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Simple pleasures

November 28, 2011 by Imaan 8 Comments

The rowdy ruffians are positively addicted to cooking these days. It is true that the stove gives comforting warmth that my tropical offspring miss. However, they also enjoy the process itself and it pleases them to no end to see others appreciating their concoctions. The other day, Bear made applesauce and Mars prepared her specialty – omelette with homegrown garlic sprouts – for a guest’s breakfast.

I remember one of the girls’ early culinary attempts. They decided, one day, to make their own lunch and conspired gleefully in the kitchen. They later invited me to sample their meal – I’d thought it was something elaborate or out of the ordinary considering their blissful expressions, but I was mistaken. It turned out to be a simple dish of boiled potatoes seasoned with butter, salt and pepper. :) It was delicious though – one of those things that just hit the spot, you know? – and quite healthful and it made me realise that I had a lot to learn from my children. One of the most important things that they have taught me is to find joy and contentment in the littlest things. Indeed, when it comes to food, frugal and easy need not mean compromising on flavour or quality.

I’ve been inspired by Kate’s blog (she has tips on frugal living and back-to-basic meals), discussions with my friend Tea (you guys MUST pester her to blog about the amazing things she has learnt about healthful eating!) and meals my friend Umm Aymun prepares (she makes the simplest things so mouthwatering that it is amazing, I kid you not! These Urdu-speaking folk have close to magical talents!). We’ve made a conscious effort to eat more home cooked meals and to use more organic foods. We are fortunate in this respect – raw milk, pure butter/ghee, free range eggs and organic meats and produce are more easily available and affordable here than in my home country.

We have been enjoying making hearty meals that require minimal ingredients and preparation. I’m not against elaborate meals – it is a blessing to present the best to your family and guests – but it simply is not something sustainable or even necessary on a daily basis. Eating simply can mean savings that can be used for more useful things and charity. It also inculcates self-restraint – all too often, we indulge our nafs and throw moderation to the wind. We would do well to be the sort of people who can make do, people who know the difference between “needs” and “wants”. The Prophet sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam said, “A human being has not filled any vessel which is worse than a belly. Enough for the son of Adam are some mouthfuls that can keep his back straight, but if there is no escape, he should fill it a third with food, a third with drink and a third empty.” [at-Tirmidhi]

For us, easy meals allow us all to be involved in the preparation. The girls feel a great sense of participation and achievement. What is more, not slaving over the stove means that we have more time for reading, crafting and of course, worship. I’ve begun a little notebook of easy-peasy recipes for the girls that I’ve stuck onto the refridgerator door – they can refer to it any time they feel like cooking in shaa Allah.

We’ve been having lots of fruit and vegetables. Pomegranates are a favourite – they are so gorgeous truly! Lunches are often our version of Subs – sandwiches of lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, capsicum and cottage cheese with little dollops of mayo and mustard – they are so appetizing ma shaa Allah. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, nothing beats the taste of produce here – they are so fresh and the flavours just burst in your mouth.

Here are some other dishes we’ve been doing recently…


We revisited Mars’ baked pasta… this time with minced beef … with only five ingredients and 3 pairs of hands working on it, it took less than half and hour to make…


… made a 20-minute curry… one of those chuck-everything-in-the-pot-and-let-it-stew dishes this haphazard housewife likes…


… a variation of my children’s potato dish … boiled potatoes cooked with onions, garlic and minced chicken, seasoned with salt and pepper. I used the kids’ homegrown garlic sprouts to garnish and they were delighted! Another 20-minute dish that was much appreciated, alhamdulillah…


… we have cut down on fried foods so these are becoming a rarity (honest, Tea!)… I made my version of pakoras as we had left-over bread and crusts. I just chucked them all in a bowl with flour, eggs, onions, coriander and spring onion greens and spices and fried the crazy mix up :)

It will be a busy week – the kids have to hit the books and I have to tidy our living area once again – a mammoth task, believe you me! I hope it also means another week of simple pleasures… in shaa Allah :)

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Reading time: 4 min
Homeschool

Who Do You Love?

January 24, 2011 by Imaan No Comments

Allah says,
“Say: ‘If your fathers or your sons or your brothers or your wives or your tribe,
or any wealth you have acquired, or any business you fear may slump,
or any dwelling-places which please you,
are dearer to you than Allah and His Messenger and fighting hard in jihad in His Way,
then wait until Allah brings about His command.'”
(at-Tawba 9:25)

When the Makkans drove Zayd ibn ad-Dathima out of the Haram to kill him, Abu Sufyan ibn Harb said to him, “I ask you by Allah, Zayd, don’t you wish that Muhammad were with us now to take your place so that we could cut off his head, and you were with your family?” Zayd said, “By Allah, I would not wish Muhammad to be now in a place where even a thorn could hurt him if that was the condition for my being with my family!” Abu Sufyan remarked, “I have not seen any people who love anyone the way the Companions of Muhammad love Muhammad.”

Anas radhiallahu `anhu reported that the Prophet sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam said, “There are three things which cause anyone who takes refuge in them to experience the sweetness of iman – that Allah and His Messenger are more beloved to him than anything else; that he loves a man only for Allah; and that he dislikes the thought of reverting to disbelief as much as he would dislike being cast into the Fire.” (al-Bukhari & Muslim)

`Umar ibn al-Khattab radhiallahu `anhu told the Prophet sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam, “I love you more than anything except my soul which is between my two sides.” The Prophet sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam replied, “None of you will believe until I am dearer to him than his own soul.” ‘Umar said, “By the One who sent down the Book on you, I love you more than my soul which is between my two sides.” The Prophet said, “‘Umar, now you have it!” (al-Bukhari)

Anas said that a man came to the Prophet sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam and asked, “When will the Last Hour come, Messenger of Allah?” , “What have you prepared for it?” he asked? He replied, “I have not prepared a lot of prayer or fasting or charity for it, but I love Allah and His Messenger.” The Prophet sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam said, “You will be with the one you love.” (al-Bukhari)

‘Ali said that the Prophet sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam took Hasan and Husayn radhiallahu `anhuma by the hand and said, “Whoever loves me and loves these two and their father and mother will have the same degree as me on the Day of Rising.” (at-Tirmidhi)

It is related that a man came to the Prophet sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam and said, “Messenger of Allah, I love you more than my family and my possessions. I remember you and I cannot wait until I can come and look at you. I remember that I will die and you will die and I know that when you enter the Garden, you will be raised up with the Prophets. When I enter it, I will not see you.” Allah then revealed, “Whoever obeys Allah and the Messenger, will be with those whom Allah has blessed: the Prophets, the men of truth, the martyrs and the righteous. And such people are the best of company!” (an-Nisaa 4:68) The Prophet sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam called the man and recited the verses to him. (at-Tabarani)

Abu Hurayra radhiallahu `anhu said that the Messenger of Allah sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam said, “Those in my community with the strongest love for me are the people who will come after me. Some of them would give their family and wealth to have seen me.” (Muslim and al-Bukhari)

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Homeschool

An Amazing Thing

January 19, 2011 by Imaan 2 Comments

I wrote this article some years ago for a South African Islamic Magazine, An-Nisaa.

post-divider

Before I was married, I worked in a Muslim self-help group. In my five years there, I was involved in various family, youth and educational programmes for the community. It was hard work and often emotionally draining. Nevertheless, the experience was invaluable experience. It gave me an opportunity to work with passionate Muslims who wanted to make the world a better place – it was exciting and yet at the same time, humbling.

It was there that I truly opened my eyes to the problems that the ummah is facing. It was there that I came into contact with people who were poor and who were afflicted with problems that I had never even conceived of. It was also there that I saw heroic figures striving against almost insurmountable odds.

This world of ours that places a great emphasis on image and illusion often overlooks these anonymous souls who plod along with solid virtues and fervent hope. I have learnt many valuable lessons from these unsung heroes. One that comes to mind is the one about charity and selflessness…

Once, the self-help group organised a large trade fair. Among the activities conducted over the 3-day event was fundraising. It was no easy task – the volunteers had to stand with cash boxes for long hours and approach visitors for donations. Many generous souls gave but I noticed that a significant number refused. Still others would rush past the volunteers, pretending not to see or hear them.

An old lady walked close by as I was chatting to the volunteers. She was wearing shabby clothes and an old and faded headscarf . On her tired feet were slippers which were cheap and worn. In a crowd of fashionably dressed, if not affluent, people, she stood out like a sore thumb. Her poverty was so obvious that I could not help but feel sad. I felt guilty as well because I realised how I had not, before that, fully appreciated the comfort and ease that Allah had bestowed upon me.

The old lady had a kind smile and watched the volunteers as they tried to ask members of the public to donate. If she felt awkward about her shabby appearance or distressed about her needy state, she did not show it. She stood for a long while, staring wistfully, as if deep in thought. I began to wonder if she was thinking of approaching us for financial help. Many would attend the organisation’s events in the hope of joining a financial assistance programme.

Then, I saw her clutching something in her hand and closely examining it. I realised that she was busy counting some coins. Again, I felt a wave of sympathy – the poor lady was trying to figure out if she had enough for her bus ride home or for some food, I thought. I could not help but to compare her to all the others – they had come keen to spend unstintingly on all the pretty clothes, fancy housewares and delicious food, while she had to think more than twice about parting with only a few cents.

She then began to move resolutely to the volunteers, who smiled at her encouragingly. She dropped a few coins into the box hurriedly and smiled shyly. Sounding embarrassed and awkward at what she must have thought was a paltry amount, she said, “I know it isn’t much… I just wanted to help.”

I tear up every time I think of that old lady, who had so little and yet looked beyond her own needs because she wanted to give… because she wanted to do her bit. Her actions remind me of the hadeeth about the dirham that triumphed over the hundred thousand dirhams.

Abu Dawood and Al-Hakim reported that Abu Hurairah radhiallahu `anhu narrated that the Messenger of Allah sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam said: “A dirham won the race against a hundred thousand dirhams.” A man asked, “How, O Messenger of Allah?” He sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam said, “A man who had great wealth and who spent a hundred thousand dirhams from it in charity, in contrast to a man who has only two dirhams and gave away one of them in charity.” [an-Nasa`i, ibn Khuzaimah & ibn Hibban – hasan]

Give and You will be Given!
That humble old lady, with all of her limited means, was a shining example of selflessness. As Muslims, we want to do our utmost to serve our Lord. We want to further the cause of Islam and we want to do it in a huge way. This is a noble ambition, but in our pursuit for the greater good and the big picture, we sometimes lose sight of the little deeds that may be our stepping stones to Jannah.

Abu Dharr radhiallahu `anhu reported: “The Prophet sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam said, ‘Do not belittle any good deed, even meeting your brother [Muslim] with a cheerful face.'” [Muslim]

There are numerous verses in the Qur`an that exhort us to spend in the cause of Allah. Charity is referred to as a “goodly loan” to inspire us and to encourage us to give – Allah subhanahu wa ta`ala said, “Who is he that will lend to Allah a goodly loan so that He may multiply it to him many times? And it is Allah that decreases or increases [your provisions] and unto Him you shall return.” [Surah al-Baqarah 2:45]

Allah has promised us a great reward for our altruism – “Those who spend on their wealth in the Cause of Allah, and do not follow up their gifts with reminders of their generosity or with injury, their reward is with their Lord. On them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.” [Surah al-Baqarah 2:262]

In addition, the Messenger of Allah sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam said, “Allah the Exalted said, ‘Spend, O son of Adam and Allah will spend on you.'” [al-Bukhari & Muslim]

The Benefits of Sadaqah
Abu Dhar al-Ghifari once said, “The prayer is the pillar of Islam, Jihad is the pillar of deeds and charity is an amazing thing, charity is an amazing thing, charity is an amazing thing.” [Tanhibul Ghafilin] Indeed, there are abundant rewards in this act. Allah said, “The likeness of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is as the likeness of a grain [of corn], it grows seven ears and each year has a hundred grains. Allah gives manifold increase to whom He wills. And Allah is All Sufficient for His creatures’ needs, All-Knower.” [Surah al-Baqarah 2:261]

There are numerous rewards to be reaped from sadaqah. Allah has promised Paradise to those who give for His sake. Sadaqah helps to cleanse the Muslim’s heart of greed, stinginess and the excessive love of the pleasures of this world. It also cleanses the money and the body of sins – Allah said, “Take Sadaqah from their wealth in order to purify them and sanctify them with it.” [Surah at-Tawba 9:103]

Sadaqah extinguishes sins and punishment in the Fire. The Messenger of Allah sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam said, “Avoid hellfire even by a part of a date [that you give away in charity].” [al-Bukhari & Muslim] He also said, “Sawm [Fasting] is a junnah [shield] and sadaqah extinguishes sin, just as water extinguishes fire.” [Sahih at-Targhib wat-Tarhib, al-Albani]

Avoid Miserliness
Greed and selfishness often hinder us from giving to others. We dislike seeing our wealth diminish and we worry about poverty striking us. This shows a lack of tawakkul in Allah and His promises for Allah has assured us that He would compensate us, both in this world and the hereafter if we were to spend for His sake.

Abu Hurairah radhiallahu `anhu said that the Messenger of Allah sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam said, “Wealth is not diminished by giving in charity. Allah augments the honour of one who forgives; and one who displays humbleness towards another seeking the pleasure of Allah, Allah exalts him in ranks.” [Muslim]

In a hadeeth narrated by al-Bukhari, the Prophet sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam said, “Who among you loves the wealth of his inheritors more than he loves his wealth?” They said, “Everyone among us loves his own wealth more, O Allah’s Messenger!” He said, “Verily one’s wealth is that which he spends while the money he keeps will end up with his inheritor.” This shows us that our wealth INCREASES when we give it away for it adds to our scale of good deeds.

We would do well to emulate the Salaf who were repulsed by tightfistedness. Umm al-Banin, daughter of `Abdul-`Aziz bin Marwan said, “Woe to al-Bukhl [miserliness]! If it was a shirt, I would never wear it and if it was a road, I would never take it.”

They never tired of charity and hated to turn the needy away. `Ali bin al-Hasan bin `Ali would say, when approached by the poor, “Welcome to he who is carrying my provisions for the Last Life.”

Women & Sadaqah
I would often hear women asking, not without some measure of frustration, “What can we sisters do for Islam?” True, there are the day to day hurdles that we face – managing a family, nurturing the children, caring for our elders, doing our utmost at school and in our careers… the list goes on. Our thoughts are occupied and our agendas full.

However, with a little creativity and dedication, we will find that there are many avenues for us. Charity is but one of them. Let us remember that the Prophet sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam specifically encouraged the women to spend in the way of Allah. He said, “O women, give charity even from your jewellery.” [al-Bukhari]

He sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam also urged women to repel the Fire by giving: “O women! Give charity and seek Allah’s forgiveness frequently for I saw that you comprise the majority of the people of the fire.” [Muslim]

The female companions of the Prophet sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam took his advice to heart. Umm Sinan al-Aslamiyah said that during the preparation for the Battle of Tabuk, she saw a cloak laid in front of the Prophet sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam on the floor of `Aishah’s radhiallahu `anha house. She said, “… it contained jewellery, bracelets, ear-rings and rings. [Muslim] women had donated these items that filled the cloak to help Muslims in preparation of the battle.” [Al-Isabah fi Tamyeez as-Sahabah, by Ibn Hajar, vol.4, p.350]

Even poverty did not deter them from giving. `Urwa radhiallahu `anhu said regarding `Aishah radhiallahu `anha: “I witnessed `Aishah give away 70 thousand but she would mend her garments.”

What Can We Do?
Let us not delay further in doing this good deed. There is a beautiful piece of advice from Amr bin Qais al-Milai, who said, “If you hear about an aspect of righteousness, perform it even once so that you become among its doers.”

Here are a few ideas on how we can give in charity:

[1] Actively seek out the needy person
`Ali bin al-Hasan used to carry bread on his back, following the needy at night, saying, “Charity given at night extinguishes the Lord’s anger.” [As-Siyar, vol. 4, p.393] Sisters can take an active role by making enquiries with masajid and various organisations that provide assistance for the needy. Many which serve the poor, the handicapped and the old are often in need of donations in cash and in kind to keep operations running. Set aside a certain amount from your income and allowance each month to give to these organizations. Spread the word and encourage other sisters to chip in.

[2] Care for the orphans & under-privileged
One can donate to orphanages or participate in various orphan sponsorship programmes in various poverty-stricken or war-torn countries such as Afghanistan, Chechnya, China, Africa and so on. If one’s finances do not permit, one can invite the poor and the orphans to a meal and share the favours that Allah has bestowed upon oneself. `Abdullah bin `Umar, for instance, always made sure that an orphan shared his meals. Remember what the Messenger of Allah said: “I and the caretaker of the orphan will be like this in Paradise,” and he pointed with his index and middle fingers. [al-Bukhari]

[3] Give what you love
This may be a particularly difficult task for surely, we want to keep what we love for ourselves. We would prefer to give away what we have no need of or no longer like. However, we must bear in mind that “By no means shall you attain Al-Birr [piety, righteousness, Paradise] unless you spend of what which you love; and whatever good you spend, Allah knows it well.” [Surah al-Imran 3:92]

I know of a sister in Pakistan who raises money for the poor by selling the good and expensive gifts she receives from others. Even though she could surely use some of the appliances and decoration pieces for herself, she keeps her life simple so she can concentrate on da`wah and charity.

[4] Take advantage of every opportunity
What can sisters who have no income or allowance do? Well, take heart for charity is not just financial. Abu Hurairah radhiallahu `anhu reported: The Messenger of Allah sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam said, “Every day the sun rises, charity is due on every joint of a person: if one judges between two persons with justice, it is an act of charity. If one helps a person to mount his beast, or helping him load his luggage on it, all this will be regarded as charity. A good word is an act of charity and every step one takes to offer the congregational prayer is regarded as charity and removing harm from the road is regarded as charity.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

[5] Be creative
There are numerous ways in which we can do charity – big and small. Each of us has our own skills, talents and inclinations. What we need to do is to take advantage of every opportunity. One can be kind to animals – we know of the unchaste woman who was granted Jannah for giving drink to a thirsty dog. We are also told that a smile is sadaqah.

Let us encourage each other to Birr and Taqwa.

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Reading time: 11 min
Islam The Stuff of Life

The Art of Noise

November 29, 2006 by Imaan 4 Comments

Music was a big thing for me when I was growing up. I used to record MTV and play the videos over and over again and was hardly seen without a pair of headphones in my ears. I was first in line at the music store when U2’s Achtung Baby was released – actually, I got there before the shipment of the album arrived and had to return a few hours later. I felt really “together”.

But I wasn’t really.

My being so ‘together’ cost me a great deal – money I could have spent on charity and on beneficial reads … time I could have spent cultivating good habits instead of acquiring wicked ones that stubbornly dog me … energy I could have spent on pursuits that could have drawn me closer to my Lord… the list goes on.

Even after I gave up listening to music, I resisted throwing my CDs and tapes away. I guess I was still, in some small and twisted way, enthralled with these musicians, their beguiling tunes and poetic lyrics. I don’t know why I wanted to maintain some tie to my past and my former ‘role models’. It is funny how strong a hold the dunya has and how foolish the human being can be.

I began reading more about my religion and I felt small. I felt really small. I read about giants who truly had the stuff that legends are made of. They had so much love, passion and drive for the deen. I wondered why my heart felt so impervious… so dead.

Then I read this hadeeth: Anas said that a man came to the Prophet sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam and asked, “When will the Last Hour come, Messenger of Allah?” , “What have you prepared for it?” he asked? He replied, “I have not prepared a lot of prayer or fasting or charity for it, but I love Allah and His Messenger.” The Prophet said, “You will be with the one you love.” (al-Bukhari) I realised then that I was just hanging on to dead weight. Did I really want to be raised with the likes of Mick Jagger, Kurt Cobain and James Hetfield? The very idea scared me. It took several garbage bags to get rid of the physical burden. The emotional ties? For the most part erased, but still a constant struggle.

I would like to spare my kids of all this. I know I may not be able to shield them from all the evils and temptations in this world, but I make du`aa that they will form a deep attachment to the Qur’an and Sunnah and that they will have such a deep love for the true heroes that they will not look up to lesser characters, who will only disappoint them with their compromise, misplaced tolerance and about turn on ideals.

As a hadeeth states: It is related that a man came to the Prophet sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam and said, “Messenger of Allah, I love you more than my family and my possessions. I remember you and I cannot wait until I can come and look at you. I remember that I will die and you will die and I know that when you enter the Garden, you will be raised up with the Prophets. When I enter it, I will not see you.” Allah then revealed, “Whoever obeys Allah and the Messenger, will be with those whom Allah has blessed: the Prophets, the men of truth, the martyrs and the righteous. And such people are the best of company!” (an-Nisaa 4:68) The Prophet sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam called the man and recited the verses to him. (at-Tabarani)

Sister Fatima Barakatullah has written a timely article that touches on music and the nasheed culture. She expresses what I haven’t the eloquence to say. Please read it here:

Global Peace & Unity Event by Fatima Barakatullah

[Hedphones image from Pexels]
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Reading time: 3 min
Islam Homeschool

The Bowl of Milk

March 16, 2005 by Imaan No Comments

This is a story that Marz enjoyed. We had used Goodword Kidz’s book “The Miracle of the Bowl of Milk” but I think you can tell this story without the aid of a book. Below is the hadeeth in full – you can adapt the language for your little ones. I used a lot of drama when I related how the milk was passed from one person to another and remained full. I remember Marz’s eyes widening when I told her that Abu Hurayrah drank from the bowl till he was full and it was STILL not empty!

This is a nice story with so many learning points:

  • the importance of obeying Allah and His Messenger unreservedly and the rewards one gets from doing so
  • the miracles of the Messenger of Allah sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam
  • the difficulties that the early Muslims endured
  • charity and brotherhood

Here are a few quick points about Abu Hurayrah radhiallahu `anhu:

  • His name was `Abdu-Shams (the servant of the sun) so the Prophet sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam told him to change it to `Abdur-Rahman (the servant of the Beneficient)
  • He is best known as Abu Hurayrah (father of the kittens) for he loved a cat and fed it so much so it always followed him
  • His mother resisted Islam at first and this saddened him very much. He asked the Prophet sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam to make du`aa for her and alhamdulillah, she embraced Islam thereafter
  • He memorised a great many ahadeeth for he used to accompany the Prophet sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam most of the time. He also said this about this ability to relate so many narrations: Abu Hurayrah said, “You people claim that Abu Hurayrah narrates many narrations of Allah’s Apostle. (Anyhow) with Allah will be our appointment. I was a poor man, and used to stick to Allah’s Apostle contented with what will fill my stomach, and the Muhajirin (emigrants) used to be busy trading in the markets, and the Ansar used to be busy looking after their properties. One day I heard Allah’s Apostle saying, ‘Who will spread his Rida’ (a garment covering the upper part of the body) till I finished my speech and then fold it, (i.e. wrap it over your body), in which case he will never forget anything he had heard from me.” So I spread my garment which I was wearing; and by Him Who sent Muhammad with the Truth, ever since, I have never forgotten whatever I heard from him (the Prophet).” (Bukhari)

Abu Hurayrah & The Bowl of Milk

Narrated Abu Hurayrah radhiallahu `anhu:

By Allah, except Whom none has the right to be worshipped, (sometimes) I used to lay (sleep) on the ground on my liver (abdomen) because of hunger, and (sometimes) I used to bind a stone over my belly because of hunger.

One day I sat by the way from where they (the Prophet and his companions) used to come out. When Abu Bakr passed by, I asked him about a Verse from Allah’s Book and I asked him only that he might satisfy my hunger, but he passed by and did not do so.

Then `Umar passed by me and I asked him about a Verse from Allah’s Book, and I asked him only that he might satisfy my hunger, but he passed by without doing so.

Finally Abu-l-Qasim (the Prophet sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) passed by me and he smiled when he saw me, for he knew what was in my heart and on my face.

He said, “O Aba Hirr (Abu Hurayrah)!”

I replied, “Labbaik, O Allah’s Apostle!”

He said to me, “Follow me.” He left and I followed him.

Then he entered the house and I asked permission to enter and was admitted. He found milk in a bowl and said, “From where is this milk?”

They said, “It has been presented to you by such-and-such man (or by such and such woman).”

He said, “O Aba Hirr!”

I said, “Labbaik, O Allah’s Apostle!” He said, “Go and call the people of Suffa to me.”

These people of Suffa were the guests of Islam who had no families, nor money, nor anybody to depend upon, and whenever an object of charity was brought to the Prophet sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam, he would send it to them and would not take anything from it, and whenever any present was given to him, he used to send some for them and take some of it for himself.

The order of the Prophet sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam upset me, and I said to myself, “How will this little milk be enough for the people of As-Suffa?” I thought I was more entitled to drink from that milk in order to strengthen myself, but behold! The Prophet sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam came to order me to give that milk to them. I wondered what will remain of that milk for me, but anyway, I could not but obey Allah and His Apostle so I went to the people of As-Suffa and called them, and they came and asked the Prophet’s permission to enter. They were admitted and took their seats in the house.

The Prophet sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam said, “O Aba-Hirr!”

I said, “Labbaik, O Allah’s Apostle!”

He sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam said, “Take it and give it to them.”

So I took the bowl (of Milk) and started giving it to one man who would drink his fill and return it to me, whereupon I would give it to another man who, in his turn, would drink his fill and return it to me, and I would then offer it to another man who would drink his fill and return it to me.

Finally, after the whole group had drunk their fill, I reached the Prophet sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam who took the bowl and put it on his hand, looked at me and smiled and said, “O Aba Hirr!”

I replied, “Labbaik, O Allah’s Apostle!”

He sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam said, “There remain you and I.”

I said, “You have said the truth, O Allah’s Apostle!”

He sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam said, “Sit down and drink.”

I sat down and drank. He said, “Drink!” and I drank. He kept on telling me repeatedly to drink, till I said, “No. by Allah Who sent you with the Truth, I have no space for it (in my stomach).”

He sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam said, “Hand it over to me.” When I gave him the bowl, he praised Allah and pronounced Allah’s Name on it and drank the remaining milk.

(From Sahih al-Bukhari)

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Yesterday, I had a sobering chat with my friend wh Yesterday, I had a sobering chat with my friend who is a member of a minority group here. (I am keeping things vague for her safety and mine.) She has a relative who is also a friend of mine. 

In both my early encounters with them, I’d always sensed an air of reserve and secrecy. I understood that we had different beliefs, but I could not understand what I perceived as fear. Not being a native here in Pakistan, I’d had my share of bewildering and unfathomable encounters, so I’d left things at that. Maybe I’d understand in time to come, I thought.

They had always been very kind to me and I tried to reciprocate as best I could. For all our (acknowledged) differences in opinion and belief, we found some common ground and focused on doing some good. My friend’s relative donated science kits as well as books for my homeschooling gang and I’ll always be grateful for that. 

I read news yesterday about how my friend and her people do in fact live in danger. She told me how she fears for her husband’s life every single time he leaves home. She jumps every single time her doorbell rings. She worries about sending her daughter to school for fear of bullying or worse… Target killings of her people are a reality.

It made me feel so ashamed because this is tragic and downright disgraceful for any country, but even more so for a Muslim one. 

It’s OK to disagree. It’s OK to debate. It is NOT OK to terrorize and it is NOT OK resort to violence. It is wrong and it is unjust and it is EVIL to do so. When dealing with people of different beliefs, can we not be civilised? Can we not be HUMAN? Can we not behave the way our deen taught us? 

We need to find a way to make things better. It is not right to allow people who know precious little about Islam to desecrate it. 

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#islam #minorityrights #knowyourreligion #pakistan
Journalists say this time it is different. Rushdi Journalists say this time it is different.

Rushdi as-Sarraj, Yasser Murtaja’s friend, told Al-Jazeera, “This task is difficult under normal circumstances, so you can imagine working under a fierce offensive that does not distinguish between a journalist, a civilian or a military leader.” Israel is working hard “to silence the image and voice, and to ban any news or information that exposes its crimes”.

He also says, “My family doesn’t stop calling me, fearing that I could be harmed. It is an endless circle of fear and exhaustion. But we must continue sharing our message.”

Praying for Muna El-Kurd @muna.kurd15 , her brother @mohammedelkurd and all the journalists putting out the truth. 

#palestine #freepalestine #freemunakurd #freemunaelkurd #savesheikhjarrah #savesilwan #savelifta #savemohammedelkurd
«THROWBACK, Summer + Winter 2019» «We returned «THROWBACK, Summer + Winter 2019»

«We returned to the park after the lockdown earlier this year… sadly our tree for all seasons is no more 😢»

FOREIGN LANDS by Robert Louis Stevenson
Up into the cherry tree
Who should climb but little me?
I held the trunk with both my hands
And looked abroad on foreign lands.
I saw the next door garden lie,
Adorned with flowers, before my eye,
And many pleasant places more
That I had never seen before.
If I could find a higher tree
Farther and farther I should see,
To where the grown-up river slips
Into the sea among the ships.
To where the roads on either hand
Lead onward into fairy land,
Where all the children dine at five,
And all the playthings come alive.
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#throwback #pakistan #islamabad #lifeinpakistan #lifeinislamabad #homeschool #homeschooldays #homeschoolcoop #homeschoolinislamabad #homeschoolinpakistan #naturediary #naturejournal #science #charlottemason #charlottemasoninspired #charlottemasoneducation #charlottemasonnaturestudy #charlottemasonliving #charlottemasonhomeschool #cmnaturestudy #cmnaturejournal #naturewalk #natureramble #naturestudy #naturejournal #homeeducation #outandabout #ilookisee #islamabadhomeschoolers
A couple of you asked me to make a post of my stor A couple of you asked me to make a post of my story in response to LV’s despicable use of the keffiyeh design. Pictures in this post are from hirbawi.ps and @palestine.pixel … 

EDIT: yes, my second slide should have been edited and it is bugging me. I repeated 1930s… sorry! If you want a more polished version, DM me. You get my meaning anyway, right? 
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#palestine #freepalestine #keffiyeh #gaza #jerusalem #savesheikhjarrah
«YET ANOTHER THROWBACK, Jan. 2020» I was feelin «YET ANOTHER THROWBACK, Jan. 2020»

I was feeling a little out of sorts (again) – I’d left the house a mess (again) and the boy and I were in a rush to get to the Art Co-op. Habiba @ourlivinghomeschool was doing a session on Wassily Kandinsky that day. 

We were delayed by a massive traffic jam and our stress levels rocketed when an obnoxious motorist kept sounding his horn repeatedly as if to shoo other cars out of the way. What was everyone else to do but wait for the jam to ease? 

We made it just in time though…barely! As we ran towards the gathering, it was as if a huge weight was lifted away. This gorgeous view greeted the boy and me, alhamdulillah. When we got down to studying Kandinsky, we felt more than fine.

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#pakistan #islamabad #lifeinpakistan #lifeinislamabad #homeschool #homeschooldays #homeschoolcoop #homeschoolinislamabad #homeschoolinpakistan #naturediary #desidiaries #charlottemason #charlottemasoninspired #charlottemasoneducation #charlottemasonnaturestudy #charlottemasonliving #charlottemasonhomeschool #cmnaturestudy #cmnaturejournal #naturewalk #natureramble #naturestudy #naturejournal #homeeducation #outandabout #ilookisee #islamabadhomeschoolers #artcoop #artoutdoors
«THROWBACK, Mar. 2019» Once upon a time before «THROWBACK, Mar. 2019» 
Once upon a time before Covid.

The calm before…

We had our Monday meet up again at Fatima Jinnah Park. The air was cool and crisp and the skies sunny when the nature gang got together. Then, it was on to a jolly game of Simon Says – Katelynn’s @_k8erpotater clever way of teaching the kids about body parts and how they move.

The kids did their usual tree climbing and exploring. Then, the dark clouds started rolling in. We took a while to decide whether or not to leave – the park literally looked dark and ominous on one side and cheery and bright on the other. We only started rushing for home when lightning split the sky. The kids were not to be hurried, however. They felt little pellets hitting them and stopped to investigate… hailstones!

Our ramble was cut short and I got cold and wet, but I think it was a gorgeous day. We got to learn about nature in a very real way.
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#pakistan #islamabad #lifeinpakistan #lifeinislamabad #homeschool #homeschooldays #homeschoolcoop #homeschoolinislamabad #homeschoolinpakistan #naturediary #naturejournal #science #charlottemason #charlottemasoninspired #charlottemasoneducation #charlottemasonnaturestudy #charlottemasonliving #charlottemasonhomeschool #cmnaturestudy #cmnaturejournal #naturewalk #natureramble #naturestudy #naturejournal #homeeducation #outandabout #ilookisee #islamabadhomeschoolers
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