Outfit Idea: Slouchy Florals

An outfit idea for a hot but not that hot summers day :) I'd say leave the belt out and cardigan open to keep it modest.

Brown Scarf by Zaenab

Makkah & Medinah - A Recent Trip

(*EDIT* OK so I was having a bit of a rant when I wrote this the first time so I have made some changes to make it less crazy.)

If you were curious as to where on earth I have been for the last 3 weeks, I went to Umrah alhamduliAllah. I haven't been for the last few years and my oh my has there been some changes.

A lover of lists, I thought I would compile one giving you my view of the pros and cons of Makkah and Medinah.

Pros:

- The current extension work of Masjid Al Haram. It's really about time. Only thing is is that it was due to finish last year and they are still only about half way though.

- The removal of old, rundown buildings, hotels and shops in the vicinity of the haram in Makkah

- A noticeable reduction in the number of beggars in both Makkah and Medina, especially children who have been deliberately mutilated for the purpose of begging.

Cons:

- The ZamZam "Grand" Hotel in Makkah. Wow. It's the most ugly building I have ever seen. It looks like a tacky version of the Big Ben and looks so out of place next to the Haram. I really don't advise anybody to waste their money on that place - it is not a 5 star hotel (though it charges as one) no matter what anybody says. The rooms are bad, the service is awful and the hotel has a 4 story mall at the bottom of it full of western shops - very spiritual indeed.

- Women have the smallest fraction in the courtyard in which I did not get to pray a single jama'a prayer in because you have to be there an hour in advance to even hope of getting a place. To add insult to injury, the whole expanse of the roof space is reserved for men only apart from in Hajj season. HOW is that fair..????!! Just look at the amount of space they get while we are cramped away in cornors of the mosque with screaming bloody children.

Look at the size of that roof space..

- A general lack of common courtesy and increasing selfishness amongst Muslims. When did it become a taboo to say please, thank you, excuse me and SORRY?

- Pervs. Anything that breathes and they will look. It's ironic and disappointing given their proximity to the ka'ba/masjid al nabawi.

- OK so I know that it is socially acceptable for Arab men to hold hands and everything but can you just please stop..? :)

**Having said all of this, I still want to go back to Makkah and Medina all the time and leaving them is the most painful experience. The spiritual peace that you attain from simply viewing the Ka'ba is amazing and far outweighs my childish complaints. This post is simply for a bit of banter and to give you an idea of my take on certain aspects of these two holy places.**

(Top pic from madinamakkah.blogspot.com)

The Importance Of Salah

I was talking to somebody recently who said that they struggle to keep their five daily prayers, I must admit I was pretty surprised at the time considering the person in question is very knowledgeable in both Islam and the Quran. What troubled me is that despite their knowledge they did not care that they missed some of the prayers, notably fajr and evening, going as far as saying it doesn't really matter and that other things are more important.

Well, if by "other things" they mean the shahada then yes, other things are more important. I decided to put together a post of hadiths and short reminders on the true weighting of prayer in Islam.

These are just a sample of the many, many ahadith on the importance and virtue of the 5 daily prayers.

It is narrated on the authority of Jabir(Radi Allah Anhu) that he heard the Apostle (may peace and blessings be upon him) saying
"Verily between man and between polytheism and unbelief is the negligence of prayer." (Muslim)

It is narrated on the authority of 'Abdullah b. Mas'ud(Radi Allah Anhu) that he observed. I asked the Messenger of Allah (sal-allahu- alleihi-wasallam ) which deed was the best. He (the Holy Prophet) replied: Prayer at its appointed hour. I (again) said: Then what? He (the Holy Prophet) replied: Kindness to the parents. I (again) said: Then what? He replied: Earnest endeavour (Jihad) in the cause of Allah. And I would have not ceased asking more questions but out of regard (for his feelings). (Muslim)

Narrated Uthman ibn Affan (RAA) Rasulullah (SAW) at the time of our returning from our prayer told us (certain things pertaining to purification).
He said: I do not know whether I should tell you a thing or keep quiet. We said: Rasulullah, tell us if it is good and if it is otherwise, Allah and Messenger (SAW) know better. Upon this he said: A Muslim who purifies (himself) and completes purification as enjoined upon him by Allah and then offers the prayers, that will be expiatious (of his sins he committed) between these (prayers). (Sahih Muslim Book 2, Hadith # 0444)

Narrated Jabir ibn Abdullah (RAA) Rasulullah (SAW) said: The similitude of five prayers is like an overflowing river passing by the gate of one of you in which he washes five times daily. Hasan said: No filthiness can remain on him. (Sahih Muslim Book 4, Hadith # 1411)

Narrated Abu Hurairah (RAA) Rasualullah (SAW) said, "No prayer is harder for the hypocrites than the Fajr and the 'Isha' prayers and if they knew the reward for these prayers at their respective times, they would certainly present themselves (in the mosques) even if they had to crawl." The Prophet added, "Certainly I wish to order the Mu'adh-dhin (call-maker) to pronounce Iqama and order a man to lead the prayer and then take a fire flame to burn all those who had not left their houses so far for the prayer along with their houses." (Sahih Al-Bukhari Volume 1, Book 11, Hadith # 626)

Allah (SWT) says "Then, there has succeeded them a posterity who have given up As-Salât (the prayers) and have followed lusts. So they will be thrown in Hell. Except those who repent and believe (in the Oneness of Allâh and His Messenger Muhammad SAW), and work righteousness. Such will enter Paradise and they will not be wronged in aught." (Sura Maryam, ayat 59-60)

Afterall, what is half an hour a day in return for everything Allah (SWT) has given us?

How To Eat In Islam

Pixie over at I Love Hishma blog has kindly let me repost this collection of ahadith about the manner of eating according to the sunnah. I have made only very slight changes and you can see the original on her blog here.

You may know these already but it's still an interesting read.

1. WASH YOUR HANDS BEFORE A MEAL

The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "The blessings in the meal is by washing before and after it." (Hadith- Abu Dawud)

2. WHEN A MEAL IS SERVED AS THE PRAYER IS CALLED, TAKE THE MEAL FIRST

The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, "If the Iqama for prayer is proclaimed and supper is served, take your supper first." [Hadith-Sahih Al Bukhari 7.374, Narrated Aisha]

3. INVOKE THE NAME OF ALLAH for BLESSING IN FOOD

The Apostle of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, then said:
"When one of you eats food, he should say: O Allah, bless us in it, and give us food (or nourishment) better than it." [Hadith-Abu Dawud, Narrated Abdullah ibn Abbas]

The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "When one of you eats, and he forgets to mention the name of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala then let him say, 'Bismillahi Awwalahu wa Aakhirahu.' (Narrated in Ashraf al-Wasail ila-fahm al-Shamail, p269).

4. DO NOT EAT OFF OF OR SERVE FOOD FROM SILK OR GOLD CUPS, PLATES OR UTENSILS

When a Magian served Hudhaifa water, Hudhaifa refused the cup, and said he would not have done so but he heard the Prophet Mohamed, peace and blessings be upon him, say "Do not wear silk or Dibaja, and do not eat or drink in silver or golden vessels, and do not eat in plates of such vessels, for such things are for the unbelievers in this worldly life, and for us in the hereafter." [Hadith- Sahih Al Bukhari 7.337, Narrated Abdur Rahman bin Abi Laila]

5. SIP AND DON'T GULP, AND DO NOT BREATHE INTO A DRINK OR SOUP

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) would drink in three draughts and would refrain from breathing into the glass, but would do so away from it Sayyidina Anas ibn Malik radiyallahu anhu relates that Rasoolullah sallallahu alaihe wasallam drank water in three breaths (i.e. in three gulps/sips) and used to say, "It is more pleasing and satisfying in this manner."

6. DON'T LEAN ON SOMETHING WHILE EATING

Allah's Apostle, peace and blessings be upon him, said, "I do not take my meals while leaning [against something]." [Hadith-Sahih Al Bukhari 7:310, Narrated Abu Juhaifa]

7. IF YOU ARE UNSURE OF WHAT A FOOD IS, ASK, and it is halal to refuse something one personally dislikes even if it is halal

He went with Allah's Apostle, peace and blessings be upon him, to the house of Maymoonah, who was with his and Ibn Abbas' aunt. He found with her a roasted mastigure which her sister Hufaida bint Al-Harith had brought from Najd. Maymoonah presented the mastigure before Allah's Apostle, peace and blessings be upon him, who rarely started eating any (unfamiliar) food before it was described for him. (But that time) Allah's Apostle, peace and blessings be upon him, stretched his hand towards the mastigure whereupon a lady from among those who were present, said, "You should inform Allah's Apostle of what you have presented to him. O Allah's Apostle! It is the meat of a miastigue." (On learning that) Allah's Apostle withdrew his hand from the meat of the mastigure. Khalid bin Al-Walid said, "O Allah's Apostle! Is this unlawful meat to eat?" Allah's Apostle replied, "No, but it is not found in the land of my people, so I do not like it." [Hadith-Sahih Al Bukhari 7.303, Narrated Khalid bin Al Walid]

8. RESPECT FOOD AS A GIFT FROM ALLAH, do not criticize it or complain about it

"The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) never ever complained regarding any food, if he liked it he ate it, if he did not he left it." [Hadith-Abu Dawood]

9. DO NOT EAT OR DRINK WITH YOUR LEFT HAND

Abdullah bin Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Prophet, peace be upon him, said "When one eats then he should eat with his right, and when one drinks then he should drink with his right hand." [Hadeeth- Al Bukhari & Muslim]

The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "When of you eats let him eat with his right hand, for verily Satan eats and drinks with his left hand." [Hadeeth-Abu Dawud]

10. EAT WITH THREE FINGERS, THE INDEX, THE MIDDLE FINGER & THE THUMB

Ka'b bin Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: I saw the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, eating with three fingers (i.e, the thumb, the index finger, and the middle finger) and licking them after having finished the food. [Hadith-Muslim]

Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Whenever the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) ate food, he would lick his three fingers [Hadith-Muslim].

*If Rasoolulah ate with more than or less than three fingers why did he not lick all of them? A. He wouldn't have because he stressed the practice of licking the fingers for the blessing of the food.

11. EAT FOOD FROM THE OUTSIDE TO THE MIDDLE OF THE PLATE

The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "When one of you eats let him not partake from the middle of the plate, rather take from around it, for the blessings descend from upon the middle of it." (Hadeeth- Abu Dawud )

12. DO NOT WASTE FOOD

Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) commanded the licking of fingers and the gleaning of the dish, saying, "You do not know in which portion the blessing lies.'' [Hadeeth-Muslim].

Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, "Satan appears at everything done by you; he appears even at one's dinner. When a morsel of any of you falls, he should pick it up and remove any dirt on it, and then eat it. He should not leave it for Satan, nor should he wipe his hand with the towel until he has licked his fingers, for he does not know in what portion of the food the blessing lies.'' [Hadeeth- Muslim]

The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings upon him, said: "Whoever eats in a plate let him (at the end) lick it, the plate will ask forgiveness for him." (Hadeeth- Ahmad)

13. DO NOT EAT UNTIL YOU FEEL FULL

Quran Al Kareem: "Eat and drink but not to excess " (7:32)

The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, "the believer eats to fill one intestine and the disbeliever eat to fill seven." [Hadeeth- Muslim]

The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "Eating too much is misfortune." (Shuab al-Iman of Bayhaqi)

On the authority of Al-Miqdaam ibn Maadiy-Karib who said: I heard the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) saying: "No human ever filled a vessel worse than the stomach. Sufficient for any son of Adam are some morsels to keep his back straight. But if it must be, then one third for his food, one third for his drink and one third for his breath." [Ahmad, At-Tirmidhi, An-Nasaa'I, Ibn Majah – Hadith sahih]

Umar ibn al-Khattaab (may Allah be pleased with him) said, "0 people, beware of overeating! For it will make you lazy in your salah (prayer), weaken your body and make you unhealthy. And indeed, Allah dislikes the obese person (ie obesity caused by eating too much, not medical reasons). Rather, be modest when it comes to eating, because it is closer to righteousness, far away from extravagance and it will make you stronger in worshipping Allah. Verily, you will perish when your desires become dearer to you than your religion." (lbn abi al-Dunya)

The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "Food for one is enough for two and food for two is enough for three and food for three is enough for four." [Ahmad, At-Tirmidhi, An-Nasaa'I, Ibn Majah – Hadith sahih]

14. BLESSINGS ARE FOR THOSE WHO SHARE THEIR FOOD WITH OTHERS

The Companions of the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon them) complained: 'O Messenger of Allah, we eat but are not satiated.' The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: 'Perhaps you eat separately?' They replied that they did. He said: 'Eat your food together and say Bismillah before you start, that will bring blessings into your food.'" (Hadeeth-Abu Dawud)

The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "Food for one is enough for two and food for two is enough for three and food for three is enough for four." [Ahmad, At-Tirmidhi, An-Nasaa'I, Ibn Majah – Hadith sahih]

15. THANK ALLAH AFTER FINISHING A MEAL OR FOOD OR DRINK OF ANY KIND

The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Verily, Allah is pleased with His servant when he eats a morsal and praises hims, and when he takes a drink and then praises him (Al-Hamdulillah)." (Hadeeth- Abu Dawud)

16. AFTER EATING RINSE THE MOUTH WITH WATER & one does not have to make wudu/ablution after the act of eating

We went out with Allah's Apostle (peace and blessings be upon him) to Khaibar, and when we reached As-Sahba', the Prophet asked for food, and he was offered nothing but Sawiq. We ate, and then Allah's Apostle stood up for the prayer. He rinsed his mouth with water, and we too, rinsed our mouths. Narrated Suwaid; We went out with Allah's Apostle to Khaibar, and when we reached As-Sahba', which (Yahya says) is one day's journey from Khaibar, the Prophet asked for food, and he was offered nothing but Sawiq which we chewed and ate. Then the Prophet asked for water and rinsed his mouth, and we too, rinsed our mouths along with him. He then led us in the Maghrib prayer without performing ablution again.

[Hadith-Sahih Al Bukhari 7.365, Narrated Suwaid bin An Numan]

Smart Summer Hijab

For a smart modest outfit for hot weather, look no further than the plain black skirt. Just make sure it's not one of those tiered ones - they are strictly casual wear. Here's an outfit I made on Looklet for some inspiration:

Oh Silly Me..

..and there I was being all skeptical about men only having to cover from the navel to the knee.

Good Deed #1: Smile

Well that's according to 1000gooddeeds.com site anyway. They have written the benefits of smiling and I thought I would re-post, what with hijabis frequenting this blog and all.. :)

27:19 (Y. Ali) So he smiled, amused at her speech; and he said: “O my Lord! so order me that I may be grateful for Thy favours, which thou hast bestowed on me and on my parents, and that I may work the righteousness that will please Thee: And admit me, by Thy Grace, to the ranks of Thy righteous Servants.”

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: Your smile for your brother is charity.” -- (Graded authentic by Ibn Hajar and al-Albani: Hidaayat-ur-Ruwaah, 2/293)

Narrated ‘Aisha I never saw the Prophet laughing to an extent that one could see his palate, but he always used to smile only. Bukhari 008.073.114

Benefits of smiling:

1. Smiling changes our moods
Next time you are feeling down, try putting on a smile. There’s a good chance you mood will change for the better. Smiling can trick the body into helping you change your mood.

2. Smiling Is Contagious
When someone is smiling they lighten up the room, change the moods of others, and make things happier. A smiling person brings happiness with them. Smile lots and you will draw people to you.

3. Smiling Relieves Stress
Stress can really show up in our faces. Smiling helps to prevent us from looking tired, worn down, and overwhelmed. When you are stressed, take time to put on a smile. The stress should be reduced and you’ll be better able to take action.

4. Smiling Boosts Your Immune System
Smiling helps the immune system to work better. When you smile, immune function improves possibly because you are more relaxed. Prevent the flu and colds by smiling.

5. Smiling Releases Endorphins, Natural Pain Killers and Serotonin
Studies have shown that smiling releases endorphins, natural pain killers, and serotonin. Together these three make us feel good. Smiling is a natural drug.

Photo source: Vogue