Sorting the Paperwork

Another area that needs to be tackled to get our home organised and clutter free is dealing with the mirade of paperwork. So lets get started shall we?

First things first you must get yourself a family calender. Have a  weekly calender (one which only shows 7 days) which every household member will enter their weekly schedule. This helps me and husband to plan around one another so we able to stay active within the community as well as spend as much time together as possible. So if on Friday you have an islamic course to attend, it is ntoed on the calender and your husband/kids will be able to plan around it. We may have been gievn the go ahead from our significant other weeks before but this is one way to ensure eveeryone knows how the week is planned out.

Now on to the paperwork.

1. Purchase or make an in-tray. Place bills that need to be paid, letters to send out, Calls to be made etc and sit down once a week to sort through. If your husband deals with bills and you have no idea what is going on as far as bills to be paid, maybe creat an in-tray for him to place bills into. He may find this a welcome addition, (obviously discuss this with him first)
2. The business desk rule of 'don't touch paperwork more than once' is good to apply within yoru home to. Once you sit down aim to deal with it staright away so it is not placed within the in-box. There will at times be paperwork that needs to be followed up at a later date, for this have a follow up tray or box. Aim to sit down weekly or bi-weekly to get through it.
3. Put all receipts into an envelope and sort through them every month or few months.
4. Have a filing system: one place for all your paperwork with subdivisions: this can be a cardboard box and some cardboard A4 folders: one for cars (tax, insurance, mot, log books etc); one for tax: P45s, P60s, tax forms, letters etc; and one for utility bills (gas electric, phone etc).
5. If I have said it beofre i'll say it agian. Your diary, diary diary! Make a habit of marking events in a journal or diary. If your not the type of person to keep diaries, most mobile phones can be programmed to inform you of events on a certain date, i.e. before a birthday.

I do hope that inshaAllah if you cannot utilise all tips that at least one or two will come in handy. Have a happy Islamic home.

Organising your home

Creating some sort of organisation from the chaos can prove problematic for many mothers, especially with a large family. With all that is going on in our lives, who wants to spend hours a day on housework, in fact who has the time to? If you feel yourself drowning in an ocean of un-ironed clothes and lego, there are a few things you can do to help make your lives that little bit easier inshaAllah.

My top ten tips don't involve pre-planning or making lists everysingle night, rather it is just a few simple changes you could make to making your home run that little bit smoother and clutter free.

My General Handy Tips

1. Observe where different  things accumulate within the home and design your home around that rather than trying to fit your family and their habits into your vision of the perfect home. For example if you notice the kids leave things on the floor after their bath, the why not leave a smal laundry or wicker basket for them to throw things into. Or if your young ones always use the dining table for their arts and crafts and you find yourself always clearign away paper and pens before dinner, why not find a corner to store some art supplies, maybe a small box or a kitchen cupboard.
2. Have a place for your house keys. (Not viewable from outside!). always place your keys here when you return home and this wil soon become habit.
3. Keep a bottle of cleaner and a cloth in your bathroom, and everyday have a quick wipe-round of the sink. This would only take a couple of minutes and would ensure your bathroom is never in 'that' state. I would suggest using an eco cleaner or home made one to minimise the exposure to dangerous toxins found in commercial cleaners.
4. Keep a wicker basket in every room (or the rooms the family soends the majority of time). Use it as a place to throw in toys and any other bits collected throughout the day. Every so often you can collect it and return it to it's rightful place. Thusi really helps if you have children who are 'never finished' playing with their toys, even though their attention may be elsewhere.
5. Keep in mind that a load of washing needs to be done everyday if you want to stay on top of it all. Miss a day and you have extra washing to do the following. Maybe oick a time most convenient to throw a load in, maybe before breakfast when everyone else is either still sleeping / reading Quran or washing up for the day.
6. Don't iron unless it is a must. Many items don't need ironing such as bedsheets, some children clothing, pj's or knitwear.#
7. Odd socks is forever a problem in many homes (especially mine). Train everyone to fold their socks into the pair as soon as it is removed and before it is put into the dirty laundry basket.

Another area we could all feel frustrated is tackling that dreaded paperwork. Click HERE for some tips on organising household paperwork.

The Qur'an protected.

Imam al Qurtubi has reported an event from the court of 'Abbasi Khalifah, al-Ma'mun. He was used to patronizing occasional debates from on intellectual issues at his court where all scholars were welcome. It so happened that a jew came to attend one of these debates. By his looks, dress and manners, he seemed to be an elegant person. Then, his address during the debate was eloquent and intellectually bright. When the meeting was over, al-Ma'mun called for him to become a muslim in which he case he could hope to have the best possible treatment from him. He (the Jew) said that he was not willing to leave the religion of his forefathers, which was his religion too. The matter ended there. that person went away.

Then, after a year, the same person returned as a Muslim and made a very distinct contribution in the court meeting on the subject of Islamic jurisprudence. after the session was over al-Ma'mun called for him and asked if he was the same person who had come last year, he said: "Yes. I am." al-Ma'mun asked: "At that time you refused to accept Islam. Tell me what made you accept Islam now." He said: "When I came back from here, I decided to do some research on contemporary religions. I am a scribe. I write books and sell them. They bring good price. This time I wanted to make a test. First, I wrote three manuscripts of the Torah in which I made additions and deletions on my own. I took these manuscripts to the Synagogue. The jews found them interesting and bought them. Then, I did the same things with the Injil. I wrote three manuscripts, complete with my additions and deletions, and took them to the Church where the Christians were pleased with these and brought them from me. After that, I tried the same thing with the Qur'an. I wrote three good looking manuscripts of the Qur'an, of course with the usual additions and deletions of my own. When I went out to sell them, I faced a problem. Every buyer I went to would take the manuscript, look into it to determine if it was correct or not, and when he would notice additions or deletions made into it, he would thrwo it back to me. From this episode, I learnt my lesson that this Book is protected, and protected by Allah ta'ala Himself; therefore I embraced Islam."

Al-Qur'an the last and final revelation from the Lord of the heavens and the earth, The One who we will all stand before to be judged, and Who we shoudl all seek forgiveness from on a daily basis, has been protected. Alhamdulillah for this miracle, 1400 years later and we still have the same Quran that was recited to us, word for word, despite a thousand of efforts made by enemies.

Indeed it was We who sent down the message [the Qur'an], and indeed, we will be it's guardian. (al-Hijr, 15:9)

We are commanded to teach

 

Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem

 A few years ago I finished studying a secondary book of hadeeth called the 40 Hadeeth Pertaining to Children by Imam Nawawi, and by the blessing of Allah it enabled me to impliment some of the sunnah of our beloved Rasulullah salallah alayhi wa Salam. The Prophet salallahu alayhi wa salam said ~"narrate from me even if only a verse", with that in mind, and feeling that one gains knowledge in order to act upon it, and then to teach others, I will go back over what I learnt here inshaAllah, bit by bit. I pray that Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala accepts this from me and that you are able to gain benefit from it inshaAllah.

Just to note, that this will be written in short bitesize chunks to better enable us to remember and impliment what we learn.

"Oh you who believe, ward yourself and your families from the fire..." Surah Tahreem [66:46]

The verse is often quotes as a waring for us to protect ourselves and our families from the fire. The greatest thing to teach your child is tawheed and the greatest thing to warn them from is shirk.  Imam tabari said of this ayat that "Allah is telling us to teach yourselves and each other that which will ward them from the fire. In other words one must teach one's children that which is prohibited and what to stay away from.

"And enjoin prayer upon your family, and be steadfast therein..." [Surah Ta-Ha 20:132]

"And warn your closest kindred" [Surah shu'ara 26:214]

Abdullah ibn 'Umar narrates "I heard the messenger of Allah say 'Each one of you is a shepard, and each one of you is responsible for his flock. A man is a shepard of his family, a woman is responsible for her husband's house and his flock. Even a servant has a responsiblity over his master's house'" [narrated in Bukhari and Muslim]

As muslim mothers, a part of that responsibility is the education of our children. The educator must be balanced in their approach. They must be merciful, use good language, have god stature (keep themselves kempt), we must understand our position and have softness. On the other hand one needs to be able to be stern and give admonishment as many parents will know, a child WILL try to overstep boundries as a part of their development.  The love we have for our offspring must not blind and prevent us form teaching right from wrong.

Ibn Abass narrated that Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam said "Hang your whip where the members of the household will see them, for that will be a discipline for them" [hasan in at-Tabarani]

So we should be merciful and encourage our children with softness but also discipline and warn. May Allah aid us in this and cause us  to raise the next generation of mu'minoon. Ameen.

The British (Serves 60 MIllion)

Take some Picts, Celts and Silures
And let them settle,
Then overrun them with Roman conquerors.

Remove the Romans after approximately 400 years
Add lots of Norman French to some
Angles, Saxons, Jutes and Vikings, then stir vigorously.

Mix some hot Chileans, cool Jamaicans, Dominicans,
Trinidadians and Bajans with some Ethiopians, Chinese,
Vietnamese and Sudanese.

Then take a blend of Somalians, Sri Lankans, Nigerians
And Pakistanis,
Combine with some Guyanese
And turn up the heat.

Sprinkle some fresh Indians, Malaysians, Bosnians,
Iraqis and Bangladeshis together with some
Afghans, Spanish, Turkish, Kurdish, Japanese
And Palestinians
Then add to the melting pot.

Leave the ingredients to simmer.

As they mix and blend allow their languages to flourish
Binding them together with English.

Allow time to be cool.

Add some unity, understanding, and respect for the future,
Serve with justice
And enjoy.

Note: All the ingredients are equally important. Treating one ingredient better than another will leave a bitter unpleasant taste.

Warning: An unequal spread of justice will damage the people and cause pain. Give justice and equality to all.

By poet benjamin Zephaniah

I am your future

Here I stand...
In purity and innocence
I am your future.
What do you see in me?
I am your future.
What fears would you install?
I am your future,
What would you learn in order to teach me?
I am your childlike self.
A golden reflection of love
I am your destiny
I am empty,
With what would you fill me?

Taken from the book, Black emotions by Spicy Fingers.

“The [example of the] value of this world in comparison to [that of] the Hereafter is as if you dip a finger in the ocean and then pull it out. See how much water sticks to it.” [Muslim]

The Day We Lost Our Masjid

by Muhammed ash Shareef

In the name of Allah, We praise Him, seek His help and ask for his forgiveness. Whoever Allah guides none can misguide, and whoever He allows to fall astray none can guide them aright. I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, alone, and I bear witness that Muhammad is his servant and Messenger.

Do you know the last public place that the The Messenger of Allah Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam was seen? He was seen in the Masjid. About 3 days before he passed away, Abu Bakr Radi Allaahu Anhu was leading the prayer and the Masjid was full with an Ummah of men and women prepared to illuminate the world with their Jihad and da'wah. The Prophet's house opened up to the Masjid and there was a curtain separating his room and the prayer hall. He opened the curtain and saw the congregation and saw his Khalifah Abu Bakr Radi Allaahu Anhu leading the prayer. The Prophet Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam smiled like a moon. The companions saw him while they were in prayer, and from their happiness, almost lost control of the prayer. The Prophet Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam then drew his curtain and three days later returned to his Lord Subhaanahu wa Ta'Aala.

During the life of the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam there was a women who used to sweep the Masjid with her hands, picking up the dirt and disposing of it. In the sight of the community her status was not that high, but in the sight of Allah and her Messenger Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam she held a different rank. She passed away one night and the Companions, not wanting to disturb the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam, washed and buried her without informing him. The next day, the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam recognized her absence and inquired about her. They told him about her demise and how they did not want to disturb him. The Prophet Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam was not happy at the action they took. He went to her grave and prayed for her there.

What is a Masjid? Many have misunderstood the role the Masjid plays in the development of the Community. In some countries, it is a place where the tribal imam is buried and worshipped. In other places, it is a place that only prayers may be performed therein, absolutely nothing else will be tolerated. And in yet other places, not even prayers are performed in it, so-much-so the country may finally decide to convert it into a museum or a church.

Dear brother and sister, I would like to introduce you to our friend, the Masjid:

Literally, Masjid means a place of prostration. Technically, Masjid is any clean place on earth, as the Messenger of Allah Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam said, "The earth was made for me a MASJID (i.e. a place to pray), pure." Bukhari.

However, custom allocated to the word Masjid a specific place, the place where the 5 daily prayers are held. This was done in order to distinguish the Masjid from the Musallah, the place where Eid prayers are held and so forth, so that the rules of the Masjid do not apply to it.

Masjid is a word derived from sujood, or prostration. The Masjid, or place of prostration, was such named due the honorable position the sujood holds in Salah. Thus it was not called Marka' derived from Ruku' and so on.

The first house of Allah ever built on earth was the Ka'bah. Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'Aala says: [Verily, the first House (of worship) appointed for mankind was that at Bakkah (Makkah), full of blessing, and a guidance for Al-Aalameen] 3/96.

And Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'Aala commanded us to honor and enliven the Masjid with His rememberance: [In houses (masajid), which Allah has ordered to be raised, in them His name is glorified in the mornings, and in the evenings.] Noor 24/16.

Ibn Abbaas, Mujahid, and Al-Hasan commented: The "houses" are those Masajid that were dedicated to the worship of Allah. And verily, the Masajid light up the earth for the inhabitants of the heavens, just as stars light up the heavens for the inhabitants of the earth.

Everyone wants to build a retirement home to be proud of. Let them listen to this offer. The Messenger of Allah Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam said, "Whoever builds a Masjid, seeking the pleasure of Allah, Allah shall build a house for him in Paradise." Bukhari.

He also Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam said, "The most beloved places to Allah on earth are the Masajid, and the most hated places to Allah on earth are the Markets." Muslim.

The Masjid played a variety of roles in our history. Following is a short tour of some of the roles that the Masjid played:

Children. The Masjid was a place where the children would accompany their parents and grow up under the shade of it's walls. Abu Qataadah narrated that the the Messenger of Allah Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam used to prayand carry Umamah the daughter of Zaynab. When he would fall into prostration, he would rest her aside. And when he stood up again, he would again pick her up. Bukhari.

Education. The Masjid was the nucleus of education. Throughout history, the Masjid was the university that graduated scholars and imams. To name only a few, there was the Masjid of Al-Azhar, Masjid Al-Umawee in Syria, and Masjid Az-Zaytoonah in Tunis.

The Prophet Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam said, "No gathering gathers in a house from the houses of Allah, reciting the book of Allah and teaching it to one another, except that serenity befalls them, Mercy envelops them, the angels surround them and Allah mentions them to (the inhabitants of the heavens)." Muslim

Organization. The Masjid is where hundreds of Muslims come, all in straight rows, all following the lead of Allahu Akbar, all beginning when the Imam begins, all ending when the Imam ends.

Shelter for the weak and traveling. In Masjid An-Nabawi, we know that there was a platform, known as the Suffah. There the poor and the strangers would find shelter and the Messenger of Allah Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam would grant them shares of the collected charity.

Solicializing. The Masjid is where the Muslims would meet one another. When someone missed a prayer, he was followed up. Relationships were reared, brotherhood was built.

Think tank. When important issues came up, the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam would gather the Companions in the Masjid and consult them in the matter.

Charity. The charity would be collected and distributed from the Masjid. It was in the Masjid that the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam said, "Give, if only with a half a date."

Jihad. It was from the Masjid that battalions were organized and set off for Jihad. During the crusades, many Masajid became the podium for inciting the feelings of the Muslims to fight off the transgression.

Serenity. Whenever the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam felt sad he would go and pray. And he Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam would say to Bilal, "Relax us with (the prayer) O Bilal."



Part II: THE RIGHTS OF THE MASJID.

The Masjid is the house of Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'Aala and it has rights like anyone else. Amongst these rights are the following:

Firstly: When someone enters the Masjid, they should pray 2 rakahs before sitting down. The Prophet Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam said, "If any of you enters the Masjid, let him not sit down until he prays 2 rakahs."

Secondly: No business should take place in the Masjid. The Messenger of Allah Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam said, "Whoever sells in the Masjid, say to them: May Allah not grant success in your sale."

Thirdly: The Masjid must be kept clean and fresh smelling. The Prophet Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam said, "Whoever eats from this tree (i.e. Garlic) should not attend our place of prayer."

Fourthly: Advice should be given to fellow Muslims. When the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam would see someone not praying correctly he would advise them to repeat their prayer and teach them how to pray.

Fifthly: Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'Aala should be remembered much during one's stay in the Masjid. As Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'Aala says [O ye who believe, remember Allah with much remembrance.] Ahzab 33/42.

And finally, Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'Aala tells us of the kind of people that are recognized as the people of the Masjid. [In it are men that love to purify themselves, And Allah loves those who make themselves pure.] Towbah 9/108.

May Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'Ala give us the blessing of being amongst those that establish the Masjid and are included amongst those whom Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'Aala loves.

When the Reward Equals Fifty

For a printable version of this article click HERE

Shaykh Hasan bin Husayn bin Muhammad bin 'Abd al-Wahhab.

In 'ad-Durar as-Saniyyah' (8/91-95), Shaykh Hasan bin Husayn (a grandson of Muhammad bin 'Abd al-Wahhab) was asked about the hadith:"...the one who does this will have the reward of fifty." So, he replied:

"First of all, you should know that the hadith in question was reported by Abu Dawud, at-Tirmidhi, and Ibn Majah from 'Utbah bin Hakim, from 'Amr bin Harithah, from Abi Umayyah ash-Sha'bani, from Abi Tha'labah al-Khushani who commented on the verse: {"O you who believe! Take care of your ownselves. If you follow the right guidance, no hurt can come to you from those who are in error..."} [al-Ma'idah; 105] He said:

"By Allah, I asked the Messenger of Allah (صلى الله عليه و سلم) about this, and he said: "Rather, what this means is enjoin the good and prevent the bad until you see people succumb to covetousness, follow their desires, become corrupted by the worldly life, every one impressed with his own opinion, and you see that there is nothing else you can do. At that point, take care of yourself and don't worry about the affair of the general populace, because there are indeed ahead of you days that require patience. Whoever is patient during those days will be like someone holding to a burning coal. And the one who does this from them will have the reward of fifty men who do what he is doing." The Companions asked: "Messenger of Allah, the reward of fifty of those with him?" He said: "The reward of fifty of you.""

...If you know this, you will see that the reason such a person deserves this great reward and his virtue is made equal to fifty of the Companions is that he has no helpers or aides, according to al-Hafidh Sulayman al-Khattabi and Abu al-Faraj 'Abd ar-Rahman bin Rajab and others.

And the one who clings to the stable and Prophetic path during corrupt times and confusion in beliefs is a stranger, even if he is in the presence of loved ones. Obstacles are everywhere, wrongdoing is rampant, ugliness and corruption have emerged, the Religion has been transformed and changed, desires and misguidance are followed, there is nobody to accompany and assist you, it is rare to find a Muwahhid whose company to enjoy, people have become like withering straw, the winds of war and conflict have blown everywhere, the evil of the hypocrites has spread, the patience of the righteous has worn thin, the paths to good have been cut off, the paths to misguidance and destruction have been made easy, there seems to be no way out, and it all seems inescapable.

So, the Muwahhid is in the midst of all this more noble than a red gem. Despite this, none respond to him and what he says. The banners of opposition have been rolled out against him, he is attacked with the arrows of enmity, the most spiteful eyes observe him, harm comes at him from every hypocrite, he has been made into a stranger, his heart is torn apart because of what has happened to the religion of Islam, falsehood has lit its fire, and its evil fills the sky.

With all of this, he follows the pure, straight religion, supported by the proofs and signs from Allah. So, tell me, by Allah: can this be except from one who has certainty and sincerity as high as a mountain in his heart, and has Tawhid, patience, faith, acceptance and submission to Allah's Decree? And Allah has promised the patient an overwhelming reward: {"The patient will receive their reward without any limit..."} [az-Zumar; 10]

And some of the scholars - may Allah have Mercy on them - said: "Whoever follows the Qur'an and the Sunnah, migrates with his heart to Allah, and follows the footsteps of the Companions, the Companions will have nothing over him other than that they saw the Messenger of Allah (صلى الله عليه و سلم)."

And in that era, they all had helpers, brothers, and people who stood by them. This is why 'Ali bin al-Madini said, as mentioned by Ibn al-Jawzi in his book 'Sifat as-Safwah': "Nobody stood up for Islam after the Messenger of Allah the way Ahmad bin Hambal did." He was asked: "O Aba al-Hasan, not even Abu Bakr?" He replied: "Abu Bakr had companions and helpers. Ahmad bin Hambal was accompanied by nobody."

And al-Imam Ahmad reported from 'Abdullah bin Mas'ud that the Messenger of Allah (صلى الله عليه و سلم) said: "Islam began as something strange, and it will return to being strange as it began. So, glad tidings for the strangers." He was asked: "Messenger of Allah, who are the strangers?" He replied: "Those who are outcasts from their tribes." And this was narrated by Abu Bakr al-Ajuri with the wording: "Those who are righteous when the people are corrupt." And others narrated this, and he also has the wording: "Those who flee for the sake of their religion from trials and tribulations."And at-Tirmidhi reported it from Kathir, from 'Abdullah al-Muzani, from his father, from his grandfather from the Prophet with the wording: "Those who correct what the people have corrupted of my Sunnah." And al-Imam Ahmad reported it as well from Sa'd bin Abi Waqqas, and at-Tabarani reported it from 'Abdullah bin 'Umar that the Prophet said: "Glad tidings to the strangers." It was asked: "Who are the strangers?" He replied: "A tiny group of righteous people in the midst of a large number of corrupted people. Those who go against them are more than those who go along with them." al-Awza'i explained this, saying: "Indeed, Islam does not fade away. Rather, Ahl as-Sunnah fade away, to the point that there will not remain in a particular land except one or two of them."

And al-Bukhari reported from Mirdas as-Salami who said that the Messenger of Allah said: "The righteous will fade away one after the other, and only the useless remnants like straw or date fibers will remain. Allah will not care for them in the least." And al-Hasan al-Basri would say to his companions: "O Ahl as-Sunnah! Be soft with each other, may Allah have Mercy on you, because you will be the first to fade away." And Yusuf bin 'Ubayd said: "There is nothing stranger than the Sunnah, and what is stranger than it is the one who knows it..."

And Muslim reported in his 'Sahih' from Mu'aqqal bin Yasar that the Messenger of Allah said: "Worship during the time of tribulation and confusion is like migration to me." And al-Hasan al-Basri said: "If a man from the first generation was to be resurrected today, he wouldn't recognize anything from your Islam except the prayer." He then said: "By Allah, as for the one who lives in the midst of these vices, sees the innovator calling to his innovation and the one infatuated with the worldly life calling to it, yet he remains protected by Allah with his heart yearning for this earlier generation, and he follows in their footsteps and traditions and way of life - such a person will have a great reward."

And al-Mubarak bin Fudalah - one of the scholars of Hadith in al-Basrah - related that al-Hasan al-Basri was asked about a wealthy man living in luxury who had authority and would take people's wealth claiming that there was nothing wrong with this, and a misguided innovator Khariji who applied the verses about the kuffar on the Muslims. So, he said: "Your Sunnah, by Allah besides Whom none is worthy of worship. It is neither with the extreme or the negligent, the indulgent or the ignorant. So, be patient in sticking to it, as Ahl as-Sunnah are the fewest of people. They don't indulge with the people of indulgence, and they don't follow their desires along with the innovators. They were patient in sticking to their path until they met their Lord. So, be the same way, if Allah Wills." He then said: "If a man saw these vices - this one calling him to itself, and that one calling him to itself - and he says 'I don't want anything but the Sunnah of Muhammad (صلى الله عليه و سلم),' and he goes around seeking it out, such a person will have a great reward. So, be this way, if Allah Wills."

And Muwarraq said: "The one who clings firmly to the obedience of Allah when others put it to the side is like the one who sticks around when everyone else has retreated." Abu as-Sa'adat Ibn al-Athir said in 'an-Nihayah': "This means that if people abandon obedience to Allah and turn away from it, the person who holds tightly to it will have the same reward as one who stays firm in a battle after everyone has run away."

herbs that heal in your kitchen

In today’s age of modern medicine, most of us rely on medications even for a minor problem such as a headache or a mild stomach cramp. While I don’t forbid the use of medications, I don’t recommend depending on them either. Mother Nature has bestowed us with the best of medicines that are with minimal or no side-effects! These secret “grandma” remedies do a magic of their own. People of the past didn’t use medications but used herbs and kitchen remedies to treat several kinds of illnesses at the comfort of their own houses. We, too, can have these simple remedies at hand whenever needed. So, here are a few that are present in your kitchen cabinet that can give you a quick remedy! Ginger: Dried, freshly crushed or diced, each has its own benefits. If you are suffering from sore throat, take four pieces of freshly diced ginger (peeled) and boil it in a cup of water for 10 minutes. Add a tablespoon of honey. This ginger-honey tea is best for any flu due to its anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties. It is also good for vomiting and motion sickness.
Garlic: Freshly crushed. If you feel there is a mild rise in blood pressure, add 2 tablespoons of yogurt to the freshly crushed garlic. Mix it well. Swallow two tablespoons of this mixture but be careful not to drink water. Relax. After 15 minutes, have a glass of water. It was seen that people who normally have this everyday had normal blood pressure levels for those who slightly have a rise in their blood pressure.
Cinnamon: Powdered or boiled. Cinnamon is a great menstrual regulator and helps during the premenstrual syndrome. It also helps in digestion disorders, bad breath and common cold. The cinnamon sticks can be boiled and a teaspoon of honey can be added to it during infections and common cold problems. Powdered cinnamon can be added to tea or boiled for its maximum benefits.
Black pepper: Increases body’s immunity and keeps you away from regular seasonal flu and fevers. It is definitely one of the best alternative options and an easy way to take black pepper is to add honey to a seven peppercorn mixture and voila!
Caraway seeds (Habba Barakah/Habbah Sawdah): Every local herb seller in Saudi Arabia highly recommends caraway seeds due to its multipurpose healing properties and its significance in Islam, as mentioned by our Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him). Caraway seeds help in the digestion process. Whether it is indigestion or gas, caraway seeds can help you. Herbalists recommend an infusion of caraway seeds to those who have digestion problems. Caraway seeds also prove to be helpful for gripping. So, next time you have an indigestion problem, you know what to look for instead of your antacids.
Turmeric: Usually taken as a powdered form. This is highly recommended for pregnant women having cough in their pregnancy (or anyone else as well). In a cup of warm milk, a pinch of turmeric is added. Very helpful during menstrual cramps and nosebleeds.
Mint: While mint is a great flavouring agent, it has its medicinal benefits too. It works wonders for colds and indigestion problems. Herbalists recommend mint for parasitic conditions such as ring worms. It is also good for constipation and nausea. If you are with an ulcer, it helps in healing ulcers. Mint has a good fragrance with a refreshing taste. It makes a great alternative to a black coffee and offers you a fresh morning ahead.

While there may be many more (depending on “your” grandma’s remedies), the above can be found in every kitchen shelf. I do recommend using these herbs with caution due to sensitivities or allergies. Remember, too much of anything is trouble, so use it moderately and as every health practitioner would say, please see your doctor in case of emergency.

Alcohol Substitutes

“They ask you (O Muhammad) concerning alcoholic drink and gambling. Say: In them is a great sin, and (some) benefits for men, but the sin of them is greater than their benefit” [al-Baqarah 2:219] 

How many times have we been reading a recipe, one that looks absolutely gorgeous, only to realise that the recipe calls for some sort of alcoholic addition. A dash of this, a litre of that! As alcohol is not an option in the Islamic household we have to substitute for that which is better.

Below is a general list of alcohol substitutes that you can use in your cooking. The substitute you use depends on the general flavour you are trying to achieve. If you are a novice cook, why don't you experiment and see which flavours you prefer in which dishes.

Amaretto

Substitute - General
Non-alcoholic almond extract;

Substitute - Measured
For: 2 tablespoons amaretto or other almond-flavored liqueur, substitute: 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon almond extract

Applejack or apple brandy

Substitute - General
Unsweetened apple juice concentrate; apple juice; apple cider; or apple butter.

Apricot brandy

Substitute - General
Syrup from canned apricots in heavy syrup; or apricot preserves.

Beer or Ale

Substitute - General
Chicken broth, white grape juice, or ginger ale

Bourbon

Substitute - General
Non-alcoholic vanilla extract. Champagne and other sparkling wines: Sparkling apple cider; sparkling cranberry juice; or sparkling grape juice.

Substitute - Measured
For 2 tablespoons bourbon, substitute the following: 1 to 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Brandy

Substitute - General .
Raspberry extract, brandy extract

Substitute - Measured
2 tablespoons brandy, substitute the following: 1/2 to 1 teaspoon brandy extract OR 2 tablespoons water, white grape juice or apple juice

Champagne

Substitute - General
Ginger Ale or Soda water and Champagne extract

Cherry liqueur or brandy (Kirschwasser)

Substitute - General
Syrup from canned cherries in heavy syrup; Italian soda cherry syrup; or cherry preserves. (Not suitable for fondue)

Cognac

Substitute - General
Juice from peaches, apricots or pears.

Coffee liqueur or Brandy

Substitute - General
Espresso; non-alcoholic coffee extract; or coffee syrup.

Substitute - Measured
2 tablespoons Kahlua or other coffee or chocolate- flavored liqueur, substitute the following: 1/2 to 1 teaspoon chocolate extract plus 1/2 to 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules dissolved in 2 tablespoons hot water.

Cointreau

Substitute - General
Orange juice, or frozen orange juice concentrate.

Creme de Cacao

Substitute - General
Powdered white chocolate mixed with water; non-alcoholic vanilla extract and powdered sugar.

Creme de Cassis

Substitute - General
Black currant Italian soda syrup; or black currant jam.

Creme de Menthe

Substitute - General
Mint Italian soda syrup; or non-alcoholic mint extract. or Spearmint extract or oil of spearmint diluted with a little water or grapefruit juice.

Gewurztraminer

Substitute - General
White grape juice mixed with lemon juice, water, and a pinch of powdered sugar.

Kahlua

Substitute - General
Chocolate extract, 1 teaspoon per 2 tablespoon of Kahlua. Or 1 teaspoon instant express powder per 2 tablespoon of Kahlua

Kirsch (Cherry)

Substitute - General
Syrup or juice from black cherries, raspberries, boysenberries, currants, grapes or cherry cider.

Licorice or anise flavored liqueur

Substitute - General
Anise Italian soda syrup; or fennel.

Mirin

Substitute - General
White grape juice mixed with lemon juice or zest.

Muscat

Substitute - General
White grape juice mixed with water and powdered sugar

Orange liqueur (Grand Marnier) or brandy

Substitute - General
Unsweetened orange juice concentrate; orange zest; orange juice; or marmalade.

Substitute - Measured
for 2 tablespoons Grand Marnier or other orange- flavored liqueur, substitute the following: 2 tablespoons orange juice and 1/2 teaspoon orange extract or 2 tablespoons unsweetened orange juice concentrate.

Peach brandy

Substitute - General
Syrup from canned peaches in heavy syrup; or peach preserves

Peppermint Schnapps

Substitute - General
Mint Italian soda syrup; non-alcoholic mint extract; or mint leaves

Port

Substitute - GeneralConcord grape juice mixed with lime zest; or cranberry juice mixed with lemon juice

Riesling

Substitute - GeneralWhite grape juice mixed with water and a pinch of powdered sugar.

Rum

Substitute - GeneralNon-alcoholic vanilla or rum extract. OR Pineapple juice or syrup flavored with almond extract.

Substitute - Measured

for 2 tbsp rum , substitute the following: 1/2 to 1 teaspoon rum extract OR 2 tablespoons water, white grape juice or apple juice.

Sherry

Substitute - GeneralApple cider; non-alcoholic vanilla extract; coffee; or coffee syrup.

Substitute - Measured

2 tablespoons sherry, substitute the following: 1 to 2 teaspoons vanilla extract or 2 tablespoons orange or pineapple juice.

To substitute sherry in a marinade: for 1/2 cup sherry use 1/4 cup vinegar + 1 tablespoon sugar + 1/4 water OR1 tablespoon vinegar, plus chicken stock or water to make 1/2 cup.

Vermouth

Substitute - GeneralApple cider; or apple juice mixed with lemon juice and water.

Substitute - General

Water; apple cider or white grape juice mixed with lime juice.

Wine, Red

Substitute - General

Note: add water, white grape juice, apple juice, or broth, if necessary, to get the specified amount of liquid called for in the recipe.

orGrape juice; vegetable stock; cranberry juice: tomato juice; or concord grape jelly.

Substitute - Measured

1/4 cup or more red wine, substitute the following: equal measure of red grape juice, cranberry juice, apple cider, chicken broth, clam juice, flavored vinegar, or nonalcoholic wine. If you use nonalcoholic wine, add a tablespoon of vinegar to cut the sweetness

Wine - White

Substitute - GeneralWhite grape juice; apple cider; apple juice; vegetable stock; or water, ver jus

Substitute - Measured

1/4 cup or more white wine, substitute the following: equal measure of white grape juice, chicken broth, vegetable broth, clam juice or nonalcoholic wine. If you use a nonalcoholic wine, add a tablespoon of vinegar to cut the sweetness.

Wine, White, Dry

Substitute - GeneralWater, chicken broth, bullion or consommé, ginger ale, white grape juice, diluted cider vinegar or white wine vinegar, liquid from canned mushrooms.

Wine, Heavy

Substitute - GeneralFor 1/4 cup or more port, sweet sherry, rum, brandy, liqueur, substitute the following: equal measure of unsweetened orange juice or apple juice plus 1 teaspoon of corresponding flavored extract or vanilla extract.

For a printable version please click here Part 1 part 2

A list of Juz starting and ending ayaat

A comprehensive list unto where each juz begins and where each juz ends. It is useful for keeping track of your quran memorisation and Ramadaan recitation

  Juz’ 1 – Al Fatiha 1 – Al Baqarah 141

     Juz’ 2 – Al Baqarah 142 – Al Baqarah 252

     Juz’ 3 – Al Baqarah 253 – Al Imran 92

     Juz’ 4 – Al Imran 93 – An Nisaa 23

     Juz’ 5 – An Nisaa 24 – An Nisaa 147

     Juz’ 6 – An Nisaa 148 – Al Ma’idah 81

     Juz’ 7 – Al Ma’idah 82 – Al An’am 110

     Juz’ 8 – Al An’am 111 – Al A’raf 87

     Juz’ 9 – Al A’raf 88 – Al Anfal 40

     Juz’ 10 – Al Anfal 41 – At Tauba 92

     Juz’ 11 – At Tauba 93 – Hud 5

     Juz’ 12 – Hud 6 – Yusuf 52

     Juz’ 13 – Yusuf 53 – Ibrahim 52

     Juz’ 14 – Al Hijr 1 – An Nahl 128

     Juz’ 15 – Bani Isra’il 1 – Al Kahf 74

     Juz’ 16 – Al Kahf 75 – Ta Ha 135

     Juz’ 17 – Al Anbiyaa 1 – Al Hajj 78

     Juz’ 18 – Al Muminun 1 – Al Furqan 20

     Juz’ 19 – Al Furqan 21 – An Naml 55

     Juz’ 20 – An Naml 56 – Al Ankabut 45

     Juz’ 21 – Al Ankabut 46 – Al Ahzab 30

     Juz’ 22 – Al Ahzab 31 – Ya Sin 27

     Juz’ 23 – Ya Sin 28 – Az Zumar 31

     Juz’ 24 – Az Zumar 32 – Fussilat 46

     Juz’ 25 – Fussilat 47 – Al Jathiya 37

     Juz’ 26 – Al Ahqaf 1 – Az Zariyat 30

     Juz’ 27 – Az Zariyat 31 – Al Hadid 29

     Juz’ 28 – Al Mujadila 1 – At Tahrim 12

     Juz’ 29 – Al Mulk 1 – Al Mursalat 50

      Juz’ 30 – An Nabaa 1 – An Nas 6