My Favorite Love Story

 My Favorite Love Story

     Habiba Ghanem

The love that they had for each other was the forever and always kind of love. It’s better than any love story we hear about these days. It’s a story that I personally love to hear over and over again.  He was a young man who was known for his great character and she was a successful business women; a widow who the richest and most noble men wanted to marry.

They met when she was seeking a trustworthy person to travel and take care of business affairs. His uncle went to her and told her that the young man would be able to do the job.

Can anyone guess the two people whose story I am about to tell?

If you guessed Prophet Muhmmad (PBUH) and Khadija Bint Khuwaylid (RA) then you are correct!

When Khadija (RA) asked her servant to report to her about the young man after his first business trip (which was successful), the servant talked about his amazing and kind character. The servant also mentioned that though they were traveling in the sultriness weather conditions of the desert, the shade seemed to shield them wherever Muhammad (PBUH) was. Khadija (RA) was very impressed with the young man’s success and character. As the days went by, Khadija (RA) grew fond of Muhammad (PBUH) and wanted to marry him.

Khadija (RA) sent her sister(some sources say her friend) to talk to the Prophet (PBUH). Her sister asked the Prophet why he was not married and he told her that he didn’t have the means to get married. So then Khadija’s sister asked him, “What if I suggest a women of beauty, wealth, nobility, and character?”

The Prophet (PBUH) then asked, “Who is she?”

“Khadija” Her sister said. Upon hearing her name the Prophet asked how could he be her husband when she turned down the noblest men of Quraysh.

Soon after that conversation the Prophet (PBUH) and Khadija (RA) got married.

Though some people were surprised by this marriage; after all she was a wealthy woman who was a widow with a son from a previous marriage, and he was a young man who did not have much. Many people were happy because two people with beautiful characters had decided to become life partners.

When the Prophet started going to Mount Hira, Khadija (RA) didn’t complain when he was out there for a long time. She would climb up the mountain at the age of 55 to give him food and comfort him. She was always there to encourage him while he was trying to figure things out.

After the first revelation in Mount Hira, the Prophet ran back to the house shivering and kept saying “cover me, cover me.” Khadija was there to console him. She was the first to listen to him and became the first person to accept Islam as her deen. She was the first there to support him as he took his role as the Prophet of our Ummah. She supported him emotionally and religiously. When the Prophet would get up and pray at night, she would be right there next to him praying and to reassure the Prophet (PBUH) she would tell him “Walahy Allah will not disgrace you, because you uphold the ties of kinship, you are good to your neighbor, you treat the orphans well, you take up the cause of the one who has been wrong.”

 

When people turned their back on the Prophet (PBUH) and gave him a hard time, Khadija was the rock of support. She would support the Prophet (PBUH) and the believers with her wisdom and money.  Throughout the course of events that took place, Khadija’s faith and love for Allah (SWT) kept growing. Khadija’s strong and loving character captured the heart of not only the Prophet (PBUH), but her character touched and inspired many people to enter the faith of Islam.

There was a boycott on the Prophet and whoever followed him, thus the believers could not get proper food. Khadija’s nephew would sneak them food but when Abu Jahal found out, he cut that route. Thus they lived on very little food and water, she used to eat leaves and due to those hard conditions of not eating properly Khadija became ill and died. The year the Khadija (RA) was known as the year of sorrow, it was also the year that the Prophet lost his uncle Abu Talib.
When Allah gave the Prophet (PBUH) the order of prayer it was after the Prophet (PBUH) had lost Khadija (RA), she was the person who was able to put him at ease and was always there for him when times got tough. Prayer was passed down so that the Prophet (PBUH) could have that comfort that he used to have.
 

Though Khadija had passed away early in Prophet Muhammad’s prophet hood, she remained forever in his heart. He used to cry upon seeing her sister who reminded him of her. He used to send gifts to her friends. Even Aisha (RA) used to get jealous of the love that he had for her. One day Aisha (RA) asked Prophet Muhammad why he was always mentioning the “Old Quryash Woman” and that Allah had granted better for him, the Prophet got upset and said, "Indeed Allah did not grant me better than her; she believed in me when no one else did; she accepted Islam when people rejected me; and she helped and comforted me when there was no one else to lend me a helping hand."

When talking about Khadija (RA) the Prophet used to say: " إنى قد رُزِقتُ حبها"
Which is translated to: “Khadijah’s love was given to me by Allah (SWT)

Khadija (RA) was a beautiful woman with the best character and full faith. She is the epitome of loyalty and through all the struggles that they faced she never stopped supporting the Prophet (PBUH). Though he married after her, the Prophet (PBUH) loved her all his life. He never forgot her and remained loyal to her.

There is so much that we can learn from their story. The idea of good character arises a lot in their story. They both had exceptional character which made them loved by people. Though the richest men proposed to Khadija (RA) she chose the man who was honest and trustworthy. This is something that we lack in today’s societies, people go after the wrong things they pick the material things. The material things can disappear in an instance but good character remains through think and thin.

If it wasn’t for good character than there wouldn’t have been the loyalty which became vital when the revelation came to the Prophet. Khadija did all that she could to help her husband out even when their circumstances became harsh. It is important to understand that life is full of ups and downs and it is important to help people especially those who matter when life goes off course.

As mentioned above the Prophet (PBUH) never forgot Khadija and he appreciated everything that she had done for him. Here is yet another important lesson to learn. Appreciation. We need to be more grateful and appreciative to those who help us out and to our Creator.

What are your thoughts and reflections after reading about one of the greatest love stories of all time?

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 Virtue of Patience

                             Salam people! So for this months SuperMuslims Magazine's issue the theme was patience. I chose to write about four admirable women and the trials that they endured. Enjoy! Oh and at the bottom of the page you will find the link to the second issue of the SuperMuslim's magazine, SuperMuslims FB page, FB group , twitter, and website, be sure to check all those out!     

                                                       The Virtue of Patience                     

                                                        By: Habiba Ghanem

                  Narrated Anas: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “The real patience is at the first stroke of a calamity.” [Bukhari Book 23 Hadith 389]

                  In our lives we are going to be faced with many difficult problems. Sometimes we are going to think that our worlds are crashing down. This life is a struggle. What we need to have when facing any adversity is patience.  The greatest people to look up to and to use as examples are the Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) and his companions.

                  Anâs Radhi-Allâhu 'anhu reports that Nabî Sallallâhu 'alayhi wasallam has said: "From among the women of the world who have reached perfection and who are worthy of following are: Miryam the daughter of Imrân; Khadija daughter of Khuwailid; Fatima daughter of Muhammad and Asiyah wife of Fir'aun" (Tirmidhi)  

                  Do you think that these women were honored with such a title without going through hardships?

Of course not. 

Let’s take a closer look at just a few of the hardships that these women faced.

Khadija Daughter of Khuwalid:

The night when Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) got his first revelation at mount Hira, he ran back to his house shivering, Khadija was there to console him. She was the first to listen to him and she was the first there to support him as he took his role as the Prophet of our Ummah; she was always there for the Prophet (PBUH). This new responsibility was a heavy load and at night when Khadija couldn’t sleep she would pray to Allah (SWT).  To further show her support Khadija became the first person to accept Islam as her deen. When people turned their back on the Prophet (PBUH) and gave him a hard time, Khadija was the rock of support. She would support the Prophet (PBUH) and the believers with her wisdom and money.  Throughout the course of events that took place, Khadija’s faith and love for Allah (SWT) kept growing. Khadija’s strong and loving character captured the heart of not only the Prophet (PBUH), but her character touched and inspired many people to enter the faith of Islam (Malik).

Asiyah Wife of Farun:

Asiyah was married to a cruel man; Farun.  She was among the people who announced their faith to Allah and His messenger Moses. Upon declaring her faith, Farun tortured her. He pinned her to the ground in the scorching sun. But Asiyah’s faith was too strong to be shaken and whenever Farun would look away angels would use their wings to shield her from the sun. Her patience kept her strong enough to endure the pain. Her faith made her turn and pray to Allah (SWT) as she dreamt of her home in Jannah. Farun then gave her a choice; she could either give up her belief or have a boulder end her life. Asiyah refused to give up her belief, she chose to die and asked Allah for a home in Jannah far away from evil (Siham).

   Maryam Daughter of Imran:

Allah provided Maryam with a tough plight. A situation so tough, that her chastity came in to questioning. Her test later became known as one of history’s greatest miracles; the birth of Eissa.  Maryam the daughter of Imran had always been a devout follower. When the angles sent her this revelation, she went in to seclusion.  Her faith in Allah never decreased, even when people started accusing her of adultery and Allah didn’t leave her side. When she went to her clan carrying her child, they started questioning her. But Maryam didn’t reply, she just pointed at baby Eissa. At that moment baby Eissa spoke to the people and declared; “I am the servant of Allah who has given me the Book and made me a Prophet." (19:30) (Siham)

Fatimah Daughter of Muhammed (PBUH):

After her mother’s death Fatimah took on the role as the beacon of comfort to the Prophet (PBUH).  She was also benevolent with the people just as her mother Khadija was. Fatimah was married to Ali son of Abi Talib. They led a life of extreme poverty but despite her circumstances Fatimah never lost her humility.  To make ends meet she was a grinder of corn and he was a drawer of water. One day after they both came back from work exhausted Ali suggested that Fatima ask her dad to give her some of the servants that were captured in one of the battles. When Fatimah and Ali went to the Prophet (PBUH), he rejected their request because other people were more in need than they were. Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) later came to their house and told them to recite three things after prayer and before they fell asleep; Subhanna Allah (Glory be to Allah), El hamdu Allah (Praise be to Allah), and Allahu Akbar (Allah is great), for the reward and ease provided by those words are much better than having servants (“Fatimah bint Muhammed”).

In the face of great adversity these women were confident that Allah would prevail. Their faith surpassed and eased their grave struggles. When you face adversity you need to know that Allah (SWT) will never leave your side, you need to be sure that He will get you through whatever hardships you face. Be patient. Don’t lose faith. This life is nothing but trials; a test that we should aim to pass.

"If you see Allah, Mighty and Magnificent, holding back this world from you, frequently trying you with adversity and tribulation, know that you
... hold a great status with Him. Know that He is dealing with you ...as
He does with His Awliya’ and chosen elite, and is watching over you"
--Al Ghazali

 

                                                  Works Cited

Malik, Fida H. "Khadija." Wives of the Holy Prophet. 2009 ed. New Delhi: Adam and Distributors, 1952. 77-92. Print.

Siham. "The Great Women of Islam." The Great Women of Islam. 28 July 2008. Web. 24 May 2012. <http://jannah.org/madina/index.php?topic=1024.0>.

Umm Yusuf. "Great Women In Islam-Fatimah, Daughter of the Prophet Muhammad - Fatimah Bint Muhammad." A Glimpse Into The Life of A Muslimah. 27 Aug. 2007. Web. 25 May 2012. <http://southernmuslimah.wordpress.com/2007/08/27/great-women-in-islam-fatimah-daughter-of-the-prophet-muhammad/>.

SuperMuslims: 

SuperMuslims Magazine Issue #2:

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

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

In Search Of My Identity

                                                            By: Sarah Nabil Saad

My life was a mess, and I chose to be oblivious to it.  I ignored the fact that my companions in life were wrong for me.  I gave no attention to the deteriorating relationship with my family.  But most importantly I chose to ignore that I lacked a relationship with Allah. I went on with my life, thinking that this is what I wanted, this is what made me happy. And for 16 years I believed this lie.  The story of my Hijab is something I would like to share with all of you in hope that if somebody out there is going through something similar, it would help them in some way.

I lied, I sneaked, I cheated, and I did so many things that took away my label as a Muslim girl.  Yet from time to time I decided to pray once, or go to a dars …but none of it ever touched my heart.  My family was pious, and they tried to do everything to make me go on the right path, but I was the bad apple…and I insisted on staying that way. Why? I always tried to avoid that question. It might have been because I believed I had too much to lose in trying to be religious, or simply because I was just afraid that if I did try to be good, I would realize how astray I had been my entire life.  The thought of that scared me to death.

I don’t know why it happened on that night, but it did.  It was late September and I was in the middle of huge fight that I didn’t even how these girls, that called themselves my friends, got me into.  I was betrayed, backstabbed and hurt in every single way possible.  And I sat in my room and for the first time I though “How did I even get here? How did I let my life become so messed up? How did I lose sight of my purpose in life?”

With a pang of pain, I realized that I had no idea where I was going in life.  For the first time I let myself see the truth that I had been trying so hard to bury.  The way I was living my life, the way I was treating my family, would get me nowhere in life…but more importantly it would get me nowhere in the afterlife. My actions, my words and my thoughts were against so many things Allah had ordered me to do. I shouted at myself “When will you get yourself together and start living this life the way you are supposed to, in the way that Allah has ordered you to???!!!”

And there it came, that rush of adrenaline that turned my life around.  I got up, did wodoo’ (ablution) and truly prayed for the first time in 16 years.  The tears flowed uncontrollably and on that night I was reborn.  I listened to over five tapes of Amr Khaled that had been in my room for so long, untouched, that they were covered in layers of dust.  They were about the many aspects of Islam and life that I had forgotten about.  I cried through the night, with every word I listened to more tears would flow.  They were tears of happiness for finally seeing the right path, but tears of sadness to how long it had taken me to see it.  And through that year, every aspect of my life had changed.  I prayed, with my mind and soul feeling the connection with Allah.  I became good to my family, which I realized came naturally with the effort of trying to be good with Allah. I even started dressing very decently with long sleeves and loose wear.  But on that checklist that I was moving through so well elhamdliallah was one challenge that seemed impossible to do: wearing Hijab.  I just couldn’t do it in spite of my clothes nearly being that of a girl with Hijab, I just didn’t have the guts to do it.  I kept telling myself that I am taking things step by step…and eventually I would wear it.  But then passed half a year, and then a year…and I had still not gotten to “that step”.  I was afraid.  I was afraid of people’s perception of me…I was afraid of what my friends back in Sweden would think of me…how I could no longer do my hair.  Would people still love me, would my friends accept me? Pathetic questions, eh? But that is the truth. That is what the shaytaan makes you think of, that’s how he impedes you from doing the right thing.  I made du’aa in every sojod, “Allahuma 7abeb kalby lle Hijab we 7abibny le” ("Oh Allah please allow my heart to love the Hijab and allow me to love it"), but it just wasn’t working.  That moment wasn’t coming.

“I can’t do it Mum, I just can’t”

It was the fourth day of the first Ramadan after my rebirth and I was sitting with my mother.  I had asked her to listen to my reasons of why it was so hard for me to take that step and help me.  I wanted her to refute every single excuse. But she didn’t even have to. She said something in the beginning that I will never forget.

“My dear, I see how you have been improving in your deen (faith) by taking things step by step.  It is a good way to make these things last with you.  But don’t you think there should be a time limit for each step? Don’t you think that believing you will wear Hijab “when it feels right” coincides with the cycle of life? If you can guarantee me that you will be on earth tomorrow and still have time to get the” when it feels right” moment then go ahead and wait.  But I believe it’s you that makes the “when it feels right” moment, it doesn’t just happen.”

                 And she was right. I took the decision that day, and when I did, it felt like the perfect moment, not just the right moment. I realized that it wasn’t about waiting for it to happen for you or waiting for “el wa7y yegelek” (“That right moment”), it was about doing it and knowing that when you do, Allah would make you feel it.  Once I took the decision I couldn’t even remember all the lame excuses I had, and all I kept thinking was “what on earth was stopping me from finding my true identity.” That’s what my Hijab became for me, my identity.  It is who I am, what I do.  I had never felt freer. My Hijab will always be my way of life.   

Temptation

Asalam Alyekom,

          This entry is not a story about hijab. As you can tell from the title, it’s about temptation.  Last December I went to a Moez Masoud lecture, and I jotted down some notes, and I would like to share them with you. The lecture was given in Arabic but for those of you who know me, you know that my Arabic needs a lot of improvement. Thankfully, I was still able to follow along and write my notes in English so that I can remember the lecture. If any information is incorrect then I am the one at fault. For those of you that want to know the key to real happiness, then you should read this entry. Enjoy!
                                            - Habiba Ghanem

                                                    
                                                             Tempation

Moez starts off the lecture by saying that as an ummah we are not close to Allah because if we were close to Allah we would not be in the situation that we are in. He also says that an important message that we all must understand is that being religious does not take away our freedom. Our perception of freedom is based on nothing but misconceptions. Freedom is not giving in to the temptations of the world. We have all that we need to lead a happy life; Islam. When iman enters our heart it is then that we will know the true definition of true happiness. It is not easy and it will take a lot of effort but it is worth it.   

Why do we give in to temptation and why do we love temptation? Its only because we are empty inside, our hearts are empty. Some may choose the right path in filling their heart with iman while others give into temptations of the world. One must know that temptations are decorated. Keep in mind that we are being tested. We live in a world where temptation seems exciting and it seems inviting. But temptations are not what they appear to be. Temptation can be many things, but there are three kinds of temptations that are like an axis of evil; money, power/popularity, and lust. As humans we like temptation because we have nothing better to do. People go after temptation because they feel that it will help them deal with stress. But temptations stress us out. If people were following the right path, bad temptations would not bother them. One will never be satisfied from temptations of the world, temptations are not going to relieve a person, and the heart will always worry.

There is HOPE. The right path is sometimes hard to follow. We have gotten used to the wrong things that they have become the norm. A person will never be free unless they make the right choice. When you make a wrong choice, you aren’t free because you know that you are wrong and you are being controlled by the temptations of the world. As mentioned before the right path is sometimes not easy to follow one must have PATIENCE. The era that we are living in is called “Ayam El Sabr”. But patience is not just waiting. Our problem lies within our souls. One should not wait for the world around them to change. One should change and the world around them will. Right now we need Allah SWT more than ever, but many people do not turn to Allah for they are too preoccupied with temptations of the world. The world took us away from Allah, our creator. But keep in mind that those that influence us in a negative way are a small minority. Our problem is that we love the world and we hate death, because people are living for the world and think that the Day of Judgment is still far.

Ask yourself the following questions. Does your heart have any fear when Allah’s name is mentioned? What about when you hear Al Quran? Do you pray? Do you have Reda (acceptance)? What about the right friends, do you have friends that will help you stay on track?

The stronger that you are the stronger our ummah will be. We were created, to obey Allah SWT our creator, we were created to get Allah to love us. Sometimes we have to make sacrifices, but the sacrifices that we make will lead us to a better place.

Shakespeare once wrote, “All this the world knows but none know well to shun the heaven that leads men to this hell.” In other words, there is a fake “heaven” on earth that takes people to hell. BUT there is pain/hardship/fake “hell” when refraining from temptations that leads you to true happiness and moreover paradise.

Follow Moez Masoud on twitter: @MoezMasoud

Facebook page: Moez Masoud

Website: www.moezmasoud.net
  
             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