3 Month Work Review

For the past 2 weeks my nerves have been completely shot. The reason for this upheaval in my mood was my 3 month work review that needed to take place. Man, oh man!!

To some, this may be an occurrence that takes place often. With me on the other hand, it would be my first experience. I kid you not!! So, after receiving a questionnaire that needed to be filled in before the actual review took place, I set about trying my best to fill it in. To tell you the truth, I actually lost sleep thinking over my answers.

You see, to me the questionnaire felt more like the Spanish Inquisition, personified!! But that was all because of the state of mind I was in, hehehehe. The exercise proved quite a learning curve for me and it highlighted where I'm headed for the next year at least Insha-Allah. I could get used to this, but in small doses ok??!

The actual review took place this morning, via conference call. The MD had recently relocated to Belgium so I was quite elated to find out that he would be sitting in (albeit virtually) on the whole process. Suffice to say, that everything went way better than I expected, Alghumdulillah!! Must be the blessings of this holy month that we're in, Allah is truly most Gracious, most Merciful!!

I am now a fully fledged, permanent part of the Tractor Group / Second Harvest team!! Here's to many a fulfilling hours of work done. YAY!!

Asmaa'ul Husnaa Part 6

22. Al - Baasit: The Extender of Sustenance

He is the One who releases in abundance, joy, relief and ease after difficulties. These are manifestations of His attribute Al-Baasit.

Lift the hands towards the heavens (as in dua) after Salaatud Duhaa (Chast) and recite this Name 10 times. Thereafter pass the hands across the face (as when finishing dua) : self-sufficiency and independence will be granted by Allah - Insha-Allah. This must be done daily.

23. Al - Khaafid: The Abaser- The One who humbles and lowers

Allah the most high is the One who elevates His creatures to honor and fame and He is also the One who can cast them down to the lowest of low.

Anyone who recites this Name 500 times, Allah will fulfill all his needs and remove all his difficulties - Insha-Allah.

One who fasts for 3 days and on the first day reads this Beautiful Name 70 times while sitting in seclusion, will gain victory over his enemy if Allah wills.

24. Ar - Raafi: The Exalter

Allah The Most High is the one who raises His creatures to honour and fame and who can cast them down to be the lowest of the low.

Any person who writes this Ism 100 times in the middle of the 14th night of every lunar month, Allah will grant him self-sufficiency and independence of the entire creation - Insha-Allah.

25. Al - Mu'izz: The Giver of honor

He is the One who honours and the One who humiliates.

If this beautiful Name of Allah is read 40 times after Maghrib on every Monday and Friday, Allah will grant the reader honour and reverence - Insha-Allah.

26. Al - Mudhill: The Giver of dishonour

He is the One who dishonours and humiliates.

Whoever makes du'aa for protection after reading this Ism 75 times, Allah will protect him from the evils of envious persons, oppressors and enemies - Insha-Allah.

If there is a particular enemy whom one fears then after reciting this Name in the manner mentioned above, one may observe Sajdah (prostration) wherein one may invoke Allah's help against ones enemy by actually mentioning his name in Sajdah thus: " O Allah!! Protect me from the evils of Zaid or Bakar." If Allah wills he will be granted protection.

27. As - Samee' : The All - Hearing

He is the One who hears all that which comes from the lips, passes through the minds, is felt by the hearts, the rustling of leaves in the wind, the footsteps of ants and the atoms moving through the void.

One who reads this Beautiful Name 500 times or 50 times on Thursday after offering Salatud Duhaa (Chast), all his duas will be assuredly granted, Insha-Allah. It is necessary that no talking is done while reciting it.

If anyone reads it 100 times on a Thursday between the Sunnah and Fard of Fajr, Allah will favor him with His special blessings - Insha-Allah.

Asmaa'ul Husnaa Part 5

16. Al - Qahhaar: The One who has control over all things

He is the Ever-dominating One, who has surrounded all His creation, from without and within, with His irresistible power. Nothing can escape Him.

One who is fully inclined towards this world should read this Ism continually: if Allah wills, he will be freed from the love of this world and, instead, Allah's love will become inborn in his heart.

17. Al - Wahhaab: The Giver of all things

He is the Donor of all, without conditions, without limits, without asking any benefit or return, giving everything to everyone, everywhere, always.

A poverty stricken person should recite this Ism constantly; or write it and keep it on him (as a ta'weez); or read it 40 times in the last sajdah of SalaatudDuhaa (Chast): he will be freed from poverty in an unexpected and amazing manner - Insha-Allah. For a particular need to be fulfilled, observe sajdah thrice in the courtyard of the house or masjid and then the lift the hands (as in du'aa) and read this Ism 100 times: if Allah wills, the need will be fulfilled.

18. Ar - Razzaaq: The Sustainer and Provider

He is the Sustainer. Sustenance is needed to maintain the creation. (Both physical and spiritual sustenance.)

Anyone who blows in all four corners of his house after reciting this Name 10 times in each corner before Fajr, Allah will open for him the doors of rizq (sustenance); sicknesses and poverty will never enter his home.

Note: Begin from the right-hand corner while facing the Qiblah.

19. Al - Fattaah: The Rermover of difficulties and Giver of decisions

He is the Opener and the Solver, the Easer of all that is locked, tied and hardened.

Anyone who places both his hands on his bosom after Fajr salaah and recites this Name 70 times, his heart will be illuminated with the "Noor (light)" of Eemaan - Insha-Allah.

20. Al - Aleem: The All Knowing

He is the One who knows all. He knows what has happened and what is happening and what will happen from the beginning to the end.

Anyone who recites this Ism abundantly, Allah will open for him the gates of knowledge and wisdom. Moreover his heart will be filled with the Ma'rifah (cognizance) of Allah.

21. Al - Qaabid: The Straightener of sustenance

He is the One who constricts. All existence is in the power of Allah. The life on this planet is a test for us, but Allah does not test His servants above their ability.

Whoever writes (with saffron or by the mere action of ones finger) this Name of Allah on four morsels of bread (roti) each day for 4 days and eats them, will be safeguarded against hunger, thirst, injuries, pain, etc - Insha-Allah.

Asmaa'ul Husnaa Part 4

My health has taken a bit of a knock lately with this incessant cold that refuses to go away. Hopefully with the ammunition of corenza c I have been taking, the cold will be no more Insha-Allah Ameen!!

It seems the economic recession taking place over the past year or so refuses to let up. News of an increase in the fuel price (by as much as 30 cents a litre) have consumers tightening their spending belts once more. The price of oil, rice & flour have increased too, making it very difficult for the man on the ground to keep things afloat.

Smaller companies are feeling the pinch and have been forced to close their doors. So, when a close friend gave me news of her retrenchment, I was hit for a six!! Here I was, stressing over a work review that was to take place and she was losing her job. Being a single mom too and having to raise two children is by no means an easy task. But she's certainly no throw-in-the towel woman!! She lives by the words 'never say die.'

And I think what I most admire about her is her belief that her Maker will not let her down!! And so, I dedicate this 4th post of Allah's beautiful names in the hope, that it will keep her faith strong and that light will surely be shining at the end of this tunnel.

12. Al - Khaaliq: The Creator

He is the One who creates from nothing, creating at the same time the states, conditions and sustenance of all his creation: He establishes how, when and where creation will take place.

Anyone who recites this Name of Allah 100 times for 7 days, will be safeguarded against all adversities - Insha-Allah. And one who forms the habit of its continuous recital, Allah will appoint an angel for him, who will worship Allah continuously on his behalf.

13. Al - Baari' : The One who gives life

He is the One who orders His creation with perfect harmony not only each thing within itself, but everything in accordance with everything else.

If a barren woman fasts for 7 days and each day, after breaking fast with water, reads Al-Baari ul-Musauwwir 21 times, Allah will grant her male children - Insha-Allah.

14. Al - Musauwwir: The Fashioner of shapes

He is the One who, without using any model, shapes everything in the most perfect shape.

If a barren woman fasts for 7 days and each day, after breaking fast with water, reads Al-Baari ul-Musauwwir 21 times, Allah will grant her male children - Insha-Allah.

15. Al - Ghaffaar: The Exceedingly forgiving

He is the One who accepts repentance and grants forgiveness.

Any person who recites this Ism (name) 100 times after Jumu'ah Salaah will soon begin to perceive Allah's forgiveness. And anyone who says Yaaghaf-faar Ighfirlee

Wallahu A'lam

Asmaa'ul Husnaa Part 3

8. Al - Muhaymin: The Giver of Protection

He is the Protector and the Guardian. He is the One who sees to the growth of His creation, guiding them towards their destiny.

Anyone who offers 2 rakaat of salaah (prayer) after a ghusl and reads this Ism (name) 100 times with sincerity, Allah will purify him physically as well as spiritually. Allah will also acquaint one with the unseen if one reads it 115 times - Insha-Allah.

9. Al - Azeez: The Mighty

He is the Victorious One whom no force can over power. There is no strength in this universe that can stand before His will.

Anyone who recites this Name 40 times continually for 40 days, Allah will grant him honour and self sufficiency. If read 41 times daily with constancy, the reader will become self sufficient and will attain honour if he is treated with dishonour - Insha-Allah.

10. Al - Jabbaar: The Overpowering Lord

He is the Repairer of the broken, the Completer of the lacking, the One who can enforce His will without any opposition.

Anyone who reads this Ism 226 times each morning and each evening will be safeguarded against the oppression of tyrants and despots. If anyone engraves it on a silver ring and wears it, his awe and magnificence will become inborn in the hearts of people - Insha-Allah.

11. Al - Mutakabbir: The Self - Glorious

He is the Greatest, who shows His greatness in everything, on all occasions.

The constant reciter of this Beautiful Name will be granted honour and glory. If read continually before any task, it will be accomplished - Insha-Allah.

Wallahu A'lam

Asmaa' ul Husnaa Part 2

There is probably a reason behind me choosing to do this exercise during this auspicious month. I find that on only the second day of fasting that my patience is being tried severely. And my anger needs to be curbed at every nook and cranny, Na-oethoe-billah!!

4. Al - Malik: The Sovereign

He is the owner and Ruler of the entire universe, visible and invisible, and of all creation, from before the beginning and after the end.

If read abundantly everyday after Zawaal (when the sun has reached it's zenith), the reader will be given abundant wealth - Insha-Allah.

5. Al - Quddoos: The Holy One and One who is free from all blemishes

He is the most pure one, devoid of all Blemish, Shortcoming, Weakness, Heedlessness and Error.

Allah will cure the one who recites this Name abundantly everyday from all spiritual sickness - Insha-Allah.

6. As - Salaam: The Giver of peace or One who is immune from all distresses

He is the One who saves the believing servants from all dangers, bringing them peace, blessings and security of paradise.

Anyone who recites this Ism (name) continually, Allah will protect him from all calamities and maladies. If recited 115 times and blown on a sick person, Allah will restore his health, Insha-Allah.

7. Al - Mu" min: The Guardian of Faith

He is the Illuminator of the light of faith in hearts. He is the Comforter, the Protector of those who seek refuge in Him.

Whoever recites this name 630 times at the time of fear, Allah will protect him from all calamities, mishaps and losses. If anyone writes it (on paper or engraves it on a silver ring) and keeps it with him (as ta'weez), his physical and spiritual safety will remain the responsibility of Allah.

Wallahu A'lam

Asmaa'ul Husnaa - The beautiful / excellent names of Allah

For the month of Ramadaan, I wish to share the 99 beautiful names of Allah. Each day I will share about 3 names, their meanings & the benefits of reading them Insha-Allah!!

May the reciting of His names bring you as much peace, calm & tranquility as they do for me.

Taken from 'The 99 Beautiful names of Allah'

Their qualities, values & significances

1. Allah: The name of Allah

Allah is Al-Ismul-' A'zam, the greatest name which contains all the divine attributes and is the sign of the essence and cause of all existence. Allah does not resemble in any way any of His creation. The word Allah refers to Allah's name only, nothing else can assume this name or share it.

The name Allah contains five meanings that indicate the non-resemblance of Allah to anything else. They are:

QIDAM: He is before the before. He did not become. He always was.

BAQAA: He is after the after, eternal. He always will be.

WAHDAANIYYAH: He is unique, without partner, the cause of all creation. All creation is in need of Him. All creation has become by the order of "BE" and has died by His order.

MUKHAALAFATUN LILHAWAADITH: He is the creator bearing no resemblance to the created.

QIYAAMUHU BINAFSIHI: He is self existent, without any needs.

Allah is perfection. The extent of this perfection is infinite. The greatest name of Allah, contains eight essentials indicating His perfections.

HAYYAN: Allah is everliving.

'ILM: Allah is all knowing.

SAM: Allah is all hearing.

BASAR: Allah is all seeing.

IRAADAH: All will is His.

QUDRAH: All power is His.

TAKWEEN: All existence and actions depend on Him.

KALAAM: The word, all that is said and taught is His.

Whoever reads this Name of Allah 1000 times daily, all doubts & uncertainties will be removed from his heart and, instead, determination and faith will become inborn in him - Insha-Allah.

2. Ar - Rahmaan: The compassionate

He is the one who wills mercy and good for all creation, at all times. He pours upon all creation infinite bounties.

If this Ism (name) is recited 100 times daily after every salaah, if Allah wills, hardheartedness and negligence will be removed from the reader's heart.

3. Ar - Raheem: The most merciful

He is the Source of infinite mercy and beneficence, who rewards with eternal gifts the one who uses His bounties for the good.

If this name, is recited 100 times daily after every salaah, the reciter will be safeguarded against all calamities, and maladies and the entire creation will become affectionate towards him - Insha-Allah.

Wallahu 'Alam.

Learning to let go

When it comes to being the eldest in the family, there’s nothing you wouldn’t do to protect your siblings.

It’s kinda hard to stand by and watch them make decisions that aren’t in their best interest. So, as the tietie, I tend to take my job very seriously by pointing out the not so obvious. Do not get me wrong, ultimately I have to accept the path they choose. (Shucks, I’m a mother hen, aren’t I??)

I suppose I think that with age one becomes wiser?? But the world is not as it is when I was growing up (How naive of me to think that everything would remain the same!!) Everything moves at a fast pace, I can hardly keep up. I’ve reached a point where I have to let go, so that I may find some peace. Some lessons need to be learned by trial & error, unfortunately. I can only but pray that Allah protect & guide them Insha-Allah Ameen!!

If this is the way I feel about my siblings then what not of my children?? OI!!