RA, Ummil Momineen
4. Aisha bint Ali
5. Aisha bint Muhammad ibn 'Abdil-Hadi
6. Bersilat
7. Fatima Al-Hadina
8. Iparhan
10. Khawla bint Al-Azwar al-Kindiyya
11. Nana Asma'u
12. Aisha (Gray Henry) Gouverneur
13. Ingrid Mattson
14. Naila Alam and Yasmeen Durrani
15. Nadjet Bouda (Algeria)
16. Mehrangiz Kar (Iran)
17. Mariam Hussein Muhammad (Somalia)
18. Muborak Tashpulatova (Uzbekistan)
19. Saliha Kalandra Cooke (my friend)
20. Susan B. Anthony
Once again, Jazak Allah Khairan.
Ma'Salamah,
Sr. Tasneem

VALUE OF TIME

2008-09-22T22:10:00.000-07:00

BISMILLAAHIR RAHMAANIR RAHEEM.
ASSALAMU'ALAIKUM WRWBTH, DEAR ILHAM FRIENDS,

Allah SWT vows by Time in surah Al-Asr:
" By (the token of ) Time (through the ages),
Verily man is in loss,
Except such as have faith, and do righteous deeds,
And (join together) in the mutual teaching of Truth, and of Patience and Constancy."

Imam Fakhr-al-Razi commented on the value of Time:
" Allah vowed by Asr - which is time - because of its wonders, for within it good and bad matters occur, health and illness, richness and poverty, and because its value and preciousness cannot be measured against anything else. For if you wasted a thousand years in useless things, then repented and achieved happiness in the last instant of your life, you would dwell in Paradise for eternity, and you would know that the most precious thing in your life is that instant. Thus time is one of the most fundamental blessings, hence Allah vowed by it, and He the Exalted, stressed that night and day are opportunities wasted by Man!..."

Ma'Salamah,
Sr. Tasneem

SCHOLARS AS GUIDES

2008-09-17T20:01:00.001-07:00

BISMILLAAIR RAHMAANIR RAHEEM.
ASSALAMU'ALAIKUM WRBTH, DEAR ILHAM FRIENDS,

Anas RA related that Prophet Muhammad SAWS said: " The similitude of the religious scholars on earth is that of the stars in the sky, by which (people) are guided through the darkness of the land and sea. If the stars are extinguished, even the guides might stray." (Ahmad)
Imam Hanbali explained: " The scholars are the guides through the darkness of ignorance, ambiguity, and deviation. When these guides are lost, the travelers go astray.
The religious scholars have been likened to the stars, which provide three benefits: they guide (people) through the darkness; they adorn the sky; and they are missiles that repel the satans who ascend the heavens (endeavoring to intercept Allah's Commands to the angels)."

Ma'Salamah,
Sr. Tasneem

SEEKING SACRED KNOWLEDGE

2008-09-17T20:01:00.000-07:00

BISMILLAAHIR RAHMAANIR RAHEEM.
ASSALAMU'ALAIKUM WRBTH, DEAR ILHAM FRIENDS,

Our esteem Sahabahs went out of their way to acquire sacred knowledge. Ibn Masud RA stated:
" I swear by Allah, beside whom there is no deity, no chapter of the Quran has been revealed except that I know where it was revealed. No verse from the Book of Allah has been revealed except that I know why it was revealed. Yet if I know of anyone more learned than me in the Book of Allah, I would make every effort to reach him."
We know that Muslims of earlier times traveled far and wide just to learn sacred knowledge. Let us also try to emulate them in some ways.
Ma'Salamah,
Sr. Tasneem

WORDS OF WISDOM

2008-09-15T21:04:00.000-07:00

BISMILLAAHIR RAHMAANIR RAHEEM.
ASSALMU'ALAIKUM WRBTH, DEAR ILHAM FRIENDS,

The following are some words of wisdom:
1. " Nations are but morals, while they last. For if their morals are gone, they will follow."
Poet Hafith Ibrahim

2. " No gift is more precious than good advice." Erasmus

3. " The wise strives to attain wisdom, whereas the ignorant thinks he has already found it."
English Proverb

4. "Thousand dollars cannot buy a single laugh." Proverb

Ma'Salamah,
Sr. Tasneem

RE: REPENTANCE

2008-09-14T19:43:00.000-07:00

BISMILLAAHIR RAHMAANIR RAHEEM.
ASSALAMU'ALAIKUM WRBTH, DEAR ILHAM FRIENDS,

We know from an hadith narrated by Salman Al-Farsi RA that the middle part of Ramadhan is about Allah SWT' s Forgiveness. Therefore, since we have the privilege of passing through that period, we should beg Al-Ghafur Ar-Raheem for forgiveness.
Shaykh Masihullah Khan writes in his book, The Path To Perfection, about Repentance:
" Repentance (tawba) is the regret and sadness that arises from the heart when remembering a sin. For the validity of the repentance, shunning the sin, firmly resolving to abstain from it in future, and controlling the lower self when it calls for the sin are necessary."
Yes, how many incidents we can all recall in out past that we feel badly about! This month offers us the golden opportunity to have our past sins erased which will lighten our load. How Great and Merciful is our Lord who has promised forgiveness.!
Allah SWT reminds us: " He who makes repentance after his transgression and reforms, verily Allah turns towards him." (Quran, 5:39)
Ma'Salamah,
Sr. Tasneem

THE DANGER OF IGNORANCE

2008-09-11T19:21:00.000-07:00

BISMILLAAHIR RAHMAANIR RAHEEM.
ASSALAMU'ALAIKUM WRBTH, DEAR ILHAM FRIENDS,

The people who lived before the advent of Islam are referred to have lived in 'Jahiliyyah' or the 'in ignorance.' Being ignorant as human beings is a moral and a social crime. It is a crime against Allah SWT, who in His Mercy sent us the light of Quran and His beloved Prophet Muhmmad SAWS to take us out of this darkness into light.
It is said that when Allah SWT created ignorance, He said to it, " Come!" but it moved away. Then He said to it, "Go!" but it came back. Then He said, " By My Might, I have created nothing in creation more hateful to Me than you, and I shall place you amongst the worse of My creation!"
Ali RA said, " There is no enemy worse than ignorance. A man is the enemy of that of which he has no knowledge of."
This month let us read and reflect upon the Word of Allah SWT, the Holy Qur'an. How can we not be touched by its depth and the effect it has on our souls! Let us invite the light of knowledge into our beings and become the real Allah SWT's Khalifas on earth! Aameen.

Ma'Salamah,
Your sister in Islam,
Tasneem

RAMADHAN FOOD FOR THOUGHT

2008-09-10T19:10:00.000-07:00

BISMILLAAHIR RAHMAANIR RAHEEM.
ASSALAMU'ALAIKUM WRBTH, DEAR ILHAM FRIENDS,

I apologize for the long absence. Many worldly matters prevented me from posting Ilhams. I hope and pray to Allah SWT that He will Help me in this matter.
This Ramadhan many people have lost their loved ones. How lucky are they who have joined Allah SWT in this holy month! This reminded me of the transient nature of this world. The following in found in the Quran, the Book from our Creator:
" The likeness of the life of this world is that of water which we send down from the sky, then the plants of the earth mingled with it, from which men and cattle eat. Then when the earth takes on its ornaments and is embellished, and its people think they have power over it, Our command comes down upon it by night or day, and We make it as reaped (wheat) as if it had not flourished the previous day. Thus We make plain Our signs for a people who reflect." (Quran, 10:24)
Prophet Muhammad SAWS said: " The fortunate is he who prefers that which is permanent and of lasting pleasures over that which is ephemeral and of endless torment. He is the one who gives of what is now in his hand for the sake of where he is going, before leaving it to those who will happily spend it after he has toiled to accumulate and monopolize it."
Ali RA added: " I found this world to be six things:
That which is eaten, the best tasting is honey, and it ts the secretion of an insect;
That which is drunk, the best is water, and in this both the righteous and the depraved are equal;
That which is smelled, the most fragrant is musk, and it is the blood of an animal;
That which is worn, the softest is silk, and it the weaving of a worm;
That which is ridden, the worthiest is the mare, and it is that on whose back men are slain;
Those which one marries, it is but base fluid in base base fluid;
It is sufficient for you to know that although the woman adorns herself with the best she has, your desire for her is for the basest she has!"

Let us try to embrace Taqwah during this Ramadhan. The goal of this month is to attain Taqwah of Allah SWT. Then perhaps He will remove our excessive love of this world and let us work for the future (the inevitable Hereafter).
Ma'Salamah,
Your sister in Islam,
Tasneem

SOME RAMADHAN REMINDERS

2008-08-25T20:37:00.000-07:00

BISMILLAAHIR RAHMAANIR RAHEEM.
ASSALAMU'ALAIKUM WRBTH, DEAR ILHAM FRIENDS,

It is stated in a Hadith that Prophet Muhammad SAWS said: " If my Ummah could realize what Ramadhan really is, they would wish that the whole year should be Ramadhan."

In another Hadith Prophet Muhammad SAWS said: " The fasting of Ramadhan and fasting three days of every month keeps evil away from the heart."

Ma'Salamah,
Sr. Tasneem

WISDOM OF ALI (RA)

2008-08-06T22:14:00.000-07:00

BISMILLAAHIR RAHMAANIR RAHEEM.
ASSALAMU'ALAIKUM WRBTH,DEAR ILHAM FRIENDS,

Ali RA said, " Shedding tears is of three types - the first is from the fear of Allah's punishment, the second is from the fear of Allah's anger, and the third is from the fear of being cut off from Allah.
The first one is a compensation for sins, the second is purification from faults, and the third is elevation to the ranks of sainthood accompanied by the pleasure of the Beloved. The fruit of the compensation of sins is salvation from punishment; the fruit of the purification of faults is eternal bliss and high ranks; and the fruit of the elevation to the ranks of sainthood accompanied by the pleasure of the Beloved is glad tidings from Allah the Exalted of His pleasure, of seeing Him, of the visiting of angels, and of an increase in virtue."

Ma'Salamah,
Sr. Tasneem

THE BEST CURE FOR ALL AILMENTS

2008-08-05T20:56:00.000-07:00

BISMILLAAHIR RAHMAANIR RAHEEM.
ASSALAMU'ALAIKUM WRBTH, DEAR ILHAM FRIENDS,

The following story was related by Al-Hasan al-Basri (ra):
" One day I was walking with a young pious man in the narrow streets of Basra and its markets until we reached a physician sitting on a chair and around him were many men, women and children who had bottles of water in their hands. Each one of them was seeking a cure for his illness. The young man moved closer to the physician and asked him, 'O physician! Do you have a medicine that cleans away sins and cures the (spiritual) diseases of the heart?' He replied, 'Yes!' The man said, 'Give it to me!' The physician said, 'Take ten things from me :-
Take the roots of the tree of poverty with the roots of the tree of humility, and pour in it the milk of repentance, then place it in the mortar of acceptance (of whatever is predestined for one), crush it with the pestle of contentment, then place it in the pot of piety, pour over it the water of shame, then boil it with the fire of love, then place it in the cup of gratitude and cool it down with the fan of hope, then drink it with the spoon of praise. If you do all of this, then it will cure you of every illness and trial in this world and in the Hereafter."

Ma'Salamah,
Sr. Tasneem

A BEAUTIFUL DU'A

2008-07-30T21:23:00.000-07:00

BISMILLAAHIR RAHMAANIR RAHEEM.
ASSALAMU'ALAIKUM WRBTH, DEAR ILHAM FRIENDS,

The following du'a was made by Prophet Muhammad SAWS in the last sitting of the fourth Rak'ah before sending salam. It is reported that after teaching this du'a to Shaddad ibn Aws RA, Prophet Muhammad SAWS said: " When you see people collecting gold and silver as treasures, consider this du'a as your treasure." (At-Tirmidhi)

" O Allah, I beg You for steadfastness in religious affairs.
I beg You for determination to follow the guidance.
I beg You to enable me to show gratitude for Your bounties and to worship You with the
best devotion.
I beg You for a truthful tongue, a sound heart, and an upright character.
I seek Your protection from the evil of all that only You are aware of.
I beg You for the good that only You know.
And I seek forgiveness from You for what You know (of my sins). Surely You are the
All-Knowing of the hidden."

Source: The Accepted Whispers, compiled by Ashraf Ali Thanwi (Khalid Baig translation)

Ma'Salamah,
Sr. Tasneem

A PARABLE OF DUNYA

2008-07-28T21:14:00.000-07:00

BISMILLAAHIR RAHMAANIR RAHEEM.
ASSALAMU'ALAIKUM WRBTH, DEAR ILHAM FRIENDS,
The following ayat is from surah Al-Hadid (57:19). I love this ayat because in a few words Allah SWT informs us about the nature of our temporal lives:
"Know that the life of the dunya is merely a game and a diversion and ostentation and a cause of boasting among yourselves and trying to outdo one another in wealth and children: like the plant-growth after rain which delights the cultivators, but then it withers and you see it turning yellow, and then it becomes broken stubble. In the Akhira there is terrible punishment but also forgiveness from Allah and His good pleasure. The life of the dunya is nothing but the enjoyment of delusion." (57:19)

Aisha Bewley's translation.
Ma'Salamah,
Sr. Tasneem

RE: WITR SALAT

2008-07-27T21:39:00.001-07:00

BISMILLAAHIR RAHMAANIR RAHEEM.
ASSALAMU'ALAIKUM WRBTH, DEAR ILHAM FRIENDS,

Jabir RA narrated that Prophet Muhammad SAWS said: " He who apprehends that he may not get up in the last part of the night, should observe the Witr prayer in the first part of it. And he who is certain about getting up in the last part of it, he should observe the Witr prayer at the end of the night, because salat at the end of the night is attended by the angels and that is better." {Muslim}

Ma'Salamah,
Sr. Tasneem

SUNNAH OF JUMUAH SALAT

2008-07-24T19:04:00.000-07:00

BISMILLAAHIR RAHMAANIR RAHEEM.
ASSALAMU'ALAIKUM WRBTH, DEAR ILHAM FRIENDS,

1. 'Abdullah bin 'Umar RA related: " I offered along with Allah's Messenger SAWS two Rak'ah (sunnah prayer) after the Jumuah prayer." (Al-Bukhari & Muslim)

2. Abu Hurairah RA narrated that Allah's Messenger SAWS said: " If anyone of you offers the Friday prayer, he should offer four Rak'ah (sunnah) after it." (Muslim)

3. Ibn 'Umar RA related: " Allah's Messenger SAWS would not offer any salat (in the mosque) after the Friday (Jumuah) prayer till he returned to his house. He would then offer two Rak'ah there." (Muslim)

COMMENTARY: It can be assumed from the above different rulings regarding the sunnah prayers that they are all acceptable. However, many Ulama are of the opnion that if one is offering them at the mosque, then they should offer four Rak'ah and if offering at the home, then two Rak'ah are sufficient.

Ma'Salamah,
Sr. Tasneem

THE VALUE OF TIME

2008-07-23T21:33:00.000-07:00

BISMILLAAHIR RAHMAANIR RAHEEM.
ASSALAMU'ALAIKUM WRBTH, DEAR ILHAM FRIENDS,
Allah SWT created 'time' and we must use it to purify our souls. In surah Al-Asr (#103), Allah SWT reminds us of the fleeting nature of time. Similarly, Imam Al-Ghazali also stated:
"...Each of your breath is a special jewel, since each of them is irreplaceable, and once gone, can never be retrieved. Do not be like the deceived fools who are joyous because each day their wealth increases and their life shortens. What good is an increase in wealth when life grows ever shorter? Therefore be joyous only for an increase in knowledge or in good works, for they are your two companions who will accompany you in your grave when your family, wealth, children, and friends stay behind..."
May we become more conscious about the moments of our lives. May we be guided to use this special commodity to attain good. We seek Allah SWT's Help in this regard.
Ma'Salamah,
Sr. Tasneem

MORE ABOUT SALAT

2008-07-22T21:42:00.000-07:00

BISMILLAAHIR RAHMAANIR RAHEEM.
ASSALAMU'ALAIKUM WRTBTH, DEAR ILHAM FRIENDS,

1. Our Mother of the Believers, Umm Habibah RA narrated that Prophet Muhammad SAWS said:
" A house will be built in Paradise for every Muslim who offers twelve Rak'ah of optional salat, other than the obligatory salat, during the day and night (to seek the pleasure of Allah)." (Muslim)

2. 'Abdullah bin Mughaffal RA narrated that Prophet Muhammad SAWS said: " There is a salat between every 'Adhan and Iqamah; there is a salat between every 'Adhan and Iqamah." (After repeating this for the third time, he added), " It is for him who desires to offer it." {Al-Bukhari & Muslim}

Source: Riyad-us-Saliheen
Ma'Salamah,
Sr. Tasneem

THE SUNNAH OF FAJR SALAT

2008-07-21T21:25:00.000-07:00

BISMILLAAHIR RAHMAANIR RAHEEM.
ASSALAMU'ALAIKUM WRBTH, DEAR ILHAM FRIENDS,

1. Aisha RA narrated: " Allah's Messenger SAWS did not attach more importance to any nawafil prayer than the two rak'ah of prayer before dawn (fajr) prayer. (Al-Bukhari & Muslim)

2. Narrated Aisha RA: Allah's Messenger SAWS said: " The two Rak'ah before the dawn (Fajr) prayer are better than this world and all that it contains." (Muslim)
Another narration states: " The two Rak'ah before the dawn (Fajr) prayer are dearer to me than the whole world."

Source: Riyad-us-Saliheen
Ma'Salamah,
Sr. Tasneem

re: salat

2008-07-20T21:28:00.000-07:00

BISMILLAAHIR RAHMAANIR RAHEEM.
ASSALAMU'ALAIKUM WRBTH,
Abu Hurairah RA narrated that Prophet Muhammad SAWS said:
" When one of you retires for the night, Satan ties three knots at the back of his neck. He recites this incantation at every knot: 'You have a long night, so sleep!' When the person get up and remembers Allah, one knot is loosened. If he performs ablution, the second knot is loosened. When he offers salat (prayers), all knots are loosened. Then the person begins his morning in a happy and refreshed mood, otherwise he gets up in bad spirit and remains in a sluggish state." (Al-Bukhari & Muslim)
Source: Riyad-us-Saliheen
Ma'Salamah,
Sr. Tasneem

ILHAM FOR THE DAY

2008-07-19T21:41:00.000-07:00

BISMILLAAHIR RAHMAANIR RAHEEM.
ASSALAMU'ALAIKUM WRBTH,

A Du'a to pray when angry:
" ALLAHUMMA RABBA MUHAMMAD. IGHFIRLI ZAMBI WA AZHIB GHAIZA QALBI WA AJIRNI MIMMU-DILLATIL-FITAN."
" O Allah! Lord of Muhammad (SAWS), forgive me my sins and remove the anger from my heart, and keep me sheltered from trials which lead astray."

source: 'Radiant Prayers' compiled by Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani

Ma'Salamah,