Handwriting May 24, 2009

I had a friend back in high school who was slightly obsessed by my handwriting: she wanted to make a font out of it and sell/share it on the Internet.
I had a teacher who hated my handwriting so much that she used to beg me to write a little bigger so that her eyesight would not be ruined. (My writing was really not that small especially when I wrote in her class)

I had another teacher who said my writing was like ‘beautiful pearls’. I liked her.

Everyone has a different perception about things.
Not sure what the point of this post is except all this just popped into my head and I felt like writing. Typing.

The Chamber of the Prophet (sallAllahu alayhi wasallam) May 17, 2009

taken from the blog: http://riyada.hadithuna.com/secrets-of-the-prophetic-chamber/
Pass it on, post it on your blog…etc.

Bism Allah ar-Rahman ar-Raheem, revealer of the Qur’an Kareem that says to His noble Messenger: And We have not sent you except as a Mercy to the aalameen: all the worlds.

And as-Salaatu was-Salaamu upon the most noble of the mursaleen (Messengers), our master Muhammad, and upon his family and descendants until the Yawm al-Deen.

I stood this Sunday morning in London’s V&A Museum before three magnificent pieces of silk in the Islamic Arts section. The most wonderful in design and color was a red band from the Honored Kaaba, dating from the 1800s, because for hundreds of years the Kaaba’s covering was green- not black- in color, with a red band instead of the gold of today.

The two others were green pieces of the silk that once covered the tomb of the Prophet Muhammad (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam). The first from 1517-1600, and the second from 1600 to 1700. For a hundred years each, these pieces of silk were exposed to all the blessings and mercies that were sent down from Allah upon the Noble Messenger, and to the majestic lights that rose up, emanating from the Light of the Worlds himself, Salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam.

Ever since Abbasid times, the coverings of the Honored Kaaba and the Noble Chamber were made in Egypt; at one point in history the latter was being changed every five years. But after the reign of the Ottomans in the lands, the coverings of the inside of the Kaaba and of the Prophetic Chamber were made in Turkey, while the outer covering of the Kaaba remained the work of Egypt.

But the founder of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Abd al-Aziz bin Abd al-Rahman Aal Saud, ordered that a factory be created in Mecca to manufacture these coverings from his day forward. Journalist Omar al-Midwahy, whose writings focus on the two Holy Sanctuaries and other important Islamic sights, was able to interview in Mecca two of the men who worked on the last covering of the Prophetic Chamber and its installation.

On the occasion of this servant’s viewing of the blessed coverings, and hoping for forgiveness and acceptance from His Lord, he will attempt to translate this interview that reveals some of the secrets of the majestic chamber of Allah’s Beloved, salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam, hoping to gain the favor of Allah and to one day be counted among the servants (khuddam) of His Messenger, salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam.

Omar al-Midwahy says to Alarabiya.net:

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The Conversations of Tears and Reverence

I still remember the conversations with the two old men in Mecca, while looking at their weaving. I was in Mecca, so I headed toward the factory of the covering of the Kaaba, and there I learned that the factory has another honor, for it produces also a covering for the Prophetic Chamber.

I met at that time- several years ago- with men who partook in the production and installation, and I didn’t want to waste that opportunity as their youngest was in his sixties and I feared that they would leave this world before I could document this work.

I recorded with them conversations that were mixed with tears and reverence; sometimes words would betray them, and at others, their emotions would choke them, as they spoke of their unique experience. Their limbs shook from just the memory- as if it happened yesterday- and not a quarter of a century ago.

Shaykh Muhammad Ali Madani, head of the automated weaving division of the factory at that time, was generous with me. I learned from him that he was one of those who took part in weaving and installing the covering of the Prophetic Chamber. I said to him, tell me about the covering and the Prophetic Chamber- describe them to me.

His sight wandered far, as if he was bringing those treasured memories before him. Then he answered: On that day, I felt a state of complete amazement take over me. It is a grand spot- of utmost grandeur. I do not know its exact circumference, but it seemed to me that the Prophetic Chamber was 48 meters in circumference.

The awe of the place was so overbearing that nothing attracted my attention. I was so dazzled that I only saw the lamps hanging from the chamber ceiling, which were old gifts that would be given to the Mosque of the Prophet in ancient times. I was told that there were some Prophetic relics that were kept in another place- I don’t know where- but I do know that some historical items were kept in the chamber of sayyida Fatima al-Zahraa- the same place that she lived in.

He added: the chamber covering is a weave made of pure silk, green in color, padded with a strong cotton cloth, and it is crowned by a belt similar to that of the covering of the Honored Kaaba, except that it is red in color. A quarter of its space is taken up by an embroidery of noble Quranic verses from Surat al-Fath, made of lines of cotton and wires of gold and silver…

The covering of the Prophetic Chamber is not changed every year like the covering of the Honored Kaaba, because it is kept inside the chamber and far from the hands of the people and of the elements, and so it is only changed when needed.

Then I met shaykh Ahmad Sahirty, head of the embroidery division of the factory. It was apparent to me – back then- how old he was, and how weak his vision. He took the initiative, saying: How can I speak to you about my feelings at the moment I entered the Prophetic Chamber… I can’t.. That is a speech above my abilities of speech, and I never thought that I would one day be asked about this experience. And I guarantee you that I will not be able to go through it again.

When the Doors Were Opened

He drew nearer to me and added: Look at the lenses of my spectacles- and he pointed at their thickness- and look at my white hair and the weight of the years that I carry. My age I do not count, but I’ve heard them say that I was born in the year 1333 A.H. (1917 C.E.). And in all those years, I did not know a single hobby other than the love of beautiful scents and perfumes. I’ve spent such a long period of time in those years that I’ve lived, trying to satiate that voracious appetite that is still with me; I traveled much and learned much, but I can tell you this with confidence: that I have my own special blends that you will not find with anyone else, and that no one else could ever make.

And I tell you this because I discovered my inability and the meagerness of my knowledge on that blessed night, when the doors were opened to us, and we entered the Prophetic Chamber, and I inhaled perfumes and scents that I have never known before, and have never known since. I still do not know the secret of its composition: it was a scent above scents, an aroma above and beyond aromas- something else that us people of expertise, the people of the trade, have never experienced before.

When I asked him to describe to me the Prophetic Chamber, a slight chill struck him and coursed through his body. And he said in a faint voice: I believe that the chamber is 11 meters in height. Below the green dome is another dome on which is written: “The tomb of the Prophet, the tomb of Abu Bakr al-Siddeeq, and the tomb of Umar ibn al-Khattab”. And I saw also that there was another tomb that was empty, and next to the four tombs was the chamber of sayyida Fatima al-Zahraa, which is the house in which she lived.

From our awe we didn’t know how to remove the special pieces made for the dome- our fingers would shake and our breaths would race. We stayed 14 full nights working from after the Isha prayer until the first adhaan of the Fajr, in order to finish our task. We kept removing the pieces, untying the knots of the old covering, and cleaning all the dust and pigeon feathers that were stuck in that pure place. This scene goes back to the year 1971 C.E., and the covering that we changed was old: it was 75 years old according to the date that was weaved on it, and had never been changed since.

I was the first to enter, with the Sayyid Habib, one of the notables of al-Madina al-Munawwara, As’ad Sheera the director of religious endowments of Madina at the time, and Habib Moghrabi from the factory management, and Abd al-Karim Flomban, Nasir Qari, Abd al-Rahim Bukhari and others. We were 13 men, I don’t remember most of them, for they have left unto the Mercy of Allah.

We were accompanied by the chief of the Aghas who kept the keys to the Prophetic Chamber, and a number of the servants of the Chamber. Whispering was our speech, and that was if signaling was not sufficient. I was, and still am, suffering from weakness of vision and these spectacles have not left my eyes since those days, but in that chamber I was another person… I felt it, and the difference was clear to me.

Strange Happenings

The shaykh Sahirti swore, saying: I used to put the thread into the hole of the needle without my spectacles, despite the dim light in which we worked. How do you explain that? And how do you explain the fact that I didn’t feel the allergy that I suffered – and still suffer- from? Because I cough severely from the slightest bit of dust. But that day, I was not affected by the dust of the chamber, or the sand flying into the air. As if sand was no longer sand, and as if the dust became a medicine for my ailment. I used to feel all during those nights that I was a young man, and that youthfulness had been given back to me.

Another strange thing happened to me whose secret I haven’t understood until today. We had to take out the old covering, and it was carried by whoever carried it. The embroidered band, 36 meters long, remained. I said to them wrap it and leave it. I went up to it, and despite my weakness, carried it over this shoulder. I went out of the Prophetic Chamber with it, without ever feeling its weight. But after that, they came with five young men to carry it from where I had put it down and they couldn’t.

The shaykh began to weep silently and continued, while sighing: Someone asked who carried it and brought it here. I replied saying: me. They didn’t believe me. I said to them: Ask Abd al-Rahim Bukhari, the famous calligrapher of the covering.

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[Source]

And may Allah continuously whelm the Messenger and his family with Salawaats, Peace, Blessings, and Light, until the day in which his brother Messenger, Isa son of Mary, is buried in that fourth empty grave of the Prophetic Chamber, and yet even after that, and forever.

Everything is Amazing… April 24, 2009

nobody is happy.
Watch it:

What do you talk about? April 16, 2009

I heard this story a couple of years ago in a class about different Muslim personalities in history, and I searched for it everywhere (the text) but could not find it. Our teacher had read the story in Urdu and did not know where to find the English text either…and of course everyone was probably too lazy to translate it. Am delighted to have finally come across it, and it’s all over the internet now. Interesting how it wasn’t two years ago! I hope everyone benefits from it.

SubhanAllah it really makes me think…what are all the things I say each day, out loud or under my breath, useless things, sinful things, not even stopping to think for a second what it is I’m saying, and that each word is being noted by the angels, to be replayed on the Day of Judgement.

This incident is narrated by Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (may Allah be pleased with him). He was a man of great learning and he lived in the era of the Abbasids. This incident reflects the love and attachment with the Noble Qur’an. It also manifests the comprehensiveness of the Noble Qur’an.

An elderly Arab lady was sitting by the trunk of a tree, on the way to Hajj. Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (may Allah be pleased with him) happened to pass that way. He was also heading for Hajj, and to the Sacred tomb of the Holy Prophet (SallAllahu alayhi wasallam). Seeing this lady in a state of distress, he spoke to her. The discussion is recorded as follows:

Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak: Assalamu Alaykum wa Rahmatullah.

The lady: “The word from a merciful Lord is Peace.” (Surah 36 Aayat 58).
She meant that the reply of salaam is from Allah, Most High, Himself.

She said further: “Those whom Allah sendeth astray, there is no guide for them.” (Surah 7 Aayat 186).

She meant that she had lost her way.

Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak: Where are you coming from?

The lady: “Glorified be He who carried His servant by night from the Masjid-al-Aqsa to the Masjid-al-Haraam.” (Surah17 Aayat 1).

She meant that she had come from Masjid-e-Aqsa.

Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak: How long are you in this place?

The lady: “For three nights” (Surah 19 Aayat 10).

Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak: What arrangements are made for your food?

The lady: “And Who (Allah) feedeth me and watereth me” (Surah 26 Aayat 79).

She meant that somehow or the other, her food is provided to her by Allah.

Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak: Is there any water for Wudhu?

The lady: “And ye find not water, then go to high clean soil and (make tayammum) rub your faces and hands.” (Surah 4 Aayat 43).

Shemeant that she makes tayammum, due to not finding water.

Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak: Here is some food. Partake of it.

The lady: “Strictly observe the fast till nightfall” (Surah 2 Aayat 187).

She indicated that she was fasting.

Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak: This is not the month of Ramadaan.

The lady: “And he who does good of his own accord, lo! Allah is Responsive, Aware”. (Surah 2 Aayat 158)

She meant that she was observing an optional (nafl) fast.

Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak: It is permitted to break the fast when in a journey.

The lady: “And that ye fast is better for you, if you did but know.” (Surah 2 Aayat 184)

Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak: Speak like how I speak.

The lady: “He (man) uttereth no word but there is with him an observer ready” (Surah 50 Aayat 18).

She meant that since every word of a person is observed and recorded, she is taking precaution by speaking only in the words of the Holy Qur’an.

Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak: Which clan do you belong to?

The lady: “Follow not that whereof thou hast no knowledge, lo! The hearing and the sight and heart of each of these it will be asked.” (Surah 17 Aayat 36).

She meant those things that you have no knowledge of, nor do they concern you, you are wasting your strength (senses) by enquiring about them.

Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak: Forgive me. I have certainly made a mistake.

The lady: “Have no fear this day. May Allah forgive you.” (Surah 12 Aayat 92)

Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak: Would you like to travel on my camel and meet your caravan?

The lady: “And whatsoever good ye do Allah knoweth it.” (Surah 2 Aayat 197).

She meant that if you will do this good deed, Allah will recompense you for it.

Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak: Well, then you may mount it.
Saying this he made the camel sit down.

The lady: “Tell the believing men (when confronted by women) to lower their gaze.” (Surah 24 Aayat 30).

Hadhrat Abdullah understood and looked away.

While she was mounting, the camel jerked and her clothes got entangled in the saddle and she proclaimed: “Whatever of misfortune striketh you, it is what your hands have earned.” (Surah 42 Aayat 30).

In other words she was drawing Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak’s (may Allah be pleased with him) attention towards this mishap.

Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak understood and he tied the legs of the camel and he straightened the straps of the saddle.

She applauded him for his proficiency and capability and she said: “And we made Sulaiman to understand” (Surah 21 Aayat 79).

When the journey was about to begin, the lady recited the Aayats which are read when undertaking a journey “Glorified be he who hath subdued these unto us, and we were not capable (of subduing them). And lo, unto our Lord we are returning.” (Surah 43 Aayat 13).

Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak held the bridle (or nose string) of the camel. He began to hum the Huddi, a famous Arabic song for travelling, and he started walking very fast.

The lady: “Be modest in thy bearing and subdue thy voice.” (Surah 31 Aayat 19).

Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak understood. He began walking slower and he lowered his voice.

The lady: “Recite of the Quran that which is easy for you.”

She meant that instead of humming the Huddi, he should rather recite the Holy Qur’an.

Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak began reciting the Holy Qur’an.

The lady became very pleased and she said: “But none remember (accept advice) except men of understanding.” (Surah 2 Aayat 269).

After reciting the Holy Quran for a while, Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak asked the lady if she had a husband (if he was alive) “O Aunt, have you a husband?”

The lady: “O you who believe, ask not of things which if they were made known unto you, would trouble you.” (Surah 5 Aayat 101).

She meant that no questions should be asked regarding this matter which most probably indicated that her husband had passed away.

Finally they caught up with the caravan.

Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak: Do you have any son or relative (friend) in this caravan who has connection with you?

The lady: “Wealth and children are an ornament of life of the world.”(Surah 18 Aayat 46).

She meant that her sons were with this caravan and they had provisions with them.

Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak: What work are your sons doing for the caravan?

The lady: “And landmarks, and by the star they find a way.” (Surah 16 Aayat 16).

She meant that they were guides for the caravan.

Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak: Can you tell me their name?

The lady: “Allah chose Ibrahim as (for) a friend” (Surah 4 Aayat 125).
And Allah spoke directly unto Musa.” (Surah 19 Aayat 12).

“O Yahya! Hold fast the Scripture.” (Surah19 Aayat 12)

By reciting these Aayats the lady informed him that her sons names were Ibrahim, Musa and Yahya.

Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA) called out these names in the caravan and immediately three young people came forward.

The lady: (addressing her children) “Now send one of you with this your silver coin unto the city. And let him see what food is purest there and bring you a supply thereof.” (Sura 18 Aayat 19)

In other words she instructed them to feed Hadhrat Abdullah.

When the food was brought, she told Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak: “Eat and drink at ease for that which ye sent on before you in the past days.” (Surah 69 Aayat 24), and with this Aayat she recited another Aayat, the object of which was to convey (show) her gratefulness to himfor his good conduct and courtesy. The Aayat was: “Is the reward of goodness aught save goodness?” (Surah 55 Aayat 60).

Their conversation terminated on this Aayat. The lady’s son informed Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak that his mother has been speaking in this manner, i.e. using only the Aayaat of the Holy Qur’an in her speech, for the last forty years.

Be Beautiful April 10, 2009

We sometimes forget about this aspect of Islam. Our Deen does not restrict us from being beautiful. It is narrated in Saheeh Muslim that the Prophet sall Allahu alayhi wa sallam said:
“Indeed Allah is Beautiful and loves beauty.”

Although we cannot see Allah, we can see the beauty He has created, all around us. We can feel the beauty of His attributes, of his bounties upon us. His Beautiful Names. We hope and pray to be able to see His beauty in Jannah inshaAllah, ameen. We will not want anything else.

Once we come towards Deen, some of us seem to think that we don’t need to take care of our appearance that much. We are so involved in our ‘Ibadah right? People should know that. This brings in arrogance. Then again, we might think that dressing up also indicates towards arrogance. Why not take a middle path? Make ourselves presentable without showing off. Being clean and respectable in our appearance is something that will attract others towards our beautiful Deen. A form of silent Da’wah.
Let us take a look at this Hadith too:

Malik bin Nazlah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated: I was sitting near Allah’s Messenger sall Allahu alayhi wa sallam and he saw my torn clothes and said, “Do you have wealth?” I said, “Yes, Ya RasulAllah, I have every kind of wealth.” Then Allah’s Messenger sall Allahu alayhi wa sallam replied, “When Allah has bestowed wealth upon you, its traces should be visible upon you.”

So we should make an effort when we are blessed by Allah with His bounties…but of course, being careful to make our intentions only for Allah and not for showing off or expecting compliments from people. And for women, within the limits set for us by Islam!

do something April 5, 2009

Sometimes I wish time would go faster, pass quickly and those are times that of course are not exactly happy times for me. But then I wonder, what would happen if I fast forward time whenever I wanted, and slowed it down whenever I wanted? Would it be fair? Would I be experiencing life as I should? Would I feel like I’m being tested and rewarded for doing sabr? The answer to all of these is No. I still should not go back to trying to sleep through the unpleasantness of life.
Make myself busy, that’s what I need to do.

Du’a. March 13, 2009

It’s such a sensational feeling when you forget, even for just a second, your surroundings and the people rushing about…and you perceive with your deepest senses that Allah is watching you now, at this very moment when you are thinking of Him…and you know that HE is listening to all that you are whispering to Him, all that you are begging Him for and knowing with a feeling of conviction that He will make things easier for you…
Such a beautiful connection.
فَٱذۡكُرُونِىٓ أَذۡكُرۡكُمۡ وَٱشۡڪُرُواْ لِى وَلَا تَكۡفُرُونِ
Then do ye remember Me; I will remember you. Be grateful to Me and reject not faith.
[Surah Al Baqarah:152]

Deceptive Appearance March 10, 2009

Some verses to ponder upon. I never actually understood them completely until I read this tafseer, alhamdulillah.

Surah Saud
Chapter 38: Verses 21-24

“Have you heard the story of the litigants who surmounted the walls of the sanctuary? When they went in to David, he was alarmed. They said: ‘Have no fear. We are but two litigants: one of us has wronged the other; so judge between us with justice, and do not be unfair. Show us the way to rectitude. This is my brother: he has ninety-nine ewes and I have only one ewe. Yet he said: “Let me take charge of her,” and has been hard on me in his speech.’ Said [David]: ‘He has certainly wronged you by demanding that your ewe be added to his ewes! Thus do many partners wrong one another, except for those who believe and do righteous deeds, but how few are they!’ Then David realized that We were only testing him. He prayed for his Lord’s forgiveness, fell down in prostration and turned to God in repentance.”
These verses tell of a test to which David, peace be upon him, was subjected. David used to devote some of his time to conducting the affairs of his kingdom and to judge in people’s disputes. The rest of his time he devoted to his worship, preferring seclusion when he sang his psalms. When he went into the sanctuary, no one was allowed in.
One day, David was surprised when he saw two people climbing over the wall into the sanctuary. He was alarmed. No good believer or trustworthy person would enter in this way. Therefore, they immediately tried to reassure him, saying that they were in dispute and wanted him to judge between them in fairness, showing the way to justice.
As stated by one of the disputants, the case is one of gross injustice that cannot be condoned. Hence, David immediately started to give his judgement without speaking to the other man or asking him to give his side of the story. Instead, he told the first man that the other had been unfair in his demands, and that many people behave in this way, except those who are good believers and do righteous deeds.
It seems that at this stage the two men disappeared. In fact, they were two angels who had come to test David, the prophet God had placed in a position of authority to judge between people in fairness, making sure who is right before passing judgement. They had put the case to him in a very sentimental way, one that invited immediate sympathy. However, a judge must not allow sentiment to take charge. He must not be hasty. Above all, he must not rely on the statement of one party, without allowing the other party to present his case and submit his evidence. Some aspects of the case, if not all of it, may then be seen in a different light. In other words, appearances can often be deceptive or incomplete.
Compiled From:
“In The Shade of The Quran” – Sayyid Qutb, Vol. 14, pp. 374-375

Signs for those who believe March 8, 2009

There are four liquids in the head: sweetness in the mouth that mixes well with food and drink; stickiness in the nose that prevents dust from entering; saltiness in the eyes that prevents dryness; and sourness in the ears that protects from insects. The Qur’an invites all to ponder:

‘On the earth are signs for those of assured Faith.
And also in your own selves. Will you not then see?‘ [Qur'an 51:20-21]

from:
Don’t Be Sad, Aaidh ibn Abdullah al-Qarni, pg. 329

two quotes to think about! March 5, 2009

When Allah created me, He did not consult my father, so why should I consult my father in order to serve Allah?
(Ali bin abi Talib, may Allah be pleased with him)

Knowledge is understanding that a tomato is a fruit.
Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
(Brian O’Driscoll, rugby player)

:)