I Miss My Mama

3 years old “Mommy, I love you”

13 years old “WHATEVER MOM!”

16 years old “Mom is so damn annoying”

18 years old “I wanna leave this house!”

25 years old “Mom, you were right”

30 years old “I wanna be with my mom again”

50 years old “I dont want to lose my mom”

70 years old “I would give up everything for my mom to be here with me”

We only have 1 Mom.

Reblog this if you appreciate your Mom.

A Muslimah's Reflection on Final Exams

 Bismillahi Ar Rahman Ar Raheem

As college students, we constantly find ourselves stressing about our exams, but not enough about the greatest exam--The Day of Judgement. This is my sister in Islam's letter to herself as she finds herself losing balance on what is truly important--pleasing Allah S.W.T. 

Finals. After that last final exam, there will be no more tests, quizzes or other opportunities to change your grade. What you end up with is what you end up with. I mean, that’s what makes it so stressful right? You have a limited amount of time until your final exams so you want to make sure every single minute spent is worth it. There’s no more time to waste. You have finals coming up! AH THEY’RE YOUR FINALS! SubhanAllah, there’s not even time to sleep. Oh the lovely all nighters. J It’s during this last week that you spend less time socializing, and more time focusing, gaining knowledge about your studies, getting study groups together- whatever it takes to pass, and succeed.

Now let’s flip the script. Imagine if we prepared for our death the way we prepare for finals. We all know we are going to leave this world, and will be ultimately judged and graded on every minor thing we did in this world. (There’s a reason why the Day of Judgment is called the Final Day). We will receive our books, of our entire lives. SubhanAllah. You know how nervous we get when we find out that our final grades are up? Imagine receiving the book of our entire lives, our final judgment. SubhanAllah, it will be given to us all. And there will be no turning back. It will be our final judgment. All the good we’ve done, the bad, will be written for us- whether we regret it or not, it will be all be too late to repent, and go back to the dunya. We will plead Allah to take us back to the dunya and change our ways but it will be too late by then.

 We pull all nighters studying for our academic tests, yet we have no problem sleeping through Fajr. Tahajjud  pssh is for the sheikhs right? That’s way too hard to do. Can you imagine sleeping in and missing your final exam? Yet we SNOOZE our alarm clocks during fajr and don’t even remember it going off when we wake up. May Allah have mercy on us. Do we really take advantage of every single minute we have in this world? Do we prepare for the day of judgment the way we prepare for our final exams? What’s the purpose of a study group? To put ideas together and work together to pass the final. What’s the purpose of the Muslim Ummah? To work together and help each other get into jannah.

May Allah give us success in this life, and success in the next life, and save us it from the punishment of the Hellfire. May He allow us to receive our books in our Right hand, and be satisfied with what is in it. May He allow us to pass all of our finals- in this life and the Next. May He increase our imaan and increase the love  of the Muslim ummah. May He increase us in knowledge, wisdom, and faith. & may He send his peace and blessings on our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAWS). Ameen, thumma ameen. 

Muslim Moment #20

If this has happened to you before, feel free to share your story :)

Strangers, Again: The Ups and Downs of Relationships

                          
As expressed in this film, relationships occur in stages--there's a beginning, middle, and sadly an end. The type of relationship this film is referring to is not matrimonial, but rather a boyfriend-girlfriend relationships, otherwise known as haram relationships. As believers in Islam, we know that Allah wants the best for us, which is why he revealed The Quran. The Quran tells us to come nowhere near zinaa [fornication]. Although dating does not necessarily mean that fornication is occurring, The Quran says to avoid zinaa altogether, therefore dating could lead to it.

"And come not near to the unlawful sexual intercourse. Verily, it is a Fâhishah"

[Sourat al-Isra: 32]

Many times people try to find loop holes around this, but they soon realize that the best way to find true love is through marriage. Islam puts such a great emphasis on marriage and the beauty of the relationship between a husband and a wife. "They are your garments and you are their garments." [Sourat Al Baqarah 2:186] Why would you want to choose a destructive haram relationship over a beautiful one that Allah has prescribed for you? I understand it's difficult, especially when you're young and it seems as though everyone has someone except you, but be patient. If it's written for you to find your soul mate, it will be so much more rewarding. Marriage is the path to emotional, physical, and spiritual gratification. It is a form of worship with endless blessings. SubhanAllah what's better than that?

Fashion: Ethnically Inspired & Culturally Derived

Where do I draw my inspiration from? Anything ethnic period. I love culture, in particular when it influences fashion. I'm convinced European fashion is on its way out, and soon African, Asian, & Middle Eastern styles are going to take over. Take a look at these beautiful photos I discovered. 

They look like they stepped out of Bollywood

 Green & Gold ❤

Perfection

Diamonds & Henna=❤

T.I.S. [THIS IS AFRICA]

"Don't Be Afraid to Fail, Be Afraid Not to Try"

Photography by: me

It's finals time again. What I like to call, the season of stress. This semester I plan on stressing less and simply doing my best. Today I took a trip with a good friend to the beach and enjoyed every minute of it. It's nice to take some time away from the books and to get some fresh air. InshAllah starting next week, I'll have over three months to relax as needed. Summer plans: 1) memorize Juz 30 of the Quran 2) spend time with my family 3) Work [InshAllah]

Lovely Excerpt from [Paris, Je t'aime]

                            
                                                A clip from a film about the ethnicities in Paris. 

If Only We Knew...

Although life may not always go our way, we must be patient and know that Allah always knows best. He is the best of planners after all, so have no doubt that by His will, things will be alright in the end. 

International Scarves in Solidarity Day

Tomorrow, April 21st, Muslims & non-Muslims are asked to wear a scarf in support of the Muslim women who choose to wear hijab or niqab at their own will. Men are also asked to participate by wearing a scarf around their neck. 

 The false perception that Muslim women are being forced to wear their hijabs and niqabs, and that the scarf stands as a symbol of oppression, has become widespread. In most recent news, the French legislation has created a law forbidding Muslim women to wear the niqab.

  Nicolas Sarkozy, the President of France, has stated that he cannot allow means of slavery to exist in his country. The french government has also insisted that this is for identity purposes.
Though, the government has validity in their goals for proper identification--this law is not just for that purpose.
  This law stands as a contradiction of original intent to oppose oppression. Other means could be used to aid women who are forced to wear the Niqab, but for the most part the other women should be granted the right to wear whatever pleases them.
  Please join in this day in the hopes of informing and clarifying about the Muslim womens' choice to wear the hijab and make a statement of solidarity with the Muslim women in France and all over the world--who are being marginalized against.

p.s. This day is not meant to offend anyone religiously or any sense--it is merely a small effort for a cause.

Click attending on the Facebook page and spread the word!

The Apple on the Path

There was once a man who was travelling and felt really hungry. Walking past a garden he saw an apple on the walk path.It had fallen off a branch that extended beyond the garden fence. He picked it up and ate it.

Shortly thereafter, he was struck with the guilt that he had consumed a fruit that did not belong to him.

He set out to find the owner of the garden to inform him that he ate one of his apples without permission.

He intended to pay the monetary value of it, or be forgiven for this sinful deed.

Upon finding the owner, the traveller confessed to him. Amazed at the mans integrity, the owner responded:

“I will not forgive you unless you accept my one stipulation: that you marry my daughter. Who is deaf, blind, mute & paralysed.”

The man was taken aback, and juggled his thoughts in his head for a moment. He then surrendered to the stipulation, knowing that persevering with such a misfortunate wife is less horrific than the torment of Allah SWT for ‘stealing’ an apple.

Having accepted the stipulation the night of the marriage came. The groom walks into the brides room with the feeling of sorrow and deep regret.

Only to find a woman of magical beauty awaiting him. She speaks, hears, sees and moves. Moreover she was very well learned in Islam and exceptional in piety.

She says to her husband, “I know you are surprised.”

“My father described me as blind because I have blinded my eyes from any sight which displeases Allah SWT.”

“I am mute because I have muted my tongue from all speech but that which is remembrance of Allah SWT.”

“I am paralysed because I indulge in no forbidden activity and I am deaf because I refrain from hearing all vain speech.”

“My father wanted to ensure that my husband is a very pious man, one who deserves me.”

The pious couple brought a gift to the Ummah; their child was one of the greatest scholars of Islam.

The ‘Father of the Imaams’ and who established the 1st of the 4 major schools of thought.

Imaam Abu-Haneefah (Rahimullah)

“And women of purity are for men of purity and men of purity are for women of purity” (Quran 24:26)

Be pure

Obey Allah SWT.

A Reevaluation of Liberation

   Today I was going through random blogs and came across a very shocking story. The headline read, "'I wanted to be free': Muslim Model upsets family by posing nude for Playboy cover." Sila Sahin, a 25 year old Turkish Muslim living in Germany posed nude for Playboy, becoming the first "Muslim" to model nude on their cover. Prior to the nude photoshoot, Sila Sahin was seen as the perfect example of how a Muslim should behave in the West, but after the release of the magazine, her actions have shocked and upset many, including her family.
   Sahin took the opportunity to pose nude on the cover as a way to tell her conservative family and the world that she wanted to be "free.""I did it because I wanted to be free at last.These photographs are a liberation from the restrictions of my childhood," said Sahin. In response to her rebellious actions, Sila Sahin's family has essentially cut her off and forbade her from coming home.
   She also used the Playboy nude photoshoot as a way of advocating for other Turkish girls to escape the limitations of their strict Islamic background. Her message to young girls--"For too long I tried to do everything right. I want these photos to show young Turkish women that it's okay for you to live however you choose."
   Sahin told Playboy, "My upbringing was conservative,' 'I was always told, you must not go out, you must not make yourself look so attractive, you mustn't have male friends.I have always abided by what men say. As a result I developed an extreme desire for freedom. I feel like Che Guevara. I have to do everything I want, otherwise I feel like I may as well be dead." 
   Sila Sahin informed her family about her nude Playboy shoot only one day before the release of the controversial photos. After realizing the repercussions of her actions, Sahin pleaded with her family to forgive her and to allow her back into her home. 
This article makes me question, what is freedom? Is freedom displaying your body to the entire world, allowing yourself to be objectified and viewed as nothing more than a sexual commodity? No matter what society tells you, this is not liberation! Allah says in the Holy Quran, "O Prophet, tell your wives and daughters and the believing women to draw their outer garments around them (when they go out or are among men). That is better in order that they may be known (to be Muslims) and not annoyed..." (Qur'an 33:59) What's more liberating than  knowing that you will be treated like a human being with a personality and a mind, rather than merely as a sex object? Women today have this notion that they won't be happy with themselves unless a man is happy with them. What they don't realize is that true happiness rests in the happiness of their Lord. SubhanAllah, I know from personal experience that true contentment and peace of mind doesn't come until you stop caring less about society and more about Allah's opinion of you. May Allah guide all the misguided Muslims and non-Muslims in the world and help them to realize that this life is nothing but a test and that the here after is everlasting and worth more than anything this life could offer us. 

[Although others have posted the nude photos of Sila Sahin or have displayed partially censored versions of the photos, I did not find it appropriate to promote her actions. I also hope that people will not look up the photos as they are very graphic in nature.] 

Beautiful Time Lapse

                                  

By the morning brightness

And by the night when it covers with darkness,

Your Lord has not taken leave of you, O Muhammad, nor has He detested you.

And the Hereafter is better for you than the first life.

And your Lord is going to give you, and you will be satisfied.

Did He not find you an orphan and give you refuge?

And He found you lost and guided you,

And He found you poor and made you self-sufficient.

So as for the orphan, do not oppress him.

And as for the petitioner, do not repel him.

But as for the favor of your Lord, report it.

Surat Ađ-Đuĥaá (The Morning Hours)

...Running out of things to do to get you off my mind

 "It’s nearly impossible to know how much you miss someone until you spend your days without them. And there are those lessons that you can only learn through the beating of your heart and through feeling such strong emotions that you can barely breathe." 

4/26/2009

As the two year anniversary of my grandfather approaches, I have mixed feelings. Two years is a long time, but it still feels as though I saw him yesterday. SubhanAllah, time has really flown. I have random moments where it hits me that he's really gone, but than there are other times where I completely forget that he's not here anymore. Alhamdulilah, I have many great memories of my grandfather to hold on to. Like the time we sat outside and watched the moon, just me and him. Or the time I introduced him to Youtube and I played all his old favorite songs. The last time I saw him still replays in my head. I wish I could have said goodbye to him the way I should have. Instead I just quickly said goodbye as though I would see him next summer. SubhanAllah, we truly take the time we have with our family for granted. May Allah forgive all of our deceased loved ones and grant them Janat Al Fardos Al A'la Ameen!

Paint the World with all the Colors of the Rainbow

  A couple posts ago, I introduced you all to a beautiful hijabi fashionista I recently met. Her name is Vanessa Trigo--she is a Latina and a revert to Islam. Not only does she have an impeccable fashion sense, but she is also a great poet---going by the name of [Free Spirit.] 

  Vanessa always had a "hippie/rocker girl" style before she converted to Islam. Afterwards she still wanted to maintain her fashion sense as a way to incorporate her personality into her new wardrobe.  She has a love for bright colors and says that it's a way to keep herself happy and positive. The colors of the rainbow are beautifully put together in her everyday wardrobe. 

  While her outfits are a reflection of her personality, they also carry a greater purpose. Vanessa represents Islam to the best of her ability and first and foremost dresses to please Allah Subhana Wa Ta'ala. She also wants people to have a good impression of Islam whenever they look at her. Vanessa wanted her mother to like Islam [Alhamdulilah her mother also reverted to Islam] and she didn't want people to be afraid to approach her, so she "stuck with her rainbow." 

  Vanessa purchases her modest outfits and dazzling accessories mainly from Forever 21, H&M, and Pacsun. She purchases many of her scarves from a local store [Khan el Khalili] and also from other shops. 

“Faith never knows where it is being led, but it loves and knows the One who is leading.” – Oswald Chambers

[Scarf]: Khan El Khalili, [Head Band]: H&M, [Top]: H&M, [Cardigan]: Kohl's 

"I added the head band [to my scarf] for a hippie look or a little spice." 

- Vanessa Trigo

[Leather Jacket]: Italy {i.e. Can be found at many local stores}, [Sunglasses]: Icing ($10)

 “The scarf I’m wearing was a gift its one of those long scarves that cover your body, but i wrapped it as a hijab and stuck a belt close to my waist so it wouldn’t move around and it creates a blouse effect. ”

-Vanessa Trigo

{Left}:H&M. {Right:} [Scarf]: Old Navy. [Earrings and Top]: H&M

[Photos all courtesy of Vanessa Trigo] 

The Signs of Allah Are Endless

I have many of what I like to call [subhanAllah moments.] Everyday i'll see something, that makes me just think to myself--- subhanAllah, this is a creation of Allah. When Allah says everything is a sign of His Existence, He Means EVERYTHING. As Muslims, It's important to constantly think about Allah. If something doesn't remind us of Allah, There's a chance we should be lookin' at it. That's just my humble opinion though. I want to share with you some photos I found that left me in awe.

An Afghani man mourns at the graves of a wedding party that was killed by "mistake" by American bombs. SubhanAllah, America how many will you kill by "mistake?!"

A Palestinian child looks outside of his window in Gaza.Most people take the blessing of living in peace for granted.  

Death--The creation of Allah That we fear most. On Sept. 11th 2001, people jumped out of the Twin Towers in an attempt to gain one last breath before their impending deaths SubhanAllah. 

Allahu Akbar---I Love the Muslim Ummah. 

Japan Earthquake 2011

"O mankind! Fear your Lord and be dutiful to Him! Verily, the earthquake of the Hour is a terrible thing. The Day you shall see it, every nursing mother will forget her nursling, and every pregnant one shall drop her load, and you shall see mankind as in a drunken state. Yet they will not be drunken, but the Torment of Allah will be severe."
Quran [22:1-2]

La Hawla Wa La Quwatu Illah Billah

Many of Allah's Signs are a powerful reminder of His Strength, but there are also signs that we see everyday yet neglect...

The sunset is one of the most beautiful signs of Allah that happens everyday Alhamdulilah, but we rarely take the time to simply look up at the sky and thank Allah For providing us with another day to see the sunset. 

Australian Man Converts to Islam

                                
SubhanAllah, this brother is funny and has a great accent. He has a great conversion story too mashAllah. 
p.s. Allahu Akbar--The part where he opened the Quran to the ayah about signs gave me chills. 

Muslim Moment #19

How cute is that? [MashAllah]

Love Fashionable Hijabis ❤

Last weekend I met a beautiful sister that had great style mashAllah. I was lucky to have my camera on me so I snapped a couple shots of her. I loved everything from her hijab to her dress and her leather jacket. InshAllah in the future i'll feature more beautiful hijabis that I spot. 

"Every Son of Adam is a Sinner, and the Best of Sinners are those who Repent" [Tirmidhi]

Abdullah bin Abbas said: “You who commit a sin, do not feel secure about the results, for what goes along with the sin is more serious than the sin itself. Your lack of shame before the angels, who witness you when you commit the sin, is more serious than the sin itself. Your laughter when you sin, as you forget the punishment of Allah is more serious than the sin itself. Your delight if you get a chance to sin, is more serious than the sin itself. Even your disappointment, if you miss a chance to sin is more serious than the sin itself.”

Just Say Alhamdulilah

I love nights where I can just chill with my Muslim brothers and sisters...who happen to be extremely talented! A lot of people have the perception that Muslims just stay home on weekends and do basically nothing because "everything" is haram. That is not the case what so ever, at least not for me and the people I know. I actually think we go out just as much as anyone else. This weekend was my friends birthday so we decided to go to a hiphop show. I know what your thinking, how's that halal.1 Truth, an up and coming nasheed group gave an amazing performance as one of the opening acts for Leftist, another Muslim artist you have to check out. The group is made up of Ahmed Trabelsi, Yunos Amireh, and Ebadullah Ebadi. Listen to their latest nasheed!

1 Truth

Ahmed Trabelsi

                                                                        Yunos Amireh

Other performances included poetry, rapping, singing, and break dancing. The show was packed to the max with talent so this was definitely worth the drive for me. 

Leftist & Free Spirit 

Breakers

Hassan and Abir's collaboration

Zainab Jackson showcased her caligraphy paintings. MashAllah, they were so beautiful I had to purchase one for my mother. 

Muslim Moment #18

What's even more awkward is when your hijab hits someone else in the face...

{Inspirational Muslims}

 Abdullah Taqy is the only native imam in Tokyo, Japan. He is truly 1 in 13 million. Abdullah Taqy embraced Islam after randomly meeting a Muslim foreigner in Japan over 12 years ago. He studied world religions for many years and reverted to Islam 3 1/2 years ago. He was invited over 2 years ago by the Saudi government to Mecca, where he completed hajj mashAllah. He became the imam at a small mosque in Tokyo after meeting with the same man who introduced him to Islam 12 years ago. Imam Abdullah was previously a tattoo artist and a body piercer, but SubhanAllah now he is guided to Islam and is the only imam in a sea of millions. 

A touching story of an old father, son and a sparrow

                              
"And We have enjoined man in respect of his parents,...Be grateful to Me and to both your parents; to Me is the eventual coming." [Sourat Luqman: ayah 14]

8 Month Old Deaf Baby's Reaction To Cochlear Implant Being Activated

                         
These are the kinds of blessings we take for granted...

INSPIRED BY EVERYTHING MODEST

Be Inspired, Be Beautiful, & Be Modest

 GORGEOUS--Most beautiful dress I've seen in a while 

Love European attempts at being "ethnic"

Harem pants are my current modest obsession. I have one pair, but trust me, I will be expanding my collection very soon. These pants can't get any better. They're loose, comfortable, and best of all MODEST.   

Love everything about this outfit