This video is part of a project titled "The Hijabi Monologues." Performed by Linda Sarsour (follow her on Twitter), it's titled, "I'm tired".

Powerful stuff. Beyond powerful.

[I've typed out the whole thing to make it easier for people to quote. Check it out. It's beyond brilliant.]

"Do you know what it’s like to represent the billion human beings everyday you walk out of your house? To be looked at as the representative of an entire world religion. A world religion! Do you know what that’s like? It’s exhausting. And it feels so heavy. Sometimes, it makes me angry. And I’m tired of it. I’m tired of not crossing some unknown rule of gender interaction to prevent folks from having to see them saying see, “Those religious girls? They’re freaks!”

I’m tired of not going to class because I didn’t do my assignment. And if I don’t say something incredibly brilliant, my silence will be attributed to me being inherently oppressed by my religion, men, clothing rather than the fact then I didn’t do my homework because I was screwing around on Facebook the previous night like 90% of my class.

I’m tired of carefully picking outfits. Colours, accessories, silks everyday for public relations purposes to ensure that I look approachable yet modest, rather than withdrawn and oppressed when really, some days, let me tell you, it’s so much easier for me to throw on my linen shawl and black abaya over my pyjamas.

I’m tired of putting on my patient understanding face every time some idiot asks me, “What do ya’ll speak over there?” and “Why do you people hate us?” and “Is Islam and the West at war?” instead of saying hello. Do you not see me? Do you not happen to see that im standing right here in front of you and I’m not holding a sword?

I’m tired of wanting to curse but don’t when some guy cuts me off on the highway and laughs through his window or asks my friends while waiting for ice-cream “Where ya’ll from?” And after my friend responds Brooklyn he says, “Listen, don’t fuck with me! When I ask you where you’re from don’t fucking tell me ‘Brooklyn’! You tell me where you’re from!”

I don’t respond because I’m scared..’cause everyone is watching. I don’t want people to think there goes another angry Muslim cant control their temper, so emotional. ‘Cause its not like that at all. I’m not another angry Muslim. I m not a bad example, hell I’m not a good example.

I’m just not representation. I’m a human being and my name is Linda.But when I do break and say, “You know what? Fuck you! What the fuck is your problem asshole? Where the fuck are you from?” - It’s has nothin' to do with my religion."

-- Linda Sarsour

Hijab is for Allah, not for society

Salams everyone, hope you're all doing great.

I am terribly sorry for the lack of updates. Lately, it seems like all my posts start with the same line, lol. I haven't been updating on ODW after day 1, and although it went on pretty well for the first week, I got so busy this semester that I couldn't keep up with it. But the good thing is, I'm still working with a postive mental attitude towards my weight-loss goals. So suppose I eat unhealthy one day, or if I'm craving junkfood, then I cut out my meals, as in proper carbs and proteins to compensate for the sugary calories. It's not the healthiest thing to do but it's better than loading up on extra calories.

Anyway, the real reason I wanted to update this blog is because of something I noticed last night. I was watching My Name is Khan, and Rizwan's brother- Zakir- tells his wife Haseena to remove her hijab after 9/11 due to all the problems she's going through because 'Allah would understand, but the world wouldn't.'

Now, I know that it's an Indian movie, made by a Hindu so you can't really expect authenticity of Islamic principles and whatnot, but it still bothered me enough to write out a post for it. Or atleast, gave me a reason to update my blog.

You see, the path to Jannah is not easy. It's either in the Qur'an or a Hadith that Allah has covered Jannah with troubles, with obstacles, whereas Hell is covered with comforts. How can you expect to attain Jannah when you don't work for it? Just like you can't get in an Ivy League university without going through hardwork, you can't attain Jannah until you go through all the troubles. You can't get the fruits of labour before actually doing the labour.

Likewise, to give up the hijab because society doesn't accept it? It's ridiculous. If you're going to wear the hijab, do it for Allah and not for anyone else. Ofcourse it's not easy wearing the hijab in some parts of the world. Yes you most likely will get tested on your faith, but that doesn't mean you should give up wearing it completely. Allah doesn't need you to wear the hijab. But if you want Jannah, you should work for it. It's simple, and it's fair. Besides, the real moral question is this: Is Allah more important to you, or is society's opinion? Is it better dying (if it comes to something as extreme as that) for Allah's cause (and I do NOT mean jihad, for the love of God! -.-) or to live a life of cowardice and go against what you believe in the core of your heart?


Also, FYI my blogging skills are slightly rusty so I'm not exactly good with words as of late :)

Hope ya'll have been well <3

Of Peace, Pakistan and Philanthropy

Abdul Sattar Edhi. This is who we are. This is who we were. And this is who we should inspire to be. Winner of several international awards, Abdul Sattar Edhi is a simple, self-proclaimed uneducated man who operates the largest voluntary ambulance services. Whenever a disaster strikes Pakistan, Edhi's ambulances are always ahead of the rest, at Pakistan's service.

This is what Islam is about. The simplicity, the honesty of this man is what we Muslims are taught in Islam. THIS is the real Islam. Islam is not Al Qaeda, Islam is not Taliban. Abdul Sattar Eidhi is a living example of what Islam teaches.

What does Abdul Sattar Edhi own? 2 suits. 2 suits is all he owns. One he washes, the other he wears. He does not own enough resources to give Zakaat, because he gives them all in charity. He drinks milk morning and night, and only eats one piece of bread for lunch, without meat.
This is modesty, this is humility. This is what Islam teaches.

Abdul Sattar Eidhi deserves the Nobel Peace Prize. What infuriates me is that Obama won it for what? For getting Aafia Siddiqui arrested. For detaining a mother of a 1.5 year old child in an all-male prison on the mere basis of suspicion. Despite all the objectivity and equality that these awards boast, Obama was a politician. Politicians are NEVER objective. Why, then, was he awarded the Nobel Peace Prize? Where has he contributed to peace? Drone attacks in Pakistan, War in Iraq, Afghanistan, this is not peace! Despite ALL EDHI'S HUMANITARIAN EFFORTS, despite all the real work he's done, Obama gets the award.

You decide. Where's the justice? We Muslims are being brainwashed. We are blinded to our own side. We don't see the efforts of our people because it is not being promoted by the media. We need to open our eyes and ears to our people and educate ourselves about the wonderful efforts and contributions that Muslims have made in the world. We need to be inspired by these, by our history, by Islamic history and make continuous efforts to clense this ridiculous hegemonized image that the Western media has constructed about us. We need a revival.

And this is it. It's now, or never.

Wanna Be The Best In Everything?

Khalid Ibn El-Waleed narrated the following:

A Bedouin came one day to the prophet and said to him, "O, Messenger of Allah! I've come to ask you a few questions about the affairs of this life and the Hereafter.

Ask what you wish.

I'd like to be the most of learned of men.
Fear Allah, and you will be the most learned of men.

I'd like to be the richest man in the world
Be contented, and you will be the richest man in the world.

I'd like to be the most of just men.
Desire for others what you desire for yourself, and you will be the most just of men.

I want to be the best of men
Do good to others and you will be the best of men.

I wish to be the most favored by Allah
Engage much in Allah's praise, and you will be favored by Allah

I would like to complete my faith
If you have good manners you will complete your faith

I wish to be among those who do good
Adore Allah as if you see Him, for surely He sees you.

I wish to be Obedient to Allah
If observe Allah's commands you will be obedient to Allah

Id like to be free from all sins
Bathe your body from impurities and you will be free from all sins

I'd like to be raised in the day of judgment in the light
Don't wrong yourself or any other creature, and you will be raised on the day of Judgment in the light

I'd like Allah to bestow His Mercy on me
If you have mercy on yourself and on others Allah will bestow His Mercy on you.

I'd like my sins to be very few
If you seek forgiveness from Allah as much as you can, your sins will be very few

I'd like to be the most honorable man
If you do not complain to any fellow creature, you will be the most honored of men

I'd like to be the strongest of men
If you put your trust in Allah, you will be the strongest of men

I'd like for Allah to enlarge my provision
If you keep yourself pure, Allah will enlarge your provision

I'd like to be loved by Allah and His Messenger
If you love what Allah and His messenger love, you will be among their beloved ones

I wish to be safe from Allah's wrath on the day of Judgment
If you do not lose your temper with any of your fellow creatures you will be safe from the wrath of Allah on the day of judgment

I'd like my prayers to be responded
If you avoid forbidden actions your prayers will be responded

I'd like Allah not to disgrace me on the Day of Judgment
If you guard your chastity Allah will not disgrace you on the Day of Judgment

I'd like Allah to protect me with a covering protection on the Day of Judgment
Do not uncover your fellow creatures faults, and Allah will provide you with a covering on the Day of Judgment

What will save me from sins
Tears, humility and illness will save you

What are the best deeds in the eyes of Allah
Gentle manners, modesty, and patience in adversity

What are the worst evils in the eyes of Allah
Hot temper and Miserliness

What extinguishes hell's fire on the Day of Judgment?
Patience in adversity and misfortunes

What assuages the wrath of Allah in this life and the hereafter
Concealed charity and kindness to others

Hadees

The Holy Prophet (SAW) Said:

1) Four things that make your body sick:

a) Excessive talking
b) Excessive sleeping
c) Excessive eating and
d) Excessive meeting other people

2) Four things that destroys the body:

a) Worrying
b) Sorrow (Sadness/Grief)
c) Hunger
d) Sleeping late in the night

3) Four things that dry the face & take away its happiness:

a) Lying
b) Being disrespectful / impudent (insisting on something wrong knowingly)
c) Arguing without adequate knowledge & Information.
d) Excessive immorality (doing something wrong without fear).

4) Four things that increases the wetness of face & its happiness:

a) Piety
b) Loyalty
c) Generosity (being kind)
d) To be helpful to others without he/she asking for that.

5) Four things that stop the Rizq (Sustenance) :

a) Sleeping in the morning (from Fajr to sunrise)
b) Not Performing Namaz or Ir-regular in Prayers
c) Laziness / Idleness
d) Treachery / Dishonesty

6) Four things that bring / increase the Rizq:

a) Staying up in the night for prayers.
b) Excessive Repentance
c) Regular Charity
d) Zikr (Remembrance of Allah / God).



The Holy Prophet (SAW), Also said to communicate to others even if you listen One Verse (Ayaah) & this one verse will stand on the Day of Judgment for intercession.

The Holy Prophet (SAW) said, Stop doing everything during the Azaan, even reading the Quran, the person who talks during the Azaan will not be able to say the Kalima E Shahada on his/her death bed

Power of Allah

The eyes beholding this message shall not behold evil, The hands that will send this message to others shall not labour in vain,
The mouth saying Ameen to this duah shall laugh forever,

Remain in Allah's love as you send this Duah to everybody on your list.
Have a Lovely journey of life!

Trust in Allah (SWT) with all your heart and HE will never fail you because HE is Awesome! 1 min for our Creator - is it possibly too much?

AL-QAYYUM,
AL-MAJID,
AL-WAHID,
AL-WAJID,
AL-AHAD,
AL-SAMAD,
AL-QADIR,

Please send these seven names of Allah to your friends please don't ignore.........

1 Minute for Allah:
Say with your heart and tongue:


*SUBHANA'LLAH


*ALHAMDULI'LLAH


*LA I LAHA ILLA'LLAH


*ALLAHU AKBAR


*ASTAGHFIRU'LLAH


*LA ILAH ILLA'LLAH, MUHAMMADUN RASULU'LLAH


*ALLAHUMMA SALLY WASALLEM WABAREK ALA SAYYEDINA MUHAMMAD


Please forward as within a short while you would have caused a multitude of people to salute, pray and glorify our creator and holy prophet (P.B.U.H.)

Whoever u sent it to people would have prayed with Angels saying AMEEN,
INSHA'A'LLAH


NOW......... Sit back and watch the power of ALLAH work in your life for
doing the thing that you know HE loves.

In Times of Calamities

Surat al-Baqarah, Ayah 155 - 157, beginning with:
وَلَنَبْلُوَنَّكُمْ بِشَيْءٍ مِّنَ الْخَوفْ وَالْجُوعِ وَنَقْصٍ مِّنَ الأَمَوَالِ وَالأنفُسِ وَالثَّمَرَاتِ وَبَشِّرِ الصَّابِرِينَ

[Surat al-Baqarah 2:155] 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.


2. Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said:

“The greatest reward comes with the greatest trial. When Allah loves a people He tests them. Whoever accepts that wins His pleasure but whoever is discontent with that earns His wrath.”
Narrated by al-Tirmidhi (2396) and Ibn Maajah (4031)


3. He (صلى الله عليه وسلم) also said:
“When Allah wills good for His slave, He hastens the punishment for him in this world, and when Allah wills ill for His slave, he withholds the punishment for his sins from him until he comes with all his sins on the Day of Resurrection.”
Narrated by al-Tirmidhi (2396)


4. Al-Hasan al-Basri (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: 'Do not resent the calamities that come and the disasters that occur, for perhaps in something that you dislike will be your salvation, and perhaps in something that you prefer will be your doom.”

Hijab- The Confession

This post was really hard for me to write, because, it is, in a way, a sort of confession for me.
I have worn the Hijab many times in my life, as a kid in Grade 4 or 5, and then taken it off. I started wearing it again in Grade 7, until a few months back, and again it's off.
I have searched for reasons to figure out why I'm so confused about wearing the Hijab when clearly, Allah has commanded all believing women to cover their Awra.
I realized that it was for certain reasons, some personal experiences in my life that have led to these confused actions. But this doesn't mean that I'm not God-fearing, or modest, or that I'm loose, because my Allah knows my character, and He Alone, is my judge. It just means that I do not have the required level of spiritual strength yet, and inshAllah, I shall have that one day. I'm praying everyday to Allah swt to give me the Guidance, the Tofiq, and the strength to start the Hijab once again and to never stop wearing it. I want to, I really want to wear the Hijab. And I still have the urge to wear it somedays, but I don't want it to last just a few days. I want to wear it forever, inshAllah, and so I'm waiting, crushing my impulsive acts and waiting to gain the strength to wear it once and for all. I respect the Hijab, and I respect Allah's wishes, and I wish to be a Hijabi.
Thing is, I know that boys will be boys, they will stare at you even if you're covered, wearing decent clothes, wearing the Hijab. I have noticed it, from personal experience. But, just because thieves will be thieves doesn't mean you should leave your jewels unguarded. Same thing with the Hijab.
However, I do dress modestly, except that I don't cover my hair. I do dress decently, and not provocatively, and I do feel guilty not wearing the Hijab. I wear the Abaya when I'm dressed up quite fancy to avoid attention. I want to wear the Hijab I want to wear it when I am completely and truly ready, from my heart, body, mind and soul. I pray to Allah to fill my heart with the power of Islam, for the True Faith to enter my heart and for it to never leave me. For the Qur'an to become embedded in my soul. I request all of you to pray for me, that I get enough strength to start the Hijab once and for all. I don't want to wear the Hijab because of pressure from culture or religious societies. I don't want to wear the Hijab because certain "liked" people wear it. I want to wear the Hijab for Allah swt and for His pleasure, from my entire heart and soul.
Also, Hijab is not just an item of clothing, it's an attitude, a way of life. I have, Elhumdulillah, started by first practising my religion. I want to correct my character first, be a practising Muslim, and then slowly get to what is the hardest- Jihad-an-Nafs, fighting your inner desires- which is here Hijab.

I hate it when people pressure or question other people about their Hijab (in a condescending way, that is, not if you ask or question it in a friendly way).I mean, drop the holier-than-thou attitude because that's not part of the Hijab package, my friend. Just because you wear the Hijab doesn't make you a better Muslim/person than me. A lot of it has to do with how you don't hurt others feelings, don't be selfish and always see your gain instead of others, etc. (This part is directed towards a certain someone I know, not on this blogger though, so don't worry, any of you =) )
A hijab is a personal choice, and no matter what people say about following a religion how it is prescribed, (yes, you should, though) but YOU are no one to judge or question. A religion is a personal matter b/w Allah swt and the follower, so who are you to judge/question/pressure. Advice, but don't judge, because only Allah swt has the right to do that.

Fa in the end, I just pray to Allah to give me and other Muslimahs the strength to be better, practising Muslims, and to give us all the Hidayah, Ameen.

This was one thing that had been bothering me for a while now, and I just wished to let it out

Mumbai Attacks

My family and I have been watching every news channel available on our cable subscription post Mumbai attacks, and they seem to be blaming Pakistan for all of this.
I say no, why? Because now, I have proof. The pictures that were released of the terrorists, it showed the gunman wearing a pinkish red Pooja thread on the wrist. Pakistanis and Muslims do not wear this!
Also, it's being said that the terrorists were working in the hotel for 10 months or so, well, they bearly let Pakistanis visit, let alone work an internship in Taj Hotel, and now the Taj Hotel CEO are saying that none of the staff of Taj Hotel is involved.
Now they're saying that it's some Christian 23-year-old whose friend killed him, before these attacks.
And just now, they're reporting that passports from Mauritius are being found.

Also, it's been reported that alcohol, and meat and some other crops were bought for a certain amount of Rps. And it's been alleged that Al Qaeda is involved in training these gunmen. Well, all of us know that Al Qaeda are Islamic extremists, and they would NEVER even TOUCH alcohol, and if these gunmen were trained by them, wouldn't they be proper Islamists and not even purchase alcohol or wear the Pooja thread?
Also, names like Abu Ismail are not common in Pakistan, they're mored Indian-Muslim names. And when they show the pictures, it clearly looks like the people are of Indian descent. When a Pakistani and an Indian stand together, one can usually very clearly make out who is from where, it's only natural.
Besides, a Deccan group has taken responsibility for these attacks, yet Pakistan is being blamed.


That's the picture, but I can't find the one on the news channels, that showed the red thread clearly.

Here's a report that I just found seconds ago, and thank God someone noticed what I noticed; the red thread:-

'Deccan Mujahideen' claims responsibility

Press Trust of India
Thursday, November 27, 2008 2:59 AM (Mumbai)
Even as a little-known Deccan Mujahideen group claimed responsibility for the coordinated terror strikes in Mumbai on Wednesday night, the identity and nature of the attack has left security agencies baffled.

In the camera shots of a suspected terrorist involved in the gruesome shootout ever to be undertaken by terrorists, the AK-47 wielding youth comes across as an average youngster.

Dressed in a black half T-shirt and jeans with a blue rucksack hung over his left shoulder and red sacred thread tied on his right wrist, one might just mistake him to be just another regular college going student.

What baffles the security agencies is the sacred thread tied on his wrist which many say could be a plot to show that the attack was undertaken by probably an extreme Hindu group.

But, the claim by a terror organisation with a Muslim name has left the above theory in question, say experts.


These are just some of the contradictions that I've noticed, but I'm sure there are many more.
I just say, enough is enough, for every attack that's been taking place, why is Pakistan blamed? Maybe some Muslims did it, because let's face it, we haven't exactly been interpretting Islam right, in certain parts of the world. But it's about time that something is done about this.

The best love letter ever

You will be happy that you read this all the way through!

As you got up this morning, I watched you, and hoped you would talk to me, even if it was just a few words, asking my opinion or thanking me for something good that happened in your life yesterday. But I noticed you were too busy, trying to find the right outfit to wear. When you ran around the house getting ready, I knew there would be a few minutes for you to stop and say hello, but you were too busy. At one point you had to wait, fifteen minutes with nothing to do except sit in a chair. Then I saw you spring to your feet. I thought you wanted to talk to me, but you ran to the phone and called a friend to get the latest gossip instead. I watched patiently all day long. With all your activities I guess you were too busy to say anything to me.

I noticed that before lunch you looked around, may be you felt embarrassed to talk to me, that is why you didn't bow your head. You glanced three or four tables over and you noticed some of your friends talking to me briefly before they ate, but you didn't. That's okay. There is still more time left, and I hope that you will talk to me yet. You went home and it seems as if you had lots of things to do. After a few of them were done, you turned on the TV. I don't know if you like TV or not, just about anything goes there and you spend lot of time each day in front of it not thinking about anything, just enjoying the show. I waited patiently again as you watched the TV and ate your meal, but again you didn't talk to me.

Bedtime I guess you felt too tired. After you said good night to your family you popped into bed and fell asleep in no time. That's okay because you may not realize that I am always there for you. I've got patience, more than you will ever know. I even want to teach you how to be patient with others as well.

I love you so much that I wait everyday for a nod, prayer or thought or a thankful part of your heart. It is hard to have a one-sided conversation. Well, you are getting up once again. And once again I will wait, with nothing but love for you. Hoping that today you will give me some time. Have a nice day!

Your friend, ALLAH

PS - Do you have enough time to send this to another person?

If you aren't ashamed to do this, please follow the directions.

Not ashamed? Pass this on......only if you mean it.

Yes, I do Love God. He is my source of existence and Savior. Allah keeps me functioning each and everyday.


Without Him, I will be nothing. Without him, I am nothing,

Hijab/Modesty

Well today me and my brother got in this debate over the Hijab. He overheard me talking to my mother about it. He made me realize something that I very much needed to acknowledge. I had stopped wearing the Hijab in between, because I was not sure WHY I was wearing it. I sort of wanted to know the real meaning and the need behind Hijab. I very badly wanted to wear it, but Satan always somehow succeeded in leading me away from the Right Path. My brother told me a lot of times that even if you wear modest clothes, it's perfectly alright not to wear the Hijab. Although he being a guy wouldn't know the consequences and the problems we women face when we DON'T wear the Hijab. He said that Hijab is a symbol for modesty, and there is much more to Hijab then just covering your hair or your body. His intention was not to restrict women from wearing Hijab, but because he wanted them to KNOW and REALIZE the reasons for this Hijab.
It was past me to understand, and took quite a few heated arguments for his point to come across. He gave me examples :
A girl wears a Hijab, and is doing all sorts of other immodest activities, for example flirting with boys or drinking alcohol. This is not modest and it is unIslamic. Or she uses crude and vulgar language, is inimical towards people, shows resentment towards them when they ask for help. Hijab promotes modesty, humbleness, humility, piety, kindness. A behaviour of a woman comes under the limits of Hijab. I never realized this and I used to be profane and not really care about it. Although Elhumdulillah, my parents brought me up to be quite sensitive and careful about others' feelings, I still had a few bad qualities in me, which thankfully to my brother, I'm trying to improve. It does not mean that you stop living your life, no. It doesn't mean that when you go out with friends you stay still and stiff and a goody-two-shoes. NO! Not at all! Go ahead laugh, have fun, be crazy, hyper, but do not act in ways that attract unnecessary attention, Do not show-off, do not act in a way so that people notice you or others notice you, and generally be plainly annoyingly conspicious. Through the Hijab, God leads and wants us to observe and acquire the qualities of a good Muslim. For example, noble,humble,helpful,honest,truthful,trustworthy,caring,pious,etc. We should not speak in a way that hurts others, or with hostility. We should respect their beliefs and opinions, and set forth examples of a good human being with our character. We should try to influence people with our skills and our modesty. The main purpose of a Hijab is not ONLY to guard the beauty of a woman, but to promote modesty in behaviour, words, actions, lifestyle, etc.
So bottom line, if you're gonna wanna have to cover your hair and body, and then have boyfriends, cheat, lie, steal, be profane, hostile, cold, etc towards people, THE HIJAB might be accepted by Allah and may you be rewarded for it, but then there is no point. Because if you're doing all the other things labelled Haraam or forbidden by God, you might as well not cover at all. Why bother? Such juvenile acts will only lead to the names of Muslims being wrecked all over the world, and you will be setting bad examples for others. By influencing others with our good qualities, we are working towards a better environment for us and for others to live in.