Little big world up in my head..

So, is it a date?

2008-05-05T13:33:00.002+04:00

Hmm..how many of you thought on reading the caption that I'm probably talking about a Dinner or Lunch date? I don't blame you if you were expecting that because lately I have been so preoccupied that I'm sure all my friends are longing to have atleast some sort of a Farewell date or something we can set up..and lousy ol' me has to seriously work on that.

With further regrets to my fiance (hubby actually) who reads this - it wasn't about a romantic date for us either.

I expect the least of you to think I was referring to a date (khajoor/tamar) at this point; although, I know if I captioned such an entry in Ramadhan, a Khajoor is exactly what you'd all think about - especially if you're craving to break your fast soon! (lol)

Ah, but I'm sure that the majority of you must be thinking I'm probably talking about - my Wedding date - but it's not that either! I want to pause here to say - its fascinating our lives are so predictable after getting engaged: it's the same cycle everyone goes through, and I never get why we have the same set of questions to ask when making small talk:

After getting engaged:

"So when's the Big day? Is your wedding date fixed yet?"

(Umm, I JUST got engaged..let me get the hang of this culture shock first dear!)

After eventually getting married:

"So when are we hearing good news" *with a teasing wink*

(I JUST got married - atleast give it nine months, auntyji!)

After having your 1st child:

"So when are you having your second one?" (Argh!)

After the 1st child turns a yr old:

"Aww, time flies so quick..So yeah, when are you having your second one?" (Aaaaah!)

After the 1st child turns 2 yrs old:

"So what school are you planning to send your child too?" (Umm....)

And then you meet them middle of the same year:

"Oh you havnt put him into school yet? My blah-blah-blah had the same problem and she did blah-blah-blah" (Aaaahhh!!)

Okay so we've all heard these and probably said alot of these to others too - but what takes the cake is, right when you're dressed as Bride and Groom and someone comes up to the stage and says aloud "Awwww, you were sooooooooo little when I last saw you. You played in my lap when you were so small! And now you've grown so big - getting married!" (making it sound like we probably grew up in a day and decided to get married the 2nd day....lol)

So, although my wedding's just round the corner, the date I was thinking around, had nothing to do with any of the above.

Sometimes, some supposedly-insignificant dates just bring back memories as and when they pass by. Nope, not the usual celebrated dates like Birthdays and Anniversaries, etc.. I was just reminiscing on the 13th of April 2008, how exactly a year back, I had dislocated my right elbow. I remember the date ~ I don't know why, but I do; the date on which my sister moved back to the US, the date on which I started my high protein low carb diet some 3 yrs back; the date I received some great SMS or Email from friends or family..and sometimes, I just struggle to save very old SMS' just to keep track of the date of something I just don't want to let go of. And on changing phones, feel dismay of losing the 'dates' on them.

Don't know if this is normal (and I also know it will sound abnormal to those who have their reminders set up for practically everything they do) But for me..it isn't just a date. It's a lot more than that.

So what date did you think I was talking about?

Might be, I missed out on your thoughts...or maybe, I just caught you in the right place ;)

Signing out,

Sadaf Z (with the little big world up in her head - all cluttered up!)

So, what makes me blog...finally?

2008-03-07T00:05:00.008+04:00

Everytime I thought of writing my Blog, I used to be embarassed seeing I last wrote on the 21st of August 2007 (a post in which I blamed Satan for my laziness).

Then another lazy post during Ramadhan - reposting my valuable Ramadhan write-ups from the year before (October 2006).

Despite having endless things to share over the last 6 months, I havn't had the chance to really blog - from time-restraints, to pre-wedding preps (yep, that's one big old news now, lol), all the way to being busy with a bunch of other winter weddings, followed by muharram and safar activities..

Okay, enough of excuses of why I didn't write. I think I should get down to mentioning what actually made me write!

Everytime I log into my email account hoping to receive some sensible Email for the day, I happen to find that the notification for 20 out of 25 emails I get are all Forwarded E-mails!!

Some of these are a quick read to upgrade our GK, but 90% of them are exaggerated and 90% of those 90% are hoaxes! I say this from experience as I'm a total research-freak and I feel a grave responsibility of only forwarding information that I am quite certain about, even if it takes an extra 2 minutes to google or wiki it to cross-check.

So, as heartless as I may sound to many of you, I soooooo despise seeing the 'pleaseeeeeeeeeeeee forward and save a life emails'. I'm quite sure everyone of us has received atleast ONE of this kind - where supposedly some cents are contributed for every email forwarded to save the life of someone in need of the money. For alot of you who actually fall for these, let me tell you; these multiple e-mails cannot be tracked although they try to add credibility by quoting names of big corporate giants who have 'supposedly committed to contribute those cents to save lives'. For more info, read http://tafkac.org/ulz/emailtracking.html

Another link to review is http://www.hoax-slayer.com/ (you'll be amazed to see how much time people have to emotionally pull us through hoaxes!)

My cue: If you really want to save lives, look out for people and children in your immediate reach; your neighbourhood, your family, your community. If nothing, you can contribute to their wellbeing by merely paying a visit to them if they are sick, as the Holy Prophet (SAWW) has said "When you go in to visit an invalid, express a hope that he will live long. That will not avert anything, but it will comfort him."

Can't get about that one? Then simply click and help reliable sites and missions like http://www.thehungersite.com/

Another kind of forwards that I'm sure alllll of us have come across is the 'Pledge with 200 names against Drunk driving (or similar causes)' etc. I totally agree to the cause, I just don't get how it works! Or if it really ever works?!!

If I happened to be the 50th person on the E-mail I received, and I send it out to Leena, Teena, Meena and Reena*; then all of them are the 51st person listed on their respective emails when they further forward them. And the chain is never-ending!

*just random spontaneous names for example sake

So how many sets of 200 people eventually pledge? Uh, hold on - the list is never really complete..and never really sent back to the originator of the email. So, why bother with it in the first place?

Then we have the totally 'trashable' chain mails that threaten you with bad luck if you don't send them out and will win you wishes and life-partners if you send them out (haha!). I have already written my thoughts out on this one ages back (http://sadzee.blogspot.com/2006/09/trash-em.html)

The CLASSIC, of course is the bunch of crazy forwards where you endorse your friendship, love and care on the basis of sending back a poem or set of animated gif's to the sender as well as others you care about.

Umm, right - the reader's first obligation then is, to send it back to the person who sent it to him regardless of whether he really cares about them as much - thinking 'geez, what if he/she thinks otherwise'..

The next thing we do like silly billy's - send it out to 15 other people and trap them into the same circle of emails.

And the worst? We further circulate it through the very same circle of friends for the next 3 months. I mean, I have received the same chain email from Teena, Meena and Leena* - despite being on the same mailing list, and having the same friend's circle. And then, after a week, Reena sends it too..cuz she checked her mail a little late. And then Teena, Meena, Leena send it back again without realizing they already sent it across.. AAAAAHH!

*just random spontaneous names for example sake

And to make things worse: this has all started on SMS! *GASP*

Am I the only one noticing this stuff? I wish I could protest against these Email forwards. I can endlessly crib about how irritating they can get, but I'm sure you all got my point!

For all that you know, there's one less person you all should be sending out this stuff to; cuz Ima simply gonna trash it all, unless you have a catchy caption to it ;)

Out & About,

Sadaf A. Zee :)

Reminiscing old posts..

2007-10-02T03:37:00.000+04:00

So shaitaan did overcome my Blogworks after all!

Alas, as actively as I wrote exactly last year on the occasion of Ramadhan, I have been as inactive at writing my blog this year. However, I would like to recap my last year's posts again for all those who missed out on them - as they might be quite enlightening especially on the occasion of Laylatul Qadr.

With the approach of Ramadhan last year, I wrote this blog entry titled

'Your Blank cheque to Jannah' http://sadzee.blogspot.com/2006_09_24_archive.html

However, one of my much applauded and appreciated blog entries was

"Golden opportunities: 'realize' them and grab 'em! " http://sadzee.blogspot.com/2006_10_01_archive.html

Although I'm a little late in sharing these, there's still another 9 days InshaAllah in which we can gain something if not anything at all!

While I was also lecturing Girls last Ramadhan on the importance of Du'a and supplicating to Allah (SWT) - especially in relation to the month of Ramadhan, I was fervent enough to research and write up three blog entries to define the wonders of the Night of Qadr - and how the spend them in the best possible manner.

1,000 reasons to wonder..(Part 1)

http://sadzee.blogspot.com/2006_10_08_archive.html

1,000 reasons to wonder..(Part 2)

http://sadzee.blogspot.com/2006/10/part-2-1000-reasons-to-wonder.html

1,000 reasons to wonder..(Part 3)

http://sadzee.blogspot.com/2006/10/part-3-1000-reasons-to-wonder-why.html

And just so that I feel less guilty incase I don't get time to write another entry close to Eidul Fitr, then a recap on my last yr's entry

"Hold your horses - the Blow-out offer's not over yet! " can be found on the following link http://sadzee.blogspot.com/2006/10/hold-your-horses-blow-out-offers-not.html

I can't really blame Shaitaan this time for not letting me write though - as Shaitan is chained up this whole month ;) Just time restraints and increased pending deadlines that are keeping me - so a humble request to all of you to remember me in your Du'as, especially in the great nights that we are experiencing this week - Alhamdulillah.

Over & Out

Sadaf Zahra

Struggling to turn "HOLIDAY MODE" off!

2007-08-21T13:12:00.000+04:00

After two and a half months of holidaying from my usual, workaholic routine, I have finally forced myself to sit down and write - even if it sound gibberish to everyone, just so that I break the silence! (hence, excuse the glitches here and there as I won't take time to proof-read and edit what I write, as it will give me yet another excuse to delay posting something from my dormant blog!)

Although my actual holiday was just 3 weeks from 7th July to 28th July, it's funny how it made me so lethargic ever since I got back that, every night when I self-account to see what all I have really achieved out of my day, I have almost nothing to be proud of - really....(SIGH)

So, I have been blaming it on the weather which, by the way is extremely hot, and might be one of the reasons for my lethargy and humdrum attitude. I also found this article relevant to my so-called disorder - the Summer Seasonal Affective Disorder (SSAD): http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?sec=health&res=9C03E4DA103AF930A2575BC0A9649C8B63

The funny thing is - I'm one of those born and bred kids out here in the UAE, and to say I probably am suffering from SSAD is - quite 'sad'...literally! (hehehe)

But of course, the right one to blame is SHAITAAN.

When I look at all the things I have in my pending list, and the nature of it all revolves around community and religious works - it does make me realize that unfortunately, my soul's remote control has been in the wrong hands lately!

So Mr.Shaitaan has put me on 'holiday mode', with Energizer batteries on my remote control and has also probably had some Red Bull himself, to drive me nuts a little longer before I make my come-back! (and this imaginative spree TOO is courtesy of Mr.Shaitaan - I mean, me - blaming my laziness on him and not doing much about it either - is the biggest sign that it really IS him!!)

Gosh..this will take me into an endless circle of nonsensical blabber, if I don't stop now..

But something for consolation: Recognizing the controller is one step achieved. Attacking him back is the next step.

Continuing with my struggle, and requesting for your du'as - for my success!

until next week..

Sadaf Z

I love you - Imam Mehdi!

2007-06-02T20:46:00.000+04:00

Since a week, I have been struggling over an impossible deadline - of starting and finishing a whole Madressa Yearbook - that too, a Bumper Issue (2005 - 2007)..

Even though, as I type this, I'm quite hopeless and in despair - especially with a hand that's still aching, and the fact that the Magazine cannot possibly done in time to be circulated on the 9th of June, and quite a lot of people around me have been bearing with my tantrums (my sincere apologies for that) - I just wanted to put up the one thing that, after having finished, gave me peace of mind and heart.

This was one major part of the Yearbook that was strenuous to work with because I had to color in, layout and edit the poem on it. But hats off to Syeda Hira Fatima, who understood so easily what I had roughly and briefly expressed to her last year, and in return, she illustrated it out so beautifully!

Here is the Poem - on what will be the centrespread poster of our Madressa magazine InshaAllah. Indeed, it gave me sukoon - to be able to express my love to the Imam of our time. I hope this humble effort from Hira and myself, is accepted by Imam e Zamaan (ATF), his great grandmother Bibi Fatima Zahra (SA), and Allah (SWT).

Fatigued to write anymore,

Sadaf Z

If I was crowned Miss Universe, I would....

2007-05-12T20:40:00.000+04:00

For years we have seen the Miss Universe and Miss World pageants; the struggles that they pursue to look great, represent their country and fight it with beauty and wits to be able to best answer the final question: 'If you were crowned Miss Universe tonight, what change would you like to bring in the World?'

To perceive the desired change and to actually strive to make the change are a world apart on their own. If being crowned Miss Universe was based on answering that question best (most of the times), then lets you and I, and the rest of us, crown ourselves Miss Universe of our own little Universes for the natural empathy we all possess for Mankind!

Initially, I had intended to write about the struggles I faced in my last four weeks - which I spent completely dependant on my left hand for unimaginable tasks for the sake of survival - hehee.. (For those of you who still don't know, I am recovering from a dislocated right elbow - and Alhamdulillah, after having finished one month, I am now waiting to completely recover over the next month, InshaAllah).

However, I eventually chose to switch to a more 'meaningful' area to voice out.

It so happened that I attended a Presentation on Friday night, based on a Humanitarian service being done by a lady (and with the cooperation of her husband and 9 year old daughter) for the under-facilitated Mothers and children of remote mountainous villages in Gilgit, Pakistan.

From the unreachable and difficult rocky areas where there is no government support or attention and under-facilitated dispenseries (with no regular staff), under-developed Gilgit is well known to be an area deprived of basic amenities like electricity, drinking water and elementary health care facilities.*

Where women who die after baby's delivery (and sometimes even before they can actually deliver) because of lack of pre & post-natal care, Gilgit sees expecting-mothers' deaths and abnormal child births at a regular.

However, what we often forget is that perceiving a regular problem doesn't mean to eventually be ignorant and insensitive to it!

It is for THESE Mothers and Children - for the sole sake of Humanity, a lady emerged with the foresight and dream to help these people out of their miserable situation and aid their survival. She left her life out in the United States (having attained her Masters in Medical out there) and her 9 years of services as the head of the Nursing department in Agha Khan Hospital in Karachi, to head out towards the Stone-age in the 21st Century: this under-developed area where it isn't only difficult to commute, but even to communicate on phone-lines (as they don't have any network coverage!)

It was truly inspiring to hear Dr.Farzana's story out, where she presented us with facts, figures and video coverages on the difficult situation out there and her aims to serve the many villages out there with her Mother-and-Childcare Hospital.

Although lacking funds, facilities and manpower, Dr.Farzana remained determined and chose to permanently reside on those mountainous grounds - where the language, culture, means of transport, communication and people are a completely different world and century apart!

It made me realise that sometimes we barely do too much, yet consider and flaunt those minute acts so highly (I mean, I was actually meaning to write about my achievements using my LEFT HAND! Goshhh! How LAME!) On the other hand, there are people in this world who still do exist, to carry out incomparable and great tasks, with endless sacrifices and selflessness.

Where the portfolio of Miss Universe and Miss World consists of posing for photographs, starring in Movies, and humanitarian projects of solely visiting Under-privileged centres and organizations, I am sure if we ask those people living in Gilgit what Dr.Farzana is for them - they would rank her Miss Universe for themselves.

Indeed we feel like we do so much for the community and aid the needy, but if we look around, we will see that we would still think twice to see if the area has a mobile-phone network coverage, infrastructure to transport us around and the INTERNET to survive to communicate with the outside world.

So, it's just too less to say 'If I were crowned Miss Universe, I would.......' because some people don't really wait to be crowned Miss Universe; they pursue their noble aims self-lessly, for the sake of Humanity.

To all of the eligible candidates to enter this particular contest and race of serving Humanity: the final question to win is - "How far are you willing to go or do?"

With this thought,

Sadaf Zahra

To request a copy of the Video presentation, or for questions, statistical data, donations or even just kind words of support and encouragement - for the Mother & Child care Hospital project in Gilgit - contact Br.Mustafa Hemani on +97150 62 44 176 or email hemanihb@eim.ae

* Extra Reading:

Article in Dawn, on under-priveleged Gilgit, dating back to 1st March 2004 on http://www.dawn.com/2004/03/01/local43.htm
On Chowk.com, written in 2006: The People of Gilgit Baltistan - The political orphans http://www.chowk.com/show_article.cgi?aid=00006997&channel=civic%20center

Pictures can save me the 1,000 words!

2007-04-09T22:16:00.000+04:00

Dear All,

Here's something to break my silence (in writing) for a while. Since I suffered a slight accident some 10days back at home (and dislocated my right elbow), I am pretty slow at typing things till another 11 days or so - while the healing is in progress. (Well - slow, because now, my right hand is not at use, so my left hand at disposal - with 4times less typing speed is.....aargh..very frustrating!!!)

To save myself some 'left-hand energy' for the more urgent tasks - yet keep my Blog active 'visually' if not textually, for a bit - I'm posting a Visual DNA (a sort of reflection on my Personality through visuals). I thought it was quite interesting. Maybe you all can try it too :)

Remember me in Du'as, as I really need them to get back on my feet (??) - or rather hands - and start 'kicking off' from where I left things.. (somehow, they only invented figurative expressions for the feet, did you notice?)

Hmm..Let me not drift off to my profound thoughts again..(hehehe)

My Visual DNA - have a look!

Read my VisualDNA™ Get your own VisualDNA™

Writer's block?? Let me confirm that...

2007-04-08T20:49:00.000+04:00

It's been almost over a month that I've written on my blog. Some might think I ran of things to write about, others might think I grew out of the 'blogging shogging' craze; but the truth is, I've not had much time to be able to peacefully sit and write!

So I don't know what to call it.. It can't be categorized as the Writer's block which usually involves temporary loss of ability to continue writing, due to lack of inspiration or creativity. I can just only list the number of things I was so meaning to write about, but I just found it pointless to direct out my thoughts when the actual time to write it out just passed away..

Initially I was pondering on the much-prevailent fever created by the ICC World cup cricket - in the people, the media, and all the things around us, which included as little as all the advertisements of products and t.v. shows which had no link whatsoever with cricket in the first place! But it all suddenly subsided with the exit of the 'once-upon-a-time-cricket champs', the Pakistani team from the series within the first week of the World Cup; then slowly, India's defeat, and so forth.

As much as I've never really understood the game, I always used to be amazed at the enthusiasm everyone had for the game. I could say that, this time, I eventually saw people go in depression and frustration with the outcome of the game after waiting for it for months, paying for the Sports channels, etc. - companies paying for Advertising campaigns with Pakistani and Indian cricketers and having sponsored the ICC World Cup, just to know that the celebrities they used to promote their brand, just defamed themselves with their unexpected play..

Sooo....I thought, no point writing about it (yet I sort of JUST did that here..hehe)

I had then read through about April fool's day before 1st April; and once again was laughing to myself when I tried making sense out of why April fool's is such a big issue anyways?! By the way, the story we get through chain mails about Islamic Spain being attacked on April 1st, is yet again, a sad attempt to keep us away from a senseless 'celebration'??!

Just so that I spare you with the history, I have to say I'm a total GOOGLE-oholic like my friends say - as I cross-check details and history for the littlest of things. So, similarly, I would suggest that for all those interested, just wikipedia or Google search words like: Andalus or Muslim Spain or fall of Granada, etc etc etc - you will come across dates like January 2nd 1492, as the beginning of the Reconquesta (the period when Christians began conquering Muslims in Spain) - which is almost 3 months away from the 1st of April!

So people, Muslim Spain wasn't attacked on 1st April; that email looks to be another April fool's hoax on us Muslims!!!! So, like they say: "April Fools's past, and you're the biggest fool at last!"

Okay, before you think that we just got the license to feel less guilty when we next pull a prank on someone (or already did pull a prank this April fool's!!) then I would suggest that while you're on wikipedia.com, you can probably also see the history behind the celebration of April fool's day and the disasters that have happened in the past over something as baseless a tradition as this.

I would, however, agree to the ethical point of view posed in the religious chain mail we receive before every April fool's - where the historic aspect of the Fall of Muslim Spain is unauthentic, but the ethical aspect of 'Cheating' on people has also been emphasized. Indeed, it is not allowed in Islam, and universally speaking too, cheating is unethical and considered 'bad'.

So, rather than cheating people and playing pranks on them for no good reason, why not indulge your grey cells in something more resourceful and useful next time?

Well, even after having said all that, there was something else I wanted to think aloud....but, I'll just save it for the next time! (Not because I'll run out of things to write, but because I would rather not bombard you all with so much altogether!) hehehe..

Hmm, and if you thought I was suffering from writer's block, then Alhamdulilllah, confirming that it wasn't so; just pray for barkat (abundance) in my time and resources, so I can be able to continue to write regularly, along with the many other things I juggle myself with :)

Over & out! Sadaf Z

My trip to Shaam at Arba'een last yr..

2007-02-24T00:08:00.000+04:00

Dear all, Salaamun 'alaykum!
Alhamdulillah, last year at this time, I was fortunate enough to be in Shaam (Damascus) for Ziyaarat of Bibi Zaynab (SA) and Bibi Sakina (Bibi Ruqaiyya bintal Husayn AS) for Arba'een of Shuhada e Kerbala (AS).

Thanks & du'as to my brother and sister, who gifted me a mini-divi cam (yes THE notorious camera u always find me with!!) that fit my bag / purse / pockets at every point, I could capture quite a lot of the 6 day trip I had out there!

Since we have approached the Holy month of Safar-ul-Haraam, it is pure reminiscence. I have shared these videos with quite a lot of you on a CD that i gifted my close and near ones on returning back from the trip, but for the rest - and for those who want to watch it in shorter episodes, I have finally managed to upload them on an online Video Portal - youtube.com

Also, I have listed out short diary entries for each video clipping - so you would get to atleast feel 25% (if not 100%) of what a wonderful experience it was. Praying that everyone gets this opportunity, InshaAllah!

Shaam Ziyaarat
Day 1 - 18th Safar 1427: Haram of Bibi Zaynab (SA)

The first day when we arrived in Shaam for ziyaarat at arba'een. Beautiful manaazir of Shrine of Bibi Zaynab (SA). Additionally, the same night we saw the miracle of the Bleeding minaret (I had to reduce the resolution on the videos to be able to upload them on youtube, hence its not too clear but i managed to get whatever I could).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F008mxwhstw

Day 2 - 19th Safar 1427 (Part 1) - Darbaar e Shaam

This was on our 2nd day on our Shaam trip on 'Arbaeen around the Baazaar and Darbaar e Shaam. Worthy of being noted are things like:

The great length of the Bazaar - and the little pigeon hole type opening on the roof top - from where the spectators had watched the Caravan of Ahlulbayt (AS) pass through the market place
The 7 adhaans when we entered the courtyard of the Darbaar (the 7 adhaans were ordered by Yazeed (LA) back then to stop Imam Sajjad from delivering his sermon..and you'll be amazed that you can still hear those 7 adhaans at every salaat time out there!)
The Mimbar (pulpit) from which Imam Sajjad (AS) delivered his sermon in the Darbaar
The seating place of Yazeed (LA) which was high above ground level - from where he watched down upon the captive ladies and children Ahlulbayt (AS)
The Shrine of Prophet Yahya (AS) which exists inside the Darbaar (the Darbaar is now the Bani Omayyid Mosque)
The place where Prophet Yahya was beheaded (exists inside the Darbaar)
The place where the head of Imam Husayn (AS) was kept during the period of time that the ladies and children of Ahlulbayt (AS) were held captive in Shaam

This and more that we saw on our trip can be viewed on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=joy3s7CZu_E

Day 2 - 19th Safar 1427 (Part 2) - Rauza of Bibi Ruqaiyya bintal Husayn (SA)

This was a short clipping of our visit to the Shrine of Bibi Sakina (SA) - in some rivaayat (traditions) she was actually known to be Bibi Ruqaiyya (SA) - the beloved 4 yr old daughter of Imam Husayn (AS) who passed away in the Dungeons of Shaam. Her shrine was walking distance from the Bani Omayyid mosque and so we walked it up till there. Video of our visitation is uploaded on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0xEikBNtjg

Day 2 - 19th Safar 1427 (Part 3) - Shab e Arba'een (eve of Chehlum)

This was truly a miraculous night and for those who were there would definitely agree. I could catch a few mo'jizaat on my camera along with the spirit of Azaadari and pursa (condolence) that people were indulged in all night at the Zainabiyya shrine.. All this and more on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmRtPnY0HaY

One thing that i couldnt capture was the four to five people who we saw got miraculously cured of physical disabilities, with the waseela of Bibi Zaynab (SA) - Subbhaanallah!

Day 3 - 20th Safar 1427: Day of Arba'een at Zainabiyya Shrine (Chehlum day)
This was a short video I managed to compile with the Azadaari (Maatam and Juloos) outside the Zainabiyya shrine during Chehlum day. Our day ended with splendid pursa and nauha-khwaani by Nadeem Sarwar Saheb thanks to the arrangement made by our Ziyaarat Caravan (Jazaakallah khair to the Intazaamiya!!)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQ2GPXXKKjc

Day 4 - 21st Safar 1427: Ziyaarat of other places in Shaam (Damascus)

After having completed our visitation at Zainabiyya shrine on Arba'een e Shuhada e Kerbala (AS), we were taken to the ziyaarat-gaah of:

Hz.Hujr Ibne Uday Kindi (companion ofImam Ali AS) whose ziyaarat has been highly recommended by our Ma'sumeen (AS)
Prophet Habeel AS (son of Prophet Adam AS): Check out the length of his grave! and we were told that the marble slab represented only halg of his grave - the remaining half was still beneath the ground! Subbhaanallah....
Bibi Sakina Binte Ali ibne Abi Talib (AS) - sister of Imam Husayn (AS) whose grave was discovered some few years back and confirmed by 'Ulama e Karaam. Her shrine is currently under construction.

The link for this video is http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jyw0Ov3UWA.. We were scheduled to go to see the place where the As-haab e Kahaf still sleep (according to some traditions, that cave exists in Syria). However due to lack of time and length of the journey, we couldn't pay our visit there.

Day 5 - 22nd Safar 1427: Halabb (Aleppo) Mash-had e Ra'as al Imam Husayn (AS)

This was indeed a wonderful and probably the most memorable day of our trip. Our visit to Halabb (Aleppo) to this place that was once a monastry. 'Mash-had' meaning sanctuary, 'Raas' meaning head - in Arabic. This is a very famous historical spot, where 1400 years ago, when the Caravan of prisoners were being headed towards the main city, passing through Aleppo, a Christian monk called Raahib paid money and requested to keep the Holy head of Imam Husayn (AS) for one night. He had placed his holy head on a stone slab, on which the stains of Imam Husayn’s blood got absorbed.

Till date, the blood on the stone maintains its freshness, and this stone has been preserved at the same place for Zaa-ereen to visit and pay salutations to Imam Husayn (AS). Various attempts have been made to remove the stone slab from Aleppo and take across to Damascus , but all those who tried failed to do so. Hence, it is a miracle on its own, that for the sake of preserving history, Allah (SWT) wishes that Zaa-ereen take the 6 hours’ journey by road, to realize how the Aal e Muhammad (SAWW) have been through such long distances on foot, in such severe conditions - and how their journey invited so many people to turn towards Islam - the religion of Truth and Justice.

We were further blessed with Nadeem Sarwar Saheb's wonderful and heart warming pursa and nauha-khwani - all this uploaded on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugsha3fZYP0

We had also visited the shrine of Hazrat Mohsin ibne Husayn ibne Ali (AS) - who was the premature baby in the womb of Bibi Umme Rabab (SA). Unfortunately, just like the premature baby (Hazrat Mohsin ibne Ali Ibne abi Talib AS) in the womb of Bibi Fatemah Zahra (SA) - this son of Imam Husayn (AS) was lost during the tortures and torment of the long travel Bibi Umme Rabab (AS) experienced from Kerbala to Kufa to Shaam. On his death, he was buried here. (sorry, video not uploaded yet!)

We also visited the Grand Omayyid mosque in Aleppo (Halabb) which astoundingly holds the shrine of Prophet Zakariyya (AS)! Subbhanallah, we are from the religion that has so much history and authenticity to preserve it forever! (sorry video not uploaded yet!)

Day 6 - 23rd Safar 1427: Baab-e-Sagheer Graveyard

This was our last day and we visited the graveyard which has the graves of many Holy people like the wives of the Holy Prophet (SAWW) - Bibi Umme Salma (SA) and Bibi Umme Habeeba (SA); Bibi Fizza (SA), and many more holy personalities. (sorry, video not uploaded yet!)

Day 6 - 23rd Safar 1427: Our exclusive visit to the Zainabiyya Shrine after hours

Alhamdulillah! All thanks to Allah (SWT) and God bless the Intazaamiya of our Caravan, who really managed to make this trip the most memorable - by taking special permission on our last night and getting our Kaafla the privelege to visit the Shrine of Bibi Zaynab (SA) after the haramm shut for visitors at night.

With the zaree of Bibi Zaynab (SA) infront of us, and the wonderful and heart warming nauha khwani and pursa (condolence) of Shahid Baltistani sahab, what more could we ask for...what more could we ask for!!!!!

Uploaded on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWXdy46-qkE

*********************************************************************************

On returning back from my trip, I did my bit - of adopting from Bibi Zaynab's character - atleast this one thing......TABLEEGH in whatever way by whatever means we possess(yes, the blogs, the zeal to write and express all really came from there!!!)

Alhamdulillah, and Jazaakallah khair further - to Brother Nabeel Aejaz for believing in me, and giving me the opportunity to compile the depth and wonders of Ziyaarat in Shaam at Arba'een - and putting it up on his online Magazine RAW. (www.raw.com.pk)

My article is on the following link: http://www.raw.com.pk/islam/ziyaarat_shaam/

For all those of you who are going to Shaam on Arba'een this year, I hope and pray you have an even more enlightening and profound trip..May we all be able to really gain from these visitations to the Auliyaa of Allah (SWT), coming back enriched with Ma'rifat and Spirituality.

Pass this on then and let the thawaab rollllll!!! :)

Mohtaaj-e-Du'a, Sadaf Zahra

Bah,humbug to Valentines day!!

2007-02-15T02:00:00.001+04:00

For all of you who think I am Islamically judgmental about majority of the things I see around me (and I'm sure reading the title of this blog entry would make you think so yet again!), then let me tell you..I'm not propagating an Islamic arguement about Valentine's day here. For a change, I'm just going to enlighten you all on some really interesting facts about why, it might be funny for you to be celebrating the 14th of February as the so-called "UNIVERSAL LOVERS DAY"

If at all, it should actually be Friendship day. Let me narrate what I read in very brief:

If you roll back in history, St. Valentine was actually a priest (which means he never had intentions to marry). He was in the time of this ruler Claudius who wanted to encourage men to go fight in war, but they wouldn't because they had wives and children to take care of and were emotionally attached to them. So, he banned marriages at that point, so that men would not be entitled to stay back from war.

St. Valentine at that time used to get Marriage vows done secretly for those who wanted to get married; on getting caught he was imprisoned and sentenced to death. During his time in jail, he made friends with the jailor's daughter who used to visit him often. Hence, before he was put to death on the 14th of February some million years back, he wrote a last letter of friendship with compassion for her signing it saying 'From your Valentine'

So, you see.. quite amazing, that people celebrate this so-called friendship for Lover's day. It further makes me wonder, why didn't historians mark the death of Romeo and Juliet as the Universal day of celebration for Lovers?

By all means, I am not encouraging of the whole event in the first place; but for those who very religiously celebrate Valentine's day and find no harm can continue to do so. Islamically, there is no issue with it. Infact, as part pf my research I spent hours looking for the reference or authenticity for this one specific chain mail i recall which discouraged the celebration of Valentines' day as it was infact the same day when Muslims of Spain were conquered by the Non-believers. Well, I can't tell you how much i google-d, such that even google must be tired of me googling search words and sites of '14th feb', 'valentines day', 'Invasion on Muslims on 14th feb', 'Muslim spain' etcccc!!!! And I didn't even leave out Islamic sites, somehow I didn't find any authentic or identical sourcing to that email.

Obviously, some poor chap must be trying really hard to convince Muslims to not celebrate this event - so he innovated a story (unless someone can find the actual reference from history and comment back, there would be nothing more lovely!) I would like to conclude that Islamically, this day poses no threat to Muslims in History.

However, there are some funny concepts to Valentine's day that I have observed and analysed below:

(1) Excessive use of color red in all valentine gifts, wraps, bags, dressing, etc. The psychological impact of the color red from one of the websites i searched was as follows: Most colors carry both positive and negative implications. The downside of red evokes aggressive feelings, suggesting anger or violence. (hmm, the use of red on Valentine's day might just have the opposite effect of what consumers are really trying to gain!!)

(2) There used to be a time when one would wish Valentine's day to his valentine alone, to make that person feel the most special. Nowadays, on valentines, every other person is wishing each other valentine's day...like a meaningless ritual - purposeless or what??

(3) I noticed that 80% of the people who were so enthusiastic in wishing Valentine's had no clue about who St. Valentine was and the rest 20% who knew, didn't know that Valentine's day has nothing to do with a victorious love story (haha..that's amusing)

(4) Excessive use of Hearts in practically all gift items, shopping stores, grafitti, advertisements, posters, etc... GOD! I won't be surprised if in the next 5yrs' time, they would have cars that would be shaped somewhat in the mould of a RED HEART - and captioning it as 'The perfect ride for your Sweetheart, on this valentines day, let her drive a Polo..the Heart with a hole!' (I could actually sell that copy for a million to Volksvagon if and when they make customized Valentines' day version of the Polo - LOL)

The heart -shaped gifts also remind me of those numerous pendants and 'heart'-shaped jewelry adverts in the papers and billboards, that we are being bombarded with from the beginning of every February. Somehow, they spend millions on those adverts and also conveniently write out their prices - so that the next time I see someone wearing the Damas Valentine's pendant, I know her hubby or boyfriend gave it to her and it cost him 800dhs; or oh wait! that's the Pure Gold valentines' pendant isn't it (and my devious mind says, oh, 700dhs for that?! It looked better in the advert!) haha.. okay, so.......those adverts wouldnt work for me.

Oh, for all of you who don't know, I was an Advertising major back in college, so my eyes are extra-alert to critique or grasp anything new and useful in adverts around (sort of explains my quick witted copy for the Valentine's version of the Polo?! Okay so it wasn't very good copy when u read it after 5more times, cuz it doesnt really make sense..hehe..but good for an instant one eh?)

Anyhows, I have so much more to say here, but it's always like this isn't it? For all those of you who think to be religious makes us quite aggressive towards western concepts - let me correct you. Even Imam Ali (AS) has said 'Don't look at who is talking, see what he's talking about' thus implying that where there is logic and something good for us, pick it up - regardless of where its coming from a Muslim or Non-Muslim, someone older to you or younger to you, etc.

Here, I've just tried to put together some facts for all of us to think - fine, Valentine's day is Universal lovers day. Who commissioned it and why?!!! Ever tried questioning that?

Why can't everday be a day to celebrate the love of your loved ones? and why do people have to limit it to one day of the year? and that too over someone who died and left back no moral story to gain from..

Food for thought? Comments area on this page open for you to share your views..

Mourning the death of our Conscience..

2007-01-30T22:48:00.000+04:00

After ten days of rigorous replenishment of the soul (well atleast I hope that it DID manage to replenish bits of us, if not our whole selves) I realised that every Majlis and lecture I attended, somehow only brought one thing to my mind..

Imam Husayn (AS) took his family and friends to save ISLAM and revive the conscience of the Ummah - why? Because society had extremely deteriorated in moral values, such that they saw the wrong happening infront of them but didn't stand against it - as long as it didn't involve them. The supposed-Muslims who fought against him were amongst those who prayed Salaat regularly and on time, and were Haafiz-e-Qur'an; those who performed their ibaadaat in excess. Yet, they chose to ruthlessly kill the grandson of the Holy Prophet of Allah (SWT)- he who brought Islam to them!

Imam Husayn (AS) reasoned that the people of his time prayed to the same Lord he prayed to; and rendered their services (worship) to the same Lord and same religion. But their morals and conscience had died as a result of HARAAM RIZQ (Wealth and Food)

Makes me wonder: Aren't we - in the present times, living the same kind of death of Moral values?
Our society today is pretty much evolving around the same issue: excess ibaadaat (worship) but lack of moral values and conscience; a moral system of 'self-centredness' - if something doesn't involve us and doesn't hurt us, then we don't bother lending a helping hand or thought, or even a second of our time for that matter.

Raises the question up in my head - are our bellies filled with Haraam food and wealth too? That the call of Imam and his sacrifice have a temporary effect on us? And we need to be reminded every year, what we forget after the 2 months of mourning are over?

Aren't we really pretty much the same kind of people - aiming for perfection in our worship (ibaadaat) and our knowledge ('ilm) , but dead in our conscience? Aren't we as useless for Imam-e-Zamaana (ATF) as the Muslims were as an Ummah for Imam Husayn (AS)??
Aren't we like the people of Kufa, calling out to Imam-e-Zamaana (ATF) - but not ready to give up our lives, wealth and families for his cause?

Alas! After Imam's great sacrifice, we are still too dead in conscience to be able to tell between right and wrong! We are still too dead to let go of our materialism, our egotism, our self-centred attitude.. We are still too dead to think that we have accomplished everything merely through our Ibaadaat (worship) and our Knowledge ('ilm)..

I can only weep on the death of our conscience; and pray for the upliftment of our society..
Ya Imam-e-Zamaan, adrikniyy!

Tafseer al Namunah - in English

2007-01-17T13:51:00.000+04:00

For all those interested to deepen their knowledge about the Qur'an and its true message, this will be great guidance as well as reference material.

Please bookmark the follolwing; it contains the Tafseer al Namunah in English available in 6 volumes covering Surahs from Surah Al Dahar up till Surah an Naas (surahs 76 to 114), and Surah Al Fatiha to Surah Al Maaeda (Surahs 1 to 5)

An Enlightening Commentary into the Light of the Holy Qur'an
Vol 1
Surah Ad Dahar till Surah Al Ghaashiyah (Surah # 76 to 88)
http://www.al-islam.org/enlightening/

An Enlightening Commentary into the Light of the Holy Qur'an
Vol 2
Surah Al Fajar to Surah An Naas (Surah# 89 to 114 )
http://www.al-islam.org/enlighteningv2/

An Enlightening Commentary into the Light of the Holy Qur'an
Vol 3
Surahs Al Fatiha to Surah Al Baqarah verse 154
http://al-islam.org/enlighteningv3/

An Enlightening Commentary into the Light of the Holy Qur'an
Vol 4
Surah Al Baqarah verses 155 to 252
http://al-islam.org/enlighteningv4/

An Enlightening Commentary into the Light of the Holy Qur'an
Vol 5
Surah Al Baqarah verses 253 to 286
Surah Aale Imran
Surah An Nissa verse 1 to 23
http://al-islam.org/enlighteningv5/

An Enlightening Commentary into the Light of the Holy Qur'an
Vol 6
Surah An Nissa verses 24 to 176
Surah Al Maaeda verses 1 to 86
http://al-islam.org/enlightening-vol4/

Sadaf Z.

Resolution time - yet again..

2007-01-14T21:21:00.000+04:00

With the Gregorian New yr having started just 2 weeks back, we're looking into the new Islamic new year coming up round about, end of this week. Hence, if you didn't get about drawing up your resolutions 2 weeks back, guess what - here's a better time to draw them up and stick to them with a 2 1/2 months probation period to get you all geared up.

Last year, at this time, I had posted up the following entry on my Msn Space, and I'm thinking the same yet again. So here goes.. putting it down here.

January 31, 2006
Thinking aloud -on the "Islamic new year"
Alhamdulillah, we are amongst the Believing Clan of Muslims - who don't abuse ourselves on our supposed New year's eve - partying, getting drunk and just wasting ourselves.. and to think of those who actually do - seems silly.. What's there to get drunk and party on the advent of another new year?

Isn't it the right time to actually thank the Almighty (S) for letting a year pass by with us, alive & sane (lol) - hopefully!

And for us Muslims, every extra day in our lives is an extra chance given to repent for our sins. So this is yet another perfect chance - because the Holy and Blessed month of Muharram is here.. Let us pray to the Almighty (S) to cleanse us of our sins by accepting our Azaadari - and let the Azaadari awaken the spirit of Truth and Righteousness in each one of us - Inshallah (Ilaahi Aameen)

You can find here, an amal to be done on the 1st eve / day of the New Islamic year (i.e. last night of Dhul-'Hijjah). (Click on image to get an enlarged view of the 'amal)

If we ponder on the translation of the Du'a, it will help train us to repent for our sins, beseech the best of Allah's Blessings for the following year, and build more trust and closeness to Allah (S).

Nothing better to start off the new year, don't you think?

Remember me in your du'as.. signing off, Sadaf zahra

Reasoning my 'Silence' :)

2007-01-01T14:12:00.000+04:00

Hmm, so 'eid went by and so did new yr's eve - and for all of those who text'd me recvd back a thank u msg acknowledging it; but rarely did I send out a msg initiated myself
For those of you who got one from me, feel lucky - because somehow, it wasn't because I wasn't upto the 'festive mood', but another trillion reasons.

The biggest reason was, suffering Laryngitis this week! (I was totally out of voice!) Somehow others around me found it very amusing, that I was speaking like a wind-pipe, with hollow words; I think they only got what I was trying to say by lip synch-ing with me..But as amusing as it looked, if you ask me, it was a very 'helpless' situation.

It sure did make me ponder on quite a few things; like, how fortunate we are to have a voice to speak. I mean, I know that the four days that I had completely no voice in my larynx, I was banging on things or had to walk up all the way to a person downstairs in the house, when I could earlier just scream out that there's a 'phone for them on the land-line'!!!

I guess we take our blessings so much for granted, that for us our voice seems like just an ordinary thing, but it made me realise the helplessness of little babies in pain, the deaf and dumb who are challenged with this world so busy in its hustle bustle and noise, etc.

Well on a more positive note, it gave me a moment to ponder and practice the wonderful ahadith of the Ma'sumeen (AS) - especially Imam Ali (AS) who has numerous hadith on the wonders of talking and speaking less. I managed to get more work done in the privacy of my room, without having wasted my time on 'vocal' and social activities (I opted to stay home than be out and meet people and struggle to speak to them in sign language!) So, I used the energy saved from 'talking and socializing', on much more useful things!! hehe..

Other than that, I took out time to be a better listener and observer. I guess sometimes we just tend to listen or focus on things WE ourselves do, but when we can't get others to notice it (in cases where you cant 'voice' it out) then you DO tend to give a thought to all the things that existed around you and you never noticed..

So 'Eid and New years' were signficantly silent this year -yet contemplative- this year, with one less person to add to the noise pollution...

So, my thought for the year ahead: If all of us opted to speak less, the world would be lesser of pollution, envy, lies, misunderstandings, negativity, backbiting, gossip, slandering, etc etc....

I still don't wish for anyone to suffer laryngitis though! *chuckles*

With best wishes for 'Eid and New year 2007 to all of you and your families
Starting the year with an 'apparently silent' note, but hopefully more fruitful thoughts, Inshallah
Sadaf Zahra :)

The Ekta Kapoor syndrome!

2006-12-12T18:33:00.000+04:00

Five to six days a week, we add to our already existing and never-ending stress in the form of 'entertainment' (??!!) - thanks to.. EK (Ekta kapoor)!!!

Analysis of common situations in all Star TV/ Sony TV / Zee TV / Sahara TV / etc etc etc channel soaps:
Scenario 1.1:
Every guy and girl who fall in love and seem to click like they were soul mates - don't ever end up together.
So much for encouraging a 'haraam' relationship - why would it work?? Thank God for the limits Islam has drawn for us, to make everything halaal and pure for us!

Scenario 1.2:
Even if they do finally end up together, one of them dies. And then the latter eventually moves on and gets married..but wait...Every dead man has to come back to life JUST to ruin good things you know (instant re-incarnation)!!
Sort of putting us in denial towards DEATH.. Thank God that we are always reminded in Islam that "Every soul shall taste death" and that this World is but a temporary abode - from which we have to head towards the permanent abode in the Hereafter - the flight between the two being 'Death' - and there's no coming back! It's a one-way ticket!

Scenario 1.3:
Oh wait, if it cant get any worse, the person probably is just an IDENTICAL CLONE of the dead person. And they even find such people in their own very home-town.
I know the world is small, but SO SMALL? (Oh well, in Indian soaps they are...hehehe)
Why do we even bother watching these drama's!!!! * No Comments *

Scenario 2
Every good charactered female in the Drama is raped and eventually ends up being pregnant with an illegitimate child - which they try to abort but due to complications doesn't happen..
Thank God for the Islamic Hijaab - atleast keeps us protected from the evils intentions of men! And also keeps our men safe from evil temptations that are totally detested in the eyes of Allah!!

Scenario 3
Every one night stand results in the female becoming pregnant in matter of days- and most of them are drunk when this happens..
(wow, and if it were so easy to become pregnant....hmm)
Thank God for Islam prohibiting Alcohol!! and drawing limits for us to interact with Na-Mahrams, so much that as a precautionary measure, we should not even be in a place where a Na-mahram and ourselves are left alone -in order to avoid the evils workings of Shaitaan!

Scenario 4
Every joint family has- internally - extra martial affairs...and well, there comes the complication of whose child belongs to whom..
hmm, thank god for Hijaab and the limitations of mahram-na mahram relations in our religion..!!

Scenario 5
Every head of the family has an enemy from the yester years- who's only purpose on life then becomes to make life miserable for him and his family members
Thank God for being a part of a religion that teaches us to not only forgive our foes, but also eliminate evils like jealousy, hatred, vengeance, cheating, etc from our characters - to reflect as the true followers of Allah (SWT), Islam and the Holy Prophet (SAWW)

Solutions to the EK (Ekta Kapoor) Syndrome:
For viewers: Switch to another channel
For EK (Ekta Kapoor): Convert to Islam - you might have more realistic situations and better solutions to them!
For ARY, PTV, Geo, etc: Forget your inspirations from EK and revert to Islam pls!
For Me: Hmm, switch from Blog-writing to Soap Write-ups (teeheee! LOL)

With sarcasm pouring out today! (hehehe)
Sadaf Zahra!

ASK- but with the right "attitude"!

2006-12-12T16:02:00.000+04:00

All Praise to Allah (S) - for always being there for us, being attentive to us, and providing us with more than we ask for - despite us being very unworthy beings!

Often, I feel He gives us more than we deserve - on the contrary to our usual complain of why He doesnt provide us with certain things we continuously beseech from Him. I have lately been pondering on a common sight in many Indian soaps and drama's on TV - where, particularly, the Hindu's beseech from their Gods with their full right of being a creation of their God (emphasis on - He made them so they depend on him to completely change things, even if what they ask for is miraculous).

It amazes me to see how much confidence they have in their Gods that they say to their Gods that if a certain thing doesnt happen for them, they will never do the certain act of pooja (prayer) or believe in the God's power or existence, etc. And well, the drama's always show that God has listened to them because what they are beseeching seems reasonable and favorable to move along for the story line of the drama / should the same situation arise in reality.

I wouldn't encourage the supposed 'threats' to God - saying we will stop praying or lose belief in Him if He didn't work something out for us as we desired..because we have been brought up with the religious belief and etiquette to "Ask for what's best for us" (Ref. to Du'a as Samaat and many other du'as where we recite: waf 'al bee ma ah-lahu wa laa taf 'al bee maa ah-lahu meaning "and do to me what suits You and do not do to me what I deserve" ) and accept whatever we get as part of Allah's will and mas-lehat (His undoubted and unimaginably Endless Wisdom). Here we show confidence in Allah's Wisdom over our desires - and it makes complete sense to me..

However someone recently debated over this saying that if Allah (SWT) is 'Qaadir' -having power and might over all things (as we recite in our du'as: "Innaka 'ala kulli shayy-in qadeer" meaning "and You (Allah) indeed have Power and Qudrat over all things and creations!")- then why do we say to Him "Please listen to my du'a and accept my Haajaat, if it is the best for me".. Rather, why don't we say to Him "What I beseech from you Allah (S), please make it the best thing for me and make it happen for me" -with that same confidence that Allah (S) can make anything happen..ANYTHING!

I am just sharing this, as it really had me thinking too.. Maybe we can brainstorm on this as - Mashallah, from the previous Poll on 'Matches made in heaven' - it is but obvious, that the more we comment, the more others get awareness and different insight on the topic.

Speaking of which, my final piece and judgment on Matches made in Heaven - will be up sometime later next week..Jazaakallah for your profound thoughts, comments, references, experiences, and participation :)

And before I forget why exactly I wrote this up today was, that this morning - I got up to find a wonderful gift from a wonderful friend. She had actually scanned off this Du'a for me to specially share with ALL OF YOU (my enthusiastic blog readers :)) called Du'a e Hasaar. (from Imaamiya Jantri 2002)

The benefits derived from this du'a are numerous, and the method of reciting it is:

1) Recite Surah al Hamd thrice

2) Recite this Du'a

3) Beseech your haajaat

(Click on the image for an enlarged and clearer view of the du'a)

It is supposed to be a powerful du'a, if you ponder on the words (and if you can read urdu - the translation of every verse is found below them) - since it comprises of humble words of recognizing our unworthy selves, being under the protection and closeness of the Holy ones - near and dear to Almighty Allah (S)!

Should any of you need the transliterated version, just email me :) I'll write it up for you and send it through

So till then, remember me in du'as (and special du'as for the friend - who doesn't wish to be named - who sent this du'a for all of us to benefit from..Jazaakallah khair)

Any thoughts on the right way to beseech your Du'as from the Almighty? Comment then!

Sadaf Zahra :)

Poll: Match made in Heaven...??

2006-11-30T16:06:00.000+04:00

Salaamun 'alaykum everybody..
I thought of doing something different this time; I wanted to write my next blog entry on the basis of YOUR input.

I need your comments on the following statement:
"Matches are made in Heaven and met on Earth!"
Do you really think so? YES or NO?
and most importantly - whyyyy do you say so....? (Restrict to maximum 2 reasons)
I don't want to start with my own answer - because I want to see your responses first - as part of my final research :)

Life made easy: Should you not want to disclose your identity, you can choose to comment as Anonymous :)

Deadline to comment: Saturday 9th December 2006 (revised date!)
Any comments received after 9th December will not be included as part of my research (however, it will still be additional input on the topic :))

Comment then: Keep them coming!
Sadaf Zahra

Wake up call..

2006-11-13T14:02:00.000+04:00

"Knock knock.."

"Who's there?"

"Malikul Maut (Angel of Death)"

."Malikul whoo?!!!"

.....................(leads to an un-ending silence)

Where my previous post was about realizing that it's never too late to change, this one is about how soon you should realize the need to change!

Ofcourse I was further inspired to write this post because of my new fascination for embedding video clips on my post! (LOL) So i just found the most perfect Video clipping for this blog post.

I can only re-inforce the idea with this video clip because we all know that Death comes upon humans regardless of age, time and event. Hence, this video will only wake us up if only we havnt woken our souls up with the happenings around us, the sudden deaths around us..

We need to remind ourselves that it could've just been us - and we have still been given time; but even so, we should count every moment as our last. We need to keep asking ourselves what could we rather be doing than wasting 'every breath that takes us closer to death'? (ref. to hadith of Imam Ali A.S)

Additionally, I'd like to point out the importance of performing our Waajibaat on time - before we lose out on the opportunity. We often take for granted the time when we hear the Adhaan (call for prayer) and moreover, the 'qadha time' of Salaat - till which we delay our salaat for every other thing.. Similarly, we take for granted our lives even when we are Mustatee' (physically and financially able) to perform the Hajj, thinking we can just do it sometime later in life.. similarly, for all the times we said "oh SOMEDAY, I will stop listening to Music', or "SOMEDAY, I will adorn the Hijaab"...

How many similar 'unresolved' resolutions - all pending to be fixed at our own pace and convenience, without realizing the uncertainty of what might head our way the very next instance!

What if, someday, Death knocks on your door - when you have your Bulletin board full of all these pending things to do; what good are those post-it notes on your p.c. monitor, when you can't even tell what you are liable to face the very next second?

Let's pray that Allah (SWT) grants us the taufeeq to live every second as though it's our last - in remembrance of Allah (SWT), watching everything we do while we pave our way towards success in this World as well as our Aakhirah!

The following is the video I would like you all to watch. A commercial titled:

Pray before Death overcomes you

It's never too late..

2006-11-07T15:33:00.000+04:00

It's very inspiring in today's world, to have people like Junaid Jamshed completely changing tracks, taking a U-Turn in life and so sincerely persevering with the talent he possesses, towards a Noble cause.

His naat's, especially the one posted here with the video in itself is a reminder for all of us, that Alhamdulillah, we are Muslims - and like every program on our pc's, Islam gives us an 'un-do' (Ctrl Z) button in our lives too - because Allah SWT is the Most Merciful and the Most Forgiving...and just like how we wish to 'undo' so many mistakes we tend to make while working on the pc, and then make sure we don't do them again..

So is the case with our lives: to ask for forgiveness, in the most meaningful manner, and attaining peace in realising that there is indeed NO GOD BUT HIM (SWT) and none other than Him has control over all the creations in the World and Universe; and thus, then working towards the 'change'.

Thus, "He (SWT) guides those whom He pleases." (Reference to Surah An Nur) - and there's no saying when and how people might change their ways - from evil towards goodness.

With reference to Allah's Guidance to whom He pleases, we often misinterpret that and leave our 'changes' for "when He chooses to Guide us" but we need to remember, that Allah SWT has given us free will, and a fully-functioning blessing: 'Aql (our brain, and our sense to THINK).

It is thus upon us, to take the first step by realizing the wrong we do, and then deciding to un-do them by asking for Forgiveness; and with a strong will, make changes in ourselves. Why would our Most Merciful Lord then deny us help to guide ourselves to salvation???

Alhamdulillah!

JJ (Junaid Jamshed) has very finely portrayed a humble du'a infront of the Almighty (SWT), and particularly in his video shown that its never too late to turn to Allah (SWT). It's never too late to realise our mistakes.. and it's never too late to change ourselves.

But that shouldn't be a reason for us to take our lives for granted; and the 'time we have in hand' for granted.
It always calls for us to self-account continiously and see how we really ARE utilizing our lives.....

For all of us, moving in this mad fast-paced, progressive and busy life, this video, and the beautiful lyrics and composition of the naat altogether are worth seeing and pondering.. (and so is the transformation of JJ from Vital Signs to Multazim!)
Subb-haanallah

Shukar alhamdulillah; that Allah SWT has blessed us all on the True Religion; and endless Thanks to Him for always offering His Kindness, His Guidance & His Mercy to mother us even after we have been the worst of His slaves - and so unworthy of His Forgiveness, His countless Blessings and His Guidance!

May we all be able to reach the Higher ends of Faith - Inshallah!

"Ya ayyuhann naas!"

2006-11-01T16:59:00.000+04:00

Alhamdulillah (Thanks to Allah SWT), who always enlightens me at a point when I am seeking a particular solution, and He sends my way an answer to a million un-asked questions..

Subb-haanallah! Indeed, none other than Him is the Knower of the state of our Hearts and Minds!

I was researching Ahadith on the Adhmat of reciting the Qur'an as I will soon be addressing young, 8 to 10 year old girls at a Qur'an Khatam (aameen) for 5 minutes; so I was looking for things I can probably relate to them to make them realise what a great thing it is, not only to finish reciting the Qur'an, but even realising what it contains and how it can help us being a User's Manual for every Muslim - being the most appropriate and practical Code of life, Inshallah..

So anyways, I came across this wonderful Hadith of Imam Ali (AS), which I cannot help but share, because really, sometimes for us, the value of this Holy Book only arises 'seasonally', to recite in Ramadhan or when asked to recite for Qur'an khwani, etc etc.
It is just sad to know how sometimes we just under-estimate the power of the Holy Qur'an!

قالَ أَمِيرُ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ عَلِيُّ ابْنُ أَبِي طالِبٍ (عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ): مَنْ قَرَأَ مِائَةَ آيَةٍ مِنَ الْقُرآنِ مِنْ أَيِّ الْقُرآنَ شاءَ ثُمَّ قالَ سَبْعَ مَرّاتٍ: ((يا أَللّهُ)) فَلَوْ دَعا عَلـى الْصَخْرَةِ لَقَلَعَها إِنْشاءَ اللّهُ.
Amirul Mo'minin 'Ali ibne Abi Talib (peace be upon him) has said:
"A person who recites 100 verses from anywhere in the Qur'an and then says: 'Ya Allah' seven times, even if he wanted to remove a huge boulder (from the ground), he would be able to do so with the permission of Allah." Thawabul A'mal, Page 233

Subb-haanallah... really!

In times of difficulties, we look for help here and there, everywhere, when the solution for everything is right under our noses! We don't realise or appreciate how practical Islam, and all its elements are! They pertain to every time, every age and every possible situation!

We so easily question why Allah SWT keeps addressing the same things a hundred times in hundred different surahs and verses in the Holy Qur'an! Alas! We humans are always in need of constant reminders.... and yet, we fail to retain!

"Ya Ayyuhan Naas!" Remember me in du'as! Sadaf Zahra

To plan, or not to plan - is the question..

2006-10-29T18:38:00.000+04:00

I was just pondering on the different approaches in the ways we plan our lives and the degrees in which we expect the outcomes. The way we plan and accept the outcomes infact tells how successful and content we have truly been, in handling all the things that come our way.

So where do we fit in? I have a grading scale next to each type (and I hope we can just be honest with ourselves to see where we fit, and how we can probably work towards getting a better score in life!)

The totally useless planner: (0 out of 5)
This person does everything unplanned. Why? because he supposedly leaves every little thing to Allah SWT - despite the free will Allah has given him to make his own choices and decisions within the boundaries of shari'ah.

(1 out of 5 for the useless planner who atleast admits he feels hungry for his own desire of hunger and not because Allah planned for him to be hungry at that point!!!)

I fail to understand how such people can be considered 'Ashraful Makhlooqaat' (the Best of Allah's creations) when they don't even use their abilities to achieve the least out of their lives - I mean, a life without goals and purpose..and so easily putting the blame on Allah, saying theyre 'totally dependant' and rely on everything Allah SWT has planned for them.
(Szahra nods head in disbelief...)

The Perfectionist: (2 out of 5)
Geez, and we would think a perfectionist plans his work right to the core - as perfectly and flawlessly as possible...why would Szahra grade him a 2 out of 5?

Well, no grudges about the perfectionist, really. There's nothing more wonderful about them that they are so organized and calculative about everything. They have their homework always done, and no one could possible do the best out of a scheduled situation than them.So that's what the 2 out of 5 is for..

...and as for the gap in the grade - the minus 3 is for those who fall in the category of denial, when things don't work out as planned. The anger, frustration, denial, disappointment, disapproval, etc - all are signs that we have forgotten - or failed to accept - that we might be running the Show, but the outcome of the show is in the hands of Allah (SWT).

For all of us in this category, I would suggest to pacify yourself with what I usually tell myself:
"I have recognized My Lord with the failures in the outcome of my plannings" - Imam Ali (AS)
This just serves as a quick reminder for us of the Presence, Planning and Reliance on Allah SWT - and might just give us contentment, rather than demotivating us from trying hard the next time.

However. if you're a perfectionist who is flexible enough to take failure with a smile, then you're not really categorized under this one; go on to the next ones, and you will surely know where you fit.

The Hesitant planner: (3 out of 5)
This person moderately plans (to stay on the safe side) - and has the ability to do sooo much more, but is just plain scared of failure. For this person, any one would agree to says that "to have tried is the biggest success for ourselves, regardless of whether we achieved success infront of the World or not.."

So, all that's needed here is courage, a big heart and trust in Allah SWT, and we'll do just fine! :)

The Good planner: (4 out of 5)
(.......or maybe a grace 1/4 mark if ure really really good)

He plans very wisely - like the Perfectionist; and relies on Allah (SWT) on the outcome of what he performed - like the totally useless planner.

He loses his one mark because, there MIGHT be that one moment in him, where he gets disappointed in his failure; but the very next second, he realises that is being ungrateful to Allah (SWT) and questioning His Wisdom; apologizes, and takes his failure with a 'genuine' smile.

This person gets the highest score because he really looks at the better things in what he has achieved - than what 'he could have achieved'.. because he has truely relied on the Wisdom of Allah (SWT) and accepted that He is the Best of Planners.. Subb-haanallah

"And if you're asking for a 5 on 5 ......tsk!!. ure so human..never happy in what you get huh?"
(szahra, with a wicked smile)
_____________________________
A grade of (5 out of 5) is for him who is on that stage of having 'Rizaa'; all those mentioned above, are different stages of 'Tawakkul' on Allah SWT.To read a great informative piece on this topic, visit http://www.al-islam.org/fortyhadith/14.htm

_____________________________
May we allll be able to achieve high scores in this Life and Hereafter, Inshallah!

S x Zahra

Hold your horses - the Blow-out offer's not over yet!

2006-10-22T16:39:00.000+04:00

As we advance towards 'much-awaited' Eid, let's not forget that tonight or tomorrow night might just be the last night of the Super Blow-out, month-long Sale of Allah's Divine Mercy!

Any regular 'end-of-season sale' at Debenhams, GAP, Old Navy or NEXT - would mean only the left-over stock being available to shop from - especially more, in the last few days..You know, where we go and check out the stuff and just buy it off, consoling yourselves and saying: 'Beggars can't be Choosers'...'something's better than nothing!', etc etc

But what we have tonight and tomorrow is guaranteed to be buying off from only the BEST because there is no end to Allah's Bounties and Blessings - this Blow-out sale is one of its kind: up to date, latest trends, and the best deals on offer! Subb-haanallah...

After a whole month of special offers and super-savers (Ramadhan), our Almighty Lord still has these very same offers available for us on the Last night of Ramadhan. So for all those of us who didn't avail the best from the Month, and didn't seek the best of Forgiveness; the best of all Goodness of the Month; the most of your Legitimate pleas; then this is definitely your ultimate chance till next year **

** It is stated in traditions that the night of 'Eid is not of less importance then the night of Shab-e-Qadr.

So, why waste such a great night in the beauty parlors, the market place doing your last-minute shoppings, 'Eid mela's (festivals), etc etc.... - when the best to shop for is in the privacy of your homes; where the outlet has an Endless Stock at the best deals, but only limited for this one night till the coming of Ramadhan next year...

Make the most of your 'Eid night, by remembrance of Allah (SWT) and in thanksgiving to Him, for having provided us more than we asked for, and written the best for us for the following year. Lets also take out time, and do istighfaar in abundance - since it will only be multiplied for the value of 70 counts of repentance till tonight....

It's now time to form Firm and Permanent Resolutions. Lets not be a hypocrite and let go of the wonderful traits we adopted for Ramadhan - it's time to put them to practice from now on..Inshallah

Lets not keep the Qur'an back in the bookshelves - letting dust gather on it till next Ramadhan. Lets instead make it a part of our lives, everyday for every little thing we do, Inshallah..

Let not the habit of going to Mosque regularly and offering Salaat in Jama'at be something limited to Fridays or Special occasions like 'Eid. Lets be more loyal to the spirit of Unity & Pleasing Allah (SWT) - the same spirit we had throughout Ramadhan - and continue with it as part of our lives from now on, Inshallah.

After having done so, we can rightfully wish each other 'Eid Mubaarak' - because ofcourse, 'Eid is a celebration of our Ibaadat (worship) and 'aamaals being accepted by Allah (SWT). So let's not waste the last opportunity to seal our Ibaadat of Ramadhan with the best on this night - Inshallah.

30th Night of Ramadhan & 'Eid night 'aamaals can be found on:

http://www.duas.org/ramazan/last_night.htm

Keep me in your prayers!

Sadaf Zahra

1,000 reasons to wonder..(Part 3)

2006-10-15T21:49:00.000+04:00

Finally, tomorrow we will be in the midst of the night which might most possibly be THE night that is 'better than a 1,000 months'. **

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** 16th October 2006: Another unique reference I came across:

Which is the night of destiny? 19, 21, 23?
19th: Writing the destiny
21st: Its confirmation
23rd: Its approval

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Imam Abu Ja'fer Muhammad ibn Ali-al- Baqir (as) is quoted in Bihar al-Anwar and Da'aim al-Islam as having said, "The 17th night of the month of Ramadan is when the two parties met, and the 19th is when the lists of the pilgrims is written down, and the 21st is when successors to the Prophets passed away and Jesus Christ (as) was raised to heaven and Moses (as) passed away, whereas the 23rd is hoped to be Lailatul-Qadr."

In Ahadith, we find that our Holy Ma'sumeen (AS) have indicated that the 23rd of Ramadhan is most likely the Night of Qadr, and hence - along with the regular 'aamaals (that I have briefly mentioned in Part 2 of my weblog entries on '1,000 reasons to wonder why..'), there are additional Du'as which are recommended to be done on this night.

With the concluding notes I have compiled below, I hope to shed some more light on the sentiments with which we should be performing the 'aamaals of Laylatul Qadr on the 23rd night of Ramadhan. Let us, Inshallah make the most out of this Holy night - by performing these remaining 'Aamaals in the best and most acceptable manner (Aameen).

RE-SHAPING OUR FATE ON 23RD RAMADHAN:

(1) DU'A E MAKAARIMUL AKHLAQ

It is crucial for us to understand the importance of reciting this Du'a on this particular night, when we are surely gaining maghfirat of our Sins - and starting off anew, with our fates being re-written for the next year.

This is the 20th Supplication in the collection of Du'as written and taught by Imam Zaynul Abedin (AS) - compiled in the book Saheefa e Sajjadiya (The Psalms of Islam). 'Makaarimul Akhlaq' literally means NOBLE TRAITS.

If we study the translation of this du'a, we will realize how beautifully Imam Zaynul Abedin (AS) has taught us to beseech help from Allah (SWT) on this night to help us become better in our conduct and our manners; to truly be able to reflect the character of a Good Muslim.

We often become materialistic knowing Allah (SWT) has blessed us acceptance of Haajaat in great nights like Qadr, Shab-e-Baraat (15th Sha'baan), etc - and we fail to ask for what is most needed at such points: our Spiritual Rejuvination.

We thus need to sit and ponder on how much we need to change ourselves, and further, need the help and guidance of Allah (SWT) in not only forgiving our sins, but granting us the will power, the strength and the opportunities to change ourselves for the better.

This Du'a has been framed with the best of Noble traits that Allah (SWT) would like to see in us as Good Muslims...and what better means of acceptance of our du'a, than a du'a written by Sayyadush Saajideen (The Best of Worshippers: Imam Zaynul Abedin AS)!

Let us recite this Du'a with the firm intention of changing ourselves for the very better, and beseeching Allah's help in letting us do so - Inshallah! (text, audio and translation available on: http://www.duas.org/sajjadiya/s20.htm)

My personal favorite excerpt from this du'a is as follows:
"God,bless Muhammad and his Household,adorn me with the adornment of the righteous, and clothe me in the ornaments of the god fearing, through spreading justice, restraining rage, quenching the flame of hate, bringing together the people of separation, correcting discord, spreading about good behaviour, covering faults, mildness of temper, lowering the wing, beauty of conduct, gravity of bearing, agreeableness in comportment, precedence in reaching excellence, preferring bounteousness, refraining from condemnation, bestowing bounty on the undeserving, speaking the truth, though it be painful, making little of the good in my words and deeds, though it be much, and making much of the evil in my words and deeds, though it be little! Perfect this for me throughlasting obedience, holding fast to the community, and rejecting the people of innovationand those who act in accordance with original opinions! "

(2) DU'A E TAUBAH

This is the 31st Supplication in the collection of Du'as written and taught by Imam Zaynul Abedin (AS)- compiled in the book Saheefa e Sajjadiya (The Psalms of Islam).

Once again, since this night is that powerful night when our affairs for the following year will be re-written, it is very important for us to clear our Book of Deeds with the burden of Sins we are carrying with us for years. We need to further realize that often, the acceptance of our Du'as, 'Aamaals and Haajaats are usually hindered because of our sins. Therefore, it is highly important for us to repent sincerely, and gain the Mercy of Allah (SWT) in the form of His Maghfirat (forgiveness).

Having realized that Allah (SWT) has blessed us with the chance with a night through out which, He will only shower His Best Blessings, and Endless Divine Mercy till the breaking of Dawn("Salaam, hiya hatta matla'-il fajr" - Peace will prevail till the breaking of Dawn - Surah Al Qadr, Verse 5) let us not waste this 'once-in-a-year' opportunity to beseech maghfirat for all our sins!

Du'a e Tauba, which literally means the Supplication for REPENTANCE, (text, translation, audio and transliteration available on: http://www.duas.org/sajjadiya/s31.htm) has been written in the most perfect manner; with an expression of extreme guilt on all our sins, a desperate plea for forgiveness and a firm promise of not angering Allah (SWT) further with our sins.

But once again, the effectiveness of this Du'a, and the promised Forgiveness of our sins is all based on how devotedly we recite this supplication. Inshallah, should we be able to ponder on this Du'a thoroughly, and apply it to ourselves, may we get up from our prayer mats, cleansed of all our sins - even if they were the amount of the stars in the universe.

My personal favorite excerpt in this du'a is as follows:
"I repent to Thee from everything opposed to Thy will; or far from Thy love- the thoughts of my heart, the glances of my eye, the tales of my tongue -with a repentance through which each bodily part will by itself stay safe from ill consequences with Thee and remain secure from Thy painful penalties feared by transgressors!"

(3) DU'A E JAUSHAN E KABEER:

The name 'Jaushan' literally means "CHAIN ARMOR"- and there exist two versions of this du'a - a bridged (sagheer) and an unabridged version (kabeer). Amongst the many supplications that will help re-shape our future on the Blessed night of Qadr, Jaushan e Kabeer is highly recommended to be recited.

After reading the notes on this Du'a - compiled below - you will definitely be able to understand the importance of such a powerful Du'a to be recited to secure ourselves from all calamities and evils, especially on a night when our Fates are being re-written.

The following narration of the understanding and power of this Du'a has been written by Sheikh Saleem Bhimji on www.al-mubin-org:

It has been mentioned in the book, Balad al-Am¢n and the Misbah of Kafaami that Imam Zaynul Abedin (AS) related from his father, from his grandfather the Prophet of Allah (SAWW) that this supplication was taught by the Angel Jibraeel (AS) to the Holy Prophet (SAWW) during one of the battles.

It was in one of the wars that the Prophet (SAWW) had taken part in which he had a very heavy and expensive coat of armor on to protect himself. It is related that the coat was so heavy that it was hurting the body of the Prophet (SAWW). In this state, the Angel Jibraeel (AS) came to the Prophet (SAWW) and said:
“O’ Muhammad! Your Lord conveys his salutations to you and has said to take this coat of armor (Jawshan) and to recite it as this is a protection for you and your Ummah.”

At this point, the Angel continued to give the Prophet (SAWW) an explanation on the greatness of this supplication. However it suffices us to state that whoever reads this supplication with a pure intention in the BEGINNING of the month of Ramadhan, Allah (SWT) will grant him sustenance on the Night of Power and will create for this person 70,000 Angels who will all be busy in the praising and glorification of Allah (SWT) and will give this reward to the person who has read this supplication.

With this said, we see the greatness of the recitation of this supplication. In addition, it is mentioned that whoever reads this supplication three times during the month of Ramadhan, Allah (SWT) will make the hell-fire forbidden on him and would make it obligatory for that person to go into Paradise.

For such a person, Allah (SWT) will also appoint two Angels to protect that person from all evils (in this world) and he would be in the protection of Allah (SWT) for as long as he is alive.

This supplication has 100 sections and each section contains 10 names of Allah (SWT) and at the end of each section this line should be repeated: SUBB HAANAKA YA LAA ILAHA ILLA ANTAL GHAUTH AL GHAUTH, KHALLISNA MINANNAARI YA RABB (Praise be to Thee, there is no god but Thee, The Granter of all Help & Aid, Protect us from the Fire, O Lord!)

(Text, translation, transliteration and audio of this du'a is available on http://www.duas.org/jkabeer1.htm)

(4) SURAH AL ANKABOOT - THE SPIDER

This is the 29th Surah in the Holy Qur'an and was revealed at a time when the people of Makkah were being emotionally blackmailed by their family and friends, to abandon the Holy Prophet (SAWW) and his mission. At this point, Allah (SWT) revealed this Surah as guidance, indicating how the Prophets in previous times faced opposition and how those who abandoned them were punished with Adhaab (punishment).

Similarly, Allah (SWT) mentions in this Surah, the rewards of those who are patient and forbearing - strong believers, as opposed to those who have 'web-like' faith: frail and easily shooken by circumstances.

This Surah is highly recommended for us to recite during Laylatul Qadr, to strengthen our FAITH - and we should thus ponder over the message it has for us..

Ask yourself at this point: What sort a faith do I possess? Am I like those who have web-like frail faith, who easily lose faith in the Mercy and Wisdom of Allah (SWT)? Isn't it an act of Thanklessness, and lack of trust in Allah (SWT) when I complain of the trials that I face?

Promise yourself at this point: I have to stick by the Truth, no matter what; and I have to be patient in trials and tribulations that come in the way of Truth, because Allah (SWT) will help me through it. After all, He is the Most-Wise; and the Best of Planners.

Having done so, we will surely be content with what Allah (SWT) will have planned for us for the following year, Inshallah.

(5) SURAH AL RUUM - THE ROMANS
This is the 30th Surah in the Holy Qur'an and was revealed at such a time when the Romans were being harassed and defeated by the Persian Fire-Worshippers (in the Christian world); and similarly, the Muslims were being harassed and defeated by the Idol-Worshippers of Makkah during the early years of the Prophethood of Prophet Mohammad (SAWW).

This Surah was a revelation, predicting a time when the Romans - who too believed in One God, and the message of His Prophet (Isa AS) - would be victorious, and that will be exactly the same time when the Muslims too will rejoice victory over the Idol worshippers of Makkah.

These victories, as declared by Allah (SWT) - looked very unlikely in 'real terms' - and thus gave the Quraysh a reason to mock the Holy Prophet (SAWW) saying that he is not a Prophet of Allah (SWT) and the message he has with him is nothing but fake ideology (nauzubillah).

But after 8 to 9 years of the revelation of the ayahs that mentioned the victory of the Romans and the Muslims, miraculously it so happened! This was the time when the Romans gained miraculous victory over the Persians and the Muslims gained victory over the Idol-worshipping Quraysh in the Battle of Badr.

And why should we ponder over this Surah on this very night? But ofourse, to realise the POWER OF THE ALMIGHTY ALLAH (SWT) - none but Him is the Best Planner of All Affairs. He can make the impossible happen - but at the time He deems wise.

Once again, this Surah gives us a chance to make a firm promise to have complete faith and reliance (tawakkul) on Allah (SWT) and believe in His qudrat. He has power over everything, and on this Holy and Blessed night, He can write for us things we can not imagine even by far!

Subb-haanallah! May we achieve the best of spiritual strength from the recitation and the reflections of these beautiful jewels in the Qur'an - Inshallah!

(6) SURAH AL DUKHAAN - THE SMOKE / DUST

This is the 44th Surah in the Holy Qur'an and was revealed at such a time Makkans were troubling the Holy Prophet (SAWW) so much that he chose to pray for a Famine on them as an Adhaab (punishment) from the Almighty (SWT). The reason behind doing so was, so that people would turn to have faith in Allah (SWT) and His Signs, as a result of being afflicted by a calamity as severe as a famine. Eventually, most of the people did accept that Prophet Mohammad (SAWW) was a prophet of Allah (SWT) and beseeched for him to pray back for the calamity to be removed.

This Surah was revealed as a response from Allah (SWT) after He accepted the prayer of the Prophet (SAWW) when he was requested by the Makkans to pray to Allah (SWT) for relief from the calamity of the unbearable famine.

Thus the message of Allah (SWT) declared the doom of those who refute His Messenger, and His Message (this doom being signified by the title of the Surah: SMOKE). Additionally, the Surah also emphasizes on the rewards of the successful Believers; and a warning that "the Qur'an has been revealed in a simple language so that you may understand it; yet if you fail to understand it and insist on seeing an evil end, then you may wait; Our Prophet too is waiting. Whatever is to happen will happen at its own appointed time"

At this point, we need to ponder on ourselves as Muslims; are we amongst those who refute the Message of Allah (SWT) for our casual materialistic desires? And remember Allah (SWT) and call out for His help only when we are hopeless and distressed?

Alas, we need to realize that the calamities that come upon us are as a result of the Sins we commit. Thus, reciting this Surah and reflecting upon it on the night of Qadr, let us promise ourselves to strengthen our Faiths such that we repel the calamities coming our way - by means of our Taqwa (our alertness to avoid sinning, and keep away from things that deprive us from the Mercy of Allah SWT)

Having done so, why wouldn't the Almighty (SWT) watch out for us and write the Best for us in our Fates? After all, everything done, prayed and reflected upon in this Night, will only re-make our future for us.

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Inshallah, may we all be able to achieve the best out of the Blessed nights of Qadr. For basic reading material and access to more 'aamaals of Shab-e-Qadr, you can choose to visit the following links:

http://www.al-islam.org/ramadhan/Intro.htm and http://www.duas.org/laylat_aamaal.htm

I end here, with a humble request to remember all Mo'mineen in Du'as, all those distressed, all those who have gone astray from the Right path, and all those who have departed this world;

Inshallah, may all our 'aamaals be accepted..ILAAHI AAMEEN

Mohtaaj-e-Du'a, Sadaf Zahra

1,000 reasons to wonder..(Part 2)

2006-10-15T02:50:00.000+04:00

Everytime I publish something here, I feel - "Oh god! I missed out on some more I couldve shared on the same topic"

Subb-haanallah, Islam is soooo full of facts and reasons; if we take time to research, we will find a priceless and endless jewels!

Well, continuing from where I last left off - in the previous entry I only mentioned the adhmat (greatness) of the Night of Qadr. Having understood how important this night is, I wanted to further share a little about the A'amaals of Qadr and the actual sentiments we should perform them with. By this I mean, mentioning the reasons behind the 'aamaals of Shab e Qadr, and what impact they have on our fates being re-written for the following year, Inshallah..

While I was researching on the material for this topic, I was overwhelmed thinking - did I really achieve anything out of the 'aamaals i have performed all these years of my life?? Well, Inshallah I hope we can achieve the best out of the Laylatul Qadr 'amaals this year, and have the best written for us in our fates for the coming years (Aameen)

I should mention here, that I was inspired to write-up this entry by reading through alot of material online, as well as listening to two excellent lectures I found online, by Sheikh Murtaza Alidina and Sheikh Muslim Bhanji based on the Nights of Qadr & their 'Aamaals. Thus, I was able to compile what is below:

PERFORMING THE 'AAMAALS OF LAYLATUL QADR - IN ITS TRUEST ESSENCE:
Amongst the many aamaals performed in these nights, the main ones, especially for the 23rd night are as follows:

(1) Performing Ghusl - physically AND SPIRITUALLY: It is highly recommended to perform Ghusl on Laylatul Qadr. However, to achieve more of Allah's pleasure, lets do it this time, not only with the intention of physically cleaning ourselves, but also with the niyyat of starting our Spiritual cleansing from this point onwards. Here, we need to build courage to face Allah (SWT) with our book of deeds, heavy with sins - but with the readiness to repent and correct our past mistakes.

(2) Mustahab Salaat of 2 rak'aats: After having cleansed ourselves spiritually - by getting ourselves mentally prepared to face the Almighty Lord (SWT), with the hope of forgiveness of Sins, and the will power to change ourselves for the better - we stand infront of him and perform a 2 raka'at Salaat.

In each raka'at, we recite Surah Al Hamd, praising the Almighty (SWT) - the Lord of the Universe; and seven times, reiterate the One and Only Lord we turn to, and believe in - by reciting Surah Al Ikhlaas (7 times). This Salaat of ours is an act of devotion, which should further reinforce in us, feelings of dependance on Allah (SWT) for all our affairs, not only in this night, but every day and night - Inshallah

(3) 70 times Istaghfaar: When doing istighfaar (dhikr of repentance: Astaghfirullaha wa atuboo ilaih meaning I ask for Your Forgiveness Oh Allah, and I turn to You!), we should make sure we achieve the most by:

(a) Acknowledging atleast 70 sins we commit

(b) Feeling guilty for committing those sins

(d) Fixing our future, by promising to not commit that sin ever again

Hence, your tasbeeh of Istighfaar would not only be an act of repentance, but also a promise to the Almighty (SWT) that you will not commit the things you have previously done to displease Him.

(4) Performing the 'Qur'an Aamaals': When we perform these 'aamaals, we should pay special attention to what we are reciting.

In the first part of the 'aamaals, we hold the Qur'an in our hands and acknowledge the greatness of the Book of Allah (SWT) - the Divine message, the COMPLETE message; the WORD OF ALLAH in OUR hands - the hands of sinners!

Ask yourself at that point: Am I really deserving to hold this Miraculous Book of Allah??? Alas, I have not even taken time out to read and ponder on what it unfolds for me..I have just made it the zeenat (beauty) of my Prayer room / my Azaa khaana; and I make strenuous efforts to complete its recitation during the month of Ramadhan every year.

(Sigh)

Promise yourself at that point: I am not going to use this Book of Allah (SWT) solely to beseech my Haajaats in this Holy night - because it has power to do alot more! It has the message that will guide me to change my fate every day and night - and Inshallah, I will do justice to it by not only studying it, but truly following it too...(Inshallah)

The second part of the Qur'an 'aamaals require us to hold this Holy book on our Heads; and give the waseela of the 14 ma'sumeen (AS) to beseech our Haajaat.

Realise at this point: The power of what you are holding above of you!

"Had We sent down this Quran on a mountain, you would certainly have seen it falling down, splitting asunder because of the fear of Allah" (Surah Al Hashr - Ayah 21)

Do we even realize the strength of the mo'jiza we so casually hold above our heads at this point?

Do we even know the completeness in this source of Guidance we hold ahead of us?

Think, ponder...as you call out to the Ma'sumeen (AS) as your waseela, pray to them to help you understand the gravity of the Holy Book you hold in your hand; and realise the important part it will play in shaping your destiny in this World and the Hereafter...

Also realize that you are holding the Qur'an on your heads; basically you are having your fate re-written on this great night, under the shade of this Holy Qur'an; Inshallah, you should have faith and tawakkul in the Almighty (SWT) that your loyalty towards the message of His Holy Book - will prove loyalty towards you as protection from all evils and calamities for the following year - Inshallah.

Promise yourself at that point: This Book that I hold in my hand, and on my head - I will keep this Holy Book and Message of Allah (SWT) ahead of me in all the things I do in my life. This Qur'an, will precede my thoughts and actions - so that I can gain true perfection, and the true Guidance that Allah (SWT) had planned for me - Inshallah!

Coming up in: (Part 3) 1,000 reasons to wonder...

Why should we perform the following on Shab e Qadr:

Du'a e Makaarimul Akhlaq

Du'a e Tauba

Du'a e Jaushan e Kabeer

Surahs Ankaboot, Ruum and Dukhaan

Iltemase du'a - Sadaf Zahra

1,000 reasons to wonder..(Part 1)

2006-10-11T05:19:00.000+04:00

“The night of Qadr is better than a 1,000 months!”

I have always recited it as part of Surah Al Qadr; understood it and valued it whenever I pondered on the Surah . This is usually around Ramadan time, since the Laylatul Qadr nights are a significant part of this holy month; and I’m sure everyone looks forward to it. Who wouldn’t?

This night has such a grand status that even the Holy Prophet (SAWW) has said “Allah SWT has favored Friday over all days; the month of Ramadan over all months, and the night of Qadr over all nights”

We have so much to avail from these nights; on this occasion, we might want to read through and reflect upon the verses of Surah Al Qadr which clearly mention the annual affair and how it takes place.

I would like to share some things that I discovered as part of my research regarding the Grand status of this night, so that Inshallah, we may be able to avail the best out of it.

(1) QADR is the root word of ‘Taqdeer’ meaning Destiny. Indeed, this is the night of Power when Allah (SWT) re-writes our fate and destiny. Every good deed performed this night is better than those which are performed for a 1,000 months! (Laylatul Qadri khairum min alfee shahrin!) Imagine, how fascinating it is to account for ourselves, such multiple good deeds – and that too working towards restructuring our Affairs for the following year! **

** 13th Oct 2006: I just read about the most surprising fact related to '1,000 months' in Surah Al Qadr. A thousand months is almost equal to 82 years - which is, in average cases, the normal life span of a human being. Wow, this means, that this ONE NIGHT is as good as our whole lives spent in Ibaadah! Subb-haanallah!

(2) According to the Tafseer of Al-Qummi, the destiny that is decided on this night includes the life and death of every person, his sustenance; the abundance of crops and famine; and everything good and bad in our lives. This means, Allah SWT determines in this night, each and every event to occur during the next year to any and all of His creations

(3) This night has received this High rank because the whole Qur’an was completely revealed onto the Heart of the Holy Prophet (SAWW) on this night. Another interpretation of the ‘complete revelation or descending of the Holy Qur’an’ in this night is that the Qur’an was revealed from the Baitul Ma’mur (House of Allah SWT up in the Heavens) or Lauhul Mahfooz onto a lower level of the Heavens (mostly mentioned as the 4th Heaven... both of these interpretations are referenced from Tafseer e Namuna – the Ideal Commentary of the Qur’an - written under the supervision of Ayatullah Nasir Makarim Shirazi)

(4) As the Qur'an is a book of destiny and leads to the path of happiness and guidance, for Man, it was the best decision of Allah SWT (ofcourse none can doubt the Wisdom of the Almighty SWT) to send down this complete and Holy book - the final message for Mankind - on the Night of Honour: the night of determining fates. What a nice connection there is between 'the Qur'an' and the Night of Honour! And how meaningful their relation with each other is!

Further, a wonderful incident to summarize the Blessings of this Divine night – once again, amongst the conversations that Prophet Musa (AS) shared with Allah Almighty (SWT):

Propher Musa (AS) addressed the Almighty (SWT) saying: “Oh Allah, I desire to be near to You!”
Allah SWT replied saying “Whoever desires nearness to Me is one who remains awake durig Laylatul Qadr, doing Ibaadah”

Prophet Musa (AS) continued: “Oh Allah, I wish to earn Your Mercy!”
Allah SWT replied: “My Mercy is granted to anyone who is Merciful to the underprivileged during Laylatul Qadr”

Prophet Musa (AS) further said: “Oh Allah, I wish to pass on the Right Path”
Allah SWT commanded: “This is granted to anyone who gives Sadaqa during Laylatul Qadr”

Prophet Musa (AS) said: “Oh Allah, I wish to enjoy the trees and fruits of Jannah!” to which Allah SWT replied and said: “This is granted to anyone who Praises ME during Laylatul Qadr”

Prophet Musa (AS) said: “Oh Allah, I wish to achieve salvation from the fire!”
Allah SWT replied: “This is granted to anyone who seeks forgiveness during Laylatul Qadr”

Prophet Musa (AS) concluded his pleas, and said: “Oh Allah, I wish to achieve Your pleasure!”
Allah SWT replied and said: ”I shall be pleased with anyone who prays two Mustahab raka’ats Salaa during Laylatul Qadr”

Subb-haanallah; such is the status of this Great Night of Honor; everything we want to make ourselves successful in this life and the Hereafter, can be achieved in this one Night.

No wonder it is found in the Hadith of our Ma’sumeen (AS) that

“The first ten days of Ramadan are of the Mercy of Allah; the next ten days of the Forgiveness of Allah; and the last ten days are those in which we attain Freedom from sins and hellfire”

Indeed, because the Blessed night of Qadr has been hidden in one of the odd nights in the last ten days of Ramadan!

Let us make the best out of the Blessed nights coming our way - that destine our lives for the following year Inshallah.

Once again, let us not forget our Marhumeen (our dear ones who are no more a part of this Physical world) and who are mohtaaj (dependant) on our prayers for them; and the Oppressed all around the World.

‘Ajrukumullah khairan katheeran – Inshallah
(May Allah SWT grant you that best of His rewards for your Ibaadaat, Inshallah!)

Mohtaaj e Du’a
Sadaf Zahra

To read more on the virtues of the Night of Qadr, visit my msn space blog on: http://sadafeyzahra.spaces.live.com/blog/

Golden opportunities: 'realize' them and grab 'em!

2006-10-06T15:46:00.000+04:00

I had received this wonderful email through a friend; and its subject read as 'Dua of a Fasting person'.. I had assumed that it is some du'a to recite and I kept that email last to read to see which du'a - thinking maybe it would be amongst the many 'already read Ramadhan du'as'..
I think I mustve wasted 2 or 3 days of Ramadhan with that assumption - and then when I finally opened and read it, I realized it was a Golden opportunity for me to have read the mail right on my birthday - but i let 3 days pass by..

It was indeed, the perfect gift from Allah SWT to me - for my birthday..and I missed out on it that very day..
But now that I read it, I wish that the 18 days of Ramadhan that remain, everyone else should make the most out of knowing the status of a Fasting Believer, especially at the time when he is opening his fast.

We only need to 'realize' our worth and status infront of Almighty Allah (SWT)...the incident to learn from, is that amongst the conversation of Prophet Musa (AS) with Allah (SWT) - where he mentions being honored to be the only Prophet who was called on on Mount Sinai for 40 nights, where he stayed there to communicate with Allah (SWT):

Once Hazrat Moosa (AS) asked Allah Taala: "O Allah ! you have granted me the honour and privilege of talking to you directly, Have you given this privilege to any other person?"

Allah Taala replied, "O Moosa during the last period I am going to send a nation, who will be the nation of Mohammed (SAW) with dry lips , parched tongues, emaciated body with eyes sunken deep into their sockets, with livers dry and stomachs suffering the pangs of hunger- will call out to me (in dua) they will be much much closer to me than you!

O Moosa! while you speak to me there are 70000 veils between you and me but at the time of iftaar there will not be a single veil between me and the fasting nation of Mohammed (SAW).

O Moosa I have taken upon myself the responsibility that at the time of iftaar I will never refuse the dua of a fasting person! "

So, Momineen what an opportnity Allah has given us!

Especially in the Holy month of Ramadhan, when we have this golden opportunity every day (almost only 18 days left though!), pls do not forget the Muslims around the world who are in real trouble specially in Lebanon and Afghanistan and Iraq.

Also, please remember your Marhumeen (dear ones who have departed this world - and who are only dependant on OUR PRAYERS for them)..

and last but not the least, please donot forget ME in your prayers!

With du'as, Sadaf Zahra

Your Blank cheque to Jannah

2006-09-25T02:17:00.000+04:00

Alhamdulillah (Thanks to the Almighty SWT) that we have once again been blessed enough to gain the benefits of the Holy Month of Ramadhan...

Ramadhan: the month of fasting; the month in which Shaitaan is chained and the doors of Hell are shut..the Utmost Mercy of Allah (SWT) is being showered on His believers, and the month in which we can revise our goals and set back our resolutions...The month in which the Holy Qur'an was revealed; the month when our fates are re-written (during the nights of Qadr);

the month in which we actually make an effort to visit the Mosque more often than the usual; the month in which the Holy Qur'an is honored and recited with more enthusiasm than any other month throughout the year; the month in which we keep away from all the sins we can as compared to any other time in the whole year; the month in which we try to do as much goodness as we can....

the month in which every penny of charity, every salaat, every ayah of qur'an recited has seventy-folds thawaab compared to performing the same in any other month because this month is dedicated and is in honor of the Muslim Ummah (just as Rajab is the month of Allah and Shaa'baan the month of the Holy Prophet - Ramadhan is the month of the Muslim Creed).

the list of the blessings and benefits of this Blessed month can run through pages and pages.......
and these are the things we always keep hearing and learning about the month of Ramadhan.

These are the wonderful things that make us say to each other 'Ramadhan kareem!' and 'Ramadhan mubaarak'! because, really - this is a month to really rejoice Allah's unending Mercy.

However, my opinion is that we are entitled to wish each other 'Ramadhan mubaarak' only when we know we will make it worth rejoicing. By this i mean, making the best out of the acts that Allah has prescribed for us as Muslims - to start afresh by repenting with the faith that Allah SWT will truly forgive us for our past mistakes, and thus revise our goals in life and set our resolutions to follow what He wants us to follow - starting from Ramadhan.

You see, its mere hypocrisy to listen to music, to miss your prayers or maybe not even say them at all, to indulge in haraam activities all year around and then just quit during ramadhan - in respect for the Holiness of the month.

What will really make your fasts - which is the sign of your submission to Allah SWT - really worth it and acceptable is, yours continuing to be a good Muslim even after Ramadhan gets over.

Allah (SWT) is the Creator of all beings and thus He knows best our natures and the way we function. That is why, He has obliged us to fast a whole 30 days in the year, continuously - knowing that it will make our systems used to the 'submissiveness' - our hearts and souls would open to accept spirituality, and keep us away from the haraam things for 30 whole days, thus helping us build our will power to continue to do so from then on.

If we havn't been able to achieve this, then Ramadhan was rather a month of Feasting for us than fasting.. because all we have done is starved ourselves during the day, and feasted at nights on high caloric food..

Ramadhan is really the month in which we can clear our past records of sins and exchange them with good deeds....so after having cleared your accounts, why would you want to marr them with sins again after the month gets over?

Let's try to make this Ramadhan 'mubaarak' for each other in its truest sense..and let's make the most of the Season of fasting - not only by starving ourselves, but by understanding the true reason for fasting for the pleasure of Allah SWT: which is, to build our resistance and curb our desires for the Worldly things that He has prohibited us to do..

Inshallah, may we all succeed in doing so..may this Ramadhan be our blank cheque to jannah - endorsed by Allah SWT for limitless Bounties and Blessings to last us our whole lives - INSHALLAH!

Do remember me in du'as - and do pray for the acceptance of my aa'maals
S x Zahra

Opportunity cost of being Religious??

2006-09-21T00:49:00.000+04:00

June 25, 2006
Opportunity cost of being Religious?

I just came across a wonderful and thought provoking Hadith today, and would like to share it along with my views on it. The 6th vicigerent of the Holy Prophet (SAWW), Imam Ja'afar as Sadiq (AS) has said "If your worldly demands are attainable, you should check your religion."

My understanding of these beautiful words of wisdom is that even though sometimes we think we should life in 'moderation' - this moderation doesnt apply to be religious out of convenience.. i.e. to wear hijaab some places where the majority wears it, and take it off where its not socially acceptable..to refrain from muharramaat (haraam acts) like listening to music during Ramadhan, and then getting down to everything again once the Holy month is over....to pray Salaat, but if the football match is coming then just delay salaat and pray it after the match is over regardless of whether its Qadha or not (because you're convincing Allah that atleast you didnt miss out on your prayer!!!)....etc etc

the list of examples will never end......
this cannot be referred to 'moderation' - this just means to be practising religion at convenience..
A true Muslim needs to realise that his practice of Islam truely requires Moderation - but moderation means balancing his Religious obligations and at the same time, meeting his rights and duties towards the people around him (in this world).

Extremist approach would be of those like the Sufi's who seclude themselves from the World and indulge in just themselves and their meditation.

The other side of extremism would be to just disregard Religion and live for the World and everything the world offers...
but we Muslims need to create that balance... This balance means meeting all the criteria set by Islam and then seek Worldly pleasures, thus coming back to the Hadith and its true essence - that the day you feel your list of achievements in the Worldly sense are never-ending, and you're achieveing almost everything you dream of....then check your religion.. you must surely be lacking on quite some aspects of Faith..

Because life in this World is a challenge - Religion states what is right and what is wrong, .
(with reference to Surah Al Baqarah in the verses of the throne (Ayatul Kursiyy): There is no compulsion in religion; truly the right way has become clearly distinct from error; therefore, whoever disbelieves in the Shaitan and believes in Allah he indeed has laid hold on the firmest handle, which shall not break off, and Allah is Hearing, Knowing. )
We thus have to build that will power to choose the right; and focus on the ultimate outcome 'Our Aakhirah', than the mere thrills of this temporary world..

For some, it all comes down to weighing the opportunity costs of being religious....but for many true believers, theres no opportunity cost..because the opportunities that come about by being True believers and followers of Islam just opens ways of more and more in both, this World and the Hereafter..

It is but, a matter of will power and broader vision; and the acceptance of the fact that indulgence in this World doesnt completely complement the outcome of our Aakhirah. We should cherish our Religion for being so so practical and applicable for all ages and all times and era's.

Inshallah this approach should thus be able to offer us the contentment in everything we do..
Iltemase du'a! sadaf zahra

TRASH 'EM!

2006-09-15T02:34:00.000+04:00

Posted on www.raw.com.pk/blogs/sadaf on July 10, 2006

"If you dont send this to 7 people....face badluck for 7 years!"
uggghh...another one of those emails and iwill smash my laptop!!!
On second thoughts, why smash MY laptop?!!

I just wish there was some way of stopping these silly chain emails - especially when half the world sends them out with the name of Allah (SWT), the Holy Prophet (SAWW) and the Ma'sumeen (AS)....i mean, do they even realise that the Most Merciful Lord, who has ordained us to perform beautiful and blessed acts like the Salaat, sawm and hajj - would limit to punishing us to years and years of bad luck because we dont send out an email to other people?

I think this is a sad way to do tableegh - if even it IS a means of tableegh (spreading the message)....and i dont understand what message are the 'originators' of these sort of emails, trying to portray about Islam?
All it's doing is scaring people from the wrath of Allah (SWT) by not sending an email - rather than having them fear the wrath of Allah (SWT) for the sins we commit everyday....

Indulging us into superstitions that dont even make sense - who else can the originator of these sort of schemes be? Satan...ofcourse! the over efficient and workaholic SHAITAANN....working 24/7 to weaken our eemaan with such trivial things..
At the back of our heads, we know its him.. and we know that these emails - whether or not we send them out, will not cause any harm or good........but how easily those words scare us 'If you dont send this out........you will face.....' etc etc - or how easily those words tempt us when we read 'send it to 7 people and you will hear good news'....etc etc...
sigh...

alas; Man has to wake up to realise the worth of his acts and their consequences...which are definitely not destined by silly emails!!!

Posted by Sadaf Zahra on www.raw.com.pk/blogs/sadaf at 8:07 PM

Our 'raw' experience ripens..

2006-09-13T14:35:00.000+04:00

September 7, 2006
Our 'raw' experience ripens..
www.raw.com.pk/blogs/sadaf

RAW - sounded pretty 'raw' and undefined to me initially.....i didn't quite understand it when i was first introduced to it..for me, it was just that they needed writers, and phatz knew i wrote for the community, so she recommended me to them...

Initially, when I was asked to write for RAW - 'an online entertainment magazine' as Ahmed said to me, i was wondering whether i was really needed here..But what immediately and continuously motivated me was the plot, and more than anything, Nabeel's approach and passion to RAW. If it weren't for him, and his profound thoughts, plans, aims and efforts, I would'nt have learnt so much on the way to the 'harvest'....

i always felt i couldnt do justice to it - because I was already involved with community works, but somehow, RAW had a different feel to it..earlier, i was just writing for a very restricted audience of Shi'ite readers; hence it was easy to just write, and for them to read and accept what I wrote out of the many resources available to us..but RAW was far more challenging!

Because, unlike writing for our community, for everything i wrote on RAW, I knew I had to cross-check with all other sources as well as the authenticity of facts I state with lot more understanding and responsibility. It was a process in which, I learnt so much more about the diversities, the different aspects and undiscovered areas of Islam, and the current happenings. (Alhamdulillah)

It also let me see the outside world; I think ever since I turned overly religious, I had developed the habit of shutting myself from the outside world, and thus only relating myself to people who were just like me. For the rest, I had only prayers for hidaayat; and a relation of concern - but no further interaction as such.

RAW opened doors of understanding to me, that INFACT, I should definitely keep myself aware of the things happening beyond the 'Islamic' aspect in life because that IS what Islam really is about: balancing the Worldly life with the spiritual self. I couldnt just shut my eyes against everything that is so prevailing and more attractive than Islam is to every other person. And the actual person to thank here is Nabeel.

Really, not only did he mentor me towards writing what will be 'readable' (though I havnt really been able to successfully apply it in my articles that came on RAW - but I had it lined up in the articles that were to come......) but he was just there to guide us all towards the mission again and again.. He introduced us to wonderful technology; I mean, I didnt ever blog till RAW.. and so many other things on the forums, etc....everyday, in everything we did, served as a wonderful learning experience at RAW - because Nabeel gave us every opportunity from which we could avail the best and express the best...

RAW was a skillfully driven ship with a very dedicated and headstrong sailor; he did whatever it took to make this ship sail the best in all kinds of weathers and sea conditions. Now, it's just time to hit the shore for a while, till he takes off again with his team with the same enthusiasm, and Inshallah with more energy and help from Allah SWT. (Inshallah)

Last but not the least, thanks to RAW, i met a wonderful family- people from all walks of life....A different set of readers altogether, a global web-team - most of us dont even have a clue of what each of us even look or sound like (!!); and the warm set of friends on the forums. It was so nice that we bonded because we all had this attachment with RAW...and we knew we were voicing out to people who were interested to know..

I have so much to ink out - but the above is my amongst the last array of thoughts in my head...I'm going to miss this..and maybe I'm in denial - but I'm thinking, we'll be back again..and if not us, Nabeel will surely be back again..with something bigger, better and even more fruitful, Inshallah

will continue to writing my blogs inshallah on: http://www.sadzee.blogspot.com
God bless u all.. and keep us (RAW team) in du'as...

over & out!
Sadaf Zahra
http://sadafeyzahra.spaces.live.com
http://www.sadzee.blogspot.com

Posted by Sadaf Zahra at 11:00 PM - 7th September 2006

Hijaab-e-rella: the Muslim 'Cinderella'

2006-09-13T14:10:00.001+04:00

This is a little long, but a funny and good read :) Cinderella, with an Islamic touch and twist in the story - lol..enjoyy!
courtesy of Queenjafri on www.shiachat.com (great great great write up queenie!)
- S x Zahra

HIJABERELLA

Once upon a time, in a far away land, in a small farm out in the country, there lived a young girl named Aliya. Aliya's mother had died when she was very little, and her father got married again to a woman named Hinda, who supposedly converted to Shia Islam. Hinda had two daughters of her own from a previous marriage to a Wahabbi, that ended up in an ugly divorce. Her daughters were twins named Ayesha and Hafsa and they were the same age as Aliya. Aliya's dad was never at home because he had a business overseas, so Aliya was left alone with these strangers, her Step-mother and step-sisters.

Aliya was mashallah se, a very good, practicing muslimah and strict about her hijab. Her stepsisters on the other hand, were the complete opposite. An outsider would have thought they were hindus. They would make fun of Aliya and constantly tease her claiming that she would never get a husband because she was always covered up, in addition to her quiet and reserved personality. For these reasons and many more, Aliya was always feeling insecure about herself and it had an effect on her self-esteem as well.

One day as Aliya was browsing through the mail, she saw a letter from the masjid. She opened it and her heart leapt with joy, because the young, heart throb Moulana who had come the previous Muharram was coming again to conduct a Marriage Seminar this weekend.

Just then her step sisters walk in and Hafsa asks, "What are you smiling at and reading Aliya?"

Aliya replied, "Oh its nothing," as she quickly put the flyer in her lap.

Ayesha raises her left eyebrow suspiciously and grabs the flyer from Aliya's grip.

As her step sisters preyed on the flyer, Aliya was beginning to lose what little hope she had, thinking her chances were very dismal, because now she had two more competitors in addition to all the other fair maidens in the community.

Then Ayesha said disappointedly, "Oh God, just our luck! The bottom of the flyer says All women must wear proper Islamic hijab and dress, or else they cannot enter. What the hell is that all about? That is sooo not fair!!! Now we cant go." Hafsa looked confused and said, "Hmm, what about that green trouser suit I wore at Bunty's wedding last summer? I know its sleeveless, but what if I wrapped the dupatta around?"

Aliya said, "By proper Islamic hijab and dress, they are referring to a scarf and an abaya."

Hafsa cried, "But I don't have any hijabs or abayas, what shall I wear!"

Hinda had just entered the room and Ayesha ran and showed her the flyer. "Look Mom, there is going to be an Islamic Conference on Marriage at the masjid tomorrow, and that buff Moulana Hussain ShabanAli, you remember him right mom, the cute one with the goatee, well he is going to be the speaker."

Hinda carefully analyzed the flyer and claimed, "Hmm interesting indeed. My sources tell me that he is in fact coming to look for a wife."

The twins looked at each other and started jumping up and down.

"What are you two idiots getting happy about? Have u thought about what you are going to wear?" their mother scolded.

"Mom, but we don't have any proper Islamic dress…," Ayesha said disappointedly.

"Not to worry girls, I'm sure Aliya wouldn't mind if you borrowed something of hers." Aliya looked up stunned, as all eyes were focusing on her like a hawk ready to prey on an innocent squirrel, "Hmmm Aliya??"

Aliya nodded and quietly replied, "Of course they may borrow mine."

************ ********* ********* ********* ********* ********* ******

The big day was here and Aliya was helping her step sisters get dressed. She taught them how to pin a hijab and walk in an abaya.

"What are you going to wear Aliya?" they asked, as they were hastily splattering their makeup on, hoping that Aliya would wear an ugly black abaya.

"Oh you'll see, it was my mother's best one."

After Aliya put on her mother's cream colored abaya with white flowers densely embroidered throughout, along with white beads and sequins, the step sisters stared in bewilderment, their blood fuming, and their face green with envy. How dare Aliya save the prettiest dress for herself!

They immediately approached Aliya, complimenting her on how beautiful she looked in her mother's abaya. Then, as Hafsa stroked the sleeve, feeling the soft material, she tugged the sleeve so hard that it ripped off. Aliya was stunned and cried in fear, as Ayesha grabbed the hijab and started cutting it with scissors.

Then Hinda walked in and pleased with the scene that was unfolding, calmly said, "Oh dear Aliya, just look at yourself, you can't possibly expect me to take you to the masjid looking like that? I'm afraid you'll have to sit at home until you learn how to dress like a lady." With that said, the three witches took off, their evil laughter echoing throughout the neighborhood.

Aliya started weeping with a heavy heart, as her only chance to ever get rid of living with these evil step sisters and step mother was looking rather bleak. Just then she heard a knock on the door. She peeked out the window and saw a beautiful woman dressed in a white chador. Aliya opened the door and politely greeted the stranger.

"Salaam Alaikum," the woman said in a heavy accent, "I am coming from Syria and have just done Bibi Zainab's Ziyarat. I have lovely hijabs and abayas for sale at very special discounted price."

"I'm sorry but no thanks," Aliya said as she was about to shut the door.

"No wait," the woman negotiated, "I can sell this to you at very, very low price. Only 5 Euros for lovely abaya with matching scarf. How do you like this deal? I am making you offer you cant refuse it!!"

Aliya replied, "I would if I could, but unfortunately, I have no money."

The woman saw that Aliya was disturbed, tears swelling up in her eyes, eyes puffy from crying, and her clothes were torn apart. "Oh my dear child, what happened to you?"

Aliya then broke down and started crying, while she explained everything.

"Don't cry you poor child," the woman said as she patted Aliya on the head, "Here, you can borrow this one, but please keep the tag on. I am going to America to start a business there. You know, I can buy these hijabs and abayas in the Middle East at almost nothing, a price so very cheap, and then I can go to America and make fortune by charging 10 times the price. But child, I am leaving for the airport tonight at midnight. I will come by again to pick it up, so please be here on time."

Aliya agreed and accepted the woman's kind gestures. She picked out a sparkly silver abaya with a matching shawl and niqab. The abaya was long and flowing, with bell sleeves and tassels hanging at the sides of the hijab.

************ ********* ********* ********* ********* ********* ******** Meanwhile at the masjid, Ayesha and Hafsa were pleased to find out that there would be no curtain separating the boys and girls. They took advantage of this and walked around gawking at all the young men. Then they spotted the moulana sitting alone by the podium, reviewing his books and lecture notes.

"Oh my God, there he is! Now's our chance!" Hafsa grabbed Ayesha and they ran up to introduce themselves. "Ass slaaalayykoooo Hussain," they said in a flirtatious tone and batted their mascara soaked eyelashes.

The moulana was rather surprised at the boldness of these two girls to approach him in this manner and, on top of that, they called him Hussain! Only his father can call him by his first name. Everyone else is supposed to say "Moulana Sahab." The moulana, with his gaze lowered, mumbled "walaikum salam."

"Oh my God, he talked to us!" Hafsa whispered, "I think he likes us." The girls giggled amongst each other and the moulana was getting a bit irritated, thinking when will they go away? The girls kept giggling and smiling, making the moulana feel very uncomfortable. Finally he slammed his book down and said, "Can I help you? What are your names?"

Ayesha replied proudly, "My name is Ayesha and this is my twin sister Hafsa." The girls beamed their crooked yellow teeth as they gave him another big smile. Hafsa even winked at him! The moulana looked at them in disgust and replied, "Ya Allah, what filthy names! Is this your idea of a joke?"

The girls walked back to their seats in utter confusion, for they had such little knowledge of Islam that they didn't even know the historical implications of their birth names.

It was now time for the lectures to begin. Moulana Syed Hussain Shabanali took to the podium and starting delivering his lecture on the importance of marriage. Midway through his talk, he saw a light glowing in the back. He gazed in wonder as this light slowly became bigger, and to his surprise, it formed into a beautiful silver ninjabi.

As everyone turned around to see who it was, the moulana started stammering, "Subhanallah… Mashallah… Inshallah" he mumbled as he looked in awe.

Coming back to his senses, the moulana said, "I think this is a good time to take a break now for some refreshments inshallah. Everyone please recite Salawat."

"Finally! I thought he'd never shut up," Hafsa said.

"I know right. These Islamic lectures are so boring. Man Im starving." Ayesha replied.

"Dude, lets make a run at the buffet table," Hafsa rubbed her big stomach. "Oh My God! Theres nihari!!!!! I love nihari!!!!"

The girls ran so fast to the buffet table that Hafsa tripped on her abaya and fell flat on the steaming hot pan of nihari and almost knocked the entire table down.

With nihari dripping all over her clothes, Hafsa looked down in embarrassment, as everyone stared at her like she was some circus freak.

Ayesha burst out laughing hysterically, "Oh my God Hafsa you fat cow!"

"Oh shut up! This is all your fault!" Hafsa said as she threw big pieces of meat at her sister.

Aliya grimaced in pain as she saw her abaya drenched in nihari. But to avoid a confrontation with her stepsisters, she strolled to the corner to get some tea.

Mesmerized by her sparkling, innocent eyes, the moulana approached Aliya and said, "What time does a lovely hoor al ain like you have to be back in heaven at?"

"Midnight," Aliya said with her gaze lowered.

"Oh I am really sorry sister in islam, I think that was the wrong approach on my part. Let me try again.." He cleared his throat and said, "Can I have your wali's number so I can ask for permission to court you?"

Just then the clock struck midnight, and Aliya quickly ran out of the masjid.

"Wait!!!" the moulana cried, as he ran after. "I didn't even catch your name. Please don't leave like this." As she turned around to tell him, a sudden gust of wind blew her niqab off right into his hands.

He caught a glimpse of her beautiful face and their eyes met, Aliya felt too embarrassed to speak, and quickly disappeared off into the darkness.

The moulana was so lost in his own little world, that he didn't even realize that Aliya was gone. He tried to find her, but did not know which way she went.

"Moulana sahib, the break time is over now. Get back to the podium nah," a fobby kid shouted out.

The moulana looked into the night one more time before halfheartedly going back inside to resume his job.

But he was determined to find the girl, the one who wore the silver niqab. He frantically went from door to door of all the young girls houses, asking if the niqab belonged to any one of them.

Then he arrived at Aliya's home, but coincidentally Aliya was not home, as her wicked stepmother sent her off to run some errands knowing that the moulana was on his way.

As Ayesha and Hafsa eagerly tried the niqab on to see if it fit them, the moulana was disgusted at the way their big fat noses were sticking out of it.

Seeing his _expression, Hinda got very defensive of her daughters and started lecturing him on his arrogance. "To love someone is to let them go," Hinda stated cunningly. "Life goes on, you cannot just sit there and reject every beautiful girl because your heart is set on some fantasy girl who you don't even know what her name is! Who knows what her whereabouts are, she is probably living in the other side of the world, and you will never meet her again. This is the reality of life my dear. It is not a fairy tale, so don't expect a happy ending."

The moulana gripped the niqab firmly and got up. "Masalama Aunty, I must be on my way to continue my search. My time is running out."

The moulana's time did run out, as it was now time for his flight back to Canada. As he checked in his baggage at the airport, the moulana was really depressed as all his efforts went down the drain. He could not get his mind off that hijabi and he still carried her niqab in his pocket.

If only he didn't act so stupid and use those lame pick up lines! If only he had introduced himself properly and asked for her name in the beginning! The moulana, with a heavy, broken heart sat there, clutching the niqab in his hands and thinking about the biggest mistake of his life, his missed opportunity, and wondering how different things could have been, if only he said the right things.

"Excuse me. I think you have something of mine."

The moulana looked around baffled at this sudden and random accusation.Aliya pointed to the niqab and smiled. He gazed into her familiar eyes and exclaimed, "You are the one. The one I've been looking for! You are my Hijaberella! "

"Excuse me. But I believe that niqab belongs to me," another voice said.

Aliya turned around at the familiar voice and saw that it was the nice lady who let her borrow the abaya. "I thought you were gone already," Aliya said,"I was going to return it, but you never stopped by like you said you would."

"Just keep it child, consider it your wedding present, " the woman said with a smile.
And they all lived happily ever after .:)

"Thanks for not responding.."

2006-09-11T14:00:00.000+04:00

July 8, 2006,
"Thanks for not responding.."

..probably is the remark that all the Newspaper Agencies, Advertising companies, Journalists, Photographers, Fashion designers, Catwalk models and all related to the entertainment industry probably say to themselves out of relief – after they have successfully appealed to you with their ‘less clothes and more skin showing’ theory.

The media today, has reached so far in exposing so much of nudity to us today because we choose to be nonchalant to it! So much for living in an Islamic country – where every shop in the mall tries to compete with one another to adorn a mannequin with the least amount of clothes; where every leading daily newspaper aims to have as many barely-dressed celebrities and local residents photographed to add glamour to their distribution; where every advertising agency targets to create more and more advertisements that encourage awareness of sex and lust in our adolescents; where every upcoming fashion designer is applauded and awarded for the skimpy outfits they conceptualize for our local market..the list is endless, and we can’t even begin to complain, because our silence has been interpreted as our acceptance.

It is sad that because the UAE, or Pakistan or any other so-called Muslim country wants to make way towards progress, they use the media to cultivate vulgarity– or rather, rip off our morals – by supposedly advancing themselves in media, society and tourism, to make their name stand out on the World map.

So what if we live in an Islamic country where we hear the Adhaan five times a day; where restaurants are shut all day during the month of Ramadan for the sake of respecting the Muslims and their month of fasting; where we can avail Halaal food?

It is still an Islamic country where while the Adhaan is being recited, music is playing loudly simultaneously; same restaurants that don’t serve food during the day time to respect Ramadan, serve alcohol and Haraam food and drinks after Sunset; where issues like when people who go clubbing face racism to enter these venues, make the headlines of our Daily papers; where prostitution, rapes, gay and lesbian issues, sexual harassments are on a rise, and so casually discussed and thus encouraged!

All this is further encouraged by our silence. Why aren’t we speaking up? Are we blind not to see the nudity & immodesty in attire and behavior that is coming out on the streets, in the schools and colleges, the malls, the beaches, the cinema halls, and most importantly, OUR HOMES? Are we dead souls now? Can’t we sense the ‘wrongness’ in these things anymore?
At the end of the day, it is not really about being religious in thoughts – but about having a clear outlook of life. Do we want our children to be as nonchalant and skimpy in their dressing? Do we want to rip the innocence off our youth – the same innocence we grew up with?

Indeed we need to raise ourselves according to the age and era we live in, but not at the cost of sacrificing our principles, our shame and our morals. What good are cartoons like Johny Bravo? How much of a Muslim country does UAE look like in Ahlan Masala? How easily do we read and discuss Bipasha Basu & Paris Hilton saying they would love to be known as sex symbols?

It is mere hypocrisy on the part of our governments – in Islamic states – that they choose to progress by using such means. There is more chastity and modesty in Western civilization than that which prevails in our so-called Islamic countries. If we go to any part of America, Canada, Europe & Australia, a larger proportion of the population that indulges in partying, drinking, skimpy dressing, etc – are those of supposedly ‘Eastern’ origin. Hence, we can’t blame ‘Western ideology’ and its cultural invasion for what the media has made us – or the likes of us - today. Had it been a grave concern for us, we would’ve not let it reached so far today. We could have still had censored movies on television and cinema, custom Movie trailors and posters for the Middle East audience, clean advertisements, decent editorials and newspaper event coverage, custom made apparel and accessories for the Middle eastern / Subcontinent region, etc – like it had been till the 1900’s..

‘Welcome to the 21st century!’ is all that we can say to justify that? Wake up people! These things around you might have become an ‘everyday’ norm for you, but until you don’t say anything, this will only get worse. Who is asking to eliminate the technological and economical advancements? This is all about voicing yourselves against the explicit and vulgar content surrounding us which is slowly diminishing the respect of a regular human being down to his carnal desires.

Needless to mention, the sources where you choose to voice out should be effective ones; even the letters to the editors at the local daily newspapers skip out on issues like this, because there’s one in ten letters that comes with a complain regarding the explicit nature of content and advertisements they publish – and the rest are just concerned about the rising rents and racism in night clubs and bars in Dubai (all of which get published immediately).

Islam, like all religions, encourages to enjoin the good, and forbid the evil – as mentioned continuously in the Holy Qur’an. Hence, it’s still not too late to raise our voices against the corruption we are experiencing in our Society because of letting the Media have an upper hand.
In the end, we choose to make our surroundings the way we want. If we accept the explicit and vulgar content surrounding us, we will have no morality left in the way we look at human beings around us. We still have time to stop the media corruption out here, and remind ourselves of our roots, our culture, our values and morals, our religion and most importantly, our respect for one another as humble human beings– which is all slowly dying out with our silence in acceptance of the evils around us...

Posted on www.raw.com.pk/blogs/sadaf by Sadaf Zahra at 9:47 PM Permalink Comments (0) TrackBacks (0)

My 1st blog entry on RAW Blogs

2006-09-06T22:38:00.000+04:00

March 07, 2006
Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem
Alhamdulillah, this will be my first blog entry - although I don't have the heart to write what I experienced today.. My mum and I usually have these planned evenings when, if head towards Dubai for one thing, we try to get over and done with alot of pending 'dubai' visits - so today, after evening Religious dars at Imambargah, we decided to go for Iyaadat (visiting sick people) - of two family friends..

One of them, alhamdulilah had been discharged from the hospital - the sign of recovery was enough relief and we went and visited her at her home. The other lady we went to see was in a very critical state - completely paralysed, swollen up because of internal injuries and struggling to breathe on a Ventilator.. the saddest bit was, she was a fine healthy lady; but deteriorated after her 14yr old son passed away 2 yrs back in a tragic car accident - where he was run over by a Drunk local guy at zabeel road :(his mother, grief stricken, has been surviving each day in his remembrance, praying to die because she can't live without her son..It was indeed a very sad sight.. seeing her brought back memories of her son and the tragic incident which the whole world forgot so easily; but if only u asked the heart of a mother.. sigh

While mum and i stood by her bed, all we could do was pray; and took out sadaqah and gave it away for the sake of her well-being.. At that moment, I wondered; if only i didnt sin so much, my du'as for her well being and patience would be accepted instantly! Alas, remembrance of my sins at this point would not help - as i should carry that alertness around with me everywhere and at everytime..

But Allah (SWT) is so Raheem and Kareem to have given us the taufeeq to go do iyaadat in the first place; giving us a chance to gain this thawaab by going and visiting these sick people, and praying for them; further being able to realise that we still have our lives intact.. we still have so much to thank for - yet we humans are always discontent and unsatisfied with what we have..
Life is a blessing - and I hope that I can do justice with my life, by finding every opportunity to erase off my sins and add to the blessings i can gain from my waajibat and by performing all these mustahabaat..thanks to Mum who subconsciously trains me to do all these things; and thanks to Allah (SWT) for opening the doors of realisation in me, to have atleast this much understanding of which direction im headed towards..

Inshallah, praying for the Well being and Health of all Mo'mineen brothers & sisters; especially those who are in hospitals, and those who dont have anyone to pray for them.
and may Allah (SWT) also grant all of us - sick souls -with roohaani shifaa (spiritual cure) Inshallah!Wassalam

Posted by Sadaf Zahra at 11:40 PM Permalink Comments (0) TrackBacks (0)