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!!

Ramblings of a wandering mind

My mind has been wandering over the past weeks. Even family & friends have noticed the confusion. I have been asked “What’s up??” And to be quite honest, I have no idea!! Normally one who knows what to do & what to say, I suddenly find myself at a loss for words. Am I going through the motions, perhaps an identity crisis?? I am just hoping and praying that it will pass soon. My state of mind has also been the reason for not updating my blog. It’s best to say nothing when your mind’s a wandering.

So, all I’ve been doing is reading the blogs I follow. RG & Pause to reflect never fail to draw the tears and I always end up feeling guilty for questioning my circumstances. I admire their strength and perseverance so very much!! Then there’s Major Jefferey’s blog, man I wish I could understand half of the technical jargon he uses!! I don’t even bother to comment on his posts, I used to when my tongue & brain didn’t flail over his writings, hehehehe!!

And then there’s The Kitchen Guardian, her creations in the kitchen have me ooohhhhing and aaahhhhing with each post. I emailed a pic of her ‘green with envy’ cuppies to Shaheema. With the wedding less than 2 months away, the cuppies certainly had her mind swirling!! And what about KT’s blog?? Her love for her mother & family are evident in the posts she writes.

Then there’s Ida’s blog, most of the time her writings tickle my funny bone, but yesterday’s post had me digging deep, very deep!! So much so, that I lay awake last night thinking about it. It’s an age old question really, something we should be prepared for but we’re not. Each individual would have their own solution, depending on what you’re prepared to do to save your marriage. I’m talking about the seven year itch.

So, what does make spouses stray?? And why do they think that the pastures would be greener on the other side?? Have they not heard of the 80/20 rule?? Let me explain. The person we marry has 80% of the qualities we are looking for in a spouse. Every relationship starts out rosy, as the years pass, we settle into domesticity. We have arguments about family, work, the kids, friends, you name it. This is where the trouble starts. Suddenly we begin to notice the 20% that is lacking in our spouse. We feel unfulfilled and are vulnerable.

Why focus on the 20% that isn’t there, why not focus on the 80% that you do have?? Ultimately, if you go looking for greener pastures, you’re going to end up in the same situation. Everything starts out rosy once again, your relationship settles into domesticity and suddenly the pasture doesn’t look so green does it?? What I’m trying to say, is that any relationship needs to be worked at, ALL the time. And it takes two people to do that, not one, but two. Not forgetting that He is there to turn to in your time of need!!

Ultimately it’s totally your choice. The thing is, are you prepared to face the consequences of your actions?? The majority of us aren't......

WISDOM

ALLAH knows what is best for us

So why should we complain

We always want the sunshine

But He knows there must be rain.

We always want laughter

and the merriment of cheer

but our heart will lose their tenderness

If we never shed a tear.

ALLAH tests us often

with suffering and sorrow

He tests us not to punish us

but to help us meet tomorrow.

For growing trees are strengthened

if they can withstand the storm

and the sharpness of the chisel

gave the marble its grace and form.

ALLAH tests us often

and for every pain

He gives us provided we are patient

Is followed by rich gain

So whenever we feel that everything is going wrong

It is just ALLAH'S way to make our spirit strong.

A very big thank you to Shiehaam for sending me this poem.

The countdown begins..........

to the auspicious month of Ramadaan. With the eve of Laialatul Mie’raaj just passed, we have exactly 2 weeks to Lailatul Bara’ (Ruwah) and then 2 weeks after that the month of Ramadaan will start, with the official siting of the moon.

I must confess, that this is my favorite time of the year!! Although I do fast during the year, the atmosphere while fasting during the holy month itself is completely different. My kids enjoy this time too (more for the exchanging of yummy goodies with the neighbors than anything else, hehehehe) and mum has no excuse for not making any nibbles so they may make their rounds.

Because we will be breaking fast earlier this time around, it will do me well to make some goodies in advance and keep them in the freezer. That way, Aqeedah can pop them in the oven by the time the goodies need to be given. She has certainly become quite handy in the kitchen.

For this year, my intention is to finish the full 30 joos of the Quran Insha-Allah. I was only able to do 21 joos last year as my monthly visitor had decided to come around twice within the month!! OI!! Hopefully it will be different this time around??

To all my family and friends, may we reach the auspicious month with the highest of Taqwah & Imaan Insha-Allah!! May Allah give us the strength to fulfill many a good deed and the attaining of His blessings and mercy Ameen!!

Guess who is 2 years old today??

Happy birthday Amjad!! May the Almighty spare you many more healthy, happy years with us Insha-Allah Ameen!!

You bring so much laughter and joy to us all with your amusing antics.

Do remember that Tietie, Aqeedah, Uthmaan & Ghaalietha love you so very much!!

Behind every dark cloud there is a Silver Lining

I received this email earlier today from Shaheema and decided to share it. She certainly knows what makes me tick, thanks couz!! And she has decided to open this bank account the day she marries Insha-Allah Ameen!!



"And among His signs is this that He has created mates from among yourselves, that you may live in comfort with them, and He has put love and compassion among you (husband and wife). Surely in that are signs for those who think " (Quran-30: 21)

Hamza married Ruwayda. After the nikaah[wedding], Ruwayda’s mother gave her a newly opened bank savings book with a R2000 deposit amount at the local Islamic Bank.

Ruwayda's mother said: "Take this savings book. Keep it as a record of your married life. When there's something happy and memorable that happens in your new life, put some money in. Write down what it's about next to the line...The more memorable the event is, the more money you can put in. I've done the first one for you today. Do the others with your husband. When you look back after years, you will know how much of happiness you've had.'

Ruwayda shared this with Hamza when she arrived home. They both thought it was a great idea and were anxious to know when the second deposit could be made.

This was what they did after a certain time:-

2 Jan:R200 Hamza went out in the path of Allah-
7 Feb: R300, Ruwayda's Dad took us with for HAJ. -
1 Dec: R300, Hamza graduated-
20 Mar: R200, Hamza got an excellent job -
15 Apr: R2000, Ruwayda got pregnant and later gave birth to a baby-
1 Jun: R1000, Hamza got promoted
... and so on...

However, after years, they started fighting and arguing over trivial things. They didn't talk much. They regretted that they had married the most nastiest people in the world... no more love... Kind of typical nowadays, huh?

One day Ruwayda spoke to her Mother: 'Mom, we can't stand it anymore. We have agreed to divorce. I can't imagine how I have decided to marry this guy!!!'

Mother: 'Sure, Ruwayda, that's no big deal. Just do whatever you want if you really cannot stand it. But before that, do one thing first... Remember the savings book I gave you on your wedding day? Take out all money and spend it first. You shouldn't keep any record of such a poor marriage.'

Ruwayda thought it was true. So she went to the Islamic Bank, waiting at the queue and planning to withdraw the amounts and to cancel the account. She intended to give Hamza his due share.

While she was waiting, she took a look at the book record. She looked, and looked, and looked. Then the memory of all the previous joy and happiness just came up in her mind. Her eyes were then filled with tears. She left and went home. When she was home, she handed the book to her husband, and asked him to spend the money before getting divorced.

The next day, Hamza gave the book back to Ruwayda. She found a new deposit of R5000...and a line next to the record: 'This is the day I noticed how much I've loved you through out all these years. How much happiness you've brought me.' They hugged and cried, putting the savings book back to the safe.

Do you know how much money they had saved when they retired? I did not ask. I believe the money did not matter any more after they had gone through all the good years in their life.

"When you fall, in any way, Don't see the place where you fell, Instead see the place from where you slipped. Life is about correcting mistakes."

In every moment of our lives, we are given a choice. How shall we regard this world in which we live? Is it good, or not? Is there hope for the future, or not? Is this world full of beauty, life, blessing and love; or is it cold, heartless and ruthless? In every moment, it is one or the other...and how we regard and react to it is up to us.

“If you are grateful, I will surely increase My favours unto you” (Quran-Surah Ibrahim 14: 7).