Feedback please :)

Saalam all readers, i'm looking forward to suggestions that you might have to improve the content and delivery of this blog. Please advise on how we can make this blog a more fruitful and knowledgeable source :)

Please send your suggestions to :
simplymuqmin@hotmail.com

Sunday, May 31, 2009

Spiritual Revival Lecture Series - Ladies Only!!

Ladies, this sounds so interesting! Inshallah, i will be going for all of the talks. I wil keep you updated once the addresses are confirmed. And hopefully, i will post my account of the event just like what i've been doing previously.

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When:

5 - 7 June 2009

Language:

English

Organiser

Alumnis from Alazhar, Daruzzahra and Wisdom Enthusiasts

About

A team of alumnis from Alazhar, Daruzzahra and wisdom enthusiasts will present a series of spiritual revival tazkirah session on June 5 -June 7. ALL-LADIES EVENT.
The guest speaker will be Ustazah Halimah Alaydrus.

Ustazah Halimah lectured at daruzzahra before and is an apprentice to Hababah Nur (principal of darazzahra'), wife of Habib Omar bin Hafiz.

She is a descendent of the Prophet Muhammad may peace be upon him
She currently travels the world to deliver inspiring speeches spreading the love for Allah and His Messenger may peace be upon him.

The next tazkirah will be on 3 main topics and 2 sub-topics:

* Finding Peace in the heart with the Remembrance of Allah
* Beautifying oneself with the best of manners
* Great Women in Islamic History (Mothers of Faithful)
* The power of LOVE
* Fiqhul mar'ah (Fiqh on Women issues)

The dates and venues are as follows:

Friday 5 June 2009
3.00pm : Alwehdah
7.00pm : Bilal Lane (the address has yet to be confirmed)

Saturday 6 June 2009
1.30pm : Almukminin Mosque in Jurong
8.00pm : 74 Pasir Ris Heights off Elias Road

Sunday 7 June 2009
1.30pm : Alfalah Mosque in Orchard

BRIEF SYNOPSIS OF THE TOPICS:

REMEMBRANCE OF ALLAH

By remembering Allah, clouds of worry and fear are driven away, and the mountains that make up your problems are blown away. We should not be surprised when we hear that people who remember Allah are at peace.
([They are] dead, lifeless, and they know not when they will be raised up.) [Surah An-Nahl : 21.]

Remembrance of Allah is a safe haven from the problems and worries of this world and Allah The Most-Exalted has promised us that in His Holy Quran.

To the degree that you remember Allah, your heart will be calm and cheerful. His remembrance carries with it the meaning of total dependence upon Him, of turning to Him for aid, of having good thoughts about Him, and of waiting for victory from Him.

Truly, He is near when supplicated: He hears when He is called and He answers when asked for, so humble yourself before Him and ask of Him sincerely. Repeat His beautiful blessed names, and mention Him as being alone worthy of worship. Mention His praises, supplicate to Him, and ask forgiveness from Him, you will then find – by the will of Allah – happiness, peace and illumination.

THE BEAUTY OF ADAB / MANNERS

Abu Huraira Radhiyallahu'Anhu narrated that the Prophet Muhammad Sollallahu'alaihi wasallam said: "I have not been sent as a messenger except to perfect character (akhlaq)" -Bukhari

We may think that we have acquired a vast amount of wealth and knowledge, that we are above the rest. Have we actually observed our manners (adab) towards the knowledge and the seeking process. Also towards our well-beings and others so as to please Allah and be blessed by Him?

Indeed the deen of Islam is itself manners (adab). The Prophet Muhammad Sollallahu'alaihi wasallam said: "The nearest of you to me on the Day of Judgement will be the one who is the best in character" -Bukhari

ADAB~ we have to be aware of it's great importance in everyday living. When we mention on adab we must first begin with our adab with Allah in terms of sincerity in actions, purification of the hearts etc. Also we have to observe our adab with Rasulullah and towards his teachings. In quantifying, Allah tells us in the Quran that in manners and styles, Rasulullah Sollallahu 'alaihi wasallam was a perfect example: (Truly, you have the best of manners) [Surah Al-Qalam : 4]

GREAT WOMEN IN ISLAMIC HISTORY (UMMAHATUL MUKMININ (Mothers of the Faithful) - WIVES OF RASULULLAH S.A.W)

(The Prophet is nearer to the faithful (mukminin) than they themselves, and his wives are their mothers) [Surah 33 : 7]

The Quranic description of the wives of the Prophet S.A.W as Mothers of the Faithful (ummahatulmukminin) is a mark of honour that has a very special meaning. The Mothers of the faithful had an important role in the Muslim community. They taught both men and women, helping them along their spiritual path, transmitting and explaining the teachings of the Prophet, helping the sick and the depressed and serving the cause of Islam in many other ways. Each of these women had her own special life experiences and studying their biographies can give valuable insights not only into the contemporary family life and the social situation in general but also illustrating examples for the role of women in spreading Islam as well as keys to a better understanding of Islam.

The Jinn and Ibliss

Satan = Ibliss, a being made from smokeless fire. While there are many Jinn (can be referred to as demons), some are good and others bad. Ibliss just happens to be the strongest of them.
Ibliss refused to prostrate himself to Adam, because of his ego/pride, and asked Allah (The God) to be allowed to live on the Earth until the day of Judgement/day of Resurrection.

Ibliss
Ibliss whispers and suggests, but in the end we make our own choices/decisions.

[007:011]
And surely, We created you (your father Adam) and then gave you shape (the noble shape of a human being); then We told the angels, "Prostrate yourselves to Adam," and they prostrated themselves, except Iblîs (Satan), he refused to be of those who prostrated themselves.

[007:012] (Allâh) said: "What prevented you (O Iblîs) that you did not prostrate yourself, when I commanded you?" Iblîs said: "I am better than him (Adam), You created me from fire, and him You created from clay."

[007:013] (Allâh) said: "(O Iblîs) get down from this (Paradise), it is not for you to be arrogant here. Get out, for you are of those humiliated and disgraced."

[007:014] (Iblîs) said: "Allow me respite till the Day they are raised up (i.e. the Day of Resurrection)."

[007:015] (Allâh) said: "You are of those respited."

[007:016] (Iblîs) said: "Because You have sent me astray, surely, I will lie in wait against them (human beings) on Your straight path.

[007:017] "Then I will come to them from before them and behind them, from their right and from their left, and You will not find most of them as thankful ones (i.e. they will not be dutiful to You)."

[007:018] (Allâh) said (to Iblîs): "Get out from this (Paradise), disgraced and expelled. Whoever of them (mankind) will follow you, then surely, I will fill Hell with you all."

[007:019] "And O Adam! Dwell you and your wife in Paradise, and eat thereof as you both wish, but approach not this tree otherwise you both will be of the Zâlimûn (unjust and wrong doers)."

[007:020] Then Shaitân (Satan) whispered suggestions to them both in order to uncover that which was hidden from them of their private parts (before); he said: "Your Lord did not forbid you this tree except that you should become angels or become of the immortals."

[007:021] And he [Shaitân (Satan)] swore by Allâh to them both (saying): "Verily, I am one of the sincere wellwishers for you both."

[007:022] So he misled them with deception. Then when they tasted of the tree, that which was hidden from them of their shame (private parts) became manifest to them and they began to cover themselves with the leaves of Paradise (in order to cover their shame). And their Lord called out to them (saying): "Did I not forbid you that tree and tell you: Verily, Shaitân (Satan) is an open enemy to you?"

[007:023] They said: "Our Lord! We have wronged ourselves. If You forgive us not, and bestow not upon us Your Mercy, we shall certainly be of
the losers."

[007:024] (Allâh) said: "Get down, one of you an enemy to the other [i.e. Adam, Hawwâ, (Eve), and Shaitân (Satan)]. On earth will be a dwelling place for you and an enjoyment for a time."

[007:025] He said: "Therein you shall live, and therein you shall die, and from it you shall be brought out (i.e. resurrected)."

[007:026] O Children of Adam! We have bestowed raiment upon you to cover your private parts, and as an adornment; and the raiment of righteousness, that is better. Such are among the Ayât (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) of Allâh, that they may remember (i.e. leave falsehood and follow truth).

[007:027] O Children of Adam! Let not Shaitân (Satan) deceive you, as he got your parents [Adam and Hawwâ' (Eve)] out of Paradise, stripping them of their raiments, to show them their private parts. Verily, he and Qabîluhu (his soldiers from the jinn or his tribe) see you from where you cannot see them. Verily, We made the Shayâtîn (devils) Auliyâ' (protectors and helpers) for those who believe not.

Jinn
In the Name of Allâh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
[072:001]
Say (O Muhammad [salAllâhu 'alayhi wa sallam]): "It has been revealed to me that a group (from three to ten in number) of jinn listened (to this Qur'ân). They said: 'Verily, we have heard a wonderful Recitation (this Qur'ân)!

[072:002] 'It guides to the Right Path, and we have believed therein, and we shall never join (in worship) anything with our Lord (Allâh).

[072:003] 'And He, exalted is the Majesty of our Lord, has taken neither a wife nor a son (or offspring or children).

[072:004] 'And that the foolish among us [i.e. Iblîs (Satan) or the polytheists amongst the jinn] used to utter against Allâh that which was an enormity in falsehood.

[072:005] 'And verily, we thought that men and jinn would not utter a lie against All âh.

[072:006] 'And verily, there were men among mankind who took shelter with the males among the jinn, but they (jinn) increased them (mankind) in sin and transgression.

[072:007] 'And they thought as you thought, that Allâh will not send any Messenger (to mankind or jinn).

[072:008] 'And we have sought to reach the heaven; but found it filled with stern guards and flaming fires.

[072:009] 'And verily, we used to sit there in stations, to (steal) hearing, but any who listens now will find a flaming fire watching him in ambush.

[072:010] 'And we know not whether evil is intended for those on earth, or whether their Lord intends for them a Right Path.

[072:011] 'There are among us some that are righteous, and some the contrary; we are groups having different ways (religious sects).

[072:012] 'And we think that we cannot escape (the punishment of) Allâh in the earth, nor can we escape Him by flight.

[072:013] 'And indeed when we heard the Guidance (this Qur'ân), we believed therein (Islâmic Monotheism), and whosoever believes in his Lord shall have no fear, either of a decrease in the reward of his good deeds or an increase in the punishment for his sins.

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Garage sale at Masjid Jamiyah Ar-Rabitah

In Sunday’s edition of Berita Harian, the Spektra Variasi segment had an article on a garage sale that is being held at Masjid Jamiyah Ar-Rabitah.

It was a pleasant surprise for me because I was unaware of such an initiative. I had always wondered how come we (we Muslims in Singapore) did not have our own version of Salvation Army. And here is an initiative by Masjid Jamiyah Ar-Rabitah that started off years ago only by accepting clothes (used or otherwise) as collections. As time went on, the mosque received more calls regarding donation for articles besides clothes. Mr Hanafi Hanif explained that since the mosque had the luxury of space, they decided to accept things other than clothes.

That first acceptance then went on to bloom to become a permanent garage sale! Clothes are now being sold from $2 to $5 and electrical appliances like television sets and washing machines can be bought from as low as $50.

Especially in tough financial times such as these, it sounds like a good idea to head down to Masjid Jamiyah Ar-Rabitah should you find a need to purchase something & want to save at the same time. Personally, I think its a creative way to help others and at the same time, reduce waste and reuse goods that are still in working condition!

Also, encourage the donor and the environment-lover in you by donating your goods to Masjid Jamiyah Ar-Rabitah so that they may sell it and benefit others. All proceeds go towards the mosque’s funds.

For the needy, you can register yourself at the mosque and you will get the essentials like clothes and other things that you might need, for free!

For more enquiries, do call the mosque at 62733848.

Masjid Jamiyah Ar-Rabitah,
601 Tiong Bahru Rd.

Nearest Mrt Station: Redhill (EW18)

Pesta Buku Islam 2009 - Islamic Book Fair 2009

When

29 May 2009, 11am to 8pm

Where

Wisma Indah

Language

Malay

Organiser

Darul Andalus, Masjid Kassim

Religious books, magazines, novels, motivational books, dictionaries… you name it, it'll be there! There are books to cater to children, teenagers, light reading for adults and also the heavier topics. They will be going for up to 50% discount!

Mark these dates and keep at least two of the days free. (First day to browse and finish your budget. Second day to come back and get those books you didnt manage to buy the first time round. )

It will be held from 29th May 2009 till 07th June 2009 from 1100am till 0800pm @ Wisma Indah. Spread the word!

The ideal Muslim husband & wife

The ideal Muslim husband & wife

Islamic view of marriage

Marriage in Islam offers tranquillity to the soul and peace of mind, so that man and woman may live together in an atmosphere of love, mercy, harmony, co-operation, mutual advice and tolerance, and lay the foundation for raising a Muslim family in a nurturing, sound environment.

The Holy Qur'an has described, in the most moving and eloquent terms, this eternal, natural relationship between man and woman, which is filled with tranquility, security, love, understanding and compassion:

"And among His Signs is this, that He created for you mates from among yourselves, that you may dwell in tranquillity with them, and He has put love and mercy between your [hearts]: verily in that are Signs for those who reflect." (Qur'an, 30: 21)

Marriage is a union of souls, in the deepest sense. Allah joins these two souls together so that they may enjoy tranquillity and stability in a marital home filled with sincere love and compassionate mercy.

In Islam, the righteous woman is viewed as one of the joys of this life, and a great blessing to a man, for he comes home to her and relaxes after facing the struggles of life, and finds with her incomparable peace, comfort and pleasure. The Prophet (peace be upon him) spoke the truth when he said:

"This world is just temporary enjoyment, and the best comfort in this world is a righteous woman." (Muslim)

Islam regards marriage very highly, and views femininity as something to be valued and cherished.

The ideal Muslim wife

On the basis of this view of marriage and of women, the Muslim is not attracted by the empty-headed attitude displayed by some girls nowadays. Rather, he is attracted by a sound Muslim personality, and he takes his time in choosing a partner for life, looking for a partner who has the right Islamic characteristics which will make for a stable and happy married life. Therefore he is not interested in the superficial physical beauty, grace and elegance that are the sole concerns of empty-headed youngsters. While he does not ignore physical looks, he also looks for strong religious belief and practice, intelligence, and good behavior, following the advice of the Prophet (peace be upon him).

"A woman may be married for four things: for her wealth, for her noble descent, for her beauty or for her religion. Choose the one who is religious, may your hands be rubbed with dust!" (Bukhari and Muslim)

Although the Prophet (peace be upon him) advised the young Muslim to look for a religious wife, this does not mean that he should ignore his preferences regarding physical beauty. The Prophet (peace be upon him) encouraged seeing a woman before finalizing the marriage, so that a Muslim will not find himself trapped in a marriage with a woman he finds unattractive.

Al-Mugheerah Ibn Shu'bah said:

"I got engaged to a woman during the time of the Prophet. He asked me, 'Have you seen her?' I said, 'No.' He said, 'Go and have a look at her, because it is more fitting that love and compatibility be established between you.'"

A man who had got engaged to a woman of the Ansar came to the Prophet, who asked him: "Have you seen her?" He said, "No." so the Prophet ordered him to go and see her.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) emphasized, in more than one Hadith, the fact that beauty is one of the basic characteristics that a man should look for in a woman, besides the other, moral, characteristics that are desirable. Indeed, the two are inseparable. For example, he told Ibn 'Abbas:

"Shall I tell you the most precious thing a man can have? It is a righteous wife: when he looks at her he is pleased, when he tells her to do something she obeys, and when he is away she is faithful and loyal to him."

Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) said:

"The Prophet was asked: 'Which woman is the best?' He said, 'The one who pleases him when he looks at her, who obeys him when he tells her to do something, and who does not do something he dislikes with regard to herself or to his wealth."

This is the guidance given by the Prophet (peace be upon him) regarding the personality of the woman who can bring happiness, tranquillity and stability to a man, and who can make a cheerful, pleasant and secure home in which to raise a brood of successful, courageous and intelligent children.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) insisted that marriage should be firmly built on a solid foundation, striking a balance between physical, mental, spiritual and emotional needs, so that it will not be rocked by personality clashes or differences in attitude. Therefore the true Muslim who is guided by the Shariah of Allah in all his affairs, does not fall for the wiles of the "Jezebels" who are the beautiful women of bad character; rather he tells people: "Beware of the 'Jezebels'."

A Youth Realises the Truth

Many Muslims from the Arab regions migrated to various parts of South America in the last few hundred years. After few generations have passed, the Muslims there slowly started going away from Islam due to the lack of an Islamic environment. To remind these people to be steadfast in Islam, a group of brothers from Toronto, Canada were sent to Venezuela in 2002. Due to their strong effort, some amazing changes took place in the lives of Muslims in Venezuela who were in the verge of leaving Islam. One such incidents is mentioned below.

As the brothers were looking for Muslims one day, they noticed a young boy of about 16 years of age who looked like an Arab. So they approached him and asked what his name was and if he was a Muslim. The youth replied that he is Muslim and his name is Darwin. Islam was so much out of their lives that their names became the names of famous atheists! The brothers gave him dawah and asked if he could join them for some time. The youth took his mother's permission and joined them for few days. Within 3 days, Darwin learned Surah Fatiha and started feeling the sweetness of iman. Then he asked his mother if he could join them for some more time and the permission was granted. Within two weeks, Darwin started getting up for Tahajjud on his own. Then one day after Maghrib prayer, he went to the front and mentioned that he had something to say. He told the worshippers that, "From today, I am not Darwin any more, I am Abdullah (the meaning of this name is Servant of Allah)."

These are the results that come forth by the effort of those who give their time and energy for the sake of Islam. The brothers have gone back to South America last month to cover more areas. May Allah make them successful.

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Basic islamic Studies

Language

English

Organiser

Masjid Abdul Gafoor

“Whomsoever Allah plans goodness for him/her, Allah will grant him/her good understanding of Islam” -Reported by Imam Bukhari

It is a must for every Muslim to know the basic principles in Islam and to learn them with a correct understanding and to believe in them.

This course is essential for every Muslim of teen age. It explains the most important aspects and practices of the most essential Ibadat of Islam. It is simple enough to help
young Muslims understand the basic principles of Islam.

The course will address the following topics:

- Tawheed (Unity of Allah’s Names and Attributes)
- Tafsir (Understanding of the Qur’an)
- Hadeeth (Traditions of Prophet Muhammad (saw))
- Fiqh (Observing good conduct in life)

Commencement Date : 6 June 2009
Day : Saturday
Time : 11 a.m. — 1 p.m.
Place : Masjid Abdul Gafoor
Age group: 13 - 19 years old

9 weeks course

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i don't know on how to register for this course and all. You might want to contact Masjid Abdul Gafoor @ 6295 4209

Thafeez Camp 09

Duration : 03-June 2009 to 27-June 2009
Timings : From 9:30 A.M. To 1:00 PM
Venue : Masjid Jamae ( Chulia )

Rules & Regulations:
Seats are limited to 30 boys and 30 girls
Minimum Age is 8 years old and above
Admissions will be based on first come first served basis
Registration Fees is $50/-

(May Allah accept our steps towards good deeds)

Camp Activities:
Recitation of Al-Quran with Tajweed
Memorizing Al-Quran
Islamic Studies
Outings & more activities…

For more information please contact
Masjid Chulia @ 98969894

Friday, May 22, 2009

What does Islam say about domestic violence

Islam condemns domestic violence. Once a number of women came to the prophet, on whom be peace, to complain that their husbands had beaten them. The prophet announced that men who beat their wives are not good men. The prophet also said: Do not beat the female servants of Allah.

Allah knows that life is not always a bowl of cherries. And so He stipulates that a man must be kind to his wife even if he happens to dislike her (Qur'an 4:19). Allah offers a good reason as to why men should not dislike their wives. Allah says that He has placed much good in women (Qur'an 4:19). In this regard the prophet Muhammad, on whom be peace, said that no believing man should hold a grudge against a believing woman. So what is a husband to do if he dislikes some things about his wife? This is bound to occur, since no human being is perfect. The prophet instructed that men should look for the agreeable traits in their wives rather than focus on their faults. (See Saheeh Muslim, chapter on advice relating to women).

The prophet also advised men that if they wish to benefit from marriage they should accept their wives as they are rather than try to straighten them out and thus end up in divorce. In the following verse of the Qur'an, Allah warns men that if they retain their wives in marriage it should not be to take advantage of them. The verse reads:Retain them in kindness or release them in kindness. But do not retain them to their hurt so that you transgress (the limits). If anyone does that he wrongs his own soul. Do not take God's instructions as a jest (Qur'an 2:231).

Once the prophet, on whom be peace, was asked what are the obligations of husbands toward their wives. He replied:Feed her when you eat, and provide her clothing when you provide yourself. Neither hit her on the face nor use impolite language when addressing her (See Mishkat, chapter on the maintenance of women).

The prophet equated perfect belief with good treatment to one's wife when he said:The most perfect believer is one who is the best in courtesy and amiable manners, and the best among you people is one who is most kind and courteous to his wives (see Tirmidhi, chapter on the obligations of a man to his wife).

Finally, the prophet, the best example of conduct said:The best among you is the one who treats his family best.

Some of the last words of the prophet delivered during the farewell pilgrimage enjoins that men should hold themselves accountable before Allah concerning the question of how they treat their wives. Therefore his advice to all men, is as follows:
You must treat them with all kindness.

Parents..

The Hadith

1. The Prophet Muhammad said, may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him: Your Heaven lies under the feet of your mother (Ahmad, Nasai).

2. A man came to the Prophet and said, ‘O Messenger of God! Who among the people is the most worthy of my good companionship? The Prophet said: Your mother. The man said, ‘Then who?' The Prophet said: Then your mother. The man further asked, ‘Then who?' The Prophet said: Then your mother. The man asked again, ‘Then who?' The Prophet said: Then your father. (Bukhari, Muslim).

3. Abu Usaid Saidi said: We were once sitting with Rasulullah when a man from the tribe of Salmah came and said to him: O Messenger of Allah! do my parents have rights over me even after they have died? And Rasulullah said: Yes. You must pray to Allah to bless them with His Forgiveness and Mercy, fulfill the promises they made to anyone, and respect their relations and their friends (Abu Dawud and Ibn Majah).

4. Abdullah ibn Amr related that the Messenger of Allah said: The major sins are to believe that Allah has partners, to disobey one's parents, to commit murder, and to bear false witness (Bukhari, Muslim).

5. It is narrated by Asma bint Abu Bakr that during the treaty of Hudaibiyah, her mother, who was then pagan, came to see her from Makkah. Asma informed the Messenger of Allah of her arrival and also that she needed help. He said: Be good to your mother

(Bukhari, Muslim).

Sunday, May 17, 2009

upcoming lecture

Another lecture update. This one is organised by SimplyIslam and it requires registration. Brothers and Sisters interested, please visit http://www.simplyislam.sg/ to register.



Upcoming lectures

Assalamu Alaikum,
Hello readers, here are just some of the few lectures that i know of which would be coming up soon. Again, if you know of any other lectures being arranged elsewhere, please feel free to notify all of us as well. :)

The following lectures are organised by Darul Arqam - Muslim Converts' Association, Singapore. The both lectures are free and all you have to do is just attend the lecture - no registration needed. Inshallah, hope to see you there :)



For queries regarding the above lecture, please email to eddstaff@darul-arqam.org.sg



Till i meet you again with more updates and news,
Wasalaam.