Wilton Cake Decorating Level I
October 28, 2009 at 5:27 pm | In Baking, Cake Decorating, Deen, Family, Kids, Kitchen, Mothering, New Mexico, State Fair | 4 CommentsSo, with all the cake ventures, the girls decided to enroll in Wilton’s Cake Decorating class Level I (although S had already taken this class in C-bus). It came about rather accidentally; this plunging into an activity. It all stemmed from our search for the container for my Pandan Chiffon that I was to submit to the Southern New Mexico State Fair. It took me a-googling and I stumbled upon a store in town called Create a Cake, that offers classes. I had emailed some moms in town, in case they are also interested for their girls, and that brought My, whose mom, Sy said that she is interested. So she called the store and asked about the time, price and all those details. Meanwhile, another mom replied to my email and told me that Hobby Lobby offers cake decorating classes too and she knew because her daughters took the Level I last summer. When I asked Hobby Lobby for more details, it turned out that it was way cheaper! $17.50 vs. $60.00(or was it $70.00) and since I was going to have two girls to pay for, I immediately went for Hobby Lobby.
And so it was that I registered the girls and My. for the class. Sy. and I arranged for pick up and drop off so the burden is shared between our two families. Since the class goes right through Maghrib, we told the girls to pray when Maghrib came in. Alhamdulillah they’ve had this experience again and again since we were in C-bus, when they were taking sewing and classes at the Whetstone Rec Center. Most of the times though, hubby would go to them at the salah time, take them out of class and pray with them at a hallway or somewhere secluded. Now that they’re bigger, they’re starting to do it themselves. H, recently, during his soccer practice, excused himself from it and went next to the NMSU swimming pool building to pray Maghrib by himself. It so happened that hubby was in St Louis at the time. Usually, he would be with H and they’d pray together, but this time around, I had TQ, and we had asked a brother to help with picking and dropping H off for his soccer practice, and before H left, I reminded him of Maghrib. He wore his watch, and when he came home, I asked him if he prayed. Apparently, he had asked the coach if he could go for about 5 minutes, and he prayed next to the building.
“Did anyone watch you?” I asked, curious.
“”Well, a man passed by.”
Alhamdulillah he feels comfortable doing that.
N on the other hand, during a 4-H council meeting, fidgeted and fidgeted when she was supposed to pray Maghrib in a corner of the office. I have to admit though that it was probably not easy for her, because at the time, she was the only one who could pray, hubby and H were not there, and the room was also filled with other kids. So, I had to ask the 4-H agent if we could use an empty office room for N to pray in. When she went in, she immediately prayed with no hesitation.
At the cake class, on the very first day, Sy. stayed, so for that day, the girls, (well, N rather) had an adult to pray with, in an aisle in Hobby Lobby. On the second week, they were by themselves, but alhamdulillah all three girls prayed by themselves at the same spot where My.s mom had prayed the week before. They just got up and went out to pray, alhamdulillah. My. however, stopped going to the class because she didn’t enjoy it, so the third week, which was twp days ago, S and N prayed by themselves.
We all had gone out to go to the Imaging Center for my X-ray before the girls’ class. On the way to the class, we reminded them of the time for Maghrib.
“6.30 you two can pray. Can you do that?”
“Yeah,” S answered.
“I can come to you if you want,” offered hubby, meaning that he could come around maghrib time to take them out of class so they could pray.
“They already did it themselves last week,” I said to hubby.
“So you guys can do it by yourselves?” asked hubby.
“Yeah,” they replied.
So, alhamdulillah, alhamdulillah.
place wax paper on top of the ruoghly iced cake and smooth it by running the spatula over the cake top and side over the wax paper and the lift...
All smooth!
It was during the second week that the girls had to bring an iced cake to class. S practically made her own cake, frosting, and iced it herself. She actually showed and taught me a new technique for smoothing the frosting on the cake; a technique I was not privy to before. N, ahh…N, I had to remind her to bake her cake and practically helped her and baked it for her, though she did most of the measuring. Then S helped her ice it because by then I was too exhausted and angry at N for not taking responsibility for her own deadlines.
When we picked them up that night though, they were not done decorating their cakes and I asked why.
“The teacher was talking and talking and only the last 20 minutes she let us decorate the cake.”
Aha…that is also part of the reason My. stopped going to class after that week.
So the girls finished decorating their cakes at home. They had also learned the technique for transfering pattern on the cake from wax/parchment paper using piping gel; another technique I have never used.
And voila! Their cakes look AWESOME! Mashaallah!
N's cake
S' cake
And what did we do with these two whole cakes? We gave them out to our neighbors and left a container of cake slices at the men’s kitchen in the masjid, with a note explaining its presence attached.
Ramadan Day 26: Al Baqarah 32
September 16, 2009 at 1:23 pm | In Al Huda Institute, Deen, Family, New Mexico, Quran, Ramadan | Leave a Comment |
| 32: |
| Muhsin Khan: They (angels) said: “Glory be to You, we have no knowledge except what you have taught us. Verily, it is You, the All-Knower, the All-Wise.” |
Today’s ayah is short and sweet but packs a lot of lessons, important ones too.
Arabic wise, there are no new words. The kids pretty much know what they mean, well, at least H does. Even before I explained them, he was listening intently as I recited the ayah in Arabic, and when I was done, he tried to say what it meant. He came really close.
The only word I had to elaborate on was al 7hakeem. From the root 7ha kaf meem. Hukm means to give order, to command, to give a decision. Hakeem, means judge, and a judge gives order, decision. Hikmah generally means wisdom. Allah’s decision is based not only on wisdom but on complete knowledge.
From the angels’ response, we learn:
When our mistakes are pointed out, we should humble ourselves and acknowledge our shortcomings. Kill that ego.
The angels glorified Allah first before acknowledging their mistakes and shortcomings. We should do the same. Say,
“You’re right. I was wrong.”
Then they glorified Allah again.
In an argument, even when you’re boiling inside, back down. The better person is the one who backs down especially when he’s boiling inside. It’s not “I’m right, you’re wrong.”
When coming across ayah in the Quran, we should apply it to ourselves first rather than bypassing ourselves and applying to others. When we do that, we are in actuality saying,
“See! I’m right. That person’s wrong!”
Thus we are not learning from the lessons of that ayah.
Apply the ayah to ourselves. If it’s stating something negative. Ask ourselves,
“Do I do that?”
and make dua that Allah does not make us one of those people.
If it’s stating something positive. Ask ourselves,
Do I do that?”
and make dua that Allah makes us one of those decribed in the ayah.
Ramadan Day 25: Al Baqarah 31
September 16, 2009 at 1:10 pm | In Al Huda Institute, Deen, Homeschooling, New Mexico, Quran, Ramadan | Leave a Comment |
| 31: |
| Muhsin Khan: And He taught Adam all the names (of everything) , then He showed them to the angels and said, “Tell Me the names of these if you are truthful.” |
Today’s ayah continues the story of the history of mankind.
‘allama means to teach. Ta’leem means to teach gradually. In Arabic, any addition of letters or even shaddah changes the meaning of the word. Allama means to teach and taleem means to teach gradually. The Quran was revealed in 23 years. One of the wisdom behind that is because gradual absorption has its own benefits.
I had her do this again because she understood that the prophet saw was in Taif for 13 years. Hmm...we really need to do Seerah soon.
Aadama. Root hamzah dal meem. Udma refers to a color that is neither too dark nor too light, somewhat beige. Adam is the name given to the father of mankind. Reminds me of a recent feature in National Geographic (I receive their newsletter in my inbox) of people tracing their lineage back to the Europeans. An African American traces his lineage back to white Europeans.
Asmaa” is the plural of ism. Samaa also comes from the same root (seen meem wau). Recently a baby arrived in the community. I went to visit them at the hospital and the ladies were telling the nurse that the baby’s name (Sumuw) means honorship. I asked the kids how samaa and asmaa are related through the root which means height, elevation. Then we talked/discussed how they’re related. Asmaa is plural for ism (names). When a person is given a name, his status is raised above others, as this makes him unique. Proper noun versus common noun. Whetstone Public Library is not just any public library, but it’s a unique special library that goes by the name Whetstone Public Library. Samaa is sky/heights (depending on the context of the ayah). That explains why they translated Sumoow as honorship. Amazing, eh?
Anbi”oonee from the root noon ba ya. Nabi is also from the same root and so is nabaa” (surah an nabaa”). In this ayah, anbi”oonee is translated as ‘tell me/inform me’. Nabaa is news. Nabi brings news. What news? Not just any kind of news, but news that truly concerns you. Khabr in Arabic is another word for news, but it refers to just any news. News of a stranger’s graduation or marriage or death does not necessarily concern you. That’s just khabr. But news of your family member’s death, graduation or marrieg concerns you directly. That is nabaa’. A Nabi brings about nabaa of the hereafter, jannah, hellfire, day of judgment. Does that news concern us? You bet it does!
Here Allah is challenging the angels to tell Allah the names of these things that He had taught to Adam if they are truly true in their claim that mankind is no good in earth.
This ayah also shows the status of mankind and highlights the importance of knowledge. Iqra’ was the first surah revealed. The command to seek knowledge. Without knowledge, how can we worship our Creator? Without knowledge how are we supposed to know what is from the Quran and sunnah and what is innovation? Without knowledge how are we going to know what to teach our children? Truly important that. Knowledge. Know what I’m sayin’? It also shows that this religion has a lot to do with seeking knowledge and acquiring it, and not just blindly following or remaining ignorant.
Mankind is bestowed with brain power that has a cap. This amaanat(trust) should be used to please Allah. And when it is…oh…the benefit of mankind on earth outweighs its harm.
Ramadan Day 10: Al Baqarah 14
September 1, 2009 at 2:09 pm | In Al Huda Institute, Deen, Family, Homeschooling, New Mexico, Quran, Ramadan, Thoughts | Leave a Comment |
| 14: |
| Muhsin Khan: And when they meet those who believe, they say: “We believe,” but when they are alone with their Shayatin (devils – polytheists, hypocrites, etc.), they say: “Truly, we are with you; verily, we were but mocking.” |
The hardest part about our Ramadan activity is keeping it consistent everyday. It’s the goal in Ramadan to fill the kids’ time with doing something that will make us come closer to Allah. It all started out with tryingto make Ramadan a very special time for them, when they were at a young age. They started fasting quite young, compared to most kids here in the US. In Malaysia, I think it’s pretty common to find kids fasting at age 7 or even younger, though maybe not a full Ramadan. I don’t know about now, but I think the Malays are pretty good at encouraging and training their children to fast from a young age. It’s amazing to see how certain cultures have their own strengths with respect to Islam. I have to say, from observation, that if you base it on culture, you can see that there is no culture that abides by what Islam dictates completely. There are cultural practices that emerge and somewhat takes over, and becomes part of the that culture deems as Islam, but is not necessarily so. This is because the basic determinant should not be culture in the first place. In a recent khutbah, in town, that I really like, the Khaatib talked about how Allah created us all differently so we can recognize each other. If we’re all homogeneous, we probably won’t be able to tell one from the other. Wouldn’t that be absurd? And what matters most if taqwa of Allah, not skin color, nor culture, or ethnicity.
Going back to the cultural strength though, imagine if the whole ummah is united, I mean truly united in the sense that we all seek to follow the Quran and Sunnah in its true form, you would have all these strengths put together like jigsaw puzzles! As each culture has its strengths in practicising Islam, if these cultures come together for the purpose of seeking Allah’s pleasure, we would be one amazing Ummah, in reality. We would benefit each other, and wherever we are weak, we will be complemented by the strength of another. Subhanallah…
And I digress.
Subhanallah…I tell them not to draw animate beings; people or animals, and they create their own ‘beings’. *slaps forehead* Allahul musta’an.
For this day, we our usual word to word translation. Then we focused on the words laqoo, khalaw, shayaaTteen, mustahzi oon. I also find that when I do these mini lessons with them, I tend to remember these ayat more myself, subhanallah. You do know your stuff better when you teach. The benefit is all around. You can say it’s an indirect way to memorize, and with meaning too.
laqoo: (root) lam qaf ya – to meet, face to face, sometimes it’s also used for throwing or accepting, because when you accept you have to face what you’re accepting
Arabic is such a beautiful language. Subhanallah. I wish I had learned it like this, or it had been taught like this when I was in high school. The approach to teaching it is pretty important, as it is with any other subject. Then again though, hidayah comes from Allah, and for us, sometimes, we are just not ‘open’ to that guidance until a determined time. And all of that is part of the beauty of Allah’s wisdom.
Khalaw: khala means to be empty, and in Malaysia, the word khalwat is quite a common word, (unfortunately) and the connotation is bad too. But the meaning comes also from the root of the word.
ShayaaTteen: (root) Sheen Tta Noon; means to be far away. Far from the truth and far from Allah’s mercy. And in this ayah, this may refer to the leaders of the hypocrites and it can also mean that this word is used to denote the evilness of what they’re doing, and because these leaders command people to do evil.
Mustahzi oon: the kids had quite a hard time trying to figure out the root for this. I keep giving them the hint,
“Whenever there is a meem in front of a word, usually it means a place of that word or a people of that word. And the wau noon at the end usually indicates plural. So what’s left?”
Ramadan Day 8: Al Baqarah 11-12
August 29, 2009 at 2:42 pm | In Al Huda Institute, Deen, Family, Homeschooling, New Mexico, Quran, Ramadan, Thoughts | 2 Comments |
| 11: |
| Muhsin Khan: And when it is said to them: “Make not mischief on the earth,” they say: “We are only peacemakers.” |
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| 12: |
| Muhsin Khan: Verily! They are the ones who make mischief, but they perceive not. |
Baby Z joined us today for our lesson post fajr. He has been sick for the past few days and I haven’t been to taraweeh at the masjid for the past two nights. To be honest, I don’t really feel like socializing much anyway, especially not in Ramadan. So the kids have gone to community iftars and taraweeh without me, thus inciting questions such as,
“Where’s your mom?”
Even from when we were in C-bus, they’ve had to field these questions too at the masjid, because they always went with hubby, while I stayed home because it was just too much of a hassle to go and take Baby Z, especially when his eczema was bad. And here, now, I’m starting to skip out on events like these, choosing only to go to some and not attend all of them. I think I overdid it from the moment we moved here, and that is why I was suffering from ‘too much socializing’ that resulted in a mental and physical breakdown. I need to be alone a lot of time to energize. And merely staying home, (and I think every mother knows this) is not necessarily ‘time alone’ especially when you’re homeschooling.
Yesterday, when I asked the kids if they wanted to go to taraweeh, they said yes. I told them I was not going because Baby Z was still sick and I didn’t want him to be around a lot of people while his immune system is weak. S responded,
“Oh now people’s gonna ask us where you are.”
“Last time a lot of people asked where you were.”
Last week I didn’t go to the community iftar at the masjid because I had class, and a headache. This week (tomorrow), I’m not going partly because of Baby Z and partly because I just don’t feel like socializing. There will be time for moderate socializing at Eid time inshaallah. I’ve begun to realize and actually see that Ramadan is a little too precious to spend socializing, yes, even at iftars. Even in C-bus, I spent most of time cooped up in the house, and when I do socialize, it’s usually at ilm-seeking events or just some hanging out with a small group of close friends. They are actually more meaningful when done in small bits, at least for my personality.
I’m even tempted to not attend any iftars all throughout Ramadan, except for one where we may invite some people over. This however is not discussed yet, and I keep looking at the time, and think that either I’d have to rush people to eat quickly and eat little so we could clean up and make it to the masjid in time, or relax and miss taraweeh. I’d hate to rush people and I’d also hate to miss taraweeh. It’d have to be some wise dawah on our part, and some really understanding company.
Today’s lesson comprises of ayat 11 and 12, which continues on about the hypocrites. Not many new lessons or root words today for the kids, but they did get a second dose of yash’ooroon. I had to give examples so they understand what perceive means. Some examples include one camping in the wilderness, in the dark of the night and sensing/perceiving that there is an animal lurking, hanging around the tent. We also talked about the two types of fasad (corruption); intangible (backbiting, spreading lies, inciting enmity etc) and tangible (pollution, logging, oil spills on the seas). So far’ we’ve had many doses of the word ‘tangible’ and ‘intangible’. This should cover the kids’ vocabulary too, mashaallah.
As I am typing, H is in the kitchen, gettig the ingredients out to make Sticky Buns.
“I love baking, but I hate cleaning,” he said as he was going back and forth from the dining room to the kitchen.
This morning he was sleeping at the table, because he didn’t have sufficient nap yesterday. After jumuah, we had gone to Marshall’s to get each of them a bin to put their school stuff in. I had them continue their report writing yesterday before Jumuah and I couldn’t wait to get those organizational bins to ease my own headache of clutter complaints.
Considering that, I just told him to make the bread dough up till the first rise and refrigerate it, to be continued tomorrow. I also have class today, in an hour or less, inshaallah. Baby Z also has a doctor’s appointment at 11:30 a.m. So it’s quite a full day today. I plan on making Mee Goreng (Fried Noodles) today for Iftar and send some with the kids to the community Iftar at the masjid. I need to finish up my Quran reading too.
Last night as I was doing the Heartwheel Journal, I read the next day’s lesson/reminder and was struck by the reminder that if we get it ‘right’ we will realize that everything we do that is noble is worship. I used to silently lament that because I’m doing stuff with the kids, I miss out on some Quran reading and what not, but if I pay special attention to my intention each time I do something, they will all count as ‘easy’ ibadah inshaallah. Why make it difficult on ourselves? And this is a great reminder for mothers, especially mothers with very young children. These mothers usually miss out on taraweeh at the masjid, etc because of these young children, but if the intention is paid attention to, and the perspective is altered, gratefulness can emerge, resulting in complete acceptance and reward is gained biizhnillah. Islam is made easy. Why do we have to complicate it? I sorely need that reminder.
Ramadan Is Around the Corner
August 18, 2009 at 2:51 am | In Deen, Homeschooling, New Mexico, Ramadan, Thoughts | 1 CommentBut why do I feel somewhat down about it? I learned that the Taraweeh here is only about half an hour and they don’t read the whole Quran. Not many sisters attend it, that they don’t really need babysitting during taraweeh. And this is the year I am finally able to attend Taraweeh with no breastfeeding babies and kids are old enough to stay home. Slap in the face for all those years I wasted.
I really wish right now I’m back in C-bus with my sisters. I really do. However, this is a test from Allah, and I just have to pass it. Ramadan gives me a lot of hope. Dua time. I just hope that with it, things don’t get more complicated. Worst case, I will lock myself up at home and never come out until we move away. They say when there is fitnah going around, you should go up a mountain and stay there till the fitnah goes away. Maybe I should do that.
Like I said, I think I’ll lock myself up at home and never come out.
This morning, I sat down with each kid and we discussed their personal interests, goals, divided into Islamic, Personal, Self Care, Family and Academic. Then they set out to make their Ramadan goals and Ramadan Dua List. I have yet to make mine. Shame on me.
I gave S Math Smart Junior by Marcia Lerner to use for her math. I am also planning to do a math game, puzzle, activity with all the kids everyday inshaallah. On top of exercises and review.
I had them take the learning style test yesterday and it turned out that S is more visual, which is easy because a lot of curiculum are geared for the visual, or rather, should I say that the old traditional school system caters a lot for visual, so she can learn indepently.
N and H though are more kinesthetic, so that will require me to come up with creative hands on activities for them inshaallah. It turned out ok because as I was looking at high schooling information for S, it makes it easier because her learning style preference is suited to high school and college learning.
The best thing that happened today was The Fasting and The Furious Ilminar, walhamdulillah. And when I was sitting with the kids individually today to discuss their goals, we got some pretty interesting stuff mashallah.
No TV?!
June 19, 2009 at 10:50 pm | In Deen, Family, Mothering, Thoughts | 2 CommentsYes, that’s right. No TV. We don’t have a TV in the house. I knowe we just moved across the state, but as far as I know, and can afford it, we’re remaining without one.
Anyone who has been reading this blog for the past few years probably knows my dilemma and nagging problem with having TV in the house. Ever since we were in Columbus, I have had this intention the moment we move; we will not have any TV in the house.
I weaned the kids, and myself from the TV back in the summer of 2006, after explaining to them the whys, though I think, after listening to their remarks and comments about it, I should remind the reasons every now and again. So, since they were weaned, they haven’t been addicted to it. As for me, I have to say that my hijrah from watching TV to watching no TV has been somewhat like a rollercoaster, and looking back, I think it is because there was a TV sitting in the living room. It also doesn’t help that someone in the house keeps turning it on. It really did a number on me, and subhanallah, that hijrah, personally, hasn’t been easy.
I made my point pretty clear: we’re not going to have any TV in the new home. Alhamdulillah for a pretty flexible husband. I don’t think it was easy for hubby either, and I sensed a rebellious streak in the beginning, but I also sensed somewhat of a blessing from Allah in all of this. Having Baby Z helps too. Helps in convincing hubby that we don’t need a TV in the house.
However, I was also aware that Shaytaan works in mysterious ways, in ways that we can easily overlook. The seven steps through which Shaytaan attacks us is deep rooted in my mind, thanks to Muhammad Alshareef’s When Wolves Become Shepherds. Shaytaan never gives up, ever. I realize this. And once, from the virtual influence of something as sinister, I was temporarily sucked into a different kind of TV; via the internet. I felt so guilty, so sinful, that I made dua for Allah to forgive me, and to make me strong. I fought the desire, and alhamdulillah, I think now, I’m safe. Alhamdulillah. Of course, the battle is just getting more heated. It’s not over. Not until the moment of my death.
Now, I’m not out to say that everyone should unplug their stupid boxes in their homes and dump them in the trash. I’m just talking about my own personal, well, a family affair now, hijrah here. For me, the few second commercials rife of almost naked and alluring women, subliminal messages of rafath, and a lifestyle of evil are the most harmful of all. The TV has its good and bad, but just like alcohol, I think its harm outweighs its good.
When someone in town found out we don’t have TV in the house, they were surprised. Well, I told them we don’t have TV in the house. What they found out was that my son told their son that he’s not allowed to watch TV, play video games, or watch movies. Makes me sound like someone they should be wary of, doesn’t it? I don’t blame them if they think so.
A sister also offered us her TV, as she was moving. When hubby told her I don’t like it, she simply laughed it off. The next time I met her, she asked me again. I politely declined, without offering further explanations. Some things are better just left unexplained, if explaining it would only cause more controversy. I’m learning to withhold myself now, saying some things only when I deem it the right time and place.
Yes, I am aware that living without TV in these days is common now, because we have the internet. That’s what I meant when I talekd about Shaytaan working in mysterious ways. And that, I have no doubt, will be our fitnah. May Allah protect us from it. Ameen.
This is one of those things, just like homeschooling, that sets me further apart from the mainstream Muslims. I have to admit that at times, I begin to doubt myself.
Maybe I’m being too strict. Loosen up!
But then, I look at my children, and I look at how they have grown up to be so far. I can’t ruin that.
Islam began as something strange. It will end as something strange. People may hurl accusations, labels and hurtful words at me for this. People may even make me feel horrible for doing this, saying I’m going overboard, that in this era, we need to be balanced, that we need to ‘fit in’ and ‘integrate’. Believe me, I’m not trying to be rebellious. I’m not trying to set myself apart. If that happens, then it’s a result, but it’s not my intention. My intention is for my personal improvement. Different people have different problems, different strengths and different weaknesses. And we all have our own pace at which we move forward or backward. I only ask that Allah accepts this of me, and that I’m doing something which pleases Him, for it is His pleasure I seek.
I am aware this is not easy to live with. Within the family, we’re fine, alhamdulillah. I don’t hear kids complaining of wanting to watch TV. Over the years, they have learned to occupy themselves with things to do, be it reading, arts and crafts, quarelling, baking cookies, or playing outside. I think they have pretty rich childhoods, thanks to no TV in the house.
I remember when they were smaller, I had taught them to press the mute button whenever songs come up in their cartoons. After a while, I grew lax and didn’t enforce it much, and I clearly remember that feeling of regret creeping all over me. Children, they are born with fitrah. It is us parents who shape them into who they are. When they were muting the songs, they were doing it as something normal. But when I taught them to mute the songs after letting them listen to the songs for a while, I noticed that they were more resistant. And oh, the regret I felt, was unbearable. I felt that I had failed as a Muslim parent. But alhamdulillah, human beings are pretty pliable. We bounce back.
I don’t really dare say much more, because Allah may very well test me through my children (Oh Allah, please do not test me through my children), but so far, I am content with them. Being a parent at any time and age is not easy. It never was easy.
Sometimes parents make decisions based on their upbringing, which can go either of two ways. Sometimes, we have parents who disagree with another parent’s decisions. Every parent wants what is best for her/his children. And every parent has his/her own opinions, reasoning behind his/her decisions. I don’t claim to be so confident with mine, that it is the absolute right thing to do, and the ’should’, but I do ask that Allah blesses all of us parents with guidance, for we need it the most in order to guide our progeny down the line.
It is only with His guidance that people are led aright. One may have grown up in a non practicing environment, but when Allah’s guidance enters his heart, he may be the best of Muslims among those who grew up in a highly practicing environment. One may have grown up in a highly practicing environment, yet, having lost Allah’s guidance, he might be the worst of people in a non practicing environment. Who are we then, to say that our way will definitely produce highly practicing Muslims? It is not in our hands alone.
That is the beauty of it all. It is not in our hands alone. The fact that it is not so is a constant reminder of our vulnerability, of our weakness, and of Allah’s power, might, and sole reign over the universe.
May Allah shower us all with guidance upon guidance and keep on it till the moment we return to Him. Ameen.
Great Advice
June 18, 2009 at 4:04 pm | In Al Huda Institute, Deen | Leave a Comment10 Principles for Peaceful Life…
قَدْ جَاءَكُمْ مِنَ اللَّهِ نُورٌ وَكِتَابٌ مُبِينٌ [٥:١٥]
يَهْدِي بِهِ اللَّهُ مَنِ اتَّبَعَ رِضْوَانَهُ سُبُلَ السَّلَامِ وَيُخْرِجُهُمْ مِنَ الظُّلُمَاتِ إِلَى النُّورِ بِإِذْنِهِ وَيَهْدِيهِمْ إِلَىٰ صِرَاطٍ مُسْتَقِيمٍ [٥:١٦]
There has come to you from Allah a light and a clear Book. By which Allah guides those who pursue His pleasure to the ways of peace and brings them out from darknesses into the light, by His permission, and guides them to a straight path. [5:15-16]
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1. Do Not Interfere In Others’ Business Unless Asked. وَلَا تَقْفُ مَا لَيْسَ لَكَ بِهِ عِلْمٌ ۚ إِنَّ السَّمْعَ وَالْبَصَرَ وَالْفُؤَادَ كُلُّ أُولَٰئِكَ كَانَ عَنْهُ مَسْئُولًا [١٧:٣٦] And do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight and the heart – about all those [one] will be questioned. (Isra:17) Most of us create our own problems by interfering too often in others’ affairs. We do so because somehow we have convinced ourselves that our way is the best way, our logic is the perfect logic and those who do not conform to our thinking must be criticized and steered to the right direction, i.e. our direction. This thinking denies the existence of individuality and consequently undermines the Intelligence and Creativity that is only attributed to God. God has created each one of us in a unique way. No two human beings can think or act in exactly the same way. All men or women act the way they do because Allah has made each one of us different, with different personalities. Be patient with one another, and mind your own business and you will keep your peace.
2. Forgive And Forget:
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وَإِنْ تَعْفُوا وَتَصْفَحُوا وَتَغْفِرُوا فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ غَفُورٌ رَحِيمٌ [٦٤:١٤]
But if you pardon and overlook and forgive – then indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.
This is the most powerful aid to peace of mind, but also challenging to acheive. We often develop ill feelings inside our heart for the person who insult us or harm us. We nurture grievances resulting in loss of sleep, development of stomach ulcers, and high blood pressure. We further aggravate stress in ourselves by remembering, and reminding ourselves of the very persons that caused us harm. Get over this bad habit. Life is too short to waste in such trifles. Forgive, forget, and march on. Love flourishes in giving and forgiving.
ضَعُفَ الطَّالِبُ وَالْمَطْلُوبُ [٢٢:٧٣
[Those who seek from other than Allah…..] Weak are the pursuer and pursued.
قُلِ اللَّهُمَّ مَالِكَ الْمُلْكِ تُؤْتِي الْمُلْكَ مَنْ تَشَاءُ وَتَنْزِعُ الْمُلْكَ مِمَّنْ تَشَاءُ وَتُعِزُّ مَنْ تَشَاءُ وَتُذِلُّ مَنْ تَشَاءُ ۖ بِيَدِكَ الْخَيْرُ ۖ إِنَّكَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ [٣:٢٦]
Say, “O Allah , Owner of Sovereignty, You give sovereignty to whom You will and You take sovereignty away from whom You will. You honor whom You will and You humble whom You will. In Your hand is [all] good. Indeed, You are over all things competent.
This world is full of selfish people. They seldom praise anybody without selfish motives. They may praise you today because you are in power, but no sooner than you are powerless; they will forget your achievement and will start finding faults in you. Why do you wish to kill yourself in striving for their recognition? Do your duties ethically and sincerely, and only seek the pleasure of Allah through salah and ibaadah.
4. Do Not Be Jealous:وَلَا تَتَمَنَّوْا مَا فَضَّلَ اللَّهُ بِهِ بَعْضَكُمْ عَلَىٰ بَعْضٍ ۚ لِلرِّجَالِ نَصِيبٌ مِمَّا اكْتَسَبُوا ۖ وَلِلنِّسَاءِ نَصِيبٌ مِمَّا اكْتَسَبْنَ ۚ وَاسْأَلُوا اللَّهَ مِنْ فَضْلِهِ ۗ إِنَّ اللَّهَ كَانَ بِكُلِّ شَيْءٍ عَلِيمًا [٤:٣٢]
And do not wish for that by which Allah has made some of you exceed others. For men is a share of what they have earned, and for women is a share of what they have earned. And ask Allah of his bounty. Indeed Allah is ever, of all things, Knowing
We all have experienced how jealousy can disturb our peace of mind. You know that you work harder than your colleagues in the office, but sometimes they get promotions; you do not. You started a business several years ago, but you are not as successful as your neighbour whose business is only a one year old. There are several examples like these in everyday life. Should you be jealous? No. Remember, a person’s life is shaped by their destiny, which becomes their reality. If you are destined to be rich, nothing in the world can stop you. And if you are destined to be poor, then no matter what you do, you will only be what you are destined to be. Nothing will be gained by blaming others for your misfortune. Jealousy will not get you anywhere; it will only take away your peace of mind.
5. Change Yourself:
إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يُغَيِّرُ مَا بِقَوْمٍ حَتَّىٰ يُغَيِّرُوا مَا بِأَنْفُسِهِمْ [١٣:١١
Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves
If you try to change the environment single-handedly, the chances are you will fail. Instead, change yourself to suit your environment. As you do this, even the environment, which has been unfriendly to you, will mysteriously change and seem congenial and harmonious.
6. Endure What Cannot Be Cured:لَتُبْلَوُنَّ فِي أَمْوَالِكُمْ وَأَنْفُسِكُمْ وَلَتَسْمَعُنَّ مِنَ الَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْكِتَابَ مِنْ قَبْلِكُمْ وَمِنَ الَّذِينَ أَشْرَكُوا أَذًى كَثِيرًا ۚ وَإِنْ تَصْبِرُوا وَتَتَّقُوا فَإِنَّ ذَٰلِكَ مِنْ عَزْمِ الْأُمُورِ [٣:١٨٦]
You will surely be tested in your possessions and in yourselves. And you will surely hear from those who were given the Scripture before you and from those who associate others with Allah much abuse. But if you are patient and fear Allah – indeed, that is of the matters [worthy] of determination.
Every day we face numerous inconveniences, ailments, irritations, and accidents that are beyond our control. If we cannot control them or change them, we must learn to put up with these things. We must learn to endure them cheerfully. Believe in yourself and you will gain in terms of patience, inner strength and will power.
7. Do Not Bite Off More Than You Can Chew:(102:3) كَلَّا سَوْفَ تَعْلَمُونَ (102:2)حَتَّىٰ زُرْتُمُ الْمَقَابِرَ (102:1)أَلْهَاكُمُ التَّكَاثُرُ
Competition in [worldly] increase diverts you. Until you visit the graveyards. No! You are going to know
(94:7) وَإِلَىٰ رَبِّكَ فَارْغَبْ (94:8)فَإِذَا فَرَغْتَ فَانْصَبْ
So when you have finished [your duties], then stand up [for worship]. And to your Lord direct [your] longing.
We often tend to take more responsibilities than we are capable of. This is done to satisfy our ego. Know your limitations. Why take on additional loads that may create more worries? You cannot gain peace of mind by expanding your external activities. Reduce your material engagements and spend time in prayer, and introspection. It will prevent you from thinking of matters that upset you. An uncluttered mind is a peaceful mind.
8. Make Regular Dhikr:وَاذْكُرْ رَبَّكَ فِي نَفْسِكَ تَضَرُّعًا وَخِيفَةً وَدُونَ الْجَهْرِ مِنَ الْقَوْلِ بِالْغُدُوِّ وَالْآصَالِ وَلَا تَكُنْ مِنَ الْغَافِلِينَ [٧:٢٠٥]
And remember your Lord within yourself in humility and in fear without being apparent in speech – in the mornings and the evenings. And do not be among the heedless.
وَمَنْ أَعْرَضَ عَنْ ذِكْرِي فَإِنَّ لَهُ مَعِيشَةً ضَنْكًا وَنَحْشُرُهُ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ أَعْمَىٰ [٢٠:١٢٤]
And whoever turns away from My remembrance – indeed, he will have a depressed life, and We will gather him on the Day of Resurrection blind.”
Dhikr, the rememberance of Allah, calms the mind and gets rid of disturbing thoughts. Try it yourself. If you do tasbih, dhikr, whenever you are free, your mind will be at peace during the day. Your mind will not be easily disturbed as it was before.You may think that this will interfere with your daily work. On the contrary, this will increase your efficiency and you will be able to produce better results in less time.
9. Never Leave The Mind Vacant:وَلِكُلٍّ وِجْهَةٌ هُوَ مُوَلِّيهَا ۖ فَاسْتَبِقُوا الْخَيْرَاتِ ۚ أَيْنَ مَا تَكُونُوا يَأْتِ بِكُمُ اللَّهُ جَمِيعًا ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ [٢:١٤٨]
For each is a direction toward which it faces. So race to [all that is] good. Wherever you may be, Allah will bring you forth [for judgement] all together. Indeed, Allah is over all things competent.
إِنَّ الَّذِينَ اتَّقَوْا إِذَا مَسَّهُمْ طَائِفٌ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ تَذَكَّرُوا فَإِذَا هُمْ مُبْصِرُونَ [٧:٢٠١]
Indeed, those who fear Allah – when an impulse touches them from Satan, they remember [Him] and at once they have insight.
An empty mind is the devil’s workshop. Keep your mind occupied in something positive, something worthwhile and negative thoughts will not plague your mind. Actively follow a hobby, something that holds your interest. You must decide what you value more: money or peace of mind. Your hobby, like social work or religious work, may not always earn you more money, but you will have a sense of fulfillment and achievement. Even when you are resting physically, occupy yourself in healthy reading or in du’a
10. Do Not Procrastinate And Never Regret:فَإِذَا عَزَمْتَ فَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى اللَّهِ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ يُحِبُّ الْمُتَوَكِّلِينَ [٣:١٥٩]
And when you have decided, then rely upon Allah. Indeed, Allah loves those who rely [upon Him].
Do not waste time in protracted wondering, ” Should I or shouldn’t I?” You can never plan enough because you can never fully anticipate all future happenings. Value your time and do the things that need to be done now. It does not matter if you fail the first time, so long as you don’t leave it for tomorrow. You can learn from your mistakes and succeed the next time. Sitting back and worrying will lead to nothing. DO NOT REGRET. Whatever happened was destined to happen. Why cry over spilt milk?
Think Positive
Wassalam,Al Huda Institute, Canada
Another Family Affair – Divine Link
June 15, 2009 at 9:10 pm | In AlMaghrib, Community, Deen, Family, Kids, New Mexico | Leave a Comment
All of us except N and Baby Z have these
Who would have thought that while my fellow Haylers in Columbus are about to take this new class fromAlMaghrib Institute, we, the recently relocated clan of H, were to be bestowed the precious opportunity to partake of this wonderful experience? It was the first time Sh. YB held a version of AlMaghrib Institute class for his community, and I’m really grateful to Allah that we were close by to attend it. I would almost say that it’s a somewhat of a consolation from not being in close proximity to any AlMaghrib qabeelah. As Columbus prepared to host the class that weekend, we here in NM, and Texas, were the first to taste the Divine Link, even if it be for one session.
For about two months plus now, we’ve been going to El Paso on Tuesdays, after dinner, for this class. SInce the class is only between maghrib and Isha, Sh YB can’t cover much, so at this rate, we’ll probably only be done with the whole course after 10 months! WHich gives us a reason to see Sh YB every week, so it’s all good. Alhamdulillah.
So, my weekdays are pretty much filled. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays are class days. In a way, it’s exhausting, especially because I have to make sure there is food cooked by Tuesday that will last us through Thursday, so I won’t have to cook during my class times. That in itself is truly exhausting, and I am truly feeling the chore of cooking more than ever before.
On the other hand, being in a town this small, with a lack of ‘knowledge-filled’ activities, I truly savor my class days. When I am in Sh YB’s class, I feel wonderful, I feel a kind of peace and motivation to improve my ibadah.
While we sit in class, hubby, S, H, and me, N babysits Baby Z outside. The masjid is pretty big and the class is held in the library. The first few classes, N would entertain Baby Z by letting him scribble on paper. After a while though, Baby Z tired of being babysat, and he would stand at the library door (which is usually left open) and we, seeing him there, would gesture for him to come in.
Now, while N sits outside, Baby Z sits with us, IN the class, refusing to go back out to N. He would sit on S’s lap and scribble on her notes. Nowadays, as it probably has been since way back, he is very very close to S, even refusing to sit with me at times. Good for me, huh?
H would usually sit with the men , in front, and is usually oblivisou to whatever Baby Z is doing with us at the back. It was also wonderful to pray behind Sh YB, considering that we don’t have a truly qualified Imam in this town.
Every time after class, Sh YB would give us action items to act on. One of them was to determine the prayer times from just looking at the sun and its correlating signs. Here in town, if you’re in the right location, you can actually see the sun setting, and I foolishly thought we were in the right location.
So one evening, as maghrib was approaching, I told the kids to go outside and try to look at the sun setting. Too bad we’re not higher up. All we could see was the glow of the sun.
Last week, Sh YB told us that his 10 year old son managed to tell the time for Zuhr using the shadow, and to encourage us, he said,
“If a ten year old can do it, anyone can.”
We have yet to try this, but I think that will be what we will do soon biiznillah.
Meanwhile, we are learning the right ways of praying, and as of now, we are rectifying our post ruku’ position.
I feel blessed to have the oportunity to attend this class, or any such classes, with my children. Saves me a lot of teaching, though I still have to guide them, and best of all, we’re all learning together. Alhamdulillah alhamdulillah…
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