Postal Strike is Over

So here in Canada we are finally supposed to get mail. The US has been holding back any mail from there so stuff from there should take awhile. Alhumdullilah Shukr doesn't use Canada post or I would still not have my dresses. I can't wait to get some things in the mail again. How about you? Did you get anything today? Did you finally mail something out? Did you turn to couriers? Email? I kept getting calls from companies telling me I could pay my bills online during the strike. How much did the strike affect you? For poor souls like me in little towns it a big bother as we couldn't get any packages all this time or order anything either. Small places like this really rely on the postal service.

Last Weekend

My kids had a school trip on Friday to Canada's Wonderland so we all went. I don't really like rides so I don't enjoy it much. I was really tired too and had to take a nap! I did get to go in the wave pool though in my Veilkini from Alsharifa (if you want one don't forget to use code shoe10 to save 10%). The lifeguard though said they had a policy that if you are wearing long clothes then it is difficult to swim and therefore you need to wear a lifejacket. Are you kidding me? Its not difficult at all to swim in this bathing suit. Its so lightweight. The lifejacket was a pain and ruined everything and I couldn't swim properly in it and it kept floating up to my chin and choking me so I unbuckled it. I really wanted to throw it away. I'm not impressed with this policy at all. I remember years ago I swam at WaterWorld and I didn't even have an islamic bathing suit then just jeans and a long shirt and they never made me wear a lifejacket and I had so much fun! My daughters were ticked off with their ridiculous policy too.

On Saturday we went to Chinatown and then to the rock garden at Royal Botanical Gardens. We had missed that during the last trip. It was so lovely in the rock garden with beautiful views and encircling paths and benches everywhere. Little chipmunks were everywhere and they were so friendly. My kids saw a turtle and we also saw a snake. I could stay there all day. Wish my backyard were like that! This time we actually saw two muslim families!

On Sunday we went to the Muslim Womenpreneur bazaar and then on the way home we stopped off to eat at a restaurant we've never been to before. It is a halal Thai restaurant called Thai Cuisine Experts. It was my first time to eat Thai food (never could find a halal one before) and it tasted great. I loved the chicken fried rice and chicken pad Thai. How I wish though that there were Chinese and Vietnamese halal restaurants.

So how was your weekend?

January 2012 book club pick

The first book for 2012 will be a reader's choice called Mom I'm a Muslim. Before it was only available on kindle but now I see you can get hardcopies. This looks like a great read about a male convert.

Muslim Womenpreneurs

Did any of my readers go yesterday? I met the woman who sells Sisters Magazine.(Bilqees Quick canada@sisters-magazine.com)  I got the latest two issues. I also bought some soap from Be-licious (www.be-licious.com) and then my son (ds2) won some more in the draw. Then I got some honey products from NutraB; Safa and Buzz Off.  My daughter (dd3) won a hijab in the draw and that was so nice masha Allah because she has just started wearing hijab. The kids got to see Dora and a clown made them some baloon figures. Dd4 asked for a sword, she's such a tomboy. Some other people asked for it as well after her and she was quite angry that they copied her, lol. One of the best parts of the day was eating Lasagna from Kara Mia! Since the event was held in the mosque we simply strolled over and did our prayers. Also since the mosque has a book store I went there too and got some books and movies. They really need to update it though as it is totally inaccessible to strollers and wheelchairs. This event was raising money for muslims with disabilities (www.camd.ca) and mosques really need to think about these obstacles. My daughter Handmade Beginnings had a booth that she shared with Smart Ark. She was selling her Ramadan countdown calendars and crayon holders and placemats.

I enjoyed myself but I wish there had been more variety in the booths as many were repetitive. Did anyone buy the cupcakes? I found them quite expensive, but like the name, they were cute (socute! creations 416-995-6131 monabdo@hotmail.com). HugYo was there but came a little late. I already bought two jilbabs from them at RIS though.

So did you go? What did you buy? What did you think? Did you meet anyone interesting? I met a sister who is originally from Quebec and a convert like me, who was selling vitamins. Not sure if any of them could help me but she said she would keep in touch. Insha Allah the honey will do the trick.

Funny Orangutan Book

Just recently heard about this book and I thought it was so funny! My son loves orangutans. I should get this book for him. Can you believe such a friendship could happen?

Friday Nasihah - Personal Effort, Traveling Alone, Elite and Commonality

Living The Quran Personal Effort Al Isra (The Night Journey) - Chapter 17: Verse 30 "Surely your Lord God enlarges provision for whom He wills, and straitens it (for whom He wills). Indeed He is fully aware of His servants and sees them well." It is not poverty or richness itself which is good; rather, it is the state of mind which has disciplined (and triumphed over) the carnal life. The surest way for a person to please God, therefore, is to understand that whatever God gives is given in order to perfect that person in the best way. Whatever people's circumstances, they should strive to fulfill their duties toward the Creator and the created. Like everything else, provision for each person has been pre-determined by God, and no one can obtain more than the provision that has been determined for them, nor can anybody die without having consumed their provision. Every living being's basic provision - the least amount of provision sufficient for its survival - is guaranteed by God, provided that being depends on Him in all respects. The procurement of any extra provision that will be needed because of certain conditions, like habits, depends on personal effort. God does not forbid working or exerting effort, nor does He want His servants to be content with their basic provision. Rather, He encourages the making of an effort and wills that His servants should earn in lawful ways to spend in God's cause for the cause of Islam, and for the good of people. One who earns lawfully, who is thankful, and who helps others is much better in sight of God than one who is content with the basic provisions. What God forbids is greed, earning in unlawful ways, pursuing one's own interests only, hoarding wealth, miserliness, and not helping the needy. He also forbids taking the worldly life as the goal for working and earning. Compiled From: "The Quran: Annotated Interpretation in Modern English" - Ali Unal, pp. 574-577

Understanding the Prophet's Life Traveling Alone Ibn Abbas narrated that the Prophet, peace be upon him, said, "A woman may not travel except a mahram is accompanying her." [Agreed Upon] The reason for the prohibition is fear for the woman traveling alone without husband or mahram at a time when traveling was by camel or mule or donkey, and she was often crossing through desert or barren terrains empty of human settlements or living creatures. Even if, during this kind of journey, the woman did not suffer mischief to herself, she suffered it in her reputation. But when the conditions change - as in our time - when travel is by airplane or train carrying a hundred or more passengers, then there is not much room to fear for a woman traveling alone. One does not consider this acting in opposition to the hadith. Rather, this position is confirmed by the hadith of Adi ibn Hatim, according to al-Bukhari: "[The time] is all but [here when] when a woman will leave from Hira heading for the House (i.e. the Kaba), [with] no husband accompanying her." This hadith comes in the context of praising the advent of Islam and the rising of its light, and as a token of its providing safety in the land. It demonstrates the permissibility of a woman traveling alone. Ibn Hazm proceeded in accordance with this view. It is no surprise that we find some of the imams permitting the woman to do hajj without a mahram or husband accompanying her, if she was with trustworthy women, or in trusted company. That is how Aisha did the hajj and tawaf, as one of the 'mothers of the believers' during the rule of Umar. There was not with them a single mahram; rather, Uthman ibn Affan and Abd al-Rahman ibn Awf accompanied them. It is so reported in Sahih al-Bukhari. Some people say: A single trustworthy woman is enough as a traveling companion. Others say: She may travel alone if the road is safe. The followers of the Shafii school have pronounced this view correct for travelling for hajj and umrah. Other Shafiis include any journey in this permission, not just for pilgrimage. Compiled From: "Approaching the Sunnah" - Yusuf Al-Qaradawi, p.129

Blindspot! Elite and Commonalty All immorality and disturbances in human social life proceed from two sources, from these two attitudes: The first: Once my stomach is full, what do I care if others die of hunger? The second: You work and I will eat. The behaviour that perpetuates these two attitudes is the prevalence of usury or interest on the one hand and the abandonment of the Zakah on the other. The sole remedy for these two awful diseases can only be provided through implementing the Zakah as a universal principle and duty, and banning interest. The Zakah is an essential pillar, not only for individuals and particular communities, but for all of humankind, if they are to live a happy life. Humankind are usually divided into two classes; the elite and the commonalty. Only the obligation of the Zakah can arouse compassion and generosity in the elite towards the commonalty and respect in the commonalty towards the elite. In the absence of the Zakah, what will come to the commonalty from the elite is oppression and cruelty, and what will rise from the commonalty towards the elite is rancour and rebellion. That will give rise to a constant struggle and a constant opposition between the two classes, resulting finally in the confrontation of labour and capital. Compiled From: The Letters, "The 22nd Letter," Said Nursi, Vol 2, p. 74

My Sad News

We don't celebrate Father's Day but if we did it would be the saddest Father's Day ever. I was pregnant for number 11 but I've been miscarrying over these past few days. I have never miscarried before. I don't know if its old age or all the stress in my life including my undetermined illness. Allahu alim. Inna ilaihi wa inna ilaihi rajiun.

Friday Nasihah - Working for Living,Relating to Neighbours,Accountability

Living The Quran Working for Living Al Furqan (The Criterion) - Chapter 25: Verse 8 (partial) "Or why has not a treasure been granted to him? Or he should have a garden to provide his sustenance." An absurd objection focused on God's Messenger, peace be upon him, walking about the market-place earning his living: his position as Messenger would have been recognized had he been granted great wealth to save him the trouble of so working for his living. But God willed that His Messenger should not have treasure or garden, because He wanted him to be a perfect example to be followed by his community. He was to fulfil the great task of delivering his message while he worked, earning a living at the same time. Thus, none of his followers could argue that the Prophet was freed from the responsibility of work, and thus was able to devote all his time to his message. None would take this as an excuse for not fulfilling his duty towards the divine message. We see clearly that the Prophet worked for his living while he also worked for his message. It is right, then that every one of his followers should do the same, so as to fulfil his own task towards the divine faith. Wealth was later given in abundance to the Prophet so as the first experience should be completed and the example he provided be perfected. He did not allow such wealth to become his preoccupation, preventing him from the fulfilment of his task. Indeed, his generosity was so superior that is was likened by his Companions to unrestrained wind. He provided a perfect example in resisting the lure of wealth so as to enable his followers to look at affluence in the proper perspective. Thus, no one could say that Muhammad was able to fulfil the duties of his message because he was poor, having no preoccupations of wealth, free from the task of looking after it. Instead, he fulfilled his duties in both situations of poverty and affluence. Compiled From: "In The Shade of The Quran" - Sayyid Qutb, Vol. 12, p. 388

Understanding the Prophet's Life Relating to Neighbours Neighbours have rights, be they Muslims or non-Muslims. The Prophet of Allah, peace be upon him, said: "He is not a true Believer who eats his fill while his neighbour is hungry." (Bayhaqi.) Thus, the quality of our Din (Faith) and fate in the Akhira (Hereafter) will also be determined by how well we fulfill your obligations towards our neighbours. In a hadith narrated by Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, a man said: "O Messenger of Allah, such and such woman has a reputation for engaging very much in Prayers, Fasting and Almsgiving, but she hurts her neighbours with her tongue quite often." He said, "She will go to Hell." Then he said, "O Messenger of Allah, such and such woman engages in only a little Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving and gives just a few pieces of cheese in charity, but she does not hurt her neighbours with her tongue." He said, "She will go to Paradise." (Ahmad, Bayhaqi.) One class of neighbours is our relatives. Another class are those who are not our relatives and the third class of neighbours are those who sit with us, even for a few minutes. This third class of neighbours is a very wide group and includes those who sit by our side. If we are travelling in a taxi, bus, train or aeroplane the person who is sitting by our side is our neighbour. If we are in the office, our co-worker is our neighbour. If we are at school, our classmate is our neighbour. The Prophet gave a comprehensive account of our duties towards our neighbours when requested to do so by one of his Companions: If he asks for a loan, you should give him a loan; if he wants your help, you should help him; if he be sick, you should go to see him; if he be needy you should try to fulfill his need; if he gets good news, you should congratulate him; if any calamity befalls him, it is your duty to console him; if he dies, you should attend his funeral; you should not raise your walls to such a height that they obstruct the ventilation of your neighbour's house, even if he is willing; do not tantalise your neighbour with the smell of your delicious food unless you send a portion of it to him; if you bring fruit into your house then send some to your neighbour; otherwise, keep it hidden from your neighbour, and you should also be careful that your children do not take some out, else the children of your neighbour may feel disappointed. (Tabarani) Compiled From: In the Early Hours" - Khurram Murad, p.125

go to the top ^

Blindspot! Accountability Accountability is the willingness to acknowledge that we have participated in creating, through commission or omission, the conditions that we wish to see changed. Without this capacity to see ourselves as cause, our efforts become either coercive or wishfully dependent on the transformation of others. Community will be created the moment we decide to act as creators of what it can become. This is the stance of ownership, which is available to us every moment on every issue, even world peace, the overdependence on fossil fuel consumption, and the fact that our teenagers are slightly self-centred. This requires us to believe in the possibility that this organization, this neighbourhood, this community is mine or ours to create. This will occur when we are willing to answer the essential question, "How have I contributed to creating the current reality?" Confusion, blame, and waiting for someone else to change are defences against ownership and personal power. This core question, when answered, is central to how the community is transformed. Compiled From: "Community: The Structure of Belonging" - Peter Block, p. 127

Guantanamo Guard Converts

This is a little old but I thought it was interesting and it also mentions James Yee, a Muslim army chaplain, who we will be reading about in September for the book club. It makes you realize that people can convert in the most strangest circumstances and be the most unlikely people you would expect to convert.

Summer Is Around the Corner

In a few days summer will be upon us. What can you do to beat the heat? Try this dessert on our family cooking blog posted by my daughter; Strawberry Oreo Ice cream cake.

Or check out my review for the Veilkini and get yours today and one for your daughter or niece or friend or wife! Use code Shoe10 to recei ve 10% off.

Also this summer why not join our book club. For June the book is Of  Hijab and Hockey ,if you are not too busy with the hockey playoffs, for July its Just 5 Minutes, 9 Years in the Prisons of Syria and for August/Ramadan its The Marvels of the Heart: Science of the Spirit.

Also remember to go to MuslimFest, Muslim Day at Canada's Wonderland, Muslim Womenpreneur at ISNA, Journey of Faith and  Muslim Day at Ontario Place. Also when you are out and about remember to pray. Canada's Wonderland has a multifaith centre with a wudu station and two prayer rooms. Its close to the mountain. Have fun but don't forget Allah.

Islamic Perspectives on Prayers and Coping with Sickness

I saw this book on my daughter's shelf and grabbed it. I've been having medical issues which are still not properly diagnosed and therefore not treated so I continue to experience symptoms. On the back of the book in the description it says : This valuable book is all about ibadaat (prayers), under stressful conditions of the sick, and seeking healing from the One who heals. 

Many topics are covered in this book concerning following the pillars of Islam while sick or in the hospital or both, ayats and duas, questions about different health conditions, questions about different cures and surgeries, halal and haram etc.

This book was published by ISNA in 2002. Insha Allah it can purchased from their bookstore. Anyone sick or dealing with the sick should have a copy of this book.

The author is Amjad R. M. Syed.

Amjad R. M. Syed has a B.Sc. (Agriculture) and an R.T. (Clinical Chemistry).  He migrated to Canada from Bangalore India in 1965.  He worked as a Medical Technologist at Sunnybrook Hospital Toronto for 30 years. After participating at the Dundas St mosque, he was a founding member of the Islamic Foundation.  He has pioneered Muslim volunteer work at Toronto’s hospitals, being the Founding Coordinator, Hospital Patients Visiting Service & Chair, Funeral Committee for Islamic Society of North America – Canada.  He developed a language program for non-English speaking patients in 26 world languages at Trillium Hospital.  He has received numerous awards, including the Community Service Awards from the Islamic Society of North America and the Canadian Islamic Congress; the Hajj trip award by Muslim World League in Canada and the President’s Gold Leaf Award by Trillium Health Centre Mississauga.  He is the author of Islamic Perspectives on Prayers and Coping with Sickness, published by ISNA Canada, 2002.
Amjad is married and has three children.

Halal Baby Food

Just heard of this new halal baby food. Its dried though. I've never tried it as my youngest is too old now for that. There's another new thing out too. You can make your own baby food with the Baby Bullet. Or a cheaper option is to use a grinder.