Zaufishan

Street Art for Khadijah Goes To School [Promo Video]

2011-12-24T04:27:00.002Z

Yayy, just when I thought Asim Hussain's book Khadijah Goes To School, could not excel any further, he went ahead to share the word on the streets of Canada, promoting it with fantastic street chalk-art. Khadijah Goes To School is the new 'it' book for children and youth, making the grown ups want to join in. And they do, which is why over on my news site Muslimness, we reviewed Asim's

How Was Your Hajj? A Survey of British Muslim Experiences in Makkah & Madinah

2011-12-16T05:03:00.001Z

Have you performed Hajj and love sharing your experiences? The University of Leeds wants to know how the pilgrimage was for you. Fill out this survey to share your Hajj story. {https://www.survey.leeds.ac.uk/hajj} Seán McLoughlin is an Islamic Studies researcher from the University of Leeds, studying British Muslim experiences of going for Hajj. His research will be part of the input going into

40 Hadith of Imam Nawawi - Poetry by Ammar AlShukry (VIDEO)

2011-12-15T02:01:00.001Z

American Muslim Ammar AlShukry shares how he memorised all 42 sayings of Prophet Muhammad, through a poem. Muslim poet, student and teacher, Ammar AlShukry is a rising role model for young Muslims across America and here in Britain. Also a member of AlMaghrib, one of the world's largest Islamic educational instituions, Ammar has grounded himself in the 'spoken word' scene by proving his worth in

Muslims More Devout, Global Survey Released

2011-12-09T02:47:00.001Z

A global survey released by Ipsos-Mori concludes that Muslims are more likely to adhere to Islam and say their own faith is the only path to Paradise. Ipsos-Mori is a British research company that has undertaken some of the world's most in-depth surveys and reports. Recently, they released a global survey where their findings concluded Muslims are much more likely than Christians and Hindus to

Amir Khan - Britain's Potential Ambassador

2011-12-09T01:41:00.002Z

British boxer Amir Khan could be the champion for uniting people and cultures. According to a statement from his US promoter, Britain’s Amir Khan, a talented world boxing champion on an eight-fight win streak, could also play an important role in combating anti-Muslim prejudice. “He has the character and the background to unite the cultures very well,” said Golden Boy Promotions chief

How To Read Bedtime Stories To Sick Kids

2011-12-02T04:35:00.002Z

Help community volunteers read bedtime stories to sick kids using iPads! Get your friends involved by sharing this {Rally} link with them. I want to share with you again a great cause that inspires me from my inner soul to my outer hijab. I INSPIRE. Remember that name. I INSPIRE is one of the few organisations where children are the focus. Children are listened to, read to, given comfort and

Book: In The Prophet's Garden

2011-12-02T02:37:00.000Z

Compiled By Fatima M D'Oyen and Abdelkader Chachi, In the Prophet's Garden is a collection of beautiful, short and educational ahadith (sayings) of the Prophet Muhammad himself, peace be upon him. I bought the book many years ago, using the statements and have memorised certain sayings, such is the ease of the book. Below are my favourite ten ahadith from In the Prophet's Garden. The paperback

5 Languages Of Love In Muslim Marriage

2011-12-01T05:59:00.002Z

A kiss, a giggle, a finger hug*. We love one another through action, words and sound. Allah has gifted human beings with an ability not even the angels can choose - to say "I love you". Love however, even from the Shari`ah perspective, is a complex attachment. And because we do not know how to really show love, and what it means, we enter relationships with a limp. We deny love to others, we

British Muslims: Boycotting Evolution But Proud Citizens (REPORT)

2011-11-30T04:19:00.001Z

Last week's media coverage of British Muslims saw an onslaught on Islamic faith schools that face more difficult regulations to stay open. And Babar Ahmad's campaign for trial is being discussed again on the 5th December 2011, which is why you need to ask your MP to be there. In other news... Muslim students are boycotting lectures on evolution in the belief that it was Allah who created

Clockwork Muslim Identity Kit {comic 100}

2011-11-27T06:40:00.000Z

21 Suggestions For Success & Happiness

2011-11-27T04:01:00.001Z

As a realist, I do not believe in happiness, but contentment. To accept something means to be able to deal with it, positively, wholly, boldly. All or nothing. In the blogosphere, a Mr H. Jackson Brown has his own list for how to bring about success. I like. Marry the right person. This one decision will determine 90% of your happiness or misery. Work at something you enjoy and that's worthy of

Muslim Baywatch & Prayer In Blackpool (PHOTOS)

2011-11-26T06:14:00.001Z

During a summer day trip out to the not-as-racist town of Blackpool, I joked, "run on the shore in slow motion as though you were in Baywatch". And they did. "Shaykh" Hassan and his accomplice never fail to disappoint. See 20+ more photos from Blackpool in July 2011 of what we did and saw. Blackpool tower and the holy town. While it appears miniscule, I can assure you that climbing that tower

Myth Busters: Women Are Not Allowed To Be Leaders

2011-11-26T00:40:00.003Z

While Islamic law protects women from taking on law-enforcing roles, does the Shariah discredit them from all leadership? Muslim feminist Shaista Gohir feels women can be leaders, and only interpretation prevents them. Read what she says. A series of articles written by Muslim feminist Shaista Gohir, of the Big Sister organisation. Part 1 | Part 2 *Disclaimer, the comic images were designed

Designing A Multi-Faith Prayer Room (pt 1)

2011-11-24T14:39:00.002Z

My design brief for designing a college prayer room was complex but a great challenge. One of the A-levels I took at college was Product Design: Textiles & Graphics. I immensely enjoyed the challenges of the subject and as a Muslim was able to explore my arty Muslimness on a professional platform. A-Levels are for two years, forming the college years of keen British students. In my second year

Type/Translate Arabic With Yamli

2011-11-23T11:49:00.002Z

Learning Arabic is not as difficult as it seems. For a majority of Muslims, Arabic is a second or even third language, and as Islamic faith is founded on an Arabic scripture, it makes sense to understand what the Qur'an is saying. Yamli, an online translator, makes interpreting Arabic phrases even more easier. Yamli is primarily a search engine with a similar interface to Google, but one of its

Why is Babar Ahmad's 140k Campaign Dismissed by Parliament?

2011-11-22T23:09:00.001Z

British Parliament dismisses over 140,500 calls for a Commons debate on Babar Ahmad. What is the point. For the past three months, the case of British prisoner Babar Ahmad was thrust into public light again as an online petition was set to gain 100,000 signatures. When the petition closed, and signatures had hit over 140-thousand, his supporters were quietly optimistic. But a Commons committee

16 Islamic Educational Institutions

2011-11-22T05:40:00.000Z

When you're looking for a place to begin studying Islam, it can be confusing at best. But don't give up. There are some good and even excellent organisations on the internet that tutor you to expand on your favourite Islamic fields, whether it's Arabic or history. And there are dozens of established institutions that to this day continue the Muslim tradition of academic excellence. To avoid

British Muslims This Week: Decline of Human Rights

2011-11-19T01:23:00.000Z

In case you missed them, a few stories on Muslims in England this week. Dr Azeem on Global Arab Network highlights how British Muslims play an active role in counterterrorism. "Rather than seeing British Islam as a political and security problem – undermining civil and religious liberties – the British government should view it instead in the context of diverse cultural expressions within its

Sahabah Cards: Abu Músa Al-Ashari

2011-11-18T10:39:00.001Z

Abu Músa Al-Ashari Abu Músa Al-Ashari (رضي الله عنه) may Allah be pleased with him, was originally from Yemen and visited Makkah after hearing news of the Prophet. He accepted Islam and returned to his homeland to spread the message. He later joined the community in Madinah after the expedition to Khaybar along with fifty new Muslims from Yemen. During the Caliphate of `Umar (ra), Abu Músa

My Online Marriage: 6 Brothers To Avoid

2011-11-18T03:48:00.005Z

I have come to the conclusion that online Muslim marriage sites are overrated. If you however, are registered with a popular matrimonial site and you're doing well, good for you, alhamdulillah. Assumptions are dangerous, but I assume you began with holy intentions, you got your family involved (because you're a woman) and you've sent loved up messages with various prospects every hour. There's

Silk Painting Oriental Flowers For Charity

2011-11-16T05:07:00.003Z

Many an epoch ago, when floppy disks were in vogue and chocolate was priced under a pound (£1), I sat in a room no longer than 6 feet wide to paint a deliciously beautiful flower. Oriental flowers are my 'thing', lotuses, orchids, liliums and bird of paradise. For some time now I have picked or bought fresh flowers to bring God's reminders to our home. I did this often when I was younger and

Wrapping Muslims In Love, Lessons From Prophet Muhammad

2011-11-15T04:23:00.002Z

Gentleness and kindness were the very essence of Prophet Muhammad's teaching, peace be upon him. He kept saying, "God is gentle [rafiq] and He loves gentleness [ar-rafiq] in everything." (Bukhari, Muslim) He also said: "He gives for gentleness what He does not give for violence or anything else" (Bukhari). Prophet Muhammad declared to one of his Companions: "There are two qualities in you that

Personal Islamic Quotes For Life

2011-11-11T12:59:00.001Z

Ask any Muslim student of a contemporary Islamic education and they will tell you teachers love sharing 'gems'. One-liners and slogans that capture a thousand years of deeny movements in a few words. That sounds sarcastic, but I'm to'ally for "slogan Islam". Catchy, memorable and short pun style sentences are what make snazzy Muslim styled t-shirts and provide a jumping base for PDOs. PDOs?

New Convert Muslim Greeting Card

2011-11-11T05:50:00.003Z

Back in my designing days when I handmade and sold crafts, there were few, if any, 'welcome to Islam' cards for new Muslims. Since I knew many 'convert' Muslims and have since, the smallest token of a hand written gesture makes a unifying impact on everyone's faith. I had a few various ideas, some quirky, others elegant, a few inappropriate. This green greeting card quotes chapter 2, verse 208

The End Of Singleitis? {comic 99}

2011-11-11T05:32:00.000Z

I saw this on a t-shirt. It has agreeable symmetry to current Muslim divorce rates. I want one. T-shirt, that is.

Book: Journey Through Islamic Art, Nai'ma Bint Robert

2011-11-03T19:52:00.001Z

The latest collection to my library is Journey Through Islamic Art, by renowned British Muslim author and Editor of SISTERS magazine, Nai'ma B Robert. Hailing from Leeds with African-Scottish roots, Nai'ma is an award winning writer and a first-class lady. Recently I was given a humble column in SISTERS magazine, sharing tips as The Eco Muslim. Journey Through Islamic Art is a rare gem of a

Why Muslims Are In The State They're In, Hamza Yusuf On Human Psyche

2011-11-03T08:28:00.001Z

Religious Superiority Is A Disempowering State. "The spirit of the law often gets lost with the letter of the law. Islam is a tradition that is really trying to unify the idea of both. You cannot have one without the other. With too much justice there will be wrath, if there's too much mercy, you end up with a type of social chaos. The problem with modern Islam is that there is a massive

Free Babar Ahmad: Sign Petition To Get UK Trial

2011-10-16T04:29:00.003+01:00

Babar Ahmad, 2009 "O sad heart! From hardships, do not get mad. Your worries will soon end, don't feel sad. The road's perilous and destination away. Yet all roads have their end, I daresay." - Hafez Shirazi These were the opening words I read from Babar Ahmad's last letter. He, as always, remembered me in his prayers over the Ramadan season and greeted me with Eid

Graphic Design: Watercolour Painting Tasmiyah, The 'Bismillah'

2011-10-07T03:15:00.000+01:00

An original sketch I made a while back in my studio of the Muslim phrase bismillahi-Rahmaani'Raheem, beginning with the name of God, the compassionate, the merciful. Drawn to scale, the sketch is a modern take on the fluidity of Arabic script. Watercolour inks fill in the shapes and I intentionally bled the red-yellow on the right letters 'bismillah'. The sketch is a template for several

A History Lesson On Salwar Kameez

2011-10-05T04:15:00.000+01:00

The most worn South Asian clothing is the salwar kameez. Its popularity grew from neighbouring country Afghanistan a few hundred years back and any good fashion history book will tell you that the salwar and kameez was invented to protect one's body from dust storms. Yep, that's me. Pakistani me. A History Lesson A salwar *my dictionary has listed it as shalwar but I prefer salwar, - is the

Why You Need To Know Your Human Rights

2011-10-03T04:35:00.000+01:00

You need morals because you are human. Morals comes from God, and the moral code of the world is not foreign to Islam. 'Our' religious system is not inferior to 'their' secular system. Islam's principles of dignity, education and high quality of life are universal, found in every society where barbarism was not in government. But when you find yourself in a situation where you feel ostracised,

A Muslim On X Factor {comic 92}

2011-09-29T03:48:00.001+01:00

I think I could make it. I can sing political chants inspired by Mohammad Rafi that could take down Barack Obama's government in order to save Palestine. ...Just an idea.

A Christian Reaffirmed My Muslim Faith

2011-09-28T10:46:00.001+01:00

A Christian preacher reaffirmed my faith as a Muslim. At a massive gathering of hundreds of followers of Christ, she said, "Why would any rational human want to be miserable. Why would you choose to think that? You say, well I can't help what I think - yes you can! You can choose to think about what you think so that you're thinking makes you happy. By thinking GOOD things, and being THANKFUL of

Designing Eco Cool Business Cards

2011-09-27T14:21:00.002+01:00

Consolidating several commitments never looked so hot {About Zaufishan} I've been shifting my job description titles for a few years now. Who am I? What's my contribution to my community? What actions define me as a human? I studied sociology for A-level; I wanted to be a people-person, to listen to them, be able to recognise a criminal and build strong families for a functioning society. I

Silver Abaya - Jilbaab From Dubai. Yum & Me.

2011-09-27T13:21:00.000+01:00

Our dwarf model here (me) is wearing an abaya bought from Dubai. And in Middle Eastern jilbaab trends, the abaya is an over-flowing maxi dress made from satin with a silver-grey-black geometrical print. It's basically a rectangle of fabric folded into a square with unusual sleeves. Unlike traditional jilbaabs with their stiffness or pockets and stitching, this kaftan-style abaya has literally 5

Sahaba Cards: Abdullah Ibn Masud

2011-09-27T12:35:00.001+01:00

Who was Abdullah Ibn Masud? `Abdullah ibn Mas'ud (رضي الله عنه) was from Makkah but spent most of his time as a shepherd outside the city. He was still a youth when he accepted Islam and devoted himself to the personal service of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, peace be upon him. Through his close Companionship, `Abdullah had a unique opportunity to study under the Prophet, peace be upon him. "

African Inspired Henna Patterns

2011-09-23T00:04:00.000+01:00

My man-hand is decorated in a mixture of African tribal patterns In African body art, henna was originally used as ceremonial decoration, and if education serves me correct, it was used for medicinal purposes. Women dyed their black hair for beautification, men at war drew dots and straight lines as way of protection. My mehndi here worn for Eid-ul-fitr was less war orientated. I've mixed in

The Shake & Bake Wife {comic 98}

2011-09-22T23:39:00.002+01:00

Our single Muslim brothers get asked this popular question: "What's your idea of a perfect wife?" This is incredibly flawed and we need to stop asking it. Perfection is a fairtyale-hollywood-bollywoodian special effect that simply does not exist in real life. When our sources of information for marriage come out of a magazine or movie, it's bound to include at least one ultra-high expectation of

Ultimate Hijab Storage System Idea

2011-09-21T02:03:00.019+01:00

Where and how do you store all those accumulated head scarves? Materialism has taken over and I have more scarves than wardrobe space. The Pakistaniness in me tells me to never throw things away, especially clothing which "even the children in Africa don't have". I know I could donate fewer-worn scarves to charity shops or for recycling but 90% of the stuff I wear is second-hand. It's nicer to

Iranian Poetry 'Bani Adam' Inscribed On United Nations Building Entrance

2011-09-17T01:29:00.000+01:00

Iranian poet Sa'adi, from the 13th century, is one of the major influential Persian poets of the medieval period. He is recognised in the literary world for the quality of his writing style and in the spiritual realm for the depth of his thoughts. Sa'adi is best known for his works 'Gulistan' and 'Busan', poetry which emphasised a unity in mankind, an interdependence regardless of social

Sahaba Cards: Abu Hurayra

2011-09-16T06:24:00.003+01:00

How many Companions of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) do you know? How much do you know about them? Would you like to know more? Get your hands on Learning Roots' Companion cards then! Companion Cards is a pack of 30 short biographies on the lives of the supermen around the time of Prophet, peace be upon him. Slightly larger than a pack of playing cards, Companion Cards are sturdy,

Ideas For Studying Quran At Mosque Like A Pro

2011-09-12T02:05:00.000+01:00

When you're 7 years old and sat on the floor of a shed-like building adopted for the madrasa, you do slip into an unanswerable thought of an unquenched mind. "Why is after-school mosque so boring? How come school, that's longer and more far away, is really fun and you get to play? But the only happy time is on Fridays when Ustadh gives us a reward for leaving." I didn't hate mosque teaching.

The Lost Jihad: Love in Islam

2011-09-10T03:19:00.002+01:00

To understand someone you have to "get" where they're coming from. Their background, values, their history. To appreciate the depth of the Qur'anic message also requires a lesson in the history of its creation, and its Arabic language. A few years back I bought Adhaf Soueif's The Map of Love, a beautifully written story of British imperialism affecting a gorgeous but politically unsettled Egypt

Thanking You Rhonda Ragab & Team

2011-09-07T23:02:00.001+01:00

A (sorta) quick but sincere message of gratitude to sister Rhonda, Marya and the team behind Suhaibwebb.com. Rhonda sent me that book for Eid. I'm well chuffed. I rely heavily on a Qur'an ayat that was coincidentally used recently for a suhaibwebb article Grudges, Graffiti & Grief, “The believing men and believing women are allies of one another. They enjoin what is

Photos: Swings And Parks And Flowers And Boys

2011-09-06T12:06:00.000+01:00

Date: July 2011 Venue: Greenhead Park, Yorkshire, England Attendees: I, siblings and people Objective: To frolic We sat on swings. We considered picking flowers but I knew it would hurt them. So we didn't. We stalked skater boys. We reflected. A sweet middle-aged couple sat on a bench did a little more than reflecting, if y'know what I mean. We jiggimajiggied on a jiggimajigger. We slid on

Quote Gems From #Rihla2011 In Bursa, Turkey

2011-09-06T05:53:00.002+01:00

I'm a collector of quotes. Maxims, lessons, advice, ahadith, poetry. I save them in a quote book, type them into categorised excel sheets, or memorise them to share at the opportune time. This year sister Sidra Mushtaq of the Healing Hearts blog was blessed with experiencing the annual Rihla program from Deen Intensive Foundation, hosted in Turkey with some of Islam's contemporary renowned

Cartoon Designs For Little Explorers Magazine

2011-09-06T01:17:00.000+01:00

I was asked by Little Explorers' Editor to create two unique characters as the representatives of the magazine. 'Abdullah' and 'Aminah' are to be the new faces of the 'zine that's based in Canada/London. Little Explorers 'zine is a Mercy Mission project aimed at young Muslim children with a cartoonesque tv personality. I designed two sets of characters where one couple was playful, dressed '

Ramadan And Eid 2011 On Kaffir Road

2011-09-05T02:23:00.001+01:00

A photo diary of some stuff that happened leading up to, during and after Ramadan and `Eid-ul-fitr of 2011 on Kaffir Road. No animals or children were harmed in the making of this post; well, one chicken was sacrificed, someone bit a cat and several small people OD'd on jelly sweets. I wasn't involved. <- I live on that side, 2 miles down, a left, down a hill, past a cricket field and burial

Me Indian Mehndi-Henna Patterns 2011

2011-09-02T05:58:00.001+01:00

For our Eidmas celebrations (yes I call it Eidmas) I decorated people in a natural tattoo known as henna, or mehndi. Henna is a paste dye made from the crushed leaves of a tropical mignonette tree. It's safe, temporary, leaves a stained color ranging from pale orange to terracotta brown and is a global Muslim tradition at festivals, particularly in South Asia and North Africa. And I'm

Peace! This, Until The Rising Of The Dawn

2011-09-02T05:12:00.001+01:00

Sketching is a habit I've had since I could speak. I still doodle of dreams I've had, visualising lessons I've learned and turning intangible concepts like heartbreak and death into colour. Regrettably for my reputation, I'm probably most known for the controversial cartoons on taboo Isamic topics (hurray for social justice), and more notably for the MUSLIMNESS author images. Above is an etchy

Unlocking The Gates Of Hell {comic 77}

2011-08-30T04:26:00.001+01:00

Sometimes the freedom is as burdensome as the chain. Image {MuslimnessComics} © More comics: Ramadan Cream {comic 45} iGod. Think Differently {comic 97} Misinterpretations: 'Kaafir' {comic 96} Eid-ul-Adha Wars {comic 88}

Formal And Casual Eid Outfits

2011-08-29T10:08:00.001+01:00

In the spirit of enjoying Allah's blessings without taking out a loan I've opted for a hand-me-down, recycled and reused Eid. I bought nothing new apart from a £10 print dress, and that I'm donating for someone else's Eid. #It's my thing. {The Eco Muslim} This is what I'm wearing. Ya Allah, I hope I can run in that frock. Satin twist navy maxi dress, Oasis, I forget the price. In 2010 it was

Support Sarah Bibi's "Fasting For Africa" Islamic Relief Campaign

2011-08-21T19:40:00.002+01:00

As-salam`alaykum warahmatullah, In our Ramadan month of giving we are reminded again by fellow Muslims what "giving" truly means. In our friend's case, actions do speak louder than words. Sarah Bibi, an active and entrepreneurial Muslim, has been fasting to gain sponsors by friends and the online community. This fundraising will be donated to the East African famine relief insha'Allah and is

Get Fantastic Eco-Ramadan Gifts From Etsy

2011-08-11T19:36:00.000+01:00

I'm a HUGE fan of Etsy, the ethical online selling-buying site. With a special place for crafts, Etsy's sellers are expanding into Muslim merchandise including hijabs, pins, toys and halal products. I've sifted through the popular brands I trust and highly recommend the following products as Ramadan or `Eid gifts: KutzyPartyBoutique: (pitchered above) This shop specialises in printable designs

Scrapbooking For Parents

2011-08-11T11:10:00.001+01:00

A few years back I got into the swing of scrapbooking and turned pro. The craft is based on transforming ordinary photos from albums into artistic expressions using spectacular gadgets or simple recycled papers. I made this "ummi-mom-mama-mum" scrapbook page for my own mother's birth-day. We designed it around her hobbies and style, which she really loved. We also made witty poems about her age.

Writing To Muslim Detainee Talha Ahsan

2011-08-11T05:24:00.000+01:00

My first Ramadan greeting card of the month - omit that, my only Ramadan card - was sent by Talha Ahsan, detainee for over 5 years without charge. You may not have heard of Talha Ahsan, and the news of his situation may not affect you much either. But, in the back of your mind and in the clearer vision of your soul, you know this is a grave wrong. Talha Ahsan is a creative Muslim with

Ramadan Cream {comic 45}

2011-08-10T04:15:00.000+01:00

★ رمضان مبارك (Ramadan mubarak) and رمضان مبارك (Ramadan kareem) to all readers, family abroad and friends I rarely meet. If you're a part of my life, I wish you Allah's blessings, if I'm a part of yours, make a du`a for I, and if we've never met, may we be united in peace. Ramadan Cream. Coming to a department store near you. More on Ramadan: Video: ♫ Tick Tock Ramadan (oh oh wuh oh!) Duas

My Awesome Brother's Poem For Me

2011-08-06T08:14:00.000+01:00

"Sometimes, we fail to appreciate something until it's gone. One of the lessons we learn from Ramadan is to take advantage of time; every month, the days, the hours, the minutes and the seconds. This should transcend to other things in our lives; our spouses, our children, our communities and its leaders. - Imam Suhaib Webb on Facebook, August 4th 2011 You know how with family it's a mix of love

My Awesome Sister's Poem For Me

2011-08-05T07:53:00.002+01:00

Welcome to part of my family. This one we call Salsabeel*note, the natural poet. Hence, this birthday poem I was given last year (and finally thought to share). But mostly, this is to publicly say shukran, jazakallah khayr to the saner sibling of our tribe. "To my sister, my teacher, my friend, I pray I will remain your trusty sidekick until the end. For you are an explosion of colour and light,

Processed Islam {comic 42}

2011-08-05T00:42:00.000+01:00

Like all of a human's natural needs, we like our Islam toxin free, moderately spread and served pure. Thank you to the polluters making our deen require that extra jihad. You have a purpose too.

Organisation Advice For Your Qur'an Reading

2011-08-04T15:24:00.001+01:00

Organising your Qur'an reading time needn't be time consuming, nor is it a chore you can flip through. With a little motivation and personalised tools, you'll have your own Qur'an planner and guide in no time. Like I do. (I feel I ought to apologise for the shoddy photography - it was late, my camera committed suicide and I was too far from my usual workplace to obtain a professional look. But,

Our Ramadan 2011 Timetable For North England

2011-08-04T05:19:00.000+01:00

My father ji designs the annual Ramadan timetable for our local masjid. He likes to make timings flexible but at the same time giving fasting Muslims an early warning by following the scientific calculator called the sky. This year, while the global Ramadan start date of August 1st brought an unusual unity in the community, certain mosque committees created a little discord. A masjid just over a

Duas: For Ramadan Season

2011-08-01T02:54:00.000+01:00

As a student of Islam I pin up every new du`a I intend to learn on a wall around the house and go to the extent of organising prayers by category in files and notes. I encourage whoever's reading to do something similar. Here are a select few supplications for Ramadan that work best when printed out and read aloud to a group of loyal friends. Image: Muslamb Press And the du`as for fasting:

What Muslim Men Look For In A Wife

2011-07-18T03:29:00.002+01:00

What do Muslim men really want from a woman? What do they look for?What are they attracted to? ...Why don't they listen? Insha'Allah we shall try to understand what exactly Muslim men look for in potential wives, and why, very often, they don't get it. *Disclaimer: much of the following is from various Islamic studies and a result of research. This is not definitive nor applicable to all men,

Pakistani Weddings - What Really Happens

2011-07-15T01:32:00.005+01:00

"A wedding guide for those young, soon to be married Pakistanis, and indeed, those poor unfortunate non-Pakistani souls who, unbeknownst to them, have incurred God's wrath and decided to marry into a Pakistani family." - The Alif Team The Fights No Pakistani wedding is complete without a fight or two. Be it the guest list or the color of napkins, there is always something to have a good ol’

When Prophet Muhammad ﷺ Left Us

2011-07-12T06:02:00.001+01:00

`Umar (ra) refused to accept it. He would not sit down and exclaimed the Prophet ﷺ did not pass away, he would return. How could he leave us? He is our Prophet. Our leader, our guide. Here is a person that a community and its future depended on. He couldn't not return, that wouldn't be merciful. We have heard the Prophet's biography (seerah) at least once in our Islamic educating phases. He, may

16 Things To Do When A Person Is Dying

2011-07-08T08:25:00.001+01:00

16 Things, AlMaghrib ebook STEP 1To invite righteous people to be around the dying person The advantages of having a righteous person around the dying person are to: 1. Remind him of Allah, for those who are righteous are above average in knowledge and are closer to Allah. 2. Pray for him and those who are around him and remind them of them of supplications (du’aa) from the Quran

Event: Mark Of A Believer At Rochdale Dawah Centre

2011-07-08T03:24:00.000+01:00

Wudhu. It's an act of cleanliness for Muslims. It's also a spiritual connection to prayer. By the time we reach our teen years, we know why we perform wudhu, the connotations of saving water and how wudhu leaves it mark. Mark of a Believer is a women's only event organised by the active folk at Rochdale Da`wah Centre, this Saturday 12th July. Mark of a Believer: Wudhu 101 How will YOU be

♫ Tick Tock Ramadan (oh oh wuh oh!)

2011-07-07T19:59:00.002+01:00

I don't know what I like more in this parody: the use of Urdu-nglish 'larkees' (girls), the solo that hits at around 1:50s, the Tarawih rhymes or the air-punch in the middle of the brothers' salah. Link to video {http://youtu.be/4emfUVrFHzA} More Ramadan related stuff: Fiqh Of Ramadan: What Is Siyaam? (Free eBook) Making & Baking Gingerbread Men My Zazzle Ramadan Mubarak Stickers (order

A Proper Ramadan Countdown, The Zaufishan Way

2011-07-01T16:48:00.003+01:00

What better way of counting down the days to Ramadan then by hanging up a banner, throwing stars wherever you go and making du`a you live to see the month. Alhamdulillah. Should this be your first encounter of the 'Zaufishan Muslimness' world - I apologise for the eccentricity and strangeness of how I may, in the slightest off-angle, come across. Before you exclaim phrases such as 'what the..?',

Word Of The Day: Contumely

2011-06-25T06:48:00.003+01:00

Flip open your Qur'an, find chapter 17, verse 23. That's surat Al-Isra, ayat 23. Read it. Or I'll read it to you: 'And your Lord has decreed that you not worship except Him, and to parents, good treatment. Whether one or both of them reach old age [while] with you, say not to them [so much as], "uff," and do not repel them but speak to them a noble word.' (Qur'an, 17:23) Word • Contumely | noun

Do Your Part For Al-Hijrah Masjid In Birmingham

2011-06-25T06:04:00.000+01:00

A message from our friend Shaheen Ahmed, artist, mother and fabulous Muslim woman. "السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته I pray you are all in the best of health and Imaan. Al-Hijrah Mosque is walking distance from my house. I attend Jumuah prayer and study circles as well as make use of the large Islamic library that Al-Hijrah funds. I write to you to asking for your help and support by

Link Love: Muslim House.org

2011-06-23T22:15:00.000+01:00

As a fairly new organisation, Muslim House is an online forum community created to provide users specialist resources on relationship matters. Check out how they can help you. "As Muslims we are no different from any other segment of society when it comes to relationships. Some of us are engaged in truly loving and fulfilling relationships, but others unfortunately have it difficult. And yet for

Chomsky's Language Acquisition Device Is From God

2011-06-21T21:28:00.001+01:00

Naom Chomsky revolutionised the realm of language with 'ground breaking' theories in his 1960s book, Language And Mind. Chomsky's Language Acquisition Device (LAD) states that children are born with an inherited ability to learn any human language, i.e. language is inherently programmed at birth. Now to get to the point immediately (because I do have a way with long-winded words and getting

Dua: When It Rains, It Pours. Asking God For Pure Water

2011-06-20T22:39:00.002+01:00

Watching the English skies sparkle down rain this June, one can only hope it is sent with a good purpose. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (God's peace and blessings be upon him) frequently made du`a (a supplication) for and during rain because he knew its power and Who controlled it. He was aware of its blessings. In our lives we rarely stand in the pouring rain to simply feel it, or to hear its sounds.

Book To Buy: Where I'm Coming From: The Year in Review By Imam Zaid Shakir

2011-06-17T00:56:00.000+01:00

The past year has been a trying one for Muslims in the United States. The drone of anti-Islamic sentiment has been steadily growing since the tragic events of September 11, 2001, but a number of events in 2010 helped amplify the voices of anti-Islam bigots to a frightening pitch. These events include the Fort Hood shootings, the failed attempt to detonate a bomb aboard an aircraft bound for

Link Love: Illume Magazine

2011-06-16T16:29:00.003+01:00

A little promotion of an online magazine I read, learn from and write for. ILLUME Magazine is at the forefront of Muslim-American media and journalism. ILLUME accomplishes its mission by: - Creating original, daily news content. - Sharing the Muslim-American perspective on everyday life. - Incorporating investigative journalism, expert analysis and in-depth coverage of critical issues. -

Wise Words From The Predecessors

2011-06-16T04:55:00.001+01:00

Al-Fudayl b. ‘Ayyâd said: "If you can be unknown, be so; it doesn’t matter if you are not known and it doesn’t matter if you are not praised. It doesn’t matter if you are blameworthy according to the people,what matters is if you are praiseworthy with Allâh the Mighty and Majestic." - Al-Bayhaqî, Al-Zuhd Al-Kabîr Yunus as-sadafi said: "I have never met a man wiser than Imam ash-Shafi`, I was

iGod. Think Differently {comic 97}

2011-06-15T16:00:00.004+01:00

There is no other god that is worthy of obedience and worship - including yourself - except Allah.

Misinterpretations: Kaafir {comic 96}

2011-06-13T03:31:00.004+01:00

Kaafir (kafir) in Arabic is derived from the root verb 'ka fa ra', meaning "he hid" a thing. As a pre-Islamic term (before Islam was established), kafir described the job of farmers who planted seeds in the ground, covering them with soil. The word implies a covering - thus, a covering of truth. All too often the Muslim will throw around the term 'kaafir' as an insult from personal dislike, or

Flying Kites With My Parents

2011-06-12T04:19:00.000+01:00

My parents are the creative type. My father is the geeky DIY guru, my mother, the cool techy artist. And y'know the saying of "you turn into your parents"? It's inevitable. Here they are attempting to fly my kite (that I made) because, quote, "We've been flying kites for years, give it to us, we'll fly it better". I live here. No, not in the castle but in this pitcher (picture), to the right,

Maya Angelou's Birds And Words

2011-06-07T05:55:00.000+01:00

I was 12 years old when I first read Maya Angelou's 1969 autobiography 'I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings'. Her words reflected the displacement and treachery you undergo as a young adult to understand the nature of life, and people. She was assaulted as a child, she has bitterly honest humour for her experiences, she's a devout Christian and recognised by presidents for her poetry and acting. But

What Muslim Women Look For In A Husband

2011-05-30T18:00:00.034+01:00

Learn what Muslim women are really looking for in a marriage, understand their biology and definitions of love. *Disclaimer: much of the following is in note form from various Islamic studies and a result of research. My personal opinions will be highlighted and all subheadings are to be taken as general guidelines. Some content is adult material. Don't say I didn't warn you.

Photos: Living Islam Festival (camping) 2008

2011-05-27T06:07:00.001+01:00

Highlights from 2008's Living Islam Festival in Linconshire, UK. Above, Dawud Wharnsby and Idris Philips hold a creative workshop for children. To book tickets for this year's festival and more details read our MUSLIMNESS Living Islam 2011 post. There are numerous reasons why you should attend the Living Islam festival, one of which is because I will be there insha'Allah. And as I'm so cool,

Event: AlMaghrib's 'Divine Link Of Salah', With Shaykh Abu Eesa Niamatullah

2011-05-25T14:46:00.001+01:00

Divine Link: Fiqh of Salah taught by Shaykh Abu Eesa Niamatullah. Date: 7pm-10pm on Friday 1st July 2011. Then the following two weekends - 2nd-3rd and 9th-10th July. Venue: Challenge College, situated at the far end of North Avenue, Bradford (BD8 7ND). Course materials are provided - bring your writing equipment. There's allotted time for lunch and prayers - complimentary breakfast, bottled

Why You Need To Like 'I INSPIRE'

2011-05-20T02:09:00.000+01:00

I INSPIRE inc., New York's community organisation, inspiring social change through art activism. As-salam`alaykum people. Here is a project to get seriously excited about. I INSPIRE Inc., lead by Poet Dasham Brookins, is a community organisation that's run on the sheer creativity of volunteers and a passionate need to improve our cultural understanding through action. I like it. I think you will

Dua: Forgive, Strengthen And Guide Me

2011-05-18T10:47:00.000+01:00

I don't have the precise reference to the following hadith (Prophetic statement) although it was included in an academic article a while back and cited from imam Tirmidhi. I have the entire collection of Bukhari ahadith to back up research but still working on Tirmidhi. If anyone's got a few volumes (books: paper and ink), do let me know. "Sharing is caring". My new motto. Anywho, the du`a I was

Property To Let: Inflatable Yellow Castle

2011-05-10T08:55:00.001+01:00

"Twas April, the month of Spring, new buds and seasonal weddings. Between aristocratic lodges and blossom trees sat an unusually squeaky yellow bouncy castle, home to one British Muslim woman, and her fairytale jihad lifestyle." Princess Fiona, eat yer heart out. The more perceptive of you will figure out it's Rockin' Ronnies' castle, not mine. We had a good run though: only fell over twice, I

Islam And The Internet Series: Suhaibwebb.com

2011-05-09T15:33:00.000+01:00

The "Islam and the Internet" Series on suhaibwebb.com was written for and about us - our iphone-internet-techy driven lifestyles. The series is guidance on pitfalls to avoid while learning Islamic information, communicating behind unknown screens and working (or wasting time) online. While one could argue that the advice and analysis is published on the very mediums the articles warn us about,

A Chocolate, Qur'an Engraved Box, From My Mother

2011-05-08T14:07:00.003+01:00

For my janam-din/saal-ghira (birth-day) last year, my Mother engraved a treasure chest with one of my beloved Qur'an verses. No, it wasn't made of chocolate.It was given to me overloaded with shokolatt, which quite frankly, I engulfed like Augustus Gloop. Face smothered with melted goo, using the ends of a khimaar to wipe my fingers clean... You get the visual. The box opens with a latch and is

Introduction To Islamic Sexuality, Modesty And Love. 'Like A Garment'

2011-05-06T01:52:00.011+01:00

"May Allah have mercy on the Ansaar, their shyness did not prevent them from learning the religion." The women of Madina did not restrict themselves from asking the Prophet ﷺ questions about intimacy. ~ 'Aisha's hadith رضي الله عنها (may Allah be pleased with her).These are key notes from session 1 of the 'Like A Garment' course with shaykh Yasir Qadhi (AlMaghrib tutor, Muslim Matters writer,

The Dunya (Woman), A Parable By Shaykh Nuh HM Keller

2011-05-05T14:16:00.002+01:00

Originally titled "The Woman", the connotation to worldy seduction is in my small opinion, somewhat unfair to womanhood. However, the mention of punctual salah (prayer) and resisting succumbing to the heart's darkest desires teaches a valuable lesson which outdo my tiny criticism. - See something pretty? Run in the opposite direction. The Woman © Nuh Ha Mim Keller 2001, from br. Masud.co.uk. A

How Interpretations Are Used To Disempower Women

2011-05-03T19:09:00.002+01:00

A series of articles written by Muslim feminist Shaista Gohir, of the Big Sister organisation. Part 1 introduces the myths behind Islamic interpretations that disempower women and encourage a severely patriarchal view of the Muslim lifestyle, to the detriment of women's liberty. *Disclaimer, the comic images were designed by myself. The entire series are the words and views of Shaista Gohir.

Book To Buy: Once Upon A Life, by Pakistani-Californian Mohsin Hamid

2011-05-02T00:06:00.004+01:00

From Guardian.co.uk | 1st May 2011 Bringing it all home: Mohsin Hamid with his Lahori cousins in the 1980s Mohsin Hamid spent his childhood moving between California and his native Lahore. His response was to develop a fascination with maps and with imaginary islands he could populate with the best of both places "In December 1980, at the age of nine, I moved back to Pakistan for the first time

Book: The Good Muslim by Tahmima Anam

2011-05-01T11:24:00.001+01:00

Dammit, that was the title I wanted. Literary review from The Hindu. Excerpted with the permission of Penguin Books India from The Good Muslim; Tahmima Anam; Hamish Hamilton Rs. 499. After the war come the challenges of peace. TAHMIMA ANAM'S The Good Muslim – to be released May 15 – follows the travails of Maya Haque and her family in Bangladesh. Exclusive excerpts... 1984 March "On

1960s Love: Simon & Garfunkel ♫ The Sound Of Silence

2011-04-27T04:30:00.002+01:00

I have a penchant for retracing radical movements during the 1960s. Back then, drugs, politics and women's rights were on everyone's tongues (not much has changed there). Unlike today's industry, music was more of a revolutionary genre and everyone "digged' the Orient, and, surprise, surprise, America educated MIT students to develop weapons of mass destruction. Singers Simon and Garfunkel also

Singleitis {comic 93}

2011-04-22T18:03:00.001+01:00

They say to me, "It's not you darlin', it's me." Ya Allah, at which point is singleitis a recognised terminal illness? And lesbianism, not an option, right? I kid, I kid...

What Did The Prophet ﷺ Say About Patience?

2011-04-20T02:48:00.003+01:00

Video: The Prayer At Its Proper Time, "As-Salaatu 'ala Waqtiha"

2011-04-19T14:54:00.002+01:00

Video courtesy of AlHadyAlNabawy on YT, 10 mins. Abu 'Amr ash-Shaybani said, "The owner of this house (and he pointed at the house of 'Abdullah ibn Mas'ud) said, "I asked the Prophet ﷺ, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, which action Allah loves best. He replied, 'Prayer at its proper time.' (As-salaatu 'ala waqtiha.) 'Then what?' I asked. He said, 'Then kindness (birr) to parents.' I

Zaufishan On Radio. Today. Inspire FM.

2011-04-17T08:58:00.001+01:00

Quick message to the online Ummah: Bismillah, in the name of Allah, As-salam`alaykum warahmatullah wabarakatuhu. I shall be live today at 2.30pm GMT on Inspire FM (105.1), a local Muslim community radio station in Luton, on the Arts and Culture show that's hosted every Sunday by one spectacular sister Shemiza Rashid. *Last week we heard the author of an Islamic Calligraphy graffiti book,