Spring Hijabi Fashionista: Ruffles, ruffles and more ruffles!

Ruffles are all over the runway for Spring 2010. It's all about femininity this spring.

Givenchy

Marc Jacobs

Stella McCartney

Here are a few pieces inspired by the runway that work well as everyday wear for Muslimahs.

click the images to be directed to the websites

Yellow Ruffle Shirt Dress

This would look great with a long sleeve shirt underneath(color of your choice) and a pair of wide leg jeans.

Gray Ruffle Abaya

We have featured this abaya before(Pink Hijab Day) and it has just the right amount of ruffle on the back.

Ruffle Flat

Cute flat ruffle shoe, bright and colorful for spring and at a great price. $10

White Military Ruffle Jacket

Muslimah2Muslimah Fab Fav!!

This jacket combines two very hot trends for this spring both military and ruffles. This jacket is soooo cute. It would look great over an abaya/over garment as well.

Green Shirt Dress

Very cute green dress, which of course would be worn as a shirt. Looks great on and would go great with wide leg jeans.

Peach Platform Shoe

These heels are absolutely gorgeous! Love the ruffle detail on them and they come in other colors.

Ruffle Handbag

You may not want the ruffle to be a part of your outfit all day long. No problem, a ruffle bag is a great accessory.

Make sure that if you do the ruffles keep it to a one item minimum so that you don't over do it.

Let us know what you think. Do you like the ruffles? Would you wear them? How would you wear ruffles? Do you think you can have too much ruffle?

***All clothing should be lose fitting in order to maintain modesty***

Happy Shopping Ladies!

Asalaamu alaikum

Nadira & Najwa

Essentials of Sacred Knowledge

As Salaam Alaikum, Plans for the summer?

This June, Hajj Pros-Professional Hajj and Umrah Guides, LLC, known for its outstanding service with Hajj and Umrah, has organized an excellent study abroad opportunity you don’t want to miss! Essentials of Sacred Knowledge: a one month immersive study program hosted in the two holy precincts of Mecca and Medina . Instructors will include professors of Um-ul Qura University ( Mecca ) and the University of Medina as well as trusted and notable scholars in Saudi Arabia . Designed for ages seventeen and above, males and females are welcome to apply. Umrah and visits of historical sites included. Register early and receive financial aid. Please forward and share this program with family, friends, and networks.

To register and for more details call Sulaimaan Hamed or Shahidah Sharif 770-905-2102 http://www.hajjpros.com/

Professional Hajj & Umrah Guides LLCPeople Who You Know and Can TrustVisit http://www.hajjpros.com/

Hanan Khalilah Bilal PO Box 13784 Gainesville, Florida 32604 HananBilal@yahoo.com 352-215-3086 Cell & Text Service is a way of LIFE!

"Let us take care of the children, they have a long way to go. Take care of the elders, they have come a long way. Take care of those in between...they are doing the work."

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

Yay! One Year for Muslimah2Muslimah!

Alhamdulilah Muslimah2Muslimah has officially made it one year today February 16th, 2009. When we first started M2M we just wanted a place for us to go that provided practical information for Muslimah's on day to day life i.e. friendships, fashion, salah, etc.. As we look back to a year ago we don't know what we would have done without M2M and all the lovely subscribers, blog followers, tweeters, YRac family and facebook friends.

Our journey with M2M has challenged and pushed us to grow everyday, alhamdulilah. We have learned so much and insha' Allah been able to share what we have learned with others. We are thankful for all the support and comments from everyone who took the time to share their point of view or who left comments/messages just to let us know they appreciate what we're doing.

We know that we haven't had many postings/videos lately so we appreciate everyone being so patient with us. We have a lot planned for our 2nd year so insha' Allah stay posted.

Anything we have done from right is from Allah(swt) and anything we have done wrong is from us alone.

Love for the sake of Allah(swt)

Your Sisters,
Nadira & Najwa

Exclusive! Hijabi Students Take On BNP Types

We found this video and thought it would be interesting to see what your endings would be. Insha' Allah be creative and share with us how you would end this video.

We will post the ending to this video & the website info tomorrow so no peaking! Be creative! = )

Nadira & Najwa

Hijabi Recessionista Find of the Week: Beautiful Abayas

This is my favorite one!!!

I would wear this one with a grey scarf and an under scarf that matches one of the colors embroidered on it

Green is my fav color, so I love this one!

I'm in love with this one, it's absolutely gorgeous!!! I would wear it with a green scarf thought with a white under scarf

All of these garments, with fabulous flow, colors and materials can be found at EastEssence. The prices range from $19.95 and up. Most of the items are in the $20/$30 range. If you order more than $125 you get free shipping. They also have bridal items, menswear, hijab and accessories.

Comment and let us know what you think and how you would make it work for you

Happy Shopping!!!

Nadira & Najwa
Asalaamu alaikum

Avoiding Riba/Interest/Usury

What exactly is Riba?

Riba (Usury) is of two major kinds: Riba An-Nasia - Interest on lent money and Riba Al-Fadl - Taking a superior thing of the same kind of goods by giving more of the same kind of goods of inferior quality, eg.,dates of superior quality for dates of inferior quality in great amounts.

The definition of Interest, the literal meaning of interest or Al-Riba as it is used in the arabic language means to excess or increase. In the Islamic terminology interest means effortless profit or that profit which comes free from compensation or that extra earning obtained that is free of exchange. Riba has been described as a loan with the condition that the borrower will return to the lender more than and better than the quantity borrowed.

As Muslims, our main concern when it comes to financial transactions is to avoid riba in any of its forms, despite the fact that the basic foundation of the world economics and finance today is that of riba and dealing in usury. The Prophet(saw) has foretold us of a time when the spread of riba would be so overwhelming that it would be extremely difficult for the Muslim to avoid it. This situation calls for Muslims to be extra cautious before deciding on what money payment of financial methods to use in any personal or business transaction.

Below are a few surahs from the Quran to show just how serious Riba is.

The Noble Qur'an - Al-Baqarah 275-281

275. Those who eat Ribâ (usury) will not stand (on the Day of Resurrection) except like the standing of a person beaten by Shaitân (Satan) leading him to insanity. That is because they say: "Trading is only like Ribâ (usury)," whereas Allâh has permitted trading and forbidden Ribâ (usury). So whosoever receives an admonition from his Lord and stops eating Ribâ (usury) shall not be punished for the past; his case is for Allâh (to judge); but whoever returns [to Ribâ (usury)], such are the dwellers of the Fire - they will abide therein.
276. Allâh will destroy Ribâ (usury) and will give increase for Sadaqât (deeds of charity, alms, etc.) And Allâh likes not the disbelievers, sinners.
277. Truly those who believe, and do deeds of righteousness, and perform As-Salât (Iqâmat-as-Salât), and give Zakât, they will have their reward with their Lord. On them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.
278. O you who believe! Be afraid of Allâh and give up what remains (due to you) from Ribâ (usury) (from now onward), if you are (really) believers.
279. And if you do not do it, then take a notice of war from Allâh and His Messenger but if you repent, you shall have your capital sums. Deal not unjustly (by asking more than your capital sums), and you shall not be dealt with unjustly (by receiving less than your capital sums).
280. And if the debtor is in a hard time (has no money), then grant him time till it is easy for him to repay, but if you remit it by way of charity, that is better for you if you did but know.
281. And be afraid of the Day when you shall be brought back to Allâh. Then every person shall be paid what he earned, and they shall not be dealt with unjustly.

The Noble Qur'an - Al-Imran 3:130
O you who believe! Eat not Ribâ (usury) doubled and multiplied, but fear Allâh that you may be successful.

We as Muslimahs must do all that we can to avoid interest, this is a very serious issue that we are faced with everyday. As soon as you finish high school and start college most students are bombarded with credit cards offers providing them with fast and easy money. On top of that most students finance there collegiate careers with student loans that accrue interest. If you want to buy a home, a car or make any sort of large purchase it's most likely going to involve interest. Even if you pay a utility bill late, most companies add interest! This puts people into more and more debt. The difficult part is usually paying off the interest you end up owing not the principal. Avoid credit cards for purchases at all cost. A good rule of thumb is if you don't you have it, you just don't have it. Save your money until you have enough to buy the flat screen t.v., computer, new outfit or what ever it is you want.

For larger purchases it's not always that easy. If you saved up for a new home most people would be saving for a very, very, very long time. So what do we do to avoid this? I'm so glad that you asked. We do have a options available to us. Below are a few resources and options we have to help us avoid riba.

American Finance House

AlBaraka

Devon House

If you know of any other helpful sites please feel free to share and post them in a comment below.

***some information for the post provided from http://www.muttaqun.com/riba.html***

Asalaamu alaikum
Nadira & Najwa

Rock It or Stop It: Make-Up with Hijab

Whether it's for you husband, an all girls gathering or everyday wear. What is it that crosses the line? Is it too much eye liner or mascara? Is it a certain shade of lipstick? Too much eye

shadow?

Is it okay as long as the make-up is natural looking like the above picture?

How about natural with a smokey eye?

What about coordinating your make-up with your hijab?

Is it okay to wear for special occasions?

What are the do's and dont's of make-up and hijab? Wear it but make sure it's light/not to heavy? Wear it as long as you can't tell your wearing it? Wear it only for your hubby? Don't wear it at all, ever?

What do you think ladies, ROCK IT or STOP IT?

Asalaamu alaikum

Nadira & Najwa

Muslim Women to look up to : Hazrat Hafsah

It's important that as Muslimahs we have our own role models to look up to. We don't look to the latest stars, celebrities, models and politicians for our examples. Instead we look to the Muslimahs of yesterday and today. We are beautiful, strong, intelligent women with voices to be heard. Always have been and always will be. We are the mothers, the teachers, the listeners, the supporters and the backbone of our Ummah.

Her name and lineage
Hafsah (Radi’Allahu Anha) was the daughter of Hazrat Umar (Radi’Allahu Anhu), the second Caliph of Islam. She was born four years before the declaration of Prophethood by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam). Her mother’s name was Zainab bint Mazoon, and Hafsah was also the real sister of the famous companion Uthman Bin Mazoon (Radi’Allahu Anhu).

Marriage to the Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam)
Hafsah (Radi’Allahu Anha)’s first marriage was to Khunais Bin Hazafa who belonged to the family of Banu Sahm. She accepted Islam along with her husband and her parents and migrated to Medina. In the Battle of Badr, Khunais received injuries and because of these, was eventually martyred. Hazrat Umar (Radi’Allahu Anhu) was very concerned about Hafsah (Radi’Allahu Anha)’s re-marriage. At the time, Hazrat Ruqayya (Radi’Allahu Anha) (daughter of the Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) who was married to Hazrat Uthman (Radi’Allahu Anhu)) also passed away. Knowing this, Hazrat Umar (Radi’Allahu Anhu) met with Hazrat Uthman (Radi’Allahu Anhu) and expressed his wish to give his daughter Hafsah in wedlock to him. Hazrat Uthman (Radi’Allahu Anhu) promised to consider but declined after a few days. This disappointed Hazrat Umar (Radi’Allahu Anhu).

Hazrat Umar (Radi’Allahu Anhu) mentioned the whole episode to Hazrat Abu Bakr (Radi’Allahu Anhu) who remained quite, this further disappointed Hazrat Umar (Radi’Allahu Anhu). After this, he himself proposed the re-marriage to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) which the Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) accepted. After the marriage, Abu Bakr (Radi’Allahu Anhu) met with Umar (Radi’Allahu Anhu), and told him that his silence on the proposal was because he wished to keep secret the intention of the Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) to marry Hafsah (Radi’Allahu Anha).

Her Knowledge
Hafsah (Radi’Allahu Anha) had an excellent knowledge base for religious points. Seeing this eagerness in her, the Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) took a keen interest in her learning and education. As many as sixty traditions are reported to be narrated by Hafsah (Radi’Allahu Anha) on the authority of Umar (Radi’Allahu Anhu) and the Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam).

Once the Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said to Hafsah (Radi’Allahu Anha), that he hoped all the companions who had fought in the Battle of Badr, and all who were associated with the Peace treaty at Hudaibiya never enter the Hell-Fire. To this Hafsah (Radi’Allahu Anha) stated, “Allah has declared in the Holy Qur’aan that every one of you shall have to pass over the bridge of Hell. The next part of the verse reads, ‘Then We shall exonerate and save those who feared God in their earthly life and let those who had been unjust fall in the Hell-fire on their knees’.”

Conduct and Behaviour
Ibn-e-Sa’ad stated, “Hafsah (Radi’Allahu Anha) was constant and persevering in observing her fasts and in her long prayers at night. In another narration, it is stated that she observed fasts even up to her last moment when she left this world.

Hafsa (Radi’Allahu Anha) was a little sharp in temperament, at times she argued with the Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam). Imam Bukhari has narrated in his Book of Traditions on the authority of Umar (Radi’Allahu Anhu), who said, “During the pre-Islamic days of Jahiliyya, we cared not in the least for the women folk. Islam granted them a social status and verses of the Holy Qur’aan were revealed in favour of their rights which made us (male Muslims) mindful of their dignity and social status. One day my wife gave her opinion to me on a particular matter. I said to her, ‘What business do you have in extending views and opinion?’ On this she said to me, ‘Ibn-e-Khattab! You do not tolerate even such slight things from me whereas your daughter enters into argument with the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam), making him unhappy for the whole day.’

Her Death
Hafsah (Radi’Allahu Anha) died in the month of Sha’ban in the year 45AH. Marwan, the governor of Medina said her funeral prayer and accompanied her pier for a long distance. Abu Hurairah (Radi’Allahu Anhu) took the dead body to the precincts of her grave and her brother, Abdullah Bin Umar (Radi’Allahu Anhu), accompanied by his sons, Asim, Salim, Abdullah and Hamzah, laid her to her eternal rest.

***article from http://issmstudents.org.uk/articles/female_comp/Hafsah_ra.asp

***If you know a Muslimah to look up i.e. your Mother, teacher, sister in your community, friend, etc. Send us an email at mail@muslimah2muslimah.com so we can feature them. Tell us why they are a Muslimah to look up to in your opinion along with an image.***

Muslimah Must Have!!! Winter 2009

Left- Matalan Womenswear Papaya Structured Collar Coat Center - Marks & Spencer Autumn Purple Hooded Felt Cape Coat With Belt Right - John Lewis - JL Purple Belted Coat

Every Muslimah needs to have a fabulous jacket in her wardrobe. Jackets are great because it doesn't matter if your wear over garments, jeans, niqab, etc., a jacket goes with anything.

Jackets are also a great way to add color to any ensemble. They are an automatic upgrade for a simple outfit. If your going to get a jacket, classic black is option but why not go with a nice purple like the winter coats above?

Since the above jackets can be a little pricey, here is a more economical version for the hijabi recessionista

This jacket can be found at www.Delias.com for $99.50, http://store.delias.com/item.do?itemID=51815&categoryID=1935&sizeFilter=&colorFilter=&brandFilter=

Let us know what you think ladies

Happy Shopping!!!

Asalaamu alaikum

Nadira & Najwa

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