Weekly Wise Words: The Answer to all our Problems

Verily We have fully explained every type of subject matter to mankind in this Qur'aan. However, most people have chosen not to accept.

 Surah 17, Aayat 89

Finding Faults

You may have heard this one... or maybe not.

There were 4 men reading salaah in a Masjid when the Muezzin walked in and called the azaan. The first man broke his salaah and said: "Is it time for azaan already?" Then the second man broke his salaah and criticised the first man fro breaking his salaah. To that the third man replied (after having broken his salaah too). "Why did you comment?" and finally the fourth man broke his salaah and said: "At least I wasn't a part of this argument."

Ok, so its a silly little story, but if you really think about it you'll see that its really meaningful. It teaches us that we should not criticise others, because by criticising them we are in fact harming ourselves and our own good actions. Had these men just left each other and focused on themselves, then they wouldn't have spoiled their own salaah.

You know that old saying? When you point one finger at someone, 3 fingers are pointing back at you!

The thing with all of us is that we are so busy finding fault with others that we don't even have the time to see the fault within ourselves. Because really, if we actually spent our time trying to correct and better our own deeds, we really wouldn't be noticing and picking apart others. You see it everyday, people criticising the clothes that others are wearing, while they themselves are not dressed properly; people commenting on the conduct of others, while they themselves have bad manners and people finding fault with others, when their own family members are far worse. Whats wrong with us. When are we going to stop finding fault in others? When are we going to pay more attention to our own flaws and less attention to the flaws of others?

Whats worse is that we don't even have the power to change others, we can only improve ourselves. so while we out there trying to fix everybody but ourselves, we fail to realize that the only people we could ever really fix is ourselves! Maybe we should seriously consider this next time before we begin to judge and criticise others...

Arranged Marriages and Proposals

I always understood arranged marriages like this: That the girl in question is like a special princess who has would- be suitors coming to see if she would possibly consider marrying them. Sure that would- be suitor would see if he wanted to marry her too; but it would in no way seem demeaning to any party. Why is it not like that???


Instead you have the girl feeling self conscious and awkward. She feels that admitting that she wants to get married is an admission of embarrassment- that it automatically classes her as desperate. That men coming to see her is demeaning and embarrassing. Why?

Ok, so maybe its because she has aunts and family members warning her not to talk too much or seem to clever lest she frighten the guy away; or maybe its because she constantly has to hear of how she is getting older and needs to get married before her biological clock stops ticking; or maybe its because she naturally wants to look and do the best because she does indeed want to get married; but, and this is important, surely its not in her hands at all. Think about it for a moment.

Whether the guy thinks she’s just not right, or she thinks the same of him; whether she trips and falls flat on her face; whether she appears too smart, too dumb, too loud or too quiet; surely she will only end up with the guy if it was meant to be. Maybe if she could realize this simple truth; if she could understand that all she had to do was make an effort (a non-stress effort) and then put her firm trust in Allah- realizing that all only happens by His will; then surely that poor girl would be able to take a breather. You can’t change your decree. The pen has already dried. But since we have no knowledge, all we can do is try our best, Obey Allah, and then trust that that Merciful Creator will give us what is best.

Oh, and please don’t feel embarrassed to admit that yes, you do indeed wish to marry. Don’t even be afraid to admit that you’re nervous. I’m sure that guys are just as scared and nervous as the rest of us. And even if a guy is coming to propose for the 100th time, it still shouldn’t embarrass you or make you feel bad about yourself. Things will only happen when they’re meant to happen.

I still believe that we are the princesses with potential suitors seeking to marry us. Call it naivety or just optimism. You decide!!!

Weekly Wise Words: Positive Attitude

If you have tried and failed a hundred times, your efforts would still have won incalculable gains. The feeling of disappointment and pessimism and of losing heart should never occur.

The promise of Allah is true and will come to pass. Always adopt a hopeful and positive outlook.

Be an eternal optimist.

Taken from: In the Early Hours by Khurram Murad

Never mind the shoes

A few days ago my family and i complained about how people steal shoes from the masjid. I mean really, its laughable that you have to lock your shoes in a locker when you go to pray. Your shoes... come on!!! We ranted and raved about ridiculous people who go through great lengths to steal shoes (to be fair though, the price of some shoes can actually pay for a full week's meals); we spoke about the inconvenience, the crime and the matter in general. It must really be a nuisance to come out and find that your shoes are missing.

Last night when my brother returned from Esha he informed us that a man, who was leaving the Masjid, had just been shot and killed. All of us were shocked and silenced. This had happened just down the road from our house right outside the Masjid that we all knew so well. And as we started talking about it, exclaiming our sadness and surprise, my father said the very thing that i had been thinking: "never mind the shoes". In comparison to a life, who cared about the shoes? In comparison to a murder, who cared about the shoes?

When incidents like this occur it really puts things into perspective. It makes you suddenly question what truly matters, it makes you wonder about your own life and it makes you appreciate your loved ones.

It makes you consider what you would do if your father, your brother or your husband just didn't come home one day. And it makes you realise how truly connected we all are when you can feel sadness for a man and a family that you had never met before.

May Allah grant him Jannatul Firdous Insha-Allah and allow this incident to serve as a reminder to all of us; a reminder that we should focus on what truly matters in life, and forget about the shoes.

Weekly Wise Words: How to walk on earth

Surah Bani Israeel (17) Aayat 37

And do not walk haughtily on earth. You can certainly not tear the earth open, nor can you reach the height of the mountains.

Its fun being a girl!

Is it just me or is fashion for girls just so much better these days? When i was a teenager, finding pretty and modest Islamic clothing was more complicated than a space mission. Really, im being serious too! Most times i had no other option but to resort to shopping in the boys' section( where i was sure to find long loose tops). Now when i look around i see that things really have changed. (What, you mean there's more than one way to tie a scarf!!!)

In the past it wasn't so easy to purchase beautiful abayas, scarves and cloaks. Yip, all those shops in Mayfair and lenz- they weren't always there you know! And the ones you could buy- lets just say it was a rather poor selection.

These days you don't have to travel far to get the most beautiful Islamic fashions from all over the world. From stunning scarves to colourful dresses; attaining a beautiful Islamic dress is much more possible than before. And if you want to wear pants and skirts- well these days there are actually beautiful and decent blouses that can accompany it. There's even a range of sleeves and under-scarves that you can match up with your outfit. Even for a plain Jane like myself, being a girl these days is so much more fun.

What with beautiful modest clothing, gorgeous colourful headgear, and modest and practical swimwear; I guess we really don't have an excuse not to dress decently anymore! And i, thankfully, no longer have to shop in the Men's department! :)

Images from:
image 1: http://silkscarvesforwomen.com/
image 2: http://www.missabaya.com/2009/04/new-arrival.html 

Envy

You know it, I know it... we all know it! Sometimes its hard not to look at others with envy and jealousy. Especially when what you envy is something you've always wanted. So how do we deal with envy, and for starters- what is envy?

Envy can best be described as wanting what others have, even to the extent that you begin to secretly wish that they could lose it. Envy ruins good relationships and severs the ties of sisterhood. After all, how can you love someone when you secretly envy all their good fortune...? The problem with envy is that we tend to forget that all that good fortune has been bestowed to that person by Allah. So when we envy them what we are really saying is that we are unhappy with Allah's decree, and that's not good at all!!!

In reality envy make us sick- i mean literally, it actually makes us sick. A heart full of envy is like a diseased heart and you can easily notice the person who that heart belongs to. That person is usually unhappy- always complaining about their current situation; they are always looking for fault in others; and they never seem to have peace and contentment- well, that's what a diseased heart can do to you!

I know that's its difficult, sometimes you cant help feeling a twinge of envy for something that someone else has- but trying to restrain and prevent that envy from spreading- that will then be our test. So when you see that your frenemy's got something new and cool that you really like- DONT speak bad about her; DONT try to find fault with what she has and DONT try to make her feel bad about herself! Rather be quiet; swallow your feelings; talk to your Creator and try to be nice to her. Sounds like a good remedy, yes?

Here's a quick little checklist for you. Scholars of Islam have categorised different categories of enviers. so when you think that you might possess a little envy, do a little check to see where you're at. Then at each different moment keep checking to see how far you've progressed.

1. The first category is that wherein you feel envy and hatred for someone to such an extent that you actually try to remove that bounty from her. You cannot bear to see her with her good fortune and you probably sit and devise schemes to help you in you effort.

2. The second category is when you desperately try to get that bounty for yourself. You feel that you want what that person has, and not only do you hope that she can lose it, but also that you can rather have it.

3. Then there's the situation when you don't act on your envy but you are aware that you are envious, and you are neither ashamed nor displeased by those thoughts. basically, your jealousy doesn't bother you.

4. You feel envy for someone but you really don't like that feeling. In this case you know that your envious feelings are wrong and you dislike it in yourself. (This type of envy is not considered as sinful;)

5. You recognize your envy and you try your very best to remove it- whether by seeking Allah's help, chastising yourself constantly and even going as far as to be extra nice to that person (in attempt to combat those negative feelings). This is probably the best stage of envy since the envier is actually taking steps in order to remove it.

Abu Hurairah said that Rasulullah saw said : "Beware of envy, for envy devours good (deeds) like fire devours firewood". ( Abu Dawud )

image from: http://www.clipartguide.com/_pages/0808-0710-1617-3417.html

This time its not my fault...

For anyone following this blog you will have noticed that the look has changed- again!!! This time though, its not my fault. Unfortunately My old template got messed up (as you may have noticed) and i was forced to get a new one. So that's that!
Anyway, the look is not what really matters, its the content, right?

Welcome to Weekly Wise Words!

Assalamu Alaikum and welcome to the first ever edition of Weekly Wise Words. So this is how it'll play out: Each Friday (Or Thursday Night) a new Weekly Wise Words post will go up. The post will be either a hadith, Aayat or just simply, wise words. What i hope is that we can all read these simple wise words and try to make a positive change in our lives. May Allah (SWT) grant us all knowledge and allow us to become better Muslims. Insha-Allah.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

"Do not be people without minds of your own, saying that if others treat you well you will treat them well, and that if they do wrong you will do wrong. Instead, accustom yourselves to do good if people do good and not to do wrong if they do evil."


- Al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 1325

http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/sb10068962q-001/Photodisc

Reflection

A simple family moment left me with a very valuable lesson...

My nieces and I were playing dress up the other day when the younger one (4 year old Ayesha) got hold of my surma. Needless to say she liberally began applying it to her eyes- a task which she thoroughly enjoyed. Now i don't need to tell you what she looked like- what with being a 4 year old and all.

Since she didn't have a mirror nearby she didn't know how weird she looked, and even though everybody else kept gasping and laughing at her, she was oblivious to the sight of her face.

It was only when she looked at her own reflection (by accident as she passed by a window) that she finally realised how she looked. She was so surprised at her reflection that she excitedly exclaimed: "What happened?" It was in this moment, while we all laughed at her, that i was taught a very valuable lesson.

 It takes true self reflection to understand and realize what we really look like.

Just like how we could all see what Ayesha had done to her face, others can see our character. And just like how she was oblivious, we too are sometimes unaware of our own flaws. We have to actually look at ourselves clearly, examine our characters, examine the situations we find ourselves in, and examine people's attitudes towards us; in order to understand the type of people that we are.

I have a creed that i have lived by for many years now, and I'd like to share it with you. When someone tells me something hurtful i carefully consider what they've said and begin a process of self questioning. The hurtful statements may either be right- in which case i examine my actions and try to rectify it; or they may be wrong- in which i case i simply shrug it off and try very hard not to let it bother me. You see while people may sometimes be very valuable in helping you to understand the type of person you are; they can also easily break you. So next time, take my advice and try this for yourself.

I think that its important for all of us to constantly be engaged in a process of self reflection. We certainly won't leave the house without first checking how we look, so why spend another moment without considering how we look on the inside and what our characters and behaviour is saying about us...? Real self-reflection can tell us what we're made of, and that's a lesson I'd love to learn.

Abu Darda (radiyallaahu 'anhu) said that Allaah's Messenger (salallaahu 'alaihi wa'sallam) said:
There is nothing which is heavier upon the balance than the good character
Reported by Ahmad (6/446 and 448)

Women and Knowledge

Has anybody else noticed how 'education' is sometimes seen by some people as a bad thing? i think that its because education and knowledge has gotten mixed up with terms like modernity and feminism. Ok so seriously let me clarify, females getting education is NOT a modern thing!!! I probably don't need to go back into the history of Islam and relay the stories of all the wonderful, knowledgeable and educated females; scholars of fiqh, hadith and Quraan. So where has this idea come from, you know- the idea that if you're educated then you must be one of those 'modern girls'? Its like people automatically think that if you have a university degree then you probably don't know how to be a good wife. I understand that people may feel that after gaining an education you might be a little too preoccupied with a high-powered career; but that's a generalization- don't you think?

Personally, i don't belong to any stereotypes out there. I'm an educated woman who has chosen not to pursue a career and decided to stay at home. So as for the stereotype of the 'educated working woman'- i just don't belong. And while i am capable (insha-Allah) of being a home-maker, i also happen to have knowledge and a valuable opinion. So as for the stereotype of the simple minded housewife - i don't fit in either. You see this is the beauty of Womanhood and the beauty of Islam. It doesn't ask me to belong to any stereotypes- I can just simply be me. It is only other people who come along and try to fit us into boxes.
Ok, so let me get back to my point of education then. Knowledge and the pursuit thereof is important in Islam- and yes this applies to women too. We should constantly try to seek knowledge; knowledge of Quraan, knowledge of our deen and even knowledge of the world around us. Knowledge doesn't mean a 9 to 5 job with weekends off. Knowledge also doesn't mean a university degree. Knowledge can be gained from the comfort of your house, or from the houses of others. With all the books and resources we have available at our fingertips, and with the most Glorious Quraan in each of our homes- we really have no excuse not to constantly be engaged in the pursuit of knowledge. So here's hoping that we can all be a generation and an Ummah of beautifully knowledgeable and capable young women!!!

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "The seeking of knowledge is obligatory for every Muslim." - Al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 74

Beauty and a rose

I stared with bright-wide eyes at the beautiful rose underneath my window. Its velvety red petals perfectly surrounded its centre, opening, each new day, to reveal its awesome beauty. I couldn't very well leave it outside. I couldn't just ignore its beauty. No, instead i needed it by my side to marvel at it.

-The first day it stared at me proudly with its smooth, perfect petals.

-The second day it opened a little further much to my delight and admiration. Each time i passed it i would stop to smell it, and to proclaim the praises of my Creator who had created something this beautiful.
-The third day i was used to it. i noticed it less and less and didn't stop to admire, nor to smell it.
-By the fifth day my perfectly beautiful rose had begun wilting, increasingly losing its appeal.
-And by the sixth day, the once splendid and exquisite rose was reduced to nothing more than a stem with a few dying petals.

This is life, this is beauty...

Beauty will fade, that is a certainty; but knowledge, imaan, and good character- only improves with time.
Think about it then, which is a better investment?

image from: http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=7531414

Friendly friends or friendly foes

You know how mothers always say: “Friends are not important”, well to youngsters- they are! Sometimes a friend is what keeps you going and the thought of school or work without friends- well that’s just dreadful! But are your friends friendly friends or rather friendly foes?

Sometimes you get the friend who’s just your friend so that she can show off and boast. You know, she’s the one who’s got to make a point of mentioning all the goodies that daddy dearest bought for her. Anything you’ve got is not good enough and anything concerning you is just not interesting enough for her. Sometimes when you're around her your life seems small and inadequate. Friends like her, well they not really friends at all and you probably better off without her.

Then there’s the friend who loooves to gossip. Oh, she’ll be by your side and pretend to share your problems, but the minute you turn your back she’ll be telling all your problems to anyone who is willing to listen (which is usually everyone!). Its not even just you, she spreads gossip all over, relaying everybody’s secrets to everybody else. So how do you spot her? Well, if you have a friend who keeps telling you stories of everybody else, chances are that she’s telling everybody else stories about you!

The trickiest friendly foes are those who you only discover when a crisis occurs. They’re the friends who are by your side through all the good, but the minute you go through something bad, they’re quick to drop you like a hat. Unfortunately the only time you discover the truth is after the crisis has occurred- and then you have to deal with the additional ordeal of your friends betrayal. The silver lining is, however, that through the crisis you get to see who your true friends are, and that is a gift indeed.

True friends are the ones who keep us going. They support us, encourage us and lend a hand when we need it most. They may not be the most popular, beautiful, or rich; but they’re loyal and trustworthy and will support you no matter what.

Take a look at all your friends. Are they friendly friends or friendly foes? Will they be by your side when the ride gets bumpy, or will they be quick to jump ship? Will they give you good advice and lend you their shoulder to cry on, or will they relish gossiping about your problems?

Friends can make all the difference. So in this journey that we call life, make sure you’ve chosen the right companions.

Got more examples of friendly foes or friendly friends, hit the comments below!

Gossip!

Have you ever noticed how we all thrive on gossip? From gossip blogs, to gossiping about celebrities to TV shows like 'gossip girl'. Oh, the guilty pleasure of relaying tales, and the sinister satisfaction of putting each other down. Like it or not, gossip is something that we are all guilty of! And while we all may check ourselves when it comes to sinning, we somehow always seem to forget that gossip is a very big sin!

Think about it for a moment. Think about how many lives gossip has ruined. Think about how many relationships gossip has strained. Gossip is like a sharp blade that cuts into the vey core of unity and sisterhood. And even though, deep down, we know that gossiping is wrong- we still continue doing it!

Im sure that each of us has been at the receiving end of gossip. Im sure that we have all felt the pain and humiliation of it. So why, when we know and remember how we felt, should we do it to others? Gossiping is described as eating the flesh of another. Why would we want to eat each others flesh? It is so bad that the Prophet (S.A.W) has warned us in detail about it.

The Prophet (S.A.W) said to his companions: "Do you know what backbiting is?" They said, "Allah and His Messenger know best." He then said, "It is to say something about your brother that he would dislike." Someone asked him, "But what if what I say is true?" The Messenger of Allah said, "If what you say about him is true, you are backbiting him, but if it is not true then you have slandered him." [Muslim]

Imagine a world where we didn't gossip about each other. A world where secrets were safe and we all didnt strive to find fault in each other. This world is not just possible, it is within our reach. So lets reach out and try to attain it. Let us guard our tounges and watch our words. Let us honour our friendships and strive to see good in others. And when our fellow sisters are down- lets not kick them further; lets rather extend our arm and help lift them up. Im going to try, will you...?

"O you who believe! Avoid much suspicion, indeed some suspicions are sins. And spy not neither backbite one another. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would hate it (so hate backbiting). And fear Allah, verily, Allah is The One Who accepts repentance, Most Merciful" [Noble Quran 49:12]

image taken from www.zazzle.com at http://www.zazzle.com/got_gossip_gifts_keychain-146673913918177604

What's going on with this blog?

For any of those who have been visiting the blog lately, you will have noticed that some changes have been made to the template. Well, what can i say- I'm at it again. Due to my slightly obsessive compulsive nature- I decided that the old look of the blog (which was new a couple of days ago) was...well... untidy. I need everything to be neat and tidy, and on its place. The previous template, while i thought it was all bright and cheery, just turned out to be too messy.


So why am i explaining all of this to you? well, because if you're here again then I assume that you actually like this blog and would have noticed all the changes. It can be disconcerting- what with finding a new look every week; so i thought I'd explain it to you, and assure you that the new look and template (the one i just added right now) is here to stay.

I tried to get a template for girl talk 786 that reflected its personality and aims- but whatever i found just didn't seem to fit. So now, i decided to stick with a look that reflects me and my personality. I chose what I like, and i hope you guys like it too. Now I know that you're probably sitting and saying: "Well who cares?" You're right, There is probably nobody who cares about the fact that I keep chopping and changing the templates of girl talk... But on the off chance that you do care, and on the off chance that you were thinking: "Wow this chick is such a scatter brain!" Well, now that I've clarified it- I hope you understand!

Hope you guys enjoy the new look. Hope you enjoy the blog. Hope you remain supporters, read and reflect on the posts, and comment when you feel like it. Hope you enjoy your weekend too.

I leave you in peace, and hope to find you again in peace.

Who are we really?

Ask yourself this question: Who am I?
Who are you really? I don't mean who your friends think you are. and i definitely don't mean who your parents think you are. Rather who are you, to you...? What is your essence? What are you made of?


I struggled with this when I was growing up.I was lost and confused, trying to figure myself out but at the same time unaware of it. Does this make any sense? To my friends i was the version of me that i thought they wanted. So even though i had an introverted nature; their version of me was that i was loud, friendly and sociable- so to them this is who I was. To my parents i was a quiet, obedient child who did her own thing and never got into trouble- so to them this is who i was. What i really was (what i came to discover only later in life) was that i was a mixture of all of this and so much more. But because everybody fitted me into a mould of what made sense to them, that's what i did to myself too. I didn't even realise how unfair i was being to myself and to others who cared, closing myself off and categorising myself into little boxes.


So now that i know who I am, and now that I understand that i am different aspects of so many things, its easy for me to look back and understand that i really never knew who i was.


So I'm asking you now. who are you? who are you really? take a moment and think about it. I know that you'll never really fully know it because we learn new things about ourselves constantly- but try to figure out who you are now, and don't be afraid to let others figure it out too. Real friends will always stick by you- no matter what differences you may have. Allah (SWT) created us all differently. What gives anyone the right to claim superiority? Human beings should be celebrated for all of their intricate differences. (who wants a whole world of the same kind people anyway?) Figure out who you are; figure out what you're made of and then, when you do, dont be afraid to shine!

Sometimes silence is even better...

So since people have been commenting on the post 'its hard to say I'm sorry' and since this is an interestingly debatable subject, I decided to highlight it a little bit more.

My sister had an argument with her husband. It was nothing serious, just the usual complaints you hear from married people. Now, after days of fighting, after arguing with her husband and unloading her mind- now do you know what she says: that she should have just kept quiet. Now i know its difficult, I mean really- I know. (Even worse so when you happen to have a big mouth like me...) But the thing is that when you talk and when you say what's on your mind- even if you know you're right; it seldom ever makes things any better. Now my sister's husband is angrier than before due to all the things that she said to him. So here's the question right: Even though you may know that you're right, and even though you feel like you need to get if off your chest; when it causes more problems in your marriage, with your family or with your friends; is it really worth it? Is the triumph of a good argument or the satisfaction in blowing off steam worth ruining a relationship???

So what can you do then? When you feel that you're being wronged in a certain way; when you feel like you desperately need to vent so that you can feel better; and when you feel like your mind is about to explode; if you can't tell the person in question (due to fear that it will make things worse) what do you do? well, I'm no expert but if you like, you can try some of the methods i use:

1. Always start with dua. Sometimes when things get a bit tough i just sit on my musalla and talk to my Creator. It really helps. Tell Allah your problems (sure, Allah already knows it but it will help you feel better.) Ask Allah for patience and for guidance. Beg, cry and be sincere... I promise that when you're done, you'll feel much better.

2. Talk to someone who you know will give you good advice. Its no use telling someone just so that they can echo your own sentiments. Speak to someone wise who will give you good, logical advice. Sometimes they'll help you come up with solutions that you never thought of before.

3. If you feel that you still need to tell the person in question how much something is bothering you, make sure you do it when you're cool and calm. It doesn't help when you scream and cry because your points and arguments gets muddled up. Choose a good time to speak about it, when both parties are calm and there's more of a likelihood that the person will listen and think about all you say.

4. Stay away from the accusing phrases like 'you did this or that' and rather use phrases like 'I feel that...' You'll be surprised at how much more effective they are.

5. Try your best to swallow your pride and swallow your words. Not only will it make your Creator happy, but it will make you a better person too. (and that's a satisfaction that never wears off...)

As usual, post your thoughts, opinions and criticism...

No Apologies

You know I can understand when non-Muslim women question the way in which we dress. I understand that they cannot fathom why we would cover our hair and why we would wear modest clothing; I get that. What I don’t get is when our own Muslim sisters question it. Worse still is when older Muslim women, women who should know better, throw around remarks like “you’ll never get a husband.”

I started wearing hijaab when I was 15 years old. I was young, still in high school, and still concerned with my looks. So, at that time, it really wasn’t very easy. My so called friends didn’t want to be my friends anymore (Alhamdulillah, I found better ones); and as for boys liking me; well that went down dramatically since I was clearly no longer appealing. (That was better for me too...) The thing is that when you make a decision, when Your Allah guides you- well then nobody else really matters.

When you’re young, people have certain expectations of what you should be like: you should go out a lot; you should be ‘young, hip and modern’; you should be fashionable. When you choose not to fit into this mould, into this box; well then people begin to get hostile. Then you’re bound to hear comments like “Shame, you’re such a good girl” (said in an ever- so-condescending term); or “how will you ever find a husband?” All of this probably makes it that much harder for someone who is trying to get closer to Allah. So for all those sisters out there; sisters who, despite the consensus, are trying to do what they know their Allah will be pleased with; well for you I say- do it with no apologies!

-To all those aunties who belittle the beautiful young women who are trying to be modest, well for them- no apologies!
-To all those men out there who would turn a woman down because she covers her head, for you- no apologies!
-And to all those people who make muslimahs feel inadequate because they choose to cover their hair or faces, for you we make no apologies.

Even if its tough, even if people look at you're differently; even if you're only one among the many; stand tall; be proud and make no apologies.

May Allah make it easy for all of us Insha-Allah. Ameen

Vampire Crazy!!!

Can somebody please explain the whole Vampire craze to me??? Please!!! Ok, sure- i know that i should be the last one to talk, what with being a self-proclaimed Buffy addict and all, but seriously Buffy the Vampire Slayer was actually good! And it really wasn't as crazy as the crap that's out these days! But somehow still the Vampire craze is at it again and I really really don't get it. Whats the charm with Vampires anyway? They dead? They cold? They drink blood. And can they really be all that much more handsome than ordinary guys?
We must be living in a really sick world if the only way to snag your dream man is to let him kill you - and then live the rest of eternity amongst the undead eating and drinking animals! Eew!!! At least Buffy never even contemplated becoming a vampire to live in 'undead' bliss with Angel- it never even struck her mind. They wanna call themselves liberated and yet they give us a character like Bella Swan. Gosh, she's gotta be the worst protagonist ever.(I'm talking of all 4 books here so for those who are enjoying the movies, the following contains spoilers). Lets recap the character of Bella Swan and all her 'Liberated' goodness:

1. Her whole world comes to a halt the minute she meets Edward.
2. She basically gives up all her friends and immerses herself in his life (Ok fine, we'll let this one slide since she wasn't really that good friends with them anyway.)
3. When he leaves she totally and completely falls to pieces and the only time she starts recovering is when she becomes friends with Jacob (another guy!!!)
4. She risks her life on numerous occasions just so that she can get a glimpse (yeah, how dumb was that too!) of Edward.
5. She continuously begs him to make her a vampire so than she can live happily ever after with him. Oh, and here's what that would entail:

-she will have to die (of course).
-the death and transformation will be a seriously painful ordeal.
-the transformation, for a duration of time, will make her like an animal, unable to control herself and she will, if let loose (a great possibility because she'll be stronger than any other vampire) be a danger to humanity.
-since this is all a secret she will not be able to see her friends or family again (poor parents, imagin what an ordeal!).
-she will have no taste for food! (Particularly horrendous for me-I would never choose a guy over chocolate!!!
Oh, and why she is doing all this again? Not for some greater good? Not for some meaningful purpose? Not for an All- Powerful Creator. Nope, just for a guy!!!
                                     Oh, yeah- and we're the opressed ones...