Saturday, November 28, 2009
assalamu'alaikum wr. wb.بِسْمِ اللّهِ الرَّحْمـَنِ الرَّحِيمِ
Dust Dust Dust Everywhere
It's been 2 months since I last blogged. A lot of things has happened. And I mean alot. It's amazing how so many things can happen in such a short period of time. It's like, every single day, something would happen. Sometimes you just wish for an uneventful day all the time. Or even a boring day. Thankfully, today was that day. Tee hee..For the first time in my life, I did not received any gifts for my birthday, which fell on the same day as Eid 'Adha. Alhamdulillah, money was saved. :) And that is what I have always wanted. Birthday wishes were abundant though.
I'm under alot of stress. Financially. I wish I could have turned back time and followed my stubborn ways. At least, I wouldn't be in this mess. I really shouldn't have listened and give in, even though it is family. But it has happened, and it has taught me a very valuable lesson. Never trust anyone but yourself.
Anyways, I love the new look on my blog. So pink, so ME. :)
| posted by LiL^OrioN @ 10:31 PM 0 comments |
Thursday, September 17, 2009
assalamu'alaikum wr. wb.بِسْمِ اللّهِ الرَّحْمـَنِ الرَّحِيمِ
Blessings
I was tagged by a fellow sister to write a list of blessings in my life.=======================================================
Here are the rules:
· The point is to say a heartfelt ‘Thank God’. So, you’ll have to choose power blessings, ones that really really are endowments, that you couldn’t possibly feel deeper gratitude towards God for. Ones that you feel grateful for, everyday.
· After each blessing, you’ll have to choose one word to describe your state. Examples: “Happy”, “Excited”, “Thankful”, “Humble”. Or, you have to choose any word that comes to your mind after it anyway – one that’ll summarize it all.
· The ones you’d choose are preferred to be special to you, for instance, we all know that ‘Eye Sight’ is an immense blessing, and of course we can list it, but preferably if it has a special meaning to us.
· The number of your blessings should be between 5 and 10.
· After finishing your list, you should write the word: “El7amodellah” in bold, and say it out loud.
· You should tag as many friends as you can – even the ones who don’t blog, inform them that they must comment.
· After that, well, all you do is to be happy and to have ‘Reda’
=======================================================
Honestly speaking, this is a rather private matter which I really don't find the need to indulge. But, it does serve as a good reminder to count my blessings everyday. Astaghfirullah, how easy for us to get frustrated of not getting what we want, when Allah swt is The Sustainer. The topic reminded me of my Aqeedah lessons in class and how, even as a tiny foetus, He ensure we would survive in our mothers' womb through nutrients given via the placenta. And as we grew into an infant coming out into the world, He gave us mouths so we could receive food. And knowing an infant is not able to eat solid food, He gave us nutrition from our mothers' milk. Indeed, Allah is Ever Knowing and Most Merciful.... How easily we rant for not getting enough to pay the bills, when we have a shelter over us. How easily we complaint of material wants when we are given enough for our needs.
A video I watched recently, indeed made me ashamed of myself. Ashamed that having both my eyes and ears, yet I failed to memorise the particular surah mentioned (especially more so I have to do it as my assignment, and an even assignment for future investment). This post reminded of Zain Bhikha's "Forgive me when I whine"..
Be grateful my friends, always. Especially more so that we are able to fulfill our duties in this holy month.
| posted by LiL^OrioN @ 5:13 PM 0 comments |
Monday, September 07, 2009
assalamu'alaikum wr. wb.بِسْمِ اللّهِ الرَّحْمـَنِ الرَّحِيمِ
What not having Suhoor, and having excess food during breaking fast can lead to... *BEWARE*
AKIBAT TAK BERSAHUR & AKIBAT BERBUKA SECARA BERLEBIHAN
This is what happens when you do not take Suhoor...
And this is what happens when you have too much food during breaking fast...
heeeee... hehehehee... Hope these had chased your Monday blues away. Thanks Hawanis, you made my day! =)
| posted by LiL^OrioN @ 3:50 PM 1 comments |
Sunday, September 06, 2009
assalamu'alaikum wr. wb.بِسْمِ اللّهِ الرَّحْمـَنِ الرَّحِيمِ
China’s Muslim Uyghurs Forbidden to Fast During Ramadan
for real?
===================================================================
A young Uyghur boy in Calgary,
Canada cries at a rally to protest the
Communist Party's suppression in
It is part of the campaign of local authorities in Xinjiang, home to the Muslim Uyghur ethnic group, to force the Uyghur people to give up their religious rituals during the fasting month of Ramadan.
Ramadan is a holy month in the Islamic calendar, which begun this year on Aug. 22. It requires not eating during the daytime.
“Free lunches, tea, and coffee—that authorities are calling ‘Care from the government’ or ‘Living allowance’—are being offered in government departments and companies. But it is actually a ploy used to find out who is fasting,” said Dilxat Raxit, World Uyghur Congress spokesman, speaking to The Epoch Times.
For the first time, Dilxat said, the crackdown has extended to retired Communist Party members. Current cadres are required to visit them to prevent them from participating in the fast. If anyone violates the ban, local leaders will be held responsible and severely punished, he said.
Muslim restaurant owners are forced to sign a document to remain open and continue selling alcohol during Ramadan or have their licenses revoked, he said.
Uyghurs arrested during the July riots in Urumqi are also prohibited from fasting; those who insist on fasting will be force fed food and water while enduring insults for their misbehavior, he said in the interview.
Monks in mosques are forced to preach to others that fasting is a “feudal activity” and harmful to health, said Dilxat. Otherwise, their religious certification will be cancelled.
When asked about Chinese Communist Party (CCP) leader Hu Jintao’s recent visit to Xinjiang, Dilxat said: “Xinjiang’s situation has not yet returned to normal. Rather than asking the local Han people to respect the religion and culture of Uyghur people, Hu encouraged the use of military troops to suppress and further restrict our religious freedom. The communist regime often talks about ‘maintaining stability,’ but what they do is always different from what they say. They are actually the ones who are destroying stability.”
An Epoch Times reporter contacted the CCP’s State Ethnic Affairs Commission to see whether the restrictions claimed by Dilxat were official, or what the official stance on Ramadan was. The media contact wouldn’t speak on the subject, instead giving two numbers in Xinjiang that he said the reporter would be able to call to find out more. Both numbers were continually busy, and when the reporter called the State Ethnic Affairs Commission back, the man hung up.
The directives are communicated on official Web sites in the region, however.
Additional reporting by Matthew Robertson
Read original article in Chinese.
Last Updated
Sep 1, 2009
Sep 1, 2009
===================================================================
How sad! =(
| posted by LiL^OrioN @ 10:54 AM 0 comments |
Thursday, September 03, 2009
assalamu'alaikum wr. wb.بِسْمِ اللّهِ الرَّحْمـَنِ الرَّحِيمِ
President Barack Obama's Ramadan Greetings
| posted by LiL^OrioN @ 10:33 AM 0 comments |
Friday, August 21, 2009
assalamu'alaikum wr. wb.بِسْمِ اللّهِ الرَّحْمـَنِ الرَّحِيمِ
Ramadhan Moon Sighting
I was surfing through the web and I came across this.------------------------------------------------------------------------------
http://blogs.muxlim.com/StormOfTruth/dont-disregard-this-beautiful-sunnah/
I remember when I was a kid, we would go up to the roof of our house on the 29th of Shabaan / Ramadhan and try to look for the new moon of Ramadhaan/ Shawaal.. It brings backs fond memories to the mind and I cant help but smile at the happiness and excitement that I felt as a kid trying to sight the new moon, perching on tiptoes, competing with my brother to spot it before he could!
I also remember the joy, simply at the anticipation of Ramadhaan…..Will we begin the fasting tomorrow ???
Or will it be the day after ???
Whether Eid will be next day or the day after. And when we did actually see it, the delight….indescribable, the giggles…uncontrollable
Sighting the moon was such a sweet joyful experience and it was part of the whole spirit of Ramadhaan. It only added to the whole beauty and sanctity of the blessed month, and to our Ibaadah and submission to Allaah.
And now, many years later, as another Ramadhaan approaches us, I look forward to another chance to look for the moon, this time with my kids, teaching them the importance of this Sunnah, sharing with them their innocent joy and excitement….their delight at seeing the bright crescent that brings glad tidings of a blessed month full of mercy and barakah.
After all, to search for the new moon is an ACT OF IBAADAH and a means of EARNING REWARD from Allaah.
And it is the SUNNAH of our beloved Prophet (sallAllahu alayhi wasallam
The Sunnah is seeing and not mere knowledge of moons existence above the horizon
The month of Ramadan does not begin with the birth of the moon. It does not even begin when it becomes possible to sight the moon. The month of Ramadan, according to the Messenger of Allah (sallAllahu alayhi wasallam), begins with the SIGHTING of the moon. This means a human EYE has to see the crescent of Ramadan. And no one should dare to think that the Prophet (sallAllahu alayhi wasallam) did not realize that the new crescent of Ramadan could be behind the clouds.
There are many, many Ahaadeeth encouraging us to look( with our eyes) for the new moon.
The Prophet (sallAllahu alayhi wasallam) said: “Do not fast until you see the new moon, and do not stop fasting until you see it, and if it is concealed by clouds them count out (the thirty days of Shabaan ) for it.” (Bukhaari, Muslim
Aaishah (radiy Allahu anha) said, “The Messenger of Allah (sallAllahu alayhi wasallam) used to treat Shaaban as he treats no other month. He would then fast for sighting (the moon) of Ramadhan. Whenever he could not sight it, he would count thirty days (for Shaaban) and then start the fast.” [Abu Dawood].
Sighting the new moon of Ramaadhan is a Fardh Kifaayah.
It is obligatory to witness the new moon for establishing certain acts of worship. If these acts are obligatory, such as fasting Ramadhan and Hajj, then witnessing the new moon also becomes obligatory on at least a part of the Muslim Ummah (Fardh Kifaayah). That is because, “what is necessary to fulfill the requirements of an obligation is an obligation itself.”
The Sunnah Dua upon seeing the new moon
The Prophet (sallAllahu alayhi wasallam) even taught us the dua to read when we see the new moon. So make an effort to sight the Ramadan moon with full attention and eagerness and say this prayer on sighting the moon:
Allaahu Akbar, Allaahumma ahillahu alayna bil amni wal eemaani, wassalaamati wal-Islaami, wattawfeeqi limaa tuhibbu Rabbanaa wa tardhaa, Rabbunaa wa Rabbukallaahu .
“Allaah is the greatest. O Allaah, let the crescent loom above us in safety, faith, peace, and Islaam, and in agreement with all that You love and pleases You. Our Lord and your Lord is Allaah.”
A neglected Sunnah??
It is a part of the beauty of Islam anticipating when fasting will start. When will Eid be? This builds up the excitement and love of these blessed times. And there is deepest wisdom in how Allah Subhaanahu wa Taala ordained these issues. This was the way of the Prophet(sallAllahu alayhi wasallam), the Sahaabah, and the Early generations, including the Four Imams.
Yet, it is sad to see many Muslims getting lost in the fast track world of machines and calculations and neglecting this act of Sunnah, thus losing out on the chance to earn reward from their Rabb for following the Prophet (sallAllahu alayhi wasallam) and his guidance.
SO REVIVE THE SUNNAH!
So work hard to revive the Sunnah of the Prophet (sallAllahu alayhi wasallam) and dont belittle it. Practice it yourself, teach it to your children and others. Reviving aspects of the Sunnah that are being forgotten is one of the most important charitable deeds that a person can do during his lifetime and is a deed that will bring an immense reward
"Whoever revives an aspect of my Sunnah that is forgotten after my death, he will have a reward equivalent to that of the people who follow him, without it detracting in the least from their reward." (Tirmidhi)
He (sallAllahu alayhi wasallam) also said: Pay attention to my Sunnah and the way of the Rightly-guided Khaleefahs after me, adhere to it and hold fast to it.(Saheeh Abi Dawud)
For our complete guidance, it is a must for us to learn and follow the Sunnah. If possible, let us invite others to learn and follow the same. We must know that our Creator sent His Messenger (pbuh) with Guidance and the Religion of Truth to make it prevail over all religions and that He promises great rewards for those who support the Truth.
“And he who brings the Truth and he who confirms (and supports) it -- such are the men who do right. They shall have all that they wish for, with their Rabb. Such is the reward of those who do good: so that Allah will remit from them (even) the worst in their deeds and give them their reward according to the best of what they have done.” (Qur’an 39:33-35)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To each his own. I'm not sure of the authenticity of the dua though. I also read somewhere that only Shias in Lebanon rely on astronomical calculations rather than moon sightings by the naked eye, and that they start fasting today (hence some confusion among the FB community that fasting starts today as Shia fast a day before Ramadhan, and some calendar states today as 1 Ramadhan).
Wallahu'alam.
I did raise this up to dad once back then, how was it done during kampung days, did they sighted the moon and all. He didn't answer my question. Instead, dad said, it's very hard to sight the cresent moon these days because it will appear at the beginning of the night and it is always low in the sky. Then, it will disappear. Because of the tall buildings we have in Singapore.
Anyone has any idea where to get a good look of the moon? I'm sure it's fun. Because the article sounds fun. lol! Anyways, have a blessed Ramadhan everyone! Make full use of the blessed opportunity given! =)
Ramadan Moon
Ramadan Moon, Ramadan Moon,
Oh the people are coming and going; getting ready, to-ing and fro-ing
There’s a buzz in the world tonight; people are so excited
Daddy’s coming home soon; hoping to see the moon
Hoping to catch a sight; everyone’s so happy
Moon, Moon, come out soon
We’re out to see the Ramadan Moon
Clouds shift; fog lift! City put out your lights
We want to see the Ramadan Moon – tonight!
Now Ramadan has started; and the Moon has just been sighted
Tomorrow we all fast – every Muslim must
Now ‘Esha time is here; and it’s time to leave for prayer
The Imam is in the Mosque; the Qur’an is in his heart
Moon, Moon, come out soon
We’re off to see the Ramadan Moon
Clouds shift; fog lift! City put out your lights
We want to see the Ramadan Moon – tonight!
Moon, moon, moon,
From the early break of dawn, we'll go the whole day long
Shops are full of dates – but still we have to wait
Till the sun goes down, and it’s time to break our siyyam,
The food is on the plate – ooh! It tastes so good!
Moon, Moon, come out soon
We’re off to see the Ramadan Moon
Clouds shift; fog lift! City put out your lights
We want to see the Ramadan Moon – tonight!
| posted by LiL^OrioN @ 1:09 PM 0 comments |
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
assalamu'alaikum wr. wb.بِسْمِ اللّهِ الرَّحْمـَنِ الرَّحِيمِ
3 more days
to RAMADHAN!!!!
Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!... *I'm very excited!!!*
| posted by LiL^OrioN @ 11:32 AM 2 comments |
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
assalamu'alaikum wr. wb.بِسْمِ اللّهِ الرَّحْمـَنِ الرَّحِيمِ
Chain Mails and Untruths
Seriously, I do not know why some people are so easily fooled into believing in them, when there's no proof or credibility whatsoever.It irks me so much. -.-"
ESP IF IT'S RELATED TO RELIGION!
| posted by LiL^OrioN @ 10:58 AM 0 comments |
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
assalamu'alaikum wr. wb.بِسْمِ اللّهِ الرَّحْمـَنِ الرَّحِيمِ
Love
My beloved uncle passed away yesterday morning at 3am. When he was admitted to the hospital on Sunday night, I didn't come down because I was informed very late at night. However, the next morning, we were informed he was in critical condition and may leave anytime.I came by after work. He was in isolation in Critical Care Unit of the hospital. And I felt the sharpest pain in my heart when I saw him. I never knew it would hurt so much. To see him in such a state, hurts so much. He was, by then was on life support and his heart beat was faint. We found out he had TB, and there were many other kinds of bacterias in his body. He had pneumonia, in which his lungs were already filled with fluid.
I just kept crying... and crying... and crying.
I've had many happy memories with my uncle. Never did once he raised his voice with me. Never did he ever repremanded me for doing something wrong. Instead, he was the rock for everyone. He was always encouraging me to be better than I already am. He always believed and had faith in every one of his child, neices and nephews. He was, indeed, like a father figure.
He was the husband of my father's sister. Even though he was an uncle-in-law, we all felt he was a father to us. He was THE best uncle I have ever had. THE only uncle-in-law who has never given the family any problems. THE only uncle-in-law who was ever willing to help anyone and everyone. He was such a good man, that his boss came down and offered to pay for the funeral rites to repay him for being a model worker. He was very nice to strangers and neighbours. In short, he was a very very good man.
Indeed, my family had just lost a very good man. I can't help but cry each time I think of him. And when I see a half-bald man, I kept being reminded of him. His thick eyebrows especially.
Our aunt was still hoping for the best. She believed he would regain consciousness. We believed, he didn't want to trouble anyone if he was to become sick from then on if he regains consciouness and so, didn't fight back the disease. The doctor did his best, giving the last line of drugs to fight the bacteria. But he wasn't fighting it back.
We couldn't crowd around him and only 2 people were allowed in the room each time. By nightime fall, we knew he was going to go soon. We scrubbed our hands, wore the mask and took turns to go in, ask for forgiveness and say our last words to him. Yes, he may be in a coma, but we somehow felt he could hear us. His heartbeat raised when verses of the Quran were said by others before him. It was my turn and I went in with my dad. Dad kept repeating the shahadah to his ear, hoping he could hear and say it with him. I burst out crying and held myself at the corner of the room while I waited for my turn to talk to him.
I couldn't control myself. I only recalled reciting Ayatul Kursi to give myself strength. I just said prayers to Allah, hoping Allah would put him among the pious and reduce his pain of Sakaratul Maut.
I miss him so much now. I am so sad he will not be around to see me get married and to my future husband. It's weird that even when my grandmothers died, I didn't feel this so much pain.
You will not realised how much you really loved that person, until his demise.
I will always remember you Pak Teh. You were my favourite, and no one can ever take your place. I love you, always.
Prayers for my uncle, Al-Marhum Ishak Bin Mad Hasim. May Allah place him among the pious and bless his soul, ameen.
| posted by LiL^OrioN @ 4:28 PM 0 comments |
Thursday, July 16, 2009
assalamu'alaikum wr. wb.بِسْمِ اللّهِ الرَّحْمـَنِ الرَّحِيمِ
The Path
Yesterday's The Path session was indeed thought-provoking. It was about Prophet Yusuf a.s.To sum it up, there are a few reflection pointers to bring home.
1. Qada' & Qadar
2. Always have faith in Allah
3. Grab our opportunity to gain rewards for the Hereafter, while on Earth
4. At any point of time in our life, we must always be good and set a good example
5. Always ask help from Allah, not people
The main of the whole sharing session was, to sum it to the best, is about
"Inna ma'al-'usri yusra." Surah ash-Sharh (94:5)
Verily, with every hardship, comes ease.
I had forgotten about that ayah when he kept reminding me time and time again then. And how negative I have always been. I admit, I have always been a pessimist. But since yesterday's session, I shall relook into my mindset. What hit me the most was when Ustaz talk about how Allah was always there for us, but we always forget that fact.
There come upon the time when Yusuf was imprisoned, and a fellow inmates came to him to interpret their dreams, and when Yusuf had finished explaining, told the one who is being free to inform his king of Yusuf, so that he may be freed. That was when Ustaz said these few words.
When Prophet Yusuf was left in the well, he went to Allah for help. Who saved him? Allah
When Prophet Yusuf was accused by Zulaikha, he went to Allah for help. Who saved him? Allah
When Prophet Yusuf was chased by the women, he went to Allah for help. Who saved him? Allah
But when Prophet Yusuf was in jail, what did he do? He asked the inmate to help free him through the king. Hence, he stayed in prison for a few years instead for the inmate in the end forgot all about him.
MashaAllah... we forget so easily don't we? A very strong learning point, I must say. At every point of time in our life, whether we are in time of need, help, comfort and happiness, always approach Allah in humility and gratefulness.
| posted by LiL^OrioN @ 7:08 PM 1 comments |
