aSalaam uAlaikum and Good Morning My Stylish Sisters!
Up until a couple of months ago I hated sleeping. I had so many other things I wanted to do with my days (and nights) that I often wished that Allah swt had made me with some kind of charger that could just be plugged into the wall for a couple of hours a day.
The house was never clean enough, I had never studied enough, I hadn't read all the books I wanted to read, I hadn't played with my daughter enough or spent enough time with my husband. The list went on and on of excuses why to stay up, instead of getting the sleep I needed.
Then in the last couple of months that has all changed. You see sisters, I have reached a bit of a speedbump. I am not the super motivated perfectionist Mujahada that you have come to know. I've gotten lazy...even lethargic.
I realized a couple of days ago I just need to admit the fact that I'm a bit blue.
This last couple of years has been really tough for me. My personal life has been uprooted more than once, and thrown into turmoil by people surrounding me. I have had to move five times since my daughter was born two years ago. And I don't mean to say all of this to complain, but simply because I think it's time that I face the music and pull myself out of this rut.
The weird thing is, I still avoid sleep like the plague. For some reason my dreams are never happy, and when I wake up from sleeping I actually feel worse than when I laid down.
Tonight while I was doing everything possible to keep from going to bed I heard screaming in the neighborhood behind my house. There was a man's voice yelling at a woman to stop screaming, and I could hear someone being hit with something loud. I called the police, but by the time they arrived the screams had stopped and I don't think they found anything. It was scary to me, but as I called to the police wandering the street below I realized they were probably wondering who this crazy woman was sitting in her window waiting for some kind of excitement to happen. *sigh*
Anyways...I have to find a way to get out of this funk sisters. My husband suggested I get back into something creative....which would be wonderful if I could figure out a way to get my sewing machine back from Amman (it's a looooong story). My mom suggested I make a small goal for myself each day that I can feel good about crossing off my list before going to bed every night, which I am going to try to do tomorrow.
How about you amazing Muslimahs? Do you have any suggestions? What do you do to pull yourself out of a fog, and help feel better when you're not running at your optimal speed?
Well, I guess for now I'd better get some sleep. It's getting late, and before I know it my daughter will be shaking me awake to make her some breakfast.
Ma'Salaama and Sweet Dreams!
Fashionably Yours,
The (down in the dumps) Mujahada in Prada
P.S. The police didn't find anything. Insh'Allah what I heard was someone's TV and my overactive imagination (combined with watching too many episodes of Cops and The First 48) I'll keep you updated if I hear anything else.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Thursday, September 23, 2010
~So Sorry My Pretties~
aSalaam uAlaikum and Good Afternoon My Fabulous Fashionistas!
It has been WAY too long since I have seen you all. I have missed our little chats together, and am happy to say that I am back and will insh'Allah be posting much more often than I have this past month.
Insh'Allah Ramadaan was wonderful for all of you! My hubster, daughter and I spent almost every iftar at my mother-in-law's house surrounded by wonderful family, lively conversation, and yummy food alhamdulillah. Our Eid was amazing as well mash'Allah, and we threw a lovely and quite successful Eid party on the 12th which insh'Allah I will be posting about next time (just as soon as I organize all of the pictures). I had a blast decorating and organizing, and the kids had a blast tearing down the decorations and dis-organizing LOL. But alhamdulillah everyone enjoyed themselves and I had the opportunity to spend some quality time with some special sisters.
This past month has been absolutely crazy for my family. My poor husband had an accident at work right before Ramadaan started and broke his kneecap which has put him out of work and driven him absolutely crazy because he is confined to the house. Alhamdulillah it's been a wonderful opportunity for him to spend lots of quality time with our daughter and me, we have had some great conversations, watched some good movies, and gotten on eachother's nerves more often than we usually can when he is working all hours of the day. My daughter has also been in and out of a pediatric cardiologist's office for multiple tests to determine the cause of her heart murmer, and today we were told she has what is referred to as a Mitral Regurgitation (which you can read more about here). The seriousness of this condition can vary from mild to severe. Alhamdulillah because she is a vibrant, happy, energetic two year old, the doctor is not too concerned, but we will be keeping an eye on it, and will return to the doctor periodically for further ultrasounds, EKG's, and various other testing.
Because of all of the stress from these situations (and one other that we will be chatting about in the near future) it has been hard for me to maintain the happy, positive outlook that I usually have in life. My imaan has not been as strong as it has been in the past, I've become lazy with praying, and didn't push myself during Ramadaan as I usually do to make extra prayers, read Qur'an and otherwise study Islam. It's hard for me to admit feeling this way, but I am determined to turn myself around. Today, while driving home from the doctor's appointment, I looked into the rearview mirror of the car and noticed my two year old daughter singing along word-for-word to one of the popular songs on the radio. I realized that if I played Qur'an for her instead of the radio she would memorizing THAT which is a million times more beneficial than some pop song. It is my responsibility to set an example for my daughter of how a good Muslimah should act, whether in good times or bad, and one day I will answer for my actions in doing this for her or not.
And in a totally unrelated sidenote, I would like to apologize for urging you sisters to defend me, and defend Islam in general, against the commenter in my last post by the name of Jay. One of my dear sisters quickly informed me that he is a serial commenter, debate-starter, and cynic of Islam on almost every single Muslim blog there is. I will not take his comments to heart, as we all come to a point with people like him that we must accept that Allah subhanahuwata'la will guide whom He wills. Insh'Allah we will all continue to be guided.
Be back soon with a much more interesting and fashionable post my stylish sisters, but I had to check in and let you know I had not forgotten you all.
Ma'Salaama and I Missed You!!
Fashionably Yours,
The (do bad things REALLY come in threes? ACK!) Mujahada in Prada
It has been WAY too long since I have seen you all. I have missed our little chats together, and am happy to say that I am back and will insh'Allah be posting much more often than I have this past month.
Insh'Allah Ramadaan was wonderful for all of you! My hubster, daughter and I spent almost every iftar at my mother-in-law's house surrounded by wonderful family, lively conversation, and yummy food alhamdulillah. Our Eid was amazing as well mash'Allah, and we threw a lovely and quite successful Eid party on the 12th which insh'Allah I will be posting about next time (just as soon as I organize all of the pictures). I had a blast decorating and organizing, and the kids had a blast tearing down the decorations and dis-organizing LOL. But alhamdulillah everyone enjoyed themselves and I had the opportunity to spend some quality time with some special sisters.
This past month has been absolutely crazy for my family. My poor husband had an accident at work right before Ramadaan started and broke his kneecap which has put him out of work and driven him absolutely crazy because he is confined to the house. Alhamdulillah it's been a wonderful opportunity for him to spend lots of quality time with our daughter and me, we have had some great conversations, watched some good movies, and gotten on eachother's nerves more often than we usually can when he is working all hours of the day. My daughter has also been in and out of a pediatric cardiologist's office for multiple tests to determine the cause of her heart murmer, and today we were told she has what is referred to as a Mitral Regurgitation (which you can read more about here). The seriousness of this condition can vary from mild to severe. Alhamdulillah because she is a vibrant, happy, energetic two year old, the doctor is not too concerned, but we will be keeping an eye on it, and will return to the doctor periodically for further ultrasounds, EKG's, and various other testing.
Because of all of the stress from these situations (and one other that we will be chatting about in the near future) it has been hard for me to maintain the happy, positive outlook that I usually have in life. My imaan has not been as strong as it has been in the past, I've become lazy with praying, and didn't push myself during Ramadaan as I usually do to make extra prayers, read Qur'an and otherwise study Islam. It's hard for me to admit feeling this way, but I am determined to turn myself around. Today, while driving home from the doctor's appointment, I looked into the rearview mirror of the car and noticed my two year old daughter singing along word-for-word to one of the popular songs on the radio. I realized that if I played Qur'an for her instead of the radio she would memorizing THAT which is a million times more beneficial than some pop song. It is my responsibility to set an example for my daughter of how a good Muslimah should act, whether in good times or bad, and one day I will answer for my actions in doing this for her or not.
And in a totally unrelated sidenote, I would like to apologize for urging you sisters to defend me, and defend Islam in general, against the commenter in my last post by the name of Jay. One of my dear sisters quickly informed me that he is a serial commenter, debate-starter, and cynic of Islam on almost every single Muslim blog there is. I will not take his comments to heart, as we all come to a point with people like him that we must accept that Allah subhanahuwata'la will guide whom He wills. Insh'Allah we will all continue to be guided.
Be back soon with a much more interesting and fashionable post my stylish sisters, but I had to check in and let you know I had not forgotten you all.
Ma'Salaama and I Missed You!!
Fashionably Yours,
The (do bad things REALLY come in threes? ACK!) Mujahada in Prada
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
~My Ramadaan Diary-The Five Pillars~
Since my conversion to Islam four years ago, one of the most recurring comments I’ve received from non-Muslims is their concern that Islam is so “strict”. I’ve been asked how we keep track of so many rules, how we still enjoy ourselves when we can’t do anything “fun”, even how we have time to do ANYTHING else in our lives when we have to pray SO MUCH.
That last one especially makes me chuckle a bit inside, although I try not to be rude when confronted with it, because really: we were blessed with twenty four hours every day by Allah (God) so how can praying for maybe three of those (and that’s including Sunnah and Taraweeh prayers) be SO MUCH?
I can understand how others may feel Islam is especially strict in comparison to other religions. But to put it simply, we do not have any more rules than any other religion; we just still try our best to follow them as the original Muslims did insh’Allah (God-willing), instead of shifting or bending them to fit modern life more easily.
In my last diary entry I talked a bit about fasting and the reasoning behind it. I attempted to answer a couple of the most common questions I’ve been addressed with by non-Muslims, and tried to clear up a few misunderstandings that seem to persist. I thought it was only fair after covering one of our five basic “Pillars” or requirements of Muslims, that I should address the other four.
Faith…Prayer…Charity…Pilgrimage
When we talk of faith, we don’t mean faith in a general sense. Faith when relating to Islam specifically indicates faith in only One God, and the knowledge that Muhammad was His messenger. When one chooses to revert/convert to Islam there is a statement that is made, usually in front of an imam (head of a Mosque or Masjid) along with another one or two witnesses. This statement is referred to as the Shahada and is said in Arabic.
Ashadu an la ilaha ila Llah, Muhammad ir Rasoolu’Llah.
There is no god except God (Allah) and Muhammad is His messenger.
To Muslims, especially converts, those simple words can bring tears to your eyes. Witnessing someone take their shahada is probably the single most uplifting, emotional experience that Muslims can have (other than taking their shahada themselves). This faith is the first pillar of Islam and is quite simple and straightforward. Muslims do not believe in a trinity, or the status of Jesus as God’s son. We believe in one god (Allah) and in the importance of Muhammad as His messenger, the one who received the revelations of the Qur’an.
The second of the five pillars is prayer. In Islam there are two different types of prayer, the required (fard) prayers that we must say throughout the day, and supplemental prayers (du’a) that we can make whenever we feel the need for support, guidance, or protection as we live our daily lives. Many non-Muslims have asked me why we pray SO MUCH. According to authentic (sahih) stories (hadith) that have been passed down by scholars throughout the generations, Allah (God) first commanded His followers to complete fifty prayers a day. Prophet Muhammad ascended with the angel Gabriel to the heavens to beg on the people’s behalf that we would not be able to complete this number of prayers a day. After much begging, Allah commanded that we complete only five prayers a day, and we would still receive the rewards as though we had completed all fifty. (Sahih Bukhari Volume 1, Book 8, #345) The fact that we are given the reward for fifty prayers, by completing only five shows how merciful Allah is, and is an example of how although the guidelines in Islam may seem more strict, there is great reward in abiding by them. Five prayers a day may seem to non-Muslims to be a lot of time spent in prayer, but it is also time that prevents a person from falling idle, committing sins, or otherwise wasting time. It is much easier to spend this time praying than to spend it suffering from the effects of our behavior.
In Islam we are required to give charity to others. We refer to this charity as Zakaat The purpose of Zakaat is to spread wealth throughout the community, to prevent us from becoming greedy or miserly, and to help us to remember others during times of need. The importance of Zakaat is revealed in the Qur’an, as well as hadith. Although the giving of Zakaat may seem to others to be hard, especially in tough economical times, it is shown in many hadith that giving something even as small as a half of a date will be rewarded.
"Save yourself from Hell-fire even by giving half a date-fruit in charity." (Sahih Bukhari Volume 2, Book 24, #498)
The pilgrimage that Muslims are required to make is called Hajj. Hajj is a time of symbolically stripping away people’s social and economic standing, by wearing simple garments, traveling to Makkah and completing seven rotations around the Ka’ba, as well as seven trips between Mount Safa and Mount Marwa. At the end of this journey all the pilgrims join together in prayer, a time that is the most uplifting and spiritually moving experience in a Muslims’ life. After Hajj is over there is a huge celebration called Eid Al-Adha that includes prayer, and exchanging gifts. Although Hajj may seem to others to be demanding and difficult, it is only required of those physically and economically able to make the trip.
When asked if it is “hard” to be Muslim, or when confronted with skeptics who view it as too demanding I like to counter with this thought: Which is harder, to prostrate yourself in front of your Creator five times a day and beg for forgiveness, or to pull yourself out of a life of sin or despair that was caused by too much idle time and a lack of direction? Which is harder, to share your wealth a bit with others who are worse off than you, or to be one of the “worse off” with no one to turn to because you refused to help anyone when you had the chance? Which is harder: to stay strong in your imaan and avoid drinking alcohol, abstain from improper relationships with the opposite sex, and steer clear of gambling and cheating; or to lose the respect of your family, your relationships with your loved ones, and your potential for a good future due to alcoholism, pre-marital and extra-marital affairs and excessive debt?
This is exactly why when someone approaches me with their concerns over the “strictness” of Islam, and pity me that I don’t have any fun in my life I just smile. You can have your fun. I don’t need it, I have my faith…my prayer…my fasting…my charity…and my pilgrimage. And I am happy with that. Alhamdulillah.
Ma'Salaama and Happy Fasting.
Fashionably Yours,
The (yes, I still have fun) Mujahada in Prada
That last one especially makes me chuckle a bit inside, although I try not to be rude when confronted with it, because really: we were blessed with twenty four hours every day by Allah (God) so how can praying for maybe three of those (and that’s including Sunnah and Taraweeh prayers) be SO MUCH?
I can understand how others may feel Islam is especially strict in comparison to other religions. But to put it simply, we do not have any more rules than any other religion; we just still try our best to follow them as the original Muslims did insh’Allah (God-willing), instead of shifting or bending them to fit modern life more easily.
In my last diary entry I talked a bit about fasting and the reasoning behind it. I attempted to answer a couple of the most common questions I’ve been addressed with by non-Muslims, and tried to clear up a few misunderstandings that seem to persist. I thought it was only fair after covering one of our five basic “Pillars” or requirements of Muslims, that I should address the other four.
Faith…Prayer…Charity…Pilgrimage
When we talk of faith, we don’t mean faith in a general sense. Faith when relating to Islam specifically indicates faith in only One God, and the knowledge that Muhammad was His messenger. When one chooses to revert/convert to Islam there is a statement that is made, usually in front of an imam (head of a Mosque or Masjid) along with another one or two witnesses. This statement is referred to as the Shahada and is said in Arabic.
Ashadu an la ilaha ila Llah, Muhammad ir Rasoolu’Llah.
There is no god except God (Allah) and Muhammad is His messenger.
To Muslims, especially converts, those simple words can bring tears to your eyes. Witnessing someone take their shahada is probably the single most uplifting, emotional experience that Muslims can have (other than taking their shahada themselves). This faith is the first pillar of Islam and is quite simple and straightforward. Muslims do not believe in a trinity, or the status of Jesus as God’s son. We believe in one god (Allah) and in the importance of Muhammad as His messenger, the one who received the revelations of the Qur’an.
The second of the five pillars is prayer. In Islam there are two different types of prayer, the required (fard) prayers that we must say throughout the day, and supplemental prayers (du’a) that we can make whenever we feel the need for support, guidance, or protection as we live our daily lives. Many non-Muslims have asked me why we pray SO MUCH. According to authentic (sahih) stories (hadith) that have been passed down by scholars throughout the generations, Allah (God) first commanded His followers to complete fifty prayers a day. Prophet Muhammad ascended with the angel Gabriel to the heavens to beg on the people’s behalf that we would not be able to complete this number of prayers a day. After much begging, Allah commanded that we complete only five prayers a day, and we would still receive the rewards as though we had completed all fifty. (Sahih Bukhari Volume 1, Book 8, #345) The fact that we are given the reward for fifty prayers, by completing only five shows how merciful Allah is, and is an example of how although the guidelines in Islam may seem more strict, there is great reward in abiding by them. Five prayers a day may seem to non-Muslims to be a lot of time spent in prayer, but it is also time that prevents a person from falling idle, committing sins, or otherwise wasting time. It is much easier to spend this time praying than to spend it suffering from the effects of our behavior.
In Islam we are required to give charity to others. We refer to this charity as Zakaat The purpose of Zakaat is to spread wealth throughout the community, to prevent us from becoming greedy or miserly, and to help us to remember others during times of need. The importance of Zakaat is revealed in the Qur’an, as well as hadith. Although the giving of Zakaat may seem to others to be hard, especially in tough economical times, it is shown in many hadith that giving something even as small as a half of a date will be rewarded.
"Save yourself from Hell-fire even by giving half a date-fruit in charity." (Sahih Bukhari Volume 2, Book 24, #498)
The pilgrimage that Muslims are required to make is called Hajj. Hajj is a time of symbolically stripping away people’s social and economic standing, by wearing simple garments, traveling to Makkah and completing seven rotations around the Ka’ba, as well as seven trips between Mount Safa and Mount Marwa. At the end of this journey all the pilgrims join together in prayer, a time that is the most uplifting and spiritually moving experience in a Muslims’ life. After Hajj is over there is a huge celebration called Eid Al-Adha that includes prayer, and exchanging gifts. Although Hajj may seem to others to be demanding and difficult, it is only required of those physically and economically able to make the trip.
When asked if it is “hard” to be Muslim, or when confronted with skeptics who view it as too demanding I like to counter with this thought: Which is harder, to prostrate yourself in front of your Creator five times a day and beg for forgiveness, or to pull yourself out of a life of sin or despair that was caused by too much idle time and a lack of direction? Which is harder, to share your wealth a bit with others who are worse off than you, or to be one of the “worse off” with no one to turn to because you refused to help anyone when you had the chance? Which is harder: to stay strong in your imaan and avoid drinking alcohol, abstain from improper relationships with the opposite sex, and steer clear of gambling and cheating; or to lose the respect of your family, your relationships with your loved ones, and your potential for a good future due to alcoholism, pre-marital and extra-marital affairs and excessive debt?
This is exactly why when someone approaches me with their concerns over the “strictness” of Islam, and pity me that I don’t have any fun in my life I just smile. You can have your fun. I don’t need it, I have my faith…my prayer…my fasting…my charity…and my pilgrimage. And I am happy with that. Alhamdulillah.
Ma'Salaama and Happy Fasting.
Fashionably Yours,
The (yes, I still have fun) Mujahada in Prada
Friday, August 20, 2010
~Wow!~
aSalaam uAlaikum and Good Morning My Stylish Sisters!
Insh'Allah I will be back soon with a much longer post, but for now I had to let you amazing muslimahs know that Love Nyla is having a HUGE sale!!!! Everything is 25-50% off!
There are some amazing designs at even more amazing prices right now! Sterling Silver bracelets with Swarovski Crystal charms, Sterling Silver Key Necklaces, Beautiful Hijab Pins, Stunning Chandelier Earrings, and more!
Yay! I'm excited! Insh'Allah you ladies get some great things before the sale runs out!
Ma'Salaama and Happy Jewelry Shopping!
Fashionably Yours,
The (Swarovski Crystal-loving) Mujahada in Prada
Insh'Allah I will be back soon with a much longer post, but for now I had to let you amazing muslimahs know that Love Nyla is having a HUGE sale!!!! Everything is 25-50% off!
Yay! I'm excited! Insh'Allah you ladies get some great things before the sale runs out!
Ma'Salaama and Happy Jewelry Shopping!
Fashionably Yours,
The (Swarovski Crystal-loving) Mujahada in Prada
Thursday, August 12, 2010
~My Ramadaan Diary....Fasting~
aSalaam uAlaikum and Good Evening My Stylish Sisters!
Ramadaan Mubarak! Subhan'Allah how time flies, I am still shocked it is already Ramadaan again. Alhamdulillah I truly needed this month to come again, in order to strengthen my imaan and insh'Allah ask for forgiveness for my transgressions.
Throughout my years as a Muslimah I have been confronted with many colorful and interesting questions and comments regarding my reversion/conversion, and have always wanted to write about them. The accusations, inquiries, and downright funny questions I have had proposed to me has shown me just how misinformed many people are about Islam and our duties as Muslims. I was quite flattered when I was asked recently to write an article on a wonderful blog called Muslimas Oasis and decided I would take this opportunity to discuss these experiences and do my best to insh'Allah clear up some of these misunderstandings. I decided I would do something of a Ramadaaan Diary, and address a different topic every couple days throughout this blessed month.
The following is my first article. Insh'Allah you enjoy! And please, take a look at my introductory article as well here: One Muslimah's Ramadaan Diary
Ramadaan Mubarak!
Alhamdulillah it is that most blessed time of the year again. The time when all Muslims around the world abstain from eating, drinking, or having relations with their spouse from sunup to sundown. The time when we all join in congregation to pray together into the late hours of the night, and read the Qur’an daily. The time when we make our best effort not to lie, curse, raise our voices in anger, or otherwise treat others badly. This is the month during which the Qur’an (or holy book of Islam) was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
To non-Muslims it may be hard to understand why this month is so special to us. It may sound like a big sacrifice to give up food and drink all day, and a lot of dedication to pray all night instead of sleep after a long day of fasting. It is hard to explain the feeling of Ramadaan to someone who is not Muslim. There is a feeling of electricity, of hope. It is a time of renewal of faith for us, a time when we can concentrate on our imaan (faith) and increasing our knowledge without the distractions of food, drink, or sex. Because many of us break our fasts with our families, friends, or neighbors, there is a strong sense of community and cooperation.
I am sure that all Muslims have been asked many questions by non-Muslims about Ramadaan and fasting. Personally I’ve had reactions from others ranging from disbelief (“You mean you can’t even drink WATER all day?”) to disgust (“I think it’s horrible you would put your body through something like that”) to absolutely hilarious (“You mean you can go a whole MONTH without eating and survive?)
I figured, since today is our first day of fasting, it would be the perfect opportunity to take a few of these questions I’ve been asked and try my very best to answer them. I’ve included quotes from the Qur’an as well as references to what Muslims call hadith (ha-deeth). Hadith is stories and examples that have been handed down throughout generations of Muslim scholars about what the first Muslims said or did in certain situations. I only refer to the most reliable hadith that has been researched and verified by various scholars within Islam, so insh’Allah (God willing) the information I have provided is as accurate as possible.
Question #1: Why do you fast?
The short answer to this question is simply: it has been commanded of us by Allah and is one of our requirements as Muslims.
“O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous.”[Quran 2:183]
But there is more to the story than just this. Fasting is a way for Muslims to push aside the comforts that food and drink provide us, and help us to understand the way that those less fortunate live. The reward for fasting during the month of Ramadaan is enormous, as related in this Sahih (authentic) hadith by Bukhari:
“The Prophet said, "There is a gate in Paradise called Ar-Raiyan, and those who observe fasts will enter through it on the Day of Resurrection and none except them will enter through it. It will be said, 'Where are those who used to observe fasts?' They will get up, and none except them will enter through it. After their entry the gate will be closed and nobody will enter through it."
Personally, when I am fasting I put a much greater emphasis on my five daily prayers, subconsciously because it is a way of counting down the hours until I can eat, but also because I have a greater clarity and concentration on my connection with Allah. From a medical point of view fasting is also a way to cleanse your body and to give your digestive system a rest. Fasting enables us to worry less about what we’re eating for lunch, and more about what we’re doing to bring ourselves closer to God.
Question #2: Does everyone have to fast?
Muslims believe that Allah is Most Merciful and does not give us a burden more than He knows we can handle. Fasting is not intended to be easy, but is not intended to be impossible. Those who are sick, who have to take medicine, who are very old, who are traveling, or who are physically unable to fast are not required to. Also pregnant women, or those who are nursing, do not always fast depending on if their child is getting enough nutrients and the difficulty of their pregnancy. The very young do not have to fast, it is only required once they reach puberty and begin praying as well, although many choose to start earlier because they are eager to partake in this blessed month.
Question #3: Is it only food and drink you give up during Ramadaan?
When Muslims fast we abstain from more than just eating and drinking. We believe that anything that causes liquid to go down our throat including gum or breath mints break our fast. We also abstain from having sex with our husband or wife, from cursing or lying, and from raising our voice in anger. Although as Muslims we always try to treat others with kindness, this is a month that we concentrate on growing in our faith, that we attempt to be as calm, understanding, and forgiving as possible. This is a month that we do our best to share what we have (no matter how little we have) with others, including non-Muslims.
Insh’Allah this Ramadaan is blessed for all of us, and Allah accepts our fasts and our prayers. Insh’Allah (God willing) the information I’ve provided has been beneficial to all of you, whether Muslim or not, and as always…Allah knows best.
Well ladies it is getting late and I am exhausted. The first day of fasting is always the hardest, isn't it? May Allah accept our fasts and forgive us for our sins. Ameen.
Ma'Salaama and Ramadaan Kareem!
Fashionably Yours,
The ("Yes, we do go a whole month without eating. Muslims have superpowers!" LOL) Mujahada in Prada
Ramadaan Mubarak! Subhan'Allah how time flies, I am still shocked it is already Ramadaan again. Alhamdulillah I truly needed this month to come again, in order to strengthen my imaan and insh'Allah ask for forgiveness for my transgressions.
Throughout my years as a Muslimah I have been confronted with many colorful and interesting questions and comments regarding my reversion/conversion, and have always wanted to write about them. The accusations, inquiries, and downright funny questions I have had proposed to me has shown me just how misinformed many people are about Islam and our duties as Muslims. I was quite flattered when I was asked recently to write an article on a wonderful blog called Muslimas Oasis and decided I would take this opportunity to discuss these experiences and do my best to insh'Allah clear up some of these misunderstandings. I decided I would do something of a Ramadaaan Diary, and address a different topic every couple days throughout this blessed month.
The following is my first article. Insh'Allah you enjoy! And please, take a look at my introductory article as well here: One Muslimah's Ramadaan Diary
Ramadaan Mubarak!
Alhamdulillah it is that most blessed time of the year again. The time when all Muslims around the world abstain from eating, drinking, or having relations with their spouse from sunup to sundown. The time when we all join in congregation to pray together into the late hours of the night, and read the Qur’an daily. The time when we make our best effort not to lie, curse, raise our voices in anger, or otherwise treat others badly. This is the month during which the Qur’an (or holy book of Islam) was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
To non-Muslims it may be hard to understand why this month is so special to us. It may sound like a big sacrifice to give up food and drink all day, and a lot of dedication to pray all night instead of sleep after a long day of fasting. It is hard to explain the feeling of Ramadaan to someone who is not Muslim. There is a feeling of electricity, of hope. It is a time of renewal of faith for us, a time when we can concentrate on our imaan (faith) and increasing our knowledge without the distractions of food, drink, or sex. Because many of us break our fasts with our families, friends, or neighbors, there is a strong sense of community and cooperation.
I am sure that all Muslims have been asked many questions by non-Muslims about Ramadaan and fasting. Personally I’ve had reactions from others ranging from disbelief (“You mean you can’t even drink WATER all day?”) to disgust (“I think it’s horrible you would put your body through something like that”) to absolutely hilarious (“You mean you can go a whole MONTH without eating and survive?)
I figured, since today is our first day of fasting, it would be the perfect opportunity to take a few of these questions I’ve been asked and try my very best to answer them. I’ve included quotes from the Qur’an as well as references to what Muslims call hadith (ha-deeth). Hadith is stories and examples that have been handed down throughout generations of Muslim scholars about what the first Muslims said or did in certain situations. I only refer to the most reliable hadith that has been researched and verified by various scholars within Islam, so insh’Allah (God willing) the information I have provided is as accurate as possible.
Question #1: Why do you fast?
The short answer to this question is simply: it has been commanded of us by Allah and is one of our requirements as Muslims.
“O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous.”[Quran 2:183]
But there is more to the story than just this. Fasting is a way for Muslims to push aside the comforts that food and drink provide us, and help us to understand the way that those less fortunate live. The reward for fasting during the month of Ramadaan is enormous, as related in this Sahih (authentic) hadith by Bukhari:
“The Prophet said, "There is a gate in Paradise called Ar-Raiyan, and those who observe fasts will enter through it on the Day of Resurrection and none except them will enter through it. It will be said, 'Where are those who used to observe fasts?' They will get up, and none except them will enter through it. After their entry the gate will be closed and nobody will enter through it."
Personally, when I am fasting I put a much greater emphasis on my five daily prayers, subconsciously because it is a way of counting down the hours until I can eat, but also because I have a greater clarity and concentration on my connection with Allah. From a medical point of view fasting is also a way to cleanse your body and to give your digestive system a rest. Fasting enables us to worry less about what we’re eating for lunch, and more about what we’re doing to bring ourselves closer to God.
Question #2: Does everyone have to fast?
Muslims believe that Allah is Most Merciful and does not give us a burden more than He knows we can handle. Fasting is not intended to be easy, but is not intended to be impossible. Those who are sick, who have to take medicine, who are very old, who are traveling, or who are physically unable to fast are not required to. Also pregnant women, or those who are nursing, do not always fast depending on if their child is getting enough nutrients and the difficulty of their pregnancy. The very young do not have to fast, it is only required once they reach puberty and begin praying as well, although many choose to start earlier because they are eager to partake in this blessed month.
Question #3: Is it only food and drink you give up during Ramadaan?
When Muslims fast we abstain from more than just eating and drinking. We believe that anything that causes liquid to go down our throat including gum or breath mints break our fast. We also abstain from having sex with our husband or wife, from cursing or lying, and from raising our voice in anger. Although as Muslims we always try to treat others with kindness, this is a month that we concentrate on growing in our faith, that we attempt to be as calm, understanding, and forgiving as possible. This is a month that we do our best to share what we have (no matter how little we have) with others, including non-Muslims.
Insh’Allah this Ramadaan is blessed for all of us, and Allah accepts our fasts and our prayers. Insh’Allah (God willing) the information I’ve provided has been beneficial to all of you, whether Muslim or not, and as always…Allah knows best.
Well ladies it is getting late and I am exhausted. The first day of fasting is always the hardest, isn't it? May Allah accept our fasts and forgive us for our sins. Ameen.
Ma'Salaama and Ramadaan Kareem!
Fashionably Yours,
The ("Yes, we do go a whole month without eating. Muslims have superpowers!" LOL) Mujahada in Prada
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Monday, August 9, 2010
~New Amira Colors~
aSalaam uAlaikum and Good Evening My Stylish Sisters!
Just wanted to let you lovely ladies know that I have some more colors in the two piece Amira hijabs right now. I have them listed on ebay.com for amazing prices!
Check them out here and click on the link under the pictures to go to the listing on ebay.com:
Ma'Salaama and Happy Bidding!
Fashionably Yours,
The (are you ready for Ramadaan?) Mujahada in Prada
Just wanted to let you lovely ladies know that I have some more colors in the two piece Amira hijabs right now. I have them listed on ebay.com for amazing prices!
Check them out here and click on the link under the pictures to go to the listing on ebay.com:
Ma'Salaama and Happy Bidding!
Fashionably Yours,
The (are you ready for Ramadaan?) Mujahada in Prada
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