Asalaamu Alaykum! Today we have a video review on Animals in the Qur’an Snap Cards by Smart Ark. It’s a wonderful card game that your kids can play–and you with them, InshaAllah. Each card has on it a picture of the animal from the Qur’an, the name of the animal in English, its name in Arabic, and the corresponding surah and ayat the animal is mentioned in. This game helps you learn the animals in the Qur’an in a fun, interactive, and playful way using snap/memory cards. Check out our video below!

Do you have these snap/memory cards at home? What games do you play with them? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comment section. =)

Video Review: Animals in the Qur’an Snap Cards by Smart Ark is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

As a follow-up to our popular article, Learning the Qur’an for Free Online – QuranExplorer.com and HarfKids.com, it’s imperative to share the top site my girls use now for their Qu’ran memorization: Tanzil.net.

They found this resource themselves and prefer it to Qur’an Explorer for the following reasons:

Tanzil.net – Great Qur’an Memorization Website

• Once you click on or roll-over over an ayah you can get translations,
• More translations of different scholars
• More languages available
• More sheiks to pick from who recite Qur’an
• You can continuously play the ayah, 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9, or infinity times
• There’s a setting, that you click ‘translation’ a full translated page with the scholar you chose will show up
• Many more search options, page, juz, aya number or surah number (this is great!)
• You can display different size of page or font

Interested in giving this site a try? Do you have a site you love? Please share your thoughts below!

Learning the Qur’an for free – Tanzil.net Review is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

The Family that Prays Together Stays Together

We sometimes succumb to the weakness of holding back in our worship because we feel like we are limited by our children. Given, that they do make finding the time and peace of mind to worship to one’s full potential a little more challenging; children are a blessing and often an inspiration. That’s why involving them in our worship, especially during Ramadan has numerous benefits. It just takes a little bit of preparation and pre-planning to get the most of this wonderful opportunity to bond with and enhance your children’s Tarbiyyah.

Tips for Parents to Involve Kids during Layletul Qadr

• Talk with your children about the significance of Layletul Qadr to your children ahead of time. For younger children you will have to keep things simple. Tell them that it is a very special night during which Allah will be very close to them. Ask them what they would like to say to Allah. Encourage them to ask for forgiveness and pray for those whom they love. Older children will be able to understand and appreciate the importance of Layletul Qadr in more detail. Read together and discuss the Qur’anic references as well as Hadith that pertain to this night. Make sure they understand the paramount value of this night and have them reflect how they can take advantage of it. This would also be a good time to share your own experiences with them. Give your children a chance to ask any questions they may have and allow them to share their thoughts with you.

Ponn: Study how to sight Laylat al-Qadr

Use the Qur’an as the basis to your actions for Laylat al-Qadr

• Sincere prayer all night long in hopes of all sins to be forgiven,
• Praying this night is better than praying 1000 months,
• Angel Gibrel descended from the heavens,
• Peace fills the night until dawn,
• Understand that by having the night’s date concealed from its believers is a test from Allah, and true believers will strive to pray and worship throughout the last 10 days of Ramadan,
• A Muslim must strive for the greatest reward by working hard and worshiping consistently with one’s family.

• Observe the night based on Sunnah. Decide what you will do ahead of time: Have your children review the Surahs and Du’as that are traditionally read on this night (Surah al Ad Qadr). Compile a list of various types of worship that you will be performing such as: Salaat, Du’a, reading Quran. For younger children, assigning a reward for each task they complete on this list is a good way to encourage them.

Ponn: Observing Laylat al-Qadr based on Sunnah :

• Stay up all night,
• Not have marital relations,
• Praying all night to seek the rewards in hopes to have all sins forgiven,
• Learn the du’a specific to this night,
• Do not partake in actions, innovations, or activities that are not supported with hadith and seen as bid’ah.

Practical Ways to Involve Kids during Layletul-Qadr

Ponn: While some tips are redundant for Tips for Parents When Taking Kids to the Masjid for Taraweeh, sister Saba shares her perspective and experience. Therefore, we recommend you read both articles as they compliment one another.

• Be prepared: if you plan on spending the night in the masjid pack everything you will need to keep your children comfortable and busy. A change of clothing (or several), snacks, a blanket. I also prepare a special “masjid kit” for my daughter that includes crayons, paper, books (preferably Islamic ones), a portable CD player (and headphones) with nasheeds and Qur’an CDs and any other quiet, masjid appropriate toys for break time.
• Be Creative: prepare activities that children can do quietly by your side. Have them draw pictures of things they are thankful for, or work on a Ramadan collage. Older children can start a Ramadan diary in which they write their thoughts, experiences and goals for Ramadan. This is also a good way to chart progress throughout the month.
• Worship together: Have children participate in Salaat with you and read Qur’an together. For little ones who are learning how to count, have them practice by giving them the task of keeping track of the rakahs. I also enjoy the feeling of having my toddler sit in my lap with her little hands resting on mine while we make Du’a together. It never seizes to amaze me how long she will remain sitting just to share these moments with me.
• Eliminate distractions: Keep your children close to you. Do not allow them to run around with other children. This usually results in a noisy situation that affects others who are trying to worship. Explain to your children that it is part of the etiquette of the masjid to keep their voices down.
• Make a list of rules: go over the dos and don’ts with your children ahead of time. Have them reiterate the rules while you write them down on a list to make sure they understand.
• Plan sleep times: wake up your kids earlier than usual on the morning of Layletul Qadr. Inshaallah, this will result in them napping during the day. This way they won’t tire easily in the night.  If your children need a break to sleep for a while during the night, have them do so. Cranky, exhausted children will surely make it hard for everyone to worship.
• Make it worth their while: most children will jump at the opportunity to get to stay up past bedtime. Tell them that on this special night they get to do this. Having to go to bed is usually an effective consequence for inappropriate behavior. Make sure your children understand that as long as they are being productive (Salaat, Du’a, Quran, prescribed activities) they are allowed to stay up with the “big people”.
• For children who find it hard to remain seated or stationary for long periods of time, involve them in productive tasks that will give them a chance to move around.  When my daughter gets the wiggles at the masjid (or even at home) I busy her in doing helpful jobs such as picking up things from the floor, arranging chairs, offering snacks and drinks to others.
• Make it a group event: Older children often draw motivation from having their friends and family participate in a task with them. As such, one of the youth groups I was involved in had a special Layletul Qadr program for youth. The night’s activities were pre-arranged and organized with a well qualified elder to guide them through the night.

We welcome new additions as well as your thoughts and comments, please share below!

Author’s Bio:

Saba Umer resides in Illinois, where she spends the majority of her time being the “Imaam’s wife” to a wonderful community of believers.  She grew up in Canada where she completed her studies in Health Sciences and Humanities and is now a teacher, writer, inspirational speaker and most importantly a mom, wife and daughter.  To read more of her thoughts and unique experiences during Ramadan, click here.

Tips for Parents to Involve Kids during Layletul Qadr is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

Now, that our Summer Islamic Reading Program is coming to a close, it’s time for another worthy, Islamic educational project–and probably our most religiously-fulfilling one of the year! On behalf of American Muslim Mom, we are happy to host the 3rd Annual Ramadan Qur’an-a-Thon Sadaqah Drive of 2011.

What is a Ramadan Qur’an-a-Thon Sadaqah Drive?

In this post you will find all necessary information to participate:

• The Program’s Purpose/Objective, Deadline Dates, and Contact Information,
• Instructions how to participate, and
• The Qur’an-a-Thon Certification Pledge Form.

This program is designed to be completed completely online this year. Each participant may register, download pledge forms, seek pledges from local family and friends, have their Qur’an recitation certified by a local official of his/her choice, and then make secured online pledges directly to Islamic Relief USA, or to their local masajid/Islamic centers.

American Muslim Mom launched July 15, 2009 as the first and only online (or offline) blog magazine dedicated to Muslim Moms and their Children in America. With our growing international community of Muslim parents determined to raise Mu’miniyn in the West (and East) despite any obstacles we may face. As such, American Muslim Mom designed this program with the Purpose and Objectives listed below.

We are determined to reach as many children as possible this year by allowing all children to participate. We graciously ask that you help us recruit participants individually or collectively as part of an Islamic day school, weekend school, homeschool coop, Qur’an/Hifz school, Islamic youth groups, and/or individuals such as public school students who seek private Qur’an tutoring.

Program Materials:

Program information is all available on this post, and the only form to downloaded this year is Qur’an-a-Thon Certification Pledge Form.

Purpose/Objective:

Narrated Aisha: The Prophet said, “Such a person as recites the Qur’an and masters it by heart, will be with the noble righteous scribes (in Heaven). And such a person exerts himself to learn the Qur’an by heart, and recites it with great difficulty, will have a double reward.” (Book #60, Hadith #459, Sahih Bukhari)

Narrated Ibn ‘Abbas: Allah’s Apostle was the most generous of all the people, and he used to be more generous in the month of Ramadan when Gabriel used to meet him. Gabriel used to meet him every night in Ramadan to study the Holy Qur’an carefully together. Allah’s Apostle used to become more generous than the fast wind when he met Gabriel (Book #54, Hadith #443, Sahih Bukhari)

To help young Muslims appreciate and live more closely to the Sunnah of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace & blessings be upon him) by

1. Learning more ayats of the Qur’an by heart,
2. Understanding and appreciating the act of earning money,
3. Allowing children to gain a sense of pride by making charitable gifts to the needy, and
4. Completing these generous acts in the name of Allah (May He be Glorified) during our blessed month of Ramadan when our rewards are multiplied by the number only Allah knows and wills.

Who may participate?

• Any Muslim child able to recite and memorize Qur’an based on the rules of tajweed up to 18 years of age.

Worldwide Participation.

• Muslim children living outside of the US may make sadaqah to any Islamic institution or charitable organization of their choice.

How are the funds raised in this event?

• Each participating young Muslim will seek sponsorship from friends, family members, and others (Muslims & non-Muslims).
• Each sponsor will determine upon signing a pledge form to pay a predetermined amount of money (example 25 cents or $1) for each ayah (or surah) of the Qur’an that the participant reads with correct tajweed to an Islamic scholar or learned adult during the event*, OR
• The sponsor may also elect to pay a fixed amount of money as sponsorship for the participant regardless of the number of ayahs or surah he/she reads, recites or memorizes (for example: a sponsor may pledge to contribute one set price of $50).

*It is recommended that each participating young Muslim describes the number of ayats (or surah) which is a realistic amount for that one participant to memorize with correct tajweed with in 30 days. Therefore, no one misleads the one is making a pledge.

How to Participate for Ramadan 1432/2011

• First 10 days of Ramadan [August 1 - 10, 2011] – Memorize as many ayats/surahs with correct tajweed as possible.
• REQUIREMENT: Comment below with your child/ren’s first name and last initial, age and his/her goal for memorizing the Qur’an.
• Second 10 days of Ramadan [August 11 - 20, 2011] – Continue to memorize as many ayats/surah with correct tajweed as possible, and be tested by an Islamic scholar or learned adult, called the Examiner. The Examiner must use certify on the bottom of the pledge form and acknowledge with his/her signature how many ayats/surah the participant recited correctly.
• OPTIONAL: Comment below with your child/ren’s progress so we can help motivate one another.
• Last 10 days of Ramadan [August 21 – August 30, 2011] – Collect the pledge money* and make your Sadaqah. US residents can donate directly to IR-USA here. Please let your child/ren pick his/her own Designation for his/her sadaqah.
• REQUIRED: Upon completion,
  • Email your Pledge form to contact@americanmuslimmom.com. We will post the amount of sadaqah raised based on these completed pledge forms.
  • Comment below stating that you completed the program.

*It is critical to collect and return pledges on or before the 30th day of Ramadan, so our children receive the greatest amount of rewards for their hard work and efforts.

Ramadan Qur’an-a-thon is Back! Sadaqah Drive 2011 is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

A quick note to share something we play every day in the morning and after maghrib. We listen, recite and read the Morning and Evening Du’a, Dhiker and recommended Qur’an with the beautiful recitations available on TV Qur’an here. I love starting our day after healthy, sit-down warm cozy breakfast to these recitation. Then, completing maghrib prayer to slow down the day into a healthy night once again as a family dedicated to Allah, subhanallahu wa Ta’ala, May He be Glorified.

So, what are some Morning and Evening routines you share with your family as a whole for our One Creator?

Morning and Evening Du’a (Supplications), Dhiker (Remembrance of Allah) is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

We are huge EVOO (Extra Virgin Olive Oil) family, so when I was given the opportunity to review an Olive Oil Desserts cookbook–I literally jumped at the opportunity!

Now, while I adore cooking and was named “Chef” and favored cook on both sides of our family, I give all praise to Allah, since my art and craft of cooking only came after I got married (though my family insists I was quite crafty before then too)–but, I definitely got better with my hubby’s pickiness and each additional daughter entered our lives.

Anyways, I am a particularly picky cookbook-user. I crave tasty recipes but I crave history, variations, accompanying pictures and the story behind as many recipes as possible. So, the night we received this cookbook, my girls and I read and enjoyed the pictures of this high-quality exquisite “book” first. We loved how Micki correctly states how olives originated from what we call the Sham (Syria, Palestine and Jordan) and that olives are well quoted in the Qur’an (not Koran), and ahadith (plural form of hadith) of our Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him.

My girls and I took much ownership to olives having just returned from Gaza and having pickled olives ourselves, plus using the freshest pressed olive oil for our bodies and hair.  Since hubby’s cousins have olive oil press across the street from our house, we had generous supply–and being home now for 4 months–I have yet to find a tastier one since we don’t have Arab stores near us. Anyways, Micki shares her story about her and her husband’s high cholesterol and her desire to make delicious and healthy heart smart desserts for her family. My girls and I laughed how her kids often were her guinea pigs and craved veggies instead! The book is also filled with funny quotes to keep you smiling.

Delicious Recipes

Finally settling in our new home, since we love anything cinnamon and never heard of Cinnamon twisties, this was my first recipe. Besides the fact that I didn’t read 2+dozen twisties, I had a dozen huge twisties; and did not use all the glaze. And, well–my girls and I all agree they this 1 recipe FAR exceeds our love for cinnamon rolls. Hubby wouldn’t share his opinion, since he’s the one who makes all the cinnamon rolls in our house. But, when he demanded that I heat up his second third one, we all knew it was a good sign. I have to share that these huge twisties were incredibly fluffy with just the right amount of flakiness to the bottom like it’s own “crust”. It was SO easy to make and will be a weekly dessert from now on!

My oldest even answered when I asked ‘can anything be better than these cookies??!” “Probably Micki’s Mama…pause…after all, Mama…she’s the inventor of this recipe…” My 2 little ones took great offense and yelled, ‘But, Mama decided to put our 2 favorite things instead! White chocolate and macadamias.” I chuckled and my eldest agreed but gave me the eye like “but Mama–can’t Micki’s be better?” so I grinned back and said “Maybe”. We all laughed.

Another favorite in our home that never of us ever tried to make homemade are white chocolate macadamia cookies. So, I took Micki’s New Toll Cookies substituted white instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips, and adding 1-cup of macadamias. While in a hurry, I had the girls start mixing the ingredients to find out that I didn’t have butter extract (never have, and according to my 10 yo, her research showed is unhealthy), so I quickly emailed, facebooked and tweeted for Micki’s advise. She shared it’s optional, and that if we love butter so much, we could’ve taken 1/3 of the EVOO needed for the recipe and used that equal amount of butter. Having already stirred the EVOO, we were fine. Then, she recommended 1/2 cup of nuts when I asked, but when I returned to the cookbook I saw it had optional 1-cup of pecans, and well–how much can I ruin for 1-cup of the nuts we love ONLY in cookies & candies. So, with all that preparation; we quickly learned that it’s best to coat our hands in EVOO before making the balls of cookie. That rolled balls make nicely smooth cookies like the huge ones shown to the right, versus the pops of dough to make multi-shaped cookies. I obviously didn’t flatten the cookies out like Micki’s pictures, and probably never will–because these were the single best cookies I have ever eaten in my entire life! We had to pace ourselves, because I actually read how many cookies this recipe would make and 2-3 dozen cookies in one-sitting no matter how healthy they are, were WELL over limit!

NOTE: Because I made the big cookies first and cut through 1 at 10 minutes (between Micki’s recommended 9-11mins.) and I thought it was a bit gooey, so I put it in for 13 mins.–but these cookies hardened up quicker then the next 2 batches that I put for 11 then 9 mins. 9 mins were the best! We actually add that dozen in a snap after the first tasters.

MashaAllah, God has willed, I’ve never had a weight issue, so I’ve never been a supporter of low-fat desserts for simply it’s non-taste-element. I always tell people, just EAT LESS and keep the taste.

So, now that I’ve read even more wonderful health reasons for using EVOO in desserts, seeing that they make fluffy, buttery (and we’re a huge butter family) in our 2 favorite debut recipes of this book, I think every single household truly needs to have this cookbook in their kitchen. I just organized all my cookbooks into 4 nice shelves in my kitchen and I have my 1-daily shelf–this cookbook made the Top-quarter-cut! And, it’s the only all-dessert-cookbook that made this prestigious cut. To be in my daily shelf, I literally have to use them all the time. 2-times in 4-days is pretty awesome!

Purchase Olive Oil Desserts Cookbook Today

Available at fine booksellers nationwide, or on amazon, or for QVC fans follow this link.

Enter to win Olive Oil Desserts Cookbook ($24.95)

Deadline date: Thursday, May 5, 2011 at 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time.

Contest Rules

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Olive Oil Desserts Cookbook Review and Giveaway is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

Every little thing counts in a successful marriage. My girls and I have been having tons of fun yet deep conversations in our slumber parties while Baba (to them) hubby-to-me is working hard for us and miles away. But, they know about “His Special Look” that he only has for me…which well over a decade later and three growing girls later is really cool that they know or noticed, because as they were sharing, they never doubt how much Mama and Baba love each other. During our long talks I share that we’ve had a fair share of rough times, after all “it’s not about love”…either justifying that so they don’t aspire make-believe fairy-tale love stories…or to always remind them that there’s SO much more to a successful marriage WAY beyond love. So, they always bring back that no matter what “I’ll always have his eyes…”

The eyes that shares this one special look, a twinkle in my hubby’s eye, much longer than a wink and way to short for a  stare. But, it’s this look he’s able to give–a quick glance that can come far across in a crowded room at a party, gathering, or conference, just to say “hey, oh..you’re there”…with a twinkle that we share that says “yeah, I can’t wait to get out of here too”. Once we added babies in the picture, it turned into “hey there…” with a quick grimace and nob up and down to make sure the baby was/is by my side a back to the eye look of “phew” or “aha” you’re not alone.

But, the girls have been noticing that “Oh, Mama! He noticed” and its typically any little thing…anything, because after all he’s the only blessed man to really see me.

The coolest of times for me thought are when he shares this look when we’re in the middle of doing bills, just about to get stressed out when working on anything else, just to show how much I mean to him. These moments of stress right when one is about to crack is when it’s critical to share our special look to one another, because we’ve learned all these years later that typically these tedious life things like bills, mail, paperwork, yeah-yeah income taxes are such wasteless use of energy to get frustrated about. So, we learned to share our look…or even better crack a joke.

So, as I was sharing with the girls–this look has actually nothing to do with romance or superficial lovey-dovey-stuff…it’s a look of companionship based on trust, honor and respect; and because we based our marriage with a solid foundation what they see now as so romantic and often corny in our hysterical banter back and forth…was something we didn’t strive for in our marriage it was achieved on it own.

My girls never doubt our united front and they know we disagree but we even deal with that with tact, grace and very animated humor. We’ve both very stubborn; but we’re stubborn to find a common ground because it’s so much more fun laughing together and sharing our quick glances of the eye–rather than wasted moments fighting, arguing or complaining about petty things that are typically useless.

After all, we’re both committed to reaching furdose (the highest level in heaven) together…and this my girls never doubt.

And with this, it gives my husband and I (and in turn, our girls) great honor and pleasure to share our eyes for only for one another…and in doing so, it makes following this ayat (verse, revelation) in the Qur’an an effortless habit

Tell the believing men to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts). That is purer for them. Verily, Allah is All-Aware of what they do.
(Surah An-Noor, Chapter the Light #24, Verse #30)

So, what’s something special that you share with your husband? What special moments and memories do you instill in your kids so they know marriage is something worth working hard for in this dunya (life on Earth) as entrance to the akhira (hereafter)? Agree or disagree with something I wrote? Please share your thoughts kindly below.

It’s all in the eyes… is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

Just thinking about this title is quickly making my stomach turn in such pain, actually so much so I feel my eyes swelling up that I promised myself I’ll keep this short and sweet and not type over the 20-minutes I have to run to the next family doctor appointment.

Here’s why. The Qur’an clearly states

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 to them a word of disrespect, nor shout at them but address them in terms of honour.
( Surah al-Isra, The Night Journey Chapter #17, Verse #23)

So, the year I finished graduate school, embraced Islam, got married and was pregnant with our first daughter my maternal grandparents were living alone. Grandma/Lola desperately needed care, so unknown how to move forward I assisted my mother with her parents. So, much that my husband and I became the power of attorney for my grandparents, even though they had 8 children in the U.S. and Canada (9th in Philippines that has no means to help). My husband and I started with visiting companions at night, then added visiting nurses during the day, frequent seizures and emergency cases to the hospital made us to think more critically.

As a new and devout Muslim, I was adamant to taking my grandparents into our 2-bedroom condo as I was SO against nursing home. Surprisingly my mother and her siblings (the ones who actually talked to me) resisted as hubby and I were just starting our new married lives and had a daughter on the way.

So I shopped around with my mother, I did all the paperwork, granted I was a public health administrator with the know-how to really research and get to the hard questions of a nursing home…I did all the insurance papers, etc. So, happily we settled into one of the best places our entire extended family feel blessed to have in our lives. A year in comfort in the home at which time I was pregnant with our second, and we decided to travel and live overseas, I no longer was the official power of attorney to my grandparents.

Grandpa/Lolo died of old age when I was 9-months pregnant, but left Lola alone. Again, blessed with incredibly loving staff who became dear friends to my parents and I (and then when we moved back to CT 4 years ago–every single one got to know my girls intimately). Lola had a roommate, who we visited near-daily (mommy and daddy did daily).

So, while better–the tragic sudden death of my mother broke our family apart. New fights and arguments began, since mommy is no longer here why keep Lola in a home. My daddy was not taking being a widower well–but, the daily routine of going to the nursing home gave them both peace.

Good, bad or indifferent my aunt put Lola in a new home in NJ, sadly to say over a year later my immediate family has not seen Lola. Worse, she was put in the hospital for alleged nursing home beatings! Multiple times! She’s been moved back and forth and my sister and Daddy who have been able to visit are saddened even more.

So, where am I–well, the move that I was supposed to make to the MidWest is simply halted because I cannot bare to leave my Daddy in this depressed (literally and figuratively) family home…because I SO desperately want Daddy to move in with us for the rest of his living life. One great thing after mommy’s death is that Daddy became a better Daddy and Papa (Grandpa) to our girls. God blessed him with this “double-check” whenever he’ll say something like ‘JuJu, you look SO beautiful today’ and we all see him hear Mommy’s voice yelling “Pol! They’re ALL beautiful!” because Daddy will quickly rebut…”No, No…GiGi, and JoJo, you are SOOOO beautiful too!”

Daddy has incredible patience to be the best homeschool papa my girls can ever dream for, he’s a lover of knowledge and searches the library, museums, parks vibrantly like them…me…and hubby.

So, what’s holding us back? His old, stubborn way. But, all my siblings and their spouses all agree that Daddy’s health and well-being no longer needs solitude of this memory-filled home. The home my baby bro was born too. My parent’s first home they bought in 1979.

So, every time I share my ecstatic news of hubby’s surprise weekend visits, he departs as the weekend ends, and I’m torn…he’s torn…my girls are torn. I’m trying, staying…but, I miss hubby so much, my girls need Baba. But, we had a half-family meeting this weekend which killed me and bringing me to tears right now just remembering the pain…that Daddy actually is telling me to leave.

Interestingly, my extended family saw that of anyone in the world, no one can calmly baby-Daddy the way I can…so while he’s been hurtful in his actions and words, my girls and I (and hubby) have come to appreciate his old age, his physically, mentally and emotionally dying body and mind…and we always take solace that Allah commanded us not to raise our voices to him because He was the one who brought me into this world. I love my Daddy so much and I know he loves us all back…and this is why I’m equally being as stubborn as him and will not let him go.

Let it be known, that I will never, inshaAllah, God willing, allow Daddy to go into a nursing home. Companion care, visiting care, etc. InshaAllah, yes…but…I pray and pray hard that a miracle will happen very soon.

So, my Big Elder Care question is “Is it Okay to leave Daddy/Papa home alone?” According to him, “yes”. So, really it’s more like, “Can I live with his answer and leave?”

According to his doctors. Daddy can live alone too. He’s not in eminent danger, he’s driving, eating, sleeping–but, in visiting/living with him; there’s so much we know we do to help him live healthier and better…so it’s more like I want him to live comfortably, happily and peacefully for the rest of his life; rather than stressful, lonely and alone.

I remind him how fortunate he was to be by Mommy’s side when she died; and that I can’t bare to think that he’d die alone…I want to be there for him.

Ya Rabb, Oh Lord, Give us all strength. Ameen.

Talk about HARD decisions on elder care…right!?

[With 5-minutes to spare...good, just enough time to make wuduu, pray dhuthr and leave for the doctor without tear-filled eyes & stomach-aching pain...after all it's my baby's annual physical. Pull it together, Ponn! Sorry, no time for a picture.]

Disclaimer: I am participating in the “What about Mom & Dad” campaign by AvalonHCI.com and received compensation to facilitate this post. I was not influenced in anyway as the views and opinions are my own. How can I possibly make up a story like this? After all, lying is haram (prohibited). You’re welcome to read American Muslim Mom’s disclosure policy and contest disclosure.

How Do You Handle Elder Care in America as a Muslim? is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

Being an obedient child is an extremely easy concept for anyone and everyone in the world to appreciate, regardless of race, creed, ethnic group, religion, etc. It’s easy to see, and common sense helps us understand the following:

Eager to please one another

• Child – Young, innocent, ignorant, naive person eager to learn, please and understand his or her
• Parent – Loving, confident, educated, compassionate, patient, protective care-giver eager to share, give and offer only the best he or she can offer.

Necessities are provided between one another

• Child needs guidance, protection, necessities and love from
• Parent who is willing, able and determined to provide it.

Natural reaction to turn to someone who is trustworthy, experienced guardian

• Child seeks answers to his or her natural questions and curiosities, and naturally turns to
• Parent who is experienced, trustworthy, confident and resourceful (if he or she doesn’t know the answer, he or she will work hard to answer his or her child’s inquiries).

Harmonious relationship based on pleasing Allah (God) and one another roles

• Child craves attention, love, comfort, joy and peace in a harmonious relationship, therefore he or she will obey out of honor, respect and trustworthiness to
• Parent who willfully aims to please and satisfy his or her Creator, and understands fully of his or her roles, duties and responsibilities to provide for his or her children; is determined not to let Allah (God) down let alone the life, he or she brought into this world.

Children have certain rights over their Parents in Islam

• Children have the right to shelter, health (which includes food, clothing, well-being, etc.), and education (which includes righteous upbringing and solid secular studies), and
• Father must provide the shelter, full financial means for the
• Mother to care for the home, and provide the healthy lifestyle necessary to gain the best possible education.

As such, children are raised and rared by both parents (though primarily through the mother) with these well-informed goals in their adult life. Sons are daughters are raised equally, yet differently. Exposure to a comprehensive education is equal, yet fondly different.

Comprehensive Education is not Gender-specific, yet it’s proudly Gender-adjusted

MashaAllah, God has willed, homeschooling has provided our girls an education that is extremely rare to find among our peers (publc and private schoolers).

Girls learning “boy stuff”

My girls know more about cars, computers, engineering, science and math then many boys their of any school-college aged (unless they’re studying that expertise), mashaAllah. And, I’m not talking about playing with them, looking at them, we’re talking about building and rebuilding them.

While I help and learn alongside them for their “Baba-bonding”, when they start getting real dirty, hubby always motions me away, in which the girls equally appreciate; “Mama, you can’t shouldn’t bending down under the car like this…or that”. And, I happily walk away knowing that all the dirty, hard physical work is in good hands.

Mind you: hubby (just like my Daddy, a mechanical engineer did) teaches me everything, so when he’s not there I am highly capable and self-sufficient; but when he’s around, we have a wonderful understanding what should be left for him to do. And, this mutual pride we have in this understanding, is the kind of loving mutual-support we instill in our girls in an ideal marriage relationship.

Boys learning “girl stuff”

Yet, we proudly and happily cook, clean, sew, knit, launder, and go girly things. And, they’ve learned to love the girly-things in life, because they cook, clean, and well–show off their girly-things to their father.

As my girls know very well, and watch their father act according to the many ahadith (sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad sallahalhi wa layhi wasalam (peace and blessings be upon him)), that he was never shy of helping in household chores (no matter what male-chauvinistic “Arab” stereotypes one may have you believe to assume).

In all honesty,

1. I learned to be the “best chef in the world” title from my girls and one cousin, because hubby taught me how to cook!
2. I learned to be the “Best” “cleaner–just like me” (my mother-in-law) though we admit that I learned a lot from her–we were married with a baby for a couple years before we even met–so I gained that coveted titled also by learning how to clean from my hubby as well.

Interestingly, I love to do both and hubby despises both, but ask my girls–once all 5 of us do both chores together–we always accomplish so much more and much better than without him. Again, knowing witnessing that Mama’s work is complimented with Baba’s support, our girls understand and appreciate the mutual need, desires and dynamic of a married couple working together for combined success.

At a Child’s Puberty and Maturity

It is obvious that at the beginning stages of puberty, the physical and emotional growth and development differs greatly between the boys and girls. It becomes extremely obvious that

• The physique of the father-to-be is more capable to bear physical weight unlike the mother-to-be.
• The pride of being more emotional and the abilities to understand intuitive emotions of the mother-to-be become more instinctual and more adaptive to child-raring, while
• The emotional state of the father-to-be becomes determined, one-track, to provide, work outside of the home, and cater to the physical and financial means, where
• The mother-to-be offers the educational lifestyle, compassionate and loving home environment, patience and creative bartering.

While during puberty, this moment of maturity,

• Father-to-be accepts his full responsibility and obligation to pray (and never miss 5 daily prayers, jummah congregational prayers), and fast for the rest of his adult life, whereas
• Mother-to-be accepts her prayer and fasting obligations, knowing that she gets a monthly break from both, as Allah is Beneficent and Merciful. This is only one of many rights, freedoms and liberties we have over the husband to show our pride, honor and mercy we give to women in Islam.

Our Glorious Qu’ran states

Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because Allah has made one of them to excel the other, and because they spend (to support them) from their means. Therefore the righteous women are devoutly obedient (to Allah and to their husbands), and guard in the husband’s absence what Allah orders them to guard (e.g. their chastity, their husband’s property). (Surah An-Nisa, Chapter The Woman #4, Verse #34)

Upon Marriage

1. A woman leaves the guardianship of her father to have a guardian–her husband, whereas
2. A man leaves the guardianship of his father to be the guardian of his wife, and future progeny.

• A guardian is the dependable care-giver who provides, protects, cares for, defends, advises, comforts, honors and respects the needs and desires of his dependents and their properties.
• To be obedient “dutifully complying with the commands or instructions of those in authority” (and everything else share in this article)
• To be subservient “implemental: serving or acting as a means or aid, Useful in an inferior capacity; obsequiousness: abject or cringing submissiveness” (nothing at all shared in this article)

In my article Top Tips to Obtain Happiness As a Muslim Wife, when shared with a non-Muslim colleague, she had this to share,

I enjoyed reading your article about being a good wife. Very interesting perspective. My best friend X  married a Christian, Muslim originally from Turkey. I know his parents well, and they are more “traditional” and so they remind me of the article you wrote. They are always so happy, and you can see over and over when you are with them how much they love and respect each other and how there is no power struggle of who is in charge and who owns what! They each both know their places and roles and respect that in each other – just so much more clearly defined and supportive.

MashaAllah, God has willed.

And, a dear non-Muslim family member shared this recently,

…about me saying how beautiful your family is… I said that because I love the love that each girl shows toward each other.  They are just so sensitive and sweet, and have a collective understanding of family and sharing and caring.  It was beautiful to see their interactions with each other- and the way they glowed from the love they share.

MashaAllah, God has willed.

The Glorious Qur’an further states

And it is He, Who created man from water: then from him He caused two kinds of kindred, by blood and by marriage:⁶⁹ your Lord is All Powerful. (Siurah Al-Furqan, Chapter The Standard #25, Verse #54)

Tafsir (full meaning, beyond translation alone) of this verse shares that,

Here the miracle of the birth of man from a mere sperm drop and the procreation of his offspring from man and woman have been cited as a proof of Tauhid. Though both man and woman belong to the same genus, they are two species, having important common human characteristics but different physical structures and psychological traits. It is a proof of Tauhid that the All-Powerful Allah has used this “difference” for making the two as complements and not antagonists. ‘ It is also the design of the All-Powerful Creator that He is creating sons and daughters in the world in due proportion. Then the sons marry and create blood relationships, and the daughters are married and become means of forming new relationships. This process goes on widening to produce families, tribes and nations belonging to the same race and bound by the same civilization.The verse has also a subtle suggestion: The whole of life is being run on the principle of “difference”, for example, the difference between the night and the day, the summer and the winter, etc. Therefore, ” O Muslims, you should patiently endure the differences you are having with your opponents for these are certain to produce good results.“

I am a Proud and Happy Obedient Muslim Wife

I covet my role as wife, and proudly obey my husband, for I gain great pleasure in this world knowing that I have the profound ability to be my husband’s greatest joy (as referenced below), and in turn, inshaAllah, my happiness and ability to created this joy in our family (as a role mama and wife to my girls) as entrance into the hereafter, Ameen.

The sayings of Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him,

“This world is nothing but temporary conveniences, and the greatest joy in this world is a righteous wife”. (Sahih Muslim).

And, please before you dare think of patronizing me, please know that I am a Muslim Mom - one to the most educated, wealthiest, well-connected, fastest-growing group of women in the U.S. and globally! [There's my slight defensiveness after being called "rag-head" by an "educated, wealthy, white New York City businessman"; more like "stupid uneducated, poor, low-classed, bigot" who actually tried to apologize by calling me "subservient"! ]

Want to Join the Wifehood Wednesday meme? Just grab our button, here are sample prompts, link to this post, and comment below! But, I’d love your comment regardless…

To Be Obedient Does Not Mean To Be Subservient is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

Now, that our Summer Islamic Reading Program is officially over, it’s time for another worthy, Islamic educational project–and probably our most religiously-fulfilling one of the year! On behalf of American Muslim Mom and Islamic Relief USA, we are happy to host the 2^nd Annual Ramadan Qur’an-A-Thon Sadaqah Drive of 2010.

What is a Ramadan Qur’an-A-Thon Sadaqah Drive?

In this post you will find all necessary information to participate:

• The Program’s Purpose/Objective, Deadline Dates, and Contact Information,
• Instructions how to participate, and
• The Qur’an-A-Thon Certification Pledge Form.

This program is designed to be completed completely online this year. At http://americanmuslimmom.com each participant may register, download pledge   forms, seek pledges from local family and friend, have their Qur’an recitation certified by a local official of his/her choice, and then make secured online pledges directly to Islamic Relief USA.

American Muslim Mom launched July 15, 2009 as the first and only online (or offline) blog magazine dedicated to Muslim Moms and Their Children in America. With our growing international community of Muslim parents determined to raise Mu’miniyn in the West (and East) despite any obstacles we may face. As such, American Muslim Mom designed this program with the Purpose and Objectives listed below.

American Muslim Mom chose to partner with Islamic Relief USA because it is one of the most reputable, international relief and development Islamic non-profit organizations. In support of encouraging children to study the Qur’an and make charitable giving a part of their daily habits, Islamic Relief USA willfully accepted the opportunity to partner and promote this program for the 2nd year in a row. Together, we will acknowledge every child that participates with gifts and awards, inshaAllah.

Together, Islamic Relief USA and American Muslim Mom are determined to reach as many children as possible in this year by allowing all children to participate even though payments are only accepted in US dollars for Islamic Relief. Intenational children will be given the opportunity to make sadaqah at their local Islamic charitable organization of their choice. Of course, if they have USD, we pray that they’d contribute to IF-USA

We graciously ask that you help us recruit participants individually or collectively as part of an Islamic day school, weekend school, homeschool coop, Qur’an/Hifz school, Islamic youth groups, and/or individuals such as public school students who seek private Qur’an tutoring.

Program Materials:

Program information is all available on this post, and the only form to downloaded this year is  Qur’an-A-Thon Certification Pledge Form.

Purpose/Objective:

Narrated Aisha: The Prophet said, “Such a person as recites the Qur’an and masters it by heart, will be with the noble righteous scribes (in Heaven). And such a person exerts himself to learn the Qur’an by heart, and recites it with great difficulty, will have a double reward.”  (Book #60, Hadith #459, Sahih Bukhari)

Narrated Ibn ‘Abbas: Allah’s Apostle was the most generous of all the people, and he used to be more generous in the month of Ramadan when Gabriel used to meet him. Gabriel used to meet him every night in Ramadan to study the Holy Qur’an carefully together. Allah’s Apostle used to become more generous than the fast wind when he met Gabriel (Book #54, Hadith #443, Sahih Bukhari)

To help young Muslims appreciate and live more closely to the Sunnah of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace & blessings be upon him) by

(1) Learning more ayats of the Qur’an by heart,

(2) Understanding and appreciating the act of earning money,

(3) Allowing children to gain a sense of pride by making charitable gifts to the needy, and

(4) Completing these generous acts in the name of Allah (May He be Glorified) during our blessed month of Ramadan when our rewards are multiplied by the number only Allah knows and wills.

Who may participate?

• Any Muslim child able to recite and memorize Qur’an based on the rules of tajweed up to 18 years of age.

NEW: Worldwide Participation.

• Muslim children in the US will make sadaqah to Islamic Relief USA and pick his/her preferred charitable campaign (“Designation) here.
• Muslim children living outside of the US may make sadaqah to any Islamic institution or charitable organization of their choice.

How are the funds raised in this event?

• Each participating young Muslim will seek sponsorship from friends, family members, and others (Muslims & non-Muslims).
• Each sponsor will determine upon signing a pledge form to pay a predetermined amount of money (example 25 cents or $1) for each ayah (or surah) of the Qur’an that the participant reads with correct tajweed to an Islamic scholar or learned adult during the event*, OR
• The sponsor may also elect to pay a fixed amount of money as sponsorship for the participant regardless of the number of ayahs or surah he/she reads, recites or memorizes (for example: a sponsor may pledge to contribute one set price of $50).
• *It is recommended that each participating young Muslim describes the number of ayats (or surah) which is a realistic amount for that one participant to memorize with correct tajweed with in 30 days. Therefore, no one misleads the one is making a pledge. For example, its

How to Participate Ramadan 1431/2010?

• First 10 days of Ramadan [August 11 - 20, 2010] – Memorize as many ayats/surahs with correct tajweed as possible.
• REQUIREMENT: Comment below with your child/ren’s first name and last initial, age and his/her goal for memorizing the Qur’an.
• Second 10 days of Ramadan [August 21 - 30, 2010] – Continue to memorize as many ayats/surah with correct tajweed as possible, and be tested by an Islamic scholar or learned adult, called the Examiner. The Examiner must use certify on the bottom of the pledge form and acknowledge with his/her signature how many ayats/surah the participant recited correctly.
• OPTIONAL: Comment below with your child/ren’s progress so we can help motivate one another.
• Last 10 days of Ramadan 21-26 [August 31 – September 8/9. 2010 ] – Collect the pledge money and make your Sadaqah. US residents donate directly to IF-USA here. Please let your child/ren pick his/her own Designation for his/her sadaqah.
• REQUIRED: Upon completion,
  • Fax or email your Pledge form to contact@americanmuslimmom.com or Fax 858-552-5656, We will post the amount of sadaqah raised based on these completed pledge forms.
  • Comment below stating that you completed the program.

*It is critical to collect and return pledges on or before the 30th day of Ramadan, so our children receive the greatest amount of rewards for their hard work and efforts.

Jazaka Allahu Khayrun to my eldest daughter for making this year’s blog button. Please feel free to check out her many tutorials “How to Blog”, and grab your own button to show your proud participation!

Ramadan Qur’an-a-thon Sadaqah Drive 2010 – Open to All Muslim Kids Worldwide is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

A very cute and funny Islamic video that shows a kid’s innocent desire to gain ajr (a reward for doing a good deed or action) by making “Salam”…even to one who’s studying the Qur’an

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvxzePNhUUI

Please share your thoughts about this week’s video in the comments section below. As always, if you have an Islamic movie video or nasheed you’d like to share, please let us know about it by clicking here.

Muslim Kids Video – Islamic joke about making Salam versus Qur’an is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

Washington Post shares another article about Muslims, “In U.S. mosques, a debate over English” by Associated Press Rachel Zoll . What’s most disappointing about this article isthat main stream media is highlighting some of our biggest flaws as a Muslim ummah (community): We are unorganized, petty, uncompromising, and frighteningly uneducated in our own deen (way of life, or religion).

My dear brothers and sisters, in our very own book–The Qur’an states

It is He Who has sent down to you (Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him) the book (this Qur’an). In it are Verses that are entirely clear, they are the foundations of the book [and those are the Verses of Al-Ahkam (commandments), Al-Fara'id (obligatory duties) and Al-Hudud (legal laws for the punishment of thieves, adulterers)]; and others not entirely clear. So as for those in whose hearts there is a deviation (from the truth) they follow that which is not entirely clear thereof, seeking Al-Fitnah (polytheism and trials), and seeking for its hidden meanings, but none knows its hidden meanings save Allah. And those who are firmly grounded in knowledge say: “We believe in it; the whole of it (clear and unclear Verses) are from our Lord.” And none receive admonition except men of understanding. (Tafsir At-Tabari).
(Surah Aal-e-Imran, Chapter #3, Verse #7)

• By debating which language an Imam should use in the masjid (house of worship), we are creating al-fitnah (trials, problems, harmful issues, and conflict) amongst ourselves and to others. We need to follow the Qur’an, as shown here:

And this is a blessed book (the Qur’an) which We have sent down, so follow it and fear Allah (i.e. do not disobey His Orders), that you may receive mercy (i.e. be saved from the torment of Hell).
(Surah Al-Anaam, Chapter #6, Verse #155)

• Regarding this unnecessary debate, our glorious Qur’an states:

And We sent not a Messenger except with the language of his people, in order that he might make (the Message) clear for them. Then Allah misleads whom He wills and guides whom He wills. And He is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise. (Surah Ibraaheem, Chapter #14, Verse #4)

As noted numerous times in the Qur’an, we must also follow the Sunnah (actions and words of) Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him.

Subhanallah, Glory be to God, in this fatwa regarding using another language besides Arabic in our khutbah, the sheikh shares,

And the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) commanded Zayd ibn Thaabit to learn the language of the Jews so that he might send letters to them in their language and establish proof against them, and so that he might read their letters when they were sent, and explain to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) what they said. And when the Sahaabah (may Allaah be pleased with them) attacked the Romans and Persians, they did not fight them until they had called them to Islam by means of interpreters. When they conquered the foreign countries they called the people to Allaah in Arabic and commanded the people to learn it. Whoever among them did not know Arabic, they called him in his own language and made him understand what was meant in the language that he did understand. Thus proof was established. Undoubtedly this is the only way, especially at the end of time when Islam is like a stranger and every people is clinging to its own language. There is a very real need for translation now, and the daa’iyah cannot convey his message without it.

The khateeb should do that which best suits the interests of the people he is addressing. If the best is to give the khutbah part by part, in Arabic and then translated, then he should do that. If the best is to translate the entire khutbah, after giving the khutbah (in Arabic) or after the prayer, then he should do that. And Allaah knows best.

Another disheartening part of this article is how the khateeb did not show his knowledge of these verses in the Qu’ran, Sunnah or fatwa to support his decision to use both Arabic and English in his khutbah. With all due respect to Imam Hassan al-Qazwini, May Allah be pleased with his efforts, accept his good deeds and reward him, Ameen; if all Imams simply used these known facts, the debate would end.

To end the article by sharing that other Muslims think he’s “too Americanized” and “We have to be realistic”, he (a religious leader) is showing lack of knowledge. Meanwhile, opening the doors for non-Muslims (and Muslims like me) to find this needless debate laughable. The solution to this problem is a no-brainer, even to my little girls who witnessed khutbahs in dozen of European languages before.

We must stop using the excuse that “our” issues are significant to our own time, location and circumstances here in the U.S., especially since more than 70% of all the Muslims in the world are not Arabs.

We must stand with a forceful voice that this is time to return to the fundamentals of our religion by following the Qur’an and Sunnah; regardless where we live, where we come from, or where we’re going!

Since we live in such a tumultuous time right now; we need to trust our scholars as they debate areas that are not entirely clear, and leave the rest to Allah, as He knows best.

So, let’s stand together on issues that already have answers; such as speaking English in American masjids, and move on.

We’re always curious what you have to share, so please comment kindly below.

Why Debate When We Have the Qur’an and Sunnah to Lead Us? is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

This video with Arabic subtitles shows the inevitable growth of the Muslim ummah (community of believers) as shared in our blessed Qu’ran,

It is He who has sent forth His Messenger with guidance and the religion of truth to uplift it above every religion; no matter how much the mushrekens (idolaters) hate it. (9:33)

The creators of the video are magnifying the phenomenon in the video but the basic idea is true. Subhan’Allah, the Almighty plan is working even while the Muslims themselves are are sleeping.

The Growth of Muslims Around the World is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

We must pray only for the sake of worshiping Allah and for no other reason. This lesson explained in Surah Maun (Alms Giving) in the Qur’an is the reason we chose today’s funny Muslim Kids Video.
Surah Maun (Alms Giving) 107

1. Have you seen him who denies the Recompense?
2. That is he who repulses the orphan (harshly),
3. And urges not on the feeding of Al-Miskin (the poor),
4. So woe unto those performers of Salat (prayers) (hypocrites)
5. Those who delay their Salat (prayer from their stated fixed times).
6. Those who do good deeds only to be seen (of men),
7. And prevent Al-Ma’un (small kindnesses like salt, sugar, water).

Please help us showcase the best nasheed and Muslim Kids videos available on the web every Sunday. So, please leave a comment below with your favorite link and check back each week to see when we post it!

Muslim Kids Video – Don’t be a Showoff is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

A funny video shares a couple well-known ahadith about how we must treat our mothers:

1. The Prophet Muhammad said, may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him: Your Heaven lies under the feet of your mother (Ahmad, Nasai).
2. A man came to the Prophet and said, ‘O Messenger of God! Who among the people is the most worthy of my good companionship? The Prophet said: Your mother. The man said, ‘Then who?’ The Prophet said: Then your mother. The man further asked, ‘Then who?’ The Prophet said: Then your mother. The man asked again, ‘Then who?’ The Prophet said: Then your father. (Bukhari, Muslim).

Role of Parents in the Qu’ran

While the above ahadith are about mothers, below are a couple verses in the Qur’an about parents

Qur’an
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 to them a word of disrespect, nor shout at them but address them in terms of honour.
(Surah Al-Isra, Chapter #17, Verse #23)

And We have enjoined on man (to be dutiful and good) to his parents. His mother bore him in weakness and hardship upon weakness and hardship, and his weaning is in two years – give thanks to Me and to your parents. Unto Me is the final destination.
(Surah Luqman, Chapter #31, Verse #14)

Please leave a comment below with your favorite nasheed and Muslim Kids videos, since we showcase a new one every Sunday. Then, check back each week to see when we post it!

Muslim Kids Video: The Easiest Way to Get into Paradise – Jennah – Heaven is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

5 Minutes for Mom blog is running their very first Drawing Contest, “Strong and Happy” sponsored by Yoplait Kids. The deadline is Tuesday, January 19, 2010 at 3:00pm EST. So, you still have time to grab your favorite drawing utensils (i.e, crayons, colored pencils, markers) and post your kids’ pictures up for a chance to win $1000 or $300 in educational classes, sports or supplies! Perfect for us homeschoolers.

We were very excited that Yoplait Kids is the sponsor on this contest, because our family loves Yoplait yogurt! While, we haven’t tried Yoplait Kids yet, this contest have our girls eagerly waiting for our next grocery run so we can check them out.

Without further ado, our daughter’s creative entries are pasted below.

When I asked my 8 year old, “What do you think of when you’re thinking of being ‘Strong and Happy’ because you just had some Yoplait yogurt?” She immediately thought of showing off her muscles after finishing her daily dose of Yoplait yogurt. “Can you draw that?”, I asked. “Ohhh, yeah!”, she replied.

In her favorite new dress, here’s our family’s entry:

When I asked my 6 year old, “What do you think of when you’re thinking of being ‘Strong and Happy’?” She said, “Amo Mahmoud lifting me in the straight up in the air!…Oh, Oh, and I’ll hold Yoplait too!”

After tripping around the dining room as we posed and tried to figure out how to draw her idea, here it is:

While in the excitement of discussing her younger sister’s creative ideas, my 9 year old said, “I think of having a strong deen (way of life in Islam)…that makes me ‘strong and happy’”. So, I asked, “how would you draw that?” We all agreed, “learning and teaching the Qur’an!” Masha’Allah, God has willed. She opted not to draw it because she felt that no one would understand. She didn’t want to  elaborate when I tried to convince her that it was a great & unique idea, and ideal for our American Muslim Mom blog…but, she wouldn’t share anymore and went to the other room to hide her new idea.

Pasted below is her “Strong and Happy Yoplait moment”:

Since I wanted to join the fun, I decided to draw and color our great idea.

Below is the American Muslim Mom and her daughters happily learning and reading the Qur’an to keep us strong in this dunya (life) and the ahkira (Hereafter), inshaAllah, God willing.

So, what makes you and your little ones feel “Strong and Happy”? Please share your thoughts below, or enter the contest yourself: Click here for the rules.

Get Drawing and Win $1000:

Since Yoplait Kids is a tasty yogurt snack with 25% less sugar and calcium and Vitamin D in every serving – have your little ones draw a picture showing themselves as the happy and strong kids that Yoplait Kids can help them become!

We are sponsoring the “Strong and Happy” Drawing Contest, and offering an exciting prize courtesy of Yoplait Kids for our winning artwork: $1,000 to use towards classes (including sports) and/or education material for the child(ren).

We will also award a prize to our second place drawing: $300.00 to use toward classes (including sports) and/or educational material for the child(ren).

Yoplait Kids Strong and Happy Drawing Contest is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

My entire family (Mama, Baba, and our 9, 8 and 6 year old daughters) completely endorse QuranExplorer.com/Quran and HarfKids.com/en/Quraan as easy-to-use, easy-to-learn, easy-to-navigate, fun, interactive sites to learn how to read and recite the Qur’an based on the rules of Tajweed, while learning its meaning at the same time.

1. Qur’an Explorer – Review

Why we love Qu’ran Explorer:

• Tajweed color rules can be turned on or off,
• Multiple shaikhs to pick; such as Mishary and Abdul-Basit,
• Two different Arabic scripts to pick, Usmani and IndoPak,
• Different English translators, such as Dr. Mohsin, Yusuf Ali,
• Translations in multiple languages are also available, such as Spanish and Indonesian,
• The entire Qur’an is available,
• You can choose to search by Surah, Juz, Hizb, or verse (ayat),

• Advanced Options include,
  • Verse Repetition [How many times you want to play the verse before it goes to the next one],
  • Intervals Between Verse ["Continuous Play" means there are no pauses in between each verse, or "Duration of Verse" means how long it takes the shaikh to say the verse and it pauses that long, or you choose how many seconds you want to "Wait" for the pause in between the verses],
  • Auto Play, and
  • Colors.
• Audio sound and mute option,
• An option to bookmark the verse range where you are studying oo return back to the exact place you left off,
• Zoom text size, and much more.
• For a wonderful tutorial, click the “Help” button.

2. HarfKids.com Quraan – Review

While HarfKids.com Quraan is not nearly as complete as QuranExplorer.com it comes in a very close second at our home, especially for young children just beginning to memorize our Glorious Qur’an, for the following reasons:

• Everything is on one single screen,
• There is not an “Advanced Options” button to click and review,
• It’s colorful, more fun to look at, and has cuter buttons,
• For a verse translation, you click on “Explanation” for a pop-up box in English,
• Just like in QuranExplorer.com you can determine which verses you want displayed, and if you want a continuous play of the reciter or pause in between each verse,
• Shaikh AbdulBasit is the reciter,
• Made for those just starting to memorize the Qur’an, it lists Surah An-Nas (114) to Al-Qiyamah (75)

CONS

• It often locks up, and sometimes we can not even get it to work at all, and
• Since the Qur’an learning option is only one section of the large HarfKids.com website, the above navigation toolbar and bottom buttons are distracting, especially because they flash and scroll in real-time.

We’d love to hear your experiences with either of these two sites, but if you know of other helpful sites, please share them below.

This post is a part of the Mission: Ramadan 1430H project. For 29 other articles about our Glorious Qur’an, please visit ProductiveMuslim.com today!

Learning the Qur’an for Free Online – QuranExplorer.com and HarfKids.com-Quraan Review is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

As stated in the New York Times March 2009 article, Muslim Thriving, but not content ; in which excerpts were previously shared in this post, The only subset with no wage gap between men and women are Muslims, mashaAllah (God has willed), I find it important to highlight some additional interesting quotes below,

A Gallup poll of Muslims in the United States has found that they are far more likely than people in Muslim countries to see themselves as thriving…Yet, within the United States, Muslims are the least content religious group, when compared with Jews, Mormons, Protestants and Roman Catholics.

American Muslim women, contrary to stereotype, are more likely than American Muslim men to have college and post-graduate degrees. They are more highly educated than women in every other religious group except Jews. American Muslim women also report incomes more nearly equal to men, compared with women and men of other faiths.

Muslim women in the United States attend mosque as frequently as Muslim men — a contrast with many Muslim countries where the mosques are primarily for men. American Muslims are generally very religious, saying that religion is an important part of their daily lives (80 percent), more than any other group except Mormons (85 percent). The figure for Americans in general is 65 percent.

“There is still a sense among American Muslims of being excluded from the mainstream,” Mr. Younis said, “and among young people that’s more acute.”

But the perception is far worse among Muslims in England and France, the study found.

Mr. Younis said the finding “reinforces the proposition that the integration process for American Muslims is, on the whole, a much more successful endeavor than it is for European Muslims.”

Alhumdulilah, Praise be to Allah, American Muslims are one of the most well-educated, wealthiest subsets of America who are growing at record pace–yet, we’re not “content”!?

We’re definitely not being Mu’miniyn (true believers) if we are not grateful for our good fortune and well-being.

Aren’t we being hypocrites when we chose to be disappointed because we “perceive” that the majority of Americans are misled by mass media’s depiction of a stereotypical Muslim American, therefore we can’t be proud of ourselves?

By choosing to sit discontent and idle on the side-lines, rather then choosing to do something constructive or even rejoice in our blessings, we’re not being Mu’miniyn.

Are we purposefully preventing ourselves from being proud simply because we’re not confident enough to know that pride is a good thing?

Honestly, I was greatly disappointed when I read this article because I believe that we are NOT being Proud Muslims…Americans, if we fail to be content when we are fortunate enough to have the freedoms and liberties to practice our faith, receive higher education, and assume wealth from our hard work and efforts. Astagfuillah (May Allah forgive us all).

Having traveled in France last year, my family and I witnessed numerous situations which were not favorable to native Muslim French brothers and sisters.

One instance, my then 8 year old daughter and I will never forget.

She asked, “Mama, why are they treating us so differently? We’re Muslim too…” (as she motioned to the Muslims waiting in line).

I replied, “Yes we are; but, they see us as Americans first…” She looked confused. So, I continued, “They see money, mashaAllah”.

Still confused, I continued, “They’re talking to us in English…They see our clothes…(Yes, in full hijab, I’m still obviously very American ). They see how we walk” (We trained our girls to walk tall with confidence. Unfortunately, every Muslim mom and their children that night walked sheepishly, embarrassed or even ashamed.) “We’re Americans”. [I didn't hold a tone of arrogance, I was just stating a fact. Yar Rabb, forgive me if I did not. Ameen].

So, we made du’a for our brothers and sisters who were sitting at the back corner of the restaurant closest to the bathrooms, as we were seated and served. We were sad that they did not even turn our way as my girls were eagerly trying to make salam. Even when we took a bathroom break, not a head (even the children) motioned our ways as the girls were trying to get one toddler’s attention.

I praised Allah, and explained to the girls “MashaAllah, see they are even more humble then us…we should learn to lower our gaze as they are.”

I no longer saw it as embarrassed hunching over away from attention. They were simply enjoying their meals with their families not bothered by anyone else, and present to teach us a lesson too; subhanallah.

The girls still didn’t like that we were we getting food to go, we were attended to before the French Muslims in line. Even when my husband said that they were ahead of us, the French brother said “no, no, no…” and motioned to the worker to go ahead. We said “Merci, Shukran, JazakaAllahkhir, Thank You”, unaware which they’d understand best.

We thanked Allah for all these lessons learned, and asked that He protect us and assure that we were accepting their treatment humbly.

Alhumdulilah, we had an opportunity to give all our left overs to a homeless non-Muslim man sitting outside the door, as everyone else walked by. My eldest was most proud, and before she took a bite of her juicy red apple, she smiled and offered her dessert to him as well. She looked up at me, “That was good, right Mama?…I shared our fortune.” “MashaAllah”, I remarked proudly.

As for England, mashaAllah, the treatment of Muslims as described by my brother and sister-in-law is not great either. Yet, Muslim Brits, mashaAllah, are one of the most dedicated, proud, productive Mu’mininyn in this world, despite living in a non-Muslim country.

So, yes as Muslim Americans we have it much better than our brothers and sisters in France and England; yet they are choosing to their lives completely devoted to Allah, in a state of happiness and pride. So, why are we choosing to be discontent?!

Shame on us, for not choosing happiness. It’s time to stop whining.

We need to do something about our situations and get involved.

Okay, so we’re more educated…big deal if we’re not happy!

We’re making money…so what if we’re not even enjoying the provisions we have for our families.

We’re even more religious than others (so the research says, based on masjid attendance)…Yet, we’re not even at peace with ourselves.

If we were we were practicing our deen (way of life) proudly; when surveyed in a Gallup pool we’d answered in a state of happiness not discontent. Which did not happen.

While I may be stretching what I read to deduce that we’re a bunch of whiners and cry-babies; I’m simply trying to shade light to these information.

But, it did not take my reading this article to prove to me the overall discontent in the Muslim American ummah (community) because if one just steps itno a masajid, Islamic school, or any Islamic institution in America one would witness somewhere state of discontent.

Many times I have to take my girls away from Muslim Americans because all they do is whine and cry usually very loudly, passionately, and unnecessarily. Actually, un-Islamically in many cases too. My non-Muslim parents witnessed unhappiness at their first Eid prayer, my late mother’s first visit to a masjid for our girls Sunday Islamic school. It was and still is very sad to see how miserable Muslim Americans choose to live their lives.

In the Glorious Qur’an, regarding happiness

Those who believed (in the Oneness of Allah – Islamic Monotheism), and work righteousness, Tuba (all kinds of happiness or name of a tree in Paradise) is for them and a beautiful place of (final) return.  (Surah ar-Rad, Chapter #13, Verse #29)

But none is granted it (the above quality) except those who are patient – and none is granted it except the owner of the great portion (of happiness in the Hereafter i.e. Paradise and of a high moral character) in this world. ( Surah Fussilat, Chapter #41, Verse #35)

Enter Paradise, you and your wives, in happiness. ( SurahAz-Zukhruf, Chapter #43, Verse #70)

“Eat and drink with happiness because of what you used to do.” ( Surah At-tur, Chapter #52, Verse #19)

So, what do I propose!?

• We must let your educated, passionate, believing, positive, happy voices be heard.
• Participate. Volunteer. Offer to help your brothers and sisters in distress.
• Offer to listen, counsel and advise our unhappy brothers and sisters.
• Allow yourself to complain *only* if you follow-through with action steps to change the issues causing you distress.
• Make dawaa (the invitation to Islam) first to our brothers and sisters in Islam, and then to others (non-Muslims). We have an obligation to help our brothers and sisters stay on the straight path by practicing Islam based solely on the Qur’an and Sunnah of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace & blessings be upon him).
• STOP using the lack of time, energy, resources, etc. as an excuse!

So, am I angry? No.

Am I discouraged? No.

Have I lost hope? Never!

Do I believe? Forevermore.

So, don’t stop believing either.

Even during times of distress (from the page):

It is by Allah’s grace that you have dealt gently with them. Had you been harsh and hard- hearted, they would surely have broken away from you. Therefore pardon them and pray for forgiveness for them and consult with them in the conduct of public affairs. When you have resolved about a course of action, put your trust in Allah. Allah loves those who put their trust in Him. (Surah Aal-`Imran 3:159)

…People always need compassion, care, a cheerful face, and patient forbearance which is not exhausted by people’s ignorance and weaknesses. People need someone with a big heart to give them all it can and ask them nothing, to share with them their worries, without burdening them with its own worries. They need someone whom they always expect to be caring, sympathetic, loving, content, and forbearing. Allah’s Messenger had all these characteristics, and these were the distinctive aspects of his life among his Companions. He never took for himself anything of the enjoyments of this world; on the contrary, he gave them all that he possessed with a smile and a cheerful heart. His forbearance, compassion, care, and sympathy were extended to all. Everyone of those who came in contact with the Prophet was full of love to him, because of what the Prophet generously gave him of his love….

Now, knowing we are not having a time of distress…it is our duty to put our trust in Allah, choose to smile with a cheerful heart, filled with love for whatever situation may pass us–even humbly accept our good fortune, and give back for the sake of Allah’s pleasure.

What better time to do this then during the last 10 days of Ramadan?

As always, please share your kind thoughts and opinions in the comments area below.

Ramadan – A Time for Happiness, Not Distress is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

The Holy Qur’an reveals a dozen times the topic of Riba (usury), such as

Allah will destroy Riba (usury) and will give increase for Sadaqat (deeds of charity, alms, etc.) And Allah likes not the disbelievers, sinners. ( Surah Al-Baqara, Chapter #2, Verse #276)

The Tafsir (meaning & understanding of the Holy Qur’an) states

[278-281] O Believers, fear Allah and give up that interest which is still due to you, if you are true Believers; but if you do not do so, then you are warned of the declaration of war against you by Allah and His Messenger.323 If, however, you repent even now (and forego interest), you are entitled to your principal; do no wrong, and no wrong will be done to you. If your debtor be in straitened circumstances, give him time till his monetary condition becomes better. But if you remit the debt by way of charity, it would be better for you, if you only knew it.324 Guard against the disgrace and misery of the bay when you shall return to Allah: there everyone shall be paid in full, for the good or evil one has earned and none shall be wronged.

Other ayats include,

O you who believe! Be afraid of Allah and give up what remains (due to you) from Riba (usury) (from now onward), if you are (really) believers. (Surah Al-Baqara, Chapter #2, Verse #278)

O you who believe! Eat not Riba (usury) doubled and multiplied, but fear Allah that you may be successful. ( Surah Aal-e-Imran, Chapter #3, Verse #130)

Therefore, it is crucial to reach a a debt-free life as quickly as possible.

7 Expenses That Are Keeping You in Debt

by Yahoo Finance, written by Erin Joyce of Investopedia.com

• Not Knowing Your Limits

While bank accounts can charge you an overdraft fee for spending beyond your balance, credit cards will charge over-the-limit fees, late fees and increase your interest.

Tip: sign up for email alerts in which they can show irregular usage of your accounts, and send monthly ebills to keep you on-track.

• Fees, Fees, Fees

Consolidate as many of your cards as possible. Keep bank accounts and credit cards to an absolutely minimum. Eliminating cards eliminates unnecessary fees.

• Paying the Minimum

Paying minimum fees will never get your debt paid off. By doing so, one is more inclined to using  one’s credit line more often as well. As Muslims, we should only be using the “charge card” philosophy in which you pay ALL debts in full each and every month, so you do not carry over a debt nor charged interest.

Ideally, using credit and charge cards should be eliminated from your spending habits. At the very least, try hard to wean out of their usage.

• Credit Card Cash Advances

Using credit card cash advance should never be an option, even in cases of emergency. Speaking openly with family and friends for assistance during difficult times is preferred than resorting to ribaa (usury).

• Payday Loans

As the article states, this unregulated industry is the most dangerous and costly option if you’re trying to acheive a debt-free lifestyle, and is not recommended at all.

• Not Negotiating

This action is probably the single-best investment of your time, when trying to gain debt-freedom. A few confident and educated phone calls can save you a good amount of money, and prove to you that you DO have control over your own money.

• Ignorance Is NOT Bliss

Erin closes her article perfectly,

Debt may seem like a life sentence, but it doesn’t have to be. The number one tip for maintaining financial health is awareness. Be aware of your money and where it goes each month, and be aware of the options available to you. There are easy ways to help alleviate the stress on your finances and move from red to black, and the rewards are more than just monetary.

We’d love to hear your tips, thoughts, woes and/or worries to trying to acheive debt-free living. Please share below.

Want to Live Debt-Free? Then, Watch These Seven Expenses is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

Must-see videos to inspire anyone to read, recite and memorize our hole Qur’an based on the rules of Tajweed, mashaAllah.

May Allah reward them handsomely in this life and the Hereafter. Ameen,

Beautiful Qur’an recitations by kids is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

Allahi ticki afia TJ! May Allah SWT reward you with rest, prosperity, peace and wealth for all your hard work in your efforts to worship Him and Him Alone; specifically in promoting, teaching, and empowering others to read, study, memorize and understand His words in our beloved Qur’an!

Here’s a page filled with colorful and helpful Qur’an printables.

Qur’an progress charts, certificates; worthy printables is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

Here are a few Muslim yahoo groups I’m on and that you should consider joining:

• PeacefulIslam4ever - one I’ve been on the longest. Mostly for dawaa purposes, for Muslims & non-Muslims. Highly informative, educational info. I highly recommend joining.
• SistersNet World-wide sisters only with 400+ members strong. I just became a member this week…so far its okay…nothing new in the posts I’ve seen thusfar. But, worth staying in to see the rare necessary news that may come up soon.
• MasjidAl-IslamCT – New Haven masjid. A very active community, that supports cooperative efforts…a new member, I’ve found some great sisters to network with; and appreciate community event postings for my family to consider attending.
• Homeschool-Muslim-CT – The group I’m obviously most active in. We attended our first field trip to the Science Expo of CT this Thursday…and while I thought we were going to meet Muslim Homeschoolers for the very 1st time since we arrived in CT…Subhannallah, I knew the majority of the families I saw! Field trips, coops, networking, etc.

Caution: As in our sub-title states, we live only by the Qur’an and Sunnah of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace & blessings be upon him). Even though these groups are for & by Muslims; unfortunately, I’ve noticed posts that my family and I do not agree with, since they are bi’dah

“new and unprecedented. Hence, they define Bid`ah as everything that has been introduced following the death of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and the golden eras of his Companions (may Allah be pleased with them all)”

Now, it is incumbent of all Muslims to educate and set-straight Muslims who are going astray , or leading astray (INS, I’ll add references later)…

And, there are ahadeeth supporting that we should walk away when heated debate, because if they’re not listening, defensive or having another agenda (led astray and don’t want to admit it)…

I often read quietly, utilize the good information, participate in healthy discussions, network professionally and appropriately, and don’t enter into debate simply because it is not my nature.

On the other hand, if I have a trusting, respectful relationship with a sister, I will, however, email her separately and advise for the sake of Allah SWT and Him Alone. But, to strangers…I feel I’m being more respectful, since I’m just that “a stranger/lurker/someone they don’t know or trust”.

Can u imagine an anonymous person writing and saying “you’re commiting bi’dah because X,Y, Z”?

Subhanallah, since it’s obvious I’m a reverted Muslim where ever I do, I often get good-natured and some ill-natured advise openly…and, because I was raised with much self-confidence, the good-natured ones have always become dear friends of mine. The ill-natured ones, I thank them, share my 2-cents (if its worth-it) and move on.

But, an anonymous email from a fellow yahoo group member (Muslim or not)…only a true Mu’min would accept my sisterly advise…and well, in my experience; not many of accepting until after they know, trust and love me for Allah SWT. So, hence…

My advise to you: proceed (as with EVERY area in your life) with caution. Do NOT listen or accept everything and anything you read…and Ask questions from respectful, practicing & trustworthy sources.

We are all striving for Allah’s SWT pleasure, and I ask forgiveness from Him (and you) if I’ve offended you by these strong points. My intention is only to warn and educate.

Examples of bid’ah; accepting holidays (religious or national) besides our 2 Eids, entering into inter-faith dialogue…now, that’s a WHOLE story in & of itself; but briefly speaking…

We can, should & must get along with all people of all religions, we can even discuss openly our religious beliefs, sharing our similarities is one-thing (and a good-thing)…but desperately finding similarities to appease others simply because you have to Prove to them that you are a peaceful, loving, devout Muslim…when in fact you are compromising the very essence of your beauty, peace and love for Allah SWT and our beloved Prophet PBUH…crosses ALL lines. When in doubt simply, read, memorize, and recite over & over again Surah Kafirun.

To put it simply, my parents are of 2 different faiths (Catholicism & Buddhism), my siblings and extended families come half-dozen more religions…yet, we all live happily & respectfully.

We often discuss our similarities and differences, but never enter into heated debates or arguments.

We respect our differences and know that we all have our own decisions to be accountable in faith in our own ways.

Do I believe that Islam is the true path? Yes.

When asked, do I shy away from the truth? No.

Unfortunatley, in many (practically ALL cases that I’ve read, witness, heard and seen with my very own eyes & ears), the Muslims participating in inter-faith have compromised themselves for the sake of others…which is not only Sad, but unacceptable.

Our only fear and pleasure should and always be to Allah SWT and Him Alone.

Muslim Yahoo Groups to consider joining…but take Caution! is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

I read some wonderful advice in passing about reading and reciting the Qur’an with your children during one’s busy mornings, while you’re dressing for school, eating, etc.

Well, I tried it for a few days but the busy-ness or busIness (both true descriptions) of breakfast, the tired eyes, and heavy heads did not allow us to enjoy the peace we typically get while reading and reciting the Qur’an.

Insha’allah (God willing) you can try this piece of advise, but let us know how it works out for you…

However, a GREAT alternative that has lasted us now over 1-week is reading short childhood-Islamic stories and now aheedith during breakfast!

Alhumdulilah, we all wake up happily and eager to see what we can learn and apply in our days. We have careful, open discussions over what used-to-be our most dreadfully Rushed and annoying meals of the day. Annoying simply because we’d all rather be snugged in our beds then having to “start” the day.

Building Strength During Our Busy Breakfasts is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

My most favorite video which causes me to cry every time I watch it, Surah Yasin.

May Allah reward and bless them all, while guiding us to gain wisdom and strength to recite His blessed words as best as He allows us. ~ Ameen.

A dear sister led me to the next two:

• Listen and watch the meaning of this emotional recitation of Surah al Haqqah (the Sure Reality) by Shaikh Mohaisany.

• And this powerful recitation of Shaikh Ibn al Qayyim’s description of the People of Paradise meeting with Allah.

Beautiful recitation of Qur’an – Tears is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

Jazaka Allahu Khayrun (May Allah bless your hard work) our dear sister in Islam who forwarded this story via email. Please stick around and read the Qur’anic verses that follow below.

A man remembered his grandmother’ s warning about praying on time:
‘My son, you shouldn’t leave prayer to this late time’.

His grandmother’ s
age was 70 but, whenever she heard the Adhan, she got up like an arrow and
performed Salah.

He, however could never win over his ego to get up and pray. Whatever he
did, his Salah was always the last to be offered and he prayed it quickly
to get it in on time.

Thinking of this, he got up and realized that there were only 15 minutes
left before Salat-ul Isha. He quickly made Wudhu and performed Salat-ul
Maghrib.

While making Tasbih, he again remembered his grandmother and was
embarrassed by how he had prayed. His grandmother prayed with such
tranquillity and peace.

He began making Dua and went down to make Sajdah and stayed like that for
a while. He had been at work all day and was tired, very tired. He awoke
abruptly to the sound of noise and shouting.

He was sweating profusely. He looked around. It was very crowded. Every
direction he looked in was filled with people. Some stood frozen looking
around, some were running left and right and some were on their knees with
their heads in their hands just waiting. Pure fear and apprehension filled
him as he realized where he was. His heart was about to burst.

It was the Day of Judgment.

When he was alive, he had heard many things about the questioning on the
Day of Judgment, but that seemed so long ago. Could this be something his
mind made up?

No, the wait and the fear were so great that he could not have imagined
this. The interrogation was still going on. He began moving frantically
from people to people to ask if his name had been called. No one could
answer him. All of a sudden his name was called and the crowd split into
two and made a passageway for him.

Two angels grabbed his arms and led him forward. He walked with unknowing
eyes through the crowd. The angels brought him to the centre and left him
there. His head was bent down and his whole life was passing in front of
his eyes like a movie. He opened his eyes but saw only another world. The
people were all helping others. He saw his father running from one lecture
to the other, spending his wealth in the way of Islam. His mother invited
guests to their house and one table was being set while the other was
being cleared. He pleaded his case, ‘I too was always on this path. I
helped others. I spread the word of Allah. I performed my Salah. I fasted
in the month of Ramadhan.’ ‘Whatever Allah ordered us to do, I did.’
‘Whatever he ordered us not to do, I did not.’ He began to cry and think
about how much he loved Allah. He knew that whatever he had done in life
would be less than what Allah deserved and his only protector was Allah He
was sweating like never before and was shaking all over. His eyes were
fixed on the scale, waiting for the final decision.

At last, the decision was made.

The two angels with sheets of paper in their hands, turned to the crowd.
His legs felt like they were going to collapse. He closed his eyes as they
began to read the names of those people who were to enter Jahannam.

His name was read first.

He fell on his knees and yelled that this couldn’t be, ‘How could I go to
Jahannam? I served others all my life, I spread the word of Allah to
others.’ His eyes had become blurry and he was shaking with sweat. The
two angels took him by the arms. As his feet dragged, they went through
the crowd and advanced toward the blazing flames of Jahannam. He was
yelling and wondered if there was any person who was going to help him. He
was yelling of all the good deeds he had done, how he had helped his
father, his fasts, prayers, the Noble Qur’an hat he read, he was asking
if none of them would help him.

The Jahannam angels continued to drag him.

They had gotten closer to the Hellfire. He looked back and these were his
last pleas. Had not Rasulullah [SAW] said, ‘How clean would a person be
who bathes in a river five times a day, so too does the Salah performed
five times cleanse someone of their sins?’

He began yelling, ‘My prayers? My prayers? My prayers?’

The two angels did not stop, and they came to the edge of the abyss of
Jahannam. The flames of the fire were burning his face. He looked back one
last time, but his eyes were dry of hope and he had nothing left in him.
One of the angels pushed him in. He found himself in the air and falling
towards the flames. He had just fallen five or six feet when a hand
grabbed him by the arm and pulled him back.

He lifted his head and saw an old man with a long white beard. He wiped
some dust off himself and asked him, ‘Who are you?’

The old man replied, ‘I am your prayers.’

‘Why are you so late?! I was almost in the fire! You rescued me at the
last minute before I fell in.’ The old man smiled and shook his head, ‘You
always performed me at the last minute, did you forget?’
At that instant, he blinked and lifted his head from Sajdah. He was in a
sweat. He listened to the voices coming from outside. He heard the Adhan
for Salat-ul Isha. He got up quickly and went to perform Wudhu.

Pass this on to your friends and family, Insha’allah (God willing), you can help someone open their eyes.

And who knows?

Maybe, this is a good deed that can help you during The Day of Judgment.
(INSHA-ALLAH)
Strictly adhere to the five daily prayers at the fixed times.

Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem (In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, Most Merciful)

~~~Let there be a community among you who call to the good, and enjoin the right, and forbid the wrong. They are the ones who have success.(Qur’an, 3:104)

~~~They believe in Allah and the Last Day, and enjoin the right and forbid the wrong, and compete in doing good. They are among the righteous.(Qur’an, 3:114)

~~~If you avoid the serious wrong actions you have been forbidden, We will erase your bad actions from you and admit you by a Gate of Honour.(Qur’an, 4:31)

~~~Help one another in birr (righteousness, virtue), and taqwa (piety, fear of Allah, God-consciousness), and do not help one another in sinning and transgression. And fear and revere Allah; verily, Allah is severe in punishment.(Qur’an, 5:2)

~~~You who believe! Have fear of Allah and seek the means of drawing near to Him and strive in His way,so that hopefully you’ll be successful. (Qur’an, 5:35)

~~~Ask your Lord for forgiveness and then repent to Him. He will let you enjoy a good life until a specified time, and will give His favour to all who merit it. But if you turn your backs, I fear for you the punishment of a Mighty Day.(Qur’an, 11:3)

~~~Strive for Allah with the striving due to Him. He has selected you and not placed any constraint upon you in the religion-the religion of your forefather Ibrahim. He named you Muslims before and also in this, so that the Messenger could be witness against you and you could be witnesses against all mankind. So perform prayer and give alms and hold fast to Allah. He is your Protector-the Best Protector, the Best Helper. (Qur’an, 22:78)

Subhan-Allahi Wa-Bihamdihi, Subhan-Allahil Azeem (Allah is Perfect, Praise be Allah, Allah is the One True God, The Great)

Insha’allah (God willing), you feel the severity of this post. Alhumdulilah (Praise be to God), my girls and I truly did.

May Allah leads us away from Shaytan, especially at the moment we hear the Adthan, so we may make all our prayers on time. ~ Ameen.

Praying On-Time, a little story with corresponding Qur’anic verses is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog