Masha'Allah...

A Keen Connection

How did relations between kith and kin become so strained?
I thought blood is thicker than water: by default it's suppose to be a gain
But somehow I keep noticing it's a never ending battle
If mothers can't remember their own ..
And children forget their parents when they're grown
Surely we're in a state of lacking
The equation seems so unnatural
Perhaps its due to ingratitude
Not thankful for the connection, so the choice is to lose
Let it slip between fingers as days turn into months and months into years
Only to look back and realize that you forgot what was yours
Your comfort in this life remains the blessings of children, husband and wife
Of the parents, grandparents,  and the nieces and nephews that have graced your life
It's this attitude of 'me against the world"
But can't you see, you can never make it on your own
It's by the Mercy of God that He sends people your way
If it's not family it's surely a friendship that's meant to stay
How did it become all so blurred?
Chasing the very same thing that you need to be embracing
COMFORT is temporary no matter the avenue
But one that sinks deep is the connection between two or a few
No endeavor that bears fruit of pleasure if free of an effort
Even a billionaire had to put it in to get there
Paths are paved by choices we make
Guidance is laid by submitting and committing for Allah's Sake

Narrated Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him):
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
"He who does not thank the people has not thanked Allah." 
(Abu Dawud)

"Big words and big promises mean nothing when you can't come through with the little things"

-AbdulBary Yahya

"...Happily Ever After"

A marital relationship..
Should never be "that's just the way it is"
When rights are upon you, the status of the situation is elevated to become a form of worship
This idea that marriage is only meant to be comfort, is like expecting fruit to grow from a plant that's never been watered
Your result is either death or a situation of the cactus
You'll remain pulling pins outta your toosh... so understand that marriage requires a root before the fruit
To me, the love and mercy that some experience is not the based on mere marital existence
Rather that's the consequence, or perhaps you could say the motivational factor by fulfilling the rights and needs of one another
Through the course of forgiveness and giving without any conditions, there flourishes the ever sought after "happily ever after"
It's constant, and the reason shaytaan works so hard in breaking it, is that if you find yourself making it...
You've reached the ultimate success; you've attained the best this world has to offer
It doesn't take blood and sweat, it just takes sincerity and respect
Allah Helps those that help themselves, and trust me I do understand...
That marriage is a two way road, it's hard to work with another when they've got their back turned
Honestly can't say I've got a solution...
But I encourage you to try your best, without ever sacrificing your obligations
There's no obedience to Allah in disobedience, so refrain from trying to maintain by committing any sin
Blessed be the home filled with remembrance of Him
If there's mutual understanding, then keep pushing, for you're promised the reward of love and mercy
What else is there? ... Sadly, most aren't that thirsty
See when you steal your temporary comfort you'll only find joy in it for a minute
If you get busted you're always in a black 'n white jumpsuit
There's not quick fix when we talk about heaven on earth
There's effort, work, and trust.........there's understanding the rights upon you and fearing the Almighty
Thereafter........every good deed will be rewarded
So, mark your calendar and trust that Allah has it recorded :)

Ramadaan... Ramadaan it's coming! [Insha'Allah]

Have you noticed how people's egos and emotional woes are humming? Have you seen the fitna spread by one wrong step?
The lack of forgiveness, this need to fight for ......
Hm.. I don't think anyone knows!
Ramadaan.. Ramadaan it's coming!
Shaytaan getting in his last few before he's on lock down
Got his army on overtime working to shake our ground
Keep us unstable during the month our sins are forgiven
Get us all worked up and fussing over nothing
Keep our minds distracted so we lose the moment of this great blessing
Ah.. have you heard??
Ramadaan...Ramadaan it's coming!
Fight off the evil my people
It ain't worth the argumentation
Back down, it's the devil blowing upon our ego
Just ignore it, rise above the emotions and be the hero
For shaytaan has no power over us
It is only that he called and we answered , so choose to not reply
Our objective is Jannah, let's keep our eye on the prize
Ramadaan... Ramadaan it's coming!
Bismillah, Ya Allah upon us bestow your Blessings and Mercy
Forgive us and mark us with a safe soul's journey
Protect us, and Guide us for we depend on you ONLY
Ramadaan...Ramadaan......A MONTH OF MERCY!!

See the truth, Die in truth, so you can LIVE the truth

Who ever said that you're living?

We're actually dying
Everyday is not a day closer to life, it's a day closer to death
Our short existance on earth only builds up our life
We can work towards bliss or strife
Don't let anyone tell you, "you've only got one life to live"
Because if they do it's not this world that gives
To live is to sincerely believe
For our soul will continue but our home is unknown
Our flesh, our time, our understanding, what we know...will turn cold
So no this isn't living; this is surviving
Preparation for our dying
Each day we must commit to striving
For the loss is great if we give it all up, delliusioned that we need to 'live it up'

JULY ONLY.. SPREAD THE WORD

http://www.etsy.com/shop/sketchedsoul COUPON CODE: RAMADAN

$10 ONLY + Shipping. LIMITED SIZES. July Only.

It's NEVER enough..

It's never enough...
Haven't you noticed
Dude can have a BMW but still wants the Ferrari
Can have the nicest, sweetest, hottest wife or two but still wants another
Can have shoes to match every outfit but it's not enough
Can watch every movie and go to every show, but still needs to be entertained
Can have the world but it's never enough...
The wealthy ones have yet to find true success
Gratitude is the only tool for happiness
This never ending wheel of materialism; a tiring form of socialism
It's all made in China, name brands are only designed to pacify the material mind
The hearts that yearn for the best marketed....... where is the cut off point of "best", the price tag?
Competition is not about quality, it's not even about quantity any more
It's just boredom..... empty hearts, empty minds can never be filled with the tangible and its likes
Show me someone that's earned satisfaction through their possessions?
The only form of comfort wealth brings is the lack of worry about paying the bills...
Well....even that, greed causes man to surpass that, so much so even the richest are broke like a joke, bankrupt dressed in Armani's latest
How about the 'average joe'.. the one that doesn't have so much money to blow?
Whom "mediocre" entertainment (tv), never seems to satisfy
That explains why millions watch murder and decapitation of a human; how sick are humans that their desires have caused them to find pleasure evil?
It's this on-going road......now it's just gross....
Can't even be satisfied with the opposite gender ..
Liberated they say?
Captivated by the emptiness inside
It seems it's just never enough
When will we draw the line and just be happy with what we have
Stop the chase
Stop the rat race
Just be pleased for we are on top of the food chain
Our greatest enemy is ourselves...
Paradise is awaiting us through His Mercy, our Gratitude; a noble gain!
May we be among the ones who's marked with a righteous name.. Ameen

Orphanage

"Penny for your thoughts"...

"Penny-pinching" is a social term derived for the purpose of allowing ones nafs/desires free access to wasteful spending habits. By allowing anything to hold a negative connotation the reverse of it implies one is doing "good" therefore the conscious can be at ease. There are many such cases implementing this social mentality (deluding oneself from the reality of their affairs) that in fact is leading to the destruction of our familial and societal units. Social justification is not a standard of correctness......... it's just.............. a bunch'a - - - - (hmm?)

"Tie Your Camel"

Tie your camel gurl in any direction
It doesn't really matter, as long as you aim for perfection
It's not upon you to facilitate or regulate
You're only accountable for your mind, body and soul
Do your duty and withhold the need to control
Each being faces their own fate




Direct your being to those that stimulate
The ones that choose success to emulate
Tie it, no matter how hard
The knot is all that's required, the rest is for God


Sincerity will only hold it together
Otherwise any loop, or twist made will loosen like an oily braid
It takes true work and no matter what we will not exceed our capacity
Submission should remain our legacy

So tie your camel gurl
In any direction
For He who Controls
Makes the selection!

"Real love means helping each other attain Jannah, not holding each other’s hands walking towards Hellfire."



                                                                                       -Khalid Yasin

★ Seven Qualities that Allah does not Love ★

1. ISRAAF (Extravagance)
"But waste not by excess: for Allah loves not the wasters (Al-Musrifun (those who waste by extravagance))." [Surah Al An'am 6:141]

2. ISTIKBAAR (Pride)
"Verily He loves not the arrogant (proud)." [Surah Al Nahl 16:23]

3. MUKHTAL FAKHOOR (Arrogant boaster)
"For Allah loves not any arrogant boaster." [Surah Luqman 31:18]

4. UDWAAN (Transgression)
"For Allah loves not transgressors." [Surah Al Ma'idah 5:87]

5. ZULM (Evil, Wrongdoing)
"But Allah loves not those who do wrong (Zalimun (oppressors, polytheists and wrong doers))." [Surah Ali 'Imran 3:57]
6. KHIYAANAH (Treachery)
"For Allah loves not the treacherous." [Surah Al Anfal 8:58]

7. MUFSIDEEN (Mischief-makers)
"And Allah loves not those who do mischief." [Surah Al Ma'idah 5:64]

Taken from Facebook page "Obey Allah -Attain Jannah"   ... (InshaAllah)

True Colours

So simple, and beautiful.. Subhan'Allah... yet so .........difficult to come by ..........

"You can never change a person by always looking at their faults, you can only influence them by looking at the positive."

-my dad <3

Definition of Iman

Faith is not just in the heart [definition of Iman]



Imâm Al-Awzâ’î – Allâh have mercy on him – said:


Faith (îmân) is not sound except with [correct] words. Faith and words are not sound except with [good] works. And faith, words and deeds are not sound except with [the correct] intentions in conformance to the Sunnah. Those who went before us of our Salaf did not separate faith from deeds: deeds are a part of faith, and faith is from [ones deeds]. îmân is a word that brings together these aspects of the religions [of Allâh] and is confirmed through [a person's] works.




So whoever believes in word, knows in his heart and confirms [his belief] through his works, then this is the strongest handhold that will never break. And whoever says [words of faith] but does not know [faith] in his heart nor confirms it with his works, it will never be accepted of him and he will be in the hereafter from those who suffer in loss.




Ibn Ba tt ah, Al-Ibânah Al-Kubrâ article 1097.
 
Source: http://www.sayingsofthesalaf.net/index.php/tag/al-awzai/#ixzz1JIX7MTUl

Surroundings ..

Distractions surround us

Sin just seems to hound us

Is it just me or do you also feel a sense of weakness?

A constant need to remind myself it's all a trick

The ploy of the devil luring us into his grip

Maybe we're already there?

I don't know, but I definitely don't feel safe or secure
Merely refraining from 'major sin' doesn't guarantee us a win
In fact we ourselves become deluded in our own "piety"
The devils whispers come from every direction
The harder we pull away it seems the stronger his determination
He stays patient in his persuasion
Man inclined to feel productive
Really when accomplishing nothing of value or substance
Activity after activity
Indeed wasteful and at times foolish productivity
Yet no power does he have over a TRUE believer
How far are we?
Are we harboring hypocrisy?

Disillusioned by the modern day concept of moderation

No longer a bar of standards - we're sinking; it's a fragile state of our nation

May Allah Shower His Mercy and Blessings upon us all
May He Protect us from the plots of evil that surround us all
May He Guide us on the Path to His Pleasure
May our end be Jannah...Ameen

Solar Eclipse... Supplication / Dua?

There's a solar eclipse hitting our area pretty soon...

Here's some "offical" links on the subject, provided by Hadith Check Blogspot [http://hadithcheck.blogspot.ca/]. Also I put the basic nasiha from same site and below are the links for more information. May Allah reward those with the highest level of Jannah that pass on authentic Islamic knowledge.. Ameen

-----
Regarding the solar eclipse, there is no specific du'a for it, so when there is a solar eclipse one should make du'a in general and ask Allah to have mercy on them and grant them jannah, and to seek forgiveness from Allah, and to seek refuge with Allah from the punishment of the grave, and the punishment of the Hell fire... so one should make du'a in general and doing dhikr and remembering Him, in addition to the kusuf (eclipse) prayer which is from the sunnah of the Prophet peace be upon him, when an eclipse happens to pray 2 rak'ahs, in each rak'ah there are two recitations, two ruku', and two prostrations. So it is slightly different than the regular prayer in that it has 2 recitations and 2 ruku' in each rak'a. So first there is recitation of Quran, then going into ruku (bowing down) then going back into the upright position and reciting more Quran, then going into ruku' again, then after that there are the two prostrations just like in any regular prayer.



It has no adhan and no iqamah (like the Eid prayers), and the prayer is usually long, the recitation is long, the ruku' is long, the sujud is long.. and after the prayer the imam gives a sermon/khutbah. This prayer is usually performed in congregation with the rest of the community, so if the masjid in your area is holding this prayer during the time when there is an eclipse you can go perform it with them in congregation if you want (this prayer is voluntary, so although it is recommended but it is not an obligation on everyone).


One thing to note though is that some people hear about an eclipse that is going to happen in another part of the world, but even though it is not visible from the part of the world where they live, they still perform the kusuf prayer, and this is not correct because this prayer is for the one who sees the eclipse or who lives in the part of the world where it is happening. But as for the one who just hears that an eclipse is going to happen in another part of the world, then he should not perform that prayer if the eclipse is not going to occur in the region where he lives.


-----------------
http://www.salafipublications.com/sps/downloads/pdf/IBD040004.pdf

http://abdurrahman.org/sunnah/sahihBukhari/018.sbt.html

http://www.alifta.net/Search/ResultDetails.aspx?lang=en&view=result&fatwaNum=&FatwaNumID=&ID=2880&searchScope=7&SearchScopeLevels1=&SearchScopeLevels2=&highLight=1&SearchType=exact&SearchMoesar=false&bookID=&LeftVal=0&RightVal=0&simple=&SearchCriteria=allwords&PagePath=&siteSection=1&searchkeyword=075104117115117102

http://www.alifta.net/fatawa/fatawaDetails.aspx?View=Tree&NodeID=1997&PageNo=1&BookID=14

Dust..

I've got a tornado of stories rolling around in my mind

I've got clouds and dust covering into blind

Blessed is me in the truest form of reality

Happiness isn't any less
But this feeling of unsettled remains a test
It's a decade of training I've grown to love
Left in a limbo of what appears to be a chosen glove
I'm wearing it, for fear that if I didn't slip it on, I'd be left with a fist
Fighting for the mere values and core of my own beliefs

The unrest is unsettling

But every soul must remain battling

I have flaws I need to continue to acknowledge

Grow towards aiming for greatness knowing full well that I'd not come close to even make it

That's alright I say, for Allah Knows my intent

Though I know I'm weak, and lazy despite needing to "improve"

The hypocrisy of my own ideology seems to make me lose [May Allah Protect us all..Ameen]

Fools merely preach a heavy load

But morons continue on an empty road

May our days be filled in some sort of productivity

May our steps be consistent though small striving towards eternity

May our character be the core of our correction

For our worship is worthless when accompanied by arrogance and ego
Ever in need of His Mercy.......
Ya Raabi only you hear and answer the cries of Your servants calling on thee!!
---------------------

As I Googled an image for "dust" I bumped into this... quite interesting for those that like X-Men, I always seemed to like X-Men though haven't quite got into it as in the "message" behind it. And y'all know there's always a meaning behind "entertainment" .. *sigh*..
Anyway... http://marvel.com/universe/Dust   ... here's what this Marvel character is about... Her name is "Dust" (hence the reason it came up when searching)..