British Blogger, Desi Dreamer, Mad Muslimah
// October 13th, 2008 // 2 Comments » // Blog
Because another wonderful, Muslim male has been snapped up, off the market – Alhamdulillah! More specifically, my fellow Ijtema editor, and dearest bro in Islam, Faraz bhai.
Let us join together in offering our sincerest congratulations and prayers to the new, and inshā’Allāh, happily-ever-after, couple!
Not here, silly… on his blog. {grins}
// October 6th, 2008 // 9 Comments » // Blog
How do you react?
How do you even know?
Something extremely curious has happened to me recently. If I had been informed several months ago that this thing – being a change in someone's opinion on a matter that significantly affects my life – would take place, I would have been gobsmacked.
I'd have been all: “Subhanallah! What a freakin' miracle!”.
And indeed, I have been praying for such a miracle for a long, long time.
And yet, now that it seems to have been granted – where is the joy? The jumping up and down, and general excitedness? It's almost like I'm in denial.
Maybe I'll wake up soon. I'd hate to be ungrateful for any blessing; especially one that I have been begging for, for so, so long.
Isn't it strange that after all this time, after all the signs, after all the answered prayers, and innumerable blessings… Isn't it strange that we should still be surprised by the generosity of our Lord, Most Gracious?
Allahu Akbar.
// September 15th, 2008 // 10 Comments » // Blog
Imagine…
A place of peace.
Lying on an open plain.
Cool grass beneath bare feet.
Arms outstretched above your head.
One hand playfully fiddles with smooth blades.
The other strokes long, soft, silky strands of hair.
A slight smile rests gently on your lips.
Eyes closed, but filled with light.
A light that shines so brightly.
But doesn't burn your eyes.
It bathes your face like a warm embrace.
Imagine this moment…
A moment of peace.
Not a care.
Not a worry.
Not an ounce of stress.
The light envelopes you.
Makes you.
Loves you.
Then you realise…
The sky is not a canopy of blue atmosphere.
But the Throne of Ar-Rahman.
And the light is not that of a brilliant star.
But the Noor of the One that you have craved for all eternity.
And that this is no ordinary garden.
But it is the only place of true peace.
Your real home.
Your Jannah.
Waiting for you to return…
—
Photo Credit: Jo and Paul's pics
// August 21st, 2008 // 1 Comment » // Blog
وَأَنَّهُ هُوَ أَضْحَكَ وَأَبْكَىٰ
Holy Qur'an 53:43
I am not sure why this verse caught my attention so. As per usual, the timing was perfect. One of the many miracles of this wondrous revelation.
—
Credits:
// August 17th, 2008 // 19 Comments » // Blog
She sat in the middle of the well-cushioned sofa – an inanimate item of furniture intent on swallowing her whole, perhaps in its own weak efforts to comfort her. Any embrace will do, she thought.
It didn't take long for the tears to flow. One, then two, then uncontrollable streams. Cheeks softened with salty excess. Mascara no doubt running. Wipe, wipe, wipe them away before anyone sees. But who is there to see?, she thought.
Now her nose joins in. She has no tolerance for this, reaching down for a stray tissue, intent on subduing the rebellion taking place on the plane of her sullen face.
Right hand, open, grip, upwards now, closing in fast; she readies herself to release the tension. But something catches her by surprise.
His scent.
// August 13th, 2008 // 9 Comments » // Blog
Can someone help me locate it please?
You see, I lost the manual that came with my body. It was on loan to my parents, but I think they threw it out with some old baby toys when I entered secondary school – which explains the totally horrendous awkward teenager phase that started around the same time.
Maybe some of you still have your user guides, and could help a sista out?
// July 13th, 2008 // 12 Comments » // Blog
Assalamu 'alaykum wa rahmatullah
Day 3 – I brought my laptop today for the Ijtema.net stand at the Emerald Lounge. Happy to find free wifi access so let's try this “live blogging” everyone seems to love doing…
17:04 – I am sat in the Main Hall waiting for my chance to talk to the Director of Islam Expo. Not sure if I'll have time, as I have a much more 'juicy' opportunity, inshā’Allāh in about five minutes… I'm praying that it works out! By the way, my iBook is far too heavy… I need a Mac Air stat!
18:16 – My “juicy opportunity” (which I now find to be a distasteful term…) was a tragic victim to Muslim timing, and has been delayed to 8.30pm. Subhanallah. Anyway, another opportunity presented itself in the form of The Sound of Reason. I am not a nasheed fan, but according to my colleague, they are rising stars in the making. I believe they are from Canada… Interesting brothers.
22:15 – I have had the craziest few hours of – well – a long time… the 'juiciness' came through, ALHAMDULILLAH! I can now reveal that I was desperately trying to get hold of the group, Outlandish – and by the providence of Allāh it happened! I don't have any photos, but I will have some video footage SOON, inshā’Allāh. This weekend has been amazing… not because I am a big nasheed/music artist fan. Not at all – I haven't even listened to a single Outlandish song (knowingly); but it has been very useful for the project I am working on. Anyway, need to get home. The underground is all messed up… will blog more later, inshā’Allāh.
00:42 – Alhamdulillah, I am home safe and sound. I should really get some much needed beauty sleep, but let me first share with you something that I have learned this weekend:
If your goal is noble…
If your intention is to please Allāh…
If your aim is to serve the Ummah…
Then my friends: anything is possible.
I mean that, ANYTHING. Btw, I don't mean to brag about myself here. Every step I took this weekend was guided by Allāh; I felt that. There were just too many “coincidences”; even with all the running about, opportunities were presented one after the other, so easily, so smoothly, it's like they literally fell in my lap!
My words are really only to serve as encouragement to you all; to those who may doubt their own ability to make a change in the world. If you have an idea, act on it – no matter how “whack” or unrealistic it may seem. Don't wait for someone to tell you it's a good idea; just do it (I hate that that phrase is associated with such a materialistic corporate brand, but how can you argue with its simplicity?).
Honestly, I am an absolute nobody – I don't even need to state that; it's obvious! But the fact that I was backstage at the IslamExpo concert yesterday – without a media pass – without a concert ticket!!! (ahem) – just shows you the power of dua, and the kindness that exists in the Ummah. My brethren in Islam have truly amazed me this weekend with their genorisity and compassion; subhanallah, tears are welling up as I type! I have too many people to thank, but at some point I shall write down a list, and pray that Allāh rewards them all.
Okay, now if you're wondering what the heck I am going on about, or whether you've missed some important piece of info – don't fret. I am being purposely cryptic, cos I love surprising people. I will tell you now… keep your eye on MuslimMatters.org over the next few weeks, and all will be revealed soon enough, inshā’Allāh. I recommend you sign up to their RSS feed to keep up with the latest updates. That's all I am saying!
Now it's time for bed methinks…. peace out people.
// June 13th, 2008 // 16 Comments » // Blog
Could it be because I had a caramel frappé latté from Café Nero?
Perhaps – coffee always puts me in a loved up mood. Seriously, it's like my own halal version of ecstasy. New personal motto: DON'T DO DRUGS – do caffeine instead. ;)
// June 2nd, 2008 // 11 Comments » // Blog
I am quite tired… pooped in fact. And not just from all the typing I've been doing in the last couple of hours in relation to the kaffiyeh event (which got posted on the front of WordPress.com btw! Māshā’Allāh!).
The main cause of my sore muscles was the most intense hour of physical activity that I have so far experienced in my short life, that took place between 10.30-11.30am this Sunday morning. Otherwise known as: my blue belt grading. Guys, I now have a belt in kickboxing – woooohoooo! Alhamdulillah!
It might not sound like much, but this is a real achievement for someone like me. This is my first significant sporting achievement since I came third in the 200m sprint, in my last year of primary school. As pathetic as that sounds, I DO NOT KID! I feel like calling up my old P.E. teacher and telling her the good news:
“Remember the tubby geek who couldn't throw, catch, jump, run or even stretch properly to save her life? Well, in your face Mrs Taylor – I'm a martial artist now. Ner!”.
// April 11th, 2008 // Enter your password to view comments. // Blog
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