... With A Saudi Accent

Local Shocks

2011-11-30T16:44:00.000+03:00

Last week this terrible fire took at a local school called Baraem Al Watan. The number of students and teachers that died is most probably higher than any figure that is reported. It is shocking to know that the emergency exits did not open and even more shocking to see that many had to jump out of windows. I have lived here long enough to know that in most cases safety standards are never met. [Have you seen the labourers working on shoddy scaffolding without any protective wear whatsoever?] What safety standards?

On Monday, this apartment building fire occurred locally, killing three siblings: a 20 year old, an 18 year old and an 8 year old!

These incidents and others have had me thinking about emergency situations that we and especially our children should be aware of and prepared for. We don't have fire escape staircases or anything like that. And dialling 997 for the fire brigade doesn't guarantee quick assistance either. In the case of the school, it took them too long to get there! And why didn't those fire exits open? These things need to be sorted out!

As well as first aid and drills, I worry that children are not taught what to do in certain situations, such as defending themselves if need be. So, in sha Allah we will be looking in to something, like a series of workshops dealing with these issues. I can't take credit for this idea though. It was mentioned to me a while ago by my brother.

Unfortunately, there was another incident that shocked me. Yesterday, someone very close to me, visited a Hajji in a Makkah hospital. He was told that the elderly pilgrim from abroad was in a coma and that his wife had to fly back to their home country within days. Relatives were trying to travel over to see him and make necessary arrangements but were not given visas to come to Saudi Arabia! The wife didn't know what to do and how to take her husband home. The visitor went over to see the Hajji and speak to the doctor and try to offer some information to the patient's family only to find that the pilgrim was brain-dead and on a life support machine. Doctors were waiting for approval from the family to switch it off! But doctors weren't the only ones waiting. A man approached the visitor and started talking to him about shari'ah compliant organ donation. He said that he was under the impression that this Hajji had no relatives here. So basically, vultures were just waiting to take what they could from this pilgrim's body! Subhan Allah!

Pilgrims and families of pilgrims, please be aware of these things and ensure that Hujjaaj have the contact details of near of kin on them at all times.

We should take as many precautions as we need to. Our children need to know what to do and be more streetwise too. But ultimately, protection is from Allah.

RE- POST: Eid Mubarak

2011-11-06T05:00:00.000+03:00

Takbeeraat of 'Eid from the Haramain and about five minutes in to the video you can hear the takbeeraat of the Hujjaaj on the days of tashreeq.

Sunan of 'Eid Al-Adha

The Prophet (sall Allahu alayhi wa sallam) used to do ghusl on the day of ‘Eid.

He (sall Allahu alayhi wa sallam) used to wear his most beautiful garments to go out to pray. For modesty reasons, the women should avoid adorning themselves when they go out for ‘Eid.

With regard to ‘Eid-ul-Adha, the Prophet (sall Allahu alayhi wa sallam) used not to eat anything until he came back from the place of prayer. He would eat some of the meat of his sacrifice. If a person is not planning to offer a sacrifice, then there is nothing wrong

with eating before the prayer.

And he (sall Allahu alayhi wa sallam) used to go out to the ‘Eid prayer walking and come back walking. He (sall Allahu alayhi wa sallam) used to vary his route on the day of ‘Eid.

He would go by one route and come back by another.

Another sunnah is to say the takbeerat “Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, laa ilaaha illAllah, wa Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, wa lillaah il-hamd (Allah is Most Great, Allah is most Great, there is no god but Allah, Allah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great, and to Allah be praise)” when coming out of one’s house to the prayer place and until the imam comes.

The Prophet (sall Allahu alayhi wa sallam) used to offer the ‘Eid prayers in the prayer-place (musalla).

He (sall Allahu alayhi wa sallam) did not offer any prayer in the prayer-place before or after the ‘Eid prayer.

The ‘Eid prayer does not consist of an adhaan or an iqaamah.

The Prophet (sall Allahu alayhi wa sallam) would start with the prayer before thekhutbah.

There are seven takbeerat in the first raka’h and five takbeerat in the second raka’h of ‘Eid prayer (Tirmidhi).

The khutbah after the ‘Eid prayer is optional. Abu Dawood narrated that ‘Abdullah ibn al-Saa’ib said: “I attended ‘Eid (prayer) with the Messenger of Allah (sall Allahu alayhi wa sallam), and when he had finished the prayer he said: ‘We are going to deliver the khutbah, so whoever wants to sit and listen to the khutbah, let him do so, and whoever wants to leave, let him go.’”

Exchange du’a, congratulations or good wishes with the people at the end of thekhutbah. Examples include: Taqabbal Allah minna wa minkum (May Allah accept (good deeds) from us and from you) or “Eid Mubarak” and other permissible expressions of congratulations.

The Days of Tashreeq: The days of Tashreeq are the 11^th, 12^th and 13^th of Dhul Hijjah. The Prophet (sall Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said concerning the days of Tashreeq: “They are days of eating, drinking and remembering Allah.” It is recommended to remember Allah immediately after the prescribed prayers by reciting the takbeerat. This is prescribed until the end of the days of Tashreeq according to the majority of scholars.

Taqabbal Allahu minnaa wa minkum!

ETA: Amazing 'Eid Al Adha pictures from Al Jazeera.

'Arafah 2011 - 1432

2011-11-05T17:30:00.000+03:00

Source

Abu Qatadah reported that the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) said, "Fasting on the day of 'Arafah is an expiation for two years, the year preceding it and the year following it. Fasting the day of 'Ashurah is an expiation for the year preceding it." [This is related by "the group," except for al-Bukhari and at-Tirmidhi]

People have come from near and far. Some have used their life savings to make this journey of a lifetime. As we watched the khutbah from Namirah Mosque by Shaykh Aal Al Shaikh, I talked to the children about the greatness of this day. Like yawm al qiyaamah on a much smaller scale people are gathered. People from all over the world, all colours, all backgrounds and none of that matters. The only thing that matters is their belief in Allah, the One and Only.

The other day I posted about Abu Talhah Dawood Burbank and his wife and today I felt relief regarding their deaths and those that day on Hajj, in Ihram.

Narrated Ibn Abbas: While a man was at 'Arafat (for hajj) with Allah's Apostle the fell down from his Mount and broke his neck (and died). So Allah's Apostle said, "Wash him with water and Sidr and shroud him in two pieces of cloth and neither perfume him nor cover his head, for Allah will resurrect him on the Day of Resurrection and he will be saying 'Labbaik." (Bukhari)

May Allah accept the Hajj of those that are striving to complete it this year. And may Allah accept all of our prayers, fasting, charity and supplication.

Hajj 1432 Photo Gallery

Hajj Links 2011

2011-11-03T10:45:00.000+03:00

As friends and family and so many Muslims from near and far prepare for the journey of a life time, here are a few Hajj and Dhul Hijjah related links that I hope to add to in the next few days in sha Allah.

Source

Last year Umm Ibrahim gave us her beautiful live picture posts of the Hajj.

Last year's Hajj thoughts here, here and here.

Khutbah on the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah.

Mina 2011 - 1432

Hajj information and a photo gallery

The Day of 'Arafah.

If you haven't signed up to the mailing list at Productive Muslim, do and get the Hajj Productivity Series direct to your inbox.

Hajj adab series comic strip. It's really good and funny too!

Activities for children:

Hajj Bulletin Board

Hajj Lapbook

Lots of Hajj activities

In these blessed days

2011-11-03T02:27:00.003+03:00

A couple flew over to Jeddah from Birmingham, UK. The next day, they were on their way to House of Allah as a part of their Hajj. They were in Ihraam. The bus they were in caught fire and exploded. They were killed. He was a man who had studied and worked for the Deen of Allah, having translated numerous texts. The janaaza was performed this morning after Fajr at al Masjid al Haram.

The accident has been reported in a number of newspapers. Here is the Arab News article. Read more about Abu Talhah here and here is Umm Maimoonah's beautiful post about their death.

May Allah grant them Jannatul Firdaws and bless his family with patience. And may this incident be a reminder for all of us.

Verily to Allah we belong and to Him we shall return.

Dhul Hijjah 1432

2011-10-28T12:56:00.003+03:00

Today is the first day of Dhul Hijjah announced here in Saudi Arabia. The first day of 'Eid al Adha will correspond to the 6th of November 2011 in sha Allah. Most pilgrims are already here preparing for the Hajj. May Allah accept their deeds and worship and make it go smoothly for them.

Source

Again a quick reminder of what to do:

1. Fasting

2. Takbeer, Tahmeed, Tahleel and Tasbeeh
Takbeer is saying "Allahu Akbar", Tahmeed is saying "Alhamdulillah", Tahleel is saying "La ilaaha illallah" and Tasbeeh is saying "Subhaan Allah". The Prophet sall Allahu alayhi wasallam said, "There are no days greater in the Sight of Allah and in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Him than these ten days. So during this time recite a great deal of Tahleel, Takbeer and Tahmeed." (Ahmed)

This is a sunnah which is not as common these days but we should bear in mind that theProphet Muhammad sall Allahu alayhi wasallam said, "Whoever revives an aspect of my Sunnah that is forgotten after my death, he will have a reward equivalent to that of the people who follow him, without it detracting in the least from their reward ." (At-Tirmidhi).

3. Performing Hajj and 'Umrah
Prophet Muhammad sall Allahu alayhi wasallam said, " An accepted Hajj brings no less a reward than Paradise ."

4. More good deeds in general
For example: more sunnah and nawaafil prayers, reading Qur'an, giving charity, the list is endless!

5. Sacrifice
Prophet Muhammad sall Allahu alayhi wasallam said, "When you see the new moon of Dhu'l-Hijjah, if any one of you wants to offer a sacrifice, then he should stop cutting his hair and nails until he has offered his sacrifice."

6. Sincere Repentance
Asking Allah to forgive us, refraining from sin, giving charity or doing extra nawaafil

In other Saudi news, after the death of Crowned Prince Sultan (may Allah have mercy on him), it has been announced that Interior Minister Prince Naif will take his place.

There's a new rule in town.

2011-10-17T11:47:00.001+03:00

If your job description fits one of a couple of profession types, you have to register with the relevant professional council here in Saudi Arabia.

Why? It seems to be a form of validation or sifting out those that are not properly qualified for their positions.
Who? All expatriate workers in Saudi Arabia that (currently) hold positions as doctors or engineers.
What happens if I don't? It's a final exit for you then!
How? You would be told to register online. Before you start thinking, "Wow! This'll be a simple procedure. A few clicks and I'm done." Think again! You are in Saudi Arabia. Most procedures are not simple. But smile anyway!

When you want to put in an application to register, you will be asked for all of your documents, certificates and possibly even transcripts. Some to and fro-ing of emails may ensue until you are told that your qualifications will not be accepted as they were attained too quickly! A bachelors degree in the UK takes three years and a masters an additional year. This is not considered normal here! Anyway, some higher up/authority-type figure may then decide that it's not legit and send you packing. You might at this stage opt for the Vitamin O/W option, otherwise known as "wasta" or "It's not what you know, it's who you know that matters." Some of us might not go for this option which means, break out the Panadol Extra, huge headaches to follow. Well, to cut a long story short, someone might be ~~lazy~~ kind enough to say "go on then, here you are". You celebrate. Hooray, all that studying you did years ago in a European university has finally been validated by the Saudi authorities! You can finally get your new iqama (work permit). You can finally have access to your money in your bank account (of course as soon as your old iqama ran out, your accounts were frozen). Your wife can finally cash her paycheck. Your kids won't be sent home from school because they don't have valid iqamas and are considered illegal. You can finally get your new internet connection sorted out and make any other purchases you need to that involves more than the corner shop (or bagaalah). Hold on! Celebrations come to a grinding halt! You've just realised that you need a couple of thousand riyals to pay for this "qualification validation". But you can't withdraw any money until you get your iqaama. You can't get your iqaama until your registration with the council is complete. You can't do that without the payment. *sigh* You forgot where you were. Nothing is usually simple.

Ok, you borrow some money and eventually it's all done. Alhamdulillah. Then the new iqaamas come back with such HUGE spelling mistakes, in Arabic, that the school says "Sorry, we can't accept these. You need to send these back and get them corrected." !!!

Story so far: The iqaamas have to be sent back a second time because only some mistakes were corrected the first time they were sent back!

Do share your Saudi Council registration stories or even your iqaama renewal stories here. Any tips will most definitely be appreciated!

Before it's too late

2011-09-20T22:36:00.000+03:00

About two years ago, I visited a former school mate. Her father had passed away. I blogged about it here. I thought I would keep in touch with her. A year later, I hadn't but I saw her mother after quite a few years. The same lively lady, an active soul, now a widow, but just as inspiring as before. She was always talking about her beliefs and a well-known figure in the community. I asked her about parenting tips and she told me to open all lines of communication. She told me to be the one that my children felt like talking to about any of their kid and teen woes. Even the not so good issues that they might face. She gave us all practical tips about dealing with technology in our homes, like making computer space, a central space and knowing what our children are doing online. She encouraged us to strike a balance between monitoring them and trusting them. She made my eyes well up with tears when she spoke about Allah and the Hereafter. So many points struck a chord with me. She made me laugh too. I really got to know her on a Hajj trip. Thirteen years ago. Last week I saw her in a condition that I wouldn't wish to see anyone in. Four days later, I saw her daughter once again. Once again, mourning the loss of a parent.

Innaa lillaahi wa innaa ilayhi raaji-oon.

To Allah we belong and to Him we shall return.

I know the community has lost someone special. But what about the children? They have no parent left.
My friend, she is a strong one ma sha Allah. I can't imagine what she is feeling, but she is a patient one.

I always intend to be a better daughter. I always want to. I don't do all the things I want to do, I hope my parents can forgive me. Three other friends of mine lost a parent recently, and they all said similar things. Spend time with them while you can. Hug them while you can, We don't know how long either of us will be here.

O Allah let me aim to fulfil my obligation to them even though I know I never can, for I am forever indebted to them.

Your House

2011-08-26T15:42:00.000+03:00

We visited Your House. They tell us not to. "There are too many guests". But how could we not? It was hot. Our lips were dry and throats parched. We could not drink your cool, sweet water. Not until the sun, Your sun, had set. We walked in circles and thought, and asked and begged for so many things from You. A uniformed guard sprayed water from a bottle to those nearby in the hopes that it would bring them some relief. A lady could not walk, so she crawled in submission to You. Servants gather from all over the world and beseech You in various languages. It is amazing. People handed out dates and coffee to passers by. We sat on the floor as our thirsts were quenched and our veins were moistened and the call to prayer resonated around us. The rituals were complete and we, the children of Adam, saw to a basic need, of food and water, that for so many of us, is a luxury. Later, we were called to stand once again. The lines formed and flooded out of Your House spilling on the streets and surrounding areas. We stood beneath the cooler, night sky. Tired. Happy. Eager. Ashamed. In hope of Your Mercy.

source

And Allah is the All-Knowing.

The Last Ten Nights

2011-08-20T11:33:00.000+03:00

I said this last year!

It seems as though Ramadan just started! But today is the 20th day of fasting and tonight will be the 21st night in sha Allah. I had intended to post more than I have, but that was not meant to be. The children have been fasting and I had hoped to do a little more with them but again qaddar Allahu ma sha fa'al. Sometimes we have to deal with the unexpected but Alhamdulillah in that there are lessons to be learnt, reward to be earned, patience to be practised and the pleasure of Allah to be sought! With the last 10 nights upon us, it's not too late to make changes and to gain from this beautiful month.

It is reported from the mother of the believers, 'Aishah radhiya Allahu `anha, that she said: "O Messenger of Allah! What if I knew which night Lailatul-Qadr was, then what should I say in it?" He said - "Say:

اللهم إنك عفو تحب العفو فاعف عني

Allaahumma innaka 'afuwwun tuhibbul 'afu fa'fu 'anee.

"O Allaah You are The One Who pardons greatly, and loves to pardon, so pardon me." [At-Tirmithi and Ibn Majah with a Sahih Isnad]

Here is a good link about the sunan of the last ten nights of Ramadan.

Edited to add: Something that you might find helpful in organising your days and making the most of the last 10 nights - Ramadan Taskinator

Our Offspring!

2011-08-19T15:31:00.000+03:00

We all know that Ramadan is the month of Qur'an. The Qur'an was revealed in it. We read it during the month. Do you get to ponder over the verses though? I mean really contemplate over them. Here's something that really got me thinking especially about my role and responsibility as a parent.

And on the flip side:

"And your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him. And that you be dutiful to your parents. If one of them or both of them attain old age in your life, say not them a word of disrespect ['uff'], nor reprimand them but address them in terms of honour. And lower unto them the wing of submission and humility through mercy, and say: 'My Lord! Bestow on them Your mercy as they did bring me up when I was young.'"
Suratul Israa':23-24

REMINDER: Today is the 19th of Ramadan, so the 20th night is tonight in sha Allah.

near the half way mark

2011-08-14T13:14:00.001+03:00

I don't know how it has just flown by but we're nearly half way through Ramadan. This year, I wasn't ready for it mentally. Circumstances were such. So I was playing catch up during the first few days. And here we are now, the first two weeks nearly over!

We're trying to be healthier this year with a couple of exceptions. We are opting for slow digesting meals for suhoor and I think they really help. Some of the things we've had: Foul (for the foul lovers), porridge (with real oats!) and a caramel sauce to make it a bit special, fruit salad and yogurt and millet pancakes with fruit. Smoothies are a hit, served with a sandwich. One favourite this year is a milk, banana, date and almond smoothie. Ma sha Allah. You blend it all up with some ice and a sprinkle of cinnamon. It's light yet energising. It tastes just as good without the bananas. Heni has a recipe. I just add almonds and a little cinnamon. I would never have thought to do that if I hadn't seen Heni's version!

My photos are ridiculous as I don't have an LCD on my digital camera and I aim somehow, click and hope, with no way of zooming in or out or changing any of the settings!

But my absolute favourite suhoor has got to be a bowl of cereal. A really, nourishing, wholesome one. It does the job and reminds of me waking up earlier than usual (a lot earlier than usual) and finding bowls, spoons, milk and cereal set on the table for us, by my Dad (Allah yahfadhuh), back when I was younger. Back when I was too dumb to appreciate these things!

So of course, there is iftar to discuss. It is a bit lighter this year and it is SO much better. We have soup, salad and/or fruit salad, one snacky, iftary kind of thing (ie. samosa, spring roll, tuna puffs) and those usually deep-fried snacks are much better brushed with a little oil and baked. The soup has worked it's way in to my life (by way of marriage I suppose) and its being a must at the table is now well an truly a family tradition! We love homemade fruit juices, cocktails and smoothies and possibly a light refreshing, sweet treat later on.

Yep, we had 3 extra kids round ... that always makes iftar special!

We try and make Ramadan a bit special especially for fasting children and we might even form family traditions along the way. We gather to eat together but you know Ramadan is not all about food.

I'm so happy about:
Itto's school - There's a SISTERS magazine article about it too
Excellent tips at Productive Ramadan
View Masjid Al Haram in Makkah live here.

I'm so upset about:
The East African drought - donate!
The London riots - I don't know what's going on in my home city! It's a mess! Please take care if you are there.

Ramadan ...

2011-08-05T22:35:00.002+03:00

... is here! And yes, so am I! After a break away from home, in the Far East ma sha Allah and being out of sorts upon returning home, I'm finally able to bring myself to blog. Ramadan is here for us to gain from, to make use of, to recharge our souls, to improve our relationship with our Lord, with ourselves and those around us. This is hitting home to me more this year than it usually does. Last year, I collected up my favourite Ramadan links. This year, I've done the same. There are some old ones (I've tried to make sure that there are no dead links) and some new ones!

Abu Hurayrah radi Allahu 'anhu related that the Prophet sall Allahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: Whoever fasts during Ramadan with faith and seeking his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven. Whoever prays during the nights in Ramadan with faith and seeking his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven. And he who passes Lailat al-Qadr in prayer with faith and seeking his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven.[Bukhari, Muslim]

Lots of information on Ramadan and how to make the most of it:

Productive Ramadan - I LOVE this one! Ma sha Allah! Excellent ebook to download too!
Outstanding Ramadan E-Book (FREE download) - lots of inspiration
The ARK - Al Baseerah magazine downloads covering Ramadan
Ramadan Is A Witness For You Or Against You
The Psychological Benefits of Fasting
The Heart Wheel Journal by Muhammad Al Shareef (FREE download) - For any time of the year but especially good for Ramadan
Ramadan Resolutions
30 Days of Ramadan Challenge - Jessy has these great little, encouraging posts nearly every day
A Woman's Guide to Spirituality in Ramadan - for those days off

If you want to get creative this Ramadan (with or without the kids!):

Creative Muslim Family - Lovely illustrations and downloadables too. It's in German but Google Translate will help you out!
Joy of Ramadan - Beautiful crafts and da'wah ideas.
Live Love Learn - The latest creative antics of this wonderful pair ma sha Allah.
Suhoor Placemat
Ramadan Journal - I love this idea and I think it can be adapted to an adult version too!
And lots more Ramadan lessons an activities for kids here
Lots of craft ideas at Handmade Beginnings
An excellent Free Ramadan Interactive Notebook by TJ
Umm Maimoonah has some great homeschooling activities like this for Ramadan.

Lots of kitchen creativity:

A Thousand and One Bites - good old down-to-earth culinary ideas ma sha Allah and now especially with Ramadan in mind.
Simplicity's Table By The Sea - Lots and lots of Ramadan meal ideas from the Mediterranean

Do you have any Ramadan links to share?

Naturally, too!

2011-07-07T09:00:00.000+03:00

Following from a previous post, here are some more natural remedies that we use.

Ginger
Boil it in a cup and water and then simmer to let it brew. Add honey and sip. It's great for throat ailments and a pinch of black pepper with it is great too!

Vinegar
Add a tablespoon in a cup of hot water. It might be hard to swallow but it is also brilliant for killing bacteria in the throat.

Olive Oil
A favourite! Apart from drizzling it in salad and dipping bread in it, you can drink it by the teaspoon. Mixed with honey, I found it a great help for asthma-related wheeziness. I'm rubbing it on my son's skin to help with the eczema in sha Allah. He can't use normal soap and this kind of soap seems to work well.

It's all go!

2011-07-07T08:00:00.002+03:00

We will be going away for a little while in sha Allah!

Photo source

We will be here and really looking forward to it in sha Allah!

Some things that might help us as we're travelling with quite a few kids:

Easily transportable activities for the kids
ID tags
Printout of relevant du'aas
Organised packing (still to do!)
A first aid bag (with plenty of mosquito repellent and sun screen)
Snacks
An organised itinerary (done for us by someone cool)

Anything else? Are you going anywhere?

Let me leave you with the du'a of the traveller for the resident

أستودعكم الله الذي لا ثضيع و دائعه

Astawdi'ukum Allah alladhee laa taDee'u wa daa-i'uh.

I place you in the trust of Allah, whose trust is never misplaced.

And here's some brilliant writing ma sha Allah.
From Tuesday

Oats (the proper kind)

2011-07-06T09:00:00.000+03:00

Don’t you hate being conned? That horrible feeling in the pit of your stomach, when realisation sets in. Realisation that you have been taken for a ride. I feel that way when I have my breakfast. It’s not that I was ripped off when I bought my last packet of cereal (although that does happen sometimes). I’ve only recently realised what I’d been missing every time I’d eaten porridge made of rolled oats. I’d been missing out on the real deal. Yes, real porridge! Made with whole oats or even steel cut oats. If your relationship with porridge has always been a sticky and lumpy one, try the good stuff. It takes porridge to another level!

Note: If you're in Jeddah, buying it at a supermarket, you will probably still get ripped off! By it at a mill for a fraction of the cost!

I don't have a sister ...

2011-07-05T06:08:00.000+03:00

I could moan about how I missed out on girly chats and sharing secrets and other things that sisters might do. But I won’t. I don’t feel like I missed out on anything. Throughout my childhood I had a brother who was my partner in crime, an aunt who was more like a sister, a bunch of cousins, later a baby brother joined us and I had a bunch of friends. But as one gets older and so many facets shift, one moves, one gets married, one ends up on the other side of the globe, all kinds of changes occur. Different people enter our lives.

There is a person in my life. She is very quiet. She is not the type to draw attention to herself or to show off about something she has clearly outdone others in. When I get frustrated with the stubbornness of a pre-teen, she steps in quietly, almost unnoticed, and calms the situation down. Without my knowing, she speaks gently and proffers solutions. She gets results and everyone is happy. My girls can talk to her and I love hearing their muffled speech from another room. I don’t need to know what they’re talking about. It’s enough to know they are talking to her. She wipes tears and pulls out her sewing machine to fix those fabric flaws. Yes, she is a creative type. And even if her suggestions don’t pan out, she will always try. She is a beautiful one ma sha Allah. We don’t share blood, but she is my sister.

Is there someone like her in your life? I hope so.

Mosques

2011-05-18T08:33:00.000+03:00

I've always been interested in architecture and love taking pictures of new building designs. Here, in Jeddah, there are so many unusual, beautiful and strange home designs ma sha Allah. There are so many mosque designs too! Have a look!

Lonely Am I

2011-05-10T08:35:00.000+03:00

Surrounded me they did

With hugs and mabrook

Was a day overwhelming

As I stood there and shook

Uttering foreign words

Caused a stir in me

Tears flowed from my eyes

Effortlessly

Was five years ago today

That I embraced this deen

I long for the company I had

Tis now a fading dream

The sisters disappeared

The hugs were no more

Ramadan: I ate alone

It hurt to my very core

My family felt shame

And so abandoned me

I cried so many tears

To my sisters I would flee

"5 years, you should be strong now!"

Naseeha they gave

5 years of isolation

Like sitting in a cave

It's been hard to carry on

I await a 'Salam' - a 'how are you' on the phone

New muslim novelty has gone

And so now, I am alone

I do adore my Allah, my Islam

My faith is certain; Don't you see?

But lonely am I

In this beautiul deen

Anonymous Revert Sister

Please share and support SOLACE today

www.solaceuk.org

info@solaceuk.org

If you are in London ...

(Click on poster to enlarge)

Weekend Action

2011-05-09T13:13:00.000+03:00

I love that there are days where we roll in to deep slumber at night, after fun-filled days with family or friends. The weekend before last was like that. It kicked off with a Pyjama Party. We don't do these often enough, do you? There's no need for fancy food. Pizza and popcorn will do, as long as you have great company, you can just roll with it! A wii and a favourite cartoon movie help too. Of course it was a PJ party with kids! Until they fell asleep, that is.

The next day we got together with friends at an Istiraha. Book one when you can and you have a private space for swimming, playing games, eating, having henna done, whatever you like!

Then of course there was the wedding.

That was about ten days ago and somehow it happened again last weekend. It started with having pre-teen school friends over, where Mum ensures that there's food and then does her own thing. And we got to go to an istiraha again with great company, a generous host, plenty of food, beautiful horses, lovely face-painting and a cool, refreshing swimming pool! Ma sha Allah! It involved some crafting on my part and some beautiful work by other mums!

Seeing the little people tired but happy makes it all worth it!

Naturally

2011-04-23T16:32:00.000+03:00

I do love the idea of going "au naturel" when it comes to health. I try and avoid antibiotics as much as possible and definitely stay away from steroidal creams for my son's eczema. I've been ill lately and thinking a lot about boosting my immune system and that of my family. One major issue for me is sleep. I don't think that I sleep enough. I mean full on, nighttime sleep. It is an issue that I need to address as part of a personal, ongoing health boost, combined with exercise and good diet. Speaking of which, I showed parts of this TED talk to my children, who were quite shocked. It was a great discussion starter too ma sha Allah.

Going back to the lurgies, when they do strike, we try opting for home remedies as much as possible.

And a key player in our efforts would have to be honey.

This is the good stuff. The real deal. And it tastes almost like fudge!

To deal with the 'flu or coughs and colds, turmeric in warm milk, with a bit of honey is brilliant. Turmeric with water is great for phlegmy coughs and roasting some ajwain seeds first and then adding the milk and turmeric is great for getting rid of coughs too!

Tisana or Lemon Verbena is the best for many stomach ailments. Brewed as a tea and sipped with honey, it's also something the kids don't mind drinking.

There are great healing properties in natural salts.

For general health and for my son's eczema in particular we are doing hijaama or cupping. It's wonderful and from the sunnah of Rasool Allah sall Allahu 'alayhi wa sallam. In my family, sometimes it's like a hijaama party with everyone queueing up to have it done!

And speaking of eczema ... linseeds! Or flax seeds, depending on where you're from. I'm putting it in pizza dough, sprinkling it over food and ensuring that he gets enough of it. Linseed oil is the main ingredient in Omega 3, 6 and 9 supplements which are great for eczema. We're trying to "moisturise his body from the inside" and out in sha Allah!

For lots of great health tips and articles visit Healthy Muslim.

Abu Hurayra reported that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "A Muslim does not encounter fatigue, tiredness, concern, sorrow, injury or grief, or even a thorn which pricks him without Allah expiating his errors for him by that."
Related by Bukhari

May Allah keep you healthy if you are well and bless you with shifaa if you are not.

A Week Off

2011-04-16T12:34:00.001+03:00

... for them. Not me! Yes, the kids and even Dad were off last week. It was one very busy week! We were grateful to have my mum back in one piece after an emergency stop in Rome, on her way back from London. It turned out to be a false alarm. Alhamdulillah.

The kids had a bunch of things going on, including a trip to Happy Land with friends and another Jeddah Homeschoolers' Network Culture Day. This time it was on Asia and Australasia.

And I received this lovely gift all the way from Malaysia.

What a beautiful verse too. I had taken part in a little Gems Swapping organised by Sketched Soul. And what I've gained more than a gift, is a friend that I hope to meet some time soon in sha Allah! I have posted what I sent out, on the other blog as it's all crafty!

Now, I need to get back to some obligatory resting due to this-time-of-the-year 'flu plus over-doing-things.

GO!

2011-04-06T22:23:00.001+03:00

Sometimes activities in life can be like the London buses: You wait and wait for them and then they all come in one go.

This week has been a busy one. Sandwiched between two full working days was a fun Monday of lunch with friends

and bowling with the kids (and more friends)!

That was us at number 14, where my first-born did so well on her very first go ma sha Allah! Oh we had a ball!

And I'll leave you with this:

I just can't get over how it's still "original"!

A Trip to the Beach

2011-03-27T07:00:00.002+03:00

Not far from Jeddah, is this little place,

a new university town,

with unusual architecture,

and a creek,

for all to swim in,

even jelly fish,

and where the coastguards can get everyone back to shore, by mentioning casually,

"Oh, there's a shark."

*Nobody was harmed in the making of this blog post.

On the contrary, a lot of fun was had by all!

Sharing

2011-03-23T19:41:00.000+03:00

The other day I watched this excellent TED Talk by Daniel Pink, that a friend had told me about. It's all about MOTIVATION!!! Do watch! I found it very insightful. Pink talks about intrinsic motivation (the kind that comes from within) and how solely financial reward narrows our focus and therefore, performance. I could relate to it personally, but I feel I need to keep reflecting on it when dealing with students and most importantly, my children. I've never been keen on financially rewarding them for helping around at home anyway!

A while ago, fellow bloggers Nadia (she blogs in Finnish - isn't that amazing?) and Blue Pearl (my blog sister in Qatar) sent these awards my way.

I never know how to respond to an award or tag. I think that's why I put off posting them. I don't know how stylish or versatile I am, if at all. But it's a nice reminder that there is a community out there on the blogosphere. They certainly love to share!!! Speaking of which, I realised that my friend at Little Moments sent me this some time last year!!!

Didn't I say I put off dealing with them?!

Now for a small combo-type list:

Seeing and hearing my children playing together happily, makes me happy - It doesn't happen as often as I'd like it to!
Being by the sea makes me happy.
I use tins of tomatoes as weights. Seriously.
I learn about Saudi culture (and recently Brazilian too) from my students.
As much I embrace modern technology, I do not want a smart phone of any kind. Right now!

And a combo-type tag (i.e. pick an award, OR go on, pick 'em all) of a mixed bag of blogs (There are so many but these are ones that I haven't mentioned or mentioned much before!):

Aisha Iqbal
Chocolate Mints in a Jar
The Secret Life of Bees. Knees
Mummy in Provence

Do you blog? Pick an award and join in. You don't blog? Join in, in the comments section. What makes you happy? Are you stylish? Versatile? Or just strange???

I joke.

But on a more serious note, let me also share one of my favourite ahadeeth:

Rasul Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “Islam initiated as something strange, and it will revert to its (old position) of being strange. So, glad tidings to the stranger!” [Muslim]

Corniche Walk

2011-03-12T09:00:00.002+03:00

There is now a nice, long, pedestrianised path (running parallel to the Cornich but behind the hotels) especially made for walkers! This is Jeddah. This is a big thing, in my opinion. The average Jeddawi, doesn't walk that much, unless they're malling. The King Fahd walkway is a good thing.

But walking by the sea rocks my boat. Do excuse the pun!

There's nothing like watching the sun melt in to the sea.

'Umrah groups are visible now that visas have re-started after Hajj.

Still Here - Again

2011-03-11T13:30:00.001+03:00

I'm sure I've said "still here ... never mind ... haven't gone anywhere" and it might even seem arrogant, that I think you're all waiting to hear from me. That I have newsworthy blog posts to share. I don't. It's the same old same old. But it's all good alhamdulillah. Having said that, I do appreciate the messages of concern that I've received from some of you!

So in good old-fashioned blog style, a good old-fashioned list of goings on:

The kids had their Mixed Martial Arts demonstration! Ma sha Allah, it was great to see what they'd learnt and they happily received medals, certificates, gifts AND CDs of their performances! No, I'm not being biased just because coach and assistant coach are my brothers!

We had family over, and talked and laughed and caught up and went out (even all the way to Madinah!)

The kids had more fun with their cousins, the learning kind of fun!

We got ill. But illness is a purification alhamdulillah.

But we went back to the sea because when the weather is that way, you just can't NOT go!

King Abdullah came back after treatment abroad. Saudi Arabia celebrated. No work or school!

Lots of things happened and are continuing to happen in surrounding countries. And friends in far away places have been affected by natural disasters. Which makes me think of how ignorance makes me magnify the small and insignificant.

I pray for the best and hope you are all well!

ETA: I've just seen this shocking alert on Google:

Tsunami Alert for New Zealand, the Philippines, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Hawaii, and others. Waves expected over the next few hours, caused by 8.9 earthquake in Japan.

May Allah protect those that may be affected by this!

More Rain

2011-01-29T12:16:00.000+03:00

Yes. More.

King Abdullah Road

Photo source unknown

More than the 2009 flash floods.

Our car broke down on Wednesday, after water seeped in, in one of the least affected areas of Jeddah! Some kind people volunteered to push the car to a raised petrol station and we started walking to our destination. We reached a set of traffic lights where policemen stood with their trousers rolled up to the knees, as they cautioned other pedestrians and drivers. Chunks of road were missing! My brothers tried to reach us but someone else stopped to give us a ride. I watched as others tried to make their way home or to work as the adhaan for Maghrib was called. I was home (at my parents') soon after. But many others didn't make it home so easily. Other areas of Jeddah have been very badly affected. So many little children got home from school in the early hours of the morning! The south seems to be the worst. I had an appointment there today which was postponed but I found that taxis just won't go there anyway!

If you can help at the Al Harthy Exhibition Centre, please do. Today (Saturday) they seem to have many volunteers ma sha Allah, but not enough supplies!

This is a message from the organisers:

Dear Friends,

Harithy exhibition center is open now for volunteers & for donations. It will be open everyday from 9am-9pm till further notice.

address + Map located on the website: http://www.acexpos.com/company/venue/by-road/index.php

We've been there all day today, and hamdilla things moved smoothly so PLZ join us tomorrow (but dont come empty handed, plz bring supplies w/you: food, blankets, clothes, medication, water, juices, etc, anything that can befit the families that have been harmed, every little thing matters)

Ladies are needed for buying, receiving, sorting & packing the donations in the exhibition center and Guys with cars 4X4 are needed on the field.

Gentlemen are asked to be there at 9am sharp tomorrow morning to register and be assigned to his group to head out to a specific area for on the group support.

Ladies & Gentlemen, plz dont forget to register once you enter, we wanna keep track of everyone :)

For further info plz call

0544477105 Maha Taher - Information center

0541639486 تنسيق عمليات – موارد مالية –ادارة عمليات رشا حفظي
0504318316 عميات وتنسيق فرق ميدانية واغاثة – احمد رميخاني

0506020633 اتصالات وتحويل نداءات الاحتجاز – ارام قباني

0564229828 عمليات ونقل محتجزين – منطقة ام الخير – محمد مدني

0507379468 عمليات ونقل محتجزين – بجوار الغرفة التجارية – امين خفاجي

05666934448 تنظيم طرق وجمع متطوعين لتنظيم الطرق – عامر احمد

050682747 احتجازات حي النخيل وتنظيم الطرق- جميل فلاتة

0590010464 تنسيق ايواء – هالة العيتاني

والمسوؤلة عن المتطوعين فاطمة مصلي0504314496

Have a look at this photo gallery of the Jeddah 2011 floods.

Floods have hit many countries this year. Australia is one of them. If you crochet, perhaps you'd like to join in here.

*Wishing the Egyptians well!

With weather like this ...

2011-01-16T22:23:00.000+03:00

... after the rain

when there is no school or work

and Jeddah roads are still a little wet

but the Highway is dry

what does one do?

Makkah without crowds or heat (it actually felt cold)! Beautiful ma sha Allah!

This morning ...

2011-01-14T23:00:00.001+03:00

... the heavy, grey clouds came out again. And now, it's raining quite heavily.

This is how we ended 2010 here in Jeddah ...

All of this after less than 2 hours of rain. The water has nowhere to go!

Some areas were very badly affected.

And many parts of Jeddah came to a standstill.

Trees were uprooted due to strong winds.

This is just around the corner from us. Two weeks on and the tree has been cut to unblock the road, but the vehicle and the rest of the tree remain.

Memories of the 2009 flash floods were still quite fresh for many.

As I type this, I can hear the rain gushing down with the ocassional roar of thunder and flash of lightening.

When it rains:

اللهم صيبا نافعا

Allaahumma sayyiban naafi'an.

O Allah, may it be a beneficial rain cloud.

After rainfall:

مطرنا بفضل الله و رحمته

Mutirnaa bi fadhlillaahi wa rahmatih.

We have been given rain by the grace and mercy of Allah.

Upon hearing thunder:

سبحان الذي يسبح الرعد بحمده و الملائكة من خيفته

Subhaanalladhi yusabihur ra'adu bi hamdihi wal malaa-ikatu min kheefatih.

How perfect He is, (The One) Whom the thunder declares His perfection with His praise, as do the angels out of fear of Him.

I wonder if the kids will have school tomorrow and whether or not my class will be able to make it fot their end-of-level exam!

ETA: Schools sent children home as ordered by the Ministry of Education and my classes were cancelled. Getting around in Jeddah after rain can be a nightmare! But Alhamdulillah, we get to chill with the beautiful breeze!

A Nasheed - Rabbah

2010-12-18T22:02:00.000+03:00

If you understand Arabic (even a little), do listen to this beautiful nasheed.

The artist? A local! Yes, we even have a mosque nearby known as "Masjid Muhammad Abdu". He had it built. But the government later bought it, due to concerns about the income with which the mosque was built. By posting this, I don't intend to discuss this issue or that of music. I wanted to share a beautiful nasheed with beautiful lyrics.

1432 - 'Ashooraa'

2010-12-15T09:28:00.001+03:00

I had this post drafted last week but just couldn't finish it off and post it. The days and weeks are speeding by and things are quite busy. Alhamdulillah.

The islamic new year began last week and today is the 9th of Muharram.

Tuesday 7th December, 2010 was the 1st of Muharram 1432 H (as announced by the High Judiciary Council of Saudi Arabia.

So,

9th Muharram 1432 = Wednesday 15th December 2010
10th Muharram 1432 ('Aashooraa) =Thursday 16 December 2010

11 Muharram 1432 = Friday 17 December 2010

Why are these important dates?

Here's a link to my post from two years ago!

The Thing About The Red Sea ...

2010-11-28T11:43:00.000+03:00

... is that you can't live near it and not

1. go diving - still to do!

2. go snorkeling - still kind of to do

Sorry. This is a picture of a picture taken by the Hubster.

3. picnic by it - done plenty of

4. buy fresh fish as the boats come in - done!

Is there anythng else I should add?

Holiday's Over

2010-11-27T12:28:00.000+03:00

Blogged here.

Hajj and 'Eid came and went and now it's back to school/work/"normal stuff".

What do you do for 'Eid al Adha? In Jeddah, for some reason, not all of the mosques have the 'Eid prayer for this 'Eid. Maybe it's because a lot of people either go for Hajj or go abroad (flights to many destinations are cheaper at this time of year!) I know some people are busy with their sheep on 'Eid day. What do you do? Do you have a special 'Eid meal? We tend to have a special 'Eid breakfast. With the day starting quite early, it's a nice start ma sha Allah! This time we didn't go out at all on 'Eid day. The roads, the Corniche, malls and amusement parks and centres are usually busy. So we had our delicious biriyani (courtesy of my Mum) and left going out for the second day.

The kids love treasure hunts, so I thought it would be different to do an outdoor one. My brother went to the park and set it up ma sha Allah, with each child given a task and using footsteps in certain directions for coordinates. If you have little people, you should try it! Another different thng we did this 'Eid was a bit of craft at the Kidzz Cafe. It is the kind of thing I can do with them at home (a lot cheaper!). But it's a nice change for them. The cafe do group bookings for parties too!

Did you do anything interesting for 'Eid?

Eid Mubarak!

2010-11-15T11:40:00.000+03:00

Takbeeraat of 'Eid from the Haramain and about five minutes in to the video you can hear the takbeeraat of the Hujjaaj on the days of tashreeq.

Sunan of 'Eid Al-Adha

The Prophet (sall Allahu alayhi wa sallam) used to do ghusl on the day of ‘Eid.

He (sall Allahu alayhi wa sallam) used to wear his most beautiful garments to go out to pray. For modesty reasons, the women should avoid adorning themselves when they go out for ‘Eid.

with eating before the prayer.

And he (sall Allahu alayhi wa sallam) used to go out to the ‘Eid prayer walking and come back walking. He (sall Allahu alayhi wa sallam) used to vary his route on the day of ‘Eid.

He would go by one route and come back by another.

The Prophet (sall Allahu alayhi wa sallam) used to offer the ‘Eid prayers in the prayer-place (musalla).

He (sall Allahu alayhi wa sallam) did not offer any prayer in the prayer-place before or after the ‘Eid prayer.

The ‘Eid prayer does not consist of an adhaan or an iqaamah.

The Prophet (sall Allahu alayhi wa sallam) would start with the prayer before the khutbah.

There are seven takbeerat in the first raka’h and five takbeerat in the second raka’h of ‘Eid prayer (Tirmidhi).

Exchange du’a, congratulations or good wishes with the people at the end of the khutbah. Examples include: Taqabbal Allah minna wa minkum (May Allah accept (good deeds) from us and from you) or “Eid Mubarak” and other permissible expressions of congratulations.

Taqabbal Allahu minnaa wa minkum!

Hajj Thoughts 3 - The Day of 'Arafah

2010-11-15T10:03:00.004+03:00

Yesterday, over two and a half million pilgrims went to Mina for the first day of Hajj. And today they are moving over to the plains of 'Arafaat for the day of standing. What a wonderful experience to stand with so many people of all different backgrounds, races and cultures, all for the same reason. It makes me think of yawm al qiyaamah. May Allah have mercy on us, that day.

Source

The Prophet (sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) was asked about fasting on the day of 'Arafah

and he said “It expiates sins for the preceding year and the following year”

(Sahih Muslim)

The Prophet (sall Allaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) said, "The best invocation is that of the Day of Arafat, and the best that anyone can say is what I and the Prophets before me have said: Laa ilaaha illallaahu wahdahu laa shareeka lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu wa Huwa ‘alaa kulli shay-in Qadeer."

Jazakillahu khayran for the reminder, K!

And tonight, the Hujjaaj will spend the night in Muzdalifah, where they will combine the Maghrib and 'Ishaa prayers.

Source

More Hajj links:

The 8th of Dhul Hijjah - Yaser Birjas
And the 9th of Dhul Hijjah too!

The Last Sermon of the Prophet sall Allahu 'alayhi wa sallam, delivered on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah, 10 AH in 'Arafah

Umm Ibrahim has excellent little live updates on her blog, like this. 10 hours at the checkpoint!!!

Productive Lessons from Hajj

On a personal note, this day always brings back memories of going in to labour. Seven years ago, that's what I was busy doing!

ETA: Erm no, it was actually 8 years ago!

Hajj Thoughts 2

2010-11-14T01:54:00.000+03:00

It rained last night. For just a few minutes. I know they prayed salaatul istisqaa (the rain prayer) in Makkah and thought of all the pilgrims that will be spending the night in Muzdalifah tomorrow in sha Allah.

I also remembered something else from 2005: the little clinics they had set up. We could walk in, rest, get some medication for minor ailments and head off in a matter of minutes.

May Allah make it easy for the Hujaaj. May Allah ease your hardships and accept all of your good deeds.

Not Going For Hajj?

2010-11-14T01:36:00.001+03:00

We need not miss out on the virtues of these beautiful days. As well as the specific sunan of these days, there are things that we can put in to play for the rest of our lives in sha Allah:

7 Daily Spiritual Productive Habits to Develop

Advice from Hospital Bed - Dr. Ibrahim Dremali

Note: A sister in South Africa asked about the Bring and buy Sale. It went well alhamdulillah. The event itself was a small-scale one but donations were collected too and just over SR 10,000 was raised by the Grace of Allah.

Hajj Thoughts

2010-11-10T11:52:00.001+03:00

Many of the pilgrims are already in Makkah. Many are on their way. It's such an exciting time! Millions gather for the pleasure of Allah, to make that "once in a lifetime" journey, the Hajj. Those of that are here can easily take it for granted. So it's amazing to see the pilgrims. Many have travelled for days and they look tired, even exhausted. But they also look happy and at peace as they prepare to head for Mina.

Source

Some Hajj-related links:

All the latest Hajj imformation from the Ministry of Hajj can be found here.

Eman Rush Moments 'Makkan Adhan' by Muhammad Al Shareef - There are lots of other Hajj stories here.

Two South Africans Cycle Their Way to Hajj - Great story!

A lot has changed since my last Hajj and the train is one of the new additions. Again Miss Blue Pearl has posted about it in her Showcase on Hajj.

Some of my personal memories of Hajj:

My grandmother (may Allah have Mercy on her) was with us the first time.

Staying in a tent (before the organised grid of tents) that was up on a mountain, over-looking Mina! Beautiful view ma sha Allah!

Carrying out the rituals of Hajj with my uncle. He made so many of us laugh, even when we were exhausted and had "Hajj 'flu". Yes, Hajj is a serious time, discourse with our Lord is serious. But we don't need to be serious (in the strict sense) with our fellow Hajjis.

Walking from 'Arafah to Muzdalifah and then to Mina with the exodus of pilgrims and the imaan boost it gave.

Walking all over Mina in 2005, on the day of 'Eid was like walking all over the Muslim world. We walked through the Indian/Pakistani/Bangladeshi camps, the Gulf region camps, the African camps, the European and American camps, the Iranian, the Indonesian ... it was amazing. We saw so many different outfits that day as people had changed out of their Ihrams. The aroma of different dishes was in the air. So many different languages were being spoken. Yet everyone was there for one reason.

No matter how tired you feel and how many times you've stopped to plaster and re-plaster your toe, Allah gives you the energy and strength to do what you have to do.

Have you been for Hajj? What are your memories of it? Do share!

Dhul Hijjah

2010-11-07T13:49:00.000+03:00

Official Decision and Announcement of the High Judiciary Council of Saudi
Arabia

1 Dhul-Hijjah will be Sunday 7 November 2010, and the Muslims
performing Hajj will be in 'Arafah on Monday 15 November 2010 (9 Dhul-Hijjah
1431), and the Muslim Ummah shall be celebrating 'Eed al-Adhaa on Tuesday
16 November 2010, (10 Dhul-Hijjah 1431), inshaaAllaah.

This was happening last year! And click here for more Dhul Hijjah tips.

Goings On

2010-11-05T16:07:00.000+03:00

After Ramadan, I spent a little quality time with my family. I laughed and cried with my nan and we talked till the early hours of the morning. I highly recommend that you do it if you can because 1) grandmothers are full of wisdom and experience and 2) they understand more than you think they do and 3) we don't know how much time we have on this earth. The exact same goes for mothers!

Trusty Cinnamon Rolls were sold at the bazaar!

Somehow after a long summer, everything seems to be whizzing by and now it's almost time for 'Eid again. I've overdone things a bit with teaching, evaluations for 2 classes, a trip to Makkah (it's buzzing with Hujjaaj) a little kids party (we have 8 kids between us, ok let's throw a few more in for good measure) cooking, other ~~menial jobs~~ housework, helping out with the bazaar, the kids are taking Mixed Martial Arts classes (that's when I hand them over to their uncles for a while) and now I'm nursing a sore throat, back, eyes, you name it! Alhamdulillah 'aala kulli haal! Because it means, I HAVE to stop and take it easy for a bit.

Still Here!

2010-10-26T01:50:00.000+03:00

Shawwaal came and went, October is on it's way out too and although things have been busy, how and where the time goes is baffling.

Some things that have had me thinking:

We can often take our dear ones for granted. It's only when we see them in a different light, even if for a few minutes, do we realise that their existence in our lives is vital (whether they live near by or in far away lands).

If we don't shake things up, they get shaken up for us. More often than not, we need to re-evaluate.

A gift is only as beautiful as its giver, his/her thoughts and his/her efforts in giving. Such beauty is multiplied when the giver is a child. Even so, we mustn't forget that an adult had something to do with it too.

Grandmothers have so much to teach us. And they are more than willing, if we only let them.

Patience and determination pay off. The cake? Courtesy of my SIL!

Perseverence too, pays off, sometimes!

Do you feel that the spiritual high of Ramadan was a long time ago? Next stop: Dhul Hijjah.

Eid Mubarak

2010-09-08T20:25:00.000+03:00

It has been announced here in Saudi Arabia, that 'Eid al Fitr will be on Friday in sha Allah. Alhamdulillah we have another day of Ramadan. Have a lovely 'Eid on Friday and lets make the most of the rest of Ramadan!

Taqabbal Allaahu minnaa wa minkum.

Ghafar Allaahu lana wa lakum.

Those Coconut and Lemon Cakes

2010-09-08T02:31:00.000+03:00

An easy peasy recipe, in case you need one AND because I mentioned them earlier, I thought that it's only fair to share!

Ingredients

2 cups plain flour

1 cup dessicated coconut

1 cup sugar

3/4 cup butter

zest of 2 lemons

juice of half a lemon

1 egg

a splash of milk if needed

more coconut for coating the balls

That's it! All you do is combine the ingredients. Add the milk if you need it until the dough can be shaped in to balls. Then roll the balls in the coconut until they are coated and pop in to a muffin case and a muffin/cupcake tray (they'll fall apart otherwise!) You can omit the paper cases if you like.

Bil hana wash-shifaa! Enjoy!

RE-POST: From The Sunan Of 'Eid

2010-09-08T00:33:00.001+03:00

This is a re-post of something that I posted two years ago. But I also came across this great, brief presentation that you should check out!!! AND at the bottom of this post: What to do if 'Eid is on Friday.

* Once the crescent moon of Shawwaal has been sighted, the takbeer of 'Eid should be said aloud in homes, mosques and marketplaces. As Allah subhaanahu wa ta'aala has said:

“(He wants that you) must complete the same number (of days), and that you must magnify Allaah [i.e. to say Takbeer (Allaahu Akbar: Allaah is the Most Great)] for having guided you”
[al-Baqarah 2:185]

This should be done until the 'Eid prayer.

Wording of the 'Eid takbeer:

Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar, laa ilaaha illallaah, wallahu akbar, Allahu akbar, wa lillaahil hamd.

Allah is the Greatest. Allah is the greatest. There is no deity worthy of worship except Allah. And Allah is the greatest. Allah is the greatest. And to Allah is all praise.

(Note: From the masaajid around me there are additional phrases that can be heard after this)

* Perform ghusl.

* Beautify and perfume yourself (for women, amongst non mahaarim and women).

* Go to the prayer early without praying any sunnah prayers before or after it (as the Prophet sall Allahu 'alayhi wa sallam didn't do this and neither did his companions). If the prayer is in a mosque, one should pray the tahiyyatul masjid (2 units of prayer upon entering the mosque) as the Prophet sall Allahu 'alayhi wa sallam said, “When any one of you enters the mosque, let him not sit down until he has prayed two rak’ahs.” (Saheeh, agreed upon).

* Go to the prayer walking, if possible and to return from it using a different route to the one taken when going to the prayer in accordance with the following:
Al-Bukhaari (986) narrated that Jaabir ibn ‘Abd-Allaah (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: On the day of Eid, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) would vary his route, i.e., he would go via one route and come back via a different route.

* Do 7 takbeers in the first raka'ah of the prayer and 5 in the second, as the Prophet sall Allahu 'alayhi wa sallam said, “The takbeer of al-Fitr and al-Adha is seven takbeers in the first rak’ah and five takbeers in the second, apart from the takbeer of rukoo’.” Narrated by Abu Dawood and classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Irwa’ al-Ghaleel, 639.

* Listen to the khutbah after the prayer.
Jaabir ibn ‘Abd-Allaah said, The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) came out on the day of al-Fitr and started with the prayer before the khutbah. Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 958; Muslim, 885.

This year, 'Eid al Fitr might be on Friday, do the men need to pray Jumu'ah too or not?

Question:

If Eid al-Fitr coincides with Friday, is it permissible for me to pray the Eid prayer and not to pray Jumu’ah or vice versa?

Answer:

Praise be to Allaah.

If the day of Eid coincides with Friday, then whoever prays Eid with the imaam does not have to attend Jumu’ah (it is not obligatory on him); in his case it becomes Sunnah. If he does not pray Jumu’ah, he has to pray Zuhr. This is in the case of people other than the imaam. As for the imaam, he has to be present for Jumu’ah and lead those Muslims who attend the prayer. The Jumu’ah prayer should not be forsaken completely on this day.

Shaykh Saalih ibn Fawzaan al-Fawzaan

You Might Want To Try ...

2010-09-05T21:57:00.001+03:00

Not long to go before 'Eid in sha Allah! So you might want to try these before the month is out!

Praying at night - This one goes without saying!

Read and connect more with the Qur'an with the intention of continuing during the rest of the year.

Keep making du'aa!!!

Go to Makkah - It's crowded and for some reason is usually more crowded on the 27th night of Ramadan.

If you went on the 25th, you might have encountered a little difficulty in getting in our out of Kuday, where the car park is (in Ramadan you have to park there and take a bus to the Haram). Why the difficulty? The inauguration of the new Zamzam project was going on!
Increase in giving charity and remember the authentic hadeeth:

“The best charity is that given when one is in need and struggling.”

Have better relationships with our children, spouses and families. Watch this excellent video!

Some 'Eid crafting with the kids. We have this going on as well as an 'Eid pinata!

Make some simple 'Eid cakes/cookies/sweets in advance - like these lemon coconut cookies!

Make pancakes for suhoor and have an iftar picnic! Just had to throw that one in!

And I'll leave you with a link to Blue Pearls lovely Laylatul Qadr post (although Laylatul Qadr can be any of these last ten, odd nights).

Ramadan: It's Nearly Over!

2010-08-30T19:51:00.001+03:00

It seems as though Ramadan just started! But today is the 20th day of fasting and tonight will be the 21st night in sha Allah. I had intended to post more than I have, but that was not meant to be. The children have been fasting and I had hoped to do a little more with them but again qaddar Allahu ma sha fa'al. Sometimes we have to deal with the unexpected but Alhamdulillah in that there are lessons to be learnt, reward to be earned, patience to be practised and the pleasure of Allah to be sought! With the last 10 nights upon us, it's not too late to make changes and to gain from this beautiful month.

It is reported from the mother of the believers, 'Aishah radhiya Allahu `anha, that she said: "O Messenger of Allah! What if I knew which night Lailatul-Qadr was, then what should I say in it?" He said - "Say:

اللهم إنك عفو تحب العفو فاعف عني

"O Allaah You are The One Who pardons greatly, and loves to pardon, so pardon me." [At-Tirmithi and Ibn Majah with a Sahih Isnad]

Here is a good link about the sunan of the last ten nights of Ramadan.

During this blessed month alhamdulillah I have been able to do more reading (Qur'an and other material), go for Taraweeh a few times, spend time with family, get the kids to learn more adhkaar (it was for a competition but of course they must use them every day in sha Allah) and reflect reflect reflect! What have you been doing?

During the rest of this blessed month (and beyond) in sha Allah, some things I'd like to do:

form good habits and stick to them like this
work on a heartwheel journal
get the kids to do the good deeds activity - Here is a good deeds idea list
get the kids to create handmade gifts for an 'Eid Gift Swap

We have an "I'm bored!" Activity Jar.

Another nice link: Mini Mu'min Publications - A great site with du'aa downloadables for kids. Jazakillahu khayran for the link Rainbow!

Ramadan Is Here!

2010-08-10T21:22:00.002+03:00

Ramadan Mubarak all!!! The taraweeh is being prayed in the mosques around us and that's all I needed to tell me that Ramadan has started Alhamdulillah. By the Grace and Mercy of Allah we are alive to see it and gain from it when so many are no longer with us. I pray that you all have a beneficial and peaceful month, seeking the pleasure of Allah and making good use of this wonderful month.

There are a few things I would like to share with you but for now here's a link to a simple Ramadan Meal Planner. Being a little organised on the food front leaves us with more time and energy to focus on the more important aspects of Ramadan in sha Allah.

A couple of tips:

Print out the template, laminate it or put it in a plastic picture frame and you have a planner that you can write on with board markers and wipe off for the following week.
You can always get kids (especially fasting ones) to pencil in a meal plan, making it even easier for you!

Pakistan Floods

2010-08-08T12:11:00.001+03:00

Below is a first-hand account, by someone who is working in Pakistan right now, that I desperately wanted to share with you.

ETA: link to shocking photos of the flood at the end of the post

Bismillaah wa innalhamdalillaah wassalaatu wassalaam 'alaa rasoolillaah

As salaamu'alaykum wa rahmatullaahi wa barakaatuh

Many days have passed since the the floods in Pakistan began. There was a ray of hope after the rain had previously stopped, where the people could finally rummage through what was left of their belongings in the aftermath of the floods. Some even managed to smile.

Today, I am in Peer Sabak, a small village about 20km north west of Nowshera, one of the hardest hit areas in the region. It has been ripped apart. Many of the houses have collapsed, rendering people homeless. Businesses have been destroyed and the people have no food and water except from the handouts from groups of volunteers made up of local people that arrive on the back of a pick-up truck on a very random basis. A tractor passes by trailing behind the remains of what one family has managed to save. Like other families who have had the ability to do so, they are leaving to join their relatives in other areas who will accommodate them for as long as they can. Others however, are not so fortunate and for them, there is nowhere to go.

I pass by a small group of men sitting on the mud outside what used to be the home of one of them. He points to a hanging door, urging me to look inside. There is nothing behind the door except a pile of rocks surrounded by mud and water. Another man walks by covered head to toe in mud and I try not to stare. In the distance I can see three men trying to extract water from an existing water pump....water which governmental bodies have classified as unsafe to drink. The entire village is dark, pools of muddy water left behind everywhere. Others are busy cleaning out their homes and businesses....it will be months if not years before this village will ever be restored. Small children covered in mud roam the streets with empty metal pots they have managed to find..hopeful that another team of volunteers will arrive with some food and water. Scabies, diarrhoea, typhoid, chest infections and minor injuries with ongoing long-term medical problems have become widespread - a similar story to other areas.

Due to the easy access to Pir Sabak from neighbouring villages, those who could, have made the difficult journey here in hope of receiving some food, water and medication. Other areas nearby such as Charsadda, about 45 km west of here, have been less fortunate with road blocks making it difficult for people to get out, and for help to get in.

The next day, I get another phone call from a man pleading for help for the people of his village. "No one has been to help us" he cries. This is a village of approximately 38 families with an additional 83 families who have arrived from neighbouring villages that have fallen victim to the floods. He tells me, "the women sleep in the tents and the men outside....we have been trying to help them but we dont have food to eat or clean water to drink.. nearly 1 or 2 members from every family in the entire village needs medical attention...all we have had is 2 lots of food aid dropped by a helicopter..we need medical help." I have heard the same story a numerous times now...and it brings me such sadness to know...there is nothing I can do except listen.

Whilst the Muslim world sleeps, our brothers and sisters continue to suffer desperately. The rains have started again and the water level has started to rise again. The soil has soaked in so much water that even the slightest amount of rainfall has nowhere to go, so it begins to build up - fast. I contact our coordinator who has been working endlessly and he informs me that the Government has told people in some areas to evacuate. The question is, where will they go? Just how far can a family drenched in mud, barefooted and needing medical attention, with no food or water, travel? What of the old, weak and young?

As our Team leader and coordinator make their journey home through Nowshera after another day in the field, he tells me "Nowshera is in trouble" and another town, 20km away has flooded, he tells me.

In a nutshell, nothing here is improving and everything is deteriorating. We are a handful of people trying to achieve what seems like a miracle and indeed with Allaah alone is the success. I cant help but feel a deep and overwhelming sadness to see so many Muslims suffering and no one coming to help. What happened to us, the Muslims such that we no longer feel that pain when we look on at the suffering of our brothers and sisters? Where are all those people who studied in the medical field and boasted to others that the reason they wished to do medicine was to help the Muslims? Where are all those able bodied Muslims who turn a blind eye to the cries and plight of our suffering brothers and sisters? Where are all those Muslims to whom Allaah has given wealth and are not contributing to help these people? When will we all wake up and realise what it truly means to be one Ummah such that if a part of it hurts, the rest of the body feels it too? Do you not feel any remorse nor any shame that whilst you endulge in the comfort and luxuries that Allaah has blessed you with, whilst you eat hot meals, and sleep in a warm bed at night, that thousands of your brothers and sisters have been made homeless, displaced, lost everything they have, struggle to find food and water...and many of whom sleep on the roadsides in this scorching heat?

I find it frustrating because I cannot do justice in expressing the extent to which our brothers and sisters here are in need. All we can do is ask of Allaah, hope in Him and continue to do what we can seeking nothing but His pleasure. I will leave you with the following hadeeth and ayah from the Qur'aan.

The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “By Allaah, it is not poverty that I fear for you, rather what I fear for you is that worldly riches may be given to you as they were given to those who came before you, and you will compete for them with one another as they competed with one another, and you will be destroyed as they were destroyed.”

Narrated by al-Bukhaari (2988) and Muslim (2961).

Allaah says in the Qur'aan:

“Know that the life of this world is only play and amusement, pomp and mutual boasting among you, and rivalry in respect of wealth and children. (It is) as the likeness of vegetation after rain, thereof the growth is pleasing to the tiller; afterwards it dries up and you see it turning yellow; then it becomes straw. But in the Hereafter (there is) a severe torment (for the disbelievers evildoers), and (there is) forgiveness from Allaah and (His) Good Pleasure (for the believers __ good‑doers). And the life of this world is only a deceiving enjoyment” [al-Hadeed 57:20]

I urge all the Muslims to donate and help in whatever way you can. For the handful of Muslims who have contributed and sincerely tried to help, I ask Allaah to reward you immensely and raise you high in both the worlds - aameen.

If nothing else, please keep us all in your du'aas inshaa'Allaah.

Your brother in Islaam

Farhan Safdar

m.farhan.safdar@gmail.com

Click here to see pictures from the flood.

Ramadan 2010

2010-08-03T11:12:00.000+03:00

Ramadan is now just around the corner in sha Allah and I've seen so many brilliant resources out there in cyberspace that I've decided to add a Ramadan 2010 page here on the blog. It's up there below the header or here. I will keep adding to it in sha Allah and attempt to keep everything a little organised.

Ramadan Preparation

2010-08-01T10:29:00.000+03:00

Abu Hurayrah radi Allahu 'anhu related that the Prophet sall Allahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: Whoever fasts during Ramadan with faith and seeking his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven. Whoever prays during the nights in Ramadan with faith and seeking his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven. And he who passes Lailat al-Qadr in prayer with faith and seeking his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven.[Bukhari, Muslim]

Image generated at Wordle

With not long to go, what are you doing to prepare for Ramadan?

One of the best things that I've read over the last few days is this E-book that Umm Raiyaan forwarded: It's an excellent, free download e-book by Amirah Mauthoor that highlights very practical methods of preparing to have an outstanding Ramadan. Who doesn't need that?

Also, coming up are three excellent FREE webinars starting tomorrow in sha Allah. Check out Productive Ramadan for more details!

If you have teens in the house, get them to read Boy vs Girl. I know I've mentioned it plenty (and I have a book review due too) but it is all about teens wanting to make changes in Ramadan.

Take a look at Umm Raiyaan's Ramadan Preparation Tips for some great suggestions ma sha Allah!

The things that I have done:

1. Eid preparation is under way. Most things have already been bought in our household but a few are left and I'm hoping to get them done before Ramadan starts. I'm not fond of consumerising 'Eid but we have summer sales on now in Jeddah, so it's good to make the most of them.

2. This is an excellent time to do a major clean-out of wardrobes. I have gone through the wardrobes and put together three piles of clothes: one small pile of hand-me-downs for siblings and cousins, one big pile of clothes to be boxed and given in charity (Ramadan is a great time for gaining reward!) and one pile of clothes that are not in good enough condition to give away. I recycle these in craft projects (stuffing cushions, lining bags) or use them for wiping up spills!

3. Some Ramadan groceries (non-perishables and freezables) have been bought too alhamdulillah.

Things that I need to do:

1. Some pre-Ramadan cleaning and washing. I think it's great to start the month with a de-cluttered home (and freshly laundered curtains!)

2. Some snack preparation needs to be done so that they are at hand in the freezer. This Ramadan in sha Allah we are planning to go big on soup and salad, but with children fasting, a couple of snacks instead of main meals will be good.

3. I will be going through the E-book to focus and plan out my Ibadah and a programme for the children too in sha Allah.

Abu Hurayrah radi Allahu 'anhu reported that the Prophet sall Allahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: Many people who fast get nothing from their fasting except hunger and thirst, and many people who pray at night get nothing from it except wakefulness.

May Allah keep us away from being one of them!

Keeping Them Busy 4 & Sisters Who Blog

2010-07-29T10:20:00.000+03:00

Ramadan is less than two weeks away in sha Allah. I have a few related posts up my sleeve but it's still the summer round these parts. So for now, a couple of things that might help to keep the little monsters entertained.

Stationery Fantasy - I blogged about this here last year but check out this blog for more details and better pictures!

Mini art exhibit - If you or your kids like art and happen to go to the Mall of Arabia, stop by and have a look at the little art exhibit there.

One more thing, I've posted a little account of Ramadan in Jeddah over at the Sisters Who Blog Magazine. Do check out the magazine and if you are a blogger, join us!

Open Letter

2010-07-19T00:12:00.000+03:00

Today, I am sharing with you, something that was meant for a project a couple of years ago. The project doesn't seem to have materialised. But this is what I wrote.

Dear Zara,

I hope you are well and that my letter finds you at peace. I have attempted to phone you so many times but intentions begin what courage can not follow through with. What would I say after so many years? I don't think I can explain the distance away. So I put my words on paper to avoid that awkward first moment and all the moments that might follow as you question my life choices.

Leaving to go and study was more than an academic opportunity for me. The shackles of peer pressure were removed and I was given room to grow. I discovered that there were choices I had to make without being concerned about what you and others would think. I was forced to make new friends in a new environment but I was given the chance to start afresh. As I was changing, I attracted a different kind, leaving behind old and unwanted relationships. As I grew, some of my dear ones grew too. We assisted and encouraged each other but I didn't forget you. I often wondered what you might think or say.

I let myself drift through a gradual process of re-learning my religion and realising that it is not merely a religion but a way of life. It is a way of life where deeds stem from attempting to gain the pleasure of our Creator. I realised that it was not enough to label myself "Muslim" or "one who submits to the will of God" without actually submitting. When faced with complete freedom, I saw there were only two paths for me to choose from and my spirit needed to take the one that took me closer to my Lord and not away from Him. I was heading along a path of shallow existence: one of friendships made to pass the time; one of dressing to attract the opposite sex; one of music and parties and following the latest fad. I felt overwhelming peace as I inched closer to my Lord. I began to fulfill my duty of bowing and prostrating to Him at the times that He has commanded us to. No eyes were upon me then. I felt pleasure as I wrapped a cloth around my head. I had taken a first step of many towards dressing to please my Lord. All eyes were upon me then. Those looks of disgust. Those looks of admiration. Those hurtful words. Those kind words. None of it mattered. It was the reward from my Lord that I was yearning for. As the days went by, I covered more of myself. My interests shifted from football to fabrics, from music to mosques. The people that befriended me were quite different from older friends. They shared my passion for learning about real and true Islam: the way of life ordained by our Lord. I felt satisfaction after doing good by someone, but those deeds carried greater weight for me, a reward in the Hereafter. Living this way, smiling is not only a nice thing to do, but a charitable act. Being dutiful to my parents is not only morally good, but a right they have over me. I am to greet any Muslim with "Peace" whether I know them or not. Adopting these teachings into my life along with many more was gratifying.

Ten years later, the only regret I have is that I have lost contact with you. If I could, I would have carried you along on this cloud with me. We would have learnt together and laughed together. We would have prayed together. We would have even partied together, in luxurious, traditional outfits, at weddings and Eids, with henna on our hands and the sound of the duff surrounding us. We would have fasted together. We would have feasted together at 'Aqeeqas. We would have advised each other on how to run our homes and raise our children in accordance with the Islamic way of life. We would have helped each other with the daily juggling acts in our lives with home and work. We would have supported each other through times of difficulty when levels of faith can decline. We would have pulled each other through them with the beautiful words of the Messenger of God (peace be upon him).

Through this humble letter, I extend my hand to you, to come with me and see Islam for what it really is. I hope that we will meet again soon and when we do that you won't see my long flowing robes and judge me based on what others say. I ask you to view Islam for what it is and not as the wrongful acts of some Muslims. I hope that you will be able to see me for who I have become and not who you think I have become. I am still the same person in so many ways, but Islam has made me better.

More On Parenting

2010-07-18T12:05:00.001+03:00

We found a beautiful nest with pigeon eggs outside the window.

We are so well in to the summer and Alhamdulillah yes, we (the kids and I) have been working through our summer plan. The weather has been full of surprises: scorching heat then rain, thunder and lightening and now scorching heat again. It is still a little grey though. But I don't want to talk about the weather!

With no school routines to tie us down and having the children at home, I have the opportunity to tune in with them with a little more clarity. I also get to assess myself a little better too. Don't get me wrong, I love the laid-back approach to the summer holidays, where we have fun and play and laugh. But I see this as all part of the parenting plan. Even if it's not charted and ticked off, it's there. It's something that needs to be done in order for us to have a harmonious home.

Over the last month or so, I've been fortunate enough to attend a beautiful halaqah and our little parenting gathering ma sha Allah. Even as we become more experienced in our roles we can never stop learning. Sometimes talking with others and listening to different views, can be eye-opening. There were so many moments where I felt and even said "Oh my God! That's what I do!" We talked about connecting with our children and I always think more about this when it comes to how I deal with my 7 year old son.

Then we discussed, sibling rivalry. Sometimes we might encourage it without realising it. One of the things we read was about closing off the child by labelling him or her as "the bad one". Of course it's usually, "the load and rowdy one" or "the fussy-eater" or "the shy one". The list is endless. More often than not, this sets them off on a path of being just that, that label that we gave them. Can you see this also affecting confidence levels and self-esteem?

When we spend a lot of time together, discipline can be an issue. They are at home more, with each other more, of course there are full-on fights! Since talking with the group about sibling rivalry, I've been trying to use the same idea when it comes to any sort of bad behaviour with each other. Good behaviour gets lots of positive attention, hugs and kisses and bad behaviour gets none! None. No attention. No shouting or telling off or sending off to their room. No explanation until things are calm. It's a lot less stressful and children seem to take in so much more ma sha Allah.

This is a beautiful article about discipline. Have a read. I love the concept of "bringing them in close" and I can tell you from first-hand experience that it works a treat ma sha Allah! When I read this it also got me thinking about how it's so easy to forget that children are just like us. They feel uneasy and humilated when they get told off, just like us. Yet if we explain things to them with kindness, they take it better. They get frustrated just like us and respond to that frustration in silly ways, just like us. You'd think we'd understand them a bit better considering we've been through it all and continue to do so!

GUEST POST: Na'ima B. Robert's Boy Vs Girl Blog Tour

2010-07-15T23:20:00.001+03:00

I'm so excited about this!!! Ma sha Allah, Na'ima B. Robert, author of From My Sisters' Lips as her latest book Boy vs. Girl is launched. I haven't read the book yet, but I love Na'ima's work and from all that I already know about Boy Vs. Girl, I know it will bring back many memories. Enough about me though. Na'ima is a very busy lady ma sha Allah but as promised she has made a stop here! JazaahAllahu khayra!!! Do check out the trailer for the book. Isn't that a brilliant idea?

The niqabi as heroine

Bismillah

A woman in niqab has a starring role in my latest novel, 'Boy vs. Girl'. Her name is Auntie Najma and, although she wears a niqab, jilbab and gloves, she is as far from the stereotype of a 'veiled woman' as it is possible to be. Far from being an oppressed, submissive, two dimensional married woman who can barely speak English, she is a single, university- educated, milkshake-loving extrovert who drives a red Mini Cooper and volunteers at a homeless shelter while growing organic chillies in her mother's garden! And crucially, this niqabi is the one family member that the twin protagonists, Faraz and Farhana, can confide in and open up to, without fear of judgement, scorn or ridicule.

A journalist asked me whether I didn't think that people would find my outgoing niqabi character slightly far-fetched. I replied in the negative. Why? Because Auntie Naj is me! She is also a friend of mine who completed a degree and a PGCE from home and now lives in Dubai. She is also another friend of mine who used to discuss Descartes and Ibn Taymiyyah while eating smoked salmon and Belgian chocolates. She is also a friend of mine who started her own publishing house and is inspired by working with the youth. In fact, Auntie Naj is inspired by so many dynamic, exciting Muslim women (who just happen to cover their faces with a niqab) that it would be impossible to name them all here. Suffice to say, she is not an anomaly. She is a symbol of the many different facets of the woman who chooses to cover.

What Auntie Naj serves to do is to break down the stereotypes that our society holds about women who cover. But, crucially, she serves to humanise us too. She allows the reader a peek behind the niqab and an opportunity to see who she is in the comfort of her home, in private.

This is one of the intentions behind my writing, behind all my books for children and young adults - to humanise Muslims for the readers, to open up our lives and experiences to others, to share our reality with them.

So, 'Boy vs. Girl' features a nose-pierced niqabi, a girl who has just started wearing hijab who harbours a guilty secret, an imam's daughter with self esteem issues, a boy artist who can't resist falling in with a local gang, a bearded graffiti artist who fuses Islam and street art (no prize for guessing who that was inspired by:) and a host of other characters.

So far, everyone who has read the book identifies with a different one. But the important thing is being able to find books with characters we can relate to as Muslims, as women, as young people; characters who can inspire us and grow with us - and grow on us.

Which character from 'Boy vs. Girl' do you think will be growing on you?

Na'ima B. Robert

Boy vs. Girl trailer

About Na'ima

Na’ima B Robert is 'Muslim, Black, mixed-race, Southern African, Western, revert and woman all in one'. Descended from Scottish Highlanders on her father's side and the Zulu people on her mother's side, she was born in Leeds and grew up in Zimbabwe. She went on to gain a first-class degree from the University of London. Having worked in marketing, the performing arts, teaching and the travel and tourism industry,she is now an award-winning author and founder and Editor-in-chief of SISTERS, a magazine for Muslim women.

Na'ima is author of the best-selling book 'From my sisters' lips' and has been published in The Observer, The Times and is a regular contributor to The Times Online Faith section.

Her second book for teens, 'Boy vs. Girl', is out now.

You can find the book here (UK) and here (US).

Keeping Them Busy 3 - Jeddah Science Oasis

2010-07-09T12:41:00.001+03:00

Situated on the top level of Andalus Mall, Jeddah, the Jeddah Science Oasis houses lots of fun hands-on displays for young and old! Every member of my family was entertained. There are two sections, of which we visited the main one. JSO is in the centre of the mall and on the 1st floor you find a glass booth with an escalator going up from it. The booth attendant takes payment for the science centre there.

Upon entering the centre, I thought it looked a little empty. I was expecting a more packed hall. But don't let that fool you. There's plenty to keep the children busy for the afternoon-evening. The robot seemed to be a hit and there are many physics related experiments (eg. on the viscosity of liquids and air resistance) and informative displays (eg. how tornadoes occur).

The other section is the dinosaur exhibit, but some of the kids at the centre didn't seem to excited about it. There is a snack bar (and of course Panda supermarket isn't far), prayer and restroom facilities within the centre.

Overall, it was a fun afternoon ma sha Allah but as with most places, I expect it to get busier, later in the evening. Remember, we're officially in to Jeddah summertime now that the exams are over!

Note: The JSO website is in Arabic only (at this time). So here is a little more information.

Entrance fees

The Science Oasis (main exhibit) ONLY

Adults: SR 35

Children (from 2- 12): SR 30

Family (2 adults and 2 children): SR 99

The Dinosaur Exhibit ONLY

Adults: SR 25

Children: SR 20

Family: SR 75

Both exhibits

Adults: SR 55

Children: SR 45

Family: SR 160

UNDER 2s GO FREE.

The JSO opens at 4:30 pm.

ETA: A friend has written about it here!

Keeping Them Busy 2

2010-06-30T11:30:00.001+03:00

One of the things I am trying to do with the kids during the summer, is to get them to catch up with their English. As they go to Arabic schools, this is a good time to go through their workbooks. We have quite a few different ones that we picked up in London, from Jarir bookstore and book bazaars. But there are lots and lots of recources online too. I'm hoping to get them involved in project work where they can use any new skills, like putting together a play, a magazine or some poster work. Anything on the computer is a big favourite, like Powerpoint presentations. What kind of things do you do? Most kids like using the computer but as they get older, a whole host of worries sets in for most parents. One of things that we changed around here was the location of the pc. When we recently re-painted the apartment, we moved the computer desk in to the living area, where the screen is visible by all. Of course trust is important when dealing with our children but there is a balance to be struck in moulding them and guiding them!

Now, being the summer holidays, it can't be all work work work! Recently Imaan posted some a couple of great articles about play. Good old-fashioned play that involves more use of the imagination and less consumerism! Read them here and here.

Ma sha Allah Imaan has lots and lots of great resources that she shares and Activity TV is another favourite with my kids! They are watching and picking out the projects that they want to do in sha Allah.

Some of you already know about this excellent site. Sumayyah has been moving things around so incase you've lost a link, bookmark this one. It is geared towards homeschoolers but it is an excellent resource for anyone with children!

Only after yesterday's post about Na'ima B. Robert's Blog Tour, I came across her great reading blog! Ma sha Allah!

Coming Soon: Na'ima B. Robert's Blog Tour

2010-06-29T11:05:00.001+03:00

I blogged about the first book I read by Na'ima B. Robert here. It affected me deeply. Then, Sisters Magazine was launched, with her as the editor. And there were more books and still more in sha Allah. She will be doing a Boy vs. Girl Blog Tour. How exciting!!! And she will be stopping by here too in sha Allah!!! Even more exciting!!! I can't wait! See the talented author, Na'ima B. Robert, here on the 15th of July, 2010 insha Allah.

We Have Guests ...

2010-06-28T23:05:00.000+03:00

... that are keeping the children a little busy.

They love talking to them.

They love taking care of them.

They even love feeding them!

They love the way they look. The colours are beautiful ma sha Allah.

You knew I was talking about budgies, didn't you? Yes, they're looking after their cousins' budgies for the holidays!

I must let you know that after posting about soaring temperatures, I went out for a walk with my eldest 3, in the evening, and ma sha Allah it was cool and breezy! And same again today, for most of the day! La quwwata illa billah!

And another vital for the summer?

Cool, sweet, juicy, fresh fruit!

We have amazing tropical fruits that my Dad brought back from his little trip abroad (jack fruit and pineapple) and favourites from across the border (figs and peaches). Ma sha Allah!

Oh, we had these huge, organic tomatoes from Lebanon as well. Perfect for a delicious salad.

They taste so good on their own and I didn't know tomatoes could smell so good too!

Keeping Them Busy

2010-06-27T12:43:00.000+03:00

One of the things that I think is vital during the summer (in order for me to keep sane!) is for the kids to be busy! I notice that behaviour issues mainly arise with boredom. It makes sense doesn't it? In sha Allah I will post more on this soon. Of course there are times when they want to laze around but generally, here in Saudi, it can be a little tough finding things to do in the soaring heat of the day. There are summer courses going on but what to do when the kids are at home? I do try to get out, even if it is just for a walk to the shops. The best time for this before 10 am while it is still a little cool. The earlier the better!

The World Cup

Here's a great sight for all sorts of visual information for those that are more in to visuals!

The football has done some funny things too. It's a major conversation point in my family even with my kids. My less sporty daughter has taken an interest in it, but mainly she's an organiser and loves all the charts and points (she has drawn up her own little charts!). They all know the flags, the languages, and roughly whereabouts the participating countries are (many of them are countries that they'd never heard of before). Like I said previously, it's nice to see them take an interest in it, but not in a crazy fanatic way alhamdulillah. My son has been talking about Algeria in the world cup for so long. When Algeria didn't make it to the last 16 I was really pleased to see that he wasn't too bothered about it. After all it's only a game. The ones who are more interested in the results have just gone on to see which of the remaining teams they would like to see win. Alhamdulillah, I can encourage this positive outlook on things.

Reading

As well getting their Qur'an memorisation back on track (with lots of revision), we're hoping to get through some books. But anyone who lives here knows that it's not as easy to get your hands on some decent English reading material for children, here as it is in other countries. Having said that, it's not SO bad either. There's the library that I mentioned a while ago which is still up and running (and thriving ma sha Allah). There are bookshops like Jarir, Tihama and Obekan that often have children's books on special offer. There are bazaars where you'll find old books that people are ready to pass on. And of course, there are wonderful friends that bring back books on their holidays and are willing to share with you! I'm hoping to get some simple book report forms made for them to document their reading achievements as well as to improve their writing.

Events And Places To Visit

I will try to post events that are taking place here in Jeddah for anyone that might be interested.

Alhamdulillah, my kids are going swimming about twice a week. But they are looking forward to this too in sha Allah!

My Library has language classes, story time, book clubs and crafting. Contact the library for more information.

Enchanted Garden is holding a summer camp as well as book readings and signings.

Jeddah Science Oasis. We're looking forward to this too in sha Allah.

Al Shallal Theme Park. Tuesdays are ladies' days!

The Summer ...

2010-06-23T11:47:00.001+03:00

... is well and truly here! The days are filled with smothering outdoor heat that keeps us indoors, resulting in choruses of "I'm bored!" Ready for a challenge? It's called Jeddah Summertime Parenting! Are you in Jeddah for the summer? Are you anywhere in the world for the entire summer and just don't know what to do with the kids? I'd like to share ideas and suggestions here but if you've posted something, let me know. If you don't have a blog, but have ideas (I'm sure many of you do), leave a comment! It's good to share :) !

We are fortunate Alhamdulillah to have the opportunity for a change of scenery and a mini-vacation while we stay at my parents' home about 5 minutes away from ours! But compound-life (which is what theirs is) is quite different from living outside of a compound, especially with children. They can go swimming, we can go to the park with a ball, and if one court is taken we can move on to another.

It's actually a little strange sometimes to walk around the compound that I spent my days in when I was a little older than my eldest ...

... pointing out to them, the trees we climbed ...

... and the hills we road up and down.

Over on the other blog, I've been challenging myself creatively by taking part in this. But it's not just about creativity or art. It has encouraged me further, to look at the things around me differently: the structure and form of Allah's creation, the beauty in the way the light glows around us or hits a particular object and the diversity of all the natural creations that surround us.

My kids are getting used to seeing me pull the camera out while we're out walking!

They spotted fruit!

My two-year old said "Look! Look up there!" pointing up at this ma sha Allah.

Apart from any summer programmes, be they sporting or educational, there are simple things that can be made a little special, that make a very ordinary day a little better. I'm hoping to tune in more with these in sha Allah. Instead of having dinner at home, we took sandwiches, snacks and drinks to the park, played, prayed and ate. It beats an ordinary meal in the kitchen! I also intend to work through some of these great tips that my Mum sent me, to foster a more loving relationship with my children in sha Allah. Do you do some or most of these?

Sisters' Summer Bazaar & Funday - London

2010-06-18T15:06:00.000+03:00

Another bazaar and fun day if you are in London! It's for another great cause! As usual, click on the image to enlarge it.

Algerian Action

2010-06-16T15:53:00.000+03:00

... of a non-football nature!

Do have a look at the about page to see all the different ways that you can help!

You can join the facebook page too!

If you're in London, the sister behind Algerian Action has set up this upcoming event (click on the image to enlarge it) to raise funds for Hopeland Academy School in Algiers. JazaahAllahu khayra (May Allah reward her with good).

Summer Holidays

2010-06-16T15:35:00.000+03:00

... are here again! One has received her report card, two haven't yet. But the holidays have started and ma sha Allah the weather is SO good for June. The evenings are nice and cool. We're staying put this summer but I'm looking forward to it. We have some things planned: some catching up (mental activity), some new things (physical activity), some fun outings and some games (leisurely activity) in sha Allah.

Speaking of games, my kids have become quite absorbed with the Football World Cup! Ok, I guess we all have! It's nice to see them excited about it and they've been learning too. We have a board of flags up that they made themselves and they're learning where the countries are.

Some flags spotted while out and about!

The big match for us will be

It is all good and well, enjoying the world cup but let's not let it affect our salaah.

This is a brilliant reminder from Dots Under Consonants.

Sisters Who Blog: 2010 Best Blog Award

2010-06-06T20:55:00.000+03:00

Sisters Who Blog is hosting a Blog Award in sha Allah, for ... sisters who blog of course!

Can you help kick things off? Do you have any suggestions regarding categories and nominations? Do you want to get involved? Amber is aiming high when it comes to prizes ma sha Allah but there has to be enough interest to get things going. Click here to find out more.

Makkah in Pictures

2010-06-01T14:00:00.000+03:00

Makkah gets busier and busier at this time of year. This picture was taken once the crowds had died down for the day.

The newer shopping centre, Abraj Al Bait. This mall fills up during prayer times, especially Jumu'ah, with rows and rows of worshippers that want to avoid the heat when the mosque is seemingly full. Although it is convenient for those with children, I would suggest not bringing children during busy times. It is unnecessarily difficult to handle them in the crowds and it is difficult to focus on 'ibaadah.

The older mall. For the Jumu'ah prayer, this mall fills up with employees and is very difficult to enter before the salaah.

Immediately after the Jumu'ah prayer, the crowds outside the masjid and surrounding streets are HUGE ma sha Allah. It is better to hang back a bit and then attempt to leave.

This Parenting Journey

2010-05-23T11:46:00.004+03:00

Sometimes it’s hard being a mother! Well, who said it was going to be easy? At each stage in our children’s lives (and in our own) we face different challenges. I have a two year old who occasionally crosses over to the Terrible Twos. Occasionally. But it’s not so bad fourth time around. First time around it was another story. Now I try to take it in my stride, knowing that it’s just a phase that will pass in sha Allah. Sometimes I even enjoy it! The new vocabulary alone makes up for it all anyway, where yellow is “layow” and brown is “brum” and my favourite, cauliflower is “coffee flower”!

The newer experiences though of parenting a pre-teen are quite different. It’s unknown territory and even when my child sees me as “Mean Mum”, it frightens me. I don’t know what to expect. I don’t know if I’ll be able to handle it. What I do know is that there is reward in working at it. Both in this life and the next. And that is what I must do. This is the time for me to mould my children, but to let them express themselves freely. I should guide them, but let them grow. I should advise them but let them learn from experience. I need for them to know that I am here and I won’t laugh at them or belittle them when they are sad about a schoolyard tiff or angry about not winning a match. I have to show them how to channel those feelings but most of all I need to know my children. I think that most of us think we do. But do we?

A couple of weeks ago we were all reading the book above, together, and I was amazed when my 7 year old expressed that like the mother in the picture, I also spend more time with the baby. It’s obvious but hearing him voice it, made it hit home to me. Maybe the naughtiness that he has adopted is a result of the boys’ school that he attends but I can’t dismiss the fact that he also feels that I don’t spend enough time with him. I suppose we’re all learning and learn we must continue to do. The path ahead might be bumpy in places, with a pothole here and there, but there will be flowers along the way that I must remember to pick, smell and savour!

May Allah bring ease to this journey for all of us.

Some links:

This site is good for those with toddlers. it has lots of good planning ideas and tools.

Have a read of this. It might help in getting your kids to do what you want!

GUEST POST: Fashion Phobia

2010-05-23T11:41:00.000+03:00

Today, I have a guest post for you! This was written by fellow Jeddah expat and friend, Navida Burney.

This phobia struck me as hard as lightning when I happened to enroll in a sports gym in my city of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Beginning from the lady who took me on my initial tour to view the facilities of the gym, right down to my appointment with the nutritionist…I was only faced with disappointment. Utter disappointment to say the least.
The fashion diva that weaved her way through the desks in the lobby happened to forget she had a customer with her , and stopped wherever possible to make sure her hair cut was in tact. She fed off of all the comments her friends gave her, and fished for more compliments from them, waving a strand of dyed, red hair in their faces whenever possible. The elevator was here, but this hairaholic was completely unaware. I gave her a polite signal, only to find she was delighted to set her style further in the mirror of the elevator. I shifted my feet a little, already hoping this would end soon. I tried to ask some questions, only to realize that fashion was really her only profession. Her English was extremely broken and poor. Therefore, wherever she took me, she could only point to it, and I had to figure the rest out myself. In the midst of this rather silent tour, she received many calls on her fancy sleek mobile, and guiding me with one hand which was flashing with hot pink nail polish, she continued to chatter away. At the end after making me wait, for what to me was like an eternity, she managed to ask me the crucial question: was I game to join or not? After waiting some more for her to adjust her sparkling silver belt upon her low hanging jeans, I agreed to join(simply because I was real desperate for exercise). I paid my dues, and was then, after a pathetic polar test , summoned into a nutritionist’s office. There I just sat like sour dressing on a salad, while my beautified doctor could not seize to show her party pictures to her friends on her mobile. Deliberately dabbing her lips with some more coffee brown lip gloss, she would purse her lips, and keep asking her acquaintances how she looked. By this time I was too frustrated, and voiced my feelings out to her. Of course, she was extremely sorry, but only handed me a bunch of papers, and asked for me to visit another time. I was very grateful for this escape , and never really went back to her. Such, was my completely irritating beginning at this sports’ gym.

BOOK REVIEW: Turning The Tide

2010-05-22T11:55:00.000+03:00

I love to read but don't often write book reviews. Today though, I want to share a book with you that I've read and re-read over the past few years.

Just like calm waters, it is soothing and serene and just like cool, fresh water, it is refreshing. The reader is taken on a journey of life and at each stage of the journey, the imagery of water acts as a backdrop. I loved this about the book! Water has so many forms, as does woman.

Additionally, each chapter contains verses from the Qur'an and ahadeeth of the Prophet sall Allahu 'alayhi wa sallam to do with that phase of a woman's life as well as encouraging examples from our history. My favourite part of each chapter is the poetic snippets entitled "Myriad Voices". They are beautiful!

Take a look at Suma Din's website for more about the book and her other work. She has written some great educational resources too!