I am so blessed to be your wife Mahal ko

Dear Mahal Ko

I wanted to write this letter to let you know that I am thinking about you and that I love you so much. I know we have our differences and we were made into two different people, but I believe we were made us just for each other. I appreciate all that you have done for me and all that you continue to do to show your love for me. Thank You!
You make me smile when I don't feel like smiling; you make me happy when I am sad and you bring joy and peace into my everyday worries. For that, I am so blessed to have you as my spouse and I am thankful for you every day.

Everyday you give me joy and I can never thank Allah enough

I cherish each day I can wake up next to you and spend time together, whether it's a lot of time or a small block of time. I also cherish each night that we share our bed together; knowing that we can end our night as one holding each other, and letting go of the worries from that day.
I often ask the question, "Can I really be this blessed to have you in my life?" My answer is always a resounding yes because how can I complain about someone as wonderful as you are. You were wonderful enough for me to marry you, so I know that what made you so special back then is still shining bright in you.
On this day, I wanted to thank you for loving me, thank you for putting up with me, thank you for being patient with me, thank you for making me smile, thank you for serving me and most of all, thank you for being the wonderful person that I have come to love so much.
Please forgive me if I have ever done or said anything to hurt you, because I want us walk this journey together in love and a renewed commitment to each other.
I hope our marriage will forever be blessed not just as a marriage, but as a "holy matrimony." My sincere prayer is that we can continue to walk this journey side-by-side and day-by-day loving each other, until "death parts us."
Love Always,

Your loving wife 

Ellie

The Adjustment ...

While I’m not a second wife, I have been in contact with many of them and I can assure you that second wives encounter their own share of adjustment issues, and indeed are sometimes completely blindsided by them. I even have friends who is 3rd wife. She told me that her husband gave her a RM1mil plus condo, a luxury car and lots of money but....

Many people assume that since most second wives entered their marriages knowing it would be a polygamous situation, they are not entitled to their share of adjustment issues. This is not only unfair, it’s downright stupid.

Every marriage, polygamous or monogamous, involves an adjustment period and goes through different stages – some harmonious, some discordant. So second marriages should be allowed that room to struggle just like first marriages. The thing is, with second marriages this is happening in the “shadow” of the husband’s experiences with his first wife. So if his first wife was more acquiescent or more domestic or more strong-willed (whatever the case), the second wife will feel she’s being compared to that. And some unwise husbands even harp on such things to their wives (“The other one doesn’t talk back,” “The other one dresses up more,” “The other one [fill-in-the-blank]“). So there may be a sense for a second wife that she has to “live up to” or “excel” her co-wife.

A second wife is also often going through the ups and downs of early marriage at a time when her co-wife is far past all that. Early marriage involves power struggles, boundary setting, cooperation style finding, etc. These things don’t usually happen in complete bliss. They are struggles. They involve conflict and emotion. Can you imagine going through all that feeling that your co-wife has already ironed it all out and is more stable in her relationship with your husband? And what if your style is completely different from that of your co-wife? Some husbands deal better with such a situation than others. Some husbands expect to behave with their second wife exactly the same way they deal with their first, and this does not always work. So sometimes second wives have a double-hard time of it because they have to find their own way and disabuse their husbands of the idea that they are a clone at the same time!

In my opinion one of the worst things second wives have to deal with is the wagging tongues of others. People who are normally kind and generous and forgiving can grow forked tongues and horns when the subject is a second wife. Not only is she accused of being a home-wrecker, but any problems she has are considered deserved, so she suffers twice. This can make for a very lonely road.

So being a second wife can be as much of a struggle as being a first wife. Of course the methods of coming out healthy and victorious are the same: du’a, sabr, and leaning on Allah. If a polygamous family can agree to meet all their challenges with humility and trust in Allah it can be the most rewarding kind of family, because it offers so much room for spiritual growth, maturity, and the gaining of wisdom.

The Reason Why All My Previous Relationship failed, So I Can Have A Perfect One Now

Sometimes the good things in life are the ones where you don't have to call out the obvious, it just is what it is. Apparently even I don't know what it is, but whatever it is, it feels good to stand where I'm standing right now…even when I know it's going to end real soon. I guess at the end of it, this wraps up my understanding about relationships between people. Why people have the relationships they have. Why some people who commit to lovey dovey things everyday still break up and why some people who barely do it can stay together for a lifetime. After all these years, after all my own failed relationships. I finally get. It's all about trust. I have lived enough to know that there is no such thing as the perfect person nor is there a fairy tale ending, but I still believe that there are such things as a perfect relationship. Relationships where strengths compliment each other's weakness, where equals and opposites are at the right place. Perfect relationships exists…it's just that we have to bring it out and thats where things start to go wrong. It is sad that the cynicism and unsaid insecurities are the diseases of the generations today. We live in a world where we always keep that part of us away from the world because we don't want to end up being hurt. The sad thing is…it's that very sense of distrust for the world that makes the world the miserable shell it is now. How many times have we had opportunities lost because we were too afraid to grab the chance? How many times have we had things we have destroyed because we were so scared we were going to lose it anyway? How many times have we had the people we care for walk away because we didn't believe in them to care for us? Too many times I have seen it. Too many times I have lived it. I think it's time to change that. Relationships with people are all about that trust. Trust to watch your back. Trust to care for you. Trust to believe in their abilities. Trust to open your heart to them and let them take you higher. How deep the bonds go between people depends on how well you trust a person to be themselves with you. Without that, no relationship would go anywhere. And it shows…in the way we do things between people. Why do couples act all lovey dovey? Because when you think of it, touch is a way you can reassure each other that you're there for them, that you can trust them to be there for you. Why do friendships fail? Because you eventually realise that you can't trust a person enough to watch your back when the chips are down. So when you boil it down to that simple equation…all you need is to know the reasons why you trust a person. It doesn't have to be that you have to feel them. it doesn't have to be that you have to tell them. It just has to be that you are there when you need to be there. Trust is something that is unspoken for. It cannot be told or written or felt. It is something you earn by the actions in which you live life between the people you're conencted to. Without it, we are the very definition of the loners we have become. Without trust, there can be no connection with people. Without trust, there can be nothing to be entirely human about. Without trust, we are nothing more than living a lie in a nightmare of our own making. I'm not saying that trust is something you should give freely. As I said, the world is a place that can burn you. It's just that by the end of it, the choice for how you want your life to be is entirely yours. You can take a chance and give your trust to people that earned it. Or you can take the chance losing out a life where anything is possible. I trust you can make that right choice. I really do.

To Allah and To Everyone I know, Please Forgive Me For All my wrong doing,

It is said that forgiveness is the sweetest revenge. To err is human and forgiving is divine. If you are not forgiven for any mistake done by you- known or unknown, you will feel the pain it causes. So, you can easily get to the higher position of divinity by forgetting and forgiving the mistakes of others

We humans are prone to making mistakes. It is no crime to make a mistake. Sometimes, in the flow of life we hurt others. Often we sleep over it and some other times we like to say sorry but move on. But, as the song goes, ‘sorry seems to be the hardest word’ and that is so true. Asking for forgiveness is a tough thing because it involves suppressing your ego. At the same time, forgiveness must be heartfelt because there is no felt saying sorry if you don’t mean that. One can also be not sure of forgiveness even if regret is expressed. But one should have heart pure and clean while apologizing.

 Before taking the initiative, one must be pretty sure of why he is sorry. Go behind the reasons and realize your mistake. Then only, the expression will be genuine. Fake apology mostly worsens the case so be very genuine about what you feel. There is one suggestion of writing down your apology. This will make you more comfortable. Writing also helps if the person is feeling embarrassed. One can send this written apology where it is intended. But its always better to meet person one to one and then apologize. One strong suggestion is to never to make any excuse while saying sorry. It does not really give a positive vibe. Avoid blame game and just be sincere. Rest assured, things will fall into place.

Just Sharing

First of all, i would like to apologize if my previous post on dogs may be a little bit daring and offensive. Never will i belittle the hukum of Allah and the prophet's teaching. Should i have offended any of my readers, I humbly apologise for my ignorant. I know in Islam we are not allowed to keep dog as pet but love to share the knowledge

THIS IS SPECIALLY DEDICATED TO THOSE WHO SAID I AM DIRTY FOR LOVING AND TOUCHING DOGS

It is traditional among Muslims all over the world to regard the dog as a dirty animal that when touched would void the wudu (ablution) and infect the one who touched it with "nagasah" (dirty impurity)!

Sadly, this concept comes from fabricated hadith which claims that the Prophet ordered the killing of dogs and gave numerous hadith that prohibit the keeping of dogs except for hunting and guarding, due to their dirty status!

However, by studying the Quran we find no such truth. No where in the Quran are dogs prohibited, nor is there any mention of any contaminating effect of these lovely animals who are man's best friend. Consequently, we must dismiss all these hadith that fabricate lies against the Prophet.

1- God tells us in the Quran about the story of the dwellers of the Cave (Surah 18). In verse 13 God tells us that they were good believers and that God guided them. In verse 18 God tells us that they had their dog with them.

Now if dogs are prohibited and dirty, would God speak of those dwellers of the Cave (who had a dog) as good believers?

2- In 5:4 God tells us that it is okay to eat what the trained dogs catch (dogs are used in hunting). Now if the dog is an animal which causes contamination by mere touch, would God tell us it is perfectly okay to eat what the dog catches with his mouth (let alone just touch the dog)?

3- The Quran contains a very important rule for all believers, and the rule is:

Nothing is haram (unlawful) unless it is prohibited by God Himself, and since God describes the Quran as complete, perfect and fully detailed, thus all the prohibitions decreed by God are found in the Quran. The following Quranic verses confirm this truth:

“Say, "Who prohibited the nice things God has created for His creatures, and the good provisions?" Say, "Such provisions are to be enjoyed in this life by those who believe. Moreover, the good provisions will be exclusively theirs on the Day of Resurrection." We thus explain the revelations for people who know.” 7:32

“Shall I seek other than God as a source of law, when He has revealed to you this book fully detailed?” 6:114

“You shall not utter lies with your own tongues stating: "This is halal (lawful), and this is haram (unlawful)," to fabricate lies and attribute them to God. Surely, those who fabricate lies and attribute them to God will never succeed.” 16:116

There is not one verse in the Quran where God says that dogs are dirty or that they are prohibited to keep.

4- Is it logical that God would create an animal to be man's best friend and serve him in many ways, and then prohibit such an animal?

5- If this is what the Quran has to tell us about the issue of dogs, then where does all the prohibition come from? Where do the claims that dogs are dirty animals which if touched would void our ablution and render us impure come from? As most other corruptions which have crept into Islam, the source is always the fabricated hadith which are falsely attributed to prophet Muhammad!

Hadith tell us that the Prophet prohibited the keeping of dogs as pets. Other hadith tell us that angels won't enter a room where there is a dog. Other hadith tell us that if we touch a dog our ablution is void and we become impure, and that we have to wash seven times to clean this impurity, the final time in dust. That seems inconsistent with the Quran saying you may eat what they catch for you! Some other hadith go even beyond that to say that we must kill all black dogs!

The following are some examples:

Malik's Muwatta, Book 54, Number 54.5.13:

"Malik related from Nafi from Abdullah Ibn Umar that the Messenger of God ordered all dogs (other than sheepdogs or hunting dogs) to be killed".

Ibn Hanbal's collection: The Messenger of God said:

"You shall kill all black dogs, because they are devils."

The question is: Did the Prophet really issue these prohibitions? In addition, did the Prophet have the authority to issue these prohibitions?

The answer is given in the Quran:

"O you prophet, why do you prohibit what God has made lawful in order to please your wives? God is Forgiver Merciful" 66:1

Obviously God did not include the words in 66:1 in the Quran to belittle the Prophet in our eyes, but these words are placed in the Quran in order to confirm to all believers across all time that the Messenger of God does not have the authority to prohibit anything which is not prohibited by God. God is the only Law Maker (6:114) and the only duty of the messenger is to deliver God's message (5:92).

The outcome of all the above is that we must discard all the lies attributed to the prophet regarding prohibiting dogs and be focused on the Quran as the only source of guidance and religious law.

NEVER JUDGE ANYONE BECAUSE You Never Know How Their Life is or as to What is Happening or What They’re Going Through

A doctor entered the hospital in hurry after being called in for an urgent surgery. He answered the call as soon as possible, changed his clothes and went directly to the surgery block. He found the boy’s father going and coming in the hall waiting for the doctor. Once seeing him, the dad yelled, “Why did you take all this time to come? Don’t you know that my son’s life is in danger? Don’t you have the sense of responsibility?”

The doctor smiled and said, “I am sorry, I wasn’t in the hospital and I came the fastest I could after receiving the call…… And now, I wish you’d calm down so that I can do my work.”

“Calm down?! What if your son was in this room right now, would you calm down? If your own son dies now what will you do??” said the father angrily

The doctor smiled again and replied: “I will say what Job said in the Holy Book “From dust we came and to dust we return, blessed be the name of God”. Doctors cannot prolong lives. Go and intercede for your son, we will do our best by God’s grace.”

“Giving advice when we’re not concerned is so easy,” murmured the father.

The surgery took some hours after which the doctor went out happy.

“Thank goodness! Your son is saved!” And without waiting for the father’s reply he carried on his way running. “If you have any question, ask the nurse!!”

“Why is he so arrogant? He couldn’t wait some minutes so that I ask about my son’s state” commented the father when seeing the nurse minutes after the doctor left.

The nurse answered, tears coming down her face: “His son died yesterday in a road accident, he was in the burial when we called him for your son’s surgery. And now that he saved your son’s life, he left running to finish his son’s burial.”

The Power Within Ourselves

The power of THOUGHT.
Love begins with our thoughts. We become what we think about. Loving thoughts create loving experiences and loving relationships. Affirmations can change our beliefs and thoughts about others and ourselves. If we want to love someone, we need to consider his or her needs and desires. Thinking about your ideal partner will help you recognize her when you meet her.

The power of RESPECT.
You cannot love anyone or anything unless you first respect them. The first person you need to respect is yourself. To begin to gain self-respect, ask yourself, What do I respect about myself? - To gain respect for others, even those you may dislike, ask yourself, What do I respect about them? -

The power of GIVING.
If you want to receive love, all you have to do is give it! The more love you give, the more you will receive. To love is to give of yourself, freely and unconditionally. Practice random acts of kindness. Before committing to a relationship ask not what the other person will be able to give to you, but rather what will you be able to give them. The secret formula of a happy, lifelong, loving relationship is to always focus on what you can give instead of what you can take.

The power of FRIENDSHIP.
To find a true love, you must first find a true friend. Love does not consist of gazing into each other"s eyes, but rather looking outward together in the same direction. To love someone completely you must love him or her for who they are and not for what they look like. Friendship is the soil through which love seeds grow. If you want to bring love into a relationship, you must first bring friendship.

The power of TOUCH.
Touch is one of the most powerful expressions of love, breaking down barriers and bonding relationships. Touch changes our physical and emotional states and makes us more receptive to love.

The power of LETTING GO.
If you love something, let it free. If it comes back to you, it's yours, if it doesn"t, it never was. Even in a loving relationship, people need their own space. If we want to learn to love, we must first learn to forgive and let go of past hurts and grievances. Love means letting go of our fears, prejudices, egos and conditions. Today I let go of all my fears, the past has no power over me - today is the beginning of a new life.

The power of COMMUNICATION.
When we learn to communicate openly and honestly, life changes. To love someone is to communicate with them. Let the people you love know that you love them and appreciate them. Never be afraid to say those three magic words: I Love You. Never let an opportunity pass to praise someone. Always leave someone you love with a loving word - it could be the last time you see him or her. If you were about to die but could make telephone calls to the people you loved, who would you call, what would you say and .. why are you waiting?

The power of COMMITMENT.
If you want to have love in abundance, you must be committed to it, and that commitment will be reflected in your thoughts and actions. Commitment is the TRUE test of love. If you want to have loving relationships, you must be committed to loving relationships. When you are committed to someone or something, quitting is never an option. Commitment distinguishes a fragile relationship from a strong one.

The power of PASSION.
Passion ignites love and keeps it alive. Lasting passion does not come through physical attraction alone; it comes from deep commitment, enthusiasm, interest and excitement. Passion can be recreated by recreating past experiences. When you felt passionate spontaneity and surprises produce passion. The essence of love and happiness are the same; all we need to do is to live each day with passion.

The power of TRUST.
Trust is essential in all loving relationships. Without it one person becomes suspicious, anxious and fearful and the other person feels trapped and emotionally suffocated. You cannot love someone completely unless you trust him or her completely. Act as if your relationship with the person you love will never end. One of the ways you can tell whether a person is right for you is to ask yourself. Do I trust them completely and unreservedly? - If the answer is no -, think carefully before making a commitment.

Happy Anniversary To My Soul Mate, My Mahal Ko

This journal is specially dedicated to my Mahal Ko. A year has passed.  Easily the best year of my life.  Because you were right there next to me.  I wake up happy because you are there by my side - I look at you and wonder how you are mine.   Thanks for choosing me.  for continuing to choose me everyday.  I got the best darn one.  I wonder how that happen?I keep telling myself I must have done one good thing in this world [yes Mahal, you hear me saying this again and again]

Thanks for all those sweet everyday nothings  - they really aren't nothing.  They mean so much to me.   You have made my days so much brighter.  Thanks for including  me in every decision, big or little.  For wanting my happiness above your own.  You really are the most selfless man out there.  Your compassion and thoughtfulness astounds me.  You are always thinking of others.  You are always thinking of me.  You never hold a grudge.  seriously, never.  that might be your best quality.  but it's hard for me to pick. Please never change.  

Marriage to you has given me a sense of calm and peace I did not have a year ago.  Thank you for that.  It looks like you are rubbing off on me.  even just a little, i'll take it.   I also didn't expect to know you the way i do, how close we have become was incomprehensible to me before.  what will it be like 10, 20, 60 years from now?  

I thank God for you every.single.day.

i love you. always.

so much love,

your wife 

                    

A Beautiful Love Story

One day, a young guy and a young girl fell in love.
But the guy came from a poor family. The girl’s parents weren’t too happy.
So the young man decided not only to court the girl but to court her parents as well. In time, the parents saw that he was a good man and was worthy of their daughter’s hand.
But there was another problem: The man was a soldier. Soon, war broke out and he was being sent overseas for a year. The week before he left, the man knelt on his knee and asked his lady love, “Will you marry me?” She wiped a tear, said yes, and they were engaged. They agreed that when he got back in one year, they would get married.
But tragedy struck. A few days after he left, the girl had a major vehicular accident. It was a head-on collision.
When she woke up in the hospital, she saw her father and mother crying. Immediately, she knew there was something wrong.
She later found out that she suffered brain injury. The part of her brain that controlled her face muscles was damaged. Her once lovely face was now disfigured. She cried as she saw herself in the mirror. “Yesterday, I was beautiful. Today, I’m a monster.” Her body was also covered with so many ugly wounds.
Right there and then, she decided to release her fiancé from their promise. She knew he wouldn’t want her anymore. She would forget about him and never see him again.
For one year, the soldier wrote many letters—but she wouldn’t answer. He phoned her many times but she wouldn’t return her calls.
But after one year, the mother walked into her room and announced, “He’s back from the war.”
The girl shouted, “No! Please don’t tell him about me. Don’t tell him I’m here!”
The mother said, “He’s getting married,” and handed her a wedding invitation.
The girl’s heart sank. She knew she still loved him—but she had to forget him now.
With great sadness, she opened the wedding invitation.
And then she saw her name on it!
Confused, she asked, “What is this?”
That was when the young man entered her room with a bouquet of flowers. He knelt beside her and asked, “Will you marry me?”
The girl covered her face with her hands and said, “I’m ugly!”
The man said, “Without your permission, your mother sent me your photos. When I saw your photos, I realized that nothing has changed. You’re still the person I fell in love. You’re still as beautiful as ever. Because I love you!”

My Promise To My Mahal Ko...Love You Always

My Mahal Ko you are my best friend and my love. I promise you my deepest love, my fullest devotion, my tenderest care, through the pressures of the present and the uncertainties for the future.I know that our love is heaven sent and I promise to be here forever and always from this day forward you shall not walk alone.  My heart will be your shelter and my arms will be your home.  As I have given you my hand to hold, I give you my life to keep.

 I will hold your hand as we walk forward together, through sunshine and through rain. I will laugh with you and cry with you through the good times and through the pain. I will share with you all hopes born of our dreams and these things I promise you , because in my heart I have always loved you.

My Very Own Brand for My Very Own Brownie

2003, I baked my very first brownie and it all started just for fun...I remember it was a Sunday morning, thought of making chocolate mud cake but end up baking brownies...
As usual, on Sunday my sibling would come over for makan-makan. When my sister arrived, I asked her to taste my brownies[my very first attempt]...she smiled and said...it's so sedap [it's so yummy]. The week after that, she requested for a tray of brownies...and she suggested that i should start selling it. In 2003, butter and chocolates were cheaper so i started selling it at RM10.00 per pack and only RM40 per tray. But then later the prices for the ingredients increased and i can no longer sell it at RM10.00 per pack.
So i stopped selling it and just forget about the whole thing until recently, my other half  and my sister encouraged me to start selling it again but this time at a higher price of RM16. Last Ramadan just a week before the Eid, I posted on my Facebook if anyone like to order my brownies...it caught me by surprise the response I'd received  and until today I still receive  repeat orders and new orders[by word of mouth] daily. Just last week i helped a group of people from Abu Dhabi who came to Malaysia for recruitment...on the last day, I let them taste my brownies. Eissa the head of HR said "It's the best brownies I ever tasted and i am really interested to franchise it at Abu Dhabi. I thought he was just kidding..and just before he left, he gave me his card and asked me to contact him to discuss on the franchising of my brownies. So today, my other half and i got our own brand and our own sticker for our brownies ...and feeling so very proud of it..Thank you Allah and all those who have given me full trust and support. Below is the sticker that means a lot to me...

 With Allah with me, InsyaAllah things will be ok....

Make Me Strong

And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient,

I know I’m waiting
Waiting for something
Something to happen to me
But this waiting comes with
Trials and challenges
Nothing in life is free
I wish that somehow
You’d tell me out aloud
That on that day I’ll be ok
But we’ll never know cause
That’s not the way it works
Help me find my way

My Lord show me right from wrong

Give me light make me strong
I know the road is long
Make me strong
Sometimes it just gets too much
I feel that I’ve lost touch
I know the road is long
Make me strong

I know I’m waiting
Yearning for something
Something known only to me
This waiting comes with
Trials and challenges
Life is one mystery
I wish that somehow
You’d tell me out aloud
That on that day you’ll forgive me
But we’ll never know cause
That’s not the way it works
I beg for your mercy

My Lord show me right from wrong
Give me light make me strong
I know the road is long
Make me strong
Sometimes it just gets too much
I feel that I’ve lost touch
I know the road is long
Make me strong

A Sacred Conversation- by Yasmin Mogahed

There is a time of night when the whole world transforms. During the day, chaos often takes over our lives. The responsibilities of work, school, and family dominate much of our attention. Other than the time we take for the five daily prayers, it is hard to also take time out to reflect or even relax. Many of us live our lives at such a fast pace, we may not even realize what we’re missing.

But there is a time of night when work ends, traffic sleeps, and silence is the only sound. At that time—while the world around us sleeps—there is One who remains awake and waits for us to call on Him. We are told in the hadith qudsi: “Our Lord descends during the last third of each night to the lower heaven, and says: ‘Is there anyone who calls on Me that I may respond to him? Is there anyone who asks Me that I may give unto him? Is there anyone who requests My Forgiveness that I may forgive him?’” (Bukhari and Muslim)

One can only imagine what would happen if a king were to come to our door, offering to give us anything we want. One would think that any sane person would at least set their alarm for such a meeting. If we were told that at exactly one hour before dawn a check for $10,000,000 would be left at our doorstep, would we not wake up to take it?

Allah subhanahu wa ta`ala (exalted is He) has told us that at this time of night, just before dawn, He will come to His servants. Imagine this. The Lord of the universe has offered us a sacred conversation with Him. That Lord waits for us to come speak with Him, and yet many of us leave Him waiting while we sleep in our beds. Allah (swt) comes to us and asks what we want from Him. The Creator of all things has told us that He will give us whatever we ask.

And yet we sleep.

There will come a day when this veil of deception will be lifted. The Qur’an says: “[It will be said], You were certainly in unmindfulness of this, and We have removed from you your cover, so your sight, this Day, is sharp.” (Qur’an 50:22).

On that Day, we will see the true reality. On that Day, we will realize that two rak`at (units) of prayer were greater than everything in the heavens and the earth. We will realize the priceless check that was left on our doorstep every night as we slept. There will come a day when we would give up everything under the sky just to come back and pray those two rak`at.

There will come a day when we would give up everything we ever loved in this life, everything that preoccupied our hearts and minds, every mirage we ran after, just to have that conversation with Allah. But on that Day, there will be some from whom Allah (swt) will turn away… and forget, as they had once forgotten Him.

The Qur’an says: “He will say, ‘My Lord, why have you raised me blind while I was [once] seeing?’ [Allah] will say, ‘Thus did Our signs come to you, and you forgot them; and thus will you this Day be forgotten.’” (Qur’an, 20:125-126) In Surat al-Mu’minoon, Allah says: “Do not cry out today. Indeed, by Us you will not be helped.” (Qur’an, 23:65)

Can you imagine for a moment what these ayat (verses) are saying? This is not about being forgotten by an old friend or classmate. This is about being forgotten by the Lord of the worlds. Not hellfire. Not boiling water. Not scalded skin. There is no punishment greater than this.

And as there is no punishment greater than this, there is no reward greater than what the Prophet ﷺ describes in the following hadith:

“When those deserving of Paradise would enter Paradise, the Blessed and the Exalted would ask: Do you wish Me to give you anything more? They would say: Hast Thou not brightened our faces? Hast Thou not made us enter Paradise and saved us from Fire? He would lift the veil, and of things given to them nothing would be dearer to them than the sight of their Lord, the Mighty and the Glorious.” [Sahih Muslim]

But one does not need to wait until that Day to know the result of this nighttime meeting with Allah (swt). The truth is, there are no words to describe the overwhelming peace in this life from such a conversation. One can only experience it to know. Its effect on one’s life is immeasurable. When you experience qiyam, the late night prayer the rest of your life transforms. Suddenly, the burdens that once crushed you become light. The problems that were irresolvable become solved. And that closeness to your Creator, which was once unreachable, becomes your only lifeline.

My Baby is Finally coming

90% women/girls would dream of having a luxury car..but I am one of those weirdo who doesn't fancy luxury cars...My dream car is simply a classic mini minor...
Today I received a call from someone. He said the mechanic has started doing the car for me [changing the engine, fixing it's body and will repaint the way i want it - red body, 2 white stripes, black roof top and original wooden steering wheels ..and soon..very very soon...my baby mini is coming to me...
I am all so excited waiting for my little baby to arrive...Thank you so much Allah...You have never stop being extremely kind to me despite at times i had been a little naughty and at times i missed my 5 times prayers[not that i am proud of it..but it's the truth]. I feel so very very bless despite my sickness...I am trying my very best to be your good humble servant...Love you very much oh Allah

The 10 Most Misconception About Islam

Misconception # 1: Violence and Terrorism is the Muslim Creed

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Islam and Muslims have become synonymous with terms like terrorism, extremism and fundamentalism. The involvement of some so-called Muslims in the acts of terrorism in the past few decades does not justify the labeling of a whole faith and its people as terrorists. Nobody called Timothy McVeigh a Christian terrorist after the Oklahoma bombing in the 90’s, neither is the IRA labeled as a Christian terrorist group, so why is it that when a Muslim does something wrong it is the fault of his religion?

Apparently, logical arguments do not carry any weight in this debate, which is fueled by sensationalism and vested interests at the highest levels of governments. Citing verses of the Qur’an out of the context is the favorite tactic of the proponents of this misconception. There are several verses in the Qur’an that clearly state the opposite of this misconception. For example, “Fight in the cause of God against those who fight you, but do not transgress limits. God does not love transgressors.” (Qur’an 2:190). Another verse says, “If they seek peace, then seek you peace.” (Qur’an 8:61)

Misconception #2: Jihad Means Killing Non-Muslims

If opposition to Islam can be summarized today in one word, it is ‘Jihad’; the all-inclusive term for Islam bashing. Disregarding its true meaning and historical perspective, jihad is decisively equated with the violence that has been perpetrated in the last few decades in the name of Islam by individuals. There are several forms of Jihad; an armed struggle which may involve killing the enemy is ‘Qital’, which is considered by most non-Muslims to be the only form of Jihad. However, according to Islam, one of the most important types of ‘Jihad’ is ‘Jihad bil nafs’ (struggle against the self), every other struggle stems out of this. Jihad bil nafs involves constantly struggling to overcome and control our animal desires.

Misconception #3: Women are Oppressed in Islam

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Saving Muslim women from the ‘tyranny’ of Islam is one of the favorite rallying cries of the people who consider Islam an evil force. Just like many other misdeeds wrongly attributed to Islam rather than to the individuals who commit them, unfair treatment of women is also considered to be the Islamic way of treating women. Setting aside the malicious propaganda, the reason behind this misconception is probably the fact that Islamic teachings about the role, responsibilities, status and treatment of women are judged according to the western practices and beliefs. If anything, Islam liberated the women in Arabia by giving them rights that were unheard of at that time in most nations. The stereotype of veil wearing, home-bound Muslim woman is used to argue that women are oppressed. However, this viewpoint is completely devoid of the knowledge of the status and rights of Muslim women. If we look into how other major religions look at women, we will find surprising revelations. In the New Testament, St. Paul declares, “A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. I don’t permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent. For Adam was formed first, then Eve. And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner.” In contrast, this is what Qur’an has to say, “Whoever works righteousness, man or woman, and has faith, verily to him/her we will give a new life that is good and pure, and we will bestow on such their reward according to the best of their actions.” (16:97)

The right to hold property is considered to be fundamental for human beings, yet no major religion other than Islam actually allowed women to have property. Not only this but Muslim women have full control of their property and their husbands have no share in it.

Misconception #4: Muslims don’t Believe in Jesus

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Many Christians are made to believe that Jesus (peace be upon him) and other prophets are not considered by Muslims as God’s messengers. A cursory reading of Qur’an or other Islamic literature shows that Muslims remember all of the prophets mentioned in the Christian and Judaic scriptures with great respect and reverence. Jesus has been mentioned in Qur’an in several places such as “O Mary, God gives you good news of a word from Him whose name shall be the Messiah, Jesus son of Mary, honored in this world and the Hereafter, and one of those brought near to God. He shall speak to the people from his cradle and in maturity, and shall be of the righteous.”(Qur’an chapter 3)

Misconception #5: Propagation of Islam is the result of Force

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This misconception may be the result of making wrong inferences from the early Islamic history about the expansion of the Muslim state up to the time of Caliph Umar Farooq. The Muslim state indeed spread very quickly in the early years, but the conversion to Islam was never forced upon the people of the conquered territories. If anything, the Qur’an instructs Muslims to deal with them in a kind and just manner “God forbids you not, with regards to those who fight you not for [your] faith nor drive you out of your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them; for God loveth those who are just.” (Qur’an 60:8). The most clear-cut statement against conversion by force or coercion comes straight from the Qur’an, “There is no compulsion (or coercion) in the religion (Islam)” (2:256)

The comments of T.W. Arnold on this matter are evidence of the folly of this misconception “… of any organized attempt to force the acceptance of Islam on the non-Muslim population, or of any systematic persecution intended to stamp out the Christian religion, we hear nothing. Had the caliphs chosen to adopt either course of action, they might have swept away Christianity as easily as Ferdinand and Isabella drove Islam out of Spain ….So that the very survival of these Churches to the present day is a strong proof of the generally tolerant attitude of the Mohammedan governments towards them.”

Another historian De lacey O’Leary also negates this myth, “History makes it clear however, that the legend of fanatical Muslims sweeping through the world and forcing Islam at the point of the sword upon conquered races is one of the most fantastically absurd myths that historians have ever repeated.”

Furthermore, it must be pointed out that Muslims ruled and fully controlled India for 800 years and Egypt for even longer than that. Yet the vast majority of the population in India remains Hindu till today, and a small minority of Coptic Christians remains in Egypt today. If Muslims practiced forced conversions there is no way such communities could have survived for over a millennium.

Misconception #6: Islam is Intolerant of Other Religions

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Religious intolerance is high on the charge-sheet against Islam and Muslims. Many non-Muslims believe that Islam does not tolerate other religions and it instructs Muslims to kill all the infidels. Equating the actions of a handful of bad apples with the teachings of Islam about people of other faiths is a grave injustice. There are numerous examples throughout Islamic history that clearly show the extent of religious tolerance in Islam. What could better exemplify it than the verses from the Qur’an and ahadith of Muhammad (pbuh).

“There is no compulsion (or coercion) in the religion (Islam)” (2:256)

“Beware! Whoever is cruel and hard on a non-Muslim minority, or curtails their rights, or burdens them with more than they can bear, or takes anything from them against their free will; I (Prophet Muhammad) will complain against the person on the Day of Judgment.” (Sunnan Abu Dawud)

Misconception #7: Muslims are Savages with no Regard for Culture and Civilization

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Many texts portray Muslims as uncivilized and barbaric people but nothing could be further from the truth. Even a cursory glance at history proves otherwise. War is one instance where showing no mercy is considered to be a tactic. Islam, on the other hand, does not allow Muslim armies to mutilate the dead, kill children or elderly, destroy crops, trees, livestock etc., demolish buildings, harm civilians and break agreements/pacts. With clear rules of engagement like these for war, it would be grossly unfair to call Muslims barbaric.

The influence and contributions of Muslims towards culture and science are widely known and acknowledged by scholars. “It is highly probable that but for the Arabs, modern European civilization would never have arisen at all; it is absolutely certain that but for them, it would not have assumed that character which has enabled it to transcend all previous phases of evolution,” Robert Briffault, a social anthropologist.

Misconception #8: Islam was founded by Muhammad (peace be upon him)

Despite an abundance of literature on Islam, there are some who believe that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) founded Islam and Muslims worship him as well as Allah. Any serious attempt to learn about Islam will right away debunk this misconception. In order to enter into the fold of Islam, a person must pronounce the Shahadah (the testimony of faith); the meaning of which is

“I bear witness that there is no God worthy of worship except Allah and I bear witness that Muhammad (SAW) is His slave and messenger”..

Also in chapter 33 of the Qur’an it is stated, “O Prophet, verily We have sent you as a witness and a bearer of glad tidings and a warner and as one who invites unto God by His leave and as an illuminating lamp.”

Misconception #9: At least Four Wives for Muslim Men

Some aspects of Muslim culture have been universally accepted as the defacto standard such as four wives for Muslim men. Most westerners believe that every Muslim has a ‘harem’ with at least four wives. First of all, it should be clearly understood that it is an option not a compulsion. There are social and cultural reasons behind the practice of polygamy which can only be understood with the knowledge of Arab society at that time. There are strict conditions that must be met such as equal treatment of the wives. It surprises me that the people who make a huge fuss about polygamy in Islam, have no issue with promiscuity in western cultures where extra-marital relationships and children born out of wedlock are accepted with open arms.

Misconception #10: The Crescent and Star is the Symbol of Islam

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It is a common misconception even among Muslims that the crescent moon and star is the official symbol of Islam. However, in the days of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) Muslims did not have a symbol and they used solid-colored flags. In fact, the crescent was adopted as a symbol by the Turks during Ottoman Empire’s conquest of Constantinople.

Specially dedicated to domestic violence victims

I was requested to write this entry by this particular person. She is one of my very special friend. Woke up at 3.45am this morning when i received a text message from her. This is what she wrote me." Salam Ellie, don't know to whom should I talk to....I had a fight with my hubby. He hit me badly on my face. After more than 10 times he hit me, I fought back. I managed to punch his face, his throat and kicked his balls. I bit his arm. Please don't call me now. I just wanna let someone know, so if anything worst happen, someone knows about it. I am in my toilet now looking at my battered face."...
We exchanged text messages after that just to make sure she was alright. She stopped sending me text message when she heard he husband came back again. Most women are too afraid to report the domestic violence. Some are afraid to go through the divorce, some stays simply because of their children.
Many asked" Why did it happen?" "What did 'I" do to cause it? Was there any domestic violence prevention that could have been done? "why did he do this ?" Many women asked these same questions. Sometimes there are absolutely NO "logical" reasons why things happen. Sometimes there are logical reasons. But none of them make us physically, emotionally, or mentally feel any better after they happened.
Was this the only time? Well, I would love to tell you it was. But that wouldn't be the truth. And the truth is why we are all here, right? To find the truth and seek our own solutions to get out.Were there red flags? In reflection, "Heck, yes!" To me any man who hits women or even children are simply COWARD. Why chose to hit on the weaker gender..why not choose their own gender?

Just a flashback of what my ex boyfriend used to do to me whenever i wasn't flying during my MAS days:

I can hear it now… the screaming…. the crying… begging him to stop hitting me … He punches me in my face.. kicks me down to the ground.. Im begging for mercy… He leans down “Sssh……Ill kill you” He dares me to scream… He grabs me by my hair… drags me on the floor. Grabs the cigarette, took a few of out the packet , lit them… ((Please Allah, take me now)) and then… The thunder rolls, I snap back to reality and wipe the tears from my eyes…
At one time I was admitted 18 days at Taipei Taiwan General Hospital for internal bleeding due to the kick and punches I received. So to this close friend of mine, stay strong, and i truly understand the feeling of being hit, kick and punch by a man.

This poem was written for a lady who lost her life at the hand of her boyfriend. I would like to dedicate to all the women who suffer domestic violence.

As I sit here and cry

With bruised and battered eyes

I wonder what did I do

to make you hit me this time

I cooked your food just the way

you like

And I cleaned the house, there’s not

a speck of dust in sight

May it was my makeup or my hair

Or the choice of clothes I chose to wear

I don’t know maybe its just me

It seems nothing I do makes you happy

I cut off my friends and family to prove my love

But it does not seem to be enough

I continue to believe that things will change

and in your promises to never hit me again

But deep down I know you will never change

So I sit here and continue to cry

As I try to find a way to hide

my bruised and battered eyes

I can never thank Allah enough...I am the luckiest woman on the earth because I have the love of the most amazing man....

I am the luckiest woman on the earth because I have the love of the most amazing man. He is so kind , caring, giving, and compassionate. He is always there for me to talk through my rough spots, he is always there to encourage me and make me feel like I matter. He is the most patient man I have EVER known. He makes me laugh and smile every day. I count the seconds, the minute , the hours till I can call him. I love to hear him say " Hey baby" , hear the excitement in his voice , that tells me he's just as happy to hear me. I love that we can talk about ANYTHING, we share our hopes and dreams. With him I feel safe TO dream and hope. I have NEVER loved another as I love him. He is my "other" half, the final piece that when we come together we are WHOLE. We balance each other. What I cannot find within myself he shows me, what he cannot realize on his own I am able open his eyes to. What we share is NOT the average love, it's a closeness a bond very few have. I will NEVER take him or our love for granted. So I am the luckiest woman on this earth because I have the love of this amazingly beautiful sexy man.

Baby , know the first day of my life began the day I became yours. I LOVE YOU

The Voice Within

Young girl don't cry
I'll be right here when your world starts to fall
Young girl it's alright
Your tears will dry, you'll soon be free to fly
When you're safe inside your room you tend to dream
Of a place where nothing's harder than it seems
No one ever wants or bothers to explain
Of the heartache life can bring and what it means
Chorus:
When there's no one else, look inside yourself
Like your oldest friend just trust the voice within
Then you'll find the strength that will guide your way
You'll learn to begin to trust the voice within
Young girl don't hide
You'll never change if you just run away
Young girl just hold tight
Soon you're gonna see your brighter day
Now in a world where innocence is quickly claimed
It's so hard to stand your ground when you're so afraid
No one reaches out a hand for you to hold
When you're lost outside look inside to your soul

Chorus
When there's no one else, look inside yourself
Like your oldest friend just trust the voice within
Then you'll find the strength that will guide your way
You'll learn to begin to trust the voice within
Life is a journey
It can take you anywhere you choose to go
As long as you're learning
You'll find all you'll ever need to know
(be strong)
You'll break it
(hold on)
You'll make it
(be strong, hold on)
Just don't forsake it because
No one can tell you what you can't do
No one can stop you, you know that
I'm talking to you
Young girl don't cry
I'll be right here when your world starts to fall...

Fu8king Perfect

Once upon a time I was all in this video...This song brings me to tears every time i hear it because so many of us need to hear this. Parents, Husbands, wives, children, friends please let your loved ones know they are loved.....