Signs

      Asalam Aleykom people!!

                 So over a year ago this article was published in Help Club's Al-Qalam magazine. I had a lot of fun writing this article and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did writing it. 

                                                                            Salam (Peace)!

                  

                                                                                Signs

                                                                    By: Habiba Ghanem

                  We often pray salat estkhara when we are faced with a tough decision. By praying estkhara we seek Allah’s (SWT) guidance. Allah sends us signs that help us in making our decision. Sometimes when we pray estkhara, our hearts are leaning more towards one of the choices. It is then that we may start to ignore the signs, the very same signs that are the answers to our prayers.

                  Once you start ignoring the signs, shaytan starts playing with your head, your emotions, and your ability to make a rational decision. In other words shaytan blinds you. By ignoring the signs, who are you trying to kid? You are just being dishonest with yourself.

                  Instead of ignoring the signs put your full trust in Allah (SWT). A great example of this trust, is when the terrible rumors started about Aisha. For those of you that don’t know the story, let me briefly explain what happened. Aisha was accidently left behind after she went searching for a necklace that she misplaced. To her great fortune a young man from the Ummah, came to the site. The young man was called Safwan and he offered Aisha a ride to the place where the others went. Upon seeing Aisha’s arrival with Safwan, some terrible people blamed Aisha for committing adultery and started rumors. Despite those appalling rumors, Aisha didn’t try to defend herself, instead she was patient and put her trust in Allah.  She recalled what Abi Yusuf had said; "So (for me) patience is most fitting. And it is Allah (Alone) Whose help can be sought against that which you assert."(Quran 12:18). Indeed Allah helped Aisha, He sent a revelation to Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) proving her innocence.

                  When you pray estkhara and something doesn’t turn out the way that you expected, you are supposed to have reda (contentment). Didn’t you seek Allah’s guidance? Didn’t you want your prayers answered? Even if for the time being you don’t like they way something turned out, you must have reda, and know that it is part of Allah’s plan for you. “…But perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allah Knows, while you know not.” (Quran 2:216)

                  If something didn’t happen as planned it’s because there really is something better on the way, you must have yaqeen. Don’t ignore the signs so you don’t end up with regret. As I mentioned before, by ignoring signs you let shaytan play with your head. When shaytan takes over, you leave room for committing wrong acts, they may be minor or major. Besides yourself, how many other people will you hurt by ignoring the signs? In the end if something is not meant to be, it won’t be. You can ignore the signs as much as you want, but if it’s not meant to be then be sure it won’t be. Always remember that, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.

                                                         Allahuma Eni Ma3’loban fa intasir

 For the latest updates make sure to follow Hijabymo on Twitter: @Hijabymo
Also be sure to check out my FB page:  http://www.facebook.com/HijabYMO 

The Most Truthful in Modesty

Salams everyone!

         So this article discusses a very important topic; and that topic is modesty. It was published in a very special issue of the SuperMuslims magazine and I advise all of you to check out the rest of the awesome articles. Links are provided at the bottom!

                                 Happy Friday!!

                                           

                             The Most Truthful in Modesty

                                  By: Habiba Ghanem

Modesty is a highly important part of Islam, and sadly we live in a world where we are exposed to many things that we should not be exposed to. Just like Ustad Nouman Ali Khan pointed out, the more that we are exposed to these shameful things the less shameful that they seem to us.

There was a great companion, who exemplified modesty. The Prophet (PBUH) said: "The most compassionate of my Ummah is Abu Bakr; the staunchest in Allah’s Religion is `Umar; and the most truthful in his modesty is `Uthman."

There are three types of modesty; spiritual, intellectual, and physical. Uthman ibn Affan unquestionably exemplified all those types of modesty.

To achieve spiritual modesty one should be grateful to Allah (SWT), one should know that you cannot achieve anything with out Allah’s (SWT). But how should one show gratitude?  Abdelrahman Murphy, says that simply; “You use what He gave you for His sake.” When there was famine across the Muslim Ummah, Uthman ibn Affan pulled up with a caravan full of goods. When Muslims offered their prices he told them that he had a better offer. They increased their offer, but he insisted that he had a better offer. When they asked him what the better offer was he said; “Allah has offered me a 1000 percent. Can you offer me more? O Allah, I have left [my goods] for the needy of Madinah without charge (Mosque Foundation).”

To attain intellectual modesty, you must bear in mind that no matter how smart you are; Allah (SWT) knows everything.  Uthman ibn Affan was a man of wealth and he was also an educated man, but he knew that he was a servant to Allah (SWT) and he knew that only Allah could save him from any calamity. Abu Musa narrates that; “The Prophet (PBUH) was sitting in a leaning posture, so he sat up and said, "Open the gate for him and give him the glad tidings of entering Paradise with a calamity which will befall him or which will take place." I went, and behold! It was Uthman. So I opened the gate for him and gave him the glad tidings of entering Paradise and also informed him of what the Prophet had said (about a calamity). 'Uthman said, "Allah Alone Whose Help I seek (against that calamity) “(Sahih Al-Bukhari).

The third type of modesty is physical modesty. Uthman ibn Affan was very keen on being modest, that even when he was at his house with doors closed, he refused to remove his garment while taking a bath (Modest of Uthman).

Uthman ibn Affan, was a man of greatness. He gave without expecting anything for return. He saved the ummah from hardship, he was one of the closest companions to the Prophet (PBUH), and Allah (SWT) promised him paradise. Despite all that greatness he was able to remain humble, and he refused to ever let arrogance gain any form of access to him.

Sources:

http://uthmanibnaffan.tumblr.com/post/32013829956/the-modesty-of-uthman-2

http://www.mosquefoundation.org/Articles/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/109/A-Story-About-Uthman-ibn-Affan.aspx

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8Rzwnad9JM

SuperMuslims: 

SuperMuslims Magazine Modesty Issue:

http://issuu.com/supermuslims/docs/supermuslims_modesty

Facebook Group: 

 http://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/supermuslims/

Twitter: 
 http://twitter.com/#!/supermuslims6    

Website: 
http://supermuslims.tumblr.com/ 

Facebook Page: 
http://www.facebook.com/SuperMuslims


For the latest updates make sure to follow Hijabymo on Twitter: @Hijabymo
 Also be sure to check out my FB page:  http://www.facebook.com/HijabYMO

 

Look Up

                                                 

                                                                     Look Up

                                                   By: Salma Hossam Mohsen

 I’m about to explode!

              I feel that way a lot, I’m about to explode from the thoughts in my head, from things happening around me, from words left unsaid…
It’s just the feeling that you have something to say but you’ve never been able to do so.

            We all have a dream or better yet many dreams. We are afraid and over think, a million thoughts pass through your head in just one second.              

You reach that point when all you really want to do is SCREAM!

          Now imagine with me that you’re praying and when you do sujoud hold on to the ground and pull yourself down! In your head with your inner voice shout and say “YAAAA RABBBB!!” AS LOUD AS YOU CAN AS IF YOUR DROWINING AND BEGGING TO BE HEARD FOR ONE LAST TIME…

        Then breathe and let it sink in that Allah has heard you, and whatever it is that’s deep down in your soul will happen.

     “And when My servants ask Thee (O’ Prophet) about Me, then verily I am near, I answer the prayer (Dua) of the supplicant when he beseeches unto Me. So let them hear My call, and believe in Me, so that they may be led aright.” [Quran 2: 186]

     Read this Ayah once and twice , read it many times till it sinks in. Yes god is there, yes He can hear your prayers, even your silent prayers. He is closer to you than your jugular vein. I’m overwhelmed by the love and mercy Allah has for us.

     How can we despair when He is so near? I constantly ask myself don’t I have faith!?

     I say this to you and to myself, the next time you feel that you can’t take it anymore, that you can’t breathe, that you want to scream and be heard LOOK UP! Do not be despaired from the mercy of Allah “I am near, I answer the prayer” that is a fact!

     We all want a sign, here is your sign “We shall show them Our signs in the Universe and within themselves, until it becomes clear to them that this is the Truth. Is it not enough that your Lord is the witness of all things?”[Quran 41:53]

    You are a sign, you are a miracle believe in yourself and in the beauty of your dream. Believe in all the good that the future holds for you and in the day when you will finally be able to look at Allah’s face (SWT), because you said “Ya rab, I want you please want me too”. Now wait in anticipation for that dream never doubt it, work for it because it’s near, speak to Allah for he is Mighty.

    One last thing! When you get that thing you want (FACT) don't forget to look up again and thank god and shout “ELHAMDOLLELAH” the same way you asked for it, be at least equally thankful for it!

 

اللهم تولانا برحمتك ولا تكلنا الى انفسنا طرفه عين اللهم انا توكلنا عليك

 For the latest updates make sure to follow Hijabymo on Twitter: @Hijabymo
 Also be sure to check out my FB page:  http://www.facebook.com/HijabYMO

The Voice in My Head & The Void in My Heart

Asalam Aleykom everyone,

     The article that I am about to share with you, is one of my SuperMuslims articles. Links to the full magazine are at the bottom. The theme for that month was honesty. I share with you this story because I know that sometimes its hard to be honest with ourselves, I know that its a struggle. But trust me when you are honest with yourself, you become a much happier person.

                             The Voice in My Head & The Void in My Heart

                                                  By: Habiba Ghanem

“You are happy. You are happy. Everything is great minus a few bumps in the road, you are still happy,” the voice in my head assured me.

But as time passed by the voice in my head, started asking questions, “Are you happy? Is this worth it?”

“Yes, yes, shhh,” I would say.

“But what about the signs? Don’t they say something? Why are you overlooking them?” The voice kept asking.

“Those signs are just a few bumps, don’t worry. I’ll just keep making duaa. This is a chance for me to get closer to Allah (SWT),” I assured the voice in my head.

                                                               ---

At least I was right about one thing, Allah (SWT) was testing me, but for awhile I was going about this test in the wrong way. Instead of moving towards Allah (SWT) I was moving away.

The more that I lied to myself and the more that I purposely overlooked signs, the bigger that my ignorance got. In other words, I had allowed shaytan (satan) to play with my head and the more that, that happened the more that my nafs (ego) was affected.

Now that I look back, I see how selfish I was. I had seen the confusion and sometimes pain in the eyes of those around me but I ignored it. I was hurt too. Confusion and frustration became my close friends.

Despite what I was going through I still prayed to Allah. At first I used to ask Him to make things work out the way that I wanted. But as my inner struggle grew I started asking Allah to present what was best for me. I think that, that was the starting point of me being honest with myself, not fully honest but there was progress nonetheless.

Throughout the tough time that I was facing, Allah (SWT) sent a few gifts. Indeed, “So verily with every difficulty there is ease 94:6” 

 

The first gift that was sent to me was the “Help Club” (A club at my university.) My first group of Al Sohba Al Saleha entered my life. Suddenly, people with great hearts surrounded me. They were people who loved each other for the sake of Allah (SWT). It was just the kind of environment that I needed. They taught me so much and their presence eased my struggle.

Then out of nowhere there was something inside of me that was encouraging me to be a better person. I knew that I was on a path but I had no idea where it was taking me. The more that I wanted to improve myself; and the more that I worked on improving myself, the louder that the compressed voice became. My stubborn self wouldn’t go down without a fight though.

Slowly but surely, I started listening to the voice inside my head. I could no longer ignore the hole in my heart. My struggle was stopping me from becoming the person that I truly and deeply wanted to become. It took awhile for me to admit that but once I did, I got passed my problem and I haven’t looked back ever since.

You see, the more that I became honest with myself the more that I opened my heart to Allah (SWT) I put my trust in Him, and He never let me down. I left everything up to His will, as I should have from the beginning. I hated to admit it at the time, but deep down I knew I was miserable and my heart was never at ease. As soon as I started leaving things up to Allah; believing with all my heart that this was for the best, I got a taste of the state of tranquility and happiness that I was in need of.

Even though I had gotten passed my struggle (with Allah’s help of course), He sent me more blessings. I was introduced and given the opportunity to join two other organizations; Serenity Society; (a new club that started at my university) and SuperMuslims. Both of those groups work to remind others of the reason of our existence.  The people that Allah sent to me throughout everything that I was going through, were a sign from Him. He wanted me to continue on my path and He provided people to help me and inshAllah will continue to help me and I can’t thank Him enough for his blessings.

You can’t fight what Allah has planned for you, be sure that his plan is better. Take it from someone who has been there. Lying to yourself won’t make things better on the contrary it makes things worse. Don’t let shaytan (satan) get the best of you. No matter how hard something seems know that Allah (SWT) will be there to guide you, just turn to Him. 

SuperMuslims: 

SuperMuslims Magazine Issue:

http://issuu.com/supermuslims/docs/supermuslims_honesty

Facebook Group: 

 http://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/supermuslims/

Twitter: 
 http://twitter.com/#!/supermuslims6    

Website: 
http://supermuslims.tumblr.com/ 

Facebook Page: 
http://www.facebook.com/SuperMuslims


For the latest updates make sure to follow Hijabymo on Twitter: @Hijabymo
 Also be sure to check out my FB page:  http://www.facebook.com/HijabYMO

The Bigger Picture

                                                               By: Raghda Serag
 

There was always a part of me that felt guilty, a part that knew something was wrong and never felt content. Nonetheless, I kept searching for my happiness in all the wrong directions… it was as if I insisted on being unhappy. I grew up in a family who’s close to god and I always felt guilty for not doing what I’m really here to do. I also felt guilty for how I could never step back and look at the bigger picture…the real one.

I was so into well..."life," what am I going to wear? How will I do my hair … short… long… short again? When will my next trip, birthday, or outing be? Basically anything but why I'm really here. Then all of a sudden with no rational thinking I felt guilty and thought that wearing the veil would make me complete and at peace, even though I did not think it through or even try convincing myself first. This was a huge mistake for me. I didn’t even have answers to my OWN questions inside my head… like why does god want me to suffer, look uglier and to carry that burden? (AstghfuAlllah) So I took it off after feeling agonizing pain of just wrapping it around my head, thinking that I will gain my happiness back which I never really felt.

After a few months of being around good Muslim friends who were nothing but amazing and supportive, I started to love everything about my religion and not feel the burdens that I used to feel before. They were truly an inspiration...a gift from Allah (SWT).

The questions that I had in my head were answered silently inside of me until it suddenly hit me...How could I be that BLIND?? How could I not see how Allah (SWT) wants nothing but our benefit and everything that was asked from us was for our own sake? How could I love Him and not do a thing He asked me to? So, I said ok I’ll try my best in everything and I’ll wear long sleeves but no to veil since I failed at it miserably before. Then I began to see the bigger picture of how my religion focus on details that shape us and build us into better characters. A religion that cares about human beings, animals, family bonds and friendships and much more. It basically sums up our lives. How could I not see how god loves me and wants nothing but my protection from all the things that I used to chase that did nothing but ruin me and left me broken?

So at last I felt at ease with the decision of putting the veil on again after being fully convinced that its right and feeling that it’s a part of who I am now. I keep praying to god to help me through and I pray to continue working on being a better Muslim…
"يا مقلب القلوب ثبت قلبي على دينك "

           

For the latest updates make sure to follow Hijabymo on Twitter: @Hijabymo
 Also be sure to check out my FB page:  http://www.facebook.com/HijabYMO

The Path of Friendship

Asalam Aleykom everyone!

           This months SuperMuslims issue is extra special. Its theme is friendship! This is one of the greatest issues that we published so make sure to check it out! (Links provided at the bottom)

                                                              Salams (Peace)

                                                          The Path of Friendship

                                                            By: Habiba Ghanem

             "Close friends, that Day, will be enemies to each other, except for the righteous"

               Take a moment to ponder over the above aya from Surat Az-Zukhruf.

             Are your friends leading you closer to paradise or closer to hell fire?

           

             When you choose your friends, you choose a path. Your friends can be people who remind you of Allah (SWT) or they can be people who lead you away from Him.

            The Prophet (PBUH) was reportedly asked: “Which of our companions are best?” He replied: “One whose appearance reminds you of God, and whose speech increases you in knowledge, and whose actions remind you of the hereafter.”

            Do you have such friends; do you have friends who inspire you to be a better Muslim?

            To have friends whom you love for the sake of Allah (SWT) is a great gift from Him. It’s a special kind of love. Of all the people in the world Allah (SWT) chose you and your group of friends to come together for His sake. They are the people who will help you up rather then bring you down. With Allah’s guidance you can all lead each other to paradise.

لأبن الجوزي كلام وفقه جميل من الحسن البصري”

‎​إن لم تجدوني في الجنة بينكم فاسألوا عني ...

            إن أهل الجنة إذا دخلوا الجنة ولم يجدوا أصحابهم الذين كانوا معهم على خير بالدنيا فإنهم يشفعون لهم أمام رب العزة ويقولون: ”يارب لنا إخوان كانوا يصلون معنا و يصومون “معنا لم نرهم“ فيقول الله جل و علا : اذهبوا للنار و أخرجوا من كان في قلبه مثقال ذرة من إيمان

            Your friends can save you but you must pick the right ones. To have an eternal bond, one that will last even in paradise where you will gather to enjoy the fruits of your labor, you must be wise. As the aya stated; Close friends, that Day, will be enemies to each other, except for the righteous. 

SuperMuslims: 

SuperMuslims Magazine Issue:

http://issuu.com/supermuslims/docs/supermuslims_friendship?mode=window&backgroundColor#222222

Facebook Group: 

 http://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/supermuslims/

Twitter: 
 http://twitter.com/#!/supermuslims6    

Website: 
http://supermuslims.tumblr.com/ 

Facebook Page: 
http://www.facebook.com/SuperMuslims


For the latest updates make sure to follow Hijabymo on Twitter: @Hijabymo
 Also be sure to check out my FB page:  http://www.facebook.com/HijabYMO

Zain Ul-Abideen

Asalam Aleykom everyone,

              I hope that you are all enjoying this blessed month. For this month's SuperMuslims issue, the theme was of course Ramadan. The following is my article on one of the great followers. The link to the whole magazine is posted at the bottom, so check it out! Enjoy!
                                               - Salam (Peace)

                                                           Zain Ul-Abideen

                                                       By: Habiba Ghanem

            Some of us have probably been Ramadan packing before. If you haven’t then it’s something that you should definitely try. There is an abundant amount of spirit that comes with packing. It is a fantastic way to get in to Ramadan mode and it is also a benevolent means of helping those that are less fortunate.

            Have you ever thought of who started the packing ritual?

              His name was Ali ibn Husayn ibn Ali ibn Abi Talib, but he was known as Zain Ul-Abideen. Zain Ul-Abideen made it his duty to look after those that were less fortunate than he was. He had goats slaughtered regularly so that he could distribute the meat amongst the poor and he gave clothes and money to those that were deprived.

              During the nights when people were asleep, Zain Ul-Abideen used to cover his face, carry a sac of food, and walk about town unrecognized in order to distribute the food to the poor. Many families depended on his anonymous generosity and it was only after his death that they discovered that it was Zain Ul-Abideen who had been helping them that whole time.

            How did they discover that it was him? Firstly, the people stopped receiving food upon his death. Secondly, they found marks on his body caused by the sac of food that he used to carry.

            Zain means “beauty” and Ul-Abideen means “the worshippers,” and indeed he was given the name, Zain Ul-Abideen to epitomize his admirable character.

Zain Ul-Abideen can be taken as an example for all of us and we should all aim to adopt his giving character. Think of the smallest blessings that Allah (SWT) has bestowed on you. There are people out there who don’t have the fortune of even you’re your smallest blessings.

Take advantage of this blessed month and help those in need, and continue to help others even when the month is over. The reward for giving charity is immense and the feeling is unlike any other. It is time for all of us to become beautiful worshippers.

            

SuperMuslims: 

SuperMuslims Magazine Issue:

http://issuu.com/supermuslims/docs/supermuslims_ramadan

Facebook Group: 

 http://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/supermuslims/

Twitter: 
 http://twitter.com/#!/supermuslims6    

Website: 
http://supermuslims.tumblr.com/ 

Facebook Page: 
http://www.facebook.com/SuperMuslims


For the latest updates make sure to follow Hijabymo on Twitter: @Hijabymo
 Also be sure to check out my FB page:  http://www.facebook.com/HijabYMO

The Night of Power

                                                             By: Habiba Ghanem

A couple of months ago I was working on one of my SuperMuslims articles while sitting at the airport waiting for my flight. I was reading a book and one of the chapters was talking about the first revelation that the Prophet (PBUH) got, it was then that I came to a great realization.

Have you ever stopped to realize the intensity of the first five verses of surat Al-Alaq? Have you ever thought of how at that moment a new religion was born? At that very moment our beloved Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) was at loss of words due to what was being revealed to him.

Stop for a second to think about it.

Recite in the name of your Lord who created-

Created man from a clinging substance.

Recite, and your Lord is the most Generous –

Who taught by the pen –

Taught man that which he knew not.

Are you getting the mix of emotions that I got? Did your heart just do flips? Can you hear Jibreel being persistent in telling Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) to read and can you hear the Prophet (PBUH) telling Jibreel that he can’t read? Do you have a more profound love and respect for Al-Amin; Prophet Muhammed (PBUH)? Isn’t it amazing how Great Allah (SWT) is?

This month that we are in is a holy month, a month like no other. In a couple of days we are going to be searching for that special night, a night that is better than 1000 months, the night where the Quran was first sent down, the night that the Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) got that first revelation on Mount Hira; Laylit Al Qadr. The Prophet (PBUH) said, “Seek it in the last ten days, on the odd nights.” (Bukhari and Muslim)

On that special night Allah (SWT) showers us with more mercy than any other night, so be sure to take advantage of it. Pray, make duaa, and spend those nights in great remembrance of Allah (SWT).

Aisha, (RA) said: I asked the Messenger of Allah: 'O Messenger of Allah, if I know what night is the night of Qadr, what should I say during it?' He said: “Say: O Allah, You are pardoning and You love to pardon, so pardon me (Allahumma innaka `afuwwun tuhibbul `afwa fa`fu `annee)” (Ahmad, Ibn Majah, and Tirmidhi).

اللهم انك عفو تحب العفو فاعفو عنا

         May Allah (SWT) forgive us all for our sins and may He protect us an guide us to the straight path.

   For the latest updates make sure to follow Hijabymo on Twitter: @Hijabymo
Also be sure to check out my FB page:  http://www.facebook.com/HijabYMO