The Islamic Journey to Motherhood... Part 1

For those of you who know, my husband and I recently had our first child. Throughout my pregnancy and even before my pregnancy, I started to learn more and more about the Islamic traditions regarding childbirth. There are so many beautiful traditions and sunnah regarding this sacred time. I decided to share a few things that I learned to other Muslimahs out there. This series will be broken down into 4 parts: Conception, During Pregnancy, Labor and Delivery and Early Infancy.

Part 1: Conception

There are many things you can do to help to conceive a child. First and most importantly, it is necessary that you and your husband are good, practicing Muslims, because this is the foundation of the family and will help you to be in the right physical and emotional state for conceiving. You should both be observing the five daily prayers, fasting, and giving zakah according to your ability. Your income and that of your husband's should be from what is permissible, and not from the haraam, such as interest, or the sale of alcohol or pork.

As far as specific du'as for conceiving, there is no "magic bullet" du'a, of course, but here are some beneficial supplications from the Holy Qur'an:

"Rabbi la tadharni faradan wa anta khayru al-warithin."

Translation: "My Lord! Leave me not solitary (childless) You are the best of inheritors." (Al-Anbiya 89)

"Rabbi hab li min ladunka dhurriyyatan tayyibah innaka sami`ud du`a'

Translation: "My Lord! Grant me from You upright offspring, for You hear all prayers" (Al `Imran 38)

Recite these du'as frequently, and also make a habit of remembering Allah throughout your day with "subhanAllah" "alhamdulillah", and "Allahu akbar" and other authentic du'as.

There are also some "worldy" things you can do to increase the chance of conception. The first is to enjoy marital intimacy frequently. A woman is only fertile for a few days out of the month, so if you are intimate often, you have a better chance to conceive. You can purchase ovulation prediction kits (which use your body's temperature to determine when you might be most fertile) and you can keep track of your menstrual cycle to determine your fertile times. Also, RELAX! Marital intimacy should be enjoyable for its own sake, and if you are enjoying one another and not stressing over "having" to get pregnant, you will actually increase your chances, as stress hormones can interfere with pregnancy. There are many stories about women who finally got pregnant after they "gave up" trying and just resigned themselves to not having children.

Make sure also that you are not doing anything that will harm your health. If either of you smokes, stop now. The toxins from tobacco products can badly affect the man's sperm, damaging it and leading to infertility and potential defects in the fetus. Eat good healthy food, avoid processed foods, and maintain a healthy body weight. Exercise moderately. You should take a good woman's multivitamin or prenatal vitamin and extra folic acid to avoid a specific birth defect. Be sure to check the ingredients for gelatin prior to purchase.

As you see, there is a lot you can do to give yourself the best chance of conceiving. One thing to caution you about: you might receive superstitious advice from family members or acquaintances. Avoid any non-Islamic advice and hold to the Qur'an and Sunnah. InshaAllah, you will be blessed with a child who will be well-mannered, beautiful, intelligent, healthy and pious.

Before intercourse, it is sunnah to recite a du'a (prayer) to protect any offspring from Shaitan (the devil) such as the following:

"Bismillāh Allāhumma jannibnash-shaytān wa jannibish-shaytāna mā razaqtanā"

Translation: In the Name of Allāh! O Allāh! Protect me from satan and protect what You bestow upon us from satan.

If this is recited prior to intercourse and a child is conceived, it is destined that Shaitan will never be able to harm it.

Once a woman has confirmed her pregnancy, she should express her gratitude before Allah Ta'ala as this is indeed a great bounty of Allah Ta'ala. Gratitude may be expressed in the following dua:

"Allahummâ Lakal Hamdû Wa Lakash-Shukru"


Translation: O Allah! All praises are due to You alone and I express my gratitude unto You alone (for granting me the honour of motherhood)

www.islamicanswers.com


Asalaamu alaikum

Najwa

Muslimah2Muslimah Big Sister Program

We have been working on getting our Big Sister Program for quite some time. We still have a lot of work to do to get things going, but we have been receiving a lot of email from sisters looking for mentors. We would love to be able to speak to each and every sister and have a chance to connect with them on a personal level. However due to location and the amount of sisters looking for mentors we would not be able to do it.

We think this would be great for new shahaadahs, younger sisters, sisters looking to learn more/strengthen their deen and have someone to be able to connect with. So insha' Allah if you are interested in being a mentor or you are seeking a mentor please send us an email at bigsisterprogram@muslimah2muslimah.com with the subject Big Sister Program for more info. Also be sure to let us know if you want to mentor or are looking for a mentor.

Asalaamu alaikum
Nadira & Najwa

New Shahaadah Interview: Kizzy

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 Kizzy, who in the midst of all propaganda has warmly embraced Islam and get her Muslimah's Perspective on Islam...


Muslimah 2 Muslimah: What is your name?

Kizzy Craig

M2M: What made you become interested in Islam?

Kizzy: My first encounter with a muslimah is what made me interested, when i spoke to her i realised that she was not beaten, oppressed, uneducated and she was full of vigour and vitality and an acute fashion sense, at the time i was what you would call a diva extraordinaire and did not want to let go of what I identified as me (acrylic nails, funky hairdos, latest trends etc) I realised she had none of these things and still i envied what she had which was a peace that was within, and even without all these additions she was the most beautiful person i had ever come across.

M2M: What does your family think about your decision?

Kizzy: Everyone is pretty ok with it i guess, they ask a lot of questions and i am happy for that. Every opportunity i get i try to educate them more and more without being a bug (lol)

M2M: What types of reactions have you gotten from your friends or coworkers?

Kizzy: Friends have been supporters ( i have only got 5 friends whose opinions really matter) the acquaintances i'm not concerned about- my party friends dont ask me to go out with them anymore -- (Wonder why LOL!!) I guess after the first 50 times or so of asking they got tired of hearing that I'm not into that anymore. Co workers are okay i see them for 8 hrs and then go home so they don't have much of an input.

M2M: How has Islam changed your life?

Kizzy: I am more at peace with myself, I have more time for family, my kids, i understand my place in society more, i am more in tune with God and the responsibility i have as his servant and i have a greater appreciation for how great Allah is i see his fine handy work around everytime.

M2M: What advice would you give to someone who is interested in Islam?

Kizzy: Go brave!! The sooner you make this step the faster things would flow in your life for you. Start giving back to Allah in your speech your actions its not enough for the things he does for us. Allah (swt) is most merciful and gracious the walk is not easy but its made easy for us. Things just seem to fall into place when we obey his commands and carry out his will.

M2M: Islamically, women are required to wear a hijab. Others say that you must also cover your face(niqab). What are your thoughts on this?

Kizzy: I wear hijab (i work in an Anglican school so I wear a head wrap and tie a bun in the back for work) and i know wearing the hijab is compulsory and i do " cover up" in dress and actions hijab is not just the piece of wrap or pretty fabric we wear its the way we carry ourselves too . For me I have not explored the option of niqab and dont know if i ever will ( I'm taking it all one step at a time). For the sisters who wear niqab mashaallah. For me hijab is quite fine. I love the hijab ( its my will, and choice and my way of submission to Allah)

M2M: How did you feel the first time you wore hijab?

Kizzy: An unbelievable sense of inner peace, peace of mind, fulfillment, gratitude towards Allah (swt) Its an indescribable feeling. I am happy I made the decision to.

M2M: What is your opinion on the common labels associated with Muslims ("terrorists", "extremists" , etc.)?

Kizzy: Just talk for me. I know better. Individuals jump on the bandwagons and say nasty things but... Alhumdulilah Allah gives us the strength to persevere. Some wrong things have been done and unfortunately individuals have not been blamed independently and a religion has been ridiculed, hatred has been perpetuated and our religion allowed to be the brunt of jokes and insulting captions because of this, but Allah is the Judge of all and knows best.

M2M: 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?

Kizzy: I am not oppressed, many sisters I know are not oppressed but i guess when you break the mold of what is deemed right you will always come under close scrutiny and judgement is very easily made.

M2M: 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?

Kizzy: I thought all the things that all non muslims think, i saw a woman in niqab and wondered why she would allow a man to do this to her, saw a woman in hijab and wondered why she had subjected herself to this. I was so disgusted by some of these sights that i decided there must be a reason why they would want to go "against the grain" and do something that was so unlike the world today, wear loose clothes, long clothes, cover their heads etc then i fell hard for the values and principles that were and still are today ISLAM and was "picked up" and carried by Allah (swt). The love and appreciation for 1 GOD. I started reading to gain knowledge and information and ended up taking shahada.

M2M: How has Muslimah2Muslimah helped you along your journey to Islam?/ How have you benefitted from Muslimah2Muslimah?

Kizzy: Its a beginners guide i searched long and hard for a new shahada sight and bounced up on Muslimah2Muslimah by accident. I have learnt a lot from this site. And prayer Allah's richest blessing on my sisters.

Insha'allah, everyone... please pray for our new sister Kizzy 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. Kizzy, may Allah bless you and your family in all of your endeavors and may He grant you Jannatul Firdaus! Ameen!

Also check out the New Shahaadah Album on Facebook so you can reach out to Kizzy and other sisters.

Asalaamu alaikum

Nadira & Najwa

New Shahaadah Interview: Sister Nadirah

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 Nadirah, who in the midst of all propaganda has warmly embraced Islam and get her Muslimah's Perspective on Islam...

Muslimah2Muslimah: What is your name?

Sister Nadirah

Muslimah2Muslimah: What made you become interested in Islam?

Sister Nadirah: I have been friends and helping out at a local Muslim store, I also cleaned the area masjid, I found such calmness and peace every time I was at either place and around the Muslims there. I started to read about Islam a lot and started talking to the Imam at the masjid and decided this is what i was missing in my life inner peace that only Allah could bring me MashaAllah!!!

Muslimah2Muslimah:What does your family think about your decision?

Sister Nadirah: Coming from a totally christian family, they were shocked, my brother was in the service and didn't take it well. They all say they are happy for me, but inside I feel they wonder what is she thinking. My family is polish and stubborn. I feel sometimes they are embarrassed by me, but I have a awesome 12 year old little girl who loves the fact I am happy and isn't ashamed to be seen in public with me, she gives me such strength!! She soon will be taking [her] Shahadda Insha Allah.

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

Sister Nadirah: Not as bad as I thought, my real friends still talk with me and those who don't well, I can't control their feelings. I make dua for them. I am trying to find like minded people to surround myself with to help me and keep me on the right path. That is what i consider real friendship and I know Allah will provide those people as he already has MashaAllah!

Muslimah2Muslimah: How has Islam changed your life?

Sister Nadirah: Well I have only been a sister for 3 months, but a lot of lifestyle changes are taking place, my whole life is different. I don't have to much to share yet, more to come as my life unfolds, I will just say, I am more at peace and feel so empowered in my hijab!!

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

Sister Nadirah: Think real seriously about it, it is a total life change and commitment, but the glory and peace and rewards of knowing we can go to janna are indescribable, Allah is so merciful. I also will give them a little dua 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?

Sister Nadirah: I am so empowered in my hijab, I was a little scared about what others would say, but the moment I went out in it all the fear went away. It was as if I was born in it! So natural, I haven't taken it off since my Shahadda!!

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

Sister Nadirah: EMPOWERMENT!!!!

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

Sister Nadirah: I feel they are just uninformed, the media labels to much, real people get it but I don't get into it because I know the real truth now!!

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?

Sister Nadirah: They need to be educated, some of my friends felt that way until I explained it to them and now they see it. I also passed out some literature from our masjid to them if they wanted it.....

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?

Sister Nadirah: I thought the same as my friends I just went by what I saw on tv and in the news.

Muslimah2Muslmah: Have your views changed in any way?

Sister Nadirah: 100 % absolutely, I now know that what I thought was wrong and [Muslim] women are Highly respected!!

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

Sister Nadirah: I loved the videos, they are informative and to the point. The help with clothing for new Muslimah is awesome and I like that I belong to a group who I can respect, trust and follow Insha Allah!!

Insha'allah, everyone... please pray for our new sister Nadirah(and her little girl) 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. Nadirah, may Allah bless you and your family in all of your endeavors and may He grant you Jannatul Firdaus! Ameen!

Also check out the New Shahaadah Album on Facebook so you can reach out to Nadirah and other sisters.

Asalaamu alaikum

Nadira & Najwa

Friends.....How many of us have them?

Who we choose as our friends/companions is a serious decision that is not to be taken lightly. We should want friends who are on the same path as us and want the same things out of life that we do. Our ultimate goal is to do things fisibilillah(for the sake of Allah). It is our responsibly to make sure that we are careful with who we take as our close friends.

Most importantly we should make sure that our friends/companions are other Muslimahs. You want a friend who encourages the good(halal/permissible) and discourages the bad(haraam/forbidden). Another Muslimah will remind you when it's time to offer salah, encourage proper hijab, help you in constantly remembering Allah(swt). When we are around other Muslimahs we consistently dhikr(remember) Allah(swt). For example how we greet each other, when we sneeze, yawn, begin to do something. etc. These are just a few of the many benefits of having other Muslimahs as our close friends.

You may have been reading this and thinking to yourself "All my friends are Muslimahs so I don't have anything to worry about". In a perfect world this would be true but we also have to make sure that our fellow Muslimahs are on the same page with us as well. In a friendship you want someone who will pull you up not push down. A friend will encourage you to go to Islamic classes on the weekend instead of letting your time waste away on the dunya(worldly matters). A friend will help you find a husband the halal way, not encourage you to date/have a boyfriend. A friend will not talk about her friends(backbiting), she will remind you that when you backbite another it's like eating the flesh of your sister. The point is they will be a good influence on you and help you lead a successful life in this world that will insha' Allah lead to a successful life in the akhira.

Below is proof(daleel) from Quran and Hadith on the importance of being careful who we choose as our companions.

And the believers, men and women, are protecting friends of one another, they enjoin the right and forbid the wrong (9:71)

Allah the Exalted says in the Quran: "And (remember) the Day when the wrong-doer will bite his hands and say: Woe to me! Would that I had taken a path with the Messenger. Woe to me! If only I had not taken so- and- so as a friend! He has led me astray from this Reminder (the Quran) after it had come to me." [25:27-29].

O you who believe! Avoid much suspicion, in deeds some suspicions are sins. And spy not neither backbite one another. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would hate it (so hate backbiting). And fear God, verily, God is the one who accepts repentance, Most Merciful. (49: 12)

The Prophet(saw) said: "Man is influenced by the faith of his friends. Therefore, be careful of whom you associate with." - Abu Dawood & Tirmidhi

In another Hadith, Prophet(saw) said: "The example of a good companion and a bad companion is like that of the seller of musk, and the one who blows the blacksmith's bellows (respectively). So as for the seller of musk then either he will grant you some, or you buy some from him, or at least you enjoy a pleasant smell from him. As for the one who blows the blacksmith's bellows then either he will burn your clothes or you will get an offensive smell from him." - Bukhari & Muslim

The Prophet(saw) said: "Help your brother whether he is a wrong-doer or is wronged". A man enquired: 'O Messenger of Allah (saw) , I may help him when he is wronged, but how can I help him when he is a wrong-doer? ' The Prophet (saw) said ' You can prevent him from wrong-doing. That will be your help to him" - Bukhari & Muslim

May Allah(swt) bless us all with companions who help us stay on the siratul mustaqeem(the straight path) - ameen

Anything we have said right is from Allah(swt) anything we have said wrong is from us.

Love for the sake of Allah

Asalaamu alaikum

Nadira & Najwa

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

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

Muslimah2Muslimah New Shahadah Interview: Alula!!!

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. Alula is one of our tweet buddies on Twitter and also a fellow blogger! You can check out her blog at: http://bchantae.blogspot.com/. It is called "life of an African-American Muslimah."

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 Alula, who in the midst of all propaganda has warmly embraced Islam and get her Muslimah's Perspective on Islam...

Muslimah2Muslimah: What is your name?
Alula: Alula Bruinton

Muslimah2Muslimah: What made you become interested in Islam?
Alula: In my African- American Studies class we were studying Islam. We didn't go as into-depth as I wanted to, so I studied the deen on my own. After studying the deen, I enjoyed it and made a decision to convert.

Muslimah2Muslimah: What does your family think about your decision?
Alula: In my first few months my family was not very supportive at all. A lot of my family still doesn't accept it, but my mother is getting a lot better at atleast trying to understand and accept it. Christianity is very strong in my family, I only have one muslim cousin and I see here like once every 5 years, so it's very hard for me and my family to agree on Islam.

Muslimah2Muslimah: What types of reactions have you gotten from your friends or coworkers?
Alula: My close friends and co-workers are very supportive of my decision! One of my very close friends has offered to not engage in any activitied or enviornments that I can't so that it won't be hard for me and I will feel comfortable. I'm very happy and greatful for that! I am interested to see how my other friends and classmates will react with me being the only muslimah on campus. It will be a big change for them, and that will be how I can tell who my real friends are.

Muslimah2Muslimah: How has Islam changed your life?
Alula: Being a young converted muslimah, Islam has brought me a lot of life changes. Islam has brought me so much peace and understanding. I understand Islam so much more than I understood Christianity, and I enjoy it being all about Allah and I.

Muslimah2Muslimah: What advice would you give to someone who is interested in Islam?
Alula: I would encourage them to come to Islam and study the deen and make sure they are ready to committ themselves to Allah and the deen. Islam comes with many changes for most young converters, but these changes are definately for the better!

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?
Alula: I personally prefer hijab over niqab. It took me a while to make the decision to wear hijab and get used to it, but I love hijab and I'm glad that I made the decision to wear it.

Muslimah2Muslimah: How did you feel the first time you wore hijab?
Alula: I felt good the first time I wore hijab. I did feel as though a lot of people were staring at me, but other than that, I felt great about it.

Muslimah2Muslimah: What is your opinion on the common labels associated with Muslims ("terrorists", "extremists" , etc.)?
Alula: I don't like or agree with these labels at all. Islam is a religion of peace. I know I can't change everyone's minds about their opinions, but I would like to prove people wrong about these misconceptions and open their minds to be more diverse and accepting.

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?
Alula: I don't believe that Islam oppresses women at all. If people studied more and tried to understand and research the things they judge so much, they would have more insight on the situations and opionions they made.

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?
Alula: I honestly thought different from the media and negative views they had on Islam and the women. I have never had a problem with Islam or Muslims and Muslim women. I am a very open and diverse person and I love that about myself. I am in no way judgemental like the majority of the world. I still have the same thoughts and feelings after converting.

Muslimah2Muslimah: Has your view changed in any way?
Alula: Not at all. If anything my love and understanding has grown more for Islam and the muslimahs, especially the young muslimahs like myself out here in the world. We aren't perfect and it's hard in the day and age we live in to be the modest women that we are and have to be Masha'Allah.

Muslimah2Muslimah: How has Muslimah2Muslimah helped you along your journey to Islam?
Alula: Muslimah2Muslimah has helped me a lot. They've helped me strive to be a better muslimah. I never would've imagined that the Hijabi look would be for me, but I've grown into it and if I hadn't found Muslimah2Muslimah or the Muslimahs that I made friends with off the site, I would be a confused and lost muslimah. I also appreciate Muslimah2Muslimah helping me find hijabs where I live (lol), I was having the hardest time with that.

~Insha'allah, everyone... please pray for our new little sister Alula 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. Alula, may Allah bless you and your family in all of your endeavors and may He grant you Jannatul Firdaus! Ameen!