Words from the Web

[Mutawakkil]

as-salamu`alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh

[b:8179efe6a8]YA ALLAH [/b:8179efe6a8]

-Anonymous

All praises are for you Allah, how I hope that you are there. For sinful though I know I am, your displeasure I can not bear. Never, till this moment, did I realize how much I've strayed. Never, till now, was I more conscious of all those times when I should have prayed. For sins are like heavy baggage, that one carries through Life, the airport. Why didn't I realize sooner, that Earth is but a place of sport? Ya Allah ! Forgive me. Save me from the fire of Hell. Forgive me as you did my parents, from Jan'ah though they fell. Ya Allah ! Protect me. From myself for my soul is weak. Let me not falter ever, for Jan'ah is the abode I seek. Ya, Allah! Please help me. For I don't understand and thus, I fear. What happened to all those moments when I never doubted that you were near ? My actions once were guided, by my faith which, once, was strong. Ya Allah! please guide me . What happened, what went wrong ? Each footstep that I used to take, I took with you ever near my side. The Quran was my faithful companion, Rasoolallah my beloved guide. How I yearn for those bygone days Allah, for I know that the day comes near. When we'll each receive our just rewards, and Truth will stand sparkling clear. Life is like a spider's web Allah. We get caught in its tricky snare So thoroughly are we disillusioned, time for salat we can not spare. I sit here and I wonder, Ya Allah! Why did I fall so low ? What happened to my faith Allah? Where did my Iman go? In this earthly life of ours, so often does sin seem right. Falsehood seems to be the truth, as if days are confused with night. Man is an imperfect creature. And thus, Man shall always wrong. For the road to Jan'ah is rocky, and the journey seems awfully long. Ya Allah ! Our creator, we are all just peices of clay. Please help us with our steps in life, and let us not lose our way. All praises are for you Allah, I know that you are near. I know that you have read my heart, and my words I know you hear.

Fee Amaanillah

[Mutawakkil]

as-salamu`alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh

TO THE PEOPLE OF THE WORLD

This is the story that must be told

of an Iraqi baby, not very old.

Lying in her crib one star lit night

How could she know of those planes in flight?

She lay there quietly touching her nose,

Watching her mobile, wiggling her toes,

Oohing and cooing, so sweetly is she,

Talking to someone, who could it be?

An angel is standing with her in the room.

The baby is smiling, unaware of her doom.

The crib starts to shake and the mobile goes round.

And suddenly comes a most deafening sound.

The ceiling drops in, in a second or two ...

On top of her crib so she ceases to coo ...

No one knows how long she lie there

Who thought about it? doesn't anyone care?

Is she alive? is she dead? Is she in any pain?

Now that you mention it, who knows her name?

Her name is Amal. In English we say Hope.

Crushed between the rubble,her tiny fingers start to grope.

Where is my mommy? I love her so dear

Come, get me mommy! It's dark in here!

I'm scared and I'm hungry and I can't see my feet.

There's blood in my mouth! Give me something to eat!

Where is my daddy? Where's my big brother?

It hurts when I breath! Where is my mother?!

How long have I been here? Is this just a dream?

I open my mouth, but can't even scream.

That angel appears once again to my side,

This time with a tear I plead Why have I died?

Am I alone in my sufferings? No, there are many others.

In our grief and our misery, we are sisters and brothers.

Who are we? I ask you ... for what crime did we die?

They're throwing a party! Doesn't anyone cry?!

Is it True? Am I nothing?! How could it be?

Don't they also have babies, just like me?

It is war they say, of which death is part.

How blind they've become, How hardened of heart.

Did someone say hero? To whom do they speak?

A victory claimed for killing the weak?!

Why are they happy? Why are they proud?

Don't they know that I'm cold in my burial shroud?!

No war has been won; No ifs, buts, or maybes,

They've Only Killed Babies!!!!

Signed Me,

An Iraqi Baby

From: "Mohamed Sameem"

"IT'S NOT WHAT HAPPENS TO YOU . . .

IT'S WHAT YOU DO WITH IT."

A POEM - Author unknown

There once was an oyster

Whose story I tell,

Who found that some sand

Had got into his shell.

It was only a grain,

But it gave him great pain.

For oysters have feelings

Although they're so plain.

Now, did he berate

The harsh workings of fate

That had brought him

To such a deplorable state?

Did he curse at the government,

Cry for election,

And claim that the sea should

Have given him protection?

"No," he said to himself

As he lay on a shell,

Since I cannot remove it,

I shall try to improve it.

Now the years have rolled around,

As the years always do,

And he came to his ultimate

Destiny . . . stew.

And the small grain of sand

That had bothered him so

Was a beautiful pearl

All richly aglow.

Now the tale has a moral,

For isn't it grand

What an oyster can do

With a morsel of sand?

What couldn't we do

If we'd only begin

With some of the things

That get under our skin.

Fee Amaanillah

[Mutawakkil]

As-salamu`alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh

The Messenger of Allah, upon whom be peace, said:

"Every good deed is sadaqah (charity). To meet your

brother with a smiling face and to pour out from your

bucket into his container are sadaqah."

A Man's Trail

This is the story of an average human

From his story there is so much to learn

"I work through life working day and night

Let me tell you of my miserable plight

Before that, let me thank Allah Most Merciful too

That's why I'm sharing my story with you

From young I was told I had to be the best

I must learn to score for my exams and tests

I studied hard to be the top in class

So that my friends will respect me with all the fuss

In my youth days, I was actually insecure

So much temptations and many are impure

I prayed sparingly but it didn't help me

Why couldn't I feel that Allah was watching me?

I wanted to be the cream of the cake

I didn't allow myself to make a single mistake

I wanted more friends and also be praised

When I didn't get complimented, I felt so dazed

I began to doubt myself again and again

Was I not good enough or was I insane?

I was feeling inadequate for my lack of looks

Was I too fat, short, or did my smile give the spooks?

I learnt to dress up in trendy clothes bought from stores

I wanted people to look at me and say 'wow' in awe

I wanted to be adored, praised and be popular

Success to me is to be top scholar

I wanted to shower myself in fame

I also hoped to earn a big name

I studied hard and topped my school high

I believe that to make friends, success is a tool

Whenever I was with friends and my date was just beside

I felt the pressure to display my witty side

I'm afraid my friends would leave me if I'm not nice enough

So I bought them gifts and other good stuff

Branded clothes, car, intelligence and friends indeed

You may think I have all that I need

But I'm still unhappy inside and I don't even know why

Was I not good enough, too ugly or too shy?

At work, I pleased my boss to show him I was the best

I treated my colleagues lunch and sacrificed all my rest

I was afraid that my boss disliked me if I lazed about

In front of him, I did my best and tried to stand out

Then I climbed the corporate ladder and be my own boss

Finally, I was successful but I was still in a loss

I was cheerful outside but scared inside

I was not even sure what I'm doing is right

I looked around to see all my best friends

I wonder if they still like me if my wealth ends?

I cannot bear to face rejection or even fail

If I become poor and old, will my friendships be stale?

I work hard, but who am I trying to impress?

The fear of losing my reputation is causing me stress

I want friends to respect me forever and ever

I could imagine my friendship to sever

But alas! My business failed me terribly

I was down with illness and suffered painfully

All the people whom I thought were faithful friends

Left me because my status has no stands

I'm left alone and wonder whether it is true?

To make good friends, wealth matters too?

I looked at the side of my bed and saw the Qur'an

Guilt enveloped me because the Qur'an I have read none

Since I was alone and feeling so bored

I explored the Qur'an to know about Allah the Lord

True Muslims friends start to befriend me

It doesn't matter whoever I'll be

They accept me and love me despite my flaws

I don't have to make them like me by using force

I don't have to impress Allah with my witty charm

I already know Allah loves us and protects us from harm

With Allah's help, we can attain peace in self

So let's put doubt back in Satan's shelf

If there are problems with work and with men

Please remember that it's part of Allah's plan

Ask from Allah because He listens to us always

Allah will help us with His Kindness and Grace

I met a man who is unfortunately blind

He then advised me with words so kind

He said, 'Love yourself and be grateful for what you are

You owe it to Allah for coming this far

Allah loves us and makes us Muslims

But many people don't appreciate it, it seems

It doesn't matter if we're poor or earn less

Allah loves who we are and He cares

Don't do good deeds if you do it for show

Or else your spiritual status will sink below

If you're humble, do good deeds and pray to Allah Most Wise

You can earn yourself a place in Paradise

Good Muslims overcome worries and insecurity

They are unfazed even if they are treated with hostility

Why be a slave to affluence and glamour?

Why worry if we are not witty with humour?

Always be yourself, dear brother, have no pretence

Allah will still love you, even if you don't have any fans

Why be afraid, dear brother, when friends shun away

When Allah is there for you it's always that way.'

After the blind man left, my mind started working

I was still surprised and truth starts coming

It seems that I may be a boss or lying here poor

but good Muslims greet me with salaam, a smile and no fear

I kept wondering, what is success to me?

Is it about having friends, or earning a good degree?

I had all these and yet I was not satisfied

Could it be because that Allah was not on my side?

Then I realize that I have been foolish

My INSECURITY is the one that was my leash

Why was I ungrateful to Allah Most Great?

Allah's helping us all the way as Fate

Oh! I'm ashamed for being so proud

When my success was actually a passing cloud!

Now I realize my great big mistake

So I do more good deeds now with sincerity and no fake

Let's learn from this life and tread the virtuous road

Remember that this world is only a temporary abode

Now I live through my life devoted to the Islamic cause

And repent, so Allah will love me despite my flaws."

Remember true success is not about having lots of friends

In fact, it is about passing Allah's tests

Happiness is not about showing off your generous part

In fact, it's about the ATTITUDE of your heart

Say: 'I like who I am and I'm glad to be me

I love being a Muslim and Allah sets my heart free!

I can feel in my mind and in my little heart bone

I confess - with Allah around, I know I'm never alone'.

-Written by Dee77

udianajam@pacific.net.sg

Fee Amaanillah

[Mutawakkil]

As-salamu`alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh

Some inspiring stories…

The Triple Filter Test

During the golden Abbasid period, one of the scholarsفin Baghdad, the capital of Muslim caliphate at that time, was reputed to hold knowledge in high esteem.

One day an acquaintance met the great scholar and said, "Do you know what I just heard about your friend?"

"Hold on a minute," the scholar replied. "Before telling me anything I'd like you to pass a little test. It's called the Triple Filter Test."

"Triple filter?"

"That's right," the scholar continued. "Before you talk to me about my friend it might be a good idea to take a moment and filter what you're going to say.

That's why I call it the triple filter test.

The first filter is Truth. Have you made absolutely sure that what you are about to tell me is true?"

"No," the man said, "actually I just heard about it and.."

"All right," said the scholar. "So you don't really know if it's true or not.

Now let's try the second filter, the filter of goodness. Is what you are about to tell me about my friend something good?"

"No, on the contrary..."

"So," the scholar continued, "you want to tell me something bad about him, but you're not certain it's true. You may still pass the test though, because there's one filter left: the filter of usefulness.

Is what you want to tell me about my friend going to be useful to me?"

"No, not really."

"Well," concluded the scholar, "if what you want to tell me is neither true nor good nor even useful, why tell it to me at all?"

"O ye who believe! Let not some men among you laugh at others: It may be that the (latter) are better than the (former)" ... (to end of surah) Hujurat 49.12

"And spy not on each other behind their backs..." (to end of surah) Hujurat 49.13

Praise be to Allah that we are Muslims...

This is one of my favourite stories ...

True Story....

There was once a man who was an enemy to Islam. He had three famous questions that no person could answer. No Islamic scholar in Baghdad could answer his three questions...thus he made fun of Islam in public. He constantly ridiculed Islam and the Muslims. One day a small boy, who`s age was 10, came along and heard the man yelling and screaming at Muslims in the street. He was challenging people openly to answer the three questions.

The boy stood quietly and watched. He then decided that he would challenge the man. He walked up and told the man, "I will accept your challenge".

The man laughed at the boy and ridiculed the Muslims even more by saying, "A ten year old boy challenges me. Is this all you people have to offer!"

But the boy patiently reiterated his stance. He would challenge the man, and with Allah`s help and guidance, he would put this to an end. The man finally accepted.

The entire city gathered around a small "hill" where open addresses were usually made. The man climbed to the top, and in a loud voice asked his first question.

"What is your God doing right now?"

The small boy thought for a little while and then told the man to climb down the hill and to allow him to go up in order to address the question.

The man says "What? You want me to come down?"

The boy says, "Yes. I need to reply, right?"

The man made his way down and the small boy, age 10, with his little feet made his way up.

This small child`s reply was "Oh Allah Almighty! You be my witness in front of all these people. You have just willed that a Kafir be brought down to a low level, and that a Muslim be brought to a high level!"

The crowd cheered and screamed "Takbir"...."Allah-hu-akbar!!!"

The man was humiliated, but he boldly asked his Second question... "What existed before your God?"

The small child thought and thought.

Then he asked the man to count backwards. "Count from 10 backwards."

The man counted..."10, 9 ,8 , 7 , 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1,0"

The boy asked, "What comes before 0 ?"

The man: "I don`t know...nothing."

The boy: "Exactly. Nothing was before Allah, for He is eternal and absolute."

The crowd cheered again...."Takbir!"...."Allah-hu-akbar!!!!"

The man, now completely frustrated, asked his final question. "In which direction is your Allah facing?"

The boy thought and thought.

He then asked for a candle. A candle was brought to him. The blessed child handed it to the man and asked him to light it.

The man did so and remarked, "What is this supposed to prove?"

The young boy asked, "In which direction is light from the candle going?"

The man responded, "It is going in all directions."

The boy: "You have answered your own question. Allah`s light (noor) goes in all directions. He is everywhere. There is no where that He cannot be found.

"The crowd cheered again...."Takbir!"...."Allah-hu-akbar!!!"

The man was so impressed and so moved by the boy`s knowledge and spirituality, that he embraced Islam and became a student of the young boy.

So ended the debate.

Who was the young boy?

The young boy was one of our leaders and one of the greatest scholars, Imam Abu Hanîfa (May Allah bless him).

Eight Things to Learn

One time a scholar asked one of his students, "You have spent a long time with me, what have you learned?"

He said I learned eight things:

First, I looked to the creation. Everyone has a loved one. When he goes to the grave, he leaves his loved one. Therefore, I made my loved one my good deeds; that way, they will be with me in the grave.

Second, I looked to the verse, "But as for him who feared to stand before his Lord and restrained his soul from lust," therefore, I struggled against my desires so I could stay obeying Allah.

Third, I saw that if anyone has something with him that is worth something, he will protect it. Then I thought about the verse,"That which you have is wasted away; and that which is with Allah remains," therefore, everything worth something with me I devoted to Him so it would be with Him for me.

Fourth, I saw the people seeking wealth, honor and positions and it was not worth anything to me. Then I thought about Allah's words, "Lo, the noblest of you in the sight of Allah is the most aware of Allah, so I did my best to become aware of Allah in order to gain nobility in his sight.

Fifth, I saw the people being jealous towards each other and I looked at the verse, "We have apportioned among them their livelihood in the life of the world", so I left jealousy.

Sixth, I saw the people having enmity and I thought about the verse, "Lo, the devil is an enemy for you, so take him as an enemy", so I left enmity and I took the Satan as my only enemy.

Seventh, I saw them debasing themselves in search of sustenance and I thought about the verse, "And there is not a beast in the earth but the sustenance thereof depends on Allah", so I kept myself busy with my responsibilities toward Him and I left my property with Him.

Eighth, I found them relying on their business, buildings and health and I thought about the verse, "And whosoever puts his trust in Allah, He will suffice him", therefore, I put my trust only on Allah.

Translated by: Jamal Zarabozo

If you want the Rainbow, you got to put up with the rain....

MaSalaama

[Mutawakkil]

As-salamu`alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh

I find deen oriented stories and poetry softens my heart...and something that I never did before I turned muslim...cry.

...all are welcome to post...as long as it's Islamic.

Days Go By

Nadia Al- Ramahi (14 years old)

Written in Late June 2002

Days go by without hearing you mother...

Every night I gaze at the stars,

That lay peacefully upon the sky,

And wonder... how Allah created

Something that looks so small,

Yet shines so brightly,

From its distance...

I see you when I see that star, mother,

But I do recall a memory,

That has ran through my veins

and pumps within my heart

Since the time, father whispered

Allah's Words during my infancy...

I do recall that night

When clouds blocked my gaze,

And Thunder had driven away

The soothing sounds of the leaves dancing together...

That sound still echoes through me,

And rumbles my nerves until I shiver,

I was nothing more than a child

To understand what happened

That very night,

But if your voice was not heard

To comfort my childhood fears,

Then doom has come forth to us all,

dear mother...

The rain has now descended from your eyes,

I see this... I see all of this,

But why can't I hear you mother?

Days go by without seeing you, father...

Long after I have prayed Fajr,

I watch the sun rise from

Beneath the mighty hilltops,

Half of it is in my eyes,

But the other half is hidden

In some other world

That I would never understand,

I remember your smile when I see the sun, father,

But I do recall a memory

That has brought shame to my heart

The pain, so extreme that it has scarred my body within...

Oh father, I do recall that night

When lightening struck instead

And the wind screamed...

Screamed so loudly

That I sweat to this day, my voice will always remain mute when I speak

of this memory...

Yes, you were taken away from me,

By our enemies,

But your smile speaks otherwise...

And, yes, I did scent Death lingering in the air,

But your smile speaks otherwise...

And, yes, I begged for them to spare you,

But your smile speaks otherwise...

And, yes... they did gather you among more men... And formed a line,

that couldn't end in my eyes,

Nor, to the rest of my people across the country...

Oh, but such fools they are...

For, they only created a Path for the men to,

Inshallah, enter Paradise...

Your smile remains...

Oh father, I run towards the endless rows of men,

To free you from torment and despair,

But stumble upon rocks,

My flesh... ripped from my bones...

A path is formed, as my blood runs down my body,

A path is formed, as my tears drop to the ground,

And the ground, where my brothers stand strongly...

Forms a Path... My Destiny...

I search for you, father,

But notice your picture settled beside my legs,

Stained from my blood,

Damp from your tears,

And raise my head in sorrow, and walk...

As days turned into years, I left from fear

But I was nothing more than a child to understand,

So tell me, father, would you still have smiled?

Days go by without happiness...

Oh father... when you died I walked...

I walked until my blood became still,

And found myself looking at a desert,

This was once where our home stood,

Where you and mother once stood,

Where happiness once stood..

But evil destroyed it...

Their hearts are molted with lava...

That has dried because tears were not shed,

But Anger conquered it,

And turned their hearts into stone,

Have they no pain?

Oh, father, you smiled until the last drop of blood settled onto the

ground... Haven't you any pain?

My heart is shot,

My voice screams...

Oh, mother, you recited until the last breath was exhaled into the

air... Haven't you any pain?

My veins explode...

My eyes burst...

Oh mankind, you hear what they have done,

And you see what they have done,

Yet you still disbelieve...

Haven't you any pain?

Oh mankind, you cherish what is beside you,

Instead of cherishing Allah and His Blessings

Yet you still disbelieve...

Haven't you any pain?

When your children listen to the sound of thunder, in the West,

They bury their faces into their mother's chest,

from fear,

And cry until the end..

But until the end,

We whisper Allah's Words graciously in our hearts,

With nothing, but a rock in our hands,

When the sounds are heard...

Oh mankind, how can your ignorance blind you from what Allah has

bestowed upon this land?

Did prophet Muhammad (S) not journey to this land at night from Mecca?

And, miraculously, arrive in Masjud-il-Aqsa under the same moon?

Did he then not ascend to the highest skies of the Heavens,

Where only the Best will be rewarded?

I sit here on the ground,

And stare at the sky,

This is my home,

The only home...

Sometimes I feel ashamed to even touch the dirt, in my home,

Because it has been touched by such purity in the past,

That is not known to mankind since that time,

And that has not been witnessed by mankind, since that time,

But only written in words for our eyes to see,...

Oh ya Allah, You are the Lord of this world and the Hereafter,

You are the Lord of the Unseen and Mankind,

You are the Lord of everything I see around me,

You are the Eternal, and Most Merciful,

You are the Best in All,

You are my Lord,

So, please, ya Allah, grant me my dreams...

Oh, ya Allah,

Oh, ya Allah, please give me luxury in Paradise,

Whatever you grant me here, I will truely cherish it by Your Name

Oh, ya Allah, please grant us victory

And, please give me the courage of my parents,

Please only let me fear You, ya rab

Oh ya Rab, I ask You to protect me from the evil that Shaitan whispers in my ears,

and to protect me from despair in the Hour.

Please ya rab, let me die as my parents did,

Please let me fight my enemies for You,

And for victory of my people,

Ya rab, please let me die by a sword,

With my mother's voice in my mind,

My father's smile on my face,

And Your Words in my heart,

Let my face glow that day, as I fall to the ground,

Let my blood fall that day, as seeds are spread on the earth,

Let my tears sprinkle that day, as roses flourish the ground,

Let my soul rise that day, as the petals fly by the wind's Power,

And, please, oh Rahman, let Your Light welcome our faces, warmly, ya

Rab- ul- 'Alamin...

Ameen...

Silent Sunlight.

La ilaha ilallah, La ilaha ilallah.

Silent sunlight welcome in,

there is work I must now begin,

All my dreams have blown away,

and the children wait to play,

They'll soon remember things to do...

when the heart is young...

and the night is done...

and the sky is blue.

La ilaha ilallah, La ilaha ilallah.

Morning songbirds sing away,

lend the tune to another day.

Bring your wings and choose a roof,

sing a song of love and truth.

We'll soon remember if you do...

when all things we're tall...

and our friends were small...

and the world was new.

La ilaha ilallah, La ilaha ilallah.

Sleepy horses heave away,

put your backs to the golden hay.

Don't ever look behind at the work you've done,

for your work has just begun.

They'll be the evening in the end...

but `til that time arrives...

you can rest your eyes...

and begin again.

La ilaha ilallah,

silent sunlight...

La ilaha ilallah,

morning songbirds...

La ilaha ilallah,

silent sunlight welcome in.

(Cat Stevens aka Yusuf Islam)

MaSalaama

[Mutawakkil]

Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah

This is truly a beautiful and inspiring story of courage...and brings a tear to my eye, a lump to my throat and shame to my heart...for my weaknesses...may Allah S/T open a way for me...

THE RIDER ( khawla bint al-azwar)

“I swear by Allah, I will fight in the path of Allah and I will follow those people that turn to Allah. My Lord will never see me turn my back and flee from fighting. If I turn back then I will be disobeying Allah and then I will be from the sinful.”

With this, Diraar bn al Azwar radiy Allah `anh, saying the takbeer, jumped into the midst of the Roman soldiers and attacked.

Hearing the takbeer, the other Muslims followed suit, and the takbeer echoed on the battlefield and tore the hearts of the Kuffar with fear and ru`b. Diraar radiy Allah `anhu was fighting with such fervour and passion that he struck dead all that came in his way until he came to an enclosure at which the main soldiers were standing around.

He understood that this meant that Darwaan (the general of the Roman army) was going to be here. Knowing this, he charged at the group of soldiers. First he attacked the flag bearer and pierced him with such a blow that he fell there and then. Suddenly his eyes fell on Darwaan. He went towards him.

Near Darwaan was a soldier who was holding a prized ornamental cross. Diraar radiy Allah `anh struck him with a lance which tore his side apart and the cross fell on the floor.

Darwaan on seeing this, sensed his last. He could not but interpret the falling of the cross as a sign of the destruction of him and his army. He got up from his horse, intending to pick the cross up but instantly some Muslims who were nearby got down from their horses to pick it up and encircled Darwaan.

Diraar radiy Allah `anh was still occupied in fighting but when he saw the happenings he said, ‘O group of Muslims, nor is the cross my right, or your right. Hence have no desire of picking it up. When I finish with this Roman dog and his army, I myself will pick it up’.

Darwaan understood Arabic, and when he heard these words he thought of fleeing the battle but his main army officials saw him escaping and said angrily, “Where are you fleeing?”

He replied, “I am fleeing from the fear of this Shaytaan (indicating towards Diraar radiy Allah `anh). He is such a frightful person, why have you ever seen such a repulsive fear-provoking person?”

Diraar radiy Allah `anh sensing that Darwaan was attempting to flee immediately called upon the Muslims. He straightened his spear and with his horse went directly towards him. The Romans also heard his cry and all turned their horses towards him in order to enclose him.

At that moment he was saying, “Death is real, where can I flee from it? Jannah is better than Jahannam. This is my shahaadah, O those who are present, be my witness, and all my efforts and work is only to please my Lord.”

With these words he attacked the Romans that were coming towards him. He finished them and then went further into the enemy lines to find Darwaan.

Some of the Roman soldiers came behind him and slowly slowly they surrounded him from all four sides. He resisted attacks from all sides and whichever soldier his sword fell on, it decreed the death for him. In this way he put to sword many of the bravest and courageous warriors from the Roman army. Then he called to the Muslims, “Surely Allah loves those who fight in His path in ranks, as if they were a solid structure.”

Until now the Muslims had not been aware that Diraar radiy Allah `anh was surrounded by the Romans, and now they went towards him quickly. Hamraan bn Wardaan reached him and struck him with a spear. It struck Diraar radiy Allah `anh on the right arm. His hand fell to his side, numb in pain.

Like an injured lion, he sprang up again, regaining his composure, he attacked with his spear. Diraar radiy Allah `anh struck at the chest and cleaved his body into two.

When he tried to takeout the spear, as the blade of the spear had gone right through the bone, it came out without the blade. When the Romans saw that his spear was bladeless, they quickly surrounded him, and imprisoned the lion of Islam.

When the Sahaaba radiy Allah `anhum saw this, their grief knew no bounds. They attempted another attack to try and free him but it was of no avail. Now, some of the Muslims lost heart and tried to flee but Raafi` bn `Umayrah Al Taa’ee radiy Allah `anh stopped them saying,

“Where are you going? Do you not know that whosoever flees from the enemies of Allah he will be under the wrath of Allah. Many of the doors of Jannah are opened for the Mujaahideen and for those who are patient. O elevators of the deen, be patient and remember that if one of your soldier, or your leader gets captured, Allah is still alive and He is watching.”

With this, the Muslims rose to fight eagerly and put to sword many of the leaders of the Roman army.

When Khaalid bn al Waleed radiy Allah `anh, found out about Diraar radiy Allah `anh and the shahaadah of the many Muslims, he was very remorseful. He asked, “How many Romans are there?”, “Twelve thousand” was the answer. He replied, “By Allah, I did not know that the number of the enemy was so large, or else I would never have sent the people to their destruction to fight them.” He further asked, “Who is the commander of the army?” It was answered, “Darwaan, the governor of Hims, and Diraar (radiy Allah `anh) had killed his son Hamdaan,” Khaalid radiy Allah `anh said, “There is no might or strength, except of Allah’s, the High and the Great.”

He then sought the advice of Abu `Ubaydah ibn al Jarraah radiy Allah `anh, who told him that he should carry on fighting the Romans. His advice was to keep part of the army with a trustworthy commander whilst Khaalid radiy Allah `anh should go with the rest of the army to fight the Romans. He took heed of the advice and made Maysarah ibn Masrooq radiy Allah `anh, the commander with a thousand soldiers under him and told him not to move from where his contingent was positioned.

Thereafter, addressing his army he said, “Leave your reins free and sharpen your arrows and when you attack the enemy then attack jointly together. It is likely that we will free Diraar radiy Allah `anh if he is alive and then we will be successful. However, if it so happens that the enemy act in haste and make him a shaheed, then inshaa’aAllah al `Azeez, we will surely take revenge and I am sure that Allah Ta`aalaa will not give us grief in regards to him (i.e. they would find him alive).

“Today is the day when truth will reach its goal. When death comes then one does not fear it. I will quench the thirst of my spear with the blood of the eye. Helmet and shield, I will tear apart all. What those that have passed before have achieved, I too will achieve tomorrow.”

Saying this, Khaalid radiy Allah `anh pressed forward when suddenly he saw a rider dressed in black, face covered, on a short necked chestnut brown horse of tall stature. In the riders hand was a long glistening spear, and the style and behaviour indicated towards bravery and valour, and this was apparent from every part of the rider. The rider had on a green `imaamah whose ends were wrapped round from the back and positioned around the chest and was spurring onwards at the forefront of the army.

When Khaalid radiy Allah `anh saw this rider, he said, “O that I knew who this rider was, I swear by Allah, it looks like a brave and valiant person.”

As the rider was going on forward ahead of everyone else, towards the army of the non believers, the Muslim army followed behind.

Raafi` ibn `Umar Al Taa’ee was fighting with the enemies with great perseverance and was confronting them with immense bravery, when he saw Khaalid radiy Allah `anh bringing in his reinforcement and join in the attack. Then suddenly his eyes fell on the rider.

The rider was falling upon the Romans as a falcon would a sparrow and was creating unprecedented panic amongst the Romans. Any soldier that came in the way was slain and in this way the rider advanced more and more inside the core of the Roman army.

Like a flash of lightening was the rider, and in an instant a couple of heads would be put to the sword. A number of soldiers were reduced to ashes and fell on an already large number of fallen Romans and due to this the place stood out from the rest of the battlefield.

When the riders sword would come out from its usage in the army, it was dripping in blood, which caused great anguish and uneasiness in the hearts of the Kuffar and the distress and hopelessness felt by them was obvious.

As the rider was in a difficult position, the rider turned and then came back again with a daring attack. The rider struck and slew the Romans and caused great commotion in the ranks of the most brave of the Roman warriors. Thereafter the rider retreated from the Romans and then went out of sight but the anguish and distress was still felt by the Romans and the attack of the rider had evidently left a mark on the Romans.

Raafi` ibn `Umayrah Al Taa’ee and his soldiers thought that this was Khaalid as who could fight with more valour and courage than him? They were all sure of this until in front of them appeared Khaalid bn Waleed radiy Allah `anh. Raafi` radiy Allah `anh exclaimed loudly, “Then who is this person who is giving his life in the way of Allah without fear and is killing the Kuffar in such numbers?” Khaalid radiy Allah `anh replied, “I swear by Allah, I myself am amazed by the bravery that this person exhibits.” Diraar (not ibn al Azwar) said, “O Ameer, this is surely a strange person who goes right in the midst of the roman army and from right and left kills the soldiers.” Then Khaalid radiy Allah `anh said, “O Muslims, come together and prepare for another attack.”

All the Muslims got their weapons ready and put their spears in place and straightened their rows. Khaalid radiy Allah `anh was in the vanguard. His intention was to make an attack on the Romans when suddenly the rider who was drenched in blood and whose horse was drowning in sweat, appeared going in the direction of the Roman army.

If any Roman soldier got anywhere near the rider then the rider would fight with such bravery that resulted in the death of the Roman. The rider alone and single handedly was fighting with a number of the soldiers. Seeing this, Khaalid radiy Allah `anh and the rest of the soldiers launched an attack and saved the rider from the Roman soldiers who were attacking ‘him’ and this was how the Muslim army and the rider met.

The Muslim army looked at the rider pensively as if ’it’ was a red petal of a rose which was coloured in blood. Khaalid radiy Allah `anh spoke loudly and said, “O person, you have given your life in the way of Allah, and have vented out your anger on our enemies, may Allah give you your due reward. It would be better if you opened up your face so that we may know who you are.”

The rider took no notice of these words of Khaalid radiy Allah `anh and before he had even finished his statement was trying to get away from him. The Muslim army surrounded the rider and said, “O slave of Allah, the ameer of the Islamic army is talking to you and you are not taking heed and ignoring him and fleeing from him. With all due respect you should go to him and tell him your name and lineage so that your status can be raised.” But the rider gave no answer.

When Khaalid radiy Allah `anh could get no information from this rider, he himself went close to the rider. He said, “It is with great remorse that all the Muslims and I are restless to know more about you and you are totally unconcerned. Who are you?”

At this the rider spoke. It was a female voice that spoke.

“O Ameer, I was not intending to disobey you, when I did not answer you, but I was too shy to answer as I am of those who wear hijaab and live life in hijaab. However, I came here because of the pain in my heart and the grief which rose to the point that it brought me here.”

Khaalid radiy Allah `anh said, ‘Who are you?’

She replied, “I am the sister of the imprisoned Diraar: Khawlah bint al Azwar. I was sitting amongst some women from the tribe of Mazhaj when I found out about the imprisonment of my brother, Diraar. Instantly, I got on to my horse and I reached this place and whatever I have done, you have seen it.”

Listening to this, Khaalid bn Waleed’s heart rose. He started weeping and said, ‘We should all do a joint attack and I am hopeful, Allah willing, that we will reach to where your brother is and we will free him, and we will surely be successful.

Khawlah answered, “I too will participate in the attack, Inshaa’aAllah.”

Diraar radiy Allah `anh was eventually freed.

(Adapted and translated from Futooh al Shaam by `Allamah Muhammed Al Waqidee)

The objective of the above piece from the seerah of the Sahaabah radiy Allah `anhum is to show the legitimacy of women participating and fighting in jihaad. Although, it is just one woman that participates in this particular encounter, it still shows the permissibility of it. This can also be seen by the participation in battles by the likes of Nusaybah, Khansaa, Umm Ayman, Umm Salamah radiy Allah `anhunn and etc, who participated for various reasons from tending the wounded and providing water to actually fighting.

It also shows some of the conditions attached to it. Khawlah radiy Allah `anha, did not discard her hijaab when she went, but she abided by the rules of the religion and covered all her body and it was to that extent that she was not even distinguishable from men.

It also shows the necessity of women training in preparation for jihaad as Khawlah radiy Allah `anh could not have gone to fight had she not been an expert swordswoman as well as an excellent horse rider.

Furthermore, it should make known one of the Sahaaba radiy Allah `anhum, who is relatively unknown by the masses and his achievements still unacknowledged by many whilst without him, the conquest of Shaam (Greater Syria - Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, Jordan), would be nigh impossible: Diraar bn al Azwar radiy Allah `anh.

It is also a reminder to answer the call of the prisoners today, who are wistfully hoping that if only there was a Khawlah today who could free them from the tortures of prison.

More importantly, it is a reminder to the men who are not fighting in the path of Allah to go and join those who are fighting and not flee and turn their backs from doing jihaad especially in this age, when jihaad has become fard al `ayn upon us. It should be a warning to the men not to merely talk about and praise about going out in the path of Allah, but to go in actuality since if the men do not go, the women will have to take the responsibility.

WaSalaam

[Mutawakkil]

Assalamu alaikum

A few more poems to stroll thru.......

The first is a poem I found to go with the last post.....

an ode to.....Khawlah bint Al Azwar

.....the black rider......masha'allah.....if only I had a thimbleful of the eimaan that she had.....

Gray eyes gleamed from the cloak-wrapped face of the unknown horseman who, on the Yarmuk battlefield, sought God alone, then left without a trace.

Disdaining to reveal for mere men's praise the firery fighter's name kept sealed behind the gray eyes in the cloak-wrapped face.

The knight was the fastest in the smoky race, oppressor's soldiers falling on the shield of the one seeking God, leaving without a trace.

The purple skirts of night would then embrace and hide the stranger, though all appealed to know those gray eyes, that cloaked-wrapped face.

Till Commander Khaled sent his men to chase the one who was so resolutely steeled to seek God alone and leave without a trace.

A woman! Khawlah bint Al Azwar, who would grace the horizon of history when her story was revealed although her gray eyes, in her cloak-wrapped face sought God alone, and left without a trace.

By Mohja Kahf

The Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) said that Paradise has one hundred levels reserved for those who fight fi sabeelillah (in Allah's Cause).

O Muslim! O Muslim! Why we ask you why?

From Jihad you run away?

What is the matter, why? Why do you sway?

When Allah tells you go and fight

Remove the dust and clear your sight,

You know for sure this cause is right.

And yet you run away

When the doors of Jannah 're open wide,

And the Houri's calling to her side,

In peace, forever to abide.

And yet you run away

When innocent children are crying,

Your brothers, sisters, are dying,

In pain the elders are sighing.

And yet you run away

When Allah's made your way so clear,

And Paradise is very near,

Calling from front and from rear.

And yet you run away

Is the worldly life so pleasing that,

You give up Paradise for that?

And upon yourself take Allah's wrath?!

And still you run away

O Muslim! O Muslim! Why we ask you why?

From Jihad you run away?

What is the matter why? Why do you sway?"

[sister AM, USA, 02 September 2001]

[Mutawakkil]

As-salamu`alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh

I wonder.......

If Prophet Muhammad (SAW) visited you, just for a day or two

If he came unexpectedly, I wonder what you would do?

Oh I know you would give your nicest room,

to such an honored guest

And you would surely serve him, your very very best.

You would be your finest, cause you're glad to have him there

That serving him in you're home, would be a joy without compare.

But when you see him coming, would you meet him at the door

With your arms outstretched in welcome,

for your respected visitor.

Or would you run to change your clothes, before you let him in

And hide some magazines to put the Quran, where they had been?

Would you still watch those movies, on your TV set

Or would you switch it off, before he gets terribly upset.

Would you turn off the radio, and hope that he had not heard

And wish that you did not sing, that song word by word?

Would you hide your worldly things,

and instead take the Hadith books out

Could you let him walk right in, or would you rush about?

And I wonder...if the Prophet (SAW) spent, a day or two with you

Would you go on doing the things, that you always do?

Would you go right on and say the things, that you always say

Would life for you continue, as it does from day to day.

Would your family conversations, keep up their usual pace

And would you find it hard at each meal, to say a table grace?

Would you keep up each and every prayer,

without putting on a frown

And would you always jump up early, to say your Fajr at dawn?

Would you sing the songs you always sing,

and read the books you read

And let him know the things on which,

your mind and spirit feed?

Would you take the Prophet (SAW) with you,

everywhere you plan to go?

Or would you maybe change your plans, just for a day or so?

Would you be glad to have him meet, your very closest friends

Or, would you hope they stay away, until his visit ends?

Would you be glad to have him stay, forever on and on

Or would you sigh with great relief, when at last he has gone.

It might be interesting to know,

the things that you would really do

If Prophet Muhammad (SAW) came, to spend some time with you.

(Author unknown)

WaSalaam

[Mutawakkil]

Assalaamu alaimkum

The Scarf

By: Nura Alia Hossainzadeh

They stand there with shorts, so short, excessively short,

shorts that so deceptively capture from them all they know

of modesty...

...and I proudly pull my scarf over my hair

They stand there, face lost in a sea of make-up,

make-up that so ruthlessly captures from them all they know

of freedom...

...and I proudly pull my scarf over my hair

They stand there, hair raining with gels, colors -

chemicals that so menacingly capture from them all they know

of purity...

...and I proudly pull my scarf over my hair

They stand there, so close, so very close to their "lover",

devoted to them, the devotion that so mercilessly captures

from them all they know of individuality...

...and I proudly pull my scarf over my hair

And they stand there, talking of getting new shorts, new gels

and colors, new boyfriends, materialistic things

that so wrongfully capture from them all they know

of God and love...

...and I proudly pull my scarf over my hair

For my scarf is my protector, my lover, my devotion,

my pureness, my beauty, my rememberance of God,

And I proudly pull it over my hair knowing that when I wear it,

I so rightfully thrust away all the things that the devil

brought about,

And when I put it on, I am

Free...

To A Non-Muslim Woman

When you look at me

All that you can see

is the scarf that covers my hair

My words you can't hear

because you're too full of fear,

mouth gaping, all you do is stare

You think it's not my choice

in your own "liberation" rejoice.

You think I'm uneducated,

trapped, oppressed and subjugated,

You're so thankful that you're free.

But non-Muslim woman you've got it wrong

You're the weak and I'm the strong.

For I've rejected the trap of man.

Fancy clothes - low neck, short skirt

those are devices for pain and hurt.

I'm not falling for that little plan.

I'm a person with ideas and thought.

I'm not for sale, I can't be bought.

I'm me - not a fancy toy,

I won't decorate anyone's arm,

nor be promoted for my charm.

There is more to be than playing coy.

Living life as a balancing game - mother,

daughter, wife, nurse, cleaner, cook, lover

and still bring home a wage.

Who thought up this modern "freedom"?

Where man can love'em and man can leave'em.

This is not free, but life in a cage.

Always jumping to a male agenda

competing on his terms.

No job share, no creche facilities,

no feeding and nappy changing amenities

No time off for menstrual pain,

"hormones" they laugh "what a shame"

No equal pay equal skill

your job they can always fill.

No promotion unless you're sterilised.

No promotion unless you're sexually terrorised.

And this is liberation?

Non-Muslim woman you can have your life.

Mine - it has less strife.

I cover and I get respected,

surely that's to be expected,

for I won't demean the feminine,

I won't live to male criterion,

I dance to my own tune

and I hope you see this very soon.

For your own sake - wake up and use your sight.

Are you so sure that you are right?

From a Muslim Woman

WaSalaam

[Mutawakkil]

More an article of Deen rather than a poem or story.....

but I hate to see it disappear down the threads over a short time period. I need constant reminding.....

The harvest of the Tongue

by: Uthmaan Dhumayriyyah

Nowadays, the people's gatherings are filled with unrestrained conversations that seem to cover every area. If one were to judge these, they could only come to the conclusion that the vast majority of these conversations are comprised of useless or even harmful talk. This is certainly not why Allaah has gifted us with tongues and this definitely not how gifts are appreciated. Allaah says that which what translates as: "No good is there in much of their private conversation, except for those who enjoin charity or that which is right or conciliation between people. And whoever does that seeking the means to the approval of Allaah – then We are going to give them a great reward." (An-Nisaa': 114).

Islaam has given great emphasis to speech and on the way that words are delivered, as this reflects people's thoughts and mentality, as well as how morality, or its opposite, is spread through society.

A person must ask himself before saying anything: `Is there any need for me to talk?' If there is a need, then it is fine to talk. Otherwise, silence is better because refraining from unnecessary speech is a form of worship which has a great reward.

`Abdullaah Ibn Mas'ood, may Allaah be pleased with him, said: "I swear by the One besides Whom there is nothing worthy of worship: one's need to imprison their tongue is greater than anything else."

Ibn `Abbaas, may Allaah be pleased with him, said: "Achieving the following five matters is more beneficial than owning the best types of horses:

Not involving yourselves in conversations that do not concern you, as there is no guarantee that you would not sin therein.

Not talking about things that do concern you, until you find the proper time; as a person may talk about a matter that does concern them but at the wrong time and therefore produce a bad consequence.

Not arguing with a wise or a foolish person, as the wise person would desert you and the foolish person would humiliate you.

Mentioning your brother, in his absence, with things with which you would wish him to mention you with in your absence - and forgiving him for that which you would wish him to forgive you for.

Performing the actions of one who is certain that he would be rewarded for the good and punished for the bad that he does".

A Muslim cannot achieve these five things unless he strictly controls his tongue, silences it whenever he wishes and curtails any unnecessary activity on its part. As for those who are driven by their tongues, they are being piloted to their destruction.

Loose talk causes one to become heedless. It is a fact that the majority of those who take the lead in vain talk during sinful gatherings talk so much that one who listens to them comes to realise that they themselves are not aware of what they are saying and that there is no thought-process behind their words.

This is exactly the reason why the Prophet sallallaahu `alaihi wa sallam advised Abu Dharr, may Allaah be pleased with him, saying: "Stay silent for long periods, as this keeps Satan away from you and helps you in the practice of your religion." He sallallaahu `alaihi wa sallam also said: "No servants of Allaah's belief will be correct until his heart is corrected, and his heart will never be corrected until his tongue is" The first phase of achieving this correctness is for a person to give up that which does not concern them and not to involve themselves in things that they were not asked about, as the Prophet sallallaahu `alaihi wa sallam said: "A sign of one's good practice of Islaam, is having given up that which does not concern them"

Shunning frivolities and idle talk is the gate to success. Allaah says that which translates as: "Certainly will the believers have succeeded. They who are during their prayer humbly submissive. And they who turn away from ill speech." (Al-Mu'minoon: 1-3). Islaam has dispraised frivolities and idle talk as they are immaterial and evil. In fact, the more a person stays away from them, the higher their rank becomes with Allaah. Conversely, the more a person indulges in them, the more their punishment will be with Allaah, this is why the Prophet sallallaahu `alaihi wa sallam said: "A slave (of Allaah) will utter a word for no other reason but to make people laugh, and it would cause him to go down into Hell as far as the distance between the Heavens and the earth; and a person will slip with his tongue more often than he will stumble off his feet".

Allaah took a pledge from the children of Israel not to say but that which is good, as He said that which translates as: "And [recall] when We took the covenant from the Children of Israel, [enjoining upon them], `Do not worship except Allaah; and to parents do good and to relatives, orphans, and the needy. And speak to people good [words]…" (Al-Baqarah: 83).

Kind words are effectual with friends and enemies alike. As for friends, they will maintain the good relationship and prolong the friendship - and prevent the traps of Satan as Allaah says that which translates as: "And tell My servants to say that which is best. Indeed, Satan induces [dissension] among them. Indeed Satan is ever, to mankind, a clear enemy." (Al-Israa': 53). As for enemies, it will put out the fire of their enmity and prevent any further evil to take place, or at least reduce it, as Allaah says that which translates as: "And not equal are the good deed and the bad. Repel [evil] by that [deed] which is better; and thereupon, the one whom between you and him is enmity [will become] as though he was a devoted friend." (Fussilat: 34).

Another benefit of kind and upright words, are that they get people accustomed to polite and pleasant ways of expressing themselves. The Prophet sallallaahu `alaihi wa sallam said: "One cannot endear people to themselves by means of wealth, but can do so with a smiling face and good conduct"

Anas bin Maalik, may Allaah be pleased with him, reported that a man came to the Prophet sallallaahu `alaihi wa sallam and asked: "Teach me something that would result in me entering Paradise": the Prophet sallallaahu `alaihi wa sallam replied: "Feed the people, spread the greetings of salaam, keep good ties with your kith and kin and pray at night while the people are sleeping and you will enter Jannah peacefully"

If these are the ranks that those who possess good conduct and proper manners possess, then what a great loss it is for those who are harsh, argumentative, shameless and unrelenting

Nothing will stop such people and no reminder will benefit them; such people will always harm others whenever an opportunity arises to satisfy their habit of fighting and arguing. If one is tested by having to deal with such a character, then they must try to avoid their evil, and deal gently with them. The Prophet sallallaahu `alaihi wa sallam said: "The most evil of people in rank on the day of judgement, are those who people avoid due to their evil". That is why Allaah regards good conduct as the foremost of the desired characteristics of His slaves, which protects them from evil. He says that which translates as: "And the servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth without arrogance, and when the ignorant address them [harshly], they say [words] of peace." (Al-Furqaan: 63) and He also says that which translates as: "And when they hear ill speech, they turn away from it and say, `For us are our deeds, and for you are your deeds. Peace will be upon you