Fasting for Dhul Hijjah

It is Sunnah for the Muslim to fast on the first nine days of Dhu’l-Hijjah, because the Prophet (saw) encouraged us to do righteous deeds in the first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah, and fasting is one of the best of deeds.

The Prophet (saw) used to fast on the first nine days of Dhu’l-Hijjah. Hunaydah ibn Khaalid reported from his wife that some of the wives of the Prophet (saw) said: “The Messenger of Allah (saw) used to fast on the ninth of Dhul-Hijjah, on the day of Aashoorah, on three days of each month, and on the first two Mondays and Thursdays of each month.” [(Saheeh) by Shaikh al-Albanee in Saheeh Abi Dawood vol: 2, no: 462].


Ibn' Abbas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (saw) said, "There are no days during which the righteous action is so pleasing to Allaah than these days (i.e., the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah). " He was asked: "O Messenger of Allah, not even Jihad in the Cause of Allah?" He (saw) replied, "Not even Jihad in the Cause of Allah, except in case one goes forth with his life and his property and does not return with either of it." [Al-Bukhari]

So, Sisters if we are not going on Hajj this year, at least we can fast the first 9 days of Dhul-Hijjah and insha' Allah gain rewards in this life and the Hereafter.

****Fasting began Thursday September 18th, 2009 and will last for 9 days, the 10th day will be Eid Al-Adha. Follow the same time frame for fasting as you do for the month of Ramandan i.e. fajr through maghrib****

Article from http://www.ummah1.com/profiles/blog/show?id=2048973%3ABlogPost%3A142345&xgs=1&xg_source=msg_share_post142345&xgs=1&xg_source=msg_share_post

Asalaamu alaikum

Nadira & Najwa

Sexiness For Muslimahs Too???

A German lingerie store called "Liaison Dangereuse (Dangerous Liaison) has a controversial commercial out with a woman getting dressed in some provocative (but cute!) lingerie... It has Arabian influences in the music and undertones...

Check it out and let us know what you think about it. Do you find it offensive?

Asalaamu alaikum

Nadira & Najwa

Najwa & Nadira

The Fort Hood Killings... Crazy... or Not???

On Thursday, November 5th, 2009 a soldier at Fort Hood Military Base in Texas opened fire killing 12 people and wounding 30 others. The suspect in this case is Major Nidal Malik Hasan.

Hasan was reported to have been wearing his uniform when he opened fire, said Col. Steven Braverman, hospital commander at Fort Hood. Braverman said Hasan had received orders to deploy to Afghanistan.

The shooting occurred in a building called the readiness center, one of the last stops before soldiers deploy and one of the first places soldiers go upon returning to the United States.

Some of the victims were headed to Iraq or Afghanistan, said Col. Benton Danner.

A federal official said Hasan is a U.S. citizen of Jordanian descent. Military documents show Hasan was born in Virginia and has never deployed outside the United States. Read more of this story here.

As it has been reported, Major Hasan is an American-born Muslim who was born and raised here in the U.S. He apparently was being deployed to Iraq and he was trying to get out or the military because he did not believe in the war and he did not want to have to go to fight in Iraq or Afghanistan.

Story taken from www.cnn.com

This made me think.... being a Muslim, I know that I would never be able to go to fight against my fellow Muslims either. To kill a Muslim is a grave sin in Islam. To kill innocent people is also a sin. What do you think about this tragic story? Do you think Major Hasan was taking a stand against fighting and killing more innocent Muslim families in Iraq? Do you think what he did was wrong? Did he have P.T.S.D. (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)? Can you understand his reasoning behind this???

Asalaamu alaikum

Najwa & Nadira

The Kaabah: The One Place on Earth Not Destroyed in '2012'

What even Roland Emmerich won't destroy: an Islamic landmark

In Roland Emmerich's upcoming global demolition derby movie 2012, the director gets to indulge his passion for destroying landmarks on a world scale.

In previous movies, he's destroyed the Empire State Building and the White House (Independence Day), sent a giant monster into the middle of Manhattan (Godzilla), blown away the famous Hollywood sign and the Capitol Records building in Los Angeles (The Day After Tomorrow) and savaged New York again by flooding and then freezing it (also The Day After Tomorrow).

In 2012, he takes on landmarks in Rome, Rio de Janeiro and, yes, Washington, but there is one place even he couldn't bring himself to obliterate. We caught up with Emmerich in Jackson Hole, Wyo., where he told us why he chose various landmarks to lay waste in 2012, and about the one that got away.


"I always like I think when it feels very new and original," Emmerich said, adding: "Landmarks are always symbols, just symbols. ... They stand for something."


Obviously.

This time around, he has a giant wave striking it. A wave carrying the aircraft carrier John F. Kennedy.

"I think my favorite in this one is like the White House destruction," he said. "I didn't want to go there again, and [co-writer/producer] Harald [Kloser] pretty much convinced me that I have to. And then I was brooding for days and days and days, and then I kind of had the idea: ... I've got JFK kind of coming back to the White House, which I thought was ironic."

The Poseidon



Well, not really. It's a cruise ship that rolls over much like the ill-fated ship from The Poseidon Adventure and its recent remake.

"The most striking image for me of any disaster movie was when the ship in Poseidon Adventure rolls over," Emmerich says. "I pay homage to that. ... For me it's always the most striking image of all the disaster movies. Because it's a really big object that rolls over."

The Sistine Chapel in the Vatican



That includes the famous frescoed ceiling by Michelangelo depicting Adam touching fingers with God.

"I always try to come up with what makes sense for the story, you know?" Emmerich says. "And it's not only about the destruction. It has to kind of stand for something. One of my favorite pieces of art is Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel: ... God ... reaches out to Adam, and the crack goes through it. It's just an interesting kind of notion."

St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican



"Why ... don't [we] have the church fall on people's head?" Emmerich said. He added: "The whole Vatican kind of tips and kind of rolls over the people. It said something, because in the story, some people ... believe in praying and prayer, and they pray in front of the church, and it's probably the wrong thing, what they would do in that situation."

Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro





"Because I'm against organized religion," Emmerich says.

... and the one that got away...


Emmerich said that he got approached by people who wanted their landmarks destroyed, such as the 101 Tower in Taipei, the world's tallest building (pictured below).

But Emmerich was thinking of something even more explosive: the Kaaba, the cube-shaped building at the heart of Mecca, the focus of prayers and the Islamic pilgrimage called the Hajj; it is one of Islam's holiest sites.

Really?

"Well, I wanted to do that, I have to admit," Emmerich says. "But my co-writer Harald said I will not have a fatwa on my head because of a movie. And he was right. ... We have to all ... in the Western world ... think about this. You can actually ... let ... Christian symbols fall apart, but if you would do this with [an] Arab symbol, you would have ... a fatwa, and that sounds a little bit like what the state of this world is. So it's just something which I kind of didn't [think] was [an] important element, anyway, in the film, so I kind of left it out."

-Article taken from www.scifiwire.com
Written by: Patrick Lee


So, what do you think the producer's REAL reason is for not destroying the Kaabah in his movie? Is he afraid of a "fatwa"? Did he really think that the Kaabah wasn't important? Does he have some other unkown reason??? What do you think about this article overall?

Handheld Bidets, Instinja and the Like...

First things first... Muslimah2Muslimah had a question from a sister who is a new revert to Islam and she was wondering how to make istinja' and what to use for it... Some people use water bottles, some use a watering can, others just have a cup near their toilets. In the states, bidets are not a common thing that you see in people's homes or even out in public areas. However, there are handheld bidets that are available at Home Depot or even Walmart for a very low price. This is my personal favorite way to make istinja'. You do not have to constantly fill a container up with water every time you need to use the restroom and you can also control the water pressure. So awesome!

Now, down to the more basic stuff: What Is Istinja'???

Istinja' is performed using pure and purifying water or a solid, dry material, like a stone or paper. It is obligatory to make istinja' from every wet material emitted from the eliminatory outlets, such as urine or feces. It can be done by using water, rocks, paper and the like.

When performing istinja' by water, cleaning oneself from feces one pours the water on the outlet and rubs with one’s left hand until the najas-filth is removed. This makes the place tahir (pure).

When performing istinja' using rocks and the like (paper), if one makes instinja' using a solid, dry material, such as a rock (or paper), one wipes the outlet three times. If the three wipes are not enough to clean the area, one wipes more until the place becomes clean. One may use three wads of tissue or the like. Without using water, it is not enough to wipe less than thrice, even if the place becomes clean.

Also, it is recommended to enter the bathroom with the left foot, and to leave it with the right foot; contrary to the way you enter your home or the masjid. It is recommended (sunnah) to enter your home or the masjid with the right foot first, and to leave with the left foot.

It is recommended (sunnah) upon entering the bathroom to say:

"Bismillah. Allahumma inni a'udhu bika minal-khubuthi wal-khaba’ith."

Which means: “[I enter the bathroom] with the Name of Allah. O Allah, I
seek refuge with you from the male and female devils.” This provides protection from the eyes of the jinn.

After leaving the bathroom, it is also recommended to say:

"Ghufranak. Al-hamdu lillahi-lladhi adh-haba annil-adha wa afani."

Which means: “I ask You (Allah) for forgiveness. Praise and thanks be to the One (Allah) Who took the harm away from me and granted me good health.”

So... what do YOU use for Istinja??? Do you live in a country where bidets are common? Do you just use a water bottle? Do you use the most common one that I have seen in Muslim homes... the watering can? This is very random, I know... but interesting nonetheless! LOL.

As-Salaamu Alaikum!

Najwa & Nadira

So, Why the Heck Are All You Guys Wearing A Pink Hijab Today??

Okay, so today was Pink Hijab Day (yay!). So, as always there are the skeptical

"I-only-wear-black-because-it's-Sunnah-and-I-don't-see-the-point-in-doing-something-that-is-not-sunnah-and-that-type-of-thing-is-bid'ah"

crowd. Then, there are the ones who say;

"what is being gained by me just wearing a pink hijab? What point is that going to make? Who is benefiting from that? Why not just give money?"

Well... to these people we say this: What is wrong with helping to spread awareness about a certain cause? What is wrong with unifying Muslims on one day to not only give da'wah about Islam but also to put a smile on someone's face? Many men and women not only wore pink hijabs, pins or ribbons but also went to cancer treatment centers, did a charity run/walk, donated money and helped to raise money for many different cancer victims around the globe.

Islam is all about charity, kindness and compassion. If you showed your kindness today by doing anything such as making a du'a or giving in charity or just showing your support by wearing something pink this month for any woman in the world or any family who is dealing with cancer then may Allah reward you with Jannah-tul-firdaus! Ameen.

Narrated by ‘Aishah Allah’s Messenger said:

“Allah is Kind and He loves kindness, and confers upon kindness which He does not confer upon severity, and does not confer upon any thing besides it (kindness).” (Sahih Muslim)

Asalaamu alaikum

Najwa & Nadira

mail@Muslimah2Muslimah.com

http://www.blogger.com/www.Muslimah2Muslimah.com

Send Us Your Pink Hijab Pics!!!

This is a reminder to all of our readers to support Pink Hijab Day tomorrow whether it be at school, work or just running errands.

We also want all of you to send in your photos of you and your friends wearing your pink tomorrow or anytime this month at: http://www.blogger.com/mail.muslimah2muslimah.com.

You will be featured in an upcoming Muslimah2Muslimah.com blog!

Happy Pink Hijab Day!

Najwa & Nadira

mail@Muslimah2Muslimah.com

http://www.blogger.com/www.Muslimah2Muslimah.com

Rock It or Stop It: Keffiyah/Hijab

One of the latest style trends is wearing Keffiyahs. They have become a fashion staple that both men and women are wearing around the world. You see them everywhere and all over the runways as in the Balenciaga images below.

So how do you wear the keffiyah as a hijab and make it look cute? There are quite a few keffiyah tutorials on YouTube such as the one below(were you can wear the keffiyah by itself).

Or you can wear a keffiyah/scarf along with your khimar as the images below

So what do you think of the keffiyah look for a hijabi?

ROCK IT OR STOP IT?

COMMENT AND LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK

Asalaamu alaikum

Nadira & Najwa

Muslimah2Muslimah

Response to Ban on Niqab by Sh. Said Rageah

****INSHA' ALLAH TAKE THE TIME TO WATCH THIS ENTIRE VIDEO AND TAKE A STAND AS A MUSLIMAH****

Khutbah addressing the issue of a Canadian Muslim organization urging the Canadian government to ban the Niqab. Please pass this on to all the Muslims.

-------------
Toronto (AP) - A Canadian Muslim organization urged the Canadian government Thursday to ban traditional Muslim garments designed to cover a woman's face, saying they are medieval and misogynist symbols of extremism with no basis in Islam.

To Niqab or Not to Niqab......that is the question

I have recently been thinking a lot about wearing niqab. I have worn niqab a few times here and there in the past but I have never made a commitment to it. The times when I did where niqab I have always felt very comfortable and at peace. I think niqab is absolutely beautiful and have a lot of respect for women who choose to wear niqab for the sake of Allah. May Allah reward them- ameen.

I don't personally think that NIQAB is fard(obligatory) but what I do know is that we should try to do things that the prophet(s.a.w.) and the companions did. Following this logic it only makes sense that we should want to do what the Ummul Mu’mineen, the wives of the prophets did. We can see examples of them observing niqab in the following hadiths.

Narrated by Aisha (RA) who said, "The riders would pass us while we were with the Messenger of Allah ). When they got close to us, we would draw our outer cloak from our heads over our faces. When they passed by, we would uncover our faces." (Hadith-Abu Dawud)

Narrated by Aisha(RA)"When (the Verse): 'They should draw their veils over their necks and bosoms,' was revealed, (the ladies) cut their waist sheets at the edges and covered their faces with the cut pieces." (Hadith-Al-Bukhari)

I do wonder how I will navigate in my day to day life i.e. work, shopping, eating out, etc. For now I'm still doing my personal searching to see what my decision will be.

Please share your comments and experiences be you a sister who wears niqab, who doesn't/wouldn't or anywhere in between.

Asalaamu alaikum,
Nadira
Muslimah2Muslimah

*****CORRECTION EARLIER POST HAD A TYPO, IT STATED THAT "HIJAB IS NOT FARD", IT SHOULD HAVE SAID NIQAB, WE AT MUSLIMAH2MUSLIMAH FULLY BELIEVE THAT HIJAB IS FARD*****

Okay, So He's An Attractive, Single Muslim Brother...

I wonder if he is single or is he married? Is he a match for me? Wouldn't we make such a dashing Muslim couple!?!?

This a dilemma many single Muslimahs have quite often. However, society tells us that the man should approach the woman, or in Islamic standards, the Wali. What about the Muslimahs who spot a brother she is interested in? Do they just sit back and pray that he makes the move?

During the days of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), women approached men quite often for marriage. As a matter of fact, it is noted that when he was 25 years old, Muhammad (SAW)received a marriage proposal from a wealthy Meccan woman, Khadījah bint al-Khuwaylid, whose affairs he was conducting.

But nowadays it seems rather taboo for a sister to approach a brother regarding marriage. So, what is a sister to do???

What are YOUR opinions on this? Would you approach a brother you were interested in? If so, how would you go about doing it? Would you send your wali after him?

Asalaamu alaikum

Najwa & Nadira

Muslimah2Muslimah

Quote of the Day!!

"Always keep in mind, sisters, that ultimately ALLAH (swt) is the only judge... Strive to do the best you can for HIM and HIM alone. Keep your head up when people try to criticize but always keep an open mind to the things that people say. It might help you to improve yourself..."

- Muslimah2Muslimah

"The Early Morning After..."

Okay, so this one is for all of us married girls out there... You and your hubby had *fun* last night and now it is time for Fajr prayer... So, you get up, take a shower, make wudu and make salat. Cool... all is well right? You have done your duties for your husband and your Lord... now you can go on about your day. Well, not so fast there, sister! Did you take a shower or did you make a ghusl? A ghusl is the purification that is obligatory after intercourse.

How Ghusl Is Performed:

According to the practice of the Prophet, upon whom be peace, the correct manner of performing ghusl is:

1. wash both hands three times,

2. wash the private parts,

3. make a complete wudu (ablution) like the one made for prayer.

4. rub water through one's hair three times, letting the water reach down to the roots of the hair, (yes, girls...this means ruining that perfect hairdo!)

5. pour water over the entire body, begining with the right side, then the left, washing under the armpits, inside the ears, inside the navel, inside the toes and whatever part of the body can be easily rubbed. This account is based on the following report from 'Aishah:

"When the Prophet, upon whom be peace, took his bath after
sexual intercourse, he would begin by washing his hands. Then he would
pour water from his right hand to his left and wash his sexual organs,
make the ablution for prayer, take some water and put his fingers to the
roots of his hair to the extent that he sees that the skin is wet, then
pour water over his head three times and then over the rest of his
body." -Related by al-Bukhari and Muslim.

Ghusl For Women:

A woman performs ghusl just as a man does, except that if she has plaited hair she does not have to undo it, provided that the water can reach the roots of her hair. Umm Salamah said,

"O Messenger of Allah, I am a woman who has closely plaited hair on my head. Do
I have to undo them for ghusl after sexual intercourse?" He said, "No, it is
enough for you to throw three handfuls of water on your head and then pour water
over yourself. After doing this, you shall be cleansed." Related by Ahmad,
Muslim and at-Tirmidhi

So, considering the fact that we all have to wash our hair COMPLETELY with water on "the early morning after", what should we, as Muslimahs do with our hair? Should we blow hundreds of dollars on our hair like many of us may have done during our single days just to ruin it the same night? Do we always have a low-maintenance (and less sexy) ponytail? Do we shave our heads? Anyhow, that is OUR rant for the day... What is YOUR ghusl rant?

Najwa & Nadira

Muslimah2Muslimah

Hijabi Recessionista: Pink Hijab Day

A perfect outfit for pink hijab day with out going overboard with the pink. A few cute accessories i.e. pink brooch, pink/gray lace gloves, pink and gray bracelets, etc. The gray ruffle abaya can be found at Bint Qamar.

Send us your pics of you and your friends & family wearing your pink on October 28th, 2009, and we will post them on our website. Insha' Allah email us at mail@muslimah2muslimah.com

Muslimahs Unite!

Let us know what you think of the outfit & don't forget to send you pics of you and your pink hijabs!

Asalaamu alaikum
Nadira & Najwa
Muslimah2Muslimah

Global Pink Hijab Day!!!

Pink Hijab Day is intended to shatter stereotypes of Muslim women, as well as raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research. All over the world, Muslims participated by wearing pink hijabs, pink ribbons, and donating to breast cancer foundations.

We here at Muslimah 2 Muslimah feel as though this is a great cause and also a great chance for Muslimahs all over the world to unify and support each other. Those of us who may have someone in our lives who has suffered with breast cancer or those of us who just want to support can do so on October 28, 2009.

Pink Hijab Day Frequently Asked Questions:

Q:How did Pink Hijab Day Start?
A. Pink Hijab Day began small, in a high school in Columbia, MO. A group of girls decided to wear pink hijabs one day to encourage others to ask questions about their hijabs and about Islam. After more and more people began participating, the Susan G Komen Foundation was contacted and Pink Hijab Day had its start.

Q:What is the purpose of Pink Hijab Day?
A: 1) To encourage people to ask questions about Hijab, and extinguish stereotypes people may have about hijab
2) To raise awareness and funds for breast cancer foundations across the globe
3) To encourage Muslim women to participate in helping their own communities

Q:Who can participate in Pink Hijab Day?
A: Anyone! Anyone can wear a pink item, whether it's a pink Hijab, a pink ribbon, or pink socks. In 2008, a group of students in Canada dyed kufis and wore pink kufis. Even if you don't wear anything pink, you can donate to any local cancer foundation.

Let's make this day a success by showing oursupport and getting involved. Check out the following websites to lend a hand of support or send a monetary donation:

Pinkhijabday.net

www.nationalbreastcancer.org/

http://ww5.komen.org/

http://www.breastcancercampaign.org/

Muslimahs unite!

Najwa & Nadira

Muslimah2Muslimah

French Muslim woman wearing 'burkini' banned from Paris swimming pool

France’s struggle with Islamic dress has moved into the swimming pool after a 35-year-old woman was banned from bathing in her “burkini”, a head-to-toe swimsuit.

The woman, identified only as Carole, was making her third outing in a burkini to the town pool at Emerainville, on the eastern outskirts of Paris, when the chief lifeguard ordered her to leave.

She was said to be breaking hygiene rules, but her ejection has become the latest episode in a battle between fundamentalist Muslims and a state that has banned head-cover from schools and may curb face-covering in public.

Carole accused the pool officials of illegal discrimination and went straight to the police and the media. “Quite simply, this is segregation,” she said. “I will fight to try to change things. And if I see that the battle is lost, I cannot rule out leaving France.”

The police refused to accept the complaint on the grounds that the lifeguard was just enforcing a rule that applies at all French public pools. Women must wear swimsuits and men must wear brief trunks rather than shorts, which are said to be more likely to harbour bacteria.

Carole, who was born in a traditional French family and converted to Islam at the age of 17, said she bought her attire on holiday in Dubai. The burkini, designed by Aheda Zanetti, a Lebanese-Australian, has become a hit in the Gulf and caused trouble in public pools in Europe and North America.

Despite the allusion to the Afghan burka, the swimsuit leaves the face uncovered. The body is clad in a track-suit-like tunic and coat and the head and neck are covered with a cross between a hijab and a diver’s balaclava helmet.

“I thought that it could enable me to enjoy the pleasure of bathing without uncovering myself, as Islam recommends,” she told Le Parisien newspaper. “I understand that it might shock people, but I am annoyed because I have been told that it is a political matter. I didn’t set out to cause a stir. My only aim was to be able to go swimming with my children.”

The local authorities insisted that no politics were involved. “The lady was almost fully dressed,” Daniel Guillaume, the head of sports facilities for the Seine-et-Marne département, said. “The personnel simply applied the rules that are in effect in all pools in France.” That view was not shared by politicians who want tougher measures to oppose a rise in body-covering by strict Muslim women, and Muslims demanding segregated sessions for men and women at pools and other sports facilities.

“Maybe you can see the woman’s face in this ridiculous swimsuit, but it is obviously a provocation by a militant,” said André Gerin, a Communist MP from the Rhône area. “Going straight to the police station is clear proof that there is a political project behind this outfit. No doubt this is the start of a new problem.”

Mr Gerin heads a 32-member parliamentary inquiry that opened last month to review the possibility of a law to bar Muslim women from wearing the face-covering niqab in public. President Sarkozy stirred fundamentalist anger in June when he sided with the review, saying that such dress was not a symbol of faith, but a sign of women’s subservience and that it had “no place in France”.

The move to legislate drew a violent response from foreign extremists. “Yesterday it was the hijab and today it is the niqab,” said Abu Musab Abdul Wadud, the leader of al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb. “We will take revenge for the honour of our daughters and sisters against France and against its interests by every means at our disposal.”

France caused a stir in the Muslim world in 2004 with a law barring the hijab headscarf and all other religious dress from state primary and secondary schools.

The measure, which was implemented without protest, is strongly backed by the public, including a substantial number of the six million Muslims in the country.

Muslimah2Muslimah New Shahaadah Interview: Tahirah

In Muslimah2Muslimah's experience of reverts to Islam, we think the transitions of one's thoughts, opinions, and behavior, in fact a whole transformation of one's perspective in life is very interesting.

The negative image presented about Islam since 9-11 here in the states has really given Islam a bad name due to the media as well as people's lack of understanding. The stereotypes about the treatment of women has been rampant in the media for many years with the Taliban and other "extremist" groups. We thought it would be interesting to interview Tahirah, who in the midst of all propaganda has warmly embraced Islam and get her Muslimah's Perspective on Islam...

Muslimah2Muslimah: What is your name?

Tahirah

Muslimah2Muslimah: What made you become interested in Islam?

Tahirah: I was a new patient at a local doctor's office. I noticed that the staff were women in Niqab and Hijab! I was in awe. The office was so peaceful, and the staff was completely friendly, warm, welcoming, and professional. I was at a place in my life where I was feeling isolated, depressed, and without hope. I say this sister's to say that, seeing the staff so proudly dressed in their traditional Muslim attire, immediately made me feel less anxiety about my visit. The actual doctor came to get me in full Burqa......she welcomed me and the first thing she said after reviewing my chart was, "how do you feel about Islam?" We spoke awhile, and she told me the most powerful and life changing information about Allah's love for me. Later in my session, she gave me the Shahaadah witnessed by 3 other nurses, and gave me the name Tahirah. My life was changed forever!

Muslimah2Muslimah: What does your family think about your decision?

Tahirah: My family has been very supportive of me, and see the change in my outlook on life. They support me 100%!

Muslimah2Muslimah: What types of reactions have you gotten from your friends or coworkers?

Tahirah: My company allows for me to work from home, so not many coworkers are aware of my conversion. The ones that I have an interpersonal relationship with, however seem to pass judgement slightly. My true friends love, respect, and applaud my decision.

Muslimah2Muslimah: How has Islam changed your life?

Tahirah: In a variety of ways. The initial feeling I had after my Shahaadah was one of purity and of peace. The feeling I feel every day is that of pride, enlightenment, and fulfillment. I know a peace and love that I never have. I see life and all things in it as a blessing from Allah, and the mercy he shows me everyday. How do you explain having a blind fold on for 38 years, and all of a sudden, the sunlight presented to you? "Allah is the Protector of those who have faith: from the depths of darkness He will lead them forth into light. Of those who reject faith the patrons are the Evil Ones: from light they will lead them forth into the depths of darkness. They will be companions of the fire to dwell therein (forever)." (Qur'an: Translation of the meaning, 2:257

Muslimah2Muslimah: What advice would you give to someone who is interested in Islam?

Tahirah: I would tell them any information, notions, or previous ideals they had about Islam, completely remove from your mind. The best thing to do is utilize your local Mosque for classes and study groups offered to new converts. The Internet has great information and websites for new converts or people interested in the faith as well.

Muslimah2Muslimah: Islamically, women are required to wear a hijab. Others say that you must also cover your face(niqab). What are your thoughts on this?

Tahirah: I love Niqab and feel that the element it provides is one of complete empowerment. Similarly love Hijab, and find it odd that people see it as a sign of oppression as opposed to complete freedom, pride, and empowerment. Inshallah, I would like to eventually wear Niqab.

Muslimah2Muslimah: How did you feel the first time you wore hijab?

Tahirah:Beautiful! A makeover that beautified my inner and outer self.

Muslimah2Muslimah: What is your opinion on the common labels associated with Muslims ("terrorists", "extremists" , etc.)?

Tahirah: Whenever one is uneducated in something, and that same source is in a position of conveying information to the masses, things get distorted. It is unfortunate that society has labeled the entire Islamic way of life as "extremists and terrorists." Nothing could be further from the truth.

Muslimah2Muslimah: What is your view on the impression that many non-Muslims have that Islam oppresses the women and the women have no voice in their communities?

Tahirah: I am new to Islam, and am getting exposure daily that Muslim women posses so much strength and resolve. There is this bond and sisterhood amongst Muslimahs that is like no other! Now could an oppressed individual be that powerful?

Muslimah2Muslimah: The media tends to give very negative views on women and many non-Muslims base their views solely on this. What was your view on Islam and the treatment of women before you converted to Islam?

Tahirah: Sadly, I was very misinformed and initially had similar views.

Muslimah2Muslimah: Has your view changed in any way?

Tahirah: I am happy to say that Muslimah 2 Muslimah was my first exposure to any kind of Muslimah values and culture directly after my Shahaadah, and I learned first and foremost how prideful and empowered Muslim women feel and are!

Muslimah2Muslimah: How have has Muslimah2Muslimah helped you along your journey to Islam?/ How have you benefited from Muslimah2Muslimah?

Tahirah: Where do I begin? :o) I learned how to properly wear Hijab, new information for newly converted Muslimahs, adorable modern Muslim fashion tips and style, values of the Muslim woman, and Muslim terms. Mashallah, I will continue to learn and embrace my new faith! Al Hamdu Lilah Wa Shukru Lillah

~Insha'allah, everyone... please pray for our new sister Tahirah and welcome her into Islam by leaving her your encouragement and wisdom, insha'allah! We are very pleased with her decision as we know she is as well. Tahirah, may Allah bless you and your family in all of your endeavors and may He grant you Jannatul Firdaus! Ameen!


Asalaamu alaikum
Nadira & Najwa
Muslimah2Muslimah

Ramadan: Who? What? Where? When? Why?

Alhamdulilah Ramadan is here!!! For many of you this is your first Ramadan and others are seasoned pros at this point. If this is your first Ramadan you're in for a wonderful experience. When I think of my first Ramadan I remember feeling very peaceful, calm, nervous, anxious, and excited all at once. Mostly because I had only been a Muslimah for a few months and still had a lot to learn but it was amazing time for me. = ) Insha' Allah this post will be informative to the new shahaadahs and a helpful refresher for others.

What?

What does it mean to fast during the month of Ramadan? It means abstaining from the following: food, drink and sexual intercourse. This means no water, candy or gum. We must do more than simply not eat while we are fasting.

"Many a one who fasts obtains nothing from his fasting but thirst, and many a one who prays during the night obtains nothing from his night prayers but wakefulness." (Al-Tirmidhi)

To avoid this we want to mindful of our thoughts, actions, temper and words.
Most importantly because it was prescribed by Allah (s.w.t.) in the Quran

"O you who believe! Observing As-Sawm (the fasting) is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqoon (the pious)? [al-Baqarah 2:183]

The month of Ramadan is a blessed month. It is the month in which Allah revealed the Quran as guidance for the whole of mankind. It is the month in which Allah gave the Muslims victory in their first and greatest battle at Badr. It is the month which has Laylat al-Qadr, a night which is better than a thousand months.

Fasting during the month of Ramadan is the 3rd pillar of Islam and it is a means of learning self-control. Ramadan is a time of intensive worship, reading of the Quran, giving charity, purifying one's behavior, and doing good deeds.

Who?

Fasting in Ramadan is obligatory on all adults who are sane. Sick people, women who are menstruating or post natal bleeding and some travelers in certain conditions are exempt from the fast but must make it up as they are able. They can do this either by feeding the hungry of fasting later on in the year.

When?

The daily period of fasting starts at the breaking of dawn and ends at the setting of the sun. We start our day off with suhoor (a pre-fast meal) before dawn and a iftar (post-fast mea) after sunset.

The Islamic lunar calendar, being 11 to 12 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar, migrates throughout the seasons. Thus, if Ramadan begins on January 20 one year, next year it will begin on approximately January 9. In this way, the length of the day, and thus the fasting period, varies in length from place to place over the years. Every Muslim, no matter where he or she lives, will see an average Ramadan day of the approximately 13.5 hours.

This year Ramadan began on the 22^nd of August.

Where?

Worldwide! Muslims around the world are fasting for the month of Ramadan.
During Ramadan the gates of paradise are opened and the gates of the Hell-Fire are closed and the Shayaateen are locked up. (Muslim). There are no excuses to not do what we are supposed to. What ever you naffs are, give them up for the month and insha' Allah everyday after Ramadan as well. Insha' Allah, if you can do it or not do for 30 days you can maintain it for ever.

The rewards for fasting during this month are great, let's not let this opportunity pass us by.
Fasting is a means for one's sins to be forgiven. The Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) said: "He who fasts Ramadan, due to iman and hoping for reward (from Allah) then his past sins are forgiven." [Bukhaaree, Muslim]

May Allah grant us all a successful and blessed Ramadan and may our previous sins be forgiven- ameen

Asalaamu alaikum

Nadira

Muslimah2Muslimah

Ramadan F.Y.I.

The Intention

Prophet (s.a.w.) said: "Whoever does not intend to fast before dawn, there is no fast for him." (Al-Tirmidhi) "Whoever does not intend to fast from the night before, there is no fast for him." (Al-Tirmidhi)

The place of intention is the heart and to utter it verbally is not established from the Prophet (s.a.w.) or his companions, may Allah be pleased with them. Thus one should make intention in ones heart before going to sleep.

The time for beginning and ending the fast.

Fajr
Eat and drink, until the white thread of dawn appear to you distinct from its black thread; then complete your fast Till the night appears(Quran 2:187)

ii) The meal that is taken before the fajr is called Suhoor (predawn meal)

We should make sure that we eat and drink something at Suhoor, and that we delay it until just before the adhanof Fajr.

The Prophet [an error occurred while processing this directive] (s.a.w.) said "The distinction between our fasting and the fasting of the people of the book is the taking of the pre -dawn meal (Suhoor)" (Muslim)

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: " Have Suhoor, for in Suhoor there is blessing (barakah)." ( Al-Bukharee)

It is also guidance of the Prophet (s.a.w. ) to delay the Suhoor meal until just before the true fajr. (note along with no eating or drinking whilst fasting. one can not have sexual intercourse with spouse. kissing and hugging is allowed but if such close contact causes ejaculation then this will break the fast. Also swallowing saliva of some one else invalidates the fast.

3 The time to breaking the fast (Iftar).

This time is as soon as Maghrib Starts (after sun has set). If you are in the Masjid or close by and hear the Athan for Maghrib prayer then it means you can now break your fast.

One should hasten to break the fast because the Prophet (s.a.w.) said: "The people will be fine so long as they do not delay iftar." ( Al-Bukharee). He (s.a.w.) also said "My Ummah will not cease to be upon my Sunnah as long as they do not await the stars when breaking the fast" (Ibn Hibban). So as soon as Maghrib begins (i.e. if you are in the Masjid and Athan is said) one should start to break the fast immediately.

Break the fast in the manner described in the hadith narrated by Anas (s.a.w.)may Allah be pleased with him): "The Prophet (s.a.w.) used to break his fast with fresh dates before praying; if fresh dates were not available, he would eat (dried) dates; if dried dates were not available, he would have a few sips of water." ( Al-Tirmidhi)

Dua said when Breaking the fast

ALLAAHUMMA LAKA S'UMTU WA A'LAA RIZQIKA AFT'ARTU WA A'LAYKA TAWAWKKALTU

O my Allah, for Thee, I fast, and with the food Thou gives me I break the fast, and I rely on Thee