Good read for singapore parents and singaporeans...............

Self made millionaire commented in his blog in regard to the learning spirit of foreigners and singaporeans.

I believe instilling the right islamic spirit in our children will ensure this will not happen to our muslim children.  Unfortunately due to the metropolitan lifestyle desired by many singapore muslims,  this virtue of seeking knowledge and to excel in all aspects in their lives have diminished.  We need to look into this issue and address this issue within our family unit to ensure the problem to be resolved.

http://sg.theasianparent.com/articles/expats-will-rule-singapore-says-adam-khoo

A non muslim's experience with covered up

I walked down the street in my long white dress and inch-long, black hair one afternoon, and truck drivers whistled and shouted obscenities at me. I felt defeated. I had just stepped out of a hair salon. I had cut my hair short, telling the hairdresser to trim it as she would a cut a man’s hair.I sat numbly as my hairdresser skillfully sheared into my shoulder-length hair with her scissors, asking me with every inch she cut off if; I was freaking out yet. I wasn’t freaking out, but I felt self-mutilated.

I believe that men who see women as only bad word is not allowed beings often commit violence against them, such as rape and battery. bad word is not allowed abuse and assault are not only my fears, but my reality.

I was molested and raped. My experiences with men who violated me have made me angry and frustrated.

How do I stop the violence? How do I prevent men from seeing me as an object rather than a female? How do I stop them from equating the two? How do I proceed with life after experiencing what others only dread? The experiences have left me with questions about my identity. Am I just another Chinese-American female? I used to think that I have to arrive at a conclusion about who I am, but now I realize that my identity is constantly evolving in .


MY EXPERIENCE OF BEING "HIJABED"

One experience that was particularly educational was when I ?dressed up? as a Muslim woman for a drive along Crenshaw Boulevard with three Muslim men as part of a newsmagazine project. I wore a white, long-sleeved cotton shirt, and a flowery silk scarf that covered my head, which I borrowed from a Muslim woman. Not only did I look the part, I believed I felt the part. Of course, I wouldn’t really know what it feels like to be Hijabed-I coined this word for the lack of a better term-everyday, because I was not raised with Islamic teachings.


However, people perceived me as a Muslim woman and did not treat me as a bad word is not allowed being by making cruel remarks. I noticed that men’s eyes did not glide over my body as has happened when I wasn’t Hijabed. I was fully clothed, exposing only my face. I remembered walking into an Islamic center and an African-American gentleman inside addressed me as ?sister?, and asked where I came from. I told him I was originally from China. That didn’t seem to matter. He respected me and assumed I was Muslim. I didn’t know how to break the news to him because I wasn’t sure if I was or not.

I walked into the store that sold African jewelry and furniture and another gentleman asked me as I was walking out if I was Muslim. I looked at him and smiled, not knowing how to respond. I chose not to answer.


BEING HIJABED CHANGED OTHERS’ PERCEPTION OF ME

Outside the store, I asked one of the Muslim men I was with, Am I Muslim?? He explained that everything that breathes and submits is. I have concluded that I may be and just don’t know it. I haven’t labeled myself as such yet. I don’t know enough about Islam to assert that I am Muslim.


HIJAB AS OPPRESSION: A SUPERFICIAL AND MISGUIDED VIEW

I consciously chose to be Hijabed because I was searching for respect from men. Initially, as both a Women’s Studies major and a thinking female, I bought into the Western view that the wearing of a scarf is oppressive. After this experience and much reflection, I have arrived at the conclusion that such a view is superficial and misguided.

THE MOST LIBERATING EXPERIENCE OF MY LIFE

I covered up that day out of choice, and it was the most liberating experience of my life. I now see alternatives to being a woman. I discovered that the way I dress dictated others’ reaction towards me. It saddens me that this is a reality. It is a reality that I have accepted, and chose to conquer rather than be conquered by it. It was my sexuality that I covered, not my femininity. The covering of the former allowed the liberation of the latter.


by Kathy Chin

This article was originally published in Al-Talib, the newsmagazine of the Muslim Students’ Association of the University of California in Los Angeles (UCLA) in October 1994. At the time of its publication, Kathy Chin was a senior at UCLA majoring in Psychobiology and Women’s Studies.

ISLAM VS TERRORISM BY YUSUF ESTES

NEVERENDING SURPRISES FROM AL MIGHTY

Dont think u r safe even you are muslim...............

Do u want to know the conversations in hell and heavens? :P

The creation of mankind

"O Mankind, We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know each other. Verily the most honored of you in the sight of God is he who is the most righteous of you" (Quran 49:13).




There are several principles, which this verse presents:



1. This message is not just for Muslims only because God is addressing all of humanity. While Muslims are one brotherhood, this is part of a larger brotherhood of humanity.

2. God is telling us that He has created us. Therefore He knows the best about us.

3. He says that He created us from one man and one woman meaning then that we are all the same.

4. It also means that all human beings are created through the same process, not in a manner in which some are created with a better mechanism than others.

5. God is the One who made human beings into different groups and people.

6. These differences are not wrong, rather a sign from God ("And among His Signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the difference of your languages and colors. Verily, in that are indeed signs for those who know" [Quran 30:22]).

7. Note that no word equivalent to race is used in this ayah or any other verse of the Quran.

8. Islam, however, limits the purpose of these distinctions to differentiation and knowing each other. This is not meant to be a source of beating each other down with an attitude of ‘my group is better than your group' or false pride as is the case with tribalism, nationalism, colonialism, and racism.

9. The only source of preference or greatness among human beings is not on a national or group level, but it is at the individual level.

10. One individual who is (higher in Taqwa), more conscious of his Creator and is staying away from the bad and doing the good is better, no matter what nation, country or caste he is part of. Individual piety is the only thing that makes a person better and greater than the other one.

11. However, the only criterion of preference, Taqwa, is not measurable by human beings. Indeed God is the One Who knows and is aware of everything so we should leave even this criterion to God to decide instead of human beings judging each other.



These are the deeply embedded ideals of Islam which still bring people to this way of life even though Muslims are not on the best level of Iman today. This is what changed the heart of a racist Malcolm X when he performed Hajj in Makkah. This is the power that brought Muhammad Ali to Islam. This is what still attracts the Untouchables of India towards Islam. This is the theory which convinced noted historian Professor A.J. Toynbee in 1948 to say that: "The extinction of race consciousness as between Muslims is one of the outstanding achievements of Islam, and in the contemporary world there is, as it happens, a crying need for the propagation of this Islamic virtue."



Let's ask ourselves if the Muslim Ummah today, in its individual and collective behavior is striving to adopt and promote these Islamic ideals?

--

"Whoever guides [another] to a good deed will get a reward similar to the one who performs it." Prophet Mohammad (PBUH)[Sahih Muslim]

SEEKING KNOWLEDGE IS EVERY MUSLIM'S DUTY TO ALLAH (SWT)

The rise of Muslims to the zenith of civilization in a period of four decades was based on lslam's emphasis on learning. This is obvious when one takes a look at the Qur'an and the traditions of Prophet Muhammad which are filled with references to learning, education, observation, and the use of reason. The very first verse of the Qur'an revealed to the Prophet of Islam on the night of 27th of Ramadan in 611 AD reads:



"Recite: In the name of thy Lord who created man from a clot. Recite: And thy Lord is the Most Generous Who taught by the pen, taught man that which he knew not." (Quran, 96:1-5)



"And they shall say had we but listened or used reason, we would not be among the inmates of the burning fire." (Quran, 67:10)


"Are those who have knowledge and those who have no knowledge alike? Only the men of understanding are mindful. " (Quran, 39:9)


The Qur'an encourages people towards scientific research:.


"And whoso brings the truth and believes therein such are the dutiful." (Quran, 39:33)


Every Muslim man's and every Muslim woman's prayer should be:


"My Lord! Enrich me with knowledge.." (Quran, 20:114)


The pursuit of knowledge and the use of reason, based on sense and observation is made obligatory on all believers.

The following traditions of the Prophet supplement the foregoing teachings of the Qur'an in the following way:


Seek knowledge "even though it be in China."


"The acquisition of knowledge is compulsory for every Muslim, whether male or female."


"The ink of the scholar is more sacred than the blood of the martyr."


"Seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave."


"God has revealed to me, 'Whoever walks in the pursuit of knowledge I facilitate for him the way to heaven.'


"The best form of worship is the pursuit of knowledge."


"Scholars should endeavor to spread knowledge and provide education to people who have been deprived of it. For, where knowledge is hidden it disappears."


Some one asked the Prophet : "Who is the biggest scholar?" He replied: "He who is constantly trying to learn from others, for a scholar is ever hungry for more knowledge."


"Seek knowledge and wisdom, or whatever the vessel from which it flows, you will never be the loser."


"Contemplating deeply for one hour (with sincerity) is better than 70 years of (mechanical) worship."


"To listen to the words of the learned and to instill unto others the lessons of science is better than religious exercises."


"Acquire knowledge: it enables its possessor to distinguish right from the wrong, it lights the way to heaven; it is our friend in the desert, our society in solitude, our companion when friendless - it guides us to happiness; it sustains us in misery; it is an ornament among friends and an armor against enemies."


The Islamic Empire for more than 1,000 years remained the most advanced civilization in the world. The main reasons for this was that Islam stressed the importance and respect of learning, forbade destruction, cultivated a respect for authority, discipline, and tolerance for other religions. The teachings of Qur'an and Sunnah inspired many Muslims to their accomplishments in science and medicine.


By the tenth century their zeal and enthusiasms for learning resulted in all essential Greek medical and scientific writings being translated into Arabic in Damascus, Cairo, and Baghdad. Arabic became the international language of learning and diplomacy. The center of scientific knowledge and activity shifted eastward, and Baghdad emerged as the capitol of the scientific world. The Muslims became scientific innovators with originality and productivity.


For example Islamic medicine is one of the most famous and best known facets of Islamic civilization in which the Muslims excelled. The Muslims were the great torchbearers of international scientific research. Some of the best and most eloquent praises of science came from the pens of Muslim scientists who considered their work to be acts of worship. The same motives led to the establishment of Al-Azhar (800 AD) the first university in the world. They hit the "source ball of knowledge" over the fence to Europe. In the words of Campbell, "The European medical system is Arabian not only in origin but also in its structure. The Arabs are the intellectual forbearers of the Europeans."


Learning is a natural pleasure. This pleasure is inborn and instinctive. The pleasure of learning is one of the essential pleasures of the human race. Without learning, survival itself is threatened.

The process of learning starts right after birth. It is true that babies who can barely talk investigate problems with all the zeal and excitement of explorers, make discoveries with the passion and absorption of dedicated scientists. At the end of each successful investigation, one can see on the tiny face an expression of innocent and pure heartfelt pleasure. The process of physical growth stops when a boy or girl reaches puberty, that is with the on set of menarche in the girls and with the change in the voice and growth of moustache and beard in boys. After puberty it is impossible to increase the height both in boys and girls.



On the other hand the mental faculties grow from birth until death. At some point in our lifetime, the physical body becomes sick or ill and gradually dies; even the emotions become duller. But the mind continues to live, and even grows more lively and active, enjoys itself more, works and plays with more expansion and delight. I have seen grandparents obtaining Bachelors, Masters and Ph. D. degrees at the ages of 70, 80 or 90.


There are many examples in the history of Art, Music and Science, of both men and women who significantly contributed and lead mentally productive lives at their ripe old ages. Learning extends our lives into new dimensions. It is cumulative. Instead of diminishing in time, like health and strength, its dividends go on increasing, provided one continues to learn throughout life and integrate the thoughts and make learning harmonious. One should make it a point to learn at least one piece of new information each day.

The pleasure of learning is not confined to learning from textbooks, which are too often tedious. But it does include learning from book magazines (periodicals), newspapers, movies, television, radio and traveling.



When you stand in a big library in front of thousands of books do not think they are lumps of lifeless paper, but minds alive on the shelves. Each has its own voice, which is as inaudible as the radiobroadcast waves falling directly on ears. Just as one switches on the radio to listen, similarly a person needs to open a book to hear the voice far distant in time and space. One can hear the voice speaking, mind to mind, and heart to heart. Reading of books gives you two different delights. One is the pleasure of understanding the unknown and the unexpected. The other pleasure is of deepening one's knowledge of a specified field.


Apart from books, learning means keeping the mind open and active to receive all kinds of experience. As pointed out earlier there is great emphasis on learning and seeking knowledge in Islam. The Prophet Mohammed ordered Muslims to be active in their search for learning, crossing oceans and continents if necessary. " Seek knowledge even in China" he said. Learning also means learning to practice one' s own professional skills - that of a physician, engineer, musician or craftsman.


Crafts and hobbies lead you into fresh fields of enjoyment and give you relaxation and activity without tension. One should know that tension is the prime cause of heart attacks, ulcers, hypertension, and most of the human diseases.


Traveling is an important activity in the pleasures of learning. There are many examples of exceptionally informed people who never read books and newspapers, but acquire knowledge through traveling. One should travel with an open mind, an alert eye and a wish to understand other people and other places.


A saying of Prophet Muhammad is ... With knowledge man rises to the heights of goodness and to a noble position, associated with sovereigns in this world, and attains the perfection of happiness in the next.


It is fitting here to mention the story of Diogenes, the great Greek philosopher who lived during the time of Alexander the Great. Diogenes was a very learned man who shunned both power and wealth. He was known to have wandered around searching for an honest man carrying a lantern during day and night. He gave up everything he possessed, except a coconut shell for drinking water. One day he saw a man drinking water forming a cup with his hand. After seeing this Diogenes threw away his last possession, the coconut shell.


The name of Diogenes spread throughout Greece. Alexander the Great heard about Diogenes and one day decided to see him. Mounted on horseback, Alexander the Great went to Diogenes who was sitting on the ground. Alexander said ' Oh Diogenes, I have heard a great deal about you and your life. I am very much impressed by your life and it is my earnest desire to help you in whatever way I can. Please let me know your desires so that I can fulfill them". To which Diogenes replied "Your Excellency my only request is that you get aside and allow the sun's rays to fall on my body." Alexander the Great was deeply moved by Diogenes's reply and said "If I were not Alexander the Great. I would be Diogenes." Now the point I want to make here is that Diogenes never went to Alexander the Great, but that Alexander the Great came to Diogenes for he was such a learned philosopher.


There are many people in this world who have played themselves to death, or eaten and drunk themselves to death. Nobody ever died because of thinking or learning. People who avoid learning, or abandon it, find no joy in life, find that life is dry. No learner has ever run short of subjects to explore. The pleasures of learning lead to happiness. One can live a long, healthy and rewarding life by attaining and preserving the happiness of learning. Learning is everyone's birthright. Everyone - young or old, rich or poor, male or female, has access to learning. Exercise your birthright. Remember what you have learned cannot be taken away by others.


Article by : Ibrahim B. Syed, Ph. D. is President of Islamic Research Foundation International, Inc.


KNOWLEDGE REFERS TO ALL KINDS OF AREAS NOT JUST ISLAMIC KNOWLEDGE.  CROSS LEARNING OF ISLAMIC KNOWLEDGE AND OUR DAILY LEARNING OR EVEN ACADEMIC LEARNING ARE ESSENTIAL TO MUSLIMS TO BE A SUCCESSFUL, FULFILLED INDIVIDUAL. -Ahxuan.

Muslim with 7 years old son commiting suicide

HIS wife was expecting him to buy biryani for lunch after he had fetched their son from school.


TRAGIC: Investigators looking at the father's body. --TNP PICTURES: FRANCIS LEE
Instead, the unexpected happened. Her husband, 35, and their only child, 7, fell to their deaths from the 24th floor of Block 287 in Bukit Batok East Avenue 3 at 1.55pm yesterday.

Witnesses said the boy, Faheem Mohamed Farook, fell first, followed by his father, Mr Mohamed Farook Ali Akbar.

Pooja Punniyamoorthy, 11, was changing out of her school uniform when she saw a figure falling from the upper levels of her housing block.

Moments later, the Primary 5 pupil saw another figure plunging.

Speaking to The New Paper outside her third-floor flat, Pooja said: 'At first, I thought the figures were black plastic bags that were thrown down.

'But I heard loud thuds and when I came out of my flat, I saw two bodies on the concrete ground.'

Mrs Alice Ng, 54, a housewife who lives on the eighth floor of Block 271, which faces Block 287, said: 'I was doing my laundry when I saw policemen talking to the man. The cops appeared to be trying to calm the man down.

'I thought a TV station was filming a show so I returned to my chore. Seconds later, I heard a loud thud and I realised it was a real tragedy.'


Others thought it was an object being thrown down, until they heard loud thuds.

It is believed that Mr Mohd Farook threw his son down before taking his own life.

Family friend Bakar Ismail, 62, who runs a butcher shop in the neighbourhood, told The New Paper that Mr Mohd Farook had taken leave from work yesterday to see his son's form teacher.

Mr Bakar said he heard from the wife that the son's teacher tore his shirt to punish him for quarrelling with a classmate.

He said: 'Her husband wanted to settle the matter with the teacher before going for prayers in the mosque.'

The boy is said to be studying in a government primary school in the area.

The family came here from India in 2000 and became permanent residents, said Mr Bakar.

He added that the wife is a homemaker and Mr Mohd Farook worked in a hospital lab.

'He told his wife not to cook lunch. He would buy biryani after prayers in the mosque.'

No answer

But at 2.30pm, when Mr Mohd Farook did not answer his handphone, she began panicking, said Mr Bakar.

She went round the neighbourhood shops looking for her husband and son. When she saw their bodies at the foot of Block 287, she broke down, said Mr Bakar.

'The police were already there and the bodies were covered with white sheets.

'She wanted to have a closer look at the bodies but the police stopped her.'

Another resident, Mr Mohd Sham, 56, a security officer, said: 'The wife shouted the names of her husband and son as she walked towards the scene.'

A police car then drove her to a station where she spent the rest of the day giving her statement.

The New Paper understands that the dead man's younger brother, who also works in Singapore, gave a police statement yesterday.

At 5.30pm, undertakers arrived to take the bodies away. Mr Bakar said Mr Mohd Farook had told his wife last week that he would transfer all his properties in India to her.

Madam Saminah, 52, a retired teacher who lives on the fifth floor in Block 287, said she heard a woman crying but did not think something was amiss.

She said: 'My daughter heard a thud while she was bathing. She then made her way to the community library.

'After she went downstairs, she called me, saying two persons fell to their deaths.'

The family was known in the neighbourhood.

A barber who asked to be known as Sam said Mr Mohd Farook was a happy-go-lucky man.

Sam, 52, said: 'I last saw him two weeks ago when he asked me to cut his hair.'

A police spokesman told The New Paper that father and son were pronounced dead by paramedics at 2.15pm.


Due to the economical crisis, alot of ppl are facing a lot of stress..with loans to pay and housing expenses and water and electricity expenses, these drive ppl to the edge. As a member of a society and a muslim, we MUST extend help to PPL who are in need of our help. We all have to answer to ALLAH(SWT) one day for all the deeds that we do.

"She is fat", "She is ugly"

Th worst of all sins are those that are greatest in harm and danger to humanity. Among the destructive major sins are backbiting and slandering.

These two sins are forbidden by Allah because they sow enmity, evils and discord among people and lead to destruction. They cause hostilities between people of the same household and between neighbors and relatives. They can decrease in good deeds and increase in evil ones and lead to dishonor and ignominy.

Backbiting (gheebah) means mentioning something about a person (in his absence), that he hates (to have mentioned), whether it is about: His body, his religious characteristics, his worldly affairs, his self, his physical appearance, his character, his wealth, his child, his father, his wife, his manner of walking, his smile, it is the same whether you mention that about him with words, through writings, or whether you point or indicate him by gesturing with your eyes, hand or head.

As for the body, is when you make fun of how someone looks, or mentioning any bad quality in him, as saying: "he is blind", "he limps", "he is bleary-eyed", "he is bald", "he is short", "he is tall", "he is black", "he is yellow", "he's too thin", "he's too fat". As for his religious qualities, it is when you say: "he is a sinner", "he is a thief", "he is a betrayer", "he is an oppressor", "he doesn't pray", "he prays so fast", "he does not behave well towards his parents", "he does not pay the Zakat duly"." As for the worldly matters, then it is when you say: "he has poor manners", "he does not think that anyone has a right over him", "he talks too much" …etc


O you who believe! Avoid much suspicion, in deeds some suspicions are sins. And spy not neither backbite one another. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would hate it (so hate backbiting). And fear God, verily, God is the one who accepts repentance, Most Merciful. (49: 12)


Prophet Muhammad said :"Do you know what backbiting is?" They said, "God and His Messenger know best." He then said, "It is to say something about your brother that he would dislike." Someone asked him, "But what if what I say is true?" The Messenger of God said, "If what you say about him is true, you are backbiting him, but if it is not true then you have slandered him." (Muslim)

Have we live everyday?

Parental Rights in Islam

The biggest right over us is that of Allah (swt).

 

Faith and obedience to Him are our first and foremost duties of these responsibilities of domestic life.

Fulfillment of these responsibilities is a social need as part of the religious duties.

After the above responsibilities, it boils down to the family life which parents are entitled to the highest place and foremost rights.

 

This can be substantiated by going through the following verses from the Koran.

"Your lord, Allah has decreed that you worship none but Him and that you be kind to parents whether one or both of them attain old age in your life. Say not to them a word of contempt nor repel them but address them in terms of honour and out of kindness lower to them the wing of humility and say," My lord bestow on both of them Your mercy as the cherished me in my childhood." (17:23-24)

The above verses can be interpreted :

 

1. Parents' rights are next to the rights of Allah (swt) in Islam.
   
2. When parents become old, their temperament is changed. They may become easily irritable and short tempered
   

   due to their age. Children should show considerable patience and magnanimity for their ageing parents.
   

3. Parents should be respected and revered throughout all stages of their ages. Particularly when they are old and become
   

   persistent, nagging and critical. The children should all more submissive and tolerant and should always keep in mind the related
   

   verses from the Koran.
   

4. The children should adopt attitude of humbleness, politeness and obedience for their parents. They should readily carry out the orders of parents and also feel comforted by doing so.
   
5. We should recall those days of infancy when we were totally dependent on our parents. During that period we were weak and in need of help from the parents to survive. During that time, our parents nourished us with love and affection bearing all sorts of hardships.
   

   They felt happy when we were happy and became restless when we were slightly harmed. We as children should always have these memories fresh in mind and pray to Allah(swt) to be merciful and kind to our parents in their old age as they had been considerate and kind to their own children in their hour of needs.
   

 

Importance of parents

Once a man questioned Prophet about the rights of parents upon their children.

He replied that " the parents are the Heaven OR Hell for their children." (ibn-e-majah, mishkat)

It can be interpreted that, one clearly understands in the point of view of the hereafter, he can earn an abode in Heaven by keep the parents happy.

On another hand, he can be a deserving person for Hell if he makes them unhappy by his misbehavior.

 

"The pleasure of Allah lies in the pleasure of father and the displeasure of Allah lies in the displeasure of father." (tirmizi, hakim)

Nobody can get the pleasure of Allah(swt) without pleasing the parents. One who earns the pleasure of the parents pleases Allah(swt). One who displease the parents may not be saved from His wrath. Both the things are interdependent.

"Go back home and serve her as Heaven was under her feet" told by The prophet to a young man who wanted to participate in the war with him when the prophet realize that the young man still has his living mother.

From this hadith, weknow that mothers must be highly respected, treated politeness and submission and served selflessly by those who want to deliverance on the day of judgement.

 

The 1^st hadith mentioned about father, established the importance of obedience of father while the hadith mentioned about mother, established the worth of obedience to mother.

 

Keep our angels safe….

Allah's Apostle said, "When night falls (or it is evening), keep your children close to you for the devils spread out at that time. But when an hour of the night elapses, you can let them free. Close the doors and mention the Name of Allah, for Shaytaan (Satan) does not open a closed door." — Bukhari 4:523, Narrated Jabir bin Abdullah

In singapore, as for my family, I will call my kids to come home when they are at playground once its 630pm in the evenings.

I only bring them out after mahgrib prayers if there is no urgent matters. I was informed that between 630pm-mahgrib prayer time, this is where the shaytan starts to recruit his "troops". Beware of evil thoughts or actions at these times, remember the following…

a) seek Allah's forgiveness [saying, Astaghfirullah ('I seek Allah's forgiveness')];

b) seek protection from the Shaytan [saying, A`udhu billahi min ash-shaytan ar-rajeem ('I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed shaytan')]

c) cut out the things that result in that bad thought immediately [e.g. shut the window with such images]

d) then thank Allah, wholeheartedly, for enabling you to overcome your desires and shaytan [saying, Alhamdulillah ('All praise is due to Allah')]; this makes Shaytan despair, and strengthens one's resolve.

Dont stop seeking knowledge

There is a website for muslims to think share help. That is the motto for nasibriyani lounge.

It is a strictly english website (thank god!) since i dunno other languages.hehe.
This website allows members to ask questions or anything that they have in their minds. Latest question, I thought its funny! " Help, I've been attacked by Bedbugs."

This website gave the local muslim community a plateform to communicate and share ideas and to voice our opinions. We try not to give fatwa (sometimes cant be helped! ) If we do that, our post get deleted. (dont really like my posts to get deleted) Its freedom of speech!! haha. Like real!

Anyway, I got 4th prize in Nasibriyani lounge Questions and Answers. Thanks to Allah(swt)



Vote for me in nasibriyani lounge ya. I want to be in top 3 this year! haha. inshallah.

Is it wrong for muslimahs for posting their pictures in their profiles?

There is many ways of communications now, facebook, youtube, friendster, blogger and many others. Definitely u can find pictures of muslimahs on them.

I got this question on the nasibriyanilounge.com, I got disturbed.

We muslimahs in today's society needs to work especially in a high standard of living society like Singapore. We cant afford to stay at home and secluded from others especially when you have kids.

Women are allowed to work if there is a need to as long as we work in halal jobs.

U can read my post about modesty in dressing.

As for muslimahs, its up to their choice. We cant judge a person like that. We dont even know them.

LAUNCH OF SHOP @ AH XUAN

Salam brothers and sisters in Islam

My 1st spree blog shop on islamic books and products is officially launched today.

GEMS @ AH XUAN

Yipees! Alhamduillah.

Many times, we are ignorant of the fact that ISLAM is a dynamic religion and is a way of life. We fall short of the expectations of a muslim.

Seeking knowledge in Islam will also increase our iman (faith) as we will know who are we praying to, why we pray, what are the examplary characters of historical islamic figures, and what it takes to be a muslim in this social society.

I hope this shop will grow and able to help brothers and sisters in Singapore to seek for knowledge, like what our prophet said, “Seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave”.

Inshallah. :) If there is any enquiries on other islamic products, please let me know. :)

Are you tired of life?

We passed by the void deck of the next block, we saw broken tiles and a big hole and blood on the floor.

Immediately my habibi said someone must have commited suicide.

Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un [Arabic: انّا للہ و انّا الیہ راجعون ]

Due to the economic recession, there is a rise of people committing suicide. People loses their jobs, creditors asking for debts, banks calling, family expenses, etc. Many times we all cant take it.

To us muslims, we do not commit suicide as we know life after death, the dwelling will be in hell fire.

We also understand, that in life, these are all trials and tribulations we humans go through in order to rise our ranks in the sight of Allah. We turn to Allah for his help, we pray more that in turn increases our iman (faith) in him. All prophets have been through worst situations and even the four imans are also went through alot in their lives in order to attain the greatness.


Has not Allah (swt) says, and it is possible that you hate something and it is for your good? [surah al baqarah, verse 216]

Allah knows best!

Switched off for earth hour 2009

My children were very excited last night. My Habibi lighted up the apartment within around 5 candles while we all switched off the lights.

My boy was so happy that he kept yelling, "SAVE the EARTH!".

It was a good experience and we discussed about how can we save electricity in the household. The electricity bill, runs up to $200 every month. I noticed our flat is so bright, with all lights in void decks and along the corridor. I joked about I will do my work at the void deck so i dont have to switch on the lights at home. haha.

Islam and environment conservation

In ISLAM, every act that is good in protecting our environment is done for sake for Allah.

The hadith shows the importance of every single tree in earth needs our care and protection:
"He who cuts a lote-tree (without justification), God will send him to Hellfire."
Al-Tirmidhi, # 5239

The lote-tree grows in the desert and it is very much needed in an area which has scarce vegetation. A well known Muslim theologian, Dr. Al-Qaradawi, is of the view that this Hadith provides us with the most vivid illustration in terms of protecting the natural resources and preserving the balance that exists between the diverse elements of nature in the environment.


The Prophet indeed encouraged people to work hard under all circumstances in maintenance of the earth’s natural heritage. He explained that people should plant and undertake all kinds of plantations.

This trend is particularly focused upon for those plants that bear fruit particularly a palm-tree seedling. So much is this emphasis that it is enjoined upon all Muslims, even if it is the Day of Judgment and that the world is coming to an end, they should still do it!

When Allah made us , He gave us the liberty to own and care over the earth. Why gives us the earth? Because we are created with intelligence, intellect and the ability to manage. “Greater indeed than the creation of man is the creation of the heavens and the earth” (Al-Ghaafir 40: 57).

Therefore, we should respect and protect the gifts from nature that Allah gave us.





Protecting Land

Protection of land finds many verses in support thereof by emphasizing that it must be kept clean and free from rubbish. It is reported by a famous Hadith that God likes cleanliness. Further, the Prophet is said to have warned Muslims not to throw refuse in public or near the fruit trees. The message that this Hadith sends is that cleanliness is something desirable, good and reflects an act of necessity towards the environment. As such it is submitted that if cleanliness is something good, then it should be reflected everywhere.

Islam has thus created a bond between faith and cleanliness, rendering the latter as a part of faith. The Prophet’s sayings on this point illustrate that solid waste of any kind must not pollute the grounds that produce food or which forms parts of the dwellings. It is obvious that cleaning such places means, in this context, the removal of material obstacles or solid waste which constitutes a kind of pollution in contemporary perspectives of this matter.

The prohibition in such Hadiths is thus intended to prevent pollution. The direct human polluting activity presently is manifestly to extend to indirect sources of pollution as well, such as through sewers. The natural pollutants of any given time conceptually extended to include the chemical pollutants or other activity which is connected, for instance, with industrial production. The language of another Hadith which prohibits the pollution of water may further be cited to support the thesis just articulated by me that, in a contemporary context, pollution of any kind is impermissible in Islam. It is mandated that a Muslim should keep the channels of drinking water clean. We know already those chemicals such as pesticides, insecticides, or herbicides which are detrimental to the health of humans, and we know that much of these chemicals reach the reservoirs of drinking water. Analogical reasoning will justify, therefore, from the perspective of the Shraiah, that such activity be also prohibited and not allowed to be undertaken. 



The Shariah aims at protecting the environment, and while the individual is asked to help in this respect, the ultimate responsibility is in the hands of the state. When Abu Musa was sent to Al-Basrah as the new governor, he addressed the people saying:
"I was sent to you by 'Umar Ibn Al-Khattab in order to teach you the Book of your Lord [i.e. the Quran], the Sunnah of your prophet, and to clean your streets."
The function of the governor who represents the authority of the state, in the narration about Abu Musa, tends to establish that keeping the environment clean is amongst the responsibilities of the Administration. This position should be highlighted, because it obligates the governments, as much as the Muslims themselves, to keep their civic environments and amenities clean and free of pollution.



Preserving Water

The above analysis would have already stressed the significance of water for various human needs. It is God's will that all living beings on earth are dependent for their existence on water:
"…We made from water every living thing…" Quran, 21:30

Furthermore, there are many verses in the Quran that reflect the direct involvement of the Divine Will whenever it rains.

Following are typical of these verses from the Quran:
"And God sends down rain from the skies, and gives therewith life to the earth.” Quran:16:65

And again Quran mandates to Muslims: 

"…and He sends down rain from the sky and with it gives life to earth…" Quran: 30:24
Yet another instance of this philosophy this contained in this verse:

"And We send down from the sky rain charged with blessing, and We produce therewith gardens and grain for harvests." Quran: 50:9


In addition to the protection of water from pollution, the Sunnah emphasized the proper use of water without wasting it. One more Hadith regarding the protection of water is related to the use of clean still water.

ARE WE WASTING TOO MUCH WATER IN ABLUTION?



The Prophet said: "No one should bathe in still water, when he is junub (impure)"

In a Hadith that reflects the future scene regarding the said issue, the Prophet said according to Abu Dawud:
"There will be a people amongst this Ummah who will transgress in their supplication and ablution."



It is obvious that the transgressing in wasting EVEN in ablution means the use of excessive amounts of water or it misuse even for a lavish purpose and objective is disallowed by Islam. This is contrary to the Islamic ethics of maintaining the healthy balance between NEED and Waste.

Quran frequently reminds us about how precious natural resources like water, air and land are and prohibits good Muslims from wastage:

“Say: Have you considered, if your water were one morning to have seeped away, who then could bring you clear-flowing water?” (Al-Mulk 67: 30)

Islam forbids extravagance in using water. It is related that the Prophet passed by his companion Sa’ad, who was performing his wudhu’ (ablutions), and said:

“What is this wastage, O Sa’ ad?”
“Is there wastage even in washing for prayer?” asked Sa’ d;
and he said, “Yes, even if you are by a flowing river!” – Ibn Majah

By thinking carefully about our water use in the home and changing some water-wasting habits, it is easy to save water. For example, turning the taps off when we brush our teeth or cutting down the amount of water when we perform our wudhu’ (ablutions) can save up to five litres a minute. Water is the world’s most precious resource, and in a country like Singapore where we do not even have an adequate supply of water for our own needs, saving it is more critical than ever. Not only can we help protect the environment, we save ourselves money in the process.

Another aspect of environmental protection is water pollution. As Muslims, we are prohibited from polluting water. In fact, Rasulullah S.A.W was so strict about this that he did not allow his followers to even bathe in standing water, what more pollute it with excrement and urine when they relieve themselves.

My Brief notes adapted from MUIS. Filed under Education and Environmentalism, Singapore

So in conclusion, Islam is a religion which gives rights to all creation of Allah.

Is our Iman ( faith ) strong to go to Paradise ?