Friday, October 29, 2010

Real Definition of Beauty


This is a collection of beautiful hijabi's I've found inspiring. As a Muslim woman that adorns the hijab, I find it remarkable when I see photos of hijabi's that have style, while still following Allah SWT's rules. 

Ego: Our Greatest Enemy



Today I attended Friday prayer at my university and once again the Brother delivered an amazing khutbah. The khutbah this week discussed the matters of ego and pride, also known as riyaa. Ego and pride are issues that many Muslim youth face and the saddest part is that not many realize it. Discovering one's inner ego and pride takes serious self-reflection, and even then it's difficult to truly detect riyaa in one's heart.
  The Muslim youth are most susceptible to arrogance because they find themselves becoming very "passionate" about their faith and they start to believe that they are the most knowledgeable. They believe they have the right to correct knowledgeable figures such as imams and their parents, but they don't realize that part of humility is listening to others first. When they see others doing wrong, they take it upon themselves to "forbid evils," but they go about it in a conceited manner not realizing that they are being hypocritical themselves.
  We all go through periods where we try to make others happy and ultimately we find ourselves doing things for people's sake, rather than Allah's sake. Every time you're in a battle with your ego remember that Allah boasts to his angel's about those servants of his that are constantly in His remembrance.

 I ask Allah SWT to keep all egotistical and satanic traits away from our hearts and to help us realize all respect is due to Him alone.



Tuesday, October 26, 2010

"To love is to risk not being loved in return"

I've never been in love, but thinking about it has made me realize that loving someone is a very big risk as are a lot of things in life. The difference between telling someone you love them and any other risk, is that this hits you deep in your heart. Imagine if you really did love someone and you finally got the courage to let them know, but they didn't love you in return. In this case, is love really worth the risk afterall?

Saturday, October 23, 2010

Hamada Helal - Mohamed Nabeina



My sister in Islam Alex introduced me to this song and I LOVE it. At first I was unsure about it, but after seeing this video, its reminded me how much I love Muhammad PBUH.

Omar Offendum- Street Called Straight



Just saw Omar Offendum last night in D.C. and he definitely went above and beyond my expectations. He's a Syrian American that raps/writes poetry about Arab issues. MashAllah he is very talented, so give him a listen!

Friday, October 22, 2010

Words of Dr. King

"We must develop and maintain the capacity to forgive
He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love.
There is some good in the worst of us and some evil in the best of us. 
When we discover this, we are less prone to hate our enemies."

-Martin Luther King Jr.

Thursday, October 21, 2010

I live my life through quotes...

"Were you to put your complete trust in Allah, He would provide for you as He provides for the birds. They issue forth hungry in the morning and return filled in the evening."


"You don't choose whom you love. He chooses them.
If you had that choice to choose;
then the road would be simple.
Whom he puts in your life, is part of your test:
to bear with them, to accept them
and most of all to love them despite all that they may agitate you with.
After all, they come from Him and they return to Him,
just like you did and will do."
"... And We have made some of you as a trial for others: will you have patience? And your Lord is Ever All-Seer " (Surah al-Furqan:20)

If you make intense supplication
and the timing of the answer is delayed,
do not despair of it.
His reply to you is guaranteed;
but in the way He chooses,
not the way you choose,
and at the moment He desires,
not the moment you desire.
-Ibn ‘Ata’llah



Pride is concerned with who is right.
Humility is concerned with what is right.



"Doubt is a pain too lonely to know that Faith is his twin brother"

Saturday, October 16, 2010

For the Rest of My Life- Maher Zain



This Song has my heart, It's so beautiful mashAllah. I think I found my wedding song :)

Lyrics


I praise Allah for sending me you my love
You found me home and sail with me
And I`m here with you
Now let me let you know
You`ve opened my heart
I was always thinking that love was wrong
But everything was changed when you came along
OOOOO
And theres a couple words I want to say
For the rest of my life
I`ll be with you
I`ll stay by your side honest and true
Till the end of my time
I`ll be loving you. loving you
For the rest of my life
Thru days and night
I`ll thank Allah for open my eyes
Now and forever I I`ll be there for you
I know that deep in my heart
I feel so blessed when I think of you
And I ask Allah to bless all we do
You`re my wife and my friend and my strength
And I pray we`re together eternally
Now I find myself so strong
Everything changed when you came along
OOOO
And theres a couple word I want to say
For the rest of my life
I`ll be with you
I`ll stay by your side honest and true
Till the end of my time
I`ll be loving you. loving you
For the rest of my life
Thru days and night
I`ll thank Allah for open my eyes
Now and forever I I`ll be there for you
I know that deep in my heart now that you`re here
Infront of me I strongly feel love
And I have no doubt
And I`m singing loud that I`ll love you eternally
For the rest of my life
I`ll be with you
I`ll stay by your side honest and true
Till the end of my time
I`ll be loving you.loving you
For the rest of my life
Thru days and night
I`ll thank Allah for open my eyes
Now and forever I I`ll be there for you
I know that deep in my heart

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Best Advice from the Rasol Sal Allaahu Alayhi Wa Sallam

The Prophet Sal Allaahu Alayhi Wa Sallam said, "Take advantage of five matters before five other matters: your youth, before you become old; and your health, before you fall sick; and your richness, before you become poor; and your free time before you become busy; and your life, before your death." (hadith of ibn Abbas radi Allahu Anhu)

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Style Inspiration: Shea Rasol

Author of my amethyst, Shea Rasol is a true fashionista when it comes to styling the hijab. Her style is a funky combination of everything girly and feminine. Shea's modest hijabi fashion is creative and inspirational, displaying to the world a different side to modesty.

Mango flutterd sleeves top / The PopLook tulle skirt / Zara jeans / Old Blossom Box peeptoe booties / Coach Sabrina Madison hobo / Kami Penjual Tudung cantik shawl

The Poplook back drape oversized tee / Valleygirl trousers / Le clothes mary jane pumps / Voir belt / Miss Marina handmade necklace

The Poplook sheer polka dot tank top and stripe jacket / unbranded skirt / Old Blossombox tan peeptoe booties / Keffiyeh scarf


Topshop bow brooch / F21 rose ring

Vintage yellow jacket / Momoe skirt / Zara skinny / Le Clothes mary jane pumps / F21 rocker sling bag and bangle

SixteenR Beauty of Islam Exclusive

After being contacted by SixteenR and having reviewed their products, I can now say that my perception of what a truly beautiful scarf is, has been transformed. SixteenR is a website that produces and sells scarves with a very edgy essence, which portrays the hijab as both a stylish accessory and a sign of modesty.  SixteenR scarves come in distinct styles, ranging from printed pashminas to colorful chiffons. "The philosophy that SixteenR embodies is sure to show women everywhere that the scarf, whether worn on your head or around your neck, is a sign of "beauty and power." These scarves are different from any other scarves I've seen in today's market and are going to transform society's view on scarves from a "sign of oppression and dependence" to a "tool of empowerment." 

Product: Printed Pashmina
Model: Gaan Kimsawatde
Product: Gaamcha
Model: Hayda Torres
Product: Gaamcha
Model: Gaan Kimsawatde
Product: Gaamcha
Model: Gaan Kimsawatde

Product: Printed Pashmina
Model: Gaan Kimsawatde

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

It's that time of year again

It's October, meaning its Mid-terms time. For the past week, my nights have been spent at the library with my cup of coffee at one hand and of course my books at the other, or at least they should be. I haven't really been stressed out lately but it's just hitting me that I have a Biology Exam next week. Alhamdulilah though, I'm glad that this realization is coming to me a week before the exam, not the night before or else I would not be on here blogging. Did I mention how much of an obsession blogging has turned into for me. It's so relaxing just getting online and typing away my thoughts. Thank God for that or I would not be sane right now. Well here's a nice photo to keep  me strong and stress-free on my track towards gaining my Undergraduate Degree InshAllah, enjoy!

Monday, October 4, 2010

Masjid Makeover

Sister Alex and Sister Wiaam...two friends who love each other
purely for the sake of Allah Subhana Wa Ta3ala
Sister Kellan and Sister Lamyaa rockin
the hijab MashAllah
Apparently Painting is fun :)
Sister Ragaa...what a skilled
painter MashAllah
Lamyaa putting her life on the line to paint the
ceiling. That's what I call real jihad. 
Only Wiwi and Riri would attempt to paint using
one brush at the same time
Brother Waleed heroically taking the light fixture down.
Alhamdulilah for the Muslim Ummah

The Masjid is one of Allah SWT's many houses and as Muslims it is our responsibility to maintain the cleanliness and well being of it. The size of a masjid does not add nor take away from its significance in a Muslim community, therefore it is our responsibility as the Muslim Ummah to maintain a close connection with the local mosque. Join a group or attend a khutbah every now and than and you will see a major change in your life InshAllah. 
Volunteer to help clean your masjid or donate money towards the maintenance of the masjid and make a difference. The Prophet(SAW) said, “Whosoever removes adhaa (anything repulsiveor harmful) from the masjid, Allah will make a house for him in Jannah.” (ibn majah). Encourage your family members and friends to donate their time and efforts towards the maintenance of a beautiful masjid.


How to Make-Over Your Masjid
- donate cleaning equipments
- clean toilets and bathrooms
- vacuum/wash carpets
- ensure there is toilet paper and water in the bathroom
- sweep courtyard
- maintain garden and cut grass
- make sure there are garbage cans available 
- repair anything that is broken
- paint/repair walls
- replace prayer mats if needed





 “In houses which Allah has permitted to be raised up, that His Name may be remembered therein. In them He is glorified, morning and evening.” Al-Qur’an 24:36.

ALLAHU AKBAR KABEERAN LA ILAHA ILLALLAH WAHDAHU LA SHARIKA LAH

SubhanAllah! This view is stunning MashAllah! This is an aerial view of Makkah on the 27th night of Ramadan, taken from 600 meters off the ground. May we all reach here during our life time.



Sunday, October 3, 2010

I carry a torch in one hand
And a bucket of water in the other:
With these things I am going to set fire to Heaven
And put out the flames of Hell
So that voyagers to God can rip the veils
And see the real goal.
-Rabia Al-Adawiyya


My Brothers and Sisters, it's time we see what Islam is truly about. Love your Lord because He deserves nothing but your devotion and eternal gratitude. Don't allow your desire for Heaven or your fear of Hell to blind you from the real meaning of Islam. 


"Don't gain the world and lose your soul, 
widsom is better than silver or gold..."
      - - Bob Marley

Saturday, October 2, 2010

Muslimah Beauty: Aqsa

"...At long last love has arrived and I thank God I'm alive.You're just too good to be true, Can't take my eyes off of you" - Lauryn Hill
floral dress: three quarter length; available at Urban Outfitters.
Belt: forever 21

She is a pianist, a sports fanatic, horse rider, but above all she is a Muslimah. As a role model for Muslimahs everwhere, she shows the world that Muslim women are talented individuals that will have a great impact on the future of the world. 

...Like a Butterfly



"Promise yourself to be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind. To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet. To make all your friends feel that there is something in them. To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true. To think only of the best, to work only for the best and expect only the best. To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own. To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future. To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile. To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others. To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear and too happy to permit the presence of trouble." -Christian D. Larson