Ramadhan came and went...
Eid got celebrated in speed and passed...
and finally flew out to Canada and came back before I could take any of it in...!
Yup so much so quick!!
Want to write about it all soon. I see the next month or two being rather hectic, just how life needs to be right now.
Autumn is approaching, feel the chill in the air...changes everywhere.
Keep well people -:)
Aisha
Tuesday, 29 September 2009
Wednesday, 16 September 2009
Amazing Art
I got this in an email from Naeema -:)
Some amazing art done by a Saudi man (his age more than 90 years) and is fond of writing on..guess what...Eggs?! Yup I find it truly remarkable and such wonderful art, that I had to share it -:)
Some amazing art done by a Saudi man (his age more than 90 years) and is fond of writing on..guess what...Eggs?! Yup I find it truly remarkable and such wonderful art, that I had to share it -:)
Monday, 14 September 2009
Fasting..an alternative perspective
I am always reluctant to copy and paste on this blog as I want this place to be mostly a collection of my personal thoughts, ideas, writing etc. But of course recently I have been receiving some outstanding emails from Naeema and they are far too good, to not share.
Often when people ask you why you are fasting, aside from saying that it is what is ordained by God, some find it difficult to explain Ramadhan beyond this commandment from God. Certainly it is a commandment from God to adhere to as a Muslim but I always like to think that aside from performing an act because we have been asked to or because it emulates someone or something, I would like to say that I can think deep within me and beyond to realise and understand the benefits of an act, and in this case the benefits and consequences of Ramadhan bring about in you a lot of feelings and emotions that you would ordinarily ignore. Subhan'Allaah and to put that into words to say Non-Muslims can sometimes be rather difficult especially if they start of with the idea that you are just starving yourself because some God asks you to do so (na'ouozo'bi'Allaah)
Going back to the reason behind this post, I share with you the persepective of a Non-Muslim whom without a doubt took a great challenge to partake in a days fasting to appreciate and understand the deeper concept behind Ramadhan.
Aisha
---
I am not a Muslim, but I wanted to experience Ramadan -- a month of fasting from dawn to dusk -- out of curiosity.
Yes, curiosity. Why would anyone punish themselves this way?
What does it feel like? It really did not seem to be that daunting of a task at first.
I did not realize what it means to go without food or water during daylight hours.
I was soon to learn that the days are much longer than we imagine.
I learned is that each day is a gift; to appreciate each minute that goes by.
I learned how often unkind words would slip from my mouth.
I learned what my body feels like when I do not eat or drink for hours on end.
How difficult it is to do the simplest things like speak when your tongue will not move because your mouth is so dry.
I learned how my mind functions when it is deprived of essentials.
I learned that loving a child and having that love returned is pure love.
But mostly what I learned is to be grateful for what we do have, for each other and for this world that we live in.
Any of us could fast for a day.
Mothers, look at your children and imagine what you would feel if you knew they were slowly starving to death and that, just because the sun is setting, you have no way of providing food or clean water for them.
Regardless of our religion or our history, we are mothers and a mother's pain is no different regardless of how we honour God.
To me, Ramadan is an opportunity to look within myself, to cleanse, to purify my thoughts.
I realized just how insignificant I am in the grand scheme of things.
My issues became shallow and I was able to better understand my purpose on this earth.
I became acutely aware of how often and easily we think and speak less of others and feel justified in our thoughts.
Judgment of others is unkind and cruel. Is it cruel that God expects this of Muslims?
No, it is a gift that he bestows upon them, a chance for deep reflection.
During this month I would ask that we all look at our Muslim friends, neighbours and co-workers and honour them for their commitment to God.
Often when people ask you why you are fasting, aside from saying that it is what is ordained by God, some find it difficult to explain Ramadhan beyond this commandment from God. Certainly it is a commandment from God to adhere to as a Muslim but I always like to think that aside from performing an act because we have been asked to or because it emulates someone or something, I would like to say that I can think deep within me and beyond to realise and understand the benefits of an act, and in this case the benefits and consequences of Ramadhan bring about in you a lot of feelings and emotions that you would ordinarily ignore. Subhan'Allaah and to put that into words to say Non-Muslims can sometimes be rather difficult especially if they start of with the idea that you are just starving yourself because some God asks you to do so (na'ouozo'bi'Allaah)
Going back to the reason behind this post, I share with you the persepective of a Non-Muslim whom without a doubt took a great challenge to partake in a days fasting to appreciate and understand the deeper concept behind Ramadhan.
Aisha
---
I am not a Muslim, but I wanted to experience Ramadan -- a month of fasting from dawn to dusk -- out of curiosity.
Yes, curiosity. Why would anyone punish themselves this way?
What does it feel like? It really did not seem to be that daunting of a task at first.
I did not realize what it means to go without food or water during daylight hours.
I was soon to learn that the days are much longer than we imagine.
I learned is that each day is a gift; to appreciate each minute that goes by.
I learned how often unkind words would slip from my mouth.
I learned what my body feels like when I do not eat or drink for hours on end.
How difficult it is to do the simplest things like speak when your tongue will not move because your mouth is so dry.
I learned how my mind functions when it is deprived of essentials.
I learned that loving a child and having that love returned is pure love.
But mostly what I learned is to be grateful for what we do have, for each other and for this world that we live in.
Any of us could fast for a day.
Mothers, look at your children and imagine what you would feel if you knew they were slowly starving to death and that, just because the sun is setting, you have no way of providing food or clean water for them.
Regardless of our religion or our history, we are mothers and a mother's pain is no different regardless of how we honour God.
To me, Ramadan is an opportunity to look within myself, to cleanse, to purify my thoughts.
I realized just how insignificant I am in the grand scheme of things.
My issues became shallow and I was able to better understand my purpose on this earth.
I became acutely aware of how often and easily we think and speak less of others and feel justified in our thoughts.
Judgment of others is unkind and cruel. Is it cruel that God expects this of Muslims?
No, it is a gift that he bestows upon them, a chance for deep reflection.
During this month I would ask that we all look at our Muslim friends, neighbours and co-workers and honour them for their commitment to God.
Friday, 11 September 2009
Seize the opportunity...I'tikaaf
As we enter into the last third phase of Ramadhan, attention draws on dedicating ourselves even more exclusively to prayer and devotion in order to create a deep God-consciousness. It is this superb awareness and magnificent realization of Allaah that is the spring of the Muslim's thought, belief and actions. For me I'tikaaf (seclusion) is in fact the next step up from fasting, in spiritual reformation and purification of the soul.
During the days of I'tikaaf, the mu'takif (the one in seclusion) would attempt to detach themselves from worldly happenings and attach themselves to prayer and supplication.
I view I’tikaaf as a fantastic opportunity for a retreat. We all know of the various retreats such as those associated with holistic, aromatherapy, detox, yoga and other self help getaway places but I deem this retreat is ever more elevated, as it is for the betterment of the soul and the mind. It allows for the mind to close the door on the world and the heart to engage in God consciousness, fully occupying with Allaah alone, applying our full concentration to Him the Most High. This retreat allows one to feel contented with Allaah and be at peace.
I'tikaaf is a recognized Sunnah of the Prophet Mohammed sallalahu alaihi wasalam and even before the time of the first revelation the Prophet of Allaah (sallalahu alaihi wasalam) would take himself to the cave of Hira for days contemplating and indeed it was here in the cave of Hira where the first revelation was sent down through Jibreel (Gabriel) alayhis 'salaam.
Isolating one's self from the world may not seem like a fun thing to do at first! Is it not because we are so attached to the worldly affairs that the mere thought of not being part of it for a short time feels extremely difficult and challenging? Indeed it is challenging, but the challenge is with positive results for it is a healthy act; an act that allows one the time to worship Allaah and to think beyond the materialistic world that we are so accustomed to and this should empower the individual to become more self-disciplined. It certainly teaches us the real meaning of our being and existence and directs us to the right track. Surely it allows us dust the sins off our souls and give it an all new glow, augment and deepen our spiritual significance and polish our vision.
We all like to take a vacation, often at great costs just to achieve some pleasure. How about taking a retreat in a spiritual sense to achieve happiness, feel refreshed and tranquilized, refine and stabilize the mind and soul and best of it all is that it needn't cost you anything.
Finally the last third of Ramadhan is also a time to look for Laylatul Qadr (Night of Power) and is described in the Qur'an as a night better than a thousand months, Subhan'Allah! Worshipping through this one night is equal to the worship of a thousand months, how many of us live to the age of 80 some years to achieve something like this and in just one night we can achieve it. Truly, Glory belongs to Allaah alone. Truly we are blessed as the Ummah of Rasul'Allaah (sallalahu alaihi wasalam.
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) is reported to have said: "Whoever prays during the night of Qadr with faith and hoping for its reward will have all of his previous sins forgiven." (Reported by Bukhari and Muslim) and Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) quoted the Prophet as saying: “When the last one-third of the night remains, our Lord, the Glorious One descends towards the lower heaven and proclaims: Is there anyone supplicating to Me, so that I grant his supplication? Is there anyone begging of Me for anything so that and I grant him his wish? Is there anyone who seeks My forgiveness, so that I forgive him?” (Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim).
and so for the next ten days as we increase our worship, let us also include recitation of the following dua (supplication) in abundance:
Say: "O Allah, You are Oft-Pardoning and You love to pardon, so pardon me.'"(Reported by Ahmad, Ibn Majah and At-Tirmidhi)
Let us all seize the opportunity.
Jummah Mubarak -:)
Aisha
During the days of I'tikaaf, the mu'takif (the one in seclusion) would attempt to detach themselves from worldly happenings and attach themselves to prayer and supplication.
I view I’tikaaf as a fantastic opportunity for a retreat. We all know of the various retreats such as those associated with holistic, aromatherapy, detox, yoga and other self help getaway places but I deem this retreat is ever more elevated, as it is for the betterment of the soul and the mind. It allows for the mind to close the door on the world and the heart to engage in God consciousness, fully occupying with Allaah alone, applying our full concentration to Him the Most High. This retreat allows one to feel contented with Allaah and be at peace.
I'tikaaf is a recognized Sunnah of the Prophet Mohammed sallalahu alaihi wasalam and even before the time of the first revelation the Prophet of Allaah (sallalahu alaihi wasalam) would take himself to the cave of Hira for days contemplating and indeed it was here in the cave of Hira where the first revelation was sent down through Jibreel (Gabriel) alayhis 'salaam.
Isolating one's self from the world may not seem like a fun thing to do at first! Is it not because we are so attached to the worldly affairs that the mere thought of not being part of it for a short time feels extremely difficult and challenging? Indeed it is challenging, but the challenge is with positive results for it is a healthy act; an act that allows one the time to worship Allaah and to think beyond the materialistic world that we are so accustomed to and this should empower the individual to become more self-disciplined. It certainly teaches us the real meaning of our being and existence and directs us to the right track. Surely it allows us dust the sins off our souls and give it an all new glow, augment and deepen our spiritual significance and polish our vision.
We all like to take a vacation, often at great costs just to achieve some pleasure. How about taking a retreat in a spiritual sense to achieve happiness, feel refreshed and tranquilized, refine and stabilize the mind and soul and best of it all is that it needn't cost you anything.
Finally the last third of Ramadhan is also a time to look for Laylatul Qadr (Night of Power) and is described in the Qur'an as a night better than a thousand months, Subhan'Allah! Worshipping through this one night is equal to the worship of a thousand months, how many of us live to the age of 80 some years to achieve something like this and in just one night we can achieve it. Truly, Glory belongs to Allaah alone. Truly we are blessed as the Ummah of Rasul'Allaah (sallalahu alaihi wasalam.
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) is reported to have said: "Whoever prays during the night of Qadr with faith and hoping for its reward will have all of his previous sins forgiven." (Reported by Bukhari and Muslim) and Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) quoted the Prophet as saying: “When the last one-third of the night remains, our Lord, the Glorious One descends towards the lower heaven and proclaims: Is there anyone supplicating to Me, so that I grant his supplication? Is there anyone begging of Me for anything so that and I grant him his wish? Is there anyone who seeks My forgiveness, so that I forgive him?” (Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim).
and so for the next ten days as we increase our worship, let us also include recitation of the following dua (supplication) in abundance:
Say: "O Allah, You are Oft-Pardoning and You love to pardon, so pardon me.'"(Reported by Ahmad, Ibn Majah and At-Tirmidhi)
Let us all seize the opportunity.
Jummah Mubarak -:)
Aisha
Thursday, 10 September 2009
Why it's so beautiful...
There is no word as beautiful as Allah.
No example as beautiful as Rasulallah(SAW).
No lesson as beautiful as Islam
No song as melodious as Azan.
No charity as meaningful as Zakat.
No encyclopaedia as perfect as Al-Quran.
No prayer as perfect as Namaz.
No diet as perfect as fasting.
No journey as perfect as Hajj.
Let us realize that Islam is forever beautiful and perfect
*yet again thank you Naimah
Wednesday, 9 September 2009
Frustrations...(traffic and all that)
The traffic is driving me bonkers! I mean it, it really is so frustrating and we are only into the third day of the choatic road and traffic situation that is upon us, out here on this side of the patch.
The beauty of school holidays is peak hour traffic is no more, totally unheard of; it's heaven just to be able to drive through so casually without all the hecticness of traffic.
So once school and all the other traffic that goes with it descended upon us again this Monday, I let out a huge sigh mostly of irritation. Being Ramadhan it meant even more holding back (on the speech that is).
So imagine my frustrations which are already on a high, when I find out there are major roadworks on one of the routes to work. It's fine, really I can just use another route right.. Of course..except, all the others millions of people that have to use that route have to divert and use my other route! So you can imagine the traffic..I am serious it is horrendous, crawling like a tortoise!
To make matters worse, there are more roadworks! I mean why do these people wait all blooming summer and then decide to mend our roads and bridges and whatever else it is that our road tax pays them to do?! And why is it that they work so slow, I mean real slow. Seriously hasn't anyone told these guys that to work this slow is a like a crime or something? It is in my place of work, I'd get the freaking sack if I worked that slow!
So all in all this is going to be a heck of a long and frustrating 40 weeks (yes that is how long this bridge strengthening project is to last for), that's like the whole year!
A whole year of inconveniences, remembering to allow myself more time for my journey to work (how many times shall I arrive late and get that glared look, it's like these people manage to get to work on time and for me the traffic brings hell on?). Allowing time for anywhere else that I decide to take a trip to, and last but not least, uttering some lovely pleasantries in order to vent the frustration :p Ramadhan is really curtailing it for now but it sure wont last..!
Really...it is Happy Driving -:)
Aisha
The beauty of school holidays is peak hour traffic is no more, totally unheard of; it's heaven just to be able to drive through so casually without all the hecticness of traffic.
So once school and all the other traffic that goes with it descended upon us again this Monday, I let out a huge sigh mostly of irritation. Being Ramadhan it meant even more holding back (on the speech that is).
So imagine my frustrations which are already on a high, when I find out there are major roadworks on one of the routes to work. It's fine, really I can just use another route right.. Of course..except, all the others millions of people that have to use that route have to divert and use my other route! So you can imagine the traffic..I am serious it is horrendous, crawling like a tortoise!
To make matters worse, there are more roadworks! I mean why do these people wait all blooming summer and then decide to mend our roads and bridges and whatever else it is that our road tax pays them to do?! And why is it that they work so slow, I mean real slow. Seriously hasn't anyone told these guys that to work this slow is a like a crime or something? It is in my place of work, I'd get the freaking sack if I worked that slow!
So all in all this is going to be a heck of a long and frustrating 40 weeks (yes that is how long this bridge strengthening project is to last for), that's like the whole year!
A whole year of inconveniences, remembering to allow myself more time for my journey to work (how many times shall I arrive late and get that glared look, it's like these people manage to get to work on time and for me the traffic brings hell on?). Allowing time for anywhere else that I decide to take a trip to, and last but not least, uttering some lovely pleasantries in order to vent the frustration :p Ramadhan is really curtailing it for now but it sure wont last..!
Really...it is Happy Driving -:)
Aisha
Monday, 7 September 2009
Dip..My Debut Novel
I got this tag from another blog...pretty cool..
2. Go to “Random Word Generator” or click http://www.websitestyle.com/parser/randomword.shtml The word listed under “Random Verb” is your title.
3. Go to “FlickrCC” or click http://flickrcc.bluemountains.net/index.phpType your title into the search box. The first photo that contains a person is your cover.
5. Post it to your blog along with this text.
Create your own debut novel cover:
1. Go to “Fake Name Generator” or click http://www.fakenamegenerator.com/ The name that appears is your author name.
2. Go to “Random Word Generator” or click http://www.websitestyle.com/parser/randomword.shtml The word listed under “Random Verb” is your title.
3. Go to “FlickrCC” or click http://flickrcc.bluemountains.net/index.phpType your title into the search box. The first photo that contains a person is your cover.
4. Use Photoshop, Picnik or something similar (I used good ol MS Paint) to put it all together. Be sure to crop and or zoom in.
5. Post it to your blog along with this text.
Tag anyone who would like to join..it's all good fun -:)
Aisha
Aisha
Friday, 4 September 2009
The coming of the Ship...
How often have you sailed in
my dreams. And now you come in my awakening, which is my deeper
dream.
Ready am I to go, and my
eagerness with sails full set awaits the wind.
Only another breath will I
breathe in this still air, only another loving look cast
backward,
Then I shall stand among
you, a seafarer among seafarers.
And you, vast sea,
sleepless mother,
Who alone are peace and
freedom to the river and the stream,
Only another winding will
this stream make, only another murmur in this glade,
And then shall I come to
you, a boundless drop to a boundless ocean.
Last Oration..
I recently had the pleasure of reading this again. Despite having read it over and over again, the message within it remains as powerful as it was that day. It encompasses everything about us as a believer and really is one of the most beautiful pieces of reading in history.
---
Prophet Muhammad's Last Sermon
This sermon was delivered on the Ninth day of Dhul al Hijjah 10 A.H. in the 'Uranah valley of Mount Arafat.
After praising, and thanking God, he said:
"O People, listen well to my words, for I do not know whether, after this year, I shall ever be amongst you again. Therefore listen to what I am saying to you very carefully and take these words to those who could not be present today.
O People, just as you regard this month, this day, this city as Sacred, so regard the life and property of every Muslim as a sacred trust. Return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners. Treat others justly so that no one would be unjust to you. Remember that you will indeed meet your LORD, and that HE will indeed reckon your deeds. God has forbidden you to take usury (riba), therefore all riba obligation shall henceforth be waived. Your capital , however, is yours to keep. You will neither inflict nor suffer inequity. God has judged that there shall be no riba and that all the riba due to `Abbas ibn `Abd al Muttalib shall henceforth be waived.
Every right arising out of homicide in pre-Islamic days is henceforth waived and the first such right that I waive is that arising from the murder of Rabi`ah ibn al Harith ibn `Abd al Muttalib.
O Men, the Unbelievers indulge in tampering with the calendar in order to make permissible that which God forbade, and to forbid that which God has made permissible. With God the months are twelve in number. Four of them are sacred, three of these are successive and one occurs singly between the months of Jumada and Sha`ban. Beware of the devil, for the safety of your religion. He has lost all hope that he will ever be able to lead you astray in big things, so beware of following him in small things.
O People, it is true that you have certain rights over your women, but they also have rights over you. Remember that you have taken them as your wives only under God's trust and with His permission. If they abide by your right then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Treat your women well and be kind to them, for they are your partners and committed helpers. It is your right and they do not make friends with anyone of whom you do not approve, as well as never to be unchaste...
O People, listen to me in earnest, worship God (The One Creator of the Universe), perform your five daily prayers (Salah), fast during the month of Ramadan, and give your financial obligation (zakah) of your wealth. Perform Hajj if you can afford to.
All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over a black nor a black has any superiority over white except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood. Nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim which belongs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given freely and willingly. Do not, therefore, do injustice to yourselves.
Remember, one day you will appear before God (The Creator) and you will answer for your deeds. So beware, do not stray from the path of righteousness after I am gone.
O People, no prophet or messenger will come after me and no new faith will be born. Reason well, therefore, O People, and understand words which I convey to you. I am leaving you with the Book of God (the Quraan) and my Sunnah (the life style and the behavioral mode of the Prophet), if you follow them you will never go astray.
All those who listen to me shall pass on my words to others and those to others again; and may the last ones understand my words better than those who listen to me directly. Be my witness O God, that I have conveyed your message to your people.
And as magnificently the sermon was delivered, Allaah sent down the following revelation
“This day I have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion.” [5:3]
and indeed “Nothing succeeds perfection but imperfection.” in Umar's (RA) words
Jummah Mubarak
---
Prophet Muhammad's Last Sermon
This sermon was delivered on the Ninth day of Dhul al Hijjah 10 A.H. in the 'Uranah valley of Mount Arafat.
After praising, and thanking God, he said:
"O People, listen well to my words, for I do not know whether, after this year, I shall ever be amongst you again. Therefore listen to what I am saying to you very carefully and take these words to those who could not be present today.
O People, just as you regard this month, this day, this city as Sacred, so regard the life and property of every Muslim as a sacred trust. Return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners. Treat others justly so that no one would be unjust to you. Remember that you will indeed meet your LORD, and that HE will indeed reckon your deeds. God has forbidden you to take usury (riba), therefore all riba obligation shall henceforth be waived. Your capital , however, is yours to keep. You will neither inflict nor suffer inequity. God has judged that there shall be no riba and that all the riba due to `Abbas ibn `Abd al Muttalib shall henceforth be waived.
Every right arising out of homicide in pre-Islamic days is henceforth waived and the first such right that I waive is that arising from the murder of Rabi`ah ibn al Harith ibn `Abd al Muttalib.
O Men, the Unbelievers indulge in tampering with the calendar in order to make permissible that which God forbade, and to forbid that which God has made permissible. With God the months are twelve in number. Four of them are sacred, three of these are successive and one occurs singly between the months of Jumada and Sha`ban. Beware of the devil, for the safety of your religion. He has lost all hope that he will ever be able to lead you astray in big things, so beware of following him in small things.
O People, it is true that you have certain rights over your women, but they also have rights over you. Remember that you have taken them as your wives only under God's trust and with His permission. If they abide by your right then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Treat your women well and be kind to them, for they are your partners and committed helpers. It is your right and they do not make friends with anyone of whom you do not approve, as well as never to be unchaste...
O People, listen to me in earnest, worship God (The One Creator of the Universe), perform your five daily prayers (Salah), fast during the month of Ramadan, and give your financial obligation (zakah) of your wealth. Perform Hajj if you can afford to.
All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over a black nor a black has any superiority over white except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood. Nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim which belongs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given freely and willingly. Do not, therefore, do injustice to yourselves.
Remember, one day you will appear before God (The Creator) and you will answer for your deeds. So beware, do not stray from the path of righteousness after I am gone.
O People, no prophet or messenger will come after me and no new faith will be born. Reason well, therefore, O People, and understand words which I convey to you. I am leaving you with the Book of God (the Quraan) and my Sunnah (the life style and the behavioral mode of the Prophet), if you follow them you will never go astray.
All those who listen to me shall pass on my words to others and those to others again; and may the last ones understand my words better than those who listen to me directly. Be my witness O God, that I have conveyed your message to your people.
And as magnificently the sermon was delivered, Allaah sent down the following revelation
“This day I have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion.” [5:3]
and indeed “Nothing succeeds perfection but imperfection.” in Umar's (RA) words
Jummah Mubarak
Wednesday, 2 September 2009
To stay or to go...?
Suraya had already left her parents home the once, because to her she was madly in love and needed to be only with Shazad, nothing came first except Shazad. Her condition if she was to return home was for Shazad to be accepted as part of her life.
Suraya and Shazad were two different people, sure they shared the same religion ie between them both believed in one God and proclaimed the final messenger to be Mohammed PBUH. But this is where the resemblance ended. Between them they didn’t fulfil any other conditions that were required to live as a Muslim. Beyond that there similarities were next to nothing. She from a respectable Indian family, who's ancestral links led her to highly religious, educated and privileged family. His were of a contrast, roots going to a rural Pakistan, little did Suraya or her family know about Shazad or who he was or the whereabouts or information about his family. But then Suraya was so madly in love she trusted Shazad.
In contrast Shazad knew too much about Suraya and her family, thanks to Suraya's naivety she had divulged every little bit of detail surrounding her family.
Suraya was given the best possible chances in her life, her parents had bestowed on her more than what they had ever to any of her siblings, yet she proclaimed they didn't love her!
She had at her arms length every door open, any and every opportunity she desired, except she opted to shut all doors and dismiss all opportunities, save this one.
So having left already once and vowing to never return, she had resurfaced and through the mercy of her parents she was welcomed with open arms. She would never realise the heartache caused by her absence, the disappointment for their very flesh and blood. But it didn't matter, they had their daughter home and that is all that mattered. Having let Suraya know they do not approve of her actions, they indeed wanted her to know that they do love her and only have her best interests at heart.
Only Suraya, never planned to stay and while mummy and daddy continued to put things back to normality, Suraya continued on her persistence to fulfil her wishes despite it against the wishes of her loved ones.
So as easily as she walked out the first time, she opened the door and walked out yet again, no parting words, nothing at all. Suraya doesn't realise that no person can succeed at the expense of a parents heartache and while she may think she is happy, it surely cannot last? While Suraya's parents have to accept that their precious daughter has chosen her path, it does not diminish the agony and pain they feel as a result of these recent events but they must remember that despite all this, their faith remains unshaken, things could have been by far worse and finally if they are to persevere in patience, the reward is surely great and Allah only can console them.
While they know that burning the bridge would lead to a disastrous effect they leave their door open for Suraya, they can also pray and hope that Allaah can guide Suraya and inspire her to do and act righteously. Aameen
"Thy Lord hath decreed, that ye worship none save Him, and (that ye show) kindness to parents.” (Al-Isra’: 23)
*This is an entirely fictional piece and may not necessarily reflect the life of the author or any person pertaining to the author
Suraya and Shazad were two different people, sure they shared the same religion ie between them both believed in one God and proclaimed the final messenger to be Mohammed PBUH. But this is where the resemblance ended. Between them they didn’t fulfil any other conditions that were required to live as a Muslim. Beyond that there similarities were next to nothing. She from a respectable Indian family, who's ancestral links led her to highly religious, educated and privileged family. His were of a contrast, roots going to a rural Pakistan, little did Suraya or her family know about Shazad or who he was or the whereabouts or information about his family. But then Suraya was so madly in love she trusted Shazad.
In contrast Shazad knew too much about Suraya and her family, thanks to Suraya's naivety she had divulged every little bit of detail surrounding her family.
Suraya was given the best possible chances in her life, her parents had bestowed on her more than what they had ever to any of her siblings, yet she proclaimed they didn't love her!
She had at her arms length every door open, any and every opportunity she desired, except she opted to shut all doors and dismiss all opportunities, save this one.
So having left already once and vowing to never return, she had resurfaced and through the mercy of her parents she was welcomed with open arms. She would never realise the heartache caused by her absence, the disappointment for their very flesh and blood. But it didn't matter, they had their daughter home and that is all that mattered. Having let Suraya know they do not approve of her actions, they indeed wanted her to know that they do love her and only have her best interests at heart.
Only Suraya, never planned to stay and while mummy and daddy continued to put things back to normality, Suraya continued on her persistence to fulfil her wishes despite it against the wishes of her loved ones.
So as easily as she walked out the first time, she opened the door and walked out yet again, no parting words, nothing at all. Suraya doesn't realise that no person can succeed at the expense of a parents heartache and while she may think she is happy, it surely cannot last? While Suraya's parents have to accept that their precious daughter has chosen her path, it does not diminish the agony and pain they feel as a result of these recent events but they must remember that despite all this, their faith remains unshaken, things could have been by far worse and finally if they are to persevere in patience, the reward is surely great and Allah only can console them.
While they know that burning the bridge would lead to a disastrous effect they leave their door open for Suraya, they can also pray and hope that Allaah can guide Suraya and inspire her to do and act righteously. Aameen
"Thy Lord hath decreed, that ye worship none save Him, and (that ye show) kindness to parents.” (Al-Isra’: 23)
*This is an entirely fictional piece and may not necessarily reflect the life of the author or any person pertaining to the author
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