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
Sunday, April 4, 2010
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
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
ILHAM FOR THE DAY: SPIRITUAL PROTECTION
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
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
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Ramadhan Kareem
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
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
Thursday, August 13, 2009
regarding patience
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
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
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