Muslim Moment #16

Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world today and every year hundreds of thousands revert to Islam. There's a good reason for that---Islam is a very logical religion. It states that there is one God and that Mohammad is his last and final messenger. That is a concept that is easily understandable by many, which adds to the reasoning to why so many people have converted to Islam. I remember the first time I saw a shahada take place and I remember the feeling I had. It's such an incredible feeling everyone should experience. Seeing so many people revert to Islam encourages me to become a better Muslim, especially since I was born a Muslim alhamdulilah. The hardships that converts go through is not easy, so I try to take advantage of the fact that I already have such a great support system helping to strengthen my faith. 

Muslim Moment #15

 My sister in Islam once told me to always start every action with Bismillah because it is a constant reminder of Allah and a way to keep myself from doing something haram. At first I thought it was a little too much to say Bismillah to absolutely everything, but I quickly changed my mind on that matter. I mean could you imagine saying Bismillah and than beginning to backbit---no, so to keep yourself from doing anything haram say Bismillah. Before eating say Bismillah and begin eating with your right hand. Even before you have sexual intercourse with your spouse, say Bismillah no matter how silly that sounds. The Prophet said, "If anyone of you, when having sexual intercourse with his wife, says 'In the name of Allah. O Allah! Protect us from Shaitan and also protect what You grant us (offspring) from Shaitan.' And if it is destined that they should have a child, then Shaitan will never be able to harm him." (Sahih Bukhari, Muslim)

Everything Prostrates to Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala

"See you not that to Allâh prostrates whoever is in the heavens and whoever is on the earth, and the sun, and the moon, and the stars, and the mountains, and the trees, and Ad-Dawâb (moving living creatures, beasts, etc.), and many of mankind?" [Sourat al-Hajj 22:18]
Sometimes I walk around campus and just stare at the sky or at the birds and I think about how everything in this world prostrates to Allah in all His Glory. The moon, the sun, the trees, the ants, the bees---everything in this world praises Allah and everything is also a sign for humanity. Some people believe that in order for them to believe in God, they must see Him, but the true definition of faith is to believe without ever seeing. Don't get me wrong, Islam doesn't encourage blind faith, which is why the signs of the existence of God surround us everywhere we go. Next time you step outside of your doorstep, take a moment and look at the birds, they are in fact praising Allah--what's more beautiful than that?

Muslim Moment #14

Muslim Moment #13

Experienced it for the first time last Eid al-Adha. It was absolutely beautiful. Can't wait for next Eid inshAllah. 

Muslim Moment #12

This is just what I wanted to see today. I've been feeling a little down lately, but Alhamdulilah today i'm feeling much better with my imaan. Being a Muslim is a blessing I sometimes do not appreciate as much as I should, but InshAllah all of that is changing tonight. Remember that Allah chose us to be Muslims, therefore we should appreciate it that much more. 
"Oh you who believe, fear Allah in the way He should be feared and do not die except as Muslims and hold fast to the Rope of Allah and be not divided." (3:102)

SubhanAllah---Ayat Allah

Qur’an: ”Does man think We cannot assemble his bones? Nay, We are able to put together in perfect order the very tip of his fingers” [Surah 73: 3-4]
I just had a subhanAllah moment! Everyday, I grow more and more in awe of The Quran. There are so many signs around us to serve as proof to the existence of Allah The Almighty, but we choose to ignore those signs and to belittle them. I'm sure there are people out there that are going to take this example and attempt to explain it scientifically, but I doubt they can explain how it is possible that anyone could have predicted the "uniqueness" of a fingerprint. The Quran was revealed 1,400 years ago and the significance of fingerprints was not discovered until the 18th century. The Quran is a miracle all in its self and a gift to humanity so that they may be guided through Allah's will. 

Muslim Moment #11

Although I think its really cute when kids do that, in reality its not because it distracts us from focusing on Allah swt. When it's time to pray we should do our best to get away from any and all distractions, even our children. I was watching a Nouman Ali Khan video once and he brought up an instance where he was praying and during that time, his son began to take his first steps, but he did not allow him self to get distracted. This is the perfect example of how we should not let our families and children, as well as all the negative things in this world, distract us from our prayers. When it's time for prayer, it is just you and Allah, so use that time wisely and don't allow anything to take you away from that special moment you share with Him. 

Islamic Student Association Banquet 
As I promised, I finally found time to blog about my university's Islamic Student Association Banquet, which I attended on Friday. The event came together beautifully and it was one of my favorite moments from this semester so far. It was a great opportunity for everyone to get to know each other better and to spend time embracing our beautiful faith. Enjoy the pics :)

Dr. Liyakat Takim, a scholar in Islamic Studies gave a beautiful speech on humanity. He reminded us all that although not everyone is a Muslim, everyone is a human, and that should be enough to unit us all.

The best part of attending an Islamic event is praying in jama3a 

Everyone together mashAllah

Aqsa and I in our cultural clothes 

The boys snuggling up together to keep each other warm. MashAllah, that's what I call true brotherhood!

ISA executive board with Dr. Takim 

A beautiful way to spend a Friday

Muslim Moment #10

It Gives me chills every time...

Muslim Moment #9

May Allah protect me and you from the whispers of shaitan and to help us to get up for fajr in the morning cuz this is one of our greatest jihads. I know I have the hardest time getting up early (mostly because i'm always up last with my nightly shannanagins), but that is no excuse to miss one of Allah swt's commandments. Here are some tips to help us wake up for fajr inshAllah.

12 Tips to Wake Up for Fajr

1. To supplicate to Allah with the following رب اجعلني مقيم الصلوة و من ذريتي ربنا و تقبل دعاء

ربنا اغفرلي ولوالدي وللمؤمنين يوم يقوم الحساب

By the blessings of this du’a, Insha Allah you and your children will be granted the ability to be punctual with your prayers.

2. If it’s convenient then to take a nap in the afternoon which is also a sunnah and aids in causing a person to wake up for Fajr.

3. To have dinner early and to not overeat. Mawlana Thanwi (RA) has written that when a person eats, there comes a moment where a question arises in his mind should I continue eating or quit? The moment this question arises, a person should stop eating.

4. To not drink water before going to sleep unless there is a dire need to do so and if so, then to drink a small amount.

5. To go to sleep early otherwise the above-mentioned points will be of no benefit.

6. To perform those acts which are sunnah prior to going to sleep, refer to Beautiful Sunnahs of the Beloved Nabi (S), by Hazrat Mawlana Shah Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Sahib (DB).

7. Prior to going to sleep tell someone to wake you up for Fajr.

8. To use an alarm clock and to put it at such a distance that one has to get up and out of their bed and walk to turn it off, by doing so the stupor of sleep will wear off.

9. To recite verse number 127 of Surah Baqarah or the last four verses of Surah Kahf before going to sleep. By reciting these verses if a person intends to wake up at a particular time, Insha Allah one will wake up on that time.

10. Immediately upon waking up, to sufficiently rub your eyes according to the sunnah, this too will cause the effects of sleep to wear off.

11. If possible, upon waking up after wiping ones’ face with ones’ hands recite verses 190-194 of Surah Al-Imran. This is also a sunnah. ‘Ulema have written that through their experience this practice also causes the effects of sleep to go away.

12. Upon awakening from ones sleep, using ones strength and willpower immediately stand up. Never fall victim to the ploy of ones nafs that I will wake up in a little while otherwise one will miss their salaah.

Be the CHANGE you wish to see in the world

Allahu Akbar!

Don't give up on humanity. There is both good and bad in the world

Muslim Moment #8

It's time for another Muslim moment! I miss Ramadan very much, and I love every opportunity I get to spend time with my family and friends.

Reader Insights

I try to go through my suggestions box as often as possible and write posts based on the ideas you guys give me. Sometimes I get really silly suggestions, but other times I get really interesting comments that I know I have to use on my blog. I recently received an anonymous suggestion from a girl asking me to write about how one can revert to Islam, as she stated she was interested in becoming a Muslim. Before I write about the basics of converting to Islam, I just wanted to tell who ever sent me the suggestion to email me so I can send them more detailed information and help them on their quest to joining the Muslim Ummah inshAllah. 

Who Can Become A Muslim?
 Anyone can become a Muslim! Islam is a faith for all of humanity and is not limited to a certain culture, ethnicity, or race. You don't need any one's permission to become a Muslim because this is between you and your Lord. 

How does one become a Muslim? 
Once a person realizes in their heart that Islam is the truth, than they should take their shahada as soon as they can. The reversion to Islam should not be delayed because we all know that life is short. In order to become a Muslim, you must pronounce the shahada (the declaration of faith), which is "Ash-Hadu Anla Elaha Illa-Allah Wa Ash-Hadu Anna Mohammadan Rasul Allah". When you say the shahada you are saying "I bear witness that there is no deity worthy to be worshiped but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and messenger." 

How does one declare the shahada? 
 The shahada is not required to be declared in a mosque, although it is recommended. If one does not have access to a mosque, than they should call someone or go see someone and pronounce the shahada in front of them. If they can't find someone to witness their declaration, than they can say the shahada to themselves. Allah knows what is in our hearts therefore he knows the true state of our faith. Once one decides that they want to say the testimony, they need to say it from deep within their heart and mean it because it is not enough to only say the words. 

What happens after the shahada is said?

Some people fear that by becoming a Muslim they need to immediately begin the process of becoming the next big sheikh, but that is not true. Converts need to take it slow, they need to take their time getting adjusted to the religion, but by taking their time, I don't mean taking all the time in the world. Just say bismillah (in the name of Allah), do your part today and let Allah take care of tomorrow. As soon as you say your shahada, all your past sins are forgiven and you are given a brand new slate, you become in the same sinless state of being that you were the day you were born.

How does one deal with the issues that arise after the conversion?
Many  times converts find that as soon as they convert everyone around them is excited and more than willing to help, but soon enough they realize that the hardships they face are greater than they expected. This is absolutely normal! Allah tests those whom He loves, so stay strong during the period after your conversion and remain in close contact with the Muslim community at the local mosque as they will be there to help you with your struggles. Don't let shaitan (satan) get to you because he hates it when people are guided towards Islam. Lastly, Keep in mind the reasons you initially reverted to Islam, as shaitan and people will try to make you forget why you are Muslim.

Click here for more information on how to convert to Islam!

Design a T-Shirt Contest

Bad Scarf Days wants YOU to design their t-shirt! 

Come up with a photo design that compliments the website logo "I don't have bad hair days, I have bad scarf days." Get creative and create a painting or a drawing, whatever you can come up with!  Submit your design to asma.zafar@badscarfdays.com and the top 5 will be chosen, than you will vote on who the winner is. The winner will win a amazing gift bag that includes a hijab, khol eyeliner, henna designs, and a FREE t-shirt of the design you created.  Contest Deadline: March 20th 11:59pm Eastern Standard Time, US.    

Oh and DON'T forget to join the"I don't have bad hair days, I have bad scarf days" facebook group. 

Muslim Moment #7

"Have you seen him who denies the religion? He is the one who harshly rebuffs the orphan and does not urge the feeding of the poor. So woe to those who do prayer, and are forgetful of their prayer, those who show off and deny help to others." (Surat al-Ma'un: 1-7)

Muslim Moment #6

hahaha the blessings of Islam! I can't even begin to tell you how awkward it is to make wudu in a public bathroom and have someone walk in on you, but I also can't even begin to tell you the amazing feeling you feel afterwards. Allah tests your faith in sooo many ways and this is only a minor test. Whenever this happens to me, I just laugh it off and wonder if maybe that little "embarrassing" moment may have been a form of da3wa to that person. hmm Allahu A3lam though...

Beautiful Mosques Around the World

I want to travel the world, and see all the wonders it has to offer. InshAllah one day, I hope to pray in all of these mosques, starting with Masjid Al Haram.

 Saudia Arabia

 United Arab Emirate

 Brunei

Egypt

Turkey

 Malaysia

Russia

Beauty of Islam is Looking for You!

Confessions of a Lost Muslimah

This is a personal narrative by a girl that fell for the glitter of this world, but soon realized that it wasn't for her. She realized that Islam was the truth, that this life was only temporary, and that one day she would have to face her creator. This is her story... InshAllah, you will learn from her story and spread dawaa to other lost Muslim youth, showing them that Islam is the way.     

  As a Muslim teenager growing up in America, particularly at the ages of 16 through 18, I struggled with practicing my faith. In high school, I experienced a period of the most turmoil and doubt, torn between following the practices of my faith or the ideals of American society. I did not start wearing the hijab, or the headscarf worn by Muslim women, until the very end of my senior year, transforming from a homecoming queen to a committed Muslim woman. This drastic transition included many obstacles concerning modesty, relations with the opposite gender, and simply just finding out who I am.

As prescribed in the Qur’an, Muslim women are required to dress modestly. According to the interpretation of conservative Muslim scholars, “Tell the believing women to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and guard their private parts (from illegal sexual acts), and not to show off their adornment except only that which is apparent, and to draw their veils all over their bodies…” (Quran 24:31). Obeying the command to dress modestly was one of my major struggles in high school. As a 17 year old girl, I was falling for the temptations of modern clothing and in-season styles. I cherished dressing up in westernized clothes from stores such as “Urban Outfitters” and “Forever 21,” and loved having my hair straightened. My mother would often tell me that my jeans were too tight, and that I should start shopping for some looser ones. I considered it, but then came to the conclusion that loose jeans just didn’t look right. Homecoming and Prom were my favorite events of the school year, merely because I took such great pleasure in dressing up. At the time, I could not fathom giving up my passion for clothing that appealed to the American society. I lived by the quote, “When in Rome, do as the Romans.” Why not enjoy the pleasures of a westernized world if I’m living in it? As long as I lived in America, I might as well dress and act like an American.

However, during that same time period, it was during the month of Ramadan that I went to the masjid, or mosque, every night. Nevertheless, on the most important night of Ramadan, I had the senior class Powder-puff game. I didn’t even have to contemplate where I would be. I knew I was definitely not going to miss the game. That day, it was my main focus- what I was going to wear, who I was going with, what I was going to do after. Point being, I was not thinking about my faith. Looking back, this time was significant because consistency plays a major role in Islam. The fact that I was going to the masjid, every day for the Ramadan night prayers,tarawih, was great. In spite of this, the fact that I was so engrossed in a worldly matter that I did not even care about my faith, made me question whether or not I was being sincere about the month of Ramadan in the first place.

I remember arriving at the game early, huddling up with the team as we were getting excited to defeat the juniors. As we huddled up, the coach was exuberantly explaining the first play for the game. Looking around, I suddenly realized that I was dressed no different than any of my fellow teammates; black Soffee shorts, sparkly glitter, pigtails held up with orange ribbons, and face paint used for intimidation. For a moment, I looked up at the crowded stands to see all of my teammates’ families cheering them on. It was then that I remembered why my family decided not to make it that night, in which a feeling of guilt crept over me. Homecoming week was the week I had been waiting for all year, so what was there to feel guilty about? Nonetheless, I quickly pushed whatever uneasy thoughts I had away and set my mind back in the game. Adiba Aman scored her third touchdown, as each person, including myself, was growing more and more excited. I felt at ease again, reminding myself that this night was more than worth it. I was with all of my friends indulging in excitement, running across the field with them in my shorts, yelling and laughing after each touchdown scored. This is the life, I thought to myself. It seemed as if my love for such worldly pleasures were increasing, and ultimately leading to the detriment of my faith.

I was living in the moment when we won the game, celebrated at the bonfire afterwards, and continued to rejoice with the team’s victory dinner. When my night was finally over and I reached home, I opened the front door, to see my father humbly sitting on the floor, reading the holy Qur’an, embracing the month of Ramadan, giving me an unspoken reminder of the resolution I failed to keep. As I walked up to my room, the same feeling of guilt that I pushed away just a few hours ago, came crawling back to me as I entered my home. I do not even recall praying Isha before I went to bed, the last of the five Muslim prayers. I figured it would be hypocritical of me to pray, after I just spent my whole night in sin. The next day at the Homecoming football game, to my absolute surprise, I was announced the Chestnut River High School 2009 Homecoming Queen. Not only was I excited to have won the title, but I was on cloud nine because Mike asked me to go with him.

Michael Richardson was the boy whom I had really liked since middle school, and as time went on, it felt like my attachment to him would only grow stronger. It was not until my sophomore year in high school, when we started having classes together, where we really started to bond. I felt nervous yet incredibly comfortable around him at the same time. I really liked him, or at least I thought I did. I loved his hugs and the way he cared, or at least the way he acted like he cared, when I talked to other guys. I loved the way he made me laugh. And I loved being seen with him in the hall ways, letting the other girls know without saying a word that he was mine. As cliché as it may sound, he was my last thought at night, and first thought in the morning. I got ready for school every morning, hoping that maybe today he would look at me as more than just a friend.

I enjoyed our late night talks. He took great advantage of the fact that I liked him. He knew exactly what to do and what to say to make my day. He never admitted that he liked me, yet his actions genuinely made me believe that he did. He would put his arm around me in the hallways, and always interrupted any encounter I would have with another guy. It was as if he didn’t want me, but at the same time, he didn’t want me to like anyone but him, which for some odd reason, I had no problem with. The relationship I had with Mike felt so perfect. He wasn’t my “boyfriend”, so it freed me of the guilt of being in aharam, or unlawful, relationship. We never got too intimate, besides hugging, which I thought at the time, was no big deal. He was a “good guy” and he made me feel good about myself so, what was the harm in it?

During the time of my high school years, although I did not wear the hijab, I still played somewhat of a role in the Muslim community. I attended Islamic school on Sundays in which I learned more about my faith, and even developed close relationships with the sisters at themasjid. They were pure-hearted and innocent, and I couldn’t help but love them. I secretly envied their committed Muslim way of life, yet felt that I could not do the same. What troubled me the most about wearing the hijab, is that I knew it would change my life, and I was afraid of that change.  Sadly, I truly believed that I could represent my “Muslim side” at the masjid, and my “societal side” at school and be completely happy. I claimed to be proud of being a Muslim, yet was still ashamed of wearing the hijab at school. I claimed to be proud of having Mike, yet was utterly embarrassed of telling the sisters at themasjid about him. At this point, I was having a personal jihad, or internal struggle, with my identity. It seemed like no matter what I did, I was not satisfied with myself. I wanted to fully commit myself to Islam, but at the same time, I was not willing to give up the worldly pleasures of this life. I was not willing to give up the westernized wardrobe that I had developed such an attachment to. Nor was I willing to give up the level of comfort I had with my male friends. I enjoyed embracing them and hanging out with them outside of school. I wanted the best of both worlds. Most importantly, the one factor I felt like I simply could not give up was Mike.

I wish I had an amazing story to tell about my journey to hijab, but in all honesty, I don’t. During the spring break of 2009, I had just come back from a wonderful Muslim camp, and afterwards, I decided to go to Friday prayer with my younger sister at the masjid. After Friday prayer, my mom called me to pick up her prescription from Giant. I decided to leave my hijab on going into the grocery store. It was a pretty neutral experience, considering I did not see anyone I knew there. That same day, my sister and I decided to go to the mall. My younger sister has been wearing hijab since middle school, so I remember her watching me curiously as I decided to give the hijab a try at the mall. Again, it was a neutral experience, and I did not feel dramatically different. That same night, an old friend, who also recently started wearing the hijab, asked if I wanted to go out to dinner with her. I accepted, and decided to wear the hijab to dinner. Going there, I had no intentions of wearing the hijab forever; I was just trying it out. However, my friend, after seeing me, gave me some words of encouragement, reminding me that one cannot go wrong by following God’s commands. What is this world in comparison to the Hereafter? She left me with some food for thought, that last Sunday night of spring break. I remember tossing and turning sleeplessly that night in my bed, struggling with the decision of “to veil or not to veil.” It was that night that I realized that I could not pretend to be two different people. Knowing that I had to choose who I wanted to be ate me alive. Deep down inside, I knew that deciding to wear the hijab meant sacrificing many of the worldly pleasures which I was so engulfed in, including Mike. Why was he my major concern? Who am I ultimately trying to please in my life? Who should I ultimately be trying to please in my life? I came to the harsh realization that if it was not for Mike, the decision to wear the hijab would not have been as difficult. Yes, I liked him, but don’t I love Allah, or God, more? Yes, my entire high school career I have been trying to please, attract, and catch his attention, but wasn’t it time I try to please Allah? Wasn’t it time I stop living for others and start living for Him, the Creator of all things? I genuinely felt that internal struggle of jihad in me that night, but alhamdulillah (all praise is due to God); I awoke that morning ready for my first day of hijab. 

I realized that living a double life was an absolute bizarre and selfish theory of mine. I could not possibly worship Allah and fully submit to Islam without sacrifice, even if that sacrifice meant giving up things I loved. My newfound goal was to aim to please my Lord, and Him only.  As expected, Mike did not handle my decision to wear thehijab very well. His initial reaction was confusion, then anger. Although I was not surprised by his discouragement, I was hurt and as a result, decided to avoid him. Neither of us knew how to handle our “relationship”, or whatever we had going on, with my new changes, which led to us not speaking for two months. As time went on and it came close to graduation, I took the first step and told him I did not want to end things on a bad note, considering we both probably would not see each other as often anymore. Although we went back to being friends, it was clear that things were not the same to any further extent, nor were they going to be.

Although I now realize and acknowledge that many of the decisions I made in high school were contradicting to my Islamic beliefs, I realized that I would not appreciate Islam the way I do today if it weren’t for those experiences. Little did I know that a simple piece of cloth would change my entire view on the purpose of life. I have truly begun to develop a sincere love for the hijab. My identity is not only internal, but can now be seen externally, for I am almost right away recognized as a Muslim woman. People now appreciate me for who I am, not what I am. “My value as a woman is not measured by the size of my waist or the number of men who like me. My worth as a human being is measured on a higher scale: a scale of righteousness and piety” (A Letter to the Culture). No longer do I get dressed in the morning trying to attract a particular guy, or better yet American society in general. I now look at myself in the mirror, making sure I am dressed modestly, making sure that my Creator, Allah, is pleased with me. The only standards I now aim to meet are Allah’s.

 Before I “converted to hijab”, it was as though I did not want others to know who the real me was. Ironically, I myself did not even know who the real me was. Whenever I left the masjid, or left my house, it was though I left my true identity behind with me. Now, I cannot fathom going anywhere without my hijab. Through my experiences, I realized that I did not have to hide being Muslim. I realized that Islam was not just at home, the masjid, or at camp. Wearing the hijab has helped me to incorporate Islam throughout every aspect of my life.

In spite of all this, I cannot say that after deciding to wear the hijabthat my level of faith has been at a permanent high. I definitely have my ups and downs. There are days when I get frustrated because I cannot seem to wrap my hijab the right way, and ask myself why I even set myself up for such a big commitment. There are nights when I look through my old high school pictures, which I still refuse to delete, and reminisce. I sometimes refer to those days as when “life was easy,” but what I fail to realize is that those photographs only show what was on the outside of me and those photographs show me dancing with the only guy I wanted to be dancing with at prom. Then again, I have to remind myself that this is the same guy who was not in favor of me covering although he knew it was what I wanted for myself. This was the same guy that did not support, or at least respect my decision, when I needed it the most. There are days when I still have to really convince myself not to text him to see how he is doing, because if he cared, he would contact me.

In the end, I still believe it is all worth it. It has taught me self discipline. No matter how difficult it gets, the fact that I am striving to fulfill a commandment set by my Lord is enough for me. I have to always remind myself that, “Islam is not a state of being but it is a process of becoming,” a quote attributed by Yusuf Islam, a prominent convert to Islam. Therefore, by wearing the hijab, I am not saying to others that “I am Islam,” but rather “I am a Muslim” (Taking Off). I feel as if I have embraced Islam in an entirely new light, and I am truly satisfied with my decision to fully commit to my faith. My passion for Islam has grown drastically throughout the short time frame of the past two years. I no longer allow American society to control my motives in life. Allah is my motive in life. The Hereafter is my motive in life. I schedule my day around prayer times, not prayer times around my day. I now try my best to remember that Allah is the Most-Merciful, and the Most Forgiving, and that He loves those who repent. I hope and pray that Allah continues to forgive me as I will continue to sin, for I am only human.